3:30 LRN Newscast April 8

Heavy cloud coverage obstructed the view of the eclipse for most of the Bayou State today. Northwest Louisiana had the best opportunity for a glimpse 90% totality this afternoon. Due to the inclement weather Louisiana’s make up date for the eclipse is August 23, 2044.

Legendary Peabody boys’ basketball coach Charles Smith joins basketball greatest names as he’s an inductee into the Naismith basketball Hall of Fame. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

 

A federal court in Shreveport is hearing arguments in a suit filed by Republicans over the state’s congressional map. Plaintiff says the map violates the Equal Protection Act. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the state will have to argue there was a compelling interest to satisfy the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He believes it will be difficult for the state to contend because…

Cut 11 (09) “…only factor.”

 

April 30th is the deadline for those still in travel trailers as part of the Ida Sheltering program. Jacques Thibodeaux, who became director of GOSHEP in January says the deadline for those living in about 540 units, has been extended numerous times by FEMA and the state, but with a state fiscal cliff looming…

Cut 12 (12) “…the state.” 

He says caseworkers have been working with those in need of continued sheltering.

1:30 LRN Newscast April 8

The eclipse is underway and the heavy cloud coverage in Louisiana is hampering the view. It’s expected to reach as close to totality around 1:45 here. LSU Planetary Astrophysicist Dr. Natalie Hinkel says you can also expect the eclipse to impact our weather….

Cut 24 (10)  “…on the earth.”

Ophthalmologists remind you to never look directly at the eclipse without proper eclipse glasses.

A federal court in Shreveport is hearing arguments in a suit filed by Republicans over the state’s congressional map. In recent affirmative action decisions Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says SCOTUS has been critical of states treating race differently and if race was the predominant factor for drawing the maps…

Cut 10 (07) “…protection clause. “

A May deadline has been set for a decision.

 

LSU running back Trey Holly no longer faces an attempted murder charge after a shooting in Farmville February 15th that injured two people. The 19-year-old still faces one felony gun charge. Coach Brian Kelly does not expect the criminal case against Holly to drag on…

Cut 7 (12) “…reinstatement”  

 

Legendary boys’ basketball Coach Charles Smith of Peabody High School in Alexandria will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Smith is one of a handful of high school coaches to join the ranks. Smith says it is an honor to join the elite group.

Cut 3 (12) “…professional coaches.”  

The ceremony will be in August in Massachusetts.

 

12:30 LRN Newscast April 5

The Powerball Jackpot has reached $1.23 billion, that’s a billion with a B. The cash value for Saturday night’s drawing is $595 million. Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says the current jackpot has been rolling over since January 3rd.

Cut 3 (11) “…out of it.”  

The last time there was a Powerball Jackpot winner in Louisiana was 2017.

A law passed in 2022 calls for ticket-writing speed cameras to be installed on the I-10 the Atchafalaya Basin bridge. But New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez has a bill to repeal that section of the law. He believes law enforcement officers should be writing tickets and issuing fines…
cut 24 (12) “…fight crime”
The proposal is waiting for discussion on the Senate floor.

Forecasters say the highly anticipated Great American Eclipse that starts around 12:30 on Monday in Louisiana will be eclipsed by clouds. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

 

11:30 LRN Newscast April 5

Senate Transportation unanimously approves a bill to repeal legislation to install speed cameras on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. The bill would also reverse doubling speeding ticket fines. Bill co-author, New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez argues residents in his district can’t afford it.

Cut 4 (11) “…per citation.”

The measure heads to the Senate floor.

A pipe and tube manufacturer from India has decided to build its first U-S production facility in Mansfield. The project will create 135 direct jobs. DeSoto Parish juror, Trina Boyd Simpson, says Global Seamless Tubes and Pipes will revitalize the former Hensley facility…

Cut 16 (10)  “…the map.” 
Millions are excited for Monday’s total solar eclipse, but mother nature may have other plans. Gary Chatelain (Shat-ta-lane) with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says they’re expecting cloudy skies on Monday before strong storms arrive.

Cut 9 (13) “…the day.” 

Chatelain says it will be mostly cloudy during the peak hours early Monday afternoon,

And while and much of the state will get a 90-percent or higher of totality view and southeast Louisiana will have about a 75-percent view of the eclipse, Tulane School of Medicine, Chair of Ophthalmology, Doctor David Hinkle, recommends certified eclipse glasses and beware of fake ones…

Cut 8 (07) “…to wear.” 
Looking at the eclipse without proper eyewear can lead to permanent damage to your eyes, even with anticipated cloudy weather.

10:30 LRN Newscast April 5

House Education approves legislation to require the Ten Commandments to be displayed on a poster in every public school classroom. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Crawfish prices dropped 30-cents this week. That’s according to The Crawfish App. You can expect to pay an average of $4.47 a pound for live mudbugs and $6.69 a pound for boiled.

