Senator John Kennedy wants to give teachers who spend their own money on school supplies a bigger tax break. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Crawfish lovers are hopeful for a better crawfish season this year.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The 2024 Prep Classic saw three teams from the Acadiana area win state championships. Jeanne (ZHAHN) Burns has more…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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Senator John Kennedy introduced a bill that would double the maximum that teachers can deduct from their taxable income for spending their own money on school supplies.

Cut 4 (15) “…to 600 dollars.”

Kennedy says teachers spending their own money on school supplies is unfortunately very common.

Cut 5 (10) “…their income tax.” 

Kennedy says it’s a shame that he would have to propose such a bill in the first place.

Cut 6 (12) “…an unlimited deduction.”

Kennedy says he introduced the bill mainly to get a head start on it. He acknowledges that there isn’t enough time in the current session to take it up, and he will not advance it this year. He says he will reintroduce it when the 119th Congress convenes next month.

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Crawfish farmers are expecting the 2025 mudbug season to be night and day from this year.  The historic drought of 2023 led to a delayed season with low supplies this year, but LSU AgCenter Crawfish Agent Todd Fontenot says recent rainfall should lead to a better 2025…

Cut 7 (12) “…normal like conditions.”

Fontenot reassures crawfish enthusiasts that the upcoming season is on track to recover. He attributes this optimism to improved conditions, including recent rains and a strong crop of young crawfish emerging from their burrows in recent months.

Cut 8 (08) “…into the ponds.”

Fontenot anticipates a robust harvest for 2025, with boiling spots beginning to open, allowing people to plan their crawfish boils for March, April, and May. This promising outlook should ease concerns among crawfish lovers eager to enjoy their seasonal delicacy after the challenges of the previous year.

Cut 9 (12)  “…they will grow.”

The LSU AgCenter remains hopeful that the improved environmental conditions will support a return to normal for the crawfish industry.

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Late last week, the Louisiana Department of Health detected the first possible human case of the highly pathogenic strain of Bird Flu. The state says the person lives in southwest Louisiana and is hospitalized. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says while public risk is low, the risk is there.

Cut 10 (09) “…from infected cows.”

Sokol says the symptoms of bird flu are not unlike those for human flu.

Cut 11 (13) “…headaches, fatigue.”

But Sokol cautions that in order for it to be bird flu, the person must have come into contact with an infected animal such as a bird or a cow.

Cut 12 (10) “…not bird flu.”

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Whereas Friday’s action at the Prep Classic at the Superdome featured three riveting contests, the two games Saturday were blowouts. Both got so out of hand that they went to running clocks in the second half. In the Division One Select Championship, Edna Karr out of New Orleans beat Alexandria Senior High, 53-8. ASH coach Thomas Bachman says that one loss does not take away from the team’s accomplishments all season long.

Cut 13 (09)  “…proud of them.”

Edna Karr coach Brice Brown says the win speaks to the talent that kids from New Orleans have.

Cut 14 (21) “…but great academics.”

Later, in the Division One Non-Select title game, Central, out of Baton Rouge, annihilated Ruston, 42-0, denying Ruston its second straight state title in its third straight appearance in the Prep Classic. Ruston Head Coach Jerrod Baugh took responsibility for his team’s performance.

Cut 15 (19) “…out to be.”

Central won its second state title, the first coming in 1966. Central coach David Simoneaux said his team proved a lot of people wrong.

Cut 16 (20) “…close-knit group.”

Cecilia, Sterlington, South Plaquemines, Archbishop Shaw, Catholic New Iberia and Vermilion Catholic also won state championships.

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To boost NIL efforts at LSU, head football coach Brian Kelly announced the one-million dollar match challenge. Kelly says he and his wife will match up to one million dollars in new money donated through NIL for football. Tiger Rag magazine editor  Glenn Guilbeau says it’s refreshing to see Kelly put up his own money to boost NIL efforts with the football program.

Cut 17 (14)  “…his own money.” 

Guilbeau says one thing that may have motivated Kelly to put up his own money is better job security.

Cut 18 (13)   “…from getting fired.”

The one-million dollars from the Kellys will go to the Tiger Athletic Foundation A-D’s Excellence fund.

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The Saints fell one point short of pulling off a huge come-from-behind win over the Washington Commanders, but ended up losing 20 to 19. New Orleans trailed 17-zip in the third quarter, but the offense came alive when Spencer Rattler replaced Jake Haener at quarterback. Rattler threw a touchdown pass on the final play of regulation to get within one point. Coach Darren Rizzi decided to go for the win with a two-point conversion but they could not convert…

Cut 19 (15) “…right thing.”

