Seven Republicans and three Democrats have qualified for the fifth congressional district primaries. Republican Misti Cordell says she’s the one best suited to represent the district.

Cut 9 (09)  “…in that area.”

Democrat Larry Foy announced his candidacy even before Julia Letlow abandoned her re-election bid in favor of a U.S. Senate run. Foy said his goal is to return the balance of power in Washington to where it belongs.

Cut 6 (10) “…United States Constitution.”

Dan McKay says he will protect democracy by standing up to President Trump, who he called a “dictator.”

Cut 7 (09) “…as we speak.”

Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis says the amount of debris from the ice storm that his public works crews are collecting is astonishing. Mayor Ellis expects debris removal will take eight months.

Cut 4 (13) “…seeing.”

Ellis says the city of Monroe is working with Southern Disaster Recovery in removing the debris.

Two foreign nationals are indicted by federal prosecutors in what is believed to be one of the biggest meth busts in Louisiana history. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says deputies pulled the two men over on I-12 last Saturday; and during a search of the vehicle, they discovered about 360 pounds of meth inside a hidden compartment.

Cut 15 (11) “…you got caught.”

On day one of qualifying, six Republicans and three Democrats qualified for the ballot in the fifth congressional district. Andrew Greenstein reports one candidate’s opponents are taking him to task for where he lives.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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ULM is the first university in the state to install a drone detection system. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A big weekend of Mardi Gras parades is coming up, but there is the threat of severe weather. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin gives us the details.

Cut 3 (32) “…meteorologist Bill Jacquemin.”

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On the first day of qualifying for the closed party primaries, six Republicans have qualified for the ballot in the Fifth Congressional District. That’s the seat being vacated by Julia Letlow as she’s running for U.S. Senate. Among the six who qualified yesterday was the man who President Trump endorsed, State Senator Blake Miguez, who says he will be running on his record of conservative legislation.

Cut 4 (13) “…banning Zucker-bucks.”

Miguez was originally going to run for U.S. Senate but changed gears when Trump endorsed Letlow in that race, setting off a chain of events. Miguez says he will continue fighting for President Trump’s agenda on behalf of the people of Louisiana.

Cut 5 (06) “…the national level.”

A lot has been made of the fact that Miguez lives in New Iberia, which isn’t close to the boundaries of the Fifth District – it’s important to note that under federal law, U.S. House members are not required to live in the district that they serve in. Still, that’s not stopping his opponents from hammering him on that fact, including Rick Edmonds.

Cut 6 (11) “…know this district.”

Edmonds is a state senator from Baton Rouge; he says he will fight for Louisiana values in Washington.

Cut 7 (13) “…fight, fight, fight.”

Another candidate who qualified yesterday is Misti Cordell, who’s currently the chairwoman of the Board of Regents. She says it doesn’t concern her that President Trump’s endorsement went to someone else.

Cut 8 (08) “…meet me yet.”

Along with Baton Rouge, the Fifth District also includes northeast Louisiana, which Cordell says has unique needs – and since she’s from northeast Louisiana, she’s the one best suited to represent the district – not someone who lives in New Iberia.

Cut 9 (09)  “…in that area.”

Austin Magee, Michael Mebruer and Sammy Wyatt have also qualified for the Republican primary. Qualifying ends tomorrow afternoon.

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The University of Louisiana at Monroe says it has bolstered public safety on its campus with the installation of a drone detection system. Dr. Mark Johnson is the Training Director for ULM Police, and he says universities are facing escalating challenges from unauthorized drones, especially during large events, such as academic ceremonies and football games.

Cut 10 (11) “…could do that.”

The drone detection equipment is mounted atop Malone Stadium; and Dr. Johnson says it gives ULM real-time visibility into its airspace, and officers are alerted immediately when an unauthorized drone flies over campus.

Cut 11 (11) “…the operator is.”

Johnson says a grant from FEMA allowed them to partner with Sky Safe, which is known as a global leader in drone detection. He says Sky Safe gives campus police a reliable way to manage drone activity on campus.

Cut 12 (10) “…come on.”

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Two foreign nationals are indicted by federal prosecutors in what is believed to be one of the biggest meth busts in Louisiana history. U.S. Attorney Kurt Wall says Livingston Parish deputies pulled the two men over on I-12 last Saturday; and during a search of the vehicle, they discovered among other paraphernalia, 71-hundred dollars in cash and 164 kilograms of methamphetamine. (360 pounds)

Cut 13 (10)  “…pounds of methamphetamine.”

Wall says his office has worked diligently to move cases like this one very quickly.

