8:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Edwards and teachers are pushing for the approval of a teacher pay raise of at least two-thousand dollars a year. Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland says a proposed two-thousand dollar teacher pay hike will cost the state an additional 196-million dollars a year and what happens when state revenues decline…
cut 13 (07) “….to put that in”

With Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder’s announcement he’s running for Secretary of State. That’s three candidates vying for the seat currently occupied by Kyle Ardoin, who is not running for re-election. PSC Member Mike Francis and businessman Brandon Trosclair are also running. Schexnayder, a Republican from Ascension Parish, says he has the ability to reach across the aisle…
cut 6 (12) “….right there”

Preliminary research finds CBD provides therapeutic pain management for former professional athletes. Teiko Foxx explains…
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Former LSU basketball player Wayne Sims passed away yesterday morning unexpectedly at age of 54. “Big Daddy” was his nickname and the DeRidder native was a standout player for the Tigers from 1987 to 1991. In 2018, his son, Wayde Sims, who also played basketball at LSU, was fatally shot outside of Southern’s campus.

7:30 LRN Newscast

A big discussion on public school funding took place in yesterday’s House Appropriations Committee meeting. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala believes A and B graded school systems should be awarded with additional state funding. He believes that philosophy will incentivize average to below average performing school systems…
Cut 14 (12) “…get something done”
But Marrero Representative Rodney Lyons says a lack of effort is not why Louisiana has “D” and “F” graded schools…
Cut 15 (06) “…we are.”
The teacher pay raise proposal and funding for public school discussion will continue for the remainder of the legislative session.

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder announces he’s running for Secretary of State this fall as he looks to replace fellow Republican Kyle Ardoin, who is not running for re-election. The Secretary of State’s main job is overseeing elections and Schexnayder commends Ardoin’s work for the office’s top ten rating for election integrity…
cut 5 (09) “….do better”
PSC member Mike Francis and grocery store owner Brandon Trosclair are the other candidates.

In February of 2022, a six-year-old girl in Slidell was struck and killed while crossing the parking lot at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. Slidell Representative Bob Owen has filed legislation that would require certain safety protocols when students are picked up or dropped off from elementary school…
cut 9 (08) “…entire communities”
One of the components of Owen’s bill is requiring students under the age of ten be accompanied by a school employees in the pick-up-drop off area.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans season came to an end last night with a 123 to 118 loss to Oklahoma City. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 second-half points to lead the Thunder past New Orleans in the play-in tournament game. S-G-A finished with 32 points.

Coach Willie Green says it’s a disappointing end to the season. When Zion Williamson was healthy, the Pels looked like one of the best teams in the NBA, but Zion has been out since early January and other injuries also crippled their team…
cut 29 (24) “….that’s the deal”
The Pelicans finished with a record of 42-and-41.

Sad news involving LSU men’s basketball as Wayne Sims died unexpectedly yesterday at the age of 54. He was a standout player for the Tigers from 1987 to 1991, helping the Bayou Bengals reach the NCAA Tournament four times.

The Top ranked LSU baseball team begins a three game series tonight against 11th ranked Kentucky. The Wildcats like to play small ball, which means they’ll bunt. Coach Jay Johnson says third baseman Tommy White will need to be ready…
cut 18 (21) ”
First pitch tonight at 6 PM.

In college baseball last night, ULM scored five runs in the fifth inning and upended Louisiana Tech eight to five to sweep the season series from the Bulldogs. Southeastern Louisiana edged the Ragin Cajuns five to four and McNeese scored three runs in the ninth inning to beat Rice seven to six.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder is hoping to earn the title of Secretary Schexnayder by running for Secretary of State. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

At the state capitol yesterday, the Senate Finance Committee approved a bill that would increase the pay of first responders by 12-hundred dollars a year.

Also former LSU basketball player Wayne Sims has died at the age of 54, while the Pelicans lost last night to Oklahoma City to end their season.

After six-year-old Emma Bell Savoie (Sah-voy) was killed by a car in her school’s parking lot in Slidell last year, Representative Bob Owen has filed legislation to keep other students from the same fate. It’s called the “Safe Path to School Bill,” and it requires elementary schools to have safety protocols when students are dropped off and picked up.
Cut 7 (08) “…from school.”
The legislation will be heard in the House Education Committee.

