Tourists are once again packing New Orleans to ring in the new year. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Two all-time great players from the Saints are finalists for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (31) “…Jeff Palermo.”

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Visitors flock to New Orleans every year to ring in the new year, and this year is no different. Walt Leger, the president and CEO of New Orleans and Company, says bolstered by football fans visiting from Athens, Georgia, and Oxford, Mississippi, hotels throughout the city are packed.

Cut 3 (10) “…restaurants, shops.”

And that’s going to mean an economic impact of about 200-million dollars this week alone. Leger says those visitors will have plenty of activities to choose from this week.

Cut 4 (12) “…the fireworks show.”

It was one year ago when a terrorist plowed a vehicle into a crowd of new year’s revelers on Bourbon Street, killing 14 people. Leger says while the city has learned from that incident and is taking measures to prevent a repeat occurrence, the city is not going to let that define it.

Cut 5 (13) “…dim that light.”

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It’s going to be another cold night throughout the state tonight, so the State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding you to be extra vigilant when keeping your house warm. Spokesman Ken Pastorick says use extra precautions when using a space heater.

Cut 6 (07) “…things like that.”

Pastorick says you should never resort to creative methods to heat your home, like running a gas stove. That will produce carbon monoxide, which will kill you. Pastorick also reminds you not to leave fires in fireplaces lit overnight.

Cut 7 (09) “…while you’re sleeping.”

Pastorick says as always, make sure you have working smoke detectors in your home – they often are the difference between life and death.

Cut 8 (07) “…working smoke alarms.”

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Temperatures will fall below freezing for several hours tonight and into tomorrow morning for areas north of I-10 and I-12. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says cold weather precautions should be taken…

Cut 9 (08)  “…coastal parishes.”

Jacquemin says gusty north winds continue this afternoon, before weakening tonight, but we’ll still see wind chill readings…

Cut 10 (05) “…tonight.”

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Former Saints stars Drew Brees and Jahri Evans are among the 15 modern-era finalists for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. WWL Radio Saints analyst Mike Detillier says Brees is a lock to get in after throwing for 80-thousand yards, the second most in NFL history…

Cut 11 (11) “…before.”

Brees led the Saints to their only Super Bowl title in 2009 and is the only player in club history to win the league’s Offensive Player of the Year Award, which he won twice. Brees is trying to become the first Saints player to be elected on the first ballot of his Hall of Fame candidacy and Detillier believes it will happen…

Cut 12 (06) “…Drew Brees.”

Former Saints offensive guard Jahri Evans is also a finalist. Detillier says Evans has been a finalist the last three years and this might be his year…

Cut 13 (11)  “…he was.”

New Orleans natives Eli Manning and Reggie Wayne are also finalists. Manning won two Super Bowls as the quarterback of the New York Giants, while Wayne was a great receiver for the Colts and ranks 10th all-time in both receiving yards and receptions.

The Independence Bowl always means a huge economic impact for the greater Shreveport-Bossier City area, and this year is expected to be no different. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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It is a windy day and the temperature is falling. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin has more on this last arctic blast before the new year…

Cut 2 (30) “…Bill Jacquemin.”

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The LSU football season couldn’t have ended a moment too soon for these fans who were at the Texas Bowl Saturday night.

Cut 3 (04) “…it was terrible.”

A season that started with aspirations of the College Football Playoff ended with an interim coach leading a patchwork lineup to a 38-35 loss to Houston to finish the season with a record of 7-and-6. This fan is ready to turn the page.

Cut 4 (05) “…the portal hard.”

The transfer portal opens Friday.

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The Saints are finishing 2025 on a high note as the Black and Gold won their fourth straight yesterday, rallying to beat Tennessee 34-26 in Nashville. New Orleans fell behind 13-0 and trailed by ten points at halftime, but completed the come back with two fourth quarter touchdowns. Coach Kellen Moore says it was their most impressive win of the year…

Cut 5 (13) “…second half.”

Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough improved to 5-3 as a starter as he had his second straight 300-yard passing game, throwing for 333 yards and two touchdowns. Shough is a big reason why the Saints have turned their season around after a 1-8 start and he appreciates Who Dat Nation’s big showing in Nashville…

Cut 6 (10) “…like that.”

