Monthly Archives: May 2023

05.17.23
by

8:30 LRN Newscast

The House Criminal Justice Committee voted against two measures that sought to clarify medical exceptions to the state’s abortion ban. One of the bills is sponsored by state representative Mary Dubuisson, a Republican from Slidell, who says there is vague, non-medical language in the state’s abortion ban that gets in the way of OBGYNs treating their patients who have complicated pregnancies. Pro-choice attorney Gwyneth O’ Neal….
cut 9 (15) “….these complications”
Several lawmakers rejected the idea that the state’s abortion ban language is vague or unclear. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton….
Cut 10 (07) “…and what’s needed.”
So none of the bills aimed at softening the state’s abortion ban will make out of committee this session.

House-approved legislation that would allow the pregnant mother of a child to recover half the out-of-pocket, pregnancy-related medical expenses from the biological father was approved by a Senate Committee. Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman says he’s trying to protect pregnant women.
Cut 4 (05) “… the father.”
After the baby is born, the mother would have two years to recover these expenses. The measure heads to the Senate floor.

The state Department of Children and Family Services has received its share of criticism for the handling of child welfare cases, but the state agency has won the Government Changemaker award for how it uses technology to keep families who are receiving benefits informed. DCFS Secretary Terri Ricks….
cut 13 (13) “…..national news”
Ricks says they used text messaging to inform SNAP recipients about a tax credit that resulted in over four-thousand Louisianans claiming over four million in tax credits.

05.17.23
by

7:30 LRN Newscast

Lawmakers defer two pro-choice bills aimed at making the state’s all-out ban on abortions less onerous. House Criminal Justice chose to shelve HB 598, which would have clarified that non-viable ectopic pregnancies can be treated through surgery. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell (New-ELL)argued her bill is a pathway to saving a mother’s life from a problem pregnancy…:
Cut 7 (15) “…to their patients.”
Louisiana Right to Life director Ben Clapper told panel members HB 598 is unnecessary…:
Cut 8 (11) “…pregnancies and more.”
The House Criminal Justice Committee also voted against a bill that would have exempted miscarriages from the state’s near-total abortion ban.

Despite pushback from Black lawmakers, the Louisiana House approved a bill that would hold back third graders who fail multiple literacy tests. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson’s measure is modeled after a policy Mississippi is using. But New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd is not impressed…
cut 15 (06) “……scoring 45th”
But Nelson says Mississippi’s reading scores have improved since the program was enacted in 2013.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services has won an award. The nonprofit organization, Code for America, has awarded DCFS with its Government Changemaker Award. Secretary Terri Ricks says in 2019 the state partnered with Code for America and launched a one-way text messaging service that helps recipients at critical times…
cut 11 (12) “…be helpful”
Ricks says they also use text messaging to keep SNAP recipients informed.

05.17.23
by

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Fifth ranked LSU snapped its two game losing streak on the baseball diamond last night as they defeated McNeese seven to four. The Tigers trailed 4-3 in the sixth inning when Cade Beloso and Hayden Travinski hit back-to-back homers. Griffin Herring allowed one run in three innings of relief to get the win. Thatcher Hurd got the save.

Former Rummel running back Logan Diggs has signed with LSU after spending the last two seasons at Notre Dame. Tigers running backs have struggled to stay on the field as John Emory, Armoni Goodwin, and Kaleb Jackson all missed time this Spring. The Advocate’s Wilson Alexander says Diggs will provide proven depth to a convoluted running back room…
Cut 17 (19) “…for this team.”
Diggs rushed for 822 yards and four touchdowns last season.

The Saints and star defensive end Cam Jordan are reportedly discussing a two-year contract extension. The 34-year-old is entering the final season of a three-year contract. The eight-time Pro Bowler had 8.5 sacks last season and is the franchise’s all-time sacks leader, with 115.5.

After last night’s NBA draft lottery, the Pelicans will have the 14th pick in the first round, which is not a surprise. Division rival San Antonio won the first pick.

