The city of Monroe, which has debris all over the place from the ice storm, is waiting to see if the disaster will be classified as Category A Emergency Work. This designation would mean Monroe and other communities will be reimbursed by the federal government at a higher rate for debris removal. Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis is confident this disaster will receive the Category A designation…

Cut 9 (11)  “…designation.”

Ellis estimates the cost of debris removal for Monroe is 15-million dollars.

Tomorrow afternoon officials will break ground on the new River Parishes Community College Donaldsonville campus. Louisiana Community and Technical College System president Richard Nelson says this facility will train workers for the Hyundai Steel mill that will be built over the next few years on the Westbank of the Mississippi River in Donaldsonville….

Cut 3 (04) “…advanced manufacturing.”

Construction on the Hyundai Steel Mill is expected to be completed by 2029. It will employ 13-hundred workers with an average salary of 95-thousand dollars a year.

President Trump makes another endorsement, and one analyst says this one’s a jaw-dropper. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

When it comes to recruiting, LSU Football Coach Lane Kiffin doesn’t like to take no for an answer. When top transfers Sam Leavitt and Jordan Seaton left Baton Rouge without committing, Kiffin hopped on a plane. Kiffin told the media yesterday that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Cut 13 (13) “…how I work.”

A groundbreaking tomorrow for the new River Parishes Community College Donaldsonville campus. Louisiana Community and Technical College System president Richard Nelson says this facility will train workers for the Hyundai Steel mill which when complete will employ 13-hundred workers with an average salary of 95-thousand dollars a year. The college also will expand other technical training opportunities, strengthen the regional talent pipeline and support future workforce needs of industry partners in the River Parishes…

Cut 4 (06) “…these jobs.”

President Trump has endorsed State Senator Blake Miguez in the District Five U.S. House race, just one day after Miguez announced his withdrawal from the U.S. Senate race to run for the House. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says when he heard that, his jaw dropped to the ground.

Cut 6 (09) “…crowded Republican field.”

Ouachita Parish and the city of Monroe took a heavy blow in the recent ice storms. More than 45-thousand customers were without power across the parish and hundreds are still without power but Monroe Mayor, Friday Ellis, says despite the lengthy power outages, the cleanup and the cold weather last week, the people of Monroe have kept a positive attitude….

Cut 11 (09) “…spirits are up.”

LSU football’s roster underwent a massive turnover after this last season. 38 football players from the 2025 football team entered the transfer portal. Speaking to the media yesterday, Coach Lane Kiffin says after a 7-6 season, the personnel needed to change.

Cut 12 (14) “…needed to be changes.”

State Senator Blake Miguez has received President Trump’s endorsement in the race for the District Five U.S. House seat but Miguez lives in New Iberia, which is not in the 5th district. Interestingly, candidates do not have to live in the district they represent as long as they live somewhere in the state. But ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says…

Cut 8 (10) “…in that district?”

Stockley believes Trump’s endorsement of Miguez will thin the crowd of candidates.

The recent ice storm knocked out power to more than 45-thousand customers in Ouachita Parish. Today there are still hundreds without power. Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis once the power is fully restored, they will begin talking with utility providers about a more resilient power grid…

Cut 10 (12) “…start there.”

A groundbreaking ceremony takes place tomorrow in Ascension Parish for the construction of the River Parishes Community College Donaldsonville campus. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will be introduced during tonight’s NFL Honors program. And beloved former Saints quarterback, Drew Brees, is expected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame tonight. Luke Johnson covers the Saints for the Advocate and says it would be shocking if Brees is not a first ballot hall of famer.

Cut 13 (05)  “…Drew Brees’ name.”

A proposed new state law aims to protect children. Using images of children to create A-I deepfake images of a sexual nature would be illegal if a state lawmaker has his way. Representative Michael Bayham has filed a bill that would classify deepfake content involving children as child sex abuse material.

Cut 9 (07)  “…St. Tammany Parish.”

An illegal immigrant in the Louisiana State Penitentiary stabbed another inmate to death Tuesday. West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested 43-year-old Dominican Republic native, Melvin Lopez for the murder of 35-year-old Jonathan Robertson who was serving 75 years at Angola for armed robbery. Lopez has been at the prison since 2017 and is serving a life sentence for murder.

The race to represent District 5 in the U.S. House of representatives is getting crowded. 5 candidates including State Senators Blake Miguez, Steward Cathey, and Rick Edmonds, state Representative Dixon Wallace McMakin, and Board of Regents Chair Misti Cordell. Qualifying for the May 16^th primary begins next week, February 11^th through 13^th. USA Today Network’s Greg Hilburn says that leaves almost no time for campaigning or campaign fundraising.

Cut 8 (13) “…these campaigns.”

The next Sugar Bowl will be held in the middle of January instead of New Year’s night. The teams won’t even be known until after the New Year. That’s Because it’s a College Football Playoff Semifinal game. Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says that will not diminish the turnout or the excitement leading up to the game.

Cut 4 (09) “…excitement around them.”

