A company owned by entertainer 50 Cent finalizes a deal to invest almost 125-million dollars to develop three entertainment venues in Shreveport. 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.”

Citing a decrease in uncertainty, small businesses are feeling more optimistic as 2026 gets underway. Leah Long, the Louisiana Director of the National Federation of Independent Business, says there are some issues that need to be addressed, however – including, and perhaps especially, 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. 

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.”

Governor Landry announces on social media that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion requirements have been removed from the state’s Civil Service system. In his statement, Landry said the move ensures that all employment decisions for state agencies will be strictly based on merit. The move does not apply to private employers.

Shreveport finalizes a deal with a company owned by entertainer 50 Cent to develop three entertainment venues in the city. 50 Cent is investing almost 125-million dollars, while the state is providing up to 50-million dollars in performance-based funding. Grant Nuckolls with Shreveport Film and Entertainment Economic Development 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.”

Small businesses open 2026 with optimism on the upswing. Leah Long, the Louisiana Director of the National Federation of Independent Business, says while a decrease in uncertainty has increased optimism, there are lingering concerns that they would like to see addressed in the new year.

Cut 7 (10) “…that in 2026.”

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 took the drugs to alleviate stomach pain. He says the person who supplied her with the fentanyl has also been arrested.

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. According to court documents filed last year, Dr. Coeytaux mailed mifepristone to a woman who said she was forced to take them by her boyfriend. Coeytaux has not responded to the accusations. Prosecutors in Louisiana are also involved in a similar case with a doctor out of New York.

A California doctor has been indicted on felony charges for allegedly trafficking abortion pills into Louisiana. Dr. 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 Dr. Coeytaux to Louisiana.

Cut 9 (06)  “…our state.”

A company owned by entertainer 50 Cent finalizes a deal to invest almost 125-million dollars to develop three entertainment venues in Shreveport. 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.”

LSU football has one of the top transfer portal classes in the country. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Meanwhile, the exchange program between LSU and Ole Miss is alive and well. Former Alexandria Senior High running back J.T. Lindsey has announced that he’s transferring from LSU to Ole Miss. Lindsey missed the entire 2025 season due to a team suspension due to an arrest on charges that were ultimately dropped.

According to the latest data compiled by the Louisiana Department of Health, case rates for the flu are decreasing, but flu activity is still high. On WRKF radio in Baton Rouge, Dr. Julio Figueroa, an infectious disease expert at LSU Health New Orleans, says one of the dominant strains infecting people is called H-3.

Cut 13 (03)  “…more severe disease”

Figueroa says if you think you have the flu, it’s best to get tested right away, because the prescription drugs available to combat the flu are more effective when taken shortly after the onset of symptoms.

Lane Kiffin is off to a hot start as the head coach at LSU. Yesterday, he landed a pair of quarterback commitments – Sam Leavitt of Arizona State and Landen Clark of Elon. The Tigers are still going after redshirt freshman Husan (HOO-san) Longstreet of USC. Tiger Rag editor Glenn Guilbeau says it would be huge if Kiffin can pull off the trifecta.

Cut 8 (05) “…is Sam Leavitt.”

The Supreme Court hears oral arguments over lawsuits filed by coastal parishes accusing oil and gas companies of causing erosion by drilling and exploration activity. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (38) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A company owned by entertainer 50 Cent finalizes a deal to invest almost 125-million dollars to develop three entertainment venues in Shreveport. The project is expected to support more than six-thousand jobs.

The Supreme Court hears oral arguments over lawsuits filed by coastal parishes accusing oil and gas companies of causing erosion by drilling and exploration activity. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (38) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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LSU football has one of the top transfer portal classes in the country. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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With the closed primaries coming up, now is the time to double-check your voter registration cards. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Supreme Court heard arguments yesterday over lawsuits filed by coastal parishes against oil and gas companies for damages to the coastline caused by drilling. Chevron argued that those cases belong in federal court, citing federal contracts. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says they’re citing the Federal Officer Removal Statute.

Cut 4 (14) “…World War Two.”

The state, however, is arguing that the cases should remain in state court. Ciolino says those contracts from more than 80 years are irrelevant in these cases.

Cut 5 (12) “…exploration and development.”

The oral arguments come in the wake of a Plaquemines Parish jury awarding the parish almost 745-million dollars against Chevron last year. Ciolino says Chevron wants to move the cases to federal court, because those courts tend to be more conservative and defendant-friendly.

Cut 6 (09) “…companies are seeking.”

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Lane Kiffin is off to a hot start as the head coach at LSU. Yesterday, Kiffin landed a commitment from redshirt sophomore Sam Leavitt of Arizona State, who’s the top-rated quarterback in the transfer portal. Tiger Rag magazine editor Glenn Guilbeau says Leavitt is the full package.

Cut 7 (07) “…he can run.”

