Authorities arrest a Baton Rouge man accused of shooting a two-year-old girl on New Year’s Eve, leaving her in critical condition. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Ole Miss is one win away from the national championship game after taking down Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, but what coaches make the trip to the Fiesta Bowl is still in the air. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…Kace Kieschnick.”

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A 27-year-old Baton Rouge man was arrested in connection with the shooting of a 2-year-old girl inside a car yesterday afternoon. BRPD Lieutenant L’Jean McKneely says the incident occurred when a woman spotted what she believed was her relative’s stolen vehicle and began following it.

Cut 3 (08) “…of the vehicle.”

Landrick Ruffin Jr. is facing six counts of attempted first degree murder and illegal use of a weapon after police tracked down the suspect vehicle. McKneely says the child was struck in the head and brought to a local hospital where she is in critical condition.

Cut 4 (09) “…Baton Rouge community.”

Ruffin has a prior arrest history including possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, resisting, possession with intent to distribute schedule I narcotics and illegal carrying of weapons

McKneely says this is not the first incident like this he’s seen. He reminds residents to contact police if they locate their stolen vehicle.

Cut 5 (11) “…that are following.”

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Saints linebacker Demario Davis has announced that he will be returning for a 15th NFL season next season. Davis says today’s game allows for longevity that the game of years past didn’t allow for.

Cut 6 (14) “…you maximize it.”

Davis says advances in medical science allows players to enjoy longer careers in the NFL.

Cut 7 (13) “…to regenerate faster.”

Not only will 2026 be Davis’ 15th season in the NFL, but it will be his ninth season with the Saints. While this season got off to a rough start, with the team losing eight of its first nine games, the team seems to have turned the corner with Tyler Shough at quarterback, winning four in a row and five of its last seven. Davis says this late season surge has him excited for 2026.

Cut 8 (11) “…momentum of this?”

This season, Davis has a career-high 137 tackles, including 63 solo tackles, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. For him to return to New Orleans, he’ll need a new contract with the Saints. 

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Ole Miss is headed to the Fiesta Bowl to face Miami with a trip to the national championship on the line, but there’s been uncertainty about whether the six LSU assistant coaches on the Rebels’ staff will continue coaching. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says any hesitation is on the Ole Miss side.

Cut 9 (11)  “…Charlie Weis.”

LSU head coach Lane Kiffin was not allowed to lead the Rebels playoff run after taking the job in Baton Rouge. He was very vocal about wanting to coach his team, and Guilbeau says he’s stayed involved in Oxford while prepping LSU for the transfer window.

Cut 10 (13) “….kind of unified.” 

LSU is on the books for any playoff bonuses in Kiffin’s Ole Miss contract and owe him another five-hundred-thousand dollars after the Rebels’ Sugar Bowl win. Guilbeau says the hostility between the two schools is really only from the fanbases.

Cut 11 (13) “…that’s clear.”

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The Lady Tigers lost their first game of the season after 11^th-ranked Kentucky hit a last second three pointer to win 80-78 in LSU’s SEC opener last night. The Lady Tigers were outrebounded 17-to-4 on the offensive glass and coach Kim Mulkey says that was the difference in the game.

Cut 12 (14) “…fix that.”

Fifth-ranked LSU will have a quick turnaround as they visit No. 12 Vanderbilt Sunday. Mulkey says she needs to see more from her young, talented team as they prepare for a tough beginning to conference play.

Cut 13 (12)  “…pity party.”

LSU will be on the road at Georgia next week before back-to-back top ten matchups with Texas and Oklahoma.

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LSU will face Texas A&M tomorrow in their first SEC game of the season. The 12-and-1 Tigers are off to maybe their strongest start under head coach Matt McMahon with a marquee win over SMU and their only loss coming to 12^th-ranked Texas Tech. McMahon says conference play will be another level of competition.

Cut 14 (14) “…great atmoshperes.”

