Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy has 5.8 million in his campaign warchest, along with an additional $1 million in his SuperPAC sending a strong signal he will run for re-election in 2026. Sean Richardson has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”
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The challenge to Louisiana’s controversial Ten Commandments law goes before the U.S. District Court in Baton Rouge this morning. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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Some 150-thousand Swifties are set to invade New Orleans this week. Colleen Crain reports.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”
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Ahead of the 2026 election cycle, Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy raised nearly $1.5 million in the third quarter of this year and has 5.8 million dollars in cash on hand. Cassidy’s team says this is the most cash on hand for any incumbent Louisiana senator at this point in history. LA-Politics-dot-come Publisher Jeremy Alford…
Cut 4 (08) “…fundraising base come together.”
There’s been speculation Cassidy may not seek a third-term. But Alford says Cassidy is sending a strong signal about his intentions…
Cut 5 (05) “…put up a tough fight.”
But Cassidy could face challengers from his own party, PSC Member Eric Skrmetta and State Treasurer John Fleming are rumored candidates. Both are arguably more conservative than Cassidy. Skrmetta has close connections with Donald Trump, and Alford noted Fleming was a Deputy Chief of Staff in the Trump administration.
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Oral arguments will take place in U.S. District Court in Baton Rouge this morning over Louisiana’s controversial Ten Commandments law. The law which requires all public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments is on hold as it works its way through the courts.
Cut 7 (14) “…in public schools.”
Dane Ciolino (see-oh-LEEN-oh), a professor of law at the Loyola University-New Orleans College of Law, says the plaintiffs, which includes the ACLU, have Supreme Court precedent on their side.
Cut 8 (14) “…in public schools.”
While the state will argue that the law is constitutional, Ciolino says it has almost no chance of winning in the lower court.
Cut 9 (16) “…establishment clause precedent.”
Ciolino says despite the Supreme Court precedent, the state actually has a good chance of winning in the Supreme Court, should the case get that far, since the current Supreme Court has shown a willingness to allow religion in public schools. But before it gets there, it would need to go to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
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An Amendment to Louisiana’s Constitution on this November’s ballot would dedicate any federal money Louisiana receives from offshore Alternative energy production to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund which funds coastal protection projects. CPRF is constitutionally protected and already receives dedicated OIL and GAS money from federal and state sources, and from the BP Oil Spill settlement. State Representative Joseph Orgeron…
Cut 10 (12) “…energy infrastucture.”
A vote against Amendment 1 would send any Federal money received from offshore wind, solar, or other alternative renewable energy sources to the state’s general fund. Orgeron says expiring funds need to be replaced because the CPRF does several projects that safeguard the coast, its people, and businesses.
All of Louisiana’s share of federal money from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) is dedicated to CPRF. Louisiana’s lawmakers in Washington are currently working to improve GOMESA. Orgeron says dedicating those funds to coastal restoration helped push the original passage of GOMESA.
Cut 12 (11) “…all of the renewables.”
Opponents of Amendment 1 say dedicating money from offshore energy production to the CPFR restricts lawmakers’ ability to make budget decisions. Some believe federal money received should be shared across the whole state because north and central Louisiana have as many needs as the coastal region.
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New Orleans is getting ready for the invasion of the Swifties. Travis Kelce’s girlfriend will be performing three shows at the Superdome Friday through Sunday. Kelly Schulz (shuhlz) with New Orleans and Company says with close to 150-thousand people descending on the Crescent City, hotel rooms are nearly gone.
Cut 13 (09) “…going very quickly.”
And Schulz says the hospitality industry will be getting into full Taylor Swift fever.
Cut 14 (15) “…New Orleans way.”
Schulz says the Taylor Swift shows will provide a golden opportunity to showcase the city on a worldwide stage.
Cut 15 (09) “…throughout their lifetime.”
Schulz says through her shows, Taylor Swift single-handedly boosts cities’ economies throughout the world. If you’d like to see Taylor Swift in concert and don’t yet have a ticket, be prepared to fork over some serious dough. Tickets on the secondary market are going for a minimum of one-thousand dollars apiece, not including fees.
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LSU rolled past the Razorbacks on Saturday night beating Arkansas 34 to 10 in Fayetteville. The win sets up a huge game this Saturday against Texas A-and-M. The Tigers and Aggies are both undefeated in SEC play and Coach Brian Kelly’s team has to go back on the road again…
LSU started fast in Fayetteville with a touchdown on its opening drive. When Arkansas got back into the game, Tigers linebacker Whit Weeks had a huge interception to set up a Caden Durham touchdown. LSU finished the scoring with 14-play, 80 yard drive late in the fourth quarter. Kelly says the Tigers played well from start to finish…
LSU has won six in a row since the season-opening loss to USC and Kelly’s team seems to be getting better every week…
Cut 18 (18) “…coming together.
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The Ragin Cajuns racked up a season-high 516 yards of total offense as U-L Lafayette defeated Coastal Carolina 34-24. Quarterback Ben Woolridge threw for a career-high 373 yards and accounted for four touchdowns in the big win on the road…
Cut 19 (17) “…score touchdowns.”
The Cajuns are bowl eligible for a school-record seventh straight season and they are tied for first place in the Sun Belt West with ULM. Coach Michael Desormeaux…
The Cajuns are at Texas State on Saturday.