Louisiana Works is alerting you that new requirements to qualify for unemployment will be in place starting January 4th. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Senate is expected to vote on the healthcare bill co-sponsored by Bill Cassidy’s today and Cassidy says his bill is an alternative to a Democratic proposal to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, which he says disproportionately benefits insurance companies.

Cut 4 (09) “…release the money.”

Small businesses are a little more optimistic as we approach 2026. State director of the National Federation of Independent Business, Leah Long, says the biggest challenges for small business owners heading into the new year are operating costs and labor shortages. She says 2025 was a good year for small businesses, spearheaded by legislation at all levels.

Cut 7 (11) “…was made permanent.”

The Jena High School football team is preparing for its first ever state championship game appearance. After losing in the semifinals the last two seasons, head coach Jay Roark says it’s nice to get over the hump.

Cut 10 (10) “…great teammates.”

The Senate is expected to vote on Bill Cassidy’s health care insurance reform bill today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Small businesses are a little more optimistic as 2025 gets set to give way to 2026. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

Louisiana Works is alerting you that new requirements will be in place starting January 4th in order to qualify for unemployment. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

_________________________________________________

The Senate is expected to vote on Bill Cassidy’s healthcare bill today. Cassidy is sponsoring it with Idaho Republican Mike Crapo (CRAY-poh), and he says his bill is an alternative to a Democratic proposal to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, which he says disproportionately benefits insurance companies.

Cut 4 (09) “…release the money.”

Cassidy says under his plan, insurance companies would no longer get that money.

Cut 5 (07) “…health savings account.”

Cassidy says since the money would go directly to the taxpayers, they are in firm control of how that money is spent for their health care needs.

Cut 6 (10) “…an Obamacare policy.”

Cassidy says his plan has the support of some Democrats; whether it has the support of the seven Democrats needed to advance the bill remains to be seen.

_________________________________________________

Small businesses are a little more optimistic as 2025 gets ready to give way to 2026. Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, says the biggest challenges for small business owners heading into the new year are operating costs and labor shortages. Long says all in all, 2025 was a good year for small businesses, spearheaded by legislation at all levels, starting on Capitol Hill.

Cut 7 (11) “…was made permanent.”

Long says at the state level, she was glad to see the Louisiana legislature tackle insurance reform, and that will be a huge help for small businesses.

Cut 8 (09) “…your bottom line.”

Long says there’s still work to be done, though – in 2026, she would like to see the legislature continue its work on lawsuit abuse.

Cut 9 (09)  “…those employers too.”

_____________________________________________

The Jena High School football team is preparing for its first ever state championship game appearance. After losing in the semifinals the last two seasons, head coach Jay Roark says it’s nice to get over the hump.

Cut 10 (14) “…than previous years.”

Jena is 13-and-0 and the top seed in Division Two non-select. Roark says he’s proud of  how the defense improved throughout the season.

Cut 11 (12) “…and getting better.”

The Giants will face defending champion Sterlington Friday afternoon at 3:30. The Panthers average 46 points a game and beat Jena in the semifinals last year. Roark expects a big crowd from LaSalle Parish to cheer on the Giants.

Cut 12 (05) “…this weekend.”

____________________________________________________________

Starting January 4th, in order to qualify for unemployment insurance benefits, a claimant will need to complete at least five work-search activities each week. That’s an increase from the current requirement of three. Robert Wooley with Louisiana Works says the new rule is not intended to punish an unemployed individual.

Cut 13 (10)  “…to live on (2x).”

The upcoming changes to the unemployment insurance benefits are the result of legislation approved earlier this year. Wooley says attending interviews, updating a resume and participating in job-search or training programs are considered work-search activities.

Cut 14 (11) “…instead of three.”

Wooley says there are also new rules that could result in a person losing their unemployment benefits.

Cut 15 (09) “…lose your benefit.”

_______________________________________________________

College football teams such as Notre Dame, Iowa State, Kansas State, Florida State, Auburn, UCF and Baylor declined invitations to play in bowl games. Despite not having the season it wanted to, LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson says the Tigers never thought about not playing in a bowl.

Cut 16 (17) “…the right way.”

The Tigers started bowl practices yesterday. Playing in a bowl game allows LSU’s season to be extended, which is an advantage heading into spring football. Wilson says the team is excited to go out and finish the season out in Houston — against Houston.

Cut 17 (16)  “…our football team.”

The LSU football team added 14 players to its 2026 recruiting class in the early signing period, and Wilson says new head coach Lane Kiffin’s efforts put a bow on some of the top recruits’ decisions to sign with the Tigers.

Cut 18 (17)  “…wrap it up.”

S-L-B, 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 and Johnston says they plan to nearly double that number.