LSU Health Sciences Shreveport is involved in a study that found topical CBD can help with pain management for former elite athletes and the only side effect reported was dry skin for 50-percent of the participants…
cut 11 (13) “…pain scores”
Doctor Kevin Murnane hopes CBD can be an option to control pain, instead of opioids.

AM LRN Newscall April 13

Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder is hoping to earn the title of Secretary Schexnayder by running for Secretary of State. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

Preliminary research finds CBD provides therapeutic pain management for former professional athletes. Teiko Foxx explains…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

Funding teacher pay raises was a hot topic in Wednesday’s House Appropriations Committee meeting. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

_____________________________________________

On the heels of Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s announcement that he will not seek re-election, Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder has thrown his hat in the ring. The Gonzales Republican is term-limited in the legislature and says he wants to continue his twelve years of public service.

Cut 4 (06)  “…right direction.”

Schexnayder believes Ardoin and his staff should be commended for their work and the office’s top ten rating when it comes to election integrity.

Cut 5 (09) “…do better.”

The Heritage Foundation’s annual election integrity scorecard ranks Louisiana as 6th in the nation.

Republicans: PSC Commissioner Mike Francis and Businessman Brandon Trosclair are also running and when asked what sets him apart from his challengers, Schexnayder says it’s his ability to reach across the aisle.

Cut 6 (12)  “…right there.”

Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey is also reportedly considering running for Secretary of State. Candidates must qualify August 8-10 for the October 14th primary.

_____________________________________________

After six-year-old Emma Bell Savoie was killed by a car in her school’s parking lot in Slidell last year, Representative Bob Owen has filed legislation to keep other students from the same fate.  It’s called the “Safe Path to School Bill,” and it requires elementary schools to have safety protocols when students are dropped off and picked up.

Cut 7 (08) “…from school.”

The legislation requires students to remain behind a barrier before entering a drop-off/pick-up area, not allowing them to enter the area until the vehicle is in park, the use of safety vests for employees in the area, and students under ten would be accompanied by an adult to provide safe passage.

Cut 8 (09) “…schools don’t.”

According to the national Kids and Car Safety organization, sixty children are hit by a car in a driveway or parking lot weekly. Owen says this is one way to immediately make an impact.

Cut 9 (08)  “…entire communities.”

____________________________________________________

New research by LSU Health Shreveport found the use of topical CBD by elite athletes offered significant therapeutic pain management. Dr. Kevin Murnane with LSU Health Shreveport says the study was conducted on former professional athletes with a history of chronic lower extremity pain.

Cut 10 (12) “…conventional therapeutics.” 

The Tiger Research Group run by Bradie James – former LSU and NFL Linebacker – partnered with The Health Science Center in Shreveport to analyze data from the six-week study. The research included studying cannabinoids and formulations in cellular models for addiction, inflammation, and pain. Murnane says topical CBD was administered and pain levels improved.

Cut 11 (1)  “…pain scores.”

50% of participants experienced minor adverse effects such as dry skin, and 50% experienced no side effects. There was an improvement in pain levels along with the ability to continue social responsibilities and Murnane is hopeful CBD will create options to control pain and end the opioid crisis.

Cut 12 (08)  “…to opioids.”

This is the first study to assess the CBD treatment in professional athletes and Murnane hopes it will warrant further studies.

____________________________________________________

Republican lawmakers on the House Appropriations Committee express concerns over proposed teacher pay raises and funding for low-performing schools. Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland says a proposed two-thousand dollar teacher pay hike will cost the state an additional 196-million dollars a year and what happens when state revenues decline???

Cut 13 (07) “..to put that in.” 

Meanwhile, Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala believes A and B graded school systems should be awarded with additional state funding. He believes that philosophy will incentive average to below average performing school systems…

Cut 14 (12)  “…get something done”

But Jefferson Parish Representative Rodney Lyons says a lack of effort is not why Louisiana has “D” and “F” graded schools…

Cut 15 (06)  “…we are.”

The teacher pay raise proposal and funding for public school discussion will continue for the remainder of the legislative session.

