More than 12-thousand drivers who have auto insurance through Allstate will see a decrease in auto insurance premiums next year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A new report finds military spending was up 77-percent during fiscal year 2024 compared to a previous report conducted four years earlier. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Lafourche Parish School Board is coming under very heavy criticism for how it handled an incident involving boys sharing A-I nude photos of female classmates. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (42) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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About 12-thousand drivers who have auto insurance through Allstate will see a decrease on their auto insurance premium next year. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the has approved a seven-percent rate decrease for Allstate North American Insurance Company and a 15-percent decrease for Encompass Insurance Company of America’s National General program. Temple says this good news…

Cut 4 (11) “…insurance companies.”

ANAIC and Encompass are both Allstate companies. Temple says the recent tort reform efforts are showing insurance providers that the state is committed to creating a healthier market for both consumers and insurers.

Temple says the insurance industry has told him if Louisiana can decrease the frivolous lawsuits and outrageous settlements it will result in lower auto insurance rates…

Cut 5 (09) “…following year.”

Temple says there are signs auto insurance rates are starting to come down for drivers, but more work is needed to address commercial auto insurance…

Cut 6 (10) “…individual consumer.”

Expect to see more auto insurance reform legislation when lawmakers meet for the regular session in the spring.

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Military-related spending in Louisiana generated more than 17-billion dollars in total economic activity during fiscal year 2024, a 77-percent increase since 2021. That’s according to a new report from Louisiana Economic Development. Louisiana Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says employment has also risen 52-percent with more than 117-thousand jobs that’s contributing to the state and local economy…

Cut 7 (08) “…from it.”

Louisiana has five military installations. Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier Parish, a naval air station in Belle Chasse and Fort Polk in Leesville. Meginley says Fort Polk is a major driver of central Louisiana’s economy…

Cut 8 (13) “…central Louisiana.”

Meginley says the report shows notable expansion in the state’s defense sector since the previous study four years ago…

Cut 9 (10)  “…national security.”

Recently Bollinger Shipyards was awarded a major U-S Navy contract to construct six Arctic Security Cutters at facilities in Lockport. And VRC Metal Systems will build a new maintenance facility at Barksdale that will provide advanced repair capabilities for B-52 aircraft.

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The Lafourche Parish School Board is coming under fire for how it handled an incident in which a group of boys shared A-I nude images of female classmates. One of them had been expelled for hitting a boy on a school bus who had shared an image of her. Her family’s lawyers gave the school board an earful this month. Benjamin Comeaux told the board her school, Sixth Ward Middle School in Thibodaux, prevented her from seeking help.

Cut 10 (07) “…she was told.”

Another of the family’s lawyers, Gregory Miller, told the board after the girl’s pleas to the school for help fell on deaf ears, she was placed on the same bus as one of the boys who had been bullying her, and that’s when she took matters into her own hands.

Cut 11 (11) “…okay with that?”

Miller told the school board that it had punished the wrong person.

Cut 12 (06) “…that from her.”

The girl’s father, who Louisiana Radio Network is not naming, told the board that his daughter went through depression so severe that he had to hire a counselor, and that her punishment was way overboard given the circumstances.

Cut 13 (07)  “…in her life.”

The board eventually reduced the girl’s expulsion to a suspension in the length that she had already spent out of the classroom and allowed her to immediately return. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has charged one boy for sharing those images, and more charges are likely.

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LSU’s three-game losing streak is over, and Frank Wilson gets his first win as the Tigers’ interim head coach. After falling behind 14-0 in the first quarter, the Tigers maintained their composure and beat Arkansas Saturday afternoon at Tiger Stadium, 23-22. During his postgame news conference, Wilson said he talked to his team before the game about how nothing would come easy, and this game was the epitome of that.

Cut 14 (16) “…that you get.”

Just before the game, Garrett Nussmeier was ruled out, so sophomore Michael Van Buren got his first start, and he completed 21 out of 31 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown. He didn’t throw any interceptions but was sacked four times. Wilson said Van Buren got off to a shaky start but got more confident as the game went on.

Cut 15 (13) “…times as well.”

Van Buren says this is a win he will not soon forget.

Cut 16 (12) “…just feels amazing.”

With the win, LSU is now bowl eligible. They wrap up their home schedule Saturday against Western Kentucky; kickoff is at 6:45. Their final regular-season game is a week later at Oklahoma.

