She’s in – Congresswoman Julia Letlow has entered the U-S Senate race, challenging Bill Cassidy who is seeking a third term. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Governor Landry’s invitation to Greenland’s prestigious dog sledding race has officially been rescinded. The chairman of the Greenland Dogsledding Association posted the announcement on social media this week, as President Trump has ramped up rhetoric in his desire to wrest the island nation from Danish control. 

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for north central and northwest Louisiana. It will go into effect Friday morning and run through Sunday morning. Davyon Hill with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says freezing rain is expected to arrive on Friday night, so prepare now for potential power outages from the freezing rain.

Cut 11 (07) “…start preparing.”

While you were sleeping, House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the British Parliament, becoming the first U.S. Speaker of the House ever to do so. In his nearly 23-minute address, Johnson talked about the great experiment America embarked on when it gained independence from the British 250 years ago.

Cut 3 (13) “…equal and free.”

Three days after President Trump endorsed her, Congresswoman Julia Letlow has announced that she’s challenging Bill Cassidy in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, joining a host of other challengers. Letlow is in her second term as a U.S. Representative, and ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says it is a political gamble to run for the Senate.

Cut 8 (08) “…of office.”

Chances of a winter storm hitting the northern half of the state this weekend are growing bigger and bigger. Davyon Hill with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says travel could be treacherous this weekend.

Cut 10 (07) “…travel impacts.”

Hill says freezing rain is expected to arrive on Friday night and the precipitation is expected to turn to sleet and possibly snow before the storm system moves out on Sunday.

House Speaker Mike Johnson became the first-ever U.S. Speaker of the House to address the British Parliament. In the unofficial kickoff of America’s 250th birthday celebration, Johnson told the British lawmakers that the relationship between the two countries has always been more powerful and enduring than the enemies that they face.

Cut 4 (09) “…has ever known.”

Johnson addressed a joint session of the House of Lords and the House of Commons for nearly 23 minutes.

How long do you expect to live? 75 years? 85 years? On Monday, a Baton Rouge woman just celebrated her – listen to this number – 110th birthday! Mildred Bowie taught English for 36 years. She has nine great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Her advice to everyone – treat others the way you want to be treated.

After months of speculation, Congresswoman Julia Letlow has made her decision – she’s entering the U.S. Senate race. Three days after President Trump endorsed her, Letlow announced that she is running for the seat currently held by Bill Cassidy. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says with Trump’s endorsement vaulting Letlow to the top, there’s a good chance the primary will go to a run-off.

Cut 7 (15) “…much in question.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the British Parliament this morning. Johnson’s address to a joint session of the House of Lords and the House of Commons serves as the unofficial start of America’s 250th birthday.

Cut 5 (10) “…importantly in spirit.”

Chances are growing that a winter storm could hit the northern half of the state this weekend. Davyon Hill with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says freezing rain is expected to arrive on Friday night and the precipitation is expected to turn to sleet and possibly snow before the storm system moves out on Sunday.

Cut 9 (09)  “…on both.”

Hill says there’s a 40-percent chance the Lake Charles and Lafayette areas will also see some ice and snow accumulation on Saturday and Sunday.

Cut 23 (fade after 3 seconds)

Even if you’re not one of Hank Williams Jr.’s rowdy friends, you’re invited to the Cajundome in Lafayette to hang out with all his rowdy friends on April 17th. Tickets to his concert go on sale Friday at ten a-m. Asleep at the Wheel will be his opening act.

She’s in – Congresswoman Julia Letlow has entered the U-S Senate race, challenging Bill Cassidy who is seeking a third term. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Governor Landry’s invitation to Greenland’s prestigious dog sledding race has officially been rescinded. The chairman of the Greenland Dogsledding Association posted the announcement on social media this week, as President Trump has ramped up rhetoric in his desire to wrest the island nation from Danish control. 

The entire Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals is hearing oral arguments this afternoon in Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law. The law requires posters of the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom throughout the state. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says unlike the previous hearing before the Fifth Circuit, all 17 judges will hear these arguments.

Cut 4 (08) “…of such laws.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the British Parliament this morning, becoming the first U.S. Speaker of the House ever to do so. In his nearly 23-minute address, Johnson talked about the great experiment America embarked on when it gained independence from the British 250 years ago.

Cut 3 (13) “…equal and free.”

