LRN AM Newscall April 17

For Governor Jeff Landry’s first 100 days in office, he’s yet to take his foot off the gas…. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A bill that would ban the gassing method known as nitrogen hypoxia for the death penalty passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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State lawmakers have begun discussions on holding a constitutional convention next month. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Today marks Governor Jeff Landry’s 100th day in office and La-Politics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says politically this milestone signals a new power structure in the state’s executive branch…

Cut 4 (11) “…the legislature.”

Alford says he expects Landry’s tenure in office will be extremely transformative, he’s already replaced the entire tax commission and there’s legislation to give him more control over boards and commissions.

Alford says will be at the Louisiana Department of Health and the state tax code.

From a policy perspective, Alford says the governor for the most part has gotten everything he’s asked for…

Cut 5 (09) “…the agenda.” 

Since January Landry has had two special sessions, one that was court-ordered for redrawing the state’s congressional map that also added the party primaries election structure, and another session focusing on crime. His first regular legislative session began last month.

Alford says is now facing his biggest test, trying to convince lawmakers to hold a constitutional convention.

Cut 6 (11) “…as governor.”

Alford says the reason it looks like Landry is off to a fast start is because he campaigned for the position for years.

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A bill that would ban the gassing method known as nitrogen hypoxia as a method the state could use in death penalty executions advanced out of Senate committee Tuesday. Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews filed the bill on behalf of the Jewish community. She says the gassing method is triggering for Jewish people…

Cut 7 (12) “…death penalty.”

Representatives from a coalition of Jewish organizations, Jews Against Gassing, spoke before the committee and held a rally on the Capitol Steps. Holocaust Scholar and Loyola professor, Naomi Yavneh Klos (Nay-oh-me Yav-na-close) says the group holds no opinion on the death penalty but strongly opposes the method used by Nazis…

Cut 8 (09) “…antisemitic regime.” 

Aaron Block with the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans says the coalition’s firm position against execution by gassing is not suggesting a comparison to the atrocities committed by the Nazis but…

Cut 9 (08)  “…that mechanism.”

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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Suspended LSU running back Trey Holly pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to a felony gun charge he faces from a shooting that wounded two people in Farmerville on February 15th. Holly’s attorney Mike Small expects the former Union Parish football star to be cleared of criminal charges.

Cut 10 (09) “…about that.”

In a Union Parish courtroom, Holly plead not guilty to the charge of illegal use of a weapon or dangerous instrumentality. He was facing attempted second-degree murder, but a Union Parish Grand Jury rejected that charge.

LSU Coach Brian Kelly expressed optimism earlier this month that Holly’s legal issues could be wrapped up soon. But Holly’s next court date is not until July 3rd.

Small says he might be able to speed up the court proceedings based on the prosecution’s evidence…

Cut 11 (09) “…the prosecution.”

Small has requested to see the evidence the prosecution has against his client. He expects to get that information in two to four weeks and at that time he could provide more details on why he believes Holly is not guilty

Cut 12 (12) “…this case.” 

Holly posted on social media days after the shooting that he was not involved in the incident at all and he’s 100% innocent.

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In a House committee hearing, state lawmakers laid out their concerns over holding a constitutional convention on May 20th, two weeks before the regular session is scheduled to end. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham is worried his bills int he regular session will not receive final passage.

Cut 13 (10)  “…out of time.”

Bayham’s comments came during a legislative hearing on the bill that calls for the constitutional convention. Supporters of the convention want to remove items from the constitution and put them into state law to give legislators more financial flexibility.

Former state lawmaker Neil Abramson told legislators during budget deficits, health care, and higher education take the deep cuts

Cut 14 (13)  “…those decisions.”

New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd is unclear on what changes to the constitution could be made…

Cut 15 (09)  “…coming from.”

Supporters of a revised constitution want voters to vote in November on the changes made during the convention. More discussion is expected today on the constitutional convention.

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The LSU Tigers are struggling to find their way through this baseball season. The team has found themselves at 3 and 12 in SEC play halfway through the season and with a hard road to make the postseason tournament. Baseball America analyst Teddy Cahill says that the Tigers have two options ahead of them if they want to make the field for the NCAA tournament.

