12:30 LRN Newscast

First quarter campaign finance numbers are out; and in the race for the G-O-P nomination for U.S. Senate, Bill Cassidy has a huge lead with more than seven-million dollars cash on hand. Julia Letlow has more than 2.275-million, while John Fleming has more than 2.2-million after loaning himself 10-million dollars. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says self-funding his campaign may be part of his strategy.

Cut 4 (10) “…more a contender.”

Louisiana is partnering with the U-S Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services on a program that would allow soon to be released inmates to receive health insurance through Medicaid. Governor Jeff Landry says this proactive approach helps offenders successfully transition back into their communities and rebuild their lives…

Cut 6 (09) “…society.”

A resolution that seeks to lift deer feeding bans in response to chronic wasting disease is heading to the House floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A child is killed in a house fire in Minden. The child was pulled from the burning home early yesterday morning and was rushed to a hospital but unfortunately did not survive. The State Fire Marshal’s Office says while the cause is still unclear, fire investigators have confirmed that the home did not have a working smoke alarm.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU baseball finds itself in a tough spot midway through SEC play. The Tigers have just six conference wins and likely need 13 or 14 to secure a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Former LSU standout and two-time World Series champion Ryan Theriot says several factors are holding the Tigers back…

Cut 16 (19) “…grinded-out at-bats.”

LSU begins a three-game series against 10th ranked Texas A-and-M tomorrow night.

The LSU gymnastics squad competes in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships this afternoon at 3:30. The Tigers are the number two national seed. LSU competes against SEC champion Florida, Georgia and Stanford and the top two finishers advance to the Final Four on Saturday.

 

The House Natural Resources Committee approves a resolution that would remove the deer feeding bans that are in place where chronic wasting disease has been found. Avid hunter and rock ‘n’ roll legend Ted Nugent testified in favor of the legislation. He recorded a video for members of the Natural Resources Committee to hear

Cut 11 (11) “…heritage.”

To control the spread of C-W-D, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries has imposed feeding and baiting bans in all or part of 18 parishes, mostly in northeastern Louisiana.

Back to baseball…the hottest team in the state is Louisiana Tech who has won seven in a row heading into this weekend’s series at Kennesaw State. Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs says his club is playing with confidence…

Cut 21 (11) “…out of their way”

Tech is 9-and-6 in Conference USA and in fifth place in the league.

11:30 LRN Newscast

According to first quarter campaign finance reports, Bill Cassidy has by far the most cash on hand in the G-O-P U.S. Senate race with more than seven-million dollars. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says that’s not surprising, given the fact that Cassidy is an incumbent running for re-election.

Cut 3 (10) “…is still unclear.”

Julia Letlow’s campaign reports more than 2.275-million dollars cash on hand, while John Fleming’s campaign reports just under 2.2-million.

The Public Service Commission approves Entergy Louisiana’s request to expedite the approval process on its plan to build seven new gas power plants to power Meta’s data center in Richland Parish. The P-S-C will vote in December on its power plan proposal, and Commissioner Jean-Paul Coussan says that’s plenty of time to review the plan.

Cut 26 (05) “…in Louisiana.”

Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Patrick McMath unveils his plan to fix the state agency responsible for child welfare. The Department of Children and Family Services has been criticized for not preventing child deaths after being alerted about dangers in the home.

Cut 13 (10)  “..now dead.”

McMath wants to move many of its functions within the Department of Health and put State Police in charge of handling child abuse reports.

The House Natural Resources Committee approves a resolution that would remove the deer feeding bans that are in place where chronic wasting disease has been found. Supporters say these bans hurt people’s hunting rights; but opponents, like LDWF Deer Program Manager Johnathan Bordelon, say they slow the spread of CWD.

Cut 12 (10) “…congregate deer.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

The state’s Public Service Commission has approved Entergy Louisiana’s request to expediate the approval process on the power company’s plan to build seven new gas power plants and other investments to power Meta’s data center in Richland Parish. Commissioner Eric Skrmetta says with the consultants, staff, and prior experience they have; the process can be fast-tracked while protecting the public but Alaina DiLaura from the Alliance for Affordable Energy said…

Cut 9 (11)  “…period of time.”

Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Patrick McMath is proposing a plan to dismantle the much-criticized Department of Children and Family Services and move the functions to the Department of Health and have State Police handle child abuse reports. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau said…

Cut 14 (04) “…terrible outcomes.”

 

The LSU gymnastics team looks to punch its ticket to the Final Four today for the second time in three seasons. Andre Champagne has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The House Natural Resources Committee approves a resolution that would remove the deer feeding bans that are in place where chronic wasting disease has been found. Hunter Nation Chair Rock Bordelon, who owns deer hunting land in Avoyelles Parish, says the feeding bans in other states have not slowed the spread of C-W-D…

Cut 10 (04) “…feeders”

9:30 AM LRN Newscast

Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Patrick McMath wants to dismantle the heavily criticized Department of Children and Family Services and move many of the functions to the Department of Health. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau expressed concern over funding the proposal. McMath says current employees of D-C-F-S would not lose their jobs, but would be transferred into L-D-H which would become the Department of Health and Human Services…

Cut 15 (12) “…in funding.”

The House Natural Resources Committee approves a resolution that would remove the deer feeding bans that are in place where chronic wasting disease has been found. Author of the legislation, Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says feeding bans are affecting people’s hunting rights. Supporters of the legislation say there has not been a single case of CWD being transmitted to humans. But LDWF’s Deer Program Manager Johnathan Bordelon says the feeding bans are one way they can slow the spread of CWD…

Cut 12 (10) “…congregate deer.”

The measure heads to the full House for more discussion.

The LSU baseball team finds itself in a tough spot midway through SEC play. The Tigers have just six conference wins and likely need 13 or 14 to secure a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Former LSU standout shortstop and two-time World Series champion Ryan Theriot says several factors are holding the team back from reaching its full potential.

Cut 16 (12) “…a lot of guesses.”

LSU Gymnastics is competing in the NCAA Semifinals today at 3:30. Coach Jay Clark says it will be crucial for the Tigers to be the best version of themselves in order to earn a chance to compete for their second national championship in three seasons.

Cut 6 (11) “…perfect is.”

The other three schools in their session are Florida, Georgia and Stanford.

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

The House Natural Resources Committee approves a resolution that would remove the deer feeding bans that are in place where chronic wasting disease has been found. Avid hunter and rock ‘n’ roll legend Ted Nugent testified in favor of the legislation. He recorded a video for members of the Natural Resources Committee to hear

Cut 11 (11) “…heritage.”

In an effort to control the spread of C-W-D, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries imposed feeding and baiting bans in all or part of 18 parishes, mostly in northeastern Louisiana.

The LSU gymnastics team is looking to punch its ticket to the Final Four for the first time since 2024 after falling short last season in Fort Worth. For LSU to advance to Saturday’s finals, they must finish in the top two this afternoon and LSU’s philosophy for reaching the top is simple: control what you can and stay true to what’s worked all season. Sophomore Lexi Zeiss…

Cut 5 (07) “…our best.”

Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Patrick McMath wants to dismantle the heavily criticized Department of Children and Family Services and he’s proposed legislation to do it. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Entergy Louisiana’s request to expediate the approval of their plan to build seven new gas power plants to power Meta’s data center in Richland Parish is approved and the Public Service Commission will vote on it in December. Commissioner Eric Skrmetta says…

Cut 8 (06) “…on this”

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

The state’s Public Service Commission has approved Entergy Louisiana’s request to expediate the approval process on the power company’s plan to build seven new gas power plants and other investments to power Meta’s data center in Richland Parish. Commissioner Eric Skrmetta says with the consultants, staff, and prior experience they have; the process can be fast-tracked while protecting the public but Alaina DiLaura from the Alliance for Affordable Energy said…

Cut 9 (11)  “…period of time.”

 

Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Patrick McMath is proposing a plan to dismantle the much-criticized Department of Children and Family Services and move the functions to the Department of Health and have State Police handle child abuse reports. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau said…

Cut 14 (04) “…terrible outcomes.”

