While former New Iberia police officer Micah Legnon is currently charged with threat by interstate commerce in an alleged terror plot in New Orleans, many more serious charges are likely. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says it will take quite a while before those more serious charges are filed, and even longer before an indictment can be handed down.

Cut 10 (09) “…can go forward.”

ElementUSA announces that it will build a rare earth and critical minerals refining facility in St. James Parish. Parish President Pete Dufresne says the addition of ElementUSA would enhance the production that’s happening at the adjacent Atlantic Alumina plant.

Cut 5 (13) “…for the community.”

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 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 (LEN-yahn).

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.”

After the Texas Bowl December 27th, LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson will be taking his talents to Ole Miss. He has accepted a job as the Rebels’ running backs coach. Wilson is known as an outstanding recruiter and has convinced several great high school players from the New Orleans area to play at LSU during his two stints with the Tigers. But Tiger Rag magazine editor Glenn Guilbeau says money matters more than relationships in today’s world of recruiting.

Cut 8 (12) “…it’s all about cash.”

And now, a look at today’s commodities.

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.

The U.S. Department of Education awards Louisiana a 15-million-dollar grant to lead a five-year study on the impact of high-dosage tutoring on first and second-graders. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jenna Chiasson (CHASS-on) says the project will serve about 45-hundred students in both traditional public schools and charter schools.

Cut 7 (12) “…around literacy instruction.”

With the legislature ending the current fiscal year with a 293-million-dollar budget surplus, State Treasurer John Fleming is suggesting giving that money back to the taxpayers in the form of tax cuts.

Cut 13 (08)  “…therefore more revenue”

The Revenue Estimating Conference identified stronger than expected income tax revenue as one of the main drivers behind the surplus, despite the fact that the legislature cut the income tax rate across the board last year.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says a neighbor fatally shot a man who was attacking his girlfriend with a knife. Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni says the victim escaped her Mandeville area home through a window and frantically knocked on neighbors’ doors seeking help. She says one of the neighbors went outside to assist.

Cut 9 (08)  “…stop.”

No arrests have been made so far.

The application period for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ 38th enforcement academy is now open and runs through December 22nd. What’s different about this one is that this is a hybrid academy, meaning it will be open to both POST-certified police officers and non-POST-certified officers. Enforcement Division Superintendent Stephen Clark says POST-certified officers chosen will have a slightly accelerated academy when it starts in late March.

Cut 5 (08) “…to 24 weeks.”

LSU moves one step closer to launching a School of Construction. College of Engineering Dean Vicki Colvin says construction is a very vital part of the U.S. economy.

Cut 8 (11) “…transforming this industry.”

The school would build on the current construction management program, which boasts some two-thousand students. The Board of Supervisors approved it last week, sending it to the Board of Regents for a vote sometime next year.

The last of the five people indicted in February’s hazing-related killing of Southern University student and Human Jukebox member Caleb Wilson has been booked into jail. 24-year-old Jadyn Landrum and four others were indicted last week on charges ranging from manslaughter to felony hazing to obstruction of justice. Landrum is charged with principal to felony hazing; he was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Jail this morning.

LSU is on the cusp of creating the School of Construction. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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

Cut 3 (06) “…through December 22nd.”

Clark says when the application window closes, they will choose the best applicants to take part in the academy.

Cut 4 (06) “…end of March.”

What’s different about this one is that this is a hybrid academy, meaning it will be open to both POST-certified police officers and non-POST-certified officers. Clark says POST-certified officers chosen will have a slightly accelerated academy.

Cut 5 (08) “…to 24 weeks.”

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

Cut 6 (07) “…two-thousand students.”

Colvin says the construction management started in the 1970s, and the earliest graduates are paying it forward in creating the new School of Construction.

Cut 7 (11) “…possible for us.”

Donors have already given 42-million dollars for the facility, which the state has matched. Colvin says construction is a very vital part of the U.S. economy.

Cut 8 (11) “…transforming this industry.”

________________________________________________

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says a neighbor fatally shot a man attacking his girlfriend with a knife. Lieutenant Suzanne (soo-ZAHN) Carboni says the victim escaped her Mandeville area home through a window and frantically knocked on neighbors’ doors seeking help. She says one of the neighbors went outside to assist.

Cut 9 (08)  “…stop.”

Carboni says the neighbor told the boyfriend to stop attacking the girl and when he refused to do so, the neighbor shot the attacker.

Cut 10 (07) “…the scene.”

Carboni says no charges have been filed at this time, but the investigation continues.

Cut 11 (04) “..the facts.”

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says a neighbor fatally shot a man who was attacking his girlfriend with a knife. Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni says the victim escaped her Mandeville area home through a window and frantically knocked on neighbors’ doors seeking help. She says one of the neighbors went outside to assist.

Cut 9 (08)  “…stop.”

No arrests have been made so far.

The application period for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ 38th enforcement academy is now open and runs through December 22nd. What’s different about this one is that this is a hybrid academy, meaning it will be open to both POST-certified police officers and non-POST-certified officers. Enforcement Division Superintendent Stephen Clark says POST-certified officers chosen will have a slightly accelerated academy when it starts in late March.

Cut 5 (08) “…to 24 weeks.”

LSU moves one step closer to launching a School of Construction. College of Engineering Dean Vicki Colvin says construction is a very vital part of the U.S. economy.

Cut 8 (11) “…transforming this industry.”

The school would build on the current construction management program, which boasts some two-thousand students. The Board of Supervisors approved it last week, sending it to the Board of Regents for a vote sometime next year.

The last of the five people indicted in February’s hazing-related killing of Southern University student and Human Jukebox member Caleb Wilson has been booked into jail. 24-year-old Jadyn Landrum and four others were indicted last week on charges ranging from manslaughter to felony hazing to obstruction of justice. Landrum is charged with principal to felony hazing; he was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Jail this morning.

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

Cut 7 (11) “…possible for us.”

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

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

Cut 4 (06) “…end of March.”

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

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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

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

Cut 6 (07) “…two-thousand students.”

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

Cut 15 (09) “…science and research.”

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

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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

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

Cut 11 (12) “…be an electrician.”

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

Cut 3 (06) “…through December 22nd.”

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

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

Cut 14 (08) “…aspect of things.”

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

Cut 6 (09) “…for our gardens.”

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

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

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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

Cut 4 (10) “…Jean Lafitte Barataria.”

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

Cut 5 (09) “…would engage in.”

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

Cut 6 (09) “…for our gardens.”

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

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

Cut 7 (07) “…the renewal date.”

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

Cut 8 (11) “…and play out.”

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

Cut 9 (11)  “…good reason why.”

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

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

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

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

Cut 11 (12) “…be an electrician.”

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

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

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

Cut 13 (12)  “…that concerns me.”

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

Cut 14 (08) “…aspect of things.”

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

Cut 15 (09) “…science and research..”

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

Cut 16 (15) “…of our guys.”

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

Cut 17 (18)  “…advantage of that.”

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

Cut 18 (17)  “…on this team.”