LRN PM Newscall April 18

Webster Parish’s largest employer is expanding its facility and the project is expected to produce hundreds of new jobs. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

A bill to remove the required 30-minute meal break for minors who work five or more hours advances from House Labor. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

______________________________________

Big economic development news in northwest Louisiana as industrial manufacturer Fibrebond announces a 50-million dollar expansion of its production facility in Minden. Officials say this will result in an estimated 650 new jobs to support the expansion. Mayor Nick Cox says Fibrebond is the cornerstone of Webster Parish’s economy

Cut 3 (14) “…here to stay.” 

The expansion allows Fibrebond to retain more than 450 existing jobs in northwest Louisiana. The family-owned company supports data center, telecommunications, industrial and utility projects across the United States.

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says Fibrebond is taking advantage of a retention and  modernization state tax credit to build a new production facility…

Cut 4 (13) “…shiny things ” 

Construction will begin in June and Mayor Nick Cox says this latest expansion will bring Fibrebond’s total manufacturing and warehouse space to more than one million square feet on its 254-acre campus…

Cut 5 (10)  “…north Louisiana.”

____________________________________________________________________

Legislation to remove the required 30-minute meal period for minors who work five or more hours advances from House Labor Committee.  Bill author, Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says of the businesses he owns in Louisiana, the required break forces his employees who want to work to lose 30 minutes of pay.

Cut 6  (07) “…want to.” 

Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps questioned Wilder if he considers a 16 or 17-year-old a young adult. He countered that the emancipation age is 16, and you’re allowed to marry at age 16.

Cut 7 (13) “…a minor.”  

Haughton Representative Dodie Horton supports the bill because she wants to ensure the state allows private businesses to operate as they see fit.

Cut 8 (12) “…all over.” 

The bill passed on a 10 to 2 vote and advances to the House.

____________________________________________________________________

Every spring millions of beautiful birds migrate through Louisiana but the lights from our homes and buildings can be hazardous to them especially during storms so The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is asking Louisianans to turn off bright lights from 11 pm to 6 am each night from now to May 31st. Federation Communications Director Jimmy Frederick…

Cut 9 (11) “…used to” 

Frederick understands the need to light our homes for safety and security and suggests other options to help the flying visitors make it safely though the Bayou State…

Cut 10 (09) “…huge difference”

Diming lights or using motion activated lights are other ways to protect the migrating birds.

Frederick says, establishing the habit of diming or turning off lights at night brings other benefits like more visible stars in the sky while helping the birds make their way back to their northern nesting sites. He says over 450 million fly over and include multiple beautiful varieties of shore birds and song birds…

Cut 11 (07) “…his wings”

Frederick also says some indoor lights can also confuse the birds but closing blinds will help.

12:30 LRN Newscast

Big economic development news in northwest Louisiana today as industrial manufacturer Fibrebond announces a 50-million dollar expansion of its production facility in Minden. Mayor Nick Cox says for over four decades Fibrebond has been the cornerstone of their economy…
cut 3 (14) “…here to stay”
The expansion will enable Fibrebond to retain more than 450 exisiting jobs in northwest Louisiana.

The House Labor Committee approves legislation to remove the required 30-minute meal period for minors who work five or more hours. Bill author and Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder is a business owner and says the required break forces his teen age employees to lose 30 minutes of pay when they rather stay on the clock.
Cut 6 (07) “…want to.”
The measure passed on a ten to two vote.
Fire ant mounds are a sign of Spring that isn’t so welcome because they bring swarms of stinging pests to yards and gardens. Colleen Crain has more on getting rid of the tiny tormentors.
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Colleen Crain.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The 14th ranked Cajuns baseball team continued their winning ways last night as U-L Lafayette defeated Southeastern Louisiana eight to one. The Cajuns won for the 24th time in 26 games and it was their second straight win over the Lions. Conor Higgs who had three doubles on Tuesday, hit two home runs last night. U-L is at Coastal Carolina this weekend.

The LSU baseball team left this morning for Missouri, where they’ll face the Missouri Tigers in a three-game series starting tomorrow night in Columbia. LSU is 3-and-12 in SEC Play and have lost their first five conference series for the first time since 1977. Coach Jay Johnson says the coaching staff is trying to get the best out of this team…
cut 17 (09) “…right now”
Missouri has struggled too. They are 5-and-10 in conference play and in last place in the SEC East.

The second ranked LSU gymnastics squad competes in the semifinal round of the NCAA Championships today at 3:30 in Fort Worth, Texas. Coach Jay Clark has told the team to keep their same mindset…
cut 15 (06) “…be successful
During today’s afternoon session, the second seeded Tigers will compete against third seeded California, 12th seeded Arkansas and 19th seeded Stanford. The top two highest scoring teams will advance to the NCAA Championships meet on Saturday. The other semifinal meet has Oklahoma, Florida, Utah and Alabama.

Hailey Van Lith will continue her college career at TCU as the guard has announced her commitment to the Horned Frogs. Van Lith was the Lady Tigers starting point guard last season. She was seeking a school where she can be a shooting guard again.

