We are one month away from the May 16th primary. Jeanne Burns spoke to a local political strategist about the U.S. Senate Republican primary.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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West Monroe Senator Jay Morris has a bill that would allow the legislature to pursue a civil lawsuit against an elected official it wants ousted because of malfeasance or gross misconduct. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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College-bound seniors statewide will start receiving emails giving them direction as to which in-state schools they should be applying to. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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We are a month away from the May 16th election, and the U.S. Senate Republican Party primary will continue to heat up with the three major candidates having millions of dollars to spend. Political strategist Mary-Patricia Wray says polling earlier this year showed a large group of undecided voters, but that’s starting to change.

Cut 4 (10) “…pick a candidate.”

Incumbent Bill Cassidy faces two tough opponents as he seeks a third term in office. Cassidy lost a lot of support from within the Republican Party when he voted to convict then-former President Trump during his second impeachment trial in 2021. Wray says despite Cassidy’s high negatives, there is good chance he makes the run-off.

Cut 5 (12) “…vote for him (2x).”

Julia Letlow and John Fleming are Cassidy’s two main challengers. Wray says the candidates will by vying for votes from Acadiana, north Louisiana and the Baton Rouge-Northshore suburbs. She says voter turnout is expected to be high in those areas due to a lot of Republican voters and competitive down-ballot races.

Cut 6 (10) “…next four weeks.”

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A bill heading to the Senate floor would set up a process for the Louisiana legislature to use the courts to remove a public official from office for malfeasance or gross misconduct. Under the bill by West Monroe Senator Jay Morris, it would take a two-thirds vote by either the House or Senate for a lawsuit to be filed.

Cut 7 (09) “…easier to prove.”

Senate Bill 425 passed on a four to three vote. Democrats oppose the measure; Baton Rouge Senator Larry Selders expressed concern that a politician could be ousted based solely on accusations of wrongdoing.

Cut 8 (09) “…they’re not convicted.”

Morris did not provide any specific case of misconduct that led to him filing the bill. But he says there are mayors who have been involved in serious scandals, and nothing is done for a long time.

Cut 9 (09)  “…for good governance.”

New Orleans Senator Gary Carter says with Republicans holding a super majority in the House and the Senate, the G-O-P could use this method to get of Democratic officials it didn’t like.

Cut 10 (09) “…the Senate side.”

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High school seniors across the state considering which colleges to apply to will now get personalized emails steering them in the right direction. The Board of Regents is joining forces with public colleges and universities, higher education systems and college-access organizations in this venture. Tristan Denley, the deputy commissioner of academic affairs and innovation at the Board of Regents, says these are not form letters; these are prepared specifically for each recipient.

Cut 11 (11) “…to apply for.”

Denley says the goal is to take the confusion out of what is already a very daunting task.

Cut 12 (11) “…across the state.”

Denley says the emails are tailored to each student to let them know which schools he or she is best suited to apply for – and that goes for schools of all levels of selectiveness.

Cut 13 (13)  “…about those too.”

This venture builds on a pilot program that was launched in 2024; it now expands statewide.

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Fifth-year senior Bo Bordelon is one of the surprising stories at LSU’s spring practice. Bordelon has been a career backup at LSU; but with a new coaching staff, he’s moved to the top of the depth chart at left guard.

Cut 14 (11) “…just start new.”

His father, Ben Bordelon, was an All-SEC lineman for the Tigers in the 1990s, so for Bo Bordelon to be playing at LSU means a lot, and he didn’t think about transferring anywhere else.

Cut 15 (14) “…off for LSU.”

Media members who cover LSU football thought Ole Miss transfer and former Calvary Baptist star Devin Harper would be a starting guard; but so far, Bordelon is outplaying him.

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After winning two out of three against 10th ranked Southern Miss last weekend, the Cajuns are at Troy this weekend for a three-game series. At the halfway point of the Sun Belt Schedule, U-L Lafayette is 6-and-9 in conference play. Coach Matt Deggs believes his team is capable of making a move towards the top of the Sun Belt standings.

Cut 16 (15) “…think they’re close.”

Right-hander Cody Brasch will make his second career start on the mound this evening. Andrew Herrmann will start tomorrow’s game.

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The LSU Tigers are looking to play better baseball this weekend as they host 10th ranked Texas A-and-M. The Aggies are 28-7 overall and 9-5 in the SEC after failing to make the NCAA Tournament last season for the first time since 2021. Coach Jay Johnson says the Aggies have stayed away from the injuries this season.

Cut 17 (18)  “…they’re really good.”

In LSU’s recent wins, they’ve shown the ability to come from behind. but Johnson doesn’t want to rely on late inning rallies to win.

Cut 18 (15)  “…to be played.”

First pitch tonight is six p-m, and the game will be shown on ESPN.

The House approved a budget proposal before taking off for the weekend. House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says the 47-billion-dollar budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins July 1st will not raise taxes and speeds up investments in better classrooms and more high-paying jobs.

Cut 13 (11) “…for our citizens.”

