LSU is about to lead a building revolution, moving one step closer to launching the School of Construction within its College of Engineering. The Board of Supervisors approved its creation last week, advancing the proposal to the Louisiana Board of Regents for a vote sometime next year. College of Engineering Dean Vicki Colvin says the school would build on the current construction management program, and the number of students in that program is astounding.

Cut 6 (07) “…two-thousand students.”

After the LSU Board of Supervisors approves major organizational changes, a state lawmaker is worried about the future of LSU Health Shreveport. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly says he’s received assurances LSU Health New Orleans will not get more attention than LSU Health Shreveport.

Cut 15 (09) “…science and research.”

The LSU AgCenter and the Town of Jean Lafitte are teaming up to re-establish the firefly population. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Element USA announces it’s investing 850-million dollars to build a rare earth and critical minerals refining facility in St. James Parish. According to the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, this facility will produce materials essential to advanced manufacturing, national defense, and energy technologies, and also create 200 new direct jobs.

Three out of every four high school graduates in Louisiana in 2024 graduated with college credits or industry certifications already in hand. Tristan Denley, the deputy commissioner for academic affairs and innovation at the Louisiana Board of Regents, says while the vast majority of dual enrollment courses were taken in academic fields, almost 20-percent took courses in career and technical fields.

Cut 11 (12) “…be an electrician.”

Do you think you have what it takes to be a Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement officer? If so, now’s your chance to join the force! Stephen Clark, the superintendent of the enforcement division of LDWF, says applications are now being accepted for the department’s 38th enforcement academy.

Cut 3 (06) “…through December 22nd.”

Clark says about 35 applicants will be chosen for the academy, which will begin in late March.

A state lawmaker is worried about the future of LSU Health Shreveport. The LSU Board of Supervisors has approved major organizational changes that include giving the Baton Rouge campus direct oversight of operations at its research institutions. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly is concerned LSU Health New Orleans and Pennington Research Center in New Orleans will get more of the research grant dollars.

Cut 14 (08) “…aspect of things.”

With firefly populations at historic lows, the Town of Jean Lafitte has reached out to the LSU AgCenter to work on a plan to re-establish firefly populations in the Wetland Trace boardwalk trail. LSU AgCenter Entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says fireflies provide benefits to the ecosystem.

Cut 6 (09) “…for our gardens.”

Part of the plan involves planting 375 native plants within a 15-hundred-square-foot area.

A legislative hearing takes place this morning as lawmakers want to learn more about the Louisiana Department of Health’s decision not to renew UnitedHealthCare’s Medicaid contract…

Cut 9 (11) “…good reason why”

That’s Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot who says the decision not to renew with United Health Care means that 333-thousand Medicaid recpients will have a new insurance provider on January 1^st.

LSU AgCenter entomologists are looking to rebuild the firefly population. Aaron Ashbrook says kids love chasing fireflies and so do adults…

Cut 5 (09) “…would engage in”

Ashbrook says they planted native plants in the Town of Jean Lafitte in Jefferson Parish that mimics the environment fireflies would have lived in before human encroachment.

A state lawmaker raises concerns about the organizational changes made with the LSU System and what it means for the future of LSU Health Shreveport. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The FBI has arrested a man in New Iberia that federal authorities say was involved in an extremist group that was planning a series of New Year’s Eve attacks in southern California. FBI director Kash Patel says the Louisiana arrestee was part of a pro-Palestinian anti-government organization.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident where a neighbor used lethal force to end a domestic dispute. It happened in the Mandeville area early Monday morning. Investigators say the neighbor got involved after seeing a woman trying to flee from her boyfriend who was attacking her with a knife in the front yard. Deputies say the neighbor demanded that the man stop and when he didn’t that’s when he shot the attacker. At this time no charges have been filed.

