Voters will have a chance in November to decide whether two-term governors can still seek to reprise their roles after sitting out four years. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Governor Jeff Landry signs legislation that adds 50-million dollars to the Fortified Roof Program. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The ability for two-term governors to make another run for the state’s top job after sitting out four years is now in the hands of the voters. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham’s constitutional amendment limiting governors to two lifetime terms has passed both houses by the requisite two-thirds majority and will be on the November 3rd ballot. Bayham says prior history has shown that nothing good results when governors keep coming back time and time again.

Cut 3 (09) “…to federal prison.”

Even though constitutional amendments have fared poorly at the ballot box over the last two years, Bayham says he’s confident that this one will pass, pointing to how the 1995 legislative term limit amendment passed with more than 75-percent of the vote. He says if voters approve this one, it will mark a new day in Louisiana. 

Cut 4 (07) “…haunted us.”

Some Democrats expressed concern that Bayham was specifically targeting John Bel Edwards, who would otherwise be eligible to run for re-election next year – although this amendment would also apply to Republican Bobby Jindal. Edwards and Jindal are the only two living former Louisiana governors. Bayham says neither one expressed any concern to him about the amendment.

Cut 5 (07) “…or Governor Edwards.”

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At the SEC Spring Meetings, LSU Coach Lane Kiffin made his first public comments since adding former head coach Ed Orgeron to his coaching staff…

Cut 6 (08) “..of it.”

Kiffin also says quarterback Sam Leavitt’s rehab from a foot injury continues to go well. He’s running at 21 miles per hour.

But in Destin, Florida, reporters wanted to focus on Kiffin’s decision to leave Ole Miss for LSU. Kiffin says he enjoyed his time with the Rebels, but LSU was an opportunity for him to do something new…

Cut 7 (11) “..new challenge”

Kiffin was asked his thoughts on his highly anticipated return to Oxford when the Tigers play the Ole Miss Rebels on September 19th. Lane did not take the bait…

Cut 8 (09) “…at it”

Kiffin coached at Tennessee for one season and when he returned there as the head coach of Ole Miss in 2021, objects were thrown at him, including a mustard bottle and a golf ball.

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Governor Jeff Landry signed a bill today that expands a program that provides grant dollars for homeowners to pay for a fortified roof on their home. Landry says this is important legislation because fortified roofs can limit storm damage…

Cut 9 (14)  “…the benefit.”

The measure signed into law by the governor expands the fortified roof program by additional 50-million dollars.

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says they will be distributing more grants this summer and a lottery to receive a grant of up to ten-thousand dollars will begin next week…

Cut 10 (13) “…to homeowners.” 

The Fortified Roof Program has been around since 2023 and since that time 4,900 homeowners have used the grant program to install fortified roofs. Temple says another eight thousand plus fortified roofs have been installed on homes that did not use the grant program.

Cut 11 (08) “…their property.”

Landry says if you go to the Department of Insurance’s website you can learn more about the fortify roof program and how it can lower your insurance premium…

Cut 12 (10) “…fortified roof.” 

Governor Landry says there’s no logical reason that teachers should not get a permanent pay increase. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana House approves legislation that would prevent the public from seeing the financial contracts between college athletic departments and their athletes. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.” 

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A 3.6-billion-dollar AI data center will be built in Rapides Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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As Governor Landry announced that he and the legislature will find a way to give teachers another two-thousand-dollar stipend, he says there’s no logical reason not to find the money to permanently increase teacher pay in Louisiana. Landry says over the last four decades, public school enrollment has dropped by more than 100-thousand…

Cut 4 (15) “…public school students.”

…while at the same time, per-student spending has increased.

Cut 5 (15) “…dollars for students.”

Landry says wherever that additional money is going is not into the bank accounts of teachers, who have actually seen their inflation-adjusted pay go the other direction.

Cut 6 (11) “…it for inflation.”

Landry also announced the formation of a bipartisan MFP permanent pay raise task force.

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A proposal to shield the public from seeing the revenue share contracts between universities and their athletes has received approval from the Senate on a 22-13 vote. Baton Rouge Senator Franklin Foil says if other SEC schools know how much LSU is giving to a particular player, it could result in other universities offering that athlete more money to play at their schools.

