20 men, six of whom had played college basketball for Louisiana teams at one point, are indicted in connection with a point shaving scheme. Four Louisiana programs are among the 17 involved – New Orleans, Tulane, Nicholls and Northwestern State. U.S. Attorney David Metcalf says it started when gamblers Marves (MAR-viss) Fairley and Shane Hennen conspired with former LSU star Antonio Blakeney, who was playing professionally in China at the time, to fix professional games in China; and when those proved to be profitable, they moved the operation stateside and into the world of college basketball.

Cut 5 (14) “…in the game.”

And those intentional sub-par performances would cause their teams to lose by margins greater than the point spread. Blakeney was not named in the indictment but was indicted elsewhere.

There is the possibility south Louisiana could see a very light snowfall this weekend. A strong cold front will push through the state Saturday, and any lingering precipitation has the potential to turn into snow early Sunday morning. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says if it does snow, it’s unlikely to accumulate, so you won’t be able to break out your cross country skis.

Cut 11 (10) “…Gulf of Mexico.”

Governor Landry announced that the Louisiana Fiscal Responsibility Program has found hundreds of millions of dollars in savings within state government. Angelle Davis, the former commissioner of administration, worked with the Louisiana DOGE team and says it was a team effort throughout state government to eliminate wasteful spending and improve government efficiency.

Cut 7 (12) “…only 17 departments.”

Governor Jeff Landry announced that the Louisiana Fiscal Responsibility Program that he established in December of 2024 has found hundreds of millions of dollars in savings within state government. The program is led by Fiscal Responsibility Czar Steve Orlando…

Cut 6 (11) “…live within its means”

Landry’s Fiscal Responsibility Program was inspired by President Trump’s DOGE initiative.

There is the possibility south Louisiana could see a very light snowfall this weekend. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a strong cold front will push through the state on Saturday and any lingering precipitation has the potential to turn into snow early Sunday morning…

Cut 9 (09) “….around here”

Keim says if it does snow, it’s unlikely to accumulate.

A major federal indictment involving basketball point shaving has several Louisiana ties, with six of the 16 players indicted having played for Louisiana college teams…

Cut 1 (51) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A massive federal basketball point shaving indictment has Louisiana ties. Six of the 17 current or former players indicted in the scheme to rig basketball games for profit played for a Louisiana collegiate program at one point. The indictment was unsealed this morning in Philadelphia and announced by David Metcalf, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Cut 3 (14) “…for monetary gain.”

Metcalf says it started when former LSU star Antonio Blakeney, who was not named in the indictment but was indicted elsewhere, and others colluded to fix professional games in China; and when those proved to be profitable, they moved the operation stateside and into the world of U.S. college basketball. Four Louisiana schools are among the 17 named.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill went to Washington, D-C, to urge the Food and Drug Administration to end its mail-order abortion pill policy. Murrill says out of state doctors are dispensing the abortion pill mifepristone through the mail to pregnant women in Louisiana, and the results in many cases are devastating.

Cut 7 (14) “…in a toilet.”

If you need to sign up or renew your health insurance through HealthCare-dot-gov, you have until midnight tonight to do so. Mike Bertaut, a healthcare economist with Louisiana Blue, says for some people, there’s a very important change that will have a major impact on their budgets.

Cut 23 (11) “…of January 1st.”

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is urging the F-D-A to put tighter restrictions on the dispensing of abortion pills through the mail. Murrill says the Biden Administration changed a regulation that allows for women to receive an abortion pill without having to make an in person visit with a doctor and Murrill questions whether these individuals prescribing the drugs are actually doctors…

Cut 8 (04) “….health care”

But Democrats say mifefpristone, which is the main drug in question, has been shown to be safe and effective and accused Republicans of trying to implement broader abortion restrictions.

A memorial service takes place later today for former northeast Louisiana state Senator and judge Bob Kostelka, who passed away over the weekend at the age of 92. State Representative Francis Thompson knew Kostelka as a legislator and as a prosecutor, judge….

Cut 15 (07) “…right thing”

Monroe Police have arrested a 14-year-old who is a suspect in a fatal shooting of a 17-year-old. Authorities say Rayveon Lewis was taken into custody without incident. Lewis allegedly shot two 17-year-olds on December 28^th, one of victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries, the other died at the hospital.

If you need to sign up for or renew your health insurance through HealthCare-dot-gov, time is running out for this year. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana has filed a federal lawsuit to block the FDA’s rule allowing abortion pills to be sent through the mail. Attorney General Liz Murrill. She says the Biden administration removed a policy that required in-person dispensing, and that has allowed women to obtain mifepristone through the mail from out of state doctors.

Cut 26 (16) “…medical professional.”

Physicians for Reproductive Health say studies show that mifepristone is safe and effective. In Louisiana, it can only be prescribed in hospital settings.