Higher ed officials say more high school students are participating in dual enrollment.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein”

A legislative hearing takes place this morning to get answers on why the Louisiana Department of Health cancelled a Medicaid contract with UnitedHeathCare. The decision means that 333-thousand Medicaid recipients covered by UnitedHealthCare will switch to another health care plan on January 1^st. Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot says he and other lawmakers want to know how that will work…

Cut 8 (11) “….and play out”

You never see fireflies anymore. The Town of Jean Lafitte has reached out to the LSU AgCenter to work on a plan to re-establish firefly populations in the Wetland Trace boardwalk trail. Entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says part of that plan involves planting 375 native plants within a 15-hundred-square-foot area.

Cut 4 (10) “…Jean Lafitte Barataria.”

Pesticides, urban development, invasive insects and light pollution are all cited as reasons for the significant drop in firefly population.

A state lawmaker is worried about the future of LSU Health Shreveport. The LSU Board of Supervisors has approved major organizational changes that include giving the Baton Rouge campus direct oversight of operations at its research institutions. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly says the restructuring ends 25 years of local autonomy for LSU Health Shreveport.

Cut 13 (12)  “…that concerns me.”

LSU Chancellor James Dalton says a unified research structure better positions LSU to compete for major grants and attract faculty.

Element USA announces it’s investing $850 million to build a rare earth and critical minerals refining facility in St. James Parish. According to the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, this facility will produce materials essential to advanced manufacturing, national defense, and energy technologies, and also create 200 new direct jobs.

A record 75-percent of Louisiana’s high school Class of 2024, graduated with early college credit, an increase of 11 percentage points from the Class of 2019. The goal is to reach 100-percent…

Cut 12 (11) “…workforce credential.”

That’s Tristan Denley with the Board of Regents, who says increasing dual enrollment participation is an important priority in Louisiana’s overall goal to improve educational attainment.

The LSU AgCenter and the Town of Jean Lafitte are teaming up to re-establish the firefly population. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

State lawmakers will get answers today on why the Louisiana Health Department decided to end its Medicaid contract with UnitedHealthcare. Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot says the decision to cut ties with UnitedHealthcare surprised legislators.

Cut 7 (07) “…the renewal date.”

LDH says the 333-thousand Medicaid recipients who are covered by UnitedHealthcare will be switched to another health care plan in 2026.

Education officials are celebrating the fact that three out of every four Louisiana graduates in the Class of 2024 had college credits when they received their diploma. The 75-percent rate is an 11-point increase from 2019. Tristan Denley, the deputy commissioner for academic affairs and innovation at the Board of Regents, says high school students can earn college credit in a number of ways.

Cut 10 (06) “…international baccalaureate courses.”

A state lawmaker raises concerns about the organizational changes made with the LSU System and what it means for the future of LSU Health Shreveport…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Hollywood is mourning the death of slain-director and actor Rob Reiner. Police say Reiner’s son, Nick Reiner, fatally stabbed his father and mother Michelle Reiner. Did you know Rob Reiner’s last movie he released was filmed in New Orleans, Spinal Tap II, the End Continues.

The LSU AgCenter and the Town of Jean Lafitte are teaming up to re-establish the firefly population. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A major achievement among Louisiana’s high school graduates. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A state lawmaker raises concerns about the organizational changes made with the LSU System and what it means for the future of LSU Health Shreveport. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Firefly populations have hit historically low numbers in Louisiana and other parts of the country where fireflies are native. The Town of Jean Lafitte has reached out to the LSU AgCenter to work on a plan to re-establish firefly populations in the Wetland Trace boardwalk trail. Aaron Ashbrook, the urban and peri-urban extension entomologist at the LSU AgCenter, says part of that plan involves planting 375 native plants within a 15-hundred-square-foot area.

Cut 4 (10) “…Jean Lafitte Barataria.”

Ashbrook says fireflies are a major part of Louisiana’s culture.

Cut 5 (09) “…would engage in.”

Ashbrook says besides being a part of people’s childhoods, fireflies also provide benefits to the ecosystem.

Cut 6 (09) “…for our gardens.”

Pesticides, urban development, invasive insects and light pollution are all cited as reasons for the significant drop in firefly population.

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State lawmakers will get answers today on why the Louisiana Health Department decided to end its Medicaid contract with UnitedHealthcare. Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot says the decision to cut ties with UnitedHealthcare surprised legislators.

Cut 7 (07) “…the renewal date.”

