A national animal rights group is weighing in on how St. Landry Parish had considered a push to make cockfighting legal once again. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The ice storm of 2026 is coming. It’s not just the ice with the storm heading to north and central Louisiana, it’s also the very cold temperatures. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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LSU baseball media day is today, and Sulphur native Jake Brown talks about what it will take for the Tigers to repeat as national champions. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The effort in St. Landry Parish to make cockfighting legal once again has garnered quite a reaction. Wayne Pacelle (puh-SELL-ee), the president of Animal Wellness Action, says those advocating for that are not doing the parish or the state any favors.

Cut 4 (09) “…State of Louisiana.”

A resolution to contact State Representative Dustin Miller to introduce a bill to repeal or modify Louisiana’s cockfighting ban failed by a vote of 7-to-6, with the council chairman casting the tiebreaking vote. Before the vote, one woman told the council that cockfighting was wholesome entertainment, with families gathering for potlucks without guns or drugs. Pacelle says that woman couldn’t have been more off-base.

Cut 5 (10) “…illegal firearms.”

Pacelle says cockfighting is universally condemned, pointing out when Louisiana voted to outlaw it in 2007, only one representative and four senators voted against it. Furthermore, he says one of Louisiana’s U.S. Senators is leading a push to bolster the existing federal ban on cockfighting.

Cut 6 (10) “…National Sheriff’s Association.”

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Major accolades for a diet that has its roots in Baton Rouge. The DASH Diet, which was developed in part by scientists at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, is ranked as the second-best overall diet by U.S. News and World Report. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. Dr. Cathy Champagne is among the original researchers behind the diet.

Cut 7 (12) “…higher in protein.”

That formula has led to the DASH Diet being the best heart-healthy diet and the best for high blood pressure among the 36 diets the publication examined. Dr. Champagne says one of the biggest benefits of the DASH Diet is that it’s largely non-restrictive.

Cut 8 (10) “…desserts in general.”

Champagne says besides helping people lower blood pressure and lower the risk of cardiovascular events, the DASH Diet can also, obviously, help in weight loss.

Cut 9 (05)  “…lot of weight.”

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Are you ready for the ice storm of 2026? State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the icy conditions will begin to develop tonight.

Cut 10 (14) “…Saturday into Sunday.”

The I-20 corridor to the Arkansas border will be under a winter storm warning from six p-m tonight to noon on Sunday. Grymes says a combination of freezing rain, sleet and snow can be expected.

Cut 11 (13) “…some significant problems.”

Grymes says central Louisiana will see freezing rain as well. Even the towns of Leesville and DeRidder could see up to a quarter inch of ice Saturday night into Sunday. The National Weather Service says a glazing of ice is possible along the I-10/I-12 corridor west of Hammond.

Grymes says north Louisiana will get the triple whammy — freezing rain, sleet and snow.

Cut 12 (12) “…of the ice.”

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With the incoming ice storm, Governor Landry has declared a state of emergency. Landry says while Louisiana had a historic snow event last year, snow is easier to deal with than ice.

Cut 13 (13)  “…them to fail.”

Landry says his state of emergency declaration allows for additional resources in north and central Louisiana. The declaration also contains a waiver that will bring additional gas to areas seeing shortage. The governor says everyone needs to look after each other.

Cut 14 (14) “…without electricity.”

The last time Louisiana had a major ice storm was February 2021. Some were without power for two weeks, and the state reported at least six fatalities tied to the storm. Landry says once the wintry precipitation starts falling, stay off the roads.

Cut 15 (13) “…is extremely dangerous.”

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LSU transfer wide receiver Jackson Harris of Hawaii was the first player to commit to the Tigers in the transfer portal cycle. Harris met Lane Kiffin on his visit and says he has the utmost respect for his new coach.

Cut 16 (10) “…so am I.”

247Sports rates Kiffin’s transfer portal class the best in the nation. Harris says Kiffin is able to earn the respect of his players by putting in the long hours.

Cut 17 (13)  “…wants to win.”

The 6-3, 205-pound receiver caught 49 passes for 963 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Rainbow Warriors last season. Harris says he brings a variety of skills to Baton Rouge.

Cut 18 (16)  “…on the field.”

247Sports had Harris as its number-40 wide receiver in the transfer portal.

