LSU moves one step closer to launching the School of Construction. It would build on the current construction management program, which started in the 1970s. College of Engineering Dean Vicki Colvin says the earliest graduates are paying it forward in creating the new School of Construction.

Cut 7 (11) “…possible for us.”

Donors have already given 42-million dollars for the facility, which the state has matched.

Applications are now being accepted for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ 38th enforcement academy. Stephen Clark, the superintendent of the enforcement division of LDWF, says the application window closes December 22nd, and they will then choose the best applicants to take part in the academy.

Cut 4 (06) “…end of March.”

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident where a neighbor used lethal force to end a domestic dispute. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A former New Iberia police officer is arrested for allegedly helping plot a New Year’s Eve terror attack in Southern California. The FBI says agents arrested 29-year-old Micah Legnon after he had loaded what appeared to be an assault rifle and body armor into his vehicle. They say he was likely headed to New Orleans to carry out an attack there.

LSU is about to lead a building revolution, moving one step closer to launching the School of Construction within its College of Engineering. The Board of Supervisors approved its creation last week, advancing the proposal to the Louisiana Board of Regents for a vote sometime next year. College of Engineering Dean Vicki Colvin says the school would build on the current construction management program, and the number of students in that program is astounding.

Cut 6 (07) “…two-thousand students.”

After the LSU Board of Supervisors approves major organizational changes, a state lawmaker is worried about the future of LSU Health Shreveport. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly says he’s received assurances LSU Health New Orleans will not get more attention than LSU Health Shreveport.

Cut 15 (09) “…science and research.”

The LSU AgCenter and the Town of Jean Lafitte are teaming up to re-establish the firefly population. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Element USA announces it’s investing 850-million dollars to build a rare earth and critical minerals refining facility in St. James Parish. According to the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, this facility will produce materials essential to advanced manufacturing, national defense, and energy technologies, and also create 200 new direct jobs.

Three out of every four high school graduates in Louisiana in 2024 graduated with college credits or industry certifications already in hand. Tristan Denley, the deputy commissioner for academic affairs and innovation at the Louisiana Board of Regents, says while the vast majority of dual enrollment courses were taken in academic fields, almost 20-percent took courses in career and technical fields.

Cut 11 (12) “…be an electrician.”

Do you think you have what it takes to be a Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement officer? If so, now’s your chance to join the force! Stephen Clark, the superintendent of the enforcement division of LDWF, says applications are now being accepted for the department’s 38th enforcement academy.

Cut 3 (06) “…through December 22nd.”

Clark says about 35 applicants will be chosen for the academy, which will begin in late March.

A state lawmaker is worried about the future of LSU Health Shreveport. The LSU Board of Supervisors has approved major organizational changes that include giving the Baton Rouge campus direct oversight of operations at its research institutions. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly is concerned LSU Health New Orleans and Pennington Research Center in New Orleans will get more of the research grant dollars.

Cut 14 (08) “…aspect of things.”

With firefly populations at historic lows, the Town of Jean Lafitte has reached out to the LSU AgCenter to work on a plan to re-establish firefly populations in the Wetland Trace boardwalk trail. LSU AgCenter Entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says fireflies provide benefits to the ecosystem.

Cut 6 (09) “…for our gardens.”

Part of the plan involves planting 375 native plants within a 15-hundred-square-foot area.

The LSU AgCenter and the Town of Jean Lafitte are teaming up to re-establish the firefly population. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A major achievement among Louisiana’s high school graduates. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A state lawmaker raises concerns about the organizational changes made with the LSU System and what it means for the future of LSU Health Shreveport. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Firefly populations have hit historically low numbers in Louisiana and other parts of the country where fireflies are native. The Town of Jean Lafitte has reached out to the LSU AgCenter to work on a plan to re-establish firefly populations in the Wetland Trace boardwalk trail. Aaron Ashbrook, the urban and peri-urban extension entomologist at the LSU AgCenter, says part of that plan involves planting 375 native plants within a 15-hundred-square-foot area.

Cut 4 (10) “…Jean Lafitte Barataria.”

Ashbrook says fireflies are a major part of Louisiana’s culture.