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Stephen F Austin won the Southland Conference on Saturday, but Southeastern Louisiana is still alive for an at-large FCS playoff spot after beating UIW 10-7. It was a good win for Coach Frank Scelfo’s team after losing the week before to Lamar….

Cut 17 (19)  “…we did.”

The Lions are 8-3 and wrap up the regular season on Thursday by hosting Nicholls in the River Bell Classic.

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Louisiana Tech had just 167 yards of offense in a 28-3 loss to Washington State on Saturday. Coach Sonny Cumbie’s team still needs one more win to become bowl eligible, and they’ll try to get that victory this Saturday at home against Liberty…

Cut 18 (21)  “…next week.”

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ULM jumped out to a 14-0 lead on South Alabama, but ended up losing to the Jaguars 26-14. That’s six straight losses for Coach Bryant Vincent’s team, and they are having a hard time staying away from beating themselves…

Cut 19 (17) “…fourth down.”

The Warhawks are at Texas State this Saturday.

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Nicholls won its final home game of the season, beating rival Northwestern State 26-21. Redshirt freshman running back Shane Lee had a career-high 134 yards rushing and three TDs. Coach Tommy Rybacki will finish Southland play with at least a 500 record after finding a way to get a victory over the Demons…

Cut 20 (17) “…the season.”

The Colonels visit Southeastern Louisiana on Thursday.

This is the last weekend of the State Fair of Louisiana, and Andrew Greenstein has a couple ways you can save money.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Indicting him is one thing; convicting him may be another story. Jeff Palermo has more on the difficulty of convicting former House Speaker Clay Schexnayder of theft…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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This is the last weekend of the State Fair of Louisiana; and if you’re a hockey fan, there’s a special deal for you this weekend. Russell Adams with the State Fair tells KEEL if you go to the fair Friday or Saturday, you can get discounted tickets to the Shreveport Mudbugs game at Hirsch Memorial Coliseum.

Cut 3 (11) “…the hockey game.”

And the reverse is true too – if you paid full price to the Mudbugs game either day, you can get into the fair for just five dollars. Sunday is Military Appreciation Day – all veterans and active duty servicemembers get in for free. Adams says on Sunday, there will be a military parade.

Cut 4 (08) “…down our midway.”

Adams says after the parade Sunday will be a special worship service.

Cut 5 (09) “…a good message.”

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A major milestone in St. Tammany Parish as the 56-million-dollar I-12 widening project is completed months ahead of schedule. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says the freeway was widened in the Covington-Mandeville area.

Cut 6 (07) “…to LA 1077.”

Mallett says with the growth in St. Tammany Parish, coupled with I-12 being a major freight corridor for trucks going coast to coast, the volume along that stretch of roadway has increased significantly in just the last few years.

Cut 7 (11) “…20-thousand since 2018.”

Mallett says the widening of I-12 will have many more benefits beyond simply being able to more easily get from point A to point B.

Cut 8 (07) “…in that area.”

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Louisiana’s former House Speaker, Clay Schexnayder, is facing felony charges for allegedly stealing a rare Louisiana artifact. A 20-foot-long cypress board that used to hang in the halls of the Louisiana State Capitol is missing. It was last seen 18 months ago in Schexnayder’s legislative office in Gonzales.  Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says this will be a tough case to prosecute…

Cut 9 (13)  “…problematic.”

Schexnayder says when he left the office in January 2024, it was still there and he didn’t steal the board. The leasing manager for his office says they did not remove the board.

The Attorney General’s office is prosecuting Schexnayder. A-G Liz Murrill said public officials do not get to keep Louisiana property. Borghardt hopes Murrill spoke with Schexnayder before seeking the indictment…

Cut 10 (09) “…instance.”

Bordhardt says the indictment doesn’t mean anything right now…

Cut 11 (08) “…for her.”

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LSU interim head football coach Frank Wilson says quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has re-aggravated an abdominal injury he sustained in preseason camp, but he’s still expected to start against Arkansas tomorrow. Nussmeier is listed as probable, but Wilson says if Nussmeier’s injury is more problematic than what they thought, Michael Van Buren will make his first start in a Tiger uniform…

Cut 12 (11) “…his progress.”

Saturday’s game could be high scoring. The Razorbacks have one of the worst defenses in college football, but Arkansas QB Taylan Green leads the country in total offense. Wilson on the matchup with the 2-7 Hogs…

Cut 13 (09)  “…can score.”

