Farmers say despite the single-digit temperatures that gripped the state last week, sugarcane appears to have held up quite well. LSU AgCenter sugarcane expert Kenneth Gravois says, though, that the full extent of damage will remain unclear for weeks.

Cut 4 (09) “…crop starts emerging.”

Gravois says the timing of the freeze helped avoid disaster.

The Louisiana Forestry Association is encouraging industry to utilize the overabundance of trees in the state’s forests. Executive Director Buck Vandersteen says with trees growing at a much faster rate than those being harvested, that creates an opening for the biofuel industry to thrive.

Cut 6 (15) “…or outside Louisiana.”

Five people from Houston are arrested for allegedly using drones to smuggle contraband, including drugs and cell phones, into the federal prison in Pollock. Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain says Immigration and Customs Enforcement is also involved.

Cut 10 (09) “…that’s here illegally.”

That person is 35-year-old Laura Martinez, and ICE has a detainer on her. The sheriff’s office and the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement seized about 12-thousand dollars. McCain says they’re working on ways to combat the use of drones in smuggling contraband into federal prisons.

One of the two men who Shreveport Police say are responsible for a murder of a pharmaceutical delivery driver in a Walgreens parking lot is under arrest. Corporal Chris Bordelon says 38-year-old Kelvin Lewis was arrested late last week on an unrelated charge.

Cut 6 (08) “…as Larry Lewis.”

Bordelon says they believe it was Kelvin Lewis who fatally shot 67-year-old Billy Jamison last Wednesday. Investigators say Jamison was targeted, possibly because he had medical drugs in his delivery vehicle.

Louisiana State Police graduates its newest cadet class. What’s unique about this class is that it was made up entirely of former law enforcement officers. Trooper Shelby Mayfield says because of that, they were able to put the cadets through an accelerated class.

Cut 13 (09)  “…14-week class.”

So how did Louisiana’s trucking industry handle last week’s historic snowstorm? Sean Richardson has the details…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

We now know the two teams who will be coming to New Orleans for Super Bowl 59 – the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. This is the second time for each team that they will be playing the Super Bowl in New Orleans. The Eagles lost Super Bowl 15 to the Raiders, 27-10. In 1970 at Tulane Stadium, the Chiefs matriculated the ball down the field and 65 Toss Power Trapped the Vikings, 23-7, in Super Bowl 4.

Last week, it looked a lot like Christmas in New Orleans with more than a half a foot of snow on the ground. Next week, it will look a lot like Christmas with green and red blanketing the city. That’s because the Eagles and the Chiefs will be playing in the Super Bowl in New Orleans a week from Sunday. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said after beating the Bills in the AFC Title Game that the team has shown a lot of perseverance throughout the season with many close wins.

Cut 16 (12) “…our best shot.”

The state is using the occasion of hosting the Super Bowl to showcase itself to companies and prospective newcomers. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois (BOO-zhwah) says they are setting up the “Louisiana NOW” pavilion to tell the state’s story.

Cut 4 (10) “…of life perspective.”

North Louisiana is getting a new area code later this year. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A cat near New Orleans is confirmed to have been infected with bird flu. The domestic breed feral cat was picked up from a colony in Plaquemines Parish, started showing signs of neurological illness and was euthanized. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says it’s unclear which type of bird flu that the cat was infected with.

Cut 11 (10) “…virus it was.”

We now know the two teams which will be heading to New Orleans for Super Bowl 59 – the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. It’s a rematch of Super Bowl 57, which the Chiefs won 38-35. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts says he’s going to use that loss as a motivational tool.

Cut 15 (14) “…a natural thing.”

North Louisiana is getting a new area code. The 457 area code will start to roll out this fall for the region currently served by the 318 area code. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says one way to look at this is growth in the region.

Cut 9 (05)  “…look at it that way.”

Starting February 24th, people in the 318 area code will be asked to dial ten numbers for all calls, even local calls. That will become mandatory in August.

Louisiana is using the occasion of hosting the Super Bowl to showcase itself to companies and prospective newcomers. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois (BOO-zhwah) says the Louisiana NOW pavilion will showcase all the unique things that the whole state has to offer.

Cut 6 (10) “…the Louisiana opportunity.”

The Louisiana NOW pavilion will be up and running throughout Super Bowl week.

