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….

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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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.

Entergy continues making progress in restoring power in Northeast Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana’s bond with France dates to the 17^th century, so it’s fitting the Saints will host a “home game” in Paris next season. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Entergy crews made significant progress in northeast Louisiana over the weekend. Entergy says it has now restored power to 90-percent of customers affected by last week’s ice storm, accounting for more than 118-thousand customers. Nyka (NIGH-kah) Scott, the vice president of customer service at Entergy, says this is just one component to the recovery process.

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

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

Scott says as crews restore power to the last remaining customers still in the dark, they’re still running into vegetation issues, which is making the process much, much longer.

Cut 4 (09) “…or fourth time.”

Scott says many of the customers still without power are in areas which are not easily accessible.

Cut 5 (06) “…getting bogged down.”

Scott says she expects the last customer to be restored by Wednesday.

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

Cut 6 (10) “…other stuff.”

Six people were injured in the shooting including Liggins. Travis says no one was killed, but lives have been changed…

Cut 7 (12) “…we can.”

Liggins is facing an attempted murder charge to go along with the reckless discharge of a firearm and obstruction charges. Travis says authorities have also arrested 25-year-old Phillip Williams. He’s one of four people facing charges in connection with the shooting in Clinton that Travis says was gang-related…

Cut 8 (14) “..horrified.”

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

Cut 9 (07)  “…St. Tammany Parish.”

The other three were arrested by the Covington Police Department. Trooper Gremillion says Pierre and Folsom are facing identical charges.

Cut 10 (07) “…with a juvenile.”

Gremillion says these arrests underscore the fact that keeping kids safe on the internet is a never-ending process.

Cut 11 (08) “…of Louisiana children.”

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

Cut 12 (07) “…and France.”

In 2023, the NFL awarded the Saints international marketing rights in France, making the Saints the first and only team to hold those rights in France. Last summer, a contingent of SAints team officials, led by Mrs Benson, visited France in an effort to strength the connection between the team and its French fans. Detillier expects a lot of the Saints fans will make the trip overseas…

Cut 13 (07) “…heritage.”

Nothing official from the Saints, but a French outlet reports the game will be played on October 26^th against the Browns. With the game France that means the Saints will play eight regular season games in the Dome next season, instead of nine. The Saints announce this will mean a 10-percent reduction in ticket prices for season ticket holders.

The clock is ticking towards another partial government shutdown. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Some people in northeast Louisiana may have to wait a couple more days to get power restored. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Could we be headed for another government shutdown? That could happen – more specifically a partial shutdown – if the Senate fails to give its approval to a House-passed funding package by midnight tomorrow night. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says the six pending bills were cruising towards passage – but then, something happened last weekend.

Cut 3 (08) “…that want changes.”

Democrats are saying they’ll pass the budgets for the other five departments, but they want to pull Homeland Security from the package, tying its funding approval to Republicans agreeing to a series of conditions, including ending roving patrols and establishing a universal code of conduct. Hogan says whereas Republicans might not have previously acquiesced to those demands, this time they might.

Cut 4 (11) “…in this case.”

Hogan says even if there is a partial government shutdown, don’t expect the ICE and Border Patrol raids to end at least for the time being – Homeland Security has enough money to keep them going for now.

Cut 5 (08) “…tremendous immediate impact.”

Hogan points out that if Democrats are successful in separating Homeland Security from the six-bill package, the funding bill would have to go back to the House for its approval, and the House is in recess for the rest of the week.

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Some people in northeast Louisiana have been waiting a long time to get their power restored. Now, Entergy says they may have to wait a little longer. It says it may be as late as Saturday before it can restore power to everyone. Nyka (NIGH-kah) Scott, the vice president of customer service for Entergy, says that’s because the task was a lot more daunting than originally anticipated.

Cut 6 (09) “…than we thought.”

Scott says restoring power in winter conditions is very challenging; for example, yesterday, workers found live powerlines underneath banks of ice. She says they don’t have those types of challenges following summer storms.

Cut 7 (08) “…it’s warm weather.”

Scott says while crews have made progress, there is a ways to go, and they’re working overtime to get everyone’s lights back on.

She says Entergy has opened information centers to help customers who are dealing with a prolonged outage.

Cut 8 (12) “…their areas.”