The former Louisiana House speaker is indicted on a pair of charges related to the disappearance of an ancient artifact. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The longest government shutdown in American history is over.  President Donald Trump signed a government funding bill last night, ending 43 days of no pay and uncertainty for thousands of Americans.  President Trump blamed the shutdown on Democrats, saying the American people should not forget this come mid-term elections next year.

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The American Society of Civil Engineers is out with its quadrennial report card for Louisiana’s infrastructure. Grading ten metrics, it gives Louisiana an overall grade of a C-minus, which is just below the national grade of a C. Report Card Chairman Kirk Lowery says Louisiana’s bridges got a D-plus.

Cut 4 (11) “…and capital improvement.”

The State Bond Commission has approved the City of New Orleans’ request to secure a 125-million-dollar loan to cover payroll costs into January. Louisiana Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack will oversee the dedicated fund for the loan.  Waguespack says improper budgeting practices, no oversight of overtime spending and the loss of federal COVID recovery dollars contributed to the Crescent City’s crisis.

Cut 8 (13) “…your biggest issue.”

A state representative is rolling out the welcome mat for New York City business owners anxious over that city’s election results. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Former LSU football coach Brian Kelly has filed a lawsuit so he can receive every cent of the 54-million-dollar buyout he is owed. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (37) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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On the heels of announcing the installation of ten-thousand fortified roofs in Louisiana, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple announces another round of fortified roof grants. Temple says the application period opens tomorrow morning and will be open for one week.

Cut 3 (05) “…applicants on that.”

Temple says the procedure is the same as the previous one – it’s a lottery; and if you had registered for a previous lottery, your registration is still active for this next drawing.

Cut 4 (03) “…for the grant.”

The grant program is limited to those who live in the coastal zone, as well as in Lake Charles, Sulphur and Westlake. Temple says this will by no means be the last grant period for Louisiana’s fortified roof program.

Cut 5 (11) “…in coastal Louisiana.”

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Representative Julie Emerson is rolling out the welcome mat for New York City businesses looking to relocate from the city in the wake of that city’s mayoral election. The Carencro Republican, who chairs the state House Ways and Means Committee, says even though the effects are not yet known since Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has not yet taken office, businesses anxious over his policies are more than welcome to set up shop in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (07) “…to do that.”

Emerson put out the invitation on her U.S. Senate campaign Facebook page. She says her post is intended primarily to promote Louisiana as a business-friendly state.

Cut 7 (09) “…for our people.”

Emerson says many businesses are relocating to Southern states, which she says have tax policies that are more favorable to businesses; and with the tax reform that the legislature passed last year, Louisiana is ready to join that trend.

Cut 8 (07) “…create jobs here.”

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Brian Kelly’s legal team has filed a lawsuit against LSU in an effort to get the school to pay the former Tigers football coach the full buyout of 54-million dollars. Wilson Alexander is covering the story for the The Advocate Newspaper and says the suit claims that LSU is telling Kelly he has not been formally terminated, and they will seek to fire him for cause…

Cut 9 (11)  “…formally terminated.”

If LSU can prove they fired Kelly for cause, then they would not owe Kelly the full 54-million-dollar buyout.

Alexander says according to Kelly’s contract, they must inform him that he was fired for caused within seven days after his firing

Cut 10 (08) “…cause.”

Kelly’s contract says the school can fire him for cause due to various behavioral issues, including NCAA rule violations, crimes or “serious misconduct” that “constitutes moral turpitude.”

Alexander says it’s unknown what reasons LSU has for firing Kelly with cause, but those reasons would have to be spelled out, if this case goes to trial

Cut 11 (11) “…messy indeed.”

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The suspensions of seven U-L Lafayette football players for their roles in Saturday’s postgame brawl with Texas State players are not sitting well with Dave Schultz, the host of the Locked On Sun Belt podcast. Schultz notes that it was the Texas State players who started the fight, but the Cajuns got the brunt of the suspensions – including senior safety Tyree Skipper, who was suspended for the rest of the season, in effect ending his collegiate career.

Cut 12 (06) “…for the season.”

When the Sun Belt announced the suspensions, which included six Texas State Bobcat players in addition to the seven Cajun players, the conference said it considered the matter closed and would have no further comment. That last line did not sit well with Schultz.

Cut 13 (08)  “…deal with it (2x).”