Saints running back Alvin Kamara injured his groin and the fourth quarter and did not return. Haener started but only completed four passes and threw an interception. Rattler was 10 of 21 for 135 yards and a touchdown. Rizzi on why he made the change…

Cut 20 (17) “…first half.”

The Social Security Act is moving forward in the Senate. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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It’s a Christmas miracle…crawfish season has begun in Louisiana.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Social Security Fairness Act will get a vote in the Senate, as the bill has been placed on the legislative calendar. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves, who sponsored the House bill, says Senator Chuck Schumer will be bringing it up for a vote as a standalone bill, and that’s the last hurdle before heading to President Biden’s desk.

Cut 3 (09) “…through the Senate.”

And Graves says as long as it’s brought up for a vote, getting it through the Senate is a mere formality.

Cut 4 (11) “…the president’s desk.”

Graves says while he’s been given assurance that a vote will be held before the end of the session, the exact date of the vote is still to be determined.

Cut 5 (16) “…mid next week.”

The Social Security Fairness Act would eliminate the Windfall Elimination Penalty and the Government Pension Offset, which have the effect of lowering Social Security benefits for public sector workers like teachers, police officers and firefighters. Graves says they’ve disproportionately affected Louisianians. The vote in the House was 327 to 75, with a majority of both Republicans and Democrats voting yes.

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It’s December, but crawfish season is already underway, even as holiday decorations remain. Laney King, co-founder of The Crawfish App, explains that while last year’s season was delayed three months due to a drought, it’s not unusual to see crawfish vendors operating around the holidays.

Cut 6 (08) “…early as Thanksgiving.”

King says the Crawfish App helps users find local vendors, sorted by the lowest price per pound, making it a convenient tool for seafood enthusiasts.

Cut 7 (12) “…not a huge supply.”

While the timing may seem unusual to some, King emphasizes that an early crawfish season is not out of the ordinary in Louisiana.  This year, vendors are off to a strong start, with many offering live and boiled crawfish.

Cut 8 (14) “…crawfish for Christmas.”

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The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking deer hunters to be on the lookout for deer exhibiting signs of chronic wasting disease. This, as a deer at a captive deer farm in Jeff Davis Parish tested positive for the disease last month.

Cut 9 (10)  “…been detected there,”

Johnathan Bordelon, the deer program manager at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says chronic wasting disease is 100-percent fatal and is highly transmissible.

Cut 10 (07) “…to other deer.”

Bordelon says deer which are infected with chronic wasting disease undergo changes in behavior.

Cut 11 (12) “…test the animals”

Therefore, Bordelon says if people encounter a deer exhibiting signs of chronic wasting disease, they should not take matters into their own hands. They should contact the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and let them handle it.

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Hank Tierney believed his coaching days ended in December 2021 after Ponchatoula’s loss in the Class 5A state final at the Superdome. Planning to retire, he instead became Shaw High School’s head coach by January. Now in his third season back at Shaw, Tierney leads the 11-2 Eagles to the E.D. White Division II state final.

Cut 12 (10) “…everyone involved.”

Under Tierney, Shaw’s program doubled its roster, claiming district titles, and producing talented athletes like RB Jasper Parker, who committed to Michigan.

Cut 13 (12)  “…good player.”

A coaching legend with 330 wins across 37 seasons, Tierney’s career spans his first Shaw tenure from1982-2001, a state title in 1987. Tierney says a second state title would mean a lot to the school and the community.

Cut 14 (13) “…that will do.”

Small Business optimism is the highest it’s been since June 2021. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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With the holiday season here, make sure you protect yourself from potentially deadly illnesses. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Optimism is the highest it’s been for small business owners since June 2021. That’s according to the latest national survey of small business owners. NFIB State Director Leah Long says the results of the Presidential election signal a major shift in economic policy…

Cut 3 (13) “…small business owners” 

Long says positive changes made here in Louisiana are lowering the personal income tax to 3-percent, and no longer have to pay an inventory tax are great news for small businesses, and says reform was a move in the right direction.

Cut 4 (07) “…in general.”

Challenges persist, as some owners reported unfilled job openings, and inflation remains the top concern.

Cut 5 (11) “…of how high inflation is.”

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The holiday season is here; and with that, there will be many celebration gatherings. The holiday season is usually the time when flu and COVID-19 cases tick up. Dr. Gabrielle Givens with St. Tammany Hospital says the very best way you can protect yourself is getting vaccinated.

