Some surprising early voting numbers released by the Secretary of State’s office. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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State Senator Jay Morris is accused of using a derogatory word towards Black people at a racially charged Senate Committee meeting. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (45) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The early voting numbers released by the Secretary of State’s office paint a startling picture. Of the nearly quarter-million ballots cast in the seven days of early voting, including the absentee ballots which have been returned, Democrats outnumbered Republicans by nearly 45-hundred. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says three factors especially motivated Democrats to show up to the polls.

Cut 3 (13) “…contentious redistricting hearings.”

Couvillon says Democrats may also be motivated to vote against all five constitutional amendments, including the amendment to create a new school district in the newly incorporated city of St. George in East Baton Rouge Parish. Couvillon says with the heavy Black turnout statewide, especially in East Baton Rouge Parish, the amendment appears to be in jeopardy.

Cut 4 (08) “…to pass it.”

While the early vote totals indicate the party affiliations of those who cast ballots, they do not indicate who they voted for – we won’t find out until Saturday night. Couvillon says regardless of the vote totals, we likely will not be in for a repeat of John Bel Edwards’ win in 2015 – the Republican who secures the U.S. Senate nomination will still likely win in November.

Cut 5 (07) “…John Bel Edwards did.”

Couvillon says the early voting totals represent a voter turnout of a little more than 25-percent. Of course, there’s still Election Day this Saturday to go.

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West Monroe Senator Jay Morris is accused of using a racially derogatory term during a heated debate over a new Congressional District map. Because tensions were running high, the meeting was briefly paused. Louisiana Democratic Party Executive Director Dadrius Lanus says when Morris got up from his seat, he told him to “Shut Up Boy”…

Cut 6 (14) “…say that.”

Lanus was a guest on WRKF’s “Talk Louisiana.”

Morris denies using the word boy. Senate Governmental Affairs Chairman Caleb Kleinpeter spoke with reporters and he does not believe he used the word “Boy”…

Cut 7 (08) “…saying”

The video from media members is inconclusive on whether Morris said the word “Boy” when confronting audience members that he said were talking loudly during the debate making it hard for him concentrate and answer questions.

Kleinpeter says he spoke with several news organizations who were covering the tense committee meeting and none of them heard Morris use the word “Boy

Cut 8 (04) “…debunked that.”

But Lanus says he knows what he heard…

Cut 9 (04)  “…he said”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee will meet again on Wednesday. It’s expected they will approve a map that eliminates one, if not both, Black Majority districts from the state’s Congressional map.

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AAA is expecting a record 39.1 million people to travel by vehicle this Memorial Day holiday, despite soaring gas prices. Spokesman Don Redman says part of the reason is that people had already made their plans before the war in Iran began, which directly led to the sharp increase in gasoline prices.

Cut 10 (05) “…already baked in.”

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is four dollars in Louisiana, up $1.30 from last year.

Redman says even with gas prices being a lot more expensive now than they were a month and a half ago, the additional money people planning a Memorial Day road trip will need to set aside won’t be all that much, with all things considered.

Cut 11 (09) “…just gasoline alone.”

Redman says the bigger concern is if the war in Iran lingers on and, in effect, gasoline prices remain high, that could put a huge dent into holiday travel late in the year.

Cut 12 (08) “…the discretionary income.”

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Two teens were killed in a crash in Concordia Parish, and the teen driving the SUV is under arrest. Investigators say shortly after 12:30 yesterday morning, 18-year-old Gregory Steele of Vidalia lost control of the SUV and drove it off the roadway, causing it to overturn. Steele suffered minor injuries, but 19-year-old Jacob Bonnette of Vidalia and 17-year-old Michelle Baity of Natchez, Mississippi, were killed. State Police Trooper Casey Wallace says alcohol appears to have been a factor.

Cut 13 (08) “…the traffic violations.”

Wallace says to what extent that Steele was intoxicated remains to be seen.

Cut 14 (05) “…report finalize that.”

Another 18-year-old suffered moderate injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Wallace says none of the four teens inside the SUV were restrained.

Some surprising early voting numbers released by the Secretary of State’s office. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

State Senator Jay Morris is accused of using a derogatory word towards Black people at a racially charged Senate Committee meeting. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (45) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

The early voting numbers released by the Secretary of State’s office paint a startling picture. Of the nearly quarter-million ballots cast in the seven days of early voting, including the absentee ballots which have been returned, Democrats outnumbered Republicans by nearly 45-hundred. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says three factors especially motivated Democrats to show up to the polls.

Cut 3 (13) “…contentious redistricting hearings.”

