For the first time in nearly a quarter century, East Baton Rouge Parish elects a Republican mayor-president, as Sid Edwards has unseated two-term incumbent Sharon Weston Broome. At his victory rally, the longtime high school football coach said voters wanted change.

Cut 3 (13) “…going to happen. (cheers fade)” 

Edwards got 54-percent of the vote to Broome’s 46.

Public library usage in the state is approaching pre-pandemic levels. Last year, more than ten-million people visited public libraries – a double-digit percentage increase from 2022. State Librarian Meg Placke says not only do libraries have volumes of books that can be checked out, but they have lots of programs for the entire family.

Cut 10 (10) “…summer reading programs.”

Placke says many patrons are also taking advantage of the library’s online offerings.

Planning for this year’s Allstate Sugar Bowl will be a little more challenging than in years past. That’s because given the new College Football Playoff format, one of the two participating teams will not be known until less than two weeks before the game. Georgia will take on the winner of Notre Dame and Indiana, which will take place December 20th in South Bend. Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says the planning workload is bigger this year.

Cut 6 (09) “…Dame and Indiana.”

As Tulane gets set to take on Florida in the Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa, a couple developments within the team. First-year head coach John Sumrall has agreed to a contract extension with the school. Sumrall was already under contract through 2029. The school did not specify the length of the extension or how much it’s worth. And the Green Wave could be without star quarterback Darian Mensah. The redshirt freshman is reportedly entering the transfer portal.

A shocker in Baton Rouge as political newcomer Sid Edwards unseats two-term incumbent mayor-president Sharon Weston Broome and will become the parish’s next mayor-president. John Couvillon, the owner and founder of JMC Analytics and Polling, says two factors in particular worked in Edwards’ favor.

Cut 5 (08) “…Coach Sid’s corner.”

Edwards is the first Republican to be elected mayor-president of East Baton Rouge Parish in 24 years.

As for the statewide amendments on this past Saturday’s ballot – all four passed by wide margins.

More and more people are using public libraries in the state. Last year, more than ten-million people visited public libraries – a double-digit percentage increase from 2022. State Librarian Meg Placke says library usage is almost at pre-pandemic levels.

Cut 9 (07)  “…across the board,”

The LSU Tigers are headed to the Texas Bowl for the third time, and they’ll battle the Baylor Bears on New Year’s Eve in Houston. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Saturday is Election Day in Louisiana, and every voter in the state will be deciding on four constitutional amendments. Amendment 1 would increase the number of people on Judiciary Commissions from nine to 14, with the additional members being appointed by the legislature. Steven Procopio, the president of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, says while the purpose is to speed up investigations of judges, the argument against is that it would politicize the process.

Cut 13 (05)  “…at the case.”

Amendment 2 would require a 48-hour waiting period before the legislature can vote on budget-related bills. Amendment 3 would allow for up to three, two-day extensions of the session to finish budget work. And Amendment 4 would establish a tax lien system for delinquent properties.

A 30-year-old Lafayette man is charged with killing a black bear in Concordia Parish. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says Christopher Buck told agents he thought he shot a pig, but investigators didn’t buy that story.

Wind Chill Advisories and Freeze Warnings are out; Cold Weather Advisories and Extreme Cold Warnings are in. That’s the new terminology that the National Weather Service is using from now on. Lead Meteorologist Danielle Manning says the thresholds depend on where in the state you’re at.

Cut 4 (14) “…the northern area.”

The NWS made the change to make things a little simpler for people.

The St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office breaks ground on a three-million dollar training facility. Major Ginny Higgins says it’s crucial for law enforcement to be well rounded and this facility aims to train all aspects of law enforcement.

Cut 8 (12) “…really exciting.”

With Old Man Winter bearing down on Louisiana, there’s some new terminology from the National Weather Service to get used to.

Cut 3 (08) “…wind chill warnings.” 

