LRN PM Newscall January 13

Shreveport finalizes a deal with a company owned by entertainer 50 Cent to develop three entertainment venues in the city. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A 28-year-old Jennings woman who lost her unborn child is facing criminal charges after investigators determine it was drug use that killed the child. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A company owned by entertainer 50 Cent finalizes a deal to invest almost 125-million dollars to develop three entertainment venues in Shreveport. As part of his commitment, the state is providing up to 50-million dollars in performance-based funding for these three sites. Grant Nuckolls with Shreveport Film and Entertainment Economic Development says there are conditions attached to this funding.

Cut 3 (11) “…three through five.”

The project includes the renovation of the former Stageworks facility, the modernization of the former Millennium Studios and the construction of a dome-style venue. Nuckolls says if 50 Cent does not keep up with his end of the bargain, the state’s funding will go away.

Cut 4 (09) “…clawback provisions too.”

Nuckolls says one of the conditions of 50 Cent’s company, G-Unit Film and Television LLC, getting this money is that the work needs to be done in a timely manner.

Cut 5 (09) “…spent pretty quickly.”

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Small businesses open 2026 with optimism on the upswing. Leah Long is the Louisiana Director of the National Federation of Independent Business.

Cut 6 (06) “…heading into 2026.”

While the decrease in uncertainty has increased optimism among small business owners, Long says there are lingering concerns that they would like to see addressed in the new year.

Cut 7 (10) “…that in 2026.”

Long says one issue that is becoming a bigger issue for small business owners – one that President Trump is actively trying to rein in – is swipe fees.

Cut 8 (06) “…their swipe fees.”

Long says for example, some restaurants in the Baton Rouge area pay around 80-thousand dollars a year in swipe fees.

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A California doctor has been indicted on felony charges for allegedly trafficking abortion pills into Louisiana. Doctor Remy Coeytaux has been charged in St. Tammany Parish with Criminal Abortion by Means of Abortion Inducing Drugs. Attorney General Liz Murrill says her office is seeking to extradite Doctor Coeytaux to Louisiana…

Cut 9 (06)  “…our state.”

Coeytaux is also facing a lawsuit from a Texas man who alleges he illegally provided his girlfriend with abortion pills. Coeytaux has not responded to the accusations made against him.

According to court documents filed last year, Dr. Coeytaux mailed mifepristone, one of two medications commonly referred to as an abortion pill, to a woman who said she was forced to take them by her boyfriend. Murrill says Coeytaux is not providing healthcare, instead he’s dealing drugs…

Cut 10 (03) “…those doctors.”

The woman who received the abortion pills claims it was her boyfriend who used her email address to order the drugs and she never had any contact with the California physician. Prosecutors in Louisiana are also involved in a similar case with a doctor out of New York.

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A 28-year-old Jennings woman is facing criminal charges after cops in Jefferson Davis Parish determine her illegal drug use led to the death of her unborn child. Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes says Shandelynn Benoit has been charged with third-degree feticide….

Cut 11 (07) “…her pregnancy.”

Semmes says Benoit admitted to taking fentanyl and heroin to alleviate stomach pain….

Cut 12 (11) “…including death”

Semmes says his detectives have never investigated a case like this…

Cut 13 (07)  “…for this.”

Semmes says the person who supplied Benoit with the fentanyl has also been arrested.

2:30 LRN Newscast

A Jennings woman is facing third degree feticide charges after her unborn child died after she allegedly overdosed on fentanyl. Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes says Shandelynn Benoit admitted to taking fentanyl and heroin to alleviate stomach pain…

Cut 12 (11) “….including death”

Semmes says the man who supplied the fentanyl to Benoit has also been arrested.

A California doctor has been indicted on felony charges for allegedly mailing abortion pills to a woman in St. Tammany Parish. According to court documents, Dr. Remy Coeytaux mailed a medication known as an abortion pill, to a woman who said she was forced to take them by her boyfriend. Attorney General Liz Murrill says Coeytaux is not providing healthcare, instead he’s dealing drugs…

Cut 10 (03) “…those doctors.”

Prosecutors in Louisiana are also involved in a similar case with a doctor out of New York.

 

G-Unit Film and Television has finalized plans to invest more than 124 million dollars that will be used to develop three entertainment venues in Shreveport. They are the former Stageworks facility, modernizing the former Millenium Studios and the construction of the permanent G-Dome in downtown Shreveport. Louisiana is providing up to 50-million dollars in performance based funding, but Grant Nuckolls with Shreveport Film and Entertainment Economic Development says the work needs to be done in a timely manner…

Cut 5 (09) “…spent pretty quickly”

LED says these improvements will drive economic growth, tourism and help improve the region’s ability to support film and TV production.

The latest survey by the NFIB finds that small business optimism continues to climb as uncertainty has reached its lowest level since June of 2024. NFIB state director Leah Long says one issue becoming a bigger problem is swipe fees, the charges retailers have to pay to credit card companies when purchases are made with a credit or debit card….

