The 2026 midterm elections are a long way away, but millions of dollars are already flowing into the Senate race as incumbent GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy faces a challenge from fellow Republican State Treasurer John Fleming.

Greg LaRose, editor-in-chief for the Louisiana Illuminator, tells us more about what this race says about Cassidy’s vulnerability.

Under  a new Louisiana law, thousands of inmates  can no longer plead their cases to a parole board. This is thanks to a computerized scoring system adopted by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, which ranks an inmate's risk of reoffending. 

Calvin Alexander, a 70-year-old and nearly blind inmate is no longer eligible to speak before a parole board.  

Verite’s Richard Webster tells us more about Alexander and the thousands of other inmates whose cases are in limbo.

Following heavy rainfall in the Ohio River Valley, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has activated proactive flood fight protocols as water from upstream swells the Mississippi River.  

State climatologist Jay Grymes tells us how residents should best prepare for potential flooding.

—

Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell. 

You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It’s available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. 

Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you’re at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you’d like to listen to.

Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!