Danielle Manning, the lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service in New Orleans, says that’s all changed. Now, the service issues “cold weather advisories” and “extreme cold warnings.” Manning said they made the change to make it simpler, since for most people, cold is cold, no matter what kind of cold it is.

The St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office breaks ground on a three-million dollar training facility to benefit law enforcement agencies across the state. Major Ginny Higgins says it would not only enhance law enforcement capabilities in Acadiana, but it would also strengthen community and inter-agency collaboration.

Cut 7 (07) “…things like that.”

Saturday is Election Day in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo recaps the four amendments that all voters will be deciding.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A 30-year-old Lafayette man is charged with killing a black bear in Concordia Parish. Wildlife and Fisheries Lt. Chad Watts says investigators spoke with Christopher Buck after encountering a dead black bear in the Richard Yancey Wildlife Management Area.

Cut 9 (08)  “…black bear”

Wind Chill Advisories and Freeze Warnings are out; Cold Weather Advisories and Extreme Cold Warnings are in. That’s the new terminology that the National Weather Service is using from now on. Lead Meteorologist Danielle Manning says the thresholds depend on where in the state you’re at.

Cut 4 (14) “…the northern area.”

The NWS made the change to make things a little simpler for people.

The St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office breaks ground on a three-million dollar training facility. Major Ginny Higgins says it’s crucial for law enforcement to be well rounded and this facility aims to train all aspects of law enforcement.

Cut 8 (12) “…really exciting.”

Saturday is Election Day in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo recaps the four amendments that all voters will be deciding.

Cut 2 (32) “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

A 30-year-old Lafayette man is charged with killing a black bear in Concordia Parish. Wildlife and Fisheries Lieutenant Chad Watts says Christopher Buck told agents he thought he shot a pig, but investigators didn’t buy that story…

Cut 10 (08) “…he thought it was a pig.”

Buck faces several years in prison because he was a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Governor Landry’s quest to rewrite the state’s tax code has reached the finish line. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34)“…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Tomorrow is Election Day in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A transformative partnership with Entergy Louisiana and Meta was announced for the largest AI data center in the country to be built in Richland Parish.  Sean Richardosn has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Signed, sealed, delivered – Governor Landry signs the tax reform package in a ceremony at the State Capitol. Landry said the changes in the tax code mark a new day in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (08) “…a better tomorrow.”

Landry said the changes will allow the people in Louisiana to keep more of their hard-earned money, including a reduction of the income tax to a flat three-percent across the board.

Cut 5 (15) “…in this state.”

Landry said the ultimate goals include spurring new business and investment in the state and to get people to stay in the state and not go to neighboring states like Florida and Texas which do not have any state income tax.

Cut 6 (10) “…here in Louisiana.”

Landry, however, did not get the broadening of the sales tax base he had asked for. Instead, lawmakers boosted the state sales tax rate to five-percent to compensate for the reduction in income tax revenue. The changes take effect January 1st.

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Tomorrow is Election Day in Louisiana. Everyone across the state will be voting on four constitutional amendments. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says several voters will also have some local races to decide.

Cut 7 (07) “…Baton Rouge Parish.”

…that race is between Democratic incumbent Sharon Weston Broome and Republican Challenger Sid Edwards. Watson says it’s easy to find which races will be on your ballot.

Cut 8 (11) “…this Saturday’s election.”

The best part is – you can pull up that app while in the voting booth to make voting quicker.

Cut 9 (12)  “…never see that.”

Polls are open from seven a-m to eight p-m Saturday. Anyone who’s in line at eight p-m will be able to vote.

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Tonight it’s the semifinals of the high school football playoffs and for Ouachita (WASH-uh-tuh) Chrisitan to win its ninth state championship, the Eagles will fly south today to Donaldsonville to take on second-seeded Ascension Catholic. Host of the Sports Scouting Report Podcast Lee Brecheen (brick-EEN) believes O-C-S can pull off the upset…

Cut 10 (10) “…state title.”

