If you have some last-minute Christmas shopping to do, why not do it at a local business? Andre Champagne reports…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

If you’ll be out and about today, you may want to get a Powerball ticket. If the five numbers and the Powerball you choose match the numbers drawn Saturday night, you win one and a half billion dollars! In case you’re wondering, the odds of winning are 292-million-to-one.

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2025 was a record-breaking year for economic development in Louisiana, with 61-billion dollars in capital investment and more than 93-hundred direct new jobs. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says those jobs pay an average salary of 91-thousand dollars a year,and…

Cut 4 (11) “…current state average.”

Today is the big day for Tulane as the road to the national championship begins. It won’t be easy for the Green Wave as they’re in Oxford to take on Ole Miss. Four months ago, they lost to the Rebels by five touchdowns.  Freshman running back Jamauri McClure says the Green Wave will be out for revenge today.

Cut 14 (12) “…ready for this game.”

Tulane is set to play in its first-ever College Football Playoff game today as it faces Ole Miss for the second time this season. Head coach Jon Sumrall says his team is one that’s led by the players.

Cut 12 (14) “…and their approach.”

Kick off is scheduled for 2:30

The City of Shreveport is looking to be the next Louisiana city to build a large data center. After two hours of intense debate, the City Council unanimously on Thursday voted to overturn a decision by the Metropolitan Planning Commission and approve the building of a center there. Councilman Jim Taliaferro explained that he understood everyone’s concerns but…

Cut 11 (11) “…safeguards in place.”

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2025 was a big year for economic development in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

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If you still have Christmas shopping to do this Super Saturday, you might want to consider shopping local. Leah Long, the director of the Louisiana chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business says even if you prefer to shop online, shopping local is a benefit to your community. .

Cut 8 (08) “…it to you.”

The Louisiana Department of Economic Development says 2025 was a record-breaking year. Secretary Susan Bourgeois says 2025 saw Louisiana’s the largest investment and job creation in state history.

Cut 3 (09) “…93-hundred direct jobs.”

Those jobs pay an average salary of 90-thousand dollars a year.

Another Louisiana city is building another large data center. Following two hours of passionate debate Thursday, the Shreveport City Council unanimously voted to overturn a decision by the Metropolitan Planning Commission and approve the building of the center. Supporters spoke about increased tax revenue and more education and training for the future. Others voiced concerns…

Cut 10 (10) “…of this project?”

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In their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance Tulane will meet Ole Miss or the second time this season, Saturday. The first matchup was in September, and the Green Wave lost by five touchdowns. The Rebels totaled nearly 550 yards of offense. Senior linebacker Sam Howard says the Green Wave’s defense has to do a better job of getting off the field this time around.

Cut 13 (11)  “…make a play.”

Kick off is this afternoon at 2:30.

With the transfer portal set to open January 2nd, ten LSU football players are expected to enter. One of the most surprising names expected to enter the portal is freshman offensive lineman Carius Curne. Curne played in seven games and had starts at both left and right tackle. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau…

Cut 16 (09) “…are significant.”

Christmas is next week, and that a very busy time for travel. Andrew Greenstein reports.

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The National Retail Federation expects 160 million people to hit stores on the last Saturday before Christmas…that includes 41-million online shoppers.

Cut 8 (12) “…to your car.”

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67 sex offenders are in custody in Louisiana this morning after one of the biggest child predator busts in state history.  The month-long Operation Access Denied, focused on catching offenders who were breaking the law and exploiting children online.  Attorney General Liz Murrill says agents from 26 sheriff’s offices, three police departments, the Department of Public Safety and the Bossier Marshal’s Office found those engaging in illegal online activity, and that led to the discovery of other crimes.

Cut 14 (12) “…of an animal.”

The New Orleans City Council voted unanimously yesterday to move forward with an override Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s veto of the 2026 budget.  The $1.6 billion budget includes several cost-saving efforts, including layoffs, a hiring freeze, and $150 million in spending cuts.

A massive enforcement operation in North Louisiana targeting registered sex offenders nets 67 arrests. It’s one of the biggest child predator busts in state history. Attorney General Liz Murrill says it happened during a month-long operation last month called Operation Access Denied.

Cut 13 (13)  “…during this operation.”

The American Tort Reform Foundation is out with its ranking of its worst judicial hellholes of 2025. President Tiger Joyce says one long-running state case rose to close to the top of the list.

Cut 10 (10) “…at number four.”

The foundation says lawsuit abuse forces Louisiana residents to pay what is effectively a tort tax of more than a thousand dollars a year.

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We’re heading into the last weekend before Christmas and as Andre Champagne reports, if you’ll be shopping, expect lots of company.

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This Christmas will also be another record-breaker when it comes to travel, with more than 122-million Americans heading out of town for the holidays. But unlike Thanksgiving, Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana, says not everyone will be traveling at once.

