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.”

____________________________________________

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

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

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.”

______________________________________________

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.”

________________________________________________________

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.”

______________________________________________________________

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.”

_____________________________________________________________

***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.”

____________________________________________

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.”

____________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________

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.”

A new leader of New Orleans is sworn in this morning. Andrew Greenstein has more on Helena Moreno’s inauguration day.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

We’re getting more reaction to the new federal nutrition guidelines released last week. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

One state senator is reacting to a recent shrimp audit of New Orleans-area restaurants. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

______________________________________________

It’s a new day in New Orleans today as former TV reporter, state lawmaker and city councilwoman Helena Moreno is sworn in as the new mayor of New Orleans. UNO political science professor Ed Chervenak says Moreno faces challenges right away, including a 222-million-dollar budget deficit. Chervenak says Moreno will also focus on improving the functions of city government.

Cut 4 (12) “…in New Orleans.”

Moreno replaces LaToya Cantrell, who served eight years as New Orleans’ mayor. During her second term in office, Cantrell was involved in several controversies, including a failed recall effort, and she leaves office under federal indictment on fraud charges. Chervenak says Moreno will have a honeymoon period.

Cut 5 (12) “…to six months.”

Chervenak says a major metric to determine if Moreno’s administration is successful is if she’s able to stem the flow of people leaving the city.

Cut 6 (08) “…is growing.”

The inauguration is at 9 a.m.

________________________________________________________

We’re getting more reaction to the new federal nutrition guidelines released last week. Dr. Oren Rom, the senior associate dean of basic and translational science at LSU Health Shreveport, says his big takeaway from the new guidelines is how simple they are, going from 164 pages five years ago to ten pages. 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.”

Among other things, the new guidelines place a strong emphasis on protein, including protein contained in red meat. Nutritionists point out that certain cuts of red meat can contain a lot of saturated fat, which can cause cardiovascular disease. But Dr. Rom says a deep examination of the new food pyramid shows no change in the fat content recommendation.

Cut 8 (10) “…intake a day.”

Rom says the new 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 found that nearly one-third of them were lying about the source of their shrimp. Genetic testing conducted by SeaD (“seed”) Consulting found that the shrimp was imported, despite the restaurants advertising it as Louisiana 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.”

Senator Connick says the lack of enforcement has led to a decrease in compliance with the law that took effect a little more than a year ago.

Cut 11 (08) “…the U.S. shrimp.”

Connick is calling on the Louisiana Department of Health to step up its enforcement of the law and to hold non-compliant restaurants accountable.

Cut 12 (06) “…the key there.”

_____________________________________________________________

Amtrak is boosting capacity on the Mardi Gras line for Mardi Gras. Knox Ross, the chairman of the Southern Rail Commission, says at certain times, capacity will increase by about 62 riders.

Cut 13 (08)  “…in the evening.”

Ross says they would have preferred even more additional cars, but the one additional car during those peak times is all the inventory would allow for. Ross says since the service connecting New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, launched last August, it has been more successful than they had anticipated.

Cut 14 (07) “…has been excellent.”

Ross says the Mardi Gras line has boosted tourism all along the entire route, including group travel

Cut 15 (08) “…for the day.”

______________________________________________________________

It’s a win for the LSU women’s basketball team that could make its two-game losing streak a distant memory. The 12th-ranked Lady Tigers beat the second-ranked Texas Lady Longhorns at the P-MAC yesterday afternoon, 70-65. After the game, Head Coach Kim Mulkey said the team showed a little extra than it had in its two losses to Kentucky and Vanderbilt this month.

Cut 16 (06) “…couple games ago.”

Junior guard Mikaylah Williams was the team’s leading scorer with 20 points in 38 minutes. She said toughness is what the team has focused on since those back to back losses.

Cut 17 (18)  “…those big moments.”

Sophomore guard Jada Richard added ten points in 25 minutes. She said the two losses exposed some flaws that she feels that the team has ironed out. She says now the job is to keep that momentum going after beating the number-two team in the country.

Cut 18 (15)  “…a national championship.”

It won’t get any easier for the Lady Tigers as they try to make it three in a row, as their next opponent is the fifth-ranked Oklahoma Lady Sooners. They’ll have a whole week to prepare – the game is Sunday afternoon in Norman; tipoff is at two.

Emotions run high at the final meeting of the Hazing Prevention Task Force. It was assembled following last year’s hazing death of Southern University Student Caleb Wilson. Wilson’s mother, Urania Brown Wilson, told the task force new laws are needed to prevent another student from suffering the fate that her son did.

Cut 7 (09) “…son is dead.”

Lawmakers will present a series of recommendations in March when the legislative session opens.

