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.”

Senator Bill Cassidy is speaking out after a CDC panel voted to remove the universal recommendation for the Hepatitis B vaccine immediately after birth. Cassidy, who’s a medical doctor by trade, says decisions like these ought to be about protecting children’s health.

Cut 3 (06) “…a personal prejudice.”

Because the vaccine had been recommended, insurance providers had covered it. Cassidy says with the change in recommendation, that’s now in limbo.

The holiday season can be a stressful time for many people. The Louisiana Surgeon General’s office says it’s okay not to be okay, and the 988 helpline is available if you need help. Holly Howatt, the interim assistant secretary of the Office of Behavioral Health, says the office operates two 988 call centers – one in North Louisiana and one in New Orleans.

Cut 14 (09) “…within the state.”

Global technology company SLB announces plans to expand its technology center at the former GM assembly plant in Shreveport resulting in hundreds of new jobs. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Here we go again – Powerball mania is gripping Louisiana and the country. There have been no jackpot winners since the September 6th drawing, so the estimated jackpot for tomorrow’s drawing is 930-million dollars.

Senator Bill Cassidy says a CDC panel acted irresponsibly in removing the universal recommendation for the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth. Cassidy says because the vaccine had been recommended, insurance providers had covered it. But with the change in recommendation, that’s now in limbo.

Cut 4 (12) “…to be assured.”

Global technology company SLB will expand its operations in Shreveport, resulting in hundreds of new jobs. Paige Carter, the chief development officer for the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, says SLB could have expanded anywhere, but it chose northwest Louisiana.

Cut 8 (14) “…doubling down.”

LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson will coach the Tigers in the Texas Bowl, but his future with the team is uncertain afterwards. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Judges throughout the state could be seeing a little extra dough in their paychecks. A state government panel has recommended that the legislature increase judges’ salaries by just over 25-thousand dollars a year for district judges, by more than 29-thousand for appellate judges and by more than 27-thousand for Supreme Court justices.

Senator Bill Cassidy is speaking out after a CDC panel voted to change the recommendation for the Hepatitis B vaccine. Since 1991, it had been recommended for all babies immediately after birth; last week, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to change that recommendation to include only babies born to mothers who test positive for the virus. Cassidy says decisions like these ought to be about protecting children’s health.

Cut 3 (06) “…a personal prejudice.”

The holiday season means that the crawfish season is right around the corner. LSU AgCenter crawfish extension agent Todd Fontenot says the 2026 season looks like a normal season.

Cut 23 (10) “…look pretty favorable.”

SLB announces plans to expand its technology center at the former GM assembly plant in Shreveport resulting in hundreds of new jobs. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The holiday season can be a stressful time for many people. Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham is urging you to reach out if you’re struggling. 

Cut 12 (07) “…somebody who cares.”

A plan to sell Toledo Bend water to Texas is off for now, and a Vernon Parish legislator wants to make sure it never happens. Hornbeck Republican Rodney Schamerhorn says he will be filing a bill that would block any future water sale. He says if Texas wants Louisiana water, it can supply Louisiana with some of its jobs. 

Cut 4 (12) “…living in Louisiana.”

Tulane has an extra incentive to beating Ole Miss on December 20th – if that happens, it would get a virtual home game in the Allstate Sugar Bowl against Georgia New Year’s Day. Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says a Sugar Bowl appearance for the hometown Green Wave would not be unprecedented – but it would be a VERY long time coming.

Cut 7 (10) “…be tremendous enthusiasm.”

For mudbug lovers, the holiday season means another crawfish season is right around the corner. Jeff Palermo has an outlook on the upcoming season.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

For the first time ever, the Iowa Yellow Jackets will play in a state championship football game. Iowa head coach Tommy Johns says the team has the Calcasieu Parish town buzzing.

Cut 13 (06)  “…a long time.”

Iowa will play North DeSoto, who’s the top seed in Division Two non-select.

A Vernon Parish legislator plans on filing a bill to make it illegal to sell water from Toledo Bend Reservoir to Texas. Hornbeck Republican Rodney Schamerhorn says people who bought property along the lakefront paid a premium for it; and if Louisiana sells too much of that water, they may ultimately not get their money’s worth.

Cut 6 (12) “…a beautiful lake.”

The holiday season is here; and in Louisiana, that can mean only one thing – crawfish season is right around the corner! LSU AgCenter crawfish extension agent Todd Fontenot says in certain areas, especially along the coast, hot boiled crawfish is available right now.

