Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple approves Farm Bureau’s request for a nearly 12-percent auto insurance rate decrease. He says Farm Bureau is the first company that told him its rate decrease request is a direct result of the insurance reform package that the legislature passed this year. He says Louisiana is becoming a more attractive state for insurance companies to do business.

Cut 4 (07) “…accordingly and appropriately.”

Congressman Cleo Fields is denying allegations of insider trading. The news website NOTUS reports the Democrat is being investigated after he bought a large amount of Oracle stock days before President Trump signed an executive order that gave the company a leading role in TikTok’s pending U.S. spinoff from a Chinese company. Fields says he’s been trading stocks for a long time.

Cut 7 (08) “…I’m in Congress.”

It’s a light schedule of college football games this Saturday., but there are still games of interest. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

And if you’re planning on spending time outdoors this weekend, temperatures will be warmer than normal throughout the state for this time of year. A disturbance near the Bahamas will bring rain to Southeast Louisiana that will last a few days. North of the I-12 corridor, however, will see little to no rain whatsoever.

What does the weather hold in store this weekend? It depends on where in the state you’re in. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says those in Southeast Louisiana could be in for a wet end to the weekend.

Cut 9 (11)  “…along the coast.”

However, for those of you north of the I-12 corridor, Grymes says you’ll be lucky to see any rain in the next seven days.

Those of you who have Farm Bureau auto insurance could be in for a decrease in your premiums when your policy is up for renewal. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple has approved its request for a nearly 12-percent rate decrease, effective the first of the year. Temple says it’s in part a direct result of the work of the legislature earlier this year.

Cut 3 (11) “…the 2025 session.”

Congressman Cleo Fields is facing allegations of insider trading. The news website NOTUS reports the Democrat bought a large amount of Oracle stock days before President Trump signed an executive order that gave the technology giant a leading role in TikTok’s pending U.S. spinoff from a Chinese company. Fields denies he had any inside knowledge.

Cut 6 (07) “…this for years.”

Fields is a member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, which oversees the financial markets and securities industry. NOTUS says it’s unclear what, if anything, Fields knew about Oracle’s involvement in the TikTok deal, or whether Fields initiated the trade himself or if a financial adviser did so on his behalf.

With a forecast of almost 75-thousand new jobs in the next two years, one economist says Louisiana is poised to cross the two-million jobs barrier. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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How will the ongoing federal government shutdown affect consumer spending? Andrew Greenstein has some insight.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A new Superdome agreement between the state and the Saints has been signed, which will keep the team in the city of New Orleans for the foreseeable future. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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One economist says the state as a whole is expected to add almost 75-thousand jobs in the next two years. Dr. Loren Scott says much of South Louisiana is expected to see a good portion of those new jobs, fueled by the industrial construction boom.

Cut 4 (11) “…now beginning construction.”

Dr. Scott says when considered by itself, the New Orleans metropolitan area tells a very different story. He says environmental organizations have stifled industrial projects, and with the exception of St. Tammany Parish, that has slowed job growth tremendously there.

Cut 5 (09) “…were before Katrina.”

Scott says there is a level of uncertainty in the oil and gas sector, thanks in large part to tariffs and oil prices.

Cut 6 (12) “…used to do.”

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How will the federal government shutdown affect consumer spending? Kris Lindsey-Hall, an associate professor of marketing at LSU, says those who stand to lose their income, whether temporarily or permanently, will have a very rough go for the time being.

Cut 7 (12) “…to do that.”

Lindsey-Hall says even those who don’t work for the federal government may find themselves cutting back on spending, or opting for less expensive options like private label brands at the supermarket instead of national brands.

Cut 8 (10) “…today was financially.”

Lindsey-Hall says people tend to put off major purchases during federal government shutdowns.

Cut 9 (10)  “…that ripple effect.”

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The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has laid out its plan on how it will address a 25-million-dollar structural deficit. Interim President Jamie Hebert says the school has implemented 10-percent operational spending cuts and a five-percent cut to academic affairs.

Cut 10 (12) “…offices on campus.”

Hebert says there will be a handful of layoffs. He says they will also adjust building temperatures and make changes to the campus shuttle bus system. He says there will be several other cost-saving measures.

Cut 11 (10) “…current revenue streams.”

The deficit is the result of a decline in enrollment of full-time undergraduates since 2015. During that time, the school has seen an increase in online and graduate programs, but that brings in less revenue. Hebert says the goal with these cost cutting initiatives is not to diminish the student learning experience, and they believe they can achieve that.

Cut 12 (10) “…to conduct research.”

