The Louisiana Primary Race Heats Up: Candidates, Controversies, and Endorsements

You're listening to American Ground Radio with Stephen Parr and Louis R. Avallone. This is the full show for February 13, 2026. 0:30 The Louisiana U.S. Senate race is no longer simmering—it’s explosive. Jeff Landry, John Fleming, Bill Cassidy, and Trump-endorsed Julia Letlow are trading political haymakers over judges, impeachment votes, and loyalty to Donald Trump. Cassidy defends his institutional conservative record, Fleming claims the mantle of ideological purity, Landry brings the governor into the fray, and Letlow floats above it all with the power of the Trump endorsement. With attacks, counterattacks, and a three-way split forming, this race is shaping up to be one of the most heated and unpredictable Senate battles in Louisiana history.9:30 Plus, we cover the Top 3 Things You Need to Know. The Department of Education has opened an investigation into the hiring practices at the Louisiana Board of Regents.The Bossier City Council is considering evicting the Bossier Arts council and ending their partnership.An election has been scheduled to replace State Representative Julie Emmerson.12:30 Get TrimROX from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20.13:00 From medieval Europe to the streets of New Orleans, Mardi Gras is one of the world’s most colorful and storied celebrations. We dive into the history of Fat Tuesday, how French Catholic traditions merged with Caribbean rhythms and Creole culture, and how it evolved into today’s massive parades and family-friendly festivities. We also tackle the controversies—public intoxication, beads and nudity, class perception, and whether the celebration has lost its meaning. Plus, hear how Mardi Gras impacts local communities and tourism, making it more than just a party. Discover the rich layers of Mardi Gras you didn’t know—and why it remains an iconic cultural event.18:30 Qualifying for Louisiana’s May party primaries has wrapped, and the 2026 U.S. Senate race is starting to take shape. We break down the official list of candidates, including Democrats Jamie Davis, Nick Albaris, and Gary Crockett—and highlight who didn’t make the cut, like former Governor John Bel Edwards. On the Republican side, the battle is already shaping up between incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy, Treasurer John Fleming, Trump-endorsed Congresswoman Julia Letlow, and newcomer Mark Spencer. We analyze the key players, the political dynamics, and who’s most likely to make it to the runoff. If you want a clear picture of Louisiana’s hottest Senate showdown, we've got all the details. 23:00 The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has launched a high-profile investigation into the Louisiana Board of Regents, probing whether the state’s master plan for higher education violates federal civil rights law. With allegations that colleges were instructed to prioritize students of all races except white and Asian students, questions about DEI policies and racial discrimination are taking center stage. We unpack the history of the policy, its impact on Asian students, and why critics argue that enforcing racial outcomes undercuts true equal opportunity. If you want to understand the legal, educational, and social implications of race-conscious policies in Louisiana, we're diving in. 26:30 Qualifying for Louisiana’s congressional races is officially complete, and the field is shaping up to be a mix of seasoned incumbents, political newcomers, and a few unexpected names. From Steve Scalise facing Randall Arrington again in the 1st District to Troy Carter cruising in the 2nd, and Clay Higgins and Mike Johnson defending their seats against a range of challengers, the competition is heating up. In the 5th District, a crowded Republican field—including Trump-endorsed Blake Miguez—and multiple Democratic contenders promise an unpredictable race. This episode breaks down each district, highlights the top contenders, and explores what these primaries could mean for Louisiana’s political landscape ahead of May’s elections.32:00 Get Prodovite Plus from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20.32:30 A 34-year-old bank teller manager in Gretna, Louisiana, pulled off a brazen theft—scooping $187,000 from her vault, stuffing $150,000 in a cooler, and driving 250 miles to Florida—only to get caught by police. We break down the shocking crime, question the baffling decisions behind it, and explore the human psychology that can make smart people do unbelievably foolish things. From premeditation to emotional impulses, this is a cautionary tale of greed, risk, and common sense gone out the window.35:30 Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and we’re playing a fun—and slightly outrageous—game: which states have the most expensive roses? From Hawaii topping the charts at $126 a dozen to surprising contenders across red and blue states, we break ...