The 10-and-3 Aggies are favored at home against LSU thanks to an explosive offense ranked second in the SEC in points and three point percentage. McMahon says their defense is no slouch either.

Cut 15 (10) “…a premium.”

A&M is second in the conference with over 16 turnovers forced per game. Tip-off is at 3 p.m.

With the New Year’s holiday upon us, the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone has been re-established. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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For a fifth consecutive year, Louisiana will have a float in the Tournament of Roses New Year’s Day parade in Pasadena, California. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (35) “…Jeff Palermo.”

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If you’re planning on ringing in the new year in the French Quarter, there are things you need to know before you go, especially in light of what happened just after we rang in the start of this year. The French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone is re-established, encompassing an area bound by Canal, Royal, St. Ann and Dauphine streets. State Police Trooper Danny Berrincha says when entering that area, the best rule of thumb is to bring as few items with you as possible.

Cut 3 (09) “…to the entry.”

Berrincha says visitors staying in hotels on Bourbon Street should use the entrances on Royal Street or Dauphine Street if possible.

Cut 4 (09) “…as your identification.”

With the exception of emergency purposes, vehicles are prohibited from entering the zone – essentially Bourbon Street and one block in either direction. Glade Bilby, the president of The French Quarter Citizens, says he agrees with that move.

Cut 5 (08) “…are not driving.”

Bilby says in light of what happened at the outset of this year, New Orleans has no other option but to take extra precautions and significantly beef up security to give visitors peace of mind.

Cut 6 (10) “…with security measures.”

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As the clock ticks towards midnight, some people will be celebrating the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026 by popping fireworks. If you’re among them, there are things you need to know to stay safe. Ken Pastorick with the Office of the State Fire Marshal says when shooting fireworks, make sure you’re in an open area.

Cut 7 (05) “…these things off.”

Pastorick says never put dry fireworks debris in garbage cans – embers can ignite and start a fire; and if that can is next to your house, you can burn your house down.

Cut 8 (06) “…the garbage can.”

Pastorick says kids should never handle fireworks. Some adults may give kids sparklers instead; Pastorick says that’s a bad idea too.

Cut 9 (04)  “…to melt metal.”

Pastorick says the best things to give kids are glow sticks.

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Louisiana State Parks wants residents to take a hike!  Assistant Secretary for Louisiana State Parks, Brandon Burris, says there will be free admission to State Parks on New Year’s Day and January 2^nd so people can begin the new year with a hike to connect with the outdoors…

Cut 10 (11) “….great hike” 

Burris says for a full listing of events and to plan your First Day Hike, visit the Louisiana State Parks First Day Hikes webpage…

Cut 11 (07) “…more advanced hikes.”

Burris says First Day Hikes are a great way to get moving and enjoy the beautiful landscapes at State Parks…

Cut 12 (15) “…experience.”

The 2025 Christmas holiday was a deadly one on Louisiana roadways. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Bourbon Street is now closed to motor vehicles through Friday as part of the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone, but one prominent injury lawyer says that’s not enough. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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New LSU offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. spoke of his relationship with new LSU head coach Lane Kiffin ahead of Ole Miss’ Sugar Bowl matchup with Georgia. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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It was a deadly Christmas holiday on Louisiana roadways, as 13 people were killed in crashes from Christmas Day through Monday morning. State Police Trooper Shelby Mayfield says all 13 deaths were preventable.

Cut 4 (09) “…was a factor.”

Thursday morning was very foggy, which was augmented by the smoke coming from the bonfires along the Mississippi River the night before. Mayfield says foggy conditions are no excuse.

Cut 5 (11) “…injury crash happening.”

Mayfield says when you make your way around the state for your New Year’s celebrations, you can expect a beefed-up State Police presence.

Cut 6 (09) “…around certain areas.”

The 13 deaths over the four-day Christmas holiday period makes 2025 the third deadliest in the state since 2015, topped only by 17 deaths in 2021 and 16 deaths in 2018.

