Northeast Louisiana has started the daunting task of recovery following last week’s ice storm. The damage is not limited to what you can see on the outside from your car. With many people losing power for days on end, they were left with refrigerators full of spoiled food. Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis says that’s been keeping the local food bank very busy. 

Cut 9 (08)  “…in spoiled food.”

Delta Utilities customers who are struggling to pay their bills due to financial hardship can get some help. The company is partnering with the United Way in launching DU Cares, giving qualifying customers 250 dollars towards their natural gas bills one time in a 12-month period. Sarah McLaughlin Porteous (PORT-ee-uhs) with Delta Utilities says the response so far has been very encouraging.

Cut 6 (09) “…than 300 applications.”

In all likelihood, legendary Saints quarterback Drew Brees will be announced tonight as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Luke Johnson covers the Saints for the Advocate and says while Brees’ statistics are certainly impressive, the impact Brees had on the Saints franchise is immeasurable.

Cut 14 (09) “…run of success.”

Lane Kiffin spoke to the media yesterday for the first time since being hired as LSU’s head football coach. Over the past couple of weeks, Kiffin and his staff traveled across the country to get a head start on recruiting the Class of 2027. He says his trips in Louisiana have stood out.

Cut 12 (14) “…it’s awesome.”

A state representative from St. Bernard Parish files a bill that would make using images of children to create A-I deepfakes of a sexual nature illegal. Republican Michael Bayham says because it’s such a new technology, A-I is currently not addressed in Louisiana statutes.

Cut 10 (12) “…particularly our children.”

With the next Sugar Bowl being a College Football Playoff Semifinal, the game will be played January 15th, 2027. Not only will it be the latest Sugar Bowl in history, but the teams won’t even be known until after New Year’s Day. Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says that in no way will diminish the turnout or the excitement leading up to the game.

Cut 4 (09) “…excitement around them.”

Four state lawmakers are looking to make the jump to Congress. Jeff Palermo has more on the race to replace Julia Letlow in Louisiana’s 5th Congressional district.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A deadly stabbing at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola. The West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested 43-year-old Dominican Republic native Melvin Lopez for the murder of 35-year-old Jonathan Robertson, who was serving 75 years for armed robbery. Lopez has been at the prison since 2017 and is serving a life sentence for murder.

Using images of children to create A-I deepfake images of a sexual nature would be illegal if a state lawmaker has his way. Representative Michael Bayham has filed a bill that would classify deepfake content involving children as child sex abuse material if it’s sexually explicit in nature.

Cut 9 (08)  “…abused and exploited.”

Even though Blake Miguez is running for a U.S. House seat in a district he doesn’t live in, that’s perfectly legal – the only requirement is that he live in the state. Still, USA Today Network’s Greg Hilburn says Miguez’s opponents are hitting him hard on that fact.

Cut 7 (10) “…Senator Miguez.”

The primary election is May 16th; qualifying is next week – February 11th through the 13th.

The next Sugar Bowl will be the latest one in its 90-plus-year history. Because it’s a College Football Playoff Semifinal, it will take place Friday, January 15th, 2027. Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says while it breaks tradition, it’s for the best.

Cut 3 (09) “…be in it.”

The Sugar Bowl at the end of the 2027 season will be New Year’s Eve, before the Superdome hosts the National Championship Game for that season January 24th, 2028.

Cut 26 (02) (SFX ends)

It’s a pretty safe bet that Drew Brees will hear that sound on his front door tomorrow from a Pro Football Hall of Famer, letting him know that he’s a member of the Class of 2026. Luke Johnson covers the Saints for the Advocate and says it would be shocking if Brees is not a first-ballot hall of famer.

Cut 13 (05)  “…Drew Brees’ name.”

Four state lawmakers are looking to make the jump to Congress. Jeff Palermo has more on the race to replace Julia Letlow in the 5th Congressional district.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

If your kids dread going to school on Mondays, perhaps you should consider moving to East Feliciana Parish. That’s because schools there will be moving to a four-day schedule starting this fall – Tuesday through Friday, with slightly longer days. The school board says this is to give students more time to focus on high-quality instruction.