In addition to Leavitt, LSU also received a commitment from redshirt freshman quarterback Landen Clark of Elon over the weekend. The Tigers are still going after redshirt freshman quarterback Husan (HOO-san) Longstreet of USC, who’s rated as the number-six transfer quarterback. Guilbeau says it would be major if Kiffin can land all three.

Cut 8 (05) “…is Sam Leavitt.”

Also yesterday, LSU sophomore running back Caden Durham announced that he’s withdrawing his name from the transfer portal and returning in 2026 to play for the Tigers. Guilbeau says LSU’s new coaching staff had to repair their relationship with Durham after they went after Kewan Lacy of Ole Miss.

Cut 9 (11)  “…and Caden Durham.”

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When you vote in the primary election this year, you won’t be able to choose from all candidates in all races. That’s because federal offices, the State Supreme Court, the Public Service Commission and BESE races have moved to closed primaries. Steven Procopio, the president of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, says double-check your voter registration card – whatever party affiliation is indicated is the ballot you will receive.

Cut 10 (09) “…the Republican candidates.”

Procopio says if your voter registration card reads “no party affiliation,” then you actually get to choose which ballot you get to fill out.

Cut 11 (07) “..those party’s primaries.”

If you have no party affiliation and vote in one party’s primary, you cannot vote in the other party’s runoff. Those with no party affiliation who did not vote in the primary can vote in either party’s runoff. Procopio says those who are registered with third parties are out of luck.

Cut 12 (06) “…the general election.”

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***Must credit WRKF in the following story***

According to the latest data compiled by the Louisiana Department of Health, case rates for the flu are decreasing, but flu activity is still high. On WRKF radio in Baton Rouge, Dr. Julio Figueroa, an infectious disease expert at LSU Health New Orleans, says one of the dominant strains infecting people is called H-3.

Cut 13 (03)  “…more severe disease.”

Figueroa says if you think you have the flu, it’s best to get tested right away, because the prescription drugs available to combat the flu are more effective when taken shortly after the onset of symptoms.

Cut 14 (09) “…day on average.”

Figueroa says it’s not too late to get the flu shot, especially with Mardi Gras parades and balls ready to ramp up. He says the vaccine will not prevent you from getting the flu, but it can prevent serious symptoms.

Cut 15 (10) “…then prevent hospitalization.”

After eight years, the people of New Orleans have some new terminology to get used to – “Mayor Moreno.” Helena Moreno was sworn in this morning as the 63rd mayor of the City of New Orleans. In her inaugural address, Mayor Moreno says today represents not only a new beginning, but also a new direction.

Cut 3 (08) “…our beautiful city.”

Moreno succeeds the term-limited LaToya Cantrell.

A tragic incident out of Lafayette, as a four-year-old boy is shot to death as a result of sheer negligence. Lafayette Police Corporal Ashley Wood says police were called to the home shortly before six Saturday afternoon and found the disturbing scene. 

Cut 9 (06)  “…and loaded firearm.”

The child fired the gun, hitting and killing four-year-old Blaze Rubin. Another relative, 17-year-old Jenarius Johnson, is arrested on two charges.

LSU Coach Lane Kiffin has found his starting quarterback next season. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

And that’s not all – LSU is also keeping one of its top running backs. Caden Durham announced on social media that he is taking his name out of the transfer portal and will be returning to LSU next season. The sophomore has rushed for more than 12-hundred yards in his two seasons with the Tigers.

Helena Moreno is sworn in as the 63rd mayor of New Orleans. During her roughly 13-minute inauguration speech this morning. Moreno asked everyone to come together to lead New Orleans into a new chapter.

Cut 5 (08) “…for our future.”

Moreno was sworn in by former First Lady Kamala Harris, who said Moreno is a dedicated public servant who believes in the dignity of working families.

Cut 7 (12) “…people they serve.”

In Lafayette, a two-year-old gets a hold of a gun and kills a four-year-old boy. Lafayette Police Corporal Ashley Wood says the firearm was unsecured and loaded when the two-year-old got a hold of it.

Cut 10 (05) “…four-year-old child.”

The four-year-old boy, Blaze Rubin, died from his injuries. A 17-year-old relative is behind bars on two charges.

LSU Coach Lane Kiffin has found his starting quarterback next season. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

And that’s not all – LSU is also keeping one of its top running backs. Caden Durham announced on social media that he is taking his name out of the transfer portal and will be returning to LSU next season. The sophomore has rushed for more than 12-hundred yards in his two seasons with the Tigers.

New Orleans has a new mayor. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU Coach Lane Kiffin has found his starting quarterback next season. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

After eight years, the people of New Orleans have some new terminology to get used to – “Mayor Moreno.” Helena Moreno was sworn in this morning as the 63rd mayor of the City of New Orleans. In her inaugural address, Mayor Moreno says today represents not only a new beginning, but also a new direction.

Cut 3 (08) “…our beautiful city.”

