9:30 LRN Newscast April 1

New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu’s has filed legislation that would result in lawmakers rewriting the state’s constitution by removing certain items and putting them in state law. LaPolictics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says Louisiana could hold its first constitutional convention in half a century, but there are concerns about completing the work that needs to be done in the regular session.

Cut 4 (11) “…session early.”

The House Natural Resources Committee passed legislation to increase fees on processors and distributors importing seafood from foreign countries. Bill’s author, Houma Representative Jessica Domangue is the bill’s author. The daughter of a commercial fisherman says it’s important the state does supplemental testing because the feds do not do enough.

Cut 8 (08) “…human health.” 

Domangue says the fees currently collected by the Louisiana Department of Health only partially fund needed screening. The bill now heads to the full House for consideration.

If you would like to view the total eclipse next week, LSU Planetary Astrophysicist Dr. Natalie Hinkel says the northwest corner of Louisiana will have the best view. Followed by the Lake Charles and Alexandria areas at 90% view. The Baton Rouge and Lafayette regions will have an 85% view. And if you haven’t purchased your certified eclipse glasses yet, Hinkel suggests visiting Eclipse.aas.org.

Cut 12 (08) “…eclipse glasses.” 

You can also find a link and map at LouisianaRadioNetwork.com. The next solar eclipse for continental U.S. will be 2044.

Mansfield, Louisiana Mayor Thomas Jones says he will never forget last week’s council meeting as the small town deputized 12-year-old “DJ” Daniel of Houston.  Jones says meeting DJ and the magnitude of his family’s return to the small DeSoto Parish city, was better than any church service he’s ever attended.

Cut 15 (07)  “…days ahead.”

It was the 821st time the young man with a rare form of terminal brain and spine cancer had been sworn in as an honorary officer.

5:30 LRN Newscast

The LSU Lady Tigers are gearing up for their Sweet 16 matchup against UCLA on Saturday at noon. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Two 16-year-olds and one 14 year old student at Captain Shreve High School campus in Shreveport have been arrested in connection with bringing firearms on campus Thursday. Authorities say a school resource officer found a fully automatic rifle in a student’s backpack. The students are facing multiple gun related charges.

A Bossier City woman faces charges of attempted kidnapping after she told her estranged boyfriend that another family’s baby at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital was hers. BRPD spokesperson Darren Ahmed says 21 year old Dinesty Selmon made multiple visits to case the hospital but the child was never taken from the room. As for her intentions…

Cut 8 (12) “…kidnapping.” 

Selmon also faces seven counts of unauthorized entry of a business.

Proposed legislation introduced during the regular session aims to ease the workload of educators. But some concerns loom regarding its potential repercussions on school curriculums. Vernon Parish Representative Charles Owen believes this is a step in retaining qualified educators.

Cut 11 (09) “…they matter.”

The measure heads to Senate for more debate.

4:30 LRN Newscast March 29

The LSU women’s basketball team head to their Sweet 16 matchup against UCLA in Albany, New York on Saturday. The Tigers are taking an underdog mentality with the Bruins. LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson says they are not ready to go home yet…

Cut 5 (11)  “…on that.”

Tip off is at noon on Saturday.

21 year old Dinesty Selmon has been charged with attempted kidnapping after telling her former boyfriend an infant at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge was their child. BRPD spokesperson Darren Ahmed says Selmon told her boyfriend she gave birth in Alexandria and that their premature child was being treated in Baton Rouge. And she even gave it a fake name.

Cut 7 (09) “…her baby.”  

Selmon also faces seven counts of unauthorized entry of a business. The investigation is ongoing.

Proposed legislation that aims to ease the workload of educators pass the House in a 94-9 vote. But some concerns loom regarding its potential repercussions on school curriculums. Vernon Parish Representative Charles Owen…

Cut 9 (13) “…our students.” 

Owen believes this is a step in retaining qualified educators in Louisiana. The measure heads to Senate for more debate.

A measure that calls for a constitutional convention has been filed. Author of the bill, New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu says the goal is to streamline the state constitution. He says when the state faces a budget deficit certain areas are constitutionally protected…

Cut 13 (09) “…health care”

12:30 LRN Newscast March 29

Proposed legislation to ease the workload of educators pass the House in a 94-9 vote last week. But some concerns loom regarding its potential repercussions on school curriculums. Vernon Parish Representative Charles Owen says instead of state lawmakers deciding if these life skills are worthy subjects …

Cut 9 (13) “…our students.” 