Cut 8 (06) “…their swipe fees”

There is bipartisan legislation that’s trying to correct this issue. It’s called the Credit Card Competition Act, which has the support of President Trump.

1:30 LRN Newscast

Shreveport finalizes a deal with a company owned by entertainer 50 Cent to develop three entertainment venues in the city. 50 Cent is investing almost 125-million dollars, while the state is providing up to 50-million dollars in performance-based funding. Grant Nuckolls with Shreveport Film and Entertainment Economic Development says if 50 Cent does not keep up with his end of the bargain, the state’s funding will go away.

Cut 4 (09) “…clawback provisions too.”

Small businesses open 2026 with optimism on the upswing. Leah Long, the Louisiana Director of the National Federation of Independent Business, says while a decrease in uncertainty has increased optimism, there are lingering concerns that they would like to see addressed in the new year.

Cut 7 (10) “…that in 2026.”

A 28-year-old Jennings woman is facing criminal charges after cops in Jefferson Davis Parish determine her illegal drug use led to the death of her unborn child. Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes says Shandelynn Benoit has been charged with third-degree feticide.

Cut 11 (07) “…her pregnancy.”

Semmes says Benoit took the drugs to alleviate stomach pain. He says the person who supplied her with the fentanyl has also been arrested.

A California doctor has been indicted on felony charges for allegedly trafficking abortion pills into Louisiana. Doctor Remy Coeytaux has been charged in St. Tammany Parish with Criminal Abortion by Means of Abortion Inducing Drugs. According to court documents filed last year, Dr. Coeytaux mailed mifepristone to a woman who said she was forced to take them by her boyfriend. Coeytaux has not responded to the accusations. Prosecutors in Louisiana are also involved in a similar case with a doctor out of New York.

12:30 LRN Newscast

A California doctor has been indicted on felony charges for allegedly mailing abortion pills to a woman in St. Tammany Parish. According to court documents, Dr. Remy Coeytaux mailed mifepristone, one of two medications commonly referred to as an abortion pill, to a woman who said she was forced to take them by her boyfriend. Attorney General Liz Murrill says Coeytaux is not providing healthcare, instead he’s dealing drugs…

Cut 10 (03) “…those doctors.”

Prosecutors in Louisiana are also involved in a similar case with doctor out of New York.

Louisiana and G-Unit Film and Television and the state of Louisiana have finalize an agreement that will result in a 124-million dollar multi-phase initiative to develop three entertainment industry, related venues in northwest Louisiana. It’s part of an effort in Shreveport to bring large-scale media and entertainment ventures to northwest Louisiana. The state is providing up to 50—million dollars in performance based funding, but the work needs to be done in a timely manner….

Cut 5 (08) “…pretty quickly”

That’s Grant Nuckolls with Shreveport Film and Entertainment Economic Development.

 

Small businesses open 2026 with optimism on the upswing. Leah Long is the Louisiana Director of the National Federation of Independent Business.

Cut 6 (06) “…heading into 2026.”

While the decrease in uncertainty has increased optimism among small business owners, Long says there are lingering concerns that they would like to see addressed in the new year.

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.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Sam Leavitt, one of the top quarterbacks in the transfer portal according to multiple recruiting services, has signed with LSU. Leavitt has two more seasons of eligibility after throwing for 45-hundred yards, 34 touchdowns and just nine interceptions in two seasons at Arizona State. He also rushed for 749 yards and ten scores.

The Tigers leading rusher from 2025, Caden Durham, has taken his name out of the transfer portal, and will return to LSU for his junior season.  Durham has rushed for 12-hundred yards in his two seasons in Baton Rouge. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says good job by the LSU coaching staff to keep Durham a Tiger…

Cut 27 (11) “…Caden Durham”

And former LSU Tiger running back and Alexandria Senior High star, J-T Lindsey, is transferring to Ole Miss as he follows running backs coach Frank Wilson to Oxford.

 

An exciting night of hoops in the Southland Conference last night as UNO defeated Southeastern Louisiana 79 to 76. Coleton Benson hit a step back three-pointer with less than a second left to give the Privateers the victory.

Northwestern State defeated UTRGV 64 to 43 in Natchitoches. Izzy Miles made a free throw with one second left and that turned out to be the winning point. Micah Thomas led the way with 17 points, scoring 13 in the second half.

McNeese moved into first place in the Southland with a convincing 94 to 68 win over Nicholls. Six players scored in double figures for the Cowboys led by Larry Johnson who had 24 points and D-J Richards added 20. It’s the first loss in conference play for the Colonels, who will host Lamar on Saturday.

In the SWAC, Grambling lost its second straight game, falling to Florida A-and-M 91 to 84. Southern rallied to beat Bethune-Cookman 77 to 73. The Jags and the Tigers face each other on Saturday in Baton Rouge.

