The longtime publisher of the Mardi Gras Guide magazine says the 2026 edition will be his last. Arthur Hardy launched the magazine with his wife in 1977 as a way to make it easy for people to keep up with parade schedules. Hardy says while he always knew it was a great idea, it took a few years for it to really catch on.

Cut 8 (10) “…financial disaster initially.”

The guide is now published by Georges Media and will continue to bear Hardy’s name.

We’re looking at a dry weekend across the state and abnormally dry conditions have developed across south Louisiana and along the Arkansas border. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the dry conditions will likely worsen as we move into fall as La Nina conditions are expected to develop…

Cut 5 (10) “…and spring”

A Calcasieu Parish jury has found a southwest Louisiana man guilty of murder in the brutal death of a 72-year-old woman in 2023. District Attorney Stephen Dwight says after 43-year-old Christopher Cater killed Shelia Ortega, he drove around with the woman’s body for a month.

Cut 9 (07)  “…during the summer.”

It took just over an hour for a jury to convict Cater of first-degree murder and unlawful disposal of remains.

LSU will host Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday before it gets to the meat of its SEC schedule. The Tigers’ mantra for the entire season is to go 1-and-0 every week, and Sophomore linebacker Davhon Keys reiterates focusing on one opponent at a time.

Cut 20 (15) “…the future.”

We are looking at a dry weekend across the state. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says other than a pop up thunderstorm here or there, there’s not a significant chance for rain for several days.

Cut 4 (07) “…for rain.”

Grymes says the dry conditions will likely worsen as we move into fall as La Nina conditions are expected to develop.

The longtime face of New Orleans Mardi Gras has announced his retirement. Arthur Hardy, the longtime publisher of the Mardi Gras Guide magazine, says after a half century, the 2026 edition will be his last. Hardy says he has lots of post-retirement plans.

Cut 7 (08) “…in Oslo, Norway.”

Hardy launched the Mardi Gras Guide with his wife in 1977 as a way to make it easy for people to keep up with parade schedules.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is in Canada trying to drum up travel back to Louisiana, but he’s finding it difficult. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

We are looking at a dry weekend across the state and abnormally dry conditions have developed across south Louisiana and along the Arkansas border. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says nearly half of the state is on the verge of drought conditions according to the Drought Monitor.

Cut 3 (12) “…of Louisiana.”

The longtime face of New Orleans Mardi Gras is calling it a career. Arthur Hardy, the longtime publisher of the Mardi Gras Guide magazine, says after a half century, the 2026 edition will be his last.

Cut 6 (09) “…time as any.”

Hardy launched the Mardi Gras Guide with his wife in 1977 as a way to make it easy for people to keep up with parade schedules. It’s now published by Georges Media and will continue to bear Hardy’s name.

With Jefferson Parish receiving a Class Three flood protection rating from FEMA, homeowners in unincorporated parts of the parish will receive an additional 10-percent discount on their flood insurance premiums. Maggie Talley, the parish’s director of floodplain management and hazard mitigation, says the parish has made upgrades in drainage, improved the pumping systems and adopted stronger building codes.

Cut 8 (08) “…flood damages.”

If you’re hoping that the Fed rate cut will mean a lower rate on your mortgage, think again. Rajesh Narayanan (rah-JESH na-RYE-an), a professor of finance at LSU, says the interest rates that the Fed sets affect how banks borrow from one another and do not have an immediate direct impact on the interest rates that consumers pay, including mortgages and other types of interest.

Cut 14 (10) “…by credit risk.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is in Canada this week with state and local tourism officials trying to promote travel to Louisiana, but he’s finding Canadians are not interested in leisure trips to the United States because of President Trump’s previous statements and actions.

Cut 4 (08) “…the tariffs.”

The Trump administration is allocating more than 400-million dollars in additional federal funding to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Grambling University President Dr. Martin Lemelle says part of that money would be used to upgrade facilities at the university.

Cut 11 (15) “…as enhance infrastructure.”

The schools haven’t decided how the money will be divided among them yet.

