1:30 LRN Newscast April 26

Twenty-one individuals in Shreveport and Bossier City are under indictment in a federal bank fraud case. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Dr. Wade Rousee has been chosen as the new president of McNeese State University. The two-time graduate of the UL-system has served in various roles at McNeese including dean in the College of Business and VP of university advancement.

In addition to Louisiana hosting two world-renowned festivals this weekend, crawfish prices have dropped to new lows. Crawfish App co-founder Laney King says the average price for a pound of live mudbugs in the Bayou State is $2.99.

Cut 12 (10) “…couple of weeks.” 

The average price for boiled crawfish is $5.29 a pound.

Three LSU Tigers were selected in the first round of the NFL draft and the next Tiger that could be chosen is defensive tackle Maason Smith from Houma. W-W-L radio draft expert Mike Detillier says Smith had a disappointing season last year, but he has a lot of potential…

Cut 5 (11)  “…this league.” 

In the first round, Washington selected Jayden Daniels, the Giants picked Malik Nabers and Jacksonville drafted Brian Thomas Junior.

12:30 LRN Newscast April 26

In the House-approved state budget for the next fiscal year, Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says they’ve earmarked 3-point-5 million so the state can receive 70-million dollars in federal aid for the summer EBT program. While DCFS is concerned it might too be late to participate in the program McFarland says otherwise…

Cut 11 (11) “…feeding program.”

There’s a world of music to be heard at Festival International this weekend. President of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, Ben Berthelot says the five-day event attracts more than 300,000 visitors from 42 different states and 10 different countries.

Cut 7 (12) “…our community.”  

And the free event is also the largest international music festival in the world.

Last night, the Department of Transportation hosted a construction kick-off meeting for the new 4-lane Jimmie Davis Bridge over the Red River in northwest Louisiana. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 2 (34)  “I’m Colleen Crain.” 

10:30 LRN Newscast April 26

The House approves a $48 billion budget for the next fiscal year and according to The Louisiana Illuminator, it contains about 40-million dollars’ worth of pet projects. Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says they are for worthy initiatives…

Cut 12 (12) “…do that.” 

$166 million is earmarked for teacher bonus pay.

 

A new Jimmie Davis Bridge over the Red River is coming to Bossier and Caddo Parishes. The project is slated to start this month and take about two and a half years. DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says they handed out detour maps and construction phasing information, so there won’t be any surprises.

Cut 8 (09) “…businesses too.” 

The Saints need offensive linemen and the Black and Gold believe they got a starter for years to come. With the 14th pick in the first round of the NFL draft, New Orleans selected Oregon State offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga (Tall-ee-s-a   Foo-ah-gah). Coach Dennis Allen says it’s not every time that a team’s need matches the best player available.

Cut 3 (08) “…that time.” 

 

It’s a huge festival weekend in Louisiana with Festival International and Jazz Fest, attracting visitors from all over the world. But Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says it’s the southern hospitality shown to tourists that brings them back again and again…

Cut 6 (12) “…for more.”

5:30 LRN Newscast April 25

Governor Landry says the goal of the constitutional convention is move certain sections of the constitution into state law. He says the changes will hopefully result in more budget flexibility when the state is facing a deficit. Landry says right now the Legislature’s hands are tied during tough budget times, resulting in big cuts to health care and education…

Cut 4 (10) “…those things ” 

Democrats say they are uncomfortable rushing into a constitutional convention without more details. There’s a concern the state’s popular 75-thousand dollars homestead exemption will be removed from the constitution. Landry that’s not his intent…

Cut 5 (13)  “…statue.” 

The House approves a budget for the next fiscal year that contains 166 million dollars in bonus pay for teachers. According to House leaders, it equals a stipend of about 17-hundred dollars, but Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says it will vary…

Cut 10 (10) “…districts need.”

The spending bill heads to the Senate and there’s still time to provide more money for teacher pay.

The full House approves a bill to remove the required 20-minute break for minors who work five consecutive hours. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says some minors are eager to work and the state should not hold them back or prevent businesses from working them more than five consecutive hours…

Cut 8 (11) “…wanting to work.” 

The measure heads to the Senate for more discussion.

10:30 LRN Newscast April 25

An effort to hold a constitutional convention on May 20th clears its first legislative hurdle. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

And the USS Kidd will begin its journey from Baton Rouge to Houma today for $3 million worth of repairs and restoration. The battleship has been in the capital city since 1982 and hasn’t been overhauled for over 60 years.

The Saints are scheduled to have the number 14 overall pick tonight in the NFL Draft. There have been rumors about the Saints trading up in the first round to pick their favorite player at receiver or offensive tackle. Locked On Saints Podcast Host  Ross Jackson…

Cut 17 (16) “…opportunity there.”

