Some of the state’s best high school football prospects are signing with LSU today. Jeff Palermo has more on the first day of the early signing period…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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As part of Operation Swamp Sweep comes Operation Catahoula Crunch. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Remembrances and tributes are pouring in for former LSU System president, Dr. William Jenkins who passed away last week. Former head of the LSU Foundation, Stephen Moret (More ray) spoke with Jim Engster on Talk Louisiana and remembered not only the leadership and mentorship of Dr. Jenkins but the man whom he said was the same caring man in private as he was in public.

Cut 3 (10) “…the same way.”

Dr. Jenkins served as LSU President twice. He also served as dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine. And when he served as Chancellor of LSU, Moret says Dr. Jenkins took over at a time when there had been a loss of confidence in the university.

Cut 4 (11) “…trust in him”

Dr. Jenkins is credited with shaping LSU for decades. He’s been called a “consummate Tiger”. Moret says he had a deep love for LSU and expressed deep care for everyone who made up the university from star professors to students and those who kept the university going.

Cut 5 (10) “…the future.”

Dr. Jenkins was 88 years old.

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Louisiana’s best high school football players are signing with colleges today as a three-day early signing period began today. Lafayette Christian Academy star Brayden Allen was one of LSU’s first signees. Lee Brecheen of Louisiana Football Magazine says the Tigers are getting a good one in Allen.

Cut 6 (09) “…slot corners.”

After reports surfaced that he was going to hold off on signing, the nation’s number one defensive tackle, Richard Anderson from Edna Karr High School, has indeed signed with LSU. Brecheen says Anderson’s teammate, four-star safety Aiden Hall, also signed with LSU.

Cut 7 (12) “…and hit”

LSU’s first signee of the day was Destrehan receiver Jabari Mack. Brecheen says Mack reminds him of former LSU star Ja’Marr Chase.

Cut 8 (05) “..strong kid.”

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As part of Operation Swamp Sweep, the two-month immigration enforcement operation that’s getting underway in New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana, the Department of Homeland Security is launching what it calls Operation Catahoula Crunch. This operation is targeting specific undocumented aliens with violent crime arrests who had been released by police departments who it says have refused to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Once arrested, those people could be sent to the newly refurbished Camp J at the State Penitentiary in Angola, which Governor Landry said would be used specifically for these people.

Cut 9 (12)  “…and holding facility.”

When Landry announced the so-called “Louisiana Lockup” on September 3rd, he stressed that it would be used to house what he called the “worst of the worst” criminal undocumented aliens.

Cut 10 (07) “…in this country.”

Landry says Louisiana Lockup will help secure America.

Cut 11 (10) “…criminal civil population.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy is hailing the signing of the bipartisan IRS Math Act that he had helped sponsor. Cassidy says the bill improves fairness, transparency and clarity when the IRS notifies taxpayers of errors in their tax returns.

Cut 12 (08) “…This addresses that.”

Under the new law, when the IRS notifies a taxpayer of an adjustment to his or her tax return, it must now specify the line number, a clear explanation of the error and the reason for the adjustment. Cassidy says if it results in the taxpayer owing additional money, he or she now has 60 days to make the payment without penalty.

Cut 13 (06)  “…all is clear.”

Cassidy says he’s happy that the bill passed in the House by a voice vote and in the Senate by a unanimous vote.

Cut 14 (08) “…get in trouble.”

The number of homeowners insurance policies written by the so-called insurer of last resort remains near its 20-year high. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A task force has started meeting to discuss energy use in Louisiana with the possibility multiple data centers could be built in this state. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Today is early national signing day and LSU’s 2026 recruiting class looks much different than it did 48 hours ago. Andre Champagne has more…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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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.”

Albright says in some instances, Citizens is a more attractive option since the legislature suspended the ten-percent surcharge that is customary for all insurance carriers of last resort. Albright says it’s important that the surcharge be reinstated so that people have an incentive to move to a private insurer.

Cut 5 (14) “…because of claims.”

Albright says the insurance reforms that the legislature recently passed are starting to show positive returns, but he says they’re going to take time.

Cut 6 (14) “…passed onto policyholders.”

The 20-year low came in February of 2021, when Citizens had less than 36-thousand policies.

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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.”

Kiffin arrived in Baton Rouge on Sunday and Fox got a call from someone at LSU about Kiffin’s desire to get a class in on Monday before he went back to work…

Cut 8 (10) “…yes (giggles)

Fox hopes Kiffin is a longtime client at her studio…

Cut 9 (12)  “…part of it”

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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.”