Jefferson Parish is the first parish in Louisiana to receive a Class 3 flood protection rating from FEMA, which means a larger flood insurance premium discount for thousands in unincorporated parts of the parish. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

A Florida woman is arrested for allegedly scamming the Terrebonne Parish government out of nearly 130-thousand dollars. Prosecutors say 56-year-old Linh Thuy Ngo (“leen twee nyo”) sent phony invoices posing as a DOTD employee, asking employees to wire transfer money to a Florida bank account.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is in Canada trying to drum up travel back to Louisiana, but he’s finding it difficult. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Jefferson Parish is the first parish in Louisiana to receive a Class 3 flood protection rating from FEMA, which means a larger flood insurance premium discount for thousands in unincorporated parts of the parish. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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This week, the Fed cut interest rates by a quarter point. What does that mean for consumers like you and me? Andrew Greenstein has some insight.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is in Canada this week with state and local tourism officials trying to promote travel to Louisiana, but he’s finding Canadians are not interested in leisure trips to the United States because of President Trump’s previous statements and actions.

Cut 4 (08) “…the tariffs.”

Canada is Louisiana’s largest international tourism market. In 2024, the state welcomed an estimated 185-thousand visitors from Canada, and Canadians spent nearly 194-million dollars in the Bayou State. But Nungesser says this year, they’ve seen a decline in travel by Canadians to Louisiana.

Cut 5 (11) “…we’re battling.”

Joining Nungesser on this trip are representatives of the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana and nine parish tourism partners. Nungesser says they’ve been to Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City meeting with government and tourism officials, tour operators and media.

Mr. Trump has repeatedly suggested that Canada should become the 51^st state of the United States, but Nungesser that kind of talk has rubbed Canadians the wrong way.

Cut 6 (10) “…in Canada.”

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Homes and businesses located in unincorporated areas of Jefferson Parish will receive a 35-percent discount on their flood insurance premiums when their policies renew after October 1^st. Maggie Talley, Jefferson Parish’s director of floodplain management and hazard mitigation, says thousands of policyholders are receiving this big discount because FEMA has recognized the parish’s flood mitigation efforts.

Cut 7 (07) “…35-percent savings.”

The discount is currently 25-percent, and it’s increasing to 35-percent. Tally says over the years, the parish has made upgrades in drainage, improved the pumping systems and adopted stronger building codes.

Cut 8 (08) “…flood damages.”

Jefferson officials say the bigger discount will save residents over 12-million dollars a year. Talley says Jefferson Parish is one of only 11 communities nationwide to reach the Class 3 level in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System.

Cut 9 (09)  “…class rating.”

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The Trump administration is allocating more than 400-million dollars in additional federal funding to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Grambling University President Dr. Martin Lemelle says that’s over and above the funding the schools received in the previous fiscal year, and part of that money would go towards the Title Three program.

Cut 10 (15) “…and graduate students.”

Dr. Lemelle says part of that money would be used to upgrade facilities at the university.

Cut 11 (15) “…as enhance infrastructure.”

Lemelle says some of that money could also go towards ensuring students’ academic success.

Cut 12 (11) “…opportunity to succeed.”

The schools haven’t decided how the money will be divided among them yet. The money for the HBCUs is being redirected from other grants, mostly from the government’s Hispanic-Serving Institution program, which offers grants to colleges and universities where at least a quarter of undergraduates are Hispanic.

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This week, the Fed dropped interest rates by a quarter point and indicated that there may be two more rate cuts by the end of the year. So what does that mean for consumers like you and me? Rajesh Narayanan (rah-JESH na-RYE-an), a professor of finance at LSU, says if you’re hoping that the rate cut will mean a lower rate on your mortgage, think again.

Cut 13 (10)  “…the rate cut.”

Narayanan says the interest rates that the Fed sets affect how banks borrow from one another and do not have an immediate direct impact on the interest rates that consumers pay. As such, he says the rate cut will also have no immediate impact on other types of interest.

Cut 14 (10) “…by credit risk.”