As we count down to Monday’s solar eclipse you need to be aware of the dangers of viewing the astronomical marvel without proper eye protection. Tulane School of Medicine, Chair of Ophthalmology Dr. David Hinkle says while it’s extremely tempting to look directly at the eclipse…

Cut 7 (11) “…a lifetime.”
India-based Global Seamless Tubes & Pipes has chosen northwest Louisiana as the site for its first U.S. production facility. The plant is expected to create 135 direct jobs in DeSoto Parish. Mansfield Mayor Thomas Jones…

Cut 15 (10)  “…humbling y’all.”

The company hopes to have operations underway by the end of the year.

 

AM LRN Newscast April 5

A bill to repeal legislation passed in 2022 to install speed cameras on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge between Lafayette and Baton Rouge heads to the Senate Floor. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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If you’re planning on viewing Monday’s eclipse it’s imperative to have proper eyewear. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The House Education Committee approves legislation that would require the Ten Commandments to be displayed on a poster in every public school classroom. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Senate Transportation unanimously approves a bill that would repeal legislation to install speed cameras on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge on I-10. The bill would also reverse doubling the fine for a speeding ticket. New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez, co-author of the bill, argues residents in his district can’t afford it.

Cut 4 (11) “…per citation.”

In 2022, a law was passed that called for speed cameras to be installed on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge and drivers caught speeding on the bridge would have to pay a fine thats double the regular penalty for speeding. The speeding cameras have yet to be installed.

Miguez believes local law enforcement is the better option to patrol that stretch of roadway.

Cut 5 (12) “…deter crime.” 

Miguez says if speeding cameras were used, the company operating the cameras gets a majority of the fine money. Not local law enforcement who could use the money.

Cut 6 (12) “…fight crime.”

Signage on the roadway between Baton Rouge and Lafayette informing motorists of the speed limit and limited use of the left-hand lane by truckers would remain. The measure heads to the Senate Floor.

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As we count down the days to Monday’s total solar eclipse you need to be aware of the dangers of viewing the astronomical marvel without proper eye protection. Tulane School of Medicine, Chair of Ophthalmology Dr. David Hinkle says while it’s extremely tempting to look directly at the eclipse…

 Cut 7 (11) “…a lifetime.”

And while Louisiana is not in the direct path of the total eclipse, what is visible Hinkle says you can still cause damage to your vision. He highly recommends certified eclipse glasses with the ISO 12312-2 filter and to beware of fake ones.

Cut 8 (07) “…to wear.” 

You can visit reputable sites to purchase glasses, but time is running out. We have links posted at LouisianaRadioNetwork.com on how to order them from the American Astrology Society. American Astronomical Society.

While it is never advisable to look directly at the sun, Hinkle says to be especially mindful on Monday. For Louisiana, the eclipse will begin around 12:30, with the best totality view around 1:45, and the wonder will end by 3:10, in the Bayou State.

Cut 9 (09)  “…totality.”

Hinkle says eye doctors tend to see an increase in patients after solar eclipses from individuals who’ve either burned their retina directly looking at the eclipse or suffering from other vision complications.

Even viewing the eclipse through your camera, cellphone or a reflection of it can cause eye damage. Hinkle recommends watching a live stream from NASA’s website. https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse.html

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The House Education Committee approves legislation that would require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public classroom from elementary school to college. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton is a co-author of the bill and says The Ten Commandments are a historical document on which all laws are based

Cut 10 (08) “…classrooms”

The measure passed on a ten to three vote. Representative Barbara Freiberg, a Republican from Baton Rouge, was one of the three no votes…

Cut 11 (14) “…to do”

Horton’s legislation calls for the Ten Commandments to be displayed on a poster that would be purchased by private funds. She says several religions follow the Ten Commandments…

Cut 12 (08) “…first lawgiver.” 

Freiberg believes Horton’s mandate for the displaying of the Ten Commandments sends the wrong message

Cut 13 (13)  “…religious faiths”

No other state has such a law. The U-S Supreme Court ruled that posting the Ten Commandments in classroom was unconstitutional because it violated the church and state clause But supporters of the Horton’s bill point to a 2022 ruling that said prayers after a football game are not a school endorsement of Christianity.

 

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India-based Global Seamless Tubes & Pipes has chosen northwest Louisiana as the site for its first U.S. production facility. Mansfield Mayor Thomas Jones says this is a major venture to help spark the local economy.

Cut 14 (06)  “…part of history.”

Seamless tubes and pipes are better withstand high-pressure and corrosive environments often found in the oil and gas industry.

Jones says the plant is expected to create 135 direct jobs in DeSoto Parish and Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in 251 new indirect jobs.

Cut 15 (10)  “…humbling y’all.”

DeSoto Parish Juror, Trina Boyd Simpson says the project will bring new life into northwest, Louisiana.

Cut 16 (10)  “…the map.” 

The redesign of the former Hensley Industries facility is underway and commercial operations of Global Seamless Tubes & Pipes are expected to begin by the end of the year.