Couvillon says Democrats may also be motivated to vote against all five constitutional amendments, including the amendment to create a new school district in the newly incorporated city of St. George in East Baton Rouge Parish. Couvillon says with the heavy Black turnout statewide, especially in East Baton Rouge Parish, the amendment appears to be in jeopardy.

Cut 4 (08) “…to pass it.”

While the early vote totals indicate the party affiliations of those who cast ballots, they do not indicate who they voted for – we won’t find out until Saturday night. Couvillon says regardless of the vote totals, we likely will not be in for a repeat of John Bel Edwards’ win in 2015 – the Republican who secures the U.S. Senate nomination will still likely win in November.

Cut 5 (07) “…John Bel Edwards did.”

Couvillon says the early voting totals represent a voter turnout of a little more than 25-percent. Of course, there’s still Election Day this Saturday to go.

__________________________________________

West Monroe Senator Jay Morris is accused of using a racially derogatory term during a heated debate over a new Congressional District map. Because tensions were running high, the meeting was briefly paused. Louisiana Democratic Party Executive Director Dadrius Lanus says when Morris got up from his seat, he told him to “Shut Up Boy”…

Cut 6 (14) “…say that.”

Lanus was a guest on WRKF’s “Talk Louisiana.”

Morris denies using the word boy. Senate Governmental Affairs Chairman Caleb Kleinpeter spoke with reporters and he does not believe the word “Boy” was used towards Black people in the audience…

Cut 7 (08) “…saying”

The video from media members is inconclusive on whether Morris said the word “Boy” when confronting audience members that he said were talking loudly during the debate making it hard for him concentrate and answer questions.

Kleinpeter says he spoke with several news organizations who were covering the tense committee meeting and none of them heard Morris use the word “Boy

Cut 8 (04) “…debunked that.”

But Lanus says he knows what he heard…

Cut 9 (04)  “…he said”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee will meet again on Wednesday. It’s expected they will approve a map that eliminates one, if not both, Black Majority districts from the state’s Congressional map.

_______________________________________________________

AAA is expecting a record 39.1 million people to travel by vehicle this Memorial Day holiday, despite soaring gas prices. Spokesman Don Redman says part of the reason is that people had already made their plans before the war in Iran began, which directly led to the sharp increase in gasoline prices.

Cut 10 (05) “…already baked in.”

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is four dollars in Louisiana, up $1.30 from last year.

Redman says even with gas prices being a lot more expensive now than they were a month and a half ago, the additional money people planning a Memorial Day road trip will need to set aside won’t be all that much, with all things considered.

Cut 11 (09) “…just gasoline alone.”

Redman says the bigger concern is if the war in Iran lingers on and, in effect, gasoline prices remain high, that could put a huge dent into holiday travel late in the year.

Cut 12 (08) “…the discretionary income.”

_______________________________________________________

Two teens were killed in a crash in Concordia Parish, and the teen driving the SUV is under arrest. Investigators say shortly after 12:30 yesterday morning, 18-year-old Gregory Steele of Vidalia lost control of the SUV and drove it off the roadway, causing it to overturn. Steele suffered minor injuries, but 19-year-old Jacob Bonnette of Vidalia and 17-year-old Michelle Baity of Natchez, Mississippi, were killed. State Police Trooper Casey Wallace says alcohol appears to have been a factor.

Cut 13 (08) “…the traffic violations.”

Wallace says to what extent that Steele was intoxicated remains to be seen.

Cut 14 (05) “…report finalize that.”

Another 18-year-old suffered moderate injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Wallace says none of the four teens inside the SUV were restrained.

The deadline to file and pay 2025 Louisiana state income tax is this Friday, May 15. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Debate continues this week on drawing a new Congressional map. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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A proposal that seeks to make it much more difficult to move to a four-day school week runs into resistance on the House floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The deadline to file your 2025 Louisiana state income tax is Friday May 15. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says the best way to file and pay your taxes is online.

Cut 4 (10) “…access point.”

Taxpayers can also submit returns using commercially available tax prep software or by printing copies of forms available on the Tax Forms page at revenue-dot-Louisiana-dot-gov.

If you need an extension on filing your returns, you do not have to request one. State law provides an automatic six month extension for individuals who need extra time, but Henderson says that’s not an excuse to not pay your taxes on time.

Cut 5 (11) “…this friday.”

Henderson also reminds residents who may have changed addresses in the past year to update any contact information or changes on the Department of Revenue website.

Cut 6 (06) “…due a refunnd.”

