6:30 LRN Newscast

Senate President Cameron Henry says at the urging of state lawmakers the Landry administration has decided to participate in a federal summer feeding program that provides 40-dollars a month per child to needy families. Henry says the decision comes after a meeting with leaders of DCFS and the Department of Education…
Cut 10 (08) “…working together.”
In February, Governor Landry announced the state would not opt into the USDA Summer EBT program. But House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says this is a program that could serve as many as 450-thousand children, by only spending a few million dollars in state money.

A vote in the House on a bill that calls for a constitutional convention has been pushed back until Tuesday. A vote was expected yesterday, but the bill’s author New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu added a few amendments to the legislation instead…
cut 15 (10) “…2024”
One of the amendments says there will be no change to the homestead exemption and another amendment takes out the provision that would allow private groups to pay for the convention that’s scheduled to begin May 20th.

Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields says he’s still running for the 6th congressional district even though the lines of that district are still to be determined.
Cut 2 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

LRN AM Newscall May 2

Legendary rock Band, the Rolling Stones, make their long-awaited appearance at the New Orleans Jazz Fest today. Michelle Southern has the story…

Cut 1 (40) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

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Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields says he’s still running for the 6th congressional district even though the lines of that district are still to be determined.

Cut 2 (32)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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State lawmakers have convinced the Landy Administration to participate in the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer Program which helps feed children from needy families. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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The Rolling Stones, kick off the second weekend of Jazz Fest with a special performance at the New Orleans Fairgrounds at 5 PM today. Jazz Fest producer Quint Davis says the legendary rock band was booked to play at Jazz Fest in 2019, but Mick Jagger had heart issues. It was rescheduled for 2020, but canceled because of Covid.  He says it worked out this year as the Stones just started a new tour across the U-S and Canada…

Cut 4 (11) “…on Thursday”

The Stones play Jazz Fest as their second stop in the “Hackney Diamonds” tour, and sometimes with older acts and busy festivals, you can’t always get what you want, but Davis says that they haven’t missed a beat as their Houston performance was given electric reviews.

Cut 5 (12) “…over two hours.” 

The Rolling Stones are just one of many great artists scheduled to play this weekend. Foo Fighters, Neil Young, and Queen Latifa are also on the schedule. Davis says the weather is also cooperating so this could be one of the best Jazz Fests’ ever…

Cut 6 (13) “…all time festivals.”

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Louisiana is the only state without a finalized congressional map and Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields announced that he would run for the 6th district from the map state lawmakers approved in January with two majority-black congressional districts After three years of back and forth, Fields says it’s time for the Supreme Court to settle the matter…

Cut 7 (11) “…at all now.”

A meeting is set for Monday for all interested parties in Shreveport. But in the meantime, Fields says it’s in the cards that he’s running…

Cut 8 (09) “…look like.” 

The Secretary of State’s Office has stood firm on a May 15th deadline for a map to be finalized for the fall election. As far as Fields is concerned after multiple court cases and legislative sessions to draw the map, it’s time to go to the highest court.

Cut 9 (07)  “…them decide.”

Congressman Garret Graves says he’s running for re-election to the 6th congressional district.

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Senate President Cameron Henry says at the urging of state lawmakers the Landry administration has decided to participate in a federal summer feeding program that provides 40-dollars a month per child to needy families. Henry says the decision comes after a meeting with leaders of DCFS and the Department of Education…

Cut 10 (08) “…working together.”

In February, Governor Landry announced the state would not opt into the Summer EBT program. A spokesperson for the governor said it was a pandemic era related program that costs seven million dollars and the pandemic is over. DCFS Secretary David Matlock says the state should be more focused on a pathway to self-suffiency.

But House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says this is a program that could serve as many as 450-thousand children. He says an investment of three-point-six million dollars will lead to 71-million dollars in federal money

Cut 11 (07) “…,money”

McFarland says he’s heard from constituents who relied on the summer EBT program the last two summers and the Landry administration should make it available this summer…

Cut 12 (08) “…to do.” 

Summer EBT officially begins June 4th. Congress passed a law which was signed by President Biden that made the program permanent.

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Louisiana’s homestead exemption will not be changed as part of the proposed rewrite of the state’s constitution. New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu has amended his constitutional convention bill to protect the homestead exemption in the state constitution

Cut 13 (11)  “…to protect.”

Beaullieu also amended the legislation so the K-through-12th grade public school financing formula can not be touched. And Beaullieu has also removed the language that allows for private funding to pay for the convention…

Cut 14 (04)  “…(x2) for sale.”

