Two groups team up to wipe out 22-million dollars worth of medical debt for some 17-thousand people in the greater Baton Rouge area. Undue Medical Debt bought the debt, and Tristi Charpentier (SHARP-in-tay) with the Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation says the foundation chose the beneficiaries based on certain qualifications.

Cut 5 (11) “…month to month.”

The Louisiana Department of Economic Development is celebrating the state’s second straight Platinum Deal of the Year. This year, the publication Business Facilities singled out the Hyundai Steel mill in Ascension Parish for its top honor. Secretary Susan Bourgeois says one of the biggest wins with that project was Hyundai building it in Louisiana in the first place.

Cut 6 (06) “…ultimately choosing us.”

Louisiana has become the first state to win two straight Platinum Deal of the Year awards from Business Facilities.

Two years ago today, Governor Jeff Landry officially took office. Jeff Palermo looks back at the first half of his four-term.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Louisiana Department of Health says a child has died from the flu. It is not releasing any details about the patient due to privacy concerns. Flu activity is in the very high category in all but two states in the country. The CDC says there are about 11-million flu cases across the country, including about five-thousand deaths.

A late Christmas gift for tens of thousands of people in the greater Baton Rouge area. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Two years ago today, Governor Jeff Landry officially took office. Jeff Palermo looks back at the first half of his four-term.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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It’s a late Christmas gift for some 17-thousand people in the greater Baton Rouge area. The Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation and Undue Medical Debt teamed up to erase their medical debt, totaling 22-million dollars. Tristi Charpentier (SHARP-in-tay), the vice president of people-centered initiatives at the foundation, says those people didn’t have to do anything – the national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt took the first step.

Cut 3 (06) “…third-party debt collectors.”

Charpentier says the foundation researched the people who owed the debts to determine which ones met its qualifications to have those debts wiped out.

Cut 4 (08) “…family’s annual income.”

Charpentier says in the ten-parish Capitol area, there are many people who could use the assistance when faced with medical expenses.

Cut 5 (11) “…month to month.”

While the endowed foundation has donated more than 90-million dollars to increase access to healthcare in the region over the last 25 years, this is the first time it has done a medical debt relief program.

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The Louisiana Department of Economic Development is celebrating the state’s second straight Platinum Deal of the Year. This year, the publication Business Facilities singled out the Hyundai Steel mill in Ascension Parish for its top honor. Secretary Susan Bourgeois says one of the biggest wins with that project was Hyundai building it in Louisiana in the first place.

Cut 6 (06) “…ultimately choosing us.”

Bourgeois says the Hyundai Steel mill will be innovative in every way.

Cut 7 (10) “…steel that exists.”

Louisiana has become the first state to win two straight Platinum Deal of the Year awards from Business Facilities. Bourgeois says now the big challenge is to do it again.

Cut 8 (06) “…looking at it.”

Last year’s Platinum Deal of the Year was the Meta A-I data center in Richland Parish. Bourgeois says the two projects speak to the diversity of the economic development projects going on in the state.

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Today marks the two-year anniversary of when Jeff Landry was sworn in as the state’s 57th governor. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Landry’s biggest accomplishment was the tax reform legislation he urged legislators to approve in 2024.

Cut 9 (11)  “…did it.”

A flat income tax rate of three percent went into effect on January 1st, 2025.

One month after he took office in January 2024, Landry called a special session that resulted in several tough on crime bills being passed, including legislation that rolled back reforms approved in 2017.

His first year in office also saw the passage of a bill that requires public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. The courts have yet to rule if that legislation is constitutional, but the governor also signed bills that prohibits public school teachers from discussing sexual orientation, and a transgender bathroom ban was enacted. Pinsonat says Landry will focus more on economic development in the next two years of his term.

Cut 10 (12) “…get involved in.” 

Pinsonat says Landry has done a good job in getting most of his legislative agenda approved. The Louisiana Senate failed to go along with his idea for a constitutional convention, and Landry has received criticism for getting too involved in LSU athletics, the firing of A-D Scott Woodward and having a live tiger on the field for the 2024 Alabama game. Pinsonat says those missteps have not hurt him too much.

Cut 11 (07) “…been involved in.”

The Louisiana Department of Economic Development is hailing the state’s second straight Platinum Deal of the Year. This year, the publication Business Facilities singled out the Hyundai Steel mill in Ascension Parish, which Secretary Susan Bourgeois says will be innovative in every way.

Cut 7 (10) “…steel that exists.”

Last year’s Platinum Deal of the Year was the Meta A-I data center in Richland Parish.

Two groups team up to wipe out 22-million dollars worth of medical debt for some 17-thousand people in the greater Baton Rouge area. Undue Medical Debt bought the debt, and Tristi Charpentier the Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation chose the beneficiaries based on certain qualifications.

Cut 5 (11) “…month to month.”