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The 49th playing of the Independence Bowl is expected to produce an economic impact of about 6.4-million dollars this year. Emma Boone with Visit Shreveport-Bossier says the fact that one of the teams, Louisiana Tech, is close by is actually a very good thing.

Cut 7 (11) “…in Shreveport-Bossier.”

Boone says whether the fans are taking the short drive from Ruston or taking a long drive or a flight from Conway, South Carolina, they will be in for a treat when visiting Shreveport.

Cut 8 (07) “..Shreveport-Bossier special.”

Boone says there will be plenty of things for them to do today and tomorrow.

Cut 9 (14)  “…Coca-Cola Fan Fest.”

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What happened to the 80-degree temperatures that we saw over the weekend? A strong cold front has brought Old Man Winter back to the Bayou State and LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says the cold air is accompanied by windy conditions…

Cut 10 (08) “…lower 20s.”

Jacquemin says north Louisiana should prepare for below freezing temperatures tonight and into tomorrow morning…

Cut 11 (07) “…southeast parishes.”

Hundreds of National Guard troops are set to deploy to cities throughout Louisiana. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Researchers at Tulane University are taking the lead on a vaccine to combat a little-known, potentially deadly bacterium. Jeanne Burns reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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LSU football’s 2025 season has mercifully come to an end with a loss in the Texas Bowl. Andrew Greenstein is at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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I hope you enjoyed the warm weather during the Christmas holiday, because you’ll be in for a rude awakening this week. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the cold weather that we normally associate with Christmas is here now.

Cut 4 (09) “…Gulf Coast today.”

Winter in Louisiana is typically a three-month-long rollercoaster ride, with massive temperature swings, and so far this winter is no exception. Keim says the latest drop starts today.

Cut 5 (07) “…along the coast.”

Keim says you’ll really be in for a rude awakening as you leave your house to go to work tomorrow and Wednesday – assuming that you’re indeed going to work and are not taking the week off.

Cut 6 (08) “…I-10/I-12 corridor.”

Temperatures should return to the 70s this weekend, give or take depending on where in the state you are.

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As Louisiana gets set to ring in the new year, President Trump is deploying hundreds of National Guard troops to the state. Trump is acting on a request from Governor Landry, who talked about it on “The Will Cain Show” on the Fox News Channel.

Cut 7 (05) “…elsewhere around Louisiana.”

Landry said about 350 of those troops will be deployed to New Orleans, and they will stay beyond New Year’s and through Mardi Gras.

Cut 8 (07) “…we desperately need”

Whereas she had previously said that the deployment of the National Guard was a scare tactic meant to score political points, New Orleans Mayor-elect Helena Morena now says she appreciates the support by federal partners, having been assured that it’s designed strictly to increase public safety and comes at no cost to the city. Landry says the state is always ready to help President Trump with national security.

Cut 9 (09)  “…so much better.”

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Researchers at Tulane have taken the lead in developing a vaccine to protect against a little-known, yet potentially deadly tropical disease. Dr. Lisa Morici with the Tulane University School of Medicine says after ten years of development, she and her team have taken their meliodosis vaccine from discovery through pre-clinical testing to GMP manufacturing of drug substance.

Cut 10 (08) “…perhaps in Europe.”

Dr. Morici says while it is little-known, meliodosis could have an impact locally.

Cut 11 (06) “…U.S. Gulf Coast.”

Meliodosis is sometimes known as the great mimicker, since it can look like a lot of different illnesses. Morici says it can infect any part of the body, especially the lungs and the blood stream – and the effects could be dire.

Cut 12 (11) “…high fatality rate.”

Morici and her team’s findings are published in the journal “Nature Communications.”

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The Saints fell behind 13-0, but rallied to take the lead in the fourth quarter and went on to beat Tennessee 34-26 for their fourth win in a row. Coach Kellen Moore has orchestrated the team’s longest winning streak in five years, but Moore gives credit to the players…

Cut 13 (09)  “…really special.”

Sunday was a special victory for New Orleans, which improved to 6- 10. Defensive end Chase Young started the rally in the second quarter by stripping the ball away from Titans quarterback Cam Ward and returning the fumble 33 yards for a T-D. Young is playing at a high level, and so are the Saints…

Cut 14 (14) “…keep fighting.”

For the second straight week, rookie quarterback Tyler Shough threw for more than 300 yards as he threw for 333 yards and two touchdowns versus the Titans. Shough says the team was not down despite trailing by ten-points at half…

Cut 15 (13) “…great team win.”