Cut 6 (11) “…or influenza vaccines.”

Dr. Givens says the vaccines are in abundant supply and have been updated for this winter.

Cut 7 (08) “…influenza or COVID-19.”

Givens says while neither the flu nor the COVID-19 vaccine can prevent someone from contracting either virus, they can minimize symptoms and complications.

Cut 8 (07) “…case scenario, death.”

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It’s Prep Classic week as 16 high school football teams will play for state championships in the Caesars Superdome starting on Thursday. The division four select title game kicks-off the Prep Classic at noon and Vermilion Catholic head coach Broc Prejean (PRAY-ZHAWN) is hoping to lead the school to its third title…

Cut 9 (11)  “…home for,”

Vermilion Catholic will face Ouachita Christian at noon Thursday. It’s a rematch of the 2022 state title game that saw O-C-S win 28-14. V-C is led by quarterback Jonathan Dartez who set a state record for total touchdowns for a career in last week’s shutout win over Kentwood. The four-year starter wants to cap his high school career with a championship…

Cut 10 (11) “…blessed to be back.”

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Franklinton will play for a state championship on Friday night when they face Cecilia. The Demons are seeking their first state title since 2010 and the second in history. Demons head coach Nick Saltaformaggio says he has the best kept secret in Louisiana, his starting quarterback Jacob Crain who has thrown for 24 touchdowns..

Cut 11 (13) “…really really talented.

The Demons also have a running back in Sy Austin that’s rushed for nearly two-thousands and has 28 touchdowns on the season. Saltaformaggio says Austin has gotten stronger since he arrived as the head coach at the Washington Parish school in 2023…

Cut 12 (10) “…offensive line.”

The Division two non-select state title game between Franklinton and Cecilia is at 7 PM.

Parts of the state were under a cold weather advisory Friday morning. Andrew Greenstein explains what that means…

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Saturday is Election Day in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo recaps the four amendments that all voters will be deciding.

Cut 2 (32) “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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With Old Man Winter bearing down on Louisiana, there’s some new terminology from the National Weather Service to get used to.

Cut 3 (08) “…wind chill warnings.” 

Danielle Manning, the lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service in New Orleans, says that’s all changed. Now, the service issues “cold weather advisories” and “extreme cold warnings.” Manning says the thresholds depend on where in the state you’re at.

Cut 4 (14) “…the northern area.”

Manning says they made the change, because people didn’t care whether it was the temperature or the wind chill factor that’s causing conditions to be brutally cold outside.

Cut 5 (06) “…you go outside.”

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The St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office has broken ground on a three-million dollar training facility designed to benefit law enforcement agencies across Louisiana.  Major Ginny Higgins says the facility will provide critical training—much of it at no cost—for agencies that cannot afford similar resources.

Cut 6 (11) “…that will be there.”

Higgins highlighted the regional impact, stating the facility would not only enhance law enforcement capabilities in Acadiana but also strengthen community and inter-agency collaboration. “It’s good for the community and for other agencies to come here and learn,” he said.

Cut 7 (07) “…things like that.”

Higgins says its crucial for law enforcement to be well rounded and this facility aims to train all aspects of law enforcement.

Cut 8 (12) “…really exciting.”

The facility is set to open next October.

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A 30-year-old Lafayette man is facing charges for killing a black bear in Concordia Parish. Wildlife and Fisheries Lt. Chad Watts says over the Thanksgiving weekend Christopher Buck, a convicted felon, was booked into jail because he was in possession of a shotgun on the Richard Yancey Wildlife Management Area. Last Sunday a dead black bear was found at that same W-M-A, so investigators went back and spoke to Buck

Cut 9 (08)  “…black bear”

Watts says Buck told agents he thought he shot a pig, but investigators didn’t buy that story…

Cut 10 (08) “…he thought it was a pig.”

Watts says the bear was shot in buckshot, which was a critical piece of evidence in their investigation…

Cut 11 (11) “…containing buckshot.”

Taking a bear during a closed season carries up to a 950-dollar fine and up to 120 days in jail. Buck faces several years in prison because he was a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Sgt. Cole Cupit and agent Andrew Lemoine were also involved in the investigation. LDWF Veterinarian Rusty Berry performed the necropsy on the bear.

The first legal black bear season in Louisiana since 1987 begins Saturday and runs through December 22nd. Only ten hunters have been awarded tags and each hunter can only harvest one bear.

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Tomorrow is Election Day in Louisiana, and every voter in the state will be deciding on four constitutional amendments. Amendment 1 would increase the number of people on the state Judiciary Commissions from nine to 14. Public Affairs Research Council president Steven Procopio says the purpose is to speed up investigations of judges.

