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.”

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. A 77-year-old man was killed near Shreveport Sunday afternoon, and a 76-year-old woman was killed in Catahoula Parish Monday night. Ashley Rodrigue with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says neither home had a working smoke alarm.

Cut 9 (09)  “…life and death.”

While cold wasn’t a factor in either of those fires, sub-freezing temperatures are expected tonight for North Louisiana. National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Knapp says we’ll see a brief warm-up on Friday before we get hit with another shot of cold air this weekend.

Cut 14 (09) “…upper 40s.”

LSU coach Lane Kiffin, who Andre Champagne affectionately dubs “The Portal King,” signs another top quarterback.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

According to Louisiana Clean Fuels, there are now more than 21-thousand electric vehicles registered statewide. Jefferson Parish leads the way with more than 35-hundred. Per capita, Orleans Parish comes out on top, with almost one and a half percent of all vehicles registered being EVs.

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.”

While cold wasn’t a factor in either of those fires, sub-freezing temperatures are expected tonight for 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”

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 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.”

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.”

The Better Business Bureau says scams in Louisiana are becoming more prevalent and more sophisticated. Carmen Million, the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of South Central Louisiana, says scammers used to mainly target senior citizens; but now, scammers have broadened their potential target base.

Cut 4 (08) “…amount of people”

Several people who have made living a healthier lifestyle a new year’s resolution are participating in Dry January – laying off alcohol for the month. But here in Louisiana, with Carnival in full swing, that’s understandably a tad difficult. That’s where Ochsner Health’s Alcohol Free for 40 Days Challenge comes in. Allie Foreman, a nutrition specialist with Ochsner Eat Fit Baton Rouge, says think of it as a second chance. 

Cut 13 (08)  “…during lent season.”

Louisiana has set an economic performance record with seven consecutive months of more than two-million people employed in the state. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Police in Iberia Parish are looking for a woman who escaped court while being sentenced. Jada Landry had been convicted of aggravated battery. But prior to sentencing, she exited the courthouse and left the area in a vehicle. The vehicle has been located, but Landry has not.

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.”

Congressman Cleo Fields launches Congress to the Classroom. Fields says through this year-long initiative, he will visit 52 schools from kindergarten through college throughout the Sixth District that he represents.

Cut 10 (06) “…to that interaction.”

Congress to the Classroom is designed to strengthen the students’ understanding of government, highlight the importance of education and encourage civic engagement.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says more than two-million people in Louisiana were employed for a record-extending seventh consecutive month. In 2015, Louisiana had a four-month stretch where the number of people employed exceeded two million, but the number slipped below two-million for a decade. But Adam Knapp, the CEO of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says it appears two-million is now the new normal, and the whole state is seeing higher employment numbers..

Cut 5 (08) “…state right now.”

If you ruined your Dry January, you can try again next month with Ochsner Health’s Alcohol Free for 40 Days Challenge! Allie Foreman, a nutrition specialist with Ochsner Eat Fit Baton Rouge, says among other things, it’s meant to demonstrate that you can actually enjoy yourself without drinking alcohol.

Cut 15 (09) “…society as well.”

Louisiana has set an economic performance record with seven consecutive months of more than two-million people employed in the state. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A hearing is happening on Capitol Hill today on mail-order abortion drugs. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Did you screw up your new year’s resolution by cracking open a cold one during Dry January? If so, Ochsner Health is giving you a second chance next month. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of people employed in the Bayou State has exceeded two-million people for a record-setting seventh consecutive month. Adam Knapp, the CEO of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says there’s been a growing number of construction jobs, with the building of a new A-I data center in Richland Parish, plus large industrial construction projects in south Louisiana.

Cut 4 (04) “…boosted overall employment.”

In 2015, Louisiana had a four-month stretch where the number of people employed in Louisiana was more than two million, but the job total then slipped below two million for a decade. But Knapp says it appears two-million jobs is the new normal, and the whole state is seeing higher employment numbers.

Cut 5 (08) “…state right now.”

Knapp says Louisiana is only about two-thousand jobs away from setting an all-time record for nonfarm jobs. That was set in 2014. He says breaking the all-time jobs record is likely since the state’s economic outlook for this year looks strong.

Cut 6 (10) “…and job expansion”

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Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill will be testifying before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee today on mail-order abortion drugs. Murrill will testify that they’re dangerous – a viewpoint shared by the committee chairman, Bill Cassidy.

Cut 7 (10) “…a doctor’s visit.”

Cassidy, who’s a medical doctor by trade, says there are essential things that doctors cannot determine about the woman by prescribing an abortion drug drug through mail-order.

Cut 8 (12) “…by someone else.”

Cassidy says because of this, prescribing abortion pills through mail-order is very dangerous.

Cut 9 (12)  “…associated with it.”

Murrill’s testimony comes on the heels of a California doctor being indicted in Louisiana for prescribing the abortion drug mifepristone to a woman who says she was forced to take it by her boyfriend.

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Congressman Cleo Fields launches Congress to the Classroom. Fields says through this year-long initiative, he will visit 52 schools from kindergarten through college throughout the Sixth District that he represents.

Cut 10 (06) “…to that interaction.”

Congress to the Classroom is designed to strengthen the students’ understanding of government, highlight the importance of education and encourage civic engagement. Fields says you might be surprised by how in tune some students are to the world around them.

Cut 11 (05) “…rival any college.”

Fields says he’s also using this initiative to highlight the education initiatives that he’s working on in Congress.

Cut 12 (12) “…to address it.”

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Several people who have made living a healthier lifestyle a new year’s resolution are participating in Dry January – laying off alcohol for the month of January. But here in Louisiana, with Carnival in full swing, that’s understandably a tad difficult. That’s where Ochsner Health’s Alcohol Free for 40 Days Challenge comes in. Allie Foreman, a nutrition specialist with Ochsner Eat Fit Baton Rouge, says think of it as a second chance.

Cut 13 (08)  “…during lent season.”

Foreman says the challenge starts Ash Wednesday, which this year falls on February 18th, and runs through Easter. She says people who have participated in previous years have really seen the results.

Cut 14 (13) “…the better sleep.”

Foreman says the Alcohol Free for 40 Challenge is also meant to demonstrate that you can actually enjoy yourself without drinking alcohol.

Cut 15 (09) “…society as well.”

If you’d like to participate, it only costs 59 dollars, and you get metrics and support valued at more than 450. For more information, go to alcoholfreefor40.com.

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The LSU men’s basketball team looks to win its first SEC game of the season tonight as the Tigers host Kentucky at 6 p.m. Head coach Matt McMahon says his team has to be able to limit the turnovers so that the Tigers don’t find themselves trailing big like they did in the last two games.

Cut 16 (10) “…a lot better.”

Even though the Tigers are off to an 0-and-3 start in conference play, McMahon still has full belief in his team’s ability to turn things around.

Cut 17 (16)  “…chance to win.”

Senior guard D.J. Thomas is day-to-day, and his status remains uncertain as he continues to deal with a lower leg injury. If Thomas can’t go, McMahon is confident that freshman guard Mazi Mosley can continue to provide the team with some quality minutes against the Wildcats.

Cut 18 (18)  “…us a spark.”

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.