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The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee is expected to vote on Wednesday on a new Congressional map. Friday’s public hearing on the map proposals showed the racial tension. West Monroe Senator Jay Morris has proposed maps that either reduce by one or eliminate both Black-majority Congressional districts. He says the Supreme Court ruled race should not be the primary factor in drawing political lines…

Cut 7 (11) “…these maps.”

Morris was questioned by New Orleans Senator Gary Carter who pointed out that Morris is the behind several pieces of legislation that removes Black people from political office…

Cut 8 (12) “…Louisiana.”

Morris pushed back that racism is behind his legislation that reduces the number of Black Congressional districts or the law that abolished the job of Criminal Court Clerk in Orleans Parish after Calvin Duncan was elected to the position. Carter asked Morris what is behind is intentions…

Cut 9 (09)  “…you actions.”

Eventually Carter got very upset and emotional as he continued to question Morris…

Cut 10 (17) “…your work.”

Senate Governmental Affairs Chairman Caleb Kleinpehter briefly stopped the meeting to let emotions subside.

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If the Louisiana Legislature approves a Congressional map with one Black majority Congressional District, it will likely put Louisiana’s two Black U-S members in the same district. But Cleo Fields told Jim Engster, the host of Talk Louisiana on WRKF that he would not run against Troy Carter…

Cut 11 (11) “…I don’t.”

Despite the Supreme Court ruling that the state’s current Congressional map an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, Fields believes the map can be drawn so that two of the state’s six Congressional districts are represented by African Americans…

Cut 12 (11) “…to do it.”

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An effort to slow down the trend of public-school districts moving to a four-day week stalled on the House floor. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment explained to a supporter of the bill, Mandeville Representative Kim Carver, that many rural school districts went to a four-day a week schedule to attract and retain school teachers. Firment says it also helps with teacher morale…

Cut 13 (13) “..to them.”

The bill is by Senator Beth Mizell. Her legislation would allow a school system to move from a five-day school week to a four-day school week, if they were an “A” graded school system.

During the debate Firment was one of the more vocal opponents of the legislation…

Cut 14 (12) “…keep teachers.”

As the debate went on, amendments kept getting to the legislation to exempt more school systems from the bill and charter schools. Eventually Reserve Representative Sylvia Taylor says the issue needs to be studied before a law is passed…

Cut 15 (10) “…more study.”

The bill was returned to the calendar and it’s unknown if it has enough support to pass. Fifteen school systems have kids attend classes four days a week and 12 school districts have gone to a four day a week since 2020.

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Saints held a rookie minicamp over the weekend over the weekend headlined by Arizona State wide receiver and eight overall pick Jordyn Tyson. Tyson missed a third of the games over his college career due to MCL, collarbone and hamstring injuries, so head coach Kellen Moore is excited to get a better look at the newest black and gold playmaker.

Cut 16 (19) “…process for him.”

New Orleans also drafted LSU wide receiver Barion Brown in the sixth round of last month’s draft. Brown was an exceptional receiver and return man for Kentucky and LSU and Moore says they’re planning to use his speed as many ways as they can. Brown says he’s willing to do whatever to help his new team.

Cut 17 (12)  “…aspects of it.”

North Dakota State wideout Bryce Lance was selected in the fourth round to form a trio of explosive weapons for second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. With All-pro Chris Olave and a few veterans returning from injury, Moore expects big things from the Saints receiver room.

Cut 18 (18)  “…group for us.”

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.”

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

Cut 2 (38) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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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 is possible…

Cut 3 (11) “…welcome the rain.”

Keim says the threat of severe weather is low…

Cut 4 (12) “…the state.”

Keim says there is a chance for high winds, hail and we can’t rule out the possibility of a tornado.  He says excessive rainfall is possible in southeast Louisiana, the rest of the state will be dodging rain drops…

Cut 5 (10) “…through the weekend.”

The rain will be out of the state on Monday.

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When it comes to being a state that’s friendly to working moms, Louisiana has its work cut out for it. A new study by WalletHub ranks Louisiana dead last for working mothers. Analyst Chip Lupo says the study ranked all 50 states and the District of Columbia across three key dimensions

Cut 6 (14) “…female unemployment rate.”

In the other two key dimensions, Louisiana ranked 50th in child care and 40th in work-life balance. Lupo says the gender pay gap is one thing that really stands out in this study.

Cut 7 (09) “…extremely difficult”

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 (12) “…for employees .”

The best state for working moms – Connecticut. In fact, five of the six New England states took five of the six top spots in the rankings.

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Two people connected with last month’s mass shooting in Shreveport where a gunman killed eight children has 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”

Ford was indicted on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and making false statements to federal agents because he allegedly lied to investigators during questioning.

