One of the greatest athletes to ever play at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette has passed away. Jeff Palermo has more on the loss of Bo Lamar who has died at the age of 74….

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Lenten Season has arrived and seafood is in demand. Joe Gallinaro on how the supply looks…

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Carnival is over for 2026. As you may know, Carnival is a predominantly Catholic festival, and it was the first for the new Archbishop of New Orleans, James Checchio (CHECK-ee-oh). Coming to New Orleans from New Jersey, Archbishop Checchio says he was welcomed with open arms.

Cut 3 (08) “…last couple nights.”

Archbishop Checchio says he was impressed with all the traditions of Carnival in New Orleans.

Cut 4 (11) “…they value here.”

So with the end of Carnival comes the start of Lent, which is a 40-day period of fasting and abstinence in the Catholic church. Checchio says fasting doesn’t always have to refer to refraining from eating food.

Cut 5 (08) “…important things with.”

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A Rapides Parish woman is convicted in connection with a wildfire west of Glenmora nearly three years ago. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says Carrie Willis was negligent as she was burning household trash on her property.

Cut 6 (14) “…a pine plantation.”

Strain says the guilty verdict will cost Willis almost ten-thousand dollars as part of her sentence.

Cut 7 (13) “…those 27 acres.”

Strain says the incident came at a time when wildfires were rampant in Louisiana and neighboring states due to a historic drought.

Cut 8 (07) “…or from negligence.”

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The University of Louisiana at Lafayette athletics is mourning the death of former basketball standout Bo Lamar who died earlier this week in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio at the age of 74. Lamar starred for the Ragin Cajuns from 1969 to 1973 and was one of the best basketball players in the country. Kevin Foote covers U-L Lafayette athletics for the Advocate…

Cut 9 (07)  “…mid major programs.”

Lamar averaged 31 points a game during his career and over his final three seasons, the Cajuns were 74-13 and only UCLA had a higher winning percentage. Foote says Lamar was the catalyst for then-Southwestern Louisiana’s rise from an NAIA program to one of the top programs in the country at the Division One level…

Cut 10 (12) “…Top Ten teams.”

Lamar scored 3,493 points, which ranks third on the NCAA’s all-time scoring list. The former All-American guard played a few seasons in the ABA and also one season for the NBA Los Angeles Lakers. When his playing career ended, Lamar worked as a color analyst on Cajuns men’s basketball TV broadcasts and he was a high school coach in Lafayette before returning to Ohio.

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As Lent begins and Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays, Ash Wednesday, and Good Friday, demand for Louisiana fresh seafood increases.  Harlon Pearce of Harlan’s LA Fish in Kenner says there’s a lot of great seafood to choose from…

Cut 11 (11) “…as well.”

Pearce says the wild catfish caught in Louisiana is amazing…

Cut 12 (06) “…amazing.”

Pearce says crabs are expensive right now and there is shrimp available, but the supply of shrimp does not pick up until April and May. He says there is crawfish and prices will go down as we get closer to Easter…

Cut 13 (08) “…us too.”

While New Orleans may be home to the most famous Mardi Gras celebration in the world, there’s another world renowned celebration taking place in Eunice. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Woodside Energy, which is building a massive LNG export terminal Calcasieu Parish, will have its logo on all of LSU’s uniforms starting next athletic season. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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While the world normally associates Mardi Gras with New Orleans, there’s another community in Louisiana where the celebration is world renowned. Cajun Mardi Gras in Eunice is a tribute to the Acadian people who settled in Southwest Louisiana, providing the foundation of the culture that defines the region. Eunice Mayor Scott Fontenot says it’s been a staple in the city for more than 100 years. 

Cut 3 (05) “…in downtown Eunice”

The signature event of Cajun Mardi Gras is the run, which is actually a parade in which participants wearing traditional Cajun attire go through rural areas on horseback, collecting ingredients for a traditional gumbo that they’ll make at the end. Mayor Fontenot says it attracts people from everywhere.

Cut 4 (11) “…from all over.”

Mayor Fontenot says Cajun Mardi Gras is a one-of-a-kind celebration.

Cut 5 (07) “…can’t duplicate this.”