Entergy Louisiana broke ground this week on two new power plants in Rayville that will support Meta’s A-I data center. 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. Henry says that’s what they want to find out with this task force…

Cut 11 (12) “…with that”

Henry says energy costs are going up nationwide and one of the driving forces behind that is the consumption of power by data centers. He says the task force will produce its findings to the Senate by March first…

Cut 12 (08) “…some adjustments.”

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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.”

LSU’s two top commitments, Lamar Brown and Richard Anderson are expected to delay signing to a school until February. Roser says that it’s possible that the two players’ NIL packages could have changed due to the new coaching staff.

Cut 14 (15) “…for college.”

Four-star wide receiver Jabari Mack is one of LSU’s top commitments. Mack is rated as the No. 34 wide receiver in the nation. Roser says there’s many things to like about the 6 foot, 200-pound receiver out of Destrehan.

Cut 15 (14) “…to be a weapon.”

Governor Jeff Landry says he’s been told by President Donald Trump that National Guard troops will arrive in Louisiana in a couple of weeks. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Entergy Louisiana breaks ground on two new power plants in Rayville that will supply power for Meta’s massive A-I data center it’s building in Richland Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor Jeff Landry has received assurances from President Trump that the federal government will pay for the deployment of troops to New Orleans. Landry says he’s been told by the President that they will be in Louisiana in two weeks to help local law enforcement keep the city safe…

Cut 3 (13) “…a year ago.”

Landry made the comments following an event commemorating the victims killed on Bourbon Street during the January 1^st terrorist attack.

In September, Landry sent a request to the Trump Administration seeking the assistance of one-thousand National Guardsmen that would be deployed to New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport.

Guard deployments to other cities in the U-S have drawn criticism from Democratic politicians and others who say they are not needed and it only increases tension. But Landry says the Guardsmen are not there to harm people, they are added security…

Cut 4 (11) “…in time of need”

Landry says the National Guard troops will operate daily in New Orleans and other cities where violent crime is causing people to feel unsafe…

Cut 5 (11) “…are here today.”

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Entergy has started construction on two new electricity plants that will supply power to Meta’s massive artificial intelligence data center in Richland Parish. Entergy Louisiana’s Vice President of Business Operations and Strategy, Laura Beauchamp, says the construction of Franklin Farms Power Station is a major milestone…

Cut 6 (08) “…in Louisiana.”

The gas-fired plants are located near the data center and will begin generating natural gas in 2028.

Cut 7 (07) “…all customers”

Beauchamp says these two new state of the art generation facilities use less fuel to produce more, resulting in lower emissions and improved system reliability…

Cut 8 (10) “…these resources” .”

Entergy Louisiana also plans to build a third plant in St. Charles Parish and that project is awaiting permits.

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LSU new head coach Lane Kiffin’s contract is seven years, worth 90-million dollars plus. But Kiffin says his personal wealth was not in consideration when taking the LSU job. He says he was mainly concerned about enough NIL funding to help attract the best players. Athletics director Verge Ausberry says the LSU fan base has stepped up…

Cut 9 (16)  “…best players.”

After becoming the permanent A-D on November 4th, Ausberry and the LSU administration landed their top candidate in Kiffin nearly just a month later. Ausberry says the interview with Kiffin was a short, but impressive one.

Cut 10 (10) “…for your program.”

Kiffin will be focused on signing a recruiting class this week, as a three-day early signing period begins tomorrow. Kiffin, who declared himself the “Portal King” at Ole Miss for his ability to sign players out of the transfer portal, says LSU is committed to financially supporting his rosters each year.

Cut 11 (12) “…care of financially.”

The transfer portal window opens on January 2.

With the new closed party primaries just months away, the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office has put out a series of videos to educate voters of the changes. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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New LSU football coach Lane Kiffin’s seven-year contract is worth more than 91-million dollars. Jeff Palermo has more on Kiffin’s new deal…

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office has released a series of videos to educate voters on the new closed party primaries. The closed primaries only apply to U.S. House, U.S. Senate, State Supreme Court, Public Service Commission and BESE races. On Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster, Secretary of State Nancy Landry says the videos are part of a robust campaign to educate voters on the new voting system for those races.

Cut 3 (10) “…in-person outreach.”

With a 30-day pushback approved by the legislature in the recent special session, the primary election is May 16th, with the runoff June 27th. Landry says while that may seem a ways away, time is of the essence in making voters aware of the changes.

Cut 4 (05) “…ready for them.”

The central theme of the videos is summed up by the acronym KNOW – K-N-O-W. (say and spell the word)

Cut 5 (15) “…find more information.”

The videos can be found on the Louisiana Secretary of State’s YouTube page and on the GeauxVote website.

