Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s not backing down. This, after President Trump endorses Congresswoman Julia Letlow for U.S. Senate – even though she hasn’t even declared her candidacy for the seat. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Cassidy is pressing forward, despite Trump’s influence over the race.

Cut 8 (12) “..this race.”

The first House bill filed for the 2026 legislative session calls for a constitutional convention. Baton Rouge Republican Dixon McMakin points out that while the U.S. constitution is less than nine-thousand words long, Louisiana’s constitution is more than 100-thousand words long.

Cut 14 (09) “…back to basics.”

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

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Bill Jacquemin.”

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.”

The times, they are a-changin’ at the Louisiana inspector general’s office. Governor Landry taps Angele Davis to the position and is changing the duties of that role. Landry says the Office of the Inspector General will be in charge of finding efficiencies in state government.

Cut 13 (11)  “…do better.”

Electric vehicle adoption experienced tremendous growth throughout the year last year; and now, there are more than 21-thousand of them registered throughout Louisiana. All this happened even after Congress pulled the plug on the EV tax credits that weren’t supposed to expire until 2032. Ann Vail, the executive director of Louisiana Clean Fuels, pins some of the credit on an improving charging infrastructure.

Cut 5 (11) “…and it’s everywhere.”

President Trump is encouraging Congresswoman Julia Letlow to run for U.S. Senate. Jeff Palermo reports Letlow would be a formidable challenger to Bill Cassidy’s re-election campaign.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson is set to address the British Parliament tomorrow to kick off the celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Johnson was invited to address Parliament by his counterpart in the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle. Johnson will be the first U.S. House speaker to address the British Parliament.

A huge development in Louisiana’s U-S Senate race as President Trump posted on social media that Congresswoman Julia Letlow should run against Senator Bill Cassidy. In his post, Trump called Letlow a “Great Star” and a “Total Winner” and would have his endorsement should she enter the race. LaPolitics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says if Letlow runs, it will be a highly competitive race.

Cut 10 (10) “…the bank.”

Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity in Louisiana. Louisiana Clean Fuels says there are now more than 21-thousand EVs and plug-in hybrids registered throughout the state. Executive Director Ann Vail says you will find most of them in the more heavily-populated parishes.

Cut 4 (08) “…starting to drive.”

Louisiana has a new inspector general, and the duties of that position are changing. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

An Acadiana priest is charged with sex crimes involving children. Records indicate that the Reverend Korey Lavergne was booked into the Acadia Parish Jail on three counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile. The 37-year-old is the pastor at St. Edward Catholic Church in Richard.

Electric vehicle adoption in Louisiana experienced a steady increase throughout 2025. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

President Trump is encouraging Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow to run for the US Senate. Jeff Palermo reports that Letlow would be a formidable challenger to Bill Cassidy’s re-election campaign…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Louisiana has a new inspector general and the duties of that position are changing. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________________

Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity in Louisiana. According to Louisiana Clean Fuels, there are now more than 21-thousand electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids registered throughout the state. Executive Director Ann Vail says you will find the vast majority of them in the more heavily-populated parishes.

Cut 4 (08) “…starting to drive.”

Jefferson Parish leads the way with more than 35-hundred. Per capita, Orleans Parish comes out on top, with almost one and a half percent of all vehicles registered being EVs or plug-in hybrids.

In all, EV adoption started its climb in 2021 and soared throughout the year last year, even after Congress pulled the plug on the EV tax credits that wasn’t supposed to expire until 2032. Vail pins some of the credit on Louisiana’s improving charging infrastructure.

Cut 5 (11) “…and it’s everywhere.”

Vail says she would like to see more multi-family housing communities offer EV charging to their tenants, but that may be easier said than done.

Cut 6 (11) “…work with that.”

________________________________________________________

Walmart is planning to invest more than $330 million to modernize it’s regional distribution center in Opelousas. The State of Louisiana provided a competitive incentives package, including a $10 million performance-based grant tied to equipment investments. St. Landry Economic Development CEO Bill Rodier says the project shows that Walmart is committed to the location long-term.

