According to a conservative columnist, it’s not a slam dunk that Julia Letlow will win the Republican U.S. Senate primary just because she has the backing of President Trump. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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If it seems like you’re paying up the nose in sales taxes, the Tax Foundation says you’re right. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Amid very cold temperatures, the state fire marshal’s office is concerned we’ll see a rash of house fires because of people trying to stay warm. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (25) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Does President Trump’s endorsement of Julia Letlow make her the favorite to win the U.S. Senate Republican Primary over incumbent Bill Cassidy? Advocate newspaper columnist Tyler Bridges says this will be Letlow’s first tough political race.

Cut 4 (07) “…the money yet.”

Letlow was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in a 2021 special election to replace her husband Luke, who died of COVID-19 complications before he took office. She easily won re-election in 2022 and 2024.

Quin Hillyer, a conservative columnist for the Advocate, says Letlow will not only face attacks from Cassidy, but also from two of the other major candidates in the race — John Fleming and Blake Miguez.

Cut 5 (12) “…against Julia Letlow.”

The closed party primary is May 16th, with the runoff scheduled for June 27th. Following Trump’s endorsement of Letlow, Cassidy said endorsements will not decide the race; instead, the voters will select the candidate with the best record. Bridges says it will be interesting to see if Cassidy’s strategy will work.

Cut 6 (13) “…in the Senate.”

Bridges and Hillyer were guests on Talk Louisiana, hosted by Jim Engster on WRKF.

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If it seems like you’re forking over a lot of money in sales taxes, you’re right. In fact, the Tax Foundation says Louisiana has the highest average combined state and local sales tax rate in the country at just over ten-percent. Policy Analyst Janelle Fritts says it’s a reputation that Louisiana has had to deal with for many years.

Cut 7 (11) “…close with Tennessee.”

Fritts says while Tennessee’s combined state and local taxes are the second highest at just over nine and a half percent, Tennessee has a huge difference compared to Louisiana.

Cut 8 (12) “…the major taxes.”

While Louisiana did raise its state sales tax rate to five-percent a little more than a year ago, it did reduce income taxes across the board to a flat three-percent and cut other taxes as well. Fritts says that has allowed Louisiana to improve its ranking in overall tax burden.

Cut 9 (11)  “…used to be.”

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At least 12 people have died this year in house fires, and officials are concerned that number will increase over the next couple of days as people try to stay warm. State Fire Marshal Bryan Adams says when using a space heater, keep it away from anything that can easily catch fire.

Cut 10 (10) “…you stay warm.”

Adams says do not try to use your oven to warm up your home. He says if you have a fire going in your fireplace, make sure it’s out before your head hits the pillow.

Cut 11 (07) “…fire as well.”

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***Double check the latest numbers***

Throughout the weekend, utility crews statewide have been busy restoring power that got knocked out by the ice storm. As of late last night, more than 80-thousand Entergy customers were without power, and almost 30-thousand SWEPCO customers remained in the dark. Michael Corbin with SWEPCO says crews are working around the clock to get power restored.

Cut 12 (06) “…if not sooner.”

Corbin says at the height of the storm, SWEPCO had about 70-thousand customers without power in its three-state service area, with the majority being from Louisiana. He says especially given the dangerous road conditions, crews worked quickly and efficiently in getting power restored as quickly as possible.

Cut 13 (11)  “…people so quickly.”

SWEPCO is establishing a base camp in Natchitoches today, which is its hardest-hit area. The base camp will provide fuel service for trucks and will provide meals, laundry and sleeping quarters for about 600 workers.

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The winter precipitation has moved out of north Louisiana, the heavy rainfall in south Louisiana has moved on, and the bitterly cold air has arrived. Wind chill readings are below zero in north Louisiana and in the single digits for south Louisiana. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says it will be frigid all day today.

Cut 14 (15) “…degree or two.”

Keim says high temperatures will not get above freezing until Tuesday for north Louisiana, and we’ll see a slight warm-up as the week goes on.

Cut 15 (08) “…I-10, I-12.”

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The 2026 LSU baseball team returns four starting position players from last season. Among them is sophomore outfielder Derek Curiel. This offseason, Curiel added over 20 pounds of muscle and is now at 192 pounds. Head Coach Jay Johnson says the transformation will allow Curiel to elevate his game.

Cut 16 (17) “…really excited.”

Another key returner is sophomore catcher Cade Arrambide. Last year, Arrambide hit four home runs with 14 RBI in 62 at-bats. Johnson believes Arrambide is going to be an essential piece to this year’s team.