In Division one select, Alexandria Senior High hosts John Curtis. The Patriots as a 19 seed are seeking a 29^th state title. Brecheen has the Trojans winning tonight…

Cut 11 (11) “…beat Acadiana.”

John Curtis has defeated Brother Martin, Acadiana and Teurlings Catholic to get to the semifinals.

In Division one non-select, Neville is hosting Central, while Destrehan is at Ruston. Brecheen says Destrehan has a lot of talent

Cut 12 (13) “…in the Dome.”

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Entergy Louisiana has announced a transformative partnership with Meta to construct Meta’s largest data center in Richland Parish, part of a 10-billion-dollar investment. Entergy Louisiana CEO Philip May says the 4-million-square-foot facility will anchor significant infrastructure development and economic revitalization in Northeast Louisiana.

Cut 13 (12)  “…of the state.”

May says Entergy plans to build three advanced generation units, substations, and nearly 100 miles of transmission lines to support the project, which will create thousands of construction jobs and 44 permanent positions.

Cut 14 (13) “…to that area.”

Meta’s data center will be located on the 1,400-acre Franklin Farm mega site, strategically chosen for its infrastructure and transportation access. May emphasized Entergy’s investment offsets costs for existing customers by over 300-million-dolars, while Meta contributes to community support programs.

Cut 15 (13) “…for that region.”

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Tomorrow night in Lafayette, it’s the Sun Belt title game between the Ragin Cajuns and Marshall. The Thundering Herd have the Sun Belt Player of the Year in Mike Green. The redshirt sophomore defensive lineman leads the nation in tackles with loss. Desormeaux says Green is hard to block…

Cut 16 (16) “…all over the place.”

Marshall’s quarterback, Braylon Braxton is the Sun Belt Newcomer of the year. Desormeaux says Braxton is a hard nosed runner and can also beat you with his arm…

Cut 17 (16) “…right in his wheelhouse.” 

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Southern and Jackson State meet for the third time in two years in the SWAC Championship on Saturday in Jackson. The Tigers have the best offense in the SWAC and they are second in the league in points allowed and total defense. Graves on why Jackson State has been so successful on defense…

Cut 18 (10)   “…quarterback.”

Southern is seeking its 20th SWAC title. Graves says they’ll do anything to win the game…

Cut 19 (21) “…successful.”

Kick off is at 1 PM.

Governor Landry signs the tax reform bill this afternoon in a ceremony at the Capitol. Landry said it’s the dawn of a new era.

Cut 13 (11)  “…pro-business environment.”

Landry says thanks to this overhaul of the tax code, Louisiana can now bridge the gap with neighboring states and keep its home-grown talent here.

Two of the amendments you’ll be voting on on Saturday have to do with passing budgets in the legislature. Amendment 2 would require a 48-hour waiting period before voting on budget-related legislation. Author Tony Bacala says a situation arose in the 2023 regular session that prompted this amendment.

Cut 3 (09) “…to review them.” 

Amendment 3 would allow for up to three, two-day extensions to finish work on the budget if necessary.

State Treasurer John Fleming is challenging Senator Bill Cassidy for his seat in 2026, but he may not be the only Republican to throw his name in the hat. ULM Political Science Professor Preston Cross says Congressman Clay Higgins might also seek the seat. Cross says former and future president Donald Trump’s endorsement will likely determine the primary’s outcome.

Cut 8 (05) “…Clay Higgins.”

Cassidy’s spokesman questioned Fleming’s motives, citing his brief tenure as state treasurer and alleging his eagerness to leave Louisiana for Washington.

LSU football coach Brian Kelly sounded off on the NIL landscape that’s dominating recruiting. The veteran head coach says recruiting used to be about relationships, but now it’s about the dollars…

Cut 9 (07)  “…live in”

LSU lost out on a few elite prospects in the final two weeks leading up to the early signing period. LSU can make up for those losses by signing players out of the transfer portal, but again it will take money.

Two of the amendments you’ll be voting on on Saturday have to do with passing budgets in the legislature. Amendment 2 would require a 48-hour waiting period before voting on budget-related legislation. Author Tony Bacala says a situation arose in the 2023 regular session that prompted this amendment.

