It was an emotional final meeting of the legislative task force on hazing prevention. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

After the Louisiana Department of Health reported this season’s first child death from the, 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.

Cut 3 (07) “…around you healthy.”

According to CDC data, Louisiana currently has one of the highest rates of flu infections in the country.

Recently, Louisiana became 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 40,000 households and businesses in rural areas. Connect-LA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar says those in rural areas will soon be able to access affordable high-speed internet across the entire state.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the digital divide.”

The new Buc-ees location in Lafayette, 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) “…here soon.”

Buc-ees is expected to create between 150 to 200 jobs.

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

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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We now know the expected date for the opening of the Buc-ee’s in Lafayette. Andre Champagne has the update.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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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.”

Dr. Coleman says when washing your hands, do so thoroughly and use proper techniques.

Cut 4 (12) “…least 20 seconds.”

Coleman says certain instances in which you should wash your hands should be common knowledge by now – but others might not be.

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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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.”

His mother, 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.”

The task force was chaired by Jason Hughes, who stepped down as state representative last month as he prepares to be sworn in as a New Orleans city councilmember. He was emotional as he addressed Wilson’s parents.

Cut 8 (07) “…forth meaningful change.”

Lawmakers will present a series of recommendations in March when the legislative session opens. With Hughes’ departure, it’s unclear which member will sponsor the legislation.

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Recently, Louisiana became 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.”

Currently, 93-percent of Louisiana has access to affordable high-speed internet, but Connect L-A is working to connect the remaining seven-percent of the state, which includes 127-thousand households and businesses. With the BEAD agreement in place, Iyengar says those in rural areas will no longer have to overpay for mediocre service.

Cut 10 (06) “…done by 28.” 

Louisiana is expected to achieve statewide high-speed internet by 2028. Iyengar says Connect L-A is continuously working to ensure that the entire state’s need for connectivity is met.

Cut 11 (08) “…services to people.”

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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.”

The new 74-thousand-square-foot store will be one of the chain’s largest. Mitchell says it’s is expected to create as many as 200 new jobs.

Cut 13 (13)  “…jobs with benefits.”

The Lafayette Buc-ee’s will feature over 100 gas pumps and more than a dozen electric vehicle charging stations. Mitchell says there will be a high demand for both on the busy Interstate.

Cut 14 (11) “…and to travelers.”

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.”

Lawmakers will present a series of recommendations in March when the legislative session opens. With Hughes’ departure, it’s unclear who will sponsor the legislation.

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.

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 says they’re continuously working to ensure that the entire state’s need for connectivity is met.

Cut 11 (08) “…services to people.”

According to CDC data, Louisiana currently has one of the highest rates of flu infections in the country and the Louisiana Department of Health is reporting a child has died from the flu. Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman says to protect yourself from illness and prevent the spread of the flu, wash your hand thoroughly.

Cut 4 (12) “…least 20 seconds.”

There was emotional testimony at the final meeting of the Hazing Prevention Task Force. It was assembled following last year’s hazing death of Southern University Student Caleb Wilson. Wilson’s mother, 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.”

Lawmakers will present a series of recommendations in March when the legislative session opens.

Currently, 93% of Louisiana has access to affordable high-speed internet, but Connect LA is working to achieve the remaining 7% of the state, which includes 127,000 households and businesses. Since Louisiana now has a Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment agreement in place, Connect-LA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar says those in rural areas will no longer have to fight with overpaying for mediocre service.

Cut 10 (06) “…done by 28.” 

A high-profile quarterback that LSU reportedly had interest in signing has decided to stay at his current school. Demond Williams Jr. announced on Tuesday night that he was entering the transfer portal, but last night he announced he’s staying at Washington. Earlier this week, it seemed like former Arizona State Q-B Sam Leavitt was the Tigers top target. Tiger Rag-dot-com editor Glenn Guilbeau says LSU could see if Leavitt is still interested in the Tigers, but there is a health concern.

Cut 26 (07) “…the summer, probably.”

Some emotional testimony at the final meeting of the Hazing Prevention Task Force. The task force was assembled following the 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.”

Lawmakers will present a series of recommendations in March when the legislative session opens.

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.

I hope you enjoyed the heavenly temperatures over the last few days, because potentially severe storms are on the way. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm risk starts today.

Cut 13 (06)  “…winds and tornadoes.”

All this, as a cold front comes through the state. Keim says tomorrow will be a transitional day before temperatures really start to plummet.

Louisiana recently became 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-LA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar says they will soon be able to access high-speed internet at the same prices as their more urban counterparts.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the digital divide.”

Lane Kiffin and LSU landed a top-100 player in the transfer portal early on Friday morning from sophomore defensive end Jordan Ross of Tennessee. The 6-5, 245-pounder out of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, is rated as the No. 14 edge rusher in the transfer portal. Coming out of high school, Ross was rated as the No. 1 edge rusher in the country and the No. 9 overall player in the Class of 2024.

The transfer portal window opened last Friday and LSU has yet to sign a quarterback and it is unclear who Q-B 1 will be in 2026. Washington sophomore quarterback Demond Williams Junior seemed like he could be the guy, but the talented signal caller announced yesterday he’s staying at Washington. The Tigers currently have no scholarship quarterbacks on the roster.

Last night, Miami defeated Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl 31-27 to advance to the national championship game on January 19th. Carson Beck scored the game-winning touchdown with a 3-yard scramble with just 18 seconds left on the clock. For the first time in the CFP era, a team will play for a national championship in their home stadium.

