While the precipitation may have moved out of Louisiana, those of you in the northern part of the state should still use extreme caution when venturing out onto the roadways. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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More than 100-thousand people are without power as a result this historic ice storm. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…Joe Gallinaro.”

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The precipitation has moved out of Louisiana, and none is expected for the next several days. But Rodney Mallett with DOTD says those of you especially in North Louisiana still need to use extreme caution when venturing out onto the roadways.

Cut 3 (07) “…dangerous driving conditions.”

Nowhere is that more evident than on westbound I-20, where stalled 18-wheelers had caused massive backups today. Mallett says this is despite DOTD crews working around the clock to keep roadways as passable as they possibly can.

Cut 4 (11) “…get hit first.”

Mallett says DOTD crews had prepared for this ice storm well in advance.

Cut 5 (10) “…hours a day.”

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More than 110-thousand people are without power because of the deadly ice storm. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell who represents all of North Louisiana says Monroe is the hardest hit area of the state as more than 45-thousand customers in the parish do not have electricity. Campbell says the buildup of ice on tree limbs has led to many of the outages…

Cut 6 (10) “…up here.”

Campbell says there are many cases where one area gets its power restored, but another area loses it…

Cut 7 (11) “…warm weather.”

Campbell says while no one likes living without power, the public understands Mother Nature has produced a difficult situation for Entergy, SWEPCO, Cleco and all of the power companies working around the clock to get the power restored…

Cut 8 (13) “…up here.”

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Thousands of residents in north Louisiana are stuck in their home due to power outages and icy roads. Greg Hilburn, a reporter for the USA Today Network, has no power, but is able to stay warm with a fireplace in his house. He says at least it looks pretty outside….

Cut 9 (11)  “…transportation.”

Hilburn says most people are taking the advice of state and local officials, staying home….

Cut 10 (12) “…they are doing.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health has reported a third winter-storm related death. An 86-year-old man in DeSoto Parish died due to carbon monoxide poisoning. The death was confirmed by the parish coroner as winter-storm related. DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson says his deputies have been busy conducting welfare checks…

Cut 11 (14) “…go check.”

Nearly ten-thousand customers are without power in DeSoto Parish and we are looking at another night with low temperatures in the teens. Richardson says people who do not have an adequate way to warm their homes should find shelter

Cut 12 (09) “…life-threatening temperatures”

The state health department says the other two winter-storm related deaths happened in Caddo Parish as two men died due to hypothermia. Governor Landry says they are also investigating three more fatalities that are possibly tied to the winter storm.

_____________________________________________________________

If you have some extra time on your hands, the Red Cross could use your help. Kenneth St. Charles, the regional CEO of the American Red Cross Louisiana Region, is putting out a statewide call for volunteers.

Cut 13 (12)  “…ready to go.”

The Red Cross is already supporting shelters and warming centers, but they need more people because they may need to open more of them.

Cut 14 (12) “…that we have.”

If you don’t know where to start, St. Charles says that’s no problem – training only takes about two hours, and you can do it from the comfort of your own home.

Cut 15 (10) “…to move equipment.”

18 years ago, Louisiana became the last state to ban cockfighting. One parish is pushing to legalize it again – at least in its own parish, and despite a simultaneous ban at the federal level. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A major winter storm is bearing down on Louisiana. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin has the latest…

Cut 2 (33) “…into Sunday.”

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The St. Landry Parish Council is making a formal request to Attorney General Liz Murrill for her opinion on whether the state’s law banning cockfighting is unconstitutional. It comes as several in the parish are pushing to make it legal there once again. Nadea Comeaux says cockfighting, which had a history in the parish, would bring in much-needed revenue.

Cut 3 (11) “…of these things?”

Comeaux argued before the council that cockfighting is, in her opinion, wholesome entertainment.

Cut 4 (10) “…involved in that.”

It is a federal crime to attend an animal fighting event, and cockfighting is illegal at the state level in all 50 states, with Louisiana the last state to outlaw it in 2008. Jim Demoruelle told the council that laws mean nothing to those who stage cockfights.