The entire Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is hearing the case of Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law this afternoon. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The latest economic report from the Pelican Institute highlights a couple of success stories regarding Louisiana’s economy. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Two years ago, Governor Landry pushed for a constitutional convention. Those calls fell on deaf ears; but thanks to a state representative, that effort now has new life. Jeanne Burns reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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The entire Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals is hearing oral arguments this afternoon in Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law. The law requires posters of the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom throughout the state. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says unlike the previous hearing before the Fifth Circuit, all 17 judges will hear these arguments.

Cut 4 (08) “…of such laws.”

In 1980, the Supreme Court ruled in Stone v. Graham that an identical law in Kentucky is unconstitutional, in violation of the Establishment Clause since it lacked a nonreligious purpose. The state is arguing that the Ten Commandments is rooted in American history and, thus, is constitutional. Ciolino says given the Supreme Court’s ruling, the Fifth Circuit’s hands are likely tied.

Cut 5 (12) “…longer good law.”

Ciolino says Louisiana may know that it has no case before the Fifth Circuit – and that could be part of its strategy.

Cut 6 (10) “…its own precedent.”

The Louisiana case before the Fifth Circuit is being combined with a nearly identical case out of Texas, which also requires the Ten Commandments to be posted in classrooms throughout the state. Like Louisiana, that state’s law has been ruled unconstitutional.

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A new report from the Pelican Institute highlights positive signs for the state’s economy, but the institute says tax policies still need to be revised to foster job creation and encourage business growth. The report’s author, Vance Ginn, says Louisiana’s gross domestic product grew by four-percent in the second quarter of 2025, and Louisiana led the region in personal income growth during that time.

Cut 7 (10) “…save and invest.”

Ginn says gains in these areas are the result of tax reforms approved by state lawmakers and signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry in 2024. He says the state’s tax system has improved, resulting in the Tax Foundation moving Louisiana up to 31st in the country in overall competitiveness.

Cut 8 (08) “…competitive in Louisiana.”

But Ginn says outmigration remains a problem, and the state’s job growth over the past year has remained sluggish. He says reducing the state’s sales tax and lowering local property and state income taxes can help the situation.

Cut 9 (07)  “…here to Louisiana.”

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Confidence is building for a winter storm to hit the state this weekend. National Weather Service Meteorologist Dayvon Hill says arctic air is once again expected to surge south by the weekend, and it will meet up with Gulf and Pacific moisture.

Cut 10 (10) “…of wintry precipitation.”

Hill says rain will move into northwest Louisiana on Friday and will eventually turn over into freezing rain, a wintry mix and possibly snow. He says as it stands now, there’s a 60-percent chance that north Louisiana will see minor impacts from winter weather and about 50-percent for central Louisiana.

Cut 11 (08) “…of the state.”

Hill say the potential for a winter storm impacting the upper half of the state will need to be monitored throughout the week.

Cut 12 (10) “…a sleet event.”

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In 2024, Governor Landry pushed for a constitutional convention, but the State Senate showed no interest. So now, there’s another push. In the first House bill filed for the 2026 legislative session, Baton Rouge Republican Dixon McMakin is proposing a constitutional convention that would start on December 29th. McMakin says unlike Landry’s plan that would have been accelerated, this process would be drawn out.

Cut 13 (14)  “…of the people.”

McMakin points out that the current state constitution is 51 years old; and whereas the U.S.’ 236-year-old constitution is less than nine-thousand words long, including the 27 amendments, Louisiana’s constitution is more than 100-thousand words long.

Cut 14 (09) “…back to basics.”

McMakin says the current state constitution includes things that don’t belong there, such as the finances and intricacies of the local parishes.

Cut 15 (09) “…and local government.”

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The 2026 LSU baseball team begins its national title defense in 24 days, as the Tigers host Milwaukee February 13th. The Tigers lost two of the best pitchers in the country in Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson, but they also return one of the best arms in the country in sophomore Casan Evans. Johnson says Evans will likely be in the starting rotation.

Cut 16 (16) “…excited for that.”

The Tigers also return senior right hander Zac Cowan to their pitching staff this season. Cowan, who served as a reliever last season, had a 3-and-3 record with a 2.94 ERA. Johnson says Cowan is another player in the mix for the starting rotation.

Cut 17 (20)  “…was last year.”

Johnson also named sophomore right-hander William Schmidt as another pitcher who could be a starter in 2026.

LSU also brought in a couple of experienced pitchers from the transfer portal. Among them is junior right hander Cooper Moore, who had a 3.96 ERA with Kansas last season. Johnson says Moore has the starting experience to be in the weekend rotation.

Cut 18 (09)  “…of those guys.”

One week from today, you can start filing your state income tax returns. The very easiest way to do so is electronically, for free, through the department’s online portal known as LaTAP. Byron Henderson with the Louisiana Department of Revenue says if for some reason you can’t use LaTAP, you do have other options.

