The incumbent and the endorsee in Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race qualified for the ballot on the third and final day of qualifying. Julia Letlow touted her work in the U.S. House, particularly working with the Trump administration with border security.

Cut 12 (09) “…no longer.”

Bill Cassidy, meanwhile, also touted his record. Louisiana’s senior senator said he was instrumental in the passage of the infrastructure bill that provided billions of dollars towards roads, bridges, high speed internet expansion and water projects.

Cut 14 (10) “…good jobs.”

The two join John Fleming as the major candidates on the Republican primary ballot. On the Democratic side, Jamie Davis, who qualified Wednesday, is joined by Nick Albares and Gary Crockett.

President Trump has pardoned the late LSU football great Billy Cannon for the counterfeiting charges he was convicted of in 1983. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

One of the ten men who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center last May will spend the next six decades behind bars. Antoine Massey has been sentenced to 60 years in prison without the possibility of parole for kidnapping and raping his former girlfriend. Massey spent weeks on the run before becoming the second to last escapee recaptured.

Republican Governor Jeff Landry and GOP State Treasurer John Fleming are probably not on speaking terms after Fleming accuses Landry of concocting a plan for himself to become a U.S. Senator without being elected. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The LSU women’s basketball team has lost 17 straight games to South Carolina, but the sixth-ranked Tigers are looking to change that tomorrow night. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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A cold front will bring strong storms to the state this Mardi Gras weekend. But LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin reports the heavy rainfall and lightning should take place after the parades roll tomorrow.

Cut 3 (33) “…meteorologist Bill Jacquemin.”

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U.S. Senate candidate John Fleming claims that Julia Letlow’s entrance into the race is part of a grand plan by Governor Jeff Landry to one day appoint himself as a U.S. Senator. Fleming described this alleged scheme with reporters after he qualified for the Senate Republican primary.

Cut 4 (14) “…wanted to do.”

Landry shot back at Fleming by saying anyone who makes stuff up like that may not be fit for office.

Fleming was the first candidate to announce he was challenging incumbent Bill Cassidy in the state’s new closed party primary for federal elections. Letlow didn’t announce her candidacy until last month, after she received an endorsement from President Trump. Fleming, who worked in the Trump administration in his first term in office, believes the President’s endorsement should not be a factor in this race.

Cut 5 (06) “…should be choosing.”

In an interview with the USA Today Network, Governor Landry called Fleming’s theory ridiculous and said Fleming should concentrate on the job he was elected to do, and that’s State Treasurer. Landry also told the USA Today Network he intends to finish the job he was elected to do. But Fleming stands by his believe that the governor’s plan is for Letlow to be elected to the Senate, she would eventually leave the Senate and Landry could appoint himself U.S. Senator.

Cut 6 (09) “…you should make.”

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Along with the rest of the races in the closed primaries, today is the last day for candidates to qualify for the hotly-contested fifth congressional district race. Yesterday, Monroe State Representative Michael Echols became the seventh Republican to qualify for a spot on the ballot. The chair of the Louisiana Republican Legislative Delegation says he plans on taking the principles he fights for in the legislature to Capitol Hill.

Cut 7 (12) “…America but Louisiana.”

Echols, like many of his fellow candidates, is taking Blake Miguez, who President Trump has endorsed, to task for running for the seat while living well outside of the district’s boundaries.

Cut 8 (11) “…the candidacy there.”

Along with six other Republicans, three Democrats have qualified for the ballot in the fifth district. They’re all vying to succeed Julia Letlow, who’s vacating the seat as she’s running for U.S. Senate.

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Carnival season reaches its climax starting today, with this being the last weekend before Mardi Gras. As such, preparations are well in place to make sure that it’s safe for everyone. The security designation in New Orleans is at its highest level from now through Tuesday, with security and law enforcement greatly beefed up. New Orleans Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Michael Harrison says the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone is in effect — with specific exceptions, no vehicles will be allowed into the French Quarter.

Cut 9 (09)  “…the side streets.”

Harrison says the only people who will be able to drive into the French Quarter will be emergency personnel, residents and hotel guests.

Cut 10 (05) “…in those hotels.”

Bourbon Street is fully closed to all vehicular traffic between Canal and St. Ann streets.

Of course, with this weekend being the last one until Mardi Gras, there will be plenty of parades – and scores of beads thrown from the floats. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is urging you to do your part to keep the streets clean – especially those of you who will be riding the floats.