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Australian-based energy company Woodside Energy’s logo will be on all LSU uniforms starting next athletic year as a part of a multi-year, multi-million-dollar deal. Woodside executive vice president Daniel Kalms says this historic initiative goes beyond the playing field….

Cut 6 (10) “…beyond that.”

Woodside Energy was given the option to have its logo only on football uniforms, but they decided to support all 21 sports on LSU’s campus…

Cut 7 (10) “…female athletes.”

Woodside Energy’s logo is red, but Kalms says the logo patch will match the LSU’s traditional purple and gold colors…

Cut 8 (06) “…decision for us.”

Woodside Energy has been operating in Louisiana for nearly two decades focused on offshore oil and gas. But last year they made the final investment decision to build a 17 billion dollar LNG plant in Calcasieu Parish.

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New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter is among those remembering civil rights icon Jesse Jackson, who died today at the age of 84. Carter says Jackson was an influential part of his life, including at the outset of his professional career.

Cut 9 (12)  “…nurture it.”

Carter says that connection has endured ever since, including after he was elected to Congress.

Cut 10 (09) “…his son, Jonathan.”

Carter says Jackson’s message resonates today, with history on the brink of repeating itself.

Cut 11 (14) “…of his time.”

The Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office rolls out new technology to warn drivers of oncoming pursuits. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Starting next year LSU will wear jersey patches sponsored by an Australian Company that’s building an L-N-G production and export terminal in southwest Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office rolls out new technology aimed at notifying drivers of nearby pursuits. Vehicles in the department are being equipped with the Pursuit Alert Digital Siren. Sheriff Brett Stassi says it allows deputies to press a single button to notify drivers of pursuits.

Cut 3 (10) “…ahead of them.”

The app “Digital Siren,” is available for free on Apple and Android devices. It was on LA 1 on New Year’s Eve 2022 where 17-year-old Maggie Dunn and 16-year-old Caroline Gill were killed by Addis Police Officer David Cauthron, who was driving 86 miles an hour while pursuing the driver of a stolen vehicle. Gill’s father, Jason, is thankful that the sheriff’s office is rolling out this technology.

Cut 4 (04) “…in those pursuits.”

The system was developed by Tim Morgan, the CEO of Pursuit Alert and Digital Siren. He says he hopes his technology will be so widespread that it will eventually no longer be necessary to download an app to receive the alerts.

Cut 5 (05) “…with some automakers.”

The system can also notify drivers of missing people, especially children, in a manner faster than an AMBER Alert.

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Funeral services for Legendary football coach Pat Collins is tomorrow in Monroe. Collins led Northeast Louisiana University, now known as ULM, to the Division One-Double-A Championship in 1987. Former N-L-U receiver Tag Rome was an assistant coach on that national championship team and says Coach Collins was a father figure and you knew where you stood with him…

Cut 6 (07) “…he was.”

Rome says Coach Collins is one of the most important people in his life. He says Coach Collins was tough on his players, but he was a strong leader…

Cut 7 (11) “…was spirtual.”

Collins also coaches at local high schools, West Ouachita and Ouachita. Rome expects a large number of people will be at the Kilpatrick Funeral Home to pay their last respects…

Cut 8 (08) “…were his family.”

Collins record at NLU was 57-35. He won two Southland Conference Championships. The Shreveport native was also a defensive coordinator at Louisiana Tech in the 1970s. Those years were known as the “Glory Years.”  In 2015, Collins was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. He was 84.

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A 12-foot, one-thousand-pound, great white shark was recently tracked off of Louisiana’s coast, near the Chandeleur Islands east of New Orleans. Doctor Sean Powers, director of the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences at University of South Alabama, says it’s rare to see a great white shark near the Northern Gulf coast, but not unprecedented

Cut 9 (12)  “…over fishing.”

An organization known as OCEARCH tracks sharks and they say this shark, named Ernst, traveled south along the East Coast and entered the Gulf around Mid-November. Powers says based on the tracking information, Ernst traveled 32-hundred miles before making it into the northern Gulf coast.

Cut 10 (15) “…recently learned.”

