Voting system vendors seeking certification by the State of Louisiana batted a thousand. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Tomorrow, North DeSoto and Iowa will take the field, each with a chance to win the first state championship in school history. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Secretary of State Nancy Landry has announced that all six voting system vendors that her office tested earlier this year passed certification. It comes as the office is working to select a new voting system to replace the current outdated one. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says the office did not reach out to the vendors; the vendors reached out to the office.

Cut 3 (08) “…answered that invitation.”

Watson says the fact that all six vendors passed certification is a testament to their commitment to playing a role in secure elections.

Cut 4 (09) “…the procurement process.”

Watson says now that all six systems will go through the procurement process, Secretary Landry will either put out a request for proposals or an invitation to negotiate at some point next year, and the office will ultimately select one system that will be used by every voter in the state.

Cut 5 (09) “…same voting system.”

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It’s been a very successful season for Christmas tree farms throughout the state this year. Kevin Steele, who owns Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Angie, in Washington Parish, says business was brisk this year.

Cut 6 (09) “…on the farm.”

Steele says those who bought trees got excellent quality trees this year.

Cut 7 (07) “…are very healthy.”

Steele says while it’s always difficult to predict the future, given the weather we had this year and the current condition of the trees, it’s shaping up to be a successful season next year too.

Cut 8 (09) “…expect any hiccups.”

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The LHSAA Prep Classic is underway and runs through Saturday. Tomorrow opens with a Division 2 non-select matchup between the North Desoto Griffins and the Iowa Yellow Jackets. Iowa head coach Tommy Johns says playing in the state championship for the first time in school history is special.

Cut 9 (10)  “…truly meant.”

The Yellow Jackets will be tasked with facing North DeSoto’s fire-powered offense, which is led by quarterback Luke Delafield. Johns says his defense has come up when it’s mattered most this season and believes they can continue to do so.

Cut 10 (12) “…and it shows.”

Delafield led the Griffins to the state championship game as a freshman in 2022. He returns to the Dome as a senior and says he’s stoked to be back in New Orleans.

Cut 11 (11) “…super excited.”

North DeSoto’s offense is averaging over 53 points a game. Delafield says the offense has all the ability in the world to execute; but he says in order to beat Iowa, the Griffins have to limit turnovers.

Cut 12 (15) “…something like that.”

The Griffins and Yellow Jackets kick off at noon tomorrow.

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In the nightcap of day two of the 2025 LHSAA Prep Classic tomorrow, St. Charles Catholic will take on Archbishop Shaw for the title in Division Two select. St. Charles Catholic coach Wayne Stein says the Comets did a lot of soul searching after finishing last season with a record of 4-and-7.

Cut 13 (15)  “…to happen again.”

The two teams met in the regular season finale back on November 7th, with St. Charles Catholic winning 24-0. Coach Stein says he knows that the Comets will be facing a very different Eagles team tomorrow night.

Cut 14 (11) “…be the champion.”

Kickoff is scheduled for seven p-m.

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A bill sponsored by Senator Bill Cassidy to redirect Affordable Care Act subsidies to patients in the form of health savings accounts has failed. The vote in the Senate was 51-to-48, falling nine votes short of the 60 votes needed to advance. Republican Rand Paul joined all Democrats in voting no. Before the vote, Cassidy responded to Democratic criticism that his plan amounted to what they call “junk insurance.”

Cut 15 (09) “…one we’re using.”

Cassidy said his goal is to come up with a solution that works for everyone, regardless of political affiliation.

Cut 16 (13) “…an A solution.”

Secretary of State Nancy Landry has announced that all six voting system vendors that her office tested earlier this year passed certification. It comes as the office is working to select a new voting system to replace the current outdated one. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says the office did not reach out to the vendors; the vendors reached out to the office.

Cut 3 (08) “…answered that invitation.”

It’s been a very successful season for Christmas tree farms throughout the state this year. Kevin Steele, who owns Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Angie, in Washington Parish, says business was brisk this year.

Cut 6 (09) “…on the farm.”

Steele says the trees were in excellent shape this year; and while it’s always hard to predict the future, the weather we had this year suggests that they’ll be in great shape next year too.