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When LSU hired Blake Baker as defensive coordinator, many wondered how he planned to use linebacker Harold Perkins. Baker says they are going to find out what he does best and they are going to utilize his skill set….

Cut 17 (20) “…right now” 

Early enrollee P-J Woodland from Hattiesburg has been taking snaps with the first-team defense. Baker says the four-star cornerback out of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is a competitor who has all the tools…

Cut 18 (17)  “…few days”  

LSU’s defensive backs struggled last year. Baker says he likes how the DBs have attacked the football…

Cut 19 (25) “…as a unit”  

 

Cut 20 (18) “…they take.”

 

 

 

 

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5:30 LRN Newscast April 4 Legislative Report

The House Education Committee approves legislation that would require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public classroom from elementary school to college. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton is a co-author of the bill and says The Ten Commandments are a historical document on which all laws are based.

Cut 10 (08) “…classrooms”

The measure passed on a ten to three vote. Representative Barbara Freiberg, a Republican from Baton Rouge, was one of the three no votes. Freiberg believes Horton’s mandate for the displaying of the Ten Commandments sends the wrong message.

Cut 13 (14)  “…religious faiths”

No other state has such a law.

New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman hopes the third time is the charm for her legislation to require public schools to provide menstrual products. Sophia a 9th grader at Willow School in New Orleans timidly told House Education committee members she’s unable to focus on class instruction over worry about her cycles.

Cut 24 (09) “…sanitary product.” 

The bill passed on a 9 to 2 vote and heads to Appropriations.

The Senate Transportation unanimously approves a bill to repeal legislation to install speed cameras on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. The bill would also reverse doubling speeding tickets. New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez argues residents in his district can’t afford it.

Cut 4 (11) “…per citation.”

3:30 LRN Newscast April 4

Colorado State University hurricane researchers are expecting an extremely active hurricane season. Their initial forecast calls for 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and five major storms. Isaac Schluesche says tropical systems including hurricanes thrive in warm waters and sea surface temperatures are outside the realm of anything he’s seen.

Cut 5 (10)  “…the season.”

For a third time, New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman has presented legislation to require public schools to provide menstrual products. 12-year-old Nadia, a New Orleans student told House Education committee members just how difficult it is for shy girls like herself.

Cut 10 (09) “…embarrassed. “

The bill passed on a 9 to 2 vote and heads to Appropriations.

Starting August 1st, Louisiana casinos will no longer offer prop bets involving college athletes. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Colleen Crain” 

And LSU student Matthew Marsiglia faces manslaughter charges for the death of 26-year-old Devin Repath who died following a fight outside of Fred’s Bar and Grill on March 23rd. An affidavit shows Repath punched a friend of the accused. Baton Rouge Police Corporal Saundra Watts…

Cut 7 (06) “…as well.”  

 

11:30 LRN Newscast April 4

At the request of a newly formed coalition of Jewish organizations and faith leaders, Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews has filed a bill to remove the gassing method of execution from Louisiana law.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

21-year-old Matthrew Marsiglia, the suspect in the Tigerland fight that claimed the life of 26-year-old Devin Repath turned himself into Baton Rouge Police on Monday. Marsiglia has been booked on one count of manslaughter. d.

During an appearance on Fox News’ “America Reports” Governor Jeff Landry says he’s sent letters to all the Louisiana college boards encouraging them to implement a policy that student-athletes be present during the National Anthem When asked if athletes would be required to stand …

Cut 8 (08) “…the sport.” 

Landry’s comments were sparked after the LSU Lady Tigers were in the locker room instead of on the court during the anthem.

 

A bill to repeal the state’s income tax has been filed and awaits a hearing in the House Ways and Means Committee. Columbia Representative Neil Riser says it’s time to relieve Louisianans of rising costs by eliminating taxes.

Cut 4 (11) “…local economy.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast and Legislative Report April 3

During an appearance on Fox News’ “America Reports” Governor Jeff Landry doubled down his stance that college athletes should be present for the national anthem. He wants policies implemented that student-athletes risk their athletic scholarships if they don’t. When asked if athletes would be required to stand …

Cut 8 (08) “…the sport.” 

A bill to require a person to remain 25 feet away from a police officer if they’ve been told to stop or retreat received full approval in the House. Bill author Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot is a former sheriff’s deputy….

Cut 5 (11)  “…an arrest”

Violators could face up to 60 days in jail.

A bill to repeal the state’s income tax has been filed and is awaiting a hearing in the House Ways and Means. Columbia Representative Neil Riser says it’s time to give Louisianans relief from rising costs by eliminating taxes.

AM Cut 4 (11) “…local economy.”

If passed it would go in effect January 1, 2026.

A bill to allow ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug that made headlines during the pandemic, to be sold over the counter in Louisiana advances from House Health and Welfare. Kenner Representative Joseph Stagni expressed reservations over the bill…

Cut 7 (11) “…my concern.”  

The bill passed on a 7 to 4 vote and heads to the House.