Governor Jeff Landry is asking for support from Senator Bill Cassidy to confirm RFK Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Farmers say despite the single-digit temperatures that gripped the state last week, sugarcane appears to have held up quite well, but LSU AgCenter sugarcane expert Kenneth Gravois says 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.

Louisiana is reporting job growth again. Emily DiPalma with the Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state gained 25-hundred non-farm jobs last month with some select industries leading the way.

Cut 13 (12)  “…year as well.”

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.

And he says biofuels produced by forestry are entirely renewable.

Cut 8 (14) “…many different ways.”

Vandersteen says harvesting trees in forests will also reduce the threat of wildfires.

Governor Jeff Landry has called on the U.S. Senate, specifically Senator Bill Cassidy, to support Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Cassidy, who is up for re-election in 2026, faces political pressure from within his own party and RFK’s confirmation could play a role in his re-election.  Cassidy says he will wait until after the confirmation hearing to make his decision on Kennedy.

Cut 11 (10) “…focus on the campaign.”

Louisiana’s streak of job growth continues. Emily DiPalma with the Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state gained 25-hundred non-farm jobs last month. And she says while the unemployment rate ticked up very slightly, the state is still in good shape in that regard.

Cut 14 (06) “…still relatively low.”

Farmers say sugarcane held up well in last week’s winter storm, despite record-breaking single-digit temperatures. LSU AgCenter sugarcane expert Kenneth Gravois says the snow acted as insulation for the cane

Cut 3 (12) “…underground buds.”

Gravois says farmers are also planting cane varieties that are better at surviving cold temperatures.

Louisiana is looking at an abundance of trees. Louisiana Forestry Association Executive Director Buck Vandersteen says many industries that use forest products, like the paper industry, are declining while large numbers of trees are planted annually.

Cut 7 (09) “…in this state.”

He says the abundance creates an opening for the biofuel industry to use them and thrive.

A man wanted in the deadly shooting of a delivery driver outside a Shreveport Walgreens store is under arrest. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana Tech has partnered with Archem, a Shreveport-based leader in advanced aerospace fuel solutions, to advance aerospace innovation. La Tech Chief Innovation Officer Donna Johnson says this collaboration unites academic research and industry expertise.

Cut 3 (08) “…get things set up.”

Last week’s historic snowstorm forced the closure of most of Interstate 10 through Louisiana, causing significant challenges. Louisiana Motor Transportation Association Executive Director Renee Amar says many drivers were stuck waiting for conditions to improve.

Cut 9 (07)  “…where you are.”

Amar says the lack of safe truck parking further complicated matters, as trucks resorted to parking on interstate shoulders, creating safety hazards.

Last week’s weather-related road closures across the state prevented many hunters from engaging in recreational hunting opportunities for several days during open season so the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has announced they are extending the season in some areas. The extension only applies to season dates and does not increase or otherwise affect the annual bag limit. For a list of the extensions check the website at wlf dot louisiana dot gov.

A St. Tammany Parish man is trouble for repeated incidents of animal cruelty. While Sheriff’s deputies were at the home of 36-year-old Steven Sims to arrest him on charges Saturday, they found eight more sick puppies in very poor conditions on a screened in porch. Authorities arrested Sims at a nearby gas station and Animal Services took possession of the puppies.

Shreveport Police say the man they believe shot and killed pharmaceutical delivery driver Billy Jamison in a Walgreens parking lot last Wednesday has been arrested in Texas. Corporal Chris Bordelon says Kelvin Lewis was arrested late last week on an unrelated charge. Larry Lewis is still being sought for his suspected involvement. Bordelon says this crime has shaken the community to the core. They believe Jamison was targeted, possibly because he had prescription drugs in his delivery vehicle.

Cut 7 (12) “…heinous crime responsible.”

Last week’s historic snowstorm forced the closure of most of I-10 through Louisiana, causing significant challenges for the trucking industry. Louisiana Motor Transportation Association Executive Director Renee Amar says many drivers were stuck waiting for conditions to improve.

Cut 11 (08) “…greatly appreciated that.”

Amar views the event as an opportunity to improve preparedness for future extreme weather impacts on transportation.

Louisiana State Police graduates its newest cadet class which was completely comprised of former law enforcement officers and because of that, Trooper Shelby Mayfield says they were able to put the cadets through an accelerated class

Cut 14 (07) “…in the agency.”

56 cadets began Cadet Class 105, and 51 graduated.

Shreveport Police say the man they believe shot and killed pharmaceutical delivery driver Billy Jamison in a Walgreens parking lot last Wednesday has been arrested in Texas. Corporal Chris Bordelon says 38-year-old Kelvin Lewis was arrested late last week on an unrelated charge. Police are still seeking another suspect, 44-year-old Larry Lewis who they say has a long criminal record of drugs and weapons charges. Bordelon says Jamison was targeted, possibly because he had prescription drugs in his delivery vehicle.

Cut 8 (11) “…any involvement accountable.”

Louisiana State Police graduates its newest cadet class. Trooper Shelby Mayfield says there was something unique about Cadet Class 105.

Cut 12 (07) “…across the state.”

He says 56 cadets began the accelerated class and 51 graduated.

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.”

Louisiana Tech has partnered with Archem, a Shreveport-based leader in advanced aerospace fuel solutions, to advance aerospace innovation. La Tech Chief Innovation Officer Donna Johnson says the partnership includes a custom-designed jet engine test platform, developed with Onyx Aerospace, featuring advanced fuel management, data systems, and sensors. The collaboration supports R&D for the U.S. Air Force, evaluating advanced fuels for military and commercial applications.