Cut 7 (09) “…are doing it.”

Several senators spoke out against the legislation which LSU supports. Norco Senator Gregory Miller says the state is losing sight of its priorities with this legislation.

Cut 8 (16) “…trying to protect.”

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell also voiced her opposition to the legislation while questioning Foil.

Cut 9 (12)  “…for state funding.”

Foil argues the money going to athletes through a revenue share deal are funds generated by the athletic department through ticket sales and television contracts.

Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly opposes the idea of creating a new public records exemption to hide the dollar amounts students receive directly from universities.

Cut 10 (09) “…be on education.”

The measure heads back to the House for final legislative approval, because an amendment was added to the legislation that shields the current revenue share deals that universities have with their athletes.

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A 3.6-billion-dollar artificial intelligence factory is coming to Rapides Parish, as Applied Digital Corporation plans to build a massive A-I data center in the town of Boyce. The project will create more than one-thousand construction jobs, and the new campus will bring in 200 direct jobs, each paying about 90-thousand dollars a year. Governor Jeff Landry says the days of outmigration out of central Louisiana are over.

Cut 11 (13) “…you very much.”

Site development of the data center began in January, and initial operations are expected to begin in mid-2027. Louisiana Central President and CEO Chris Massingill says this project has the potential to be one of the most transformational in the history of Rapides Parish.

Cut 12 (10) “…get to work.”

Pineville-based Cleco will provide power to support Applied Digital’s data center. Public Service Commissioner Jean-Paul Coussan says this is a huge day for Cenla.

Cut 13 (09)  “…we can win.”

The campus will support advanced A-I and cloud computing workloads.

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The Pelicans introduce their new man, as they officially welcome Jamahl Mosley as their new head coach. Mosley coached the Orlando Magic for the last five seasons, leading them to the playoffs in the last three seasons; and earlier this month, they nearly knocked off the Eastern Conference’s top seed, the Detroit Pistons. Mosley says he likes what he sees in his new team.

Cut 14 (09) “…says a lot.”

Mosley says he especially likes what he sees in Zion Williamson, who he says hasn’t scratched the surface of what he can do for the Pelicans and the NBA.

Cut 15 (07) “…being healthy.”

Mosley is known as a defensive minded coach. He says he preaches defense first because the best teams in the NBA are always among the best in the league on the defensive end of the floor…

Cut 16 (12) “…high level.”

Which college campus in Louisiana is ranked the best? For the answer, here’s Joe Gallinaro.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Governor Landry says teachers will get their stipend for next school year, one way or another. Andrew Greenstein has some insight.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Which college campus is ranked number one in Louisiana? According to the college search website Niche (“nish”), that honor goes to Southeastern Louisiana University. The website especially noted the quality and affordability of Southeastern’s on-campus dining. President Dr. William Wainwright says it’s an honor the entire school can be proud of.

Cut 3 (11) “…the appropriate technologies.”

Southeastern was also recognized for its housing, diversity and social scene, which Dr. Wainwright says all contribute to student achievement.

Cut 4 (08) “…completion and graduation.”

Wainwright says the intimate campus atmosphere makes for a much better academic experience for students.

Cut 5 (10) “…in their field.”

The next four in Niche’s top five are – in order – Tulane, U-L Lafayette, Northwestern State and LSU Alexandria.

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At the SEC Spring Meetings, Commissioner Greg Sankey said the league will not take a firm stance this week on expanding the College Football Playoff from 12 to 24 teams. Sankey says instead, they will use the meetings to brief university leaders and coaches on the pros and cons of an expansion…

Cut 6 (10) “…time.”

College football leaders have until December 1^st to decide if they want to expand the C-F-P to 24 teams, 16 teams or stay at 12 for the 2027 season. The Big 10, ACC and the Big 12 have all said the C-F-P should expand to 24 teams and there are also SEC coaches who support it as well. Sankey says he prefers an expansion to 16 teams over 24 teams…

Cut 7 (12) “…moving forward.”

