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.

A 15-year-old involved in Saturday’s shooting at a Mardi Gras parade in East Feliciana Parish will be charged as an adult. That’s according to district attorney Sam D’Aquilla. Sheriff Jeff Travis says Malik Liggins is one of four people to be arrested and more arrests are likely. Six people were injured in the shooting including Liggins.

Cut 6 (10) “…other stuff.”

A joint investigation by State Police, the Covington Police, and the FBI into child exploitation resulted in the arrests of five people, Trooper Marc Gremillion says 26-year-old Kevin Pierre of Folsom and 44-year-old Mayfield Lee of Metairie traveled from their homes to meet juveniles in St. Tammany Parish. He says keeping kids safe on the internet is a never-ending process.

Cut 11 (08) “…of Louisiana children.”

Louisiana’s bond with France dates to the 17^th 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.”

Power is coming back on in Northeast Louisiana after last week’s ice storm.  Nyka (NIGH-kah) Scott, the vice president of customer service at Entergy says as crews restore power to the last remaining customers still in the dark, they’re still running into vegetation issues, which is making the process much longer.

Cut 4 (09) “…or fourth time.”

She expects the last customer to be restored by Wednesday.

A joint investigation into child exploitation by State Police, the Covington Police, and the FBI led to the arrest of 5 people. Trooper Marc Gremillion says 26-year-old Kevin Pierre of Folsom and 44-year-old Mayfield Lee of Metairie traveled from their homes to meet juveniles in St. Tammany Parish. They and three were arrested and face several charges.

Cut 10 (07) “…with a juvenile.”

Gremillion says keeping kids safe on the internet is a never-ending process.

A Lake Charles man was arrested for the rape of a minor. 20-year-old Jayvon B. White is charged with second degree rape. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit detectives say the attack happened on Sunday. Investigators says Injuries found on the victim were consistent with the forcible rape. White is being held at the Calcasieu Parish jail on a $150,000 bond.

Entergy crews made significant progress in northeast Louisiana over the weekend. Power has been restored power to 90-percent of their customers affected by last week’s ice storm. Nyka Scott, with Entergy, says this is just one component to the recovery process.

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

She says there’s widespread damage to the electricity grid, including almost one-thousand utility poles. She says more than 500 miles of wire and 210 transformers.

The Saints have announced they will play the first ever NFL regular season game in France. Saints Owner Gayle Benson says the game in Paris will be a special moment as there is a strong cultural connection between Louisiana and France that dates back to the 17^th century. WWL Radio’s Mike Detilllier

Cut 12 (07) “…and France.”

The game will reportedly be played on October 26^th against the Browns.

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

Cut 9 (07)  “…St. Tammany Parish.”

The other three were arrested by the Covington Police Department. All face charges of indecent behavior with a juvenile, computer aided solicitation of a minor, and attempted carnal knowledge of a juvenile.

No more inspection stickers for private passenger vehicles? That’s the goal of Stonewall State Representative Larry Bagley. He plans to file a bill to get rid of them and says they serve no safety purpose. He says officers have scores of modern technologies that tell them what they need to know. This is not the first time Bagley has filed this bill.

Cut 6 (07) “…they are not.”

The bill would not apply to commercial vehicles; they would still be required to undergo safety inspections.

The Louisiana Family Forum is again seeking nominations for the state’s longest married couple. Jeff Palermo has the details.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

No more homework for students in the highly rated LaSalle Parish school District. Superintendent, Jonathan Garrett, says getting rid of homework will allow both teachers and students to be more effective throughout the school day and enhance classroom performance.

Cut 8 (12) “…that we currently have.”