Cut 5 (09) “…would engage in.”

Ashbrook says besides being a part of people’s childhoods, fireflies also provide benefits to the ecosystem.

Cut 6 (09) “…for our gardens.”

Pesticides, urban development, invasive insects and light pollution are all cited as reasons for the significant drop in firefly population.

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State lawmakers will get answers today on why the Louisiana Health Department decided to end its Medicaid contract with UnitedHealthcare. Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot says the decision to cut ties with UnitedHealthcare surprised legislators.

Cut 7 (07) “…the renewal date.”

LDH says the 333-thousand Medicaid recipients who are covered by UnitedHealthcare will be switched to another health care plan in 2026. Talbot says he and other lawmakers want to know how that will work.

Cut 8 (11) “…and play out.”

Democratic legislators have raised concerns that some Medicaid recipients may be forced to find a new doctor if their new insurance provider is not in-network. Talbot says his committee, along with Senate Health and Welfare, will have a chance to hear from LDH leaders at a hearing at 10 this morning.

Cut 9 (11)  “…good reason why.”

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says the state is in litigation with UnitedHealthcare for allegedly overcharging Medicaid recipients for prescription drugs.

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Among all high school graduates in the Class of 2024 in the State of Louisiana, three out of every four graduated having already racked up credits towards college degrees or certifications. The 75-percent rate is an 11-point increase from 2019. Tristan Denley, the deputy commissioner for academic affairs and innovation at the Louisiana Board of Regents, says high school students can earn college credit in a number of ways.

Cut 10 (06) “…international baccalaureate courses.”

Denley says while the vast majority of dual enrollment courses were taken in the aforementioned academic fields, nearly one out of every five students who took dual enrollment courses took courses in career and technical fields.

Cut 11 (12) “…be an electrician.”

Denley says the overwhelming success of the initiative has the state optimistic about achieving its ultimate goal of every student graduating with dual enrollment credits.

Cut 12 (11) “…short-term workforce credential.”

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A state lawmaker is worried about the future of LSU Health Shreveport. The LSU Board of Supervisors has approved major organizational changes that include giving the Baton Rouge campus direct oversight of operations at its research institutions. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly says the restructuring ends 25 years of local autonomy for LSU Health Shreveport.

Cut 13 (12)  “…that concerns me.”

LSU Chancellor James Dalton says a unified research structure better positions LSU to successfully compete for major grants, attract exceptional faculty and expand discoveries that can improve life in Louisiana. But Pressly is concerned LSU Health New Orleans and Pennington Research Center in New Orleans will get more of the research grant dollars.

Cut 14 (08) “…aspect of things.”

Pressly says he’s received assurances from LSU Board Chairman Scott Ballard that LSU Health New Orleans will not get more attention than LSU Health Shreveport. Pressly says he will make sure that Ballard and other LSU leaders stick to their word.

Cut 15 (09) “…science and research..”

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The Saints improved to 4-and-10 on the season after beating the Panthers Sunday, 20-17. New Orleans’ defense came up with a big stop to give its offense the ball with 57 seconds left in the game. Charlie Symth’s 47-yard game-winning field goal sealed the deal. Head coach Kellen Moore says he’s proud of his team’s fight.

Cut 16 (15) “…of our guys.”

Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough had an impressive game, as he threw for 272 yards with a touchdown and led the team in rushing with 32 yards on the ground. Moore says that sitting Shough at the beginning of the season has allowed him to develop into a better quarterback.

Cut 17 (18)  “…advantage of that.”

After missing the first five games of the season with a calf injury, Saints defensive end Chase Young has put together an impressive season. Young had six tackles and a sack in the win. Young has six sacks in nine games, and Moore says he’s done a great job of being productive after the injury.

Cut 18 (17)  “…on this team.”

A state lawmaker is worried about the future of LSU Health Shreveport, after the LSU Board of Supervisors approves major organizational changes that include giving the Baton Rouge campus direct oversight of operations at its research institutions. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly says he’s received assurances LSU Health New Orleans will not get more attention than LSU Health Shreveport.

Cut 15 (09) “…science and research..”

