12:30 LRN Newscast

As the old saying goes, the third time’s the charm. After two failed votes, the House finally advances a proposed constitutional amendment limiting governors to two lifetime terms. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham’s proposed amendment got 73 votes yesterday, three more than the 70 needed for the measure to advance. Bayham made the case that a Louisiana governor should not be able to come back if he or she has already served eight years.

Cut 3 (10) “…in the United States.”

Covington Representative Mark Wright is one of 25 members who voted against the amendment; he questioned why this proposal is only directed towards the governor.

Cut 4 (08) “…you name it.”

The measure now advances to the Senate.

The state could be in for severe weather today. National Weather Service Meteorologist Brandon Thorne says the threat will increase later this afternoon in central and south Louisiana.

Cut 10 (09) “…start to develop.”

Tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail are among the threats. 

Cleco says work is underway on the largest grid resiliency investment in the power company’s history. Spokeswoman Brooke Buford says this is a five-year plan that includes over 550 projects.

Cut 7 (10) “…flood plains.”

Buford says these projects will reduce storm-related costs, and also result in fewer outages and faster restoration times.

10:30 LRN Newscast

The House Appropriations Committee has approved a bill that increases the salaries of statewide elected officials. Joe Gallinaro reports the bill heads to the House floor for further debate.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Julia Letlow releases a new poll that shows her surging to the lead in the Republican U.S. Senate primary. The poll conducted by Rigamer shows the congresswoman with 32-percent support, compared to 21-percent for John Fleming and 20-percent for Bill Cassidy. The same poll shows Letlow leading both in head-to-head matchups.

While 2025 was another big year for tourism in Louisiana, it was hampered by a drop in international tourists, particularly from Canada. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says travel agents in Canada have expressed serious concerns to him on behalf of travelers from their country.

Cut 10 (10) “…over so well.”

With May being Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is urging you to do your to keep motorcyclists safe. For motorcycle riders, that includes not speeding, not riding in a foolish manner, and by wearing DOT-approved helmets, which LHSC spokesman Greg Fischer says are proven to save lives, based on numbers from 2017.

Cut 13 (13)  “…wearing a helmet.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

A bill that would significantly increase the salaries of the governor and other statewide elected officials receives pushback, but the House Appropriations Committee advanced it. The author, Harahan representative John Illg, says statewide elected officials haven’t seen a pay raise in 20 years

Cut 16 (11) “…down the road.”

The measure would increase the governor’s salary from 130-thousand dollars to 182-thousand dollars starting in 2028. Bruce Reilly, the deputy director of “VOTE,” told committee members that’s a huge raise for a state that has a lot of problems.

Cut 14 (12) “…your governor.”

Actually the raise would be 52-thousand dollars.

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee will begin public discussion on a new congressional map Friday after the Supreme Court declared the current one an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. Tyler Bridges, a political reporter with The Advocate, says whatever new map is adopted will likely lead to the ouster of Cleo Fields, Troy Carter – or both.

Cut 4 (09) “…Black Democratic seats.”

That Supreme Court decision led Governor Landry to suspend the U.S. House primaries, and that in turn led two Baton Rouge residents to launch a recall campaign against him. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says they have until October 31st to collect more than 500-thousand signatures from voters throughout the state, accounting for 20-percent of the state’s registered voters.

Cut 11 (11) “…are very low.”

4:30 LRN Newscast

Julia Letlow and John Fleming went head-to-head in a 90-minute debate on the Moon Griffon Show this morning. Letlow has been accused of being in favor of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The congresswoman says she has actually spent the last five years working against the D-E-I movement.

Cut 9 (15)  “…holding people down.”

While early voting in the Senate primary is going on right now, the House primaries are on hold following the Supreme Court ruling on the congressional map. Tyler Bridges, a political reporter for The Advocate, says it all started with a lawsuit filed by a group of voters who didn’t like the current map.

Cut 3 (10) “…with that view.”

Two Baton Rouge residents launch a recall effort against Governor Landry in the wake of his suspension of the U.S. House primaries. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

A 15-year-old girl who had been missing for two years has been found. Police in St. Gabriel say they found the girl inside a vehicle after they made contact with Lionel Moore for urinating in a street. DCFS was contacted to assist the girl. Moore was arrested on an outstanding warrant out of East Baton Rouge Parish.