Michael Mayence has also been indicted. Elkins drove to Mayence home in Bossier City after killing eight children—including seven of his own. Keller says Mayence was also in possession of guns while being subject to a domestic violence injunction…

Cut 10 (07) “…prohibited person.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson says Mayence is an Iraq War veteran and former Louisiana National Guard member who knew Elkins for years…

Cut 11 (11) “…that he took.”

The funeral of the eight children will be held Saturday.

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The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee held a lengthy and sometimes contentious meeting on Friday over proposed Congressional maps to replace the current one struck down by the U-S Supreme Court. The nation’s highest court called it an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis urged the panel to approve another Congressional map that has two majority Black Districts, one in the Baton Rouge area and the other in New Orleans…

Cut 12 (09) “…preferred candidates.”

Four past and present Black Louisiana Congressman testified in support of a map with two majority minority districts. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says it’s simple math, one third of the state is black, therefore Blacks should represent one-third of Louisiana’s House delegation…

Cut 13 (13) “…very basic.”

But the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee is also considering map proposals with just one majority minority district or zero. West Monroe Senator Jay Morris is the author of these proposals and was questioned on how he can support a map where districts are set up so a Republican can represent every district…

Cut 14 (11) “…six conservative districts .”

Morris says the U-S Supreme Court decision said race can not be the primary factor in drawing up political boundaries, but partisan politics can be used…

Cut 15 (10) “…Callais decision.”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee will vote on map proposals at its next meeting on Wednesday.

Emotions will be running high this morning when the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee meets to discuss a new Congressional map. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 1 (39) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Be on the lookout for special coins that commemorate America’s 250th birthday. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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The National Retail Federation says more money will be spent for Mother’s Day this year than ever before. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana Senate has unanimously approved legislation that would give teachers and other public school employees six weeks of paid parental leave after giving birth, adopting or fostering a child. Shreveport Senator Sam Jenkins is the author of the legislation…

Cut 4 (07) “…classroom.”

Jenkins is glad to see both Democrats and Republicans are behind this bill and teachers will appreciate it…

Cut 5 (09) “…new child.”

Currently teachers have to use sick days or take partially paid leave to spend time with a new child. Jenkins says that is not right…

Cut 6 (06) “…illness.”

The measure heads to the House as it needs approval from the lower chamber too. When John Bel Edwards was governor, the legislature approved a law that gave six weeks of paid family leave to state employees.

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Public debate on a new Congressional map begins today at the state capitol. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says last week’s Supreme Court ruling that strikes down the current Congressional map opens the door for the Republican-led Legislature to approve a map that would give the G-O-P an additional seat or two in the U-S House of Representatives…

Cut 7 (11) “…Senate side.”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee meets at 9 AM to begin going over the different Congressional map proposals. The map struck down by the Supreme Court had two majority-minority districts. Alford says there’s a possibility lawmakers approve a six district map where Democrats are unable to represent any of the districts…

Cut 8 (09) “…favor a Republican.”

The Black Legislative Caucus believes that since one-third of the state’s voting population is Black, two of the districts in the state should be represented by a minority. New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis believes that’s still possible despite last week’s Supreme Court ruling…

Cut 9 (09)  “…their choosing.”

Duplessis is a co-author of a map that will be presented in committee today that has two compact majority-minority districts…

Cut 10 (11) “…hasn’t changed.”

No votes are expected today. The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee is expected to approve a map early next week.

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The U-S Mint is commemorating America’s 250^th birthday with redesigned quarters, a half-dollar and a new dime. U-S Mint Director Paul Hollis from Mandeville says you should start seeing them in circulation soon…

Cut 11 (12) “…historic nature.”

There are five different quarters that will be released. Two of them are out right now that feature designs of the Mayflower Compact and one that recognizes the Revolutionary War. Hollis says the half-dollar features a close-up of the Statue of Liberty and the dime is called the Emerging Liberty…

Cut 12 (11) “…nation’s story.”

Hollis will be at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, also known as the old U-S Mint, from 4 to 6 PM today. He says the public will have the opportunity to purchase the circulating 2026 Emerging Liberty Dime and 2026 Revolutionary War Quarter.

Cut 13 (13) “…seeing them.”

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The National Retail Federation says spending this Mother’s Day is expected to reach 38-billion dollars, which would be a new record. Research Analyst Lea Grgich says Mother’s Day remains a priority for many sons and daughters and retailers are ready to make Mother’s Day extra special…

Cut 14 (10) “…three years ago.”

Grgich says almost half of all Mother’s Day spending will fall into one of three categories.

Cut 15 (11) “…at 4.4 billion.”