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While two Louisiana schools are gaining new head football coaches, another one is losing its coach. Jon Sumrall has announced that he’s leaving Tulane to take the head coaching job at Florida. Tulane Athletic Director David Harris says while it’s sad to lose Sumrall after two seasons, it’s not exactly unexpected, with the Green Wave one win away from a potential spot in the College Football Playoff.

Cut 6 (07) “…be what occurs.”

Unlike the Lane Kiffin saga at Ole Miss, there was no drama at Tulane as to whether Sumrall would be able to finish the season with the Green Wave. Harris notes that Sumrall’s situation is very different from Kiffin’s, in which Sumrall is taking a step up from a mid-major to an SEC program, whereas Kiffin is going from one SEC school to a rival SEC school, thus presenting a conflict of interest by staying any further.

Cut 7 (15) “…coach the team.”

Harris says even though Sumrall is leaving for Florida, he knows – and the players know – that there is unfinished business, starting Friday night at Yulman Stadium against North Texas in the American Championship Game.

Cut 8 (12) “…to be impacted.”

Ironically, North Texas Head Coach Eric Morris will be leaving the Mean Green to take over at Oklahoma State; and like Sumrall, Morris will be staying onboard through the conclusion of the season.

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Retailers are gearing up for a brisk holiday shopping season. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says overall, retailers are expecting a growth in revenue this year over last year.

Cut 9 (11)  “…since last year.”

Rice says with a sharp increase in prices thanks to tariffs, a good portion of holiday sales this year will come from those who are more well off than others.

Cut 10 (11) “…of their spent.”

Rice says the age of shoppers is also a factor, with young adults forecast to scale back on their spending considerably.

Cut 11 (11) “…in actual spend.”

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The Lane Train has arrived at LSU. Lane Kiffin is the new head football coach for the Tigers after a successful six-year stint with SEC rival Ole Miss. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says LSU deserves credit for hiring their top target…

Cut 12 (11) “…popcorn ready.”

Before Ole Miss played Alabama in 2021, Kiffin said get your popcorn ready. But the Rebels lost that game to the number one ranked Crimson Tide 42-21.

At one point it looked like LSU would struggle to attract a top tier coach, because of Governor Jeff Landry’s involvement in the firing of athletic director Scott Woodward. There was also confusion over whether Verge Ausberry is the permanent A-D. But Tiger Rag Editor Glen Guilbeau says through it all, LSU got its man…

Cut 13 (12)  “…he does.”

Horne believes Kiffin can have immediate success next season…

Cut 14 (11) “…next season.”

LSU will host Clemson, Alabama, Texas A&M and Texas next season, and travel to Ole Miss and Tennessee.

For the first time ever, the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola hosted a Daddy Daughter Dance. Andre Champagne has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The LSU Tigers have a new head football coach as they have poached Lane Kiffin from Ole Miss. Jeff Palermo has more on what the Tigers are getting in Kiffin…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The hurricane season ended Sunday and for the first time since 2015 no hurricanes hit the U.S. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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God Behind Bars, a national prison ministry, organized a Daddy Daughter Dance at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola for more than two dozen fathers who had not seen their daughters in years. The fathers stood waiting in fitted tuxedos and later presented their daughters flowers, a Bible and a handwritten letter. Jake Bodine, the founder of God Behind Bars, says Angola was transformed into something special.

Cut 4 (15) “…end of the event.”

Over 30 daughters showed up to Angola in beautiful dresses, where their fathers were in matching and fitted tuxedos.  Bodine says thanks to several sponsors, the organization was able to give the inmates a different look as opposed to their typical orange uniforms.

Cut 5 (15) “…sense of pride.”

Bodine says the Daddy Daughter Dance is just as important for the daughters of the inmates as it is for the fathers.

Cut 6 (09) “…this moment forward.”

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The Pelican Institute for Public Policy has released a poll on next year’s U-S Senate race. Pelican CEO Daniel Erspamer says the Pelican Pulse poll gathered responses from 761 voters and found that state treasurer John Fleming has the best chance of ending up in a Republican primary runoff with Senator Bill Cassidy…

Cut 7 (14) “…22”

The other Republican Senate candidates, Julie Emerson, Blake Miguez, Cathy Seidan and Eric Skrmetta, are polling in the single digits.

The Pelican Pulse Poll also asked respondents their thoughts on tax reform and Erspamer says just over half support what state lawmakers did last year in the tax reform special session…

Cut 8 (11) “…income tax.”

Erspamer says their poll also show strong support for the state’s voucher system that is seeking to expand school choice…

Cut 9 (10)  “…school year.”

The LA Gator Scholarship program pays for tuition at private schools. The Louisiana Legislature appropriated 43 million dollars for the program this school year, which is less than the nearly 100 million requested by Governor Jeff Landry.