Cut 16 (11)  “…crazy in Hoover.”  

LSU has struggled to produce both at the plate and mound in a timely manner this season and Cahill says that neither the offense nor the defense deserves all the blame for the Tigers struggles.

Cut 17 (14) “…number of things.”

Cahill says that LSU’s 3 and 12 SEC record is not reflective of this year’s team, but he says that the multitude of struggles the Tigers have faced is the cause of the Tigers struggle in SEC play. He predicts that the Tigers will play much better over the next five weeks and that their play will reflect a more accurate representation of what this team is capable of doing.

Cut 18 (19)  “… next five weeks.” 

LSU will try to start its second half of the SEC season off on the right foot when they take on Missouri this weekend.

LRN PM Newscall April 16

LSU star player Angel Reese is heading to Chicago to play for the Sky. Jeff Palermo has the story..

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A petition to recall the embattled St. Tammany Parish Coroner has been filed with the Secretary of State’s office. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (36)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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An Angel is heading to the Sky. The Chicago Sky selected LSU women’s basketball star Angel with the seventh overall pick in last night’s WNBA draft. Reese says she had a feeling Chicago would select her after positive conversations with Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon…

Cut 3 (12) “…the table.” 

Weatherspoon played for LSU coach Kim Mulkey when she was an assistant coach at Louisiana Tech.

Reese led LSU to its first national championship in women’s basketball in 2023 and this past season she was named the SEC Player of the Year. The All-American could have returned to LSU for one more season, but Reese says she’s ready for a new challenge…

Cut 4 (12) “…be a sponge” 

The W-N-B-A begins its season next month. Reese says she’s looking forward to spending her summers in Chicago…

Cut 5 (05)  “…Chi-town girl.”

Reese is the first LSU women’s basketball player selected in the first round of the WNBA draft since 2012 when Washington took LaSondra Barrett.

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After a bizarre break-in at Jennings High School, before classes began on Monday, police have 37-year-old Dillion Champagne in custody. Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes says Champagne stole two vehicles, followed a custodian in the school, and held two employees at gunpoint, fortunately, no one was hurt.

Cut 6  (10) “…Dillion Champagne.” 

Semmes says he can’t imagine the fear that the two employees experienced when Champagne confronted them with a gun and stole the keys to one of the employees’ cars.

Cut 7 (09) “…the best.”  

After a 12-hour multi-law enforcement manhunt, Champagne was located thanks to a tip that he was seen on State Highway 97 about a mile from the school near the Jaenke Bridge.

Cut 8 (12) “…to another.” 

Champagne faces 18 charges ranging from criminal damage to property to attempted armed robbery and is being held in the Jefferson Davis Parish Jail.

Classes at Jennings High School were canceled Monday but have resumed today.

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A recall petition has been officially filed to remove St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christopher Tape on the grounds he’s unfit for office. Tape was charged with six counts of child sexual assault in New Mexico but was never tried on a technicality. Dillard University Political Science Professor Robert Collins says recalls are extremely difficult and rarely successful.

Cut 9 (10) “…recall elections.” 

Tape ran unopposed for the coroner, and it was an investigative reporter who brought his questionable background to light.

Dillard says that obtaining enough voter signatures is an expensive undertaking and challenging.

Cut 10 (08) “…her job.”

Dillard says the most efficient way to obtain enough signatures, in this case, the threshold is 35,000 signatures, is to mail voters affidavits, have them sign them, and return them in a postage-paid envelope.

Cut 11 (11) “…the challenge”

A recent recall effort to remove New Orleans Mayor LaTonya was unsuccessful.

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The House Governmental Affairs Committee began discussion today on holding a constitutional convention. The bill’s author, New Iberia Representative, Beau Beaullieu, says the goal is to streamline the state constitution, which is one of the longest in the nation…

Cut 12 (10) “…in statue.” 

Supporters of a constitutional convention say they want to move items to state law so legislators can have more flexibility during difficult budget times. The committee is planning to discuss the idea more tomorrow.

The constitutional convention will comprise of all 144 state lawmakers, plus 27 delegates chosen by the governor. The convention would begin May 20th and end June 3rd, but it could be as extended as late as July 15th.