Cut 7 (07) “…get this done.”

Rodier says the modernization of the distribution center in Opelousas will double Walmart’s shipping capacity.

Cut 8 (13) “…that’s a big deal.”

The modernization of the Opelousas distribution center also means that Walmart is expected to retain over a thousand jobs in the parish. Rodier says it’s a big win for one of the largest employers in St. Landry.

Cut 9 (09)  “…we couldn’t be happier.”

______________________________________________________________

A huge development in Louisiana’s U-S Senate race as President Trump posted on his social media network, “Truth Social” that Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow should run against Senator Bill Cassidy. In his social media post, Mr. Trump called Letlow a “Great Star” and a “Total Winner.” Publisher of Lapolitics-dot-com Jeremy Alford says if Letlow runs, it will be a highly competitive race…

Cut 10 (10) “…the bank.”

Cassidy said in a statement he is confident he will win if Letlow decides to run. Letlow said she’s honored to have the President’s endorsement, but did not indicate if she will run for U.S. Senate. Alford says Letlow could announce her candidacy during Washington D.C. Mardi Gras at the end of the month, and she will also have the support of Governor Landry…

Cut 11 (13) “…reputation.”

Cassidy is seeking a third six-year term. He’s already drawn several challengers because he voted in 2021 to impeach President Donald Trump for his actions during the deadly January sixth attack on Capitol Hill. But since Trump got back in the White House, Alford says Cassidy has tried to show he is an ally of Trump and can help deliver the President’s agenda…

Cut 12 (11) “…win it.”

Four well known Republicans are already in the race. Alford says it will be interesting to see how many of them will stay in the race, if Letlow officially gets in.

_____________________________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry has named a new Inspector General, and he’s also changing the duties of the position. Former Commissioner of the Administration Angelle Davis replaces Stephen Street, who had the job for 18 years. Landry says the Office of the Inspector General will be in charge of finding efficiencies in state government…

Cut 13 (11)  “…do better.”

Landry says he wants the Inspector General to take the reports issued by the legislative auditor that provide recommendations on how state government agencies can be more efficient and implement them. The governor says his administration recently took an old recommendation on how the state can do a better job in checking Medicaid eligibility and it saved the state millions…

Cut 14 (09) “…long time ago.”

The state inspector general under the leadership of Stephen Street would investigate allegations of mismanagement, misconduct, fraud and corruption within state government and turn those findings over to federal and state prosecutors.

It will take legislative action in the upcoming regular session to change the role of the state inspector general, but Landry doesn’t see how anyone would vote against it…

Cut 15 (09) “…reform it.”

______________________________________________________________

Make it three in a row for the Lady Tigers as the sixth-ranked team in the nation took down 13th-ranked Oklahoma, 91-72, in Oklahoma yesterday afternoon. LSU took the lead for the first time late in the first quarter and never trailed for the rest of the game. Senior guard Flau’jae Johnson was the game’s leading scorer with 23 points and said LSU was able to neutralize Oklahoma’s fast paced style of play.

Cut 16 (12) “…in that way.”

Sophomore guard Jada Richard (ree-SHARD) from Opelousas was the second highest scorer with a career-high 21 points. She credits her teammates for her offensive explosion

Cut 17 (12)  “…always be open.”

LSU will try to make it four in a row Thursday night against Texas A&M. Tipoff in College Station is at eight p-m.

______________________________________________________

The LSU men’s basketball team finally got a win in the SEC on Saturday as the Tigers defeated Missouri 78 to 70. The Tigers are now 1-4 in league play heading into tomorrow night’s game at Florida. Coach Matt McMahon says the goal now is to stack some wins together.

Cut 18 (11)  “…great fashion.”

It was a nice bounce-back victory for LSU, which lost a heartbreaker last Wednesday to Kentucky, blowing an 18-point lead and losing on a last-second shot. Forward Marquel Sutton led the way with 26 points…

Cut 19 (17) “…40 minutes.”

