6:30 LRN Newscast April 26

The state health department has told vaccine providers to resume using the Johnson and Johnson coronavirus vaccine. The CDC and the FDA say the benefits of the single-dose vaccine outweigh the rare risk of developing blood clots. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says the 11-day halt of the J-and-J shot was unfortunate but reassuring…
Cut 10 (12) “..cause a pause.”

There’s legislation in Congress that’s waiting to be discussed that would dedicate 16-million dollars a year to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries that will help the agency’s efforts to protect endangered species and habitats. LDWF Biologist Director Amity Bass…
cut 4 (08) “….declining”
The Louisiana Pearlshell, the Louisiana Pinesnake and Alligator Snapping Turtle are among the species at risk in Louisiana.

The Louisiana House is expected to debate several tax reform proposals this afternoon as lawmakers look to lower individual income tax rates. Don Molino
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Don Molino.”

LRN AM Newscall April 26

If the federal Recovering American’s Wildlife Act passes, Louisiana could receive $16 million annually to help preserve 362 species at risk of extinction. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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It might surprise you to learn that Louisiana is home to a farm of one of the world’s most popular beverages. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The Louisiana House is expected to debate several tax reform proposals this afternoon as lawmakers look to lower individual income tax rates. Don Molino

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Passage of the Recovering American’s Wildlife Act in Congress would dedicate $16 million annually to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ efforts to protect endangered species and habitats. LDWF Biologist Director Amity Bass says this could allow them to increase their Statewide Action Plan.

Cut 4 (11)“…declining.”

Bass says the funding will help them address the decline of endangered species in the state like the Louisiana Pearlshell and Pinesnake and recover them.

Cut 5 (07)“… species list.”

If a species becomes threatened or endangered, Bass says there’s been a failure to conserve them on the front end at some level so additional funds have the potential to drastically change that.

Cut 6 (09) “…but nationally.”

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You might not know that Tangipahoa Parish is home to one of the few tea farms in the United States. Owner of the Fleur De Lis Tea Company David Barron says for producers looking to further diversify their crops this might be your cup of tea.

Cut 7 (08)  “…after water.”

Barron says the terrain in general in the Bayou State is ideal for growing tea plants. He says they like well-drained soil…

Cut 8 (08) “…perfect for that.”

Barron says he sees great potential for tea in Louisiana especially on the sites of pine tree farms.

The tea plant is related to the Camilla plant that is popular in the south and Barron says anywhere you can grow a Camilla you can grow tea.

Fleur Des Lis Tea Company has a 160-acre farm in Amite. Barron purchased the pine tree farm more than ten years ago. He ventured into the tea business when a fellow horticulturist offered him a tea plant that he was cultivating.

Cut 9 (08) “…his fault.”

Barron says the U-S League Tea Growers annual meeting will be held in October at the farm in Amite and they will host growers from all over the world.

To learn more about the farm you can visit their website at www.fleurdelisteaco.com/

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The state health department has told vaccine providers to resume using the Johnson and Johnson coronavirus vaccine. The CDC and the FDA say the benefits of the single-dose vaccine outweigh the rare risk of developing blood clots. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says the 11-day halt of the J-and-J shot was unfortunate but reassuring…

Cut 10 (12) “..cause a pause.”

Kanter says it’s incredible how quickly the FDA and the CDC acted after it was determined the Johnson and Johnson coronavirus vaccine was responsible for blood clots in six American women.

Cut 11 (07) “..it should”

Federal health officials uncovered 15 vaccine recipients who developed the blood clots out of the nearly eight million people who received Johnson and Johnson’s shot. All were women under 50, three of them have died.

Kanter expects there will still be a lot of demand for the J-and-J vaccine and he’s glad its back in circulation

Cut 12 (09) “…various locations.”

Over one-point-one million Louisianans have completed their vaccinations against COVID-19. About 85-thousand Johnson and Johnson doses have been administered in Louisiana and no reported cases of this rare blood clot.

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The Louisiana House is expected to discuss and possibly vote on several tax reform bills today. State lawmakers are looking to reduce the state’s income tax rate, but eliminate other tax breaks. Governor John Bel Edwards says he can back this effort…

Cut 13 (10) “…support it”

House Ways and Means Chairman Stuart Bishop has a proposal that would lower the individual income taxes. For those who make over 50-thousand dollars, their income tax rate will be lowered from six to 4.25 percent. But the measure would eliminate the ability to deduct federal income taxes paid from your state taxes. Edwards says Bishop’s bill has a lot of merit…

Cut 14 (08) “…F-I-T.”