LDH says the 333-thousand Medicaid recipients who are covered by UnitedHealthcare will be switched to another health care plan in 2026. Talbot says he and other lawmakers want to know how that will work.

Cut 8 (11) “…and play out.”

Democratic legislators have raised concerns that some Medicaid recipients may be forced to find a new doctor if their new insurance provider is not in-network. Talbot says his committee, along with Senate Health and Welfare, will have a chance to hear from LDH leaders at a hearing at 10 this morning.

Cut 9 (11)  “…good reason why.”

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says the state is in litigation with UnitedHealthcare for allegedly overcharging Medicaid recipients for prescription drugs.

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Among all high school graduates in the Class of 2024 in the State of Louisiana, three out of every four graduated having already racked up credits towards college degrees or certifications. The 75-percent rate is an 11-point increase from 2019. Tristan Denley, the deputy commissioner for academic affairs and innovation at the Louisiana Board of Regents, says high school students can earn college credit in a number of ways.

Cut 10 (06) “…international baccalaureate courses.”

Denley says while the vast majority of dual enrollment courses were taken in the aforementioned academic fields, nearly one out of every five students who took dual enrollment courses took courses in career and technical fields.

Cut 11 (12) “…be an electrician.”

Denley says the overwhelming success of the initiative has the state optimistic about achieving its ultimate goal of every student graduating with dual enrollment credits.

Cut 12 (11) “…short-term workforce credential.”

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A state lawmaker is worried about the future of LSU Health Shreveport. The LSU Board of Supervisors has approved major organizational changes that include giving the Baton Rouge campus direct oversight of operations at its research institutions. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly says the restructuring ends 25 years of local autonomy for LSU Health Shreveport.

Cut 13 (12)  “…that concerns me.”

LSU Chancellor James Dalton says a unified research structure better positions LSU to successfully compete for major grants, attract exceptional faculty and expand discoveries that can improve life in Louisiana. But Pressly is concerned LSU Health New Orleans and Pennington Research Center in New Orleans will get more of the research grant dollars.

Cut 14 (08) “…aspect of things.”

Pressly says he’s received assurances from LSU Board Chairman Scott Ballard that LSU Health New Orleans will not get more attention than LSU Health Shreveport. Pressly says he will make sure that Ballard and other LSU leaders stick to their word.

Cut 15 (09) “…science and research..”

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The Saints improved to 4-and-10 on the season after beating the Panthers Sunday, 20-17. New Orleans’ defense came up with a big stop to give its offense the ball with 57 seconds left in the game. Charlie Symth’s 47-yard game-winning field goal sealed the deal. Head coach Kellen Moore says he’s proud of his team’s fight.

Cut 16 (15) “…of our guys.”

Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough had an impressive game, as he threw for 272 yards with a touchdown and led the team in rushing with 32 yards on the ground. Moore says that sitting Shough at the beginning of the season has allowed him to develop into a better quarterback.

Cut 17 (18)  “…advantage of that.”

After missing the first five games of the season with a calf injury, Saints defensive end Chase Young has put together an impressive season. Young had six tackles and a sack in the win. Young has six sacks in nine games, and Moore says he’s done a great job of being productive after the injury.

Cut 18 (17)  “…on this team.”

A state lawmaker is worried about the future of LSU Health Shreveport, after the LSU Board of Supervisors approves major organizational changes that include giving the Baton Rouge campus direct oversight of operations at its research institutions. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly says he’s received assurances LSU Health New Orleans will not get more attention than LSU Health Shreveport.

Cut 15 (09) “…science and research..”

Saying that it paid fewer losses this past year than forecast, State Farm is lowering its auto insurance premiums by an average of almost six-percent statewide. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says there’s a direct correlation between the amount of claims that insurance companies pay out and the rates they charge drivers.

Cut 5 (08) “…charge going forward.”

One more cold morning and then mild temperatures through Christmas. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Yesterday’s win by the Saints was quarterback Tyler Shough’s first win in the Superdome. He says that made the win that much more important.

Cut 6 (13) “…lot of fun.”

The Saints’ win over the Panthers was also their second win in a row.