A vote on Beaullieu’s bill that calls for a constitutional convention to begin later this month was scheduled for a vote on Wednesday. But after the amendments were added, the bill was put back on the calendar…

Cut 15 (10)  “…2024.”

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The Ragin Cajuns baseball team is heading into what could be their toughest series yet when they face Troy this weekend. UL-Lafayette is currently on top of the Sun Belt Conference standings at 17 and 4 while Troy is at 14 and 7. Cajuns Coach Matt Deggs has a healthy respect for the Trojans.

Cut 16 (17)  “…their ballpark.”

The Ragin Cajuns have only lost one series this season in Sun Belt play. The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers took advantage of the Cajuns mistakes and took two out of three games at their home park. Deggs says that keeping “freebies” under control will significantly help the Cajuns win their tough road series against Troy.

Cut 17 (20) “…of them.”

The Cajuns and Trojans will face off Friday with first pitch at 6 pm and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

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The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will travel to take on the New Mexico State Aggies this weekend. The Bulldogs lead Conference USA with an 11-4 record. Tech Head Coach Lane Burroughs says going to New Mexico is a new experience for many of his coaches and players, but they are excited to play in Las Cruces

Cut 18 (16)  “…Coach Fouts.”

The Bulldogs pitching staff will have their hands full this weekend as New Mexico State leads Conference USA in batting percentage with an average of .304 this season. Their ball park in Las Cruces, New Mexico slightly favors hitters and Burroughs has taken note of this important information.

Cut 19 (20) “…at home.” 

The Bulldogs are on a 6 game winning streak dating back to their series clinching win over Dallas Baptist University on April 21st. Bulldogs Coach Burroughs says that he is proud of how his team has performed this season and that LA Tech has put themselves in a really good position to make a run in the postseason.

Cut 20 (20) “…. can ask.”

The Bulldogs and Aggies face off Friday with first pitch at 7 pm and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

5:30 LRN Newscast May 1

The big buzz around the capitol on Wednesday was the decision by a panel of federal judges to toss out the Congressional map approved by lawmakers earlier this year that created two majority Black districts. The map significantly changed Garret Graves district.

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Democratic Senator Cleo Fields is planning to run to represent the second Black Majority District and that’s still in the cards…

Cut 8 look like :09

A House vote on whether the hold a Constitutional Convention was tabled Wednesday. What was going to be addressed at the convention concerned several lawmakers. Author of the convention bill New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu, amended it noting the convention will protect the homestead exemption in the state constitution and that private funds will not be used for the convention.

Cut 15 (11)  “…2024.”

Senate President Cameron Henry says at the urging of state lawmakers the Landry administration has decided to participate in a federal summer feeding program that provides 40-dollars a month per child to needy families. Henry says the decision comes after a meeting with leaders of DCFS and the Department of Education…

Cut 10 (08) “…working together.”

Summer EBT officially begins June 4th.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU baseball found their offensive footing last night when the Tigers beat Grambling 26 to 2. The Tigers combined for 17 hits and 5 home runs in the game. White, Ruddell, Brown, Neal, and Travinski all homered in the game and the Tiger’s pitching staff only gave up two runs on the night. LSU Head Coach Jay Johnson hopes that the Tigers newfound success will translate into what he calls a ten game playoff stretch when the Tigers will face Texas A&M, Alabama, and Ole Miss to finish out the SEC regular season.

Cut 20 (13) “… right now.”

LSU will take on top ranked Texas A&M this weekend in the Box.

In other baseball news across the state, Louisiana Tech is now on a six game win streak after the Bulldogs defeated ULM yesterday 8 to 4. The win is the Bulldogs third straight over the Warhawks and the Bulldogs have won 8 out of the last 10 games between the two schools.

The Pelicans won 49 games in the regular season, but failed to win a single game in the Western Conference playoffs. Pelicans star power forward Zion Williamson was not available for the Pelicans playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but he said that a key factor in his improvement this season was having fun on the court.

Cut 18 (13) “… it’s something.”

Williamson played in a career-high 70 games this season and led the Pels in scoring with an average of 23 points per game.

And LSU basketball lands Richmond graduate guard Dji Bailey. Bailey won the Atlantic 10 Conference’s Chris Daniels Award which is given to the conference’s Most Improved Player. During his four years at Richmond, Bailey averaged 10.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Bailey will join Cam Carter from Kansas State and Jordan Sears from UT Martin in the LSU 2024 to 2025 transfer class.