Cut 5 (08) “…passed against it.”

Jeff Dorson, the director of the Humane Society of Louisiana, said prior to the meeting that reinstating cockfighting would be a horrible idea, as it would promote cruelty at a time when the world has seen enough of it.

The council also voted on a resolution to contact State Representative Dustin Miller to introduce a bill to repeal or modify Louisiana’s cockfighting ban. The resolution failed on a vote of 7-to-6, with Council Chairman Wayne Ardoin casting the tiebreaking vote.

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SWEPCO crews are getting ready for the ice storm bearing down on the state. Spokesman Michael Corbin says crews are getting in place.

Cut 6 (12) “…a day’s notice.”

Corbin says SWEPCO works closely with the offices of emergency preparedness in each parish in its service area so that it has the latest information on road conditions.

Cut 7 (08) “…to get there (2x).”

Corbin says SWEPCO does not wait until the forecast mentions “ice storm” to start preparing for one.

Cut 8 (10) “…in the state.”

Corbin says when government officials urge you to stay off the roads during ice storms, this is to keep them clear so that crews can safely get to locations to restore power.

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Temperatures are in the 50s today in north Louisiana, but don’t let that fool you. Forecasters are still calling for a significant ice storm to impact the upper half of the state this weekend. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim….

Cut 9 (07)  “…quite a mess.”

Keim says confidence is high we will see freezing rain across the northern half of the state starting Saturday morning…

Cut 10 (08) “…points north.”

He says freezing rain is also possible for the Lake Charles, Lafayette and Baton Rouge areas, but at smaller amounts than what we’ll see in north Louisiana.

Keim is expecting many roads, especially elevated bridges and highways, to be shutdown by transportation officials because of icing…

Cut 11 (15) “…behind this.”

Keim says this would be a good weekend to stay home…

Cut 12 (10) “…at home.”

With crippling weather bearing down on Louisiana, now is the time to start getting ready. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU has added one of the top pass rushers in the SEC to its roster and it’s someone coach Lane Kiffin knows well. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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We continue to keep an eye on the winter storm that’s bearing down on much of Louisiana late this week and this weekend. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says by the end of the week, the roads will be unbearable for many.

Cut 3 (13) “…of southern Louisiana.”

Keim says in south Louisiana, that wintry mix will be mainly from Lake Charles to the Mississippi River. He says areas east of the Mississippi River appear to be clear of any hazardous conditions for the time being, but this is still something those people need to keep a close eye on.

Cut 4 (12) “…at cold rain.”

Keim says conditions when conditions start to deteriorate, they will not improve for the duration of the weekend.

Cut 5 (09) “…much clear out.”

A cold weather advisory is also in effect for southwest Louisiana from Saturday night to Sunday morning.

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With much of the state in the crosshairs of Mother Nature’s wrath, GOHSEP is urging you to start preparing now. Mike Steele with GOHSEP says now is the time to start putting together your emergency kit.

Cut 6 (10) “…significant power loss.”

Steele says when at the grocery store, stock up on foods that require neither refrigeration nor preparation.

Cut 7 (05) “…rule of thumb.”

Of course, when hunkering down at home, there’s a very good chance that you could lose power, possibly for days on end. Steele says those of you who have generators need to be smart when using them.

Cut 8 (12) “…cooled down properly.”

GOHSEP has all this information and more on its emergency preparedness website, get a game plan-dot-org.

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New Orleans officials announce the arrest of a 35-year-old man who allegedly set eight vehicles on fire in the Bywater neighborhood early Monday morning. Deputy Mayor of Public safety Michael Harrison says surveillance cameras caught Kyle Tomeson go on an arson spree…

Cut 9 (09)  “…from the area.”

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno says Tomeson was caught within 48 hours of the fires…

Cut 10 (09) “…of New Orleans.”

