4:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU Tigers are ranked number one in the country after taking two of three from Arkansas, LSU won the first game of the series early Saturday morning in extra innings after another long rain delay on Friday night. On Saturday, LSU played one of its best games of the year in a 13-3 victory. Coach Jay Johnson says Sunday was a tough loss, but the series helped his team get ready for postseason play…

Cut 18 (06)  “…from this weekend.”

LSU is 17-10 in SEC play and has a chance to get to 20 wins as they will be at South Carolina for the final three games of the regular season. The Gamecocks are 5-and-22 and there’s speculation Paul Mainieri will be fired after just one season in Columbia.

The Ragin Cajuns and Warhawks were both swept, Louisiana Tech avoided a sweep with an 11-8 win over Jacksonville State yesterday. Sebastian Mexico drove in four runs.

Southeastern, McNeese, Northwestern and UNO made the Southland Tournament and they will play in the Hammond bracket starting on Thursday.

 

The Saints need a new starting quarterback now that Derek Carr has announced his retirement. New Orleans has taken quarterbacks in the last two drafts – Spencer Rattler in the fifth-round last year and Tyler Shough in the second round this year. Luke Johnson, who covers the Saints for NOLA-dot-com and The Advocate, says depending on what happens this season, they may do so again next year.

Cut 11 (08) “…next year’s draft.”

But Johnson expects this new coaching staff will go with Shough as the starter, since that’s the one they selected. The NFL releases its schedule on Wednesday.

LSU will reportedly open the 2028 season by hosting SMU and then will open the 2029 season in Dallas by returning the trip to play the Mustangs.

Former LSU running back John Emery has signed to play at UTSA.

Tonight is the NBA draft lottery. The Pelicans have a 12.5 percent of winning the lottery and receiving the first overall pick. They won it in 2019 and they took Zion Williamson, who will be on the stage tonight representing the franchise.

4:30 PM Newscast

The Associated Press is reporting that President Trump and Governor Jeff Landry have discussed Congresswoman Julia Letlow challenging Senator Bill Cassidy in next year’s Republican primary. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says Cassidy’s vote in 2021 to convict Trump in his impeachment trial still has many Republicans upset…

Cut 12 (11) “…for this state.”

A spokesperson for the Cassidy’s campaign says the Senator delivers conservative results for Louisiana and works hard to support the President’s agenda.

Saints quarterback Derek Carr announced his retirement over the weekend, saying his right shoulder developed a degenerative condition that will prevent him from continuing his NFL career. Luke Jackson, who covers the Saints for NOLA-dot-com and The Advocate, says it’s a crushing blow for Carr.

Cut 9 (12)  “…it a career.”

Louisiana’s education comeback continues with another increase in a national ranking. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The House Appropriations Committee has approved a budget that keeps teacher salaries at their current level though teacher stipend money received over the last few years was not included in the governor’s proposed budget. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says the committee amended the budget proposal so teachers will not receive a pay cut.

Cut 4 (12) “…support staff”

3:30 PM Newscast

Teachers may continue to receive that two-thousand-dollar stipend they’ve received in the last couple of years. The House Appropriations Committee sent a budget bill to the House floor that contains money to keep paying teachers. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says the proposed budget for next fiscal year is also balanced and contains no new taxes…

Cut 5 (06) “…pledged to do.”

It’s possible the House could approve the budget and send it to the Senate by the end of the week.

In two years, Louisiana has moved up 9 spots to 37th in U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of state’s K-through-12 education Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says teachers are focusing on the basics, reading and math and providing additional tutoring and support to students who need more help. And He says he’s proud of the rankings…

Cut 8 (07) “…left to do.”

Could US Representative Julia Letlow run for U-S Senate next year? Jeff Palermo reports President Trump and Governor Landry have reportedly discussed it…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Saints need to name a new starting quarterback now that Derek Carr has announced his retirement. New Orleans has taken quarterbacks in the last two drafts – Rattler in the fifth-round last year and Shough in the second round this year. Luke Jackson, who covers the Saints for NOLA-dot-com and The Advocate, says depending on what happens this season, they may do so again next year.

