4:30 LRN Newscast May 4

A proposal to prevent transgender athletes from competing on girls sports teams in schools fails to pass out of the House Education Committee on a six to five vote. Two Republicans on the committee joined with Democrats to kill this particular bill for the session. The announcement of the final vote drew a reaction from the audience…

Cut 15 (12) “…thank you.” 

A similar bill remains alive in the Senate is waiting on a vote.

The Louisiana Department of Education is partnering with Ochsner Health to give teachers and school support staff workers free access to virtual visits with a licensed mental health professional. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley….

Cut 6 (08) “…private format”

A House committee votes 8-2 in favor of legislation allowing St. Tammany voters the opportunity to decide whether they’d like a waterfront casino in Slidell. Louisiana Baptists Office of Public Policy Director Will Hall says the state has the 4th highest incidence of problem gambling.

Cut 12 (08)   “…research” 

The legislation advances to the House floor. A similar bill on the Senate side is stuck in the Finance Committee.

The United Cajun Navy is explaining why they are no longer aiding in the search for the seven remaining missing crewmen of the SEACOR Power that capsized on April 13th. UCN spokesperson Brian Trascher says it’s due to a group of former volunteers who continue to slander the organization. and they’ve had to take the matter to court before.

Cut 4 (11) “…judge.” 

3:30 LRN Newscast May 4

Legislation allowing St. Tammany voters to vote on allowing a waterfront casino to operate in Slidell is headed to the House floor. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

After close to three hours of testimony in House Criminal Justice, New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry voluntarily pulled her bill to decriminalize prostitution from consideration.  Supporters of the bill stated government should not be involved in sexual activities of consenting adults and while opponents voiced the legislation would increase human trafficking and others disapproved on moral grounds.

The United Cajun Navy is explaining why they are no longer aiding in the search for the seven missing crewmen of the SEACOR Power that capsized on April 13th. UCN spokesperson Brian Trascher says they cap search efforts at two weeks and also opted to end their participation due to a smear campaign launched by former members.

Cut 3 (10)  “…oxygen” 

He says they still plans to assist family members of the missing crew members financially.

State Education is partnering with Ochsner Health to give teachers and school support staff workers free access to virtual visits with a licensed mental health professional. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says educators have done hero’s work through a pandemic and a record-breaking hurricane season and this is one way they can offer support.

Cut 8 (11) “…everyday.”

230 PM LRN News

Despite opposition from some local opponents, a bill allowing a parish-wide vote on establishing a casino in Slidell advances out of committee 8-2. Proponents for the St. Tammany Parish vote argue it would generate 8 million dollars a year in extra revenue for the parish. Opponents, like Lisa Clayton, argue casinos are magnets for sex trafficking.

Cut 11 (12) “…town”

A similar bill on the Senate side is stuck in the Finance Committee.

Trans advocates are celebrating the defeat of legislation that would prevent transgender athletes from competing on girls sports teams. Breakout spokesperson Teyanna Tokeoh…

Cut 14 (07) “…male cheerleaders” 

A similar bill remains alive in the upper chamber and is waiting for a vote on the Senate floor. 

The United Cajun Navy ends search efforts for the missing crew members of the SEACOR lift boat. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The National Weather Service has put most of the state above the I-12/I-10 corridor under a tornado watch through the evening. The alert warns of the possibility for nickel seized hail and 70 mile per hour gusts throughout the area, along with likely damage to mobile homes.

LRN PM Newscall May 4

The United Cajun Navy ends search efforts for the missing crew members of the SEACOR lift boat. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________________

Legislation allowing St. Tammany voters to vote on allowing a waterfront casino to operate in Slidell is headed to the House floor. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

________________________________________

The United Cajun Navy is explaining why they are no longer aiding in the search for the seven missing crewmen of the SEACOR Power that capsized on April 13th. UCN spokesperson Brian Trascher says they cap search efforts at two weeks and opted to end their participation due to a smear campaign launched by former members.

Cut 3 (10)  “…oxygen” 

Trascher says the UCN still plans to assist family members of the missing crew members.  Trascher says it’s a group of former volunteers, that were asked to leave the group for various reasons, who continue to slander the UCN and they’ve had to take the matter to court before.

Cut 4 (11) “…judge.” 

Trascher says the United Cajun Navy is the only registered nonprofit organization that has emerged from the grassroots efforts of the Cajun Navy that responded to the 2016 flood in Louisiana. Trascher says there are several rumors accusing the organization of misusing funds, but a lack of evidence.

Cut 5  (07)  “…all lies.”

Trascher says even though the group is nonprofit it doesn’t mean they don’t have expenses and they are also donating funds raised from search efforts in the form of grants to families of the missing crewmembers.

__________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Education is partnering with Ochsner Health to give teachers and school support staff workers free access to virtual visits with a licensed mental health professional. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley….

Cut 6 (08) “…private format”

During the appointment, patients will be asked about current symptoms, medical history and goals for therapy. Brumley says those seeking help will have access to a variety of visits.