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The French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone is re-established through Friday. Among other things, motor vehicles are prohibited from entering Bourbon Street through the end of the day Friday. But injury attorney Morris Bart, who’s representing dozens of victims and families impacted by the terror attack this past New Year’s Day, says that’s not enough.

Cut 7 (10) “…never happens again.”

Bart says it doesn’t require an occasion like New Year’s, the Sugar Bowl or Mardi Gras to take enhanced measures to close off Bourbon Street.

Cut 8 (12) “…a good time.”

Years prior to the attack, the City of New Orleans had acquired removable bollards from engineering firm Mott MacDonald, which often failed when the tracks they moved on became clogged by drinks and beads. Bart says litigation research shows that those decorative bollards will only stop vehicles going up to five miles an hour.

Cut 9 (07)  “…heavy duty bollards.”

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Today is the final day of 2025, and the biggest story of the year happened just a few hours in on the first day. A 42-year-old U.S. Citizen, who authorities say was inspired by ISIS, sped down Bourbon Street, running over several New Year’s Day revelers, killing 14 people and injuring several more. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the horrific event

Cut 10 (07) “…he possibly could.”

Governor Landry has ordered an official four-day period of mourning beginning this New Year’s Day.

Another major story in 2025 was the state legislature’s efforts to reduce insurance costs. Most of the legislation targeted efforts to reduce auto insurance rates, including a new law that gives Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple more authority to reject rate increases. Temple clashed with Governor Landry over the measure.

Cut 11 (10) “…sooner than that.”

The biggest sports story of the year was the firing of LSU football coach Brian Kelly and Athletic Director Scott Woodward after a blowout loss to Texas A&M on October 25th. Governor Landry made it known he was not a fan of Kelly’s contract and said Woodward would not hire the next head football coach at LSU.

Cut 12 (10) “…us a coach.”

LSU announced Lane Kiffin as its new football coach on November 30th — a decision made in part by new Athletic Director Verge Ausberry, who had the interim tag removed just days after being inserted into the role.

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Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. is following head coach Lane Kiffin to Baton Rouge. But first, he’s coaching Ole Miss for the rest of the College Football Playoff, starting with tomorrow night’s Sugar Bowl against Georgia. Weis says it was a tough decision to make, but he believes it was the right one.

Cut 13 (14)  “…later on too.”

Weis went to Baton Rouge after the Rebels’ 41-10 win over Tulane in the first round. Weis says he’s been doing his best to do right by Ole Miss in finishing the season out while carrying out daily duties for his new LSU gig.

Cut 14 (11) “…distraction at all.”

Weis and Kiffin’s relationship dates back to coaching together on the Alabama staff in 2015. Weis also followed Kiffin to Florida Atlantic and to Ole Miss. Weis says Kiffin has a special ability to develop quarterbacks.

Cut 15 (09) “…makes coach great.”

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Louisiana Tech are Independence Bowl Champs for the fourth time in school history. The Bulldogs overcame an 11-point halftime deficit to defeat Coastal Carolina 23-14. The Dogs’ defense allowed 248 yards in the first half but shut out the Chanticleers in the second and forced three turnovers. Cornerback Cedric Woods says they were ready for anything.

Cut 16 (19) “…getting turnovers.”

The Tech offense found its groove after a sluggish first-half performance. The Bulldogs had four turnovers of their own, but scored 17 points in the fourth quarter, including a 52-yard pass to wideout Marlion (Mar-lun) Jackson. Quarterback Trey Kukuk (Kew-kuk) totaled over 100 yards through the air and on the ground and says this LA Tech team is defined by resilience.

Cut 17 (17)  “…gave up.”

The victory is LA Tech’s first bowl win since 2019 and will finish the season 8-and-5, head coach Sonny Cumbie’s best mark in four years in Ruston. Cumbie says, despite national narratives, bowl games are as important as ever, and he hopes this season’s success can welcome a new era in Bulldogs football.

Cut 18 (15)  “…of the season.” 

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.”