The secretary of the department of public safety and corrections is addressing the string of unexpected deaths at a prison facility in Iberville Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Another budget battle is brewing over the funding for the LA GATOR program. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

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 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.”

Secretary Gary Westcott says the issues that the people inside the prison are going through are not much different than those of the general public outside the prison.

Cut 5 (14) “…and our nation.”

Secretary Westcott announced that earlier this month, Travis Day took over as warden of the facility, taking over for Keithe Turner, who stepped down after only eight months on the job. Westcott says the health and safety of the inmates is of utmost importance to all prison staff.

Cut 6 (09) “…this responsibility serious.”

Westcott also announced the appointments of Jamie Lee as deputy secretary and Tammy Grant as undersecretary of the department of public safety and corrections.

(Note: the spelling of “Keithe” is correct.)

______________________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry’s proposal to double neat year’s funding for the LA GATOR program is receiving pushback from legislative leaders, particularly in the Senate. Melinda Deslatte with the Public Affairs Research Council says Senate President Cameron Henry has expressed concerns about expanding the voucher program and guidelines for how parents can use the money.

Cut 7 (13) “…failing public schools.”

About 57-hundred students are receiving assistance through the LA GATOR program, which provides parents with state tax dollars to pay for private school tuition, homeschool materials and other education expenses.

While it’s currently funded at 44-million dollars, Landry’s budget proposal calls for 88-million dollars in funding. Deslatte says LA GATOR’s rising price tag has some lawmakers concerned.

Cut 8 (09) “…those other states.”

Landry wants to expand LA GATOR so more families can use state dollars to attend a school that fits them best. But Deslatte says the state is projected to see a drop in state revenue because of recent tax changes.

Cut 9 (09)  “…GATOR program quickly.”

______________________________________________________________

The first attack ad is out in the U.S. Senate Republican Primary. A super PAC supporting incumbent Bill Cassidy has labeled Congresswoman Julia Letlow, in its words, a “liberal,” accusing her of voting with former President Joe Biden more than any of the other Republican members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation. Pearson Cross teaches political science at ULM.

Cut 10 (08) “…to do so.”

The pro-Cassidy super PAC, Louisiana Freedom Fund, took aim at Letlow, who entered the race on January 20th. Letlow responded by saying it did not take long for Cassidy and his never-Trumper, pro-impeachment allies to begin attacking her.

Cross says Letlow’s campaign team is ready to respond to these attacks, and she will go on the offensive as well.

Cut 11 (08) “…with Julia Letlow?”

Cassidy’s campaign also released a statement yesterday that says between the Senate and a pro-Cassidy Super PAC, 1.4-million dollars were raised at a Washington Mardi Gras fundraiser. Cross says how much Letlow will have remains a question mark.

Cut 12 (10) “…sure to come.”

______________________________________________________________

The United Way has launched the Family Relief Effort to support households facing unexpected financial hardship because of the ice storm. United Way of Northeast Louisiana President Kim Lowery says 56-percent of households in this part of the state already struggle to pay their bills.

Cut 13 (12)  “…of the time.”

Marketing and Communications Director Meghan Jones says they began accepting applications for financial assistance Saturday morning; and within two hours, they received two-thousand applications.

Cut 14 (07) “…an overwhelming need.”

Jones says to apply for assistance, go to the United Way of Northeast Louisiana’s website. She says they’re also accepting donations to help the many families who need financial support.

Cut 15 (08) “…in our region.”

You can donate on the same website, or you can text FAMILYRELIEF to 91999.

______________________________________________________

Depth is one of the major strengths of this year’s LSU baseball team. Fifth-year senior infielder Tanner Reaves says the Tigers’ depth will benefit them in multiple ways this season.

Cut 16 (16) “…play really good.”

Senior Zach Yorke, who transferred from Grand Canyon University, is expected to start at first base for the Tigers. Yorke is known for being a power hitter, having hit .328 with over 30 home runs in three seasons with the Antelopes, but he also takes pride in playing exceptional defense.

