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.

If you’re planning on going to Paris to watch the Saints play this year, you can now start making your plans. Andrew Greenstein reports that’s because we now know not only the opponent, but also the date.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A marathon meeting of  Senate Governmental Affairs results in the approval of a Congressional map that will likely result in five Republicans and one Democrat representing Louisiana in the US House. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (45) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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We’ve known for a while that the Saints will be playing a game in Paris this season. Now, we know the date and their opponent – October 25th against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jeff Duncan, who covers the Saints for The Advocate and NOLA-dot-com, says everyone thought that their opponent would be the Browns, but the NFL had other ideas.

Cut 3 (11) “…an attractive matchup.”

The two teams have met 17 times, with the Saints leading the all-time series, nine-to-eight, including wins in four of the last five matchups.

This game will officially be a Saints home game. Duncan says in a way, it really will be a Saints home game – the Saints have exclusive marketing rights to France.

Cut 4 (10) “…the American border.”

Duncan says if you’re planning on going, make your plans now, and plan on arriving a few days earlier, since there will be plenty of events and plenty of opportunities for networking with fellow Saints fans.

Cut 5 (10) “…to that event.”

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The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee spent all night debating a new Congressional  map and after nearly ten hours a map was approved at around 4:30 this morning that has one majority Black district. The committee heard hours of testimony from the public who urged Senators to pass a six-district map with two majority Black districts. New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis explained why opponents to a 5-1 map waited hours to testify…

Cut 6 (11) “..six decades.”

Duplessis directed those comments towards Republican West Monroe Senator Jay Morris, who is the author of the map that favors Republicans to represent five of the six districts.…

Cut 7 (09) “…Greeks invented it”

Duplessis told West Monroe Republican Jay Morris that Blacks would be underrepresented with a five-one map…

Cut 8 (17) “..Republicans.”

Before approving a five-one Congressional map, Senate Governmental Affairs rejected a 4-2 map, where two districts in southeast Louisiana would give Black voters an opportunity to elect the candidate of their choice. The measure failed on four-three party line vote as all four Republicans voted against the measure. The vote angered many who spent the night at the capitol…

Cut 9 (16)  “…in your district”

Another member of the public told the committee she thought the passionate testimony in support of a Congressional map with Black majority districts would sway the Republican lawmakers on the panel, but it did not…

Cut 10 (07) “…4-3 vote”

The full Senate is expected to vote Thursday on a five-one Congressional map that Republicans support.

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Louisiana State Police has agreed to pay the family of Ronald Greene 4.8-million dollars to settle the wrongful death case. The settlement comes almost seven years to the day after a group of white troopers fatally beat Greene, who was Black, during a traffic stop in Union Parish. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says given the degree of liability for the loss of a human life, this is a very reasonable settlement. 

Cut 11 (12) “…the same time.”

Borghardt says this was the best possible outcome for everyone involved.

Cut 12 (10) “…paying the money.”

As for whether this settlement will serve as a deterrent from something like this from happening again, Borghardt says this is more of a case of the settlement being the icing on the cake.

Cut 13 (09) “…before this settlement.”

In a statement, Attorney General Liz Murrill says the state agreed that it was time to end the litigation, which arose under the prior administration, and put the matter behind everyone involved.

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Louisiana ranks first in the nation for reading growth according to a new report from the Education Scorecard. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says this latest scorecard measured growth from 2022 to 2025….

Cut 14 (12) “…we are making.”

Louisiana also ranks second for math growth from 2022 to 2025. Brumley says the rankings are a point of pride for our state, but they are far from satisfied and will keep pushing for greater academic outcomes…

Cut 15 (11) “…so important.”

Monuments taken down could be relocated to state parks under a bill making its way through the legislature. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Republican lawmaker at the center of the redistricting debate says he’s received death threats after accused of using a derogatory word towards the executive director of the Louisiana Democratic Party. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Monuments which are taken down may have new life, thanks to a bill advancing in the legislature. Chalmette Representative Mike Bayham’s bill would transfer any publicly-owned historical statue or monument removed from public display to the Office of State Parks. Bayham says it’s a good compromise.

Cut 3 (09) “…their land anymore.”

Bayham says under his bill, the office would be required to move any such monument to a location in a different parish which is open to the public. 

Cut 4 (12) “…protection from vandalism.”

While Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, who oversees the Office of State Parks, says House Bill 1215 was designed to deal with Confederate monuments which were taken down in New Orleans in 2017, Bayham says his bill makes no mention of Confederate monuments and applies to other monuments as well.

Cut 5 (09) “…been taken down.”

The bill passed in the House last week on a vote of 78 to 14 and now moves to the Senate.

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A bill that would increase the pay of the governor and other statewide elected officials barely gets enough votes to pass the Louisiana House. Harahan Representative John Illg’s legislation would increase the governor’s salary in 2028 from 130 thousand to 174-thousand dollars, the same amount a U-S Representative receives…

Cut 6 (09) “…appropriate measure.”

The bill passed on a 54-35 vote. Fifty-three “Yes” votes are needed for a bill to pass the 105-member House, and there were several state representatives who tried to change their vote afterwards, but it was too late.

Illg’s legislation also increases the salary of the state’s other six statewide elected officials from 115 thousand to 154-thousand dollars.

He says the measure does not raise the pay for state lawmakers, which would stay at $16,800. But the measure would provide legislators with additional opportunities to receive per diem…

Cut 7 (11) “…already do this”

Illg says it’s been decades since the state addressed the pay of elected officials…

Cut 8 (11) “…their own.”

The measure heads to the Senate and it’s unknown what kind of support the bill will receive.

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State Senator Jay Morris says he and his staff received multiple death threats for something he says he never said. The executive director of the Louisiana Democratic Party Dadrius Lanus says Morris used a racial slur during last Friday’s racially charged debate over a new Congressional map. Morris says the untrue allegation led to 150 nasty voice mails for his legislative assistant to hear…

Cut 9 (13)  “…to be party”

Morris says news outlets support his story that he did not use the word “Boy” when he told Lanus, a Black Man, to “Shut Up.”

The Republican from West Monroe says one voice mail threatened to carry out a mass shooting at his office….

Cut 10 (06) “…family”

Morris blames the leaders at the Louisiana Democratic Party of using lies to generate hate

Cut 11 (08) “…know better.”

Lanus says Morris told him, a Black man, to shut up boy. Morris admits to telling the crowd behind him to shut up because they were distracting him while he was answering questions from the committee.

State Police is investigating.

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New Orleans Senator Gary Carter is no longer on the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee after his heated exchange with West Monroe Senator Jay Morris. Carter’s emotions boiled as he questioned Morris about his intentions with legislation that he believes is attempting to remove Black people from political office…

Cut 12 (13) “…heart”

Senate Governmental Affairs Chairman Caleb Kleinpeter had to stop the meeting so emotions could subside.

Carter issued a public apology to Morris on the Senate floor….

Cut 13 (10) “…my temper.”

On Tuesday, Senator Carter announced he is stepping away from Senate Governmental Affairs and will be replaced by fellow Democrat and New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis. Carter says his decision to remove himself from the panel will help restore the decorum and focus this moment demands.

During a speech to fellow Senators, Carter admits he lost his cool while discussing a contentious issue…..

Cut 14 (11) “…we had Friday”

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.”

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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 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.

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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.

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.”