LRN AM Newscall April 1

The so-called Risk Rating 2.0 rate hikes for National Flood Insurance kick in today. Kevin Gallagher reports what it means for consumers and what help may be coming…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Congresswoman Julia Letlow’s first bill to pass in the House is historic for many reasons. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The road to the Final Four could be paved with gold for Louisiana…David Grubb has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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Property owners across the state are steeling themselves for skyrocketing National Flood Insurance premiums that take effect today. Many local civic leaders worry the increases will devastate their communities, as residents who cannot afford the steep rate increases leave their properties and move elsewhere. U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says it’s still not too late for action to stave off the worst of the coming rate hikes…:

Cut 4 (10)  “…the BITE really occurs.”

The revamped NFIP “Risk Rating 2.0” system prices flood insurance by property individually; rather than by flood zone. It also considers proximity to water, elevation of the lot, square footage and how often the street has flooded before. Cassidy says the President could stave off the rate hikes with an executive order, but will not. He says there is bipartisan support for legislation to spare consumers the high cost of flood insurance…:

Cut 5 (13) “,…could end this now.” 

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says Risk Rating 2.0 could force residents out of their homes, because they cannot afford to insure them. He says this poses a risk to communities all over southern Louisiana…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…than any other state.”

Donelon says NFIP’s rate hikes will be implemented over several years, and the federal agency states that most residents will initially see monthly increases of $20 to $30…:

Cut 7 (14) “…worthless overnight.”

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AccuWeather’s predictions for the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season calls for 16 to 20 named storms, of which six to eight could become hurricanes, and three to five of those could be major hurricanes. State Climatologist Barry Keim says given that the last two seasons were off the charts predictions for this year still aren’t comforting.

Cut 8 (06)  “…big deal.”

Keim says 14 named storms is the average and in 2021 there were 21 names storms and in 2020 a record-breaking 30 named storms.

La Nina played a significant role in the last two Atlantic Hurricane seasons and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts La Nina will continue to play a starring role this year. Keim says just how long she sticks around is the big mystery.

Cut 9 (12)  “…breaking season.”

Keim says La Ninas usually doesn’t persist this long and to have this happen three years in a row is unusual.

And La Nina is not the only reason for the prediction of 16 to 20 named storms this season, Keim says sea surface temperatures are already above normal across some of the breeding grounds for storms and things could start brewing even ahead of the season.

Cut 10 (09) “…like in May.”

Keim says the AccuWeather forecast is calling for the north-central Gulf Coast, that’s southeastern Texas to the Florida panhandle, to be among the most active area for storms this season.

The 2022 Atlantic Hurricane season beings June 1 and ends on November 30th.

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For Congressman Julia Letlow her first piece of legislation to pass in the House is a personal one. Letlow’s COVID-19 American History Project Act passed overwhelmingly 376-47. The legislation tasks the Library of Congress to record, collect and preserve stories of Americans directly impacted by COVID.

Cut  11 (06)  “…future generations.”  

Days before Letlow’s husband Luke Letlow was to be sworn in Congress, he died of complications from COVID. She then ran for his seat and now represents Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District.

Studies show when one person dies approximately nine people from their inner circle suffer profound grief. Letlow believes there is power in telling your story and H.R. 4738 will allow those individuals to preserve the memory of their loved one lost to COVID.

Cut 12 (11) “…of Congress.”

In addition to those who have lost loved ones to COVID the act also gives those with firsthand accounts of how the virus impacts individuals, to participate also. Letlow said it is important for them to help preserve this time in history.

Cut 13 (11) “…gratitude.”

If the legislation receives final passage in the Senate, the Library of Congress will allow individuals to submit their stories virtually.

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New Orleans is set to host the NCAA men’s Final Four for the sixth time this weekend. Jay Cicero, CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says the quartet of basketball bluebloods involved: Kansas, Villanova, Duke, and North Carolina, are as good as it gets.

Cut 14 (09)  “…this weekend.”

This weekend, tens of thousands of fans will flock to New Orleans, providing an injection of cash for the city and the state, as well as some great word of mouth, Cicero says.