Grgich says different people will have different priorities when shopping for Mother’s Day gifts.

Cut 16 (10) “…at 39-percent.”

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The LSU Tigers begin a three-game series at 5th ranked Georgia tonight. The Bulldogs are 18-6 in the SEC and they are likely a national seed in the NCAA Tournament. LSU is 9-15 in the league and considered a longshot to make an NCAA Regional. Coach Jay Johnson says his team has nothing to lose…

Cut 17 (24)  “…this team.”

One of the Tigers best hitters, Omar Serna, is dealing with a back issue. Johnson is optimistic his freshman designated hitter will be in the lineup…

Cut 18 (19)  “…he’s playing.” (chuckles)

After losing nine straight SEC games, LSU has won five in a row overall. Catcher Cade Arrambide says the Tigers have found their confidence…

Cut 19 (17) “…doing it.”

First pitch is at 5 PM.

It’s no secret Louisiana’s shrimping industry is struggling. The L-P-B Show Louisiana Spotlight explores the challenges facing the industry. Joe Gallinaro has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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The statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has surpassed four-dollars for the first time since 2022. Joe Gallinaro has more…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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A show that examines the challenges facing Louisiana’s struggling shrimping industry is now available to be streamed at Louisiana Public Broadcasting. Producer Oscar Tickle says the show is called Empty Boats, Foreign Shrimp…

Cut 3 (12) “…regulations.”

Tickle says an influx of imported shrimp has steadily driven down the value of the local catch, making it difficult for shrimpers to stay in business…

Cut 4 (12) “…they are catching.”

Louisiana provides 40-percent of U-S Shrimp production, but the there are only about 15-hundred licensed commercial shrimpers. Tickle says it’s an industry that does not have a bright future…

Cut 5 (08) “…non-viable.”

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The statewide average price for a regular gallon of gasoline has surpassed four dollars for the first time since 2022 in Louisiana. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says the statewide average is up to $4.02, a 22-cent increase, from a week ago. Redman says the reopening of the strait of Hormuz in the Middle East is what needs to happen for gas prices to fall…

Cut 6 (09) “…the system.”

Redman says when gas prices go above four-dollars a gallon, many families are forced to curtail their spending……

Cut 7 (07) “…economy.”

Motorists who drive vehicles that require premium gasoline are paying$4.85 a gallon of regular gasoline. Redman urges those drivers do not use regular or mid-grade gas instead…

Cut 8 (06) “…your engine.”

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Ochsner Health is expanding its Eat Fit program systemwide. The program is now available at all of Ochsner’s 31 cafeterias and at all vending machines throughout the system. Dietician Marie Page says the Eat Fit program encourages healthy eating.

Cut 9 (07)  “…at a discount”

Page says it’s easy to spot an item that’s Eat Fit approved.

Cut 10 (09) “…will be discounted.”

Page says they expanded the program following a very successful pilot program last year.

Cut 11 (10) “…which is great.”

A new study by Tulane University researchers say people in New Orleans should start planning to relocate. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health has released its annual report card on public drinking water systems, and fewer water systems received a failing grade. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The legislation that provides for easy cancellation of automatic renewal subscriptions continues to move through the legislative process. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Researchers at Tulane University say it’s only a matter of time before New Orleans gets swallowed up by gulf waters. Lead researcher Torbjorg Tornqvist (TORB-yorg TORN-quist), a professor of earth and environmental sciences at Tulane, says due to climate change, sea level is gradually rising, and that will lead to further coastal erosion.

Cut 4 (08) “…Gulf of Mexico.”

Tornqvist says as a result, people need to start planning now to move to higher ground.

Cut 5 (12) “…locations for example.”

Tornqvist says the most sustainable areas of New Orleans are the areas that date back prior to 1900, which escaped relatively unscathed following Hurricane Katrina more than 20 years ago. Still, though, he says perhaps as early as the end of this century, the entire city could be swallowed up by gulf waters. He says one thing that can be done to delay the inevitable is to restart the Mid-Baritaria Sediment Diversion Project that was cancelled last year.

Cut 6 (13) “…big storm surges.”

The authors of the study, which was published in the journal Nature Sustainability, says erosion can potentially shift the coast as much as 60 miles inland, which would also put cities like Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Lake Charles in danger.

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Tomorrow, the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee will begin public hearings on a new legislative map, which is necessitated after the Supreme Court declared the current map an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. 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.”

Cross says the most likely outcome is a map that yields five Republican-leaning districts and one Democratic-leaning district.

Cut 8 (12) “…the Supreme Court.”

