A new poll suggests that Senator Bill Cassidy could be in for a tough re-election campaign. The poll by JMC Analytics commissioned by the John Fleming campaign shows the current state treasurer leading Cassidy by 13 points in a head to head matchup. JMC Analytics Founder and President John Couvillon (KOO-ve-ahn) says now that the U.S. Senate primary in Louisiana is a closed primary, the challenge for Cassidy is that the electorate will be much more conservative than in years past.

Cut 5 (16) “…on his re-election.”

Speaker Mike Johnson’s chief of staff is accused of driving under the influence. Hayden Haynes was arrested Tuesday following President Trump’s address to Congress. Capitol Police say Haynes backed into a parked vehicle just before midnight Tuesday night. Haynes has been Johnson’s chief of staff since 2023.

Louisiana’s small business owners are urging legislators to address rising insurance costs through legal reforms in the upcoming legislative session. NFIB State Director Long says the organization supports legislation that would place medical damages in a trust to prevent excessive costs, cap non-economic damages at 750-thousand dollars for predictability, and bar individuals more than 50-percent at fault from recovering damages to reduce frivolous claims.

Cut 8 (11) “…taking the case”

It’s a reacquaintance of sorts – Cleo Fields is back on Capitol Hill as a congressman for the first time in 28 years. If Congress seems much more polarized to you now compared to back then, Fields says you’re exactly right.

Cut 12 (08) “…to come back.”

A new poll suggests that Bill Cassidy’s re-election bid could be a tough one. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Small Business owners are urging lawmakers to focus on tax reform in the upcoming legislative session. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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DOTD is working to implement its strategic improvement plan. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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If a new poll is any indication, Senator Bill Cassidy could be in for a tough re-election campaign. A new poll by JMC Analytics commissioned by the John Fleming campaign shows the current state treasurer leading Cassidy by 13 points in a head to head matchup. JMC Analytics Founder and President John Couvillon (KOO-ve-ahn) says the fact that Cassidy will be participating in a closed primary could create significant headwinds for his re-election bid.

Cut 4 (13) “…Republicans and independents.”

And as such, Couvillon says the primary electorate in April of 2026 will be much more conservative than in the open primaries that Cassidy had previously ran in.

Cut 5 (16) “…on his re-election.”

Couvillon says this will be a hotly-contested primary, and the campaign will begin in earnest in a few months.

Cut 6 (11) “…and this fall.”

Couvillon says Fleming’s standing among Republican voters greatly improved when they consider his background. Like Cassidy, Fleming is a medical doctor by trade. Prior to becoming state treasurer, he served as deputy White House chief of staff during Donald Trump’s first presidency.

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Louisiana’s small business owners are urging legislators to address rising insurance costs through legal reforms in the upcoming legislative session starting April 14. According to NFIB State Director Long, lawsuit abuse is a major factor driving up insurance rates, and common sense reforms are necessary to stabilize the market and create a fair legal system.

Cut 7 (11) “…2025 session.”

Long says the NFIB supports legislation that would place medical damages in a trust to prevent excessive costs, cap non-economic damages at 750-thousand dollars for predictability, and bar individuals more than 50-percent at fault from recovering damages to reduce frivolous claims.

Cut 8 (11) “…taking the case”

Long argues that lawsuit abuse stifles business growth and hiring while increasing costs. Passing these reforms would ensure fairness and give small businesses the stability they need to support Louisiana’s economy.

Cut 9 (05)  “…small business owners.”

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It’s a reacquaintance of sorts – Cleo Fields is back on Capitol Hill as a congressman for the first time in 28 years. Since the day that Fields left office the first time, only 19 representatives remain, none from Louisiana.

Cut 10 (09) “…across the aisle.”

The sixth district Congressman says in terms of the House floor, the biggest difference is the use of modern technology.

Cut 11 (07) “…done through iPhones”

And if Congress seems much more polarized to you these days, Fields will tell you you’re exactly right.

Cut 12 (08) “…to come back.”

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DOTD is working to implement its strategic improvement plan. Secretary Joe Donahue says the department identified a few deficiencies in its operation – among them is the inability to deliver projects on schedule.

Cut 13 (13)  “…fall off track.”

Donahue says of the projects completed in recent years, a small percentage were actually in the Highway Priority Program’s pipeline, and that’s something that will change in the strategic improvement plan.