The U-L Lafayette softball team will head down I-10 later this week to compete in the Baton Rouge Regional. There’s disappointment in Lafayette that the Cajuns are not hosting a regional, but Coach Gerry Glasco is looking forward to spending the weekend in the capital city…
cut 20 (09) “…families”
The Cajuns face Omaha in the first game of the regional on Friday afternoon, LSU hosts Prairie View A-and-M.

05.17.23
by

6:30 LRN newscast

Two bills aimed at clarifying the state’s all-out ban on abortions meet defeat in a House committee. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

New Orleans is the center for the national debate over the access of the widely used abortion drug mifepristone. A federal appeals court in New Orleans will hear arguments today on a federal judge’s decision in Texas to revoke the FDA’s approval of the drug which occurred over two decades ago. The case is expected to end up before the U-S Supreme Court.

A bill that would allow a pregnant mother to recover half of the out of pocket medical expenses of the pregnancy from the biological father continues to move through the legislative process. The House approved legislation has received approval from a Senate committee…
cut 5 (05) “…real issue”
That’s Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud. The bill heads next to the Senate floor.

The Louisiana House approves a bill to hold third graders back if they fail to pass a literacy competency test multiple times. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson’s measure gives students three opportunities to pass the test…
Cut 14 (11) “…requirements.”
The proposal passed on a 88-15 vote and heads to the Senate.

05.16.23
by

LRN AM Newscall May 17

A House-approved bill that would allow a mother to recover 50% of the out-of-pocket expenses for pregnancy-related medical costs from the father was approved by Senate Committee. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

Two bills aimed at softening the state’s all-out ban on abortions meet defeat in a House committee. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

_______________________________________________

The Louisiana House approves a bill to hold third graders back if they are unable to read at grade level. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_____________________________________________

House-approved legislation that would allow the pregnant mother of a child to recover half the out-of-pocket, pregnancy-related medical expenses from the biological father was approved by Senate Committee. Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman says the bill was created to protect pregnant women.

Cut 4 (05)  “… the father.”

The prenatal, childbirth and post-partum medical costs are estimated at around $18,000 without insurance, and out-of-pocket for those enrolled in large group insurance plans is around $3,000 according to a Kaiser Family Foundation study in 2022. The bill supported by Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud believes single mothers who have to bear a child should not have to bear the cost alone.

Cut 5 (08)   “…real  issue.”

After the baby is born, the mother would have two years to recover these expenses. The bill also states the mother can only recuperate monies if the paternity of the child has been proven. An advocate for women of sexual trauma, Morgan Lamandre raised concern that the bill’s preemptive period was not enough.

Cut 6 (13)  “…year period.”

Utah also has a similar bill that was passed in 2021.

_______________________________________________

Lawmakers defer two pro-choice bills aimed at making the state’s all-out ban on abortions less onerous. House Criminal Justice chose to shelve HB 598, which would have ruled that ending a non-viable ectopic pregnancy through surgical means would not be considered an abortion. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell (New-ELL) says her bill isn’t an exception to abortion, but a pathway to saving a mother’s life from a problem pregnancy…:

Cut 7 (15) “…to their patients.”

Louisiana Right to Life director Ben Clapper tells panel members HB 598 is un-needed…:

Cut 8 (11) “…pregnancies and more.”

Another bill set aside by the committee was HB 461, which sought to clarify what bill sponsor and Slidell Representative Mary Dubuisson calls “vague, non-medical” language in the abortion law that gets in the way of OB/GYNs treating their patients. Pro-choice attorney Gwyneth O’Neal says this should be for physicians to decide; not lawmakers…:

Cut 9 (15)  “…these complications.”

Several lawmakers rejected the idea that the abortion law’s language is vague or unclear. Bossier Parish Rep. Dodie Horton was among them…:

Cut 10 (07) “…and what’s needed.” 

The committee voted to defer both bills. Pro-choice advocates say they will be back next year.

____________________________________________________

Code for America awards the Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services with its inaugural Government Changemaker Award – for its outstanding commitment to leveraging technology to better serve Louisiana households at a summit in Washington D.C., DCFS Secretary Terri Ricks says the LA’Message pilot made a difference in the enrollment and renewal process during difficult times.