A bill sponsored by Senator Bill Cassidy to redirect Affordable Care Act subsidies to patients in the form of health savings accounts has failed. The vote in the Senate was 51-to-48, falling nine votes short of the 60 votes needed to advance. Republican Rand Paul joined all Democrats in voting no. Before the vote, Cassidy responded to Democratic criticism that his plan amounted to what they call “junk insurance.”

Cut 15 (09) “…one we’re using.”

Cassidy said his goal is to come up with a solution that works for everyone, regardless of political affiliation.

LSU’s Gulf Coast Energy Outlook predicts the state will continue to see investment in petrochemicals and LNG projects in 2026. Greg Upton, the interim director of the Energy Institute, says natural gas prices continue to remain low, which continues to drive investment in refined products.

Cut 8 (11) “…investment that’s happening.”

Monroe is getting a new professional football team this summer – no, not an NFL team or even a UFL team. Rather, an Arena League team which will play in the Monroe Civic Center. This, as the league expands to eight teams for its third season. League owner Jeff Holmes says what’s unique about this league is that it features seven players a side, and – despite the name of the sport – there’s no kicking allowed.

Cut 14 (07) “…receive the ball.”

Eight state champions will be crowned in Louisiana high school football over the next three days, as the Prep Classic kicks off in the Superdome today. Andre Champagne has a preview of the first two matchups of the day.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The sound of worthless Powerball tickets being torn to pieces after not a single ticket coast to coast matched all five numbers plus the Powerball number to claim the 930-million dollar jackpot. That means the jackpot for Saturday’s drawing will be north of a billion dollars.

Less than two hours to go before the Prep Classic gets underway at the Superdome – eight games over three days to crown the next state champions in Louisiana high school football. The first game today is a Division Four non-select matchup between the undefeated Haynesville Golden Tornado and the Mangham Dragons. Spencer Verrett with the LHSAA Network says Haynesville may be undefeated, but Mangham is battle-tested.

Cut 4 (09) “…Haynesville team again.”

Today’s players who fall short of making it to the NFL but still want to continue their playing careers beyond college might want to give the Arena League a try. There will be a team in Monroe debuting this summer. League owner Jeff Holmes says along with the football, the games will feature some exciting entertainment.

Cut 15 (08) “…of that nature.”

LSU’s Gulf Coast Energy Outlook predicts the oil and gas sector will continue to grow, thanks to technological improvements and low natural gas prices. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Those of you who receive Medicaid through UnitedHealthcare of Louisiana, your provider will move to Aetna Better Health when the calendar flips to 2026. More than 330-thousand Medicaid recipients will be making the transition.

As we head into 2026, LSU’s Gulf Coast Energy Outlook predicts the state will continue to invest in energy-intensive manufacturing. Greg Upton, the interim director of the Energy Institute, says with the construction of a massive data center in Richland Parish and the Hyundai plant in Ascension, meeting the electricity demand will be a major story to watch.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the electric grid?”

LSU’s hiring of Lane Kiffin has been an economic shot in the arm in the early going, with 15-thousand new season ticket requests and a large uptick in corporate partner and donor interest. LSU economics professor Dek Terrell says while that’s good, there’s no substitute for contending for a national title.

Cut 12 (10) “…over 60-percent.”

Eight state football champions will be crowned in the Superdome over the next three days, starting today. Today’s Prep Classic action culminates at seven this evening with a marquee matchup in Division Three select between Dunham and Calvary Baptist. Spencer Verrett with the LHSAA Network says Dunham’s all-world quarterback Elijah Haven could cause trouble for Calvary Baptist.

Cut 6 (13) “…ball on you.”

A new professional football team is coming to Monroe this summer. No, no NFL team is moving there; not even a UFL team. Rather, the city is getting a team in The Arena League. League owner Jeff Holmes says the league is adding the team for its third season.

Cut 13 (10)  “…including Monroe, Louisiana.”