Narayanan says the Fed issued the rate cut in response to weakness in the job market. But he says it’s a tough balancing act – while unemployment is up, it becomes a different situation when inflation also rises.

Cut 15 (11) “…spending slow down.”

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Louisiana Tech played both quarterbacks Trey Kukuk (Q-Kuhk) and Blake Baker in the dominant 49-14 win over New Mexico State. The sophomore Baker threw for 182 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 103 yards and a touchdown. Head coach Sonny Cumbie says that the Bulldogs will continue to play both, but he was impressed with Baker’s ability to extend plays with his legs.

Cut 16 (20) “…scramble drill.”

Louisiana Tech’s offensive line struggled to protect the quarterback in the first couple of games, but limited New Mexico State to just one sack last week. Cumbie says he is proud of the growth from the entire unit and says the Bulldogs have to continue getting better with protection as it faces a dangerous Southern Mississippi pass rush on Saturday.

Cut 17 (20)  “…the quarterback.”

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LSU has been struggling to mesh on the offensive line through the first three games of the season, specifically with creating holes in the run game. The Tigers have sufficed in pass protection, but only average nearly 110 yards a game on the ground. Head coach Brian Kelly says the group is still working to become more technically sound as a unit.

Cut 18 (15) “…tails off.”

Through just the first three games, LSU has only allowed three offensive touchdowns to opposing offenses. The Tigers intercepted D-J Lagway five times and limited Florida’s offense to no second half points. Sophomore linebacker Davhon Keys credited the defense’s early success to being in Blake Baker’s scheme for a second-straight season.

Cut 19 (17) “…having fun.”

LSU will host Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday before it gets to the meat of its SEC schedule. The Tigers’ mantra for the entire season is to go 1-and-0 every week, and Keys reiterates focusing on one opponent at a time.

Cut 20 (15) “…the future.”

This week, the Fed dropped interest rates by a quarter point and indicated that there may be two more rate cuts by the end of the year. So what does that mean for consumers like you and me? Rajesh Narayanan (rah-JESH na-RYE-an), a professor of finance at LSU, says if you’re hoping that the rate cut will mean a lower rate on your mortgage, think again.

Cut 13 (10)  “…the rate cut.”

New Orleans’ bid to bring the Super Bowl back to the city in 2031 could be in serious jeopardy. The Saints and the state missed a key deadline to bid on the game, since negotiations on a lease extension for the Superdome are still ongoing. Greg Bensel with the Saints says the team, the city and the state want to bring the Super Bowl back to New Orleans — and the feeling is shared by the NFL.

Cut 5 (07) “…in the NFL.”

New Orleans has hosted the Super Bowl 11 times.

Tropical Storm Gabrielle is forecast to become just the second hurricane of 2025. But like the first one, Erin, it’s expected to stay well clear of the U.S. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says that’s because of what’s known as the “Bermuda High,” which is making this year’s hurricane season very reminiscent of those of 1951 and 1952.

Cut 7 (11) “…the northern Gulf.”

A major milestone for the I-20 project in Bossier City, as the project marks two years since reconstruction got underway. DOTD spokeswoman Erin Buchahan says the roadway had not been rebuilt since it was first constructed in the 1960s and had outlived its usefulness.

Cut 9 (08)  “…all with new.”

Completion is just a few months away.

New Orleans’ chances of hosting the Super Bowl in 2031 are in serious jeopardy. The Saints and the state have missed a key deadline to bid on hosting the game that year, which is the earliest that the Super Bowl can return to the city. Greg Bensel with the Saints says the big holdup has been the ongoing negotiations on a lease extension for the state-owned Superdome.

Cut 3 (10) “…is very close.”

A major milestone for the I-20 project in Bossier City, as the project marks two years since reconstruction got underway. DOTD spokeswoman Erin Buchahan says the project should be completed either by the end of this year or by February of next year. Until then, there are still a few major things left to do.

Cut 11 (10) “…currently being paved.”