Cut 4 (12) “…download and print.”

Senator John Kennedy’s quest to end welfare payments to dead people heads to President Trump’s desk. Kennedy says the catalyst behind this is the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File, which gets updated anytime someone dies.

Cut 10 (12) “…branch of government (2x).”

The Social Security Administration said it needs congressional approval to do so, so that’s what Kennedy’s bill provides.

Senator Bill Cassidy says he will continue to seek re-election despite President Trump endorsing Congresswoman Julia Letlow in the U-S Senate race. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Two school buses in Caddo Parish crashed late this morning as they were headed to the Krewe of Harambee Martin Luther King Day parade in Shreveport. Shreveport Fire says two vehicles cut in front of one of the buses; and when that bus stopped short, the other bus rear-ended it. One adult and 11 students were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s not backing down. This, after President Trump endorses Congresswoman Julia Letlow for U.S. Senate – even though she hasn’t even declared her candidacy for the seat. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Cassidy is pressing forward, despite Trump’s influence over the race.

Cut 8 (12) “..this race.”

The first House bill filed for the 2026 legislative session calls for a constitutional convention. Baton Rouge Republican Dixon McMakin points out that while the U.S. constitution is less than nine-thousand words long, Louisiana’s constitution is more than 100-thousand words long.

Cut 14 (09) “…back to basics.”

There’s the possibility a winter storm will hit Louisiana this weekend. Bill Jacquemin has the story…

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Bill Jacquemin.”

You can start filing your state income tax returns one week from today. Byron Henderson with the Louisiana Department of Revenue says the very easiest way to do so is electronically, for free, through the department’s online portal known as LaTAP.

Cut 3 (12) “…your account history.”

The times, they are a-changin’ at the Louisiana inspector general’s office. Governor Landry taps Angele Davis to the position and is changing the duties of that role. Landry says the Office of the Inspector General will be in charge of finding efficiencies in state government.

Cut 13 (11)  “…do better.”

Electric vehicle adoption experienced tremendous growth throughout the year last year; and now, there are more than 21-thousand of them registered throughout Louisiana. All this happened even after Congress pulled the plug on the EV tax credits that weren’t supposed to expire until 2032. Ann Vail, the executive director of Louisiana Clean Fuels, pins some of the credit on an improving charging infrastructure.

Cut 5 (11) “…and it’s everywhere.”

President Trump is encouraging Congresswoman Julia Letlow to run for U.S. Senate. Jeff Palermo reports Letlow would be a formidable challenger to Bill Cassidy’s re-election campaign.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson is set to address the British Parliament tomorrow to kick off the celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Johnson was invited to address Parliament by his counterpart in the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle. Johnson will be the first U.S. House speaker to address the British Parliament.

A huge development in Louisiana’s U-S Senate race as President Trump posted on social media that Congresswoman Julia Letlow should run against Senator Bill Cassidy. In his post, Trump called Letlow a “Great Star” and a “Total Winner” and would have his endorsement should she enter the race. LaPolitics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says if Letlow runs, it will be a highly competitive race.

Cut 10 (10) “…the bank.”

Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity in Louisiana. Louisiana Clean Fuels says there are now more than 21-thousand EVs and plug-in hybrids registered throughout the state. Executive Director Ann Vail says you will find most of them in the more heavily-populated parishes.

Cut 4 (08) “…starting to drive.”

Louisiana has a new inspector general, and the duties of that position are changing. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

An Acadiana priest is charged with sex crimes involving children. Records indicate that the Reverend Korey Lavergne was booked into the Acadia Parish Jail on three counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile. The 37-year-old is the pastor at St. Edward Catholic Church in Richard.

Electric vehicle adoption in Louisiana experienced a steady increase throughout 2025. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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President Trump is encouraging Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow to run for the US Senate. Jeff Palermo reports that Letlow would be a formidable challenger to Bill Cassidy’s re-election campaign…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Louisiana has a new inspector general and the duties of that position are changing. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity in Louisiana. According to Louisiana Clean Fuels, there are now more than 21-thousand electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids registered throughout the state. Executive Director Ann Vail says you will find the vast majority of them in the more heavily-populated parishes.

Cut 4 (08) “…starting to drive.”

Jefferson Parish leads the way with more than 35-hundred. Per capita, Orleans Parish comes out on top, with almost one and a half percent of all vehicles registered being EVs or plug-in hybrids.

