Next week is Christmas week, and that means scores of people will be heading out of town to celebrate the holidays. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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This weekend is the last weekend before Christmas, and more people than ever are expected to get their last-minute shopping in. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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It’s being called one of the biggest child predator busts in state history. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Christmas week is next week, and that means another busy travel week. And Triple-A says this year will be another record-breaker, with more than 122-million Americans heading out of town for the holidays, with the automobile being the most popular mode of travel by far. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says the closer we get to Christmas Day, the busier the roads will be.

Cut 4 (09) “…the highest number.”

Redman says whereas everyone seems to be traveling at once for Thanksgiving, that’s not the case for Christmas.

Cut 5 (06) “…everyone heading out.”

Redman says if you want to avoid heavy traffic on your way home, your best bet is to watch the ball drop at Times Square in your vacation destination.

Cut 6 (08) “…the same time.”

In the west-south-central region, which includes Louisiana, 11-million people are expected to take a road trip of more than 50 miles to celebrate the holidays.

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The National Retail Federation is expecting almost 160-million shoppers to hit the stores on the last Saturday before Christmas. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says even though there are more shoppers than ever, the most money is being spent by one group more than the others.

Cut 7 (11) “…to spend more.”

Of those shoppers, the NRF is expecting more than 41-million to do so online. Rice says doing your Super Saturday shopping online is becoming easier each year.

Cut 8 (12) “…to your car.”

The NRF has predicted that shoppers in the U.S. will spend more than one-trillion dollars for the first time. Rice believes the numbers are deceiving, though.

Cut 9 (13)  “…those price increases.”

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The American Tort Reform Foundation is out with its ranking of its worst judicial hellholes of 2025. President Tiger Joyce says one long-running state case rose to close to the top of the list.

Cut 10 (10) “…at number four.”

The award that Joyce is referring to was the 744-million-dollar verdict handed down by a jury to Plaquemines Parish; when after deliberating for four hours, it found Chevron liable for environmental damages and degradation of coastal wetlands. Joyce says litigation like this is not good news for one of the biggest drivers of the state’s economy.

Cut 11 (08) “…such an outlier.”

Chevron appealed the verdict on the grounds that state court was not the proper venue in the case, and the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments January 12th. Joyce says Chevron has a good case.

Cut 12 (10) “…World War Two.”

The foundation says lawsuit abuse forces Louisiana residents to pay what is effectively a tort tax of more than a thousand dollars a year, and it leads to almost 40-thousand lost jobs each year.

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A massive enforcement operation in North Louisiana targeting registered sex offenders nets 67 arrests. It’s one of the biggest child predator busts in state history. Attorney General Liz Murrill says it happened during a month-long operation last month called Operation Access Denied.

Cut 13 (13)  “…during this operation.”

Murrill says agents from 26 sheriff’s offices, three police departments, the Department of Public Safety and the Bossier Marshal’s Office used the sex offender registry and other resources to identify the sex offenders who were engaging in illegal online activity, and that led to the discovery of other crimes.

Cut 14 (12) “…of an animal.”

Murrill says these arrests underscore the importance of parents diligently supervising their kids’ online activity at all times.

Cut 15 (08) “…to your child.”

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Tulane makes its first appearance in the College Football Playoff Saturday, where it’ll face Ole Miss for the second time this season. Head coach Jon Sumrall credited his team’s success to its closeness and says he has full belief in its ability to pull off an upset.

Cut 16 (12) “…we fight.”

In Tulane’s first game against Ole Miss, junior quarterback Jake Retzlaff only completed 5 of 17 passes for 52 yards. Sumrall says Retzlaff has done a great job bouncing back and says he’s a completely different quarterback at this point in the season.

Cut 17 (14)  “…leader for us.”

Kickoff in Oxford on Saturday is at 2:30 p.m.

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The Saints look to win their third straight game Sunday when they take on the New York Jets. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough says the team’s confidence is as high as it’s ever been and says he wants to keep the city of New Orleans happy.

Cut 18 (17)  “…my whole goal.”

Tight end Juwan Johnson knew Shough prior to playing for the Saints, as both started their careers at Oregon. Johnson says he’s seeing Shough play with lots of confidence lately.

Cut 19 (17) “…what it is.”

Running back Devin Neal has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, and wide receiver Devaughn Vele has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.

67 sex offenders are arrested in a month-long operation in North Louisiana last month. Attorney General Liz Murrill says agents from more than 30 departments used the sex offender registry and other resources to identify the sex offenders who were engaging in illegal online activity, and that led to the discovery of other crimes.

Cut 14 (12) “…of an animal.”

The Public Service Commission passes a new policy, in which utilities looking to build infrastructure to power large projects like data centers will no longer have to prove that the generation is the cheapest and most reliable on the market. Alaina DiLaura with the Alliance for Affordable Energy says the new policy is unfair to residents.