The Saints conclude the regular season by visiting Atlanta and looking to finish with a 7-10 record.

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The 2025 LSU Tigers football season has mercifully come to an end. The Tigers ended what was for all intents and purposes a disappointing season with a 38-35 loss to the Houston Cougars in the Texas Bowl in Houston. What started with dreams of the College Football Playoff ended with a record of 7-and-6. Interim head coach Frank Wilson said he really wanted the win for his team, who had to deal with a lot this season.

Cut 16 (12) “…was love LSU.”

Early on, it looked very good for LSU, jumping out to a 14-0 lead less than five minutes into the game, including a touchdown on the opening kickoff of the game. But in front of a crowd of almost 64-thousand, most of whom were rooting for the locals, the Cougars came back to take a 21-14 lead at halftime. The score was tied at 28 midway through the 4th when Houston kicked a field goal, then scored a touchdown with less than two and a half minutes left to send most of the LSU crowd to the exits. LSU scored a late touchdown but could not recover the onside kick.

Michael Van Buren completed 16 out of 26 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns. He says he feels that he could lead the team going forward after being thrust into the starting role earlier than anyone had anticipated with the injury to Garrett Nussmeier.

Cut 17 (09)  “…see what happens.”

After the game, Wilson, who now leaves to become the running backs coach at Ole Miss, had a message for his team.

Cut 18 (09)  “…of the game.” 

LSU’s loss drops Louisiana teams to 0-and-3 in bowl games. Louisiana Tech is the Bayou State’s last hope on Tuesday in the Independence Bowl against Coastal Carolina.

Data center mania has gripped Louisiana, with construction getting underway on one in Central Louisiana this month. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

President Donald Trump appoints Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry Special Envoy to Greenland.  Landry posted on “X” his thanks for the nod to the volunteer position, assuring residents here that the role in no way affects his position as Governor of Louisiana.

——————————

The arrests of 67 people in a month-long sex offender sting underscores the fact that the battle against child sex predators is never ending. During the month-long operation last month, agents from more than 30 departments joined forces to arrest sex offenders using social media to commit additional crimes against children. Franklin Parish Sheriff Kevin Cobb says it doesn’t matter where a child lives, all it takes for a child to become a victim are a device and access to the internet.

Cut 10 (10) “…be a victim.”

On Christmas Eve, dozens of bonfires will be lit along the banks of the Mississippi River. St. James Parish President Pete Dufresne says the lighting of the bonfires is a tradition that has gone on for centuries.

Cut 4 (07) “…St. James Parish.”

A mineral processing company is investing in a new facility in St. James Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Following the Texas Bowl, Tigers interim head coach Frank Wilson will leave LSU for an assistant coaching job at Ole Miss. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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ElementUSA announces that it’s investing 850-million dollars to build a rare earth and critical minerals refining facility in St. James Parish. Parish President Pete Dufresne says the facility will lead to the creation of 200 new direct jobs with an average salary of 90-thousand dollars a year, along with more than 550 new indirect jobs.

Cut 3 (06) “…we greatly need.”

The facility will help strengthen the U.S. supply chain for materials essential to advanced manufacturing, national defense and energy technologies. Dufresne says ElementUSA chose St. James Parish because the industrial infrastructure is already in place with the Atlantic Alumina plant.

Cut 4 (12) “…that same material.”

Dufresne says the addition of ElementUSA would enhance the production that’s happening at Atlantic Alumina.

Cut 5 (13) “…for the community.”

Construction of the new ElementUSA plant is expected to begin sometime in 2027.

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The Texas Bowl on December 27^th is the last game Frank Wilson will coach at LSU. The Tigers interim head coach since late October has accepted a job with Ole Miss to be the Rebels running backs coach. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says this is not a surprising development…

Cut 6 (08) “…not coming back.”

Guilbeau says new LSU head football coach Lane Kiffin is expected to hire the running backs coach he had at Ole Miss, Kevin Smith, as Wilson’s replacement and Smith could help the Tigers acquire a 12-hundred yard rusher…

Cut 7 (11) “…Ole Miss.”

Wilson is known as an outstanding recruiter and has convinced several great high school players from the New Orleans area to play at LSU during his two different stints with the Tigers. But Guilbeau says money matters more than relationships in today’s world of recruiting…

Cut 8 (12) “…it’s all about cash.”

