10:30 LRN Newscast May 7

LSU is the first school in the SEC to appoint a Black president. University of South Carolina Provost William Tate IV has been tapped by the LSU Board of Supervisors to lead the system.

Cut 10 (11) “…very special.”

Tate was unanimously approved by the board.

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter met briefly with President Joe Biden yesterday during his visit to Louisiana to promote his jobs and infrastructure plan. Biden vowed that if his plan is passed a new I-10 bridge over the Calcasieu River would be built. Hunter says that’s great if it comes to fruition, but this isn’t the first time they’ve heard that promise…
Cut 4 (12)“…bridge.”

Biden also visited the water and sewer system in New Orleans Thursday.

The House approved next fiscal year’s 36.4 billion dollar spending plan and found an agreement on how to spend 800 million of the 1.6 billion in American Rescue Act funds Louisiana receives this year. House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue says a majority of the funds will assist education and there were a number of smaller increases and new programs financed for next year’s budget, including a boost to foster family assistance.

Cut 14 (08) “… populations.”

The LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center has found that mothers who have pre-school-age children struggled during the pandemic with increased stress levels and a loss of sleep. Doctor Chelsea Kracht says in some cases this resulted in moms suffering from depression and absenteeism from work…

Cut 8 (09) “…usually do.” 
The study’s findings support the necessity of providing mothers with reliable, affordable childcare options.

9:30 LRN Newscast May 7

LSU has a new president and chancellor of its flagship school as William Tate the 4th was a unanimous pick by the LSU Board of Supervisors. He becomes LSU’s first Black president and the first African American university president in the SEC. Governor Edwards says Tate, who is a provost at the University of South Carolina, is the right person to lead LSU.

The Louisiana House has approved a 36-billion dollar budget for the next fiscal year and they also agreed on how the state should spend 925-million dollars in federal coronavirus aid…
cut 3 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

During the President’s visit to Lake Charles, Mayor Nic Hunter had a chance to meet with Mr. Joe Biden to discuss funding for a new I-10 bridge and hurricane relief dollars. Hunter says the long wait for federal aid has been unacceptable…
cut 5 (08) “…package”
The President also went to New Orleans and toured the Carrollton water plant. Officials with the Sewerage and Water Board say the facility desperately needs to be modernized.

An LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center study indicates the pandemic was responsible for almost doubling the loss of sleep for mothers of pre-school-aged children. Researcher Dr. Chelsea Kracht says they surveyed close to two thousand mothers who on average sleep less anyway, but the epidemic only worsened the situation.
Cut 7 (10) “…physical health.”

8:30 LRN Newscast May 7

The LSU Board of Supervisors has chosen William Tate the Fourth as the school system’s new president and chancellor of the flagship. He becomes the first black man to lead an SEC college. He’ll also be in charge of leading LSU out of a Title nine scandal that has reflected poorly on the university…
cut 11 (12) “….the case”
Tate will start his new job on July 2nd.

The LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center has found that mothers who have pre-school-age children struggled during the pandemic with increased stress levels and a loss of sleep. Doctor Chelsea Kracht says in some cases this resulted in moms suffering from depression and absenteeism from work…
cut 8 (09) “….usually do”
The study’s findings support the necessity of providing mothers with reliable, affordable childcare options

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter and President Joe Biden spoke Thursday during the President’s visit about the city’s most pressing needs. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Today Governor John Bel Edwards will be in Shreveport to make an economic development announcement. KSLA-TV is reporting the governor will provide details of a new Amazon distribution center that would be built in north Shreveport. The governor is set to speak at 2:30 PM.

7:30 LRN Newscast May 7

President Joe Biden was in Lake Charles and New Orleans yesterday as he pushes for his two-trillion dollar American Jobs Plan that seeks to rebuild roads, bridges, and water systems like the Carrollton Plant in New Orleans that has century-old turbines. In Lake Charles, officials say a new I-10 bridge is needed. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter on his meeting with the President…
cut 6 (08) “…an honor”

Meanwhile, the Louisiana House approved spending 300-million dollars in federal coronavirus aid on water infrastructure projects around the state…
cut 15 (11) “….sewer systems”
That’s House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue who also says another 90-million will be used to expand broadband.