Cut 5 (06) “…everyone heading out.”

It’s being called one of the biggest child predator busts in state history. Andrew Greenstein reports.

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New Orleans City Council voted unanimously yesterday to move forward with an override Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s veto of the 2026 budget.  The $1.6 billion budget includes several cost-saving efforts, including layoffs, a hiring freeze, and $150 million in spending cuts.

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Christmas is next week, and that means another busy travel week. Triple-A says this one will be another record-breaker, with more than 122-million Americans heading out of town for the holidays, the majority on the roadways. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says the closer we get to Christmas Day, the busier the roads will be.

Cut 4 (09) “…the highest number.”

The National Retail Federation is expecting almost 160-million shoppers to hit the stores on the last Saturday before Christmas. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says even though there are more shoppers than ever, the most money is being spent by one group more than the others.

Cut 7 (11) “…to spend more.”

A federal judge has ruled a 2023 state law that requires social media companies to verify the age of users is unconstitutional. Jeff Palermo has reaction.

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A Vernon Parish woman authorities say called the police after shooting and killing her husband has pleaded guilty to a count of manslaughter.  Melissa Ann Sweat was arrested in August of last year and originally charged with second-degree murder.  She faces up to 40 years in prison with the manslaughter plea.  Sentencing is set for January.

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Too much screen time can cause nearsightedness in children. Louisiana Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman says using objects up close like phone screens can cause permanent complications.  He recommends kids put down the phones and go play outside.

Cut 14 (07) “…near-sightedness in kids.”

It seems that A-I has infiltrated the Christmas shopping experience. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says an increasing number of shoppers are turning to A-I for inspiration before heading to stores…and if you’ve noticed that items you’re looking for in stores are always in stock, you can thank A-I for that.

Cut 8 (11) “…what they want.”

Louisiana’s law requiring social media companies to verify the age of users, obtain parental consent and provide parental controls violates the first amendment. That’s the ruling from federal Judge John deGravelles after NetChoice challenged the law saying the government doesn’t have the authority to restrict free speech that way. But, attorney General Liz Murrill says the purpose of the legislation is to protect children from online predators.

Cut 5 (11) “…using social media.”

Murrill has said she will appeal the decision.

Two people are dead, and one is in critical condition following a shooting in LaPlace last night around 7.  St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre has said there is no threat to the public at this time and that this was an isolated incident.

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Nearsightedness is becoming an epidemic in Louisiana, and our deputy surgeon general has some for protecting children’s eyesight. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Raising Cane’s owner Todd Graves and Saints owner Gayle Benson are once again donating children’s bikes to youth organizations across the country.  Yesterday, they were in Baton Rouge to donate 100 bikes and helmets to members of the YMCA of the Capital Area.

Cut 11 (10) “…of the season.”

A federal judge in Baton Rouge has ruled that Louisiana’s law that requires social media companies to verify the age of users, obtain parental consent and provide parental controls is unconstitutional. Judge John deGravelles (guh-GRAVEL) said the law violates the First Amendment. Attorney General Liz Murrill says it’s unfortunate that the court chose to protect huge corporations that facilitate child exploitation.

Cut 4 (03) “…of the solution.”

Studies show excessive social media can have adverse on mental health. But it can also cause nearsightedness in children. Louisiana Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman says using objects up close like phone screens makes their eyes grow longer and could cause permanent complications.

Cut 13 (11)  “…your whole life.”

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It seems that A-I has taken over the entire Christmas shopping experience. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says with Christmas shopping lists becoming more and more complex, an increasing number of shoppers are turning to A-I for inspiration before schlepping to the malls and fighting the crowds.

Cut 7 (10) “…interaction nowadays.”

Raising Cane’s owner Todd Graves and Saints owner Gayle Benson were in Baton Rouge yesterday to donate 100 children’s bikes and helmets to members of the YMCA of the Capital Area. Mrs. Benson also presented a check to the YMCA to renovate its locker rooms.

Cut 10 (12) “…feel so good.”

Iowa won its first state championship in school history last night as the Yellow Jackets defeated North Desoto 50-43. Sterlington won its second title in a row as the Panthers defeated Jena 34-20 at the LHSAA Prep Classic in New Orleans.  St. Charles Catholic with a wild comeback in the final seconds of that game.  A 44-yeard field goal from Senior Tyler Milioto gave them the 23-21 win over Shaw.

Today, 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 today’s early game. 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 is looking for its first state title since 1989.

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

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Nearly five years after losing her husband to COVID-19 complications, Congresswoman Julia Letlow is getting ready to tie the knot. Letlow announced yesterday her engagement to Baton Rouge lawyer Kevin Ainsworth. President Donald Trump congratulated the couple at a White House event yesterday.