LRN AM Newscall May 19

Louisiana’s film incentive program is making the state one of the biggest film production hubs in the country. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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A bill that would shield revenue sharing contracts that colleges and universities have with their athletes from the public is one step closer to final passage. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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With voters once again saying no to a constitutional amendment aimed at providing teachers and school support staff with a permanent pay raise, teachers are once again on to plan “B.” Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana’s film incentive program is making the state one of the biggest film production hubs in the country. Adriane Bennett with Film Louisiana says the state is creating pathways to the film industry by getting kids involved at an early age. One of those programs is Film Prize Junior, which is a film festival for middle school and high school students.

Cut 4 (09) “…that film festival.”

Bennett says it’s programs like that which makes Louisiana one of the most attractive states in the country for film production.

Cut 5 (11) “…over the country.”

In fact, Bennett says not too many states rank ahead of Louisiana when it comes to film production.

Cut 6 (11) “…we’re number four.”

Bennett says the legislature can certainly do its part in keeping the momentum going, by helping continue to create the sustainable workforce ecosystem connecting education and job creation. She says all of that, in effect, will lead to greater economic development for the state.

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Legislation that would prevent the public from seeing what college athletes receive in a revenue share deal they have with their schools is moving closer to final legislative passage, as the House-approved bill has cleared the Senate Education Committee. The bill’s author, Lafayette Representative Themi Chassion, says if these financial deals are made public, it puts LSU and other Louisiana college athletic teams at a disadvantage.

Cut 7 (10) “…don’t want that.” 

Opponents of the legislation say revenue share deals are funded with public dollars and therefore should be public. It’s money the school is using to directly pay the player, which is different from NIL, which is a third party source.

Attorney Scott Sternberg spoke in opposition. Sternberg represents three media outlets in a public records lawsuit against LSU that’s attempting to see the revenue share deals.

Sternberg says agents know what the players are making, so allowing the public to know how much a university is compensating a player is not putting the school at a competitive disadvantage.

Cut 8 (09) “…to make more.”

Chassion, who has a daughter that played college basketball, says the revenue share contracts with schools should also remain private to protect the player from harassment.

Cut 9 (12)  “…die with football.”

Chassion’s bill is awaiting a vote on the Senate floor.

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It’s back to the drawing board for teachers looking for their annual stipend to become a permanent pay raise. This, after voters reject another plan concocted by state lawmakers to accomplish that goal – this one involving the abolishment of three large education trust funds to use those revenues to pay down teacher retirement debt. Larry Carter, the president of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers and School Employees, says it’s now up to lawmakers to once again come up with a plan “B.”

Cut 10 (11) “…a permanent pay.”

Carter says while it’s been going on for years, the fight for teacher pay is now entering a new phase.

Cut 11 (14) “…and school employees.”

Carter says with the state experiencing momentum in terms of student achievement, it is more important than ever to pay teachers competitive salaries.

Cut 12 (11) “…hundred dollars less.”

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After receiving 45-percent of the vote in the Senate Republican primary, it’s believed Congresswoman Julia Letlow is in the driver’s seat to earn the GOP nomination over State Treasurer John Fleming. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says Letlow should win if she can avoid any major mistakes before the June 27th Senate Republican primary runoff.

Cut 13 (08)  “…monitor her actions.”

Stockley expects Letlow will continue to play up President Trump’s endorsement.

Cut 14 (11) “…next 30 days.”

The winner of the Republican Senate Primary will face the winner of the Democratic Senate primary. On the Democratic side, a runoff between Jamie Davis and Gary Crockett is expected, but Nick Albares has until 4:30 this afternoon to ask for a recount after falling fewer than 300 votes short of Crockett in the unofficial vote count. Stockley says it likely won’t matter who wins the Democratic primary.

Cut 15 (12) “…being elected senator.”

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The Pelicans have named former Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley as their new head coach. Mosley spent the last five seasons with the Magic and guided Orlando to three consecutive playoff appearances. They nearly upset the number one seed in the Eastern Conference this year before losing to the Pistons in Game 7 of the first round. Jake Madison, the host of the Locked on Pelicans podcast, says Mosley fits what the Pels are looking for.

Cut 16 (09) “…through a rebuild.”

Madison says Mosley can return the Pelicans back to respectability after 14th and 11th place finishes in the Western Conference the last two seasons.

Cut 17 (11) “…their head coach.”

Madison says Mosley is known as someone who can build relationships with his players and getting the most out of them when it comes to effort. He says Mosley is also known as a defensive-minded coach.

Cut 18 (08)  “…to be respectable.”