Cut 11 (11) “…enter the state.”

Louisiana is expected to provide high-speed internet access to every resident by 2028, two years earlier than initially expected. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

People needing to conduct business at an OMV service center picked the wrong day to do so. The OMV was hit with a system-wide outage for several hours today. It started at around nine this morning, and services were finally restored by 2:30 this afternoon. Other state services were also affected. No word on what caused the outage.

Louisiana is expected to provide high-speed internet access to every Louisiana resident by 2028, two years earlier than initially expected. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The Public Service Commission approves a new rule aimed at streamlining the process for large projects like data centers to access the energy they need to operate. Andrew Greenstein reports not everyone is happy about that.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A gutsy season by the U-L Lafayette football team comes to an end with a 20-13 loss to Delaware in the 68 Ventures Bowl. The Cajuns fell behind 20-3 before scoring ten unanswered points to pull to within a touchdown. The Cajuns had a chance to tie it on the last play of the game, but quarterback Lunch Winfield’s pass was broken up in the end zone. After the game, head coach Mike Desormeaux (DEZ-er-mo) said he’s proud of everything his team accomplished, including winning their last four games to achieve bowl eligibility.

Cut 3 (06) “…it’s just tough.”

Desormeaux says the game was a microcosm of the entire season.

Cut 4 (12) “…has been unbelievable.”

Winfield says this season has been a learning experience.

Cut 5 (08) “…for next season.”

The Cajuns finish the season with a record of 6-and-7.

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Louisiana is expected to provide high-speed internet access to every Louisiana resident by 2028, which is two years earlier than initially expected. ConnectLA executive director Veneeth Iyengar says state and parish officials have come together to speed up the process.

Cut 6 (14) “…ahead of schedule.”

Because so many Louisianans now have access to high-speed internet access, Iyengar says people will be able to choose from multiple internet service providers.

Cut 7 (12) “…that customer.”

Iyengar notes that Louisiana residents could see prices decrease when it comes to paying for higher internet speeds because of the plentiful access in the state.

Cut 8 (13) “…paying before.”

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The Public Service Commission approves a new rule aimed at streamlining the process for large projects like data centers to access the energy they need to operate. Under the new policy, utilities looking to build infrastructure to power those massive projects will no longer have to prove that the generation is the cheapest and most reliable on the market. Commissioner Jean-Paul Coussan proposed the rule as a way to accelerate the timelines for these projects. But Alaina DiLaura with the Alliance for Affordable Energy says everyone else will end up paying the price.

Cut 9 (12)  “…and industrial ratepayers.”

DiLaura says with this new policy, which the commission approved on a vote of 4-1, consumers are no longer guaranteed to be getting the most affordable electricity.

Cut 10 (08) “…that they want.”

DiLaura says the new policy is unfair to residents, who are already in the middle of an affordability crisis.

Cut 11 (11) “…enter the state.”

The Public Service Commission approves a new rule aimed at streamlining the process for large projects like data centers to access the energy they need to operate. Utilities looking to build infrastructure to power those massive projects will no longer have to prove that the generation is the cheapest and most reliable on the market. Commissioner Jean-Paul Coussan proposed the rule as a way to accelerate the timelines for these projects. But Alaina DiLaura with the Alliance for Affordable Energy says everyone else will end up paying the price.

Cut 9 (12)  “…and industrial ratepayers.”

This just in to the Louisiana Radio Network newsroom – Attorney General Liz Murrill has announced that 67 people, including at least five women, have been arrested in a massive enforcement operation targeting registered sex offenders. Throughout last month, Operation Access Denied targeted sex offenders for additional crimes against children.

A gutsy season by the U-L Lafayette football team comes to an end with a 20-13 loss to Delaware in the 68 Ventures Bowl. The Cajuns fell behind 20-3 before scoring ten unanswered points to pull to within a touchdown. The Cajuns had a chance to tie it on the last play of the game, but quarterback Lunch Winfield’s pass was broken up in the end zone. After the game, head coach Mike Desormeaux (DEZ-er-mo) said the game was a microcosm of the entire season.

Cut 4 (12) “…has been unbelievable.”

The Cajuns finish the season with a record of 6-and-7.

If you go to a store and find that it has the Christmas gift you’re looking for in stock, you can thank A-I for that. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says stores are using A-I to manage their inventories to make sure their shelves are properly stocked.

Cut 8 (11) “…what they want.”

That’s one of the many ways that A-I has greatly enhanced the Christmas shopping experience in recent years.

A federal judge rules that Louisiana’s law requiring social media companies to, among other things, verify the age of users is unconstitutional. NetChoice successfully argued that those requirements force users to give up too much personal information to gain access. Attorney General Liz Murrill says she will appeal.

Cut 6 (09) “…over protecting minors.”