Using images of children to create A-I deepfakes of a sexual nature would be illegal if a state lawmaker has his way. Representative Michael Bayham has filed a bill that would classify such content as child sex abuse material. The Republican from St. Bernard Parish says because it’s such a new technology, A-I is currently not addressed in Louisiana statutes.

Cut 10 (12) “…particularly our children.”

The Sugar Bowl announces the dates of its next two games – and both are in the calendar year 2027. The game for next season is not until January 15th, since it’s a CFP Semifinal, and the game for the 2027 season is New Year’s Eve. Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says the College Football Playoff works around the NFL when scheduling its games.

Cut 5 (10) “…to work with.”

A survey on the Republican Senate primary shows Congresswoman Julia Letlow is the favorite among GOP voters. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The largest flood reduction project in Louisiana history moves forward after St. Tammany Parish secures almost four-million dollars in federal funding. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Almost four months after two girls were killed in a house fire in Shreveport, two people are arrested, with two more to follow. Jeff Palermo reports one of the suspects is the girls’ grandmother.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Families in north Louisiana that rely on SNAP will see additional benefits because of the ice storm. Officials say there are thousands of households who have less money and less food because of road closures and extended power outages. Louisiana Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen)…

Cut 4 (12) “…their SNAP benefits.”

Greenstein says SNAP recipients in eight parishes in north Louisiana will receive an additional 20-percent of their January benefits. He says these individuals will not have to do anything additional to receive these added benefits and this will help thousands.

Cut 5 (07) “…by February 11th.”

Governor Landry says there is also assistance available for small businesses that lost revenue due to the ice storm. The governor says small business disaster loans are available to businesses in 19 north and central Louisiana parishes.

Cut 6 (08) “…on their feet.”

The deadline to apply is November 2nd.

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A new poll finds that Congresswoman Julia Letlow is the preferred choice of Republican primary voters. The survey of 600 voters conducted by pollster Greg Rigamer finds Letlow receiving 27-percent of the vote to incumbent Bill Cassidy’s 21-percent. Business lobbyist Alton Ashy paid for the poll.

Cut 7 (08) “…getting re-elected.”

But Cassidy’s campaign has its own poll conducted by Republican firm Public Opinion Strategies. It shows Cassidy getting 32-percent of the Republican primary vote to Letlow’s 21-percent. Cassidy says the race is about who has delivered for Louisiana.

Cut 8 (07) “…and other things.”

The Rigamer survey shows Letlow leading Cassidy 57-22 percent in a head to head matchup. The survey also finds that only 22-percent of Republican primary voters believe Cassidy deserves reelection. Ashy, who has been around Louisiana politics for decades, says President Trump’s endorsement of Letlow is a key factor.

Cut 9 (07)  “…anybody overcoming that.”

Ashy organized fundraisers for both Letlow and Governor Landry during Washington Mardi Gras.

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St. Tammany Parish will move forward with the largest single flood reduction initiative in state history. This, after it secures nearly four-million dollars in federal funding for a pair of projects. Michael Vinsanau with St. Tammany Parish says most of the money will go towards the St. Tammany Coastal Storm and Flood Risk Management Project.

Cut 10 (12) “…the entire parish.”

The remaining federal funding will go towards the Lake Pontchartrain Storm Surge Reduction Project. Vinsanau says with the total price tag for the two projects just shy of six-billion dollars, the federal funds will come in very handy.

Cut 11 (11) “…of Southeast Louisiana.”

Vinsanau says while the start of construction is still many years away, the securing of the federal funds advances those projects further than ever before.

Cut 12 (12) “…your next step.”