Cut 14 (12) “…these two gentlemen.”

Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says the deputies who stopped the two men last Saturday were true heroes that day.

Cut 15 (11) “…you got caught.”

The Justice Department says the two men are citizens of Honduras and El Salvador and are in the country illegally.

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The number-two LSU baseball team will open its national title defense at 2 p.m. tomorrow against Milwaukee. Kendall Rodgers of D1Baseball.com believes the Tigers will be dangerous at the plate. Rodgers says sophomore centerfielder Derek Curiel has positioned himself to have an even better second season at the plate after putting on 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason.

Cut 16 (09) “…good spot there.” 

Third baseman Trent Caraway was one of LSU’s additions in this year’s transfer portal cycle. Caraway hit .267 with 12 homers and 47 RBI for Oregon State last season, and Rodgers believes he will have plenty of success for the Tigers in 2026.

Cut 17 (14)  “…season for LSU.”

LSU will be without starting pitchers Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson this season, as both have turned pro. However, they return one of the best arms in the nation in sophomore right-hander Casan Evans. Last year, Evans had a 5-1 record and struck out 71 in over 52 innings of work. Rodgers believes Evans will solidify himself as the next great Tigers pitcher.

Cut 18 (14)  “…bona-fide Friday guy.”

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The UL-Lafayette men’s basketball team is riding a four-game winning streak, and the Cajuns look to extend it to five tonight when they host Coastal Carolina at 7 p.m. Head coach Quannas White credits the team’s recent success to having unselfish players.

Cut 19 (11) “…are right now.”

White, who was hired by the Cajuns in March of 2025, says he’s enjoying his time in Lafayette.

Cut 20 (14) “…I mean that.”

Day one of qualifying for the closed primaries is in the books. Among those who qualified for U.S. Senate this morning was Republican State Treasurer John Fleming, who noted that he was the first one to announce a primary challenge to Bill Cassidy.

Cut 3 (07) “…your vote?” 

No Democrat has been elected to the U.S. Senate in Louisiana since Mary Landrieu in 2008. That hasn’t stopped Democrat Jamie Davis from throwing his hat into the ring. The former Tensas Parish police jury member hardly has any name recognition outside of far northeast Louisiana right now. Using a boxing metaphor, Davis says do not count him out should he emerge as the Democratic Senate nominee.

Cut 6 (10) “…a new champion.”

Former LSU and Neville offensive tackle Will Campbell plans to use his poor performance in the Super Bowl as motivation. Andre Champagne has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

It was a mere formality, but Pope Leo the 14th has officially accepted the resignation of New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond. The Archdiocese says the 76-year-old worked one year past the church’s mandatory retirement age for bishops. The move officially makes James Checchio the 15th Archbishop of New Orleans.

Qualifying for the U.S. Senate and U.S. House closed primaries begins today. Jeff Palermo reports the race to watch is the Republican Senate primary.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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State and local officials in the greater New Orleans area have formed a task force to combat the exploitation of children through the internet. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A new statue and museum exhibit celebrates the life and career of the late Governor Kathleen Blanco. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Qualifying begins today for Louisiana’s new closed party primary elections for U.S. Senate and U.S. House. State Treasurer John Fleming told the Louisiana Radio Network he will file his paperwork at nine this morning. LaPolitics Publisher Jeremy Alford says Fleming is hoping to be a factor in the Republican Senate Primary headlined by Incumbent Bill Cassidy and challenger Julia Letlow.

Cut 4 (09) “…in the room.”

Will a well-known Democrat qualify between now and when qualifying ends on Friday afternoon? Alford says former Governor John Bel Edwards and State Senator Gary Carter have said they will not run. He says it’s likely the winner of the Republican Senate Primary will face a Democrat who does not have name recognition.

Cut 5 (08) “…a future race.”

Cassidy is seeking a third term; and with Letlow receiving support from President Trump, Alford says Cassidy is in for the political fight of his life.

Cut 6 (11) “…last couple weeks.”

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Several law enforcement agencies in the New Orleans area have teamed up to form an Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. It’s housed at the Kenner Police Department. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says the task force became operational at the beginning of the year, and the public should expect to see numerous arrests in the next several weeks.

Cut 7 (08) “…the law allows.”

Murrill says there’s already a statewide task force in place, and it received 30 thousand cybertips that resulted in more than 500 arrests. The A-G says the problem is only getting worse. She says in January, the statewide ICAC Task Force received more than nine -thousand cybertips. Murrill says sextortion and extortion are becoming more prevalent.

Cut 8 (10) “…them for money.”