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Lane Kiffin, one of the brightest minds in college football, is the new head coach of the LSU Tigers. The 50-year-old has accepted LSU’s reported offer of a seven-year contract worth more than $90 million. Tiger Rag Editor Glen Guilbeau calls it a fantastic hire…

Cut 10 (11) “…like that.”

The hiring of Kiffin caps off a dramatic month for LSU football. It started with the firing of Brian Kelly and the dismissal of athletics director Scott Woodward. It looked like LSU would have a hard time attracting a big-time coach, especially when it appeared Governor Landry had a hand in Woodward’s firing. But Guilbeau says new AD Verge Ausberry was confident he could hire the best coach in college football…

Cut 11 (11) “..politics.”

Kiffin’s departure from Ole Miss is messy. He’s leaving a program that went 11-1 and will play in the College Football playoff later this month. Kiffin is also taking several assistants with him to Baton Rouge. In a statement, the new LSU head coach says he wanted to coach the Rebels in the playoffs, but his request was denied by Ole Miss AD Keith Carter. Here’s Guilbeau’s take…

Cut 12 (13) “…to mad at him”

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The hurricane season ended Sunday and for the first time since 2015 a hurricane did not make landfall in the U.S. There were 13 named storms, five hurricanes and four major hurricanes. Colorado State research scientist Phil Klotzbach says atmospheric conditions protected the U.S.

Cut 13 (09)  “…the hurricanes.”

An average season has 14 named storms and 7 hurricanes. While this year failed to reach those marks Klotzbach says it made up for its lack of quantity with intensity.

Cut 14 (10) “…category five.”

Despite a below-average number of storms, Klotzbach says this is considered an above-average season due to the strength of the major storms. It’s just the second season ever with more than two category five hurricanes

Cut 15 (10) “…very strong.”

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Louisiana Tech has its first winning season since 2019 as the Bulldogs went on the road in some tough weather conditions and defeated Missouri State 42-30. Tech rushed for 388 yards, and all five of their touchdowns came on the ground. Quarterback Trey Kukuk (Q-kuhk) threw for 87 yards but set a school record for most rushing yards by a Q-B with 172. He also had three rushing TDs. Coach Sonny Cumbie…

Cut 16 (15) “…at quarterback.”

CBS Sports has Louisiana Tech playing in the 68 Ventures Bowl on December 17th. Athlon Sports has the Bulldogs going back to the Independence Bowl.

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ULM finished its season on an eight-game losing streak with a hard-fought overtime loss to the Ragin’ Cajuns. After winning five games in his first season in Monroe, Bryant Vincent only won three games this year, but he believes the future still looks bright…

Cut 17 (15)  “…great players in it.”

Meanwhile, the Ragin Cajuns are heading to a bowl game for an eighth consecutive season after U-L Lafayette defeated the Warhawks 30-27 in overtime for its fourth consecutive win. Coach Michael Desormeaux says when the team was 2-6, most people didn’t think the team would win the necessary six games to be bowl eligible…

Cut 18 (18)  “…so.”

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The Saints fell to 2-10 on the season yesterday with a 21-17 loss to Miami. It’s the fourth defeat for New Orleans by seven points or less, and once again, they could not overcome a slow start. The Dolphins led by 16 at halftime. Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan wishes they could get off to a faster start…

Cut 19 (14) “…lose it.”

Tyler Shough threw two touchdown passes and new field goal kicker Charlie Smith booted a 56-yard field goal to get New Orleans back into the game. The Saints had a ball with a chance to win it in the final minute. Head Coach Kellen Moore…

Cut 20 (18) “…learn from this.”

The Saints visit Tampa Bay next Sunday.

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.”

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Thanksgiving has come and gone, and that can mean only one thing — Christmas is right around the corner. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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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.”

The Black Friday deals also may not be the door busters you’re used to. Rice says just because something is on sale doesn’t make it a good deal and expect those discounts to be a little smaller this year.

Cut 5 (07) “…years past.”

Consumer sentiment is shifting away from in person shopping, and only 11-percent of shoppers are more interested in Black Friday shopping this year than years past. Despite all the negative trends Rice says today will still easily be the busiest shopping day of the year.

Cut 6 (11) “…people shopping.”

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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 this support means more than ever as many small business owners are dealing higher interest rates and other factors…

Cut 8 (11) “…spent this year.”

Long says the Big Beautiful Bill signed by President Trump this summer made the 20-percent Small Business Deduction permanent and that was a big relief for small business owners. But she says NFIB’s latest survey shows small business optimism has slipped as owners grow more cautious about the months ahead…

Cut 9 (10)  “…small businesses.”

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Thanksgiving has come and gone and the tryptophan has worn off, so that can mean one thing — stores will be packed with Christmas shoppers. But you won’t find these people roaming the aisles hunting for doorbuster bargains.