Cut 17 (19)  “…ability this year.”

Like many, Yorke dreamed of playing for a College World Series in Omaha since he was a kid.

Cut 18 (18)  “…national championship here.”

Four people are arrested in a shooting during a Mardi Gras parade in East Feliciana Parish Saturday, in which six people were injured. Sheriff Jeff Travis says no one was killed, but many lives have been changed.

Cut 7 (12) “…we can.”

Among those arrested is a 15-year-old boy who’s being charged as an adult. Sheriff Travis says more arrests are likely.

Five people are arrested following a joint investigation into child exploitation by State Police, the Covington Police Department and the FBI. Trooper Marc Gremillion says State Police arrested two of the five – 26-year-old Kevin Pierre of Folsom and 44-year-old Mayfield Lee of Metairie.

Cut 9 (07)  “…St. Tammany Parish.”

Entergy crews made significant progress in northeast Louisiana over the weekend. The company says it has now restored power to 90-percent of customers affected by last week’s ice storm, accounting for more than 118-thousand customers. Nyka (NIGH-kah) Scott, the vice president of customer service at Entergy, says this is just one component to the recovery process.

Cut 3 (12) “…they’re fully recovered.”

The Saints announce they will play in the first ever NFL regular season game in France. WWL Radio Saints analyst Mike Detilllier says there’s a strong cultural connection between Louisiana and France that dates back to the 17th century.

Cut 12 (07) “…and France.”

Entergy crews made tremendous progress restoring power in northeast Louisiana over the weekend; now it’s working on getting the last ten-percent of customers back online. Vice President of Customer Service Nyka Scott says many of those still in the dark are in areas which are not easily accessible.

Cut 5 (06) “…getting bogged down.”

Scott says she expects the last customer to be restored by Wednesday.

Four people are arrested in connection with a shooting at a Mardi Gras parade in East Feliciana Parish Saturday, and more arrests are likely. Sheriff Jeff Travis says the shooting appears to be gang-related.

Cut 8 (14) “…horrified.”

Among those arrested is a 15-year-old boy who District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla says will be charged as an adult.

Louisiana’s bond with France dates to the 17th century, so it’s fitting the Saints will host a “home game” in Paris next season. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Coming to Death Valley in May – Post Malone and Jelly Roll. The two are performing at Tiger Stadium as part of LSU Athletics’ Death Valley Live Stadium Series on May 23rd. Ticket presale starts Friday at ten a-m; fans have until 11 Wednesday night to sign up to qualify. General admission sales start February 10th.

Two Lafourche Parish middle school students are hospitalized after being hit by a car after getting off a school bus in Thibodaux Thursday afternoon. State Trooper Henry Perez says the kids’ injuries do not appear to be life threatening.

Cut 11 (05) “…serious injuries.”

The latest Louisiana jobs report saw the state reach new records for both total nonfarm and private employment. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The CEO of Entergy says as of two Friday afternoon, about 34-thousand customers remained without power throughout its service area in northeast Louisiana, down from its peak of 92-thousand. Phillip May Jr. says repairing the damage has been a never-ending game of whack-a-mole.

Cut 16 (14) “…to our system.”

While half of the Rockin’1000 that will rock the Superdome tomorrow night hails from Louisiana, the other half comes from 47 states and 30 countries from all corners of the globe. Kelly Schulz with New Orleans and Company says an event like this is a golden opportunity for the city to show itself off to its worldwide visitors.

Cut 4 (10) “…of the show.”

The CEO of Entergy addressed his company’s power restoration efforts from this week’s massive ice storm. Phillip May Jr. says crews have been working non-stop for 16 hours a day and have made tremendous progress.

Cut 15 (12) “…of 92-thousand.”

The state has set new records for both total nonfarm employment and total private employment. Seasonally-adjusted nonfarm employment is a little more two-million jobs and private sector employment is nearly 1.7-million jobs. Osmar Padilla with Louisiana Works says over the last year, private education and health services added 15-thousand jobs.

Cut 7 (09) “…machinists.”

