The entire Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals heard the case of Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law, along with a nearly identical case out of Texas. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

LSU football coach Lane Kiffin is talking more about his decision to leave Ole Miss to coach the Fighting Tigers. At a Baton Rouge Business Report event yesterday, Kiffin said former LSU coach Nick Saban told him the LSU job, is the best job in America.

Cut 17 (15)  “…to another level.”

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Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow has officially entered the U.S. Senate race, as she’s seeking to win the seat currently occupied by fellow Republican Bill Cassidy. In her campaign announcement, Letlow says she wants to ensure a safe and strong nation for our children.

Cut 13 (08)  “…worth fighting for.”

Cassidy says he welcomes the competition.

Cut 14 (08) “…up with anybody.”

Several state lawmakers have announced they’re considering a run for the congressional seat currently held by Julia Letlow.  Baton Rouge Republican State Representative Dixon McMakin announced on social media yesterday he’s formed an exploratory committee to hear from voters in order to inform his own decision on a run for the seat.  And in statements released yesterday, both Republican State Representative Michael Echols and Republican State Senator Stewart Cathey have said they’re considering a run for the District 5 seat.

Cut 17 (15)  “…to another level.”

All 17 judges in the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals heard oral arguments yesterday afternoon on Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law, as well as a nearly identical law out of Texas. Louisiana’s law requires posters of the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every classroom across the state. Last year, a three-judge panel on the Fifth Circuit ruled it unconstitutional. Jonathan Youngblood argued the case for the plaintiffs and said the government needs to stay out of religion.

Cut 4 (11) “…governors to decide.”

The Reverend Jeff Sims of St. Tammany Parish says Louisiana’s law not only interferes with his religious freedom, but it tramples on it.

Cut 5 (10) “…its chosen religion.”

We are told it will be several months before the Fifth Circuit issues its ruling.

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A winter storm watch is in effect for most of north Louisiana, as there’s a high chance of significant accumulations of sleet across the I-20 corridor and as far south as Natchitoches and Jena. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says a blast of arctic air will mix with moisture on Friday.

Cut 8 (08) “…of northern Louisiana.”

2026 is the “Year of Outdoors” in Louisiana. It’s a year-long initiative to invite both residents and visitors to either discover or rediscover the natural beauty and the scores of recreational opportunities the state has to offer. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says as part of the occasion, there’s something new for everyone to enjoy.

Cut 10 (08) “…around the world.”

Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity in Louisiana. According to Louisiana Clean Fuels, there are now more than 21-thousand electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids registered throughout the state. Executive Director Ann Vail says you will find the vast majority of them in the more heavily-populated parishes.

Cut 4 (08) “…starting to drive.”   (AM)

Governor Jeff Landry, who’s working with President Trump on taking control of Greenland, is in Washington, D-C, as tensions are building over Trump’s desired acquisition. During an appearance on Fox News, Landry said the East Coast of the U.S. should be concerned with China’s involvement with the arctic nation as he says the Chinese have an impressive fleet of ice breaker vessels.

Cut 12 (09)“…President knows that.”

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The LSU women’s basketball team started off 0-and-2 in conference play, but the Lady Tigers are back to .500 in the SEC after a big win against number-two Texas. ESPN Women’s College Basketball Bracketologist Charlie Crème says the win against Texas shows that LSU is trending in the right direction.

Cut 6 (10) “…having an issue with.”

LSU travels to Norman to face number-13 Oklahoma tomorrow afternoon at  2.

Sorry to disappoint, but the possibility of light snow in Louisiana tonight forecasters had predicted earlier on the week is a thing of the past.  State Climatologist Jay Grymes says though those chances had diminished, Grymes we will still strong cold front that will result in a cold weekend.

Cut 10 (10) “…MLK morning.”

Walmart is planning to invest more than $330 million to modernize it’s regional distribution center in Opelousas. The State of Louisiana provided a competitive incentives package, including a $10 million performance-based grant tied to equipment investments. St. Landry Economic Development CEO Bill Rodier says the project shows that Walmart is committed to the location long-term.

Cut 7 (11) “…get this done.”

Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity in Louisiana. According to Louisiana Clean Fuels, there are now more than 21-thousand electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids registered throughout the state. EV adoption started its climb in 2021 and soared throughout the year last year. Executive Director Ann Vail says some of the credit goes to improving charging infrastructure.

Cut 5 (11) “…and it’s everywhere.”

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LSU is putting the finishing touches on its transfer portal class. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The LSU women’s basketball Tigers’ season is looking up after that big win against number-two Texas this week.  ESPN Women’s College Basketball Bracketologist Charlie Crème’s lates bracketology update,  has LSU as a number two team.  Up next for Coach Kim Mulkey’s team…a trip to Norman Oklahoma where they’ll play the number 13 Sooners tomorrow at 2.

Louisiana has a new inspector general and the duties of that position are changing. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Sorry to disappoint, but the possibility of light snow in Louisiana tonight forecasters had predicted earlier on the week is a thing of the past.  State Climatologist Jay Grymes says though those chances had diminished, Grymes we will still strong cold front that will result in a cold weekend.

Cut 10 (10) “…MLK morning.”

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Governor Jeff Landry is in Washington, D-C, as tensions are building over President Trump’s desired acquisition of Greenland. The President says the United States needs Greenland for national security. Landry says there’s a concern about Russia taking over Greenland.

Cut 13 (11)  “…knocking on it.”

Greenland is controlled by Denmark, and both Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly said the island is not for sale and reject the idea of a U.S. take over.

The LSU women’s basketball team started off 0-and-2 in conference play, but the Lady Tigers are back to .500 in the SEC after a big win against number-two Texas. ESPN Women’s College Basketball Bracketologist Charlie Crème says the win against Texas shows that LSU is trending in the right direction.

Cut 6 (10) “…having an issue with.”

LSU travels to Norman to face number-13 Oklahoma tomorrow afternoon at  2.

Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity in Louisiana. According to Louisiana Clean Fuels, there are now more than 21-thousand electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids registered throughout the state. Executive Director Ann Vail says you will find the vast majority of them in the more heavily-populated parishes.

Cut 4 (08) “…starting to drive.”

Governor Jeff Landry, who’s working with President Trump on taking control of Greenland, is in Washington, D-C, as tensions are building over Trump’s desired acquisition. During an appearance on Fox News, Landry said the East Coast of the U.S. should be concerned with China’s involvement with the arctic nation as he says the Chinese have an impressive fleet of ice breaker vessels.

Cut 12 (09)“…President knows that.”

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A record-breaking field has taken to the streets of Baton Rouge for the 15th annual Louisiana Marathon this morning. Marketing Director Mike Wattigny (WATT-nee) says more than nine-thousand runners from all over the world are competing, with more than 60-percent coming from outside Louisiana.

Cut 3 (10) “…runner from China.”

If you were looking forward to the possibility of light snow in Louisiana tonight, you’ll likely be disappointed.  Forecasters have revised their prediction from earlier in the week.  State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the chance of winter precipitation has declined as we get closer to the weekend.

Cut 9 (12)  “…last January.”

Grymes says we could see two, possibly three, light freezes early next week.

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.