Two years ago today, Governor Jeff Landry officially took office. Jeff Palermo looks back at the first half of his four-term.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Louisiana Department of Health says a child has died from the flu. It is not releasing any details about the patient due to privacy concerns. Flu activity is in the very high category in all but two states in the country. The CDC says there are about 11-million flu cases across the country, including about five-thousand deaths.

Today marks the two-year anniversary of when Jeff Landry was sworn in as the state’s 57th governor. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Landry’s biggest accomplishment was the tax reform legislation he urged legislators to approve in 2024.

Cut 9 (11)  “…did it.”

A flat income tax rate of three percent went into effect on January 1st of last year.

The Louisiana Department of Economic Development is celebrating the state’s second straight Platinum Deal of the Year. This year, the publication Business Facilities singled out the Hyundai Steel mill in Ascension Parish for its top honor. Secretary Susan Bourgeois says one of the biggest wins with that project was Hyundai building it in Louisiana in the first place.

Cut 6 (06) “…ultimately choosing us.”

Some 17-thousand people in the greater Baton Rouge area had their medical debt wiped out. The Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation and Undue Medical Debt teamed up to erase 22-million dollars of medical debt. Tristi Charpentier (SHARP-in-tay) with the foundation says Undue Medical Debt bought the debt, and the foundation chose the beneficiaries based on qualifications.

Cut 4 (08) “…family’s annual income.”

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says 16 black bears were harvested during bear hunting season.  Large Carnivore Program Manager John Hanks says it’s the second straight year Louisiana had a black bear hunting season after not having one for 35 years while the animal was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Cut 23 (10) “…was 341 pounds.”

It’s a late Christmas gift for some 17-thousand people in the greater Baton Rouge area. The Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation and Undue Medical Debt teamed up to erase their medical debt. Tristi Charpentier (SHARP-in-tay), the vice president of people-centered initiatives at the foundation, says those people didn’t have to do anything – the national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt took the first step.

Cut 3 (06) “…third-party debt collectors.”

Work is underway to replace the Tech Drive bridge over I-20 in Ruston. State transportation officials say the bridge was originally built in 1963 and has outlived its usefulness. Erin Buchanan with DOTD says they will try to keep traffic disruptions to a minimum during the project.

Cut 6 (09) “…it typically does.”

The project is four years at a cost of 39-million dollars.

Local nutrition experts are expressing concerns about some parts of the new federal nutrition guidelines, including the one that places no limitations on the consumption of red meat. Cathy Champagne, a professor of nutrition at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, points out that the fat in red meat is saturated fat. She says eating red meat in moderation is okay, and she urges you to choose the cut of meat wisely.

Cut 15 (10) “…for cardiovascular disease.”

The number of Chronic Wasting Disease detections in wild deer is up to 49. Because of that, hunters are encouraged to submit additional hunter-harvest samples for testing. Deer Program Manager Johnathan Bordelon says a CWD sample drop-off site is located along Highway 15 near the Richard K Yancey WMA.

Cut 11 (09) “…to diagnostic testing.”

A major bridge replacement project in Ruston is now underway. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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If you bought your auto insurance policy from Flo, your premium will likely go down at renewal time. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (25) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Work is underway to replace the L-A 544 bridge over I-20 in Ruston. The bridge was originally built in 1963 and has outlived its usefulness. Erin Buchanan with DOTD says the overpass replacement is not the only component of this four-year, 39-million-dollar project.

Cut 4 (05) “…traffic flow, too.”

There will be two roundabouts north of I-20 and one south of I-20, and they will replace the traffic lights that are currently at those intersections. Buchanan says those who normally take the 544 bridge will still be able to do so during construction.

Cut 5 (10) “…to do that.”

Buchanan says they will try to keep traffic disruptions to a minimum during the project.

Cut 6 (09) “…it typically does.”

The lane closures on I-20 are to ensure the safety of both workers and travelers, since work cannot be done over live traffic.

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The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reports 16 Louisiana black bears were harvested during the legal bear hunting season that ran from December 6th to the 21st.  LDWF’s Large Carnivore Program manager, John Hanks, says there were three different areas where hunters were could legally hunt black bears.

Cut 7 (14) “…that area.”

Twenty-six tags were issued for the lottery hunt. Hanks says it’s the second straight year Louisiana had a black bear hunting season after not having one for 35 years because the animal was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Cut 8 (10) “…was 341 pounds.”

The largest bear harvested was 565 pounds. Hanks says a bear that is well over 300 pounds is going to supply 200 plates of food for that family, and he says bear fat is also useful.

Cut 9 (06)   “…waterproof their boots.” 

Hanks expects guidelines for the next bear hunting season will be finalized during the spring.