Tomeson has been booked on four counts of aggravated arson and nine counts of simple arson. Moreno says the burning of the vehicles has been unsettling for residents in the Bywater neighborhood. But the mayor is thankful for one thing…

Cut 11 (07) “…situation”

Officials are not sure of a motive. Aggravated arson could result in a prison sentence of six to 20 years. Simple arson could result in a sentence of up to 15 years. Fox-8 TV is reporting Tomeson was nabbed authorities while working his job as a bartender in the French Quarter.

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Investigators in Rapides Parish are calling it a tragic accident. Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded to a shooting south of Lecompte early Monday morning and found two people inside a vehicle, one of whom had been shot.

Cut 12 (06) “…in the head.”

Carnline says investigators determined that there was no foul play involved. The sheriff’s office has not released the victim’s identity. Carnline says this underscores the importance of handling firearms with the greatest of care.

Cut 13 (09)  “…toward the ground.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson addresses the British Parliament, becoming the first U.S. Speaker of the House in history ever to do so. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow has entered the U-S Senate race, challenging Bill Cassidy who is seeking a third term. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the British Parliament this morning, becoming the first U.S. Speaker of the House ever to do so. In his nearly 23-minute address to members of both the House of Lords and the House of Commons, Johnson talked about the great experiment America embarked on when it gained independence from the British 250 years ago.

Cut 3 (13) “…equal and free.”

Johnson told the British lawmakers that the relationship between the two countries has always been more powerful and enduring than the enemies that they face.

Cut 4 (09) “…has ever known.”

Johnson told Parliament that the two countries have great reason for hope.

Cut 5 (10) “…importantly in spirit.”

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Fifth District Congresswoman Julia Letlow says she will run for U-S Senate, challenging incumbent Bill Cassidy in the Republican Primary. Letlow made the announcement at the Baton Rouge Business Report’s Power Breakfast event. Her announcement comes after President Trump endorsed her over Cassidy. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says with Trump’s backing, Letlow is the favorite to win this seat…

Cut 6 (08) “…Trump’s endorsement.”

Qualifying for the U-S Senate seat is next month, and the party primary is May 16th. Cross says there is a good chance the primary will be decided in a run-off held on June 27th…

Cut 7 (15) “…very much in question.”

Cassidy released a statement following Letlow’s announcement that expressed confidence he will win a third term in office. Letlow is in her second term as a U-S Representative and Cross says it is a political gamble to run for the Senate….

Cut 8 (08) “…of office.”

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The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for north central and northwest Louisiana. It will go into effect Friday morning and run through Sunday morning. Davyon Hill with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says freezing rain is expected to arrive on Friday night and the precipitation is expected to turn to sleet and possibly snow before the storm system moves out on Sunday….

Cut 9 (09)  “…on both.”

Hill says there’s a 40-percent chance the Lake Charles and Lafayette areas will also see some ice accumulation on Saturday and Sunday. He says travel could be treacherous this weekend…

Cut 10 (07) “…travel impacts.”

Hill says prepare now, because the possibility exists for power outages from the freezing rain…

Cut 11 (07) “…start preparing.”

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says he will continue to seek re-election despite President Trump endorsing Congresswoman Julia Letlow in the U-S Senate race. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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There is the possibility a winter storm will hit Louisiana this weekend. Bill Jacquemin has the story…

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Bill Jacquemin.”

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You can start filing your state income tax returns one week from today. Byron Henderson with the Louisiana Department of Revenue says the very easiest way to do so is electronically, for free, through the department’s online portal known as LaTAP.

Cut 3 (12) “…your account history.”

Henderson says if for some reason you cannot use LaTAP, you have other options to file your state tax return.

Cut 4 (12) “…download and print.”

Henderson says filing electronically will also ensure that you get your refund as quickly as possible, should you be owed one.

Cut 5 (07) “…about four weeks.”

If you submit a paper return and are expecting a refund, that will take about eight weeks. May 15th is the deadline to file state income taxes. 

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U-S Senator Bill Cassidy has no plans of ending his re-election bid, even though President Donald Trump is encouraging Congresswoman Julia Letlow to run for the Senate and said he will support her candidacy.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says a Trump endorsement does not guarantee a win for that candidate. He says the President endorsed Republican Eddie Rispone in the 2019 governor’s race…

Cut 6 (09) “…governor’s race.”

Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards beat Rispone in the 2019 governor’s race, despite President Trump making multiple visits to Louisiana in support of Rispone. Pinsonat says Trump’s endorsement for Letlow is a blow to Cassidy’s re-election campaign, but it is a hurdle he can overcome…

Cut 7 (08) “…all is not lost.”

Trump announced his endorsement of Letlow on Saturday night. Cassidy responded with his own statement. The Baton Rouge Republican said he is confident he will win if Congresswoman Letlow decides to run. Pinsonat says Cassidy is not backing down, despite the President’s potential influence over the U-S Senate race…

Cut 8 (12) “..this race.”

Cassidy is also well funded as his campaign has 11 million dollars in cash and had a major fundraising event last week in Baton Rouge that raised 650-thousand dollars.

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Senator John Kennedy’s quest to end payments to dead people heads to President Trump’s desk for his signature. It’s a bill that he sponsored that aims to end welfare payments to people who have passed away. Kennedy says up until a few years ago, the problem was very widespread.

Cut 9 (07)  “…to dead people.”

Kennedy says the catalyst behind this is the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File, which gets updated anytime someone dies.

Cut 10 (12) “…branch of government (2x).”

Kennedy says the Social Security Administration told him that it was not at liberty to share that information with other government departments without congressional approval, so he passed a bill in 2023 that created a pilot program that allowed it to do just that. Kennedy says it’s been very effective.

Cut 11 (10) “…in improper payments.”

So Kennedy filed a follow-up bill to give the Social Security Administration permanent permission to share that information with other government agencies, and both houses of Congress have passed it.

A major federal indictment involving basketball point shaving has several Louisiana ties, with six of the 16 players indicted having played for Louisiana teams. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (51) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry says thanks to the Fiscal Responsibility Program he created about a year ago, state government is leaner and more effective. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A massive federal basketball point shaving indictment has Louisiana ties. 20 men, including 12 former and four current college basketball players, are indicted in the scheme to rig basketball games for profit. Of those players indicted, six played for a Louisiana program at one point. The indictment was unsealed this morning in Philadelphia and announced by David Metcalf, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Cut 3 (14) “…for monetary gain.”

Metcalf says this scheme went on for years and it involved several programs.

Cut 4 (10) “…and fixed games.”

Four Louisiana programs are among the 17 programs involved – New Orleans, Tulane, Nicholls and Northwestern State. Metcalf says it started when gamblers Marves (MAR-viss) Fairley and Shane Hennen conspired with former LSU star Antonio Blakeney, who was playing professionally in China at the time, to fix professional games in China; and when those proved to be profitable, they moved the operation stateside and into the world of college basketball.

Cut 5 (14) “…in the game.”

And those intentional sub-par performances would cause their teams to lose by margins greater than the point spread. Blakeney was not named in the indictment but was indicted elsewhere.

Players with Louisiana ties named in the indictment:
Bradley Ezewiro (LSU)
Kevin Cross (Tulane)
Oumar Koureissi (Nicholls)
Carlos Hart (New Orleans)
Cedquavious Hunter (New Orleans)
Dyquavion Short (New Orleans)

Players with Louisiana teams not named in the indictment:
Antonio Blakeney (LSU)
Diante Smith (Nicholls)

Louisiana teams involved:
Tulane
New Orleans
Nicholls
Northwestern State

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Governor Jeff Landry announced that the Louisiana Fiscal Responsibility Program that he established in December of 2024 has found hundreds of millions of dollars in savings within state government. The program is led by Fiscal Responsibility Czar Steve Orlando…

Cut 6 (11) “…live within its means.”

Landry’s Fiscal Responsibility Program was inspired by President Trump’s DOGE initiative. Former Commissioner of Administration Angelle Davis worked with the Louisiana DOGE team and she says it was a team effort throughout state government to eliminate wasteful spending and improve government efficiency…

Cut 7 (12) “…17 departments.”