As Governor Landry continues his meetings with President Trump in Washington, DC, about Trump’s quest to acquire Greenland, people here in the U.S. are expressing concern. Kaitlyn Joshua, a community activist in Louisiana, was on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana and says this whole idea is foolish.

Cut 14 (09) “…do that.”

Most public opinion polls in both the U.S. and Greenland oppose the Trump administration’s efforts in acquiring Greenland.

A record-breaking field will take to the streets of Baton Rouge for the 15th annual Louisiana Marathon. Marketing Director Mike Wattigny (WATT-nee) says more than nine-thousand runners from all over the world will be competing, with more than 60-percent coming from outside Louisiana.

Cut 3 (10) “…runner from China.”

LSU is putting the finishing touches on its transfer portal class. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

On Thursday, forecasters had said there was a slight possibility of very light snowfall in South Louisiana tomorrow night into Sunday morning. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says while those chances are pretty much gone, it’s still going to be quite cold.

Cut 10 (10) “…MLK morning.”

Runners from all over the world are in Baton Rouge this weekend for the Louisiana Marathon. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

LSU is putting the finishing touches on its transfer portal class. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

A record-breaking field will take to the streets of Baton Rouge for the 15th annual Louisiana Marathon. Marketing Director Mike Wattigny (WATT-nee) says more than nine-thousand runners from all over the world will be competing, with more than 60-percent coming from outside Louisiana.

Cut 3 (10) “…runner from China.”

Wattigny says aside from the marathon and half-marathon which will take place Sunday, there will be other events Saturday.

Cut 4 (11) “…run a mile.”

Wattigny says those who are walkers are welcomed with open arms in the Saturday events, saying it fulfills one of the event’s main purposes.

Cut 5 (12) “…of all abilities.”

The Louisiana Marathon is expected to yield an economic impact of at least five-million dollars to the Baton Rouge area.

____________________________________________

The LSU women’s basketball team started off 0-and-2 in conference play, but the Lady Tigers are back to .500 in the SEC after a big win against number-two Texas. ESPN Women’s College Basketball Bracketologist Charlie Crème says the win against Texas shows that LSU is trending in the right direction.

Cut 6 (10) “…having an issue with.”

In Crème’s latest bracketology update, LSU came in as a number two seed. Crème says that even though their nonconference schedule wasn’t strong, the Tigers have shown plenty of potential to be a top team.

Cut 7 (12) “…at the end of the year.”

LSU travels to Norman to face number-13 Oklahoma on Sunday at 2 p.m. Crème anticipates the matchup between the top two scoring offenses in the nation to be high-scoring.

Cut 8 (12) “..low 90s.”

In last year’s matchup in the PMAC, Oklahoma and LSU combined to score 207 points.

____________________________________________

On Thursday, forecasters had said there was the possibility of a very light snowfall for south Louisiana Saturday night into Sunday morning. But State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the chance of winter precipitation has declined as we get closer to the weekend.

Cut 9 (12)  “…last January.”

Grymes says we’re still anticipating a strong cold front that will result in a cold weekend.

Cut 10 (10) “…MLK morning.”

Grymes says we could see two, possibly three, light freezes early next week. But he says we are not looking at pipe busting cold.

Cut 11 (12) “…morning freezes.”

____________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry, who’s working with President Trump on taking control of Greenland, is in Washington, D-C, as tensions are building over Trump’s desired acquisition. During an appearance on Fox News, Landry said the East Coast of the U.S. should be concerned with China’s involvement with the arctic nation as he says the Chinese have an impressive fleet of ice breaker vessels.

Cut 12 (09)“…President knows that.”

The President says the United States needs Greenland for national security. Landry says there’s a concern about Russia taking over Greenland.

Cut 13 (11)  “…knocking on it.”

Greenland is controlled by Denmark, and both Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly said the island is not for sale and reject the idea of a U.S. take over.

Kaitlyn Joshua, a community activist in Louisiana, was on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana and says this whole idea is foolish.