Based on polling, a vast majority of college football fans oppose a 24-team playoff, while coaches might support it because if they can make the playoff, it provides more job security. Sankey says right now, every regular season game in college football game matters that could change if the C-F-P is expanded to 24 teams…

Cut 8 (12) “…understand”

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Governor Jeff Landry tells public school teachers at a press conference that the state will indeed plan to fund a stipend as part of their salary for the next school year. Landry says as lawmakers will approve a budget in the coming days and once the spending plan, hits his desk, they will decide how to pay for the two-thousand dollar stipend for the coming school year…

Cut 9 (11)  “…my own.”

Landry says they have time, because the stipends are not distributed until December. 

There is currently no state funding for the stipend or permanent pay raise, because Constitutional Amendment 3 failed at ballot box on May 16th.

Landry also announced the formation of a bipartisan MFP permanent pay raise task force.

Cut 10 (13) “…raise or not.” 

Senate President Cameron Henry says he will introduce a Senate Concurrent Resolution to study and develop a new MFP formula. Henry says there’s no reason not to find money to increase teacher pay when funding for public education has gone up and student enrollment has declined…

Cut 11 (14) “…in those dollars.”

There are several ceremonies commemorating Memorial Day today. Jeanne Burns reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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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.”

Meginley says he recently spent time with Gold Star families in Louisiana at an event, in which three of them shared their heartbreaking stories.

Cut 4 (10) “…course their recovery.”

Meginley says there are many Memorial Day events throughout the state, and you should consider attending one to express your appreciation for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Cut 5 (08) “…live in America.”

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A bill that would designate Shreveport as the Stuffed Shrimp Capital of Louisiana is nearing final legislative passage. The bill’s, author Shreveport Representative Joy Walters, was asked in Senate Governmental Affairs, how do you cook stuffed shrimp…

Cut 6 (12) “…deep fried.”

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

Walters says the history of stuffed shrimp in Shreveport dates back to the 1950s and 60s…

Cut 8 (09) “…dish.”

The legislation is awaiting a vote by the full Senate before it heads to the governor’s desk.

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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 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.”

Dr. Zibari 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.”

Zibari says this technology is currently approved for treatment of liver cancer, but it might not be too far in the future that it could be used to treat other forms of cancer.

Cut 11 (11) “…here to stay.”

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“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 is a bill that is close to final legislative passage that will allow each party to decide if registered “No Party” voters can vote in their primary. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow opposes the idea…

Cut 12 (13) “…paying taxes.”

New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez believes it’s a good idea…

Cut 13 (07)  “…primary system.”

According to ballot-pedia-dot-com, the Republican Party in 23 states does not allow “No Party” voters vote in their primary. That’s also the case for the Democratic Party in 17 states. Secretary of State Nancy Landry understands the logic behind allowing a political party decide who can vote in the primary…

Cut 14 (12) “…party”

Landry does not have a position on the part of the bill that would allow parties to decide who they allow to participate in their closed primaries. But 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.

In Senate Government Affairs Committee, Miguez asked Landry if parties decided to close their primaries to just their voters, can the state effectively educate voters about the change…

Cut 15 (11) “…resources.”

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.”

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Inspection stickers in Louisiana are now one gubernatorial signature away from disappearing for good. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Despite four-dollar-plus gasoline prices, a record 45-million American plan on traveling this Memorial Day weekend. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 3 (27) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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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 4 (11) “…white or Black.”

Morris says the Supreme Court said in its ruling that struck down the current congressional map that race should not be the primary factor in drawing district lines, but partisanship can be a factor.

Baton Rouge Senator Denise Marcelle asked Morris why Republicans should determine who represents the state in Congress, when only a third of the voters are registered Republican.

Cut 5 (11) “…Republicans in Congress.”

If the map approved by House Governmental Affairs becomes law, the state will go from having a four-two map to a five-one map. 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 6 (08) “…egregious to me.”

New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd accused Morris of promoting a map that would assure that five white Republicans make up six of the state’s U-S House members.

Cut 7 (12) “…they’re white Republicans”

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.