Many Democrats will likely be pushing for a map that yields the same partisan makeup as the current one, but Cross says it will be next to impossible to draw one up that will pass Constitutional muster.

Cut 9 (09)  “…thing in mind.”

The legislature must finalize a new map by June 1st, which is when the session must end. After a new map is adopted, the U.S. House election process will start again from square one.

_________________________________________________________

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 his or her 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.”

Seabaugh says the way the legislation is written, the death penalty would still be on the table for the defendant even if he or she shoots an unintended target.

Cut 11 (10) “…to kill him.”

On April 23rd, 17-year-old Martha Odom of Lafayette Parish was fatally shot when another teenager allegedly shot at a group of people. Odom was one of six people shot. Investigators say she was an innocent bystander.

First-degree murder charges are usually handed down if a person kills another person while also committing a felony. There was very little discussion when Seabaugh brought the amendment up for a vote.

Cut 12 (09) “…you actually hit.”

The legislation passed on a 35 to nothing vote and heads to the House floor for concurrence.

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The Louisiana Department of Health has released its annual report card on drinking water. L-D-H provides a letter grade for each of the state’s 909 community public water systems. L-D-H Chief Engineer Steven Joubert says there are fewer “D” and “F” graded systems — it went down from 105 in 2024 to 90 in 2025.

Cut 13 (10) “…seek to improve.”

Joubert says the water system grades can be found on L-D-H’s website.

Cut 14 (07) “…at that report.”

Sixty-seven-percent, or 608, of the state’s 909 community public water systems received “A” grade. Several water systems in St. Tammany Parish received an “A” grade, along with systems in East and West Baton Rouge parishes, as well as West Bank Water System in New Orleans.

Shreveport received an “F” grade, and that’s based on seven criteria that includes operation and maintenance, infrastructure sustainability and customer satisfaction. Joubert says Shreveport is taking steps to improve its water system infrastructure.

Cut 15 (06) “…work to improve.”

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The LSU baseball team will begin a series against sixth-ranked Georgia tomorrow night. It will be a tough test for the Tigers’ pitching staff as the Bulldogs have one of the best offenses in the country. LSU has a team ERA above five, and they lead the league in walks allowed and wild pitches. Pitching Coach Nate Yeskie…

Cut 16 (15) “…and support them.”

William Schmidt is expected to make his second straight Friday night start. He’s 5-4, with a 3.90 ERA. Schmidt has had some struggles, but Yeskie was encouraged with his last start against South Carolina…

Cut 17 (21)  “…of the stretch.”

Deven Sheerin has emerged as LSU’s best reliever. He has a 3.16 ERA with four saves and has struck out 48 in 31.1 innings pitched. Sheerin missed last season because of a knee injury and Yeskie says the big right-hander used the year off productively…

Cut 18 (17)  “…him some perspective.”

John Fleming and Julia Letlow each made the case during a debate on the Moon Griffon Show that he or she is the most conservative candidate in the U.S. Senate Republican primary. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (38) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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2025 was a big year of tourism for Louisiana, but it could have been better. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The House Appropriations Committee has approved a bill that increase 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.”

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A lot of allegations have been tossed around in the US Senate Republican primary. Two of the candidates in the race had to address those during a 90-minute debate on the Moon Griffon Show. Congresswoman Julia Letlow is accused of breaking the law for failing to disclose more than 200 stock trades. Letlow says she did not break federal law as her stocks are handled by a second pary…

Cut 4 (11) “…that’s absolutely ludicrous.”

Letlow and John Fleming are challenging two-term incumbent Bill Cassidy. President Trump has endorsed Letlow, but Fleming, who served in Trump’s administration during his first presidency, says he also has the president’s backing…

Cut 5 (13) “…his very words.”

Cassidy did not participate in the debate. Fleming and Letlow spent much of the debate trying to prove to voters they are the true conservative in the race. Fleming says Letlow is not a fiscal conservative…

Cut 6 (10) “…cut back spending.”

Letlow accused Fleming of being pro carbon capture and sequestration…

Cut 7 (14) “…time in Congress.”

Fleming says Letlow is not telling the truth as his Congressional record shows he stoon strong against carbon capture and sequestration.

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2025 was another big year for tourism in Louisiana, with 45-million people visiting the state. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says those visitors spent big while in the state, generating very valuable tax revenue.

Cut 8 (11) “…have to pay.”

While New Orleans is obviously the runaway leader in terms of cities, Nungesser says the state has been very aggressive in marketing the entire state as a great place to visit.

Cut 9 (13)  “…to big cities.”