____________________________________________________

The top-ranked LSU Baseball team will host 12th-ranked Kentucky in a 3 game series starting off tonight. The Wildcats are much improved from last season with a 9-3 conference record. LSU Coach Jay Johnson credits their success to a top-ten transfer class and selfless play…

Cut  16 (19)  “…very successfully.” 

The Tiger pitching staff has been depleted over the last couple weeks. Johnson said both Garret Edwards and Chase Shores will be out for the series and Nate Ackenhausen is close to a return with further evaluation on his hamstring injury. Johnson says it’s an unfortunate reality but the Tigers will have to power on…

Cut 17 (17) “…to go.” 

Known for their “small ball” identity, Kentucky leads the SEC in steal attempts and stolen bases, and Johnson called them the best bunting team he’s faced at LSU. Containing the Wildcats baserunners will be a big task for sophomore third baseman Tommy White who had some fielding question marks early this season, but Johnson is confident he’s up to the task…

Cut 18 (21) “….they are.”

First pitch in Alex Box is at 6:00

__________________________________________________________

The Saints are two weeks away from the 2023 NFL Draft with the 29th overall pick thanks to the Sean Payton-Broncos trade. GM Mickey Loomis and the Saints are known for their aggressive drafting strategy and could be looking to trade up in the first round, but host of the Lockdown Saints podcast Ross Jackson says if they don’t move, they’ll take the best player available…

Cut 19 (17) “…on the board.”

This year’s draft is headlined by top quarterback prospects, and rumors have swirled all offseason whether the Saints would try to find their future franchise star. Jackson, though, thinks signing veteran quarterback Derek Carr shows otherwise…

Cut 20 (18)  “…another weapon.”  

The first round of the NFL Draft is April 27.

 

Edit

5:30 LRN Newscast & Legislative Report April 12

A Louisiana Federation of Teachers survey indicates 97-percent of teachers are not paid enough to raise a family. LFT spokesperson Heather Cushman says recent pay raises from the legislature have only gone to pay higher insurance premiums and the higher cost of living.

Cut 14 (09)  “…behind again.”

Louisiana teachers have not been at the Southern regional average since 2007 resulting in more than 1,200 vacant teaching positions across the state.

Republicans on the House Appropriations Committee expressed concerns over proposed teacher pay raises and funding for low-performing schools. Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland says a proposed two-thousand-dollar teacher pay hike will cost the state an additional 196 million dollars a year and what happens when state revenues decline???

AM Cut 13 (07) “..to put that in.” 

Colonel Lamar Davis expressed concern to lawmakers over the growing number of state troopers leaving the department. He says troopers are choosing to retire much sooner than they did in the past and there are just under 900 troopers in Louisiana.

PM Cut 6 (06)  “…is pay.” 

Davis says troopers in Texas are paid almost twice as much and the pay in Tennessee and Mississippi surpasses Louisiana.

On the heels of Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s announcement that he will not seek re-election, Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder has thrown his hat in the ring. The Gonzales Republican is term-limited in the legislature and says he wants to continue his twelve years of public service.

AM Cut 4 (06)  “…right direction.”

Schexnayder believes Ardoin and his staff should be commended for their work and the office’s top ten rating when it comes to election integrity.

4:30 LRN Newscast April 12

97 percent of educators statewide say they do not make enough according to a survey by the Louisiana Federation of Teachers. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office is looking to upgrade charges against 20-year-old Cecilia Lee of Ville Platte after the death of her 85-year-old grandmother. Lee was charged with attempted first-degree murder before the death. Authorities say Lee allegedly beat her grandmother with a wooden back scratcher and picture frame.

After John Mack, who’s facing numerous child sexual abuse charges was released on bond in Livingston Parish, Baton Rouge State Senator Regina Barrow is taking action. She says Mack allegedly harassed victims in the past and she fears he will again. She’s filed legislation to create an advocacy program for victims within the Department of Children and Family Services.

Cut 4 (13)  “…aware what’s happening.” 

Former LSU basketball player Wayne Sims died at the age of 54. Sims was a four-year standout for the Tigers from 1987 to 1991. He played with former LSU greats Shaquille O Neal and Chris Jackson. Former coach Dale Brown says the LSU basketball family is extremely saddened.