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A Senate committee approves a budget that takes into account a revenue shortfall of 104-million dollars. Senate Finance Chairman Glen Womack says the fewer dollars available is the result of the Revenue Estimating Conference adopting a revenue forecast that is less robust than previously predicted. Womack says this means additional dollars for school vouchers and education operation costs had to be cut.

Cut 8 (11) “…increases in MFP.”

But Womack says the K-through-12 education funding formula is fully funded, and there are 420-million dollars for early childhood education. Womack says Senate Finance has also decided to dip into the rainy day fund to provide additional funds for economic development and improved highways.

Cut 9 (09)  “…to 400-million.”

The Senate Finance’s spending plan contains raises for prison guards, but not for teachers. And there is no money to fund the two-thousand dollar stipend teachers received this year.

The full Senate is expected to debate the budget bill on Tuesday and then send it back to the House to see if they agree with the changes. The legislative session must end at 6 p-m on June 1st.

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The end of inspection stickers in Louisiana is now just Governor Landry’s expected signature away from becoming official, as House Bill 1085 has achieved final legislative passage. The author, Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley, 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. If a civilian scans that QR code with a cell phone, that person will get nothing. Bagley says he had brought up this bill in the past, and service station owners had fought it, concerned that it would lead to a drop in business.

Cut 11 (10) “…was all over.”

Bagley disagrees with the notion that service stations made a lot of money through vehicle inspections.

Cut 12 (08) “…ever answer that.”

Assuming Landry signs the bill like he said he would, you will no longer have to renew your inspection sticker as of January 1st of next year.

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Despite gasoline prices over four dollars a gallon, a record 39-million people will travel by car to a destination 50 miles or more this Memorial Day weekend. Triple-A’s Don Redman says a little pain at the pump will not keep people from having a good time this weekend.

Cut 13 (05)  “…for Memorial Day.”

Triple-A projects 3.6-million Americans will travel by air this weekend, which is a slight increase over last year. Redman says a popular destination for Louisiana residents is Alaska.

Cut 14 (10) “…popular starting now.”

Redman says if gas prices remain high, it will cut into the family budget and that could lead to some adjustments to summer vacations.

Cut 15 (13) “…for the summer.”

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Former Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron is back on LSU’s staff as the special assistant to recruiting and defense. Orgeron has not coached since 2021, when he was fired by LSU. WWL Radio’s Mike Detillier says Orgeron is known as one of the best defensive line coaches in college football.

Cut 16 (12) “…period of time.”

Detillier says Orgeron will also help Kiffin recruit Louisiana high school kids.

Cut 17 (09) “…who he is.”

Orgeron’s contract is for 100-thousand dollars through January 2027.

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The LSU softball team will face Alabama in a super regional series showdown that will start in Tuscaloosa tonight. ‘Bama is the top seed in the NCAA Tournament, and Tigers Coach Beth Torina says they are certainly worthy of it.

Cut 18 (17)  “…sorts at all.”

LSU is making its 11th NCAA Super Regional Appearance, and they are playing their best softball of the season, winning 12 of its last 15. The offense has come around, led by Jalia Lassiter, Kylee Edwards and Sierra Daniel. Torina says they had a feeling this group would hit.

Cut 19 (17) “…it to do.”

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LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson can begin preparing for next season, now that the Tigers have been eliminated from the SEC Tournament, and there’s no chance they will play in the NCAA Tournament. Johnson says they have to learn from what went wrong this year.

Cut 20 (17) “…so we can.”

Governor Jeff Landry has been in Greenland this week to make as many friends as possible, according to what he told a Danish media outlet. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Congressman Cleo Fields is urging Black athletes to avoid LSU and other SEC schools. Andrew Greenstein explains why.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry had a spirited exchange with reporters in Greenland, where he’s visiting as part of his job as President Trump’s special envoy to the island nation. The President wants a closer relationship with the autonomous Danish territory for national security purposes and to have access to the island’s minerals. Landry says it’s a good thing that the U.S. has an interest in Greenland.

Cut 3 (13) “…ask themselves.”

Leaders of Greenland have been vocal in their opposition to a possible take over of their country by the United States.

The governor has been in Greenland since Sunday and told a Danish media outlet that the President told him to go to Greenland and make as many friends as possible.