Saying that it paid fewer losses this past year than forecast, State Farm is lowering its auto insurance premiums by an average of almost six-percent statewide. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says there’s a direct correlation between the amount of claims that insurance companies pay out and the rates they charge drivers.

Cut 5 (08) “…charge going forward.”

One more cold morning and then mild temperatures through Christmas. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Yesterday’s win by the Saints was quarterback Tyler Shough’s first win in the Superdome. He says that made the win that much more important.

Cut 6 (13) “…lot of fun.”

The Saints’ win over the Panthers was also their second win in a row.

While State Farm will be increasing property insurance premiums, it will also be lowering auto insurance rates. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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One more cold morning and then mild temperatures through Christmas. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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While State Farm will be boosting premiums on property insurance policies by an average of almost ten-percent statewide, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says it will be lowering auto insurance premiums by almost six-percent on average.

Cut 3 (06) “…smaller than that.”

Temple says State Farm requested the decrease because it paid fewer losses in the last year than it had expected to pay out.

Cut 4 (06) “…what they forecast.”

Temple says there’s a direct correlation between the amount of claims that insurance companies pay out and the rates it charges drivers, and that’s one of the reasons the legislature passed laws cracking down on things like lawsuit abuse and hand-held cell phone use while driving.

Cut 5 (08) “…charge going forward.”

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Tyler Shough was one of the heroes for the Saints yesterday, earning his first comeback victory of his NFL career in leading the team to a 20-17 win over the Panthers. It was the Saints’ fourth win of the season, Shough’s third win as a starting quarterback and the team’s second win in a row. It was also Shough’s first win in the Superdome, which he says made it that much more important.

Cut 6 (13) “…lot of fun.”

The key play came with 12 seconds left and the Saints out of timeouts, when Shough ran it down the middle for four yards and slid. Panthers safety Lathan Ransom hit Shough as he was sliding, drawing a 15-yard penalty – putting Smyth in perfect position to kick a 47-yard field goal to win the game. Shough says he and his teammates were ready to sprint to the line for him to spike the ball and stop the clock.

Cut 7 (14) “…to clock it.”

The game winning drive started at the Saints’ nine yard line with 57 seconds left, and the Saints had only one timeout to work with in order to get into Smyth’s range. Shough says the entire offensive unit was locked in.

Cut 8 (13) “…really, really well.”

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It was cold this morning, with temperatures below freezing and afternoon highs barely hitting 50 degrees. If you hate the cold, good news — Shane Pendleton, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, says we’ll see a warm-up beginning tomorrow afternoon.

Cut 9 (09)  “…each afternoon.”

Pendleton says one more cold night can be expected into tomorrow morning, then milder temperatures the rest of the week.

Cut 10 (11) “…Thursday afternoon.”

Looking ahead to next week, Pendleton says we can expect unseasonably warm and dry conditions for Christmas week.

Cut 11 (11) “…holidays.”

High temperatures next week will range from the upper 60s to the 70s.

Cut 23 (02) “…and save money.”

But if you bundle home and auto with State Farm in Louisiana, you’ll probably break even next year, compared to last year, if you’re lucky. That’s because State Farm is increasing its property insurance premiums in the state by an average of almost ten-percent. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says State Farm requested the rate increase because unlike the smaller companies, which rely on reinsurance, it used a different model that involves in-house hurricane forecasting, and that led to a projection of higher losses due to hurricanes.

Cut 6 (10) “…much broader exposure.”

At the same time, Temple says State Farm will be lowering auto insurance premiums by almost six-percent on average.

Cut 3 (06) “…smaller than that.”

Temple says State Farm lowered auto premiums because it paid out less money in claims than forecast.

It was cold this morning, with temperatures below freezing and afternoon highs barely hitting 50 degrees. If you hate the cold, there is good news. Shane Pendleton, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, says we’ll see a warm-up beginning tomorrow afternoon.

Cut 9 (09)  “…each afternoon.”

Looking ahead to next week, Pendleton says we can expect unseasonably warm and dry conditions for Christmas week.

The state legislature will have more money at its disposal than originally anticipated. The Revenue Estimating Conference increased its tax and fee collection projections for the rest of this fiscal year and next fiscal year. Melinda Deslatte (duh-LOT), the research director of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, says that effectively closes the budget gap.