The House’s budget proposal contains the funding Governor Landry is seeking for the LA GATOR Scholarship program. But Senate leaders oppose Landry’s proposal to double the funding for the program that provides taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition and other education expenses.

Other highlights of the budget bill include 125-million dollars to Louisiana Economic Development for new projects and 50-million dollars to replenish a fund to face future emergencies, such as hurricanes.

A bill heading to the Senate floor would set up a process for the Louisiana Legislature to use the courts to remove a public official from office for malfeasance or gross misconduct. West Monroe Senator Jay Morris is proposing that the Legislature can file a civil lawsuit to oust an official and it would take a two-thirds vote by either the House or Senate for the lawsuit to be filed.

Cut 7 (09) “…easier to prove.”

Senate Bill 425 passed on a four to three vote. Democrats oppose the measure; New Orleans Senator Gary Carter says with Republicans holding a super majority in the House and the Senate, the G-O-P could use this method to get rid of Democratic officials they didn’t like.

Cut 10 (09) “…the Senate side.”

Before lawmakers left for the weekend, the state House approved a 47-billion-dollar budget proposal. House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says the spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1st makes critical investments in public school classrooms and workforce training.

Cut 12 (11) “…high-impact jobs program.”

In the race for the G-O-P nomination for U.S. Senate, Bill Cassidy has a huge lead with more than seven-million dollars cash on hand. Julia Letlow has more than 2.275-million, while John Fleming has more than 2.2-million after loaning himself 10-million dollars. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says self-funding his campaign may be part of his strategy.

Cut 4 (10) “…more a contender.”

Inmates preparing to be released from prison or jail will get health coverage through Medicaid under a new state policy. Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says by beginning medical services for substance abuse treatment and mental health disorders while in prison and providing a 30-day supply of prescription drugs, these people are much less likely to go back to jail.

Cut 8 (08) “…once they leave.”

Another whooping crane is shot to death in Evangeline Parish. Biologists reported a lost signal on the whooping crane’s collar on March 19th, and Wildlife and Fisheries agents found the dead bird the next day. LDWF Corporal Tib Guillory says 49-year-old Michael Alaniz of Chicago admitted to killing the bird.

Cut 9 (08)  “…harvesting the bird.”

Updated campaign finance totals are out for the major candidates in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Andrew Greenstein has the analysis.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A child died in a house fire in Minden early Wednesday. Minden Fire Chief Brian Williams says they responded to the burning home in less than four minutes and despite their efforts to save the girl, who was trapped by the blaze, they could not find her in time. A cause of the blaze is not known.

The Louisiana House approved a 47-billion dollar budget plan for next fiscal year. House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says for the first time since 2009, there is an increase in per-student funding…

Cut 14 (11) “…local school districts”

And the House went along with the governor’s request to double the funding of the L-A Gator program. The Senate will make changes to the spending plan and Senate President Cameron Henry opposes the increased funding for the voucher program.

A man from Chicago has been cited for allegedly fatally shooting a whooping crane in Evangeline Parish….

Cut 11 (09) “….going forward”

That’s LDWF Corporal Tib Guillory, who says 49-year-old Michael Alainz, faces up to 120 days in jail and thousands of dollars in fines.

The House approved a budget proposal before taking off for the weekend. House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says the 47-billion-dollar budget proposal will not raise taxes and speeds up investments in better classrooms and more high-paying jobs.

Cut 13 (11) “…for our citizens.”

According to first quarter campaign finance reports, Bill Cassidy has by far the most cash on hand in the G-O-P U.S. Senate race with more than seven-million dollars. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says that’s not surprising, with Cassidy being an incumbent.

Cut 3 (10) “…is still unclear.”

Julia Letlow’s campaign reports more than 2.275-million dollars, while John Fleming’s campaign reports just under 2.2-million.

Louisiana launches a plan to provide soon-to-be-released inmates with health insurance through Medicaid. Governor Landry says this initiative gives inmates a continuity of care, particularly for those with mental health and substance use disorders.

Cut 7 (07) “…a normal life.”

Under this new policy, inmates would be approved for Medicaid up to 90 days before they are released from prison or jail.

Another whooping crane is shot to death in Evangeline Parish. Biologists reported a lost signal on the whooping crane’s collar on March 19th, and Wildlife and Fisheries agents found the dead bird the next day. LDWF Corporal Tib Guillory says 49-year-old Michael Alaniz of Chicago admitted to killing the bird after agents found the whooping crane on a crawfish farm near Highway 106.

Cut 10 (08) “…shot the bird.”

Updated campaign finance totals are out for the major candidates in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Andrew Greenstein has the analysis.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Inmates released from prison will have Medicaid as part of a plan the state and the U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services are working to put in place. Joe Gallinaro has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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The first quarter campaign finance reports are released; and in the race for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Louisiana, Bill Cassidy has by far the most cash on hand with more than seven-million dollars in his war chest. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says that’s not surprising, given the fact that Cassidy is an incumbent running for re-election.

