Today is one of THE  busiest travel days of the year. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says almost seven-million people in the West South Central Region will hit the road this holiday; so if you’re heading out today, do so as soon as possible.

Cut 4 (08) “…bulk of people.”

A flight instructor and her student are presumed dead after a plane that took off from the New Orleans Lakefront Airport crashed into Lake Pontchartrain Monday night. The owner of Apollo Flight School, Michael Carasto, says it’s unknown why the instructional flight over the lake turned into a tragedy.

Cut 10 (12) “…or what happened.”

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High school football quarterfinals kick off this weekend. Kace Kieschnick has LHSAA Network’s Spencer Verrett’s games to watch in the non-select brackets.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Saints have cut 27-year-old kicker Blake Grupe after he missed two more field goals on Sunday, and they’ve signed former LSU Tiger Cade York. Grupe’s eight missed field goals this season leads the NFL. WWL radio NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the offensively-challenged Saints could no longer wait for Grupe to snap out of his slump.

Cut 13 (10)  “…they’re loaded offensively.”

The Lane Kiffin sweepstakes is heating up as the coach juggles similar offers from Ole Miss, Florida and LSU. Michael Katz of the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal spoke to Tiger Rag radio about the drama. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Xavier University has received a $38 million gift from billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.  It’s the largest private donation in the university’s history.  School officials have said the money  will create more opportunities for students to afford their education, providing them with greater support.

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While the debate over extending Affordable Care Act subsidies continues on Capitol Hill,  Senator Bill Cassidy says he has a better idea – give that subsidy directly to the American people, instead of the insurance companies. The Republican Senator who’s a physician, says under his plan, the people would be in full control of their health care dollars.

Cut 5 (12) “…her family’s health.”

A bill to force the attorney general to release all files related to Jeffrey Epstein in her office’s possession is now on President Trump’s desk. Speaker Mike Johnson said had resisted bringing the measure up for a vote; his hand was forced when a discharge petition sponsored by Republican Thomas Massie and Democrat Ro Khanna got the required 218 signatures. Johnson said he wants to protect the rights of the victims.

Cut 14 (08) “…to further harm.”

Both the House and Senate voted yesterday to force the attorney general’s office to release all the Jeffery Epstein files in its possession; and President Trump says he will sign it. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Around 250 federal border agents are set to descend on New Orleans in the coming weeks for a two-month immigration crackdown dubbed “Swamp Sweep.”  NOPD Superintendent. Anne Kirkpatrick said yesterday she expects a briefing on the deployment soon.

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For the first time since 19-68 LSU’s Corps of Cadets program is back. The first cadets were sworn in over the weekend at Tiger Stadium over the weekend. Board of Supervisors member Rico Avendia says the Corps opens up military training to the general student body, offering them valuable experience.

Cut 8 (07) “…it this year.”

All eyes are on Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin right now as he’s tempted with offers from LSU, Florida and more in the middle of a great season for the Rebels. Kiffin denied reports he was given an ultimatum by Ole Miss brass, but Michael Katz of the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal says there is certainly mounting urgency in Oxford to get a decision before their regular season finale in the Egg Bowl on November 28th.

Cut 11 (11) “…going to go.”

Amid the stalemate over Affordable Care Act subsidies that ground the federal government to a halt for 43 days, Senator Bill Cassidy says he has a better idea. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

LSU restarts its Corps of Cadets program for the first time since 1968. The first cadets were sworn in over the weekend. Board of Supervisors member Rico Avendia restarting of the Corps of Cadets opens military training to the general student body.

Cut 7 (07) “…military at all.”

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A bill to force the attorney general to release the Jeffrey Epstein files is now on President Trump’s desk. This, after the House voted nearly unanimously to pass it, and the Senate followed suit with its unanimous vote. The House vote was 427-1, with Republican Clay Higgins casting the only “no” vote. During floor debate, Speaker Mike Johnson said even though he had planned to vote “yes,” it was nothing but a show vote by the Democrats.

Cut 13 (13)  “…word about it.”

The college football world is waiting for an answer from Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin as LSU, Florida and others try to tempt him away from Oxford in the midst of a 10-and-1 campaign with the Rebels. Michael Katz of the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal says there’s a lot of confusion around Kiffin’s future.

Cut 10 (08) “…another direction.”

About 12-thousand drivers who have auto insurance through Allstate will see a decrease on their auto insurance premiums next year.   Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the rate decreases of 7 percent and 15 percent are good news…but tells us there’s more work needed to address commercial auto insurance…

Cut 6 (10) “…individual consumer.”

A new report out shows military-related spending in Louisiana generated more than 17-billion dollars in total economic activity last year. Louisiana Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says the report shows notable expansion in the state’s defense sector since the previous study four years ago…

Cut 9 (10)  “…national security.”

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The Lafourche Parish School Board is coming under very heavy criticism for how it handled an incident involving boys sharing A-I nude photos of female classmates. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (42) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A New Orleans man who spent three decades in prison before his murder conviction was vacated has been elected the city’s chief criminal court record keeper. Calvin Duncan, fought for decades to clear his name, uncovering evidence that police officers lied in court.  His conviction was tossed by a judge in 2021.  According to unofficial returns, Duncan won Saturday’s election with 68% of the vote.

A new report finds military spending up 77-percent over four years in Louisiana .  Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Lafourche Parish School Board getting an earful over expelling a female student for hitting on of several boys who had shared A-I nude images of her and other girls with classmates.  Benjamin Comeaux is one of the lawyers for the girl’s family and told the school board the school prevented her from seeking help.

Cut 10 (07) “…she was told.”