Chris Masters, the supervisory special agent at the Louisiana ICAC Task Force, says the task force is equipped with the latest technology to address the rising numbers of tips related to child exploitation in the area. Masters urges parents to watch what their children are doing on the internet.

Cut 9 (14)  “…them on there.”

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For the fourth semester in a row, McNeese saw its enrollment increase. For the spring semester, its enrollment went up 5.3-percent – its biggest spring enrollment increase in 16 years. Interim President Kedrick Nicholas says enrollment has increased steadily since taking a major hit during the pandemic.

Cut 10 (12) “…this past fall.”

That’s a far cry from the 2010s, when McNeese consistently had north of eight-thousand students – at one time approaching nine-thousand. Nicholas says the school would like to get back to maintaining an enrollment of seven-thousand students, and he says there’s a four-year strategic plan to get there.

Cut 11 (09) “…we can maintain.”

Nicholas says after recovering from the effects of the pandemic, McNeese has honed in on morale and culture.

Cut 12 (14) “…and competitor institutions.”

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A new exhibit celebrating the life and career of the late former Governor Kathleen Blanco opened this past weekend at the Bayou Teche Museum in her hometown of New Iberia. The exhibit includes a bronze statue of the governor, which was also unveiled during the opening. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser was among those who attended the event; he said Blanco was passionate about Louisiana and its people.

Cut 13 (06)  “…around the state.”

Nungesser says he will especially never forget Blanco’s leadership during Hurricane Katrina.

Cut 14 (12) “…to this day.”

Nungesser was elected parish president in Plaquemines Parish the year following Katrina, and he noted how Blanco got every community the money that they needed following the storm, including his.

Cut 15 (12) “…every other parish.”

Blanco served a single term as governor from 2004 to 2008, opting not to seek re-election. She died in 2019 at the age of 76.

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NFL free agency begins in just a month, and the Saints will be looking to build around quarterback Tyler Shough. Ross Jackson, the host of the Locked On Saints Podcast, says he could see New Orleans focusing on a few offensive positions during free agency.

Cut 16 (22) “…quite a bit.” 

The Saints picked up a fifth-year option on receiver Chris Olave’s rookie contract last offseason, and Jackson believes New Orleans may try to extend him for the next several years this summer.

Cut 17 (16)  “…ten receiving touchdowns.”

One of the key Saints testing the free agency market is cornerback Alontae Taylor. Jackson says if Taylor does not return to New Orleans, then the Saints will have to look to add at the defensive back position.

Cut 18 (17)  “…into the inside?”

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Lane Burroughs enters his 10th season as Louisiana Tech head baseball coach. The Bulldogs were picked to finish second in  Conference USA behind Dallas Baptist, but Burroughs says Tech is looking to do big things this season.

Cut 19 (17) “…last six years.”

Tech begins its season on Friday at home against Houston Christian at 4 p.m., and the Bulldogs will have two new players in the starting rotation.

Cut 20 (08) “…go game four.”

Dahl is a junior right-handed transfer from Seminole State College in Oklahoma, and Rowan is a junior left-handed transfer from Florida State.

Governor Landry has sent President Trump a letter, formally requesting a major disaster declaration for nine parishes in northeast Louisiana following the winter storm, and the state’s entire congressional delegation is urging him to approve it. Senator Bill Cassidy says with such a declaration, FEMA can help those affected with some much-needed financial assistance.

Cut 6 (06) “…emergency hotel stays.”

A huge drug bust in Louisiana – 742 suspected gang members and drug dealers are arrested as part of an effort to crack down on drugs tied to Mexican cartels. Rapides Parish Sheriff Mark Wood says drugs are constantly moving through central Louisiana because of I-49.

Cut 4 (14) “…like a hub.”

A new exhibit celebrating the life and career of the late former Governor Kathleen Blanco opened this past weekend at the Bayou Teche Museum in her hometown of New Iberia. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser was among those who attended the event; he said he will especially never forget Blanco’s leadership during Hurricane Katrina.

Cut 14 (12) “…to this day.”

It’s been a strong start to the year for Hollywood South, as there are six film productions either shooting or in preparation in the state. Jason Waggenspack, the president of Film Louisiana and the CEO of The Ranch Film Studios, says two of them are feature films.

Cut 9 (15)  “…Netflix.”

Governor Landry has sent President Trump a letter, formally requesting a major disaster declaration for nine parishes in northeast Louisiana following the winter storm, and the state’s entire congressional delegation is urging him to approve it. Senator Bill Cassidy says with such a declaration, FEMA can help those affected with some much-needed financial assistance.

Cut 6 (06) “…emergency hotel stays.”