A couple of key transfer portal players are in Baton Rouge today for their visits to LSU. Elon redshirt freshman quarterback Landen Clark is among them. Clark is rated as the No. 74 quarterback in the portal. Illinois redshirt sophomore wide receiver Malik Elzy is also visiting the Tigers.

Last night, the twelfth-ranked LSU women’s basketball team won its first SEC game of the season, defeating Georgia in Athens by a score of 8-59. Senior guard Flau’jae Johnson led the team in scoring with 25 points in her return to her home state. Johnson reached 1,800 career points in the win. Her 1,816 points rank ninth in program history.

The LSU men’s basketball team looks to pick up their first SEC win of the season tomorrow in Nashville as the Tigers take on No. 11 Vanderbilt at noon. Senior guard DJ Thomas’ status is uncertain after missing the last two games with a lower leg injury.

McNeese State basketball looks to win its third straight game tomorrow when the Cowboys host Southeastern at 4 p.m.

Nicholls men’s basketball looks to remain unbeaten in Southland play tomorrow as the Colonels are on the road to take on the University of New Orleans.

Spring-like temperatures come to an end in Louisiana this weekend, for the time being. A cold front will bring storms today and tomorrow and will send temperatures plummeting starting Sunday. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says as you make your way into work in the early part of next week, you’ll want to bring your jacket with you, as overnight lows will get down into the 30s.

Cut 15 (09) “…in those temperatures.”

The Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families has merged with the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children. LPIC CEO Libbie Sonnier says the two organizations had worked closely together for years, including launching the Geaux Far Louisiana initiative in 2021.

Cut 4 (13) “…Geaux Far Louisiana work.”

King Cake season is underway in Louisiana, and Colleen Crain says a healthy option is once again available.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Businesses with internship and apprenticeship programs can now save a few bucks. Those businesses can take advantage of new tax incentives for those programs – up to 25-hundred dollars for each intern or apprentice. There are certain conditions – they must be paid and must work at least 100 hours in a tax year, among others.

Heavenly weather gives way to storms and cold air, starting today. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front coming through the state will bring thunderstorms, with a slight to moderate risk of severity. He says tomorrow will be a transitional day before temperatures really start to plummet. 

Cut 14 (10) “…Friday and Saturday.”

It’s King Cake season in Louisiana; and once again, Ochsner Health is offering its Eat Fit King Cake. Marie Page with Ochsner Eat Fit says Ochsner Health introduced the healthier King Cake about four years ago.

Cut 10 (08) “…the grocery stores.”

The Eat Fit King Cake is grain-free, sugar-free, gluten-free and has no artificial colors. Thus, it has 93-percent fewer carbs, four times the protein and two and a half times the fiber of a typical King Cake.

A quarterback that LSU was reportedly interested in signing has decided he will not transfer. So where do Lane Kiffin and company go from here? Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

A federal judge dismisses a lawsuit that had required the DeSoto Parish School District to end segregation and provide regular progress reports. The lawsuit was filed back in 1967. On social media, Attorney General Liz Murrill says the dismissal comes following a lack of disputes between the parties for the last ten years. The dismissal means that control returns to the school district from the federal government.

I hope you enjoyed the heavenly temperatures over the last few days, because potentially severe storms are on the way. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm risk starts today.

Cut 13 (06)  “…winds and tornadoes.”

All this, as a cold front comes through the state. Keim says tomorrow will be a transitional day before temperatures really start to plummet.

It’s King Cake season in Louisiana; and once again, Ochsner Health is offering its Eat Fit King Cake. Marie Page with Ochsner Eat Fit says it’s available at more places than ever this year.

Cut 12 (08) “…one in Arkansas.”

The Eat Fit King Cake is grain-free, sugar-free, gluten-free and has no artificial colors. Thus, it has 93-percent fewer carbs, four times the protein and two and a half times the fiber of a typical King Cake.

Back to the drawing board for LSU after Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. decides to stay put. Lane Kiffin and company have their sights set on Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt. Kiffin is also looking at a couple quarterbacks from lower levels – Tiger Rag Magazine editor Glenn Guilbeau says Kiffin is known to work magic with quarterbacks.

Cut 9 (09)  “…quite a quarterback.”

Two organizations that advocate for children and families in Louisiana join forces. The Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families merged with the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, effective at the beginning of this year. LPIC CEO Libbie Sonnier says the merger will be beneficial from a financial standpoint as well, with the organization being able to maximize the limited funds it has.

Cut 6 (08) “…State of Louisiana.”

More details on the State Police Investigation of a deputy involved shooting death in Ville Platte that begin with a four-wheeler chase on Tuesday.  Authorities have identified the man killed as 24 year old Dylan Savoie.  Detectives say it all began when Savoie refused a traffic stop, ran the four-wheeler into a ditch, and fled on foot.  During the foot pursuit, we’re told Savoie fired a gun at deputies and they returned fire, hitting him.  Savoie was taken to the hospital but died of his injuries.

The LSU football Tigers are still looking for another quarterback.  Now that Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. has announced he’s staying at Washington. Tiger Rag-dot-com editor Glenn Guilbeau…

Cut 8 (09) “…at Ole Miss.”

Guilbeau says the Tigers could still get Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt. But says even if Leavitt decides to come here, he would miss Spring football after a recent foot surgery.

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King Cake season is underway in Louisiana, and Colleen Crain says a healthy option is once again available.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

After some really mild weather this week, experts say Louisiana’s seeing some changes with storms beginning today ahead of a cold front. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says by Monday morning, we’ll be sing low temperatures in the 30’s.

Cut 15 (09) “…in those temperatures.”