Landry says the state will not stop in finding efficiencies that will save taxpayers’ money and improve state services.

Cut 8 (07) “..going to be.”

Landry says his goal is to eliminate the state income tax and the chance of that happening grows if the state finds ways to improve government services while at the same time reducing spending.

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There is the possibility south Louisiana could see a very light snowfall this weekend. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a strong cold front will push through the state on Saturday and any lingering precipitation has the potential to turn into snow early Sunday morning…

Cut 9 (09)  “…around here.”

Keim says whether or not we see snow in south Louisiana will be highly dependent on where the front ends up, how much moisture is in the air and the temperature…

Cut 10 (06) “…all of the above.”

Keim says if it does snow, it’s unlikely to accumulate, so no repeat of last January’s historic snow event…

Cut 11 (10) “…Gulf of Mexico.”

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The LSU men’s basketball team lost its fourth straight game last night in heartbreaking fashion. After leading Kentucky by as many as 18, The Tigers only led the Wildcats 74-73 with 1.9 seconds left to play. Kentucky’s Collin Chandler heaved a full-court pass into the hands of Malachi Moreno, who sunk an uncontested midrange jumper at the buzzer to win. Head coach Matt McMahon is devastated for his team.

Cut 12 (14)“…finish the deal.”

The Tigers are off to an 0-4 start in SEC play. LSU has been without senior guard DJ Thomas for four straight games as he continues to deal with a lower leg injury.  LSU Athletic Director says on WWL Radio that he believes the team would be off to a better start had Thomas been available.

Cut 13 (11)  “…rushing no judgement.”

With the loss to Kentucky, McMahon dropped to 14-44 in SEC play in his four years at LSU. As McMahon’s seat heats up, Ausberry says the LSU administration will wait until after the season to decide his future.

Cut 14 (12) “…the next steps.”

Especially with tax season upon us, the Better Business Bureau is urging you to be extra vigilant when it comes to scams. Andrew Greenstein reports they’re becoming more prevalent – and more sophisticated.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Lane, “The Portal King” Kiffin signs another top quarterback from the transfer portal. Andre Champagne has more…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Especially with tax season upon us, be extra vigilant for scams. The Better Business Bureau says scams are becoming more prevalent – and more sophisticated. Carmen Million, the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of South Central Louisiana, says before, you could tell which calls and emails were scams, based on improper or broken English – but not anymore.

Cut 3 (10) “…if it’s legitimate.”

Million says scammers used to mainly target senior citizens, because they’re the ones most likely to trust them and fall for these scams – but now, scammers have now broadened their potential target base.

Cut 4 (08) “…amount of people”

Million says regardless of how legitimate these scammers are starting to sound, there are still a few specific things that should immediately indicate that the communication is not legitimate.

Cut 5 (12) “…would already have.”

And Million says if the caller says he or she is from the IRS or the Social Security Administration, that should immediately throw up a red flag. She points out that the reason that it’s impossible to reach either agency by phone is not because they’re trying to call you.

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LSU football coach Lane Kiffin has signed another quarterback out of the transfer portal. Former five-star recruit Husan Longstreet is a Tiger after spending one season at USC. College and pro football analyst Mike Detillier of WWL Radio says Longstreet threw for 85-hundred yards and 83 touchdowns during his high school career in California…

Cut 6 (04) “…biggest strength.”

Detillier says Longstreet is also an accurate passer.

Longstreet joins a quarterback room that already has Sam Leavitt, the 2024 Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year, and Landen Clark, an FCS All-American at Elon. Detillier says Longstreet adds to the talent that LSU has at the quarterback position…

Cut 7 (04) “…quarterback room.”

Detillier says Longstreet provides LSU with good protection in the case that Leavitt does not recover fast enough from a surgery to repair a Lisfranc injury in his right foot. Like Leavitt, Detillier says Longstreet has good mobility….

Cut 8 (08) “..downfield.”

247 sports ranks LSU’s 2026 transfer portal class as the best in the country.