A bills the Senate is expected to take up a bill that includes 350-million dollars for 51 Louisiana projects including 137 million dollars Atchafalaya River basin flood work. Senator Bill Cassidy says it is critical and the money for these projects would actually be less than the money spent last year.

Cut 11 (12) “…help communities recover.”

If you need to sign up or renew your health insurance through HealthCare-dot-gov, you have until midnight tonight. Mike Bertaut, a healthcare economist with Louisiana Blue, says enhanced tax credits were eliminated on January 1^st but that does not mean that there’s no assistance available for anyone.

Cut 5 (10) “…dramatically or disappeared.”

New coverage or changes to existing coverage will take effect February 1st.

A memorial service for former Louisiana State Senator Robert Kostelka will be held today. Kostelka who also served as a district attorney and judge for Ouachita and Morehouse parishes, was 92. He was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in 2022.  He wrote legislation addressing child support, consumer protection, healthcare and education. Representative Francis Thompson served alongside him…

Cut 14 (11) “…develop this state.”

Visitation will be held from five until seven this evening at the Mulhearn Funeral Home in Monroe.

Louisiana has filed a federal lawsuit to block the FDA’s rule allowing abortion pills to be sent through the mail. Attorney General Liz Murrill. She testified at a U.S. Senate hearing on chemical abortion drugs and had this exchange with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.

Cut 9 (15)  “…why it happens.”

Physicians for Reproductive Health say studies show that mifepristone is safe and effective. In Louisiana, it can only be prescribed in hospital settings.

ICE agents arrested two dump truck drivers who were making their way to the Meta Data site in Richland Parish. Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office says the ICE agents was assisting them with traffic stops involving the trucks. The drivers were from Guatamala and Honduras. ICE agents did not enter the Meta Data site but are reportedly checking the immigration status of workers.

A man who allegedly kidnapped a Louisiana teenager is under arrest. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (27) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The deadline to sign up for or renew health insurance through HealthCare-dot-gov is midnight tonight, and Mike Bertaut with Louisiana Blue, says the enhanced assistance for many was eliminated on January 1^st. Assistance is still available for some.

Cut 6 (13) “…at their workplace.”

New coverage or changes to existing coverage will take effect February 1st.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill went to Washington, D-C, to urge the Food and Drug Administration to end its mail-order abortion pill policy. Murrill says out of state doctors are dispensing the abortion pill mifepristone through the mail to pregnant women in Louisiana, and the results in many cases are devastating.

Cut 7 (14) “…in a toilet.”

In Louisiana, Mifepristone can only be prescribed in hospital settings.

New Special Envoy to Greenland, Governor Jeff Landry will be in Washington to discuss his role in the U.S. acquiring the Danish territory. President Trump says the U.S. needs the territory for security and is in a better position to protect it from Russia and China. Officials from Greenland and Denmark with Vice President Vance yesterday. Earlier this month Landry said he was interested in getting to know the people of Greenland and would visit in March as he accepted an invitation to a prestigious dog sled race there. The Greenland Dog Sledding Association says they want to know who invited a Foreign political actor and called the invitation inappropriate.

If you need to sign up for or renew your health insurance through HealthCare-dot-gov, time is running out for this year. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A bill that included over 350 million dollars for 51 Louisiana projects is up for discussion in the Senate today. One of the projects provides 137-million dollars for Atchafalaya River basin flood control. Senator Bill Cassidy says it’s critical and is part of the greater infrastructure project to protect the coastal parishes of St. Mary, Terrebonne and Lafourche.

Cut 12 (07) “…control that water”

If you need to sign up or renew your health insurance through HealthCare-dot-gov, you have until midnight tonight to do so. Mike Bertaut, a healthcare economist with Louisiana Blue, says for some people, there’s a very important change that will have a major impact on their budgets.

Cut 4 (11) “…of January 1st.”

This week, the Senate is expected to take up a bill that includes more than 350-million dollars in earmarks for 51 projects in Louisiana. One of those projects would dedicate over 137-million dollars for flood control work in the Atchafalaya River basin. Senator Bill Cassidy says preventing high water in the Atchafalaya River basin is critical.

Cut 10 (13) “…thar backwater flow.”

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says it’s time for the F-D-A to tighten its rules on the mailing of abortion drugs. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A memorial service takes place today for former Louisiana State Senator Robert Kostelka, who passed away Saturday at age of 92. Kostelka also served as a district attorney and judge for Ouachita and Morehouse parishes. Kostelka was in the state senate from 2003 to 2016 and served alongside longtime Francis Thompson, who is now a House member. Thompson calls Kostelka a good man.

Cut 13 (07)  “…it to be.”

If you need to sign up for or renew your health insurance through HealthCare-dot-gov, time is running out for this year. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says it’s time for the F-D-A to tighten its rules on the mailing of abortion drugs. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

A man who allegedly kidnapped a Louisiana teenager is under arrest. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (27) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________________

If you need to sign up or renew your health insurance through HealthCare-dot-gov, you have until midnight tonight to do so. Mike Bertaut, a healthcare economist with Louisiana Blue, says for some people, there’s a very important change that will have a major impact on their budgets.

