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.”

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.”