LRN AM Newscall May 4

The redistricting debate is expected to begin at the state capitol this week. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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

Cut 4 (09) “…all that out.”

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

Cut 5 (06) “…I can run.”

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

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

Cut 6 (10) “…please them.”

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

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Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the trend in the first four months in 2026 has been mainly positive.

Cut 7 (10) “…specific to homeowners.”

Temple says while a small handful of auto insurance companies have filed for rate increases, the vast majority which have filed for rate changes have filed for rate decreases. He cautions policyholders, however, that that doesn’t mean they’ll see a lower bill next month.

Cut 8 (12) “…a rate decrease.”

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

Cut 9 (05)  “…work to do.”

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The Louisiana Legislature has given final approval to a one-point-five billion dollar plan for coastal protection and restoration. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Chairman Gordon Dove says one of the highlights of the annual plan is a 94-mile land bridge from Port Sulphur in Plaquemines Parish to Terrebonne Parish…

Cut 10 (11) “…eight parishes.”

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

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

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

Cut 12 (12) “…restore the coast.”

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

Cut 13 (10) “…coast..”

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

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

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

Cut 15 (08) “…getting right now.”

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

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

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

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

Cut 17 (23)  “…sometimes.”

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

Cut 18 (10)  “…pitchers.”

The Cajuns host UNO on Tuesday.

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

Cut 19 (10) “…good teams.”

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

Cut 20 (19) “…this weekend.”

11:30 AM LRN Newscast

Early voting began today in the and a new poll on the Republican U.S. Senate primary shows State Treasurer John Fleming leading the field with 28-percent of the vote, followed by Julia Letlow at 27-percent and Bill Cassidy at 21-percent. Emerson College and KLFY-TV conducted the survey; and Pearson Cross, who teaches political science at ULM, says this is an extremely close race with 22-percent undecided.

Cut 6 (04) “…be shut out.”

More than $12,000 in donations collected for the families of the eight child victims of the mass shooting in Shreveport last month is being refunded. That after questions about where the money is going and who is handling it.  The Community Foundation of North Louisiana was designated two weeks ago as the nonprofit to receive donations for the families. Yesterday, the foundation notified donors it cannot hand out the money because of IRS rules.

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Tragedy in Livingston Parish as a school crossing guard is killed by a suspected drunk driver. 74-year-old Katy Wells was directing traffic on Highway 16 in Denham Springs Thursday afternoon as Grays Creek Elementary School was being let out for the day, when she was hit by a pickup truck. Wells was killed on impact. Sheriff Jason Ard says Wells was a beloved member of the Livingston Parish community.

Cut 12 (10) “…in the community.”

The Louisiana Legislature has given final approval to a one-point-five billion dollar plan for coastal protection and restoration. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Chairman Gordon Dove says one of the highlights of the annual plan is a 94-mile land bridge from Port Sulphur in Plaquemines Parish to Terrebonne Parish…

Cut 10 (11) “…eight parishes.”

 

10:30 AM LRN Newscast

As early voting begins, it appears, incumbent Bill Cassidy is trailing both of his top challengers in the Republican US senate primary.  That’s according to the poll by Emerson College and KLFY-TV. Pearson Cross, who teaches political science at ULM, says in the survey of 500 likely Republican primary voters, nearly half of them have an unfavorable view of Cassidy compared to just 15-percent of John Fleming, which is a big factor in why he leads this poll.

Cut 8 (09) “…feeling the effects.”

Several lawsuits were filed late last week seeking to force the elections for U.S. House to proceed. Among them was one filed by fifth district Democratic candidate Lindsay Garcia, who said Governor Jeff Landry was out of bounds in calling off the House elections.

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

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

Cut 4 (09) “…all that out.”

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the insurance trend in the first four months in 2026 has been mainly positive.

Cut 7 (10) “…specific to homeowners.”

9:30 AM LRN Newscast

Early voting began today in the and a new poll on the Republican U.S. Senate primary shows State Treasurer John Fleming leading the field with 28-percent of the vote, followed by Julia Letlow at 27-percent and Bill Cassidy at 21-percent. Emerson College and KLFY-TV conducted the survey; and Pearson Cross, who teaches political science at ULM, says this is an extremely close race with 22-percent undecided.

Cut 6 (04) “…be shut out.”

More than $12,000 in donations collected for the families of the eight child victims of the mass shooting in Shreveport last month is being refunded. That after questions about where the money is going and who is handling it.  The Community Foundation of North Louisiana was designated two weeks ago as the nonprofit to receive donations for the families. Yesterday, the foundation notified donors it cannot hand out the money because of IRS rules.

