Louisiana’s 2026 legislative session kicked off Monday with energy and optimism at the State Capitol. Radio host Moon Griffon joined coverage ahead of Governor Jeff Landry’s opening address, describing a positive atmosphere as lawmakers gathered for the start of the session. Griffon noted that opening day carries a unique tone compared to later weeks of debate. Lawmakers arrive focused on priorities but have not yet entered the intense policy battles that often dominate the session. “Opening day has a different vibe,” Griffon said. “There’s optimism, people want to get things done, and the real fights haven’t started yet.” Several legislators planned to stop by throughout the day to discuss priorities as lawmakers prepared for months of debate.

Louisiana lawmakers opened the 2026 legislative session with momentum from recent economic gains. Will Green, president and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), said policy changes in recent years helped attract new investment and improve business confidence.

The Dreams Come True Golf Tournament returns for its 37th year. The event raises money for Louisiana children with life-threatening illnesses. Founder Becky Prejean says the tournament will continue despite wet conditions on the course. Organizers will skip a few flooded holes so golfers can still play and enjoy the day. Food vendors and a crawfish boil will also be part of the event. Dreams Come True grants wishes to children ages 3 to 18 across Louisiana. The nonprofit serves kids with diagnoses such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, and immune disorders. Prejean says the organization stays involved with families after a wish. The group hosts a large Christmas party and other events each year. Donations stay in Louisiana and directly help local children and their families.

Stephanie Phares, owner of Zeeland Street Market in Baton Rouge, highlighted the restaurant’s Lenten seafood specials and scratch-made cooking during a “Foodie Friday” segment. Popular dishes include ahi tuna salad, baked lemon butter catfish, and crawfish étouffée. The longtime local restaurant recently earned recognition from The New York Times. Phares also shared that after battling lung cancer, doctors no longer see the disease, and she credits healthy, real food for helping her recovery.

Louisiana lawmakers return to the Capitol Monday for the 2026 regular legislative session. State Representative Mike Bayham says this session gives many legislators their first real chance to push the ideas they campaigned on.

The Manship Theatre will host its annual Red Carpet Gala on April 16, featuring an intimate performance by Grammy-winning artist LeAnn Rimes. Executive Director Jason Langlois said the fundraiser supports the nonprofit theater’s year-round programming. The event will include a catered reception, open bar, and sponsorship opportunities that provide businesses year-round brand visibility.

Louisiana enters the 2026 legislative session with strong economic development momentum. Business leaders and lawmakers point to several initiatives that aim to attract companies, create jobs, and strengthen the state’s workforce. Anna Johnson says recent economic development programs signal real progress. She highlighted the state’s new FastSite program, which prepares “move-in ready” industrial locations for companies looking to expand or relocate.

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple plans to push additional reforms during the 2026 legislative session as lawmakers continue efforts to lower insurance costs across the state.Temple said Louisiana has made progress in recent years. However, he believes lawmakers must keep moving forward to make the insurance market more competitive and affordable.

Drivers in Ascension Parish will face a temporary road closure as the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) begins critical repairs on Bluff Road.

A federal trial has begun in Louisiana over a long-running scheme that allegedly staged crashes involving 18-wheelers to collect fraudulent insurance payouts. Renee Amar with the Louisiana Motor Transport Association says the operation dates back to around 2011 in New Orleans. Participants reportedly hired drivers to intentionally collide with trucks and then file injury claims. Investigators later found repeated patterns in crash reports and launched a broader probe. Authorities also suspect some medical providers performed unnecessary surgeries tied to the cases. Prosecutors have filed conspiracy, fraud, and witness tampering charges as the trial begins before Judge Wendy Vitter.