Cut 11 (10) “…over the side.”

Lieutenant Governor Nungesser says if you’re lining the parade route, bring a couple bags with you.

Cut 12 (14) “…on the streets.”

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If you attempted Dry January and failed, or you need to get back on track after having a little too much fun during Carnival season, why not take part in Ochsner Eat Fit’s Alcohol Free for 40 Challenge? There are slots still remaining, and the registration deadline is midnight Sunday night. Ochsner Eat Fit Founder Molly Kimball says the challenge is strategically timed.

Cut 13 (07)  “…something is alcohol.”

Kimball says Ochsner, therefore, uses the occasion to show people the big difference giving up alcohol for just 40 days can make.

Cut 14 (09) “…inside and out.”

Kimball says as part of the challenge, participants receive in-depth metrics including labs, body composition analysis and before-and-after photos.

Cut 15 (07) “…and white markers.”

It only costs 59 dollars, and you can register at AlcoholFreeFor40-dot-com.

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It is finally opening day for the 2026 LSU baseball team, with the Tigers beginning their national title defense against Milwaukee. Sophomore right-hander Casan Evans was named the opening day starter, and coach Jay Johnson says Evans has been ready to become a starter since last season ended.

Cut 16 (10) “…excited for him.” 

After six long months of preparing for the season, Johnson is looking forward to facing a different opponent on opening day.

Cut 17 (11)  “…players are excited.”

LSU’s opening day against Milwaukee could be the last for junior right fielder Jake Brown. The Sulphur native says he will do his best to soak in the moment when the Tigers take the field for the first time in 2026.

Cut 18 (11)  “…of good vibes.”

First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.

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The sixth-ranked LSU women’s basketball team will host one of its biggest games in program history tomorrow, when the Tigers take on number-three South Carolina. LSU hasn’t beaten South Carolina since February of 2012, and head coach Kim Mulkey says she expects the sold-out Pete Maravich Assembly Center to be rocking.

Cut 19 (17) “…we do, right?”

The matchup will mark the first time junior MiLaysia Fulwiley plays her former team since transferring last April. The top-six showdown will be emotional for Fulwiley, but Mulkey isn’t concerned about it affecting her play.

Cut 20 (20) “…have butterflies.”

Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m.

Day two of qualifying for the closed primaries is in the books. In the race for the fifth congressional district, Monroe State Representative Michael Echols jumped into the race, joining six other Republicans and three Democrats – including Bunkie attorney Dan McKay, who said if elected, he’d protect democracy by standing up to President Trump, who he called a “dictator.”

Cut 7 (09) “…as we speak.”

In the race for U.S. Senate, the big question is, will any big-name Democrats enter the race? Former Governor John Bel Edwards and current State Senator Jay Juneau have already said no. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says any Democrat would have a hard time raising money, because the national party does not look at Louisiana as a winnable state.

Cut 11 (12) “…ten million dollar race.”

LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson names his starting pitchers for the opening series of the college baseball season. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

An ugly scene at the end of a boys’ soccer game in Bossier Parish last night. Students from Bossier High School and Morgan City High School got into a fight following the closely contested game. The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office says at one point, a Morgan City student struck and injured a Bossier player. Micah Wilkerson was arrested and is being held on ten-thousand dollars bond.

Three Democrats have qualified for the fifth congressional district primary. Among them is Jessee Fleenor, a dairy farmer from Loranger, who took a very combative tone in addressing the media immediately after qualifying, at times using language that we cannot repeat on the radio. 

Cut 8 (12) “…reactionary party.”

And that was one of the more tame adjectives Fleenor used in his 20-minute speech.

As for the U.S. Senate, John Fleming has already qualified, and Bill Cassidy and Julia Letlow are expected to do so tomorrow. What about Eric Skrmetta? The 67-year-old had previously announced that he would challenge Cassidy, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that’s not looking so likely anymore.

Cut 9 (08)  “…fundraising.”

LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson names his starting pitchers for the opening series of the college baseball season. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Speaking of LSU, A change at the top at the Board of Supervisors. Governor Landry announced that Vice Chairman Lee Mallett is taking over as board president. Mallett, who’s from Lake Charles, replaces Scott Ballard, who will remain on the board. During Ballard’s tenure as president, the board voted to re-integrate the University of New Orleans into the LSU system.

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.