Cut 14 (09) “…do that.”

Most public opinion polls in both the U.S. and Greenland oppose the Trump Administration’s efforts in acquiring Greenland. The President says the acquisition is necessary for national security and the arctic island has rare-earth metals. Joshua wishes the President made a stronger case.

Cut 15 (06) “…strong suit.”

Governor Landry is in Washington, D-C, holding talks with President Trump as part of his side hustle as special envoy to Greenland. It comes as tensions are building over Trump’s desired acquisition of the arctic island nation, saying the U.S. needs it for national security. During an appearance on Fox News, Landry said there’s a concern about Russia taking over Greenland.

Cut 13 (11)  “…knocking on it.”

Kaitlyn Joshua, a community activist in Louisiana, was on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana and says this whole idea is foolish.

Cut 14 (09) “…do that.”

Most public opinion polls in both the U.S. and Greenland oppose the Trump Administration’s efforts in acquiring Greenland.

LSU is putting the finishing touches on its transfer portal class. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Yesterday, forecasters had said there was a slight possibility of very light snowfall in South Louisiana tomorrow night into Sunday morning. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says while those chances are pretty much gone, it’s still going to be quite cold.

Cut 10 (10) “…MLK morning.”

On Thursday forecasters had said there was the possibility of a very light snowfall for south Louisiana tomorrow night into Sunday morning. But State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the chance of winter precipitation has declined as we get closer to the weekend.

Cut 9 (12)  “…last January.”

Governor Landry, who’s working with President Trump on taking control of Greenland, is in Washington D-C as tensions are building over Trump’s desired acquisition. During an appearance on Fox News, Landry said the East Coast of the U.S. should be concerned with China’s involvement with the arctic nation, as he says the Chinese have an impressive fleet of ice breaker vessels.

Cut 12 (09)“…President knows that.”

The 15th running of the Louisiana Marathon is Sunday, with more than nine-thousand runners taking to the streets. Marketing Director Mike Wattigny (WATT-nee) says aside from Sunday’s marathon and half-marathon, there will be other events happening tomorrow.

Cut 4 (11) “…run a mile.”

The LSU women’s basketball team started off 0-and-2 in conference play, but the Lady Tigers are back to .500 in the SEC after a big win against number-two Texas. ESPN Women’s College Basketball Bracketologist Charlie Crème says the win against Texas shows that LSU is trending in the right direction.

Cut 6 (10) “…having an issue with.”

In Crème’s latest bracketology update, LSU came in as a number two seed.

A record-breaking field will take to the streets of Baton Rouge for the 15th annual Louisiana Marathon. Marketing Director Mike Wattigny (WATT-nee) says more than nine-thousand runners from all over the world will be competing, with more than 60-percent coming from outside Louisiana.

Cut 3 (10) “…runner from China.”

While Bill Cassidy, John Fleming, Blake Miguez and others duke it out for the Republican nomination in the U.S. Senate race, there are three Democrats who have also entered the race. The first to enter was Jamie Davis, who had previously been elected to the Tensas Parish Police Jury. Davis says one of his biggest priorities is ensuring that quality health care is available to everyone, including those who live in rural areas.

Cut 4 (07) “…peace of mind.”

Where does Louisiana rank when it comes to auto insurance rates? Of course, near the top. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Further proof that you should take everything you see on social media with extreme skepticism. An Instagram account posted a video of a worn-down bridge, claiming it was the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Only thing is, those people were lying through their teeth – the bridge shown in the video is actually in Florida – three states to the east.

While Bill Cassidy and his Republican challengers have dominated the news cycle in Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race, there are three Democrats who have entered the race. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Where does Louisiana rank when it comes to auto insurance rates? Of course, near the top. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Leaders for a Better Louisiana is alerting the business community about a new workforce childcare tax credit that takes effect this year. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

______________________________________________

While Bill Cassidy, John Fleming, Blake Miguez and others duke it out for the Republican nomination in the U.S. Senate race, there are three Democrats who have also entered the race. The first to enter was Jamie Davis, who’s an elected member of the Democratic State Central Committee and had previously been elected to the Tensas Parish Police Jury. Davis says one of his biggest priorities is ensuring that quality health care is available to everyone, including those who live in rural areas.