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LSU baseball is three weeks away from starting its national title defense against Milwaukee. After winning the 2025 College World Series, junior outfielder Jake Brown says the biggest emphasis for the returners was making sure this year’s team chemistry was just as strong as last year’s.

Cut 19 (12) “…on the field.”

Last year, the Tigers hit 103 home runs in 68 games, which was tied for 17th in the country. In addition to returning Jake Brown, Steven Milam and Cade Arrambide, LSU added more power to the lineup with transfers Trent Caraway, Zach Yorke, Seth Dardar and Brayden Simpson. Brown says he expects the long ball numbers to go up this year.

Cut 20 (08) “…balls this year.”

With a massive ice storm approaching Louisiana, Governor Landry has declared a state of emergency. Landry says while Louisiana had a historic snow event last year, snow is easier to deal with than ice.

Cut 13 (13)  “…to fail.”

LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says driving on icy roads is dangerous enough; driving on icy elevated highways is impossible – and here in Louisiana, there are miles and miles of them. Thus, he’s expecting transportation officials to shut many of them down this weekend.

Cut 11 (15) “…behind this.”

The last time Louisiana had a major ice storm was February 2021.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says while it’s long-standing policy not to issue opinions on the constitutionality of state laws, cockfighting remains illegal in the state. Murrill was responding to a formal request from the St. Landry Parish Council, as some in the parish want the state to amend or repeal its ban on cockfighting. Nadea Comeaux told the council cockfighting is, in her opinion, wholesome entertainment.

Cut 4 (10) “…involved in that.”

Wayne Pacelle (puh-SELL-ee), the president of Animal Wellness Action, says that woman couldn’t be more off-base if she tried.

Cut 5 (10) “…illegal firearms.”

Louisiana was the 50th and final state to ban cockfighting in 2007; it became illegal at the federal level as part of the 2014 farm bill.

Temperatures are in the 50s today in north Louisiana, but don’t let that fool you. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says conditions are really going to deteriorate tomorrow, as an ice storm is going to blanket the upper half of the state this weekend.

Cut 9 (07)  “…quite a mess.”

With the ice storm coming, SWEPCO crews are getting ready. Spokesman Michael Corbin says crews are getting in place.

Cut 6 (12) “…a day’s notice.”

Corbin says SWEPCO works closely with the offices of emergency preparedness in each parish in its service area so that it has the latest information on road conditions, so that they can relay that information to their crews out in the field. Corbin says SWEPCO prepares for these kinds of storms year round.

As some in St. Landry Parish are pushing for the re-legalization of cockfighting, the parish council is asking Attorney General Liz Murrill for her opinion on whether the state’s law banning it is unconstitutional. During last night’s council meeting, Nadea Comeaux told the council cockfighting is, in her opinion, wholesome entertainment.

Cut 4 (10) “…involved in that.”

It’s a federal crime to attend an animal fighting event, and cockfighting is illegal at the state level in all 50 states, with Louisiana the last state to outlaw it in 2008.

Congressman Troy Carter is among the sponsors of a bipartisan bill that would require all middle school and high school student IDs and websites to include mental health and suicide prevention information, including the 988 suicide prevention hotline.

Cut 23 (08) “…is totally anonymous.”

A major winter storm is bearing down on Louisiana. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin has the latest…

Cut 2 (33) “…into Sunday.”

A film shot in Louisiana is now one for the record books. Ryan Coogler’s vampire epic “Sinners,” starring Michael B. Jordan, scored a record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations, including Best Film, Best Actor and Best Director. The previous record was 14, held by three films – “All About Eve,” “Titanic” and “La La Land.”

The St. Landry Parish Council is making a formal request to Attorney General Liz Murrill for her opinion on whether the state’s law banning cockfighting is unconstitutional. It comes as several in the parish are pushing to make it legal there once again. Nadea Comeaux says cockfighting, which had a history in the parish, would bring in much-needed revenue.

Cut 3 (11) “…of these things?”

Now that Julia Letlow will be vacating her District 5 seat to challenge Bill Cassidy for his U.S. Senate seat, the race is on for her successor. Greg Hilburn, a Louisiana politics reporter for the USA Today Network, says this will be a wide open race – at least in one of the primaries.

Cut 7 (10) “…that’s Garret Graves.”