 

The LSU gymnastics team looks to punch its ticket to the Final Four today for the second time in three seasons. Andre Champagne has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

 

The House Natural Resources Committee approves a resolution that would remove the deer feeding bans that are in place where chronic wasting disease has been found. Hunter Nation Chair Rock Bordelon, who owns deer hunting land in Avoyelles Parish, says the feeding bans in other states have not slowed the spread of C-W-D…

Cut 10 (04) “…feeders”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU baseball team has a big home series coming up against 10th ranked Texas A&M. The Tigers are six and nine in the SEC while the Aggies are 9-and-5.

The additions through the transfer portal have not been as productive as they were in previous seasons for Coach Jay Johnson. Former LSU star Ryan Theriot says the LSU program for this season, does not have the revenue sharing funds and the NIL dollars that other teams have…

Cut 17 (19) “…pay the most money”

LSU athletics director Verge Ausberry said last week that the baseball program will receive more revenue share and NIL dollars.

_______________________________________________________

At 3:30, the LSU gymnastics program will compete in the semis of the NCAA Championships. For LSU to advance to Saturday’s finals, they must finish in the top two this afternoon. Florida, Georgia and Stanford are the other three teams they will compete against, but sophomore Lexi Zeiss says it doesn’t matter…

Cut 5 (07) “…our best”

What’s the best way to slow the spread of chronic wasting disease in deer? The Louisiana Department of Wildlife Fisheries believes one way is deer feeding bans. Deer program manager Johnathan Bordelon…

Cut 12 (10) “…congregrate deer”

But the House Natural Resources Committee sent a resolution to the floor that would lift and prevent any new deer feeding bans from going into effect for the next 18 months. Supporters say the bans affect hunters’ rights.

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Patrick McMath unveils his plan to fix the state agency responsible for child welfare. The Department of Children and Family Services has been criticized for not preventing child deaths after they were alerted about dangers in the home. McMath wants to move many of the functions of D-C-F-S within the Department of Health and put State Police in charge of handling child abuse reports…

Cut 13 (10)  “..now dead.”

McMath’s legislation would also put the Attorney General’s office in charge of making sure parents are making their court-ordered support payments.

The state’s Public Service Commission has approved Entergy Louisiana’s request to expediate the approval process on the power company’s plan to build seven new gas power plants and other investments to power Meta’s data center in Richland Parish. The four to one vote means the P-S-C will vote in December on Entergy’s power plan proposal. Commissioner Jean-Paul Coussan says that’s plenty of time to review Entergy’s plan

Cut 7 (05) “…in Louisiana.”

A measure that seeks to lift the deer feeding bans in response to chronic wasting disease in deer is heading to the House floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The LSU gymnastics team will look to punch its ticket to the Final Four for the first time since 2024 after falling short last season in Fort Worth, Texas. The Tigers take the floor today in Session I of the NCAA Semifinals. Head coach Jay Clark says the team should feel confident heading into the meet, having been ranked No. 2 all season.

Cut 4 (12) “…get after it.”

LRN AM Newscall April 16

The LSU gymnastics team looks to punch its ticket to the Final Four today for the second time in three seasons today. Andre Champagne has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

A measure that seeks to lift the deer feeding bans in response to chronic wasting disease in deer is heading to the House floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Patrick McMath wants to dismantle the heavily criticized Department of Children and Family Services and he’s proposed legislation to do it. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________________

The LSU gymnastics team will look to punch its ticket to the Final Four for the first time since 2024 after falling short last season in Fort Worth.,Texas. The Tigers take the floor today in Session I of the NCAA Semifinals. Head coach Jay Clark says the team should feel confident heading into the meet, having been ranked No. 2 all season.

Cut 4 (12) “…get after it.”

LSU’s philosophy for reaching the top is simple: control what you can and stay true to what’s worked all season. Sophomore Lexi Zeiss…

Cut 5 (07) “…our best.”

Clark says it will be crucial for the Tigers to be the best version of themselves in order to earn a chance to compete for their second national championship in three seasons.

Cut 6 (11) “…perfect is.”

LSU will compete at 3:30. The other three schools in their session are Florida, Georgia and Stanford.