In all, EV adoption started its climb in 2021 and soared throughout the year last year, even after Congress pulled the plug on the EV tax credits that wasn’t supposed to expire until 2032. Vail pins some of the credit on Louisiana’s improving charging infrastructure.

Cut 5 (11) “…and it’s everywhere.”

Vail says she would like to see more multi-family housing communities offer EV charging to their tenants, but that may be easier said than done.

Cut 6 (11) “…work with that.”

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Walmart is planning to invest more than $330 million to modernize it’s regional distribution center in Opelousas. The State of Louisiana provided a competitive incentives package, including a $10 million performance-based grant tied to equipment investments. St. Landry Economic Development CEO Bill Rodier says the project shows that Walmart is committed to the location long-term.

Cut 7 (07) “…get this done.”

Rodier says the modernization of the distribution center in Opelousas will double Walmart’s shipping capacity.

Cut 8 (13) “…that’s a big deal.”

The modernization of the Opelousas distribution center also means that Walmart is expected to retain over a thousand jobs in the parish. Rodier says it’s a big win for one of the largest employers in St. Landry.

Cut 9 (09)  “…we couldn’t be happier.”

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A huge development in Louisiana’s U-S Senate race as President Trump posted on his social media network, “Truth Social” that Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow should run against Senator Bill Cassidy. In his social media post, Mr. Trump called Letlow a “Great Star” and a “Total Winner.” Publisher of Lapolitics-dot-com Jeremy Alford says if Letlow runs, it will be a highly competitive race…

Cut 10 (10) “…the bank.”

Cassidy said in a statement he is confident he will win if Letlow decides to run. Letlow said she’s honored to have the President’s endorsement, but did not indicate if she will run for U.S. Senate. Alford says Letlow could announce her candidacy during Washington D.C. Mardi Gras at the end of the month, and she will also have the support of Governor Landry…

Cut 11 (13) “…reputation.”

Cassidy is seeking a third six-year term. He’s already drawn several challengers because he voted in 2021 to impeach President Donald Trump for his actions during the deadly January sixth attack on Capitol Hill. But since Trump got back in the White House, Alford says Cassidy has tried to show he is an ally of Trump and can help deliver the President’s agenda…

Cut 12 (11) “…win it.”

Four well known Republicans are already in the race. Alford says it will be interesting to see how many of them will stay in the race, if Letlow officially gets in.

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Governor Jeff Landry has named a new Inspector General, and he’s also changing the duties of the position. Former Commissioner of the Administration Angelle Davis replaces Stephen Street, who had the job for 18 years. Landry says the Office of the Inspector General will be in charge of finding efficiencies in state government…

Cut 13 (11)  “…do better.”

Landry says he wants the Inspector General to take the reports issued by the legislative auditor that provide recommendations on how state government agencies can be more efficient and implement them. The governor says his administration recently took an old recommendation on how the state can do a better job in checking Medicaid eligibility and it saved the state millions…

Cut 14 (09) “…long time ago.”

The state inspector general under the leadership of Stephen Street would investigate allegations of mismanagement, misconduct, fraud and corruption within state government and turn those findings over to federal and state prosecutors.

It will take legislative action in the upcoming regular session to change the role of the state inspector general, but Landry doesn’t see how anyone would vote against it…

Cut 15 (09) “…reform it.”

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Make it three in a row for the Lady Tigers as the sixth-ranked team in the nation took down 13th-ranked Oklahoma, 91-72, in Oklahoma yesterday afternoon. LSU took the lead for the first time late in the first quarter and never trailed for the rest of the game. Senior guard Flau’jae Johnson was the game’s leading scorer with 23 points and said LSU was able to neutralize Oklahoma’s fast paced style of play.

Cut 16 (12) “…in that way.”

Sophomore guard Jada Richard (ree-SHARD) from Opelousas was the second highest scorer with a career-high 21 points. She credits her teammates for her offensive explosion

Cut 17 (12)  “…always be open.”

LSU will try to make it four in a row Thursday night against Texas A&M. Tipoff in College Station is at eight p-m.

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The LSU men’s basketball team finally got a win in the SEC on Saturday as the Tigers defeated Missouri 78 to 70. The Tigers are now 1-4 in league play heading into tomorrow night’s game at Florida. Coach Matt McMahon says the goal now is to stack some wins together.

Cut 18 (11)  “…great fashion.”

It was a nice bounce-back victory for LSU, which lost a heartbreaker last Wednesday to Kentucky, blowing an 18-point lead and losing on a last-second shot. Forward Marquel Sutton led the way with 26 points…

Cut 19 (17) “…40 minutes.”