With Julia Letlow seeking bigger and better things, the race is on to replace her in the House of Representatives. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A large ice storm could produce power outages and close numerous roads across the northern half of the state this weekend. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (37) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Lane Kiffin added the 13th top-150 player to LSU’s transfer portal class yesterday. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Congressman Troy Carter is among the sponsors of a bipartisan bill that would require all middle school and high school student IDs and websites to include mental health and suicide prevention information. The New Orleans Democrat says the information could be a life-saver for kids at the ages who need those services the most.

Cut 4 (12) “…drugs or alcohol.”

Carter says among the contact information that would be required under the bipartisan legislation would be for the 988 suicide prevention hotline.

Cut 5 (08) “…is totally anonymous.”

Carter says unlike adults or people they know, kids contemplating suicide will call the 988 suicide prevention hotline.

Cut 6 (10) “…result of this.”

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Now that Julia Letlow will be vacating her District 5 seat to challenge Bill Cassidy for his U.S. Senate seat, the race is on for her successor. Greg Hilburn, a Louisiana politics reporter for the USA Today Network, says this will be a wide open race – at least in one of the primaries.

Cut 7 (10) “…that’s Garret Graves.”

Garret Graves formerly represented the Sixth District until he was effectively drawn out of that district, leading him to drop his re-election bid. Hilburn says while he does not expect Graves to run, there are several people who you will likely see on the ballot on the Republican side.

Cut 8 (13) “…in the Senate.”

The Fifth District is decidedly Republican, as are the three other Republican-leaning districts in the state. Hilburn says with qualifying less than three weeks away, the candidates will have to resort to creative ways to raise any significant amounts of money.

Cut 9 (08)  “…can for sure.”

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North Louisiana could be hit with a significant ice storm this weekend. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says rain will reach the state’s northwestern parishes on Friday, and that rain will eventually turn to freezing rain and spread across the northern half of the state.

Cut 10 (08) “…ice or more.”

Grymes says ice accumulations could top a half inch for the northern third of Louisiana, and some places could see an inch of ice.

Cut 11 (12) “…widespread power outages”

Grymes says if there are road closures, they could extend into Monday as it will be extremely cold.

Cut 12 (09) “…in a row.”

Grymes says there is the potential for ice accumulations along parts of the I-10/I-12 corridor by Saturday night into Sunday. Governor Landry will hold a 2 p-m press conference to discuss the state’s preparedness for the storm.

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If this approaching ice storm does what forecasters expect it will do, road closures are likely across the northern half of the state. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says they will do what they can to keep roads open.

Cut 13 (15)  “…priority routes open.”

Temperatures are also expected to fall below freezing for multiple days in north Louisiana, so any road closures could be lengthy. Mallett says they do have a chemical called Pavix that can help with iced over bridges, elevated highways and roads.

Cut 14 (10) “…easier to do.”

Mallett says the state also has more than ten million pounds of salt.

Cut 15 (09) “…we’re able to.”

Mallett says they can’t spread the salt on the roads too soon, because it will wash away when it starts raining on Friday.

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Lane Kiffin’s top-rated 2026 transfer portal class got even stronger after receiving a commitment from the top edge rusher in the portal, Princewill Umanmielen (ooh-MAHN-me-ellen) of Ole Miss. Umanmielen had 45 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss, as well as nine sacks for the Rebels last season. Zack Nagy, the managing editor of LSUTigersOnSI.com, says Umanmielen is an impact player.

Cut 16 (14) “…a big one.”

Umanmielen entered the transfer portal on January 15th but had previously re-signed to stay with the Rebels for the 2026 season on January 5th. Nagy says LSU will likely pay Umanmielen’s buyout…

Cut 17 (18)  “…agreement with Umanmielen.”

Garland Gillen of Fox 8 New Orleans reports that LSU paid a total of 1.5 million dollars for Umanmielen, which includes a 500-thousand-dollar buyout that goes to Ole Miss.

Kiffin may not be done yet. The Tigers are fighting to land Colorado sophomore Jordan Seaton, who is rated as the number-one offensive tackle in the transfer portal, according to 247Sports. Nagy says LSU and Oregon are in an intense recruiting battle for Seaton.

Cut 18 (22)  “…open up the checkbook.”

We continue to keep an eye on the winter storm that’s bearing down on much of the state late this week and this weekend. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says by the end of the week, the roads will be unbearable for many.

Cut 3 (13) “…of southern Louisiana.”