Cut 17 (20)  “…offense and defense.”

LSU has had great success when bringing in transfer pitchers over Johnson’s tenure, including Paul Skenes, Anthony Eyanson, Gage Jump and Luke Holman. This year, the Tigers brought in junior right-handed pitcher Cooper Moore from Kansas.

Cut 18 (14)  “…really successful here.”

The ice storm of 2026 has arrived in Louisiana and will continue working its way south throughout the day. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin tells us what we can expect from this storm as the day goes on.

Cut 19 (24) “…to fall”

And the road closures are starting to build up. Those of you near Shreveport and Bossier City, I-49 is closed in both directions between I-20 and 3132; northbound traffic is being diverted at 526. Several ramps onto and off of I-20 are also closed. Download the 511 mobile app to stay up to date on road conditions in your area.

With road conditions deteriorating throughout the day today, Governor Landry is urging you to stay home this weekend.

Cut 20 (28) “…the roads”

If you need to stay warm at home, don’t resort to creative techniques to do so. State Fire Marshal Bryan Adams says do not try to use your oven to heat your home. He says if you have a fire going in your fireplace, make sure it is out before your head hits the pillow.

Cut 11 (07) “…as well.”

We’re keeping a close eye on this major winter storm that’s coming through Louisiana this weekend. At this hour, far north Louisiana is being hit with freezing rain – all along the I-20 corridor from Shreveport to Monroe. Jason Hansford with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says those of you a little further south aren’t feeling the effects of this – yet.

Cut (17) “…early afternoon hours.”

Speaking of the I-20 corridor, we’re starting to see several closures – mainly certain on-ramps, off-ramps and overpasses. Remember, bridges freeze much faster than surface streets. You can get the latest information on the 511 mobile app. If you don’t have to be out on the roadways, please stay off them.

If power is knocked out where you live, it could be several days before it can be restored. Do know, however, that crews are working feverishly and around the clock to get it restored as quickly as possible. Nyka (NIGH-kah) Scott, the vice president of customer service for Entergy, says like all other utility companies throughout the state, Entergy is bringing in extra personnel to restore power.

Cut 6 (10) “…safely as possible.”

Brandon Frey, the executive secretary of the Public Service Commission, says if you encounter a downed powerline, do not touch it or approach it under any circumstances.

Cut 4 (09) “…to do anything.”

And again, you can help utility crews get to wherever they need to go safely and as quickly as they can by staying off the roads.

Those of you in north Louisiana could be in for cabin fever, as this ice storm could trap you indoors all weekend long. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…Jeff Palermo.”

While North Louisiana will be in for dangerous storms and the New Orleans area will be a little too warm for there to be any danger, the Baton Rouge area is right on the line. The winter storm watch does extend to the Capitol region, so those of you in that area should monitor conditions carefully.

Utility crews throughout the state are in position ready to restore power when the power gets knocked out by the ice storm. Brandon Frey, the executive secretary of the Louisiana Public Service Commission, says icy roads will make the response much trickier, so you can do your part by staying off the roads.

Cut 3 (10) “…into those areas.”

And while the precipitation will be over by Sunday, the start of the work week will be brutally cold, even for standards in areas much farther north of here – lows in the teens for north Louisiana, and upper teens for south Louisiana. Mark Wilson with the LSU Ag Center says to help protect outdoor plants from the extreme cold, make sure they’re thoroughly watered.

Cut 12 (09) “…start to drop.”

Much of the state is bracing for the ice storm of 2026. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s currently a stalled cold front in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Cut 7 (13) “…at the surface.”

Keim says that creates the perfect environment for wintry precipitation – normally snow; but in this case, it will be in the form of freezing rain. Keim says the northern half of Louisiana could see up to an inch and a half of ice, more than enough to rip down limbs and powerlines and transform roads into skating rinks.

If you’re in an affected area, Rodney Mallett with DOTD is urging you to stay off the roads this weekend.

Cut 11 (11) “…on ice.”

Utility crews throughout the state are in position ready to restore power when the power gets knocked out by the ice storm. Nyka (NIGH-kah) Scott, the vice president of customer service for Entergy, says like all other utility companies throughout the state, Entergy is bringing in extra personnel.

Cut 6 (10) “…safely as possible.”

As if this weekend’s ice storm wasn’t enough, the start of next week will be brutally cold by anyone’s standards, not just Louisiana’s – in the teens and possibly single digits in north Louisiana and in the upper teens or low 20s in south Louisiana. Mark Wilson with the LSU Ag Center says if you have shrubs and plants that were planted in the last two years, cover them now before the cold arrives.