Powers says Ernst was tagged off the coast of Nova Scotia last October and got within four miles of Gulf Shores. He says great white sharks will not get that much closer to the coast, because they like cooler waters

Cut 11 (11) “…colder waters ”

Powers says great white sharks travel alone, because as he says they are not very social until it’s time to mate. He says you can keep up with Ernst’s travels along with other sharks that have been tagged by going to ocearch.com. Ernest is now near the bend of the Florida coastline in the Gulf.

Since 2018, accidental overdose has been the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in Louisiana. Colleen Crain has more on what the Department of Health is doing to address it.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The field is set for the Louisiana Senate Republican primary. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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First Congressional District Congresswoman Steve Scalise is seeking a tenth term in Congress, and his most formidable challenger is a special education teacher from Metairie. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Accidental overdose has been the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in Louisiana since 2018. Secretary of Health, Bruce Greenstein (Green steen) says, in an effort to keep women alive and families intact, the Department of Health has launched a program to bridge the gaps between emergency care, prenatal services, and ongoing substance use treatment.

Cut 4 (08) “…coordinated care.”

LDH says substance use disorder is a chronic, treatable medical condition that has dangerous impacts on pregnant women and their infants. Greenstein says the data shows a vast majority of overdose deaths are preventable.

Cut 5 (10) “…of her child.”

Project MOM (Maternal Overdose Mortality) is designed to normalize SUD screening, address stigma and bias, and implement evidence-based practices to create safer, more effective pathways to care. Greenstein says eleven hospitals around the state are participating.

Cut 6 (12) “…sustain recovery.”

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The field is set for the Louisiana Republican Senate primary. Bill Cassidy has drawn two major challengers – Julia Letlow and John Fleming. After voting to convict then-former President Trump in his second impeachment trial in the aftermath of the attack on the Capitol on January 6th, 2021, Cassidy finds himself in the political fight of his life. He says he’s confident that won’t be the factor his opponents make it out to be.

Cut 7 (13) “…of my opponents.”

Letlow got into the race after President Trump endorsed her, which cleared what had been a much more crowded field. Letlow was elected to the US House in 2021 when she won a special election following the untimely death of her husband, Luke, from COVID complications.

Cut 8 (09) “…make Louisiana stronger.”

Cassidy’s other major challenger is State Treasurer John Fleming, who had previously served in the House of Representatives and in Trump’s cabinet during his first presidency. He says he has proven that he represents all of his constituents, whether they vote for him or not.

Cut 9 (12)  “…my conservative beliefs.”

The primary election is May 16th; if no one gets 50 percent plus one of the vote, the top two vote-getters will advance to a runoff on June 27th.

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Louisiana’s longest serving U-S House member, Steve Scalise, is seeking a tenth term. The Republican from Jefferson Parish, who also serves as the U-S House majority leader, is heavily involved in national politics. But Scalise says he’s played a crucial role in securing funding for roads and bridges and flood control projects…

Cut 10 (10) “…their home .”

Scalise says he wants to keep working on reducing inflation

Cut 11 (09) “…national debt.”

Scalise is facing one challenger in the Republican primary, and there are two Democrats who have signed up in the Democratic party. Only one of Scalise’s challengers has raised money, and that’s Lauren Jewett from Metairie. Jewett says improving public education is one of her main campaign platforms

Cut 12 (13) “…great educators.”

Jewett has spent more than 17 years as a special education teacher. She says she will bring practical experience, compassion, and accountability to Congress…

Cut 13 (09)  “…this country.”

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The sixth-ranked LSU women’s basketball team once again has to bounce back from a loss to 3rd-ranked South Carolina, as the Gamecocks defeated the Lady Tigers for an 18th consecutive time on Saturday night, 79-72. LSU coach Kim Mulkey says her team’s nine missed free throws were the story of the game…

Cut 14 (13) “…you win.”

Mulkey says it’s the little things that will cost you games against really good opponents…

Cut 15 (14) “…game tonight.”

Flau’jae Johnson led LSU with 21 points, but she missed two free throws with 45-seconds left that could have given the Lady Tigers their first lead of the second half.  The senior was dejected after the game, but they need to learn from this loss…

Cut 16 (16) “…Big dance.” 