A cat near New Orleans is confirmed to have been infected with bird flu. The domestic breed feral cat was picked up from a colony in Plaquemines Parish. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says this was an isolated case, and there’s no risk to humans at this point. He urges you to stay away from any feral or wild animal showing signs of illness.

Cut 12 (10) “…leave it alone.”

Louisiana is using the occasion of hosting the Super Bowl to tell its story to companies and future residents. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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North Louisiana is getting a new area code later this year. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A cat near New Orleans is confirmed to have been infected with bird flu. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Louisiana is using the occasion of hosting the Super Bowl to showcase itself to companies and prospective newcomers. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois (BOO-zhwah) says they are setting up the “Louisiana NOW” pavilion to tell the state’s story through interactive exhibits, theater and meeting spaces.

Cut 4 (10) “…of life perspective.”

Bourgeois says one of the main objectives is to convince business and industry to come to Louisiana.

Cut 5 (15) “…tell the story.”

Bourgeois says the Louisiana NOW pavilion will showcase all the unique things that the whole state has to offer.

Cut 6 (10) “…the Louisiana opportunity.”

The Louisiana NOW pavilion will be up and running throughout Super Bowl week. The location has not yet been released.

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North and central Louisiana is getting a new area code, but it will be several months before phone numbers are assigned with a new 457 area code in the current 318 area code territory.  Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says if you currently have a phone number with a 318 area code, it won’t change.

Cut 7 (06) “…as I understand it.”

Campbell says the reason for the new area code is that they simply ran out of numbers.

Cut 8 (06) “…use in 318.”

Starting on February 24th, AT&T and other carriers would like phone users to use all ten numbers to make a call within the 318 area code territory, because after August 25th the call will not go through if you dial a number using just seven digits.

Numbers with the new 457 area code will be assigned beginning on September 25th. So anyone in the 318 area code who gets a new phone number on September 25th and beyond will have a 457 area code attached to their phone number. Campbell says one way to look at the change is that the region is growing.

Cut 9 (05)  “…look at it that way.”

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A cat near New Orleans is confirmed to have been infected with bird flu. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says a domestic breed feral cat was picked up from a colony in Plaquemines Parish and was neutered.

Cut 10 (12) “…for preliminary testing.”

That testing confirmed that the cat was infected with bird flu. Strain says it’s unclear which type of bird flu that the cat was infected with.

Cut 11 (10) “…virus it was.”

Strain says this was an isolated case, and there’s no risk to humans at this point. He urges you to stay away from any feral or wild animal showing signs of illness.

Cut 12 (10) “…leave it alone.”

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Jayden Daniels’ magical rookie season with the Washington Commanders has come to an end. The Commanders were blown out by the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game, 55-23. After the game, Daniels said he and his team accomplished a lot this season.

Cut 13 (13)  “…to this point.”

Along with the one interception, the Commanders also lost three fumbles. Daniels says it’s a tough way to end the season.

Cut 14 (09) “…them a lot.”

The loss denied the Heisman Trophy-winning former LSU quarterback the chance to be the first rookie quarterback to lead his team to the Super Bowl. As for the Eagles, they’re back in the Super Bowl for the second time in three years and the fifth time overall. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts said after the game that he’s going to use the Eagles’ loss in Super Bowl 57 as a motivational tool.

Cut 15 (14) “…a natural thing.”

As was the case two years ago, the Eagles will face the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans. The Chiefs beat the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game, 32-29. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said after the game that the team has shown a lot of perseverance throughout the season with many close wins.

Cut 16 (12) “…our best shot.”

The Chiefs will try to become the first team ever to win three straight Super Bowls. The Chiefs and Eagles have each played one Super Bowl in New Orleans. The Chiefs beat the Vikings in Super Bowl 4 at Tulane Stadium, 23-7. The Eagles lost to the Raiders in Super Bowl 15 at the Superdome, 27-10.

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One of the LSU baseball team’s top performers in 2024 will likely play a different position in 2025. Steven Milam was a first-team freshman All-American last season, hitting .326 with eight home runs and 40 RBIs. Milam was also excellent with the glove at second base, but coach Jay Johnson wants to move Milam to the left side of the infield…

Cut 17 (17)  “…hit the most.”

Michael Braswell started at shortstop last season for LSU, but he could move to third base if Johnson believes it’s important for Milam to start at short.