Cut 10 (07) “…Fortnite.”

For some, Christmas shopping can be a real hassle

Cut 11 (07) “..because she’s crazy.”

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The winner of the Lane Kiffin Sweepstakes will be announced tomorrow as the Ole Miss Head coach takes the podium to reveal his decision. LSU, Florida, and Ole Miss have been the three destinations to watch but ESPN Baton Rouge’s Matt Moscona says it may be down to a two-horse race.

Cut 12 (12) “…sort of conceded.”

Moscona believes relations in Oxford may have soured enough to prevent Kiffin’s return.

Kiffin has been the obvious number one candidate for the Tigers since firing head coach Brian Kelly. Last week Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger reported LSU offered him a 7-year $90 million contract with a promise to invest at least $25 million into his roster each year. Moscona says there’s no such thing as a sure thing in coaching searches.

Cut 13 (12)  “…over the years.”

If Kiffin decides against coming to Baton Rouge, Moscona says things get a little more hazy. He says LSU’s first target would have been Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, but support for his call to Baton Rouge has dwindled.

Cut 14 (13) “…Blake Baker.”

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LSU will close out the season at 8th-ranked Oklahoma tomorrow. Despite a disappointing season, 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.”

Weeks has been sidelined much of the second half of the season with what he just revealed was a broken ankle, not the bone bruise initially reported. Weeks says he broke the ankle in the week 5 loss to Ole Miss. 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.

Cut 16 (10) “…worst games.”

The regular season finale will give the Tigers a chance to reach eight wins this season, the lowest mark for LSU since 2021. Weeks, though, says a bad record won’t stop the Tigers from giving their best each and every week.

Cut 17 (13)  “…get a victory.”

Kickoff is at 2:30.

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Louisiana Tech will close out the season at Missouri State tomorrow. The Bulldogs already clinched a bowl appearance, but head coach Sonny Cumbie says his team still has a lot to play for. LA Tech is just 1-and-4 on the road this season, and he says this is their last chance to play road spoiler.

Cut 18 (18)  “…on the road.”

The Bulldogs have been led by their dominant defense all season, but they gave up nearly 300 yards and two touchdowns on the ground to Liberty last week. Missouri State and running back Shomari Lawrence have another potent rushing attack they’ll need to stop.

Cut 19 (19) “…answers defensively.”

Kickoff is at 1:00.

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Southeastern head coach Frank Scelfo spoke to WWL’s Mike Detillier about the Lions’ outstanding season and FCS playoff matchup with Illinois State tomorrow. The 9-and-3 lions are led by a dominant defense featuring lineman and Southland Conference Player of the Year Kaleb Proctor and Southland Defensive Player of the Year linebacker KK Reno. Scelfo says this is a special team.

Cut 20 (14) “…part of this.”

Kickoff in Strawberry Stadium is at noon. The winner between the Lions and Cardinals will head to North Dakota State to face the top-seeded Bison.

Tomorrow is the biggest shopping day of the year. Kace Kieschnick has some tips from WalletHub

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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It’s Thanksgiving, and our own Andrew Greenstein got some opinions from some people on their impressions of the holiday.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana High School football quarterfinals are on Friday night, and Andre Champagne has more on what is expected to be a top matchup in Division 4 select…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Black Friday deals have already arrived to many stores, and WalletHub’s recent holiday shopping studies have revealed not all discounts are created equally. Analyst Chip Lupo says JCPenney, Belk, and Kohl’s rank as this year’s best Black Friday destinations with an average discount of at least 45-percent.

Cut 4 (06) “…biggest discounts.”

Lupo warned that discounts this year may not be as potent as they seem. Some retailers will raise prices before discounting them while prices on other items like many electronics have increased due to tariffs and a lackluster economy. Lupo says it’s important shoppers do their homework.

Cut 5 (11) “…favorite retailer.”

Despite higher prices, Lupo still expects to see a lot of spending this holiday season. He says this is the time of year budgets tend to go out the window and wallets get thinned quickly.

Cut 6 (10) “…specific item.”

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Thanksgiving is a holiday of traditions. This man looks forward to seeing siblings he doesn’t get to spend a whole lot of time with these days.

Cut 7 (07) “…time with them.”

Family time is a Thanksgiving tradition for this man too.

Cut 8 (09) “…with the family”

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A classic Louisiana holiday favorite for the holiday is oyster dressing. It’s just like corn bread dressing, but way more unique as it features fresh domestic oysters, tasty herbs, vegetables, bread crumbs and seasonings. Chairman of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force, Mitch Jurisich, says the holidays and the cool weather lead to an increase oyster sales…

Cut 9 (08)  “…oyster dressing.”