LSU is at 14th-ranked Ole Miss on Thursday night.

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The top-ranked LSU baseball team opened the 2026 season with a three-game sweep over Milwaukee. After a sluggish win on Saturday, the Tigers dominated on Sunday, winning 21-7. Junior right fielder Jake Brown belted two home runs, including a grand slam, and finished with a career-high six RBIs. Brown says they were ready to play…

Cut 17 (17)  “…getting to work.”

LSU set a school-record with 49 strikeouts in a series. Coach Jay Johnson says he has a lot of pitchers that can throw strikes…

Cut 18 (11)  “…a strength.” 

LSU continues its five-game homestand by hosting Kent State tonight at 6 PM.

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Louisiana Tech completed a four-game sweep of Houston Christian by blanking the Huskies 11 to 0 in seven innings. The Bulldogs scored 39 runs in the four-game series. Coach Lane Burroughs says they swung the bats well

Cut 19 (21) “…this weekend”

Tech will host McNeese on Wednesday.

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After dropping the first two games of the series to Missouri State, the Ragin’ Cajuns earned their first win of the season on Sunday, a nine-to-seven victory. Rigoberto Hernandez and Lee Amedee each homered. JR Tollett was the winning pitcher, and three relievers pitched well: Parker Smith, Hayden Pearson, and Garret Carter. Coach Matt Deggs…

Cut 20 (15) “…good stuff.”

The Cajuns are at Rice on Tuesday.

President Trump has pardoned the late LSU football great Billy Cannon for the counterfeiting charges he was convicted of in 1983. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The incumbent and the endorsee have qualified in Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race. Andrew Greenstein is at the State Archives in Baton Rouge with more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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President Trump has posthumously pardoned LSU legend Billy Cannon for his involvement in a counterfeiting scheme that resulted in him spending two-and-half years in prison. Billy Cannon’s daughter, Bunnie Cannon, says the family is ecstatic over the news…

Cut 3 (12) “…humanity in him ” 

The 1959 Heisman Trophy winner took responsibility for producing fake 100-dollar bills to pay back debt from bad real estate investments. Bunnie Cannon says her father never ran away from his mistakes…

Cut 4 (09) “…he was.”

Cannon died in 2018. He’s one of five former NFL players pardoned by President Trump for crimes they committed. The presidential pardon does not wipe away Cannon’s criminal record, but it grants forgiveness. Bunnie Cannon says unfortunately there are people who like to bring up his counterfeiting conviction, but that should not define her father…

Cut 5 (11) “…came to be”

After Billy Cannon served his time prison time, he returned to dentistry and in 1995 was hired as a dentist at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. Not only he did work on inmates’ teeth, he also helped offenders reform.

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Southwest Louisiana businessman Lee Mallett is the new chairman of the LSU Board of Supervisors, replacing Scott Ballard. Mallett has been on the LSU Board for 14 years. Louisiana Illuminator reporter Piper Hutchinson says Mallett is not afraid to get involved in the day-to-day activities of the LSU System…

Cut 6 (12) “…faculty affairs.”

Mallett owns several businesses and lives in Calcasieu Parish. Mallett, who does not have a college degree, has made millions in the construction industry.

He’s also friends with former LSU basketball coach Will Wade and with the Tigers basketball program having another bad season, Hutchinson says Mallett’s appointment raises speculation Wade could return to LSU…

Cut 7 (12) “…will materialize.”

A 2024 state law gives Governor Landry the authority to appoint the chairman of boards and commissions. Mallet is a major donor to Landry and also contributed to the campaigns of the two previous governors who appointed him to the LSU Board.

LSU Board members usually keep a low-profile, but that might not be the case with Mallett…

Cut 8 (11) “..chairmanship.”

There are no term limits, so Mallett is expected to be the LSU Board Chair for the foreseeable future.

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The sixth-ranked LSU women’s basketball team will take on third-ranked South Carolina tomorrow evening in front of a sold-out Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The Tigers haven’t beaten the Gamecocks since 2012, but Reed Darcey of The Advocate says they will have a chance to change that if they are able to do three specific things.

