“No Party” voters are allowed to vote in either the Republican or Democratic party primaries, but that might not be the case in the future. There’s a bill that’s close to final legislative passage that will allow each party to decide whether registered “No Party” voters can vote in their primaries. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow opposes the idea…

Cut 12 (13) “…paying taxes.”

…but New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez does not.

Cut 13 (07)  “…primary system.”

According to Ballotpedia, the Republican Party in 23 states and the Democratic Party in 17 states shut “no party” voters out of their primaries. The current system caused a great deal of confusion at some polling places in the primaries earlier this month.

A bill that would designate Shreveport as the Stuffed Shrimp Capital of Louisiana is one Senate vote away from heading to Governor Landry’s desk. Houma Senator Mike Fesi supports the legislation as long as shrimp from the Gulf is used by restaurants in Shreveport.

Cut 7 (11) “…their menus”

Shreveport is also home to the first health organization in north Louisiana to offer a breakthrough liver cancer treatment. It was performed by Dr. Gazi Zibari, the director of the Willis Knighton Advanced Surgery Center. He says it’s a robotic histotripsy (HISS-to-trip-sy), which is a non-thermal, non-invasive ultrasound-based ablative therapy that destroys tissue through focused cavitation.

Cut 9 (09)  “…the tumor microenvironment.”

Today is Memorial Day, and Louisiana Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says it’s a day which people often get confused with other holidays geared towards the military.

Cut 3 (10) “…has cost us.”

Several events throughout the state marked the occasion, paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our freedoms.

Willis Knighton Health in Shreveport is the first health organization in the region to offer a breakthrough liver cancer treatment. It was performed by Dr. Gazi Zibari, the director of the Willis Knighton Advanced Surgery Center. He says  this new technology allows for this treatment to be done on an outpatient basis – no need for the patient to be admitted for days.

Cut 10 (06) “…it’s ultrasound-focused.”

Dr. Zibari says trials are underway to use this technology for treatment of other forms of cancer.

Legislation is nearing final passage that would allow political parties to decide if they want “No Party” voters to vote in their primaries. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Ragin Cajuns are the lone representative from Louisiana to make the 64-team NCAA baseball tournament. U-L Lafayette is headed to the Starkville Regional. The Cajuns are the three-seed in the Regional and will play Cincinnati on Friday night at 6 p-m. The Cajuns are one of five Sun Belt teams in the NCAA baseball tournament.

“No Party” voters are allowed to vote in either the Republican or Democratic party primaries, but that might not be the case in the future. There’s a bill that’s close to final legislative passage that will allow each party to decide whether registered “No Party” voters can vote in their primaries. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow opposes the idea…

Cut 12 (13) “…paying taxes.”

…but New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez does not.

Cut 13 (07)  “…primary system.”

According to Ballotpedia, the Republican Party in 23 states and the Democratic Party in 17 states shut “no party” voters out of their primaries. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says while she does not have a position on this bill, she understands the logic behind it.

Cut 14 (12) “…party”

Landry says her office needs some type of resolution before the 2028 Presidential primary, because the state does not want different types of primaries on a single ballot.

A bill that would designate Shreveport as the Stuffed Shrimp Capital of Louisiana is one Senate vote away from landing on Governor Landry’s desk. The bill’s author, Shreveport Representative Joy Walters, was asked in Senate Governmental Affairs how you cook stuffed shrimp.

Cut 6 (12) “…deep fried.”

Walters says two popular restaurants in Shreveport are known for their stuffed shrimp – Eddie’s Seafood and Soulfood, and Orlandeaux’s Café.

When you’re enjoying this holiday weekend, make sure you bring your umbrella, because it’s going to be a wet one. In fact, some areas could see as much as 15 inches of rain over the next seven days! Chanelle Stigger, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says a stationary frontal system over the Southern Plains is helping to produce all of this rain.

Cut 10 (11) “…continuation of moisture”

On the roadways, Memorial Day weekend can only mean one thing – Click It Or Ticket! Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says statistics show that not wearing your seatbelt has deadly consequences.

Cut 8 (10) “…not buckled up.”

If you get pulled over for not wearing your seatbelt, the consequence is a 50-dollar fine.

A memorial service takes place Saturday in Lake Charles for hall of fame football coach Bobby Keasler. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Louisiana Tech has played its last Conference USA game ever – a 6-0 loss to Liberty in the conference baseball tournament. Tech finished with a 33-25 record, and Coach Lane Burroughs says they have to be better as the Dogs move to the Sun Belt next year.