The one theme that Moreno kept going back to in her roughly 13-minute speech was that she’s “all in” for New Orleans. The former TV news anchor, state legislator and city councilwoman said she knows that she has a very tall task ahead of her.

Cut 4 (09) “…that they’re impossible.”

Moreno said this is a turning point; and that in these challenging times, failure is not an option. She asked everyone to come together to lead New Orleans into a new chapter.

Cut 5 (08) “…for our future.”

____________________________________________

Helena Moreno was sworn in by former Vice President Kamala Harris, who said she first crossed paths with Moreno many years ago.

Cut 6 (08) “…she is tough.”

Harris says Moreno is a dedicated public servant who believes in the dignity of working families.

Cut 7 (12) “…people they serve.”

Harris says Moreno is up for the challenge of serving as New Orleans’ 63rd mayor.

Cut 8 (12) “…of New Orleans.”

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A tragic incident out of Lafayette, as a four-year-old boy is shot to death as a result of sheer negligence. Lafayette Police Corporal Ashley Wood says police were called to the home shortly before six Saturday afternoon and found the disturbing scene.

Cut 9 (06)  “…and loaded firearm.”

Corporal Wood says after locating the firearm, the two-year-old was able to grab it, with deadly consequences.

Cut 10 (05) “…four-year-old child.”

The four-year-old boy, Blaze Rubin, died from his injuries. The two children are related, but police are not releasing the exact relationship at this time. Wood says another relative is facing charges.

Cut 11 (09) “…by a juvenile.”

(17-year-old Jenarius Johnson is charged with one count each of negligent homicide and illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile.) The investigation is ongoing, and the Department of Children and Family Services is involved. It’s unknown at this time whether the two-year-old has been removed from the home.

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The number one-rated Q-B in the transfer portal, Sam Leavitt, has committed to LSU after a lengthy visit to Baton Rouge last week that was followed up by Kiffin visiting him in Tennessee. Leavitt led Arizona State to a Big 12 Championship and a College Football Playoff berth in 2024. Michelle Gardner with the Arizona Republic covered Leavitt at A-S-U.

Cut 12 (12) “…in the clutch.”

Leavitt threw for 46-hundred yards, 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, and he had 816 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns during his career at A-S-U. Gardner says Leavitt takes his craft seriously.

Cut 13 (13)  “…his power.”

LSU fans hope history repeats itself. Jayden Daniels also transferred from Arizona State to LSU and ended up winning the Heisman in 2023. Gardner says Daniels was an elite runner and Leavitt is also dangerous running the football.

Cut 14 (07) “…first down.”

Former Vice President Kamala Harris administers the oath of office to the 63rd mayor of New Orleans, Helena Moreno.

Cut 23 (50) (cheers fade)

Moreno takes over for the term-limited LaToya Cantrell.

Breaking news into the LRN newsroom – former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt is expected to sign with LSU. We’ll have more on this throughout the day.

A recent audit of 24 New Orleans-area restaurants by SeaD Consulting found that nearly one-third of them were lying about the source of their shrimp, in violation of a state law that went into effect a year ago. Marrero State Senator Pat Connick says lack of enforcement has led to a decrease in compliance.

Cut 11 (08) “…the U.S. shrimp.”

We’re getting more reaction to the new federal nutrition guidelines released last week. Dr. Oren Rom with LSU Health Shreveport says his big takeaway is how simple they are going from 164 pages to ten. He says for the most part, the recommendations are not much different from the old recommendations, although he would have liked to have seen a higher recommendation for daily vegetable servings.

Cut 7 (10) “…to achieve that.”

A changing of the guard of sorts in New Orleans, as at this hour, the inauguration ceremony for Helena Moreno is taking place. The former TV reporter, state lawmaker and city councilwoman is being sworn in as the city’s 63rd mayor. UNO political science professor Ed Chervenak says Moreno will have a honeymoon period.

Cut 5 (12) “…to six months.”

Moreno takes over for the term-limited LaToya Cantrell.

Amtrak is boosting capacity on the Mardi Gras line for Mardi Gras, increasing capacity by about 62 riders. Knox Ross, the chairman of the Southern Rail Commission, says the Mardi Gras line has boosted tourism all along the entire route, including group travel

Cut 15 (08) “…for the day.”

One health expert says his big takeaway from the new federal nutrition guidelines is how much more simple they are. Dr. Oren Rom with LSU Health Shreveport points out that they went from 164 pages five years ago to ten pages now. He says aside from the focus on whole foods, high proteins and low added sugars, the guidelines also delve into how the food is prepared.

Cut 9 (08)  “…benefits as well.”

We recently told you that an audit of 24 New Orleans-area restaurants by SeaD Consulting found that nearly one-third of them were lying about the source of their shrimp. Marrero State Senator Pat Connick says if restaurants serve imported shrimp, they are required by law to disclose it; and those which don’t face substantial fines.

Cut 10 (10) “…enforcement is not.”