These tax reform proposals will also need voter approval and two-thirds support in the House and Senate. Edwards says he will not support tax bills that result in an overall increase in taxes or a decrease, which could result in future budget deficits…

Cut 15 (10)“…took office”

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Louisiana Tech football completed its spring practice on Saturday in a game spring game that featured nine sacks sacks by the defense. Redshirt freshman linebacker Maki Carabin had a game-high seven tackles. Coach Skip Holtz on what he saw from his defense…

Cut 16 (15) “…positive.”

The offensive line had its struggles on Saturday, but Holtz is optimistic they will be much better once the 2021 regular season starts

Cut 17 (23) “…the fall”

As far as the quarterbacks go, Aaron Allen was 14 of 25 for 216 yards and a touchdown. JD Head was 12 of 25 for 146 yards and a touchdown. Holtz gave up an update on Luke Anthony who broke his fibula in December. He says Anthony is still expected to make a full recovery…

Cut  18 (25)”..his recovery.” 

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LSU baseball has suffered a lot of tough losses this season, but Saturday’s implosion tops them all. The Tigers led by eight runs in the bottom of the eighth and there were two outs in the inning. But the Rebels came back to win 10-9. Shortstop Jordan Thompson tried to provide an upbeat message after the brutal loss…

Cut 19 (19) “…all weekend” 

The Rebels tied the game in the eighth inning on a grand slam by TJ McCants as the ball just sailed over the out stretched glove of LSU center fielder Giovanni DiGiacomo. DiGiacomo says you have to credit the Rebels…

Cut 20 (10) “…either” 

10:30 LRN Newscast April 24

Today is election day in the state’s second congressional district. UNO Political Science Professor Ed Chervenak says the race to replace Cedric Richmond comes down to likeability between Democrats Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter and their ability to turn out the vote.
Cut 4 (10) “…the poll”
Voter turnout is expected to be between 15 and 20-percent.

Two lawsuits have now been filed against the companies involved with the liftboat that capsized during rough weather in the Gulf of Mexico on April 13th. 13 people are presumed dead and among those 13 dead, seven remain missing. A wife and a fiance of two of the missing crewmembers are the first two to file lawsuits against Seacor Marine, Seacor Liftboats and Talos Energy, claiming they put profits before safety.

U-S health experts have determined its safe to resume using the Johnson and Johnson coronavirus vaccine. The CDC and the FDA say the benefits of the single-dose vaccine outweigh the rare risk of developing blood clots. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says the 11-day halt of the J-and-J shot was unfortunate but reassuring…
Cut 10 (12) “..cause a pause.”
Kanter expects there will still be a lot of demand for the J-and-J vaccine and he’s glad its back in circulation

Today is prescription drug take-back day as numerous sites around the state will accept old pills and medication until 2 PM today. DEA Special agent Randy Harness says overdose deaths are on the rise and pain meds are a major reason…
Cut 7 (11) “…this year.”
Go to d-e-a-take-back-dot-com for more information.

9:30 LRN Newscast April 24

Governor John Bel Edwards announces that Louisiana Green Fuels plans to develop a 700-million dollar renewable diesel plant in Caldwell Parish. Edwards says the state has established a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. He says this biodiesel plant is a step in the right direction
Cut 14 (11) “..blue hydrogen”
Edwards says the proposed project would generate 450 construction jobs and employ 76 people once complete.

The wife and the fiance of two of the missing crewmembers from the Seacor lift boat that capsized April 13th have filed multi-million dollar lawsuits Seacor Marine and Talos Energy. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says it’s likely these lawsuits will be settled out of court, but it will take years to do…
Cut 11 (08) “…years pass”
The plaintiffs in the case claim the companies involved in the tragedy put profits before safety.

Voters in southeast Louisiana will elect a new Congressman in the 2nd district today. Jim Shannon looks at the race between Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter…
Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jim Shannon”

LSU is taking further action in the wake of failing to properly report previous claims of sexual misconduct. The school is planning to ban former running back Derius Guice from campus and they are taking his name out of the school’s record books. Also, the university is firing the law firm Taylor Porter. The firm denies claims they participated in an effort to keep sexual misconduct claims made against former coach Les Miles quiet.

