6:30 LRN Newscast

A meeting will be held today in Shreveport to decide how to finalize the state’s congressional map after the most recent one was dismissed by a three-judge federal panel. After three years of back and forth, NAACP Legal Defense Fund attorney Jared Evans is disappointed with last week’s ruling…
Cut 4 (11) “…Black districts.”
There’s a good chance the U-S Supreme Court will have to get involved.

The Senate Finance Committee will soon begin to discuss the House Approved budget. The House’s spending plan proposes to spend 24 million dollars less on early childhood education. Executive director of the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, Libbie Sonnier, says the reduction will result in two-thousand children from low income families from getting into an early childhood program…
cut 7 (08) “….dire”

Passing a computer science class could soon be a must to graduate high school. Jeanne Burns has the story…
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

LRN Legislative Report

With the Louisiana Radio Network Legislative Report, I’m Jeanne Burns.

Departing from Governor Landry’s proposal that would maintain the 87 million dollars in the budget set aside for early childhood education, the House cut 24 million dollars from it. Executive Director of the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, Libbie Sonnier says the cut will remove 2000 children from their programs.

Cut 7 (08) “…really dire.”

Sonnier says, access to early education is vital in preparing children to enter kindergarten on time, read at grade level by third grade and achieve overall success in school. She’s concerned about an already stressed system…

Cut 8 (10) “…even worse.” 

A property insurance reform bill waiting for the governor’s signature would end the three-year rule. Louisiana is the only state that prohibits an insurer from canceling policies that are three years old or older. House Insurance Commissioner Gabe Firment says the legislation allows insurance companies to manage their own risks better

Cut 10 (11) “…everybody else.”

 

The Louisiana Senate could give final legislative approval today to a bill that would require high schoolers to pass a computer science course in order to graduate. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says the requirement take effect for the 2027-28 school year

Cut 14 (08)  “…this bill.”

Hughes says the legislation would also require the passage of a computer science course in order to be eligible for TOPS.

Updated LRN AM Newscall May 6

Today, a meeting will be held in Shreveport to decide how to finalize the state’s congressional map. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Louisiana House’s proposed budget cut $24-million from the $87 million Governor Landry proposed for Early Childhood Education. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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Passing a computer science class could soon be a must to graduate high school. Jeanne Burns has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.” 

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A meeting will be held today in Shreveport to decide how to finalize the state’s congressional map after the most recent one was thrown out in court. After three years of back and forth, NAACP Legal Defense Fund attorney Jared Evans is disappointed with the ruling…

Cut 4 (11) “…Black districts.”

Evans says he and other interested parties will attend the meeting and begin the remedial process.

Cut 5 (09) “…congressional map.” 

Evans says the court will give their opinion on how the map will be decided. He says there are several options on the table, for example, they could appoint a special master to draw the map.

Cut 6 (11) “…a map.”

The timeline is tight with a Secretary of State deadline of May 15th so candidates and voters will know their district lines for the fall election. Evans believes there’s a possibility that the deadline will be pushed.

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Departing from Governor Landry’s proposal that would maintain the 87 million dollars in the budget set aside for early childhood education, the House cut 24 million dollars from it. Executive Director of the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, Libbie Sonnier says the cut will remove 2000 children from their programs.

Cut 7 (08) “…dire.”

Sonnier says access to early education is vital in preparing children to enter kindergarten on time, read at grade level by third grade and achieve success in school. She’s concerned about an already stressed system…

Cut 8 (10) “…even worse.” 

Sonnier is hoping when the Revenue Estimating Committee meets, they will realize more money and then that the Senate will return the 24 million dollars in cuts to the early childhood education budget…

Cut 9 (11)  “…the economy.”

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A property insurance reform bill waiting for the governor’s signature would end the three-year rule. Louisiana is the only state that prohibits an insurer from canceling policies that are three years old or older. House Insurance Chairman Gabe Firment says the legislation allows insurance companies to manage their risks better

Cut 10 (11) “…everybody else.”

Firment’s legislation only gives insurers the ability to cancel up to five percent of its total policholders in Louisiana and no more than five-percent in a single parish.

But New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard is concerned that removing this consumer protection policy will result in more homeowners relying on Citizens Insurance, which is 10-percent more expensive than the private market

Cut 11 (11) “…(x2) riskiest policies.”

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says by reducing regulations on insurance providers, it will result in more companies writing homeowners policies. But Ben Riggs, executive director of Real Reform Louisiana, says repealing the three year rule will not spur on more competition among private insurance carriers…

Cut 12 (09) “…less available” 

Temple says ending the three-year rule is just one of several reform measures that will help bring more insurance companies to Louisiana

Cut 13 (08)  “…to Louisiana.”

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The Louisiana Senate could give final legislative approval today to a bill requiring high schoolers to pass a computer science course to graduate. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says the requirement takes effect for the 2027-28 school year

Cut 14 (08)  “…this bill.”