This Memorial Day weekend is going to be a wet one. Chanelle Stigger, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says rain chances are higher tomorrow and Sunday, and they drop off for Monday – just in time for your backyard barbecue. She says the clouds and rain will ultimately make it more comfortable to be outside once it does dry out.

Cut 11 (08) “…actually near average.”

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Memorial Day or graduation, how about with one of Louisiana’s most famous delicacies? Laney King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, says crawfish prices this holiday weekend are averaging $2.99 a pound for live crawfish and $5.50 a pound for boiled crawfish.

Cut 3 (07) “…in the season.”

King says get them while you can – this is likely the last weekend you’ll be able to enjoy crawfish this year.

Memorial Day weekend means another Click It Or Ticket enforcement operation on Louisiana’s roadways. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says if avoiding the 50-dollar ticket isn’t enough of an incentive for you to wear your seatbelt, being able to survive a crash should be.

Cut 7 (09) “…a serious crash.”

A memorial service takes place tomorrow for a McNeese State legend. Family, former players, friends, and Cowboy fans will pay their final respects to Bobby Keasler, who died earlier this month at the age of 80. McNeese Sports Information Director Matthew Bonnette says Keasler turned the McNeese football program into a winner after some lean years.

Cut 12 (12) “…what he’s done.”

If you’re looking to satisfy your craving for crawfish one last time this year, this is the perfect weekend to do so. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A memorial service takes place Saturday in Lake Charles for hall of fame football coach Bobby Keasler. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Memorial Day or graduation, how about with one of Louisiana’s most famous delicacies? Laney King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, says crawfish prices this holiday weekend are averaging $2.99 a pound for live crawfish and $5.50 a pound for boiled crawfish.

Cut 3 (07) “…in the season.”

King says besides Memorial Day and graduations, there’s another big reason you should treat yourself to those tiny tasty crustaceans this weekend.

Cut 4 (10) “…prices are right.”

King says if you need that crawfish fix after this weekend and it cannot wait until after Mardi Gras next year, good luck.

Cut 5 (08) “…your favorite spot.”

Not to mention, once the calendar flips to June, the crawfish just doesn’t taste as good. Due to the much warmer weather, their shells get hard, and that results in much tougher meat.

__________________________________________

It’s Memorial Day weekend; and on the roadways, that can only mean one thing – Click It Or Ticket! Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says law enforcement is putting an extra emphasis on looking for people not wearing their seatbelts from now through June 1st.

Cut 6 (13) “…wearing their seatbelts.”

According to Triple-A, more than 39-million people will be hitting the road this holiday weekend. Fischer says if avoiding the 50-dollar ticket isn’t enough of an incentive for you to wear your seatbelt, being able to survive a crash should be.

Cut 7 (09) “…a serious crash.”

Fischer says statistics show that not wearing your seatbelt has deadly consequences.

Cut 8 (10) “…not buckled up.”

In Louisiana, you can be pulled over just for not wearing your seatbelt; you do not need to be committing a moving violation to be subject to a seatbelt fine.

_____________________________________________________________

It will be a wet Memorial Day weekend as the state is stuck in a rainy weather pattern that will stick around into next week. Chanelle Stigger, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says we are looking at some impressive rain totals for the next week.

Cut 9 (08)  “…next seven days.”

Stigger says a stationary frontal system over the Southern Plains is helping to produce all of this rain.

Cut 10 (11) “…continuation of moisture.”

Stigger says rain chances are higher on Saturday and Sunday and they drop off for Monday. She says the clouds and rain will ultimately make it more comfortable to be outside once it does dry out.

Cut 11 (08) “…actually near average.”

Most of Louisiana can expect three to six inches of rain through Tuesday.

______________________________________________________

A memorial service takes place Saturday for a McNeese State legend. Family, former players, friends, and Cowboy fans will pay their final respects to Bobby Keasler, who died earlier this month at the age of 80. McNeese Sports Information Director Matthew Bonnette says Keasler turned the McNeese football program into a winner after some lean years.

Cut 12 (12) “…what he’s done.”

Keasler guided McNeese to four Southland Conference championships from 1991 to 1997. In 1997, he took the Cowboys to the Division One-Double-A national championship game. Bonnette says Keasler coached 53 first-team All-Southland players and 16 first-team All-Americans.

Cut 13 (07) “…listened to him.”

Keasler was an outstanding three-sport athlete at New Iberia High School and began his coaching career in New Iberia at the middle and high school levels. He became head coach at McNeese State. His coaching career concluded with three seasons at U-L-M. Bonnette says Keasler’s death is a tremendous loss for the entire state.

Cut 14 (07) “…fantastic human being.”

The memorial service will take place at Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles at 1 p-m. Public viewing is from 10 a-m to 1 p-m.