Cut 14 (14) “…course of development.”

Donahue says another deficiency identified was the lack of consistency in the department’s messaging.

Cut 15 (08) “…get different answers.”

Donahue says as a result, what the department was telling people was not the same as what it was reporting to the federal government each year.

After a successful Super Bowl, New Orleans can now boast about a successful Mardi Gras. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell credits a strong partnership between local, state, and federal law enforcement.

Cut 4 (20) “…of Mardi Gras”

A recent online solicitation sting by the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office nets 11 arrests. The sheriff’s office partnered with Chris Hansen, who once hosted a segment on Dateline NBC called “To Catch A Predator.” Hansen says he thought people would catch on after the first couple segments, but nope.

Cut 8 (10) “…exploit a child.”

A Mardi Gras celebration in Mamou turns into a mass shooting that left two people dead. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (37) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

A shooting at a Mardi Gras parade in Franklinton last weekend is leading some to question the future of that city’s parade. As such, Keneshia Neal has started a petition on Change-dot-org to preserve the event. She says the actions of a few should not overshadow a tradition that has united the community for over 50 years.

With the help of former Dateline NBC correspondent Chris Hansen, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested 11 men in a recent online solicitation sting. Last month, the sheriff’s office had deputies pose as 14-year-olds online. Sheriff Jason Ard says all suspects agreed to meet who they thought was the 14-year-old at a house.

Cut 6 (09) “…14-year-old.”

New Orleans had a rocky start in 2025, but after a successful Super Bowl, the city can also boast about a successful Mardi Gras. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.

Cut 3 (19) “…city of New Orleans” 

At least two people are reportedly dead and many more were injured from gunfire during a Mardi Gras celebration in the Evangeline Parish town of Mamou. Chris Ardoin was performing at the time. He took to Facebook to say this was the first time he had one of his sons on stage with him, because he wanted to attend Mardi Gras for the first time…

Cut 10 (10) “…shield us.”

An Oil City man was arrested after allegedly threatening and attacking a school resource officer with an umbrella. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Lieutenant Breck Scott says 70-year-old Gary Fenner arrived at Northwood High School around 9 a.m. to pick up his grandchild but was denied access due to a tornado-related lockdown.

Cut 12 (13) “…Mr. Fenner.”

Despite the threat of severe weather, there is some serious Mardi Gras partying going on in New Orleans’ French Quarter.

Cut 13 (03)  “…Mardi Gras.”

Security is ramped up following the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street. This woman rode a float in the Mid-City parade and revelers are happy that the terrorist attack did not take away Mardi Gras this year…

Cut 14 (07) “…feels safe.”

Louisiana Tech’s College of Business now offers students and faculty access to nine Bloomberg Terminals, professional-grade financial data and analytics tools. Associate Dean Dr. William McCumber says the Bloomberg Terminals allow students to gain hands-on experience with professional level tools.

Cut 8 (08) “…business opportunity.”

Anyone with Louisiana Tech credentials can create a Bloomberg profile and utilize this resource.

President Trump has imposed 25-percent tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico. Senator Bill Cassidy says he agrees with the tariffs against Mexico, saying it’s a way to get them to crack down on drug cartels and illegal immigration. However, Cassidy says he wants assurances from the White House that the price of big-ticket items like cars won’t go up.

Cut 11 (10) “…for my people.”

Congressman Mike Johnson will be sitting directly behind President Trump as House Speakers customarily do as Trump addresses a joint session of Congress tonight. Johnson says Trump has so many accomplishments in his first 43 days back in office that he can tout tonight.

Cut 3 (13) “…much to celebrate.”

The entire state is bracing for severe weather on this Fat Tuesday. National Weather Service New Orleans Meteorologist Phil Grigsby says storms are closing in. 

Cut 3 (08) “…the day today.” 

The threat of severe weather is not stopping Cajun Mardi Gras in Eunice. Mayor Scott Fontenot says it never has, and it never will.

Cut 9 (05)  “…they had lockdown.”

The Cajun Mardi Gras festival in Eunice started last Friday and wraps up today with a parade that pays tribute to the heritage and customs of the Acadian people who settled in southwest Louisiana. People dressed in costume run through the countryside begging for ingredients for the gumbo that they’ll make at the end. While many will walk, others will be in trailers or on horseback. It attracts people from all across the country and beyond.

