Two people connected with last month’s mass shooting in Shreveport where a gunman killed eight children have been indicted by a federal grand jury. U-S Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, Zachary Keller, says one of men indicted is Charles Ford. It’s believed the gun Shamar Elkins used on April 19^th belonged to Ford…

Cut 9 (06)  “…shooting”

We’ll see multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms this Mother’s Day weekend as a weak front has stalled near the coast and it’s interacting with a very moist air mass. LSU Health climatologist Barry Keim says multiple inches of rain are possible…

Cut 3 (11) “…welcome the rain.”

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WalletHub is out with its rankings of the best and worst states for working mothers. Andrew Greenstein reports to find Louisiana on the list, look to the very bottom.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee held a lengthy and sometimes contentious meeting on TODAY over proposed Congressional maps to replace the current one struck down by the U-S Supreme Court. New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis thinks New Orleans and Baton Rouge should each have a majority black district.

Cut 12 (09) “…preferred candidates.”

Public discussion is underway on drawing up a new Congressional District map. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (38) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

We’re getting word of an explosion at a refinery in Chalmette. The explosion at Chalmette Refining happened just before one this afternoon. While it shook several nearby businesses, there are no reports of any injuries. This happened less than a year after the explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland.
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It’s shaping up to be a stormy Mother’s Day weekend. This, as a weak front has stalled near the coast, and that front is interacting with a very moist air mass. LSU Health climatologist Barry Keim says there’s a chance for high winds and hail, and we can’t rule out the possibility of a tornado. He says while excessive rainfall is possible in southeast Louisiana, the rest of the state will be dodging rain drops.

Cut 5 (10) “…through the weekend.”

A new WalletHub study shows Louisiana is unfortunately the worst state for working moms. The study ranked the 50 states and the District of Columbia on professional opportunities, child care and work-life balance. Analyst Chip Lupo says in order for Louisiana to dig out of the basement in these rankings, it’s going to need to create a business climate that’s better for work overall, using Florida as an example.

Cut 8 (06) “…your engine.”

The Louisiana Senate has responded to last month’s fatal mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana by passing legislation that would result in a death penalty charge the next time a gunman fires their gun at a crowd of people and kills someone. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh added an amendment to a House-approved bill that expands the definition of first-degree murder to such a situation…

Cut 10 (10) “…upon that person.”

Tomorrow, the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee will begin public hearings on a new legislative map. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says when all is said and done, Louisiana will likely send an additional Republican to Washington next year.

Cut 7 (09) “…safe Democratic district.”

A proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to limit a governor to no more than two elected terms receives approval from the House after failing to get the necessary 70 votes on the first two tries. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A bill that provides for easy cancellation of automatic renewal subscriptions continues to make its way through the legislature, as the Senate Commerce Committee advanced the House-approved bill.

It took three tries, but Chalmette Representative Mike Bayham finally advanced his constitutional amendment to limit governors to two lifetime terms. The House passed it yesterday with 73 votes, three more than the 70 needed. Covington Representative Mark Wright, who was one of the 25 who voted no, does not see how capping a governor to two lifetime terms will actually help the state.

Cut 6 (10) “…I can’t agree.”

A ULM political science professor says the newly-launched recall effort against Governor Landry has almost no chance in succeeding. Pearson Cross says in his view, there are valid reasons to recall an elected official, and nothing that Landry has done rises to that level.

Cut 14 (10) “…apply to Landry.”

A tornado watch is in effect for much of central Louisiana until 11 tonight. National Weather Service Meteorologist Brandon Thorne says tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail are among the threats – however, he says this won’t exactly be a super-soaker.

Cut 12 (10) “…half an inch.”

Cleco says work is underway on the largest grid resiliency investment in the power company’s history.  Cleco spokeswoman Brooke Buford says they have crews replacing electric equipment, moving certain segments of the system underground and reinforcing utility poles.

Cut 8 (09) “…need replacement.”

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

A proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to limit a governor to no more than two elected terms receives approval from the House after failing to get the necessary 70 votes on the first two tries. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Cleco says it has started the largest grid resiliency investment in the power company’s history. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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A proposal to limit the number of total terms a governor can serve to two; finally receives House approval. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham’s proposed constitutional amendment failed to secure the necessary 70 votes on the first two tries. Yesterday, it got 73 votes as Bayham made the case 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 House members who voted against the amendment that needs a two-thirds vote in each house. Wright questioned why this proposal is only directed towards the governor.

Cut 4 (08) “…you name it.”

Bayham says voters support term limits. He says term limits went into effect for state lawmakers starting in 2007, and it’s resulted in a better state legislative body.

Cut 5 (12) “…of Louisiana.”

Only two governors in Louisiana’s history have served more than two elected terms — Edwin Edwards and Earl K Long. Wright does not see how capping a governor to no more than two terms will actually help the state.

Cut 6 (10) “…I can’t agree.”

The measure heads to the Senate for further debate. It will also need a two-thirds vote to pass there, and then it will head to the voters for their approval.

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Cleco says work is underway on the largest grid resiliency investment in the power company’s history. Cleco 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. She says they have crews replacing electric equipment, moving certain segments of the system underground and reinforcing utility poles.

Cut 8 (09) “…need replacement.”

Buford says they’ve identified more than 700 utility poles for maintenance or replacement in St. Tammany Parish, Eunice, Jeanerette, New Iberia and Pineville. She says customers can keep track of their resiliency efforts.

Cut 9 (09)  “…your area”

Buford says Cleco is the only Louisiana utility to meet or exceed the Public Service Commission standards for each of the last 27 years.

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A tornado watch is in effect for much of central Louisiana until 11 tonight. 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.”

Thorne says it will be a little later in the day before the severe weather reaches areas near New Orleans.

Cut 11 (08) “…as tomorrow morning.”

Thorne says tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail are among the threats – however, he says this won’t exactly be a super-soaker.

Cut 12 (10) “…half an inch.”

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A ULM political science professor says the newly-launched recall effort against Governor Landry has almost no chance in succeeding. Pearson Cross says first of all, the bar is set way too high, with verified signatures from 20-percent of all registered voters statewide needed by October 31st. He says that’s why of all the recall efforts launched through the years, the only ones which have made it onto the ballot have been much more local in nature.

Cut 13 (08) “…seeing that statewide.”

Cross says in his view, there are valid reasons to recall an elected official, and nothing that Landry has done rises to that level.

Cut 14 (10) “…apply to Landry.”

Cross says even if you use unpopular actions or policies as a reason to launch a recall effort, recent history will suggest that like all other prior efforts to recall governors, this one will go nowhere.

Cut 15 (06) “…petition went nowhere.”

A ULM political science professor says the newly-launched recall effort against Governor Landry has almost no chance in succeeding. Pearson Cross says the bar is set way too high, with verified signatures from 20-percent of all registered voters statewide needed by October 31st. He says that’s why throughout history, most recall efforts which have made it onto the ballot have been much more local in nature.

Cut 13 (08) “…seeing that statewide.”

It’s another potential severe weather day in Louisiana, with tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail possible. National Weather Service Meteorologist Brandon Thorne says the threat will increase later this afternoon in central and south Louisiana, and it will be a little later in the day before it reaches areas near New Orleans.

Cut 11 (08) “…as tomorrow morning.”

A proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to limit a governor to no more than two elected terms receives approval from the House after failing to get the necessary 70 votes on the first two tries. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Southern University’s search for a new president will take longer than planned. The school had originally hoped to have a list of recommended candidates by May 12th, with the new president installed by July 1st. The school says that timeline is being extended.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.