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Saints starting quarterback Tyler Shough has been impressed with first round pick and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. Shough was asked what stood out about Tyson after he watched his game film from Arizona State.

Cut 19 (15) “…all over tape.”

Tyson was a two-time, first-team All Big 12 selection at Arizona State. The Saints selected him eighth overall.

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis says a contract has been offered to veteran defensive end Cam Jordan, but a contract has not been extended to Swiss Army knife Taysom Hill. Loomis was also asked if running back Alvin Kamara has a roster spot, but he continues to be evasive with that question.

Cut 20 (07) “…week or two.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast/Legislative Report

For the second year in a row, Louisiana voters say no to a constitutional amendment that would have provided a permanent pay raise for school employees – 2,250 for teachers and 1,125 dollars for support staff. Larry Carter, the president of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers and School Employees, says it’s now up to lawmakers to once again come up with a plan “B.”

Cut 10 (11) “…a permanent pay.”

Governor Landry posted on social media that if the legislature does not come up with a way to fund a pay raise for them, no public employee will get a pay raise. Melinsa Deslatte with the Public Affairs Research Council says she doesn’t know exactly what Landry means by that.

Cut 8 (11) “…get pay raises?”

Legislation that would prevent the public from seeing what college athletes receive in a revenue share deal they have with their school is moving closer to final passage, as the House-approved bill has cleared the Senate Education Committee. The bill’s author, Lafayette Representative Themi Chaisson, says if these financial deals are made public, it puts LSU and other Louisiana college athletic teams at a disadvantage…

Cut 7 (10) “…want that” 

Attorney Scott Sternberg spoke in opposition. Sternberg says agents know what the players are making, so allowing the public to know how much a university is compensating a player is not putting the school at a competitive disadvantage.

Cut 25 (10) “…make more.”

The bill now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans have named Jamahl Mosley as its new head men’s basketball coach. Mosley spent the past five seasons as the head coach at Orlando, leading the Magic to the playoffs the last three seasons. Jake Madison, host of the Locked on Pelicans podcast, says hiring Mosley is a safe pick…

Cut 18 (08) “…respectable”

Madison says Mosley is known as a defensive-minded coach, who can get the most out of players by building strong relationships with them.

 

At the state baseball championships…the Sam Houston Broncos are back-to-back champions in Division One non-select. The Catholic Bears won their third straight title with a three to two 15 inning victory over Brother Martin.

St. Charles Catholic rallied in the seventh inning to beat Vandebilt Catholic by one run for the Division Two select title. Westlake won its first championship in 30 years.

 

The LSU baseball team will play the late game in the first round of the SEC Tournament tomorrow night. In 30 SEC regular season games, the Tigers finished with an ERA above seven. Coach Jay Johnson says he still has belief in pitching coach Nate Yeskie and the rest of his coaching staff and the group of pitchers that are planning on returning next season…

Cut 19 (17)  “..can be.”

Ragin Cajuns right-hander Cody Brasch has been named Sun Belt Pitcher of the Week. Brasch threw six shutout innings in a seven to two win over 20th ranked Coastal Carolina last Thursday. U-L Lafayette is the seven seed in the Sun Belt Tournament and will play tenth seeded Marshall at 3 PM in a first round elimination game in Montgomery, Alabama tomorrow afternoon.

4:30 LRN Newscast

Bill Cassidy’s 12-year run in the U.S. Senate is coming to an end with his third-place finish in the GOP Senate primary. UNO political science professor Ed Chervenak says Cassidy’s political future actually ended five years ago when he voted to convict then-former President Trump for his role in the January 6th attack on the Capitol.

Cut 11 (12) “…endorse Cassidy. .”

In his concession speech on Saturday night, Cassidy did not mention Trump’s name, but said the country is not about one individual. Louisiana’s outgoing US Senator added his loyalty is to voters and the Constitution.

Cut 29 (14) “…be a leader.”

 

For the second year in a row, Louisiana voters emphatically say no to all proposed constitutional amendments.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill announces that 60 registered sex offenders in the greater Baton Rouge area have been arrested as part of a major internet sex crimes operation. Murrill says these offenders violated sex offender registration laws by communicating with children through various apps…

Cut 12 (08) “…Roblox.”

3:30 LRN Newscast

Senator Bill Cassidy’s third place finish in Saturday’s Senate Republican Primary likely means the end of his political career. The 68-year-old from Baton Rouge failed to make the run-off as he was seeking a third term in the U-S Senate. UNO political science professor Ed Chervenak is not surprised Cassidy finished behind Julia Letlow and John Fleming…

Cut 9 (08)  “…momentum.”