State Senator Blake Miguez dropped out of the U.S. Senate race but he’s announced he’s running for the District 5 U.S. House seat. The fact that Miguez does not live in District 5 isn’t keeping him from seeking to represent it and he says his focus is delivering wins for all of District 5. USA Today Network’s Greg Hilburn says, it’s legal and it’s been done before, but he says, Miguez’s opponents are not holding back

Cut 7 (10) ” Senator Miguez…”

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

Cut 15 (08)  “…forget them.”

The dates for the next two Sugar Bowls have been announced. Andrew Greenstein reports the latter one will be followed by an even bigger game.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 4 (12) “…twenty percent.”

The recent ice storm did a lot of damage but Assistance is available for small businesses that lost revenue in the storm. Governor Landry says small business disaster loans are available to businesses in 19 north and central Louisiana parishes.

Cut 6 (08) “…on their feet.”

The deadline to apply is November 2nd.

Next year’s Sugar Bowl will not be held on New Year’s night history. Instead, it will be played on Friday, January 15th. But because it’s a College Football Playoff Semifinal, Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says while it breaks tradition, but it’s for the best.

Cut 3 (09) “…be in it.”

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

Cut 7 (08) “…getting re-elected.”

But Cassidy’s campaign has its own poll conducted by Republican firm Public Opinion Strategies. It shows Cassidy getting 32-percent of the Republican primary vote to Letlow’s 21-percent.

The race for the district 5 house seat Letlow gave up to run for U.S. Senate is getting crowded. Blake Miguez dropped out of the senate race to seek District 5 representation. State Senators Steward Cathey of Monroe and Rick Edmonds of Baton Rouge, state Representative Dixon Wallace McMakin of Baton Rouge, and Board of Regents Chair Misti Cordell of Monroe all confirmed that commitment to run. With qualifying just over a week away, USA Today Network’s Greg Hilburn called it a wild race.

Cut 26 (09) “…musical chairs”

Governor Landry wants to expand the LA GATOR voucher program so more families can use state dollars to attend a school that fits them best. He wants to increase the current 44 million dollar allocation to 88 million dollars. But Melinda Deslatte with the Public Affairs Research Council says the state is projected to see a drop in state revenue because of recent tax changes.

Cut 9 (09)  “…GATOR program quickly.”

The gloves are off in the U.S. Senate Republican Primary. A pro-Cassidy super PAC, Louisiana Freedom Fund, took aim at Julia Letlow labeling the Congresswoman a liberal. Cassidy’s campaign also released a statement yesterday that says they raised 1.4-million dollars at a Washington Mardi Gras fundraiser. ULM Political Science professor, Pearson Cross says how much Letlow will have remains a question mark.

Cut 12 (10) “…sure to come.”

The department of public safety and corrections is addressing a series of unexpected deaths at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in Iberville Parish. Secretary Gary Westcott says the health issues inside the prison are not much different than those outside the prison.

Cut 5 (14) “…and our nation.”

The United Way is working to help households facing financial hardship after the recent ice storm. Marketing and Communications Director, Meghan Jones, says over 94% of families applying for assistance are asking for help with groceries.

Cut 15 (08) “…in our region.”

You can donate on the United Way of Northeast Louisiana’s website, or text FAMILYRELIEF to 91999.

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. Secretary Greg Westcott says the health and safety of the inmates is of utmost importance to all prison staff.

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

The pro-Bill Cassidy super PAC, Louisiana Freedom Fund, is taking aim at Julia Letlow, who entered the race for U.S. Senate on January 20th. They’re calling her a liberal who sided with former President Biden more than any other Louisiana Republican in the House. Political Science professor, Pearson 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?”

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

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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 began accepting applications for financial assistance Saturday morning; and within two hours, they received two thousand applications.

Cut 14 (07) “…an overwhelming need.”

A 15-year-old will be tried as an adult for his alleged involvement in Saturday’s shooting at a Mardi Gras parade in the small East Feliciana town of Clinton that injured 6 people. Sheriff Jeffrey Travis says it appears to be gang related…

Cut 26 (11) “….horrified”

4 people so far have been arrested. Travis says the victims are all expected to survive, but one may never walk again.

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, “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.”

Letlow responded to Louisiana Freedom Fund by saying it did not take long for Cassidy and his “never-Trumper, pro-impeachment” allies to begin attacking her.

The department of public safety and corrections is looking into a number of unexpected deaths at a prison facility in Iberville Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Governor Landry wants to increase funding for LA GATOR, the program that provides state tax dollars for parents to use to pay for private school tuition, homeschool materials and other education expenses.  It’s currently funded at 44 million dollars, but Landry’s budget proposal calls for 88 million dollars. Melinda Deslatte with the Public Affairs Research Council says LA GATOR’s 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.”

Secretary Gary Westcott says the health and safety of the inmates is of utmost importance to all prison staff.

Governor Jeff Landry’s proposal to double next year’s funding of LA GATOR is receiving pushback. Melinda Deslatte with the Public Affairs Research Council says Senate President Cameron Henry has expressed concern.

Cut 7 (13) “…failing public schools.”

The LA GATOR program provides state tax dollars to cover private school tuition, homeschool materials and other education expenses.

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 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…

Cut 13 (12)  “…of the time.”

To donate, go to the United Way of Northeast Louisiana’s website or text FAMILYRELIEF to 91999.