With much of the state in the crosshairs of Mother Nature’s wrath, GOHSEP is urging you to start preparing now. Mike Steele with GOHSEP says now is the time to start putting together your emergency kit.

Cut 6 (10) “…significant power loss.”

Steele says when at the grocery store, stock up on foods that require neither refrigeration nor preparation, and have enough per person for at least 72 hours without power.

New Orleans officials announce the arrest of a 35-year-old man who allegedly set eight vehicles on fire in the Bywater neighborhood early Monday morning. Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Michael Harrison says surveillance cameras caught Kyle Tomeson on an arson spree.

Cut 9 (09)  “…from the area.”

Tomeson has been booked on four counts of aggravated arson and nine counts of simple arson.

Investigators in Rapides Parish are calling it a tragic accident. Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded to a shooting south of Lecompte early Monday morning and found two people inside a vehicle, one of whom had been shot.

Cut 12 (06) “…in the head.”

Carnline says investigators determined that there was no foul play involved. The sheriff’s office has not released the victim’s identity.

Much of the state will be pounded by crippling storms this weekend, so now is the time to start preparing. Mike Steele with GOHSEP says if you haven’t been to the grocery store lately, today would be a really good day to do, and stock up on foods that require neither refrigeration nor preparation.

Cut 7 (05) “…rule of thumb.”

GOHSEP has all this information and more on its emergency preparedness website, get a game plan-dot-org.

New Orleans officials announce the arrest of a 35-year-old man who allegedly set eight vehicles on fire in the Bywater neighborhood early Monday morning. Deputy Mayor of Public safety Michael Harrison says surveillance cameras caught Kyle Tomeson on an arson spree…

Cut 9 (09)  “…from the area.”

Tomeson has been booked on four counts of aggravated arson and nine counts of simple arson.

LSU football coach Lane Kiffin explains why he’s had success attracting players in the transfer portal. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 23 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Could cockfighting be returning to St. Landry Parish? That’s what the parish council will be discussing at its meeting this evening. Conducting cockfighting has been a felony in Louisiana since 2008. Councilman Timmy LeJeune says cockfighting could provide a new source of revenue; the Humane Society of Louisiana is obviously very much against it.

We continue to keep an eye on the winter storm that’s bearing down on much of the state late this week and this weekend. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says by the end of the week, the roads will be unbearable for many.

Cut 3 (13) “…of southern Louisiana.”

With much of the state in the crosshairs of Mother Nature’s wrath, GOHSEP is urging you to start preparing now. Mike Steele with GOHSEP says now is the time to start putting together your emergency kit.

Cut 6 (10) “…significant power loss.”

Steele says when at the grocery store, stock up on foods that require neither refrigeration nor preparation, and have enough per person for at least 72 hours without power.

Louisiana could see a heated U.S. Senate race now that Republican Julia Letlow has tossed her hat into the ring. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

With Letlow vacating her Fifth District House seat, people are already lining up to take her place. This morning, State Senator Rick Edmonds announced that he will be running for the seat. Other people considering a run include State Senator Stewart Cathey and State Representatives Michael Echols and Dixon McMakin.

The entire Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals heard the case of Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law, along with a nearly identical case out of Texas. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana could see a heated U.S. Senate race now that Republican Julia Letlow has tossed her hat into the ring. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Fighting Tigers football coach Lane Kiffin explains why he’s had success attracting players in the transfer portal to come to LSU. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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All 17 judges in the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals heard oral arguments yesterday afternoon on Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law, as well as a nearly identical law out of Texas. Louisiana’s law requires posters of the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every classroom across the state. Last year, a three-judge panel on the Fifth Circuit ruled it unconstitutional. Jonathan Youngblood argued the case for the plaintiffs and said the government needs to stay out of religion.

Cut 4 (11) “…governors to decide.”

The Reverend Jeff Sims of St. Tammany Parish says Louisiana’s law not only interferes with his religious freedom, but it tramples on it.

Cut 5 (10) “…its chosen religion.”

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill defended the law before the 17 judges. She said the Ten Commandments posters are specifically designed from a historical perspective and do not amount to indoctrinating students into a certain religion.

Cut 6 (08) “…is not it.”

Governor Landry signed the law in 2024. He says the Ten Commandments are an important part of American history and, thus, belong in the classroom.

Cut 7 (08) “…of the hypocrisy.”