Hughes says the legislation would also require the passage of a computer science course to be eligible for TOPS. Hughes says having computer skills is a necessity…

Cut 15 (08)  “..today’s workforce”

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The LSU baseball team won a series over top-ranked Texas A-and-M over the weekend. The Tigers had a chance to sweep but gave up nine runs in the fifth inning in a 14-4 loss to the Aggies. Coach Jay Johnson says they held down a powerful A-and-M offense as long as they could

Cut 16 (15)  “..from us.”

The Tigers won the first two games of the series by the identical scores of six to four. Johnson says they got great pitching performances from Gage Jump, Luke Holman, Griffin Herring and Christian Little and some clutch hitting…

Cut 17 (17) “…we’re doing that”

Six more SEC games are left, and the Tigers are 9-15 in the SEC. The goal for LSU is to get to at least 13 wins to give them a shot at an at-large berth into the NCAA Tournament. Johnson says they put themselves in position…

Cut 18 (20)  “… we’re in the fight.”

11:30 am Newscast

Louisiana Tech’s Giving Day was a big success this year. The annual campaign raised almost 2 million dollars April 18th. This year’s them: “Fulfilling our Potential” .”LA Tech President Jim Henderson says the administration will do that by continuing growth in all its programs.

Cut 8 (09) “…focused manner.” 
Speaking of focus, The Council for a Better Louisiana is not pleased with where proposed cuts to education in Louisiana are headed right now at the capitol. As of now, early childhood education stands to lose $24 million. A solid early childhood education reduces one’s likelihood of a life of crime and after a session dedicated to crime reforms, CABLE President Barry Erwin says reducing funding for such a vital sends a mixed message.

Cut 5 (12)  “…direction.” 

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The Rolling Stones made a big splash before a crowd of 40-thousand Thursday at the New Orleans Jass and Heritage Festival. By all accounts it was an amazing show as the British Rockers perform a two-hour, 18-song set list.  One of the highlights was New Orleans soul queen, Irma Thomas, singing “Time is on My Side” President of New Orleans and Company Walt Leger says it was a nice Jazz Fest touch…

Cut 10 (12) “..really cool.” 

A Drive by shooting in Shreveport last night sent one man to the hospital.  It happened around 8, when authorities’ say someone a red/orange Crown Victoria of Dodge charger opened fire. Over 20 rounds were reportedly shot.  We’re told the injured man  was shot in the hand and the arm so he is expected to survive.

 

 

10:30 am Newscast

The Council for a Better Louisiana is not happy with budget cuts to education being proposed by the House. They would mean a $24 million dollar reduction in funding for early childhood education and would reduce teacher pay stipends by $300. President of the Council for a Better Louisiana, Barry Erwin says lawmakers are aware of the ongoing teacher shortage and cutting their pay will most likely make things worse.

Cut 4 (11) “….gets cut.” 

A Hammond man wanted in the stabbing death of a woman from New Orleans was arrested this week in Natchitoches Parish. 25-year-old Jerome Wilson is accused of killing 31 year old Carol Allen. Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jimmy Travis on how Wilson ended up being arrested.
Cut 12 (10) “…roadside assistance” 

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People will be talking about the Rolling Stonesappearance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival for a while. 40-thousand fans were on hand to see the British Rockers perform a two-hour, 18-song set list on Thursday. President of New Orleans and Company Walt Leger says you would never guess frontman Mick Jagger is 80 years old

Cut 9 (08) “..amazing show” 

The LSU baseball tigers put on a show taking down top ranked Texas A-and-M last night six to four to begin a huge three game series. In other action, Louisiana Tech won its seventh straight last night, an 18 to 4 win over New Mexico State. Georgia Southern downed ULM 12 to 4, UNO edged Southeastern four to three, McNeese over Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi seven to three, while Nicholls and Northwestern State lost.

9:30 am Newscast

The Rolling Stones long awaited appearance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival was a ig hit and Governor Jeff Landry took a hit himself when Mick Jagger called him out for quote” trying to bring the state back to the Stone Age” Landry answered back on social media saying Jagger might be the only person who’d remember the Stone Age, but added the singer is always welcome in Louisiana. President of the Louisiana Radio Network and political analyst Jim Engster.

Cut 11 (08) ” …sense of humor.”

Louisiana Tech raised $1.96 million on Giving Day this year. The fundraiser was held on April 18th and LA Tech President Jim Henderson says the money raised will go towards funding a variety of university programs.

Cut 7 (11) “…our campus.”  

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When it comes to education, the Council for a Better Louisiana isn’t pleased with the budget cuts proposed by the the House. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
A former Pearl River High School Teacher has been arrested for inappropriate contact with students. 30-year-old Arianna Kadinger is facing 4 felony prohibited sexual conduct between educator and student. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Officials say they received a tip in early April and ultimately found text messages to two students containing inappropriate language and photographs.

