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.”

____________________________________________________________

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.

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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.