Cut 15 (08)  “…gonna be invaluable.”

History will be made on Saturday night when Duke faces North Carolina in the national semifinals. The two rivals have never faced off in the NCAA tournament, and adding to the drama is the fact that one way or another, the Blue Devils’ Mike Krzyzewski will see his legendary career come to an end. Cicero says that just brightens the spotlight on the city and the work of the foundation.

Cut 16 (12)  “…is all about.”

New Orleans last hosted in 2012, generating more than $7 million in tax revenue for the state, and an overall estimated economic impact of $168 million.

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Conference USA co-leaders Louisiana Tech and Southern Miss face off in Hattiesburg starting tonight. Bulldogs coach Lane Burroughs says the Eagles’ pitching staff is as loaded as ever.

Cut 17 (17) “ …anything’s gonna change.” 

Southern Miss has been the biggest bully on the block in Conference USA, claiming three of the last five tournament titles, but last season Tech won the Western division and eliminated the Eagles from the conference tournament, so no love is lost between these familiar foes.

Cut 18 (18) “ …amped it up.” 

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Newly-signed Saints quarterback Andy Dalton met with the media on Thursday, and the 11-year veteran explained why New Orleans was the right place at this point in his career.

Cut 19 (16)_“…what’s been done.” 

Dalton has started 148 of the 152 games he’s appeared in but is the clear backup to Jameis Winston. He says he still brings plenty to the table in that role.

Cut 20 (18) “ …I can do.” 

5:30 LRN Newscast Legislative Report March 31

The NAACP has filed a lawsuit after the legislature voted Wednesday to override Governor Edwards’ vetoes of Congressional district maps. Edwards says he is disappointed and the GOP majorities in both chambers chose to ignore simple math…:

Cut 4 (12)  “…minority districts.”

The House passed their override by a 72-31 vote; the Senate’s passed 27-11. Slidell Republican Senator Sharon Hewitt says a second district wasn’t as simple as applying the simple math. She says federal law dictates that Black population needed to be contiguous and compact…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…as a minority district.”

A federal judge in Baton Rouge rules the state’s 2019 truth in labeling law as unconstitutional. The legislature passed the law in an effort to prevent food companies from labeling a veggie burger as a “tofu burger,” because it doesn’t contain meat or “cauliflower rice,” when it’s broccoli, not rice. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain disagrees with the ruling

 Cut 6  (07) “..labels are accurate” 

But Vice President of Policy at the Good Foods Institute Jessica Almy says consumers are not confusing veggie burgers for beef burgers…

Cut 7 (06) “…these products.” 

Almy says the law was passed in an attempt to control what consumers buy and Strain says the state plans to appeal the ruling.

LRN 4:45 Sportscast March 31

Could the Honey Badger be coming home? This offseason the Saints have lost both starting safeties and former. LSU star Tyrann Mathieu is still a free agent. Mathieu has been in Louisiana this week visiting his alma mater and has given hints on social media that he would be interested in joining his hometown team. Before heading to Baton Rouge, Mathieu played his high school ball at St. Augustine in New Orleans.

CJ McCollum scored a team-high 25 points in his first game back in Portland since joining the Pelicans as New Orleans defeated the Trail Blazers 117-107 last night. The Pels have now won five of their last seven games, and with only six games to play in the regular season, they lead the Los Angeles Lakers by 1.5 games and San Antonio by two games in the race for the 9th spot in the West. That would mean New Orleans would host a play-in tournament game at the Smoothie King Center. They meet up with the Lakers in the final game of their season series on Friday. Both LeBron James and Anthony Davis could be back for LA for that contest.

After dropping four of five, LSU baseball has won three straight in impressive fashion. The Tigers have outscored their opponents 42-10 during the streak. LSU plays game one of a three-game set with Auburn starting tonight at Alex Box Stadium. Both sets of Tigers enter the series 3-3 in the Southeastern Conference part of a four-way tie for second place in the conference standings behind 5-1 Arkansas. All eyes will be on the smoking-hot bat of Brayden Jobert. Over his last three games, he’s batting .500 with five home runs and 16 RBI. Game time is set for 6 pm.