LRN PM Newscall May 5

While the Supreme Court expedited the release of its ruling that declared Louisiana’s congressional map unconstitutional, a lawsuit seeking to reinstate the current U.S. House elections is still pending in federal court. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Two Baton Rouge residents launch a recall effort against Governor Landry in the wake of his suspension of the U.S. House primaries. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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While the Supreme Court expedited the release of its ruling that declared Louisiana’s congressional map unconstitutional, a lawsuit seeking to reinstate the U.S. House primaries on the grounds of the process already being underway is still pending. How did we get to this point? Tyler Bridges, a political report for The Advocate, says it all started with a lawsuit filed by a group of voters who didn’t like the current map.

Cut 3 (10) “…with that view.”

In fact, even though Governor Landry cancelled the House primary last Thursday, the races still appear on voting machines.

Meanwhile, bills had previously been filed to address the state’s congressional map in case a Supreme Court ruling came down during the session, and the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee will begin public discussion Friday. Bridges says whatever new map is adopted will likely lead to the ouster of Cleo Fields, Troy Carter – or both.

Cut 4 (09) “…Black Democratic seats.”

Bridges says once a new map is adopted, the U.S. House election process would start all over again, and time will be of the essence.

Cut 5 (13) “…be in December.”

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Two of the main candidates in the U.S. Senate Republican primary faced off in a 90-minute debate during the Moon Griffon Show. Congresswoman Julia Letlow immediately went after Senator Bill Cassidy, who was not at the debate. She says it was a horrible decision by Cassidy to vote in 2021 to convict then-former President Donald Trump for his role in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Cut 6 (13) “…to convict him.”

State Treasurer John Fleming used this opportunity to criticize Letlow for not coming out publicly and questioning the result of the 2020 Presidential race.

Cut 7 (14) “…disagree with that.”

Fleming has been on the receiving end of a third-party attack ad associated with Governor Jeff Landry that accuses the former congressman of being weak on border security. The attack ad has video of Fleming saying there are not enough illegal aliens in the U.S. when talking about the need for migrant workers. Fleming used today’s debate to say he’s all for secure borders.

Cut 8 (14) “…dismal 65-percent.”

Letlow has been accused of being in favor of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The congresswoman says she has actually spent the last five years working against the D-E-I movement.

Cut 9 (15)  “…holding people down.”

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After Governor Landry suspended the U.S. House primary elections following last Wednesday’s Supreme Court ruling, two Baton Rouge residents have launched a recall campaign against him. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Louisiana is one of 19 states which permit the recall of governors.

Cut 10 (10) “…them from office.”

Marian Hills and Kaitlyn Stepter filed the petition following what supporters say is a pattern of actions and statements that undermine fair representation. Hogan says they now have until October 31st to collect more than 500-thousand signatures from voters throughout the state, accounting for 20-percent of all registered voters in the state.

Cut 11 (11) “…are very low.”

If they’re able to get enough signatures, local election officials must verify the signatures; and if the number of verified signatures reaches the required number, a recall election against Landry will be triggered. Hogan says even if it gets to that point, it’s unlikely that it will be successful.

Cut 12 (11) “…his redistricting efforts.”

In the history of the U.S., only four gubernatorial recall efforts have ever made it to the voters. North Dakota voters ousted Lynn Frazier in 2021, and California voters kicked Gray Davis out of office in 2003. Nine years later, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker survived a recall effort against him; and in 2021, California voters kept Gavin Newsom in office.

 

2:30 LRN Newscast

Two of the main candidates in the U-S Senate Republican Primary faced off in a 90-minute debate during the Moon Griffon Show. Congresswoman Julia Letlow immediately went after Senator Bill Cassidy, who was not at the debate. She says it was a horrible decision by Cassidy to vote in 2021 to convict at that time former President Donald Trump for his role in the January sixth attack on the U-S Capitol.

Cut 6 (13) “…to convict him.”

State Treasurer John Fleming used this opportunity to criticize Letlow for not coming out publicly and questioning the result of the 2020 presidential race.

Cut 7 (14) “…with it.”

After Governor Landry suspended the U.S. House primary elections following last Wednesday’s Supreme Court ruling, two Baton Rouge residents have launched a recall campaign against him. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Louisiana is one of 19 states which permit the recall of governors.

Cut 10 (10) “…them from office.”

Organizers have until October 31st to collect just over 500-thousand signatures from registered voters throughout the state.

As for the House primary, Tyler Bridges, a political reporter with The Advocate, says once the legislature adopts a new congressional map, the U.S. House election process will start all over again from square one, and time will be of the essence.

Cut 5 (13) “…be in December.”

1:30 LRN Newscast

Before the start of the legislative session, bills had been filed to address the state’s congressional map in case a Supreme Court ruling came down during the session, and the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee will begin public discussion Friday. Tyler Bridges, a political reporter with The Advocate, says whatever new map is adopted will likely lead to the ouster of Cleo Fields, Troy Carter – or both.