_________________________________________________________

The state’s Public Service Commission has approved Entergy Louisiana’s request to expediate the approval process on the power company’s plan to build seven new gas power plants and other investments to power Meta’s data center in Richland Parish. The four to one vote means the P-S-C will vote in December on Entergy’s power plan proposal. Commissioner Jean-Paul Coussan says that’s plenty of time to review Entergy’s plan

Cut 7 (05) “…in Louisiana.”

An executive order signed by Governor Landry last December opened the door for large projects like data centers to go through a fast tracked approval process.  Commissioner Eric Skrmetta says the “Lightning Initiative” is doable…

Cut 8 (16) “…on this”

Since Entergy Louisiana’s application is fast-tracked, a formal recommendation from an administrative judge will be skipped. Alaina DiLaura from the Alliance for Affordable Energy argued that due diligence is needed..

Cut 9 (11)  “…period of time.”

____________________________________________________________

The House Natural Resources Committee approves a resolution that would remove the deer feeding bans that are in place where chronic wasting disease has been found. Hunter Nation Chair Rock Bordelon, who owns deer hunting land in Avoyelles Parish, says the feeding bans in other states have not slowed the spread of C-W-D…

Cut 10 (04) “…feeders

There have been about 50 confirmed cases of C-W-D in deer, with most of the those cases concentrated in Tensas Parish. It’s also been detected in Concordia, Catahoula and Ouachita.

In an effort to control the spread of C-W-D, a fatal disease for deer, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries has imposed feeding and baiting bans in all or part of 18 parishes, mostly in northeastern Louisiana.

Avid hunter and rock ‘n’ roll legend Ted Nugent testified in favor of the legislation. He recorded a video for members of the Natural Resources Committee to hear

Cut 11 (11) “…heritage.”

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick is the author of the resolution. He says feeding bans are affecting people’s hunting rights. And supporters of the legislation also point out that there has not been a single case of CWD being transmitted to humans.

But LDWF’s Deer Program Manager Johnathan Bordelon, no relation to Rock Bordelon, says the feeding bans are one way they can slow the spread of CWD…

Cut 12 (10) “…congregate deer.”

The measure heads to the full House for more discussion.

__________________________________________________________

Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Patrick McMath unveils his plan to fix the state agency responsible for child welfare. The Department of Children and Family Services has been criticized for not preventing child deaths after they were alerted about dangers in the home. McMath wants to move many of the functions of D-C-F-S within the Department of Health and put State Police in charge of handling child abuse reports…

Cut 13 (10)  “..now dead.”

McMath’s legislation would also put the Attorney General’s office in charge of making sure parents are making their court-ordered support payments.

The proposal is 111 pages long so members of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee will spend the next week going over the major changes. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau is one of several lawmaker displeased with f D-C-F-S’s inability to protect abused and neglected children.

Cut 14 (04) “…terrible outcomes.”

Luneau’s biggest concern with the proposal is funding and workforce to do the job. McMath says current employees of D-C-F-S would not lose their jobs, instead they would be transferred into L-D-H and that agency’s new name will be the Louisiana Department of Health and Human Services…

Cut 15 (12) “…in funding.”

The Advocate asked Governor Landry about McMath’s plan, and he told the news organization that he’s frustrated with the proposal because no one talked with him about it. He questioned the idea of having State Police handling the child abuse hotline and how that would cost the state.

________________________________________________________

The LSU baseball team finds itself in a tough spot midway through SEC play. The Tigers have just six conference wins and likely need 13 or 14 to secure a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Former LSU standout shortstop and two-time World Series champion Ryan Theriot says several factors are holding the team back from reaching its full potential.

Cut 16 (19) “…grinded-out at-bats.”

Over the past three years, Jay Johnson has dominated the transfer portal with key additions like Paul Skenes, Tommy White, and Anthony Eyanson. This season, however, LSU’s transfers haven’t panned out as well, and Theriot says the program will need consistent financial support moving forward to find better players in the future.

Cut 17 (19)  “…who can pay the most money?.”

One of the biggest surprises this season has been the inconsistency of sophomore pitcher Casan Evans. After a dominant freshman campaign, the Friday-night starter has struggled to hit his stride. Theriot says more experience will benefit Evans in the long run.

Cut 18 (14)  “…expect him to get better.”