Owens wants to limit disruptions so that teachers can focus on classroom instruction. The measure heads to Senate for more debate.

The LSU women’s basketball team hopes to move closer to defending their NCAA championship title in their Sweet 16 matchup against UCLA on Saturday. The Lady Tigers are the three-seed, while the Bruins are the two seed and led by six-foot-seven Lauren Betts. LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson says they are not ready to go home yet…

Cut 5 (11)  “…on that.”

Tip off is at noon on Saturday.

A Bossier City woman’s ploy to fool her boyfriend that she’d birthed their child ends with attempted kidnapping charges in Baton Rouge.

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

10:30 LRN Newscast March 29

The defending national champion LSU women’s basketball team is taking an underdog mentality into its Sweet 16 matchup against UCLA on Saturday. The Lady Tigers are the three-seed, while the Bruins are the two seed and led by six-foot-seven Lauren Betts. But LSU Coach Kim Mulkey says UCLA has more than just Betts…

Cut 3 (10) “…fight hard”  

Tip off is at noon.

Pontchatoula based candy maker Elmer’s chocolate has been producing sweet treats since 1855, and Easter baskets are being filled this weekend in Louisiana. Elmer’s CEO, Rob Nelson says there’s usually a big rush on the South Louisiana treats and Louisiana has its favorites.

Cut 5 (11) “…Gulf Coast.” 

Nelson says the three days leading up to the Easter holiday, that this year is coming early, are the busiest of the year.

Three individuals are facing attempted murder charges in connection to the non-fatal overdose of a Southeastern student. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Two 16-year-olds and one 14 year old student have been arrested in connection with bringing firearms on at Captain Shreve High School campus in Shreveport Thursday. Authorities say a school resource officer found a fully automatic rifle in a student’s backpack. The students are facing multiple gun related charges.

 

9:30 LRN Newscast March 29

Three people are facing attempted murder charges after a Southeastern student survived a fentanyl overdose in January. Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron says the Fentanyl Overdose Response Team, made up of several law enforcement agencies, hopes to curb the overdose epidemic and send a strong message to drug dealers.

Cut 8 (08) “…this way.” 

None of the suspects were enrolled at Southeastern.

If crawfish is on your Easter menu, plan to spend 50 cents a pound more than last week as demand is outpacing supply. Crawfish App co-founder Laney King says prices are almost double what they were last Easter. She says Easter is the busiest weekend of the season and supply is lower than usual.

Cut 11 (08) “…and Sunday.”

King says if you haven’t already, reserve your sacks now.

It’s Eastertime in Louisiana which means Elmer’s Candy will be filling baskets. During the pandemic, Elmer’s CEO, Rob Nelson says Elmers had to stop making their popular Strawberry Heavenly Hash but they’re back and even better. He says they received lots of letters requesting they’re but that’s only part of the reason…

Cut 6 (11) “…or colors.”

Elmers, located in Pontchatoula, has been making Easter treats in the Bayou State since 1855.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologist Shelby Richard (Ree-shard) says they caught a 92-pound, nearly 50-inch Grass Carp in Lake Concordia in Ferriday. He says they’ve sent samples to the U-S Fish and Wildlife Service to see if it was sterile. He p0ints out Lake Concordia does not have the necessary habitat for reproduction.

Cut 15 (12)  “…that lake.”

4:30 LRN Newscast March 28

The Louisiana House approves legislation that would repeal the rule that prohibits homeowner insurance companies from dropping a policyholder after three years. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple’s package of bills seeks to bring more insurers into the state that he says will lead to more competition and lower rates. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson…

Cut 5 (12)  “…that’s right.”

The measure heads to the Senate for debate.

Kristen Perkins has started Leedle’s Dirty Paws Rescue in Rapides Parish in memory of her daughter, Leeleanne who tragically died in 2022 trying to save a dog. Perkins says the rescue help dogs find new homes but admits operating a rescue is tough.

Cut 8 (12) “…that choice.” 