Cut 4 (11) “…of January 1st.”

Bertaut says the elimination of the enhanced tax credits does not mean that there’s no assistance available for everyone.

Cut 5 (10) “…dramatically or disappeared.”

Bertaut says in order to buy health insurance on HealthCare-dot-gov, there are a few requirements.

Cut 6 (13) “…at their workplace.”

New coverage or changes to existing coverage will take effect February 1st.

________________________________________________________

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill went to Washington, D-C, to urge the Food and Drug Administration to end its mail-order abortion pill policy. Murrill says out of state doctors are dispensing the abortion pill mifepristone through the mail to pregnant women in Louisiana, and the results in many cases are devastating.

Cut 7 (14) “…in a toilet.”

Murrill testified at a U.S. Senate hearing on chemical abortion drugs. Mifepristone is a Schedule Four controlled substance in Louisiana. It can be prescribed in Louisiana, but only in hospital inpatient settings.

Murrill says the Biden administration removed a policy that required in-person dispensing, and that has allowed women to obtain mifepristone through the mail from out of state doctors.

Cut 8 (04) “…not health care.”

Murrill says pro-abortion advocacy groups estimate there are now 900 illegal abortions per month in Louisiana. Louisiana’s attorney general had this exchange with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.

Cut 9 (15)  “…why it happens.”

Louisiana has filed a federal lawsuit to block the FDA’s rule allowing abortion pills to be sent through the mail. Physicians for Reproductive Health say hundreds of studies have determined that mifepristone is effective and safe.

______________________________________________________________

Among the three appropriations bills the Senate is expected to take up this week is one that includes more than 350-million dollars in earmarks for 51 projects in Louisiana. One of those projects would dedicate more than 137-million dollars towards construction and maintenance for flood control work in the Atchafalaya River basin. Senator Bill Cassidy says preventing high water in the Atchafalaya River basin is critical.

Cut 10 (13) “…thar backwater flow.”

Cassidy says the money for these projects would actually be less than the money spent last year.

Cut 11 (12) “…help communities recover.”

Cassidy says the project is part of the greater infrastructure project to protect the coastal parishes of St. Mary, Terrebone and Lafourche.

Cut 12 (07) “…control that water”

_____________________________________________________________

A memorial service takes place today for former Louisiana State Senator Robert Kostelka, who passed away Saturday at age of 92. Kostelka also served as a district attorney and judge for Ouachita and Morehouse parishes. Kostelka was in the state senate from 2003 to 2016 and served alongside longtime Francis Thompson, who is now a House member. Thompson calls Kostelka a good man.

Cut 13 (07)  “…it to be.”

Kostelka was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in 2022.  The Louisiana Political Hall of Fame says he wrote legislation addressing child support, consumer protection, healthcare and education. Thompson says Kostelka was an effective legislator.

Cut 14 (11) “…develop this state.”

Thompson says he also knew Kostelka when he was a prosecutor and judge.

Cut 15 (06) “…the right thing.”

A memorial visitation for Kostelka will be held from five until seven this evening at the Mulhearn Funeral Home in Monroe. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.

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The 2026 LSU baseball season is just about a month away. The defending national champions are ranked as the preseason number-two team by D1Baseball-dot-com. As the team prepares for its home opener against Milwaukee, head coach Jay Johnson says Grand Canyon transfer Zach Yorke looks like the clear-cut starter at first base.

Cut 16 (14) “…that we have.”

After winning the 2025 College World Series, LSU had to replace all of its starting infielders, except for shortstop Steven Milam. At third base, the Tigers are looking to replace Michael Braswell, who only had three errors in 65 games last season. Johnson says one player is standing out.

Cut 17 (12)  “…trending right now.”

There will be another position battle at second base. Johnson says the position has lots of depth and says he could see multiple Tigers playing there.

Cut 18 (17)  “…third base mix.”

Johnson also says freshmen Jack Ruckert and Ethan Clauss are fighting for playing time in the infield.

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USC freshman transfer quarterback Husan (HOO-sahn) Longstreet of USC became the third portal quarterback addition for LSU on Wednesday. Longstreet joins Sam Leavitt of Arizona State and Landen Clark of Elon in what will be an uber-talented 2026 room. Mike Detillier of WWL radio says Lane Kiffin was able to pick up all three due to his successful track record of developing quarterbacks.

Cut 19 (15) “…of Trinidad Chambliss.”

247Sports has Longstreet as its number-six quarterback in the transfer portal. Detillier says the former five-star quarterback could be the Tigers’ quarterback for the future, but he also believes there’s a way that he could see quality snaps this season.

Cut 20 (20) “…on the field.”