 

4:30 LRN Newscast May 1

Congressman Garret Graves, who was among the plantiffs in the congressional map suit that was overturned, is pleased with the ruling. His district was altered to be a majority-black one. A panel will convene May 6th to decide the next step for the fall election map, in the meantime he wants to look at ways to improve infrastructure and reduce crime in his district.

Cut 10 (11) “…themselves.” 

Georgia Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green says she will call for a vote to remove Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House. Green says she voted for Johnson to lead the House because he was a conservative, but his views have changed…

Cut 11 (13) ” …us recognize.”

Johnson says the motion is not good for the Republican party or the country.

14 people who were part of a large Pro-Palestine encampment on Tulane’s campus were arrested as police broke up the protest. Some protesters complained of injuries and NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says they will review surveillance footage.

Cut 7 (12) “…the other.”  

The university says most of the protestors are not affiliated with the school.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency is looking to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. Peter Robins-Brown with Louisiana Progress on what that means for medicinal cannabis in Louisiana …

Cut 4 (08) “..medicine.” 

Currently, marijuana is in the same classification as heroin and LSD. If approved, it would change from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III.

LRN PM Newscall

Louisiana is expected to see heavy rainfall during overnight hours. Bill Jacquemin has information on a flash flood watch that’s been posted for a large portion of the state….

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Bill Jacquemin”

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Congressman Garret Graves, whose district was heavily altered in the most recent congressional map, was among the plaintiffs who filed suit against that map that was overturned Tuesday.

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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In a historic move, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency is looking to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. Peter Robins-Brown with Louisiana Progress says with close to 40 states having medical marijuana and two dozen with legalized recreational use….

Cut 3 (12) “…their ways.” 

In terms of what that means for Louisiana in terms of medicinal cannabis…

Cut 4 (08) “..medicine.” 

Currently, marijuana is in the same classification as heroin and LSD. If approved, it would change from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III.

In terms of this allowing legalized recreational use in Louisiana….

Cut 5 (08)  “…the state.” 

The DEA proposal will still have to be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget. Robins-Brown says if approved it acknowledges the medicinal use of marijuana and at the same time recognizes that cannabis has lesser potential for abuse. The proposal, however, does not legalize recreational use.

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14 people that were part of a large Pro-Palestine protester encampment on Tulane’ campus were arrested as over 100 police officers moved in to break up the protest up. The group set up an encampment on Monday after a march in support of Palenstine. NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says after two nights of letting them demonstrate, it was time to go

Cut 6  (10) “…them room.” 

Tulane says they wanted the protestors to be removed, because they they were in violation of trespassing laws on public property and they wanted to return to a normal day at Tulane. Some protesters complained they were injured. Witnesses say police outnumbered protestors two to one in an effort to remove them from an area in front of Gibson Hall along St. Charles Avenue. Kirkpatrick says they will review video from surveillance cameras

Cut 7 (12) “…the other.”  

The university says the majority of the protestors are not affiliated with the school.

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Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves was among the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the state’s congressional map, which was overturned by Tuesday’s two-to-one court decision. They agreed that race was the predominant factor for the map that changed his district into a majority-black one. As for what’s next…

Cut 8 (12) “…new maps” 

State Attorney General Liz Murrill says the state will appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court so the map lawmakers passed in January will stand.

Graves says the most recent map resembled one that the courts ruled was unconstitutional based on race in the 90s. As the map remains in limbo, Graves says he wants to concentrate on more pressing issues.

Cut 9 (12) “…facing.” 

With a panel set to convene on May 6th to decide the next step in drawing a map for the fall election, Graves wants to look at ways to improve infrastructure and reduce crime in his district.

Cut 10 (11) “…themselves.” 

The Secretary of State’s Office has set a May 15th deadline for a congressional map to be used in the fall election. Qualifying is mid-July.

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Georgia Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green says will call for a vote to remove Mike Johnson from Bossier Parish as Speaker of the House. Green says she voted for Johnson to lead the House because he was a conservative, but his views have changed…

Cut 11 (13) ” …us recognize.”

Greene said at a press conference today she’ll call for a vote next week. But Democrats plan to table the motion. House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar from California

Cut 12 (11) “…pressing issues” 

A motion to table Greene’s resolution would be a procedural move to keep it from it ever reaching the floor.

Greene is upset Johnson supported a military spending bill that sent hundreds of millions of dollars to Ukraine, who is fighting off a Russian invasion. She also does not like the relationship Johnson has developed with Democrats

Cut 13 (11) “…they want”

Johnson released a statement that says a motion to remove him as Speaker is wrong for the Republican Conference, wrong for the institution, and wrong for the country.