Jurisich says if you’ve never had oyster dressing, you do not know what you’re missing. He says most people who try it, want it to be a holiday staple…

Cut 10 (08) “…oyster dressing.”

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It’s Bayou Classic weekend in New Orleans as Southern University will face Grambling State on Saturday in the Caesars Superdome. The event is more than just a football game as there are several activities surrounding the matchup of the two HBCU Schools. Dottie Belleto with the Bayou Classic says tomorrow two student teams each from Southern and Grambling will compete each other as they present innovative business concepts…

Cut 11 (12) “…the public.”

Beletto says a Black Small Business showcase will also take place from 10:30 AM to 4 PM at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans…

Cut 12 (14) “…they provide.”

The game between Southern and Grambling will kick off at 1 PM on Saturday. Beletto says the Bayou Classic Fan Festival will begin four hours before game time..

Cut 13 (12)  “…local arists.”

More than 200-thousand people come to New Orleans for the Bayou Classic weekend.

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The Louisiana High School Football quarterfinals are tomorrow night. Today, we look at the select matchups. LHSAA Network’s Spencer Verrett says the most intriguing matchup in Division 1 is between Catholic and Alexandria. Verrett says the winner could face top-seeded Edna Karr.

Cut 14 (09) “…against Edna Karr.”

In Division II, the defending state champion Archbishop Shaw Eagles travel to Shreveport to face the Loyola Prep Flyers. Verrett says Loyola Prep has a dangerous pass attack, but believes the Eagles’ secondary could cause problems for junior quarterback Bryce Restovich and his offense.

Cut 15 (08) “…up there.”

In Division III, the top-seeded Lafayette Christian Academy Knights will host Catholic High of New Iberia, who are the defending state champions. Verrett says Catholic has had a great year, but he thinks the end of the road is near for the Bears.

Cut 16 (10) “…worst games.”

A national college football reporter is reporting it’s looking more likely that Lane Kiffin ends up at LSU. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The holiday season is here, and that means turkey, mistletoe – and the flu. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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College football writer Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports says the signs are pointing toward Lane Kiffin leaving Ole Miss and heading to LSU. But Dellenger says there are no guarantees Kiffin will be the next head coach at LSU…

Cut 3 (10) “…Lane Kiffin.”

Dellenger reports Florida officials have started to pursue other candidates and Ole Miss administrators have begun to reach out to potential replacement coaches.

Kiffin has been at Ole Miss for six seasons, winning 10 or more games in four of those seasons. This year, he has the Rebels on the cusp of making the College Football playoffs. Dellenger says he spoke with Kiffin two weeks ago and Kiffin said he loves it in Oxford, but it’s also believed he wants to coach for a Blue Blood…

Cut 4 (10) “…that was torn.”

Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter said last week a decision on Kiffin’s coaching future will be announced on Saturday. Dellenger says if Kiffin does not sign a contract extension with the Rebels, he’ll likely be suspended or placed on leave, which will result in Kiffin leaving Oxford…

Cut 5 (05) “…for him.”

Kiffin’s record at Ole Miss is 54-and-19.

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With Thanksgiving being one of the worst times of the year for serious crashes, State Police remind you to make an extra effort to drive safely. You hear it time and time again – don’t drive distracted. Trooper Ryan Davis says not only does that mean putting down your cell phone and removing your focus from your infotainment system, but that also includes making sure your kids are on their best behavior.

Cut 6 (14) “…duty of driving.”

It should be common knowledge by now that speed kills. But Davis also reminds you that the roads are not to be treated as NASCAR racetracks – do not follow the vehicle in front of you too closely!

Cut 7 (10) “…stop in time.”

And as always, never take the wheel after you’ve had too much to drink. Davis says if you plan on having a good time – perhaps TOO good of a time – have a plan beforehand.

Cut 8 (08) “…a great option.”

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With the holidays upon us, that means flu activity is ramping up. Dr. Julio Figueroa with LSU Health New Orleans says Louisiana has some of the highest prevalence of flu in the country right now.

Cut 9 (10)  “…our surrounding states.”

Dr. Figueroa says if you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms, the very best thing you can do is to stay home and to stay away from people who are susceptible to illness.

Cut 10 (10) “…individuals as well.”

Figueroa says your very best defense against the flu is to get vaccinated – and it’s not too late to get your flu shot.

Cut 11 (10) “…January and February.”

Figueroa points out that this year’s H-3 strain of the virus has a slightly different variant than what’s in the vaccine, although the extent of the mismatch is unclear at this time. The vaccine, however, will protect against all other strains currently circulating.

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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. taps Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham to be the new principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s the number-two job at the agency. Mark Ballard, the Washington, DC, correspondent for The Advocate, says the move solidifies the CDC’s newly-found skepticism on vaccines.