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A former New Iberia police officer who allegedly plotted a terror attack in New Orleans is currently charged with one count of threat by interstate commerce. But Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says many more serious charges are likely forthcoming against Micah Legnon (LEG-nin).

Cut 9 (12)  “…bomb-making materials.”

FBI agents arrested the 29-year-old last weekend as he was allegedly loading his vehicle with an assault rifle and body armor. Investigators have linked him to a California-based anti-government group which had been plotting a series of bomb attacks on New Year’s Eve. Ciolino says it will take quite a while before more serious charges are filed, and even longer before an indictment can be handed down.

Cut 10 (09) “…can go forward.”

Ciolino says thanks to modern technology, it’s a lot easier now for the government to make cases like these now than it was several years ago.

Cut 11 (12) “…Google searches.”

Ciolino says given the nature of the charges Legnon will likely be facing, he will likely not be released anytime soon, due to being a potential threat to the community.

A former New Iberia police officer is arrested for allegedly plotting an attack in New Orleans. Andre Champagne reports he allegedly has ties to an anti-government group in California.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The state’s libraries are growing in popularity. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana is awarded a huge grant to study the impacts of high-dosage tutoring on literacy. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Libraries throughout the state are becoming more and more popular. The latest statistical report shows that in 2024, libraries welcomed more than 11-million visitors – that’s up eight and a half percent from 2023. State Librarian Meg Placke (PLACK-ee) says the trend is very encouraging.

Cut 4 (09) “…numbers reflect that.”

Not only do public libraries offer books that are available to borrow, but they also host scores of programs throughout the year. And Placke says in 2024, the 337 public libraries throughout the state hosted almost 90-thousand in-person and live virtual programs. 

Cut 5 (10) “…are looking for.”

Placke says in every way, public libraries are a staple of their communities.

Cut 6 (09) “…workforce development classes.”

In 2024, Louisiana had about 2.28-million library cardholders. That accounts for 52-percent of the state’s population.

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The U.S. Department of Education awards Louisiana a 15-million-dollar grant to lead a five-year study on the impact of high-dosage tutoring on first and second-graders. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jenna Chiasson (CHASS-on) says the project will serve about 45-hundred students in both traditional public schools and charter schools.

Cut 7 (12) “…around literacy instruction.”

Chiasson says the awarding of the grant recognizes the state’s leadership in advancing evidence-based literacy solutions.

Cut 8 (10) “…more about it.”

Chiasson says Louisiana has been a national leader in high-dosage tutoring; and while there is still work yet to be done, it has led to tremendous progress in literacy.

Cut 9 (11)  “…Louisiana can read.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill told lawmakers on Tuesday that UnitedHealthcare potentially owes the state between $380 million and $768 million in overpayments for pharmacy costs, which is why her office instructed L-D-H to cancel its contract with the state, forcing thousands of Medicaid patients to switch insurance providers.

Cut 10 (13) “…this much money.”

Murrill says UnitedHealthcare has also failed to turn over documents that prove they are complying with the contract.

Louisiana lawmakers expressed concern about ending the contract on January 1st, so LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein told a legislative committee yesterday that they will give UnitedHealthcare through March to comply with the state’s orders. Murrill is okay with that…

Cut 11 (09) “…owe us that.”

Lawmakers were concerned that ending the UnitedHealthcare contract on January 1st would result in a lapse of coverage for thousands of Medicaid patients, because it will take several weeks to get those Medicaid recipients on another insurance, which is why Greenstein said there will be a 90-day extension.

Murrill says the state has been litigating with UnitedHealthcare for five years…

Cut 12 (11) “…us the documents.”

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With the Revenue Estimating Conference determining that the legislature will end the current fiscal year with a 293-million-dollar budget surplus, State Treasurer John Fleming is suggesting giving that money back to the taxpayers in the form of tax cuts.

Cut 13 (08)  “…therefore more revenue”

The Revenue Estimating Conference identified stronger than expected income tax revenue as one of the main drivers behind the surplus, despite the fact that the legislature cut the income tax rate across the board last year. Treasurer Fleming says for this reason, further tax cuts are the most effective way to return the surplus to the taxpayers. 

Cut 14 (09) “…cuts over time.”

Fleming says the ultimate goal is to make income taxes in Louisiana a thing of the past.