Schultz says Sun Belt Commissioner Keith Gill gave no explanation in how he decided which players to suspend and for how long, including Skipper’s suspension for the rest of the season, and he says Gill owes the players, the coaches, the schools and the fans more details.

Cut 14 (09) “…we’re doing it.”

The end of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history could be in sight. Don Molino reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Don Molino.”

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Louisiana celebrates a milestone with its fortified roofs grant program. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The end of the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history could be in sight. Last night, there were enough votes in the U.S. Senate to break the logjam and invoke cloture on a spending bill that would fund the government until January 30th. House Speaker Mike Johnson appeared on KEEL radio in Shreveport this morning to say that the Senate is fast-forwarding the bill today.

Cut 3 (08) “…early as today.”

The House has been in recess since the start of the shutdown. Johnson says he has called all House members back, and the House will take up the spending package once everyone is back in Washington.

Cut 4 (12) “…government back opened.”

Even though Democrats had been adamant that there would be no deal without a guarantee to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies. Democrats, however, got no such guarantees; only a guarantee of a vote on them once the government reopens. Johnson says there are certain things that the spending bill will do once passed.

Cut 5 (15) “…in operation again.”

It’s unknown if Congress will extend health care subsidies that help Americans pay for health care plans  purchased through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. This debate led to the government shutdown.

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A freeze warning is in effect tonight and into tomorrow morning for all of south Louisiana and the Delta parishes in northeast Louisiana as low temperatures could drop into the upper 20s for some locations. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says below freezing temperatures are possible as far south as the I-10-12 corridor….

Cut 6 (06) “…this before.”

Grymes says make sure pets have warm shelter and you’ll need warm layers if you plan on being outside…

Cut 7 (11) “…in the morning”

Grymes this cold snap will not last long, as temperatures will begin to warm up tomorrow afternoon. But north Louisiana should prepare for several hours of below freezing weather starting tonight…

Cut 8 (09) “..ten hours or more.”

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The Louisiana fortified roof program celebrates a significant milestone – ten-thousand fortified roofs installed. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the state reached that milestone very quickly.

Cut 9 (08)  “…we’re at ten-thousand.”

Parish Construction and Roofing co-founder Ryan Theriot says there are many benefits to a fortified roof.

Cut 10 (12) “…strengthens our economy.”

In the two years since the grant program launched, many homeowners across the state have taken advantage of it to get a fortified roof installed. Among them is Stephen Curtis, who says the program has given him and his family, both of whom are teachers, peace of mind.

Cut 11 (13) “…without any worries.”

Temple also announced that another round of grants will open Wednesday. There will be one-thousand grants available, and those selected will be chosen by lottery.

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LSU interim head football coach Frank Wilson says quarterbacks Garrett Nussmeier and Michael Van Buren will both play this Saturday against Arkansas. Wilson said both signal callers did some good things in the Tigers 20 to 9 loss to Alabama….

Cut 12 (07) “…moving forward.”

Wilson did not name a starter for Saturday’s 11:45 AM kick off against the Razorbacks. Nussmeier has started the last 23 games for the Tigers. Wilson says both quarterbacks bring something to the table to help the team win….

Cut 13 (13)  “…in this game”

LSU and the Saints both have tough games on the road this weekend. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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As the Renaissance Festival continues in Hammond this weekend, Andrew Greenstein tells you of one performance that you definitely should never try at home.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Enjoy the mild weather this weekend; we’re going to be in for a rude awakening Monday morning. When we wake up Monday morning, temperatures will be in the upper 30s in the northern parishes and in the 40s closer to the coast. And Chanelle Stigger, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service out of Lake Charles, says temperatures will stay cool all day long.

Cut 3 (08) “…Louisiana you are.”

And if you think Monday morning will be cold, Stigger says it’s going to be even colder Tuesday morning, with the possibility of temperatures dipping below freezing in some areas.

Cut 4 (11) “…of Central Louisiana.”

If you think that weather is unusual for Louisiana, especially for this time of year, Stigger says you’re absolutely right.

Cut 5 (08) “…the lower 50s.”

But if you can survive those two mornings, temperatures will begin their climb back to normal during the day Tuesday, returning to the 70s by the middle of the week.

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The 1-and-8 Saints are back on the road this Sunday to face an improving Carolina Panthers team that just beat the Packers in Green Bay. Rookie Tyler Shough will start again at quarterback for the Saints and defensive end Cameron Jordan says the Black and Gold’s defense has to set the tone

Cut 6 (11) “…three turnovers.”