You can find a link to the rescue at LouisianaRadioNetwork.com

The Small Business Administration has opened a Business Recovery Center in Crowley for businesses impacted by challenges from last year’s extreme drought. Spokesperson Corey Williams…

Cut 11 (11) “…extreme drought.”

Williams says services are free of charge, with no appointment necessary. There are SBA offices in all 64 parishes.

Louisiana honey supply is down due to the state’s extreme drought last year. The state typically produces more than three million pounds of honey in a year. State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says last year it was two-million pounds….

Cut 12 (09) “…wow” 

Strain says a lower supply of honey, means the price has gone up.

12:30 LRN Newscast March 28

Legislation to repeal the state’s three-year rule advances from the Louisiana House. Critics say there is no guarantee this will help bring more insurers into Louisiana. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan…

Cut 4 (06) “…than others.” 

Repealing the three-year rule is part of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple’s package of bills that he says will bring more insurance providers to Louisiana. Temple says more competition is the key to reversing soaring premiums. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says if Temple supports it, he backs it too…

Cut 5 (12)  “…that’s right.”

The measure heads to the Senate for more discussion.

Kristen Perkins has started “Leedle’s Dirty Paws Rescue” in Glenmora to honor her daughter, Leeleanne’s memory. On January 11, 2022, she says her daughter was on her way home from work at a vet clinic when she was tragically killed on a highway in Pineville trying to save an injured dog.

Cut 7 (11) “…out of the highway.”  

You can find Leedle’s Dirty Paws Rescue on Facebook and Petfinder.com.

The Small Business Administration opened a Business Recovery Center in Crowley today at the former Wells Fargo Bank location on Parkerson Avenue.  Spokesperson Corey Williams says this initiative is SBA’s commitment to helping Louisiana small businesses to overcome challenges resulting from natural disasters.

Cut 11 (11) “…extreme drought.”

Services are free of charge, with no appointment necessary.

10:30 LRN Newscast March 28

The Louisiana House has approved an insurance reform measure that repeals the three-year rule. Louisiana does not allow homeowners insurance companies to drop policyholders who have been customers for at least three years. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment says his legislation will allow insurers to better manage their risk..

Cut 3 (10) “…insurance market”  

Firment says repealing the three-year rule will help attract more insurers into the state, which would result in lower premiums.

The Senate Transportation Committee has approved a bill that would prohibit drivers from using a handheld cellphone while driving. Author of the bill, Covington Senator Patrick McMath heard from opponents that his bill is a government overreach. McMath looks at his legislation as a way to keep people safe…

Cut 7 (11) “…correct.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor.

LSU has been awarded a 550-thousand-dollar grant from the National Science Foundation, to see if they can mass produce an organic compound that could lead to better bug spray. Chemical Engineering Professor Kerry Dooley says the goal is to streamline the cost associated with the production of nootkatone.

Cut 10 (11) “…and sprays.”

Dooley says the insect repellant would reduce cases of malaria, Lyme disease, and West Nile

If you’re planning on dying Easter eggs this year, Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says the prices have dropped significantly. Last year the southern average for a dozen eggs was $4.17, but this year it’s $2.71.

Cut 13 (12)  “…right now.”

While you may be paying between $2.89 to $3.40 for a dozen eggs this Easter, Davidson says to keep in mind the farmer’s profit is miniscule.

9:30 LRN Newscast March 28

Legislation to ban drivers from handling their cell phone while behind the wheel advances from the Senate Transportation Committee. However, the bill would still allow drivers to talk on a cell phone, but it has to be hands-free. Kenner resident Richard Brown opposed the bill. He says the conversation is what’s distracting…

Cut 5 (12) “…isn’t true.” 

LSU researchers have secured a $550,000 grant to work on creating an insect repellent that could reduce cases of malaria, Lyme disease, and West Nile. This is the largest NSF PFI grant ever awarded to LSU. Chemical Engineering Professor Kerry Dooley says the project involves the use of nootkatone and even at a five percent concentration, nootkatone outperforms DEET.

Cut 12 (12) “…DEET has.” 

If you’re planning on dyeing eggs this Easter Brooke Thorington has some egg-cellence news, and that’s no yolk.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”