Cut 9 (07)  “…defensive end of the floor.”

Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m.

LSU enters Saturday’s top 6 showdown with the No. 1 scoring offense in the nation, averaging just over 96 points per game. Darcey says buckets could be sparse on Saturday as the Gamecocks play suffocating defense.

Cut 10 (13) “…playing a slower game.”

When it comes to high-impact games in the SEC, veteran leadership is crucial. Darcey says senior guard Flau’jae Johnson will have to step up on Saturday against South Carolina and believes it is important for her to get into a rhythm early on.

Cut 11 (11) “…around the rim. ”

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The incumbent and the endorsee in Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race qualified for the ballot on the third and final day of qualifying. Julia Letlow touted her work in the U.S. House, particularly working with the Trump administration with border security.

Cut 12 (09) “…no longer.”

Letlow also touted her education credentials and her work in reforming the education system in this country.

Cut 13 (10) “…the states.”

Cassidy also touted his record. Louisiana’s senior senator said he was instrumental in the passage of the infrastructure bill that provided billions of dollars towards roads, bridges, high speed internet expansion and water projects…

Cut 14 (10) “…good jobs”

Like Letlow, Cassidy also touted his record on border security, including the fight against the drugs that are coming into the U.S. from Mexico.

Cut 15 (11) “…our children.”

Three Democrats have joined seven Republicans in qualifying for the fifth congressional district primary. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson names his starting pitchers for the opening series of the college baseball season. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis says the amount of debris from the ice storm that his public works crews are collecting is astonishing. The average for a week is 120 tons that is taken to the landfill, but yesterday alone 600 tons of debris was collected…

Cut 3 (10) “…few years ago ” 

Ellis expects debris removal will take eight months…

Cut 4 (13) “…seeing.”

Ellis says the city of Monroe is working with Southern Disaster Recovery in removing the debris and the partnership is going well so far…

Cut 5 (11) “…as normal”

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Three Democrats have joined seven Republicans in qualifying for the fifth congressional district primary. Among them is Winnsboro religious scholar Larry Foy, who announced his candidacy even before Julia Letlow abandoned her re-election bid in favor of a U.S. Senate run. Foy said his goal is to return the balance of power in Washington to where it belongs.

Cut 6 (10) “…United States Constitution.”

Another Democrat running is Dan McKay, an attorney from Bunkie. He said if elected, he will protect democracy by standing up to President Trump, who he called a “dictator.”

Cut 7 (09) “…as we speak.”

The third Democrat to qualify is Jessee Fleenor, a dairy farmer from Loranger, who took a very combative tone in addressing the media immediately after qualifying, at times using language that we cannot repeat on the radio. 

Cut 8 (12) “…reactionary party.”

And that was one of the more tame adjectives Fleenor used in his 20-minute speech. Candidates have until 4:30 tomorrow afternoon to qualify.

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The Qualifying period for candidates to sign up for Louisiana’s new closed party primaries for a US Senate seat and U-S House seats concludes tomorrow. State Treasurer John Fleming has already qualified for the Senate Republican Primary and incumbent Bill Cassidy and challenger Julia Letlow are expected to qualify tomorrow. What about Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta?. The 67-year-old said he would challenge Cassidy, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat believes Skrmetta will not run…

Cut 9 (08)  “…fundraising.”

Will a major Democrat candidate run for U-S Senate. There are rumors former New Orleans mayor and Lt. Governor Mitch Landrie could enter the race. Pinsonat says it’s unlikely…

Cut 10 (09) “…raising money.”

Former Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards reiterated again this week in an interview with the LSU Reville that he’s not interested in being in Congress. Pinsonat says funding would be difficult for any Democrat that runs for a statewide office, because the national party does not look at Louisiana as a winnable state…

Cut 11 (12) “…ten million dollar race. ”

Qualifying for the closed primaries is underway. Andrew Greenstein is at the Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge and has a look at who’s qualified so far for U.S. Senate.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Former LSU and Neville offensive tackle Will Campbell plans to use his poor performance in the Super Bowl as motivation. Andre Champagne has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Qualifying is underway in the closed primaries. Among those who qualified for U.S. Senate this morning was Republican State Treasurer John Fleming, who noted that he was the first one to announce a primary challenge to Bill Cassidy.