Kick off on Sunday is at noon.

LSU looks to upset fourth ranked Alabama on Saturday night. Cornerback Mansoor Delane (MAHN-soor duh-LANE) is eager to face one of the best passing offenses in the country…

Cut 7 (07) “…first punch”

LSU is a 10.5 point underdog to Alabama on Saturday night. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne has this prediction…

Cut 8 (16) “..than LSU.”

Kick off is at 6:30.

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This may be a lost season for the LSU football team, but it’s a memorable one for a certain freshman on the marching band. After retiring as an accountant, 66-year-old Kent Broussard pursued – and fulfilled – his lifelong dream of playing in the LSU marching band. Broussard appeared on the Kelly Clarkson Show this week and said he was nearly a half-century out of practice when he hatched his plan to join the LSU marching band.

Cut 9 (10)  “…in Los Angeles.”

So now that he had his Sousaphone and was practicing, he had to apply for admission like anyone else, most of whom are high school seniors. And when he made it through the tedious admissions process, he had to submit a YouTube video just to be invited to preseason camp.

Cut 10 (09) “…how they march.”

Broussard says all 12 freshman Sousaphone players, including himself, made the team – and after the rest of the Sousaphonists and drummers celebrated with him, it was time to tell his family.

Cut 11 (07) “…back to school.”

Broussard and the rest of the Golden Band from Tigerland will be in Tuscaloosa as the Tigers take on the Crimson Tide Saturday night.

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The Louisiana Renaissance Festival continues this weekend in Hammond; and this weekend, fairgoers are in for a very special – and death-defying – performance from Cy the Sword Swallower. Cyrus Penn says he got the inspiration to take up sword swallowing when he needed something to do with his life upon graduating from college with a theater arts degree.

Cut 12 (06) “…being the option.”

Penn says it should go without saying that his performance is something that no one should even think of trying at home!

Cut 13 (11)  “…not do that!”

Penn says every swallow of the sword has to be done with the utmost of precision – one false move could be the difference between life and death.

Cut 14 (05) “…to my stomach.”

The fair is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9:45 until five through December 7th.

Sources say LSU will remove the interim tag from Verge Ausberry and the New Iberia native will be the permanent athletics director at LSU. Jeanne Burns has more

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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A 46-year-old preschool teacher receives a Good Samaritan Award from the Slidell Police Department for helping cops chase down a suspected shoplifter. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (39) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Not only does LSU have a new president, but the Baton Rouge campus also has a new chancellor again. The positions of president and chancellor were combined in 2012, but it was new president Wayde Rousse’s desire to separate the roles again…

Cut 3 (10) “…the search.”

The LSU Board of Supervisors appointed Rousse as president and one of the other three finalists, Alabama provost James Dalton has been named chancellor of the flagship campus. Dalton will also oversee the AgCenter, two health science centers and the Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

Rousse says there is a lot that needs to be done, especially with the LSU System adding the UNO campus. He says it makes sense to have two people at the top of the organizational chart….

Cut 4 (10) “…in my mind.”

Rousse says he first approached Dalton about being the executive vice president of LSU after Dalton interviewed for the president’s job on Friday…

Cut 5 (12) “…would it be.”

It’s to be determined on when these two men will officially take on their new roles.

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New Iberia native Verge Ausberry is expected to be formally named the permanent athletics director at LSU. Last week, the former Tigers linebacker and longtime athletics administrator was named the interim A-D, but LSU’s new leadership wants Ausberry to have the job going forward. Ausberry says he has already hit the ground running.

Cut 6 (10) “…this position.”

Ausberry says he has not established a timeline for hiring a new coach. He said on Tiger Rag Radio that they will let the process work itself out, meaning it is not necessary to have a coach in place before the December early signing period for high school recruits or the January transfer portal window.

He says until a new coach is in place, interim Frank Wilson has full control over the program.

Cut 7 (09) “…chips lay.”

LSU is looking for a new coach after Brian Kelly was fired last week. A reason why it did not work out for Kelly is that he was not heavily involved in every aspect of the program.

Ausberry says the next head coach at LSU must fit in with what they do, be a leader, and manage NIL, recruiting, and practices.

Cut 8 (09) “…buy in.”

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A 46-year-old preschool teacher has received the Slidell Police Department’s Citizen Award for helping officers catch a suspected shoplifter. Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau says Lesli Smith offered a ride to Sergeant Jeff Kahrs after the suspect fled a department store in a getaway car…

Cut 9 (13)  “…Slidell Police Department.”

