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.”

Nike has chosen LSU as the first school to partner with on a new NIL venture. Nike and other companies have partnered with schools for years, but Nik’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 the company is partnering with ten athletes on a big campaign to promote Nike products.

Cut 7 (12) “…our roll-out.”

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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.”

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.”

Tickets go on sale today.

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.”

An East Baton Rouge Parish grand jury indicted five people yesterday in connection with the alleged hazing death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson.  Wilson was a mechanical engineering major and played the trumpet for the Human jukebox.  He died February 27^th.  His family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in September.

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

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

A new professional football team is coming to Monroe this summer….an addition to the Arena League.  League owner Jeff 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 league is holding a name the team contest for Monroe’s newest professional sports franchise.

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

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

In case you’re wondering, there were no jackpot winners in last night’s Powerball drawing…so Powerball fever is likely to go even higher.  The estimated jackpot for the next drawing is already up to 1 Billion dollars.

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It looks like having Lane Kiffin as LSU’s new head football coach could mean big earnings potential for both the school and the capitol city.  Since the announcement, there have been more than 15-thousand new season ticket requests, and an increase in interest from donors and corporate partners.  LSU economics professor Dek Terrell

Cut 11 (08) “…due to that.”

The LHSAA Prep Classic in the Superdome kicks off today. Game one will feature a Division Four non-select matchup between the undefeated Haynesville Golden Tornado and Mangham Dragons.  The second game of the day is a Division Four select matchup between the Riverside Rebels and the Ascension Catholic Bulldogs. Spencer Verrett with the LHSAA Network 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.

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. Since LSU poached Kiffin from Ole Miss, the team has had more than 15-thousand new season ticket requests, as interest from donors and corporate partners has seen a big uptick.LSU economics professor Dek Terrell says the real impact is still to come.

Cut 10 (09) “…of that nature.”

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

Cut 7 (07) “…to do that.”

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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 massive Lake Borgne Marsh Creation Project in St. Bernard Parish is finished. Michael Hare, the executive director of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, says the five-year construction project restored almost 32-hundred acres of marsh along the lake’s south shore.

Cut 3 (11) “…New Orleans area.”

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.
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After speculation that he’d leave for the Tulane job, LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker is staying on Lane Kiffin’s staff.  The head coach confirmed that late yesterday.

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, but HBO Max won’t be going away entirely.

Cut 7 (13) “…your Netflix subscription.”

In high school football playoff news, Gina who’s never been to a state championship, has punched its ticket to the big game.  The Giants beat the Union Parish Farmers 30-6.  They’ll take on defending State Champs Sterlington, who trounced St. James 63-24.

A proposed 2.8 million square foot data center was denied this week by the Shreveport Metropolitan Planning Commission after getting major backlash from the community. Earlier in the week, people showed up in large numbers to speak out against the project.  The plan was denied after a tie vote from the planning commission.  Bohler Engineering, the company behind the data center, could still appeal the decision to the city council.

The biggest rodeo ever is coming to Louisiana in New Orleans next year.  Set for April 10^th-12^th at the Caesars Superdome, the Hondo Rodeo Fest will feature big-name musical performers at night. Lynyrd Skynyrd and Jason Aldean will perform, as will CMA Male Vocalist of the Year award winner Cody Johnson and rock band Creed. Hondo Rodeo Fest Co-Founder Blake Cody says there’s also Western-themed Street Fest.

Cut 14 (09) “…with the sheep.”

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A 13-year-old is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of a 21-year-old family member. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Big news for high school football fans in Iowa.  The Yellow Jakets are headed to the state championship for the very first time.  That after defeating Belle Chase 28-21 last night.  Iowa will play North Desoto. The Griffons got a scare from Plaquemine last night, but in the end beat the green devils 58-44.

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.”