Runners from all over the world are in Baton Rouge this weekend for the Louisiana Marathon. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU is putting the finishing touches on its transfer portal class. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A record-breaking field will take to the streets of Baton Rouge for the 15th annual Louisiana Marathon. Marketing Director Mike Wattigny (WATT-nee) says more than nine-thousand runners from all over the world will be competing, with more than 60-percent coming from outside Louisiana.

Cut 3 (10) “…runner from China.”

Wattigny says aside from the marathon and half-marathon which will take place Sunday, there will be other events Saturday.

Cut 4 (11) “…run a mile.”

Wattigny says those who are walkers are welcomed with open arms in the Saturday events, saying it fulfills one of the event’s main purposes.

Cut 5 (12) “…of all abilities.”

The Louisiana Marathon is expected to yield an economic impact of at least five-million dollars to the Baton Rouge area.

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The LSU women’s basketball team started off 0-and-2 in conference play, but the Lady Tigers are back to .500 in the SEC after a big win against number-two Texas. ESPN Women’s College Basketball Bracketologist Charlie Crème says the win against Texas shows that LSU is trending in the right direction.

Cut 6 (10) “…having an issue with.”

In Crème’s latest bracketology update, LSU came in as a number two seed. Crème says that even though their nonconference schedule wasn’t strong, the Tigers have shown plenty of potential to be a top team.

Cut 7 (12) “…at the end of the year.”

LSU travels to Norman to face number-13 Oklahoma on Sunday at 2 p.m. Crème anticipates the matchup between the top two scoring offenses in the nation to be high-scoring.

Cut 8 (12) “..low 90s.”

In last year’s matchup in the PMAC, Oklahoma and LSU combined to score 207 points.

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On Thursday, forecasters had said there was the possibility of a very light snowfall for south Louisiana Saturday night into Sunday morning. But State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the chance of winter precipitation has declined as we get closer to the weekend.

Cut 9 (12)  “…last January.”

Grymes says we’re still anticipating a strong cold front that will result in a cold weekend.

Cut 10 (10) “…MLK morning.”

Grymes says we could see two, possibly three, light freezes early next week. But he says we are not looking at pipe busting cold.

Cut 11 (12) “…morning freezes.”

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Governor Jeff Landry, who’s working with President Trump on taking control of Greenland, is in Washington, D-C, as tensions are building over Trump’s desired acquisition. During an appearance on Fox News, Landry said the East Coast of the U.S. should be concerned with China’s involvement with the arctic nation as he says the Chinese have an impressive fleet of ice breaker vessels.

Cut 12 (09)“…President knows that.”

The President says the United States needs Greenland for national security. Landry says there’s a concern about Russia taking over Greenland.

Cut 13 (11)  “…knocking on it.”

Greenland is controlled by Denmark, and both Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly said the island is not for sale and reject the idea of a U.S. take over.

Kaitlyn Joshua, a community activist in Louisiana, was on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana and says this whole idea is foolish.

Cut 14 (09) “…do that.”

Most public opinion polls in both the U.S. and Greenland oppose the Trump Administration’s efforts in acquiring Greenland. The President says the acquisition is necessary for national security and the arctic island has rare-earth metals. Joshua wishes the President made a stronger case.

Cut 15 (06) “…strong suit.”

Governor Landry is in Washington, D-C, holding talks with President Trump as part of his side hustle as special envoy to Greenland. It comes as tensions are building over Trump’s desired acquisition of the arctic island nation, saying the U.S. needs it for national security. During an appearance on Fox News, Landry said there’s a concern about Russia taking over Greenland.

Cut 13 (11)  “…knocking on it.”

Kaitlyn Joshua, a community activist in Louisiana, was on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana and says this whole idea is foolish.

Cut 14 (09) “…do that.”

Most public opinion polls in both the U.S. and Greenland oppose the Trump Administration’s efforts in acquiring Greenland.