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Tragedy in Livingston Parish as a school crossing guard is killed by a suspected drunk driver. 74-year-old Katy Wells was directing traffic on Highway 16 in Denham Springs Thursday afternoon as Grays Creek Elementary School was being let out for the day, when she was hit by a pickup truck. Wells was killed on impact. Sheriff Jason Ard says Wells was a beloved member of the Livingston Parish community.

Cut 12 (10) “…in the community.”

The Louisiana Legislature has given final approval to a one-point-five billion dollar plan for coastal protection and restoration. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Chairman Gordon Dove says one of the highlights of the annual plan is a 94-mile land bridge from Port Sulphur in Plaquemines Parish to Terrebonne Parish…

Cut 10 (11) “…eight parishes.”

 

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

As early voting begins today, a poll of 500 likely Republican primary voters shows a very close race for Senate. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Meantime, several lawsuits seeking to restore the May 16th election have now been filed.  These are challenges to Governor Jeff Landry’s decision to suspend the congressional races, after a U.S. Supreme Court decision declaring those districts unconstitutional. Plaintiffs say that’s a decision for the legislature, not the governor.

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In just one night, the Louisiana Millionaires Club added 11 new members. That’s because in Wednesday night’s Powerball drawing, a whopping 11 tickets were million-dollar winners. Chrislyn Maher (“mayor”) with the Louisiana Lottery says it’s an exciting occasion.

Cut 9 (05)  “…just being luck.”

Because of the rain, just a couple of Louisiana college baseball teams played last night. Louisiana Tech fell to Dallas Baptist four to one. Declan Dahl suffered the loss for the Bulldogs, despite striking out nine over seven innings. He gave up a two-run homer in the second inning and the Bulldogs could only muster five hits.

Also last night…Charlotte blanked Tulane ten to nothing.

LSU will start its series against South Carolina at 1 PM today and then play game two at 6:30. LSU starting pitcher Casan Evans has been ruled out. It’s the second weekend in a row, he will not pitch after experiencing arm discomfort last weekend in Starkville.

 

7:30 LRN Sportscast

Because of the rain, just a couple of Louisiana college baseball teams played last night. Louisiana Tech fell to Dallas Baptist four to one. Declan Dahl suffered the loss for the Bulldogs, despite striking out nine over seven innings. He gave up a two-run homer in the second inning and the Bulldogs could only muster five hits.

Also last night…Charlotte blanked Tulane ten to nothing.

LSU will start its series against South Carolina at 1 PM today and then play game two at 6:30. LSU starting pitcher Casan Evans has been ruled out. It’s the second weekend in a row, he will not pitch after experiencing arm discomfort last weekend in Starkville.

The Ragin Cajuns also made the decision to play a doubleheader today,  Game one of the double dip will start following Jonathan Lucroy’s jersey retirement ceremony, which is scheduled for 2 PM.

ULM also has a doubleheader today at 1 PM against 12th ranked Southern Miss.

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Southeastern Louisiana and Lamar are tied for first place in the Southland and the Lions and Cardinals will begin their series today at 1:05 PM. Nicholls and UNO will play a doubleheader beginning at 3 today. McNeese and Stephen F Austin will also play two starting at three.

Grambling and Florida A-and-M were supposed to begin a series on Friday, but they will play a doubleheader today. The two games will be played at Louisiana Tech at one clock and the final game of the series will be played Sunday on Grambling’s campus.

Rain has also postponed softball tournaments…the LHSAA softball semifinals are today and championship games will be tomorrow. In the Southland Tournament in Lake Charles…Northwestern State tries to avoid elimination when they take on Stephen F Austin at 11 AM and McNeese meets Nicholls in a winner’s bracket game.

Over in Hammond…top seeded Southeastern Louisiana will face fifth seeded Lamar at 11 AM.

5:30 LRN Newscast

A school crossing guard in Livingston Parish is killed by a suspected drunk driver. 74-year-old Katy Wells was directing traffic on Highway 16 Thursday afternoon as Grays Creek Elementary School was being let out, when she was hit by a pickup truck. Sheriff Jason Ard says 64-year-old Darren Goudeau (GOO-doe) of Walker was arrested.

Cut 13 (10) “…unfortunately it does.”

If you go to the polls on the first day of early voting, you will not be voting for U.S. House. That’s because Governor Landry suspended that election in light of the Supreme Court ruling on the state’s congressional map. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says Landry’s quick action runs counter to historical precedent in the state.

Cut 5 (12) “…than 100 years.”

