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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

Spring-like temperatures come to an end in Louisiana this weekend, for the time being. A cold front will bring storms today and tomorrow and will send temperatures plummeting starting Sunday. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says as you make your way into work in the early part of next week, you’ll want to bring your jacket with you, as overnight lows will get down into the 30s.

Cut 15 (09) “…in those temperatures.”

The Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families has merged with the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children. LPIC CEO Libbie Sonnier says the two organizations had worked closely together for years, including launching the Geaux Far Louisiana initiative in 2021.

Cut 4 (13) “…Geaux Far Louisiana work.”

King Cake season is underway in Louisiana, and Colleen Crain says a healthy option is once again available.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Businesses with internship and apprenticeship programs can now save a few bucks. Those businesses can take advantage of new tax incentives for those programs – up to 25-hundred dollars for each intern or apprentice. There are certain conditions – they must be paid and must work at least 100 hours in a tax year, among others.

Heavenly weather gives way to storms and cold air, starting today. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front coming through the state will bring thunderstorms, with a slight to moderate risk of severity. He says tomorrow will be a transitional day before temperatures really start to plummet. 

Cut 14 (10) “…Friday and Saturday.”

It’s King Cake season in Louisiana; and once again, Ochsner Health is offering its Eat Fit King Cake. Marie Page with Ochsner Eat Fit says Ochsner Health introduced the healthier King Cake about four years ago.

Cut 10 (08) “…the grocery stores.”

The Eat Fit King Cake is grain-free, sugar-free, gluten-free and has no artificial colors. Thus, it has 93-percent fewer carbs, four times the protein and two and a half times the fiber of a typical King Cake.

A quarterback that LSU was reportedly interested in signing has decided he will not transfer. So where do Lane Kiffin and company go from here? Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

A federal judge dismisses a lawsuit that had required the DeSoto Parish School District to end segregation and provide regular progress reports. The lawsuit was filed back in 1967. On social media, Attorney General Liz Murrill says the dismissal comes following a lack of disputes between the parties for the last ten years. The dismissal means that control returns to the school district from the federal government.

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.

It’s King Cake season in Louisiana; and once again, Ochsner Health is offering its Eat Fit King Cake. Marie Page with Ochsner Eat Fit says it’s available at more places than ever this year.

Cut 12 (08) “…one in Arkansas.”

The Eat Fit King Cake is grain-free, sugar-free, gluten-free and has no artificial colors. Thus, it has 93-percent fewer carbs, four times the protein and two and a half times the fiber of a typical King Cake.

Back to the drawing board for LSU after Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. decides to stay put. Lane Kiffin and company have their sights set on Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt. Kiffin is also looking at a couple quarterbacks from lower levels – Tiger Rag Magazine editor Glenn Guilbeau says Kiffin is known to work magic with quarterbacks.

Cut 9 (09)  “…quite a quarterback.”

Two organizations that advocate for children and families in Louisiana join forces. The Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families merged with the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, effective at the beginning of this year. LPIC CEO Libbie Sonnier says the merger will be beneficial from a financial standpoint as well, with the organization being able to maximize the limited funds it has.

Cut 6 (08) “…State of Louisiana.”

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.”