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A teenage boy is arrested in connection with the killing of an elderly woman inside her Morehouse Parish apartment. On Tuesday evening, 73-year-old Ruby Lee Peterson was found stabbed to death inside her apartment in Bastrop. Chief Deputy James Mardis with the Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office says the following day, deputies arrested 17-year-old Amir Dowles.

Cut 9 (06)  “…with the investigation.”

Mardis says deputies quickly zeroed in on Dowles as their suspect.

Cut 10 (05) “…with a suspect.”

Mardis says the only connection that investigators have established at this time between Dowles and Peterson is that they lived in the same apartment complex, the Eden Apartments.

Cut 11 (06) “…knew him, yes.”

For those of you in North Louisiana, today is another day for you to stay off the roads. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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When disaster strikes Louisiana or nearby states, the United Cajun Navy usually comes to the rescue – and this time is no exception. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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For those of you in North Louisiana, DOTD is urging you to stay off the roads once again today, if you possibly can. Spokeswoman Erin Buchanan says that especially includes I-20.

Cut 3 (13) “…to clear it.”

Buchanan says those stalled 18-wheelers on I-20 are making the roadway nearly impassable, in some cases stranding people in frigid conditions for hours.

Cut 4 (11) “…out of there.”

Buchanan says they’re trying to help those stranded people as best as they can.

Cut 5 (09) “…out there working.”

Buchanan says temperatures should start to warm up today to the point that the ice should start to melt and traffic can start moving again. But in the meantime, DOTD has its crews out on roadways clearing the ice as much as possible.

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When Mother Nature wreaks havoc on Louisiana and nearby states, the United Cajun Navy is on the scene helping people affected – and this ice storm is no different. Founder and president Todd Terrell says he and his crew are delivering supplies to shelters throughout north Louisiana and north Mississippi – not just essentials to stay warm, but also everyday essentials for the whole family.

Cut 6 (09) “…what they need.”

Terrell says when essential personnel have no way to get to and from their respective facilities, his volunteers are ready to help with their four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Cut 7 (10) “…taken care of.”

Terrell says even if you can’t volunteer with your own four-wheel-drive vehicle, you can help the United Cajun Navy’s mission by making a donation.

Cut 8 (10) “…scarves and stuff.”

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The state health department has announced five additional deaths because of the winter storm, bringing the total number to eight. The cause of death for five of the victims is hypothermia. L-D-H also says an elderly person in DeSoto Parish died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Also in DeSoto Parish, a 79-year-old woman died after her oxygen concentrator failed as a result of no power. And a Texas man also died while traveling on icy roads in Mansfield. Governor Jeff Landry wants residents in north Louisiana to do these two things…

Cut 9 (09)  “…supplemental heat.”

Landry spoke in Monroe today after taking a tour of some of the destruction the ice storm has caused in Ouachita Parish. Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis says once the ice melts away, the clean-up will be extensive…

Cut 10 (12) “…devastation.”

Getting the power back on is a major priority. Landry says the number of linemen and crews have doubled as they’ve been able to shift personnel from south to north Louisiana. Landry says he’s hopeful 90-percent of customers will have power restored by Thursday

Cut 11 (12) “…cold air.”

There are still more than 90-thousand utility customers without power. Nearly half of the outages are in Ouachita Parish. Another round of extremely cold air will arrive this weekend.

If you live in an area without power, State Police Superintendent, Colonel Robert Hodges, says check on your neighbors, especially if they are elderly…

Cut 12 (13) “…assistance.”

While the precipitation may have moved out of Louisiana, those of you in the northern part of the state should still use extreme caution when venturing out onto the roadways. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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More than 100-thousand people are without power as a result this historic ice storm. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…Joe Gallinaro.”

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The precipitation has moved out of Louisiana, and none is expected for the next several days. But Rodney Mallett with DOTD says those of you especially in North Louisiana still need to use extreme caution when venturing out onto the roadways.

Cut 3 (07) “…dangerous driving conditions.”

Nowhere is that more evident than on westbound I-20, where stalled 18-wheelers had caused massive backups today. Mallett says this is despite DOTD crews working around the clock to keep roadways as passable as they possibly can.

Cut 4 (11) “…get hit first.”

Mallett says DOTD crews had prepared for this ice storm well in advance.

Cut 5 (10) “…hours a day.”