Cut 11 (10) “…our growing region.”

If Tulane can find a way to beat Ole Miss a week from Saturday, and they lost to them by five touchdowns four months ago, they’ll play Georgia in the Sugar Bowl literally in their own backyard – in the Superdome. Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says Tulane fans, while perhaps overly ambitious, are dreaming big.

Cut 8 (10) “…out about tickets.”

Tulane has played in the Sugar Bowl once – back in 1939.

We continue previewing the high school football state championship games. In Division Two non-select Friday, Iowa faces North DeSoto. Iowa Coach Tommy Johns says winning the time of possession battle will be one of the keys to victory.

Cut 14 (05) “…a track meet.”

Both teams are undefeated, and both are looking for their first football state title. Kickoff Friday is noon.

A plan to sell Toledo Bend water to Texas is off for now, and a Vernon Parish legislator plans on filing a bill in the next session to ensure that it never happens. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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For mudbug lovers, the holiday season means another crawfish season is right around the corner. Jeff Palermo has an outlook on the upcoming season.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A school in Calcasieu Parish will make history on Friday when the Iowa Yellow Jackets will play in their first state championship football game. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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A plan to sell Toledo Bend water to Texas is off for now, and a Vernon Parish legislator wants to make sure it never happens. The plan would have called for the reservoir to supply 200-thousand acre-feet from Louisiana’s share per year to Texas in order for that state to address potential water shortages in its metro areas. Hornbeck Republican Rodney Schamerhorn says he will be filing a bill that would block any future water sale. He says if Texas wants Louisiana water, it can supply Louisiana with some of its jobs.

Cut 4 (12) “…living in Louisiana.”

Schamerhorn notes that the populations of Texas and Louisiana are going in opposite directions.

Cut 5 (11) “…abundance of water.”

Furthermore, Schamerhorn says if Louisiana gives Texas water from Toledo Bend, people who bought property along the lakefront and paid a premium for it may ultimately not get their money’s worth.

Cut 6 (12) “…a beautiful lake.”

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As if advancing in the College Football Playoff wasn’t enough, Tulane has an extra incentive to beating Ole Miss on December 20th – they would get a virtual home game in the Allstate Sugar Bowl against Georgia New Year’s Day. Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says a Sugar Bowl appearance for the hometown Green Wave would not be unprecedented. But let’s just say it would be a long time coming – a VERY long time coming.

Cut 7 (10) “…be tremendous enthusiasm.”

But in order to play in the Sugar Bowl in front of their home fans, they will have to beat a team that beat them by five touchdowns just four months ago. But Hundley says that’s not stopping overly-ambitious Tulane fans from dreaming.

Cut 8 (10) “…out about tickets.”

Hundley says while it would be cool for Tulane to play the Sugar Bowl in the stadium they called home from 1975 through 2013 until Yulman Stadium opened, he’s not picking sides in Oxford.

Cut 9 (10)  “…best game possible.”

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The holiday season means that the crawfish season is right around the corner. LSU AgCenter crawfish extension agent Todd Fontenot says the 2026 season looks like a normal season.

Cut 10 (10) “…look pretty favorable.”

Fontenot says hot boiled crawfish is available, especially along the coast.

Cut 11 (10) “…our growing region.”

Fontenot says crawfish will become more plentiful in January and February, as long as the state stays away from lengthy periods of below-freezing temperatures.

Cut 12 (11) “…to our crawfish.”

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For the first time ever, the Iowa Yellow Jackets will play in a state championship football game. Iowa head coach Tommy Johns says the team has the Calcasieu Parish town buzzing.

Cut 13 (06)  “…a long time.”

Iowa will play North DeSoto, who’s the top seed in Division Two non-select. Johns says winning the time of possession will be crucial on Friday.

Cut 14 (05) “…a track meet.”

Mangham is looking for its first state championship since 1956 as the Dragons will take on Haynesville on Thursday at noon in the Division Four non-select title game. Mangham Coach Scott Wilcher says they are playing for their Richland Parish town.

Cut 15 (08) “…going to do.”

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UL-Lafayette is set to face Delaware in the 68 Ventures Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, on Wednesday, December 17th, at 7:30 p.m. The Blue Hens come into the matchup with the number-six passing offense in the country, averaging 302 passing yards per game. Head coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-moe) says the Cajuns’ defense will have to do a couple of things to limit Delaware in the air.

Cut 16 (16) “…things like that.”

