State and local officials in the greater New Orleans metro area have formed a task force to catch child predators on the internet. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

A Caddo Parish grand jury has indicted Nicholas Alexander for first-degree murder in the death of Vivian police Officer Marc Brock. 25 year old Brock was fatally shot back in November while attempting to serve an arrest warrant. Alexander also faces three misdemeanor counts of cyberstalking for allegedly threatening individuals electronically days before the shooting.

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Qualifying begins today for Louisiana’s new closed party primary elections for U.S. Senate and House. State Treasurer John Fleming told the Louisiana Radio Network he will file his paperwork at nine this morning. LaPolitics Publisher Jeremy Alford says Fleming is hoping to be a factor in the Republican Senate Primary headlined by Incumbent Bill Cassidy and challenger Julia Letlow.

Cut 4 (09) “…in the room.”

For the fourth semester in a row, McNeese saw its enrollment increase. For the spring semester, its enrollment went up 5.3-percent – its biggest spring enrollment increase in 16 years. Interim President Kedrick Nicholas says enrollment has increased steadily since taking a major hit during the pandemic.

Cut 10 (12) “…this past fall.”

Qualifying for the U.S. Senate and House closed primaries begins today. And as Jeff Palermo reports the Republican Senate primary the race to watch

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Louisiana’s congressional delegation is backing Gov. Jeff Landry’s request for more FEMA funding to cover the cost of last month’s winter storm that hit North Louisiana.  They sent a letter to President Donald Trump yesterday.  Our state has reportedly spent more than 11 million dollars on response to that storm.

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Several law enforcement agencies in the New Orleans area have teamed up to form an Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Housed at the Kenner Police Department,  Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says the task force became operational at the beginning of the year, and the public should expect to see numerous arrests in the next several weeks.

Cut 7 (08) “…the law allows.”

A new exhibit celebrating the life and career of the late former Governor Kathleen Blanco opened this over the weekend at the Bayou Teche Museum in her hometown of New Iberia. The exhibit includes a bronze statue of the governor.  Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser was there for the opening, saying Governor Blanco was passionate about Louisiana and its people.

Cut 13 (06)  “…around the state.”

California and New York have ignored Louisiana’s extradition requests on doctors indicted for mailing abortion pills to people in Louisiana.  The dispensing of abortion pills is illegal in Louisiana when prescribed outside of a hospital setting, but shield laws in those states protect reproductive rights. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill argues these cases don’t fit that requirement as both women in question were forced to take the bills by someone else.

Cut 12 (11) “…what they’re doing.”

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick is bringing a bill that would allow constitutional carry to college campuses in the upcoming legislative session.  Though similar bills have failed in the past, McCormick says he was encouraged by a group of college students to make a run at it again.

Cut 8 (09) “…bill this year.”

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Santa Clara is done, and Inglewood is now on the clock. Andrew Greenstein reports New Orleans is continuing its push to land the 2031 Super Bowl.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

LSU Alexandria sets another enrollment record, with spring enrollment up 12-percent year-over-year, marking the 12th straight semester of record growth. Abbey Bain with LSU-A says one of the biggest reasons for the continued growth is smaller class sizes.

Cut 4 (08) “…and support them.”

The debate over whether guns should be allowed on college campuses will resume in the upcoming legislative session. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

State Police have announced the arrest of a Slidell man on charges of child sexual exploitation.  Authorities say 42-year old Joshua W. Dugger had sexually explicit conversations with someone he believed was just 15 years old.  We’re told the multi-week investigation that led to the arrest was a joint effort between the LSP Special Victims Unit, the FBI, St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office and Covington PD.

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Attorney General Liz Murrill is considering filing lawsuits against New York and California in her fight to extradite doctors indicted for mailing abortion pills to individuals in Louisiana. And she believes she’d win. California Governor Gavin Newsom says his state will never help Louisiana criminalize healthcare. Murrill says Newsom and New York Governor Kathy Hochul are playing politics.

Cut 11 (12) “…their gun laws.”

With the Santa Clara Super Bowl now in the books, people are looking to the future.  And in New Orleans, that means a continued focus on making a bid to host the 2031 Super Bowl.  Jay Cicero, president and CEO of the Greater new Orleans Sports Foundation, says the Crescent City proven it’s a great Super Bowl host, and it even has some advantages.

Cut 14 (09) “…host the event”

LSU-Alexandria sets another enrollment record. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The debate over whether guns should be permitted on college campuses will be up for debate again in the upcoming legislative session.  “Constitutional carry,” as many conservatives call it, became legal in Louisiana in 2024. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick…

Cut 7 (08) “…included in that.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill believes she would win a lawsuit against New York and California in her fight to extradite doctors indicted for mailing abortion pills to individuals in Louisiana. The dispensing of abortion pills outside a hospital setting is illegal in Louisiana. And Murrill says the US Constitution requires states to honor each other’s laws.

Cut 10 (12) “…in our state.”

The Santa Clara Super Bowl is behind us and Inglewood is up next.  The 2028 Super Bowl is set to be held in Atlanta, and the NFL has yet to award anything beyond that point. New Orleans continues to make a strong bid to host the 2031 Super Bowl – and Jay Cicero, the president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says the city has a proven record when it comes to hosting the Super Bowl.

Cut 13 (06)  “…ambience, planning, experience.”

