Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill will be testifying before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee today on mail-order abortion drugs. Murrill says they’re dangerous and committee chair Dr. Bill Cassidy agrees.  Senator Cassidy there are essential things that doctors cannot determine about a patient when prescribing an abortion drug through mail-order.

Cut 8 (12) “…by someone else.”

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno has launched a new initiative to repair damaged streetlights in the Crescent City.  “Operation Lights On” aims to make people in higher crime neighborhoods feel safer by making sure streetlights are in working order.  City officials have said they’re hiring more electricians to make it happen…despite recent layoffs…to help improve public safety. “Operation Lights On” is just one of 13 Executive Orders the new mayor signed in her first day in office.

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If you’ve already broken your new year’s resolution for Dry January, Ochsner Health offers a second chance.  Andrew Greenstein has details.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana Congressman Cleo Fields announced he’ll visit 52 schools this year –kindergarten through college this year…all in the Sixth District he represents. Fields says he’s using the opportunity to highlight the education initiatives he’s working on in Congress.

Cut 12 (12) “…to address it.”

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

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Louisiana residents received more than 50 million scam calls in December. That’s according to new stats from the spam blocking app TrueCaller.  That’s an alarming increase.  Carmen Million with the Better Business Bureau of South Central Louisiana says new technology and artificial intelligence make it easier for scammers to contact us.  She advises consumers to be skeptical of any unsolicited calls.

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Louisiana’s employment numbers have exceeded two-million people for a record-setting seventh consecutive month.  That’s a record.  Adam Knapp, CEO of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says with the building of a new A-I data center in Richland Parish, and large industrial construction projects in south Louisiana, there are simply more jobs.

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

Congressman Cleo Fields has launched a series of visits to 52 schools K-college in district six .  He calls it Congress to the Classroom and says it’s designed to strengthen students’ understanding of government, highlight the importance of education, and encourage civic engagement

Cut 11 (05) “…rival any college.”

Louisiana sets an economic performance record with seven straight months of more than two-million people employed.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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

Cut 10 (06) “…to that interaction.”

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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.”

Many of those who’ve made living a healthier lifestyle a new year’s resolution are participating in Dry January – laying off alcohol for the month. Here in Louisiana, with Carnival in full swing, that can be hard to do…which is 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.”

For more information, go to alcoholfreefor40.com

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, 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.”

We’re getting more reaction to the new federal nutrition guidelines released last week. Among other things, the new guidelines place a strong emphasis on protein, including protein contained in red meat. Nutritionists say certain cuts of red meat can contain a lot of saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease. But Dr. Oren Rom, senior associate dean of basic and translational science at LSU Health Shreveport, says the new food pyramid shows no change in the fat content recommendation.

Cut 8 (10) “…intake a day.”

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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.”

A fatal hit and run claimed the life of a pedestrian in Iberia Parish yesterday morning around 10:30 yesterday and State Police are asking for the public’s help in finding the driver who fled the scene.  Troopers say 66-year-old Russel Green was walking on Louisiana Highway 86 when he was struck and died at the scene. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call State Police Troop I.

More reaction to the new federal nutrition guidelines released last week. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A 17-year-old has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a 4 year old in Lafayette yesterday.  The Lafayette Police Department determined that a 2-year-old child in the home found an unsecured, loaded firearm and discharged it, striking little Blaze Rubin.  We’re told the teen is charged with negligent homicide and illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile.

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It’s a big day in New Orleans as former city councilwoman Helena Moreno is sworn in as the city’s new mayor.  UNO political science professor Ed Chervenak says Moreno takes over with a 222-million-dollar budget deficit and many other challenges, including an effort to stem the flow of people leaving the city.

Cut 6 (08) “…is growing.”

The inauguration is this morning at nine.

Amtrak is boosting capacity on the Mardi Gras line this Carnival Season with an additional car, adding about 62 seats during peak hours.  Knox Ross, the chairman of the Southern Rail Commission, 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.”

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.”

A fatal hit and run claimed the life of a pedestrian in Iberia Parish yesterday morning around 10:30 yesterday and State Police are asking for the public’s help in finding the driver who fled the scene.  Troopers say 66-year-old Russel Green was walking on Louisiana Highway 86 when he was struck and died at the scene. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call State Police Troop I at (337) 262-5880.

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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.”

More reaction to new federal nutrition guidelines released last week. Dr. Oren Rom, senior associate dean of basic and translational science at LSU Health Shreveport, says the new guidelines are much simpler, going from 164 pages five years ago to just ten pages now.  He says the new recommendations aren’t much different from the old though, but he’d recommend more vegetables.

Cut 7 (10) “…to achieve that.”

Even though it’s football, it seems head coach Lane Kiffin is doing a full court press to get former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt to come to Baton Rouge.  Leavitt left his LSU visit earlier in the week without committing before a visit to Tennessee.  He was set to visit Miami this weekend, but Kiffin reportedly flew to Knoxville last night to convince the QB that LSU is where he should be.  The transfer portal has been open more than a week now and LSU has yet to sign a quarterback.

Louisiana is the first state in the country to sign Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment grant agreements with internet service providers. The goal is to help Louisiana achieve statewide high-speed internet by  the year 2028. Connect L-A Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar …

Cut 11 (08) “…services to people.”

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

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Federal immigration officers are reportedly pulling out of the crackdown that began in New Orleans in December and heading to Minneapolis.  That’s according to The Associated Press.  According to the report, The Trump administration has been surging thousands of federal officers to Minnesota under a sweeping new crackdown tied in part to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents there.

The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Monday in a case to hold oil companies accountable for damaging Louisiana’s coastline.  The case centers on Chevron and involves several Louisiana parishes that were previously awarded a $745 million verdict in state court.  Chevron has appealed and wants the case moved to federal court.  The parishes involved and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill believe the case should stay where it is, saying the state courts have proven to be fair-minded in their approach to the case.

Emotional testimony from the mother of Southern University Student Caleb Wilson at the final meeting of the Hazing Prevention Task Force that was assembled following her son’s death.  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.”

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After the Louisiana Department of Health reports the state’s first child death from the flu this season, the state wants you to know how to protect yourself and others.  Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman says it starts with washing your hands, doing it thoroughly and with proper technique.

Cut 4 (12) “…least 20 seconds.”

Louisiana has become 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.”

It appears federal immigration officers are pulling out of the crackdown in New Orleans and heading to Minneapolis.  That’s according to a report by The Associated Press.   The operation in the Crescent City drew protests as it aimed to make thousands of arrests since it began in December.  According to the report, The Trump administration has been surging thousands of federal officers to Minnesota under a sweeping new crackdown tied in part to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents there.

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.

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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.”

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.”

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.”

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.
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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…

Cut 11 (08) “…services to people.”