For the second year in a row, voters said no to every constitutional amendment on the ballot by a wide margin. All five amendments failed by a minimum of 16 points. Melinda Deslatte with the Public Affairs Research Council says there are several reasons why voters turned aside all five amendments.

Cut 6 (14) “…every election cycle.”

 

A Lafayette toddler drowns in a bathtub and the woman who was in charge of caring for him is arrested. Lafayette Police Senior Corporal Ken Handy says 50-year-old Dawn Lee left the bathroom to conduct some other business in the home and returned to a horrifying sight.

Cut 4 (04) “…inside the bathtub.”

Three-year-old Khaine Natto was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Lee is charged with one count of negligent homicide.

 

Attorney General Liz Murrill announces 60 registered sex offenders have been arrested for violating state registration laws that say if you are a registered sex offender, you can’t be on social media. Murrill urges parents to closely monitor their children’s online activity…

Cut 14 (10) “…internet”

Murrill says this year alone, Louisiana has received 27,000 cyber tips, compared to more than 31,000 cyber tips received in all of 2025.

LRN PM Newscall

For the second year in a row, Louisiana voters emphatically say no to all proposed constitutional amendments. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Two political analysts say it was not a surprise to see Republican Incumbent Bill Cassidy not make the runoff in the primary. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Tragedy in Lafayette over the weekend, as a toddler drowns in a bathtub and the woman who was in charge of caring for him is arrested. Lafayette Police Senior Corporal Ken Handy says officers found three-year-old Khaine Natto unresponsive inside the bathtub.

Cut 3 (05) “…inside the bathtub.”

Corporal Handy says the guardian, 50-year-old Dawn Lee, left the bathroom to conduct some other business in the home and returned to the horrifying sight.

Cut 4 (04) “…inside the bathtub.”

Khaine was rushed to a hospital but was ultimately pronounced dead. Handy says Lee was booked into jail.

Cut 5 (04) “…of negligent homicide.”

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For the second year in a row, voters said no to every constitutional amendment on the ballot by a wide margin. All five amendments failed by a minimum of 16 points, with the one to remove certain employees from the civil service division failing by a whopping 56 points. Melinda Deslatte with the Public Affairs Research Council says there are several reasons why voters turned aside all five amendments.

Cut 6 (14) “…every election cycle.”

Deslatte says voters do not have the time to research these issues to make informed decisions.

Cut 7 (11) “…on in life.”

Governor Landry posted on social media today that since Amendment Three failed, if the legislature does not come up with a way to fund a pay raise for teachers, no public employee will get a pay raise. Deslatte says she doesn’t know exactly what Landry means by that.

Cut 8 (11) “…get pay raises?”

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Republican Bill Cassidy’s third place finish in Saturday’s Senate Republican Primary likely means the end of his political career. The 68-year-old from Baton Rouge failed to make the run-off as he was seeking a third term in the U-S Senate. UNO political science professor Ed Chervenak is not surprised Cassidy finished behind Julia Letlow and John Fleming…

Cut 9 (08)  “…momentum.”

Chervenak does not expect Cassidy will run for political office again. Before he was a politician, Doctor Cassidy practiced medicine and Chervenak says Cassidy performing policy work in the health care arena could be his next move…

Cut 10 (11) “…health policy.”

Cassidy will serve the remainder of his term which will end just after the new year. Chervenak says Cassidy’s political future actually ended when he voted to convict Trump for his role in the January 6th attack on the Capitol.

Cut 11 (12) “…endorse Cassidy.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill announces that 60 registered sex offenders in the greater Baton Rouge area have been arrested as part of a major internet sex crimes operation called “Operation Restricted Domain.” Murrill says these offenders violated sex offender registration laws and engaged in unlawful online activity by communicating with children through various apps…

Cut 12 (08) “…Roblox.”

Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre says state law is clear, if you are a registered sex offender as a result of a crime against children, you can not use social media platforms, chat rooms and peer-to-peer networks…

Cut 13 (09) “…at all.”

Murrill urges parents to closely monitor their children’s online activity…

Cut 14 (10) “…internet.”

2:30 LRN Newscast

The runoffs in the U.S. Senate races are set. On the GOP side, it’s Julia Letlow against John Fleming; and on the Democratic side, it appears to be Jamie Davis against Gary Crockett. According to unofficial numbers, Crockett finished 284 votes ahead of Nick Albares; Albares has until 4:30 tomorrow to ask for a recount.

Two political analysts say it’s no surprise that Senator Bill Cassidy didn’t even make the runoff. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

For the second year in a row, voters said no to every constitutional amendment on the ballot by a wide margin. Melinda Deslatte with the Public Affairs Research Council says voters do not have the time to research these issues to make informed decisions.