Authorities are asking for help in finding the person or persons responsible for shooting a dolphin multiple times that was found on West Mae Beach in Cameron Parish March 13th. Matt Walia with NOAA says it’s a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Cut 10 (09) “…circumstances.”

You’re asked to call the NOAA Enforcement Hotline.

AM LRN Newscall April 25

An effort to hold a constitutional convention on May 20th clears its first legislative hurdle. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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After a dolphin was found riddled with bullets in Cameron Parish, a $20,000 reward is being offered. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The Senate Transportation Committee has put the brakes on a bill that sought to repeal the state’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law. Beau Gaspard has more…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Beau Gaspard.” 

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House Governmental Affairs has approved the legislation calling Louisiana to convene a constitutional convention on May 20th. Governor Landry wants 171 delegates to streamline the current constitution. Former state representative Neil Abramson says that can be accomplished by moving items out of the constitution and into state law

Cut 4 (08) “…and efficiently.”

The vote was nine to five in favor of the constitutional convention and the vote went down party lines. Baton Rouge Democrat Denise Marcelle asked what’s the big hurry in holding a constitutional convention next month…

Cut 5 (08) “…their input.” 

Marcelle also complained about a lack of transparency as the public is in the dark about what changes could be made to the state’s constitution…

Cut 6 (12) “..what is the rush.”

Governor Landry has scheduled a press conference at 9 AM today to discuss the proposed constitutional convention. Landry says moving certain sections out of the constitution and putting them into state law, gives legislators more flexibility when there is a budget deficit, preventing deep cuts to health care and higher ed

Cut 7 (13) “…negligible”

The constitutional convention bill heads to the House floor for more discussion.

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Authorities are asking for help and offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the death of a dolphin riddled with bullets in Cameron Parish. Matt Walia with NOAA’s Fisheries Office of Compliance says they received a report of a deceased bottlenose dolphin on March 13th.

Cut 8 (06) “…the public.” 

The dolphin was found on West Mae Beach.

According to the necropsy, Walia says they believe the dolphin was most likely killed just before it was found Wednesday, March 13th.

Cut 9 (09)  “…unfortunately.”

Bullets were found in the brain, spinal cord, and heart of the mammal.

Walia says harassing, harming, killing, or feeding wild dolphins is prohibited under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and violators can be civilly or criminally charged up to $100,000 and serve up to a year in jail per violation.

Cut 10 (09) “…circumstances.”

If you have any information you are urged to call the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-853-1964.

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The Senate Transportation Committee has put a stop to an effort to repeal the state’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law that’s been in place since 2004. Bridget Gardner, the coordinator of the Community Injury Prevention Program at the University Medical Center New Orleans told the panel motorcycle deaths will go up if you pass this law

Cut 11 (04) “…helmeted.”

Vernon Parish Representative Rodney Schamerhorn is the author of the legislation. He agrees deaths will likely go up if his bill passes, but he believes in personal choice…

Cut 12 (12) “…they are taking.” 

Caddo Parish Coroner Todd Thoma says not only will highway deaths go up, so will serious injuries as a result of helmetless motorcycle riders…

Cut 13 (13)  “…for life.”

The panel made no motion to advance the legislation to the Senate floor, which likely means the bill is dead for the session.

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The NFL Draft kicks off tonight at 7 pm with three LSU Tigers Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers, and Brian Thomas Junior all predicted to go in the first round. WWL Radio draft analyst Mike Detillier says Daniels has really improved his skill set and is expected to go number two to Washington.

Cut 14 (15)  “…lot of sacks.”

Malik Nabers is also projected to be a very high first-rounder in this draft. Nabers is projected to be the Giants pick at sixth overall. Detillier says the Giants have a history of taking talented LSU receivers, most notably Odell Beckham Junior, and if they don’t, he says Nabers will cause considerable consideration from a couple of teams looking at other positions.

Cut 15 (12)  “…of consideration.”

Brian Thomas Junior is projected to go in the mid-twenties around pick 24. The receiver had a breakthrough season alongside Nabers last season but didn’t do too well the previous season. Detillier says that teams love the natural talent he has and that he can quickly develop into a special NFL player.

Cut 16 (15)  “…this league.”

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The Saints are scheduled to have the number 14 overall pick tonight in the 2024 NFL Draft. There have been rumors about the Saints trading up in the first round in order to pick their favorite player at receiver or offensive tackle and Locked On Saints Podcast Host Ross Jackson says there is the opportunity for the Saints to trade with old partners.

Cut 17 (16) “…opportunity there.”

After the sudden retirement of Saints Left Tackle James Hurst, the Saints are predicted to use their first round pick on an offensive tackle. New Orleans will have a talented pool of offensive tackles to pick from that ranges from Penn State’s Olumuyiwa Fasanu to Alabama’s JC Latham.