It’s been a strong start to the year for Hollywood South, as there are six film productions either shooting or in preparation in the state. Jason Waggenspack, the president of Film Louisiana and the CEO of The Ranch Film Studios, says two of them are feature films.

Cut 9 (15)  “…Netflix.”

The Netflix produced movie is called “A Christmas Kind of Love.”

A months-long investigation into drug activity tied to Mexican cartels has resulted in 742 arrests statewide. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

State Representative Julie Emerson won’t be the next U.S. Senator from Louisiana, but she will be Governor Landry’s new chief of staff. Emerson takes over for Kyle Ruckert, and she begins her new role next week. A special election will need to be held to fill her seat in the legislature.

A huge drug bust in Louisiana – 742 suspected gang members and drug dealers are arrested as part of an effort to crack down on drugs tied to Mexican cartels. Rapides Parish Sheriff Mark Wood says drugs are constantly moving through central Louisiana because of I-49.

Cut 4 (14) “…like a hub.”

Non-felon adults being able to carry a gun without a permit became legal in Louisiana in 2024. For the upcoming session, Oil City Representative Danny McCormick has filed a bill that would allow teachers, students and the public to constitutional carry on college campuses.

Cut 7 (08) “…included in that.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill believes she would win a lawsuit against New York and California in her fight to extradite doctors who have been indicted for mailing abortion pills to people in Louisiana. The dispensing of abortion pills is illegal in Louisiana when prescribed outside of a hospital setting. Murrill says according to the Full Faith and Credit Clause in the U.S. Constitution, states must honor each other’s laws.

Cut 10 (12) “…in our state.”

LSU-Alexandria once again sets a new enrollment record, with overall spring enrollment up almost 12-percent year-over-year, with on-campus enrollment up more than 10-percent. Abbey Bain with LSU-A says the school is broadening its appeal beyond its traditional base.

Cut 6 (09) “…in the state.”

Authorities have announced the arrest of 742 suspected gang members and drug dealers across Louisiana as part of an effort to crack down on drugs that enter Louisiana that are tied to Mexican cartels. State Police Superintendent Robert Hodges says this announcement should serve as a strong message to those involved in gang activity or violent crime.

Cut 3 (06) “…bring you to justice” 

Nearly 500 of those arrests occurred in the Alexandria and Shreveport areas.

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick is trying again with legislation that would allow teachers, students and the public to constitutional carry on college campuses. University officials have expressed concerns about allowing students to possess guns on campus. But McCormick says a student should have the ability to defend themselves in an active shooter situation.

Cut 9 (06)  “…a college campus.”

State Attorney General Liz Murrill is suing California and New York in her effort to extradite doctors for prescribing abortion pills to people in Louisiana. So far, those two states have ignored Louisiana’s requests because of their respective shield laws. But Murrill says that’s irrelevant, because in both cases, the women were forced to take abortion pills by either their mother or their boyfriend.

Cut 12 (11) “…what they’re doing.”

New Orleans continues its push to land the 2031 Super Bowl. Jay Cicero, the president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says everyone who has covered a Super Bowl in New Orleans has given the city rave reviews.

Cut 15 (06) “…around the country.”

Next year’s Super Bowl is taking place in Inglewood, California; in 2028, it will be in Atlanta, and scheduling conflicts will prevent New Orleans from hosting it in 2029 or 2030.

State Attorney General Liz Murrill is planning on suing New York and California in her fight to extradite doctors indicted for prescribing abortion pills to people in Louisiana. California Governor Gavin Newsom says his state will never help Louisiana criminalize healthcare. Murrill says Newsom and New York Governor Kathy Hochul are playing politics.

Cut 11 (12) “…their gun laws.”

LSU-Alexandria sets a new enrollment record, with overall spring enrollment up almost 12-percent year-over-year. Abbey Bain with LSU-A says two main factors are small class sizes and cost.

Cut 5 (09) “…been possible before.”

Bain says there was also more than a 10-percent increase in on-campus enrollment for the spring semester.

The debate over whether guns should be permitted on college campuses will be up for debate again in the upcoming legislative session. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

A teen who shot himself at the end of a high-speed chase through several parishes in southwest Louisiana has died. The chase happened mid-morning last Thursday through Beauregard, Calcasieu and Cameron parishes. The teen attended Oakdale High School. All schools in Oakdale are closed today so that students and faculty can attend his funeral.

