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.”

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.”

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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.”

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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.

Nelson says the RPCC Donaldsonville campus will expand 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.”

Nelson says construction of the RPCC Donaldsonville campus will cost the state 30-million dollars…

Cut 5 (10) “…game changer.”

Hyundai  is making a nearly six-billion dollar investment in the construction of this steel mill in Ascension Parish

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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.”

Stockley says Trump’s endorsement of Miguez will almost certainly make that crowded field significantly less so.

Cut 7 (07) “…to some degree.”

Miguez lives in New Iberia, which is quite a distance from the Fifth District boundary. By law, candidates do not have to live in the district they run in; they just need to live in the state. Still, Stockley says it’s in their best interest if they do.

Cut 8 (10) “…in that district?”

Other Republicans who have confirmed their intention to enter the race include state senators Stewart Cathey of Monroe and Rick Edmonds of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge State Representative Dixon McMakin and Board of Regents Chair Misti Cordell of Monroe. Religious scholar Larry Foy, who has never held elected office, announced his candidacy as a Democrat before Julia Letlow launched her Senate run, abandoning her House re-election bid.

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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.

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

Cut 10 (12) “…start there.”

Despite the lengthy power outages, the cleanup and the cold weather last week, Ellis says the people of Monroe have kept a positive attitude….

Cut 11 (09) “…spirits are up.”

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LSU’s football roster has undergone a massive turnover. 38 football players from the 2025 football team entered the transfer portal and coach Lane Kiffin says after a 7-6 season, the personnel needed to change.

Cut 12 (14) “…needed to be changes.”

When it comes to recruiting, 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 in an effort to secure a pledge from both. Kiffin says he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Cut 13 (13) “…how I work.”

With northeast Louisiana thawing out from the ice storm, the daunting recovery task is getting underway in earnest. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Lane Kiffin speaks! Andre Champagne was at Kiffin’s first press conference since his introductory news conference that was held two months ago.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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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.”

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Certain Delta Utilities customers who are struggling to pay their natural gas bills can now get some much-needed assistance. Sarah McLaughlin Porteous (PORT-ee-uhs) with Delta Utilities says the company has just launched an initiative called DU Cares.

Cut 4 (07) “…program for us.”

There are eligibility requirements, including income relative to household size, and customers facing unexpected financial hardship need to fill out an application either online or in person. Porteous says the assistance is meant to be limited in nature. (People can get up to 250 dollars one time in a 12-month period.)

Cut 5 (04) “…12-month period.”

Porteous says the response so far has been very encouraging.

Cut 6 (09) “…than 300 applications.”

Delta Utilities has committed up to 200-thousand dollars to fund the program. Once all the money is allocated, the program will be temporarily paused until additional funding is available.

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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.”

Mayor Ellis says when you drive around Monroe, the city looks like a war zone.

Cut 8 (09) “…like hurricane cleanup.”

The damage is not just limited to what you can see outside. With many losing power for days on end, they were left with refrigerators full of spoiled food. Ellis says that’s been keeping the local food bank very busy. 

Cut 9 (08)  “…in spoiled food.”

Ellis says the damage is so widespread, it will cost about 15-million dollars just in debris removal.

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Lane Kiffin spoke to the media yesterday for the first time since being hired as LSU’s head football coach. One of the first things Kiffin did in Baton Rouge was to sign the two best high school players in the state, Lamar Brown and Richard Anderson. Kiffin says even though he gets a lot of credit for keeping Brown and Anderson in the boot, the program recruits itself.

Cut 10 (15) “…knew it was LSU.”

Kiffin brought in quarterbacks Sam Leavitt of Arizona State, Husan (HOO-sahn) Longstreet of USC and Landen Clark of Elon to play for the Tigers. Kiffin says he’s most proud of the staff’s ability to build one of the best quarterback rooms in the country through the portal.

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

Kiffin gave an update on Leavitt’s foot injury, saying he will be able to throw in spring practice but will miss team drills.

Over the past couple of weeks, Kiffin and his staff traveled across the country to get a head start on recruiting the Class of 2027. Kiffin says his trips in Louisiana have stood out.

Cut 12 (14) “…it’s awesome.”

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Drew Brees is a Super Bowl champion, a two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year, a five-time All-Pro selection, and he’s in the Saints Ring of Honor. Later today, you will likely be able to call him a Hall of Famer. Tonight, the NFL announces the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, and Brees is expected to be “in that number.” 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.”

Brees played in the NFL for 20 seasons and threw for 80-thousand yards and 571 touchdowns. Only Tom Brady threw for more yards and touchdowns. Brees holds the record for highest career completion percentage. Johnson says while the numbers are impressive, the impact Brees had on the Saints franchise is immeasurable.

Cut 14 (09) “…run of success.”

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will be introduced during tonight’s NFL Honors program. Also tonight, we will find out if Saints linebacker Demario Davis will be awarded the NFL Man of the Year Award. Johnson says quarterback Tyler Shough is also up for Offensive Rookie of the Year, which is impressive when you considered he only started half the season.

Cut 15 (09) “…these overwhelming stats.”

NFL Honors will air on NBC at 8 p.m. Central Time.

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Big game in women’s college basketball tonight as fifth-ranked LSU visits fourth-ranked Texas. It’s a rematch of the game played in the PMAC on January 11th, won by LSU 70 to 65. The Longhorns have one of the best defenses in the country, allowing only 55 points per game. Cory Diaz covers LSU women’s hoops for the USA Today Network. Diaz says handling Texas’ pressure will be a key for LSU tonight…

Cut 16 (09) “…of this game.”

Diaz also expects Texas coach Vic Schaefer to instruct his team to get the ball to six-foot-six center Kyla Oldacare.