The early start to the Mardi Gras parades and the threat of stormy weather has not dampened the spirits of revelers on this Fat Tuesday in New Orleans. Large crowds were on hand for the Zulu and Rex parades. Mayor LaToya Cantrell says it’s great to see…

Cut 12 (13) “…on today.”

Louisiana Tech’s College of Business now offers students and faculty access to nine Bloomberg Terminals, professional-grade financial data and analytics tools.  Finance Professor William McCumber says four of them are accessible 24/7 in common areas and five of them are in Ray’s Financial Trading Room, where Student Managed Investment Fund analysts train.

Cut 6 (11) “…around the globe.”

Mardi Gras is always a festive occasion in Louisiana. But this year, Mother Nature has other plans. The entire state is bracing for severe weather today. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says in the New Orleans area…

Cut 14 (09) “…finally tapering off.”

Both New Orleans parades took off this morning and will be required to be wrapped up by noon today. And other cities are also adjusting their Mardi Gras parade plans. In Lafayette, Police Sergeant Robin Green says they’re moving up two parades and are cancelling a third.

Cut 10 (14) “…Gras festival parade.”

The independent parade was slated to start immediately after the Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival parade, but the weather will not hold up at that time; and thus, it has been cancelled.

It’s a Mardi Gras celebration in the Cajun tradition in Eunice, and it has its big finish today. The Cajun Mardi Gras festival started last Friday and wraps up today with a parade that pays tribute to the heritage and customs of the Acadian people who settled in southwest Louisiana. Eunice Mayor Scott Fontenot says it’s actually more of a run than a parade.

Cut 8 (07) “…the whole time.”

The participants run through the countryside begging for ingredients for the gumbo that they’ll make at the end.

President Trump delivers a primetime address to a joint session of Congress tonight. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Trump will focus a lot on immigration and foreign policy following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s meeting in the oval office last week.

Cut 5 (10) “…with foreign policy.”

Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin will deliver the Democratic response.

Tonight, President Trump will address Congress. Sean Richardson spoke with a local political analyst on what we can expect to hear.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A very different kind of Mardi Gras parade in Eunice. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Mother Nature is expected to put a damper on Fat Tuesday. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (37) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

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President Donald Trump delivers a primetime address to a joint session of Congress tonight. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says in Trump’s first 44 days in office the President made many changes and is pushing for more and this is his chance to explain why this is the path America should take

Cut 4 (13) “…a lot of attention.”

Republicans hold majorities in both chambers, giving Trump an advantage in promoting his legislative agenda. Hogan says Trump will focus a lot on immigration and foreign policy following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s meeting in the oval office last week.

Cut 5 (10) “…with foreign policy.”

Democrats will present a televised response, delivered by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin.  Hogan says a great deal of attention will be given to Slotkin…

Cut 6 (08) “…at the present time”

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It’s a Mardi Gras celebration in the Cajun tradition in Eunice, and it has its big finish today. The Cajun Mardi Gras festival started last Friday and wraps up today with a parade that pays tribute to the heritage and customs of the Acadian people who settled in southwest Louisiana. Eunice Mayor Scott Fontenot says it attracts people from not just all across the country, but from all over the world; and he says it’s something that most people have never witnessed in their entire lives.

Cut 7 (08) “…the whole outfit.”

Mayor Fontenot says it’s actually more of a run than a parade.

Cut 8 (07) “…the whole time.”

The participants run through the countryside begging for ingredients for the gumbo that they’ll make at the end. While the weather will likely turn rainy and windy by the end, that’s not going to stop the participants – in fact, nothing has ever stopped them.

Cut 9 (05)  “…they had lockdown.”

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With severe weather impacting much of the state today, many cities are adjusting their Mardi Gras parade plans. In Lafayette, Police Sergeant Robin Green says they’re moving up two parades and are cancelling a third.

Cut 10 (14) “…Gras festival parade.”

The independent parade was slated to start immediately after the Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival parade, but the weather will not hold up at that time.

Cut 11 (09) “…expected to start.”