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A new Superdome agreement has been signed between the Saints and the State of Louisiana. The ten-year extension keeps the Black and Gold in New Orleans through the 2035 season, and the Saints will have the option to renew every five years through 2055. Owner Gayle Benson says the deal is an example of the special partnership between the state and the NFL franchise.

Cut 13 (13)  “…of the way.”

The new lease agreement is the result of lengthy negotiations between the NFL franchise and the Saints. According to NOLA.com, the two sides had trouble agreeing on new details for other real estate properties, such as Benson Tower, which is owned by the Saints but leases office space to state agencies.

Changes have also been made on revenue percentages for food and beverage sales at games and gives Louisiana more favorable terms to market the Dome’s exclusive suites for marquee events.

The lease agreement also contains language that would deter a future owner from relocating the team. Governor Jeff Landry praises the deal.

Cut 14 (10) “…of New Orleans.”

Because the lease agreement negotiations took longer than expected, the Saints missed a key deadline in order to bid on hosting a Super Bowl in 2031. But Benson believes it’s not too late to get involved in the bidding.

Cut 15 (08) “…am not deterred.”

If 2031 is not on the table for the Saints, the next available year for New Orleans to host the Super Bowl is 2038.

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McNeese football hasn’t had the ideal start they would have liked, but the Pokes will have an opportunity to get back in the win column as they host Southeastern tomorrow. Head coach Matt Viator says he wants his team to be frustrated and be able to respond to a tough loss to Stephen F. Austin.

Cut 16 (18) “…you don’t win.”

The Pokes have struggled to be put a full offensive showing together for four quarters. Even though the group has showed flashes, Viator says that the coaching staff has to do a better job of putting his players in the best position to be effective.

Cut 17 (16)  “…hit and miss.”

Southeastern is 3-2 after coming off of a 45-31 win over Texas Rio Grande Valley. The Lions play two quarterbacks on offense, junior Carson Camp and sophomore Kyle Lowe. Head coach Frank Scelfo commends the two quarterbacks for being able to make such a difficult system work.

Cut 18 (19) “…win or lose.”

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Quarterback Jaxson Dart was drafted 25^th overall by the New York Giants in the this year’s NFL Draft. Even though the Saints were in the market for a quarterback, they passed on the electric playmaker from Ole Miss. Dart says that he’s going into Sunday’s game against the Saints with an extra chip on his shoulder.

Cut 19 (14) “…like that happens.”

Dart will make his first start on the road in New Orleans on Sunday. Even though the Superdome is known for being one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL, Dart says he’s used to crowd noise from playing in the SEC.

Cut 20 (19) “…prepare that way.”

Southeast Louisiana could be in for a wet weekend this weekend. The National Hurricane Center has identified an area of low pressure that has a low potential of developing into a tropical depression. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says this disturbance is helping increase rain chances.

Cut 10 (12) “…anybody’s guess.”

Congress’s inability to approve a government funding bill has resulted in the expiration of the National Flood Insurance Program. Policies currently in effect will continue until the end of the current one-year policy term. Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the program can still pay claims, but that will stop once available funds run out.

Cut 4 (10) “…hurricane season.”

One economist is predicting that Louisiana will soon achieve a significant employment milestone. Dr. Loren Scott says Louisiana is expected to add almost 75-thousand jobs over the next two years, pushing the state past the elusive two-million jobs threshold.

Cut 6 (11) “…employment in Louisiana.”

A new Superdome agreement has been signed between the Saints and the state of Louisiana. The ten-year extension keeps the Black and Gold in New Orleans through the 2035 season, and the Saints will have the option to renew every five years through 2055. Owner Gayle Benson says the deal is an example of the special partnership between the state and the NFL franchise.

Cut 13 (13)  “…every step of the way.”

Southeast Louisiana could be in for a wet weekend. The National Hurricane Center has identified an area of low pressure near the Bahamas that has a low potential of developing into a tropical depression. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says that will bump up the rain chances Sunday.

Cut 11 (09) “…part of Wednesday.”

One economist says Louisiana is expected to add almost 75-thousand jobs over the next two years, pushing the state past the elusive two-million jobs threshold. Dr. Loren Scott says this is being driven in large part by the industrial construction boom throughout the state, including in Richland Parish, where a Meta data center is being put up.

Cut 8 (09) “…next few years.”

Congress’s failure to pass a funding bill to keep the federal government operating also means the National Flood Insurance Program is no longer active. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Don Molino.”

Contestants on Jeopardy! apparently don’t pay a whole lot of attention to the news around here. Last week, they were all stumped by a clue about this year’s jailbreak in New Orleans.