Cut 4 (07) “…national security purpose.”

Johnson says this facility provides students with hands-on experience with cutting-edge propulsion and fuel technologies.

Shreveport police are asking for the public’s help in finding Larry Lewis. Lewis is wanted for a possible connection to the murder of pharmaceutical rep, Billy Lee Jamison who was robbed and fatally shot while walking to his vehicle in the Walgreens parking lot on Line Avenue Wednesday morning after delivering medication. Caddo Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this case. Police warn Lewis is considered armed and dangerous.

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 for the whole area. Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis highlights his city’s commitment to economic development

Cut 12 (13) “…till 2030.”

The recent 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.”

Duck Dynasty: The Revival is coming to A&E this summer. The updated series will feature Willie and Korie Robertson and their growing family including now adult children and grandchildren and the expansion of Duck Commander. Miss Kay and Uncle Si will also rejoin the show. A&E has ordered 2 seasons of the updated series. Sheila Snow, Vice President of Marketing at the Monroe-West Monroe Visitors Bureau Monroe expects fans of the show to visit the twin cities as well.

Cut 5 (04) “…really excited.”

The original Duck Dynasty was the most-watched nonfiction series in cable history.

Richland Parish is looking forward to a significant catalyst for regional growth with the upcoming Meta AI Data Center in Rayville. Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis talks about what the project will do for the entire parish, and he underscores the importance of collaboration between local government, businesses, and residents.

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

The recent arctic blast has done a number on our plants. LSU Ag Center horticulturist Jason Stagg says when assessing damage to your plants, wait a week to get a better idea of the plant’s survival and 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.”

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.”

Most of America has one top preference to win the Superbowl that will soon be played in New Orleans. 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 choice but Louisiana is not among the 33 states pulling for the Buffalo Bills. With former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels at the helm, Louisiana is one of 10 states rooting for the Washington Commanders.

Cut 16 (09) “…for the Commanders.”

Shreveport police are looking for Larry Lewis and asking for the public’s help. Lewis is wanted for a possible connection to the murder of pharmaceutical rep, Billy Lee Jamison was robbed and shot while walking to his vehicle in the Walgreens parking lot on Line Avenue Wednesday morning. Caddo Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this case. Police warn Lewis is considered armed and dangerous.

Bill Cassidy’s re-election campaign announced the U-S Senator raised another million dollars in the fourth quarter of 2024 and now has more than six-point-five million dollars on hand. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Cassidy’s goal is ten-million dollars which now seems to be the minimum for a statewide campaign in Louisiana. And he says this is only for Cassidy’s campaign account and PAC’s connected to him can raise money.

Cut 15 (12) “…on his re-election.”

Cassidy already has one challenger for the 2026 Senate race. Former Congressman and current Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming.

Richland Parish is expected to see significant economic growth with the upcoming Meta AI Data Center in Rayville. Nearby Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis says Monroe has a rich history as a foundation for future progress. Key efforts include community development, creating a business-friendly environment, and infrastructure improvements.

Cut 13 (12)  “…leader in AI.”

More exciting news for the Monroe area, 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 like the surge seen after the original series aired in 2012.

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

The original Duck Dynasty was the most-watched nonfiction series in cable history.

During Oral arguments in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals over the law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in all public school classrooms Thursday, Solicitor General Ben Aguinaga (ah-gheen-YAH-ga) argued for the state that the law constitutional because the Ten Commandments are placed amid other historical context on specially-designed posters.

Cut 9 (11)  “…important historical documents.”

Jonathan Youngwood followed with a 20-minute argument for the plaintiffs. He read directly from the posters, and argued that the law is about promoting Christianity in public schools.

Cut 12 (10) “…Gods before me.”

The three judge panel will issue their ruling at a later date and it’s expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court no matter the outcome.

Louisiana is beginning to thaw out. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says who would have ever thought that 50-degrees would feel so good…

Cut 14 (10) “…and tomorrow.”

Jacquemin says temperatures will get below freezing again tomorrow morning and Saturday for much of the state

And as the state thaws out, we are getting a look at how crops fared. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner, Dr. Mike Strain says fortunately most sugarcane was under snow but for winter pastures rye grass is likely lost. He says the cold is a double-edged sword for crops and pests.

Cut 5 (12) “…natural control mechanism.”

The I-10 Horace Wilkinson Bridge over the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge has reopened. East Bound I-10 Lanes between West Baton Rouge and Ascension Parishes reopened Thursday afternoon but remains closed at US 61 in Ascension. Work continues on the reopening of other major highways. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says they’ve been chipping away at six inches of ice on elevated portions of our highway system, and they expect more progress.

Cut 6 (13) “…the sun.”

Louisiana is beginning to thaw out. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says temperatures will get below freezing again tomorrow morning and Saturday for much of the state and then we warm-up.

Cut 15 (11) “…lower 60s”

A three-judge panel at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments this morning over the state’s Ten Commandments law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in all Louisiana public school classrooms. During Solicitor General Ben Aguinaga (ah-gheen-YAH-ga) argument for the state, Judge Catharina Haynes expressed skepticism that posting the Ten Commandments is about teaching American history.

Cut 11 (16) “…the First Amendment.”

The three judges will issue their ruling at a later date and no matter the outcome is expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Fans of Duck Dynasty welcome news that Duck Dynasty: The Revival is coming to A&E this summer. The updated series will feature Willie and Korie Robertson and their growing family including now adult children and grandchildren and the expansion of Duck Commander. Miss Kay and Uncle Si will also rejoin the show. A&E has ordered 2 seasons of the updated series. The original Duck Dynasty was the most-watched nonfiction series in cable history.