LSU-Alexandria sets another enrollment record. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The debate over whether guns should be permitted on college campuses will be up for debate again in the upcoming legislative session. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Santa Clara is done, and Inglewood is now on the clock. Andrew Greenstein reports New Orleans is continuing its push to land the 2031 Super Bowl.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU Alexandria sets another enrollment record, with spring enrollment up 12-percent year-over-year, marking the 12th straight semester of record growth. Abbey Bain with LSU-A says one of the biggest reasons for the continued growth is smaller class sizes.

Cut 4 (08) “…and support them.”

Bain says another reason students choose LSU-A is cost.

Cut 5 (09) “…been possible before.”

Bain says LSU-A is also broadening its appeal beyond its traditional base.

Cut 6 (09) “…in the state.”

Bain says while much of the growth is in continuing education, there was also a 12-percent increase in on-campus enrollment, indicating that more incoming freshmen want to be a part of the campus’ vibrant experience.

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For years, Oil City Representative Danny McCormick sponsored a bill that would allow non-felon adults to carry a gun without a permit. “Constitutional carry,” as many conservatives call it, became legal in Louisiana in 2024. For the upcoming session, McCormick has filed a bill that would allow teachers, students and the public to constitutional carry on college campuses.

Cut 7 (08) “…included in that.”

McCormick says a group of college students encouraged him to file this legislation.

Cut 8 (09) “…bill this year.”

Similar legislation has failed to receive legislative approval in previous years. University officials have expressed concerns about allowing students to possess guns on campus. But McCormick says a student should have the ability defend themselves in an active shooter situation.

Cut 9 (06)  “…a college campus.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill believes she would win a lawsuit against New York and California in her fight to extradite doctors who have been indicted for mailing abortion pills to individuals in Louisiana. The dispensing of abortion pills is illegal in Louisiana when prescribed outside of a hospital setting. Murrill says according to the Full Faith and Credit Clause in the U.S. Constitution, states must honor each other’s laws.

Cut 10 (12) “…in our state.”

Murrill has yet to file the lawsuits against these two states, as the state is trying to extradite the doctors accused of mailing abortion pills into Louisiana. California Governor Gavin Newsom says his state will never help Louisiana criminalize healthcare. Murrill says Newsom and New York Governor Kathy Hochul are playing politics.

Cut 11 (12) “…their gun laws.”

California and New York have ignored Louisiana’s extradition requests, because shield laws in their state protect abortion providers from out of state civil or criminal charges. But Murrill says this has nothing to do with reproductive rights, because in both cases, the women were forced to take abortion pills by either their mother or their boyfriend.

Cut 12 (11) “…what they’re doing.”

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The Santa Clara Super Bowl is in the books, and Inglewood is now on the clock. After that, the 2028 Super Bowl will be held in Atlanta, and the NFL has yet to award Super Bowls beyond that point. New Orleans is continuing to make a strong bid to host the 2031 Super Bowl – and Jay Cicero, the president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says New Orleans has proven eleven previous times to be the perfect Super Bowl host.

Cut 13 (06)  “…ambience, planning, experience.”

Cicero says what especially works for New Orleans is visitors do not need to rent a car to get around.

Cut 14 (09) “…host the event”

Cicero says everyone who has covered a Super Bowl in New Orleans has given the city rave reviews.

Cut 15 (06) “…around the country.”

2031 is the earliest that New Orleans could host the Super Bowl due to conflicts with Mardi Gras in 2029 and a convention in 2030.

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It’s officially game week for the LSU baseball team. The Tigers will open their season against Milwaukee on Friday at 2 p.m. Fifth-year senior infielder Seth Dardar is one of the new transfers LSU added in the offseason. Dardar, who’s a Mandeville native, says he was only in the portal for an hour before committing to the Tigers.

Cut 16 (13) “…to come home.” 

LSU sophomore catcher Cade Arrambide enters his second year with the program after putting together an impressive freshman season. Last year, Arrambide hit .242 with four home runs and 14 RBI in 36 games. Arrambide says his main focus in the offseason was improving his plate discipline.

Cut 17 (17 )  “…hard on that.”

One of LSU’s key returners is senior pitcher Zac Cowan (COW-in), who struck out 60 hitters in 52 innings of work last season. Cowan only threw a fastball and changeup last season, but says he’s added to his arsenal.

Cut 18 (11)  “…working on too.”

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Ford Pemberton enters his first season as the ULM head baseball coach. The Warhawks finished last in the Sun Belt last season and are predicted to finish last this season, but Pemberton says he believes the future is bright in Monroe.

Cut 19 (11) “…trust our clubhouse.”

Pemberton says freshman infielder Sutton Lewis from Monroe is one of the players who has stood out leading up to the regular season.

Cut 20 (11) “…have that problem.”