Cut 12 (07) “…citizens on there.”

Procopio says the argument against is that it would politicize the process, with the five additional members being appointed by the legislature – two each by the House and Senate and one by the governor.

Cut 13 (05)  “…at the case.”

Amendment 2 would require a 48-hour waiting period before the legislature can vote on budget-related bills. Amendment 3 would allow for up to three, two-day extensions of the session to finish budget work. And Amendment 4, which Procopio says is the most complex of them all, would establish a tax lien system for delinquent properties, in which investors would only be purchasing the debt and not the property itself. Procopio says it would take many aspects out of the constitution and into statute.

Cut 14 (12) “…be against this.”

Two of the four amendments on Saturday’s ballot have to do with passing budgets in the legislature. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU Coach Brian Kelly says National Signing Day felt more like Tax Day instead as money is becoming more of a factor in getting players to sign with a school. Sean Richardson has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Sean Richardson” 

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Two of the amendments you’ll be voting on on Saturday have to do with passing budgets in the legislature. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala (BAH-ka-lah) authored amendments 2 and 3. Amendment 2 would require a 48-hour waiting period before voting on budget-related legislation. Bacala says a situation arose in the 2023 regular session that prompted this amendment.

Cut 3 (09) “…even review them.” 

Amendment 3 would allow a session to be extended by two days to finish work on the budget if necessary, and it would permit up to three such extensions. Bacala says under the current law, failing to pass a budget bill on time would trigger a lengthy – and costly – special session.

Cut 4 (10) “…as we could.”

Bacala says the two amendments are designed to work hand-in-hand.

Cut 5 (05) “…both passed together.”

The legislature passed both amendments nearly unanimously, clearing the way for their placement on the ballot.

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Republican Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming announced his 2026 U.S. Senate candidacy, challenging incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy. Fleming, a former naval officer and senior Trump advisor, emphasized his dedication to America First principles, highlighting his service in Trump’s administration. ULM Political Science Professor Dr. Pearson Cross says it will be an interesting race.

Cut 6 (12) “…come after him.”

Fleming, who served as a U.S. Representative from 2009 to 2017 and co-founded the House Freedom Caucus, criticized Cassidy for voting to convict Trump during his impeachment trial, arguing Cassidy betrayed Louisiana conservatives. Cross says its likely Flemmings has gotten assurances Trump will endorse Flemming…

Cut 7 (05) “…consider him loyal.”

Congressman Clay Higgins may be another challenger to Cassidy for his Senate seat in 2026. Cross suggests Trump’s endorsement will likely determine the race’s outcome among Republican contenders.

Cut 8 (05) “…Clay Higgins.”

Cassidy’s spokesperson questioned Fleming’s motives, citing his brief tenure as state treasurer and alleging his eagerness to leave Louisiana for Washington.

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LSU football coach Brian Kelly sounded off on the NIL landscape that’s dominating recruiting. The veteran head coach says recruiting used about relationships, now it’s about the dollars…

Cut 9 (07)  “…live in”

The Tigers signed 23 players to start the early signing period. Recruiting services rank LSU’s class anywhere between sixth and eighth. Kelly is pleased with the class he brought in, but it will take more financial support from Tiger fans to remain competitive…

Cut 10 (08) “…one or two guys.”

LSU lost out on a few elite prospects in the final two weeks leading up to the early signing period. LSU can make up for those losses by signing players out of the transfer portal, but again it will take money….

Cut 11 (12) “…live in.”

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Governor Landry signs the tax reform bill this afternoon in a ceremony at the Capitol. Standing before lawmakers, Landry said passing the complex was a true team effort.

Cut 12 (15) “…our job creators.”

The package that Landry signed includes an across-the-board tax cut to a flat three-percent and the elimination of the corporate franchise tax. Landry says this tax reform package is the dawn of a new era.

Cut 13 (11)  “…pro-business environment.”

Landry says thanks to this overhaul of the tax code, Louisiana can now bridge the gap with neighboring states and keep its home-grown talent here.

Cut 14 (10) “…it’s frustrated us.”

Landry, however, did not get the broadening of the sales tax base he had been seeking. Instead, the tax package calls for an increase in the state sales tax rate to five-percent.

LSU signs some big names on this, the first day of the early signing period. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry announces 10-billion dollar investment of a Meta AI Data Center coming to Richland Parish.  Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (34) “….I’m Colleen Crain” 

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Outgoing Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves’ name has surfaced as a possible choice to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Graves says he has spoken to Donald Trump’s transition team about various positions with the new administration, but FEMA director is not one he’s excited about…

Cut 3 (08) “…that position.” 

