Congresswoman Julia Letlow said Congress completed its appropriations work, but the Department of Homeland Security remains without new funding as a partial government shutdown looms. Letlow said House Republicans passed funding bills, but Senate Democrats withheld DHS funding over immigration enforcement tied to President Donald Trump. She said agencies such as FEMA and TSA are operating with essential employees only, stretching resources during a critical time.

State Sen. Rick Edmonds announced his run for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District, calling it a lifelong goal to serve in Congress. The district, currently represented by Julia Letlow, was significantly reshaped through redistricting and now stretches from parts of East Baton Rouge and Livingston parishes to Monroe and Bastrop.
Edmonds said the new map creates a diverse district that includes fast-growing suburban areas and rural farming communities. He pointed to his leadership in education policy and state budget work as key experience he would bring to Washington. He also emphasized his small business background and pledged to support farmers and local employers across the district.

Sen. Bill Cassidy says he is working with President Donald Trump on new legislation aimed at lowering prescription drug costs. He described the strategy as a series of targeted reforms, including a recently signed law that reins in pharmacy benefit managers and ensures savings reach patients. He also highlighted earlier efforts to eliminate gag clauses that blocked pharmacists from sharing cheaper payment options.
Cassidy is campaigning ahead of Louisiana’s May 16 closed primary, reminding voters that only Republicans and no-party voters can participate. He reported raising about $1.4 million and pointed to billions secured for state infrastructure and broadband projects.

Opera Louisiana will host its annual “Sing and Swing” fundraiser Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Crowne Plaza Executive Center Baton Rouge Grand Ballroom. The event supports the company’s youth outreach programs and its April production of Madama Butterfly.General Director Paul Groves said the evening features local celebrities performing popular songs, including Debra Todd singing an iconic 1980s hit alongside LSU Opera Studio vocalists. Guests can also bid on live and silent auction items, including trips to the Metropolitan Opera and the Houston Grand Opera, plus regional hunting and fishing experiences.Founding board member Deborah Todd said proceeds help fund performances that have introduced more than 40,000 children to opera, music and the arts.VIP tickets include a private reception from 6 to 7 p.m. Individual tickets and tables are available at https://www.operalouisiane.com/. Donations and voting are open now.

The new I-10 interchange at Pecue Lane opens this afternoon following a final safety inspection, according to Rodney Mallett with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.Crews conducted a walkthrough Wednesday morning to confirm striping, alignment and overall safety. If no issues arise, drivers will have access by midday.The project widens Pecue Lane, which carries about 45,000 vehicles per day. The corridor now features two to three lanes in each direction and a new, wider bridge over I-10. The interchange uses a diverging diamond design, the second of its kind in Louisiana, aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing congestion.Mallett said the project aligns with Baton Rouge’s broader transportation plan and supports growth near Women’s Hospital and surrounding neighborhoods.Meanwhile, the Washington Street exit is closing as crews complete striping and signage. Drivers heading toward Washington Street or Lorri Burgess Avenue should use the Highland or Nicholson exits.DOTD also continues work on the I-10 widening project, with new lighting and statewide restriping planned as weather conditions improve.

The Baton Rouge Area Foundation is sending local leaders to Denver to study a national model for early childhood education. Only 40 percent of Baton Rouge children enter kindergarten ready. Leaders want to unify funding, improve access and make high-quality preschool more affordable by creating a coordinated early learning entity.
The foundation is also shifting focus to long-term plans for the University Lakes near City-Brooks Community Park. After major restoration work, the next phase centers on amenities, governance and protecting the city’s investment.

Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a season focused on repentance, sacrifice and reflection for Christians. While many attend Mass and observe fasting traditions, conversation also turned to a major legal debate unfolding in Washington.U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer introduced legislation known as “Virginia’s Law,” named for Virginia Giuffre, that would eliminate the statute of limitations for certain sexual abuse and human trafficking civil claims.Supporters argue survivors often need years, even decades, to come forward. Critics question how courts can ensure fairness when accusations surface 30 or 40 years later, especially if the accused is deceased.The proposal raises difficult questions about evidence, due process and accountability on both sides.

BREC leaders Janet Simmons and Maurice Velasquez outlined major park upgrades across East Baton Rouge Parish. Airline Highway Park is set for a large sports complex with tournament baseball fields, a multi-sport field, concessions, and seating. The site will also include a FEMA-funded safe house that can serve as an indoor sports facility most days and convert to an emergency shelter when needed. Smaller neighborhood parks are getting attention too, including the newly refreshed Palomino Park in Central. Magnolia Mound is seeing more activity, repairs, and expanded programming. Farr Park is being renovated to support more equestrian events and features an RV campground, riding lessons, camps, and adaptive programs. BREC is also boosting security with a 24/7 command center for its camera network, mobile camera towers, and a Rapid Response system that has resolved most submitted tickets.

Moon Griffon joined Talk 107.3 to break down Mardi Gras traditions and Louisiana’s latest political shakeups ahead of the May and June elections.Griffon, who hosts from 9 a.m. to noon statewide, encouraged listeners to experience Mardi Gras beyond New Orleans. He said smaller community parades, including New Roads, offer a unique and authentic celebration that rivals larger city events.On politics, Griffon said few surprises emerged during qualifying. He pointed to President Donald Trump’s endorsement as a major factor reshaping both the U.S. Senate and congressional races. Several candidates exited races following the endorsement, narrowing the field.He raised concerns about voter turnout, noting Louisiana voters are unaccustomed to casting ballots in May and June rather than the fall. Lower participation could influence runoff outcomes.Griffon also highlighted the Louisiana Supreme Court race as one to watch, particularly the First District contest. He said business groups and trial lawyers could heavily influence the outcome, potentially shifting the court’s balance.As campaigns ramp up, Griffon said money, messaging and turnout will determine which candidates advance.

After 58 years in broadcast journalism, Hal Eisner is telling his own story.His new book, An Accidental Career, chronicles nearly six decades in the business. Eisner spent 43 of those years reporting in Los Angeles. He covered history from the front row. But the turning point that pushed him to write the book came in 2021.While conducting an interview on Hollywood Boulevard, a driver under the influence jumped the curb and struck Eisner, his cameraman, and several bystanders. Both men suffered fractured ribs. The crash could have been fatal.Instead of stepping away, Eisner made a decision. He would return to the camera. He would retire on his own terms.That moment shaped the memoir.