11:30 LRN Newscast March 31

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 law enforcement in Florida tipped off local authorities of Williams’ possible sex trafficking of a juvenile who is connected to Alexandria.  Carnline says Williams was arrested on Friday.

Cut 3 (11) “…sexual-related crimes.”

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” 

For the first time since the Buddy Roemer years, the state legislature has overridden a governor’s veto. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Crews are surveying storm damage in various parts of the state after a line of severe storms passed through Wednesday. Crews are in Natchitoches Parish and also in Rosedale and Lacombe surveying possible tornado damage.

 

10:30 LRN Newscast March 31

Louisiana GOP lawmakers were successful in their first veto override since 1991. Both chambers had enough votes to override Governor Edwards veto of the congressional maps passed last month in the redistricting session that only has one majority-minority district. The NAACP has already filed a lawsuit concerning the map.

There may not be much drama when it comes to this fall’s U-S Senate race based on some recent poll numbers. David Grubb has the details…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

The FDA and CDC expand eligibility for a second COVID booster shot for older adults and those who are immunocompromised. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter a second booster should be given at least four months after the first booster for those 50 and older and to those ages 12 and older who are immunocompromised.

Cut  11 (12)  “…worked properly.”  

The first case of the fungus which causes White-nose syndrome in bats has been detected in Louisiana. While it’s not contagious to humans or other animals Disease biologist Nikki Anderson with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the fungus can cause White-nose syndrome which has killed more than six-million bats nationwide.

Cut 8 (09)  “…disease negative.”

9:30 LRN Newscast March 31

The State legislature voted Wednesday to override Governor John Bel Edwards vetoes of Congressional district maps they passed in a special session last month. At an afternoon press conference, the governor says he is disappointed by the overrides, but not surprised. He says GOP majorities in both chambers chose to ignore simple math…:

Cut 4 (14)  “…easy to understand.”

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

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

The FDA and CDC expand eligibility for a second COVID booster shot for those 50 and older and ages 12 and up for the immunocompromised. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says it’s best for those who are eligible for a second booster shot, to do so sooner than later and stay ahead of surges. You can visit any existing vaccine provider for the second booster.

Cut 13 (07) “…this booster.”

Second boosters can be given four months after the first booster for those groups.

A recent poll by JMC Analytics indicates U-S Senator John Kennedy is the clear favorite for re-election. Pollster John Couvillon says even though 23 percent of those polled are still undecided, Kennedy has everything he needs to coast into re-election.

Cut 16 (07)  “…midterm year.”

Kennedy faces opposition from democrats Gary Chambers and Luke Mixon.

8:30 LRN Newscast

State lawmakers are back in their districts today after a historic day at the State Capitol yesterday. The Republican-led legislature overrode Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto of the Congressional map approved by legislators in the redistricting session. Edwards believes two of the state’s six congressional districts should be majority Black since nearly a third of the state’s voting population is African-American…
cut 5 (10) “….what is fair”
But Chairwoman of Senate Governmental Affairs, Slidell Republican Sharon Hewitt says the map approved by the Legislature complies with the law…
cut 7 (11) “…as minority districts”
The NAACP filed a lawsuit yesterday claiming the map dilutes Black voting strength.

If you are 50 and older or immunocompromised you are eligible for a second COVID vaccine booster shot. State health officer Doctor Joe Kanter welcomes the news. He says we do not know what the future holds and they continue to monitor circulating variants…
cut 12 (12) “…does happen”
Kanter says it’s best for those who are eligible for a second booster shot, to get one sooner than later

The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says a fungus that can kill bats has been detected in Louisiana. Hibernating bats are susceptible to white-nose syndrome which was found in Natchitoches Parish. Many people may not like bats, but LDWF biologist Nikki Anderson says they help control the insect population…
cut 9 (12) “…mayflies”

7:30 LRN Newscast March 31

There is some clean-up to do around the state from yesterday’s powerful line of thunderstorms that caused scattered damage. Severe damage was done to Tallulah Academy in Madison Parish and in Natchitoches Parish, a baby survived after a tree fell on the home where she was sleeping. The tree missed the toddler by inches.

If you are 50 or older or even 12 and older but immunocompromised you are now eligible for a second COVID booster shot. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

This year’s U-S Senate race still has time to heat up, but right now Republican John Kennedy is a clear favorite to retain his seat as 53-percent of voters plan to vote for the state’s junior U-S Senator this fall. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says Kennedy may not need a runoff to win…
Cut 14 (12) “…settled in November”
Democratic challengers Gary Chambers and Luke Mixon are getting 14 and seven percent of the vote respectively based on this JMC Analytics poll.

A bat-killing fungus has been found in Louisiana. The state department of wildlife and fisheries says the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome has been found on Brazilian free-tailed bats in Natchitoches Parish. LDWF disease biologist Nikki Anderson says there’s no treatment for white-nose syndrome. Andreson describes what to look for to spot a diseased bat…
cut 10 (09) “…call me”
The phone number is 1-800-256-2749.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

C-J McCollum scored 25 points in his return to Portland and the Pelicans started a four-game road trip with a 117 to 107 win over the Trail Blazers last night. McCollum was traded to New Orleans in February after playing nine seasons in Portland. He received a 90-second ovation before the game started and then went on to shoot 9 of 16 from the field…
cut 27 (14) “…as a player”
The Pelicans are in Los Angeles on Friday to take on the struggling Lakers.

