Nike chooses LSU as the first school to partner with in its new NIL venture that teams up directly with athletes. Zach Greenwell, LSU’s deputy athletic director for external affairs, says they’re promoting products on the Nike store that’s specific to them and their respective sports.

Cut 8 (12) “…place to start.”

Haynesville, Riverside Academy and Dunham won state championships yesterday. Three more champions will be crowned today, and Ouachita Parish will play in its first title game tomorrow as it takes on Ruston. Aaron Dietrich, the sports director at KNOE-TV, says the Lion faithful will be out in full force.

Cut 12 (12) “…towards New Orleans.”

A star-studded lineup will take the stages at the 2026 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 1 (39) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

The mad rush is on for Powerball tickets. The jackpot for tomorrow night’s drawing is more than one-billion dollars. Powerball hasn’t had a jackpot winner since September 6th.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is expressing concern over the immigration raids stretching from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. Nungesser says the one-size-fits-all approach is the wrong approach, and there needs to be a better solution.

Cut 15 (13) “…and deporting them.”

This afternoon in the Superdome, Sterlington is playing for its second straight state football championship; while its opponent, Jena, is seeking its first ever. Aaron Dietrich, the sports director at KNOE-TV, says Sterlington may have the best rushing offense in the entire state.

Cut 11 (08) “…that is amazing.”

The Division Three non-select title game follows the Iowa-North DeSoto title game in Division Two non-select. Haynesville, Riverside Academy and Dunham won state titles yesterday.

Nike announces a first-of-its-kind partnership with LSU – and it’s the athletes who win. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Speaking of LSU, as the football team gets set to take on Houston in the Texas Bowl, it now knows its schedule for the 2026 season. It begins at home against Clemson Saturday, September 5th. Two weeks later, Lane Kiffin returns to Oxford as the Tigers face Ole Miss.

Tickets go on sale today for the 2026 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Producer and Director Quint Davis says what makes Jazz Fest unique is that it takes place during daytime hours.

Cut 6 (07) “…boogie around town.”

The 2026 Jazz Fest takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course April 23rd through May 3rd, but not the Monday through Wednesday in between.

Nike selects LSU as the first school for its new Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program. Whereas companies like Nike have partnered with athletic programs for decades, this new venture by Nike partners with the athletes themselves in a robust targeted marketing campaign for its products. Zach Greenwell, LSU’s deputy athletic director for external affairs, says being the first chosen for this new venture is a tremendous honor.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the next level.”

Ouachita Parish is seeking to avenge its week-four loss to Ruston in the Prep Classic tomorrow. Jeff Palermo is in the Superdome with a preview of the matchup.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

If you can teach high school algebra or geometry, the Lafayette Parish School System has a deal for you that really adds up. The school system is offering a three-thousand dollar bonus for new high school math teachers. The one-time stipend begins in the upcoming spring semester.

A star-studded lineup will take the stages at the 2026 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 1 (39) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

____________________________________________

Nike announces a first-of-its-kind partnership with LSU – and it’s the athletes who win. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

Ouachita Parish is seeking to avenge its week-four loss to Ruston in the Prep Classic tomorrow. Jeff Palermo is in the Superdome with a preview of the matchup.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

_________________________________________________

Eagles, Stevie Nicks and Rod Stewart are among the headliners announced for the 2026 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Producer and Director Quint Davis says Jazz Fest will also be a homecoming for Lainey Wilson.

Cut 4 (08) “…real roots Louisiana.”

Davis says despite the name of the festival, the music goes well beyond jazz – five-thousand musicians will be performing on 14 stages during the eight-day festival, and nearly all genres of music are represented.

Cut 5 (06) “…a blues tent.”

The 2026 Jazz Fest takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course April 23rd through May 3rd, but not the Monday through Wednesday in between. Davis says what makes Jazz Fest unique is that it takes place during daytime hours.

Cut 6 (07) “…boogie around town.”

Tickets go on sale today; and the best part for Louisiana residents is that for the second year in a row, we get to pay less! We get special Louisiana resident discounts across all price points.

_________________________________________________

Nike announces a new NIL venture, and it has chosen LSU as the first school to partner with. Nike, along with other equipment manufacturers, have been partnering with university athletic departments for decades. But Nike’s Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program is the first to partner with the athletes themselves. Zach Greenwell, LSU’s deputy athletic director for external affairs, says Nike is partnering with ten athletes on a very extensive campaign to promote Nike products.

Cut 7 (12) “…our roll-out.”

Among the ten athletes in the initial class are Trey’Dez Green, Derek Curiel and gymnast Kailin Chio. Greenwell says Nike is working with them on product that they like, and they’re promoting products on the Nike store that’s specific to them and their respective sports.

Cut 8 (12) “…place to start.”

Greenwell says it’s a tremendous honor for LSU to be the first school that Nike selected for its new Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the next level.”

_____________________________________________

The LHSAA Prep Classic in New Orleans features five teams from the Monroe area. The Jena Giants are playing for their first state championship today as they take on the defending champion Sterlington Panthers. Aaron Dietrich, the sports director at KNOE-TV, says the support in LaSalle Parish has taken off.