The number of LSU men’s basketball players entering the transfer portal has risen to seven. Freshmen Bradley Ezewiro and Justice Williams are the latest two to explore their options following the termination of Will Wade. Ezewiro played in only seven games last season, with Williams seeing action in 20.

The apex of March Madness is upon us. The women’s Final Four starts tomorrow night in Minneapolis with the men tipping off Saturday in New Orleans. On tonight’s undercard, Xavier faces Texas A&M in the National Invitational Tournament Championship.

4:30 LRN Newscast March 31

A state law that sought to prevent the labeling of food products such as “tofu burgers” and “cauliflower rice,” is ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge in Baton Rouge. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

Cut 01  (31)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Believe it or not, cattle rustling is still a thing. Now called “theft of livestock”, it can be a big problem for ranchers. A Texas man is under arrest today for stealing livestock from an Allen Parish rancher. Muldoon, Texas resident Saxon Beck is accused of taking over 25 head of cattle without paying for them. His bond has not been set.

 

An Alexandria man is charged with 100 counts of first-degree rape. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tommy Carnline says law enforcement in Florida tipped off local authorities of 38-year-old Israel Williams’ possible sex trafficking of a juvenile with local connections. Carnline says multiple agencies are assisting with the on-going investigation…:

CUT 04(04)      “…make some more arrests.”

Williams is also charged with molestation of a juvenile under 13 years of age. He’s being held on a $5.4 million bond.

Gasoline prices are dropping, but not by much. Right now the statewide average price of regular is $3.99. Louisiana AAA fuel guy Don Redman says it’s been a rough few weeks for consumers, and the immediate future of pump prices is hard to predict…:

CUT 10(12)      “…the market.”

3:30 LRN Newscast March 31

Let’s start with the price you pay for gasoline. The statewide average for regular gas is now at $3.99. For comparison is was $4.16 not so long ago…$3.37 a month ago and $2.68 one year ago. Louisiana AAA’s Don Redman says the Russian invasion of Ukraine made an already bad situation much worse, and where fuel costs go hinges on Russia for now…:

CUT 12  (09)        “…those prices back down.”

He advises you try to budget for $4-a-gallon gas for the spring & summer.

The U.S. Highway 11 Bridge – connecting Slidell to eastern New Orleans by cutting across a part of Lake Ponchartrain – reopened today, after being closed for over 4 years for rebuilding. DOTD spokesman Chris Welty says the span reopens just in time for hurricane season…:

CUT 15  (12)        “…and Orleans Parish.

The bridge had been closed since 2018.

 

A federal judge in Baton Rouge has ruled the state’s 2019 truth in labeling law as unconstitutional. The Louisiana Legislature passed the law in an effort to prevent food companies from labeling a veggie burger as a “tofu burger,” because it doesn’t contain meat or “cauliflower rice,” when it’s broccoli, not rice. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the state will appeal the ruling…:

CUT 09(10)      “…defending the law.”

But Vice President of Policy at the Good Foods Institute Jessica Almy says consumers are not confusing by these products and the law was an attempt to control buying behavior…:

CUT 08(08)      “…in Louisiana supermarkets.”

Just one day after lawmakers voted to override the governor’s veto of a congressional district map passed in February, a coalition of civil rights groups is suing to block it. The suit alleges the map violates the Voting Rights Act by denying one-third Black congressional representation in a state that has one-third Black voters.

2:30 LRN Newscast March 31

An Alexandria man is behind bars; accused of 100 counts of rape. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s spokesman Tommy Carnline says 38-year-old Israel Williams was arrested last weekend, after getting a tip from Florida lawmen on Williams’ alleged sex trafficking of a minor…:

CUT 03  (11)        “…sexual-related crimes.”

Williams is also charged with molestation of a juvenile under 13. A judge set his bail at over $5-million.