LSU is putting the finishing touches on its transfer portal class. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Yesterday, forecasters had said there was a slight possibility of very light snowfall in South Louisiana tomorrow night into Sunday morning. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says while those chances are pretty much gone, it’s still going to be quite cold.

Cut 10 (10) “…MLK morning.”

On Thursday forecasters had said there was the possibility of a very light snowfall for south Louisiana tomorrow night into Sunday morning. But State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the chance of winter precipitation has declined as we get closer to the weekend.

Cut 9 (12)  “…last January.”

Governor Landry, who’s working with President Trump on taking control of Greenland, is in Washington D-C as tensions are building over Trump’s desired acquisition. During an appearance on Fox News, Landry said the East Coast of the U.S. should be concerned with China’s involvement with the arctic nation, as he says the Chinese have an impressive fleet of ice breaker vessels.

Cut 12 (09)“…President knows that.”

The 15th running of the Louisiana Marathon is Sunday, with more than nine-thousand runners taking to the streets. Marketing Director Mike Wattigny (WATT-nee) says aside from Sunday’s marathon and half-marathon, there will be other events happening tomorrow.

Cut 4 (11) “…run a mile.”

The LSU women’s basketball team started off 0-and-2 in conference play, but the Lady Tigers are back to .500 in the SEC after a big win against number-two Texas. ESPN Women’s College Basketball Bracketologist Charlie Crème says the win against Texas shows that LSU is trending in the right direction.

Cut 6 (10) “…having an issue with.”

In Crème’s latest bracketology update, LSU came in as a number two seed.

A record-breaking field will take to the streets of Baton Rouge for the 15th annual Louisiana Marathon. Marketing Director Mike Wattigny (WATT-nee) says more than nine-thousand runners from all over the world will be competing, with more than 60-percent coming from outside Louisiana.

Cut 3 (10) “…runner from China.”

While Bill Cassidy, John Fleming, Blake Miguez and others duke it out for the Republican nomination in the U.S. Senate race, there are three Democrats who have also entered the race. The first to enter was Jamie Davis, who had previously been elected to the Tensas Parish Police Jury. Davis says one of his biggest priorities is ensuring that quality health care is available to everyone, including those who live in rural areas.

Cut 4 (07) “…peace of mind.”

Where does Louisiana rank when it comes to auto insurance rates? Of course, near the top. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Further proof that you should take everything you see on social media with extreme skepticism. An Instagram account posted a video of a worn-down bridge, claiming it was the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Only thing is, those people were lying through their teeth – the bridge shown in the video is actually in Florida – three states to the east.

While Bill Cassidy and his Republican challengers have dominated the news cycle in Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race, there are three Democrats who have entered the race. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Where does Louisiana rank when it comes to auto insurance rates? Of course, near the top. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Leaders for a Better Louisiana is alerting the business community about a new workforce childcare tax credit that takes effect this year. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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While Bill Cassidy, John Fleming, Blake Miguez and others duke it out for the Republican nomination in the U.S. Senate race, there are three Democrats who have also entered the race. The first to enter was Jamie Davis, who’s an elected member of the Democratic State Central Committee and had previously been elected to the Tensas Parish Police Jury. Davis says one of his biggest priorities is ensuring that quality health care is available to everyone, including those who live in rural areas.

Cut 4 (07) “…peace of mind.”

With immigration dominating the national conversation, Davis says those who are legally going through the asylum system need to be treated better than how they’re currently being treated.

Cut 5 (10) “…shouldn’t be deported.”

If Davis advances to the general election, there’s no guarantee that he will face Cassidy, since he has a fierce primary challenge to fend off. If Cassidy does survive, Davis says he plans on taking him to task for his vote that for all intents and purposes made Robert F. Kennedy Jr. the secretary of Health and Human Services.

Cut 6 (06) “…the President happy?”

Political consultant Tracie Burke and former Housing Authority of New Orleans Chief of Staff Jabarie Walker are the other two declared Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate.