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The number of Chronic Wasting Disease detections in wild deer is up to 49. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says lab results came back positive for CWD on a buck harvested in the Richard K. Yancey Wildlife Management Area in Concordia Parish. Deer Program Manager Johnathan Bordelon says CWD has been detected in three parishes.

Cut 10 (12) “…detection in Concordia.”

Due to the confirmed detection during the ongoing deer season, hunters are encouraged to submit additional hunter-harvest samples for testing. Bordelon says a CWD sample drop-off site is located along Highway 15 near the Richard K Yancey WMA.

Cut 11 (09) “…to diagnostic testing.”

CWD was first detected in Louisiana in 2022. In Mississippi, it was first detected in 2018; and Bordelon says cases of neurodegenerative disease of White-tailed deer in Louisiana have been confined to the Delta Parishes.

Cut 12 (10) “…north-south pattern.”

CWD is 100-percent fatal in affected deer. CWD has not been shown to be contagious to humans, but it’s recommended not to eat deer meat from deer known to be infected with CWD.

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We’re getting reaction to the new dietary guidelines released by the departments of Health and Agriculture. Among other things, the new guidelines urge Americans to prioritize proteins and healthy fats, like fats found in red meat and whole milk, and limit ultra-processed foods and added sugar. Cathy Champagne, a professor of nutrition at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, applauds the call to limit processed foods and added sugars.

Cut 13 (10)  “…metabolic risk factors.”

Champagne, however, is concerned about the guidance regarding whole fat dairy and red meat. She says while whole fat dairy may be good for some people, it may cause complications in others.

Cut 14 (07) “…advantageous to you.”

The new guidance also does not place any limitations on red meat. Champagne says the fat in red meat is saturated fat, and that is very unhealthy. She says eating red meat in moderation is okay, and she urges you to choose the cut of meat wisely.

Cut 15 (10) “…for cardiovascular disease.”

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Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis spoke to the media following the team’s 6-and-11 season. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough finished the year 5-and-4 as a starter. Loomis says the organization knew Shough could end up becoming the quarterback for the future.

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

Loomis says winning a division title is one of the organization’s biggest goals for next season, but he expects the team to do even more.

Cut 17 (15)  “…going to be.”

The Saints hold the eighth pick in this year’s draft. After drafting a talented 2025 rookie class, Loomis believes the front office will be able to take a different approach in the draft than they did last year.

Cut 18 (18)  “…excited about that.”

New Orleans is back in the running to host the 2031 Super Bowl. If it fails to land that game, its next opportunity to host the Super Bowl will not come until 2038. By then, the Superdome will be 63 years old. NOLA-dot-com columnist Jeff Duncan says that could eventually become an issue.

Cut 5 (09) “…trying to fight.”

A vote from the NFL owners on who will host the Super Bowl in 2031 is expected sometime this year.

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

Cut 12 (06) “…that’s difficult.”

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

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Landry isn’t the only one planning a foreign trip. House Speaker Mike Johnson is traveling to Great Britain January 20th to address the British Parliament in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The trip will be historic – Johnson will become the first U.S. House Speaker ever to address Parliament.

Governor Landry will travel to Greenland in a couple months as part of his new side hustle as special envoy to Greenland. It comes as President Trump has ramped up talk of acquiring the island nation from Denmark. Both Denmark and Greenland are staunchly opposed to the idea. Landry told Brian Kilmeade of Fox News that the United States could do more for Greenland than Denmark.

Cut 8 (09) “…and partner.”

New Orleans is back in the running to host the 2031 Super Bowl, despite missing a key deadline late last year. By the time that Super Bowl comes around, the Superdome could potentially be the second oldest stadium in the NFL. NOLA-dot-com columnist Jeff Duncan says that won’t be a factor – for now.

Cut 4 (12) “…a new stadium.”

Three people were killed in a crash at a major intersection in Lafayette this week. It occurred at around five Tuesday morning. With the warm winter weather, early morning fog has decreased visibility on Louisiana roadways, but Sergeant Robin Green says fog was not a factor in this crash.

Cut 11 (04) “…to occur.”

For the second year in a row, Louisiana is number-one in the nation for road rage incidents, ranging from aggressive driving to dangerous interactions, including gunfire. Speed is another factor in people losing their cool on the roadways. Using the example of driving from Baton Rouge to New Orleans International Airport, LSU transportation expert Brian Wolshon says speeding accomplishes nothing.

Cut 13 (09)  “…or four minutes.”

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

Cut 3 (12) “…events like that.”

Senator Bill Cassidy says Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s rhetoric on vaccines is starting to have a negative impact.

Cut 24 (10) “…are not vaccinated.”

Cassidy’s remarks come after the CDC announced a revised vaccine schedule for children, shifting some vaccines to shared decision-making between parents and doctors.

A recent audit of 24 restaurants on the Westbank of New Orleans found that eight of them were not complying with a new law that requires disclosure of serving imported shrimp. David Williams, the founder of SeaD Consulting believes in the year since the law went into effect, enforcement has not been stringent enough, especially since the Louisiana Government Shrimp Task Force has hired his company to collect data across the state.

