The biggest rodeo ever is coming to Louisiana as the Hondo Rodeo Fest will make its New Orleans debut at the Caesars Superdome April 10 to 12, next year.  Co-Founder Blake Cody says the Hondo Rodeo Fest is a three-day premium rodeo competition with a one-million-dollar prize purse.

Cut 13 (07)  “…for the fans.”

The rodeo takes place during the day and at night big-name musical performers take the stage. On Friday Lynyrd Skynyrd will open for country music icon on Jason Aldean.

In Semi-final High School football playoff action.  Top seeded Ruston is headed to the State Championship game for the fourth year in a row.  The bearcats knocked off 13^th seeded Zachary 21-17.  Ruston will play district rival Ouachita Parish.  The Lions upset second seeded Neville 14 to 7.  Ouachita Parish is heads to the State Championship for the first time since 1994.

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Louisiana’s largest ever marsh creation project is completed. Don Molino reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Don Molino.”

A 13-year-old in Leesville is facing a second-degree murder charge after allegedly shooting a 21-year-old family member to death early Friday morning. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says the juvenile was taken into custody at the scene without incident.

Cut 10 (10) “…very tragic situation.”

Jon Sumrall will coach at least one more game at Tulane before heading to coach Florida.  The Green Wave defense forced five turnovers last night against an explosive North Texas offense, and the Tulane offense reeled off 24 straight points after going down in a 7-0 hole to win the American Conference Championship at Yulman Stadium, 34-21.  Tulane making its fourth consecutive appearance in the conference title game….winning its first American championship since 2022.

A 13-year-old is facing a second-degree murder charge after allegedly fatally shooting a 21-year-old family member in Leesville. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says the shooting happened during an argument early yesterday morning.

Cut 9 (11)  “…21 year old.”

The victim has been identified as Kavin Simmons Junior. The juvenile was taken into custody at the scene without incident. It’s uncertain whether the 13 year old will be charged as an adult.

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LSU football season ticket costs will remain the same next year.  The LSU Board of Supervisors and the LSU Athletics Department made that announcement yesterday.  They made the announcement just in time for Christmas saying 2026 will be feature a phenomenal home schedule with Coach Lane Kiffin on the sidelines. LSU’s 2026 schedule is set to be revealed Thursday at 7 pm on the SEC Network.

Netflix has announced that it has purchased Warner Brothers. Haggai Davis, the host of the radio show TechGumbo, says with that purchase, Netflix is also acquiring HBO and the streaming service HBO Max.

Cut 6 (09) “…’Stranger Things’ shows.”

Saronic Technologies has announced it’s investing 300-million dollars to expand the Franklin Shipyard in St. Mary Parish.  Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the company is expected to create 15-hundred direct new jobs and an additional 17-hundred indirect jobs. She says this is great news for the bayou region’s economic future.

Cut 5 (09) “…just naturally does.”

It may be most wonderful time of the year…but Louisiana also has the highest rate of flu and flu-like illnesses in the country, so be aware. Ochsner Health family medicine physician Dr. Madeleine Dehner (DAY-ner) if you notice you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms…

Cut 12 (12) “…start getting worse.”

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In the non-select high school football playoffs, there are three double-digit seeds left in the semifinal rounds. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Despite the coaching change, LSU could still have a top ten recruiting class. The Tigers 2026 class is currently ranked 10^th by On3.com. Richard Anderson, the  number one defensive tackle in the country out of Edna Karr, ended up signing yesterday as did Lafayette Christian’s Bryaden Anderson after he decommitted from Oklahoma.

The ACLU of Louisiana is suing the state over its law making it a crime to interfere with an immigration enforcement operation. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A traffic stop in Calcasieu Parish leads a major Methamphetamine seizure.  It happened Tuesday when authorities pulled 48-year-old Brent Touchet over for a traffic violation.  We’re told an eventual search of the vehicle led to the discovery of more than 85 pounds of methamphetamine and a handgun in the trunk.  Touchet, and two other people are facing multiple charges this morning.

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An estimated 32-hundred jobs are coming to Louisiana’s Bayou Region as Saronic Technologies announces it’s investing 300-million dollars to expand the Franklin Shipyard in St. Mary Parish. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says this major investment will result in Saronic building more autonomous boats.

Cut 4 (09) “…purposes as well.”

It’s not just the Christmas season.  It’s also flu season and Louisiana leads the country in when it comes to flu or flu-like illnesses.  Ochsner Health family medicine physician Dr. Madeleine Dehner (DAY-ner) says if you’re near anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms, you should take extra precautions.

Cut 11 (09) “…much as possible.”

Thousands of new jobs are coming to St. Mary Parish, as a shipbuilder announces plans to expand a shipyard there.Here’s Jeff Palermo.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Tis the season for many things right now, including the flu…and according to the CDC,  Louisiana has the highest rate of flu or flu-like illness in the country.  Ochsner Health family medicine physician Dr. Madeleine Dehner (DAY-ner) says there are things you can do to lower your chances of getting the flu.

Cut 10 (06) “…time of year.”

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The ACLU of Louisiana is suing the state over a law that makes interfering with immigration enforcement operations a crime. Legal Director Nora Ahmed says the ACLU filed the suit on behalf of Immigration Services and Legal Advocacy, which has been providing outreach to let people know their rights with Border Patrol agents potentially arriving in their neighborhoods.

Cut 7 (12) “…Security is undertaking.”

Tomorrow night is the semifinals of the high school football playoffs.  In Division One non-select, Zachary is at top seeded Ruston. The LHSAA Network’s Spencer Verrett says the Bearcats have beaten the Broncos the last three years in the postseason.