Cut 10 (14) “…for Jay Roark.”

Sterlington, meanwhile, is looking to win its second straight state title and its fourth since 2016. The Panthers are averaging over 46 points a game thanks to an effective run game. Dietrich says Sterlington may have the best rushing offense in the entire state.

Cut 11 (08) “…that is amazing.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Ouachita Parish is back in the state championship game for the first time since 1994. The Lions will face Ruston tomorrow at noon in a district rematch from week six, when the Bearcats beat the Lions 21-14. Dietrich says the Lion faithful will be out in full force in New Orleans.

Cut 12 (12) “…towards New Orleans.”

____________________________________________________________

As Operation Catahoula Crunch expands from New Orleans to Baton Rouge, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is expressing concerns about its impact. Nungesser says not only does the enhanced immigration enforcement operation have immigrant communities on edge, but it could have an adverse effect on the biggest sector of New Orleans’ economy.

Cut 13 (09)  “…questioned or harassed.”

Nungesser says he would like to see something different than Operation Catahoula Crunch.

Cut 14 (07) “…the whole community.”

While the Department of Homeland Security and Governor Landry have repeatedly stated that the goal of Operation Catahoula Crunch is to arrest, in their words, “the worst of the worst criminals,” records show that only a fraction of the people detained in the operation so far have any criminal records. Nungesser says lawmakers need to come together to come up with a common sense solution in dealing with people who are undocumented and have otherwise committed no other crimes.

Cut 15 (13) “…and deporting them.”

Governor Landry’s spokeswoman, Kate Kelly, says Nungesser’s words are, in her words, “disappointing,” saying that when Americans commit crimes, they are held accountable and face jail time, and the same standard should apply to everyone.

_______________________________________________________

LSU’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will be in New Orleans tomorrow to play in the Compete 4 Cause Classic doubleheader. Women’s coach Kim Mulkey is set to face Louisiana Tech for the first time since becoming the coach at LSU. Mulkey says coaching against her alma mater will bring plenty of emotions.

Cut 16 (17) “…will never dissolve.”

Tip-off at the Smoothie King Center is at 5 p.m.

The LSU men’s basketball team will face SMU afterwards. The Tigers are coming off an ugly loss to Texas Tech, and head coach Matt McMahon says the team has to do better moving forward, starting with the offensive side of the ball.

Cut 17 (13)  “…three-point shot.”

Tipoff between the Tigers and Mustangs is scheduled for 7:35 p.m.

________________________________________________________

The Saints are coming off a big 24-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough threw for 124 yards and rushed for 55 yards and two touchdowns. Shough says he is growing more confident with each game he plays and credits it to the preparation he’s put in.

Cut 18 (16)  “…from that preparation.”

Shough’s 55 rushing yards and two touchdowns against the Bucs may have surprised some people, but not Shough. Shough says he has always had the ability to run the ball and wants to make sure he keeps defenses on their toes.

Cut 19 (15) “…as I can.”

The Saints host the Panthers Sunday. Kickoff is at 3:25.

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

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

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

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

______________________________________________________

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

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

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

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

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

Cut 5 (09) “…same voting system.”

___________________________________________________

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

Cut 6 (09) “…on the farm.”

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

Cut 7 (07) “…are very healthy.”

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

Cut 8 (09) “…expect any hiccups.”

________________________________________________

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

Cut 9 (10)  “…truly meant.”

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

Cut 10 (12) “…and it shows.”

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

Cut 11 (11) “…super excited.”

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

Cut 12 (15) “…something like that.”

The Griffins and Yellow Jackets kick off at noon tomorrow.

_______________________________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (15)  “…to happen again.”

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

Cut 14 (11) “…be the champion.”

Kickoff is scheduled for seven p-m.

________________________________________________

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

Cut 15 (09) “…one we’re using.”

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

Cut 16 (13) “…an A solution.”

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

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

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

Cut 6 (09) “…on the farm.”

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

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

Cut 15 (09) “…one we’re using.”

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

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

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

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

Cut 14 (07) “…receive the ball.”

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

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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

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

Cut 4 (09) “…Haynesville team again.”

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

Cut 15 (08) “…of that nature.”

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

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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

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

Cut 9 (10)  “…the electric grid?”

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

Cut 12 (10) “…over 60-percent.”

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

Cut 6 (13) “…ball on you.”

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

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

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

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

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

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

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

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_________________________________________________

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

Cut 4 (09) “…Haynesville team again.”

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

Cut 5 (12) “…defensive line operate.”

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

Cut 6 (13) “…ball on you.”

_________________________________________________

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

Cut 7 (07) “…to do that.”

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

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

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

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

Cut 9 (10)  “…the electric grid?”

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

_____________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (09) “…of that nature.”

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

Cut 11 (08) “…due to that.”

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

Cut 12 (10) “…over 60-percent.”

____________________________________________________________

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

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

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

Cut 14 (07) “…receive the ball.”

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

Cut 15 (08) “…of that nature.”

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