Covington Representative Mark Wright believes holding a convention is a great idea and any changes to the constitution would need voter approval in November…

Cut 13 (11) “..doesn’t change.”

The state’s last constitutional convention was in 1992, but it was unsuccessful. The current constitution was written in 1973. Several lawmakers have questions on how the constitutional convention would work. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell says starting the constitutional convention on May 20th when the regular session is scheduled to end June 3rd can cause issues…

Cut  14 (14) “…this convention.” 

More discussion on the constitutional convention will take place tomorrow in House Governmental Affairs.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU star Angel Reese is now a member of the Chicago Sky. Chicago selected Reese with the seventh overall pick in the WNBA draft. Reese led LSU to its first national championship in women’s basketball in 2023 and this past season she was named the SEC Player of the Year. The All-American could have returned to LSU for one more season, but Reese says she’s ready for a new challenge…
Cut 4 (12) “…be a sponge”
The W-N-B-A begins its season next month.

The NBA Playoffs begin tonight and Pelicans host the Lakers and the winner is the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs. L-A beat New Orleans on Sunday and the Lakers dominated the Pels in the paint outscoring them 50-12 in the first half. Can’t let that happen again Tip time is at 6:30.

The spring transfer portal opens today in college football. LSU is looking for defensive tackles. They already have a commitment from Wisconsin defensive tackle Gio Paez.

Alexandria Senior high running back J-T Lindsey has committed to LSU. His verbal pledge gives the Tigers two running backs in the Class of 2025. The other is five-star recruit Harlem Berry from St. Martin’s in Metairie.

After losing their fifth consecutive SEC Baseball series, the LSU Tigers host UNO tonight. LSU will be back on the road this weekend at Missouri.

The 14th ranked Ragin Cajuns baseball team hosts Southeastern Louisiana. U-L Lafayette only scored six runs in a three-game sweep over Marshall. Coach Matt Deggs says his hitters are chasing too much…
cut 19 (18) “….finishing it”
First pitch is at 6 PM against the Lions.

10:30 LRN Newscast

No arrests have been made in the mass shooting that killed one and injured 11 others Sunday night in New Orleans.
Cut 2 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A tenured professor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is one of the three victims in triple homicide that occurred last week in Lafayette. Doctor Eric Green was found dead in a home on College Road along with 45-year-old Brandon Touchet and 46-year-old Elizabeth Reames. 42-year-old Chad Credeur of Duson was arrested for their deaths and some of the victims belongings were in his possession when arrested in Jeff Davis Parish.

At this hour, the House Governmental Affairs Committee is discussing legislation that would result in a constitutional convention being held next month. New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu says members of Governor Jeff Landry’s transition teams will describe what the convention will entail…
cut 4 (11) “…of Louisiana”
Beaullier says the plan is to move items from the constitution and put them in statute to give the legislature more flexibility.

A House Committee approves legislation that eliminates the requirement to have a license to be a florist in Louisiana. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham
Cut 14 (08) “…in Louisiana.”
Louisiana is the only state that requires a florist to take a written exam to sell floral arrangements. The measure awaits a vote in the full House.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans face the Lakers tonight in an NBA play-in tournament game. New Orleans had a chance to avoid the play-in tournament but lost to Los Angeles on Sunday. Coach Willie Green says they can’t let that game impact what happens tonight at 6:30 in the Smoothie King Center…
Cut 16 (16) “…back after it”
Expect Brandon Ingram to play more tonight after playing 23 minutes on Sunday in his first game back in 3 1/2 weeks. Also Green wants a more aggressive Zion Williamson after scoring just 12 points on Sunday.

Former LSU star Angel Reese is now a member of the Chicago Sky in the WNBA. Reese was the seventh overall pick in last night’s draft and Caitlin Clark will be a division rival as she went number one overall to the Indiana Fever.

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The Ragin Cajuns moved up to number 14 in the D-1 baseball poll after sweeping Marshall and increasing their winning streak in Sun Belt play to 14 in a row. Coach Matt Deggs says his guys continue to play the game the right way…
Cut 18 (16) “…and compete.”
The Ragin Cajuns host Southeastern Louisiana tonight. U-L Lafayette’s R-P-I is 55.