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(Watch for updates in the following story)

As of right now, New Orleans is planning on holding two parades and moving them earlier with the high winds rolling in. The Zulu parade will start to roll at 6:30 a.m., followed by the Rex parade. There will be no marching krewes, bands or truck floats, and both routes are being shortened. The trucker parade has been cancelled and is rescheduled for Sunday morning. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says the city is working hard to maintain important traditions.

Cut 12 (10) “…going to try.”

Kirkpatrick says there’s still a chance that she may need to cancel the Zulu and Rex parades altogether.

Cut 13 (13)  “…at that point.”

If the parades do roll this morning, Kirkpatrick is urging you to go to the bathroom ahead of time. Due to the forecasted high winds, there will be no porta-potties along the routes.

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Mardi Gras is always a festive occasion in Louisiana. But this year, Mother Nature has other plans. The entire state is bracing for severe weather today. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says in the New Orleans area…

Cut 14 (09) “…finally tapering off.”

And it’s much of the same further west, including Lafayette and Lake Charles. Keim says after noon, winds will start to really pick up.

Cut 15 (05) “…miles per hour.”

A high wind warning is in effect in Southeast Louisiana from nine this morning to nine tonight.

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LSU has moved up to number one in D-1 Baseball’s Top 25 ranking. The 11-and-1 Tigers are ranked ahead of Tennessee who is undefeated on the season. D-1 baseball’s Aaron Fitt on why LSU has a slight edge over the defending national champs…

Cut 16 (18) “…LSU rotation.”

Fitt says LSU’s offense looks very good through the first dozen games of the season. He says Tigers first baseman Jared Jones could be in store for a big season…

Cut 17 (20)  “…terrifying presence.”

Second baseman Daniel Dickinson is emerging as a star. The transfer from Utah Valley is leading the Tigers with 21 RBIs. Dickinson didn’t have a single scholarship offer from a Division One school coming out of high school in Seattle, but that didn’t stop him.

Cut 18 (14)  “…like that.”

LSU right-handed pitcher Casan Evans was named the Southeastern Conference co-freshman of the week. The Houston product recorded a save against nationally ranked Dallas Baptist and got the win on Friday against Kansas State. Evans was also a very good high school shortstop, but he’s only focusing on pitching at LSU….

Cut 19 (11) “…easier now.”

Mardi Gras parades will not be rolling in Jefferson Parish tomorrow. Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng says parades by the Krewe of Argus and the Elks Krewe of Jeffersonians have been called off due to high winds. Sheng says this is not a decision that she wanted to make, but the possibility of 60 mile an hour gusts left her with no other choice.

Cut 5 (14) “…work with us.”

New Orleans. meanwhile, is working to fit in its parades. The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club and the Krewe of Rex will still hold their parades – Zulu at 7 a.m. and Rex at 9 a.m. Collin Arnold, New Orleans’ director of homeland security and emergency preparedness, says while Mayor LaToya Cantrell certainly has input and influence, she’s not the final decision-maker in this instance.

Cut 23 (04) “…of that decision.”

Authorities have made at least one arrest in a shooting that wounded five people after the Mardi Gras parade in Franklinton last night. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (24) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain met with U-S Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollands on how to deal with the effects of bird flu and how to get egg prices under control.

Cut 9 (19)  “…and for poultry.”

Mother Nature is picking the wrong day to inundate Louisiana with severe weather. Meteorologist Matt Hemingway with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says severe weather is forecast to move across North Louisiana, but could it possibly extend south into Central Louisiana.

Cut 7 (05) “…south of I-10.”

Either way, that’s going to put a damper on Mardi Gras parades for Fat Tuesday as Carnival season draws to a close. Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng has cancelled both of tomorrow’s parades due to high winds. Sheng says if those wind speeds are high enough to keep buses and Entergy crews off the roads, they’re certainly high enough to make conditions for a parade unsafe.

Cut 4 (14) “…tents, chairs, tarps.”

While parades in Jefferson Parish have been called off for tomorrow, we’re still awaiting official word from New Orleans on the status of its parades. Collin Arnold, New Orleans’ director of homeland security and emergency preparedness, says with tomorrow being the end of Carnival season, rescheduling parades is much more tricky.  

Cut 25 (09) “…do to reschedule.”

Arnold says while some floats are built to withstand high winds, others are a lot older and are less likely to do so. A little further west, parade times have been moved up in the towns of Kaplan, Crowley, New Roads and Franklin with severe weather moving in.