Over the last month, trade, transportation and utilities, along with construction saw the largest job gains.

A two-vehicle crash in Thibodaux Thursday afternoon sends eight people to the hospital, including two children who just got off a school bus. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The East Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office is now saying that eight inmates escaped from the River Bend Detention Center in Lake Providence Thursday night. That’s up from its original advisory of six. At last report, three of those eight have been recaptured. Several neighboring departments are assisting in the search.

The latest report on jobs in Louisiana saw the state reach new records for both total nonfarm employment and total private employment. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

A two-vehicle crash in Thibodaux Thursday afternoon sends eight people to the hospital, including two children who just got off a school bus. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

Tomorrow night’s Rockin’1000 concert literally brings the whole world together in New Orleans. Rockin’1000 visionary Fabio Zaffagnini says while half of the thousand hails from Louisiana, the other half is represented by 47 other states – and 30 countries.

Cut 3 (12) “…North Africans.”

Kelly Schulz with New Orleans and Company says an event like this is a golden opportunity for the city to show itself off to its worldwide visitors.

Cut 4 (10) “…of the show.”

Schulz says while this may be the first time in New Orleans for some of the musicians and their guests; by putting its best foot forward, it won’t be the last.

Cut 5 (09) “…Rockin’1000 is over.”

____________________________________________

The state has set new records for both total nonfarm employment and total private employment. Seasonally-adjusted nonfarm employment is a little more two-million jobs and private sector employment is nearly 1.7-million jobs. Osmar Padilla with Louisiana Works says the state’s unemployment rate has also fallen nearly a half a percent over the last year to 4.2-percent, because employers are constantly hiring.

Cut 6 (11) “…different industries.”

Over the last month, trade, transportation and utilities, along with construction saw the largest job gains. Padilla says over the last year, private education and health services added 15-thousand jobs.

Cut 7 (09) “…machinists.”

The data shows Baton Rouge has added six-thousand jobs over the last year, Lafayette 21-hundred jobs, New Orleans 16-hundred and Monroe 12-hundred. Padilla says most of Louisiana’s metro areas are seeing growth.

Cut 8 (08) “…or anything.”

______________________________________

Two middle school students who had just gotten off a school bus are among eight people injured in a crash in Lafourche Parish Thursday afternoon. State Trooper Henry Perez says the driver of a Chevy Impala was going in the wrong lane in a no-passing zone and tried to slow down but lost control.

Cut 9 (11)  “…the bus.”

Perez says eight people were sent to the hospital with serious to moderate injuries.

Cut 10 (07) “…the Honda.”

Two juvenile pedestrians hit by a vehicle suffered serious injuries and were airlifted to a New Orleans hospital. Perez says their injuries do not appear to be life threatening.

Cut 11 (05) “…serious injuries.”

Perez says a toxicology sample was collected from the two people in the Chevy Impala, and they’re also trying to confirm who was driving the Impala.

_______________________________________________________

Get ready for another bone-chillingly cold weekend throughout the state. When you wake up tomorrow morning, it will be in the teens in north Louisiana and in the low to mid-20s in south Louisiana. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says while there will be no precipitation, it will be windy, and that will make the cold air feel much colder.

Cut 12 (11) “…like the teens.”

Grymes says the cold weather will put a damper on the Mardi Gras parades this weekend.

Cut 13 (11) “…much a repeat.”

The state health department says the winter storm is responsible for nine deaths, some of the victims died as a result of hypothermia because of the extended power outages. Grymes says this second round of extremely cold air is concerning for the thousands who still do not have power…

Cut 14 (14) “…available”

_____________________________________________________________

The CEO of Entergy addressed his company’s power restoration efforts from this week’s massive ice storm. Phillip May Jr. says crews have been working non-stop for 16 hours a day and have made tremendous progress.

Cut 15 (12) “…of 92-thousand.”

May says the damage was a lot more extensive than anticipated; and due to the icy conditions, the damage seems to be never-ending.

Cut 16 (14) “…to our system.”