Despite a 3-and-12 record in the SEC, LSU has an R-P-I of 51. Tonight, the Tigers will host U-N-O. The Privateers are 21-and-14 and Mitchell Sanford has 11 home runs and 47 runs driven in. First pitch is at 6:30.

Also tonight, Louisiana Tech is at ULM. The Warhawks are coming off a series win over Texas State, while the Bulldogs were swept by Arizona.

LRN PM Newscall April 15

One person is dead and eleven others are wounded as a result of a mass shooting last night in the New Orleans Warehouse district. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (22)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor Jeff Landry has released the names of the people he plans to nominate as delegates to a proposed constitutional convention this year. Jeanne Burns has more on the story…

Cut 2 (35)  “…flexibility” 

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An arrest has been made and the identities of two of the three victims from a triple homicide in Lafayette have been released. LPD Sgt Robin Green says police discovered the three bodies after family members of 45-year-old Brandon Touchet (two-chet)  asked for a welfare check, he was found deceased inside his apartment Friday evening.

Cut 3 (11) “…gunshot wounds.” 

42-year-old Chad Credeur (crater) of Duson has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

Green says at the time the bodies were discovered they received a call from authorities in Jeff Davis Parish where Credeur was arrested on unrelated charges.

Cut 4 (08) “…Police Department.” 

As for when the shooting occurred, is also under investigation, and Green says police spoke with residents of the apartment complex in the 700 block of College Road Friday night. They are asking for the public’s help…

Cut 5 (10)  “…Police Department.”

Credeur is being held in Jeff Davis parish on unrelated charges.

(Victims: 45-year-old Brandon Touchet and 49-year-old Eric Green both of Lafayette, third victim is a yet-to-be-identified female)

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Governor Jeff Landry was in West Feliciana Parish and Slidell today. Two areas hit by tornadoes last Wednesday. Landry expects the state will issue emergency declarations soon so that the state can help in the cost to clean up debris…

Cut 6  (07) “…back to work.” 

Landry says state officials are still assessing the damage to determine if the tornado outbreak last week caused enough damage to qualify for federal assistance. The governor thanked the power utility companies for getting the power back on quickly and he also thanked the faith based community in helping with the recovery…

Cut 7 (15) “…back to work”  

Landry viewed the destruction in Slidell from the air and then on the ground near Old Spanish Trail. That’s where an EF two tornado caused a considerable amount of damage. Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer says an apartment complex was destroyed and they are making sure the residents of the complex have a place to stay…

Cut 8 (12) “to live” 

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The House Ways and Means Committee takes no action on a bill that calls for Louisiana to repeal the state income tax in 2026. Columbia Representative Neil Riser says for over a decade there’s been talk about eliminating the state income tax and his bill would commit the state to doing it

Cut 9 (05) “…go get it.” 

Repealing the state income tax would result in an annual five-billion dollar revenue loss. Riser recommends eliminating dozens of different state tax credits to offset the revenue loss. House Ways and Means Chairperson Julie Emerson supports repealing the state income tax, but let’s make this a priority for the legislature next year…

Cut 10 (11) “…affects this”

No vote was taken on Riser’s bill. Chris Alexander with the Louisiana Citizens Advocacy Group spoke in favor of the bill

Cut 11 (07) “…to death”

12:30 LRN Newscast

One person is dead and eleven others are wounded as a result of a mass shooting last night in the New Orleans Warehouse district. Jeff Palermo has the story…
cut 1 (22) “…I’m Jeff Palermo

An arrest has been made and the identities of two of the three victims from a triple homicide in Lafayette have been released. LPD Sgt Robin Green says police discovered the three bodies after family members of 45-year-old Brandon Touchet asked for a welfare check, he was found deceased inside his apartment Friday evening.