Super Bowl Sunday is tomorrow and there will be four former LSU Tigers playing in this year’s big game. Anthony Bradford for Seattle, and K’Lavon Chaisson, Kayshon Boutte, and Will Campbell for the Patriots. Campbell never played for a championship at Neville High School or at LSU. But as a rookie in the NFL, he gets his opportunity after the Patriots used the fourth overall pick to select him.

Cut 17 (17)  “…it’s been awesome.”

LSU Shreveport’s hold on college baseball’s consecutive win streak has ended at 65.  That after the #1 pilots lost to #25 Central Methodist yesterday 4-3. Prior to the streak, LSU S’ last lost was to  Kansas Wesleyan in May of 2024.

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All public and charter school special education classrooms in Louisiana are now required to have cameras installed inside them. That’s due to Act 479, which was signed into law last year. It was authored by Livingston Representative Shane Mack, who says the purpose of having cameras in special education classrooms is so that parents or guardians can get involved if there’s an incident in the classroom.

Cut 11 (11) “…in the classrooms.”

When Mardi Gras season is over, the horses that have participated in the parades will once again be put up for adoption.  Executive Director of the Human Society of Louisiana Jeff Dorson says ever since the program lunched the in 2017, every horse that it has taken in has been adopted into permanent homes.

Cut 14 (10) “…be part of.”

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says his department is working to establish a benchmark range on the discount a homeowner should receive on their property insurance for having a fortified roof. Temple says this Department of Insurance regulation would require Louisiana insurance companies to either meet the minimum benchmark, which could be as much as 20-percent, or provide actuarial justification for why the company’s discount does not mee the benchmark.

Cut 5 (11) “…our state.”

Every parish in Louisiana will be showcased in a new travel series that debuts tonight at 8 PM on Louisiana Public Broadcasting. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the L-A 64 series will take viewers off the beaten path to experience local traditions and all things make each community distinctive…

Cut 7 (11) “…in each parish.”

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When all the Mardi Gras parades are over, the horses will be put up for adoption. The Humane Society of Louisiana is once again implementing the Mardi Gras Horse Adoption Program. Executive Director Jeff Dorson says they launched the program to break the cycle of uncertainty.

Cut 13 (10)  “…sold for slaughter.”

There will be four former LSU Tigers playing in Sunday’s Super Bowl. Anthony Bradford is a starting guard for Seattle, and the Patriots have K’Lavon Chaisson, Will Campbell and Kayshon Boutte. Boutte averages 18 yards a catch and has a touchdown in the postseason. The New Iberia native has the utmost confidence in second-year quarterback Drake Maye.

Cut 16 (13) “…of the day” 

Entergy says it has completed its mission in northeast Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Youngsville Police have announced the suspect arrested in the murder of a 70 year old woman is her grandson.  Thelma Thibeaux’s body was found inside her home yesterday morning. 20 year old Dylan Green was initially arrested after he was found in possession of a stolen vehicle.  He’s facing several charges this morning, including first degree murder.

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Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says his department is working to establish a benchmark range on the discount a homeowner should receive on their property insurance for having a fortified roof. Temple says these benchmarks are being thoughtfully developed to help consumers receive the discounts they deserve for fortifying their homes…

Cut 4 (07) “…mandatory discount.”

As of the beginning of this month, all public and charter school special education classrooms in Louisiana are required to have cameras installed inside them. That’s due to Act 479, which was signed into law last year. It was authored by Livingston Representative Shane Mack, who says nearly all special education classrooms got them installed in time.

Cut 10 (05) “…getting it completed.”

Who Dat nation is rejoicing as Drew Brees is voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

#25 Central Methodist defeated #1 LSU Shreveport 4-3 to snap the all time college baseball consecutive win streak at 65.  The Pilots ast los was against Kansas Wesleyan in May of 2024.

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Construction is getting underway on the Donaldsonville campus in the River Parish Community College system. Chancellor Quintin Taylor says for the first three to four years after it opens in 2028, the campus in Ascension Parish will be used specifically to train workers for the new Hyundai Steel mill, until it fills all 13-hundred jobs.

Cut 3 (08) “…in the area.”

Moderna and Merck have recently announced that a vaccine they’re working on to treat melanoma is showing lasting benefits for patients, and it could eventually be a game-changer in the treatment of all types of cancer. Dr. Kyle Holen, the head of development of oncology and therapeutics at Moderna, says the vaccine uses the same mRNA technology as the COVID vaccine.

Cut 9 (11)  “…cells as foreign.”

Northeast Louisiana is thawing out from last week’s ice storm. Now, the daunting task of recovery is getting underway. In Monroe, Mayor Friday Ellis says the destruction rivals that caused by Hurricane Laura in 2020.

Cut 7 (07) “…to the ground.”

Ellis says parts of Monroe look like a war zone, estimating debris clean up alone could cost 15-million dollars.

LSU football coach Lane Kiffin Lane Kiffin spoke to the media yesterday for the first time since being hired as LSU’s head football coach.  Since then, Kiffin has brought in quarterbacks Sam Leavitt of Arizona State, Husan (HOO-sahn) Longstreet of USC and Landen Clark of Elon to play for the Tigers.

Cut 11 (13) “…about their competitiveness.”

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Legendary Saints quarterback Drew Brees is expected to be announced tonight as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The operators of Minden Seafood and Dorcheat Seafood and Grill will pay a former employee 34-thousand dollars in back pay and emotional damages to settle a lawsuit filed by the EEOC.   According to the suit, the young woman was repeatedly sexually harassed and propositioned, but managers she reported the behavior to never did anything so she felt forced to resign. And, the sister restaurant refused to hire her.