Cut 18 (14)  “….near fourteen”

The Saints have nine picks in this year’s draft and seven of their picks are in the 5th round or later. Jackson says those seven picks give the Saints plenty of mobility in this year’s draft if they choose to move up for a player or down to get more draft capital.

Cut 19 (13) “…since 2007.” 

________________________________________________________________________

Cut 20 (15) “…feel good.”

 

 

 

 

 

5:30 LRN Newscast April 24

House Governmental Affairs approves legislation calling for the state to hold a constitutional convention May 20th. Governor Landry wants a convention so 171 delegates can streamline the current constitution. Former state representative Neil Abramson says it be accomplished by moving items out of the constitution and into state law.

Cut 4 (08) “…and efficiently”

The vote was nine to five in favor of the constitutional convention and the vote went down party lines. Baton Rouge Democrat Denise Marcelle asked what’s the big hurry in holding a constitutional convention next month…

Cut 5 (08) “…their input.” 

Governor Landry has scheduled a press conference Thursday morning to discuss the proposed convention. The bill heads to the House floor for more discussion.

Senate Transportation Committee has put a stop to repeal the state’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law that’s been in place since 2004. Coordinator of the Community Injury Prevention Program at the University Medical Center New Orleans Bridget Gardner says motorcycle deaths will increase if the bill is enacted.

Cut 11 (05) “…helmeted.”

The helmet law remains in place.

Legislation to allow judges the discretion to sentence one who commits sexual crimes, and the victim is under the age of 13 to surgical castration clears the Senate. Bill sponsor Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says way too many children are being molested and raped…

PM Cut 3 (12) “…of children.” 

The bill now heads to the House.

4:30 LRN Newscast April 24

A bill that gives the governor the authority to select the chairperson of a state board or commission is heading to the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The former chief deputy in the Ascension Parish Assessor’s office, Justin Champlin has been charged with two counts of malfeasance in office, injuring public records, and computer tampering. He’s accused of twice lowering his own property value to save money on his property taxes.

Legislation to allow judges the discretion to sentence one who commits sexual crimes, and the victim is under the age of 13 to surgical castration clears the Senate on a 29 to 9 vote. Bill sponsor Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says way too many children are being molested and raped. Gonzales Senator Edward Price asked if physical castration applies to female perpetrators.

Cut 5 (12)  “…yes sir.”

The bill now heads to the House.

A new morning consult report finds Republican John Kennedy among the top ten most popular U-S Senators.  LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says a majority of Louisiana voters agree with Kennedy’s politics…

Cut 9 (10) “…this state.” 

3:30 LRN Newscast April 24

A bill to give judges the option to sentence one who commits sexual crimes against a child under the age of 13 to physical castration clears the Senate. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

 

29-year-old Anothy Pierce Holland of West Monroe has been arrested in connection to the murder of 19-year-old Sheryl Turner of New Iberia. Her body was found dismembered in the Ouachita River on January 24th. Holland confessed to authorities and has been charged with second-degree murder.

 

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approves legislation that would give the governor the authority to choose the chairperson and officers of state boards and commissions. Governor Jeff Landry appeared before the panel to explain why a governor should have this power…

Cut 6  (08) “…to enact.” 
The measure was approved without objection and heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

 

The search continues for the person who fatally shot the driver of an 18-wheeler in what authorities call a road rage incident that happened Tuesday morning in Caddo Parish. Sergeant Casey Jones with the Sheriff’s Office says witnesses saw the driver of the SUV leave the scene, heading westbound on I-20 towards Texas….

Cut  14 (06) “…looking like.” 

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office.

2:30 LRN Newscast April 24

Senate Governmental Affairs approves legislation to give the governor the authority to choose the chairperson and officers of state boards and commissions. Governor Landry believes it’s important the politics of the board align with the governor’s and currently that’s not the case 100-percent of the time…

Cut 8 (08) “…might not be.” 

The measure was approved without objection.

Legislation to allow judges the discretion to sentence one who commits sexual crimes, and the victim is under the age of 13 to surgical castration clears the Senate on a 29 to 9 vote. Bill sponsor Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says way too many children are being molested and raped…

Cut 3 (12) “…of children.” 

The bill now heads to the House.

The search continues for the person who fatally shot the driver of an 18-wheeler in what authorities in Caddo Parish describe as a road rage incident. Sergeant Casey Jones with the Sheriff’s office says it happened Tuesday morning on I-20 in Greenwood and the driver of the 18-wheeler was seen trying to flee on foot before he was shot by the driver of an SUV…

Cut 13 (07) “…the victim.”

Anyone with information is urged to call the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Department.

A new morning consult report finds Republican John Kennedy among the top ten most popular U-S Senators. Kennedy does not make many public appearances or speak to Louisiana media members. But LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Kennedy appears on conservative-leaning news outlets like Fox News…

Cut 11 (08) ” …that resonate.”