The Louisiana Prep Classic kicks off in the Superdome today. Andre Champagne has a preview of the first two matchups of the day.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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LSU’s Gulf Coast Energy Outlook predicts the oil and gas sector will continue, thanks to technological improvements and low natural gas prices. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Professional football arrives in Monroe this summer. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The LHSAA Prep Classic in the Superdome starts today. Game one of the day features a Division Four non-select matchup between the undefeated Haynesville Golden Tornado and Mangham Dragons. Spencer Verrett with the LHSAA Network says Haynesville may be undefeated, but Mangham is battle-tested.

Cut 4 (09) “…Haynesville team again.”

The second game of the day is a Division Four select matchup between the Riverside Rebels and the Ascension Catholic Bulldogs. Verrett says the Rebels have an advantage at the line of scrimmage.

Cut 5 (12) “…defensive line operate.”

The final game of the day features a Division Three select matchup between the Dunham Tigers and Calvary Baptist Cavaliers. Verrett says the Cavs could have trouble with Dunham’s pass-heavy offense led by highly recruited quarterback Elijah Haven.

Cut 6 (13) “…ball on you.”

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LSU’s Gulf Coast Energy Outlook predicts oil and gas production will continue to expand, and the state will continue to see investment in petrochemicals, LNG projects and energy-intensive manufacturing. Greg Upton, the interim director of the Energy Institute, says with advancements in technology, the oil and gas economy can expand without the need for an increase in drilling activity.

Cut 7 (07) “…to do that.”

Upton says natural gas prices continue to remain low, which continues to drive investment in refined products.

Cut 8 (11) “…investment that’s happening.”

Hyundai Motor Group is investing nearly six-billion dollars into the construction of its first North American steel plant in Ascension Parish, creating more than 13-hundred jobs.

Upton says with the construction of a massive data center in Richland Parish and the Hyundai plant in Ascension, meeting the electricity demand will be a major story to watch.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the electric grid?”

Upton says policy swings, both federal and state, will play a large role in investment decisions. This past decade has featured three different federal energy strategies.

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LSU’s hiring of Lane Kiffin as its new head football coach is poised to yield a big economic impact for both the school and the City of Baton Rouge. Ever since LSU poached Kiffin from Ole Miss, the team has had more than 15-thousand new season ticket requests, as well as a large uptick in corporate partner and donor interest. LSU economics professor Dek Terrell says the real impact will come later.

Cut 10 (09) “…of that nature.”

Terrell says even a slight increase in economic impact will translate to a huge dollar amount.

Cut 11 (08) “…due to that.”

Terrell says while the hiring of Lane Kiffin will be an economic shot in the arm, there is no substitute for contending for a national title.

Cut 12 (10) “…over 60-percent.”

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A new professional football team is coming to Monroe this summer. No, no NFL team is moving there; not even a UFL team. Rather, the city is getting a team in The Arena League. League owner Jeff Holmes says the league is adding the team for its third season.

Cut 13 (10)  “…including Monroe, Louisiana.”

Holmes, who also owns the Iowa Woo, says The Arena League plays a unique brand of indoor football, including seven players on the field per side. And despite the name of the sport, there is no kicking.

Cut 14 (07) “…receive the ball.”

The new Monroe team will play its games at the Monroe Civic Center, and Holmes says the games will feature some exciting entertainment to go along with the exciting football action.

Cut 15 (08) “…of that nature.”

The league is holding a name the team contest for Monroe’s newest professional sports franchise.

After a series of meetings that concluded Monday, a task force on NIL deals for student athletes is ready to prepare a series of bills for the upcoming legislative session. Homer Democratic Representative Rashid Young is on the task force and says one central theme that came out of the meetings was the fact that there seemed to be no structure for interactions with amateur athletes.

Cut 6 (12) “…the NIL space.”

Sterlington will try to win its second straight state football title tomorrow against Jena. Sterlington boasts one of the top offenses in the entire state, averaging just over 46 points a game. Head coach Lee Doty says a big reason for that is the play of the offensive line, and the coaching staff has done a great job with that unit.

Cut 13 (10)  “…proud of them.”

Farmers in Louisiana are in for a financial shot in the arm very soon. Don Molino reports.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Don Molino.”