Cut 11 (08) “…next year’s draft.”

LRN PM Newscall May 12

Louisiana’s education comeback continues with another increase in a national ranking. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

Could US Representative Julia Letlow run for U-S Senate next year? Jeff Palermo reports President Trump and Governor Landry have reportedly discussed it…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

The House Appropriations Committee approves a budget for next fiscal year that keeps teacher salaries at their current level. There’s been a concern that a two-thousand dollar stipend that teachers have received the last couple of school years would go away, but House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland announced today they have moved money around to make sure teachers do not see a drop in pay…

Cut 3 (10) “…charter school systems.” 

The two-thousand dollar stipend for teachers and one-thousand dollars for school support workers costs the state nearly 200-million dollars. The teacher stipend money was not included in the governor’s proposed budget. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says the committee amended the budget proposal so  teachers will not receive a pay cut.

Cut 4 (12) “…support staff”

The House Appropriations Committee found money to pay for the teachers stipend by blocking 91-million dollars in funding for new vehicle and heavy equipment purchases for state agencies. The panel also cut 26-million dollars in benefits for ineligible Medicaid recipients. Louisiana has also saved 20-million dollars because of a hiring freeze and the state has also paid down debt early, saving 25-million dollars in interest.

New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says the budget bill heading to the House floor is balanced and contains no new taxes

Cut 5 (06) “…pledged to do.”

________________________________________________

Louisiana continues moving up the national rankings in education. U.S. News and World Report now ranks Louisiana 37th in K-through-12 education – that’s up from number 40 last year and 46 two years ago. Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says there are two main catalysts behind the increase in ranking. 

Cut 6 (08) “…additional support.”

Dr. Brumley says while innovation in education is important, this is a time when going back to the basics is what the state needs right now.

Cut 7 (11) “…little extra help.”

Brumley says while the state can certainly be proud of moving up nine notches in the education ranking by U.S. News and World Report, the number-37 ranking means that the job is nowhere close to being done yet.

Cut 8 (07) “…left to do.”

________________________________________________

The Derek Carr era in New Orleans, as brief as it was, is over. The Saints quarterback announced his retirement over the weekend, saying his right shoulder developed a degenerative condition that will prevent him from continuing his NFL career. Luke Jackson, who covers the Saints for NOLA-dot-com and The Advocate, says it’s a crushing blow for Carr.

Cut 9 (12)  “…it a career.”

Carr’s retirement leaves a trio of youngsters in the Saints’ quarterback room – Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough (“shuck”). Shough is a rookie, and Haener and Rattler have a combined total of zero wins as starting quarterback. Jackson says the quarterback competition is on.

Cut 10 (08) “…leg up already.”

The Saints have taken a quarterback in the last two drafts – Rattler in the fifth round last year and Shough in the second round this year. Jackson says depending on what happens this season, they may do so again next year.

Cut 11 (08) “…next year’s draft.”

______________________________________________________

The Associated Press is reporting that President Trump and Governor Jeff Landry have discussed Congresswoman Julia Letlow challenging Senator Bill Cassidy in next year’s Republican primary. Cassidy is seeking a third term, but ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says Cassidy’s vote in 2021 to convict Trump in his impeachment trial still has many Republicans upset…

Cut 12 (11) “…for this state.”

A spokesperson for the Cassidy Senate campaign says Senator Cassidy delivers conservative results for the people of Louisiana and he works hard to support the President’s agenda.

Letlow has served in the U-S House Representatives since 2021 and already has a seat on the powerful House Appropriations Committee. She’s well respected among the Louisiana Congressional delegation and Republicans. But Stockley says it’s not easy to defeat an incumbent U-S Senator…

Cut 13 (11)  “…chooses to do.”

Cassidy is already well-funded. Last month, Louisiana’s senior senator announced he has seven-point-five million dollars in campaign donations.