Cut 15 (14) “…that we have.”

The primary elections, which had originally been slated for April, are now taking place May 16th; with runoffs June 27th, if necessary. Once again, starting this year, there are closed party primaries. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says those closed primaries only apply to five races. 

Cut 10 (05) “…PSC and BESE.”

The CDC changes its vaccine recommendations for children, and Senator Bill Cassidy has something to say about that. Andrew Greenstein explains.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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New Orleans will be able to submit a bid to host a Super Bowl in 2031, despite missing the official deadline to submit its proposal last fall. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Did Governor Jeff Landry call for the execution of ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro? Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (27) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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This week, the CDC announced a revised vaccine schedule for children, recommending fewer vaccines. Vaccines for hepatitis A and B, flu, COVID, among others, have been moved to shared decision-making between parents and doctors. Senator Bill Cassidy says the CDC’s decision is a bad one.

Cut 4 (05) “…are out there.”

Vaccines for polio and measles remain on the list of recommended vaccines. Cassidy says, however, that the effects of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s rhetoric are already taking hold.

Cut 5 (10) “…are not vaccinated.”

Cassidy is a medical doctor by trade whose vote in the Senate Finance Committee was the deciding vote to advance, and ultimately approve, Kennedy’s nomination as health secretary. He says these vaccinations, which have been proven to be safe, can often make the difference between life and death.

Cut 6 (08) “…is so preventable.”

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Thanks to LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine, a military working dog suffering from Addison’s Disease got the life-saving treatment she needed. Astra, an eight-year-old Belgian Malinois (MAL-in-wa), had an elevated heart rate, was lethargic, and was vomiting. The U.S. Army decided to med-evac her to LSU, and Dr. Patty Lathan’s team at the Vet school quickly went to work.

Cut 7 (12) “…perking up quickly.”

Addison’s Disease is the result of a severe lack of cortisol and a hormone that controls blood volume and electrolyte concentrations — basically what happens when your body doesn’t have any steroids. It affects both dogs and humans. Lathan has it herself and says says it can lead to a life-threatening complication called adrenal crisis.

Cut 8 (10) “…not treated appropriately.”

Military working dogs are highly trained canine service members in the U.S. Armed Forces and are essential for roles like explosives and narcotics detection. She has protected U.S. presidents and has assisted soldiers in Middle East war zones. Lathan says Astra is expected to make a full recovery.

Cut 9 (10)  “…they can be.”

The LSU Vet Med diagnoses about one case of Addison’s per month in dogs brought to LSU. The disease is significantly more common in dogs than in people.

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The primary elections, which had originally been slated for April, are now taking place May 16th; with runoffs June 27th, if necessary. Once again, starting this year, there are closed party primaries. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says those closed primaries only apply to five races.

Cut 10 (05) “…PSC and BESE.”

Landry says in light of this change, it is more important than ever to check your voter registration before you head to your polling place for the primaries.

Cut 11 (09) “…party primary races.”

Landry says she and her office have done a great deal of outreach to get the word out about the change in advance of the primaries.

Cut 12 (09) “…everywhere we go.”

Qualifying will take place February 11th through the 13th.

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An audit of 24 restaurants on the Westbank of New Orleans found that eight of them were not complying with a new law that requires disclosure of serving imported shrimp. SeaD (“seed”) Consulting found that of those eight, seven falsely advertised their shrimp to be locally caught, while staff at the eighth said they didn’t know where the shrimp came from. SeaD Consulting Founder David Williams says the law states that restaurants which serve imported shrimp must clearly indicate so.

Cut 13 (09)  “…serving local shrimp.”

Williams says with the price of local shrimp going up, restaurants which falsely claim that their shrimp is from local waters are costing both diners and local shrimpers a lot of money.

Cut 14 (06) “…dollars per day.”

Williams believes in the year since the law went into effect, enforcement has not been stringent enough, especially since the Louisiana Government Shrimp Task Force has hired his company to collect data across the state.

Cut 15 (14) “…that we have.”

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Saints defensive end Chase Young just had his most productive season in the NFL. Despite missing the first five games with a calf injury, the 26-year-old had a career-high 10 sacks. Young attributes his success to the mentorship and leadership of Demario Davis and Cam Jordan on defense.

Cut 16 (13) “…for sure.”

The Saints ranked 30th in total defense in 2024 but finished 9th in the league in total defense in 2025, allowing opponents to gain only 300 yards a game. Young credits the culture that’s been created by the new coaching staff.

Cut 17 (13)  “…supposed to play.”

Before the season began, Young signed a three-year extension with New Orleans. Young says he wants to be a Saint forever.

Cut 18 (19)  “…where I’m at.”