Landry attended the Future Greenland trade fair in Nuuk that included a seminar on understanding the United States. Landry was asked about coming to Greenland without an invitation.

Cut 4 (11) “…been great.”

Landry says he had a meeting with Greenland’s prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and said the meeting went well; and the two discussed the United States’ interest with the Arctic nation.

Cut 5 (06) “…ignoring Greenland.”

Nielsen told a Danish TV station that his courtesy meeting with Landry took place with mutual respect and in a positive atmosphere. But he made it known that the Greenlandic people are not for sale and self-determination is non-negotiable.

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LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade is facing criticism for reportedly signing a player who previously signed an NBA contract. Former St. John’s star and Big East Player of the Year R.J. Luis (“Louis”) signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz after going undrafted. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says there’s a good chance the NCAA will say Luis is ineligible, but LSU can challenge that ruling in court.

Cut 6 (10) “…not played.”

NCAA President Charlie Baker has previously said the NCAA will not grant eligibility to any athlete who has signed an NBA contract, including a two-way contract.

National college basketball reporter Jeff Goodman said on his “Field of 68” podcast that Wade is making a mockery out of college basketball. Goodman also said in a post on X that one Top 20 college basketball coach said Wade is screwing it up for everyone. Guilbeau doesn’t blame Wade for trying to stretch the rules.

Cut 7 (10) “…mad at Wade?”

Wade is putting together a roster of mostly older players, and some of them have played professionally in Europe, which is currently allowed under NCAA rules. What makes the Luis situation different is that he signed to play professional basketball in the United States after leaving St. John’s following his junior season, but Guilbeau doesn’t blame Wade for trying.

Cut 8 (05) “..the rules.”

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Congressman Cleo Fields is joining the rest of the Congressional Black Caucus and the NAACP in urging athletes to avoid playing for schools in states which are diluting the power of Black voters through redistricting. Fields, whose own district is on the chopping block in the Louisiana legislature, says Black athletes being recruited by SEC schools, including LSU, need to think twice about attending those schools.

Cut 9 (14)  “…very good question.”

Fields says it makes no sense for Black athletes to represent states that want to treat them as second-class citizens off the field.

Cut 10 (10) “…Tuesday through Friday.”

Fields says with the Supreme Court watering down the 1965 Voting Rights Act, we’re perilously close to going right back to an ugly time in American history, where Southern states went to great lengths to deny Blacks the right to vote.

Cut 11 (09) “…made billions for.”

The Congressional Black Caucus has also dropped its support of the SCORE Act, which is legislation that supporters say would bring much needed reforms to college athletics. That measure is now considered dead on the House side. 

With voters rejecting Amendment Three over the weekend, the fate of the size of teachers’ paychecks now lies with the legislature. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy gives some strong insight into his future plans. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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With the failure of Amendment Three at the ballot box over the weekend, the fate of teacher pay is now in the hands of the legislature. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh says he doubts that the legislature will be able to give teachers another two-thousand-dollar stipend for the next fiscal year, since the failure of the proposed amendment will put education funding about 500-million dollars in the hole.

Cut 3 (09) “…amendment not passing.”

Seabaugh says contrary to popular belief, public school teachers are NOT state employees; thus, their salaries are not set directly by the legislature.

Cut 4 (07) “…they can.”

With teachers staring at a pay cut for next year, let alone a lack of pay raise, what about the bill to increase the governor’s salary that’s currently making its way through the legislature? Seabaugh says it’s being greatly pared down.  

Cut 5 (11) “…reimbursement of expenses.”

Support staff had received a one-thousand-dollar stipend for this school year, which also stands to go away barring any legislative action to the contrary.

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LSU System President Wade Rousse admits there’s not been much movement in building a 400-million-dollar arena next to Alex Box Stadium. Rousse says the LSU economic development district that’s generating the funding for a proposed arena is collecting money…

Cut 6 (06) “…or not.”

A lawsuit has been filed to prevent the LSU Economic Development District from levying a sales tax on nearby businesses, because the tax was implemented without voter approval.

Rousse says they are also looking for other funding sources to build the new arena, but he opposes taking money away from the academic side. He’s hopeful state government will put money towards the project….