Cut 13 (10)  “…insulation.”

If you’re married, I hope you’re on good terms with your spouse, because you’re very likely going to be spending all weekend together holed up inside your home. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…Jeff Palermo.”

While north Louisiana is certain to be plagued by icy conditions and the New Orleans area will be a little too warm to be in any danger, Baton Rouge is somewhat in the middle. The winter storm watch does extend as far southeast as Baton Rouge; forecasters are urging people in the area to keep a close eye on conditions.

Utility crews have been preparing for the ice storm. Nyka (NIGH-kah) Scott, the vice president of customer service for Entergy, says Entergy crews have been working to minimize power outages by cutting back branches from powerlines.

Cut 5 (10) “…they do break.”

Brandon Frey, the executive secretary of the Louisiana Public Service Commission, says if you encounter a downed powerline, do not touch it or approach it under any circumstances.

Cut 4 (09) “…to do anything.”

Utility companies say the very best thing you can do to help them is to stay off the roads altogether, so that you can keep them clear so that they can get to wherever they need to go to fix whatever needs to be fixed to get the power turned back on.

A powerful winter storm will arrive in Louisiana later today. The biggest threat is the ice that this storm will bring with north Louisiana getting the brunt of it. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 8 (13) “…see something”

A quarter inch or more of freezing rain and ice is expected to form on Louisiana roads between the I-20 corridor and the Arkansas border. Road closures are likely with this event.

State Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says travelers can find information regarding road closures by downloading the 511 mobile app or visiting the 511 Traveler information website….

Cut 10 (08) “…points north.”

With the ice storm’s imminent arrival, utility crews are ready to restore power when the power gets knocked out. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Republican state lawmaker Julie Emerson has dropped out of the U-S Senate race. Emerson says with Congresswoman Julia Letlow’s entrance into the race, the path to victory that was visible a couple months ago has diminished. Emerson also says she respects President Trump’s decision to endorse Letlow in the race.

The ice storm of 2026 is coming. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Brandon Frey, the executive secretary of the Louisiana Public Service Commission, says icy roads will make the response much trickier, so you can do your part by staying off the roads.

Cut 3 (10) “…into those areas.”

The state department of transportation says it has field crews ready to begin pre-treating roads and bridges. DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallett says they’re closely monitoring the forecast and prepared to close certain bridges and overpasses that are deemed impassable.

Cut 9 (12)  “…is going to be.”

Not only will it be unbearable to be outside this weekend, but bitterly cold temperatures are in the forecast for early next week. Lows in the teens for north Louisiana early and low 20s, upper teens for south Louisiana. Mark Wilson with the LSU Ag Center says to help protect outdoor plants from the extreme cold, make sure they’re thoroughly watered.

Cut 12 (09) “…start to drop.”

A national animal rights group is weighing in on how St. Landry Parish had considered a push to make cockfighting legal once again. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The ice storm of 2026 is coming. It’s not just the ice with the storm heading to north and central Louisiana, it’s also the very cold temperatures. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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LSU baseball media day is today, and Sulphur native Jake Brown talks about what it will take for the Tigers to repeat as national champions. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The effort in St. Landry Parish to make cockfighting legal once again has garnered quite a reaction. Wayne Pacelle (puh-SELL-ee), the president of Animal Wellness Action, says those advocating for that are not doing the parish or the state any favors.

Cut 4 (09) “…State of Louisiana.”

A resolution to contact State Representative Dustin Miller to introduce a bill to repeal or modify Louisiana’s cockfighting ban failed by a vote of 7-to-6, with the council chairman casting the tiebreaking vote. Before the vote, one woman told the council that cockfighting was wholesome entertainment, with families gathering for potlucks without guns or drugs. Pacelle says that woman couldn’t have been more off-base.

Cut 5 (10) “…illegal firearms.”

Pacelle says cockfighting is universally condemned, pointing out when Louisiana voted to outlaw it in 2007, only one representative and four senators voted against it. Furthermore, he says one of Louisiana’s U.S. Senators is leading a push to bolster the existing federal ban on cockfighting.

Cut 6 (10) “…National Sheriff’s Association.”

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Major accolades for a diet that has its roots in Baton Rouge. The DASH Diet, which was developed in part by scientists at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, is ranked as the second-best overall diet by U.S. News and World Report. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. Dr. Cathy Champagne is among the original researchers behind the diet.