Graves believes for FEMA to be effective in responding to disasters, it needs to be cabinet level agency and not tucked inside the U-S Department of Homeland Security…

Cut 4 (08) “…of community.”

Graves is in his final days as a U-S Representative for Louisiana’s Sixth Congressional District. The Baton Rouge Republican was also rumored candidate for U-S Transportation Secretary. But former Wisconsin Congressman and Fox Business Host Sean Duffy is Trump’s nominee.

Graves says he’s not a fan of FEMA’s structure and wanted to see Trump implement reforms in his first term

Cut 5 (12) “…Homeland Security.”

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It’s national signing day and LSU has signed the top two running backs in the state. Zach Nagy, the publisher of LSU Tigers on S-I, says the top one is Harlem Berry from St. Martin’s High School in Metairie, whom he calls the best running back LSU has signed since Leonard Fournette.

Cut 6 (10) “…down the field.”

Nagy says LSU also signed the number-two running back in the state – J.T. Lindsey from Alexandria Senior High School, who he says has blossomed in his senior season.

Cut 7 (11) “…for that program.”

On the defensive side, LSU signed Aiden Anding of Ruston High School, the top cornerback and the number-13 player overall in the state.

Cut 8 (15) “…like Aidan Anding.”

When all is said and done, LSU is expected to have a top ten recruiting class.

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Central Intermediate School’s assembly transformed into a milestone celebration as Ashley Davis, a fourth-grade math teacher, was awarded the 3,000th Milken Educator Award. Founder Lowell Milken presented Davis with the prestigious honor and an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize, praising her dedication to raising academic achievement and fostering a love for learning.

Cut 9 (08)  “…wait what?”

Her creative approaches, like “Lemonade Day,” integrate real-world applications, fostering both academic and social-emotional growth.  Davis has significantly influenced Central Intermediate’s inclusion model, creating a supportive environment for general and special education students to thrive.

Cut 10 (15) “…it doesn’t matter.”

Beyond the classroom, Davis mentors fellow teachers, leads professional learning communities, and serves on the Instructional Leadership Team. Davis also actively supports her community by coaching youth sports.

Cut 11 (13) “…form of teaching.”

Davis, the first recipient in Central Community School System and 51st in Louisiana, joins the national Milken Educator Network, celebrating exceptional teaching and leadership.

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Governor Jeff Landry has announced a Meta, the operator of Facebook and Instagram, will invest $10 billion  dollars to build an Artificial Intelligence Optimized Data Center in Richland Parish near Rayville. Landry says the project is expected to result in 500 or more direct jobs and more than one-thousand indirect jobs, plus thousands of construction jobs.

Cut 12 (10) “…technology and innovation.”

Landry says this is investment is a game changer for Louisiana…

Cut 13 (14)  “…Louisiana’s landscape.”

Landry says this facility is the largest of more than 20 Meta Data centers…

Cut 14 (08) “…our state.”

Construction begins immediately and Entergy will meet add clean, power efficient power plants to its system to meet growing power demands.

Four years after an investigative report uncovered serious allegations against LSU’s Title Nine office, a new report suggests that little has been done about it. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU football has lost a five-star commitment on the eve of national signing day. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (33) “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Four years ago, in the wake of an explosive investigative report by USA Today, LSU promised to make improvements to its Title Nine office. However, a new report by the Louisiana Illuminator says there’s been little to no progress. Piper Hutchinson is conducting the investigation for the Illuminator in conjunction with Tiger Rag Magazine. She says employees within the office are alleging a hostile work environment, which is causing a slowdown in Title Nine complaints.

Cut 3 (11) “…office right now.”

Hutchinson notes that universities in general, not just LSU, receive a fair number of Title Nine complaints. Among the complaints at LSU is one in which a professor who allegedly covered up sexual assault allegations against a graduate assistant.

Cut 4 (11) “…to these abuses.”

Hutchinson says among the Title Nine complaints at LSU involved the Title Nine office itself.

Cut 5 (11) “…Department of Education.”

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Today the state is breaking ground on the Maurepas Swamp Project in St. John the Baptist Parish.  A freshwater divergence that will reconnect the Mississippi River to Maurepas Swamp.   Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Communication Director James Karst says CRCL is also working in conjunction with the state…

Cut 6 (09) “…in the swamp.”

