4:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU baseball team will take a five-game winning streak into its series against sixth ranked Georgia after beating Tulane last night 13 to six. Following the game, Coach Jay Johnson provided an update on starting pitcher Casan Evans, who has missed the last two weekends after experiencing arm soreness..

Cut 19 (19) “…ready to go”

LSU will need to win at least four games over the next two weekends, against Georgia and Florida, to put themselves in position for an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament.

The Ragin Cajuns are a bubble team and they suffered a bad loss last night to UNO, falling the Privateers nine to six in ten innings. U-L Lafayette visits Appalachian State this weekend. The Mountaineers are 15-9 in the Sun Belt.

 

A power forward from Brazil who professionally plays for a team in Israel has committed to the LSU Tigers. Twenty-three-year-old Marcio Santos reportedly chose LSU over Kentucky. He’s averaging seven points, four rebounds a game and he can knock down shots from the perimeter.

Coach Will Wade just told Jon Rothstein from C-B-S that they plan to sign several international players…

Cut 29 (29) “…to us”

Wade also says despite having just two players publicly committed, they have secured commitments from seven to eight guys who plan to play at LSU next season.

4:30 LRN Newscast

Cleco says it has started its largest grid resiliency investment in the power company’s history. Spokesperson Brooke Buford says the plan includes replacing electronic equipment, undergrounding portions of the system and assessing more than 700 utility poles…

Cut 9 (10) “…your area”

Buford says the work will reduce outages and shorten restoration times.

There is a tornado watch until 11 PM for a large portion of the state. The watch box covers all of central Louisiana and several parishes just north of I-10. National Weather Service Meteorologist  Brandon Thorne describes the situation…

Cut 10 (09) “…to develop”

Thorne says parishes across central Louisiana could expect to see two to three inches of rain through Saturday. Some areas could see even higher amounts.

 

The Louisiana House has approved a proposed constitutional amendment that says a governor can not serve more than two terms.

Cut 5 (12) “…to Louisiana”

The governor is already term limited to two consecutive terms, so Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham’s legislation would prevent a governor from serving two consecutive terms, sitting out four years and then running for governor again. The measure heads to the Senate for more discussion.

Governor Jeff Landry is facing a recall petition because of his decision to suspend the U-S House elections after the Supreme Court ruled the state’s Congressional map is unconstitutional. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says it’s not unusual for a governor to face recall petition, but none of the previous petitions have been successful…

Cut 15 (06) “…nowhere”

In 2008, Jindal did not stop lawmakers from approving a legislative pay raise. It angered many voters. Jindal, who was governor at the time, eventually vetoed the bill.

3:30 LRN Newscast

It took three tries, but Chalmette Representative Mike Bayham finally advanced his constitutional amendment to limit governors to two lifetime terms. The House passed it yesterday with 73 votes, three more than the 70 needed. Covington Representative Mark Wright, who was one of the 25 who voted no, does not see how capping a governor to two lifetime terms will actually help the state.

Cut 6 (10) “…I can’t agree.”

A ULM political science professor says the newly-launched recall effort against Governor Landry has almost no chance in succeeding. Pearson Cross says in his view, there are valid reasons to recall an elected official, and nothing that Landry has done rises to that level.

Cut 14 (10) “…apply to Landry.”

A tornado watch is in effect for much of central Louisiana until 11 tonight. National Weather Service Meteorologist Brandon Thorne says tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail are among the threats – however, he says this won’t exactly be a super-soaker.

Cut 12 (10) “…half an inch.”

Cleco says work is underway on the largest grid resiliency investment in the power company’s history.  Cleco spokeswoman Brooke Buford says they have crews replacing electric equipment, moving certain segments of the system underground and reinforcing utility poles.

Cut 8 (09) “…need replacement.”

Buford says these projects will reduce storm-related costs and will result in fewer outages and faster restoration times.

LRN PM Newscall May 6

A proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to limit a governor to no more than two elected terms receives approval from the House after failing to get the necessary 70 votes on the first two tries. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Cleco says it has started the largest grid resiliency investment in the power company’s history. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

____________________________________________

A proposal to limit the number of total terms a governor can serve to two; finally receives House approval. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham’s proposed constitutional amendment failed to secure the necessary 70 votes on the first two tries. Yesterday, it got 73 votes as Bayham made the case a Louisiana governor should not be able to come back if he or she has already served eight years…

Cut 3 (10) “…in the United States.”

Covington Representative Mark Wright is one of 25 House members who voted against the amendment that needs a two-thirds vote in each house. Wright questioned why this proposal is only directed towards the governor.