We’re told the girl’s expulsion was reversed by the board.

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About 12-thousand drivers who have auto insurance through Allstate will see a decrease on their auto insurance premium next year. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the has approved a seven-percent rate decrease for Allstate North American and a 15-percent decrease for Encompass Insurance Company of America’s National General.

Cut 4 (11) “…insurance companies.”

According to a recent report, military-related spending in Louisiana generated more than 17-billion dollars in total economic activity during fiscal year 2024, a 77-percent increase since 2021.  Louisiana has five military installations including Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier Parish, a naval air station in Belle Chasse and Fort Polk in Leesville. Louisiana Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says Fort Polk is a major driver of central Louisiana’s economy…

Cut 8 (13) “…central Louisiana.”

More than 12-thousand drivers who have auto insurance through Allstate will see a decrease in auto insurance premiums next year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A New Orleans man who spent three decades in prison before his murder conviction was vacated has been elected the city’s chief criminal court record keeper. Calvin Duncan, fought for decades to clear his name, uncovering evidence that police officers lied in court.  His conviction was tossed by a judge in 2021.  According to unofficial returns, Duncan won Saturday’s election with 68% of the vote.

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Military-related spending in Louisiana generated more than 17-billion dollars in total economic activity during fiscal year 2024, up 77-percent from 2021. That’s according to a new report from Louisiana Economic Development. Louisiana Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says employment has also risen 52-percent with more than 117-thousand jobs contributing to Louisiana’s economy…

Cut 7 (08) “…from it.”

LSU’s three-game losing streak is over, and Frank Wilson gets his first win as the Tigers’ interim head coach as the tiers beat Arkansas this weekend 23-22.  During the postgame, Wilson said he talked to his team before the game about how nothing would come easy, and Saturday’s game exemplified that.

Cut 14 (16) “…that you get.”

The Willie Green era has come to an end in New Orleans.  The Pelicans fired their head coach this morning.  The 44 year old Green was in his fifth season as Pelicans head coach with a dismal record of 2-9, including four losses by at least 20 points. Green’s final game was last night’s 118-104 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Louisiana’s former House Speaker, Clay Schexnayder, is facing felony charges for allegedly stealing a rare Louisiana artifact. The 20-foot-long cypress board was last seen 18 months ago in Schexnayder’s legislative office in Gonzales.  Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says this will be a tough case to prosecute…

Cut 9 (13)  “…problematic.”

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Sad news from the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office  announcing the tragic loss of a Vivian Police Officer, shot and killed in the line of duty yesterday evening.  It happened around 5:30 on North Pine Street in Vivian as officers were executing an arrest warrant for 58 year old Nicolas Edward Alexander who was wanted for cyberstalking. We’re told Alexander fired multiple shots through the front door, hitting officer Marc Brock, who later died.  Alexander was arrested after a two-hour stand off.

This is the last weekend of the State Fair of Louisiana; and if you’re a hockey fan, there’s a special deal for you this weekend. Russell Adams with the State Fair tells KEEL if you go to the fair Friday or Saturday, you can get discounted tickets to the Shreveport Mudbugs game at Hirsch Memorial Coliseum.

Cut 3 (11) “…the hockey game.”

Tragic news, as a motorcycle crash claimed the life of an Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Deputy last night. Louisiana State Police responded to the two-vehicle crash on LA 44 in Ascension Parish shortly after 9 p.m., where, according to the investigation, 40 year old Deputy Joshua Dunaway was traveling north on his 2024 Suzuki motorcycle when it rear-ended a 2024 GMC Sierra that had just turned right from Lee Drive onto LA 44. Dunaway was pronounced dead at the scene.

Big news in St. Tammany Parish as the 56-million-dollar I-12 widening project is completed months ahead of schedule. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says with the growth in St. Tammany Parish, coupled with I-12 being a major freight corridor for trucks going coast to coast, the volume along that stretch of roadway has increased significantly in just the last few years.

Cut 7 (11) “…20-thousand since 2018.”

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By now, you’ve likely heard that former Louisiana House Speaker, Clay Schexnayder, is facing felony charges for allegedly stealing a rare Louisiana artifact. Schexnayder has said the 20-foot-long cypress board was still in his office when he left last year and he didn’t take it.  Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office is prosecuting the case. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt.

Cut 11 (08) “…for her.”

It’s election day across much of Louisiana.  32 parishes are heading to the polls to vote on propositions.   For information on what, if anything’s on the ballot in your area, go to geauxvote.com.

Quarterback Garret Nussmier is doubtful for today’s game against Arkansas.  Sources say Nussmier has been dealing with an abdominal injury and was officially downgraded from probable to questionable on the SEC availability report.  Michael Van Buren Junior will likely start at QB for the Tigers.

The New Orleans Pelicans announced today they’re firing head coach Willie Green after a 2-10 start to the 2025-26 season.  Green, initially hired after a strong stint as an assistant under Monty Williams with the Phoenix Suns, was let go early in the fifth season of his tenure in New Orleans after a disappointing start that included an NBA-record three 30-point losses in their first six games.

A major milestone in St. Tammany Parish as the 56-million-dollar I-12 widening project is completed months ahead of schedule. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says the freeway was widened in the Covington-Mandeville area.

Cut 6 (07) “…to LA 1077.”

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This is the last weekend of the State Fair of Louisiana, and Andrew Greenstein has a couple ways you can save money.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has an important warning for people with infants. ByHeart Inc has issued a recall of its Whole Nutrition Infant Formula because it may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria which can make infants sick.  Officials say the formula should be thrown away immediately or returned to the store where it was purchased.