The LSU Board of Supervisors has named William Tate the Fourth as the new LSU system president and chancellor. He becomes the first black person to lead LSU after spending the last 10 months as the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at the University of South Carolina. Tate is expected to start his new job on July 2nd…
cut 12 (11) “….in the future”

Moms with preschool-age children saw their stress levels during the pandemic rise and twice as many of the mothers reported they lost sleep during the COVID-19 outbreak than before it. That’s according to a study conducted by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Doctor Chelsea Kracht (Krok) says having fathers or other family members take on some of the childcare and housework would help moms balance the demands of their career and personal lives…
cut 9 (07) “….responsbility’

6:45 LRN Sportscast May 7

Tre Morgan had four hits, including a two-run triple in the eighth inning to put the game away as LSU opened a three-game series at Auburn with an eight to three win on the Plains. Morgan leads the team in hitting with a .375 average and the Tigers improved their league record to 8-and-14. Game two is tonight at 7 and A-J Labas will start on the hill for the Tigers.

The LSU Board of Supervisors has approved new contracts for head women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey and wide receiver coach Mickey Joseph. Mulkey has an eight-year deal that will pay her two-point-five million dollars this year. Joseph’s two-year contract extension will pay him a half-million dollars a year. And the school has a new president, William Tate the fourth becomes the first Black leader of the school.

The Pelicans are at Philadelphia tonight. Brandon Ingram will not play because of a sprained ankle. The Pels are a 1.5 games back of San Antonio for the final spot in the play-in tournament.

Today begins the final home series of the season for the ULM Warhawks who host Texas-Arlington. The Warhawks will recognize their seniors who are wrapping up their collegiate careers. Head Coach Mike Federico
Cut 17 (23) “…conference standings.”
The Warhawks are in last place in the Sun Belt West with a 7-and-11 record, while the Mavericks are in first place with a 10-and-5 record. U-L Lafayette who is 9-and-9 in league play will host North Alabama out of the Atlantic Sun Conference. The Lions have just seven wins on the year.

Also, 14th ranked Louisiana Tech travels to F-I-U. McNeese visits Northwestern State and Nicholls is at Southeastern Louisiana tonight.

6:30 LRN Newscast May 7

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter met briefly with President Joe Biden yesterday during his visit to Louisiana to promote his jobs and infrastructure plan. Biden vowed that if his plan is passed a new I-10 bridge over the Calcasieu River would be built. Hunter says that’s great, but this isn’t the first time they’ve heard that promise…
Cut 4 (12)“…bridge.”

The Louisiana House approved next fiscal year’s 36-billion dollar budget and agreed on how to spend 800 million dollars in federal American Rescue Act funds. Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue highlighted the increased investment in higher education.
Cut 13 (10) “…institutions.”
The proposed spending plans still need Senate approval.

LSU is the first school in the SEC to select a Black president. Brooke Thorington has more on the historic appointment of William Tate IV.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

AM LRN Newscall May 7

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter and President Joe Biden spoke Thursday during the President’s visit about the city’s most pressing needs. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________

LSU is the first school in the SEC to select a Black president. Brooke Thorington has more on the historic appointment of William Tate IV.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

____________________________

The House found agreement on how to spend 804 million dollars of the 1.6 billion dollars in American Rescue Act funding we’re set to receive this year. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (28)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

____________________________

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter met briefly with President Joe Biden Thursday during the President’s visit to Louisiana to promote his jobs and infrastructure plan.

Biden vowed that if his plan is passed a new I-10 bridge over the Calcasieu River would be built. Hunter says that’s great if so, but this isn’t the first time they’ve heard that promise…

Cut 4 (12)“…bridge.”