Cut 3 (07) “…your vote? ” 

Fleming said in a still-crowded field, made a little less so following President Trump’s endorsement of Congresswoman Julia Letlow, he’s still the most conservative candidate in the Republican primary

Cut 4 (10) “…65-percent.”

Whoever emerges with the Republican nomination will not have a cakewalk in the general election campaign, as at least one Democrat has qualified. Tensas Parish farmer Jamie Davis says at the end of the day, everyone has the same feelings about what’s happening in Washington.

Cut 5 (09) “…tired of it”

In the last couple decades, Republicans have dominated U.S. Senate races in Louisiana. Mary Landrieu is the last Democrat to win a U-S Senate race when she won re-election in 2008.  and Davis hardly has any name recognition outside of far northeast Louisiana right now. Using a boxing metaphor, Davis says do not count him out should be emerge as the Democratic Senate nominee.

Cut 6 (10) “…a new champion.”

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President Trump has signed a bill aimed at stopping some welfare fraud. Senator John Kennedy’s bill, Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act amends the Social Security Act to allow the Social Security Administration to share the Death Master File with the Treasury Department so they can discontinue payments to recipients who have passed away.

Cut 7 (08) “…the checks.”

Prior to a temporary law Kennedy authored, the Social Security Administration said they needed congressional approval to share the master file of names of deceased people with other agencies. This act makes permanent that temporary law that Kennedy says saved the federal government at least Three Hundred Thirty Million dollars in improper payments since December of 2023.

Cut 8 (10) “…duh.”

Kennedy says he has been working to prevent welfare fraud for years and cited the 2023 cost of sending the improper payments…

Cut 9 (08)  “…dead people.”

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It was not a Super Bowl to remember for former LSU and Neville football star Will Campbell. The rookie offensive tackle for the Patriots allowed two sacks and 14 pressures according to Next Gen Stats as Seattle defeated New England 29-13. Campbell did not speak with reporters after the game and on Tuesday he apologized for not making himself available on Sunday night…

Cut 10 (12) “…said anything.”

Campbell has received a lot of criticism for his play in the Super Bowl and he says it comes with the job…

Cut 11 (10) “…for me ”

Campbell suffered a knee injury in week 12 of the regular season. But returned for the regular season finale and protected New England quarterback Drake Maye’s blindside throughout the postseason. Campbell says his knee is still not 100-percent, but he’s not making excuses…

Cut 12 (07) “…I was healthy.”

Patriots coach Matt Vrabel says Campbell will get stronger and better and there are no plans to move him off of left tackle.

A months-long investigation into drug activity tied to Mexican cartels has resulted in 742 arrests statewide. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Louisiana’s film industry is seeing an uptick in activity. Andre Champagne reports that after a couple of slow years, movie production is picking back up…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Authorities have announced the arrest of 742 suspected gang members and drug dealers across Louisiana as part of an effort to crackdown on drugs that enter Louisiana that are tied to Mexican cartels. State Police Superintendent Robert Hodges says this announcement should serve as a strong message to those involved in gang activity or violent crime…

Cut 3 (06) “…you to justice” 

Nearly five-hundred of the arrests occurred in the Alexandria and Shreveport areas, 369 were in the Alexandria area. Rapides Parish Sheriff Mark Wood says illegal drugs are constantly moving through central Louisiana because of I-49…

Cut 4 (14) “…like a hub.”

The U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Louisiana, Zachary Keller, it will be his office that prosecutes many of these cases. He highlighted one of the cases out of Shreveport…

Cut 5 (14) “…mandatory minimum.”

The crackdown began in October and led to the recovery of 176 firearms statewide, more than 15 kilograms of fentanyl, more than two-thousand fentanyl pills, 44 kilograms of meth and 20 kilograms of cocaine.

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Governor Landry has sent President Trump a letter, formally requesting a major disaster declaration for nine parishes in northeast Louisiana following the winter storm, and the state’s entire congressional delegation is urging him to approve it. Landry notes that the state has already incurred more than 11-million dollars in costs related to the storm, meeting the threshold for a disaster declaration. Senator Bill Cassidy says with such a declaration, FEMA can help those affected with some much-needed financial assistance.