Two things you normally don’t hear in the same sentence – wind chill factor, and Louisiana. Temperatures tomorrow morning will be in the teens in north Louisiana and in the low to mid 20s in south Louisiana – and wind chill factors will make those temperatures feel like single digits and teens, respectively. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says that will put a damper on this weekend’s Mardi Gras parades.

Cut 13 (11) “…much a repeat.”

Two middle school students who had just gotten off a school bus are among eight people injured in a crash in Lafourche Parish yesterday afternoon. State Trooper Henry Perez says the driver of a Chevy Impala was going in the wrong lane in a no-passing zone and tried to slow down but lost control.

Cut 9 (11)  “…the bus.”

The latest report on jobs in Louisiana saw the state reach new records for both total nonfarm employment and total private employment. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The search continues for six inmates who broke out of jail in East Carroll Parish. The sheriff’s office there says the six escaped from the River Bend Detention Center in Lake Providence last night. Several surrounding agencies have joined the East Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office in the search for the six escapees.

Get ready for another bone-chillingly cold weekend throughout the state. When you wake up tomorrow morning, it will be in the teens in north Louisiana and in the low to mid-20s in south Louisiana. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says while there will be no precipitation, it will be windy, and that will make the cold air feel much colder.

Cut 12 (11) “…like the teens.”

While flu cases are down in Louisiana, the state remains among the hardest hit. Of course, we’re in the middle of Carnival season, and that also means large crowds. Dr. Sandra Kemmerly, an infectious disease specialist at Ochsner (Ox-ner) Health, says the weather will be a major indicator of whether that will yield a spike in flu cases.

Cut 11 (12) “…could be sick.”

The state has set new records for both total nonfarm employment and total private employment. Seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment is a little more two-million jobs and private sector employment is nearly one-point-seven million jobs. Osmar Padilla with Louisiana Works says the state’s unemployment rate has also fallen nearly a half a percent over the last year to 4.2 percent, because employers are constantly hiring…

Cut 6 (11) “…different industries.”

Tomorrow night’s Rockin’1000 concert literally brings the whole world together in New Orleans. Rockin’1000 visionary Fabio Zaffagnini says the thousand is represented by 48 states – and 30 countries.

Cut 3 (12) “…North Africans.”

Get ready for more frigid temperatures. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says another arctic air mass moves into the state, and temperatures will drop like a rock later today.

Cut 4 (11) “…in coastal parishes.”

Keim says low temperatures on Sunday will also be in the 20s, albeit a lot less windy.

The one-thousand musicians that comprise the Rockin’1000 continue the process of coming together as one, as today is day two of rehearsals for tomorrow night’s show. Music Director Daniel Plentz has the unenviable task of getting them all to play in sync; he says to help accomplish this, the songs are specially arranged.

Cut 7 (11) “…endings and dynamics.”

Taking to the friendly skies will get even more expensive starting Sunday for those who don’t have a REAL ID, a passport, a military ID or one of the other acceptable forms of identification. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The new indoor football team in Monroe has a name – the Greenheads. The logo is a forward-facing duck wearing a hunting bandana with its wings spread out. The name and logo pay homage to Monroe’s own Robertson family, which was the subject of the hit TV show Duck Dynasty.

Bone-chilling cold — Jeff Palermo reports that is how you can sum up this weekend’s forecast.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

The Rockin’1000 musicians are getting ready for tomorrow night’s big show – emphasis on the word “big.” Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Flying will get even more expensive starting on Sunday for those who do not have a REAL ID, a passport, a military ID or one of the other acceptable forms of identification. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

______________________________________________

Get ready for more frigid temperatures. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says another arctic air mass moves into the state, and temperatures will drop like a rock later today.

Cut 4 (11) “…in coastal parishes.”

Keim says it will also be very windy on Saturday.

Cut 5 (13) “…in some locations.”

Keim says low temperatures on Sunday will also be in the 20s, but at least it will be less windy on Sunday.

Cut 6 (08) “…and Baton Rouge.”