Recently, Louisiana became the first state in the country to sign Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment grant agreements with internet service providers. Connect L-A Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar says the aim is to provide connectivity to rural areas, so that customers will no longer have to overpay for mediocre service.

Cut 10 (06) “…done by 28.” 

We now know the expected date for the opening of the Buc-ee’s in Lafayette. Andre Champagne has the update.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Following Louisiana’s first child flu death this season, Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman is reminding you that you can help stop the spread of the flu by washing your hands.

Cut 5 (12) “…or anything dirty.”

Emotions run high as the legislative task force on hazing prevention wraps up its final meeting. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

We now know the expected date for the opening of the Buc-ee’s in Lafayette. Andre Champagne has the update.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

After the Louisiana Department of Health reports the state’s first child death from the flu this season, the state is getting the word out on how to prevent the spread of the virus. Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman says it starts with one simple thing that we all do every day.

Cut 3 (07) “…around you healthy.”

Dr. Coleman says when washing your hands, do so thoroughly and use proper techniques.

Cut 4 (12) “…least 20 seconds.”

Coleman says certain instances in which you should wash your hands should be common knowledge by now – but others might not be.

Cut 5 (12) “…or anything dirty.”

According to CDC data, Louisiana currently has one of the highest rates of flu infections in the country.

____________________________________________

Some emotional testimony at the final meeting of the Hazing Prevention Task Force. The task force was assembled following last year’s hazing death of Southern University Student Caleb Wilson. Wilson’s father, Corey Wilson Sr., urged lawmakers to put their biases aside and pass common-sense legislation.

Cut 6 (10) “…in the way.”

His mother, Urania Brown Wilson, told the task force that new laws are needed to prevent another student from suffering the fate that her son did.

Cut 7 (09) “…son is dead.”

The task force was chaired by Jason Hughes, who stepped down as state representative last month as he prepares to be sworn in as a New Orleans city councilmember. He was emotional as he addressed Wilson’s parents.

Cut 8 (07) “…forth meaningful change.”

Lawmakers will present a series of recommendations in March when the legislative session opens. With Hughes’ departure, it’s unclear which member will sponsor the legislation.

____________________________________________

Recently, Louisiana became the first state in the country to sign Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment grant agreements with internet service providers, which will provide connectivity to nearly 40-thousand households and businesses in rural areas. Connect L-A Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar says those in rural areas will soon be able to access high-speed internet at prices more in line with what their more urban counterparts are paying.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the digital divide.”

Currently, 93-percent of Louisiana has access to affordable high-speed internet, but Connect L-A is working to connect the remaining seven-percent of the state, which includes 127-thousand households and businesses. With the BEAD agreement in place, Iyengar says those in rural areas will no longer have to overpay for mediocre service.

Cut 10 (06) “…done by 28.” 

Louisiana is expected to achieve statewide high-speed internet by 2028. Iyengar says Connect L-A is continuously working to ensure that the entire state’s need for connectivity is met.

Cut 11 (08) “…services to people.”

____________________________________________

We now have a clear picture on when the new Buc-ee’s in Lafayette will open. The popular road trip staple, which will be located off of I-10 near Louisiana Avenue, is expected to open by mid-2027. Mandi Mitchell, the CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, says construction is expected to begin soon.

Cut 12 (11) “…ground here soon.”

The new 74-thousand-square-foot store will be one of the chain’s largest. Mitchell says it’s is expected to create as many as 200 new jobs.

Cut 13 (13)  “…jobs with benefits.”

The Lafayette Buc-ee’s will feature over 100 gas pumps and more than a dozen electric vehicle charging stations. Mitchell says there will be a high demand for both on the busy Interstate.

Cut 14 (11) “…and to travelers.”

Some emotional testimony at the final meeting of the Hazing Prevention Task Force. The task force was assembled following the hazing death of Southern University Student Caleb Wilson. Wilson’s father, Corey Wilson Sr., urged lawmakers to put their biases aside and pass common-sense legislation.

Cut 6 (10) “…in the way.”

Lawmakers will present a series of recommendations in March when the legislative session opens.

After the Louisiana Department of Health reports the state’s first child death from the flu this season, the state is getting the word out on how to prevent the spread of the virus. Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman says it starts with one simple thing that we all do every day.

Cut 3 (07) “…around you healthy.”

According to CDC data, Louisiana currently has one of the highest rates of flu infections in the country.

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.

Louisiana recently became the first state in the country to sign Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment grant agreements with internet service providers, which will provide connectivity to nearly 40-thousand households and businesses in rural areas. Connect-LA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar says they will soon be able to access high-speed internet at the same prices as their more urban counterparts.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the digital divide.”