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.

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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.

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.”

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

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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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.)

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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”

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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.