Cut 15 (06) “…in this state.”

Fleming points out that Texas, Tennessee and Florida are doing the best economically in the country, and none of those states have a state income tax.

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UL-Lafayette plays in its eighth straight bowl game tonight as it takes on the Delaware Blue Hens in the 68 Ventures Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, at 7:30 p.m. Cajuns head coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-moe) says the bowl game is one last chance for some of his players to play the game of football.

Cut 16 (20) “…going to play.”

The Cajuns have dealt with the injury bug all season, and it’s going to be no different tonight as the team is without several starters. Desormeaux says the team will rely on its younger starters and knows his players will benefit from the adversity they faced this season.

Cut 17 (18)  “…progress they’ve made.”

UL-Lafayette quarterbacks Lunch Winfield and Walker Howard will both be available for tonight’s game. Howard helped lead the Cajuns to a 30-27 overtime win over ULM after Winfield exited the game with an undisclosed injury. Desormeaux says he has full confidence in both to get the job done.

Cut 18 (17)  “…helping each other.”

SLB announces plans to expand its technology center at the former GM assembly plant in Shreveport resulting in hundreds of new jobs. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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LSU’s Frank Wilson will be the interim head coach for the Tigers in the Texas Bowl, but his future with LSU is uncertain after the bowl game. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy is speaking out after a CDC panel voted to change the recommendation for the Hepatitis B vaccine. Since 1991, it had been recommended for all babies immediately after birth; last week, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to change that recommendation to include only babies born to mothers who test positive for the virus. Cassidy says decisions like these ought to be about protecting children’s health.

Cut 3 (06) “…a personal prejudice.”

Cassidy says since the vaccine had been recommended, insurance providers had covered it. But now, with the change in recommendation, that’s now in limbo.

Cut 4 (12) “…to be assured.”

Cassidy says there is no doubt as to the effectiveness of the Hepatitis B vaccine.

Cut 5 (10) “…20 a year.”

Hepatitis B can lead to a serious liver infection.

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SLB, a global technology company, will expand its operations in Shreveport, resulting in hundreds of new jobs. Their technology center in Shreveport is located at the former GM plant and SLB’s Data Centers Director Andrew Johnston says it will soon become the largest SLB facility in the world…

Cut 6 (13) “…world” (clapping)

SLB currently employs 660 employees at its Shreveport site, but Johnston says they plan to nearly double their footprint…

Cut 7 (14) “…create.” (golf clap)

Plans are in place to increase staffing through 2027 as additional areas of the site begin operating.

To secure the project the state of Louisiana offered SLB an incentives package that included assistance with workforce development and a six-million-dollar performance-based grant for utility and infrastructure improvements.

Chief Development Officer for the Louisiana Department of Economic Development Paige Carter says S-L-G could have expanded anywhere, but chose northwest Louisiana…

Cut 8 (14) “…doubling down.”

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LSU running backs coach Frank Wilson will serve as the interim head coach for the Tigers when they play Houston in the Texas Bowl on December 27th. But Wilson’s future with the program is uncertain as he did not provide any clarity when speaking with reporters Tuesday morning…

Cut 9 (13)  “…in that regard.”

Wilson has led the Tigers to a 2-2 record since the firing of Brian Kelly. LSU has played a majority of those games without top players like quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, linebacker Whit Weeks and receiver Aaron Anderson. Wilson says they will not play in the bowl game either, along with their top cornerback Mansoor Delane (MAHN-soor duh-LANE)…

Cut 10 (10) “…Whit Weeks will be out.”

With Nussmeier not playing that means Michael Van Buren will make his fourth consecutive start at quarterback for Tigers.

Most of LSU’s assistant coaches on the defensive side of the football are returning, including defensive coordinator Blake Baker and secondary coach Corey Raymond. But coaches on the offensive side of the football will most likely not be retained. Wilson says this transition period within the coaching staff has been smooth…

Cut 11 (05) “…pulling for LSU.”

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The holiday season can be a stressful time for many people. Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham is urging you to reach out if you’re struggling. 

Cut 12 (07) “…somebody who cares.”

(If you’re not okay, that’s okay — call 988 and talk to somebody who cares.) Dr. Abraham says there are many reasons why people get stressed, especially during the holiday season.

Cut 13 (09)  “…to handle sometimes.”