LSU football coach Frank Wilson was asked today if he will be part of Lane Kiffin’s staff. Wilson said a decision on that will come after the Tigers play in the Texas Bowl. Several coaches on the offensive side of the football will not be retained as Kiffin brought several assistants with him from Ole Miss. Wilson says the transition has been smooth…

Cut 11 (05) “…pulling for LSU”

Senator Bill Cassidy is disappointed with a CDC panel’s decision to change its recommendation when it comes to administering the Hepatitis B vaccine. Instead of the recommendation covering all newborns, it is now for only infants that were born to mothers who test positive for the virus. Cassidy says the Hepatitis B vaccine has been effective…

Cut 5 (10) “…20 a year”

Hepatitis B can lead to a serious liver infection.

The holiday season can be a stressful time. Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham is urging you to reach out if you are struggling.

Cut 12 (07) “…somebody who cares.”

There are two 9-8-8 call centers in Louisiana that operate 24-7.  You can also text 9-8-8 to establish a live chat.

The LSU football team will play in its second straight Texas Bowl this year as the Tigers take on the Houston Cougars on Saturday, December 27th at 8:15 p.m. Interim head coach Frank Wilson says the team will be without its top quarterback, top cornerback and a starting linebacker.

Cut 10 (10) “…Whit Weeks will be out.”

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. Interim head coach Frank Wilson says this transition period within the coaching staff has been smooth…

Cut 11 (05) “…pulling for LSU.”

Wilson’s future with the program remains uncertain.

Junior linebacker Harold Perkins has accepted an invitation to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl which likely indicates his intentions to forgo his senior season and declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.

UL-Lafayette is set to face Delaware in the 68 Ventures Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, on Wednesday, December 17th, at 7:30 p.m. The Blue Hens come into the matchup with the number-six passing offense in the country, averaging 302 passing yards per game. Head coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-moe) says the Cajuns’ defense will have to do a couple of things to limit Delaware in the air.

Cut 16 (16) “…things like that.”

The Sun Belt Conference has reinstated redshirt senior defensive back Tyree Skipper for the 68 Ventures Bowl after the conference had initially suspended him for the rest of the season for his involvement in a postgame altercation after the Texas State game.

New Orleans Pelicans rookie forward Derik Queen became just the fifth player in NBA history to drop a 30-point triple-double before turning 21 years-old. Queen’s had 33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 blocks in his first career triple-double.

Senator Bill Cassidy is speaking out after a CDC panel voted to remove the universal recommendation for the Hepatitis B vaccine immediately after birth. Cassidy, who’s a medical doctor by trade, says decisions like these ought to be about protecting children’s health.

Cut 3 (06) “…a personal prejudice.”

Because the vaccine had been recommended, insurance providers had covered it. Cassidy says with the change in recommendation, that’s now in limbo.

The holiday season can be a stressful time for many people. The Louisiana Surgeon General’s office says it’s okay not to be okay, and the 988 helpline is available if you need help. 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.”

Global technology company 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.”

Here we go again – Powerball mania is gripping Louisiana and the country. There have been no jackpot winners since the September 6th drawing, so the estimated jackpot for tomorrow’s drawing is 930-million dollars.

Senator Bill Cassidy says a CDC panel acted irresponsibly in removing the universal recommendation for the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth. Cassidy says because the vaccine had been recommended, insurance providers had covered it. But with the change in recommendation, that’s now in limbo.

Cut 4 (12) “…to be assured.”

Global technology company SLB will expand its operations in Shreveport, resulting in hundreds of new jobs. Paige Carter, the chief development officer for the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, says SLB could have expanded anywhere, but it chose northwest Louisiana.

Cut 8 (14) “…doubling down.”

LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson will coach the Tigers in the Texas Bowl, but his future with the team is uncertain afterwards. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Judges throughout the state could be seeing a little extra dough in their paychecks. A state government panel has recommended that the legislature increase judges’ salaries by just over 25-thousand dollars a year for district judges, by more than 29-thousand for appellate judges and by more than 27-thousand for Supreme Court justices.

Big economic development news in Shreveport as SBJ announces plans its nearly doubling the size of its workforce….

Cut 7 (14) “….create”  (golf cart)

SBJ is a global technology company that already employs 660 workers at its facility at the former GM plant.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is disappointed with a CDC panel’s decision to change its recommendation when it comes to administering the Hepatitis B vaccine. Instead of the recommendation covering all newborns, it is now for only infants that were born to mothers who test positive for the virus. Cassidy says the Hepatitis B vaccine has been effective…

Cut 5 (10) “…20 a year”

Hepatitis B can lead to a serious liver infection.

LSU interim head football coach Frank Wilson was asked today if he will be part of Lane Kiffin’s coaching staff. Wilson says that decision will come after the Texas Bowl on December 27^th. Wilson will serve as the Tigers interim head coach for the bowl game and says several key starters will miss the game including 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.

State health officials are reminding residents that if they are feeling stressed or anxious, especially with the holidays, they call 9-8-8. Surgeon General Ralph Abraham….

Cut 13 (09) “…handle sometimes”

Louisiana operates two 9-8-8 call centers, one in north Louisiana, the other in New Orleans.

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.”

The holiday season means that the crawfish season is right around the corner. LSU AgCenter crawfish extension agent Todd Fontenot says the 2026 season looks like a normal season.

Cut 23 (10) “…look pretty favorable.”

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.”

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.”