8:30 LRN Newscast April 24

Polls are open in southeast Louisiana as the race between Democrats Troy Carter and Karen Carter Peterson for Louisiana’s Second Congressional District concludes. UNO Political Science Professor Ed Chervenak says Carter has received the endorsement of former Congressman Cedric Richmond…
cut 5 (12) “….the district”
Polls close at 8 PM tonight.

Today from 10 AM to 2 PM it’s National Drug Take-Back Day as several sites across the state will accept unused medication. DEA special agent Mike Zaiter on why it’s important to get old prescription drugs out of your home….
cut 8 (13) “…illegallY”
Go to D-E-A take-back-dot-com to find a location near you.
A second lawsuit has been filed in response to the April 13th Seacor Power tragedy. 13 people are believed to be dead after several crewmembers of the Seacor Power were tossed into the Gulf of Mexico when the lift boat capsized. A wife and a fiance of two of the men still missing filed the suits against Seacor Marine, Seacor Liftboats, and Talos Energy claiming the companies involved put profits before safety. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says more lawsuits are expected…
cut 10 (10) “…company was”
Former President Donald Trump has made a ten-thousand-dollar donation to the United Cajun Navy as they continue to search for the seven crew members who remain missing.

State Police has completed its investigation into the fatal police shooting of Trayford Pellerin in Lafayette last August. Pellerin was attempting to enter a convenience store, armed with a knife. L-S-P has not released details, only saying it’s been handed over to the Lafayette Parish D-A’s office.

7:30 LRN Sportscast April 24

If you thought LSU’s baseball season was over after losing last weekend’s series versus South Carolina, the Fighting Tigers are showing some fight in Oxford as they won again last night, beating 12th ranked Ole Miss seven to two. Gavin Dugas delivered a grand slam in the ninth inning and A-J Labas earned a complete-game victory. LSU goes for the sweep at noon.

Senior centerfielder Parker Bates hit his fifth home run of the season in the eighth inning to snap a three-three tie and 14th ranked Louisiana Tech went on to win four to three over Marshall. The two teams play a doubleheader at 11 AM today.

The Ragin Cajuns are out of first place in the Sun Belt West after falling to Little Rock eight to two. That’s five straight conference losses for U-L.

ULM crushed Southern 12 to 1. Tulane has won eight in a row after sweeping a doubleheader from Memphis. UNO edged Southeastern Louisiana nine to eight to move within one game of the Lions for first place in the Southland. Nicholls and Northwestern play a doubleheader starting at 3 PM.

LSU has fired law firm Taylor Porter over the advice it gave the school when it investigated former football coach Les Miles for sexual misconduct with female student workers. Taylor Porter represented the school for 80 years. The school also plans to ban former running back Derius Guice from campus and remove his name from the statistical record books. Also assistant athletic director Verge Ausberry is facing more discipline. He we will not be allowed to attend any football games this upcoming season. Ausberry did not report a text a message he received in 2018 from a football player admitting that he hit his girlfriend.

On the recruiting front, LSU has landed a commitment from five-star safety Jacoby Matthews, who is preparing for his senior season at Ponchatoula. Matthews is rated as the second-best safety in the nation.

Today at noon, Louisiana Tech holds its spring game.

And the Pelicans host San Antonio tonight. New Orleans trails the Spurs by 3.5 games for the final spot in the play-in tournament for the playoffs.

5:30 LRN Newscast April 23

Saturday is election day for the state’s second congressional district. UNO Political Science Professor Ed Chervenak says the race comes down to likeability between Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter and their ability to turn out the vote.

Cut 4 (10) “…the poll” 

Voter turnout is expected to be between 15 and 20-percent.

The wife of one of the missing crewmembers from the Seacor lift boat that capsized last Tuesday files a $25-million lawsuit. Loyola University Political Science Professor Dane Ciolino says anytime there’s a workplace accident that results in the loss of life or major injury there’s going to be a civil lawsuit, but who can be named in the suit remains the question.

Cut 9 (11) “..contend are responsible.”