Cut 7 (09) “…to do it.”

Two home insurance companies will be lowering their rates, while one of the major ones is increasing its. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says SureChoice and Elevate’s premiums will decrease by seven and a half percent on average, since they base their rates in large part on reinsurance costs.

Cut 5 (09) “…onto the consumer.”

State Farm, on the other hand, will be increasing its premiums by an average of almost ten-percent based on a projection of higher future losses due to hurricanes.

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation releases the second edition of its “First Time Fishing in the Atchafalaya Basin” activity booklet. LWF Executive Director Rebecca Triche (“trish”) says it brings plenty of opportunities.

Cut 12 (15) “…the Atchafalaya.”

The legislature has more money at its disposal than it originally had anticipated. Jeanne Burns reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

And if you can just pick the right five numbers and the Powerball number, you too can have a lot more money at your disposal than you had anticipated. Since no one won Powerball Saturday night, the jackpot for tonight’s drawing is an estimated 1.1-billion dollars. Good luck – you’re going to need it.

Which direction will your homeowners’ insurance premium go when it’s up for renewal? It depends on which company you have. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says SureChoice and Elevate’s premiums will decrease by seven and a half percent on average, since they base their rates in large part on reinsurance costs.

Cut 5 (09) “…onto the consumer.”

State Farm, on the other hand, will be increasing its premiums by an average of almost ten-percent based on a projection of higher future losses due to hurricanes.

The state legislature will have more money at its disposal. That’s because the Revenue Estimating Conference increased its tax and fee collection projections. PAR Research Director Melinda Deslatte (duh-LOT) says that effectively closes the budget gap.

Cut 7 (09) “…to do it.”

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation has released the second edition of its “First Time Fishing in the Atchafalaya Basin” activity booklet. LWF Director Rebecca Triche (“trish”) says the booklet is geared toward young children who are interested in fishing.

Cut 10 (07) “…watching the line.”

The activity booklet is free, and it can be downloaded on the Louisiana Wildlife Federation’s website.

Make it two in a row for the Saints! The Saints scored ten points late in the fourth quarter and beat the Carolina Panthers in the Superdome, 20-17. On the game-tying drive, Tyler Shough led the team down the field 78 yards in seven plays, capped with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Chris Olave. Head Coach Kellen Moore said Shough showed a lot of poise in that drive.

Cut 16 (12) “…that it was.”

Charlie Smyth’s 47-yard field goal with two seconds left won it.

While one insurance company will be decreasing its homeowners insurance rates, another is getting ready to hike them. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The legislature has more money at its disposal than it originally had anticipated. Jeanne Burns reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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Of the eight Prep Classic championship games, the Division Two select title game will live on in Louisiana high school football folklore forever. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (46) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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While one insurance company is lowering its homeowners insurance premiums, another is raising them. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple has approved a rate decrease of seven and a half percent on average for both SureChoice Underwriters and Elevate. Temple says this is testament that the insurance reforms passed by the legislature are working.

Cut 4 (11) “…results of that.”

Temple says smaller companies like SureChoice and Elevate base their rates in large part on reinsurance costs.

Cut 5 (09) “…onto the consumer.”

Bigger companies like State Farm, however, rely much less on reinsurance to set their rates. State Farm uses a different model that involves things like in-house hurricane forecasting; and with that company projecting higher future losses due to hurricanes, it requested an increase of nearly ten-percent, which Temple approved.

Cut 6 (10) “…much broader exposure.”

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The state legislature will have more money at its disposal than originally anticipated. The Revenue Estimating Conference increased its tax and fee collection projections for the rest of this fiscal year and next fiscal year. Melinda Deslatte (duh-LOT), the research director of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, says that effectively closes the budget gap.

Cut 7 (09) “…to do it.”

Deslatte says while they’re fairly minor adjustments, the dollar amounts are big numbers for the state.

Cut 8 (09) “…about 217-million.”

Deslatte says the increase in the tax collection projection is spearheaded by income taxes, despite the fact that the legislature lowered the income tax rates for all earners.

Cut 9 (08)  “…what they forecasted.”