Following more than three years of work, and at a cost of more than $28-million, the US 11 Bridge – connecting Orleans with St. Tammany Parish – reopened to traffic today. Department of Transportation and Development spokesperson Chris Welty says the project was extensive…:

CUT 14(12)      “…two drawbridges.”

Just in time for hurricane season; the bridge will be helpful should New Orleans need to evacuate.

 

Gasoline prices are in a slight decline. The state wide average price of regular now at just under $4-a-gallon. By way of comparison it was $2.68 a year ago. Louisiana AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says President Biden’s announcement he would again tap into the federal Strategic Petroleum Reserve will really have very little actual effect on pump prices…:

CUT 11(10)      “…no. Not that much.”

He advises we all continue to budget for gas at $4 for the next few months.

The National Weather Service is inspecting the site of a suspected EF-1 tornado strike yesterday in Sabine Parish, at the southern end of Toledo Bend Reservoir. Nearly a dozen homes and camps sustained serious damage, but no one is reported hurt. Early reports estimate the twister packed 110 miles-an-hour winds and was on the ground for nearly two miles.

LRN PM Newscall

A state law that sought to prevent the labeling of food products such as “tofu burgers” and “cauliflower rice,” is ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge in Baton Rouge. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today dropped below $4.00 to $3.99 but will prices continue to drop? Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (32)…I’m  Brooke Thorington.”  

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An Alexandria man is charged with 100 counts of first-degree rape. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tommy Carnline says law enforcement in Florida tipped off local authorities of  38-year-old Israel Williams’ possible sex trafficking of a juvenile who is connected to Alexandria.  Carnline says Williams was arrested last Friday.

Cut 3 (11) “…sexual-related crimes.”

In addition to the 100 counts of first-degree rape, Williams also faces two counts of molestation of a juvenile under the age of 13. Carnline says multiple agencies are assisting with the on-going investigation.

cut 4  (04) “…more arrests.”

Williams is being held on a $5.4 million bond at the Rapides Parish Detention Center and Carnline says they hope he remains behind bars until trial.

Cut 5 (09) “…types of charges.”

If you have any information in regard to the case you are asked to contact SVU detectives at the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.

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A federal judge in Baton Rouge has ruled the state’s 2019 truth in labeling law as unconstitutional. The Louisiana Legislature passed the law in an effort to prevent food companies from labeling a veggie burger as a “tofu burger,” because it doesn’t contain meat or “cauliflower rice,” when it’s broccoli, not rice. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain disagrees with the ruling

 Cut 6  (07) “..labels are accurate” 

But Vice President of Policy at the Good Foods Institute Jessica Almy says consumers are not confusing veggie burgers for beef burgers…

Cut 7 (06) “…these products.” 

Almy says the law was passed in an attempt to control what consumers buy…

Cut 8 (08) “…supermarkets.” 

Strain says the state plans to appeal the ruling…

Cut 9 (10) “…the law.”

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The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today dropped below $4.00 to $3.99 a gallon. And while it’s barely below $4.00 Triple A fuel analyst Don Redman admits it has been a tough few weeks for consumers and the future is still unclear on prices.

Cut 10 (12)  “…the market.”

The average price for regular gas in Louisiana a month ago was $3.37 and a year ago $2.68 a gallon in Louisiana. The national average for regular gas in the nation today is $4.23.

Even though the price dropped, Redman continues to encourage consumers to budget for gas at $4.00 a gallon. And despite the Biden Administrations’ announcement to tap oil reserves Redman feels it will only have a psychological impact on markets.

Cut 11 (08)  “…no. Not that much.”  

Redman says when gas averaged $4.16 a gallon crude oil prices were $130 a barrel.

With the markets still fuzzy, Redman says he believes the best predictor for any relief at the pump hangs on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Cut 12 (09) “…back down.” 

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Following more than three years of work, and at a cost of more than $28-million, the US 11 Bridge – connecting eastern Orleans Parish with St. Tammany – reopened this afternoon. Louisiana Department of Transportation spokesperson Chris Welty…

Cut 13 (11) “…Lake Pontchartrain.”