Cut 25 (10) “…Plaquemines? No.”

The correct response, Ken Jennings?

Cut 26 (01) “…Orleans Parish.”

One economist is predicting that with the addition of almost 75-thousand jobs over the next two years, Louisiana will eclipse the elusive two-million jobs threshold. Dr. Loren Scott says the record employment is being driven in large part by the industrial construction boom throughout the state. He says in Shreveport, one thing to watch for is whether a long-rumored project will come to fruition.

Cut 7 (10) “…sign non-disclosure agreements.”

The government shutdown and the failure of Congress to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program will impact real estate transactions. Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says that’s because properties in the Special Flood Hazard Area are required to have flood insurance.

Cut 5 (08) “…to be closed.”

Temple says private flood insurance is available.

We’re looking at higher rain chances this weekend, but mainly for southeast Louisiana as tropical moisture could bring much needed rainfall to that part of the state. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the whole state could really use some rain…

Cut 9 (12)  “…part of the state.”

The Superdome is hosting yet another football championship. This time, it’s the College Football Playoff title game on January 24th, 2028, to crown the champion of the 2027 college football season. Governor Landry says the big football game will bring thousands to the city, which serves as the front door to the rest of Louisiana.

Cut 15 (11) “… unbelievable place.”

Congress’s inability to approve a government funding bill has resulted in the expiration of the National Flood Insurance Program. Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says this means the N-F-I-P cannot issue new or renew existing flood insurance policies…

Cut 3 (10) “…of people.”

The EPA says it’s making good progress in the cleanup from the Smitty’s Supply explosion in Roseland. It says crews have cleaned out more than four-million gallons of oily materials from the Tangipahoa River and adjacent ponds, accounting for 75-percent of the oily material that ended up in the waterways. Region Six Administrator Scott Mason says they’re also working to prevent additional oily materials from reaching the river or the ponds.

Cut 23 (09) “…petroleum-based liquids.”

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is calling on building owners, businesses and residents to turn off unnecessary lighting from 11 p-m to 6 a-m to help an estimated 500 million migratory birds pass through Louisiana safely. LWF member Charles Williams says by turning off or dimming non-essential lights during peak migration hours, the public can help birds navigate safely.

Cut 12 (11) “…by saving birds.”

The Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources is now the Department of Conservation and Energy. C-and-E spokesman Patrick Courreges (koo-RAHJ) says despite a new name, the mission remains the same.

Cut 7 (13) “…and land itself.”

The EPA says it’s making progress in the cleanup of the Tangipahoa River more than a month after the explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland. The update comes just days after Governor Landry took to social media to urge the EPA to pick up the pace. During a news conference, in which Landry attended, EPA Region Six Administrator Scott Mason says crews have cleaned up most of the oil that ended up in the waterways.

Cut 4 (11) “…material recovery effort.”

The College Football National Championship game is returning to New Orleans. It will be held in the Caesars Superdome on January 24th, 2028. During the official announcement, Jeff Hundley, the chief executive officer of the Allstate Sugar Bowl, says this will have a huge economic impact for the city.

Cut 14 (09) “…same year.”

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is urging the public to go “Lights Out” to protect migrating birds this fall. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Cut 23 (05) “…I’m hunting wabbits.”

And starting Saturday, Elmer Fudd and the rest of you can start hunting wabbits – err, rabbits – as well as squirrels. LDWF says rabbit and squirrel hunting is a great way to introduce kids to the sport. The season runs through the end of February. Those 18 and older will need a basic hunting license.

Just days after Governor Landry told it to pick up the pace, the EPA says it has made significant progress in cleaning up the oil from the waterways from the Smitty’s Supply explosion in Roseland. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is urging the public to go “Lights Out” to protect migrating birds this fall. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The College Football National Championship game is coming back to New Orleans in January of 2028. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The EPA says it’s making progress in the cleanup of the Tangipahoa River more than a month after the explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland. The update comes just days after Governor Landry took to social media to urge the EPA to pick up the pace. During a news conference, in which Landry attended, EPA Region Six Administrator Scott Mason says crews have cleaned up most of the oil that ended up in the waterways.

Cut 4 (11) “…material recovery effort.”

Mason says they’re also working to prevent additional oily materials from reaching the river or the ponds.

Cut 5 (09) “…petroleum-based liquids.”

Mason says they’re also working with state partners on soil sampling, working to determine whether there’s a risk to human health for farmers or other outdoor workers.

Cut 6 (05) “…to human health.”

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The Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources is now the Department of Conservation and Energy. C-and-E spokesman Patrick Courreges (koo-RAHJ) says despite a new name, the mission remains the same.

