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.

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.”

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.

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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.”

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.”

Investigators say the apartment fire in Lafayette Parish that killed a nine-year-old girl early yesterday morning was the result of arson. Chris Cormier with the sheriff’s office says Julian Jacob faces several charges.

Cut 13 (11) “…narcotics.” 

No word on a motive or Jacob’s relationship with the people who lived inside the apartment that was set on fire.

While the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living is hailing a new report from the New England Journal of Medical Evidence that shows the national smoking rate falling below ten-percent, it acknowledges that it has more work to do in the state. Interim Director Taslim van Hattum (HATE-um) says 14-percent of Louisiana adults smoke cigarettes, and that’s just the beginning.

Cut 3 (12) “…amongst certain populations.”

The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily blocked an appeals court ruling that halted the ability to obtain a pair of abortion drugs by mail. The order signed by Justice Samuel Alito will allow people to obtain mifepristone and misoprostol through the mail without seeing a doctor in person for the time being.

Ruston High School two-sport star Ahmad Hudson has committed to play football at LSU and also wants to play hoops for coach Will Wade. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Investigators say the apartment fire in Lafayette Parish that killed a nine-year-old girl early yesterday morning was the result of arson. Chris Cormier with the sheriff’s office says Julian Jacob faces several charges.

Cut 13 (11) “…narcotics.” 

No word on a motive or Jacob’s relationship with the people who lived inside the apartment that was set on fire. 

A new report from the New England Journal of Medical Evidence shows the national smoking rate is now below ten-percent. Taslim van Hattum (HATE-um), the interim director of the New England Journal of Medical Evidence, says while Louisiana’s smoking rate is higher at 14-percent, there’s actually a bigger concern.

Cut 5 (11) “…and prevention efforts.” 

ULM is touting its College of Pharmacy, which it says has a 100-percent job placement rate. The school’s dean, Dr. Gina Craft, says when the students graduate, they’re immediately ready to launch their careers.

Cut 10 (14) “…when they graduate.” 

One of the top athletes in the country has committed to play football at LSU. Ruston High’s Ahmad Hudson is ranked as the top tight end in the country for the Class of 2027. More than 30 schools offered Hudson a scholarship, and KNOE-TV Sports Director Aaron Dietrich says he narrowed the list to two.

Cut 8 (09) “…with it also.”

Being that Hudson is also ranked as the best basketball player in the state, he also wants to play for Will Wade on the Tigers’ basketball team.

We’re still awaiting a ruling by a three-judge panel on a federal lawsuit seeking to reinstate the U.S. House election that Governor Landry suspended last week in response to the Supreme Court ruling the congressional map unconstitutional. The lead plaintiff, fifth district Democratic candidate Lindsay Garcia, says Landry was out of bounds in calling off the House elections.

Cut 14 (11) “…he contradicts himself.”

Of all the insurance companies that filed for rate changes in Louisiana in the first four months of 2026, the vast majority filed for rate decreases for private auto and property. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says, however, that the fact that some carriers have filed for rate increases proves that the job of insurance reform is not done yet.

Cut 9 (05)  “…work to do.”

Louisiana has allocated one-point-five billion dollars on coastal protection and restoration projects next fiscal year, but one group remains upset that the Landry administration cancelled two large river diversion projects. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Tragedy in Lafayette as a nine-year-old girl is killed in an apartment fire early yesterday morning. Firefighters pulled the girl from an upstairs bedroom after spending 30 minutes extinguishing the fire. Authorities say neighbors tried rescuing the girl but could not get inside.

The redistricting debate is expected to begin at the state capitol this week. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

As the debate gets underway, the State Senate will be without Larry Selders for the time being. The Baton Rouge Democrat is hospitalized with what his office calls “a serious medical emergency involving his heart.” His office says while he will be temporarily unavailable as he focuses on his health, his office remains open.

The Louisiana Legislature has given final approval to a one-point-five billion dollar plan for coastal protection and restoration. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Chairman Gordon Dove says one of the highlights of the annual plan is a 94-mile land bridge from Port Sulphur in Plaquemines Parish to Terrebonne Parish…

Cut 10 (11) “…eight parishes.”

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the trend in the first four months in 2026 has been mainly positive.

Cut 7 (10) “…specific to homeowners.”

Temple says while a small handful of auto insurance companies have filed for rate increases, the vast majority which have filed for rate changes have filed for rate decreases.

A school crossing guard in Livingston Parish is killed by a suspected drunk driver. 74-year-old Katy Wells was directing traffic on Highway 16 Thursday afternoon as Grays Creek Elementary School was being let out, when she was hit by a pickup truck. Sheriff Jason Ard says 64-year-old Darren Goudeau (GOO-doe) of Walker was arrested.

Cut 13 (10) “…unfortunately it does.”

If you go to the polls on the first day of early voting, you will not be voting for U.S. House. That’s because Governor Landry suspended that election in light of the Supreme Court ruling on the state’s congressional map. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says Landry’s quick action runs counter to historical precedent in the state.

Cut 5 (12) “…than 100 years.”

The latest poll in the race for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate is likely setting off alarm bells in the Bill Cassidy campaign. The poll by Emerson College and KLFY-TV shows Cassidy in third place with 21-percent support. John Fleming and Julia Letlow are neck-and-neck with 28 and 27-percent, respectively. ULM Political Science professor Pearson Cross says nearly half have an unfavorable view of Cassidy.

Cut 7 (08) “…going to grow?” 

In just one night, the Louisiana Millionaires Club added 11 new members. That’s because in Wednesday night’s Powerball drawing, a whopping 11 tickets were million-dollar winners. Chrislyn Maher (“mayor”) with the Louisiana Lottery:

Cut 9 (05)  “…just being luck.”

They were among 89 who matched the five white balls of 3, 19, 35, 51 and 67. Two others had 15 as their Powerball, and they split the jackpot.

Tragedy in Livingston Parish as a school crossing guard is killed by a suspected drunk driver. 74-year-old Katy Wells was directing traffic on Highway 16 Thursday afternoon as Grays Creek Elementary School was being let out, when she was hit by a pickup truck. Sheriff Jason Ard says Wells was a beloved member of the Livingston Parish community.

Cut 12 (10) “…in the community.”

Early voting starts Saturday in the closed party primaries – well, some of them. Governor Landry has issued an executive order suspending the U.S. House primaries following the Supreme Court decision that ruled the state’s congressional map an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says that ruling forced Governor Landry’s hand.

Cut 3 (12) “…to take place.”

A poll of 500 likely Republican primary voters shows a very close race with early voting set to begin. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

With Mother’s Day a week from Sunday, the crawfish supply is expected to be tight given the cold snap moving through the state. As such, crawfish prices held steady this week. This weekend, you can expect to pay just under three dollars a pound for live crawfish and $5.35 a pound for boiled crawfish.