Holly Howatt, the interim assistant secretary of the Office of Behavioral Health, says the office operates two 988 call centers – one in North Louisiana and one in New Orleans.

Cut 14 (09) “…within the state.”

Haynesville High School is looking for its 18^th state championship in football, while North DeSoto is looking for its first. Jeff Palermo has more on these two northwest Louisiana schools as they prepare for the Prep Classic…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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One escapee from last week’s South Louisiana jailbreaks remains on the loose. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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As Operation Catahoula Crunch continues in the greater New Orleans area, people may be wondering what exactly the law says about these enhanced immigration sweeps – what the Border Patrol agents can and can’t do under the law. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says in order for agents to detain anyone, they need a good reason to do so.

Cut 3 (11) “…the federal government.”

As such, Ciolino says if there are no reasonable grounds, you’re under no obligation to talk to any federal agent. However, if there is reasonable suspicion, that’s a different story. 

Cut 4 (14) “…their basic questions.”

Otherwise, the agent can hold you and gather further evidence; and if that indicates that you’re in the country illegally, you can be detained for a long period of time.

Last week, New Orleans City Councilman J.P. Morrell stated that Louisiana is an open carry state and has a robust stand-your-ground law; and if a masked federal agent tries detaining a U.S. citizen who’s legally carrying a weapon, that citizen can defend him or herself. Ciolino points out, as Morrell did, that the officer’s only line of defense in a stand-your-ground shooting is by fully identifying oneself as a law enforcement officer.

Cut 5 (11) “…along those lines.”

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Two public schools in northwest Louisiana are preparing for a trip to New Orleans to play in the Prep Classic. North DeSoto, who is seeking its first state championship in football and will play Iowa on Friday at noon. Griffins coach Dennis Dunn believes his team will be well prepared…

Cut 6 (06) “…for them.”

North DeSoto is the top seed in Division Two non-select, and the Griffins are a perfect 13-0. Dunn says a selfless attitude has helped his team get to this point…

Cut 7 (07) “…all of that.”

Haynesville is looking for its 18th state championship in football when they face Mangham in the Division Four non-select state title game on Thursday at noon. This is the third year in a row Coach David Franklin and the Golden Tornado have made it to the state title game, but the last two years they cam up short…

Cut 8 (07) “…go and win.”

Haynesville is led by four-year starter Isaiah Washington, who has signed to play college football at LSU. Washington starts at quarterback and is a defensive back and Franklin says he’s their leader…

Cut 9 (05)  “…great personality.”

Haynesville’s last state championship was in 2014 when they beat Mangham.

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One escapee from a pair of South Louisiana jailbreaks remains on the loose. 24-year-old Keith Eli escaped from the St. Landry Parish Jail last Wednesday, along with two others. Major Mark LeBlanc with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office says investigators are going to great lengths to find him.

Cut 10 (14) “…of our agency.”

On Friday, deputies captured 24-year-old Johnathan Joseph. Major LeBlanc says tips and information led detectives to a home in Opelousas.

Cut 11 (09) “…surrendered to officers.”

The day before, the third escapee, 26-year-old Joseph Arrington, shot himself to death during a standoff with Port Barre Police. LeBlanc says while the St. Landry Parish government is working to fortify the jail to prevent another escape, the sheriff’s office is beefing up staffing there.

Cut 12 (11) “…of the facility.”

Meanwhile, the inmate who escaped from the Vermilion Parish Jail, 23-year-old Gavin Garnica, was captured Friday in Rayne following a high-speed chase.

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Louisiana Tech is heading back to Shreveport as the Bulldogs will play Coastal Carolina in the 49^th edition of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. Missy Setters is the executive director of the Independence Bowl on what the game means for northwest Louisiana…

Cut 13 (13)  “…during December.”

Tech played in the Independence Bowl last year and lost to Army. It’s the seventh time the Bulldogs have played in the Indy Bowl. It’s the first  time for Coastal Carolina.

The game will kick-off at 1 PM on December 30^th and Setters says there are several fan and community events the night before…

Cut 14 (12) “…hurricane alley.”

The Independence Bowl has been around for 50 years, but because of its placement among the bowl game structure, they usually get teams that either have a .500 record or barely have a winning record. Setters says she sees the complaints on social media, but she would rather focus on the positive…

Cut 15 (13) “…all the time.”

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.

___________________________________________________

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.”