After starting the season 2-6, the Cajuns won four straight games to close out the regular season. Desormeaux says he doesn’t want his team to be satisfied with a bowl berth, but he wants to close the year out with a fifth straight win and its first bowl win in three years.

Cut 17 (14)  “…to go do.”

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Louisiana Tech will face Coastal Carolina in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in Shreveport on Tuesday, December 30th, at 1 p.m. Several high-profile players have already entered the transfer portal, but head coach Sonny Cumbie says there are a few players that want to finish the season out for the Bulldogs.

Cut 18 (14)  “…to their character.”

Cumbie says defensive back Jacob Fields and linebacker Mekhi Mason will not play in the bowl game.

Cumbie will coach against his former defensive coordinator, Jeremiah Johnson, when the Bulldogs and Chanticleers face off. Johnson is the interim head coach for Coastal, and Cumbie says he’s looking forward to the matchup.

Cut 19 (14) “…and swarming around.”

Only one escapee from last week’s twin jailbreaks in South Louisiana remains on the loose – 24-year-old Keith Eli. Major Mark LeBlanc with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office says on Friday, deputies captured 24-year-old Johnathan Joseph after tips led detectives to a home in Opelousas.

Cut 11 (09) “…surrendered to officers.”

Amid the ongoing illegal immigration crackdown, New Orleans City Councilman J.P. Morrell stated that Louisiana is an open carry state and has a robust stand-your-ground law. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino points out, as Morrell did, that in the event of a stand-your-ground shooting, an officer’s only line of defense is by fully identifying oneself as a law enforcement officer.

Cut 5 (11) “…along those lines.”

Haynesville is looking for its 18th state championship in football, while North DeSoto is looking for its first. Jeff Palermo has more on these two northwest Louisiana schools as they prepare for the Prep Classic.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Documents show that a contractor in Tangipahoa Parish recovered dozens of oil-covered and injured animals in the aftermath of the explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland. The contractor said it had recovered 74 wild animals – mainly raccoons and opossums – of which 59 were covered in oil. Eight were listed as dead.

As Operation Catahoula Crunch continues, people may be wondering what exactly the law says about these sweeps. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says if agents have no reasonable grounds to detain you, you’re under no obligation to talk to them. However: 

Cut 4 (14) “…their basic questions.”

One escapee from a pair of South Louisiana jailbreaks remains on the loose. 24-year-old Keith Eli escaped from the St. Landry Parish Jail last Wednesday, along with two others. Major Mark LeBlanc with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office says investigators are going to great lengths to find him.

Cut 10 (14) “…of our agency.”

It’s Prep Classic week in high school football, with 16 teams vying for state titles in eight divisions. North DeSoto is seeking its first title in Division Two non-select as it faces Iowa Friday at noon. The Griffins are a perfect 13-and-0, and Coach Dennis Dunn says a selfless attitude has helped the team get to this point.

Cut 7 (07) “…all of that.”

For the second year in a row, Louisiana Tech will make the 70-mile trek to Shreveport to play in the Independence Bowl. But unlike last year, when they were a last-minute stand-in for Marshall, the Bulldogs were the I-Bowl’s first choice to take on Coastal Carolina. Executive Director Missy Setters says there are several fan and community events the night before the December 30th game.

Cut 14 (12) “…hurricane alley.”

Only one escapee from last week’s twin jailbreaks in South Louisiana remains on the loose – 24-year-old Keith Eli, who escaped with two others from the St. Landry Parish Jail. Major Mark LeBlanc with the sheriff’s office says deputies captured 24-year-old Johnathan Joseph Friday after tips and information led detectives to a home in Opelousas.

Cut 11 (09) “…surrendered to officers.”

As Operation Catahoula Crunch continues in the greater New Orleans area, people may be wondering what exactly the law says about these enhanced immigration sweeps – what the Border Patrol agents can and can’t do under the law. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says in order for agents to detain anyone, they need a good reason to do so.

Cut 3 (11) “…the federal government.”

Haynesville is looking for its 18th state championship in football, while North DeSoto is looking for its first. Jeff Palermo has more on these two northwest Louisiana schools as they prepare for the Prep Classic.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Four Louisiana teams are headed to postseason play in college football, headlined by Tulane as the 11 seed in the College Football Playoff. LSU is playing in the Texas Bowl, Louisiana Tech is headed to the Independence Bowl, and UL-Lafayette earned its way to the 68 Ventures Bowl.