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In October, two young sisters were killed in a house fire in Shreveport – and now, two people, including their grandmother, have been arrested. Shreveport Fire Chief Clarence Reese Jr. announced the arrest of 50-year-old Rita Montgomery in connection with the fire that killed eight-year-old Aaliyah Robinson and five-year-old Danielle Spearman. Reese listed the laundry list of charges Montgomery is facing.

Cut 13 (12)  “…and criminal conspiracy.”

Reese also announced the arrest of 45-year-old Alonza Cooksey; he’s charged with prohibited activities and sanctions, and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. Reese says these arrests are the result of a long, careful and evidence-driven investigation.

Cut 14 (09) “…the right way.”

Reese says both Montgomery and Cooksey lived in the home with the two girls. He said investigators have not established a motive at this time. Reese said his heart remains with the families of Aaliyah and Danielle.

Cut 15 (10) “…not forget them.”

Reese says arrest warrants are also out for two additional people – Sherika Spearman and Bobby Grant. Both will be charged with contributing to the delinquency of juveniles.

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The UL-Lafayette men’s basketball team has won three of its last four games, and the Cajuns look to keep it hot as they’re at James Madison tonight. With the team’s recent success, Cajuns head coach Quannas White says he wants his team to remain humble.

Cut 16 (17) “…and be consistent.”

The Cajuns lost 10 straight games at the beginning of the season, but the team still has a chance at making the postseason, sitting only three games behind first place in the Sun Belt. White says he always believed his team would turn things around.

Cut 17 (18)  “…go to work.”

Tipoff is at six p.m.

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Louisiana Tech men’s basketball looks to bounce back from a loss to Sam Houston tonight, as the Bulldogs host New Mexico State. Tech is 5-5 in Conference USA play, but head coach Talvin Hester wants his team to continue improving, as anything can happen in March.

Cut 18 (13)  “…that last game.”

Junior guard D.J. Dudley has scored 20 or more points in the last four games for the Bulldogs. Hester says Dudley is a special player for several reasons.

Cut 19 (16) “…by the day.”

Tipoff is 6:30 p.m.

Two people are arrested in connection with an October house fire in Shreveport that killed two girls. One of them is the girls’ grandmother, 50-year-old Rita Montgomery. The other suspect is 45-year-old Alonza Cooksey. Shreveport Fire Chief Clarence Reese Jr. says these arrests are the result of a long, careful and evidence-driven investigation.

Cut 14 (09) “…the right way.”

Blake Miguez ends his campaign for U.S. Senate and is now instead running for the now-open fifth district U.S. House seat. It comes after President Trump endorsed Julia Letlow, prompting her to enter the Senate race. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it underscores how weird of an election cycle this has been. 

Cut 7 (10) “…doing what tomorrow.”

By the end of the week, 17 ponds across the state will be stocked with Rainbow Trout. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

One person is hurt after a natural gas pipeline explodes in Cameron Parish. It happened near Johnson Bayou and Holly Beach this morning. The person injured is an operator at the Delfin LNG pipeline; the Cameron Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness says his injuries are minor. No word on the cause of the explosion.

In October, two young sisters were killed in a house fire in Shreveport – and now, two people, including their grandmother, have been arrested. 50-year-old Rita Montgomery and 45-year-old Alonza Cooksey are arrested in connection with the fire that killed eight-year-old Aaliyah Robinson and five-year-old Danielle Spearman. Shreveport Fire Chief Clarence Reese Jr. says Montgomery is facing a slew of charges.

Cut 14 (12) “…and criminal conspiracy.”

Blake Miguez ends his run for U.S. Senate and is instead running for U.S. House in the fifth district – the seat being vacated by Julia Letlow. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says after President Trump endorsed Letlow last month, Miguez saw the writing on the wall.

Cut 6 (07) “…for her seat.”

In its annual State of Tobacco Control report card, the American Lung Association gives Louisiana grades that would get it sent to its room with no dinner. Director of Advocacy Eric Weinzettle says for instance, the state needs to do a better job in getting the word out that low dose CT lung cancer screening tests are covered by insurance for those considered to be high-risk for lung cancer.