River reintroduction involves redirecting fresh water and sediments from the Mississippi River into the swamp via engineered channels. This process replenishes nutrients, improves water quality, and mitigates subsidence by restoring natural sediment deposition. Karst says the reintroduction aims to counteract decades of wetland loss and create a healthier environment for native species.

Cut 7 (11) “…very long time.”

Volunteers and environmental groups will plant bald cypress and water tupelo trees, species essential for stabilizing the ecosystem and providing resilience against hurricanes and flooding. Karst says these trees also enhance carbon sequestration and support diverse wildlife habitats.

Cut 8 (11) “…swamp land again.”

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Former Catholic priest and admitted serial child molester, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and raping a boy in the 1970s.  93-year-old Lawrence Hecker’s plea is a rare conviction linked to the Catholic Church’s long-standing abuse scandal. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams says Hecker plead guilty to every count…

Cut 9 (05)  “…to a life sentence.”

Williams says Hecker’s victim, who was assaulted in a church bell tower converted into a weightlifting room, had reported the attack to his school principal, who failed to inform authorities.

Cut 10 (14) “…predator to run.”

Hecker’s guilty plea was welcomed by survivors prepared to testify about decades of abuse. Williams described the plea as significant for survivors seeking justice.

Cut 11 (13) “…hurt other people.”

Investigations have expanded into whether the archdiocese concealed systemic abuse. No senior clergy have been charged in connection with Hecker’s crimes.

Another Louisiana representative is added to a powerful GOP committee. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana Tech football coach Sonny Cumbie will return for a fourth season. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (26) “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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New Orleans endured a weekend of intense gun violence, with eight shootings in less than 12 hours, leaving three adults and a 3-year-old child dead, and nine others injured. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says group fights on Canal and Bourbon Streets led to three shootings on Saturday night and into early Sunday, wounding six people…

Cut 3 (14) “…settling their beefs.” 

One of the victims included a 15-year-old shot on Bourbon Street, and another wounded on Canal Street.  NOPD Captain Lejon Roberts says the two shootings could be related.

Cut 4 (15) “…on Canal Street.”

One shooting that happened away from the French Quarter in Central City claimed the life of 3-year-old Rudy Ratliff, who died from a gunshot wound at a Willow Street home.  NOPD Sgt. Ron Howard says child found a gun inside Tatisha Refuge’s home and accidentally killed himself.  Howard says Refuge is facing criminal charges…

Cut 5 (13) “…investigation on Ms. Refuge.”

Refuge turned herself into police custody today

The weekend coincided with the Bayou Classic and holiday shopping, further amplifying community concerns. Authorities have not identified suspects in the shootings that happened in the French Quarter.

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Monroe-area Congresswoman Julia Letlow is added to the powerful House Republican Steering Committee. The committee is tasked with selecting chairs for all standing committees and deciding on the strategy for the Republican caucus. Letlow says she’s looking forward to serving on the committee.

Cut 6 (07) “…that they desire.”

Letlow says this powerful committee will have a major say on what the 119^th Congress will look like…

Cut 7 (11) “…committee selections.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise are also on the Republican Steering Committee, giving Louisiana 18-percent of the voting block. Letlow says she can’t wait to get to work for the people of Louisiana in the new Congress.

Cut 8 (13) “…of the state.”

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Despite three consecutive losing seasons, Louisiana Tech is bringing back football coach Sonny Cumbie for a fourth season. The Bulldogs went 5-and-7 this season, but 97.7 in Ruston Sports Director Sean Fox says an upset win over Western Kentucky and shutout victory over Kennesaw State likely saved Cumbie’s job…

Cut 9 (07)  “…the season.”

Louisiana Tech’s offense held them back in 2024. The Bulldogs ranked 113^th in the country in scoring offense, averaging 22 points per game, while the defense allowed just 20 points a game after a dismal 2023 season. Fox says for Cumbie to keep his job, the offense has to improve…

Cut 10 (09) “…going into 2025.”

There are Bulldog fans who say athletics director Ryan Ivey kept Cumbie, because the buyout to fire him was too expensive. But Fox doesn’t see it that way

Cut 11 (14) “…a chance.”

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The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season ended over the weekend and the final number was 18 named storms. NOAA was anticipating as many as 25 named storms, but LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says conditions never developed for there to be two dozen named storms…

Cut 12 (12) “…that was anticipated.”

Keim says after a mid-season lull we saw  lot of activity in September and October with Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Cut 13 (08)  “…Hurricane Harvey.”

Of the 18 named storms, two impacted Louisiana. Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Texas in early July and spawned tornadoes in northwest Louisiana. Keim says there was also Hurricane Francine which crossed over southeast Louisiana in early September….