3:30 LRN Newscast May 1

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves was among the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the state’s congressional map, which was overturned because race was deemed the predominant factor that changed his district into a majority-black one. As the map remains in limbo, Graves says he wants to concentrate on more pressing issues.

Cut 9 (12) “…facing.” 

A panel will convene on May 6th to decide the next step in drawing a map for the fall election

Georgia Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green says she will call for a vote to remove Mike Johnson from Speaker of the House. She’s upset over support to Ukraine and his relationship with Democrats.

Cut 13 (11) “…they want”

Johnson says the motion is wrong for the Republican party, and the country.

Louisiana is expected to see heavy rainfall during overnight hours. Bill Jacquemin has more on a flash flood watch for a large portion of the state….

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Bill Jacquemin”

State Police are investigating a prison transport shooting that happened in West Felician Parish around 7:30 this morning. A Catahoula Correctional Center inmate headed to Baton Rouge for court complained of a medical issue, and when they stopped the help, he struck deputies and reached for their guns. He was then shot by a deputy and taken to the hospital for treatment. Both deputies suffered minor injuries.

2:30 PM Newscast May 1

Congressman Garret Graves, whose district was heavily altered in the most recent congressional map, was among the plaintiffs who filed suit against that map that was overturned Tuesday.

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

 

In a press conference Georgia Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green says will call for a vote to remove Mike Johnson from Bossier Parish as Speaker of the House next week. But Democrats plan to table the motion. House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar from California

Cut 12 (11) “…pressing issues” 

 

A motion to table Greene’s resolution would be a procedural move to keep it from ever reaching the floor.

14 people that were part of a large Pro-Palestine protester encampment on Tulane’ campus were arrested as over 100 police officers moved in to break up the protest up. The group set up an encampment on Monday after a march in support of Palenstine. NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says after two nights of letting them demonstrate, it was time to go

Cut 6  (10) “…them room.” 

 

In a historic move, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency is looking to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. Peter Robins-Brown with Louisiana Progress says with close to 40 states having medical marijuana and two dozen with legalized recreational use….

Cut 3 (12) “…their ways.” 

1:30 PM Newscast May 1

Georgia Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green says will call for a vote to remove Mike Johnson from Bossier Parish as Speaker of the House. Green says she voted for Johnson to lead the House because he was a conservative, but his views have changed…

Cut 11 (13) ” …us recognize.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves was among the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the state’s congressional map, which was overturned by Tuesday’s two-to-one court decision. They agreed that race was the predominant factor for the map that changed his district into a majority-black one. As for what’s next…

Cut 8 (12) “…new maps” 

State Attorney General Liz Murrill says the state will appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court so the map lawmakers passed in January will stand.

Louisiana is expected to see heavy rainfall during overnight hours. Bill Jacquemin has information on a flash flood watch that’s been posted for a large portion of the state….

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Bill Jacquemin”

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency is planning to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug but that will have to be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget.  Peter Robins-Brown with Louisiana Progress says if approved it acknowledges the medicinal use of marijuana and at the same time recognizes that cannabis has lesser potential for abuse. The proposal, however, does not legalize recreational use.

Cut 5 (08)  “…the state.” 

12:30 PM Newscast May 1

The fate of Louisiana’s congressional map is up in the air again after a two-to-one ruling throws out the map lawmakers approved in January with a second majority-black district. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat describes the ruling as stunning and incredible…

Cut 13 (08)  “…this fall.”

14 people that were part of a large Pro-Palestine protester encampment set up Monday on Tulane’s campus were arrested as police broke up the protest. Witnesses say police outnumbered protestors two to one as they removed protestors in front of Gibson Hall along St. Charles Avenue. Some protesters complained they were injured. NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says they will review video from surveillance cameras.

Cut 7 (12) “…the other.”  

The university says the majority of the protestors are not affiliated with the school.

After a closed-door meeting with legislators Tuesday, Governor Jeff Landry’s administration will be participating in the federal summer feeding program for needy children, reversing his earlier position. The administration initially said the state lacked funds needed to cover administrative costs of the program but last week, the House voted to include $3.6 million to cover it. At least 250,000 children will be served by the 71 million dollars in federal dollars and beginning June 4th eligible families will receive extra $40 per month per child in EBT during the summer months.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency is looking to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. Peter Robins-Brown with Louisiana Progress on what that means for medicinal cannabis in Louisiana …

Cut 4 (08) “..medicine.” 

Currently, marijuana is in the same classification as heroin and LSD. If approved, it would change from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III.