Cut 11 (12)  “…be helpful.”

DCFS collaborated with Code for America with the LA’Message pilot in 2019 which allows one-way text messages that alert recipients of critical points involving the enrollment and renewal process. Ricks says these messages may have been lifesaving as they often included vital information for households.

Cut 12 (13)    “…the pandemic” 

DCFS and Code for America are working on three projects designed to improve recipients’ experiences: a document uploader, an expanded texting campaign, and a digital assistant. Louisiana was among one the first states chosen last year to participate in Cod for America’s Safety Net Innovation Lab.

Cut 13 (13) “…national news.” 

Code for America also credited text messages sent by DCFS with helping SNAP recipients claim tax credits in outreach promoted by The White House.

________________________________________

A bill to hold third graders back if they fail to pass a literacy competency test advances from the full House. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson’s bill failed the final days of the session last year. He says this bill gives students three opportunities to pass the test…

Cut 14 (11)  “…requirements.”

Students who fail the test would receive intensive instruction and two additional opportunities to pass the test.

The legislation is modeled after a Mississippi law and New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd questioned why Louisiana would model a program after a neighboring state’s considering its current ranking…

Cut 15 (06)  “…scoring 45th.”

Boyd argued that it isn’t the child who should be punished and held back, it’s the teachers who are failing the students.

Cut  16 (08)  “…another solution.” 

Boyd says the state needs to hire more certified teachers so students are able to read on grade level. The measure passed on an 88 to 15 vote and advances to a Senate committee.

__________________________________________________________

Former Rummel running back Logan Diggs has signed with LSU after spending the last two seasons at Notre Dame. Tigers running backs have struggled to stay on the field as John Emory, Armoni Goodwin, and Kaleb Jackson all missed time this Spring. The 22nd-ranked back in the 2021 class, The Advocate’s Wilson Alexander says Diggs will provide proven depth to a convoluted running back room…

Cut 17 (19) “…for this team.”

The Boutte, Louisiana native started eight games as a sophomore, rushing for 822 yards and four touchdowns for the Fighting Irish last season. After averaging 5 yards a carry as a feature back in the Notre Dame offense, Diggs will reunite with his former coach this summer as perhaps the most talented Tiger running back, but Alexander says he won’t take over the role…

Cut 18 (19) “…these guys.”

___________________________________________________________

 The tenth-seeded LSU softball team will host the Baton Rouge Regional this weekend featuring the Sun-Belt Champion UL-Lafayette Cajuns, Summit League Champs Omaha, and SWAC Champion Prairie View A&M. The Tigers could possibly play the 46-13 Cajuns multiple times after splitting the two-game regular season season series. Cajuns senior Karly Heath says her team felt slighted by the seeding…

Cut 19 (19) “….easier draw.” 

The Cajuns boast the 11th-best RPI in the country just two spots behind LSU and one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the nation but were not granted a home regional. With only an hour separating the two schools, Cajuns Coach Gerry Glasco is excited to face their in-state rival to the east…

Cut 20 (14)  “…of fanbases.” 

05.16.23
by

5:30 LRN Newscast and Legislative Report May 16

Two bills aimed at softening the state’s all-out ban on abortions meet defeat in a House committee. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

State police are investigating a physical confrontation between two House staff members that happened outside of the capitol Tuesday. One staffer from House Sergeant at Arms was reportedly carrying a firearm before the incident. Only law enforcement is allowed to carry a weapon inside the Capitol. No other details are available.

House-approved legislation that would allow the pregnant mother of a child to recover half the out-of-pocket, pregnancy-related medical expenses from the biological father was approved by Senate Judiciary A. Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman says the bill was created to protect pregnant women.

Cut 4 (08)  “… the father.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor.

A bill to hold third graders back if they fail to pass a literacy competency test advances from the full House. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson’s bill failed the final days of the session last year. He says this bill gives students three opportunities to pass the test…

Cut 11 (11)  “…requirements.”

Students who fail the test would receive intensive instruction and two additional opportunities to pass the test. The bill will be heard in a Senate committee next.