Governor John Bel Edwards was in Caldwell Parish Friday to discuss Louisiana Green Fuels’ plans to build a 700-million dollar biodiesel plant that would produce up to 32-million gallons of renewable fuel annually. The project would generate 450 construction jobs and Edwards says that renewable diesel refinery would remove more carbon emissions from the environment than it produces…

Cut 13 (13)“….carbon negative”

Saturday is prescription drug take-back day as numerous sites around the state will accept old pills and medication. DEA Special agent Randy Harness says overdose deaths are on the rise and pain meds are a major reason…

Cut 7 (11) “…this year.”
Go to d-e-a-take-back-dot-com for more information.

4:30 LRN Newscast April 23

The wife of one of the missing crewmembers from the Seacor lift boat that capsized last Tuesday files a $25-million lawsuit. Loyola University Political Science Professor Dane Ciolino says most industrial lawsuits are settled before they go to court and this one most likely won’t be an exception.

Cut 11 (11) “…years pass”

He says this suit is most likely the first of many to be filed and could take years to settle.

Southeast Louisiana voters decide who will represent the state’s second congressional district in DC Saturday. UNO Political Science Professor Ed Chervenak says the heated race between Democrats Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter is not about the issues.

Cut 3 (11)  “…personal” 

Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

Louisiana Green Fuels plans on building a 700-million-dollar renewable diesel refinery in Caldwell Parish on a 171-acre site at the Port of Columbia. Governor Edwards says a final investment decision is expected in late 2022, but this has the potential to be a major economic development win for rural north Louisiana…

Cut 12 (12)   “…five million dollars” 

The DEA is holding a semi-annual prescription drug take-back day throughout the state Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  This allows you to turn in your unused or unwanted prescription drugs so that they can be disposed of properly.  Special agent Randy Harness says getting rid of these drugs might save someone’s life.

Cut 6 (13) “..someone else”

3:30 LRN Newscast

Tomorrow voters in southeast Louisiana will decide between Democrats Troy Carter and Karen Carter Peterson on who will represent Louisiana’s second Congressional District. UNO Political Science Professor Ed Chervenak says Carter has received the endorsement of former Congressman Cedric Richmond…
cut 5 (12) “….the district”
Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM tomorrow.

The wife of one of the seven men still missing from the Seacor Power lift boat disaster filed a 25-million dollar lawsuit in Texas against Seacor Marine, Seacor Liftboats and Talos Energy. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says it’s the first of several multi-million dollar lawsuits…
cut 10 (10) “….company”
The suit alleges the vessel left Port Fourchon with disregard for the deteriorating weather.

Tomorrow is National Drug Take Back Day as several sites across the state will accept unused medication that is taking up space in the medicine cabinet. DEA special agent Mike Zaiter on why it’s important to get these drugs out of your home….
cut 8 (13) “…illegallY”
Go to D-E-A take-back-dot-com to find a location near you.

Governor John Bel Edwards was in Columbia today as Louisiana Green Fuels’ plans to develop a 700-million dollar renewable diesel plant in Caldwell Parish. Edwards says the state has established a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. He says this biodiesel plant is a step in the right direction
Cut 14 (11) “..blue hydrogen”
Edwards says the proposed project would generate 450 construction jobs and employ 76 people once complete.

2:30 LRN newscast April 23

Voters in southeast Louisiana will elect a new Congressman in the 2nd district on Saturday. Jim Shannon looks at the race between Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter…
Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jim Shannon”

We are expecting another round of severe weather today and into tomorrow morning. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 9 PM for southwest Louisiana and nearly all of central Louisiana. The watch box includes Natchitoches, Alexandria, DeRidder, Lake Charles and Opelousas.

Governor John Bel Edwards was in Caldwell Parish today to discuss Louisiana Green Fuels’ plans to build a 700-million dollar biodiesel plant that would produce up to 32-million gallons of renewable fuel annually. The project would generate 450 construction jobs and Edwards says that renewable diesel refinery would remove more carbon emissions from the environment than it produces…
cut 13 (13) “…carbon negative”
Louisiana Green Fuels plans to make a final investment decision late next year.

Tomorrow is prescription drug take-back day as numerous sites around the state will accept old pills and medication. DEA Special agent Randy Harness says overdose deaths are on the rise and pain meds are a major reason…
cut 7 (11) “…this year ”
Go to d-e-a-take-back-dot-com for more information.