The Louisiana Department of Health says the state will receive 208-million dollars through the Rural Health Transportation Program. LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein (Green-steen) says the goal is to increase access to care and help rural residents with chronic or complex health conditions. He says the funds will help sustain operations and upgrade infrastructure at rural healthcare facilities.

Cut 6 (11) “…bigger cities.”

Great game last night in the Superdome as Ole Miss rallied back from a nine-point halftime deficit to defeat Georgia 39 to 34 to advance to the semifinals of College Football Playoffs. Rebels quarterback Trindidad Chambliss had an outstanding game, throwing for 362 yards and two touchdowns…

Cut 17 (12) “…executed”

Ole Miss will play Miami in the Fiesta Bowl next Thursday.

Baton Rouge police arrest a 27-year-old man who shot a two-year-old on New Year’s Eve. Lt. L’Jean McKneely says Landrick Ruffin fired multiple rounds at a vehicle after he was approached by a woman in that vehicle, because the victim suspected that Ruffin was driving a stolen car…

Cut 3 (08) “…of the vehicle’

The two-year-old is in critical condition and Ruffin was later arrested and charged with six counts of attempted first degree murder.

The primary election for Louisiana’s U.S. Senate seat is in May and this year certain races including the senate race will have a closed party primary. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says registered no party voters can vote in the closed primaries, but the Secretary of State’s office and the campaigns will need to educate voters…

Cut 11 (11) “..to declare.”

From now on, holding a cell phone to your ear while driving could cost you a few bucks. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Several new laws went into effect with the new year that are designed to help lower auto insurance rates. One of the new laws will prohibit drivers that are considered 51-percent or more at fault for a wreck from receiving damages in a  civil lawsuit.

The Louisiana Department of Health says the state is getting one of the largest allocations of federal funding through the Rural Health Transportation Program – 208 million dollars. LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein (Green-steen) says this funding will improve healthcare access in rural communities, strengthen local healthcare systems and expand the number of available healthcare professionals

Cut 5 (08) “…entire state”

The transfer portal window is open in college football, and at the top of LSU’s shopping list is quarterback. There are some talented signal callers available, including Sam Leavitt, DJ Lagway, Brendan Sorsby, and Dylan Raiola. Yahoo Sports’ Nick Bromberg expects LSU to sign at least two QBs….

Cut 14 (12) “…2026 season”

With the New Year’s holiday upon us, the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone has been re-established. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

According to the state department of Health, Noah was the most popular boy for babies born in Louisiana in 2025. Liam, James, John and Elijah round out of the top five. Amelia is the most popular girl’s name, followed by Charlotte, Olivia, Emma and Eleanor.

At midnight tonight, fireworks will be popping across Louisiana. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ken Pastorick says children should be not be involved in the lighting of fireworks and that includes sparklers too…

Cut 9 (04) “….to melt metal”

Pastorick says the best thing to give kids are glow sticks.

The Superdome will host Ole Miss and Georgia in the Sugar Bowl tomorrow night, and the Rebels’ offense will be led by LSU Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis. Weis followed Lane Kiffin to Baton Rouge but agreed to stay on as the offensive play caller for Ole Miss’s playoff run. He says he’s had to balance prepping for Georgia with establishing a new regime at LSU with the transfer window fast approaching.

Cut 30 (08) “…distraction at all.”

The Sugar Bowl is set to kick off tomorrow at 7:00 and Kiffin will reportedly in the Dome to watch.

Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of the deadly terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. State Police is working with the National Guard to enforce the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone, which means backpack coolers, ice chests and large bags will not be allowed in this zone.

Vehicles are also prohibited from entering the zone – essentially Bourbon Street and one block in either direction. Glade Bilby, the president of The French Quarter Citizens, says he agrees with that move.

Cut 5 (08) “…are not driving.”

Louisiana State Parks wants residents to take a hike!  Assistant Secretary for Louisiana State Parks, Brandon Burris, says there will be free admission to State Parks on New Year’s Day and January 2^nd so people can begin the new year with a hike to connect with the outdoors…

Cut 10 (11) “….great hike” 

New LSU offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. talked about  his relationship with LSU head coach Lane Kiffin ahead of Ole Miss’ Sugar Bowl matchup with Georgia. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 29 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

LSU running back Harlem Berry will return for his sophomore season. Several media outlets report Berry has agreed to an NIL deal that will keep him in Tiger Town. Berry rushed for 491 yards this season and he was ranked as the nation’s number one running back coming out of St. Martin’s High School in Metairie.

If you’re planning on ringing in the new year in the French Quarter, there are things you need to know before you go, especially in light of what happened just after we rang in the start of this year. The French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone is re-established, encompassing an area bound by Canal, Royal, St. Ann and Dauphine streets. State Police Trooper Danny Berrincha says when entering that area, the best rule of thumb is to bring as few items with you as possible.

Cut 3 (09) “…to the entry.”

Personal injury attorney Morris Bart represents dozens of victims in last year’s terrorist attack and he says it’s time to get rid of the decorative bollards and install permanent barriers on Bourbon Street….

Cut 9 (07) “….heavy duty bollars”

Bart is calling on the incoming mayor, Helena Moreno, to close Bourbon Street down to vehicular traffic, especially on Frida and Saturday nights.

The 2025 Christmas holiday was a deadly one on Louisiana roadways. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Lafayette Consolidated Government has received an eight-million dollar grant to implement safety improvements along Johnston Street. From 2018 to 2022, eight people were seriously injured or killed between Bertrand Drive and Churchill drive on Johnston Street. Most of the victims were walking or biking.

Tourists are once again packing New Orleans to ring in the new year. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

National Guard troops have arrived in NOLA to provide security for the New Year’s celebrations. They were also in the city for last year’s Super Bowl and Mardi gras celebrations. The Guard has been deployed to the French Quarter and a New Orleans Police spokesperson says they are not involved in the ongoing immigration crackdown, Operation Catahoula Crunch.

Below freezing temperatures are expected for most of the state tonight and into tomorrow morning. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemine says the wind chill will make it feel even colder…

Cut 10 (05) “….over night tonight”

State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ken Pastorick says never resort to creative methods to heat your home, like running a gas stove. That will produce carbon monoxide, which will kill you. Pastorick also reminds you not to leave fires in fireplaces lit overnight.

Cut 7 (09) “…while you’re sleeping.”

84 people have died in house fires this year that’s more than the 73 reported for 2024.

Louisiana Tech is your Independence Bowl champions. The Bulldogs defeated Coastal Carolina 23 to 14 to finish the season 8-5. Tech’s defense forced three turnovers in the second half.