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A new report on auto insurance rates in Louisiana shows both good news and bad news. Value Penguin insurance expert Rob Bhatt found Louisiana has the second highest auto insurance rates in the U.S., but premiums are three-percent lower in 2026.

Cut 7 (08) “…recently as 2024.”

According to Value Penguin’s analysis, the average cost of auto insurance is expected to reach 327 dollars a month. Drivers in the towns in the of Sarepta and Hornbeck pay the lowest premiums, while those in Arabi and New Orleans have the highest premiums this year.

Bhatt says overall premiums are decreasing in Louisiana as a result of fewer accidents and lower inflation.

Cut 8 (10) “…on their compeititors.”

Bhatt says there is more good news — shopping around for auto insurance providers can lead to 34-percent in potential savings.

Cut 9 (10)  “…for your situation.”

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The beginning of Carnival also means the beginning of crawfish season – and with it, a little sticker shock. According to The Crawfish App, live crawfish is averaging $7.24 a pound, while boiled crawfish is averaging $10.10 a pound. Laney King, the founder of The Crawfish App, says these prices are nothing to worry about.

Cut 10 (10) “…is fairly normal.”

King says there are several reasons why crawfish is more expensive early in the season.

Cut 11 (12) “…supply right now.”

King says with the prices the way they are, you have two viable options – dig deep into your bank account to treat yourself to crawfish this weekend, or hold out just a little longer before prices start to come down to what you’ve been accustomed to pay for those tasty tiny crustaceans.

Cut 12 (13) “…the entire season.”

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Leaders for a Better Louisiana is alerting businesses of an expanded tax credit that helps provide high-quality childcare for employees.  Barry Erwin, the chief policy officer for Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says the new Workforce Child Care Tax Credit is available to businesses which provide top notch child care within their own facilities or help pay their employee’s child care costs.

Cut 13 (05)  “…to do that.”

Businesses can claim the credit on their tax returns beginning in 2027. Erwin says the new law doubles the value of the old credit and amounts to a huge change for this under-utilized tax incentive.

Cut 14 (11) “…in their lives.”

Erwin says this enhanced tax credit will allow more parents to stay in the workforce while giving employers new tools to attract and retain top talent.

Cut 15 (09) “…very expensive proposition.”

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On Monday, LSU football signed the number-one transfer portal quarterback in Sam Leavitt of Arizona State. Jon Eagle, Leavitt’s former high school football coach at West Linn High School out of Oregon, says Leavitt is a very gifted quarterback.

Cut 16 (14) “…missed a beat.”

Leavitt helped lead West Linn to a 12-and-1 record and an Oregon 6A state championship after defeating Sheldon, 23-14, in 2022. Eagle says Leavitt has one of the best work ethics he’s ever seen as a coach.

Cut 17 (13)  “…he didn’t like.”

Eagle believes Leavitt will flourish in new LSU head coach Lane Kiffin’s offensive system.

Cut 18 (11)  “…that looks like.”

A massive federal college basketball point shaving indictment has Louisiana ties. Six of the 16 current or former players indicted in the scheme to rig basketball games for profit played for a Louisiana collegiate 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 it started when former LSU star Antonio Blakeney and others colluded to fix professional games in China; and when those proved to be profitable, they moved the operation stateside and into the world of U.S. college basketball. Four Louisiana schools are among the 17 named – Tulane, New Orleans, Nichols and Northwestern State.

There was certainly no snow this past Christmas, but South Louisiana could see trace amounts of it this weekend – not enough, however, for you to build Frosty the Snowman. A strong cold front will push through the state Saturday, and LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says whether any snow results from it will depend on where it ends up, how much moisture is in the air and the temperature.

Cut 10 (06) “…all of the above.”

Governor 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.”

South Louisiana could be in for some light snowfall this weekend. A strong cold front will push through the state Saturday, and any lingering precipitation has the potential to turn into snow early Sunday morning. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says unlike last year, the snow is unlikely to accumulate, so you won’t get to have that snowball fight in your back yard.