Deslatte says while the income tax rate may have gone down, overall collections may have increased based on things like total earnings and how many people are employed. The amount of money that the governor and the legislature have to spend is limited by the amount set forth by the Revenue Estimating Conference.

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The Louisiana Wildlife Federation has released the second edition of its “First Time Fishing in the Atchafalaya Basin” activity booklet. Rebecca Triche (“trish”), the executive director of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, says the booklet is geared toward young children who are interested in fishing.

Cut 10 (07) “…watching the line.”

The first edition of the “First Time Fishing” booklet was published in 2014 by Anna Wilson. Triche says the new edition includes several updates.

Cut 11 (15) “…heritage area.”

Triche says the new edition release brings plenty of opportunities for both the youth and the Louisiana Wildlife Federation.

Cut 12 (15) “…the Atchafalaya.”

The activity booklet is free, and it can be downloaded on the Louisiana Wildlife Federation website.

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Six new champions were crowned, and two teams successfully defended their titles at the LHSAA Prep Classic at the Superdome this past week. In the nightcap of Saturday’s action, Edna Karr won its second straight championship by beating St. Augustine, 49-14. The win also runs the Cougars’ winning streak to 27 games. After the game, Karr head coach Brice Brown said what his team has accomplished the past two years is nothing short of incredible.

Cut 13 (16)  “…to their character.”

In the first game Saturday, Ouachita Parish won its first state title since 1989 by beating Ruston, 21-20. Ruston lost in the Prep Classic for the second year in a row . After the game, Ouachita Parish head coach Benjy Lewis said that, after suffering through four straight losses in the regular season, including a 21-14 loss to Ruston, he never lost faith in his team, and the players never lost faith in each other, while everyone else wrote them off.

Cut 14 (15) “…I’ve been around.”

However, the game that went viral was Friday’s nightcap. Archbishop Shaw appeared to have the game won when St. Charles Catholic’s potential game-tying extra point with 35 seconds left sailed wide left. But on the ensuing possession, a Shaw player threw his helmet in celebration after a first down kneel-down, thinking the game was over. The resulting penalty allowed St. Charles to save a timeout, get the ball back – and kick a 44-yard field goal to win the game and the championship. After the game, kicker Tyler Milioto described his emotions before and after being given a second chance.

Cut 15 (13) “…what happened after.”

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Make it two in a row for the Saints! The Saints came back from down 10 late in the 3rd quarter and beat the Carolina Panthers in the Superdome, 20-17. It’s the Saints’ fourth win in a rebuilding 2025 campaign. Down by a touchdown with 4:37 left in regulation and the Saints backed up at their own 22 yard line, Tyler Shough led the team down the field and capped the seven-play drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Chris Olave. Head Coach Kellen Moore said after the game that Shough showed a lot of poise in that game-tying drive.

Cut 16 (12) “…that it was.”

The stop Moore alluded to was the ensuing drive, in which the Saints only allowed the Panthers to take 1:32 off the clock. The Saints got the ball back on their own nine yard line with one timeout left and drove down the field to get into position for newly acquired Irish kicker Charlie Smyth to kick a game winning field goal.

The key play came with 12 seconds left and the Saints out of timeouts, when Shough ran it down the middle for four yards and slid. Panthers safety Lathan Ransom hit Shough as he was sliding, drawing a 15-yard penalty – putting Smyth in perfect position to kick a 47-yard field goal to win the game. Smyth said after the game he could not have imagined being in that position just a few short weeks ago.

Cut 17 (17)  “…a dream scenario.”

The Saints will try to make it three in a row next Sunday against the Jets in the Superdome. Kickoff is at noon.

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Sterlington won its second consecutive state championship on Friday as the Panthers rallied back from a 12-7 deficit to beat Jena. Sterlington Coach Lee Doty says coming from behind was nothing new for his team…

Cut 18 (17)  “…no doubt.”

Iowa won its first state championship as the Yellow Jackets won a thrilling game over North DeSoto 50-43 to complete an undefeated season. Iowa coach and lifelong southwest Louisiana resident, Tommy Johns, can’t say enough about the community support his team received throughout the year…

Cut 19 (11) “…this journey.”