Cut 7 (13) “…and land itself.”

When Governor Landry took office last year, he issued an executive order to re-organize the agency that was known for a long time as the Department of Natural Resources.

Courreges says technology, industry, and environmental best practices have changed a great deal over the last several decades, and this re-organization helps the agency catch up.

Cut 8 (12) “…policy going forward.”

Courreges says the Department of Conservation and Energy will be organized into six divisions, better tailored to specific roles and operations. He says previously permitting responsibilities were split between two different offices, now they’ve been integrated into a centralized structure.

Cut 9 (08)  “…of these problems.”

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The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is calling on building owners, businesses and residents to turn off unnecessary lighting from 11 p-m to 6 a-m to help an estimated 500 million migratory birds pass through Louisiana safely.  LWF member Charles Williams says migratory birds navigate by the light of the moon and stars, but bright lights can lead to fatal collisions.

Cut 10 (09) “…injured or dying.”

Williams says this is the fall migration season, so they are asking the public to turn off outdoor lighting that’s non-essential for safety or operation during the night.

Cut 11 (08) “…that run continuously.”

Williams says a billion birds die every year from building collisions in North America. He says by turning off or dimming non-essential lights during peak migration hours, the public can help birds navigate safely.

Cut 12 (11) “…by saving birds.”

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The College Football National Championship game is returning to New Orleans as it will be held in the Caesars Superdome on January 24th, 2028. Rich Clark, the executive director of the College Football Playoff, says they are thrilled to bring the national championship game to New Orleans in 2028, and they know the fans will enjoy the experience.

Cut 13 (12)  “…big events.”

Not only will New Orleans host the CFP National Championship game in 2028, the Allstate Sugar Bowl will once again serve as a CFP Quarterfinal on New Year’s Night. 2020 was the last time New Orleans hosted both the Sugar Bowl and a CFP national championship game. Jeff Hundley, the chief executive officer of the Allstate Sugar Bowl, says this will be a huge economic impact for the city.

Cut 14 (09) “…same year.”

Governor Landry says the big football games will bring thousands to the city, which serves as the front door to the rest of Louisiana.

Cut 15 (11) “… unbelievable place.”

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The Saints are 0-and-4, but they have a great opportunity to get in the win column as they host the New York Giants Sunday. Head coach Kellen Moore says that second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler is not going to be perfect every play, but he’s given the Saints numerous chances to win games.

Cut 16 (11) “…it done.”

The Saints will face rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart Sunday. Dart made his first start last week against the Chargers and lifted the Giants to a 21-18 win. Moore says that Dart has numerous strengths that make him a dangerous weapon on offense.

Cut 17 (20)  “…those guys.”

The New Orleans offense will be challenged with facing one of the best defensive lines in the NFL which features Dexter Lauwrence, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns. With a banged-up offensive line, Rattler says the Saints will have to get the ball out quickly.

Cut 18 (15) “…the chains.”

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Northwestern State will play a home game for the first time in 37 days on Saturday when it hosts East Texas A&M. The Demons are coming off of a bye week, and head coach Blaine McCorkle says that his team has a chance to learn from their heartbreaking 27 to 24 loss to Prairie View A&M.

Cut 19 (16) “…a win.”

Northwestern quarterback Abram Johnston made his first career start about a year ago against East Texas A&M. Johnston now has several more games of experience under his belt and is more comfortable with the offense. Johnston says Saturday’s game is an opportunity for the Demons to make a statement as conference play begins.

Cut 20 (12) “…important it is.”

Kickoff at Turpin Stadium is at 6 p-m.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says while he does not want to undermine Governor Landry and his push to call in the National Guard to assist with fighting crime, he has a different idea. Nungesser says if it was his call, he would call for additional money to beef up local police as a long-term solution, as well as being more proactive in keeping dangerous people off the streets.

Cut 14 (12) “…been behind bars.”

LSU football coach Brian Kelly says any speculation quarterback Garrett Nussmeier needs surgery to repair an injury he suffered in fall camp is just not true.

Cut 6 (08) “…silly actually.”

Kelly was asked about Nussmeier’s health during today’s SEC coaches’ Zoom conference with reporters. The Tigers are off this Saturday.

The mayor of Shreveport has several questions on what it would look like with the National Guard teaming up with his police department in fighting crime. Jeff Palermo reports

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Rapides Parish apparently isn’t the only one in which high schools have come under threat online. Avoyelles High School was on a soft lockdown yesterday in response to social media threats, and a 13-year-old has been arrested for making them. The sheriff of Avoyelles Parish says the juvenile has been charged with four counts of terrorizing.