If you get behind the wheel after having one too many, you will be caught, and you will be arrested. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Haynesville Golden Tornado captured their 18th football state title on Thursday — and it was a very special one for their coach. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Between now and New Year’s Day, there will be extra police on the roadways looking for drunk drivers, as the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is now underway. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says there’s traditionally an increase in drinking and driving during the holiday season.

Cut 3 (07) “…and New Year’s.”

Fischer says the holiday season has traditionally been deadly on Louisiana roadways due to drinking and driving, and last year was no different.

Cut 4 (13) “…alcohol-related crash.”

Fischer says if you plan on having a good time at your holiday gatherings, by all means do so – but have a plan to get home safely.

Cut 5 (06) “…a designated driver.”

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If you have nothing better to do this weekend, you’ll want to prepare for some brutally cold weather coming through the state late this weekend. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the weekend will start off mild, but the winds of change will blow into the state Saturday night.

Cut 6 (11) “…50s all day.”

Keim says on Sunday night across the state, temperatures will drop like a rock.

Cut 7 (09) “…the coastal parishes.”

Keim says while those of you in the northern half of Louisiana should cover your pipes if you haven’t already, those of you in the southern half should be okay for the time being.

Cut 8 (07) “…long, long duration.”

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Haynesville claimed its 18th football state championship Thursday after beating Mangham, 39-37. The Golden Tornado have the second-most football state titles in Louisiana, just behind John Curtis. Head coach David Franklin says this year’s team will always be special to him.

Cut 9 (11)  “…they put forth.”

Haynesville had made it to the state championship game in the last three seasons but came up short. This year, the team was able to finish the job. Franklin says the character of his players this season allowed the team to flourish.

Cut 10 (14) “…on the cake.”

Making it to the Superdome has now become the standard for Haynesville over the years. Franklin says his players never backed down from the high expectations.

Cut 11 (10) “…lot of pressure.”

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Ouachita Parish is back in the state title game for the first time since 1994. The Lions take on their in-district rivals in the Ruston Bearcats in the early game Saturday. Ouachita head coach Benjy Lewis says that his team knew it had a chance to be special after losing a close game to Ruston in week six.

Cut 12 (14) “…started it.”

Ouachita Parish’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster, but the Lions found a way to end up in the Superdome. The Lions dropped four of its five district games in the regular season, but Lewis says that his players thrive off of adversity.

Cut 13 (10)  “…better for it.”

Ouachita Parish is seeking its first state title since 1989.

Ruston is making its fourth straight state championship appearance and is looking to capture its ninth state title in school history. Ruston head coach Jerrod Baugh says last season’s 42-0 loss to Central is something that’s motivating the players this season.

Cut 14 (15) “…for this year.”

Despite losing a talented senior class, the Bearcats were able to still win their district and get back to the Dome. Baugh says this year’s senior class may go down as the best in school history.

Cut 15 (15) “…expect that.”

Kickoff between Ruston and Ouachita Parish is noon Saturday.

Get ready for some more frigid weather conditions. This weekend will start off mild throughout the state, with tomorrow starting out in the 50s. But then a cold front will come barreling through the state. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says by Sunday night, temperatures will drop like a rock.

Cut 7 (09) “…the coastal parishes.”

Drive sober, or get pulled over. The three-week enhanced drunk driving enforcement operation got underway today and runs through New Year’s Day. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says the holiday season has traditionally been deadly on Louisiana roadways due to drinking and driving, and last year was no different.

Cut 4 (13) “…alcohol-related crash.”

Three Prep Classic champions crowned; five coronations to go – including either Ouachita Parish or Ruston tomorrow. Ouachita Parish is in the Prep Classic for the first time since 1994, and head coach Benjy Lewis says his team knew it had a chance to be special after losing a close game to Ruston in week six.

Cut 12 (14) “…started it.”

This is Ruston’s fourth straight appearance in the Prep Classic; and this year, the Bearcats are looking to erase some painful memories. Ruston head coach Jerrod Baugh says the players are using last season’s 42-0 loss to Central as motivation.

Cut 14 (15) “…for this year.”

Haynesville, Riverside Academy and Dunham won titles yesterday.

Between now and New Year’s Day, there will be extra police on the roadways looking for drunk drivers, as the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is now underway. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says there’s traditionally an increase in drinking and driving during the holiday season.

Cut 3 (07) “…and New Year’s.”

If you have nothing better to do this weekend, you’ll want to prepare for some brutally cold weather getting set to come through the state. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the weekend will start off mild, but the winds of change will blow into the state tomorrow night.

Cut 6 (11) “…50s all day.”

Temperatures Sunday night will plunge into the 20s in the northern parishes and close to freezing in the coastal parishes.

The Haynesville Golden Tornado captured their 18th football state title yesterday — and it was a very special one for their coach. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Riverside Academy and Dunham also captured state titles yesterday, and three more champions will be crowned today.

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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.