5:30 LRN Newscast/Legislative Report

The state legislature will soon have to draw a new congressional map, after the Supreme Court ruled the current one unconstitutional. In a six-to-three ruling that fell right along ideological lines, the court ruled that the creation of the second majority-Black district, one that stretches diagonally from Shreveport to Baton Rouge, relied too much on race. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the legislature may certainly use other factors in drawing a new map, but it may not intentionally use race.

Cut 10 (09) “…game going forward.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill was pleased with today’s Supreme Court ruling.

Cut 12 (14) “…to do that.”

So now that the legislature has to draw a new map, the big question is, when will it actually do so? Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

In a joint statement, House Speaker Phillip DeVillier and Senate President Cameron Henry say they’re reviewing the court’s ruling and are meeting with the members of their respective houses, representatives from the executive branch, elections officials and counsel to determine the next steps to be taken in the best interests of the state and its voters.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU redshirt junior quarterback Sam Leavitt has missed most of the spring while recovering from a Lisfranc foot injury. Coach Lane Kiffin says that even though he has not been able to spend much time on the field, Leavitt has remained engaged and continues to find ways to improve.

Cut 19 (13) “…but mentally also.”

Junior safety Dashawn Spears moved to the STAR position this offseason. Kiffin says it’s one of the most important roles on the field and believes the Denham Springs native did a tremendous job there this spring.

Cut 20 (14) “…we’ve gotten here.”

Now that spring practice is officially over, LSU’s assistant coaches have hit the recruiting trail hard this week, spreading out across the country. Linebackers coach Chris Kiffin has been working in the Baton Rouge area, defensive line coach Sterling Lucas is on the East Coast, and interior defensive line coach Kevin Peoples is in Texas.

The LSU baseball team snapped a three-game losing streak last night with a 12–4 win over Southeastern Louisiana. Sophomore outfielder Derek Curiel led the way at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a solo home run, two doubles, and two RBIs. The Tigers will look to snap their historic nine-game SEC losing streak on Friday when they host South Carolina.

UL-Lafayette also got back in the win column last night, run-ruling Southern 15-5 in seven innings to end the Jaguars’ 10-game winning streak. Former Catholic High standout Noah Lewis led the offense with two hits and four RBIs, including a solo home run. The Cajuns host Nicholls tonight at 6 p.m. before taking on Georgia State this weekend.

ULM run-ruled Louisiana Tech 16-5 in seven innings on Tuesday, snapping the Bulldogs’ three-game winning streak. It marked the second time this season the Warhawks have run-ruled Tech. ULM travels to 12th-ranked Southern Miss this weekend, while Louisiana Tech heads to Dallas Baptist.

4:30 LRN Newscast

The US Supreme Court has thrown out Louisiana’s congressional map. In a six-to-three ruling that fell right along ideological lines, the court ruled that Cleo Fields’ district, which stretches from Shreveport to Baton Rouge, relied too much on race. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the state intentionally went to extraordinary lengths to create that district, and that’s what the court took exception to.

Cut 9 (10)  “…unconstitutional racial gerrymander.”

Fields says the Supreme Court’s ruling is a grave setback to voting rights and to the promise of equal political representation for all Americans…

Cut 14 (10) “…state is Louisiana”

So now, a new congressional map for Louisiana will need to be drawn.

 

So what happens now that the nation’s highest court has struck down Louisiana’s second majority Black congressional district. Governor Jeff Landry says they are still analyzing the ruling…

Cut 6 (08) “…moving forward”

The case is remanded to the Western District of Louisiana. State Attorney General Liz Murrill says Western District Court judges could draw a new map, but the Legislature has the first chance to act…

Cut 13 (11) “…draw a map.”

Murrill believes it is possible for the Legislature to draw a new Congressional map this year, but decisions need to be made quicky.

Early voting for the Congressional primaries based on the current map starts on Saturday. But Democrats say it is way too late to postpone the May 16th primary.

3:30 LRN Newscast

In a ruling that fell right down ideological lines, the Supreme Court has thrown out Louisiana’s congressional map. Andrew Greenstein has analysis.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

 

The ruling comes down as early voting for the Congressional party primaries begins on Saturday. Congressman Cleo Fields, whose district would be most affected by a new map, says it’s too late to postpone the May 16th primary…

Cut 15 (06)  “….my view unwise”

 

Governor Jeff Landry has weighed in on today’s U-S Supreme Court ruling that strikes down the state’s Congressional map as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. Landry says drawing districts for political reasons is the State’s perogrative not a federal civil rights violation…

Cut 7 (14) “>…implemented”

A proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit a governor from serving more than two terms fails to receive approval in the House. Only two individuals have ever served more than two terms as governor in Louisiana, Earl Long and Edwin Edwards. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham believes in a state with four million people, you should not have one person lead the state for more than eight years…

Cut 5 (10) “…out of Louisiana.”

Bayham says he’s uncertain if he’ll bring the legislation up for a third vote on the House floor. Each time, he missed out on two-thirds approval by three votes.