Powerball fever is once again gripping Louisiana and the nation. The jackpot for tonight’s drawing is a whopping 930-million dollars. Chrislyn Maher (“mayor”) with the Louisiana Lottery says the jackpot has swelled this high because the last jackpot was won back on September 6th.

Cut 9 (09)  “…in playing Powerball.”

Farmers in Louisiana are in for a financial shot in the arm very soon. Don Molino reports.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Don Molino.”

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After a series of meetings, the legislature’s task force on NIL deals for student-athletes is ready to draft some bills for the upcoming session. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Farmers are in position to get federal assistance because of President Trump’s 12-billion-dollar financial aid package for producers. LSU Ag Center economist Michael Deliberto says it’s needed as farmers suffered through a tough 2025.

Cut 3 (15) “…its third year.”

Deliberto says many of the losses farmers in Louisiana and across the country suffered were spurred by a slowdown amid tariffs imposed by the administration – and some of those losses are staggering.

Cut 4 (13) “…to 300 dollars.”

Deliberto says cotton, rice and soybean farmers have struggled the most this year. President Trump says the funding will come from tariff revenues. Deliberto says the money is intended to help farmers pay down some of their debt.

Cut 5 (11) “…in Louisiana would.”

Eleven-billion dollars is for row crop farmers, and the other one billion dollars will be available for specialty crops like sugarcane. The target date for the payments to go out would be sometime in February.

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After a series of meetings that concluded Monday, a task force on NIL deals for student athletes is ready to prepare a series of bills for the upcoming legislative session. Homer Democratic Representative Rashid Young is on the task force and says one central theme that came out of the meetings was the fact that there seemed to be no structure for interactions with amateur athletes.

Cut 6 (12) “…the NIL space.”

Young says not only is that true for collegiate athletes, but that’s also true for high school athletes; and because most of them are minors, there needs to be stricter regulations in place for them.

Cut 7 (12) “…the college level.”

Young says the task force even found examples of athletes even younger than high school age being pursued for NIL deals, and he says the task force wants to put a stop to that altogether.

Cut 8 (14) “…nothing below that.”

Young says the task force also heard from college athletic directors throughout the state who have expressed concerns that the new NIL era is running them in the red financially.

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Powerball fever is once again gripping Louisiana and the nation. The jackpot for tonight’s drawing is a whopping 930-million dollars. Chrislyn Maher (“mayor”) with the Louisiana Lottery says the jackpot has swelled to close to a billion dollars because the last jackpot was won back on September 6th.

Cut 9 (09)  “…in playing Powerball.”

Of course, you have a much better chance of landing a leading role in a major motion picture than you have of winning the jackpot, the odds of which are less than one in 292-million. Maher says even if you don’t win the big prize, there are several other prizes up for grabs, and some Louisianans have been big winners recently.

Cut 10 (09) “…Metairie area.”

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Sterlington is looking to win its fourth total and second straight high school football championship Friday, as the Panthers take on the Jena Giants. Head coach Lee Doty says this year’s team may be even better than last year’s dominant team.

Cut 11 (13) “…same thing now.”

The Panthers are 11-and-2, with their only losses coming to 5A Powerhouses Neville and Ouachita Parish, by a combined 16 points. Doty says he knew his team had a chance to be special when they hung in with the top-notch programs.

Cut 12 (13) “…our division.”

Sterlington boasts one of the top offenses in the entire state, averaging just over 46 points a game. A big reason to the team’s offensive success stems from the offensive line, and Doty says the coaching staff has done a great with the unit.

Cut 13 (10)  “…proud of them.”

Kickoff in New Orleans against Jena Friday is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Lawmakers are preparing a series of bills to regulate NIL deals for amateur athletes in Louisiana. Homer Democratic Representative Rashid Young says there needs to be extra stringent regulations in place for high school athletes, since most of them are minors.

Cut 7 (12) “…the college level.”

Speaking of high school athletes, Sterlington is looking to win its second straight high school football championship Friday as the Panthers take on the Jena Giants. Head coach Lee Doty says this year’s team may be even better than last year’s dominant team.

Cut 11 (13) “…same thing now.”

The Panthers are 11-and-2, with their only losses coming to 5A Powerhouses Neville and Ouachita Parish.