LSU has four catchers on its roster; at least three are expected to share playing time. Indiana State transfer Luis Hernandez hit 23 home runs in the Missouri Valley Conference last year and Johnson likes what he has shown behind the plate…

Cut 18 (14)   “…in there.”

Johnson is also high on freshman Cade Arrambide from Tomball, Texas, who has a big-time arm behind the plate…

Cut 19 (18) “…at you.”

There’s also a lot of competition to be a weekend starter. Chase Shores, who missed last season as he recovered from Tommy John Surgery, could be a Friday night starter and was certainly missed last year….

Cut 20 (15) “…is at.”

This arctic blast has certainly done a number on our plants. LSU Ag Center horticulturist Jason Stagg says when assessing damage to your plants, wait a week.

Cut 6 (06) “…green and living.”

Stagg says the parts of the plant that have died will be easy to distinguish from those that are still alive and growing. Stagg says when cutting back your plants, don’t cut them all the way to the ground, because you’ll leave them more vulnerable in future freezes.

A significant catalyst for regional growth in Richland Parish is the upcoming Meta AI Data Center in Rayville. Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis says it solidifies the region as a hub of opportunity. Key efforts include community development, creating a business-friendly environment, and infrastructure.

Cut 13 (12)  “…leader in AI.”

A&E is bringing back Duck Dynasty this summer, and the revival should bring tourism to northeast Louisiana. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Who’s America rooting for to win the Super Bowl? David Mason with Bet Online-dot-A-G says America has a clear choice.

Cut 15 (05) “…for the Bills.”

But not Louisiana. With Jayden Daniels at the helm, Louisianians are rooting for the Washington Commanders.

A&E is bringing back Duck Dynasty this summer, and the revival should bring tourism to northeast Louisiana.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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This arctic blast did a number on plants throughout the state. Andrew Greenstein has some tips on how you can deal with the damage.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Duck Dynasty is making a comeback. A&E has announced a new series, Duck Dynasty: The Revival, premiering this summer. The revival is already generating excitement beyond the Robertsons’ lives. Sheila Snow, Vice President of Marketing at the Monroe-West Monroe Visitors Bureau, anticipates a boost in tourism similar to the surge seen after the original series aired in 2012.

Cut 3 (13) “…Duck Commander warehouse.”

Snow says the Robertson family has done a great job expanding their warehouse and offering visitors more.  Now they have added retail space and a new attraction for visitors.

Cut 4 (07) “…cool things set up.”

The new series will feature 20 one-hour episodes across two seasons, Snow says in addition to the show returning Monroe expects fans of the show to visit the twin cities as well.

Cut 5 (04) “…really excited.”

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This arctic blast has certainly done a number on our plants. LSU Ag Center horticulturist Jason Stagg says when assessing damage to your plants, wait a week.

Cut 6 (06) “…green and living.”

Stagg says the parts of the plant that have died will be easy to distinguish from the parts of the plant that are still alive and growing. If you scrape the stem with a knife or pruners and you see green, that means it’s still alive. Stagg says while many winter plants likely survived, don’t expect a lot of color for the time being.

Cut 7 (09) “…the plant’s dead.”

Stagg says when cutting back your plants, don’t cut them all the way to the ground, because you’ll leave them more vulnerable in future freezes.

Cut 8 (09) “…to the ground.”

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State Police say a Hammond woman died a day after the snowstorm when she crashed head-on into a pickup truck driven by a Mississippi man who was allegedly impaired. Trooper Marc Gremillion says the two-vehicle crash occurred on Louisiana Highway 22 in Ponchatoula and 65-year-old Peggy Williams did not survive

Cut 9 (07)  “…her injuries.”

Gremillion says slick roads may have contributed to the crash…

Cut 10 (08) “…the crash.”

Gremillion says the impaired driver has been identified as Kody Lacour of Picayune, Mississippi….

Cut 11 (11) “…court order.”

Neither driver was buckled up, but Lacour only suffered minor injuries.

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A significant catalyst for regional growth in Richland Parish is the upcoming Meta AI Data Center in Rayville, which is expected to drive economic activity and create jobs in the area. Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis highlights the city’s commitment to economic development

Cut 12 (13) “…till 2030.”

Ellis emphasizes Monroe’s rich history as a foundation for future progress, promoting the city as a hub of opportunity. Key efforts include community development, creating a business-friendly environment, and infrastructure improvements.