Cut 4 (08) “…you name it.”

Bayham says voters support term limits. He says term limits went into effect for state lawmakers starting in 2007, and it’s resulted in a better state legislative body.

Cut 5 (12) “…of Louisiana.”

Only two governors in Louisiana’s history have served more than two elected terms — Edwin Edwards and Earl K Long. Wright does not see how capping a governor to no more than two terms will actually help the state.

Cut 6 (10) “…I can’t agree.”

The measure heads to the Senate for further debate. It will also need a two-thirds vote to pass there, and then it will head to the voters for their approval.

___________________________________________

Cleco says work is underway on the largest grid resiliency investment in the power company’s history. Cleco spokeswoman Brooke Buford says this is a five-year plan that includes over 550 projects.

Cut 7 (10) “…flood plains.”

Buford says these projects will reduce storm-related costs, and also result in fewer outages and faster restoration times. She says they have crews replacing electric equipment, moving certain segments of the system underground and reinforcing utility poles.

Cut 8 (09) “…need replacement.”

Buford says they’ve identified more than 700 utility poles for maintenance or replacement in St. Tammany Parish, Eunice, Jeanerette, New Iberia and Pineville. She says customers can keep track of their resiliency efforts.

Cut 9 (09)  “…your area”

Buford says Cleco is the only Louisiana utility to meet or exceed the Public Service Commission standards for each of the last 27 years.

_______________________________________________________________

A tornado watch is in effect for much of central Louisiana until 11 tonight. National Weather Service Meteorologist Brandon Thorne says the threat will increase later this afternoon in central and south Louisiana.

Cut 10 (09) “…start to develop.”

Thorne says it will be a little later in the day before the severe weather reaches areas near New Orleans.

Cut 11 (08) “…as tomorrow morning.”

Thorne says tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail are among the threats – however, he says this won’t exactly be a super-soaker.

Cut 12 (10) “…half an inch.”

_______________________________________________________________

A ULM political science professor says the newly-launched recall effort against Governor Landry has almost no chance in succeeding. Pearson Cross says first of all, the bar is set way too high, with verified signatures from 20-percent of all registered voters statewide needed by October 31st. He says that’s why of all the recall efforts launched through the years, the only ones which have made it onto the ballot have been much more local in nature.

Cut 13 (08) “…seeing that statewide.”

Cross says in his view, there are valid reasons to recall an elected official, and nothing that Landry has done rises to that level.

Cut 14 (10) “…apply to Landry.”

Cross says even if you use unpopular actions or policies as a reason to launch a recall effort, recent history will suggest that like all other prior efforts to recall governors, this one will go nowhere.

Cut 15 (06) “…petition went nowhere.”

 

2:30 LRN Newscast

A ULM political science professor says the newly-launched recall effort against Governor Landry has almost no chance in succeeding. Pearson Cross says the bar is set way too high, with verified signatures from 20-percent of all registered voters statewide needed by October 31st. He says that’s why throughout history, most recall efforts which have made it onto the ballot have been much more local in nature.

Cut 13 (08) “…seeing that statewide.”

It’s another potential severe weather day in Louisiana, with tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail possible. National Weather Service Meteorologist Brandon Thorne says the threat will increase later this afternoon in central and south Louisiana, and it will be a little later in the day before it reaches areas near New Orleans.

Cut 11 (08) “…as tomorrow morning.”

A proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to limit a governor to no more than two elected terms receives approval from the House after failing to get the necessary 70 votes on the first two tries. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Southern University’s search for a new president will take longer than planned. The school had originally hoped to have a list of recommended candidates by May 12th, with the new president installed by July 1st. The school says that timeline is being extended.

1:30 LRN Newscast

A bill proposing pay raises for statewide elected officials advances out of House Appropriations. The measure would increase the governor’s salary from 130-thousand dollars to 182-thousand dollars starting in 2028. Bruce Reilly, who is with a grassroots organization called Voice of the Experienced, objects, calling the increase overboard…:

Cut 14 (11) “to your governor”

Supporters of the legislation say its been 20 years since statewide elected officials had an increase in pay and many of them are taking a pay cut to take the job.

The Louisiana House has approved a proposed constitutional amendment that says a governor can not serve more than two terms.

Cut 5 (12) “…to Louisiana”

The governor is already term limited to two consecutive terms, so Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham’s legislation would prevent a governor from serving two consecutive terms, sitting out four years and then running for governor again. The measure heads to the Senate for more discussion.