11:30 LRN Newscast

A California doctor has been indicted on felony charges for allegedly trafficking abortion pills into Louisiana. Dr. Remy Coeytaux has been charged in St. Tammany Parish with Criminal Abortion by Means of Abortion Inducing Drugs. Attorney General Liz Murrill says her office is seeking to extradite Dr. Coeytaux to Louisiana.

Cut 9 (06)  “…our state.”

A company owned by entertainer 50 Cent finalizes a deal to invest almost 125-million dollars to develop three entertainment venues in Shreveport. The state is providing up to 50-million dollars in performance-based funding for these three sites. Grant Nuckolls with Shreveport Film and Entertainment Economic Development says there are conditions attached to this funding.

Cut 3 (11) “…three through five.”

LSU football has one of the top transfer portal classes in the country. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Meanwhile, the exchange program between LSU and Ole Miss is alive and well. Former Alexandria Senior High running back J.T. Lindsey has announced that he’s transferring from LSU to Ole Miss. Lindsey missed the entire 2025 season due to a team suspension due to an arrest on charges that were ultimately dropped.

10:30 LRN Newscast

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, an infectious disease expert at LSU Health New Orleans, says one of the dominant strains infecting people is called H-3.

Cut 13 (03)  “…more severe disease”

Figueroa 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.

Lane Kiffin is off to a hot start as the head coach at LSU. Yesterday, he landed a pair of quarterback commitments – Sam Leavitt of Arizona State and Landen Clark of Elon. The Tigers are still going after redshirt freshman Husan (HOO-san) Longstreet of USC. Tiger Rag editor Glenn Guilbeau says it would be huge if Kiffin can pull off the trifecta.

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.”

A company owned by entertainer 50 Cent finalizes a deal to invest almost 125-million dollars to develop three entertainment venues in Shreveport. The project is expected to support more than six-thousand jobs.

9:30 AM LRN Newscast

Yesterday, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments over lawsuits filed by coastal parishes against oil and gas companies for damages to the coastline caused by drilling. These arguments come in the wake of a Plaquemines Parish jury awarding the parish almost 745-million dollars against Chevron last year. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says Chevron wants to move the cases to federal court, because those courts tend to be more conservative and defendant-friendly.

Cut 6 (09) “…companies are seeking.”

When you vote in the primary election this year, in some races, you will only be allowed to vote for candidates in your own party because federal offices, the State Supreme Court, the Public Service Commission and BESE races are now closed primaries. Steven Procopio, with the Public Affairs Research Council, says if you’re registered “no party affiliation,” then you can choose which your ballot.

Cut 11 (07) “..those party’s primaries.”

If you’re registered any party other than Republican or Democrat, you’re not allowed to vote in those primary races.

Not only did LSU land the top quarterback in the transfer portal yesterday but Sophomore running back Caden Durham announced he’s withdrawing his name from the portal to return to LSU. Tiger Rag magazine editor Glen Guilbeau says LSU’s new coaching staff had to repair their relationship with Durham after they went after Kewan Lacy of Ole Miss.

Cut 9 (11)  “…and Caden Durham.”

It’s not too late to get a flu shot. Though according to the latest data compiled by the Louisiana Department of Health, rates flu cases are decreasing, flu activity is still high. On WRKF radio in Baton Rouge, Dr. Julio Figueroa, an infectious disease expert at LSU Health New Orleans, says one of the dominant strains infecting people is called H3N2.

Cut 13 (03)  “…more severe disease.”

Figueroa says the vaccine may not prevent you from getting the flu, but it can prevent serious symptoms and with Mardi Gras parades and balls coming, it’s still a good idea.

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Closed party primaries are coming to this year’s elections for the State Supreme Court, the Public Service Commission and BESE races. Steven Procopio, the president of the Public Affairs Research Council, says double-check your party affiliation because.

Cut 10 (09) “…the Republican candidates.”

If you’re registered “no party affiliation,” then you can choose the ballot you vote. Those registered Independent or any party other than Democrat or Republican cannot vote in the primary.

Argument in lawsuits filed by coastal parishes against oil and gas companies for damages to the coastline caused by drilling were heard by the U.S. Supreme Court yesterday. The state says the cases should remain in state court. Chevron argued that those cases belong in federal court, citing 80-year-old federal contracts but Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says

Cut 5 (12) “…exploration and development.”

LSU football has one of the top transfer portal classes in the country. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The Louisiana Department of Health says the rates of flu cases is down, but flu activity is still high. On WRKF radio in Baton Rouge, Dr. Julio Figueroa, with LSU Health New Orleans, says the H3N2 strain is more severe but it’s still a good idea to get a flu shot with coming Mardi Gras parades and balls.

Cut 15 (10) “…then prevent hospitalization.”

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

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.”