Cut 14 (11) “…pretty good year.”

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The Saints have lost one of their best offensive playmakers for the season. Taysom Hill, who was carted off the field in the fourth quarter in yesterday’s 21-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, will need surgery to repair a torn ACL. Quarterback Derek Carr says Hill has the utmost respect of the players on the Saints and across the NFL…

Cut 15 (13) “…like that.”

The Saints are 4-and-8 and will visit the Giants on Sunday.

Thanksgiving was only four days ago, but we’re already late in the Christmas shopping season. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35)“…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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One of the worst states in the nation for lung cancer survival is Louisiana, with a survival rate of 23-percent, significantly below the national average of 28-percent. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…Sean Richardson.”

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The nonprofit Tax Foundation applauds the changes Louisiana lawmakers have made to the state’s tax code. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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This year, the calendar is not on the side of retailers. Since Thanksgiving fell on the latest date possible, that leads to the shortest Christmas shopping season possible, when defined as starting the day after Thanksgiving and ending Christmas Eve. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says retailers started their Black Friday deals early this year, as they’ve done in years past.

Cut 4 (07) “…some next week.”

And the short shopping season is forcing shoppers to adjust their behavior.

Cut 5 (18) “…to get back.” 

Rice says the short season is also driving shoppers to the online route to save time.

Cut 6 (11) “…their purchasing power.”

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Louisiana ranks among the worst in the nation for lung cancer survival, with a survival rate of 23-percent, significantly below the national average of 28-percent. Louisiana also has high rates of new lung cancer and late-stage diagnoses. American Lung Association Director of Advocacy Eric Weinzettle says contributing factors include low rates of lung cancer screening and surgical treatment as well as a high smoking prevalence.

Cut 7 (10) “…here in Louisiana.”

The national lung cancer survival rate has improved by 26-percent over the past five years due to advancements in early detection and treatment. Weinzettle says targeted actions in Louisiana include increasing access to smoking cessation programs, biomarker testing, and lung cancer screening.

Cut 8 (12) “…care of with surgery.”

Additionally, Weinzettle underscores the importance of expanding insurance coverage for comprehensive biomarker testing to personalize treatment options. Advocacy efforts include urging Louisiana and federal policymakers to improve access to these life-saving measures, emphasizing opportunities to address the state’s lung cancer crisis and improve survival rates.

Cut 9 (10)  “…outreach about screening.”

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The nonprofit Tax Foundation says changes made to improve Louisiana’s tax code by lawmakers during the special session will move the Bayou State out of the bottom in their rankings for tax codes. Senior policy analyst at the Tax Foundation, Manish Batt, says the tax reform package waiting for the governor’s signature should improve the state’s Business climate…

Cut 10 (10) “…already have.”

Batt says based on the changes made, Louisiana’s tax code will rank in the middle of the pack compared to other states. He says the bill to lower the personal income tax rate to a flat three-percent rate from the current three-tiered rate is good policy and other states are also doing…

Cut 11 (13) “…that problem.”

In order to pay for the cut to income taxes, the legislators raised the state sales tax to five-percent, giving Louisiana the highest or one of the highest sales tax rates in the country. But Batt says legislators can do more reform to the soften the higher sales tax hit…

Cut 12 (09) “…two years.”

The Tax Foundation likes what legislators accomplished in the tax reform special session. State Representative Mandie Landry, a Democrat from New Orleans, remains pessimistic the changes will lead to business growth…

Cut 13 (12)  “…hasn’t happened”

Governor Landry lauds the tax reform package as a tax cut for Louisiana residents, but Representative Landry says a reduction to personal income taxes, combined with a higher sales tax, is a wash for most taxpayers …

Cut 14 (16) “…going up.”

While the income tax rate will go down starting January 1st, the state sales tax will go up to 5-cents at the start of the new year.

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The Saints fell to 4-and-8 after a 21-14 loss to the Rams at home yesterday. New Orleans had a chance to win or tie the game on a fourth down inside the Rams’ 10-yard line with under two minutes to go but came up short. Coach Darren Rizzi says they know they need to be better in tight games…

Cut 15 (18) “…they should be.”

The Saints led 6-0 at halftime but Rizzi says big plays and a season-high 104 yards for Rams running back Kyren Williams were the difference in the second half…

Cut 16 (13) “…consistent enough.”

Do-it-all tight end Taysom hill was carted off the field with a knee injury with under five minutes left in the game following a fourth down conversion. He is believed to have suffered ligament damage and will have an MRI today to find the extent of the injury.