It will be several months before the Fifth Circuit issues its ruling. Regardless of the ruling, it will certainly be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

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A winter storm watch is in effect for most of north Louisiana, as there’s a high chance of significant accumulations of sleet across the I-20 corridor and as far south as Natchitoches and Jena. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says a blast of arctic air will mix with moisture on Friday.

Cut 8 (08) “…of northern Louisiana.”

Jacquemin says icy conditions are also possible in southwest Louisiana, in particular the Lake Charles and Lafayette areas.

Cut 9 (10)  “…into Saturday night.”

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2026 is the “Year of Outdoors” in Louisiana. It’s a year-long initiative to invite both residents and visitors to either discover or rediscover the natural beauty and the scores of recreational opportunities the state has to offer. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says as part of the occasion, there’s something new for everyone to enjoy.

Cut 10 (08) “…around the world.”

Nungesser says the promotional campaign extends well beyond Louisiana’s borders.

Cut 11 (09) “…flights into Louisiana.”

Nungesser says every year, they invite travel writers to the state to ride on a Mardi Gras float. This year, as part of this initiative, they’ll stay in a cabin along Lake Pontchartrain and ride on a float in Covington.

Cut 12 (12) “…on their sites.”

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Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow has officially entered the U.S. Senate race, as she’s seeking to win the seat currently occupied by fellow Republican Bill Cassidy. In her campaign announcement, Letlow says she wants to ensure a safe and strong nation for our children.

Cut 13 (08)  “…worth fighting for.”

Cassidy says he welcomes the competition.

Cut 14 (08) “…up with anybody.”

Letlow has the backing of President Trump. In 2021, Cassidy voted to impeach Trump for his role in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. Letlow says she has fought alongside Trump to put America first.

Cut 15 (11) “…drives up inflation.”

Cassidy says endorsements will not decide the Senate race; he believes voters will make their decision based on a candidate’s record of getting things accomplished. Cassidy says he’ll put his record up against anyone’s in the race.

Cut 16 (09) “…of the others.”

Cassidy says he’s secured billions of dollars for Louisiana to improve infrastructure, including high speed internet expansion and coastal restoration. He says he’s passed legislation to end surprise medical billing, enact stronger federal laws to stop fentanyl distribution, and he sponsored the first national anti-hazing bill.

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LSU football coach Lane Kiffin went into a little more detail on why he left Ole Miss to be the head coach of the Fighting Tigers. Kiffin spoke at the Baton Rouge Business Report’s Power Breakfast. He said he was torn over whether to leave Ole Miss for LSU, but former LSU coach Nick Saban told him he would regret not taking the LSU job, because it’s the best job in America.

Cut 17 (15)  “…to another level.”

According to 247Sports, LSU has the number one transfer portal class in the country, with nearly 40 players transferring to Baton Rouge.  The class features three quarterbacks, four running backs, nine receivers and eight offensive linemen. Some of the players transferring in will not play a lot in the 2026 season, but Kiffin says these players want to be part of the next great team at LSU.

Cut 18 (18)  “…this special thing.”

Kiffin has also been able to retain some of the best players off the 2025 team, like tight end Trey’Dez Green, running backs Caden Durham and Harlem Berry, and linebacker Whit Weeks. Kiffin says bringing Weeks back for his senior season was a top priority, and Whit wanted to leave LSU on a high note.

Cut 19 (23) “…when I came here.”

A winter storm watch for north central and northwest Louisiana will be in effect Friday morning through Sunday morning. Davyon Hill with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says freezing rain could make for treacherous travel conditions this weekend.

Cut 10 (07) “…travel impacts.”

Freezing rain is expected to arrive Friday night, and the precipitation is expected to turn to sleet and possibly snow before the storm system moves out on Sunday.

House Speaker Mike Johnson became the first-ever U.S. Speaker of the House to address the British Parliament. In the unofficial kickoff of America’s 250th birthday celebration, Johnson told the British lawmakers that the relationship between the two countries has always been more powerful and enduring than the enemies that they face.

Cut 4 (09) “…has ever known.”

Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow has entered the U-S Senate race, challenging Bill Cassidy who is seeking a third term. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Cassidy says endorsements will not decide the Senate race, he believes voters will make their decision based on a candidate’s record of getting things accomplished. Cassidy says he’ll put his record up against anyone’s in the race, including securing billions of dollars for Louisiana to improve infrastructure.