Stockley says he’s not surprised President Trump is getting involved in Louisiana’s 2026 U.S. Senate race, especially considering Cassidy voted to convict Trump in 2021. And Cassidy had concerns about the President’s pick for U-S Health Secretary, before eventually voting to confirm Robert F Kennedy…

Cut 14 (14) “…to him.”

Cassidy is already facing one well-known challenger, former Congressman and now State Treasurer John Fleming.

2:30 PM Newscast

Louisiana ranks 37th in K-through-12 education in U.S. News and World Report’s latest rankings – that’s 9 places up from just two years ago. Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade says innovation in education is important, but what the state needed was to get back to the basics.

Cut 7 (11) “…little extra help.”

He says the state should be proud, but we still have a way to go.

The House Appropriations Committee approves a budget for next fiscal year that keeps teacher salaries at their current level. There’s been a concern that a two-thousand dollar stipend that teachers have received the last couple of school years would go away, but House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland announced today they have moved money around to make sure teachers do not see a drop in pay…

Cut 3 (10) “…charter school systems.”

The full House is expected to debate the budget bill on Thursday.

The Associated Press is reporting that President Trump and Governor Jeff Landry have discussed Congresswoman Julia Letlow challenging Senator Bill Cassidy in next year’s Republican primary. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says he’s not surprised Trump is getting involved in Louisiana’s Senate race, especially since Cassidy voted to convict Trump in 2021.

Cut 14 (14) “…to him.”

Saints quarterback Derek Carr has announced his retirement due to the development of a degenerative condition in his right shoulder and that leaves a trio of young men in the Saints’ quarterback room – Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough (“shuck”). Shough is a rookie, and Haener and Rattler have a combined total of zero wins as starting quarterback. Luke Jackson, who covers the Saints for NOLA-dot-com and The Advocate, says the quarterback competition is on.

Cut 10 (08) “…leg up already.”

1:30 PM Newscast

The House Appropriations Committee has approved a budget that keeps teacher salaries at their current level though teacher stipend money received over the last few years was not included in the governor’s proposed budget. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says the committee amended the budget proposal so teachers will not receive a pay cut.

Cut 4 (12) “…support staff”

Louisiana continues moving up the national rankings in education. U.S. News and World Report now ranks Louisiana 37th in K-through-12 education – that’s up from number 40 last year and 46 two years ago. Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says there are two main catalysts behind the increase in ranking.

Cut 6 (08) “…additional support.”

Brumley is proud of moving up nine places but says that the job is nowhere close to being done.

Senator Bill Cassidy may see another challenger for one of Louisiana’s Senate seats next year. The Associated Press is reporting that President Trump and Governor Jeff Landry have discussed Congresswoman Julia Letlow challenging Cassidy in next year’s primary. Letlow is well respected among Republicans and the Louisiana Congressional delegation, but ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says it’s not easy to defeat an incumbent U-S Senator…

Cut 13 (11)  “…chooses to do.”

The brief Derek Carr era in New Orleans is over. The Saints quarterback announced his retirement over the weekend, saying his right shoulder developed a degenerative condition that will prevent him from continuing his NFL career. Luke Jackson, who covers the Saints for NOLA-dot-com and The Advocate, says it’s a crushing blow for Carr.

Cut 9 (12)  “…it a career.”

12:30 LRN Newscast

The Associated Press is reporting that President Trump and Governor Jeff Landry have discussed Congresswoman Julia Letlow challenging Senator Bill Cassidy in next year’s Republican primary. Cassidy is seeking a third term, but ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says Cassidy’s vote in 2021 to convict Trump in his impeachment trial still has many Republicans upset…
cut 12 (11) “…for this state”
A spokesperson for the Cassidy Senate campaign says  Senator Cassidy delivers conservative results for the people of Louisiana and he works hard to support the President’s agenda.
At the state capitol, the House Appropriations Committee sent the budget bill to the House floor. It contains money to keep paying teachers a two-thousand dollar stipend they’ve received the last couple of years. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says the proposed budget for next fiscal year is also balanced and contains no new taxes…
cut 5 (06) “…pledged to do”
There’s a possibility the House could approve the budget and send it to the Senate by the end of the week.
Louisiana’s education comeback continues with another increase in a national ranking. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
The LSU baseball team is now ranked number one in the country after winning two of three from the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Tigers won their second game this season after one o’ clock in the morning when Rosepine’s Ethan Frey drove home the winning run at 1:15 in the morning on Saturday for a thrilling extra innings win over the Razorbacks.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

