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.”

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, with LSU Health New Orleans, 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.”

He also says it’s not too late to get the flu shot.

Closed primaries are coming so you may want to verify party affiliation. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

LSU has signed the top-rated quarterback in the transfer portal, Sam Leavitt of Arizona State. The Tigers also received a commitment from redshirt freshman quarterback Landen Clark of Elon over the weekend and they’re still going after redshirt freshman quarterback Husan (HOO-san) Longstreet of USC, who’s rated as the number six transfer quarterback. Tiger Rag magazine editor Glenn Guilbeau says it would be major if Kiffin can land all three.

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.”

The Louisiana Department of Health reports flu case rates are decreasing, but flu activity is still high. On WRKF radio in Baton Rouge, Dr. Julio Figueroa, with LSU Health New Orleans, says one dominant strain this year is H3N2.

Cut 13 (03)  “…more severe disease.”

Figueroa says if you think you have the flu, it’s best to get tested right away

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. And 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.

When you vote in the primary election this year, you will be limited to voting for members of your own political party for federal offices, the State Supreme Court, the Public Service Commission and BESE which are now in closed primaries. Steven Procopio, with the Public Affairs Research Council says if you have no party affiliation and vote in one party’s primary, you cannot vote in the other party’s runoff. And for those registered with so called third parties Procopio says…

Cut 12 (06) “…the general election.”

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.”

LSU fans hope history repeats itself. Jayden Daniels also transferred from Arizona State to LSU and ended up winning the Heisman in 2023.

A heartbreaking tragedy in Lafayette, a four-year-old boy is shot to death over the weekend. Lafayette Police Corporal Ashley Wood says police were called to the home shortly before six Saturday afternoon.

Cut 9 (06)  “…and loaded firearm.”

Blaze Rubin, died from his injuries. The two- and four-year-olds were related. Another young relative 17-year-old Jenarius Johnson has been charged with negligent homicide and illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile

New Orleans has a new mayor. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Helena Moreno was sworn in by former Vice President, Kamala Harris. She says Moreno is up for the challenge of serving as New Orleans’ 63rd mayor.

Cut 8 (12) “…of New Orleans.”

Helena Moreno was sworn in this morning as the 63rd mayor of the City of New Orleans. The one theme she repeated in her roughly 13-minute inaugural address 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.”

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

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

Cut 6 (08) “…she is tough.”

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

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Former Arizona State quarterback, Sam Leavitt will reportedly sign with LSU. Head Coach Lane Kiffin dubbed the portal king by some, was able to bring in Leavitt, the number one quarterback in the transfer portal. Leavitt considered Tennessee, Miami, and Kentucky before deciding to join the Tigers. Leavitt is in good company. The last quarterback from Arizona State to transfer to LSU was none other than Heisman trophy winning, Jayden Daniels. Arizona Republic’s Michelle Garner covered him at ASU talked about his value.

Cut 28 (07) …”the clutch”

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.”

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 and he’s 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.”

Looks like LSU has their starting quarterback. Former Arizona State quarterback, Sam Leavitt will reportedly sign with the Tigers. After a recent visit to Baton Rouge didn’t go as well as expected, Leavitt visited Knoxville and Miami and considered Kentucky, then reconsidered LSU. In 2024 Leavitt was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year and in 2025 he led the Sun Devils to defeat Texas Tech in the Red Raiders only regular season loss. Leavitt is in good company. The last LSU transfer quarterback from Arizona State was Heisman trophy winning, Jayden Daniels. Arizona Republic’s Michelle Garner covered him at ASU.

Cut 13 (13) …”in his power”

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

Cut 26 (08)  “…in the evening.”

Ross says the Mardi Gras line has boosted tourism along the entire route.

And he says, they would have preferred to add even more cars, but the one additional car during those peak times is all the inventory would allow

The pilot of the plane that went down in Jefferson County Texas yesterday was recovered this morning.  According to authorities, Jennings businessman, 71-year-old Carl Krielow died when his plane crashed around 3:00 yesterday. He was reportedly traveling to Galveston after taking off from Thibodaux and briefly stopping in Jennings. The tracking of his flight ended around 3 p.m. near Sabine Pass. Krielow, was a former commissioner of the Port of Lake Charles. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are working to determine the cause of the crash.