Cut 4 (09) “…Black Democratic seats.”

John Fleming and Julia Letlow held a 90-minute debate this morning on the Moon Griffon Show. Fleming, who’s been accused of being weak on border security in a third-party attack ad connected with Governor Landry, used the occasion to say he’s all for secure borders.

Cut 8 (14) “…65-percent.”

Two Baton Rouge residents launch a recall effort against Governor Landry in the wake of his suspension of the U.S. House primaries. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Gas prices jumped again overnight. Triple-A says the current statewide average for a gallon of regular stands at $3.92. That’s up 2 cents from yesterday, and nearly 20 cents higher than a week ago.

Jazz Fest organizers announced the attendance for the 2026 Festival over the 8 days topped 475-thousand.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Two of the main candidates in the U-S Senate Republican Primary faced off in a 90-minute debate during the Moon Griffon Show. Congresswoman Julia Letlow immediately went after Senator Bill Cassidy, who was not at the debate. She says it was a horrible decision by Cassidy to vote in 2021 to convict at that time former President Donald Trump for his role in the January sixth attack on the U-S Capitol.

Cut 6 (13) “…to convict him.”

State Treasurer John Fleming used this opportunity to criticize Letlow for not coming out publicly and questioning the result of the 2020 presidential race.

Cut 7 (14) “…with it.”

Last night, the Supreme Court expedited the release of its ruling that declared Louisiana’s congressional map unconstitutional. Still, a hearing is scheduled for May 14th in a Democratic lawsuit seeking to reinstate the U.S. House primary elections. Despite Governor Landry suspending the U.S. House races, they still appear on voting machines, and Congressman Cleo Fields, whose district is at the heart of the court case, says you should still indicate your choice.

Cut 23 (12) “…be suspended tomorrow.”

How did we get to this point? Tyler Bridges, a political reporter for The Advocate, says it all started with a lawsuit filed by a group of voters who didn’t like the current map.

Cut 3 (10) “…with that view.”

UPDATED LRN AM Newscall May 5 (Updates Cleo Fields story with late SCOTUS order)

As the battle over the U.S. House primary elections continues, the congressman whose district is at the heart of the case is urging people to get out and vote. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Public discussion on a congressional map will take place at the end of the week at the state capitol. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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In a little less than two months, Louisiana Tech will officially be a member of the Sun Belt. Joe Gallinaro has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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A hearing is scheduled for May 14th in a Democratic lawsuit seeking to reinstate the U.S. House primary elections. Last week, Governor Landry suspended the election after the Supreme Court ruled the state’s map an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. Despite the suspension, the U.S. House races still appear on voting machines, and Congressman Cleo Fields, whose district is at the heart of the court case, says you should still indicate your choice.

Cut 4 (12) “…be suspended tomorrow.”

Over the weekend, Fields added his name to the lawsuit. He says Governor Landry halted the election after it was already underway.

Cut 5 (11) “…away those ballots.”

Fields had said Landry jumped the gun in calling off the U.S. House primaries, since there’s a mandatory waiting period with all Supreme Court rulings so that the losing party can file a petition for a re-hearing. But hours after Fields made that point, the high court bypassed that waiting period and ordered the immediate release of its ruling.

Fields pointed out that by the time Landry issued his executive order, ballots had already been cast.

Cut 6 (11) “…for our freedoms.”

Landry, who signed into law the map that was deemed unconstitutional, says in a statement that allowing the election to proceed under that map would undermine the integrity of the system and violate the rights of voters. Attorney General Liz Murrill rhetorically asked whether Louisiana should intentionally violate the rights of citizens under the current map.

____________________________________________________________

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee will begin public discussion on a new congressional district map Friday. Chairman Caleb Kleinpeter says several proposals were previously filed in case the Supreme Court ruled during the legislative session that the current congressional map is unconstitutional. Kleinpeter says Friday’s meeting will give the public a chance to weigh in.

Cut 7 (06) “…or against it.”

Kleinpeter has a bill that would revert the Congressional map back to the one approved by the legislature in 2022, featuring five Republican-leaning districts and one Democratic-leaning district. West Monroe Republican Jay Morris, meanwhile, has a bill that would eliminate both majority Black districts, while Gonzales Democrat Ed Price has a proposal that attempts to keep both of them.

Kleinpeter expects Senate Governmental Affairs to approve a new congressional district map early next week.

Cut 8 (06) “…out of there.”