LRN PM Newscall

Now that the U-S Supreme Court has struck down Louisiana’s current Congressional map. When will the Louisiana Legislature draw a new one? Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

In a ruling that fell right down ideological lines, the Supreme Court has thrown out Louisiana’s congressional map. Andrew Greenstein has analysis.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

A proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit a governor from serving more than two terms fails to receive approval in the House by three votes. It’s the second time this session Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham’s bill came up three votes short and he’s disappointed…

Cut 3 (06) “…just wouldn’t vote.”

The legislation needs 70 “Yes” votes to pass. It received 67 votes. Seventeen lawmakers abstained from voting. Bayham is also disappointed one of the 21 “No” votes came from Covington Representative Mark Wright…

Cut 4 (09) “…all of us.”

Only two individuals have ever served more than two terms as governor in Louisiana, Earl Long and Edwin Edwards. Bayham believes in a state with four million people, you should not have one person lead the state for more than eight years…

Cut 5 (10) “…out of Louisiana.”

Bayham says he’s uncertain if he’ll bring the legislation up for a third vote on the House floor.

____________________________________________

So, what happens now that the nation’s highest court has struck down Louisiana’s second majority Black congressional district? Governor Jeff Landry says they are still analyzing the ruling…

Cut 6 (08) “…moving forward”

Federal elections are this year in Louisiana. Candidates seeking to represent Louisiana in one of the state’s six Congressional districts are gearing up for early voting that begins on Saturday. Landry says the Supreme Court’s time on issuing a ruling could have been better…

Cut 7 (15) “..of the election.”

Landry hopes the result of the Supreme Court’s decision is an end to the court’s involvement in redistricting…

Cut 8 (14) “..our roads.”

_____________________________________________________

The Supreme Court has thrown out Louisiana’s congressional map. In a six-to-three ruling that fell right along ideological lines, the court ruled that the creation of the second majority-Black district, one that stretches diagonally from Shreveport to Baton Rouge, relied too much on race. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the state intentionally went to extraordinary lengths to create that district, and that’s what the court took exception to.

Cut 9 (10)  “…unconstitutional racial gerrymander.”

Ciolino says state legislatures may certainly use other factors in drawing congressional district lines, but they may not intentionally use race.

Cut 10 (09) “…game going forward.”

Ciolino says while the Supreme Court did not strike down the 1965 Voting Rights Act, its ruling today will have the effect of significantly gutting Section Two of that law.

Cut 11 (13) “…in drawing lines.”

In a statement, Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry said her office is currently analyzing the opinion; and since it’s been remanded back to the Western District, she’s limited as to what she can say at this time.

_______________________________________________________________

Attorney General Liz Murrill was pleased with today’s Supreme Court ruling.

Cut 12 (14) “…to do that.”

So now, the case is remanded back to the Western District of Louisiana. Murrill says in the meantime, a new congressional map will need to be drawn.

Cut 13 (11) “…draw a map.”

_______________________________________________________________

The Supreme Court ruling will in all likelihood have a profound effect on the political future of Congressman Cleo Fields. It was his district that the lawsuit had targeted. As one might expect, Fields was not happy with the Supreme Court’s decision to declare Louisiana’s congressional map unconstitutional.

Cut 14 (10) “…state is Louisiana.”

So now, a new congressional map for Louisiana will need to be drawn. Whether that can be done in time for the 2026 general election remains to be seen. Fields says changing the rules at this point in the 2026 election cycle would be counterproductive.

Cut 15 (06) “…my view, unwise.”

Fields says the best course of action is to have a new map in place for the 2028 election cycle.

2:30 LRN Newscast

The Supreme Court has ruled Louisiana’s congressional map unconstitutional. In a six-to-three ruling that fell right along ideological lines, the court ruled that the creation of the second majority-Black district relied too much on race. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says while the Supreme Court did not strike down the 1965 Voting Rights Act, its ruling today will have the effect of significantly gutting Section Two of that law.

Cut 11 (13) “…in drawing lines.”

The district in question runs diagonally from Shreveport to Baton Rouge and is represented by Cleo Fields. As one might expect, Fields was not happy with the decision.

Cut 14 (10) “…state is Louisiana.”

With the Supreme Court ruling Louisiana’s congressional map unconstitutional, the case is now remanded to the Western District of Louisiana. State Attorney General Liz Murrill says in the meantime, a new congressional map will need to be drawn.

Cut 13 (11) “…draw a map.”

For the second time, Chalmette Representative Mike Bayham’s proposed constitutional amendment limiting governors to two lifetime terms comes up three votes short of the 70 needed for it to advance. Bayham is disappointed one of the 21 “No” votes came from Covington Representative Mark Wright…

Cut 4 (09) “…all of us.”

Seventeen lawmakers abstained from voting.

1:30 LRN Newscast

The U-S Supreme Court ruled today Louisiana’s Congressional maps are unconstitutional racial gerrymandering. In a six to three decision, the conservative justices on the court say race played too big of a factor in drawing the Congressional district that Cleo Fields represents, which stretches from Baton Rouge to Shreveport. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the court is telling all states race can not be intentionally used to draw a map…

Cut 10 (09) “…going forward”

Governor Landry hopes the result of the Supreme Court’s decision is an end to the court’s involvement in redistricting…

Cut 8 (14) “..our roads.”