 

05.16.23
by

4:45 LRN Sportscast May 16

The Saints signed former Steelers wide receiver James Washington to a one year deal. The former 2018 second round pick spent 4 productive years in Pittsburgh before missing most of last year with the Cowboys due to a foot injury. His best season came in 2019  when he had 735 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Head Coach Dennis Allen says Washington gives them a deep threat…

Cut 19 (16) “….defense” 

Former Rummel running back Logan Diggs has signed with LSU after spending the last two seasons at Notre Dame. The Boutte, Louisiana native started eight games as a sophomore, rushing for 822 yards and four touchdowns for the Fighting Irish last season and 230 yards and a touchdown in 2021 as a freshman under Brian Kelly. He’ll reunite with his former coach in Baton Rouge this Summer.

Lafayette Christian star Ju’Juan Johnson committed to LSU less than a month after decommitting from Colorado. The 4-star recruit quarterbacked the Knights to it’s sixth consecutive championship game as a junior, and was named the Acadiana Advocate’s Star of Stars Athlete of the year last week. The 5-foot-11 standout is listed as an “athlete” on 247sports and will likely play cornerback in college.

The NBA Draft Lottery is tonight in one of the most highly anticipated drafts in recent decades thanks to top overall prospect Victor Wembenyama. The 7-foot-5 19 year old is rumored to be one of the top prospects to enter the draft in NBA history and his fate will most likely be decided by which team comes out with the top overall pick in tonight’s lottery. The Pelicans sit at 14th overall and the worst odds to land the number one pick after finishing 42-40 and losing in the first round of the play-in tournament. They’ll have a 0.5% chance at the top pick and a 2.4% chance of moving up to the top four with no way of ending in spots 5-through-13.

05.16.23
by

4:30 LRN Newscast May 16

At the State Capitol, the House rejects two bills that would have curtailed carbon capture projects planned for Lake Maurepas in southeast Louisiana. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala says the legislation threatens 21-billion dollars in industrial projects…:

CUT 09(12)      “…somewhere else.”

Residents who live near Lake Maurepas are concerned about carbon capture’s effect on the ecosystem. Nevertheless, those bills are defeated.

A bill that would let property insurers raise rates without the approval of the insurance commissioner has passed the full House and heads now to the Senate. New Orleans Rep. Mandie Landry says she is skeptical of the bill, though…:

CUT 07(12)      “…more irate.”

Supporters say it will lead to more competition.

 

A truck theft in Slidell Monday led to a fiery crash, a big manhunt and an attack by angry hornets that sent two cops and a K-9 officer to the hospital. Slidell PD’s Office Dan Suzeneau says the suspect rolled the stolen truck over, which burst into flames. He then fled into a nearby swap and that’s where cops encountered the hornets’ nest…:

CUT 14(10)      “…of hornets.”

The suspect managed to get away, but Suzeneau says they’ll catch him another day. The two officers and the K-9 were treated for multiple stings and released.

Congratulations to Kenneth Colona, of Tangipahoa Parish, who just graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond…at age 85. Colona walked the stage and collected his Bachelor of Science in Sociology; making him the oldest person to ever earn a degree from SLU. He says it proves you are never too old to reach for your dreams.

05.16.23
by

3:30 LRN Newscast May 16

A truck theft in Slidell Monday involved a flipped truck going up in flames, a massive manhunt, and a hornet’s nest…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Senator John Kennedy incurred the anger of the Mexican ambassador to the U.S. when he recently said without American help, (quote) “Mexico – figuratively speaking – would be eating cat food from a can while living in a tent behind an Outback.” The ambassador says that’s vulgar and racists. So far, no comment from Mr. Kennedy.

 

The state is reaching out to anyone who sustained damage from the hurricanes of 2020 and ’21, who may be eligible for reimbursement from the Restore Louisiana Program. State Office of Community Development director Pat Forbes says there could be reasons why these individuals are not applying for assistance at “restore.la.gov”…:

CUT 03(12)      “…some assistance.”

If you had repairs totaling $5k or more, check to see of you have help coming to you.