State lawmakers are facing a June 1st deadline, as that’s when the current legislative session must end. Kleinpeter says there are several factors to consider when drawing up a new congressional district map, and one of them is how the population in the state is shifting from 2020 to 2030.

Cut 9 (06)  “…the new Census.”

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Two of the main candidates in the U.S. Senate Republican primary face off this morning on Moon Griffon’s statewide radio talk show. Incumbent Bill Cassidy is skipping the event; but his challengers, John Fleming and Julia Letlow, will debate for 90 minutes starting just after nine a-m. Griffon says there will be several ways that voters can watch and listen to his debate.

Cut 10 (08) “…it as well.”

Griffon says each candidate will have two minutes to introduce themselves and will get two minutes to respond to questions from Griffon and KTBS-TV’s Jeff Beimfohr.

Cut 11 (12) “…that pretty much.”

Griffon says they plan to cover a wide variety of topics during the 90-minute debate.

Cut 12 (10) “…41-trillion in October?”

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Early voting is underway; and Senator Bill Cassidy is reminding you that even though the U.S. House election is currently on hold, all other races, including his own, are still on.

Cut 13 (09)  “…be a problem.”

Cassidy says as such, you need to get to the polls and vote.

Cut 14 (12) “…out and vote.”

As for his own race, nearly all of Cassidy’s campaign messaging is targeting Julia Letlow, although a recent poll indicated John Fleming in the lead. Cassidy says there’s a reason behind his campaign strategy.

Cut 15 (07) “…focused our attention.”

While Fleming was the first to challenge Cassidy, Letlow was the last to enter the race after getting President Trump’s endorsement. That also had the effect of significantly thinning what was a large GOP field.

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ULM baseball will host Mississippi Valley State tonight. The Warhawks were swept by 12th ranked Southern Miss last weekend. In a couple of the losses, ULM held Southern Miss to three runs or less. Coach Ford Pemberton’s team has just two conference wins over the last three weekends, despite some good performances on the mound.

Cut 16 (14) “…into this thing.”

Ten teams make the Sun Belt Tournament; ULM is in a four-way tie for tenth place.

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The LSU Tigers take a four-game winning streak into tonight’s game against Tulane. Cade Arrambide has been swinging a hot bat since his four home run performance on Easter Sunday, but Arrambide credits the four freshmen — Omar Serna, Mason Braun, Jack Ruckert and William Patrick — for giving the team a lift.

Cut 17 (17)  “…what we needed.”

Tulane is 23-and-26 and were swept last weekend by Charlotte. But last Tuesday, they beat 12th ranked Southern Miss at Turchin Stadium.

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Louisiana Tech’s 13-year relationship with Conference USA is winding down, as the Bulldogs are gearing up to join the Sun Belt on July 1st. Athletic Director Ryan Ivey says returning to having in-state rivals and other conference foes nearby is a big deal for the athletic department.

Cut 18 (13)  “…standpoint as well.”

Ivey says the fan base is energized by the move from Conference USA to the Sun Belt, especially the older fans.

Cut 19 (12) “…are coming back.”

It’s been reported that Tech paid at least eight-million dollars to end its relationship with Conference USA. Financial terms have not been released, but Ivey says financially it’s a good move, as travel costs will be reduced.

Cut 20 (18) “…a net positive.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast/Legislative Report

A hearing is scheduled for May 14th in a Democratic lawsuit seeking to reinstate the U.S. House primary elections. Despite the suspension of the House elections, those races still appear on voting machines, and Congressman Cleo Fields, whose district is at the heart of the court case, says you should still indicate your choice.

Cut 4 (12) “…be suspended tomorrow.”

Over the weekend, Fields added his name to the lawsuit. He says Governor Landry halted the election after it was already underway.

Cut 5 (11) “…away those ballots.”

Landry, who signed into law the map that was deemed unconstitutional, says in a statement that allowing the election to proceed under that map would undermine the integrity of the system.

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee will begin public discussion on a new Congressional district map Friday. Chairman Caleb Kleinpeter says several proposals were previously filed in case the Supreme Court ruled during the legislative session that the current Congressional map is unconstitutional. Kleinpeter says Friday’s meeting will give the public a chance to weigh in…

Cut 7 (07) “…or against it.”

Kleinpeter’s legislation would revert the Congressional map back to the one approved by the legislature in 2022. West Monroe Republican Jay Morris has a bill that would eliminate both majority-minority districts, while Gonzales Democrat Ed Price has a proposal that attempts to keep both. Kleinpeter expects Senate Governmental Affairs to approve a new map early next week.

Cut 8 (07) “…out of there.”