When you’re enjoying this holiday weekend, make sure you bring your umbrella, because it’s going to be a wet one. In fact, some areas could see as much as 15 inches of rain over the next seven days! Chanelle Stigger, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says a stationary frontal system over the Southern Plains is helping to produce all of this rain.

Cut 10 (11) “…of moisture”

Now, don’t let all this rain keep you from going out to your favorite crawfish spot this weekend. Laney King, the co-founder of the Crawfish App, says that’s because after this weekend, if your crawfish fix cannot wait until after Mardi Gras next year, good luck.

Cut 5 (08) “…your favorite spot.”

Fortunately, crawfish prices are down 50 cents over the last week.

A memorial service takes place Saturday in Lake Charles for hall of fame former coach Bobby Keasler. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

As for McNeese’s baseball team’s quest for the NCAA Tournament, the Cowboys will need to win two in a row to gain an automatic berth. McNeese lost to Lamar last and will need to beat the Cardinals tonight and tomorrow to win the Southland tournament and earn that automatic bid.

This Memorial Day weekend is going to be a wet one. Chanelle Stigger, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says rain chances are higher on Saturday and Sunday, and they drop off for Monday – just in time for your backyard barbecue. She says the clouds and rain will ultimately make it more comfortable to be outside once it does dry out.

Cut 11 (10) “…near average.”

On the roadways, not only does that mean use your wipers and turn your headlights on, it also means Click It Or Ticket! Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says law enforcement is putting an extra emphasis on looking for people not wearing their seatbelts from now through June 1st.

Cut 6 (13) “…wearing their seatbelts.”

Despite strong opposition from Black lawmakers, the House Governmental Affairs Committee approved a Congressional map with one majority-minority district. West Monroe Senator Jay Morris’ measure would most likely result in five Republicans and one Democrat representing Louisiana in the U.S. House of Representatives, upsetting Black lawmakers who want two majority-minority districts.

Cut 27 (11) “…white or Black.”

Baton Rouge Senator Denise Marcelle says having a congressional map where a Democrat can win only one of the six districts is unfair, considering a third of the state’s population is Black.

Cut 23 (08) “…egregious to me.”

The map was amended during committee discussion that changes some of the political boundaries; so if it’s approved by the full House, the measure will go back to the State Senate for approval of House changes.

Another long day of debate over a new congressional map; and despite strong opposition from Black lawmakers, the Republican-led legislature is poised to pass a map with one majority-minority district. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (38) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The debate wasn’t without some infighting among Republicans, however, as they discussed an amendment that moved Morehouse, Lincoln and Jackson parishes from District 5 to District 4.

It will be a wet Memorial Day weekend as the state is stuck in a rainy weather pattern that will stick around into next week. National Weather Service Meteorologist Chanelle Stigger in Lake Charles says we are looking at some impressive rain totals for the next week.

Cut 9 (09)  “…seven days.”

Stigger says as far as this weekend goes, rain chances will be higher on Saturday and Sunday.

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Memorial Day or graduation, how about with one of Louisiana’s most famous delicacies? Laney King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, says crawfish prices this holiday weekend are averaging $2.99 a pound for live crawfish and $5.50 a pound for boiled crawfish.

Cut 3 (07) “…in the season.”

King says get them while you can – this is likely the last weekend you’ll be able to enjoy crawfish this year.

The debate in the House Governmental Affairs Committee over a congressional map with one majority-minority district has been going on all day. West Monroe Senator Jay Morris’ measure would most likely result in five Republicans and one Democrat representing Louisiana in the U.S. House of Representatives, upsetting Black lawmakers who want two majority-minority districts.

Cut 4 (12) “…white or Black.”

Baton Rouge Senator Denise Marcelle asked Morris why should Republicans have such a huge advantage in determining who represents the state in Congress when only a third of the registered voters are registered Republican.

Cut 5 (12) “…in Congress.”

The map was amended, so it would need to go back to the Senate once approved by the House.

A Senate committee approves a budget that takes into account a revenue shortfall of 104-million dollars. Senate Finance Chairman Glen Womack says this means additional dollars for school vouchers and education operation costs had to be cut.

Cut 8 (11) “…M-F-P.”

But Womack says the K-through-12 education funding formula is fully funded and there is 420-million dollars for early childhood education.

The end of inspection stickers in Louisiana is now just Governor Landry’s expected signature away from becoming official. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley, who authored House Bill 1085, says that ten-dollar inspection sticker will be replaced with a six-dollar QR code that you place on your windshield.

Cut 10 (05) “…color, I think.”

And that information can only be read by special equipment available to law enforcement.