 

Once again our big story today, the U-S Supreme Court has said Louisiana lawmakers relied too heavily on race when it drew its Congressional map that creates a second-majority minority district. Attorney General Liz Murrill was pleased with today’s Supreme Court ruling.

Cut 12 (14) “…to do that.”

So now, a new congressional map for Louisiana will need to be drawn. Whether that can be done in time for the 2026 general election remains to be seen. Congressman Cleo Fields says changing the rules at this point in the 2026 election cycle would be counterproductive.

Cut 15 (06) “…my view, unwise.”

Fields says the best course of action is to have a new map in place for the 2028 election cycle.

12:30 LRN Newscast

The US Supreme Court has thrown out Louisiana’s congressional map. In a six-to-three ruling that fell right along ideological lines, the court ruled that Cleo Fields’ district, which stretches from Shreveport to Baton Rouge, relied too much on race. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the state intentionally went to extraordinary lengths to create that district, and that’s what the court took exception to.

Cut 9 (10)  “…unconstitutional racial gerrymander.”

Fields says the Supreme Court’s ruling is a grave setback to voting rights and to the promise of equal political representation for all Americans.

So what happens now that the nation’s highest court has struck down Louisiana’s second majority Black congressional district. Governor Jeff Landry says they are still analyzing the ruling…

Cut 6 (08) “…moving forward”

Secretary of State Nancy Landry says the case has been sent back to the Western District of Louisiana. Fields says the Supreme Court’s ruling does not require a new map to be drawn so the upcoming federal elections should go on as scheduled. Early voting for the May 16th primary is Saturday.

Ground breaking takes place this afternoon on a new I-10 bridge in Lake Charles. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Funeral services for the 17-year-old Lafayette Parish girl who was killed last week during a mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana will be next Saturday 10 AM at the Episcopal Church of Ascension in Lafayette. The public can donate to the Martha Odom Legacy of Joyful Grace in Motion fund at the Community Foundation of Acadiana.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The LSU baseball team bounced back from a tough weekend in Starkville to beat Southeastern Louisiana 12 to 4. Coach Jay Johnson says his guys were ready to play. Zac Cowan threw four scoreless innings of relief and Derek Curiel had two doubles and a homer.

The Cajuns gave up five runs in the fifth inning but went on to beat Southern University 15 to 5. Noah Lewis and Colt Brown each homered. Tonight, U-L Lafayette hosts Nicholls.

ULM beat up on future Sun Belt rival Louisiana Tech 16 to 5. Bryce Blaser and Sutton Lewis each drove in four runs. In two games this season, the Warhawks outscored the Bulldogs 30 to 8. ULM is at Southern Miss this weekend.

In action later today…Northwestern State visits 22nd ranked Arkansas and McNeese travels to Houston.

Former Parkway star Chloe Larry has signed with LSU women’s basketball after two years at Tennessee Tech. Larry won two state titles at Parkway and averaged nearly 14 points a game last season at Tennessee Tech.

At the start of spring practice, LSU’s defense was miles ahead of the offense. With several new pieces on that side of the ball, it took time to adjust, but Coach Lane Kiffin says he’s seen progress for the second straight week following Saturday’s scrimmage in Tiger Stadium.

Cut 18 (13)  “…pleased with that.”

Louisiana Tech has reached a settlement with Conference USA that allows Tech to leave Conference USA and join the Sun Belt on July 1st. The exit fee is a reported eight million or more dollars. Matt Bellinson with the Ruston Leader, says it’s costly, but a move that will end up favoring La Tech when all is said and done…

Cut 15 (12) “….right for them”

 

11:30 LRN Newscast

The Supreme Court rules Louisiana’s congressional map unconstitutional. The vote was six to three, and it fell right down ideological lines. The court ruled that the state relied too heavily on race in drawing its current congressional map, which includes a district that stretches diagonally from Shreveport to Baton Rouge. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says the court did not throw out the 1965 Voting Rights Act in its ruling; but it did leave a key question unanswered – how much is too much?

Cut 10 (12) “…and is enough?”

The current map will remain in place until a new map is drawn. The big questions are – when will the legislature draw that new map, and is there any chance that it will be in place for the November election? One thing that could complicate that is that early voting in the closed primary starts Saturday.

Construction officially gets underway this afternoon on the new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Brian Abshire says the new 2.3-billion-dollar bridge will be a vast improvement over the one that it will be replacing.

Cut 5 (06) “…still being debated.”

The state will collect tolls for 50 years; Abshire says that was the only option to gain the funding needed for the massive project, which will take seven years to complete.

Louisiana Tech and Conference USA reach an agreement that will allow the school to move to the Sun Belt July 1st. Even though the move will cost the university an estimated eight-million dollars, Matt Bellinson of the Ruston Leader believes it will be money well spent when all is said and done.

Cut 15 (12) “…right for them.”