A bill to remove approval from the Insurance Commissioner for property insurance rate changes passes in the full House. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says some people think allowing the commissioner to control rates is a good thing…:

CUT 06(10)      “…goes up.”

Outgoing Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon opposes the legislation. Nevertheless, it moves now to the Senate for Insurance Committee review. Remember, the legislature must conclude its business by June 8th.

05.16.23
by

LRN PM Newscall May 16

The state believes there are thousands of homeowners who suffered damage during the 2020 and 21 hurricanes but have not applied for assistance to repair or rebuild their homes through the Restore Louisiana Program. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

______________________________________

A truck theft in Slidell Monday involved a flipped truck going up in flames, a massive manhunt, and a hornet’s nest. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

The state is trying to reach out to an estimated 45 thousand households who sustained damage from hurricanes in 2020 and 2021 because they could be eligible for financial assistance to rebuild or repair their homes. Executive Director for the LA Office of Community Development, Pat Forbes says there could be reasons why these individuals are not applying for assistance at restore.la.gov.

Cut 3 (12) “…some assistance.”

In October 2021, HUD allocated $600 million for all recovery efforts related to Hurricanes Laura and Delta. On March 22, 2022, a second allocation provided an additional $450 million for Hurricanes Laura and Delta recovery, bringing the total allocation for these storms to more than $1 billion. Forbes says completing the survey is the first step.

Cut 4 (11)  “…reimburse you.” 

Residents who owned their home and occupied it as a primary residence at the time of the disaster and have maintained ownership of the home since the disaster; and received a FEMA determination for repairs greater than $5,000 should complete the survey. Forbes says the program is for anyone who sustained damage and once your survey is submitted, you will be guided through the next step.

Cut 5 (13) “…for help.”

For assistance, call 866-735-2001 or visit restore.la.gov.

______________________________________________

A bill to remove approval from the Insurance Commissioner for rate changes passes in the full House. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says some people think allowing the commissioner to control rates is a good thing.

Cut 6 (10)  “…goes up.” 

Huval believes a free and competitive insurance market will regulate prices better than government bureaucracy and regulation.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, who’s not seeking reelection, opposes the bill and New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry is skeptical of the legislation.

Cut 7 (12)  “…more irate.” 

Huval says 30 days after a rate goes into effect it can be reviewed and about two months later if deemed unlawful can be repealed.

Cut 8 (07)  “…Louisiana law.” 

House Bill 489 passed on a 56 to 23 vote and heads to a Senate committee.

__________________________________________________

The Louisiana House has rejected two bills that attempted to curtail carbon capture projects planned for Lake Maurepas in southeast Louisiana. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala says the legislation threatens 21-billion dollars in industrial projects…

Cut 9 (12) “…somewhere else.”

Residents who live near Lake Maurepas are concerned about plans to build carbon capture wells on the lake. Hammond Representative Nicholas Muscarello says there are many unknowns about carbon capture technology

Cut 10 (10) “…one of them” 

Carbon capturing captures carbon dioxide emissions released by a plant and stores the emissions in large wells built underneath the ground. Governor John Bel Edwards supports the technology as a way for the state to reach net zero emissions status by 2050. Bacala says new industrial development relies on carbon capture.

Cut 11 (11)  “…carbon capturing”

____________________________________________

A truck theft in Slidell Monday involved a massive manhunt, a crash, flames, a disturbed hornets’ nest, two officers and K-9 stung multiple times and the suspect got away. Slidell PD Public Information Officer Daniel Seuzeneau says it started when a 2005 Ford F-250 was stolen from a gym parking lot.

Cut 12 (10) “…the woods.” 

The truck burst into flames and the suspect got out and ran across the interstate and into the swamp. The suspect is still at large, and the officers and K-9 that were stung are expected to recover.

Seuzeneau says multiple law enforcement agencies responded and they searched for hours for the suspect.

Cut 13 (10) “…more leads.” 

When two of the officers and a K-9 were searching the marsh for the suspect they found a hornet’s nest instead.

Cut 14 (10)  “…of hornets.”

The officers and K-9 received medical treatment and are expected to recover.