Cut 3 (11) “…gunshot wounds.”
42-year-old Chad Credeur (crater) of Duson has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

Today is the deadline to file federal tax returns. C-P-A Carr Riggs in Shreveport says you can file for an extension, but it’s not an extension to pay. Riggs says for taxpayers filing an extension and unsure of the exact amount they owe, pay a little more than last year if you’re income is about the same as last year…
cut 9 (07) “…penalties”

Today on the House floor, the lower chamber is scheduled to vote on a bill from Franklin Representative Vinney St. Blanc who is proposing to put an end to the TOPS Tech Award program so the state can put more funding to the M-J Foster Promise Program, which goes to individuals looking to attend a two year school..
cut 15 (10) “…greater support”
interest is high in the Foster Promise Program, but only 10 million dollars is dedicated to it and the money goes quickly

11:30 LRN Newscast

One person is dead and eleven people are injured as a result of a fatal shooting in the New Orleans warehouse district last night. New Orleans Police say the person fatally shot was a woman. The investigation is ongoing.

Governor Jeff Landry has released the names of the people he plans to nominate as delegates to a proposed constitutional convention this year. Jeanne Burns has more on the story…
Cut 2 (35) “…flexibility”

The Louisiana Key Academy, which is a tuition free charter school that educates students with dyslexia is building a new school in Baton Rouge. The K-through-10th grade school will be open for next school year and Co-founder Doctor Laura Cassidy says they plan to start educating 11th and 12th graders in the Fall of 2026…
cut 6 (07) “…they need”
The Louisiana Key Academy also has a campus in Covington and Shreveport and they are opening a learning pod in Ruston this fall.

The Louisiana House is scheduled to consider a bill today that would eliminate the TOPS Tech award in four years so the state can put more funding towards the M-J Foster Promise Program. CABL President Barry Erwin says interest is high in the Foster Promise Program, but only 10 million dollars is dedicated to it and the money goes quickly
Cut 16 (10) “…to work.”
At least a 17 on the ACT and a 2.5 GPA are needed to qualify for the TOPS Tech Award. But the Foster Promise Program is needs-based, so no academic qualifications are required.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Today is the deadline to file your federal taxes. CPA Hardy Foreman with the firm, Carr Riggs and Ingram in Shreveport says 65 percent of his clients file for an extension, but it’s not an extension to pay…
Cut 7 (11) “…and penalties.”
Foreman says since the COVID pandemic there’s been an increase in taxpayers filing for extensions.

The Louisiana Key Academy, which is a tuition free charter school that educates children with dyslexia is expanding. Co-founder Doctor Laura Cassidy says they are building a bigger school in Baton rouge and they are opening a learning pod in Ruston this fall and there are also plans to build another school in Jefferson Parish. Cassidy says early intervention is the best…
cut 5 (11) “….much better”

There was spirited debate on the House floor over the Women’s Safety and Protection Act. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder’s bill says that biological females can only use female bathrooms and biological males can only use male bathrooms at schools, prisons and domestic violence shelters. It’s to prevent transgender women from using female bathrooms. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman voted against it…
cut 11 (11) “….of it”
But Haughton Representative Dodie Horton says the bill is not anti-anyone, it’s about protecting children against predators…
cut 12 (13) “…belong in”
The bill passed on an 80-17 vote and heads to the Senate for further discussion.

8:30 LRN Newscast

One person was fatally shot and eleven others injured in a mass shooting that took place last night in the New Orleans Warehouse district. The shooting occurred near the The Republic NOLA nightclub on South Peters Street. Five adult males and six adult females suffered gunshot wounds.

Today is the deadline to file your federal income taxes. Hardy Foreman, a CPA located in Shreveport, says about 65-percent of his clients will file an extension as its taking longer for business owners to get the proper documentation needed for them to file before the April 15th deadline…
cut 8 (13) “….April 15th”
Foreman says an extension to file, does not mean an extension to pay, so if owe taxes, you must submit what you believe you owe for the 2023 tax year.

A bill heading to the Senate would prevent transgender individuals from entering a bathroom at a school, prison or domestic violence shelter that does not match their biological sex. Supporters say its to protect women and girls from being attacked by a transgender female. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says why are transgender individuals only be targeted with this legislation…
cut 13 (08) “….great idea’
The measure heads to the Senate for more discussion.

Today on the House floor, the lower chamber is scheduled to vote on a bill from Franklin Representative Vinney St. Blanc who is proposing to put an end to the TOPS Tech Award program so the state can put more funding to the M-J Foster Promise Program, which goes to individuals looking to attend a two year school..
cut 15 (10) “…greater support”