Officer Kahrs accepted the ride and coached Smith during the police chase. At the same time, Kahrs was telling other patrol units, where the suspects were headed and they were eventually caught. Seuzeneau says once Smith committed her good deed, she returned to her role as private citizen

Cut 10 (11) “…Ms Lesli.”

Smith is a life long Slidell resident and the mother of three says she was glad to help her town’s police department that works so hard to keep their community safe…

Cut 11 (12) “…went shopping.”

A 34-year-old woman from Florida is accused of taking items from Dillard’s store and her boyfriend, a 43-year-old man in Biloxi, was arrested for assisting in the theft as he was the getaway driver. The female was also charged for being in possession of meth.

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Even though Democrats were expected to do well in last night’s elections, the way they dominated will certainly set off alarm bells in the Republican Party. Shreveport-based political analyst Scott Hughes says in Virginia, not only did Democrat Abigail Spanberger win by almost 15 points, but Democrats made gains throughout the entire state.

Cut 12 (12) “…to the left.”

Hughes says Democrats also did well in a pair of states that traditionally vote Republican, including a couple races in Georgia in which Democrats not only won, but won in blowout fashion.

Cut 13 (09)  “…public service commission.”

Hughes says Democrats also gained state senate seats in the state just to the east of us.

Cut 14 (10) “…broke the supermajority.”

It will mark the first time in 13 years in which Republicans will not have at least a two-thirds majority in the Mississippi state senate.

Genetic testing found that all shrimp sold at the Louisiana Shrimp Festival in New Orleans came from Gulf Waters. Andrew Greenstein reports it’s the latest in a venture started a year ago by a Texas man whose goal is to keep restaurants honest.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The LSU Board of Supervisors has named a new president and the Baton Rouge campus will have a new chancellor as well. Jeff Palermo has the story,…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Genetic testing from SeaD (“seed”) consulting has shown that for the second year in a row, all shrimp served at the Louisiana Shrimp Festival in New Orleans was indeed authentic, wild-caught Gulf shrimp. David Williams founded the company a year ago and began using what’s called the RIGHTTest to determine the species of the shrimp – specifically whether it’s Pacific white shrimp, which is not native to U.S. waters. Williams says through his efforts, several restaurants which had been serving imported shrimp have changed to domestic shrimp.

Cut 3 (13) “…lot higher now.”

Williams says with more restaurants switching to domestic shrimp, that’s also helping the local shrimping industry, which has been struggling in recent years.

Cut 4 (08) “…to respect themselves.”

A law that went into effect this year requires restaurants and food vendors to specify whether the seafood they serve is imported or not. While the labeling is usually applied to shrimp, the law actually applies to all seafood. As such, Williams says his company will be testing other seafood in all parts of the country in the years to come.

Cut 5 (08) “…lot of protection.”

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A Jefferson Parish English teacher received the surprise of a lifetime today as she received a 25-thousand dollar Milken Educator Award. Sarah Watkins is an eighth grade English language arts teacher at Stella Worley Middle School in Westwego and was overcome with emotion when she learned that she was a recipient of this prestigious national accolade…

Cut 6 (11) “…everything.”

The 2009 graduate from Dillard University has been teaching for 16 years. The Milken Educator Award winner is known for having lively academic discussions in her classroom where students are participating in civil debate…

Cut 7 (08) “…key to it.”

Watkins says her classes are discussion based…

Cut 8 (12) “…its fun.”

Watkins is Louisiana’s 54^th recipient since the Pelican State joined the Milken Educator Awards program in 2001.

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The LSU Board of Supervisors has named McNeese State University President Wade Rousse as the next president of LSU. One of the other finalists, Alabama provost Jim Dalton has been named LSU’s Executive Vice President. Rousse made it clear during the interview process, he felt for LSU to become a better academic and research institution, there needed to be a president overseeing the system and the Baton Rouge campus needed a chancellor…

Cut 9 (09)  “…educate Louisiana.”

The vote to hire Rousse was 12 to 1. LSU Board of Supervisors member Laurie Lispey Aronson casted the lone no vote.

LSU Board of Supervisors Chairman Scott Ballard announced Rousse as the next president after the board spent  about three hours in executive session…

Cut 10 (10) “…its history.”