Hunter says he also took time to implore the President to send additional hurricane aid to the area. He says the long wait for federal aid has been unacceptable…

Cut 5 (08)“…package.”

Hunter says he also spoke with President Biden about getting a group of American oil executives imprisoned in Venezuela known as the Citgo Six freed. Hunter says he personally knows Lake Charles native Tomeau Vadall, who’s been imprisoned in the country for the past three years on charges of corruption.

Hunter says the President was very attentive and responsive to his requests during the visit.

Cut 6 (08) “…honor.”

__________________________________

An LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center study indicates the pandemic was responsible for almost doubling the loss of sleep for mothers of young children Researcher Dr. Chelsea Kracht says they surveyed close to two thousand mothers who on average sleep less anyway, but the epidemic only worsened the situation.

Cut 7 (10)  “…physical health.”

Kracht says a marked decrease in the amount of sleep one receives can increase depression and absenteeism from work. There is even a name for the malady.

Cut 8 (09) “…usually do.” 

She says a lack of sleep also leads to weight gain which can cause multiple health concerns.

Several factors surrounding pandemic anxiety were responsible for the decrease in sleep. Kracht says fear of contracting the virus, long-term career impacts due to cutting back hours to care for children, and having to oversee their children’s remote learning.

Kracht says to assist mothers of young children society needs to rethink safe and economical approaches to childcare.

Cut 9 (07) “…responsibility.”

Kracht says having fathers take on some of the responsibilities of housework will also assist mothers in balancing the demands of their careers and personal lives.

______________________________

LSU appoints the first-ever Black president in the school’s history and who’s also the first Black president in the Southeastern Conference. University of South Carolina Provost William Tate IV has been tapped by the LSU Board of Supervisors to lead the system.

Cut 10 (11) “…very special.”

Tate was unanimously approved by the board and board member Collis Temple Jr, who was LSU’s first Black basketball player, made the emotional official motion to select Tate.

When asked how he will lead the university that remains under the cloud of a Title IX scandal Tate says he believes it’s an opportunity to develop a trauma-based approach to assist victims of sexual misconduct.

Cut 11 (12) “….the case.”

Tate was also questioned about what he considers his biggest challenge as he takes the helm at LSU, Tate responded getting to know everyone as quickly as possible.

Cut 12 (12) “…in the future.”

Board Chairman Robert Dampf says the details of Tate’s contract are still being negotiated.

_____________________________________

The House approved next fiscal year’s 36.4 billion dollar spending plan and found agreement on how to spend 800 million of the 1.6 billion in American Rescue Act funds Louisiana receives this year.

House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue highlighted the increased investment they were able to put into higher education.

Cut 13 (10) “…institutions.”

Zeringue also notes they found the funds to double the Governor’s proposed 400 dollar teacher pay raise to 800 dollars.

There were a number of smaller increases and new programs financed for next year’s budget, including a boost to foster family assistance.

Cut 14 (08) “… populations.”

The total budget for next year sits at 42 billion dollars.

The ARA funds went into four categories: 400 million to replenish the unemployment trust fund, 10 million for logger’s relief, 90 million for broadband expansion, and 300 million for water infrastructure…

Cut 15 (11)“..serwer systems.”

___________________________

 

Cut 16 (00) “…N/A.”

 

_________________________________________________

It’s the final home series of the season for the ULM Warhawks who host Texas-Arlington. The Warhawks will recognize their seniors who are wrapping up their collegiate careers. Head Coach Mike Federico

Cut 17 (23) “…conference standings.”

ULM is 7-and-11 in conference play and in last place in the Sun Belt West Division, while the Mavericks are 10-and-5 and in first place. Federico is looking forward to the opportunity to still move up the division standings

Cut  18 (15)”…this weekend.” 

_______________________________________________

Louisiana Tech looks to extend its school-record 10-game winning streak on the road when they begin a four-game series against F-I-U. The Panthers are 8-and-16 in Conference USA play, but Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs knows they have plenty of talent….