Cut 3 (09) “…to review them.” 

Amendment 3 would allow a session to be extended by two days to finish work on the budget if necessary, and it would permit up to three such extensions.

Senator Bill Cassidy now finds himself having to gear up for a primary challenge by State Treasurer John Fleming and possibly others. Fleming served in the first Trump administration, and ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says it’s likely Flemming has gotten assurances that Trump will endorse him…

Cut 7 (05) “…consider him loyal.”

LSU Coach Brian Kelly says National Signing Day felt more like Tax Day instead as money is becoming more of a factor in getting players to sign with a school. Sean Richardson has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Sean Richardson” 

LSU is not vying for a conference title, but three other Louisiana teams are. Tulane takes on Army at West Point tomorrow night for the American Athletic Conference title. On Saturday, U-L Lafayette hosts Marshall in the Sun Belt Championship. Also Saturday, Southern takes on Jackson State in the SWAC championship, with the winner taking on the MEAC champion in the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta on December 14th.

LSU football coach Brian Kelly sounded off on the NIL landscape that’s dominating recruiting. The veteran head coach says recruiting used to be about relationships, but now it’s about the dollars…

Cut 9 (07)  “…live in”

LSU lost out on a few elite prospects in the final two weeks leading up to the early signing period. LSU can make up for those losses by signing players out of the transfer portal, but again it will take money.

LSU was able to ink some other big-name prospects on the first day of the early signing period. The strength of the incoming class is all of the homegrown talent, like linebacker Dylan Moses from University High in Baton Rouge. Kelly says Moses will have a great experience at LSU and will be rewarded financially.

Cut 19 (18) “…financially.”

McNeese introduces – makes that RE-introduces – Matt Viator (VEE-uh-tore) as its new head football coach. During his introductory news conference, Viator said McNeese is very special to him and to his family.

Cut 16 (09) “…in our heart.”

Viator previously coached the team from 2006 to 2015, racking up 78 wins, four Southland Conference titles and five playoff appearances.

The Ragin Cajuns recruiting class features several three-star prospects including Acadiana wide receiver Russell Babineaux and Neville cornerback Cam Riley.

ULM signed a three-star quarterback from Tuscaloosa, Bryson Kimbrough.

Oak Grove quarterback Jackson Bradley signed with La Tech. So did Ruston linebacker Zheric Hill.

The Louisiana Tech men’s basketball team lost to 16th ranked Memphis 81 to 71.

 One of LSU’s top players, Jalen Reed, is out for the year with a torn ACL.

He signs it on the dotted line today. Governor Landry will be signing the tax reform package at the Capitol at one this afternoon. It includes an across-the-board personal income tax cut down to a flat three-percent and the elimination of the corporate franchise tax. However, it also includes a state sales tax hike to five percent to compensate for not adding services to the sales tax base.

Senator Bill Cassidy has competition for his seat in 2026. State Treasurer John Fleming has announced that he’s mounting a primary challenge against Cassidy. Fleming says he would bring a new voice to the Senate.

Cut 5 (13) “…senator like me.” 

Fleming previously represented Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District from 2009 to 2017. During this time, he and eight other Republicans founded the House Freedom Caucus.

The five-day shopping period from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday delivered promising results for retailers, particularly in e-commerce. LSU Associate Professor of Marketing Dan Rice says in-store retailers are making changes to keep up with online shopping trends…

Cut 15 (12) “…instead of Black Friday.”

The National Retail Federation highlighted a higher-than-expected 197 million shoppers, surpassing initial forecasts by more than 13 million.

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter is elected first vice chair of the Congressional Black Caucus for the upcoming 119th Congress. Carter says he’s honored to be tapped for the second-most senior position in caucus leadership.

Cut 10 (06) “…opportunity to serve.”

Carter says while America has come a long way in providing opportunity for minorities, there’s still a long way to go.