Cut 7 (11) “…the state.”

More than 166,000 public school educators and support staff statewide will have access to free mental health virtual visits through Ochsner Anywhere Care.  Brumley says Louisiana educators have done hero’s work through a pandemic and a record-breaking hurricane season and this is one way we can be there for them.

Cut 8 (11) “…everyday.”

__________________________________

A House committee votes 8-2 in favor of legislation allowing St. Tammany voters the opportunity to decide whether or not they’d like a waterfront casino in Slidell.

St. Tammany Corporation CEO Chris Masingill says they’ve worked out a five percent revenue share agreement with casino owners Pacific Peninsula, who are moving the license from Bossier City…

Cut 9 (10) “…projects”

Masingill also notes the 250 million dollar project would create 1,900 direct jobs at the facility.

The bill is backed by the St. Tammany Chamber and Northshore Business Council. Business Council CEO Bonnie Eades says local residents deserve a chance to vote on this…

Cut 10 (10) “…issue” 

Moving the license would result in the closure of DiamondJacks Casino in Bossier City. DiamondJacks has not been open since the beginning of the pandemic.

Some residents who live near the proposed casino spoke against the bill. Lisa Clayton argues casinos are magnets for sex trafficking.

Cut 11 (12) “…town”

Others argued there’s evidence that casinos lower property values in nearby neighborhoods.

Louisiana Baptists Office of Public Policy Director Will Hall says Louisiana has the 4th highest incidence of problem gambling, a number that ballooned after gambling was legalized in the early 90s.

Cut 12 (08)   “…research” 

The legislation advances to the House floor. A similar bill on the Senate side is stuck in the Finance Committee.

__________________________

A proposal that would prevent transgender athletes from competing on girls sports teams in schools fails to pass out of the House Education Committee on a six to five vote. Conservative groups are in support. Louisiana Baptist Office of Public Policy. Director Will Hall says the legislation seeks to create a fair playing field

Cut 13 (07)“…for women.”

Several advocates for transgender individuals spoke out against the bill. Teyanna Tokeoh, a spokesperson for a group called BreakOut, says the proposed bill discriminates against trans gender youth…

Cut 14 (07) “…male cheerleaders” 

Two Republicans on the committee joined with Democrats to kill this particular bill for the session. The announcement of the final vote drew a reaction from the audience…

Cut 15 (12) “…thank you.” 

A similar bill remains alive in the upper chamber and is waiting for a vote on the Senate floor. Governor John Bel Edwards has expressed his opposition to the anti-transgender legislation

130 PM LRN News

Legislation allowing St. Tammany voters to vote on allowing a casino in Slidell may be stalled in the Senate but on the House side, it won approval in committee 8-2 this morning. The bill is backed by the St. Tammany Chamber and Northshore Business Council. Business Council CEO Bonnie Eades…

Cut 10 (10) “…issue” 

Opponents argue the casino would become a magnet for sex trafficking.

A proposal that would prevent transgender athletes from competing on girls’ sports teams fails to pass out of House Education six to five. Conservative groups are in support. Louisiana Baptist Office of Public Policy Director Will Hall says the legislation sought to create a fair playing field.

Cut 13 (07)“…for women.”

Trans advocates argued the bill was discriminatory.

K-12 teachers and support staff are being offered access to virtual visits with mental health professionals thanks to a joint effort by The Louisiana Department of Education and Ochsner Health. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says those seeking help will have access to a variety of visits.

Cut 7 (11) “…the state.”

More than 160,000 employees will be eligible for the program.

United Cajun Navy spokesperson Brian Trascher says the UCN’s decision to no longer aid in the search for the seven remaining missing crewmen of the SEACOR Power was made due to a smear campaign launched by former members alleging financial improprieties…

Cut 5  (07)  “…all lies.”

12:30 LRN Newscast May 4

The United Cajun Navy is explaining why they are no longer aiding in the search for the seven remaining missing crewmen of the SEACOR Power that capsized on April 13th. UCN spokesperson Brian Trascher says it’s due to a group of former volunteers who continue to slander the UCN and they’ve had to take the matter to court before.

Cut 4 (11) “…judge.” 

Trascher says they still plan to assist family of the missing crew members financially and have already donated to three families.

The Louisiana Department of Education is partnering with Ochsner Health to give teachers and school support staff workers free access to virtual visits with a licensed mental health professional. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley….

Cut 6 (08) “…private format”

Legislation allowing St. Tammany voters to vote on allowing a waterfront casino to operate in Slidell is headed to the House floor. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

11:40 LRN Sportscast May 4

Dylan Crews and Drew Bianco hit home runs as the LSU Tigers defeated Southern 10 to 2 last night. But the highlight of the night came from LSU pitcher Matthew Beck who has been hurt most of the year with an arm injury. Beck stepped up to the plate as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning and delivered a single in what is likely his last appearance in an LSU uniform. The Tigers begin an SEC series with Auburn on Thursday.