Cut 7 (11) “..up the property.”

Rousse says money remains the biggest challenge in getting the arena built….

Cut 8 (12) “…so on”

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After Bill Cassidy’s failure to advance to the runoff in the Republican primary over the weekend, the big question is, what’s next for his political future? Cassidy made his intentions known in no uncertain terms in a conference call with reporters today, answering a question from David Jacobs with LaPolitics-dot-com.

Cut 9 (11)  “…absolutely not.”

After a political career that started 20 years ago, first as a state senator in December of 2006 when he was elected in a special election, to six years in the U.S. House and 12 years in the U.S. Senate, Cassidy says his time in elected office is now numbered.

Cut 10 (03) “…can possibly be.”

Cassidy says come January 3rd of next year, his future will be outside the world of politics.

Cut 11 (07) “…all those opportunities.”

The 68-year-old Cassidy also said he had no intentions of returning to his medical practice once he leaves the Senate.

For the second year in a row, Louisiana voters emphatically say no to all proposed constitutional amendments. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Two political analysts say it was not a surprise to see Republican Incumbent Bill Cassidy not make the runoff in the primary. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Tragedy in Lafayette over the weekend, as a toddler drowns in a bathtub and the woman who was in charge of caring for him is arrested. Lafayette Police Senior Corporal Ken Handy says officers found three-year-old Khaine Natto unresponsive inside the bathtub.

Cut 3 (05) “…inside the bathtub.”

Corporal Handy says the guardian, 50-year-old Dawn Lee, left the bathroom to conduct some other business in the home and returned to the horrifying sight.

Cut 4 (04) “…inside the bathtub.”

Khaine was rushed to a hospital but was ultimately pronounced dead. Handy says Lee was booked into jail.

Cut 5 (04) “…of negligent homicide.”

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For the second year in a row, voters said no to every constitutional amendment on the ballot by a wide margin. All five amendments failed by a minimum of 16 points, with the one to remove certain employees from the civil service division failing by a whopping 56 points. Melinda Deslatte with the Public Affairs Research Council says there are several reasons why voters turned aside all five amendments.

Cut 6 (14) “…every election cycle.”

Deslatte says voters do not have the time to research these issues to make informed decisions.

Cut 7 (11) “…on in life.”

Governor Landry posted on social media today that since Amendment Three failed, if the legislature does not come up with a way to fund a pay raise for teachers, no public employee will get a pay raise. Deslatte says she doesn’t know exactly what Landry means by that.

Cut 8 (11) “…get pay raises?”

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Republican Bill Cassidy’s third place finish in Saturday’s Senate Republican Primary likely means the end of his political career. The 68-year-old from Baton Rouge failed to make the run-off as he was seeking a third term in the U-S Senate. UNO political science professor Ed Chervenak is not surprised Cassidy finished behind Julia Letlow and John Fleming…

Cut 9 (08)  “…momentum.”

Chervenak does not expect Cassidy will run for political office again. Before he was a politician, Doctor Cassidy practiced medicine and Chervenak says Cassidy performing policy work in the health care arena could be his next move…

Cut 10 (11) “…health policy.”

Cassidy will serve the remainder of his term which will end just after the new year. Chervenak says Cassidy’s political future actually ended when he voted to convict Trump for his role in the January 6th attack on the Capitol.

Cut 11 (12) “…endorse Cassidy.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill announces that 60 registered sex offenders in the greater Baton Rouge area have been arrested as part of a major internet sex crimes operation called “Operation Restricted Domain.” Murrill says these offenders violated sex offender registration laws and engaged in unlawful online activity by communicating with children through various apps…

Cut 12 (08) “…Roblox.”

Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre says state law is clear, if you are a registered sex offender as a result of a crime against children, you can not use social media platforms, chat rooms and peer-to-peer networks…

Cut 13 (09) “…at all.”

Murrill urges parents to closely monitor their children’s online activity…

Cut 14 (10) “…internet.”

A bill awaiting Governor Landry’s signature aims to crack down on a new way to skirt Louisiana’s seafood labeling laws. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Andrew Greenstein has analysis of what went down in the primaries on Saturday.

