The Amite River Basin Commission is advancing a major flood-mitigation effort called the Upper Amite Restoration Project, designed to lower flood risk across the Capital Region. State Representative Paul Sawyer explained that the new master plan shows the most effective way to protect the region is to hold water in the Upper Amite before it reaches the flat terrain south of I-12, where drainage slows and backups can trigger widespread flooding like the 2016 event. A large reservoir was once considered, but residents in East Feliciana and St. Helena opposed it. Instead, the Commission is acquiring former sand and gravel mining sites along the Amite River and restoring them to natural conditions. These reclaimed sites will serve as multiple smaller storage areas, slowing the river, holding stormwater, improving downstream drainage, and helping recharge the Southern Hills Aquifer. Many sites will eventually become public recreation areas with lakes and trails. Sawyer also noted that House District 69 currently has no representative. Early voting runs February 28–March 7, and Election Day is March 14, the same day as Baton Rouge’s Wearin’ of the Green parade.

Winter Storm Fern hit the Monroe and West Monroe areas hard, leaving residents with frozen pipes, water damage, and trees collapsing under ice. More than half of all reported claims statewide came from Northeast Louisiana. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is spending the week in the region to help residents navigate claims and answer insurance questions. He says the storm highlights the need for more fortified roofs, which lower long-term risk and can qualify homeowners for discounts, grants, or tax credits. Temple encourages residents to review their policies, shop rates, and explore fortified roof options.

Senator Bill Cassidy weighed in on last night’s State of the Union, saying the President delivered a sharp mix of policy and political theater. Cassidy said affordability drove the speech, with focus on gas prices, groceries, housing, and prescription drugs — issues he hears about from Louisiana residents every day. Cassidy said he’s already working with the White House on legislation to lower drug costs and give the President new tariff tools. He also highlighted energy policy and said Louisiana needs strong oil and gas production to keep prices down. Inside the chamber, he described a lively atmosphere on the Republican side and said the President used moments of Democratic silence to highlight party differences. Cassidy said his main priorities moving forward include lowering health care costs, pushing price transparency for medical services, and protecting Social Security while keeping the program solvent.

Attorney Franz Borghardt joined Mornings with Brian Haldane to break down a new bill that would livestream East Baton Rouge Family Court. The bill comes from Senator Regina Barrow. It would allow cameras in family court with certain limits. Hearings involving children would not be streamed.

With the pre-filing deadline here, Louisiana lawmakers are deep into the final push before the 2026 legislative session opens on March 9. State Representative Emily Chenevert says this week is one of the busiest of the year as legislators finalize bill requests, work with staff on language, and meet with constituents and industry groups.

Central Mayor Wade Evans says the city is moving toward a hybrid police model that blends Central Police with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. He believes this approach improves response times, reduces long-term costs, and avoids the financial strain many municipalities face with fully staffed police departments. Existing sheriff substations in Central and Pride already support the structure, so Evans expects minimal disruption. A full standalone police department would cost nearly $6.8 million annually, while the hybrid model falls closer to $4.3–$4.8 million, plus a sheriff’s contract. The city council—not voters—would approve the agreement under the Larson Act, which requires only “adequate and sufficient” law enforcement. Evans also pushed back on claims from Councilwoman Dan Wells, who posted on Facebook that the city misused ARPA funds. He says the post was false, noting the city received a clean audit and only needed to update a grant policy after federal reporting requirements changed on a DOT road project. He called the claims political, not factual. Evans says the city will keep refining the policing plan and work with the sheriff’s office to finalize details.

Jeff Crouere said Mardi Gras 2026 brought the biggest crowds since COVID and strong weather, even with a handful of controversies that dominated early headlines. He noted several viral incidents — including claims that float riders threw beads at police and at protesters — were later debunked. One krewe did remove 41 riders mid-parade, but overall, the season ran smoothly. Crouere said New Orleans’ new mayor earned positive reviews throughout the week, but the city still faces a serious fiscal crisis left behind by the previous administration. He highlighted gaps in basic services, including the SPCA’s struggle to handle stray and surrendered animals. Looking ahead, Mardi Gras 2027 falls on February 9, one of the earliest dates possible. Crouere said tourism leaders can lean into the simple pitch: “It’s colder where you are.” He also previewed tonight’s State of the Union, predicting a long speech centered on affordability, the economy, and election-year messaging.

BREC is gearing up for summer with camp registration opening March 7 and a full lineup of art, sports, outdoor adventure, and adaptive camps across East Baton Rouge Parish. The Baton Rouge Zoo continues to grow with a new safari playground, a new giraffe, and plans for an education building. Parish park upgrades are underway, including work at Beaver Creek Golf Course, new playgrounds in Allison, and fresh parking lots at Amity Jordan and Lovett Road Park. Volunteers logged more than 35,000 hours last year, and pickleball continues to surge with over 100 courts and free clinics at Highland.

Moon Griffon opened Monday’s segment with big news. A new industry ranking places him at No. 10 nationwide among mid-market midday news talk hosts. He laughed off the praise, saying he stays focused on storytelling, entertainment, and growing his audience.Griffon also previewed the fast-approaching legislative session. He said he waits until the final week to dig into pre-filed bills because lawmakers often tweak or withdraw proposals. He expects workforce development to dominate the agenda and wants to see lawmakers take “bigger steps” to make Louisiana more competitive. He also sees waning appetite for another intense insurance reform fight.

Louisiana businesses still pay some of the highest workers’ compensation premiums in the South. Patrick Robinson with the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) says the problem is not workplace safety. Instead, he points to a system that keeps injured workers out for too long and drives up costs. With the legislative session approaching, he laid out the key issues and the reforms LABI hopes to see.