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The Office of the State Fire Marshal is reminding you of the importance of having working smoke alarms in the wake of a pair of deadly house fires this week. The first happened Sunday afternoon near Shreveport, in which a 77-year-old man was killed. The second happened the following evening in Catahoula Parish, in which a 76-year-old woman died. Ashley Rodrigue with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says neither home had a working smoke alarm.

Cut 9 (09)  “…life and death.”

Rodrigue says the causes of both fires are unclear at this time.

Cut 10 (10) “…potential cause here.”

Investigators, however, say things like space heaters were not a factor in either fire. With electrical-rated factors not being ruled out, Rodrigue is reminding you about electricity safety, including not connecting extension cords together.

Cut 11 (10) “…fire hazard there.”

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Below freezing temperatures are expected tonight for north Louisiana. National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Knapp says they are expecting temperatures to get below 32 degrees as far south as Natchitoches and Jena…

Cut 12 (06)“…to Monroe”

Knapp says when you factor in the wind chill, the real feel temperature will be the mid-20s for much of north Louisiana. He says dry conditions will also continue…

Cut 13 (07)  “…your parish.”

Vernon, Caddo, Bossier, Winn, Jackson and Union parishes all have outdoor burn bans in effect.

Knapp says we’ll see a brief warm-up on Friday and then another shot of cold air for the weekend…

Cut 14 (09) “…upper 40s”

Shreveport finalizes a deal with a company owned by entertainer 50 Cent to develop three entertainment venues in the city. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A 28-year-old Jennings woman who lost her unborn child is facing criminal charges after investigators determine it was drug use that killed the child. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A company owned by entertainer 50 Cent finalizes a deal to invest almost 125-million dollars to develop three entertainment venues in Shreveport. As part of his commitment, the state is providing up to 50-million dollars in performance-based funding for these three sites. Grant Nuckolls with Shreveport Film and Entertainment Economic Development says there are conditions attached to this funding.

Cut 3 (11) “…three through five.”

The project includes the renovation of the former Stageworks facility, the modernization of the former Millennium Studios and the construction of a dome-style venue. Nuckolls says if 50 Cent does not keep up with his end of the bargain, the state’s funding will go away.

Cut 4 (09) “…clawback provisions too.”

Nuckolls says one of the conditions of 50 Cent’s company, G-Unit Film and Television LLC, getting this money is that the work needs to be done in a timely manner.

Cut 5 (09) “…spent pretty quickly.”

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Small businesses open 2026 with optimism on the upswing. Leah Long is the Louisiana Director of the National Federation of Independent Business.

Cut 6 (06) “…heading into 2026.”

While the decrease in uncertainty has increased optimism among small business owners, Long says there are lingering concerns that they would like to see addressed in the new year.

Cut 7 (10) “…that in 2026.”

Long says one issue that is becoming a bigger issue for small business owners – one that President Trump is actively trying to rein in – is swipe fees.

Cut 8 (06) “…their swipe fees.”

Long says for example, some restaurants in the Baton Rouge area pay around 80-thousand dollars a year in swipe fees.

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A California doctor has been indicted on felony charges for allegedly trafficking abortion pills into Louisiana. Doctor Remy Coeytaux has been charged in St. Tammany Parish with Criminal Abortion by Means of Abortion Inducing Drugs. Attorney General Liz Murrill says her office is seeking to extradite Doctor Coeytaux to Louisiana…

Cut 9 (06)  “…our state.”

Coeytaux is also facing a lawsuit from a Texas man who alleges he illegally provided his girlfriend with abortion pills. Coeytaux has not responded to the accusations made against him.

According to court documents filed last year, Dr. Coeytaux mailed mifepristone, one of two medications commonly referred to as an abortion pill, to a woman who said she was forced to take them by her boyfriend. Murrill says Coeytaux is not providing healthcare, instead he’s dealing drugs…

Cut 10 (03) “…those doctors.”

The woman who received the abortion pills claims it was her boyfriend who used her email address to order the drugs and she never had any contact with the California physician. Prosecutors in Louisiana are also involved in a similar case with a doctor out of New York.