Cut 12 (09) “…and his thoughts.”

During his time as the state’s first surgeon general, Abraham worked to end the promotion of vaccination clinics in the state. Ballard says Abraham will use his new role to take that mission national.

Cut 13 (12)  “…a national level.”

During his confirmation hearing, Kennedy assured Senator Bill Cassidy that he would not push any conspiracies on connections between vaccines and autism. This month, the CDC’s website was altered to say that the notion that vaccines do not cause autism is not based on evidence, despite scores of clinical studies proving otherwise.

There’s the potential for severe weather tonight and tomorrow morning. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy found himself on the defensive after the health secretary he helped confirm went back on his word about spreading misinformation regarding any connection between vaccines and autism. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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There’s the potential for severe weather tonight into tomorrow morning for north and central Louisiana. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the primary threats are damaging winds, large hail and the possibility of tornadoes…

Cut 3 (11) “…severe weather.”

Three parishes are under a tornado watch until 7 PM tonight, DeSoto, Red River and Sabine. Grymes says more watches and warnings are possible as the day goes on…

Cut 4 (10) “…southern parishes.”

Grymes says one to three inches of rain is possible for north and central Louisiana…

Cut 5 (10) “…south Louisiana.”

Grymes says the cold front that will begin to move to through the state tonight is the first of two cold fronts to hit the state this week. The second one will bring us cooler temperatures for Thanksgiving.

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Senator Bill Cassidy finds himself on the defensive after the CDC changes its website to say that the claim of vaccines not causing autism is not based on evidence. Back in January, Cassidy, who’s a medical doctor by trade, voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health Secretary after Kennedy assured him that he would not push any conspiracies on connections between vaccines and autism. Jake Tapper confronted Cassidy about that on CNN’s “State of the Union” yesterday, saying that Kennedy lied to him during that confirmation hearing.

Cut 6 (08) “…it at that.”

Despite the CDC’s website now saying that scientific studies have not ruled out the possibility that vaccines contribute to the development of autism, Cassidy says that is not true.

Cut 7 (07) “…quite a fringe.”

It was Cassidy’s vote in the Senate Finance Committee that was the deciding vote to advance Kennedy’s nomination to the full Senate, paving the way for his confirmation. Tapper asked Cassidy why he would not criticize Kennedy by name, especially after a member of his own family took him to task for slashing vaccine research funding after revealing that she was diagnosed with terminal cancer and had one year to live.

Cut 8 (13) “…make America healthy.”

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Registration for the next State Police’s cadet class is now open. The deadline to register for Cadet Class 109 is January 6th. Captain Johnnie Brown says after that date, they will select the best candidates from those who registered, and there is no set number.

Cut 9 (08)  “…a specific number.”

Captain Brown says it will take several months to select the class, and the class will take up almost the entire second half of next year, all of which is paid.

Cut 10 (06) “…finish December 11th.”

Brown says the class takes that long because there’s a lot to cover.

Cut 11 (12) “…and so forth.”

Candidates must be at least 21 years old and have either two years experience as a police officer, 60 college credit hours, or any two-year combination of those two. They can also qualify with three years of military service.

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Congresswoman Julia Letlow is working with Washington Democrat Kim Shrier on a bipartisan maternal support bill. Letlow says a key component of the Newborns Essentials Support Toolkit, or NEST, Act is giving new mothers access to newborn supply kits.

Cut 12 (08) “…and breastfeeding supplies.”

Letlow says the foundation for providing the supply kits to new mothers is already in place.

Cut 13 (08)  “…to new moms.”

Letlow says the NEST Act would also provide postpartum mental health resources in areas of need.

Cut 14 (12) “…and expand services.”

The American Farm Bureau Federation found Louisiana is home to the second-cheapest Thanksgiving dinner in the country this year. Kace Kieschnick reports…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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DCFS is taking steps to strengthen operations at its Child Safety Response Center. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The season started with LSU fans dreaming of the College Football Playoff. It’s ending with LSU fans dreaming of Lane Kiffin. Andrew Greenstein talked with Tigers fans to gauge their confidence in LSU’s ability to lure the Ole Miss head coach to Baton Rouge.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The price for a Thanksgiving dinner in Louisiana is the second-lowest in the U.S. according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesman Avery Davidson says the average cost for a classic 11-item meal for approximately ten guests is $44.70.

Cut 4 (10) “…eighteen cents.”

The cost is down three dollars from last year, but Davidson says some prices have dropped while others have risen. Turkey was the biggest faller along with stuffing, but the cost of ham, sweet potatoes, and vegetables are up.

Cut 5 (13) “…those items.”