9:30 LRN Newscasts

Legislation to create a Gun Free Zones for entertainment districts like the New Orleans French Quarter was pulled from House Criminal Justice. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says two people shot over the weekend in the parking lot of a convenience store in Gardner have died. The shooting occurred after a fight broke out involving a 17-year-old and his mother. Deputies say the 17-year-old shot himself and 27-year-old Michael Grossie, who authorities say tried to bring peace to the scene. The 17-year-old and Grossie are now dead.

It’s that time of year for fire ant mounds to start popping up in lawns across the state. LSU Ag Center horticulturist, Doctor Heather Kirk Ballard, says be careful to follow instructions on baits and poisons and pay attention to the time of your treatment…
cut 8 (11) “….wash away”
Kirk-Ballard says coordinate with neighbors since the pests can create extensive underground tunnels and treat them in both April and October when the insects are active.

The LSU gymnastics squad will compete in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships today at 3:30 in Fort Worth, Texas as the Tigers are in search of the program’s first national championship. This might be the school’s most talented team. Coach Jay Clark…
Cut 14 (08) “…love to have.”

8:30 LRN Newscast

Legislation that sought to create firearm free zones in areas classified as major entertainment districts failed to advance out of House Criminal Justice Committee. Firearm professionals Louisiana political director Chris Patron spoke in opposition…
cut 5 (11) “….need is enforcement”
New Orleans Representative Alonzo Knox is the author of the bill. He’s concerned about more people carry guns in the New Orleans French Quarter because of the state’s new permitless conceal carry law.

Do you have a bunch of fire ant mounds in your yard? LSU Ag Center horticulturist Heather Kirk Ballard says there are some organic options available and one is non-toxic…
cut 9 (12) “….or rotenone”
Kirk Ballard also advises to work with your neighbors so fire ants stay off your block.

Members of the news media and good-government groups strongly oppose a bill supported by Governor Jeff Landry that would prevent journalists and the public from obtaining records that can now be accessed through public records requests. New Orleans investigative TV reporter Lee Zurik says public record requests he obtained helped shine a light on what led to the collapse of the New Orleans Hard Rock Hotel in 2019…
cut 11 (12) “…this law”
Governor Jeff Landry says current public records law stifles deliberative speech.

U-S House Speaker Mike Johnson of Benton has scheduled votes on Saturday for stand alone bills to provide aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. They will be separate votes for each country. But Republicans have said any foreign aid package should also result in improved southern border security. Johnson is facing pressure from his Republican colleagues…
cut 28 (11) “….right think”

7:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Senate approves a bill that would prohibit public schools from teaching that students endure or cause oppression due to their race or national origin. Opponents are concerned this will prevent teachers from doing lessons on racism in America. Denham Springs Senator Valerie Hodges says her legislation will not prevent educators from teaching history lessons…
Cut 29 (09) “…America.”
The bill heads to the House for more discussion.

A proposal to expand gun free zones in New Orleans did not get out of House Criminal Justice Committee. Opponents to the legislation say adding another firearm free zone infringes on a person’s second amendment rights. New Orleans metro councilwoman Helena Moreno says there’s also a bill on the Senate side, so the issue is not dead for this session…
cut 6 (13) “…better shape”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee has approved legislation that makes major changes to the state’s public records law. Opponents to the bill say many documents currently available through public record requests would no longer be available. The bill, which is also touted as legislation to keep the governor and his family safe, passed on a six to two-vote. New Orleans Senator Gary Carter voted against it…
Cut 12 (10) “…know that.”
Governor Jeff Landry says the state’s current public records law is stretched and being weaponized to stifle deliberative speech.

Fire ant mounds are popping up in yards across Louisiana. LSU Ag Center Horticulturist, Heather Kirk-Ballard says each mound could contain up to 200,000 stinging insect…
Cut 7 (12) “…pretty formidable.”
Kirk-Ballard says coordinating efforts with neighbors is the best way to keep fire ant mounds out of your yard.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

No Zion Williamson tomorrow night for the Pelicans and he’ll miss at least the next two weeks after injuring his hamstring in Tuesday night’s loss against the Lakers. New Orleans needs to beat Sacramento tomorrow night or its season is over. The Pels are 5-0 against the Kings, but New Orleans has also struggled at home this season. Tip off is at 8:30 PM.

For the second straight night, the 14th ranked U-L Lafayette baseball team defeated Southeastern Louisiana. Last night the final score in Hammond was eight to one. Conor Higgs hit two solo home runs and the Cajuns are at Coastal Carolina this weekend.

The LSU gymnastics squad will compete in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships today at 3:30 in Fort Worth, Texas as the Tigers are in search of the program’s first national championship. This might be the school’s most talented team. Coach Jay Clark…
Cut 14 (08) “…love to have.”

The LSU baseball team leaves for Columbia, Missouri today as they head to Mizzou looking to snap their five game SEC series losing streak. Coach Jay Johnson has been meeting with players on a one-on-one basis in the hopes of getting this team out of this slump…
Cut 16 (20) “..those guys out”
LSU is 3-and-12 in the SEC and can not afford to lose another SEC series and still make the NCAA Tournament.