Keim says we’ll see below freezing temperatures for most of the state Monday morning too. But there will be no winter precipitation, so travel will not be impacted.

______________________________________________________

The one-thousand musicians that comprise the Rockin’1000 started the process of coming together as one yesterday, as rehearsals for tomorrow night’s show got underway. As anyone who has played in a band would tell you, getting even the smallest group of musicians in sync with one another is a tall task; the task of getting one-thousand of them to play in sync is gargantuan. That’s a task bestowed on Music Director Daniel Plentz; he says first of all, the songs are specially arranged.

Cut 7 (09) “…endings and dynamics.”

As the first rehearsal got underway yesterday, each section – drums, guitar, bass, keyboard – rehearsed their parts individually so that they could get the tempo down. Plentz, who will also be one of the two conductors during tomorrow night’s show, says that’s also accomplished with a special track piped into each musician’s headphones.

Cut 8 (12) “…when to start.”

Plentz says the click track is far more advanced and much easier for the musicians than what organizers resorted to when they did their first video back in 2015.

Cut 9 (10)  “…of those lights.”

______________________________________________________________

While flu cases in Louisiana have decreased considerably since the holiday season, Louisiana remains one of the hardest-hit states for the virus. Dr. Sandra Kemmerly, an infectious disease specialist at Ochsner Health, says while a major cause of spreading the virus is being indoors, hunkering down during this past winter storm shouldn’t cause a spike.

Cut 10 (13) “…really realizing it.”

Of course, we’re in the middle of Carnival season, and that also means large crowds. Dr. Kemmerly says the weather will be a major indicator of whether that will yield a spike in flu cases.

Cut 11 (12) “…could be sick.”

Kemmerly says the flu is nothing to be taken lightly, and people need to protect themselves by practicing basic hygiene and getting their annual flu shots.

Cut 12 (09) “…which is preventable.”

So far this flu season in Louisiana, 26 people, including one child, have died from the flu.

______________________________________________________________

Starting Sunday, if you do not have proper identification it will cost you a little more to fly. Travelers that do not present an acceptable form of identification at the security checkpoint will have to pay a new 45-dollar “Identity Verification Fee.” TSA spokesman Gervais Joubert says there are certain acceptable forms of ID to fly.

Cut 13 (11)  “…on TSA.gov.”

If you do not have a valid ID to get through the security checkpoint at the airport, travelers can visit TSA’s  website to fill out a mandatory identity verification form. Joubert says the processing fee costs 45 dollars.

Cut 14 (14) “…identity verification process.”

The verification is valid for 10 days starting from the date of the initial flight. According to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, nearly 1.6-million people in Louisiana have a REAL ID-compliant drivers license or ID card. Joubert says there are still a few Americans who do not have any credentials needed in order to board a flight.

Cut 15 (10) “…over the years.”

______________________________________________________

In 2025, LSU baseball had one of the best pitching staffs in the entire country. Not only did the Tigers have great starters in Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson, but they also had several reliable relievers. LSU pitching coach Nate Yeskie says junior left-handed pitcher Santiago Garcia, a transfer from Oregon, is going to be a key arm out of the bullpen this year.

Cut 16 (15) “…above average pitches.”

Yeskie says one of the best pitchers in the fall has been left-handed sophomore Ethan Plog, a junior college transfer from Iowa Western Community College. Yeskie says Plog’s unique delivery to the plate makes it tough on hitters.

Cut 17 (15)  “…comes into play.”

LSU is getting one of its season veterans back in 2026 with redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Gavin Guidry. Guidry missed last season due to a back injury, but Yeskie says the Lake Charles native is ready to contribute this season.

Cut 18 (12)  “…any given day.”

______________________________________________________

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis is in Mobile this week, along with other coaches and personnel, to evaluate players at the Senior Bowl. Loomis says this year’s draft class has an abundance of quality players.

Cut 19 (16) “…really good thing.”

One of the players at the Senior Bowl is LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, the son of Saints’ offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier. Loomis says evaluating Nussmeier presents a unique situation.

Cut 20 (15) “…can’t remember it.”