Nearsightedness is becoming an epidemic in Louisiana, and Louisiana’s deputy surgeon general has some tips for kids to protect their eyesight. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Saints owner Gayle Benson and Raising Cane’s owner Todd Graves donated 100 children’s bikes and helmets to members of the YMCA of the Capital Area yesterday. Graves says this is the sixth year of this initiative.

Cut 11 (10) “…of the season.”

A federal judge in Baton Rouge has ruled that Louisiana’s law that requires social media companies to verify the age of users, obtain parental consent and provide parental controls is unconstitutional. Judge John deGravelles (guh-GRAVEL) said the law violates the First Amendment. Attorney General Liz Murrill says it’s unfortunate that the court chose to protect huge corporations that facilitate child exploitation.

Cut 4 (03) “…of the solution.”

As if excessive social media exposure isn’t dangerous enough, with adverse effects on mental health, it can also cause nearsightedness in children. Louisiana Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman says using objects up close like phone screens makes their eyes grow longer and could cause permanent complications.

Cut 13 (11)  “…your whole life.”

In recent years, A-I has greatly enhanced the Christmas shopping experience. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says if you go online and get stuck as to what to get your special someone for Christmas, there’s A-I to the rescue.

Cut 9 (12)  “…want to buy.”

In fact, Rice says Rufus has helped Amazon bring in an additional ten-billion dollars in revenue.

Raising Cane’s owner Todd Graves and Saints owner Gayle Benson were in Baton Rouge yesterday to donate 100 children’s bikes and helmets to members of the YMCA of the Capital Area. Mrs. Benson also presented a check to the YMCA to renovate its locker rooms.

Cut 10 (12) “…feel so good.”

A federal judge rules that Louisiana’s law requiring social media companies to, among other things, verify the age of users is unconstitutional. NetChoice successfully argued that those requirements violate the First Amendment because they force users to give up too much personal information to gain access. Attorney General Liz Murrill says she will appeal.

Cut 6 (09) “…over protecting minors.”

Louisiana Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman says near-sightedness is becoming an epidemic among children in the state. He says one hour of natural sunlight exposure greatly reduces that risk; and if kids use the fact that it’s an overcast day as an excuse to stay indoors, that that’s no excuse.

Cut 15 (12) “…bright as indoors.”

It seems that A-I has taken over nearly every facet of our daily lives, and that includes Christmas shopping. Retailers are using A-I agents, like Walmart’s Sparky and Amazon’s Rufus, to give online shoppers a helping hand on what to get their loved ones. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says they’ve been very effective – and very profitable.

Cut 23 (08) “…having with it.”

Brick-and-mortar retailers, meanwhile, are using A-I to manage inventory, to make sure there are enough gifts for everyone to buy.

Raising Cane’s owner Todd Graves and Saints owner Gayle Benson were in Baton Rouge yesterday to donate 100 children’s bikes and helmets to members of the YMCA of the Capital Area. The holiday bike giveaway is part of Mrs. Benson’s Month of Giving.

Cut 12 (10) “…events like this.”

A federal judge has ruled a 2023 state law that requires social media companies to verify the age of users is unconstitutional. Jeff Palermo has reaction.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Need inspiration for those last-minute Christmas gifts? A-I to the rescue! Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Nearsightedness is becoming an epidemic in Louisiana, and Louisiana’s deputy surgeon general has some tips for kids to protect their eyesight. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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A federal judge in Baton Rouge has ruled that Louisiana’s law that requires social media companies to verify the age of users, obtain parental consent and provide parental controls is unconstitutional. Judge John deGravelles (guh-GRAVEL) said the law violates the First Amendment. Attorney General Liz Murrill says it’s unfortunate that the court chose to protect huge corporations that facilitate child exploitation.

Cut 4 (03) “…of the solution.”

NetChoice challenged Louisiana’s social media age verification law, saying the government does not have the authority to restrict access to lawful speech it does not like. But Murrill says the purpose of the legislation is to protect children from online predators.

Cut 5 (11) “…using social media.”

NetChoice argued before the court that age verification requirements amount to First Amendment violations because they force users to give up too much personal information just to gain access. Murrill says she plans to appeal the ruling.

Cut 6 (09) “…over protecting minors.”

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It seems that A-I has taken over the entire Christmas shopping experience. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says with Christmas shopping lists becoming more and more complex, an increasing number of shoppers are turning to A-I for inspiration before schlepping to the malls and fighting the crowds.

Cut 7 (10) “…interaction nowadays.”

Rice says if you’ve noticed that the items that you’re looking for in the store are always in stock, you can thank A-I for that.

Cut 8 (11) “…what they want.”

And if you go online and get stuck as to what to get your special someone for Christmas, Rice says now, there’s A-I to the rescue.

Cut 9 (12)  “…want to buy.”