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A 28-year-old Jennings woman is facing criminal charges after cops in Jefferson Davis Parish determine her illegal drug use led to the death of her unborn child. Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes says Shandelynn Benoit has been charged with third-degree feticide….

Cut 11 (07) “…her pregnancy.”

Semmes says Benoit admitted to taking fentanyl and heroin to alleviate stomach pain….

Cut 12 (11) “…including death”

Semmes says his detectives have never investigated a case like this…

Cut 13 (07)  “…for this.”

Semmes says the person who supplied Benoit with the fentanyl has also been arrested.

A quarterback that LSU was reportedly interested in signing has decided he will not transfer. So where do Lane Kiffin and company go from here? Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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King Cake season is underway in Louisiana, and Colleen Crain says a healthy option is once again available.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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I hope you took advantage of the great weather this week, because change is coming by the end of this weekend. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Two organizations that advocate for children and families in Louisiana join forces. The Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families merged with the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, effective at the beginning of this year. LPIC CEO Libbie Sonnier says the two organizations had worked closely together for years, including launching the Geaux Far Louisiana initiative in 2021.

Cut 4 (13) “…Geaux Far Louisiana work.”

Sonnier says the merger of the two policy organizations will help it continue the course they had been on for years.

Cut 5 (09) “…with successful children.”

Sonnier says the merger will be beneficial from a financial standpoint as well, with the organization being able to maximize the limited funds it has.

Cut 6 (08) “…State of Louisiana.”

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A high-profile quarterback that LSU reportedly had interest in signing has decided to stay at his current school. Demond Williams Jr. announced on Tuesday night that he was entering the transfer portal, but last night he announced he’s staying at Washington. Earlier this week, it seemed like former Arizona State Q-B Sam Leavitt was the Tigers top target. Tiger Rag-dot-com editor Glenn Guilbeau says LSU could see if Leavitt is still interested in the Tigers, but there is a health concern. 

Cut 7 (07) “…the summer, probably.”

Leavitt has been visiting Tennessee since Wednesday after spending a couple of days at LSU earlier this week.

Guilbeau says the transfer portal window opened last Friday and LSU still has not signed a quarterback…

Cut 8 (09) “…at Ole Miss.”

If Kiffin fails to land Leavitt, he’s either going to have to dig deep into the portal or sign someone out of high school, since LSU does not have a single scholarship quarterback on the roster at this time. Guilbeau says Kiffin and company have proven that they can work magic with quarterbacks.

Cut 9 (09)  “…quite a quarterback.”

A quarterback is visiting LSU today. Landen Clark from Elon. Clark threw for 23-hundred yards, 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also rushed 641 yards and 11 touchdowns for the FSC.

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It’s King Cake season in Louisiana; and once again, Ochsner Health is offering its Eat Fit King Cake. Marie Page with Ochsner Eat Fit says Ochsner Health introduced the healthier King Cake about four years ago.

Cut 10 (08) “…the grocery stores.”

The Eat Fit King Cake is grain-free – it’s made with an almond flour and a coconut flour, giving it the texture of a bundt-style cake. It uses a plant-based sweetener and has no artificial colors. Page says it’s also guaranteed gluten-free.

Cut 11 (09) “…good on that.”

Page says the Eat Fit King Cake is available at more places than ever this year.

Cut 12 (08) “…one in Arkansas.”

They’re also available at all Ochsner cafes. To find a retailer near you, go to Eat Fit King Cake-dot-com.

_____________________________________________________________

I hope you enjoyed the heavenly temperatures over the last few days, because potentially severe storms are on the way. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm risk starts today.

Cut 13 (06)  “…winds and tornadoes.”

All this, as a cold front comes through the state. Keim says tomorrow will be a transitional day before temperatures really start to plummet. 

Cut 14 (10) “…Friday and Saturday.”

Keim says as you make your way into work in the early part of next week, you’ll want to bring your jacket with you, as overnight lows will get down into the 30s.

Cut 15 (09) “…in those temperatures.”