Cut 13 (12)  “…leader in AI.”

Ellis underscores the importance of collaboration between local government, businesses, and residents to ensure Monroe thrives as a vibrant, forward-looking community.

Cut 14 (07) “…working great together.”

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Who’s America rooting for to win the Super Bowl? David Mason, the sportsbook brand manager for Bet Online-dot-A-G, says based on the number of hashtag mentions for the four remaining teams, America has a clear top choice.

Cut 15 (05) “…for the Bills.”

But Louisiana is not among those 33 states. With former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels at the helm, Louisianians are rooting for the Washington Commanders.

Cut 16 (09) “…for the Commanders.”

Louisiana is one of 10 states rooting for the Commanders. Four states are rooting for the Chiefs, and three states are pulling for the Eagles.

This arctic blast has certainly done a number on our plants. LSU Ag Center horticulturist Jason Stagg says while many winter plants likely survived, don’t expect a lot of color for the time being.

Cut 7 (09) “…the plant’s dead.”

Stagg says wait a week before assessing damage to your plants. After a week, scrape the stem with a knife or a pruner. If you see green, the plant is still alive. If you need to trim it, don’t go too far down – no more than halfway to the ground.

A Hammond woman is dead after a pickup truck driven by an alleged drunk driver crashed into her head-on. 65-year-old Peggy Williams died at a hospital. Trooper Marc Gremillion says the alleged impaired driver is identified as Kody Lacour of Picayune, Mississippi….

Cut 11 (11) “…court order.”

A significant catalyst for regional growth in Richland Parish is the upcoming Meta AI Data Center in Rayville, which is expected to drive economic activity and create jobs in the area. Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis highlights the city’s commitment to economic development.

Cut 12 (13) “…till 2030.”

Duck Dynasty is coming back to TV. “Duck Dynasty: The Revival” premieres this summer on A-and-E. Sheila Snow, the Vice President of Marketing at the Monroe-West Monroe Visitors Bureau, says the Robertson family has added retail space to their warehouse and a new attraction for visitors.

Cut 4 (07) “…cool things set up.”

The new series will feature 20 one-hour episodes across two seasons.

This arctic blast has certainly done a number on our plants. LSU Ag Center horticulturist Jason Stagg says when assessing damage to your plants, wait a week.

Cut 6 (06) “…green and living.”

Stagg says the parts of the plant that have died will be easy to distinguish from the parts of the plant that are still alive and growing. Stagg says when cutting back your plants, don’t cut them all the way to the ground, because you’ll leave them more vulnerable in future freezes.

A Hammond woman is killed when an alleged drunk driver crashed head-on into her on Highway 22 in Ponchatoula. Trooper Marc Gremillion says slick roads may have been a factor in the crash that killed 65-year-old Peggy Williams.

Cut 10 (08) “…the crash.”

Kody Lacour of Picayune, Mississippi, was arrested and is charged with DWI. Gremillion says neither driver was wearing a seatbelt; Lacour suffered only minor injuries.

A&E is bringing back Duck Dynasty this summer, and the revival should bring tourism to northeast Louisiana. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

We’re awaiting a ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on the Ten Commandments law. The state maintains that the Ten Commandments are being posted in public school classrooms as part of an historical context. The plaintiffs, on the other hand, say it’s a blatant attempt at pushing Christianity in public schools, citing remarks by Republican lawmakers during debate. Loyola New Orleans law professor Dane Ciolino says that context will come into play in the Supreme Court, should it get there.

Cut 6 (12) “…will fix that.”

Entergy says it was able to keep power outages down to a minimum during the winter storm. VP of Reliability Jason Willis says Entergy New Orleans had about 24-hundred outages at its peak. As for Entergy Louisiana:

Cut 10 (12) “…significantly below that.”

Senator Bill Cassidy had a strong fundraising quarter last quarter, raising one-million dollars. Sean Richardson reports that brings his total cash on hand to more than 6.5-million dollars.

Cut 3 (25) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Police in Shreveport name a suspect in a murder in a parking lot at a Walgreens store this week. They’re asking people for help in finding Larry Lewis, who’s also wanted in connection with an unrelated case. Crime Stoppers is offering a five-thousand-dollar reward for information leading to Lewis’ arrest. If you see him, do not approach him – he’s considered armed and dangerous.