Davidson encourages Louisianians to remember farmers this Thanksgiving. Farmers receive just 9-point-one cent of every dollar spent on food, and their share of an average Louisiana Thanksgiving dinner is just five-dollars.

Cut 6 (13) “…such a meal.”

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DCFS is addressing concerns about response times at its Child Safety Response Center. Secretary Rebecca Harris says the department has received reports about delays in the ways that it receives complaints about child maltreatment. Harris says while the department strives to handle phone calls and online reports quickly, urgent situations should always be phoned in.

Cut 7 (10) “…to sexual abuse.”

That said, Harris says the processing time for online reports, which had averaged more than 24 hours earlier this year, is now less than an hour. And hold times on the phone have also gone down significantly.

Cut 8 (08) “…a half minutes.”

Harris says the health and welfare of children throughout the state is the top priority at the department.

Cut 9 (09)  “…of that call.”

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Drone Institute announced a 340-thousand-dollar expansion of its Lafayette headquarters set to be complete by June of next year. CEO George Femmer says the project will consolidate drone operations, data processing and pilot training into one facility.

Cut 10 (14) “…up to snuff.”

The company and development is estimated to produce nearly 14-hundred new jobs over the next ten years, many of which Femmer says will be high paying.

Cut 11 (11) “…our clients.”

Louisiana offered Drone Institute an incentives package including a 300-thousand-dollar performance-based grant to assist in building renovation costs in order to secure the project. Femmer says he’s been glad to call Lafayette home and invest in its future.

Cut 12 (12) “…where they live.”

Construction will begin by the end of this year and Drone Institute training and operations will continue during the multi-stage renovation plan.

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The Lane Kiffin watch is on in a big way in Baton Rouge. This past Friday, Ole Miss said in a statement that an announcement about Kiffin’s future with the university would be made this Saturday, one day after Friday’s Egg Bowl matchup against in-state rival Mississippi State. Later that night, reports surfaced that LSU was working to finalize a 90-million-dollar offer for Kiffin to lure him to Baton Rouge – with the full blessing of Governor Landry. Those two developments have LSU fans excited.

Cut 13 (08)  “…Ole Miss coach.”

One fan says he can read between the lines of Ole Miss’s statement, interpreting that as meaning the Egg Bowl will be Kiffin’s last with the Rebels.

Cut 14 (11) “…coming to LSU.”

One fan says the contract LSU is finalizing is way too good for any coach to pass up.

Cut 15 (08) “…kind of suspect.”

Florida is also hot on Kiffin’s trail, working very hard to lure him to Gainesville. Amid all the uncertainty, the one given is that the college football world – especially fans in Baton Rouge, Gainesville and Oxford – will have their eyes glued to social media Saturday for definitive word on where Kiffin will be going, if anywhere.

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Instead of playing for a berth in the SEC Championship Game and a spot in the College Football Playoff, LSU ended its 2025 home schedule by squeaking by Conference USA opponent Western Kentucky, 13-10. LSU didn’t take the lead until a minute and a half before halftime when Trey’Dez Green caught an 11-yard pass from Michael Van Buren for the Tigers’ only touchdown. After the game, Interim Coach Frank Wilson gave credit to the Hilltoppers’ defense.

Cut 16 (16) “…the football game.”

Van Buren completed 25 out of 42 passes for 202 yards and that one touchdown. He was also intercepted once. Harlem Berry was LSU’s leading rusher with 82 yards. LSU improves to 7-and-5  and wraps up its regular season Saturday against Oklahoma in Norman; kickoff is at 2:30.

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Louisiana Tech is bowl eligible as the Bulldogs earned their sixth win of the season on Saturday with a come-from-behind win over Liberty, dousing the Flames 34-28 in overtime. Tech trailed by three touchdowns in the third quarter to pull off the biggest win in Sonny Cumbie era…

Cut 17 (08)  “…to compete.”

Quarterback Trey Kukuk sparked the rally and he did it with his legs. Kukuk had 31 yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter and a 29-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to tie the game. Kukuk says the players wanted to win this game for Cumbie and the coaches…

Cut 18 (18))  “…into this team.”

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The Saints made three trips into the red zone against the Falcons on Sunday, but only managed three points in a 24-10 loss to Atlanta. Kicker Blake Grupe missed two field goals. And in the third quarter, the Black and Gold failed to score a touchdown after getting the ball to the one-yard line. Coach Kellen Moore says they didn’t get it done on offense…

Cut 19 (10) “…find a way.”

The only touchdown for the Saints came in the second quarter, when Justin Reid returned an interception for a touchdown. The loss drops New Orleans record to 2-9. Reid says they are not giving up on the season…

Cut 20 (13) “…can do.”

The Saints are at Miami this Sunday.