In fact, Rice says Rufus has helped Amazon bring in an additional ten-billion dollars in revenue.

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Raising Cane’s owner Todd Graves and Saints owner Gayle Benson were in Baton Rouge yesterday to donate 100 children’s bikes and helmets to members of the YMCA of the Capital Area. Mrs. Benson also presented a check to the YMCA to renovate its locker rooms.

Cut 10 (12) “…feel so good.”

Graves says this is the sixth year they are donating children’s bikes to youth organizations across the country.

Cut 11 (10) “…of the season.”

The holiday bike giveaway to the YMCA of the Capital area is part of Mrs. Benson’s Month of Giving.

Cut 12 (10) “…events like this.”

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As if excessive social media exposure isn’t dangerous enough, with adverse effects on mental health, it can also cause nearsightedness in children. Louisiana Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman says using objects up close like phone screens makes their eyes grow longer and could cause permanent complications.

Cut 13 (11)  “…your whole life.”

Dr. Coleman says the best way for kids to prevent near-sightedness is to put the phone down and go play outside.

Cut 14 (07) “…near-sightedness in kids.”

Coleman says if kids use the fact that it’s an overcast day as an excuse to stay indoors, tell him or her that that’s no excuse.

Cut 15 (12) “…bright as indoors.”

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LSU men’s basketball is coming off an impressive win against SMU in New Orleans this past weekend. Senior forward Pablo Tamba had one of his best games as a Tiger as he scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Head coach Matt McMahon told Tiger Rag Radio that Tamba is a special player.

Cut 16 (14) “…fantastic out there.”

With LSU junior Jalen Reed’s season-ending Achilles injury, the Tigers had to move senior forward Marquel Sutton back to the post after he played the three for a while. McMahon says he adapted well in his natural position against the Mustangs.

Cut 17 (17)  “…and 12 rebounds.”

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Tulane faces Ole Miss for the second time this year in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Saturday. The Rebels blew out the Green Wave the first time, winning by five touchdowns. Junior quarterback Jake Retzlaff said the team is looking to get revenge the second time around.

Cut 18 (16)  “…and we’re ready.”

The last time Tulane played Ole Miss, the Green Wave had only 282 yards of offense. Retzlaff says offensive coordinator Joe Craddock told the offense it needed to improve on several aspects in order to give itself a shot at winning.

Cut 19 (16) “…we’ve been ever.”

Kickoff in Oxford on Saturday is at 2:30.

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At an event where Saints owner Gayle Benson and Raising Cane’s owner Todd Graves donated 100 custom bikes and helmets to the youth of the YMCA, WAFB-TV’s Jacques Doucet asked Benson about the Saints’ recent success.

Cut 20 (14) “…he’s awesome.”

A former New Iberia police officer who allegedly plotted a terror attack in New Orleans is currently charged with one count of threat by interstate commerce. But Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says many more serious charges are likely forthcoming against 29-year-old Micah Legnon.

Cut 9 (12)  “…bomb-making materials.”

ElementUSA announces plans to build a rare earth and critical minerals refining facility in St. James Parish. Parish President Pete Dufresne says ElementUSA chose St. James Parish because the industrial infrastructure is already in place with the Atlantic Alumina plant.

Cut 4 (12) “…that same material.”

Following the Texas Bowl, Tigers interim head coach Frank Wilson will leave LSU for an assistant coaching job at Ole Miss. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

If you’d like to see Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff against Tulane Saturday, be prepared to fork over some serious dough. Currently, the cheapest ticket on the secondary market is more than 250 dollars. Or you can stick around and watch the Saints in their home finale the following day for as cheap as less than 20 bucks.

A former New Iberia police officer is currently facing one charge related to an alleged terror plot in New Orleans, and 29-year-old Micah Legnon will in all certainty be facing a lot more. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says thanks to modern technology, it’s a lot easier now for the government to make cases like these than it was several years ago.

Cut 11 (12) “…Google searches.”

Excessive social media exposure can not only have adverse effects on mental health, it can also cause nearsightedness in children. Louisiana Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman says using objects up close like phone screens makes their eyes grow longer and could cause permanent complications.

Cut 13 (11)  “…your whole life.”

ElementUSA announces that it’s investing 850-million dollars to build a rare earth and critical minerals refining facility in St. James Parish. Parish President Pete Dufresne says the facility will lead to the creation of 200 new direct jobs and more than 550 new indirect jobs.

Cut 3 (06) “…we greatly need.”

It seems that LSU and Ole Miss have an exchange program of sorts going on. LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson has announced that he will be leaving LSU after the Texas Bowl to become the running backs coach at Ole Miss. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says this is not a surprising development.

Cut 6 (08) “…not coming back.”

Guilbeau says as Wilson’s replacement, Lane Kiffin is expected to hire Kevin Smith – the running backs coach he had at Ole Miss.