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More than 110-thousand people are without power because of the deadly ice storm. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell who represents all of North Louisiana says Monroe is the hardest hit area of the state as more than 45-thousand customers in the parish do not have electricity. Campbell says the buildup of ice on tree limbs has led to many of the outages…

Cut 6 (10) “…up here.”

Campbell says there are many cases where one area gets its power restored, but another area loses it…

Cut 7 (11) “…warm weather.”

Campbell says while no one likes living without power, the public understands Mother Nature has produced a difficult situation for Entergy, SWEPCO, Cleco and all of the power companies working around the clock to get the power restored…

Cut 8 (13) “…up here.”

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Thousands of residents in north Louisiana are stuck in their home due to power outages and icy roads. Greg Hilburn, a reporter for the USA Today Network, has no power, but is able to stay warm with a fireplace in his house. He says at least it looks pretty outside….

Cut 9 (11)  “…transportation.”

Hilburn says most people are taking the advice of state and local officials, staying home….

Cut 10 (12) “…they are doing.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health has reported a third winter-storm related death. An 86-year-old man in DeSoto Parish died due to carbon monoxide poisoning. The death was confirmed by the parish coroner as winter-storm related. DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson says his deputies have been busy conducting welfare checks…

Cut 11 (14) “…go check.”

Nearly ten-thousand customers are without power in DeSoto Parish and we are looking at another night with low temperatures in the teens. Richardson says people who do not have an adequate way to warm their homes should find shelter

Cut 12 (09) “…life-threatening temperatures”

The state health department says the other two winter-storm related deaths happened in Caddo Parish as two men died due to hypothermia. Governor Landry says they are also investigating three more fatalities that are possibly tied to the winter storm.

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If you have some extra time on your hands, the Red Cross could use your help. Kenneth St. Charles, the regional CEO of the American Red Cross Louisiana Region, is putting out a statewide call for volunteers.

Cut 13 (12)  “…ready to go.”

The Red Cross is already supporting shelters and warming centers, but they need more people because they may need to open more of them.

Cut 14 (12) “…that we have.”

If you don’t know where to start, St. Charles says that’s no problem – training only takes about two hours, and you can do it from the comfort of your own home.

Cut 15 (10) “…to move equipment.”

18 years ago, Louisiana became the last state to ban cockfighting. One parish is pushing to legalize it again – at least in its own parish, and despite a simultaneous ban at the federal level. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A major winter storm is bearing down on Louisiana. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin has the latest…

Cut 2 (33) “…into Sunday.”

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The St. Landry Parish Council is making a formal request to Attorney General Liz Murrill for her opinion on whether the state’s law banning cockfighting is unconstitutional. It comes as several in the parish are pushing to make it legal there once again. Nadea Comeaux says cockfighting, which had a history in the parish, would bring in much-needed revenue.

Cut 3 (11) “…of these things?”

Comeaux argued before the council that cockfighting is, in her opinion, wholesome entertainment.

Cut 4 (10) “…involved in that.”

It is a federal crime to attend an animal fighting event, and cockfighting is illegal at the state level in all 50 states, with Louisiana the last state to outlaw it in 2008. Jim Demoruelle told the council that laws mean nothing to those who stage cockfights.

Cut 5 (08) “…passed against it.”

Jeff Dorson, the director of the Humane Society of Louisiana, said prior to the meeting that reinstating cockfighting would be a horrible idea, as it would promote cruelty at a time when the world has seen enough of it.

The council also voted on a resolution to contact State Representative Dustin Miller to introduce a bill to repeal or modify Louisiana’s cockfighting ban. The resolution failed on a vote of 7-to-6, with Council Chairman Wayne Ardoin casting the tiebreaking vote.

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SWEPCO crews are getting ready for the ice storm bearing down on the state. Spokesman Michael Corbin says crews are getting in place.

Cut 6 (12) “…a day’s notice.”

Corbin says SWEPCO works closely with the offices of emergency preparedness in each parish in its service area so that it has the latest information on road conditions.

Cut 7 (08) “…to get there (2x).”

Corbin says SWEPCO does not wait until the forecast mentions “ice storm” to start preparing for one.

Cut 8 (10) “…in the state.”

Corbin says when government officials urge you to stay off the roads during ice storms, this is to keep them clear so that crews can safely get to locations to restore power.