8:30 am Newscast

The budget passed in the House last week, cut $24 million from early childhood education and reduced teacher pay stipends from $2,000 to $1,700. President of the Council for a Better Louisiana, Barry Erwin says it sends a bad message and it’s discouraging…

Cut 3 (13) “…a difference.” 

A murder suspect was arrested in Natchitoches Parish after he called authorities seeking assistance for a flat tire. Chief of operations for the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jimmy Travis, says 25-year-old Jerome Wilson of Hammond was wanted in the stabbing death of 31-year-old Carol Allen of New Orleans.

Cut 13 (14) “…stabbed her”

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Legendary rock band, The Rolling Stones, had a memorable performance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on Thursday. Jeff Palermo has a recap…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Louisiana Tech raised $1.96 million on Giving Day this year. The fundraiser was held on April 18th and LA Tech President Jim Henderson says they received donations from over 800 different donors in donations ranging from five dollars to six figures.

Cut 6  (10) “…they live.” 

7:30 LRN Sportscast

The LSU baseball team took down top ranked Texas A-and-M last night six to four to begin a huge three game series. The Tigers fell behind two to nothing, but took the lead with a four-run sixth inning. Josh Pearson had the big hit, a two-run double. Griffin Herring was money out of the bullpen as he got the final seven outs for his fourth save of the season.

Louisiana Tech won its seventh straight last night, an 18 to 4 win over New Mexico State. The Bulldogs hit seven home runs. Cole McConnell and Jorge (George) Carona each hit two home runs.

The 18th ranked Ragin Cajuns were on the wrong end of a blowout as Troy trounced U-L Lafayette 16 to 5. Andrew Herrmann suffered the loss as he gave up six runs in two innings, but only two of them were earned.

Georgia Southern downed ULM 12 to 4, UNO edged Southeastern four to three, McNeese over Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi seven to three, while Nicholls and Northwestern State lost.
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Two former LSU receivers sign with new NFL teams. Odell Beckham Junior has reportedly signed with Miami, after catching 35 passes in Baltimore last season. While DJ Chark agrees to a deal with the Chargers. He had 35 catches in Carolina last year. And former LSU linebacker and Atlanta Falcon Deion Jones has signed with the Bills.

Two of LSU’s top targets at defensive tackle in the transfer portal have committed to other schools. Damonic Williams is heading to Oklahoma and Simeon Barrow is heading to Miami.

1st year ULM coach Bryant Vincent is trying to build a winner in Monroe. He says he saw progress in the spring…
cut 20 (19) “….we practice’
ULM opens the season against Jackson State.

5:30 PM Newscast May 3

A murder suspect was arrested in Natchitoches Parish after he called authorities seeking assistance for a flat tire. Chief of operations for the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jimmy Travis, says 25-year-old Jerome Wilson of Hammond was wanted in the stabbing death of 31-year-old Carol Allen of New Orleans.

Cut 12 (10) “…roadside assistance” 

Travis says Wilson’s motive was likely robbery.

A former Pearl River High School Teacher has been arrested for inappropriate contact with students. 30-year-old Arianna Kadinger is facing 4 felony prohibited sexual conduct between educator and student and 4 misdemeanor charges. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says they received a tip in early April and their investigation revealed text messages to two students containing inappropriate language and photographs.

The legendary rock band, The Rolling Stones, had a memorable performance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on Thursday.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The budget passed in the House last week, cut $24 million from early childhood education. President of the Council for a Better Louisiana, Barry Erwin says it sends a bad message and it’s discouraging.

Cut 3 (13) “…a difference.” 

4:45 LRN Sportscast

There are three SEC weekends left and the postseason begins now for the LSU Tigers who need to get hot to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. LSU is 7-and-14 heading into this three-game set against top ranked Texas A-and-M. LSU Tiger great Todd Walker says there’s still time left to turn things around…
cut 27 (16) “…all out”
The Tigers will need a good outing from sophomore left hander Gage Jump. In his last two starts, Jump has allowed one run on five hits, one walk and he has 20 strikeouts. First pitch tonight is at 7 PM.

The Ragin Cajuns and Louisiana Tech enter this weekend’s play in first place in their respective conferences. Both are on the road. The Bulldogs are at New Mexico State while the Cajuns visit Troy, who is three games back of U-L Lafayette in the Sun Belt.

A couple of former LSU Tigers have signed with new NFL teams. Odell Beckham Junior has reportedly signed a one-year deal with Miami, while Alexandria native DJ Chark is headed to the Los Angeles Chargers. Chark had 35 catches for 525 yard and five touchdowns last season.

LSU football has missed out on one of their defensive tackle targets in the transfer portal. Damonic Williams who had two standout seasons at TCU has committed to Oklahoma.

New ULM Warhawks football coach Byrant Vincent says that he saw progress during spring practice. Vincent is trying to lead the Warhawks to their first winning season since 2012 and it will take a lot of work…
Cut 19 (14) “…do things.”