In 2012, the roles of the LSU System President and Baton Rouge campus chancellor were combined. They’ve been separated again. Dalton has been Alabama’s provost since 2020 and has a background in pharmacy and developing prescription drugs. He’s excited about his move from Tuscaloosa to Baton Rouge…

Cut 11 (14) “…Biomedical Research Center.”

More and more Louisiana homeowners are having their homeowners insurance policies cancelled. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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SNAP recipients in Louisiana began receiving food assistance benefits on their EBT cards this past weekend. Jeff Palermo reports on whether the state will be reimbursed for stepping up to the plate…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A new report shows that last year, the number of Louisiana homeowners having their insurance policies cancelled by their insurance companies increased more than fivefold compared to 2018. Real Reform Louisiana Executive Director Ben Riggs says insurance companies are cancelling policies mainly for financial reasons, mostly south of the I-10 corridor.

Cut 3 (10) “…their profit margins.”

Riggs says that’s forcing those homeowners either to the more expensive Citizens Insurance, which is the homeowners insurance of last resort, or to smaller insurance companies which are often DemoTech-rated companies that are 30-percent more likely to go insolvent following a major storm.

Cut 4 (11) “…state like Louisiana.”

Riggs says DemoTech-rated companies represent one-third of all homeowners insurance premiums written in Louisiana. He says the phased-in repeal of the so-called “three-year rule” started at the beginning of this year, and that will exacerbate the issue.

Cut 5 (12) “…than three years.”

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Fire investigators are looking into the cause of a fire at a horse stable in Slidell over the weekend. Brian Macaluso with St. Tammany Parish Fire District One says the fire broke out at around three Saturday morning at Lewis Stables.

Cut 6 (10) “…to 130 horses.”

Macaluso says firefighters weren’t able to save all the horses in the barn.

Cut 7 (09) “…in the fire.”

(Firefighters saved 28 horses, but nine horses died.) Macaluso says the cause is still under investigation, and it could be anything from an electrical issue to arson.

Cut 8 (09) “…caused this fire.”

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The federal government shutdown has entered its second month and this is the 34^th day, the second longest in U-S history. Republicans and Democrats continue to blame each other. U-S House Speaker Mike Johnson from Bossier Parish says Senate Democrats have had multiple opportunities to vote for a funding bill that would re-open the government…

Cut 9 (06)  “…this is happening.”

Democrats say they will not vote on a funding bill, unless it also contains Affordable Care Act tax credits.

Johnson has been criticized for keeping the House out of session during the month-long government shutdown. Even members of his own party have expressed concerns about that strategy. Johnson explained his reasoning during an appearance on KEEL radio…

Cut 10 (17) “…House floor.”

Johnson says the federal government shutdown is starting to affect every aspect of society…

Cut 11 (12) “…do that.”

If the shutdown lasts two more days, it will set a record for the longest in U-S history.

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State funds are being used to fund the SNAP program this month. Hundreds of thousands of low-income Louisiana residents were in jeopardy of not receiving any food assistance in November, because of the federal government shutdown. Governor Landry says Louisiana was able to fill the void, because it’s been fiscally responsible…

Cut 12 (12) “…right now.”

The Louisiana Legislature agreed to use 150 million from the state health department’s budget to pay for SNAP benefits this month. About 700-thousand Louisiana residents are receiving their cash assistance in phases, with a quarter of the recipient’s monthly amount being loaded onto their cards each week.

Landry says the state has enough money to pay for the SNAP program through November, but he’s hopeful there will be movement to end the government shutdown following the election results of gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey…

Cut 13 (15)  “…in Louisiana.”

The Trump administration said today it will make partial patients to the 42-million Americans who are eligible for food stamps. It’s in response to two federal judges who ruled that it’s unlawful to freeze funding for the anti-hungry program.

Louisiana cleans up at the JRNY (“Journey”) America Awards. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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If you miss being able to fly from Alexandria to Houston, you’ll be able to do so again this coming spring. Jeanne (“zhahn”) Burns reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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One former LSU Tiger is hoping interim athletics director Verge Ausberry can provide stability to the Tigers athletic department. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Louisiana is a big winner at the JRNY (“Journey”) America Awards, taking home three awards. Louisiana won for State of the Year, and New Orleans won for Best Food City and Best New Tourism initiative – the latter being for the new Amtrak Mardi Gras service. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the Mardi Gras service, which connects New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama, with stops in Mississippi along the way, is something that he worked on and is something he’s very proud of.