Cut 7 (12) “…higher in protein.”

That formula has led to the DASH Diet being the best heart-healthy diet and the best for high blood pressure among the 36 diets the publication examined. Dr. Champagne says one of the biggest benefits of the DASH Diet is that it’s largely non-restrictive.

Cut 8 (10) “…desserts in general.”

Champagne says besides helping people lower blood pressure and lower the risk of cardiovascular events, the DASH Diet can also, obviously, help in weight loss.

Cut 9 (05)  “…lot of weight.”

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Are you ready for the ice storm of 2026? State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the icy conditions will begin to develop tonight.

Cut 10 (14) “…Saturday into Sunday.”

The I-20 corridor to the Arkansas border will be under a winter storm warning from six p-m tonight to noon on Sunday. Grymes says a combination of freezing rain, sleet and snow can be expected.

Cut 11 (13) “…some significant problems.”

Grymes says central Louisiana will see freezing rain as well. Even the towns of Leesville and DeRidder could see up to a quarter inch of ice Saturday night into Sunday. The National Weather Service says a glazing of ice is possible along the I-10/I-12 corridor west of Hammond.

Grymes says north Louisiana will get the triple whammy — freezing rain, sleet and snow.

Cut 12 (12) “…of the ice.”

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With the incoming ice storm, Governor Landry has declared a state of emergency. Landry says while Louisiana had a historic snow event last year, snow is easier to deal with than ice.

Cut 13 (13)  “…them to fail.”

Landry says his state of emergency declaration allows for additional resources in north and central Louisiana. The declaration also contains a waiver that will bring additional gas to areas seeing shortage. The governor says everyone needs to look after each other.

Cut 14 (14) “…without electricity.”

The last time Louisiana had a major ice storm was February 2021. Some were without power for two weeks, and the state reported at least six fatalities tied to the storm. Landry says once the wintry precipitation starts falling, stay off the roads.

Cut 15 (13) “…is extremely dangerous.”

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LSU transfer wide receiver Jackson Harris of Hawaii was the first player to commit to the Tigers in the transfer portal cycle. Harris met Lane Kiffin on his visit and says he has the utmost respect for his new coach.

Cut 16 (10) “…so am I.”

247Sports rates Kiffin’s transfer portal class the best in the nation. Harris says Kiffin is able to earn the respect of his players by putting in the long hours.

Cut 17 (13)  “…wants to win.”

The 6-3, 205-pound receiver caught 49 passes for 963 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Rainbow Warriors last season. Harris says he brings a variety of skills to Baton Rouge.

Cut 18 (16)  “…on the field.”

247Sports had Harris as its number-40 wide receiver in the transfer portal.

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LSU baseball is three weeks away from starting its national title defense against Milwaukee. After winning the 2025 College World Series, junior outfielder Jake Brown says the biggest emphasis for the returners was making sure this year’s team chemistry was just as strong as last year’s.

Cut 19 (12) “…on the field.”

Last year, the Tigers hit 103 home runs in 68 games, which was tied for 17th in the country. In addition to returning Jake Brown, Steven Milam and Cade Arrambide, LSU added more power to the lineup with transfers Trent Caraway, Zach Yorke, Seth Dardar and Brayden Simpson. Brown says he expects the long ball numbers to go up this year.

Cut 20 (08) “…balls this year.”

With a massive ice storm approaching Louisiana, Governor Landry has declared a state of emergency. Landry says while Louisiana had a historic snow event last year, snow is easier to deal with than ice.

Cut 13 (13)  “…to fail.”

LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says driving on icy roads is dangerous enough; driving on icy elevated highways is impossible – and here in Louisiana, there are miles and miles of them. Thus, he’s expecting transportation officials to shut many of them down this weekend.

Cut 11 (15) “…behind this.”

The last time Louisiana had a major ice storm was February 2021.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says while it’s long-standing policy not to issue opinions on the constitutionality of state laws, cockfighting remains illegal in the state. Murrill was responding to a formal request from the St. Landry Parish Council, as some in the parish want the state to amend or repeal its ban on cockfighting. Nadea Comeaux told the council cockfighting is, in her opinion, wholesome entertainment.

Cut 4 (10) “…involved in that.”

Wayne Pacelle (puh-SELL-ee), the president of Animal Wellness Action, says that woman couldn’t be more off-base if she tried.

Cut 5 (10) “…illegal firearms.”

Louisiana was the 50th and final state to ban cockfighting in 2007; it became illegal at the federal level as part of the 2014 farm bill.