In transfer portal news…LSU tight end Connor Gilbreath has entered the transfer portal. Also speedy freshman wide receiver Khai Prean is also leaving LSU.

The Lady Tigers are looking for a point guard in the transfer portal after losing Hailey Van Lith and Angelica Velez to the transfer portal. Van Lith and Velez’s departure leaves LSU with just two point guards on its roster.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approves legislation that critics say will gut the state’s public records law at every level. It would prohibit the public from obtaining any government documents involved in decision-making. Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud, says they are trying to prevent unfinalized information from becoming public…
Cut 10 (11) “…catastrophic.”
Opponents are concerned about not obtaining information on how governmental decisions are made.

Legislation to create a Gun Free Zone in New Orleans’ entertainment district has been tabled. Bill author Representative Alonzo Knox filed the bill in response to the state’s permitless conceal carry law that goes into effect July 4th.
Cut 4 (11) “…a crisis.”

In the springtime, fire ant mounds bring swarms of stinging pests to yards and gardens. Colleen Crain on how to get rid of the tiny tormentors.
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Colleen Crain.”

The second ranked LSU gymnastics squad competes in the semifinal round of the NCAA Championships today at 3:30 in Fort Worth, Texas. Coach Jay Clark has told the team to keep their same mindset…
cut 15 (06) “…be successful

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans say Zion Williamson injured his hamstring late in last night’s loss to Los Angeles and will be unavailable for Friday night’s elimination game against Sacramento. Williamson scored 40 points against the Lakers, but it wasn’t enough and New Orleans must beat the Kings to get into the Western Conference playoffs.

For the LSU Baseball team to get into the NCAA Tournament they will likely need 13 SEC wins. They are 3-and-12 in the league heading into this weekend’s series at Missouri. Teddy Cahill with Baseball America says LSU can not afford to lose another series…
cut 16 (11) “…in Hoover”

Tonight..14th ranked U-L Lafayette is at Southeastern. The Cajuns won yesterday 15 to 8.

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 his client will be cleared of all charges.
Cut 28 (09) “…about that.”
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.

The LSU gymnastics squad will compete in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships tomorrow afternoon as the Tigers are in search of the program’s first national championship. This is LSU’s 33rd appearance in the NCAA Championships and Coach Jay Clark might have the school’s most talented team…
cut 14 (08) “….love to have”

LRN PM Newscall April 17

The Pelicans will not have Zion Williamson for their do or die matchup against the Sacramento Kings. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Republican Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie joins Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene’s motion to vacate Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House. Jeff Palermo reports Johnson has no plans to leave…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

______________________________________

The Louisiana Senate has approved a bill that would prohibit public school teachers from teaching critical race theory. The bill passed on a 28-11 vote and would prohibit teachers from teaching about systemic racism. Denham Springs Senator Valerie Hodges says her legislation will help preserve a bid to preserve students’ self-esteem

Cut 3 (08) “…national origin.” 

Every Democrat in the Senate voted against the legislation, including New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis. Duplessis is concerned the legislation is too broad and it will impact a teachers’ ability to educate students about subjects that some may find difficult…

Cut 4 (08) “…history be taught” 

Hodges says her legislation will not prevent educators from teaching history lessons…

Cut 5 (09)  “…America.”

The measure heads to the House for more discussion.

____________________________________________________________________

U-S House Speaker Mike Johnson is adamant he is not resigning despite calls from House Republicans who are not happy with his proposals to provide aid to Israel and Ukraine. The Republican from Bossier Parish says efforts to remove him from office are not helpful

Cut 6  (06) “…do our job.” 

Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene filed a motion to vacate the speaker and Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie has suggested Johnson should step down. Johnson says an effort to remove him as speaker does not help House Republicans advance their agenda…

Cut 7 (07) “…very thing”  

Johnson’s aid package proposal for Ukraine and Israel will require support from Democrats, which upsets some Republicans. House Republicans also do not like that Johnson is not requiring more security at the U-S Mexico border as he pushes separate aid bills for Ukraine and Israel.

Johnson refers to himself as a wartime speaker…

Cut 8 (12) “…terribly divided” 

The U-S House has 435 representatives and Republicans hold a single vote majority with 218 seats.

____________________________________________________________________

Parental approval would be needed for a teacher to identify a student by their preferred name or a pronoun that does not match their biological sex as a result of a bill that received House approval. Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews says teachers could still object for religious reasons…

Cut 9 (13) “…that classroom” 

The House approved the bill on a 68- to-30 vote, sending it to the Senate. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says this type of legislation makes it harder on transgender children…

Cut 10 (12) “…in any manner”

_____________________________________________________________________

The Louisiana House has approved legislation that critics have labeled as the “Don’t Say Gay Bill.” It prohibits teachers in K-through-12th grade from discussing gender identity and sexual orientation during class time, or even during extracurricular and athletic events. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton is the author of the legislation…

Cut 11 (08) “…haven’t discussed”

The proposal was approved on a 69-28 vote. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says this is a bill that conservative groups are trying to get states to pass, but it’s really a non-issue…

Cut 12 (12) “…sits in”