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The Ragin Cajuns will host Marshall on Saturday night in the Sun Belt Championship. U-L Lafayette capped off a ten-win regular season with a 37-23 win over instate rival ULM. Running back Zylan Perry from Franklin rushed for a career high 150 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Perry was questionable head into the game. Coach Michael Desormeaux…

Cut 17 (15) “…his today.” 

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Doom and gloom surrounded the LSU football program a couple of weeks ago after suffering a third consecutive loss to Florida. But after a convincing 37-17 win over Oklahoma in the regular season finale, Tigers Coach Brian Kelly was talking about playing for a championship.

Cut 18 (17)   “…national championship game.”

LSU will not play for a meaningful championship this year with an 8-4 record, but Kelly is more confident than ever that the Tigers are close to playing for one after finishing the regular season on a two-game winning streak.

Cut 19 (19) “…proud of em.”  

Garrett Nussmeier had one of his best games, despite fumbling the ball on a sack that led to an Oklahoma touchdown. Nussmeier threw for 277 yards and three touchdowns.

It looked like Nussmeier was knocked out of the game with a shoulder injury in the first half when he took a blindside hit from Oklahoma’s Mason Thomas. Nussmeier missed the remainder of that series and the following one, but was determined to finish the game.

Cut 20 (15) “…out there.”

Tomorrow is Black Friday – the day that retailers pull out all the stops in offering their biggest discounts of the year. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33)“…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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It’s the quarterfinal round of the high school football playoffs and there are several teams in central Louisiana looking for their first state championship. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Tomorrow is arguably the biggest shopping day of the year – Black Friday. And especially with Black Friday falling on the latest possible date, retailers are rolling out huge discounts in an all-out effort to drive foot traffic into their stores. WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo says if you’re looking for huge bargains, your best bets will be the major department stores like JCPenney, Belk and Macy’s.

Cut 3 (07) “…57-percent.”

Lupo says surprisingly, electronics aren’t being discounted this year as much as he would expect.

Cut 4 (09) “…Black Friday.”

Lupo says the most discounted items this year are jewelry and appliances.

Cut 5 (14) “…JC Penny’s for example.” 

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The hurricane season ends on Saturday and it was extremely active, though slightly below forecasts issued by Colorado State University. CSU Research Scientist Phil Koltzbach says an average season has 14 named storms and in 2024 there were 18 named storms, slightly less than the 25 predicted in July…

Cut 6 (07) “…over forecast that.”

Five hurricanes made U.S. landfall, tied for the second most in history, with major hurricanes Helene and Milton causing significant damage. The season caused approximately 250 fatalities and 100 billion dollars in damages. The record-warm Atlantic sea surface temperatures and cool neutral conditions contributed to low vertical wind shear, fostering hurricane development. Klotzbach says despite these factors, a mid-season lull occurred due to dry air

Cut 7 (05) “…peak of the season.”

With the 2024 Hurricane season ending, Klotzbach says next year’s forecast won’t be out until next April, but they are already working on it, but they also understand a lot of the conditions can change during the winter…

Cut 8 (08) “…active seasons.”

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It’s Thanksgiving Day but 64 high school football teams get to practice today as they are preparing for their quarterfinal matchup tomorrow night. Vermilion Catholic is the top seed in Division Four select and they are led by quarterback Jonathan Dartez who has rushed for 21-hundred yards and 34 touchdowns. He also has 19 passing touchdowns. Louisiana Football Magazine’s Lee Brecheen says Dartez is a dynamic player…

Cut 9 (09)  “…in Louisiana.”

Vermilion Catholic hosts St. Edmund tomorrow night in what is expected to be a high scoring game.

Franklin Parish is in the quarterfinals for the first time in school history and the Patriots will host Iowa. Brecheen says Franklin Parish will be tough to beat

Cut 10 (07) “…talent now.”

Brecheen says one of the best quarterfinal matchups will take place in Stonewall as Cecilia will visit North Desoto

Cut 11 (12) “…the game.”

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Southern and Grambling will face off in the 51st annual Bayou Classic in the Superdome Saturday. Jaguars Coach Terrence Graves says this is the unofficial state championship…

Cut 12 (17) “…New Orleans.”

The 7-and-4 Jags have already clinched a spot in the SWAC Championship against Jackson St. The Tigers are playing for pride at 5-and-6, but Grambling Coach Mickey Joseph says neither team will phone it in…

Cut 13 (1o)  “…be a battle (2x)”

Kickoff in the Superdome is at 1:00.