Cut 3 (10) “…is still unclear.”

Julia Letlow’s campaign reports more than 2.275-million dollars cash on hand, while John Fleming’s campaign reports just under 2.2-million. Fleming’s total, however, is exceeded by more than 3.6-million in debts still owed, after Fleming loaned his own campaign more than ten-million dollars. Cross says self-funding his campaign may be part of his strategy.

Cut 4 (10) “…more a contender.”

Cross says no one is in danger of running out of money between now and May 16th, after which date things will heat up ahead of the June 27th runoff.

Cut 5 (12) “…are right now.”

While Cassidy has almost twice as much cash on hand than Fleming and Letlow combined, polls indicate that it’s unclear which of the three will end up being the odd one out after May 16th,

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Louisiana is partnering with the U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services on a program that would allow soon-to-be released inmates to receive health insurance through Medicaid. Governor Jeff Landry says this proactive approach helps offenders successfully transition back into their communities and rebuild their lives.

Cut 6 (09) “…member of society.”

Under this new policy, inmates would be approved for Medicaid up to 90 days before they are released from prison or jail. Landry says the initiative gives inmates a continuity of care, particularly for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.

Cut 7 (07) “…a normal life.”

Louisiana Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says by beginning medical services for substance abuse treatment and mental health disorders while in prison and providing a 30-day supply of prescription drugs, these people are much less likely to go back to jail after they’re released.

Cut 8 (08) “…once they leave.”

Officials are aiming to have the program operating in the summer.

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Another whooping crane is shot to death in Evangeline Parish. Biologists reported a lost signal on the whooping crane’s collar on March 19th, and Wildlife and Fisheries agents found the dead bird the next day. LDWF Corporal Tib Guillory says 49-year-old Michael Alaniz of Chicago admitted to killing the bird.

Cut 9 (08)  “…harvesting the bird.”

Corporal Guillory says agents found the whooping crane on a crawfish farm near Highway 106.

Cut 10 (08) “…shot the bird.”

Whooping cranes are an endangered species; and, as such, Guillory says it is illegal to shoot one.

Cut 11 (09) “…population going forward.”

Alaniz is charged with violating the migratory bird treaty act and faces a fine of up to 950 dollars and up to 120 days in jail. He will also be assessed civil restitution of up to 15-thousand dollars for the replacement value of the bird.

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Before Louisiana lawmakers left for the weekend, the state House approved a 47-billion-dollar budget proposal. House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says the spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1st makes critical investments in public school classrooms and workforce training.

Cut 12 (11) “…high-impact jobs program.”

The House’s budget proposal contains the funding Governor Landry is seeking for the LA GATOR Scholarship program. But Senate leaders oppose Landry’s proposal to double the funding for the program that provides taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition and other education expenses.

McFarland says this budget proposal will not raise taxes and speeds up investments in better classrooms and more high-paying jobs.

Cut 13 (11) “…for our citizens.”

McFarland says for the first time since 2009, there is an increase in per-student funding for school districts.

Cut 14 (11) “…local school districts.”

The expenses include fuel, insurance, utilities and retirement costs.

The Senate will put together its own budget proposal, and that will take several weeks to do.

Before lawmakers left for the weekend, the state House approved a 47-billion-dollar budget proposal. House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says the spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1st makes critical investments in public school classrooms and workforce training.

Cut 12 (11) “…high-impact jobs program.”

According to first quarter campaign finance numbers, Bill Cassidy has a huge lead in cash on hand in the race for the G-O-P nomination for U.S. Senate, with more than seven-million dollars. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says no one is in danger of running out of money between now and May 16th, after which date things will pick up.

Cut 5 (12) “…are right now.”

Inmates released from prison will have Medicaid as part of a plan the state and the U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services are working to put in place. Joe Gallinaro has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Another whooping crane is shot to death in Evangeline Parish. LDWF Corporal Tib Guillory says 49-year-old Michael Alaniz of Chicago admitted to killing the bird last month.

Cut 9 (08)  “…harvesting the bird.”

First quarter campaign finance numbers are out; and in the race for the G-O-P nomination for U.S. Senate, Bill Cassidy has a huge lead with more than seven-million dollars cash on hand. Julia Letlow has more than 2.275-million, while John Fleming has more than 2.2-million after loaning himself 10-million dollars. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says self-funding his campaign may be part of his strategy.

Cut 4 (10) “…more a contender.”

Louisiana is partnering with the U-S Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services on a program that would allow soon to be released inmates to receive health insurance through Medicaid. Governor Jeff Landry says this proactive approach helps offenders successfully transition back into their communities and rebuild their lives…

Cut 6 (09) “…society.”

A resolution that seeks to lift deer feeding bans in response to chronic wasting disease is heading to the House floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A child is killed in a house fire in Minden. The child was pulled from the burning home early yesterday morning and was rushed to a hospital but unfortunately did not survive. The State Fire Marshal’s Office says while the cause is still unclear, fire investigators have confirmed that the home did not have a working smoke alarm.