Cut 9 (07) “…heard about Wayne.”

Sources say Sims collapsed at work yesterday and died from natural causes this morning.

4:45 LRN Sportscast April 12

Former LSU basketball player Wayne Sims has died at the age of 54. Sims was a four-year standout for the Tigers from 1987 to 1991 and made the NCAA tournament all four years. He played with former LSU greats Shaquille O Neal and Chris Jackson. Former coach Dale Brown says he’s crushed to hear about Sims’ passing…

Cut 10 (08) “…loved guy.” 

Sources say Sims collapsed at work yesterday and died from natural causes this morning.

The Pelicans will host the Thunder in the first round of the play-in tournament tonight. The youngest squad in the NBA, many thought the Thunder were in the midst of a rebuild, but thanks to the effort of All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, went 40-42 on the season to earn the last play-in spot. Coach Willie Green says if the Pels want to advance, they’ll need to slow down SGA…

Cut 20 (13)  “…for a reason.”  

The LSU football team lost defensive line coach and run game coordinator Jamar Cain to Sean Payton’s Denver coaching staff a few weeks ago. Defensive analyst Gerald Chatman took over as interim D-line coach and coach Brian Kelly says will be a candidate for the full-time position. Kelly said he’s looking for someone who can recruit in the SEC and develop players and should have a decision soon…

Cut 17 (16) “…or so.” 

The top-ranked LSU Baseball team got an 11-5 midweek win over Tulane last night. Rightfielder Brayden Jobert and third baseman Tommy White each drove in 3 runs as the tigers improved to 27-5 on the year. The Bayou Bengals will return to action Thursday night as they play host to 12th-ranked Kentucky

The UL-Lafayette baseball team won its sixth straight last night defeating in-state rival Louisiana tech 10-5. The Cajuns improve to 24-9 on the season. They’ll look to earn win 25 tonight in Hammond against Southeastern. First pitch is at 6:00

3:30 LRN Newscast April 12

A state lawmaker voices her concerns after a Livingston Parish man – accused of sexually abusing young girls – was released this week on bail. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder says he’s running for Secretary of State. The Gonzales Republican is term-limited in the legislature and says he wants to continue his 12 years of public service. On Monday, incumbent Kyle Ardoin announced he will not seek re-election. PSC Commissioner Mike Francis and businessman Brandon Trosclair have also announced their candidacy for the office.

Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col Lamar Davis says the department has just under 900 troopers and the number continues to decline. Davis says low pay is a common reason given for resignations. He told lawmakers the department needs to improve the recruitment and retention of officers.

Cut 8 (11)  “…their hearts.” 

Davis says they are doing more community outreach in an effort to build trust and also recruit potential cadets.

Former LSU basketball player Wayne Sims has died at the age of 54. Sims was a four-year standout from 1987 to 1991. LSU went to the NCAA tournament each year when Sims played for the Tigers and former coach Dale Brown says he’s crushed to hear about Sims’ passing…

Cut 10 (08) “…loved guy.” 

2:30 LRN Newscast

97 percent of educators statewide say they do not make not enough according to a survey by the Louisiana Federation of Teachers. Teiko Foxx has more.
Cut 2 (33) “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder announced today he will run for Secretary of State this fall. Schexnayder’s announcement comes one day after current Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin said he will not run for re-election. PSC member Mike Francis and businessman Brandon Trosclair are also running.

Baton Rouge Senator and chair of the Select Committee on Women and Children Regina Barrow is concerned an accused rapist in Livingston Parish was released on bond this week. John Mack has been in custody since February 22nd after he was arrested on numerous charges including first-degree rape. Barrow says Mack allegedly harassed two of his victims before his arrest…
cut 5 (13) “…as the family”
Defense attorney John McClendon argued for his release because he’s elderly and has been in jail since his arrest.

Former LSU basketball standout Wayne Sims has died unexpectedly at the age of 54. His former coach Dale Brown is saddened by Sims’ death…
cut 11 (11) “….own right right”
Wayne Sims’ son, Wayde Sims, also played at LSU but was killed prior to his junior season in a shooting near the Southern University campus.