Louisiana’s tourism numbers in 2025 were bolstered by domestic visitors. Nungesser says foreign travel to Louisiana was down last year, particularly from Canada, which has historically been Louisiana’s largest market for foreign visitors. 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.”

Nungesser says he expects a rebound in foreign travel starting next year, when New Orleans hosts the IPW Convention, which is the travel industry’s biggest convention.

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With May having some of the best weather of the year in Louisiana, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is urging you to make an extra effort to watch for motorcycles on the roadway. Spokesman Greg Fischer says motorcycles are more difficult to see on the road than other vehicles.

Cut 11 (10) “…road user here.”

Fischer says when motorcycle riders are involved in crashes, the results are almost always more devastating than if they’re in cars or SUVs, since there’s nothing around them to protect them. And while progress is being made, 2024 was still a deadly year for motorcycle riders.

Cut 12 (09) “…lost 93 riders.”

Of course, motorcycle riders need to do their part as well in staying safe. That includes not speeding, not riding in a foolish manner, and complying with Louisiana law by wearing DOT-approved helmets, which Fischer says are proven to save lives, based on numbers from 2017.

Cut 13 (13)  “…wearing a helmet.”

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A bill that would significantly increase the salaries of the governor and other statewide elected officials received pushback, but the House Appropriations Committee approved the proposal. 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 (11) “…to your governor.”

Actually the raise would be 52-thousand dollars, and the other statewide elected officials would also see their pay increase by 41-thousand dollars to an annual salary of 156-thousand dollars.

The bill also provides legislators with additional per diem and the ability to collect a 178-dollar daily stipend when performing legislative duties on days outside of the session. This money would be on top of the 16,800 dollars state lawmakers receive annually.

Rosepine Representative Charles Owen admits the pay is not great to be a legislator, but he can’t vote for this bill.

Cut 15 (06) “…face and explaining.”

Harahan Representative John Illg is the author of the legislation, and he says statewide elected officials haven’t seen a pay raise in 20 years.

Cut 16 (11) “…down the road.”

Illg says it’s very difficult to hold down a full-time job, plus perform your duties as a state legislator. He’s worried the low pay that state legislators currently receive will keep younger people from wanting to be a state lawmaker.

Cut 17 (07)  “…don’t address this.”

The measure passed on an 18-to-4 vote and heads to the House floor for more discussion.

While the national smoking rate dropped to a new milestone, advocates in Louisiana acknowledge that there’s more work to do. Joe Gallinaro reports…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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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.”

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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.”

Van Hattum says cigarettes are not the only tobacco product that Tobacco Free Louisiana has to pay attention to these days.

Cut 4 (10) “…use smokeless products.”

Van Hattom says among the keys to reducing those numbers even further is countering the aggressive advertising campaigns geared towards young people, because statistics show those ad campaigns are working.

Cut 5 (11) “…and prevention efforts.”

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One of the top athletes in the country has committed to play football at LSU and he also wants to play for Will Wade and the Tigers men’s basketball team. Ruston High’s Ahmad Hudson is ranked as the nation’s top tight end in the country for the Class of 2027 and he’s also ranked as the best basketball player in the state. KNOE-TV Sports Director Aaron Dietrich…

Cut 6 (08) “…that special.”

Hudson led both the Ruston football and boys basketball teams to the state championship this past season. He caught 41 passes for 718 and had six touchdowns for the Bearcats on the football field and was recently named Mr. Basketball in Louisiana after averaging 20 points and 13 rebounds a game. Dietrich says Hudson wants to play both football and basketball at LSU…

Cut 7 (07) “…so hard”

Hudson’s father, Antonio Hudson, played on the LSU basketball team from 2002 to 2005. More than 30 power conference schools offered Hudson a scholarship and Dietrich says it came down to a Big Ten school and LSU…

Cut 8 (09) “…with it also.”

Hudson still has one more season at Ruston before he arrives on LSU’s campus. LSU also received a commitment over the weekend from cornerback Lavonte Williams, a junior college transfer from South Carolina. He will be able to help the Tigers starting this year.

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If your pharmacist is from Louisiana, there’s a very good chance that he or she graduated from ULM. Dr. Gina Craft, the dean of the ULM College of Pharmacy, says 75-percent of the state’s pharmacy workforce are ULM graduates.

Cut 9 (13)  “…of our state.”

The ULM College of Pharmacy has a 100-percent job placement rate among its graduates – every single pharmacy student who graduates from ULM immediately lands a high-paying job. Dr. Craft says when the students graduate, they’re immediately ready to launch their careers.

Cut 10 (14) “…when they graduate.”

Craft says pharmacists play a very crucial healthcare role in rural areas.