Cut 4 (12) “…last 15 years.”

LDWF plans to complete the stocking of adult-size Rainbow Trout at 17 community ponds across the state this week. Fisheries Outreach Biologist Jonathan Porter says anglers are encouraged to keep their catch, as the trout are meant to be harvested before temperatures begin to rise.

Cut 11 (11) “…reproduce.”

After President Trump endorses Julia Letlow for U.S. Senate, State Senator Blake Miguez is ending his Senate campaign and is instead running for the fifth district U.S. House seat that Letlow is vacating. Miguez is the second candidate to drop out of the Senate race in the wake of Trump’s endorsement, following Julie Emerson’s withdrawal, and political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he doubts Miguez will be the last.

Cut 8 (11) “…the president’s lead.”

Louisiana earns low to failing grades in the American Lung Association’s annual State of Tobacco Control report card. The association says those considered to be at risk of lung cancer can have low-dose CT scans covered by insurance, and Director of Advocacy Eric Weinzettle says the state needs to do a much better job in informing them of that fact.

Cut 5 (06) “…low-dose CT scans.”

By the end of the week, 17 ponds across the state will be stocked with rainbow trout. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

An assistant principal at a Baton Rouge magnet middle school is arrested in connection with an illegal gambling operation at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center. State Police arrested McKinley Middle Magnet Assistant Principal April Scott yesterday evening, just hours after the department of public safety and corrections addressed staffing at the facility amid a string of unexpected deaths.

Blake Miguez ends his campaign for U.S. Senate and is now instead running for the now-open fifth district U.S. House seat. It comes after President Trump endorsed Julia Letlow, prompting her to enter the Senate race. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it underscores how weird of an election cycle this has been. 

Cut 7 (10) “…doing what tomorrow.”

Miguez lives in New Iberia, which is not part of the fifth district. Pinsonat says when it comes to the U.S. House, that doesn’t matter.

The United Way has launched the Family Relief Effort to support households facing unexpected financial hardship because of the ice storm. Marketing and Communications Director Meghan Jones says they’re also accepting donations to help the many families who need financial support.

Cut 15 (08) “…in our region.”

These grades would send the State of Louisiana to its room with no dinner. In its annual State of Tobacco Control report card, the American Lung Association gives Louisiana Fs in tobacco prevention and cessation funding, tobacco taxes and flavored tobacco products; and Cs in smokefree air and access to cessation services. Director of Advocacy Eric Weinzettle says Louisiana needs to do a better job in getting the word out that low dose CT lung cancer screening tests are covered by insurance for those considered to be high-risk for lung cancer.

Cut 4 (12) “…last 15 years.”

LDWF plans to complete the stocking of adult-size Rainbow Trout at 17 community ponds across the state this week. Fisheries outreach biologist Joshua Porter says their popularity as a sport fish has led to stocking programs across the country.

Cut 10 (06) “…from anglers.”

Governor Landry’s proposal to double next year’s funding for the LA GATOR program is getting pushback from legislative leaders, particularly in the Senate. The program is currently funded at 44-million dollars, Landry is calling for 88-million. Melinda Deslatte with the Public Affairs Research Council says that rising price tag has some lawmakers concerned.

Cut 8 (09) “…those other states.”

The department of public safety and corrections is addressing a series of unexpected deaths at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in Iberville Parish. Chief of Operations Seth Smith says of the 47 deaths at Elayn Hunt in 2025, 18 were unexpected.

Cut 4 (06) “…currently pending autopsy.”

Travis Day took over as warden of the facility, taking over for Keithe Turner, who stepped down after only eight months on the job.

(SFX)

The gloves are already off in the U.S. Senate Republican Primary. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The United Way of Northeast Louisiana has launched the Family Relief Effort to help those affected by last week’s ice storm. Within two hours of opening applications, the United Way received more than two-thousand of them. As such, it could really use your help. To donate, text FAMILYRELIEF to 91999.