 

Cleco says it has started the largest grid resiliency investment in the power company’s history. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

45-million people visited Louisiana in 2025, and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says those folks opened their pocketbooks in a big way while here…:
CUT 28 (11) “have to pay”

12:30 LRN Newscast

As the old saying goes, the third time’s the charm. After two failed votes, the House finally advances a proposed constitutional amendment limiting governors to two lifetime terms. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham’s proposed amendment got 73 votes yesterday, three more than the 70 needed for the measure to advance. Bayham made the case that a Louisiana governor should not be able to come back if he or she has already served eight years.

Cut 3 (10) “…in the United States.”

Covington Representative Mark Wright is one of 25 members who voted against the amendment; he questioned why this proposal is only directed towards the governor.

Cut 4 (08) “…you name it.”

The measure now advances to the Senate.

The state could be in for severe weather today. National Weather Service Meteorologist Brandon Thorne says the threat will increase later this afternoon in central and south Louisiana.

Cut 10 (09) “…start to develop.”

Tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail are among the threats. 

Cleco says work is underway on the largest grid resiliency investment in the power company’s history. Spokeswoman Brooke Buford says this is a five-year plan that includes over 550 projects.

Cut 7 (10) “…flood plains.”

Buford says these projects will reduce storm-related costs, and also result in fewer outages and faster restoration times.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The LSU baseball team scored nine runs in the first two innings and went on to beat Tulane 13 to six for their fifth win in a row. Cade Arrambide hit a two-run homer in the first inning. West Monroe’s John Pearson also went yard in his first game since April 24th because of a hamstring injury. Pearson had two hits and drove in three runs. Seth Dardar had three hits and two RBIs. Freshman right fielder William Patrick also drove in two runs. Coach Jay Johnson says it was another good night for the freshmen…

Cut 20 (20) “…any game”

LSU’s bats will need to stay hot this weekend as the Tigers visit fifth ranked Georgia. The Bulldogs are one of the best offensive teams in the country.

LSU men’s basketball has received a commitment from a power forward from Brazil. Six-foot-nine Marcio Santos is the second commitment for the Tigers since Will Wade arrived. The 23-year-old averaged close to seven points a game in the Euroleague and shot 40-percent from three point territory.

LSU women’s basketball announces they will play North Carolina State and Villanova in Fort Myers, Florida during the Thanksgiving weekend.

LSU gymnastics has received a big transfer portal addition as Jorden Lyden has committed to the Tigers. Lyden helped Minnesota reach the National Championships last month with her performances on the beam, floor and bars.

Back to baseball…an ugly performance by the Ragin Cajuns last night as they lost to UNO nine to six in ten innings. The Privateers scored three runs and on one hit in the tenth inning. U-L Lafayette pitchers walked ten hitters and hit seven more for 17 free bases.

Also, La Tech over Northwestern State 12 to one and ULM defeated Mississippi Valley State ten to five.

11:30 LRN Newscast

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

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

Letlow and John Fleming are challenging two-term incumbent Bill Cassidy.

Lt Governor Billy Nungesser is out this week touting Louisiana tourism:
CUT 9 (13) “to big cities”
He says 45 million people visited the state in 2025.

 

The governor’s annual salary will increase by 52-thousand dollars to 182-thousand dollars starting in 2028 under legislation heading to the House floor. All statewide elected officials would get an increase too.

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

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

Cut 15 (06) “…face and explaining.”

Harahan Representative John Illg is the author of the legislation, and he’s worried the low pay that state legislators currently receive will keep younger people from wanting to be a state lawmaker…

Cut 17 (07) “…don’t address this.”

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

10:30 LRN Newscast

The House Appropriations Committee has approved a bill that increases the salaries of statewide elected officials. Joe Gallinaro reports the bill heads to the House floor for further debate.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Julia Letlow releases a new poll that shows her surging to the lead in the Republican U.S. Senate primary. The poll conducted by Rigamer shows the congresswoman with 32-percent support, compared to 21-percent for John Fleming and 20-percent for Bill Cassidy. The same poll shows Letlow leading both in head-to-head matchups.

While 2025 was another big year for tourism in Louisiana, it was hampered by a drop in international tourists, particularly from Canada. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says travel agents in Canada have expressed serious concerns to him on behalf of travelers from their country.

Cut 10 (10) “…over so well.”

With May being Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is urging you to do your to keep motorcyclists safe. For motorcycle riders, that includes not speeding, not riding in a foolish manner, and by wearing DOT-approved helmets, which LHSC spokesman Greg Fischer says are proven to save lives, based on numbers from 2017.

Cut 13 (13)  “…wearing a helmet.”