Cut 11 (08) “…preventative care services.”

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A 28-year-old Lafayette Parish man is behind bars after allegedly setting a fire that killed a nine-year-old girl. An apartment caught fire early Sunday morning in an unincorporated area of Duson. Two adults escaped the blaze, but fire fighters could not locate the girl in time as she died at a local hospital. Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Chris Cormier says detectives believe Julian Jacob set the fire…

Cut 12 (06) “…apprehend him.”

Cormier says Jacob was booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center and faces numerous charges…

Cut 13 (11) “…narcotics.”

No word on Jacob’s relationship with the people who lived inside the apartment that was set on fire. A motive is also not known.

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.”

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The first four months of 2026 have shown encouraging signs on the insurance front in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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With four weeks to go in the legislative session, state lawmakers are expected to begin this week the public debate on drawing up a new Congressional district map. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the current map is an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. At issue is the sixth district, which in 2024 was created as the state’s second major minority district and Democrat Cleo Fields represents it. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says not only does the sixth district’s boundaries need to be changed, several others need to be redrawn too.

Cut 4 (09) “…all that out.”

Redistricting is never a fun process for the Louisiana Legislature. Pinsonat says one factor that makes this map drawing exercise more complicated is that you have three state lawmakers running for Congress…

Cut 5 (06) “…I can run.”

State senators Blake Miguez and Rick Edmonds and state representative Michael Echols were all candidates in the 5th District race.

Pinsonat expects the map that this Louisiana Legislature will approve will look much like the one approved by lawmakers in 2022 that was challenged legally by civil rights groups…

Cut 6 (10) “…please them.”

Pinsonat also expects the Louisiana Legislature will approve legislation that would move the U-S House races back to an open primary.

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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. He cautions policyholders, however, that that doesn’t mean they’ll see a lower bill next month.

Cut 8 (12) “…a rate decrease.”

Temple says the fact that some insurance carriers have filed for rate increases proves that the job of insurance reform is not done yet.

Cut 9 (05)  “…work to do.”

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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.”

Restore the Mississippi River Delta supports many of the projects including the River Reintroduction into Maurepas Swamp, which will divert fresh water from the Mississippi River into the second-largest coastal forest remaining in Louisiana. Amanda Moore is with the National Wildlife Federation

Cut 11 (11) “…outside of New Orleans.”

But Restore the Mississippi River Delta remains upset that the Landry administration cancelled the Mid-Barataria and Mid-Breton Sediment diversions were cancelled. Moore says the state already spent nearly 700-million dollars in Deepwater Horizon funds on these two large diversions…

Cut 12 (12) “…restore the coast.”

However Dove says you get a better bang for your buck with land bridges…

Cut 13 (10) “…coast..”

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Multiple lawsuits have been filed seeking to force the elections for U.S. House to proceed. Among them was one filed by fifth district Democratic candidate Lindsay Garcia, who said Landry was out of bounds in calling off the House elections.

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

While the House elections are suspended, early voting for all other races, including U.S. Senate, is underway, which Garcia says adds to the problem

Cut 15 (08) “…getting right now.”

Garcia points out that, as is the case with all Supreme Court rulings, there is a waiting period of 32 days before Wednesday’s ruling becomes final, so the ruling would not become final until well after the May 16th primary election.. 

Cut 16 (13) “…the Louisiana legislature.”

In a separate case, the 19th Judicial District Court Friday afternoon rejected an attempt to force the state to hold the U.S. House elections.

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The Ragin Cajuns swept Georgia State this past weekend at Tigue Moore Field to get U-L Lafayette back to the .500 mark in Sun Belt Belt play. Coach Matt Deggs sweeps in conference play make up for games you could have won earlier in the season…

Cut 17 (23)  “…sometimes.”

The Cajuns defeated Georgia State four to three on Sunday to complete the sweep and a 5-0 week. Shortstop Blaze Rodriguez was part of a dramatic double play to end the game and says getting the brooms out is always fun…

Cut 18 (10)  “…pitchers.”

The Cajuns host UNO on Tuesday.

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The LSU baseball team’s faint NCAA Tournament hopes are still alive after getting a much needed sweep over South Carolina. Catcher Cade Arrambide had another big day on Sunday, with three hits and an RBI. Arrambide says after losing nine straight SEC games, LSU needed this sweep…

Cut 19 (10) “…good teams.”

Zac Cowan was the winning pitcher on Sunday as he threw six shutout innings. LSU’s pitchers were in command all weekend, allowing just four runs during the three game series. Coach Jay Johnson says throwing strikes makes a difference…

Cut 20 (19) “…this weekend.”