The entire Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals heard the case of Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law, along with a nearly identical case out of Texas. Andrew Greenstein reports.
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Louisiana could see a heated U.S. Senate race now that Republican Julia Letlow has tossed her hat into the ring. Jeff Palermo has the story.
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Fighting Tigers football coach Lane Kiffin explains why he’s had success attracting players in the transfer portal to come to LSU. Andre Champagne has the story.
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All 17 judges in the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals heard oral arguments yesterday afternoon on Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law, as well as a nearly identical law out of Texas. Louisiana’s law requires posters of the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every classroom across the state. Last year, a three-judge panel on the Fifth Circuit ruled it unconstitutional. Jonathan Youngblood argued the case for the plaintiffs and said the government needs to stay out of religion.
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The Reverend Jeff Sims of St. Tammany Parish says Louisiana’s law not only interferes with his religious freedom, but it tramples on it.
Cut 5 (10) “…its chosen religion.”
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill defended the law before the 17 judges. She said the Ten Commandments posters are specifically designed from a historical perspective and do not amount to indoctrinating students into a certain religion.
Cut 6 (08) “…is not it.”
Governor Landry signed the law in 2024. He says the Ten Commandments are an important part of American history and, thus, belong in the classroom.
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It will be several months before the Fifth Circuit issues its ruling. Regardless of the ruling, it will certainly be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
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A winter storm watch is in effect for most of north Louisiana, as there’s a high chance of significant accumulations of sleet across the I-20 corridor and as far south as Natchitoches and Jena. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says a blast of arctic air will mix with moisture on Friday.
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Jacquemin says icy conditions are also possible in southwest Louisiana, in particular the Lake Charles and Lafayette areas.
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2026 is the “Year of Outdoors” in Louisiana. It’s a year-long initiative to invite both residents and visitors to either discover or rediscover the natural beauty and the scores of recreational opportunities the state has to offer. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says as part of the occasion, there’s something new for everyone to enjoy.
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Nungesser says the promotional campaign extends well beyond Louisiana’s borders.
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Nungesser says every year, they invite travel writers to the state to ride on a Mardi Gras float. This year, as part of this initiative, they’ll stay in a cabin along Lake Pontchartrain and ride on a float in Covington.
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Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow has officially entered the U.S. Senate race, as she’s seeking to win the seat currently occupied by fellow Republican Bill Cassidy. In her campaign announcement, Letlow says she wants to ensure a safe and strong nation for our children.
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Cassidy says he welcomes the competition.
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Letlow has the backing of President Trump. In 2021, Cassidy voted to impeach Trump for his role in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. Letlow says she has fought alongside Trump to put America first.
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Cassidy says endorsements will not decide the Senate race; he believes voters will make their decision based on a candidate’s record of getting things accomplished. Cassidy says he’ll put his record up against anyone’s in the race.
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Cassidy says he’s secured billions of dollars for Louisiana to improve infrastructure, including high speed internet expansion and coastal restoration. He says he’s passed legislation to end surprise medical billing, enact stronger federal laws to stop fentanyl distribution, and he sponsored the first national anti-hazing bill.
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LSU football coach Lane Kiffin went into a little more detail on why he left Ole Miss to be the head coach of the Fighting Tigers. Kiffin spoke at the Baton Rouge Business Report’s Power Breakfast. He said he was torn over whether to leave Ole Miss for LSU, but former LSU coach Nick Saban told him he would regret not taking the LSU job, because it’s the best job in America.
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According to 247Sports, LSU has the number one transfer portal class in the country, with nearly 40 players transferring to Baton Rouge. The class features three quarterbacks, four running backs, nine receivers and eight offensive linemen. Some of the players transferring in will not play a lot in the 2026 season, but Kiffin says these players want to be part of the next great team at LSU.
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Kiffin has also been able to retain some of the best players off the 2025 team, like tight end Trey’Dez Green, running backs Caden Durham and Harlem Berry, and linebacker Whit Weeks. Kiffin says bringing Weeks back for his senior season was a top priority, and Whit wanted to leave LSU on a high note.
Cut 19 (23) “…when I came here.”