Cut 17 (14)  “…in this game.”

Tip off is at 8 PM.

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.”

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Four state lawmakers are looking to make the jump to Congress. Jeff Palermo has more on the race to replace Julia Letlow in Louisiana’s 5^th Congressional district…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The next Sugar Bowl will be the latest one in its 90-plus-year history. Because it’s a College Football Playoff Semifinal, it will take place Friday, January 15th, 2027. Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says while it breaks tradition, it’s for the best.

Cut 3 (09) “…be in it.”

Throughout its history, the Sugar Bowl knew the participating teams at the end of the regular season – with the last two years knowing one team and two possible opponents. However, for the upcoming season, the participating teams will not be known until after New Year’s Day. Hundley says that in no way will diminish the turnout or the excitement leading up to the game.

Cut 4 (09) “…excitement around them.”

For the 2027 season, the Sugar Bowl reverts back to a quarterfinal matchup, and that will be played New Year’s Eve, which falls on a Friday. Hundley says the College Football Playoff has to work around the NFL when scheduling its games.

Cut 5 (10) “…to work with.”

Weeks later, on Monday, January 24th, 2028, the Sugar Bowl Committee will help host the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in the Superdome. Hundley points out that the last four times that the Superdome hosted the college football national title game, LSU was playing in it, with the Tigers winning three of them.

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The race for the district 5 U.S. House seat that Letlow gave up to run for U.S. Senate is getting crowded. Blake Miguez dropped out of the senate race to seek the District 5 House seat. 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 their commitment to run. With qualifying just over a week away, USA Today Network’s Greg Hilburn called it a wild race.

Cut 6 (09) “…musical chairs.”

The fact that Miguez does not live in District 5 isn’t keeping him from seeking office to represent it and he says his focus is delivering wins for all of District 5. Hilburn says, it’s legal and it’s been done before but he says, Miguez’s opponents aren’t holding back.

Cut 7 (10) “…Senator Miguez.”

Qualifying for the May 16^th primary begins next week, February 11^th through 13^th. Hilburn says that leaves almost no time for campaigning or campaign fundraising.

Cut 8 (13) “…these campaigns.”

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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 if it’s sexually explicit in nature.

Cut 9 (08)  “…abused and exploited.”

The Republican from St. Bernard Parish says because it’s such a new technology, A-I is currently not addressed in Louisiana statutes, and he’s looking to close that loophole to protect the most vulnerable.

Cut 10 (12) “…particularly our children.”

Bayham says while some may have concerns that regulating A-I could stifle free speech, this is not what his bill is all about.

Cut 11 (06) “…images of children.”

State senator Blake Miguez trades in one campaign for another. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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By the end of the week, 17 ponds across the state will be stocked with Rainbow Trout. Jeff Palermo has the story….

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According to the American Lung Association’s latest annual State of Tobacco Control report, Louisiana either has room for improvement or is failing, depending on the metric. It gives Louisiana Fs in tobacco prevention and cessation funding, tobacco taxes and flavored tobacco products. Director of Advocacy Eric Weinzettle says that may explain Louisiana’s relatively high rate of lung cancer.

Cut 3 (08) “…adult smoking rate.”

The report gives Louisiana Cs in smokefree air and access to cessation services. Weinzettle says low dose CT lung cancer screening tests are covered under insurance for those who are considered to be high-risk for lung cancer.

Cut 4 (12) “…last 15 years.”

Weinzettle says based on the low number of those people who get those scans, the state needs to do a much better job in informing them that it’s covered by insurance.

Cut 5 (06) “…low-dose CT scans.”

The American Lung Association is calling on the state to, among other things, increase tobacco prevention and quit tobacco funding to compensate for any uncertainty at the federal level and to strengthen the existing smoke-free law to include bars and casinos.

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A campaign detour for Blake Miguez just before the start of qualifying. The state senator from New Iberia announced on social media today that he’s ending his run for U.S. Senate and is instead running for U.S. House in the fifth district – the seat being vacated by Julia Letlow. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says after President Trump endorsed Letlow last month, Miguez saw the writing on the wall.

Cut 6 (07) “…for her seat.”

Like the race for U.S. Senate, Miguez will face a crowded field in that congressional race as well, with Rick Edmonds, Misti Cordell and Dixon McMakin officially announcing runs for that seat, with several more expected to also enter. Pinsonat says this underscores how weird of an election cycle this has been for Louisiana. 

Cut 7 (10) “…doing what tomorrow.”

Miguez is the second candidate to drop out of the race for the Republican Senate nomination in the wake of Trump’s endorsement, following Julie Emerson’s withdrawal, and Pinsonat says he doubts Miguez will be the last.

Cut 8 (11) “…the president’s lead.”

What’s notable is that Miguez doesn’t even live in the fifth district. Pinsonat says when it comes to the U.S. House, that doesn’t matter – the only thing that matters is that the candidate lives in the state.

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LDWF plans to complete this week the stocking of adult-size Rainbow Trout at 17 community ponds across the state. Joshua Porter, who is a fisheries outreach biologist, says they stock ponds with Rainbow Trout, where anglers can fish along the bank…

Cut 9 (09)  “…time of the year.”

LDWF stocks Rainbow Trout during the winter months when water temperatures are cool enough for them to thrive. Porter says Rainbow Trout are native to rivers and lakes of western North America, their popularity as a sport fish has led to stocking programs across the country…

Cut 10 (06) “…from anglers.”

Porter says anglers are encouraged to keep their catch, as the trout are meant to be harvested before temperatures begin to rise…

Cut 11 (11) “…reproduce.”

Go to LDWF’s Get out and Fish Facebook page for more information and you can also find this information on LDWF’s main website, just search for Get Out and Fish.