Cut 4 (07) “…peace of mind.”

With immigration dominating the national conversation, Davis says those who are legally going through the asylum system need to be treated better than how they’re currently being treated.

Cut 5 (10) “…shouldn’t be deported.”

If Davis advances to the general election, there’s no guarantee that he will face Cassidy, since he has a fierce primary challenge to fend off. If Cassidy does survive, Davis says he plans on taking him to task for his vote that for all intents and purposes made Robert F. Kennedy Jr. the secretary of Health and Human Services.

Cut 6 (06) “…the President happy?”

Political consultant Tracie Burke and former Housing Authority of New Orleans Chief of Staff Jabarie Walker are the other two declared Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate.

________________________________________________________

A new report on auto insurance rates in Louisiana shows both good news and bad news. Value Penguin insurance expert Rob Bhatt found Louisiana has the second highest auto insurance rates in the U.S., but premiums are three-percent lower in 2026.

Cut 7 (08) “…recently as 2024.”

According to Value Penguin’s analysis, the average cost of auto insurance is expected to reach 327 dollars a month. Drivers in the towns in the of Sarepta and Hornbeck pay the lowest premiums, while those in Arabi and New Orleans have the highest premiums this year.

Bhatt says overall premiums are decreasing in Louisiana as a result of fewer accidents and lower inflation.

Cut 8 (10) “…on their compeititors.”

Bhatt says there is more good news — shopping around for auto insurance providers can lead to 34-percent in potential savings.

Cut 9 (10)  “…for your situation.”

______________________________________________________________

The beginning of Carnival also means the beginning of crawfish season – and with it, a little sticker shock. According to The Crawfish App, live crawfish is averaging $7.24 a pound, while boiled crawfish is averaging $10.10 a pound. Laney King, the founder of The Crawfish App, says these prices are nothing to worry about.

Cut 10 (10) “…is fairly normal.”

King says there are several reasons why crawfish is more expensive early in the season.

Cut 11 (12) “…supply right now.”

King says with the prices the way they are, you have two viable options – dig deep into your bank account to treat yourself to crawfish this weekend, or hold out just a little longer before prices start to come down to what you’ve been accustomed to pay for those tasty tiny crustaceans.

Cut 12 (13) “…the entire season.”

_____________________________________________________________

Leaders for a Better Louisiana is alerting businesses of an expanded tax credit that helps provide high-quality childcare for employees.  Barry Erwin, the chief policy officer for Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says the new Workforce Child Care Tax Credit is available to businesses which provide top notch child care within their own facilities or help pay their employee’s child care costs.

Cut 13 (05)  “…to do that.”

Businesses can claim the credit on their tax returns beginning in 2027. Erwin says the new law doubles the value of the old credit and amounts to a huge change for this under-utilized tax incentive.

Cut 14 (11) “…in their lives.”

Erwin says this enhanced tax credit will allow more parents to stay in the workforce while giving employers new tools to attract and retain top talent.

Cut 15 (09) “…very expensive proposition.”

______________________________________________________________

On Monday, LSU football signed the number-one transfer portal quarterback in Sam Leavitt of Arizona State. Jon Eagle, Leavitt’s former high school football coach at West Linn High School out of Oregon, says Leavitt is a very gifted quarterback.

Cut 16 (14) “…missed a beat.”

Leavitt helped lead West Linn to a 12-and-1 record and an Oregon 6A state championship after defeating Sheldon, 23-14, in 2022. Eagle says Leavitt has one of the best work ethics he’s ever seen as a coach.

Cut 17 (13)  “…he didn’t like.”

Eagle believes Leavitt will flourish in new LSU head coach Lane Kiffin’s offensive system.

Cut 18 (11)  “…that looks like.”