Cut 6 (06) “…emergency hotel stays.”

Cassidy notes that with people busy putting their lives back together, the last thing on their minds is filing their tax returns.

Cut 7 (10) “…in on time.”

Cassidy says that tax relief would not only apply to individuals, but also to small business owners.

Cut 8 (09) “…filing their taxes.”

The nine parishes Landry’s request covers are Bienville, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, and West Carroll.

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It’s been a strong start to the year for Hollywood South, as there are six film productions either shooting or in preparation in the state. Jason Waggenspack, the president of Film Louisiana and the CEO of The Ranch Film Studios, says two of the film productions are feature films.

Cut 9 (15)  “…Netflix.”

The Netflix produced movie is called “A Christmas Kind of Love,” and it’s utilizing Second Line Stages in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans.

The Netflix produced movie is called “A Christmas Kind of Love” and it’s utilizing Second Line Stages in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans. Waggenspack expects Hollywood South activity will remain strong through the year…

Cut 10 (10) “…U-S.”

Waggenspack says movie production in Louisiana and the United States was slower than normal the last two seasons. He says the writers and actors strikes in 2023 resulted in more movie production in Canada and Europe, but but film production is now coming back to the U-S…

Cut 11 (10) “…in the United States ”

During the Super Bowl last night, many fans had one eye on the game and one eye on their phones doing Google searches. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A multi-parish drug trafficking investigation in central Louisiana leads to a 12-count indictment against 11 individuals that were allegedly involved in buying and selling large amounts of meth and cocaine. Jeff Palermo has the story..

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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While the Seattle Seahawks are celebrating a Super Bowl title today, the New England Patriots are taking pride in what they accomplished this season. They reached the big game one season after going 4-and-13, setting a new record for a Super Bowl team with the worst record in the season prior. Defensive tackle Milton Williams of La Tech, who won the Super Bowl last season with the Eagles, says the team came a long way in just one year.

Cut 3 (13) “…the coaches, everybody.”

One of those players Williams was alluding to was third year wide receiver Kayshon Boutte of LSU. While the New Iberia native’s numbers this year were similar to those of last year, he caught six touchdown passes this season, compared to three last season. Boutte says the Super Bowl loss stings.

Cut 4 (09) “…it do hurt.”

Boutte says he and the rest of the offense had no answers for the Seahawks’ stifling defense.

Cut 5 (07) “…up short today.”

While Boutte and fellow LSU Tiger Will Campbell are wondering what could have been, it’s a different story for their former Tigers teammate Anthony Bradford, as the Seahawks guard is celebrating a Super Bowl title.

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Thanks to modern technology, many fans had one eye on their TVs and one eye on their phones doing Google searches during the Super Bowl. Google Search and Trends Expert Jennifer Jones says while many fans during the game were searching for quarterbacks Drake Maye and Sam Darnold, as well as MVP Kenneth Walker the Third, there was someone else who was also dominating the searches.

Cut 6 (10) “…five field goals.”

Besides the game itself, one of the biggest conversation pieces is always the commercials, and this year is no different. Jones says a few stood out in Google searches during the game.

Cut 7 (08) “…top searched one.”

Of course, this year, the biggest show besides the game was the Bad Bunny show at halftime. Jones says while there were many memorable moments during Bad Bunny’s 13-minute performance, one stood out in particular among those on Google.

Cut 8 (11) “…the halftime show.”

Jones explains the couple, who has not been publicly identified as of yet, had invited Bad Bunny to attend their wedding, and Bad Bunny countered by inviting them to exchange their vows during his halftime show. The end result was the viral moment that has everyone talking.

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At a press conference in Leesville, federal officials announced a Lafayette grand jury returned a 12-count indictment against 11 individuals involved in an alleged multi-parish drug trafficking organization. Assistant US Attorney LaDonte Murphy says the suspects are accused of possessing or conspiring to possess large amounts of meth and cocaine with an intent to distribute…

Cut 9 (13)  “…into our markets.”