D1 Baseball and Baseball America have LSU ranked number one in their new Top 25 rankings. The Tigers nearly swept Arkansas this past weekend. After winning games one and two, But LSU lost the series finale seven to four. Tiger pitchers walked a total of nine hitters yesterday. Coach Jay Johnson says it was still good effort by his pitching staff…
cut 17 (12) “….get better”
LSU’s pitching staff is now second in the nation in strikeouts per innings.
The state high school baseball tournament gets underway tomorrow in Sulphur. There are several semifinal games on the schedule tomorrow including  Ouachita Christian versus Covenant Christian and Oak Grove battles Mangham.
Derek Carr surprised many on Saturday by announcing his retirement ending an eleven-year NFL career. Carr was facing surgery on his throwing shoulder after doctors found degenerative damage to his right shoulder. Luke Johnson covers the Saints for NOLA.com and says he was not expecting Carr to retire…
cut 9 (13) “…call it a career”
Johnson does not expect the Saints to bring in a veteran to replace Carr as the starting quarterback. He says there will be a competition for starting Q-B between second-year pro Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough.

11:30 LRN Newscast

The House Appropriations Committee approves a budget for next fiscal year that keeps teacher salaries at their current level. There’s been a concern that a two-thousand dollar stipend that teachers have received the last couple of school years would go away, but House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland announced today they have moved money around to make sure teachers do not see a drop in pay…
Cut 3 (10) “…charter school systems.”
The Budget bill heads to the House floor.
The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs and the Louisiana Center for Health Innovation at UL-Lafayette have teamed up to do a comprehensive survey to learn more about the challenges veterans are facing. Gabriella Wilson is the director of the Louisiana Center for Health Innovation and says they want to assess the needs of veterans…
Cut 7 (12) “…needs of everybody.”
The survey can be found at lchi.louisiana.edu
AARP is speaking out against a bill that it says would let nursing home companies off the hook for abuse and negligence. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
State Police is investigating a fatal officer involved shooting in Shreveport on Saturday night. No officers were injured, but a subject was shot and pronounced dead.
D-1 Baseball, Baseball America and Perfect Game all rank LSU number one in the country after winning its series against Arkansas.

10:30 LRN Newscast

The Saints rookie minicamp this weekend got rocked with shocking news that quarterback Derek Carr has retired. The Saints said while healing from a concussion and an injury to his non-throwing hand that ended his 2024 season, Carr developed degenerative damage to his right shoulder, which he determined would prevent him from continuing his playing career. In a statement, New Head Coach Kellen Moore says Carr will be missed.

Cut 14 (10) “…really, really special.”

Carr said while surgery was an option, it would not have guaranteed him the ability to perform at his prior level.

John Foster is just one night away from securing a spot in Sunday’s season finale of American Idol. The 18-year-old LSU student nailed his two songs last night to earn a spot in the top five. He will perform again tonight on ABC; and if he’s among the three to survive elimination, he will advance to the final round on Sunday.

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs and the Louisiana Center for Health Innovation at UL-Lafayette have teamed up to do a comprehensive survey to learn more about the challenges veterans are facing. Gabriella Wilson is the director of the Louisiana Center for Health Innovation and says there are three different surveys and each survey is designed to capture the real-life experiences and challenges veterans face.

Cut 8 (12) “…also education.”

May is National Foster Care Month, and the Department of Children and Family Services is using the occasion to spotlight the need for foster caregivers. Secretary David Matlock says thousands of kids need good, caring foster families.

Cut 4 (11) “…amazing foster homes.”