Cut 19 (19) “…any weekend.” 

Burroughs is expecting a hard-fought series…

Cut 20 (12) “…your playing.” 

530 PM LRN News

A 36.4 billion spending plan for the next fiscal year was approved by the House with little opposition. It features increases in funding to a range of different programs, largely due to a massive influx of federal funds. House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue highlighted the increased investment they were able to put into higher education.

Cut 13 (10) “…institutions.”

Zeringue also notes they’re giving K-12 teachers a 800 dollar pay raise.

Additionally 800 million dollars in American Rescue Act funding was dedicated into four categories: 400 million to replenish the unemployment trust fund, 10 million for logger’s relief, 90 million for broadband expansion, and 300 million for water infrastructure…

Cut 15 (12)“..system_.”

The Senate advances Senator Beth Mizell’s bill to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

President Joe Biden vowed to send additional federal assistance to hurricane-ravaged Lake Charles today after visiting the area. He says it’s the helping hand they need…

Cut 14 (10) “..I’ve observed” 

He also says if Congress passes his infrastructure bill he’ll build a new bridge on the Calcasieu River.

4:45 LRN Sportscast May 6

LSU sophomore quarterback T-J Finley has entered the NCAA transfer portal. Finley was 2-and-3 last season as a true freshman starter and threw 941 yards, five touchdowns and five interceptions. USA Today Network, LSU Beat Reporter Glen Guilbeau says Finley showed some promise, but he wasn’t consistent enough…
cut 10 (11) “…of games”
Johnson is entering his sophomore season and will battle with veteran Myles Brennan for the starting quarterback duties.

Calvary Baptist Quarterback Landry Lyddy announced on Twitter that he has committed to Louisiana Tech. Lyddy led the Cavaliers to a Division Four state championship last year as he threw for 35-hundred yards, 43 touchdowns and three interceptions.

The Ragin Cajuns have announced they will play Michigan State in East Lansing in September of 2024.

The LSU baseball team begins a three-game series tonight at Auburn. The latest projections for the upcoming NCAA Tournament do not show the Tigers as one of the 64 teams making a regional. But if LSU can rack up some wins, they can still get in the NCAA Tournament, based on their strong strength of schedule. LSU reliever Devin Fontenot says they control their own fate…
cut 18 (25) “…deserve to be”
First pitch tonight is at 6:30.

Also this weekend, Louisiana Tech is at F-I-U, ULM hosts Texas Arlington, the Ragin Cajuns face North Alabama, Nicholls battles Southeastern Louisiana and McNeese is at Northwestern State.

3:30 LRN Newscast May 6

President Biden was in Lake Charles touting his American Jobs Plans to rebuild infrastructure today. Congressman Steve Scalise says the President is promoting a budget-busting tax hike that will force middle-class jobs overseas. But Biden says his plan would result in over 16-million American jobs and is willing to meet with GOP lawmakers to find common ground.

Cut 13 (11)“…to compromise.”

 

The LA Wallet now offers the ability to store a copy of your COVID vaccine card. In addition to your driver’s license Governor Edwards says it’s optional and free of charge.

Cut 3 (04)  “…information” 

The LA Wallet app is free and available for download on the Apple App and Google Play stores.

Four women have filed EEOC complaints alleging they suffered sexual harassment and discrimination at LSU Health Shreveport. Their attorney Allison Jones says her clients wanted to address the situation privately, but the LSU Board of Supervisors held an executive session where politicians were invited, but the media and accusers were barred.

Cut 7 (07) “…situation.”

They are calling for Chancellor G.E. Ghali to be removed.

House Labor approves legislation prohibiting employers from retaliating against employees for sharing salary information with each other, and from asking about applicants’ previous wage history. Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Carpenter says in 2013 the Legislature passed legislation allowing state employees to share salary information and it narrowed the gender pay gap.

Cut 15 (09) “…percent.” 

Carpenter says 19 states have passed similar pay transparency laws.