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Cut 16 (18) “…embraced his opportunity (2x).”

Cut 17 (15)  “…going to be.”

Cut 18 (18)  “…excited about that.” 

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Cut 19 (16) “…a blood clot.”

Cut 20 (12) “…back to winning.”

New Orleans is now back in the running to host the 2031 Super Bowl. So what are the city’s chances of landing the game that year? Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry plans to attend a dogsledding event in Greenland. Jeff Palermo reports it’s part of his new part-time job as President Trump’s special envoy to Greenland.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Now that New Orleans is back in the running to host the 2031 Super Bowl, what are the city’s chances of landing the big game for that year? NOLA-dot-com columnist Jeff Duncan says like all other candidates, the city will have to make a strong pitch to the NFL – and he says the NFL is seeking high-end hospitality.

Cut 3 (12) “…events like that.”

And then, of course, there’s the fact that by the time the 2031 Super Bowl comes around, the Superdome could potentially be the second oldest stadium in the NFL. Duncan says that won’t be a factor – for now.

Cut 4 (12) “…a new stadium.”

Duncan says with many of the new stadiums being indoor stadiums, they could present significant roadblocks in New Orleans’ quest to host future Super Bowls if the city does not have a plan to eventually replace the Superdome.

Cut 5 (09) “…trying to fight.”

If New Orleans fails to land the 2031 Super Bowl, the city’s next opportunity will not come until 2038, given scheduling conflicts due to major conventions and Mardi Gras. A vote from the NFL owners on who will host the Super Bowl in 2031 is expected sometime this year.

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Governor Jeff Landry tells Fox News Radio he will travel to Greenland in a couple of months as part of his new part-time job as special envoy to Greenland. Landry says he wants to talk with the residents of the arctic island about the benefits of having a closer relationship with the United States…

Cut 6 (09) “…I’m going.”

President Trump has said Greenland is important to the United States for national security purposes. But Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Landry says the case he will make to Greenlanders is that they should be independent from Denmark…

Cut 7 (10) “…United States.”

Denmark is staunchly opposed to the U-S taking over Greenland and Greenland opposes the idea of the U.S. buying or acquiring their land. Landry told Brian Kilmeade of Fox News that the United States could do more for Greenland than Denmark…

Cut 8 (09) “…and partner.”

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Three people lost their lives in an early morning crash at the major intersection of E. Broussard Rd. and Johnson Street in Lafayette Tuesday, Lafayette Police Sgt Robin Green…

Cut 9 (12)  “…Johnston Street.”

Both the second and third vehicles were stopped at traffic lights preparing to turn. The driver of the first vehicle was killed along with a mother and daughter who were in the second vehicle. The driver of the third vehicle sustained moderate injuries.

Sgt Green says the driver of the first vehicle who died in the accident has been identified as 21-year-old Joseph Prejean of Lafayette.

Cut 10 (09) “..also died.” 

The mother and daughter, both of Duson have been identified as 36-year-old Cherita Washington and 17-year-old Chase Washington. The driver of the third vehicle who also sustained injuries is listed as stable.

The crash occurred very early Tuesday morning, around 5:00 am. With the warm winter weather, early morning fog has decreased visibility on Louisiana roadways, but Sgt Green says fog was not a factor in this crash.

Cut 11 (04) “…to occur.”

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For the second year in a row, Louisiana is number-one in the nation for road rage incidents, ranging from aggressive driving to dangerous interactions, including gunfire. The ranking comes from consumeraffairs.com. LSU transportation expert Brian Wolshon says it’s easy, and sometimes natural, to be frustrated on the roadway – but he says people should always expect the unexpected.

Cut 12 (06) “…that’s difficult.”

Speed is another factor in people losing their cool on the roadways. Using the example of driving from Baton Rouge to New Orleans International Airport, Wolshon says speeding accomplishes nothing.

Cut 13 (09)  “…or four minutes.”

Wolshon says the best advice he can give drivers is to take a chill pill before getting behind the wheel.

Cut 14 (07) “…accommodate other people.”