The bridge, which first opened in 1928, was like a number of other structures suffering from deferred maintenance. Welty discussed just how intensive the job was…

Cut 14 (12)  “…two draw bridges.”

US 11 comes back online at an important time, says Welty. With hurricane season just ahead, it serves a major role in the state’s evacuation plans.

Cut 15 (12) “…and Orleans Parish.” 

Some items still remain to be completed, but Welter says everything will be done to make sure further closures aren’t needed.

1:30 LRN Newscast March 31

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas dropped below $4.00 today but will prices continue to fall? Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Israel Williams of Alexandria is charged with 100 counts of first-degree rape and is being held on a $5.4 million bond at the Rapides Parish Detention Center. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tommy Carnline says they hope he remains behind bars until trial.

Cut 5 (09) “…types of charges.”

A federal judge in Baton Rouge has ruled the state’s 2019 truth in labeling law as unconstitutional. The Louisiana Legislature passed the law in an effort to prevent food companies from labeling a veggie burger as a “tofu burger,” because it doesn’t contain meat or “cauliflower rice,” when it’s broccoli, not rice. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain disagrees with the ruling

Cut 6 (07) “…labels are accurate”

Strain says the state plans to appeal.

Following more than three years of work, and at a cost of more than $28-million, the US 11 Bridge, a major connector between Orleans and St. Tammany parishes, reopens to traffic Thursday afternoon. Department of Transportation and Development spokesperson Chris Welty…

Cut 13 (11) “…Lake Pontchartrain.”

Some items still remain to be completed, but Welty says everything will be done to make sure further closures aren’t needed.

12:30 LRN Newscast March 31

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today dropped below $4.00 to $3.99 a gallon. And while it’s barely below $4.00 Triple A fuel analyst Don Redman admits it has been a tough few weeks for consumers and the future is still unclear on prices.

Cut 10 (12)  “…the market.”

38-year-old Israel Williams of Alexandria is charged with 100 counts of first-degree rape. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tommy Carnline says Williams also faces two counts of molestation of a juvenile under the age of 13. Carnline says multiple agencies are assisting with the ongoing investigation.

cut 4  (04) “…more arrests.”

Williams is being held on a $5.4 million bond.

A state law that sought to prevent the labeling of food products such as “tofu burgers” and “cauliflower rice,” is ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge in Baton Rouge. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast March 31

CJ McCollum scored a team-high 25 points in his first game back in Portland since joining the Pelicans as New Orleans defeated the Trail Blazers 117-107. The Pels have now won five of their last seven games, and with only six games to play in the regular season, they lead the Los Angeles Lakers by 1.5 games and San Antonio by two games in the race for the 9th spot in the West. That would mean New Orleans would host a play-in tournament game at the Smoothie King Center. They meet up with the Lakers in the final game of their season series on Friday.

In a surprising move, Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians has decided to step down from his position and step into the Tampa front office. Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles has been named as his successor, with a press conference scheduled for today.

Former LSU standout, and graduate of DBU, Patrick Peterson announced that he will be re-signing with the Minnesota Vikings. Notable Tigers still looking for a home include wideout Jarvis Landry and safety Tyrann Mathieu.

After dropping four of five, LSU baseball has won three straight in impressive fashion. The Tigers have outscored their opponents 42-10 during the streak, and junior outfielder Gavin Dugas says when you’re this hot, you’ve just gotta roll with it.

Cut 17 (13) “…can take ‘em.”

LSU plays game one of a three game set with Auburn starting tonight at Alex Box Stadium. Game time is set for 6 pm.


The number of LSU men’s basketball players entering the transfer portal has risen to seven. Freshmen Bradley Ezewiro and Justice Williams are the latest two to explore their options following the termination of Will Wade. Ezewiro played in only seven games last season, with Williams seeing action in 20.

McNeese State overcame a two-run deficit to defeat Southern 9-7 at Joe Miller Park in Lake Charles. Payton Harden went 2-of-4 with two runs and two RBI for McNeese, and Sean-Michael Brady pitched two innings for the win.