Cut 11 (10) “…Gulf of Mexico.”

After last night’s heartbreaking loss to Kentucky, LSU still has a snowball in the win column in SEC play this season. LSU was without senior guard D.J. Thomas for those four losses due to a lower leg injury. On WWL radio, LSU Athletic Director Verge Ausberry says the team would be off to a better start had Thomas been available.

Cut 13 (11)  “…rushing no judgement.”

Governor 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.”

After that news conference, Landry took off for Washington for talks with President Trump about Greenland. Trump tapped Landry as special envoy to Greenland, which he has vowed to seize from Danish control, including by force if necessary. Landry is planning on attending its prestigious dog sledding race in March, but that invitation appears to be in peril.

20 men, six of whom had played college basketball for Louisiana teams at one point, are indicted in connection with a point shaving scheme. Four Louisiana programs are among the 17 involved – New Orleans, Tulane, Nicholls and Northwestern State. U.S. Attorney David 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.

There is the possibility south Louisiana could see a very light snowfall this weekend. A strong cold front will push through the state Saturday, and any lingering precipitation has the potential to turn into snow early Sunday morning. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says if it does snow, it’s unlikely to accumulate, so you won’t be able to break out your cross country skis.

Cut 11 (10) “…Gulf of Mexico.”

Governor Landry announced that the Louisiana Fiscal Responsibility Program has found hundreds of millions of dollars in savings within state government. Angelle Davis, the former commissioner of administration, worked with the Louisiana DOGE team and says it was a team effort throughout state government to eliminate wasteful spending and improve government efficiency.

Cut 7 (12) “…only 17 departments.”

A massive federal basketball point shaving indictment has Louisiana ties. Six of the 17 current or former players indicted in the scheme to rig basketball games for profit played for a Louisiana collegiate 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 it started when former LSU star Antonio Blakeney, who was not named in the indictment but was indicted elsewhere, and others colluded to fix professional games in China; and when those proved to be profitable, they moved the operation stateside and into the world of U.S. college basketball. Four Louisiana schools are among the 17 named.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill went to Washington, D-C, to urge the Food and Drug Administration to end its mail-order abortion pill policy. Murrill says out of state doctors are dispensing the abortion pill mifepristone through the mail to pregnant women in Louisiana, and the results in many cases are devastating.

Cut 7 (14) “…in a toilet.”

If you need to sign up or renew your health insurance through HealthCare-dot-gov, you have until midnight tonight to do so. Mike Bertaut, a healthcare economist with Louisiana Blue, says for some people, there’s a very important change that will have a major impact on their budgets.

Cut 23 (11) “…of January 1st.”

If you need to sign up for or renew your health insurance through HealthCare-dot-gov, time is running out for this year. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says it’s time for the F-D-A to tighten its rules on the mailing of abortion drugs. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A man who allegedly kidnapped a Louisiana teenager is under arrest. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (27) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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If you need to sign up or renew your health insurance through HealthCare-dot-gov, you have until midnight tonight to do so. Mike Bertaut, a healthcare economist with Louisiana Blue, says for some people, there’s a very important change that will have a major impact on their budgets.

Cut 4 (11) “…of January 1st.”

Bertaut says the elimination of the enhanced tax credits does not mean that there’s no assistance available for everyone.

Cut 5 (10) “…dramatically or disappeared.”

Bertaut says in order to buy health insurance on HealthCare-dot-gov, there are a few requirements.

Cut 6 (13) “…at their workplace.”

New coverage or changes to existing coverage will take effect February 1st.

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Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill went to Washington, D-C, to urge the Food and Drug Administration to end its mail-order abortion pill policy. Murrill says out of state doctors are dispensing the abortion pill mifepristone through the mail to pregnant women in Louisiana, and the results in many cases are devastating.