After sweeping a four-game series from Middle Tennessee, La Tech moved up four spots in the latest USA Today Coaches Poll to 14. The Bulldogs have won a school record 10 straight road games. Tech is at FIU this weekend.

Tulane’s record is up to 24-14 and the Green Wave are ranked 22nd by Perfect Game and 24th by Collegiate Baseball. The Green Wave are at 13th ranked East Carolina this weekend.

ULM’s Trace Henry has been named Sun Belt Baseball Player of the week after going 10 for 16 at the plate with seven runs scored and two RBIs. The Warhawks are at Jackson State tomorrow.

The Pelicans had another bad performance last night as the NBA’s leading scorer Stephen Curry had 41 points in Golden State’s 123 to 108 win over New Orleans at the Smoothie King Center. The Pels remain 2.5 games back of San Antonio for the final spot in the play-in tournament. The Pelicans and Warriors play each other again tonight in the Big Easy.

If you want to watch NFL football games on Thursday night in 2022, you’ll need to stream the games, as Amazon Prime Video will become the exclusive home of NFL’s Thursday Night Television Package. It’s the first time a streaming service has had the full rights to an NFL package.

In other NFL news…former LSU punter Zach Von Rosenberg has signed with the Vikings. Former Ragin Cajuns running backs, Elijah Mitchell and Trey Ragas, have also signed as undrafted rookies, Mitchell with the 49ers and Ragas with the Raiders.

11:30 LRN Newscast May 4

The United Cajun Navy is no longer aiding in the search for the remaining missing passengers of the SEACOR Power lift boat that capsized April 13th. UCN spokesperson Brian Trascher says they have a policy to cap search efforts at two weeks and also opted to end their participation due to a smear campaign launched by former members.

Cut 3 (10)  “…oxygen” 

A House committee votes in favor of legislation allowing St. Tammany voters the opportunity to decide if they would like a waterfront casino in Slidell. St. Tammany Corporation CEO Chris Masingill says they’ve worked out a five percent revenue share agreement with casino owners Pacific Peninsula, who are moving the license from Bossier City…

Cut 9 (10) “..projects”

Opponents says the casino would tank local property values and increase problem gambling.

SafeSource Direct, a company that produces personal protective equipment, is building two manufacturing facilities, one in Lafayette Parish and the other in St. Martin Parish. Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says last year there was a shortage of PPE and Louisiana will play a key role in preventing the U-S from facing a shortage again…

Cut 15 (10)“…as well.”

It’expected to produce 12-hundred new direct jobs.

In an interview for the podcast of Only In Louisiana, Trina Edwards, the wife of Edwin Edwards says the 93-year old former four term-governor is now confined to a wheelchair. She says the daily obstacles that wheelchair users face have been an eye-opening experience for her.

Cut 7 (11)  “…that yet.”

10:30 LRN Newscast May 4

Safe Source Direct is investing 150-million dollars into the construction of two manufacturing facilities that will produce personal protection equipment. The facilities will be located in Lafayette and St. Martin Parishes and Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says it’s a big job creator…
cut 14 (12) “….Acadiana region”

The Louisiana House approves a bill that would expand the state’s medical marijuana program so patients can use the smokeable form. Currently, medical marijuana is only available in oils, pills, liquids, topical applications, and as an inhaler. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says the smokeable form is cheaper…
cut 12 (13) “….currently available”
The measure heads to the Senate for more debate.

The wife of 93-year old former Governor Edwin Edwards shares with the podcast Only in Louisiana that the silver fox is now confined to a wheelchair. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

New Orleans and Company, the marketing agency for the city of New Orleans, is hosting a hospitality and tourism job fest and offering job seekers COVID vaccines at the Morial Convention Center tomorrow. Spokesperson Kelly Schulz says about 100 companies will attend.
Cut 4 (07)“…on the spot.”
Job seekers should pre-register at new-orleans-dot-com–slash–jobs.

9:30 LRN Newscast May 4

SafeSource Direct is investing 150-million dollars into the construction of two facilities in Acadiana that will produce personal protective equipment. Brook Thorington reports the projects will create a combined 12-hundred new direct jobs…
cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Legislation that would give voters in St. Tammany Parish a chance to decide if they want a riverboat casino in Slidell never came up for a vote in Senate Finance yesterday. It’s a sign the votes are not there to pass it.

The Louisiana House approves a bill that would allow physicians to prescribe the smokable form of medical marijuana to patients. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says 35 states have a medical marijuana program, only Louisiana and Minnesota do not allow the raw or crude form…
Cut 10 (09) “…but they will get this.”
The vote was 73-26 in favor and it heads to the Senate for more discussion.

During a conversation with Michelle Southern the host of the Only in Louisiana Podcast, Trina Edwards, the wife of former four-term governor Edwin Edwards, says her 93-year-old husband is now confined to a wheelchair….
cut 9 (06) “….needed”
Trina says despite the new lifestyle, her husband is not experiencing any major health issues. The two will celebrate their 10-year wedding anniversary in June.