Cut 13 (10)  “…heading up there”

Another match-ups will feature St. James versus Sterlington in a rematch of last year’s state championship game.

The number of homeowners insurance policies written by the so-called insurer of last resort is at a 20-year high. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

New Orleans Mayor-elect Helena Moreno has selected her City Council colleague and current Budget Chair, Joe Giarrusso, to serve as New Orleans’ next Chief Administrative Officer.   As CAO, Giarrusso will oversee the city’s day-to-day operations, manage city services, and supervise how New Orleans spends its money.

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As Meta builds its ten billion dollar AI data center in Richland Parish… Entergy Louisiana has begun work on two new power plants to support it. Entergy says Meta is paying for the state-of-the-art generation facilities, but environmental groups have raised concerns that the data centers will lead to higher energy costs for everyone. Louisiana Senate President Cameron Henry says that’s what a new task force is looking into.

Cut 11 (12) “…with that”

New LSU football coach Lane Kiffin is a bit of a yogi ans seems to have found a place to practice in Baton Rouge at the Yogalates Studio on Perkins Road.  Yoglates owner Kate Fox says she was delighted when she got the call saying the coach wants to come by this week and she’s hopping he’ll be a longtime client.

Cut 9 (12)  “…part of it”

A task force has started meeting to discuss energy Louisiana’s energy use and the possibility of more data centers here.  Here’s Jeff Palermo.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

New LSU football coach Lane Kiffin is into yoga and has apparently been taking morning classes at the Yoglates Studio on Perkins Road in Baton Rouge since he’s been here. Yoglates owner Kate Fox …

Cut 8 (10) “…yes (giggles)

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The number of homeowners insured by the state’s insurer of last resort, Citizens Insurance, remains near its 20-year peak. Ben Albright, the president and CEO of the Independent Agents and Brokers Association of Louisiana  says that’s due in large part to the legislature’s suspension of a ten percent surcharge on Citizens Insurance.

Cut 5 (14) “…because of claims.”

The early national signing day period begins today and the class has been shifting this week. LSU’s two top commitments, Lamar Brown and Richard Anderson are expected to delay signing to a school until February.  Jerit Roser with Louisiana vs All Y’all says it’s possible that their NIL packages could have changed due to the new coaching staff.

Cut 14 (15) “…for college.”

Meta is building a ten-billion-dollar AI data center in Richland Parish and state economic development officials say more data centers are on the way. That is why a new task force has begun meeting to make sure Louisiana has enough power to provide electricity for everyone. Louisiana Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s a valid question to ask…

Cut 10 (10) “…current businesses.”

The number of homeowners insured by Citizens Insurance, the state’s insurer of last resort, remains near its 20-year peak. As of the end of last month, Citizens accounted for more than 122-thousand policies. Ben Albright, the president and CEO of the Independent Agents and Brokers Association of Louisiana, says in some areas, the only option besides Citizens are smaller insurance companies.

Cut 4 (13) “…much more capitalized.”

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The early national signing day period begins today and there have already been several de-commitments and new additions to LSU’s Class of 2026. Jerit Roser with Louisiana vs All Y’all says the major changes that have occurred are what come with a coaching change.

Cut 13 (09)  “…fit differently.”

New LSU football coach Lane Kiffin is a “yogi” which means he is a yoga lover and has already found his spot in Baton Rouge. Since arriving in the capitol city, Kiffin has been taking morning classes at the Yoglates Studio on Perkins Road in Baton Rouge. Yoglates owner Kate Fox says her clients were shocked to see the new LSU football coach at their 6:30 AM class…

Cut 7 (11) “…everyone did awesome.”

Black Friday spending is expected to be up 4-percent from last year, but individual budgets have reportedly decreased. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says higher prices and numbers of shoppers could be driving up the numbers.

Cut 4 (08) “…to spend.”

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday began in 2010 to help local shops and restaurants bring in more customers after the Great Recession. NFIB state director Leah Long says last year, shoppers spent an estimated 22 billion dollars at locally owned businesses nationwide and that’s great for the local economy…

Cut 7 (05) “…in the community.”

Long says NFIB’s latest survey shows small business optimism has slipped as owners grow more cautious about the months ahead ant they need your support more than ever this year.

The SEC’s most eligible bachelor will hand out his final rose tomorrow. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

LSU will close out the season at 8th-ranked Oklahoma tomorrow. The Tigers are looking to play spoiler for a new SEC rival on the edge of the College Football Playoffs. Linebacker Whit Weeks says the first step will be dealing with experienced Sooners quarterback John Mateer.

Cut 15 (10) “…stop him.”

The winner of the Lane Kiffin Sweepstakes will be announced tomorrow as the Ole Miss Head coach takes the podium to reveal his decision. Kiffin has been the obvious number one candidate for the LSU since firing head coach Brian Kelly. But, ESPN Baton Rouge’s Matt Moscona says there’s no such thing as a sure thing in coaching searches.

Cut 13 (12)  “…over the years.”

The LSU Tigers are hoping to close out the season tomorrow with a win over 8th ranked Oklahoma. Linebacker Whit Weeks has been sidelined much of the season with what turned out to be a broken ankle he suffered in week five.  He returned in a limited capacity last week and says the pain won’t stop him from taking the field against a top ten team tomorrow.

Cut 16 (10) “…worst games.”

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Black Friday may not have the same look this year, but it will still be the busiest shopping day of the year. Jeff Palermo has what you need to know.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

If you’ll be shopping this weekend, don’t forget tomorrow is Small Business Saturday. NFIB state director Leah Long says the Big Beautiful Bill signed by President Trump this summer made the 20-percent Small Business Deduction permanent, a big relief for small business owners. But they still need your patronage.

Cut 9 (10)  “…small businesses.”