Cut 2 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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It will be Congresswoman Julia Letlow and State Treasurer John Fleming in a June 27^th run-off in the US Senate Republican primary, while Bill Cassidy’s political career is likely over. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A bill seeking to crack down on a way to skirt Louisiana’s seafood labeling laws is awaiting Governor Landry’s signature. It’s called co-mingling – mixing imported shrimp with domestically-caught shrimp and passing the whole lot off as domestic shrimp. Lafitte Representative Tim Kerner, who filed House Bill 857, says this is no oversight – those who are doing it are doing so maliciously.

Cut 4 (07) “…off as domestic.”

Cheri Blanchard, a Louisiana board member of the Southern Shrimp Alliance, says it’s sometimes unclear exactly who is doing this to sell the shrimp at a premium price and keep the profits.

Cut 5 (10) “…be doing that.”

House Bill 857 passed both houses of legislature without a single dissenting vote. Kerner says those caught mixing foreign shrimp with domestic shrimp will face substantial penalties.

Cut 6 (04) “…third offense 50-thousand.”

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LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Bill Cassidy’s third-place finish in the Senate Republican primary has Donald Trump’s name written all over it.

Cut 7 (12) “…longer supported him.”

Furthermore, Julia Letlow, who got into the race in January after Trump endorsed her, easily outpaced both Cassidy and John Fleming with 45-percent of the vote. Hogan says the results of this primary election proves that for Republican voters, it seems like there’s only one thing that matters.

Cut 8 (11) “…for other elections.”

As for the constitutional amendments, Hogan says this was an instance where Democrats, who are greatly outnumbered at the Capitol, were able to have a great deal of influence in defeating all five.

Cut 9 (07)  “…education funds altered.”

Senate President Cameron Henry had previously said if the amendment fails, teachers shouldn’t count on the legislature to extend the stipend to them once again, effectively resulting in a pay cut.

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Republican Bill Cassidy is the second U.S. Senator in Louisiana’s history not to be re-elected in the last 94 years. Cassidy finished third in the Senate Republican Primary, while Congresswoman Julia Letlow and state Treasurer John Fleming advance to a June 27th run-off. Cassidy told supporters on Saturday it was a privilege to represent Louisiana….

Cut 10 (16) “…stolen.”

Letlow, who had the support of President Trump, won the Senate Republican Primary with 45-percent of the vote. The Congresswoman says the President’s support helped her withstand 26-million dollars in negative advertisement against her…

Cut 11 (11) “…negativity.”

President Trump said in a post on Truth Social that it is nice to see that Cassidy’s political career is over.

In his concession speech, Cassidy did not mention Trump’s name, but said the country is not about one individual. Louisiana’s outgoing US Senator added he was loyal to the welfare of U-S and Louisiana citizens and the Constitution.

Cut 12 (14) “…be a leader.”

Letlow was asked about the impact of Cassidy’s vote to convict Trump in 2021 and how that impacted the results of Saturday’s primary…

Cut 13 (11)  “…tonight’s result.”

The two other Louisiana U-S Senators to lose their re-election since 1932, Mary Landrieu in 2014 and Edwin Broussard in 1932, who like Cassidy, lost in a closed primary.

It will be Letlow and Fleming in the June 27 primary runoff. Fleming did several interviews with media outlets across the state and is already on the attack…

Cut 14 (14) “ itself.”

Fleming doesn’t have the endorsement of President Trump, but he did serve in his first administration. And the State Treasurer’s campaign has been mostly self-funded…

Cut 15 (11) “…powerful politician.”

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LSU got swept again over the weekend to finish SEC play at 9-and-21 and pitching is one of the main reasons why it’s been such a bad season. The Tigers have the highest team ERA in the Southeastern Conference at 5.86. In Saturday’s regular season finale, LSU scored double digit runs but still lost 15-11. Coach Jay Johnson…

Cut 16 (15) “…work to do.”

Johnson says he still has belief in pitching coach Nate Yeskie and the rest of his coaching staff and the group of pitchers that are planning on returning next season…

Cut 17 (17)  “..can be.”