Farmers in Louisiana are in for a financial shot in the arm very soon. Don Molino reports.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Don Molino.”

Powerball fever is once again gripping Louisiana and the nation. The jackpot for tonight’s drawing is a whopping 930-million dollars. Chrislyn Maher (“mayor”) with the Louisiana Lottery says the jackpot has swelled this high because the last jackpot was won back on September 6th.

Cut 9 (09)  “…in playing Powerball.”

The Senate is expected to vote on Bill Cassidy’s health care insurance reform bill today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Small businesses are a little more optimistic as 2025 gets set to give way to 2026. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Louisiana Works is alerting you that new requirements will be in place starting January 4th in order to qualify for unemployment. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Senate is expected to vote on Bill Cassidy’s healthcare bill today. Cassidy is sponsoring it with Idaho Republican Mike Crapo (CRAY-poh), and he says his bill is an alternative to a Democratic proposal to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, which he says disproportionately benefits insurance companies.

Cut 4 (09) “…release the money.”

Cassidy says under his plan, insurance companies would no longer get that money.

Cut 5 (07) “…health savings account.”

Cassidy says since the money would go directly to the taxpayers, they are in firm control of how that money is spent for their health care needs.

Cut 6 (10) “…an Obamacare policy.”

Cassidy says his plan has the support of some Democrats; whether it has the support of the seven Democrats needed to advance the bill remains to be seen.

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Small businesses are a little more optimistic as 2025 gets ready to give way to 2026. Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, says the biggest challenges for small business owners heading into the new year are operating costs and labor shortages. Long says all in all, 2025 was a good year for small businesses, spearheaded by legislation at all levels, starting on Capitol Hill.

Cut 7 (11) “…was made permanent.”

Long says at the state level, she was glad to see the Louisiana legislature tackle insurance reform, and that will be a huge help for small businesses.

Cut 8 (09) “…your bottom line.”

Long says there’s still work to be done, though – in 2026, she would like to see the legislature continue its work on lawsuit abuse.

Cut 9 (09)  “…those employers too.”

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The Jena High School football team is preparing for its first ever state championship game appearance. After losing in the semifinals the last two seasons, head coach Jay Roark says it’s nice to get over the hump.

Cut 10 (14) “…than previous years.”

Jena is 13-and-0 and the top seed in Division Two non-select. Roark says he’s proud of  how the defense improved throughout the season.

Cut 11 (12) “…and getting better.”

The Giants will face defending champion Sterlington Friday afternoon at 3:30. The Panthers average 46 points a game and beat Jena in the semifinals last year. Roark expects a big crowd from LaSalle Parish to cheer on the Giants.

Cut 12 (05) “…this weekend.”

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Starting January 4th, in order to qualify for unemployment insurance benefits, a claimant will need to complete at least five work-search activities each week. That’s an increase from the current requirement of three. Robert Wooley with Louisiana Works says the new rule is not intended to punish an unemployed individual.

Cut 13 (10)  “…to live on (2x).”

The upcoming changes to the unemployment insurance benefits are the result of legislation approved earlier this year. Wooley says attending interviews, updating a resume and participating in job-search or training programs are considered work-search activities.

Cut 14 (11) “…instead of three.”

Wooley says there are also new rules that could result in a person losing their unemployment benefits.

Cut 15 (09) “…lose your benefit.”

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College football teams such as Notre Dame, Iowa State, Kansas State, Florida State, Auburn, UCF and Baylor declined invitations to play in bowl games. Despite not having the season it wanted to, LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson says the Tigers never thought about not playing in a bowl.

Cut 16 (17) “…the right way.”

The Tigers started bowl practices yesterday. Playing in a bowl game allows LSU’s season to be extended, which is an advantage heading into spring football. Wilson says the team is excited to go out and finish the season out in Houston — against Houston.

Cut 17 (16)  “…our football team.”

The LSU football team added 14 players to its 2026 recruiting class in the early signing period, and Wilson says new head coach Lane Kiffin’s efforts put a bow on some of the top recruits’ decisions to sign with the Tigers.

Cut 18 (17)  “…wrap it up.”