Authorities say the eleven people indicted have been arrested and taken into custody. Most of the suspects are from Vernon Parish, two of the alleged traffickers are from Sabine Parish. Murphy says the drugs originated in Mexico and were trafficked across the border…

Cut 10 (14) “…central Louisiana.”

FBI agent Jonathan Tapp says one of the search warrants they executed resulted in law enforcement recovering a large amount of cocaine and fentanyl…

Cut 11 (13) “…gold bars.”

Louisiana residents can learn what makes each parish unique in a new original travel series that debuts tonight on L-P-B. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Last year, the legislature passed a law requiring special education classrooms to be equipped with cameras. As of the beginning of this month, that law is now in effect. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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When the Mardi Gras parades are over, the horses will once again be put up for adoption. Jeanne Burns reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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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.”

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.”

The Department of Insurance says it will provide further information soon on when the fortified roof benchmark discounts will go into effect. Temple says if you have a fortified roof and if you believe your homeowners insurance premium should be lower, shop around

Cut 6 (07) “…say a lot.”

Louisiana is the fastest growing state for Fortified roofs in America. To date, over 11-thousand Fortified roofs have been installed, including more than 41-hundred through the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program.

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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.”

The first episode features Vermilion Parish and Nungesser says the show has already set new records on LPB’s YouTube Channel. He says L-A 64 will air new episodes over five seasons to cover all 64 parishes…

Cut 8 (11) “…didn’t know about.”

Nungesser says every parish has a story worth telling. He hopes LA 64 inspires both visitors and residents to take a staycation or travel across the state to experience how communities are preserving, celebrating and sharing Louisiana’s rich heritage…

Cut 9 (11)  “…each parish”

Mississippi Public Broadcasting, Alabama Public Television and Arkansas P-B-S plan to air the television series this summer.

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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.”

Mack 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.”

Mack says the law goes beyond merely installing cameras in the special needs classrooms.

Cut 12 (07) “…handle the situation.”

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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.”

Dorson says ever since the Humane Society launched the program in 2017, every horse that it has taken in has been adopted into permanent homes.

Cut 14 (10) “…be part of.”

Not everyone can adopt these horses – Dorson says there is an application process.

Cut 15 (09) “…a good fit.”

Some horses have already been adopted; Dorson says he hopes to have all of this year’s horses adopted by March 4th.

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It will be difficult for a freshman to crack the starting lineup at LSU, with so many veteran position players. But if there is a guy on this LSU baseball team who can do it, it is Mason Braun. Braun can play in the outfield or at first base. He has big league power and LSU  coach Jay Johnson likes his slow heartbeat in the batter’s box…

Cut 16 (23) “…for three years.” 

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An intriguing newcomer for Ragin Cajuns baseball is Donovan LaSalle from Lake Charles. LaSalle was a star baseball player at Barbe High School and signed with Oklahoma State out of high school. But he didn’t get regular playing time for the Cowboys. Coach Matt Deggs says LaSalle has big-time power and plans to have him in the line-up every game…

Cut 17 (15)  “…talent out.”

The Cajuns are picked to finish fifth in the Sun Belt this season. Deggs expects his team to be tough-minded this season…

Cut 18 (14)  “…come together.” 

The Ragin Cajuns open the season by hosting Missouri State.

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On a day Louisiana Tech men’s basketball retired the jersey number of Bulldogs legend Paul Millsap, La Tech ended Sam Houston’s seven-game winning streak by beating the Bearkats 87 to 78. The Bulldogs dominated the boards outrebounded Sam Houston 46-30. Kaden Cooper, playing in his first game since January 14^th, had 16 points and a career-high 18 rebounds. Coach Talvin Hester on Cooper’s big game…

Cut 19 (15) “…chose it.”

The win gives Tech a 6-6 record in Conference USA. The Bulldogs are on the road this week as they visit Missouri State on Thursday night and F-I-U on Saturday. Sir Issac Herron had a career-high 18 points in the win over Sam Houstoin and says the toughness they played with against the Bearkcats, they need to bring on the road…

Cut 20 (15) “…of itself.”