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.”

According to CDC data, Louisiana currently has one of the highest rates of flu infections in the country. Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman says one of the best things you can do to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your community healthy is wash your hands.

Cut 4 (12) “…least 20 seconds.”

After delays in beginning construction, the Bucees in Lafayette is expected to open by mid-2027. The new 74-thousand-square-foot store will be one of the chain’s largest. Mandi Mitchell with the Lafayette Economic Development Authority says it’s expected to create as many as 200 new jobs.

Cut 13 (13)  “…jobs with benefits.”

It was an emotional final meeting of the legislative task force on hazing prevention. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

After the Louisiana Department of Health reported this season’s first child death from the, 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.

Cut 3 (07) “…around you healthy.”

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

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 40,000 households and businesses in rural areas. Connect-LA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar says those in rural areas will soon be able to access affordable high-speed internet across the entire state.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the digital divide.”

The new Buc-ees location in Lafayette, 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) “…here soon.”

Buc-ees is expected to create between 150 to 200 jobs.

At the final meeting of the Hazing Prevention Legislative Task Force that was formed following last year’s hazing death of Southern University Student Caleb Wilson, Caleb’s mother and father testified urging the creation of new laws to prevent hazing tragedies. Task force chair Jason Hughes is stepping down as he will soon 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 who will sponsor the legislation.

After reporting the death of a child due to flu, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging prevention by handwashing and Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman says wash them thoroughly for at least 20 minutes.

Cut 5 (12) “…or anything dirty.”

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

We now know the expected date for the Lafayette Bucees’ opening. Andre Champagne has the update….

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Louisiana is expected to achieve statewide high-speed internet access by 2028, recently becoming the first state in the country to sign Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment grant agreements with internet service providers. Connect-LA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar says they’re continuously working to ensure that the entire state’s need for connectivity is met.

Cut 11 (08) “…services to people.”

According to CDC data, Louisiana currently has one of the highest rates of flu infections in the country and the Louisiana Department of Health is reporting a child has died from the flu. Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman says to protect yourself from illness and prevent the spread of the flu, wash your hand thoroughly.

Cut 4 (12) “…least 20 seconds.”

There was emotional testimony 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 that 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.

Currently, 93% of Louisiana has access to affordable high-speed internet, but Connect LA is working to achieve the remaining 7% of the state, which includes 127,000 households and businesses. Since Louisiana now has a Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment agreement in place, Connect-LA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar says those in rural areas will no longer have to fight with overpaying for mediocre service.

Cut 10 (06) “…done by 28.” 

A high-profile quarterback that LSU reportedly had interest in signing has decided to stay at his current school. Demond Williams Jr. announced on Tuesday night that he was entering the transfer portal, but last night he announced he’s staying at Washington. Earlier this week, it seemed like former Arizona State Q-B Sam Leavitt was the Tigers top target. Tiger Rag-dot-com editor Glenn Guilbeau says LSU could see if Leavitt is still interested in the Tigers, but there is a health concern.

Cut 26 (07) “…the summer, probably.”

An East Carroll Parish elementary school teacher is missing and hasn’t been seen since just before Christmas and the Sheriff’s office is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Carlton Keyon Osborn, a teacher at Lake Providence Elementary. He was last seen on December 23^rd. Osborn is a 5’9”, black male weighing 150 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. Authorities believe he may be the Atlanta, Georgia area. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s office immediately at 318-559-2800.

Today marks the two-year anniversary of Jeff Landry’s inauguration 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.

17-thousand people in the 10-parish 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.”

Louisiana is the first state to win two straight Platinum Deal of the Year awards from Business Facilities. This year, the publication Business Facilities singled out the Hyundai Steel mill in Ascension Parish and Louisiana Department of Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the mill 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.