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Temperatures are in the 50s today in north Louisiana, but don’t let that fool you. Forecasters are still calling for a significant ice storm to impact the upper half of the state this weekend. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim….

Cut 9 (07)  “…quite a mess.”

Keim says confidence is high we will see freezing rain across the northern half of the state starting Saturday morning…

Cut 10 (08) “…points north.”

He says freezing rain is also possible for the Lake Charles, Lafayette and Baton Rouge areas, but at smaller amounts than what we’ll see in north Louisiana.

Keim is expecting many roads, especially elevated bridges and highways, to be shutdown by transportation officials because of icing…

Cut 11 (15) “…behind this.”

Keim says this would be a good weekend to stay home…

Cut 12 (10) “…at home.”

With crippling weather bearing down on Louisiana, now is the time to start getting ready. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU has added one of the top pass rushers in the SEC to its roster and it’s someone coach Lane Kiffin knows well. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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We continue to keep an eye on the winter storm that’s bearing down on much of Louisiana late this week and this weekend. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says by the end of the week, the roads will be unbearable for many.

Cut 3 (13) “…of southern Louisiana.”

Keim says in south Louisiana, that wintry mix will be mainly from Lake Charles to the Mississippi River. He says areas east of the Mississippi River appear to be clear of any hazardous conditions for the time being, but this is still something those people need to keep a close eye on.

Cut 4 (12) “…at cold rain.”

Keim says conditions when conditions start to deteriorate, they will not improve for the duration of the weekend.

Cut 5 (09) “…much clear out.”

A cold weather advisory is also in effect for southwest Louisiana from Saturday night to Sunday morning.

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With much of the state in the crosshairs of Mother Nature’s wrath, GOHSEP is urging you to start preparing now. Mike Steele with GOHSEP says now is the time to start putting together your emergency kit.

Cut 6 (10) “…significant power loss.”

Steele says when at the grocery store, stock up on foods that require neither refrigeration nor preparation.

Cut 7 (05) “…rule of thumb.”

Of course, when hunkering down at home, there’s a very good chance that you could lose power, possibly for days on end. Steele says those of you who have generators need to be smart when using them.

Cut 8 (12) “…cooled down properly.”

GOHSEP has all this information and more on its emergency preparedness website, get a game plan-dot-org.

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New Orleans officials announce the arrest of a 35-year-old man who allegedly set eight vehicles on fire in the Bywater neighborhood early Monday morning. Deputy Mayor of Public safety Michael Harrison says surveillance cameras caught Kyle Tomeson go on an arson spree…

Cut 9 (09)  “…from the area.”

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno says Tomeson was caught within 48 hours of the fires…

Cut 10 (09) “…of New Orleans.”

Tomeson has been booked on four counts of aggravated arson and nine counts of simple arson. Moreno says the burning of the vehicles has been unsettling for residents in the Bywater neighborhood. But the mayor is thankful for one thing…

Cut 11 (07) “…situation”

Officials are not sure of a motive. Aggravated arson could result in a prison sentence of six to 20 years. Simple arson could result in a sentence of up to 15 years. Fox-8 TV is reporting Tomeson was nabbed authorities while working his job as a bartender in the French Quarter.

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Investigators in Rapides Parish are calling it a tragic accident. Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded to a shooting south of Lecompte early Monday morning and found two people inside a vehicle, one of whom had been shot.

Cut 12 (06) “…in the head.”

Carnline says investigators determined that there was no foul play involved. The sheriff’s office has not released the victim’s identity. Carnline says this underscores the importance of handling firearms with the greatest of care.

Cut 13 (09)  “…toward the ground.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson addresses the British Parliament, becoming the first U.S. Speaker of the House in history ever to do so. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow has entered the U-S Senate race, challenging Bill Cassidy who is seeking a third term. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the British Parliament this morning, becoming the first U.S. Speaker of the House ever to do so. In his nearly 23-minute address to members of both the House of Lords and the House of Commons, Johnson talked about the great experiment America embarked on when it gained independence from the British 250 years ago.

Cut 3 (13) “…equal and free.”

Johnson told the British lawmakers that the relationship between the two countries has always been more powerful and enduring than the enemies that they face.

Cut 4 (09) “…has ever known.”

Johnson told Parliament that the two countries have great reason for hope.

Cut 5 (10) “…importantly in spirit.”

