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.