LSU will play Oklahoma in the SEC Tournament on Tuesday in the last game of the day, scheduled for 8 PM.

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The Ragin Cajuns finished off the regular season on a high note by taking two of three from Coastal Carolina to finish 16-and-14 in Sun Belt play. Coach Matt Deggs says after a slow start in league play, his guys rebounded well…

Cut 18 (18)  “…get better.”

The Cajuns are the seven seed in the Sun Belt Tournament, which means they will play 10^th seeded Marshall tomorrow afternoon in Montgomery, Alabama. Deggs wishes they could have avoided the single elimination round, but the plan is to stay in Montgomery as long as possible to build up their NCAA Tournament resume…

Cut 19 (11) “…get a shot.”

When the calendar flips to 2027, you will no longer have to renew your vehicle inspection sticker. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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16 and 17-year-olds can now get a job without all the red tape. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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If your vehicle inspection sticker is not due for renewal until next year or beyond, don’t bother – you’ll never need to renew it again. A House bill to replace the inspection sticker with a QR code has passed the Senate and will soon be on the desk of the Governor, who has said he will sign it. The vote in the Senate was 27 to 7. Lafayette Democrat Gerald Boudreaux one of those voting “no”; he said owners of businesses that perform official state inspections expressed concerns about the effects on their operations.

Cut 3 (07) “…have been there.”

Alexandria Democrat Jay Luneau said inspections are not a major source of revenue for these businesses.

Cut 4 (09) “…profitable or not.”

Boudreaux said no amount of modern technology can replace inspections to keep everyone on Louisiana roadways safe.

Cut 5 (06) “…on the road.”

Luneau said technology changes things; and by implementing the QR codes, the state is moving on to the next level.

Cut 6 (11) “…are going on.”

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Two-time state championship-winning football coach Joe Spatafora is leaving Union Parish for a high school coaching job in Arkansas. Spatafora says this new opportunity at Drew Central High School in Monticello, Arkansas came together in the last week…

Cut 7 (12) “…as well”

Spatafora, who brought a run-first, physical style of football to Farmerville. He cherishes the relationships he built at Union Pairsh.

Cut 8 (08) “..family forever.”

Union Parish has won three football championships in the school’s history, Spatafora was at the helm for two of those titles in 2013 and 2023…

Cut 9 (09)  “…got forever”

Union Parish also finished runner-up three times with Spatafora as its head coach, 2020 to 2022. His record at U-P was 179 and 74.

Union Parish assistant coach and former Arcadia head coach Demitri Carr is expected to replace Spatafora.

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16 and 17-year-olds no longer need to obtain a work permit from their school board to obtain a part-time job. Governor Landry has signed House Bill 232 into law, removing a lot of the red tape that those teens had to go through in order to be able to work. The author of the legislation, Lafayette Republican Josh Carlson, says it was also a very cumbersome task for schools as well.

Cut 10 (11) “…the work permit.”

Carlson says the old system actually prevented some minors from being able to work.

Cut 11 (10) “…a work permit.”

Carlson’s bill removes the government from the process altogether.

Cut 12 (09) “…the school system.”

All other laws governing the employment of 16 and 17-year-olds, including the number of hours they can work per day and per week and the time frame in which they’re allowed to work, remain unchanged. The new law became effective upon Governor Landry’s signature.

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This afternoon, the State Senate passed a congressional map with five Republican-leaning districts and one Democratic-leaning district. The vote was 27 to 10, straight down party lines. West Monroe Republican Jay Morris defended the map he created….

Cut 13 (08) “…present.”

The Louisiana Legislature is redrawing the Congressional map because the Supreme Court ruled the current map is an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, which means race can not be the primary factor in drawing the district lines.

During questioning, New Orleans Sidney Barthelmy told Morris that since 80-percent of the Republican party is white, his map is also based on race which is not allowed…

Cut 14 (12) “…partisanship.”

Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews says registered Republican voters only make up a third of the state, but yet the map is drawn so that the G-O-P has more than a super majority in the Louisiana House delegation

Cut 15 (12) “…Republican.”

The Congressional map debate shifts to the House as the lower chamber will also have to approve the map before it is sent to the governor’s desk.