We could be just a few short weeks away from being out of hurricane danger for 2025 and we can thank a Bermuda High. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Longtime Lafayette Prosecutor Gary Haynes is convicted on all counts in his federal bribery case. Haynes was found guilty of conspiring to solicit bribes and kickbacks during his time at the 15th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. The jury took less than three hours to render its verdict. Haynes faces up to 65 years in federal prison.

New Orleans’ chances of hosting the Super Bowl in 2031 are in serious jeopardy. The Saints and the state have missed a key deadline to bid on hosting the game that year, which is the earliest that the Super Bowl can return to the city. Greg Bensel with the Saints says the big holdup has been the ongoing negotiations on a lease extension for the state-owned Superdome.

Cut 3 (10) “…is very close.”

There are several major projects underway at LSU. Interim President Matt Lee says the Our Lady of the Lake Health Interdisciplinary Science Building will open next year, and the school is also working to meet the housing demand, given record enrollment.

Cut 12 (13) “…modern academic centerpiece.”

It took nearly a decade, but deputies in Terrebonne Parish have arrested two men in connection with the murder of a woman. On December 1st, 2015, 56-year-old Pamela Johnson was shot to death. Her husband, 70-year-old Charles Johnson, was arrested, along with 43-year-old Shannon Robinson. Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet (SOIN-yay) says it was only recently when detectives got their big break.

Cut 13 (12)  “…for financial gain.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is urging caution after a fifth person has died from Vibrio vulnificus. This year, 26 residents have been infected, 24 of whom have an underlying medical condition. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says there are certain medical conditions that increase the risk for severe complications.

Cut 5 (12) “…recent stomach surgery.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is urging caution after a fifth person has died of Vibrio vulnificus. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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U-S Representative Julia Letlow tells a Baton Rouge radio station she’s running for re-election to the House and will not challenge Bill Cassidy for his Senate seat. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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After nearly a decade, two men are arrested for the murder of a woman in Terrebonne Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health is urging caution after a fifth person has died from Vibrio vulnificus. Those five are among 26 Louisiana residents who have been infected by the bacteria that naturally live in coastal waters and are found in higher numbers in the warmer months of May through October. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says it’s a very severe disease.

Cut 4 (07) “…has required hospitalization.”

Of the 26 cases, 24 have had an underlying medical condition. Sokol says there are certain medical conditions that increase the risk for infection and severe complications.

Cut 5 (12) “…recent stomach surgery.”

Sokol says if you have an open wound and it becomes exposed to coastal waters or raw or undercooked seafood, you will want to take action right away, since the bacteria can potentially kill within one to two days.

Cut 6 (07) “…or raw seafood.”

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The speculation can end over whether Republican U-S Representative Julia Letlow will challenge G-O-P Senator Bill Cassidy. Letlow told Talk 107-3 Baton Rouge that she will not run for U-S Senate next year; instead, she’ll seek re-election to continue to represent Louisiana’s 5^th Congressional District. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Cassidy is likely relieved over this news.

Cut 7 (10) “…someone like Trump.”

Cassidy will still likely face three well-known Republican challengers in next April’s primary — state Treasurer John Fleming, State Senator Blake Miguez and PSC member Eric Skrmetta. Hogan says it’s far from a guarantee that Cassidy will be re-elected.

Cut 8 (08) “…going to do.”

Cassidy got on President Trump’s bad side when he voted in 2021 to convict then-former President Trump in his second impeachment trial. Cassidy has worked hard to mend the relationship by supporting his legislation and political appointees, including U-S Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Hogan says if President Trump endorses someone other than Cassidy in the primary, it will not be good for Louisiana’s senior senator.

Cut 9 (07)  “…to overcome.”

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LSU’s freshmen class for the flagship campus in Baton Rouge is the largest incoming class in the school’s history. LSU interim president Matt Lee says there are nearly 82-hundred first-time freshmen on campus, and more than five-thousand of them are Louisiana residents — and this class is the most academically accomplished.

Cut 10 (09) “…over last year.”

Lee says LSU Eunice, LSU Alexandria and LSU Shreveport also set enrollment records this year. Lee made the announcement as he was giving a “State of the University” address.