Cut 4 (10) “…expand into Florida.”

Nungesser says the award for State of the Year is testament that while New Orleans is certainly a world class tourist attraction, there’s a lot more for visitors to see throughout the whole state.

Cut 5 (09) “…the oldest city.”

Nungesser says Louisiana has some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in the country, if not the world.

Cut 6 (12) “…in the world.”

New Orleans’ award for Best Food City needs no explanation.

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Starting in May, you’ll once again be able to fly from Alexandria to Houston and back. United is restarting service between Alexandria International Airport and Bush Intercontinental Airport. Airport Executive Director Ralph Hennessy says service had been discontinued in 2022, and not because the route wasn’t profitable.

Cut 7 (08) “…30-plus other markets.”

Hennessy says AEX had worked to restore service to Houston since the day service was discontinued. The airport got its big breakthrough when SkyWest Airlines came into the picture.

Cut 8 (07) “…United Airlines flag.”

Hennessy says the airport made SkyWest a guarantee to secure the resumption of the service to Houston.

Cut 9 (12)  “…revenue guarantee.”

The first million comes from a DOT grant, and the remaining 200-thousand dollars is pledged by the Alexandria-based Louisiana Central Community Foundation. When service resumes in May, there will be two daily non-stop flights, with each flight about 45 minutes.

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There may officially be one month to go in the 2025 hurricane season, but State Climatologist Jay Grymes says for all intents and purposes, Louisiana will make it through this year unscathed.

Cut 10 (05) “…threat is over.”

Grymes says that’s because history has shown that this time of year, the threat of tropical weather in the Gulf of Mexico is nonexistent.

Cut 11 (10) “…with a landfall.”

Grymes says not only is Louisiana out of danger for this year, but our neighbors to the east can breathe a sigh of relief as well.

Cut 12 (08) “…terms of history.”

This year, no storm of at least tropical storm strength made landfall along the U.S. Gulf Coast. The closest was Tropical Storm Barry, which made landfall in central Mexico in late June.

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LSU fans, alumni, and supporters are hoping for a quieter week after a topsy-turvy few days last week that saw major changes to the athletic department. Football coach Brian Kelly and athletics director Scott Woodward are both gone, and some say Governor Landry’s fingerprints are all over Woodward’s departure. Former LSU linebacker Darry Beckwith is concerned about what is going on at his alma mater…

Cut 13 (11)  “…thing together.”

There’s a lot of uncertainty at LSU right now as the school does not have a permanent athletics director and the school is set to hire a new president tomorrow. But Beckwith still believes the head football coaching job at LSU is one of the best in the country…

Cut 14 (10) “…to have.”

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16th-ranked Southeastern Louisiana improved to 7-2 on the season, 7-0 versus F-C-S opponents, with a dominant 59-14 win over East Texas A-and-M. Lions quarterback Carson Camp threw for 226 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions on Saturday night…

Cut 15 (10) “…to do.”

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Louisiana Tech is one win away from bowl eligibility following its 55-14 homecoming win over Sam Houston. The Bulldogs had 646 total yards of offense and Jacob Fields returned an interception 85 yards for a touchdown…

Cut 16 (16) “…these dudes”

Tech is at Delaware this Saturday.

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ULM fell behind 24-0 in the first half and lost to Old Dominion 31-6 at Malone Stadium on Saturday. Coach Bryant Vincent’s team has now lost five in a row…

Cut 17 (16) “…played the game.”

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Nicholls beat Houston Christian 31-7 for a homecoming victory in Thibodaux. The Colonels defense had four interceptions in the first half and Ean Rodrigue threw two touchdown passes. Coach Tommy Rybacki’s team has won two in a row after six straight…

Cut 18 (10)  “…   really good”

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For the second time this season, the Saints traveled to the West Coast and played an uncompetitive game, losing 34-10 to the Los Angeles Rams. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough made his first NFL start and threw for 176 yards, one touchdown, and was intercepted once. The Saints’ lone touchdown came in the second quarter, and New Orleans was already down 20-3. Shough says they wanted to start quickly on the road…

Cut 19 (19) “…back to it.”

This is the Saints’ worst start to a season since 1980 when the Aints went 0-14. Coach Kellen Moore is trying to keep the team together…

Cut 20 (21) “…be successful.”

The Saints are at Carolina this Sunday. The Panthers went up to Green Bay yesterday and beat the Packers.