The latest poll in the race for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate is likely setting off alarm bells in the Bill Cassidy campaign. The poll by Emerson College and KLFY-TV shows Cassidy in third place with 21-percent support. John Fleming and Julia Letlow are neck-and-neck with 28 and 27-percent, respectively. ULM Political Science professor Pearson Cross says nearly half have an unfavorable view of Cassidy.

Cut 7 (08) “…going to grow?” 

In just one night, the Louisiana Millionaires Club added 11 new members. That’s because in Wednesday night’s Powerball drawing, a whopping 11 tickets were million-dollar winners. Chrislyn Maher (“mayor”) with the Louisiana Lottery:

Cut 9 (05)  “…just being luck.”

They were among 89 who matched the five white balls of 3, 19, 35, 51 and 67. Two others had 15 as their Powerball, and they split the jackpot.

4:30 LRN Newscast

Tragedy in Livingston Parish as a school crossing guard is killed by a suspected drunk driver. 74-year-old Katy Wells was directing traffic on Highway 16 Thursday afternoon as Grays Creek Elementary School was being let out, when she was hit by a pickup truck. Sheriff Jason Ard says Wells was a beloved member of the Livingston Parish community.

Cut 12 (10) “…in the community.”

Early voting starts Saturday in the closed party primaries – well, some of them. Governor Landry has issued an executive order suspending the U.S. House primaries following the Supreme Court decision that ruled the state’s congressional map an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says that ruling forced Governor Landry’s hand.

Cut 3 (12) “…to take place.”

A poll of 500 likely Republican primary voters shows a very close race with early voting set to begin. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

With Mother’s Day a week from Sunday, the crawfish supply is expected to be tight given the cold snap moving through the state. As such, crawfish prices held steady this week. This weekend, you can expect to pay just under three dollars a pound for live crawfish and $5.35 a pound for boiled crawfish.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Because of the rain a lot of teams are playing doubleheaders tomorrow, including the LSU baseball team, who will start its series against South Carolina at 1 PM tomorrow and then play game two at 6:30. LSU starting pitcher Casan Evans has been ruled out. It’s the second weekend in a row, he will not pitch after experiencing arm discomfort last weekend in Starkville.

The Ragin Cajuns also made the decision to play a doubleheader tomorrow. Game one of the double dip will start following Jonathan Lucroy’s jersey retirement ceremony, which is scheduled for 2 PM.

ULM will begin a doubleheader tomorrow at 1 PM against 12th ranked Southern Miss.

Southeastern Louisiana and Lamar are tied for first place in the Southland and the Lions and Cardinals will begin their series tomorrow at 1:05 PM. Nicholls and UNO will play a doubleheader beginning at 3 tomorrow. McNeese and Stephen F Austin will also play two starting at 3 tomorrow.

Grambling and Florida A-and-M were supposed to begin a series on Friday, but they will play a doubleheader on Saturday. The two games will be played at Louisiana Tech at one clock and the final game of the series will be played Sunday on Grambling’s campus.

 

Louisiana Tech is in Dallas for a three game series against Dallas Baptist. Both teams are tied for third place in Conference USA. Bulldogs Senior catcher Matt Houston has been on a hot streak over his last several games. Houston hit two home runs earlier this week against ULM, and Coach Lane Burroughs says that he has earned the opportunity to become an everyday player.

Cut 20 (11) “…every day now.”

Rain has also postponed softball tournaments…the LHSAA softball semifinals are tomorrow and championship games will be Saturday. In the Southland Tournament in Lake Charles…Northwestern State tries to avoid elimination when they take on Stephen F Austin at 11 AM and McNeese meets Nicholls in a winner’s bracket game.

3:30 LRN Newscast

A new poll on the Republican U.S. Senate primary shows State Treasurer John Fleming leading the field with 28-percent of the vote, followed by Julia Letlow at 27-percent and Bill Cassidy at 21-percent. Emerson College and KLFY-TV conducted the survey; and Pearson Cross, who teaches political science at ULM, says this is an extremely close race with 22-percent undecided.

Cut 6 (04) “…be shut out.”

Cross says the poll is bad news for Cassidy, because the two-term incumbent Senator is trailing his two challengers with early voting starting Saturday.

 

Governor Landry’s executive order that suspended the U-S House elections has prompted lawsuits in an effort to get the courts to rule that the Congressional primaries should go on as scheduled. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the only requirement from federal law is that the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November is the only mandatory election day….

Cut 4 (07) “…congressional elections”

A beloved crossing guard in Livingston Parish is killed by a suspected drunk driver. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein

Pop star and Louisiana native Britney Spears has been charged with driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. This charge stems back to her arrest in March when she was allegedly driving fast and erratically on U-S 101 near her home in California. Following that arrest, the 44-year-old from Kentwood checked herself into a treatment facility.