The interim president also announced LSU’s research enterprise has crossed the 500-million mark for the first time in history.

Cut 11 (10) “…and talent development.”

Lee says there are also several major projects underway. He says the Our Lady of the Lake Health Interdisciplinary Science Building will open next year, and the school is also working to meet the housing demand.

Cut 12 (13) “…modern academic centerpiece.”

Lee says LSU is also committing more than 100-million dollars to the construction of a new Construction and Advanced Manufacturing Building.

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It took nearly a decade, but deputies in Terrebonne Parish have arrested two men in connection with the murder of a woman. On December 1st, 2015, 56-year-old Pamela Johnson was shot to death. This week, her husband, 70-year-old Charles Johnson, was arrested, along with 43-year-old Shannon Robinson. Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet (SOIN-yay) says it was only recently when detectives got their big break.

Cut 13 (12)  “…for financial gain.”

District Attorney Joseph Waitz says the Johnsons were going through a divorce at the time.

Cut 14 (08) “…very tragic.”

Waitz says Charles Johnson had hired Robinson to shoot his wife to death.

Cut 15 (06) “…protect his property.”

Johnson and Robinson are both being held without bond. Soignet and Waitz say this is still an active investigation, and more arrests are likely.

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Last season, most of LSU’s Ju’Juan Johnson’s snaps came at running back. Johnson started the offseason as a quarterback but made the switch back to running back after the arrest of J-T Lindsey left a hole in the running back room. Johnson said that going back to running back was not as hard after already being familiar with the offensive structure.

Cut 16 (17) “…way easier.”

Johnson has always been a remarkable athlete, especially in his time at Lafayette Christian Academy, where he set the Louisiana record for total touchdowns with 171 and total yards with 14,451. Johnson initially thought he would be a successful quarterback in Baton Rouge but quickly realized that playing running back felt more natural to him.

Cut 17 (14)  “…and stuff.”

LSU’s offense has struggled to get in the end zone so far this season, scoring only four touchdowns in its first three games. Sophomore running back Ju’Juan Johnson says that the offense has to improve, but the group is still very confident in its ability to score.

Cut 18 (15) “…of confidence.”

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U-L Lafayette is coming off an embarrassing 52-10 loss to Missouri, where the Cajuns offense only managed to pass for four total yards during the entire game. U-L Lafayette ranks dead last in the country in passing offense, averaging just 59 yards a game through the air. Head coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-moe) says that the Cajuns have to find a way to open up the pass offense.

Cut 19 (21) “…in rhythm.”

UL-Lafayette finds itself 1-and-2 before conference play begins. The Cajuns will go on the road to face Eastern Michigan this weekend before entering Sun Belt play, and Desormeaux wants to see his team respond to adversity.

Cut 20 (17) “…to play well.”

Deputies in Terrebonne Parish arrest two men in connection with the murder of a woman nearly a decade ago. On December 1st, 2015, 56-year-old Pamela Johnson was shot to death. This week, her husband, 70-year-old Charles Johnson, was arrested, along with 43-year-old Shannon Robinson. Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet (SOIN-yay) says it was only recently when detectives got their big break.

Cut 13 (12)  “…for financial gain.”

The lack of proper restraint may have been the difference between life and death for one Covington girl. State Police say eight-year-old Jewel Leger was riding in a Toyota Camry that veered off Highway 40 in St. Tammany Parish yesterday morning. Trooper Mark Gremillion says the driver was restrained and suffered moderate injuries, but Jewel was not as fortunate.

Cut 7 (07) “…at the scene.”

LSU starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has a torso injury, but he’ll play on Saturday night against Southeastern Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Some tense moments near the State Capitol today as someone wanting to talk to agents at the attorney general’s office was reported to be carrying a firearm. Security protocols were initiated at the Livingston Building as a precaution. Agents found the man near the Capitol, he was very cooperative, and he was interviewed by the A-G’s office. As for the reported firearm, it was legally inside his vehicle.