Cut 7 (14) “…in a toilet.”

Murrill testified at a U.S. Senate hearing on chemical abortion drugs. Mifepristone is a Schedule Four controlled substance in Louisiana. It can be prescribed in Louisiana, but only in hospital inpatient settings.

Murrill says the Biden administration removed a policy that required in-person dispensing, and that has allowed women to obtain mifepristone through the mail from out of state doctors.

Cut 8 (04) “…not health care.”

Murrill says pro-abortion advocacy groups estimate there are now 900 illegal abortions per month in Louisiana. Louisiana’s attorney general had this exchange with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.

Cut 9 (15)  “…why it happens.”

Louisiana has filed a federal lawsuit to block the FDA’s rule allowing abortion pills to be sent through the mail. Physicians for Reproductive Health say hundreds of studies have determined that mifepristone is effective and safe.

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Among the three appropriations bills the Senate is expected to take up this week is one that includes more than 350-million dollars in earmarks for 51 projects in Louisiana. One of those projects would dedicate more than 137-million dollars towards construction and maintenance for flood control work in the Atchafalaya River basin. Senator Bill Cassidy says preventing high water in the Atchafalaya River basin is critical.

Cut 10 (13) “…thar backwater flow.”

Cassidy says the money for these projects would actually be less than the money spent last year.

Cut 11 (12) “…help communities recover.”

Cassidy says the project is part of the greater infrastructure project to protect the coastal parishes of St. Mary, Terrebone and Lafourche.

Cut 12 (07) “…control that water”

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A memorial service takes place today for former Louisiana State Senator Robert Kostelka, who passed away Saturday at age of 92. Kostelka also served as a district attorney and judge for Ouachita and Morehouse parishes. Kostelka was in the state senate from 2003 to 2016 and served alongside longtime Francis Thompson, who is now a House member. Thompson calls Kostelka a good man.

Cut 13 (07)  “…it to be.”

Kostelka was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in 2022.  The Louisiana Political Hall of Fame says he wrote legislation addressing child support, consumer protection, healthcare and education. Thompson says Kostelka was an effective legislator.

Cut 14 (11) “…develop this state.”

Thompson says he also knew Kostelka when he was a prosecutor and judge.

Cut 15 (06) “…the right thing.”

A memorial visitation for Kostelka will be held from five until seven this evening at the Mulhearn Funeral Home in Monroe. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.

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The 2026 LSU baseball season is just about a month away. The defending national champions are ranked as the preseason number-two team by D1Baseball-dot-com. As the team prepares for its home opener against Milwaukee, head coach Jay Johnson says Grand Canyon transfer Zach Yorke looks like the clear-cut starter at first base.

Cut 16 (14) “…that we have.”

After winning the 2025 College World Series, LSU had to replace all of its starting infielders, except for shortstop Steven Milam. At third base, the Tigers are looking to replace Michael Braswell, who only had three errors in 65 games last season. Johnson says one player is standing out.

Cut 17 (12)  “…trending right now.”

There will be another position battle at second base. Johnson says the position has lots of depth and says he could see multiple Tigers playing there.

Cut 18 (17)  “…third base mix.”

Johnson also says freshmen Jack Ruckert and Ethan Clauss are fighting for playing time in the infield.

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USC freshman transfer quarterback Husan (HOO-sahn) Longstreet of USC became the third portal quarterback addition for LSU on Wednesday. Longstreet joins Sam Leavitt of Arizona State and Landen Clark of Elon in what will be an uber-talented 2026 room. Mike Detillier of WWL radio says Lane Kiffin was able to pick up all three due to his successful track record of developing quarterbacks.

Cut 19 (15) “…of Trinidad Chambliss.”

247Sports has Longstreet as its number-six quarterback in the transfer portal. Detillier says the former five-star quarterback could be the Tigers’ quarterback for the future, but he also believes there’s a way that he could see quality snaps this season.

Cut 20 (20) “…on the field.”