Cut 7 (11) “…on in life.”

All five amendments failed by a minimum of 16 points, with the one to remove certain employees from the civil service division failing by a whopping 56 points.

Attorney General Liz Murrill announces that 60 registered sex offenders in the greater Baton Rouge area have been arrested as part of a major internet sex crimes operation called “Operation Restricted Domain.” Murrill says these offenders violated sex offender registration laws and engaged in unlawful online activity by communicating with children through various apps…

Cut 12 (08) “…Roblox.”

1:30 LRN Newscast

For the second year in a row, Louisiana voters emphatically say no to all proposed constitutional amendments. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Amendment Three is one of the amendments that failed. It would have freed up money to provide teachers with a pay raise. For the last couple of years, a portion of a teacher’s salary has been considered a stipend. Governor Jeff Landy said today that if teachers do not get a pay raise, no one in state government will get a pay raise.

 

A third-place finish in the Senate Republican Primary likely means that Senator Bill Cassidy’s political career will end when his term ends after the first of the year. Before he was a politician, Doctor Cassidy practiced medicine and UNO political science professor Ed Chervenak says Cassidy performing policy work in the health care arena could be his next move…

Cut 10 (11) “…health policy.”

Cassidy is 68 years old and he’s either been a state legislator or Congressman since 2006.

The Louisiana Attorney General’s office announces the arrest of 60 registered sex offenders in the capital city area for violating sex offender registration laws by communicating with children on the internet. Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre says state law is clear, if you are a registered sex offender as a result of a crime against children, you cannot use social media platforms, chat rooms and peer-to-peer networks…

Cut 13 (09) “…at all.”

12:30 LRN Newscast

Bill Cassidy’s 12-year run in the U.S. Senate is coming to an end with his third-place finish in the GOP Senate primary. UNO political science professor Ed Chervenak says Cassidy’s political future actually ended five years ago when he voted to convict then-former President Trump for his role in the January 6th attack on the Capitol.

Cut 11 (12) “…endorse Cassidy. .”

So with Cassidy out of the mix, it’s Julia Letlow against John Fleming in the June 27th runoff to represent the Republican Party in the November general election. Fleming doesn’t have Trump’s endorsement, but he did serve in his first administration. And the State Treasurer’s campaign has been mostly self-funded.

Cut 15 (11) “…powerful politician.”

For the second year in a row, Louisiana voters say no to a constitutional amendment that would have given teachers a permanent pay raise. Governor Landry posted on social media today that if the legislature does not come up with a way to fund a pay raise for them, no public employee will get a pay raise. Melinsa Deslatte with the Public Affairs Research Council says she doesn’t know exactly what Landry means by that.

Cut 8 (11) “…get pay raises?”

A Lafayette toddler drowns in a bathtub over the weekend. Investigators say 50-year-old Dawn Lee was the guardian of three-year-old Khaine Natto. They say she left him unsupervised in a bathtub and later found him unresponsive; Natto was rushed to a hospital but did not survive. Lafayette Police Senior Corporal Ken Handy says Lee was booked into jail.

Cut 5 (04) “…of negligent homicide.”

11:30 LRN Newscast

Julia Letlow and John Fleming move on, and Bill Cassidy does not. After the vote Saturday, Letlow was asked about the impact of Cassidy’s vote to convict Trump in 2021 and how that impacted the results of primary…

Cut 13 (11)  “…tonight’s result.”

Cassidy’s third place finish in Saturday’s Senate Republican Primary likely means the end of his political career. The 68-year-old from Baton Rouge failed to make the run-off as he was seeking a third term in the U-S Senate. UNO political science professor Ed Chervenak is not surprised Cassidy finished behind Julia Letlow and John Fleming…

Cut 9 (08)  “…momentum.”

Meanwhile on the Democratic side, it’s going to be Jamie Davis and likely Gary Crockett.

For the second year in a row, voters said no to every constitutional amendment on the ballot by a wide margin. All five amendments failed by a minimum of 16 points, with the one to remove certain employees from the civil service division failing by a whopping 56 points. Melinda Deslatte with the Public Affairs Research Council says there are several reasons why voters turned aside all five amendments. 

Cut 6 (14) “…every election cycle.”

A Lafayette toddler drowns in a bathtub and the woman who was in charge of caring for him is arrested. Lafayette Police Senior Corporal Ken Handy says 50-year-old Dawn Lee left the bathroom to conduct some other business in the home and returned to a horrifying sight.

Cut 4 (04) “…inside the bathtub.”

Three-year-old Khaine Natto was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Lee is charged with one count of negligent homicide.