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Fifth District Congresswoman Julia Letlow says she will run for U-S Senate, challenging incumbent Bill Cassidy in the Republican Primary. Letlow made the announcement at the Baton Rouge Business Report’s Power Breakfast event. Her announcement comes after President Trump endorsed her over Cassidy. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says with Trump’s backing, Letlow is the favorite to win this seat…

Cut 6 (08) “…Trump’s endorsement.”

Qualifying for the U-S Senate seat is next month, and the party primary is May 16th. Cross says there is a good chance the primary will be decided in a run-off held on June 27th…

Cut 7 (15) “…very much in question.”

Cassidy released a statement following Letlow’s announcement that expressed confidence he will win a third term in office. Letlow is in her second term as a U-S Representative and Cross says it is a political gamble to run for the Senate….

Cut 8 (08) “…of office.”

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The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for north central and northwest Louisiana. It will go into effect Friday morning and run through Sunday morning. Davyon Hill with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says freezing rain is expected to arrive on Friday night and the precipitation is expected to turn to sleet and possibly snow before the storm system moves out on Sunday….

Cut 9 (09)  “…on both.”

Hill says there’s a 40-percent chance the Lake Charles and Lafayette areas will also see some ice accumulation on Saturday and Sunday. He says travel could be treacherous this weekend…

Cut 10 (07) “…travel impacts.”

Hill says prepare now, because the possibility exists for power outages from the freezing rain…

Cut 11 (07) “…start preparing.”

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says he will continue to seek re-election despite President Trump endorsing Congresswoman Julia Letlow in the U-S Senate race. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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There is the possibility a winter storm will hit Louisiana this weekend. Bill Jacquemin has the story…

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Bill Jacquemin.”

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You can start filing your state income tax returns one week from today. Byron Henderson with the Louisiana Department of Revenue says the very easiest way to do so is electronically, for free, through the department’s online portal known as LaTAP.

Cut 3 (12) “…your account history.”

Henderson says if for some reason you cannot use LaTAP, you have other options to file your state tax return.

Cut 4 (12) “…download and print.”

Henderson says filing electronically will also ensure that you get your refund as quickly as possible, should you be owed one.

Cut 5 (07) “…about four weeks.”

If you submit a paper return and are expecting a refund, that will take about eight weeks. May 15th is the deadline to file state income taxes. 

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U-S Senator Bill Cassidy has no plans of ending his re-election bid, even though President Donald Trump is encouraging Congresswoman Julia Letlow to run for the Senate and said he will support her candidacy.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says a Trump endorsement does not guarantee a win for that candidate. He says the President endorsed Republican Eddie Rispone in the 2019 governor’s race…

Cut 6 (09) “…governor’s race.”

Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards beat Rispone in the 2019 governor’s race, despite President Trump making multiple visits to Louisiana in support of Rispone. Pinsonat says Trump’s endorsement for Letlow is a blow to Cassidy’s re-election campaign, but it is a hurdle he can overcome…

Cut 7 (08) “…all is not lost.”

Trump announced his endorsement of Letlow on Saturday night. Cassidy responded with his own statement. The Baton Rouge Republican said he is confident he will win if Congresswoman Letlow decides to run. Pinsonat says Cassidy is not backing down, despite the President’s potential influence over the U-S Senate race…

Cut 8 (12) “..this race.”

Cassidy is also well funded as his campaign has 11 million dollars in cash and had a major fundraising event last week in Baton Rouge that raised 650-thousand dollars.

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Senator John Kennedy’s quest to end payments to dead people heads to President Trump’s desk for his signature. It’s a bill that he sponsored that aims to end welfare payments to people who have passed away. Kennedy says up until a few years ago, the problem was very widespread.

Cut 9 (07)  “…to dead people.”

Kennedy says the catalyst behind this is the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File, which gets updated anytime someone dies.

Cut 10 (12) “…branch of government (2x).”

Kennedy says the Social Security Administration told him that it was not at liberty to share that information with other government departments without congressional approval, so he passed a bill in 2023 that created a pilot program that allowed it to do just that. Kennedy says it’s been very effective.

Cut 11 (10) “…in improper payments.”

So Kennedy filed a follow-up bill to give the Social Security Administration permanent permission to share that information with other government agencies, and both houses of Congress have passed it.