Two more LSU basketball players have entered the NCAA Transfer portal, freshmen Bradly Ezewiro and Justice Williams. But Murray State point guard Justice Hill has announced he’s transferring to LSU.

LSU baseball brings a three-game winning streak into tonight’s game against Auburn, the start of a three-game series against the War Eagles. The Tigers have outscored their opponents 42 to 10 in these last three games and junior left fielder Gavin Dugas says when you’re hot, you just roll with it…
cut 17 (13) “….can take em”
Last night, McNeese rallied to beat Southern nine to seven.

Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins has announced his retirement. The 34-year-old won two Super Bowls, one in New Orleans and the other in Philadelphia. He played in 199 regular-season games and recorded 21 interceptions.

Tampa Bay head coach Bruce Arians is moving into the front office and Todd Bowles is the new head coach of the Buccaneers.

Former LSU Tiger Byron Dawson has been named the new head coach at Centenary as the Shreveport school is restarting its football program and will begin playing in 2024.

6:30 LRN Newscast March 31

Wednesday’s severe weather caused scattered damage throughout the state. In Natchitoches Parish, strong winds knocked two trees on a home, but a baby sleeping inside was not injured. Storm damage is also being reported in Jackson, Lincoln, Morehouse, Richland, Madison, and Tangipahoa Parishes.

For the first time since the Buddy Roemer years, the state legislature has overridden a governor’s veto. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The FDA and CDC expand eligibility for a second COVID booster shot for older adults and those who are immunocompromised. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says a second booster should be given at least four months after the first one for those 50 and older and to those ages 12 and older who are immunocompromised.
Cut 11 (12) “…work properly.”

A JMC Analytics Poll shows Senator John Kennedy can be re-elected this fall without the need of a run-off. Pollster John Couvillon says 53-percent of the respondents in the survey voted for Kennedy, while Democratic challengers Gary Chambers and Luke Mixon received 14 and seven percent of the vote respectively…
cut 15 (09) “…Mixon does”
Qualifying for the race is in July.

LRN AM Newscall March 31

For the first time since the Buddy Roemer years, the state legislature has overridden a governor’s veto. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

____________________________________

If you are 50 or older or even 12 and older but immunocompromised you are now eligible for a second COVID booster shot. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_____________________________________

There may not be much drama when it comes to this fall’s U-S Senate race based on some recent poll numbers. David Grubb has the details…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

____________________________________

The State legislature voted Wednesday to override Governor John Bel Edwards vetoes of Congressional district maps they passed in a special session last month. At an afternoon press conference, the governor says he is disappointed by the overrides, but not surprised. He says GOP majorities in both chambers chose to ignore simple math…:

Cut 4 (14)  “…easy to undersatand.”

About one-third of Louisiana voters are Black, so many – including Edwards – feel that one-third of the state’s six congressional districts should reflect that. The governor says there is “no function of the legislature more partisan and divisive” than redistricting…:

Cut 5 (10) “,…and what is fair.” 

The House passed their override by a 72-31 vote; the Senate’s passed 27-11. Slidell Republican Senator Sharon Hewitt says that 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.”

Hewitt says lawmakers did the best that they could, but…:

Cut 7 (11) “…as minority districts.”

The override is the first one done since Buddy Roemer was governor. The congressional maps will be submitted for federal approval now. It’s very likely they will eventually be decided in federal court.

_______________________________________

The first case of the fungus which causes White-nose syndrome in bats has been detected in Louisiana. While it’s not contagious to humans or other animals Disease biologist Nikki Anderson with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the fungus can cause White-nose syndrome which has killed more than six-million bats nationwide.

Cut 8 (09)  “…disease negative.”

Oher southern states who’ve detected the fungus in bats, White-nose syndrome usually develops within three to five years. Anderson says when bats begin to show a white fuzz on their body that’s when the disease has set in.

Anderson says bats are vital to the ecosystem, they help pollinate areas that are deforested and save the US $3.7 billion annually in pest control.

Cut 9 (12)  “…Mayflies.”

Unfortunately, there’s no treatment for White-nose syndrome in bats so when they are spotted it’s better to know as early as possible to protect habitats.  Anderson describes what to look for to spot a diseased bat.

Cut 10 (09) “…call me.”

You can call LDWF at 1-800-256-2749.

____________________________________________

The FDA and CDC expand eligibility for a second COVID booster shot for older adults and those who are immunocompromised. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter a second booster should be given at least four months after the first booster for those 50 and older and to those ages 12 and older who are immunocompromised.

Cut  11 (12)  “…worked properly.”  

And while Kanter admits there presently is a lull in COVID cases in Louisiana, nationally cases have increased about 1.2-percent in the last week, and they are watching the new subvariant Omicron BA.2.

Cut 12 (12) “…does happen.”

Kanter says they are also paying attention to cases overseas that are on the uptick. Typically, what’s happening abroad is then reflected here in the US about three to four weeks later.

Kanter says it’s best for those who are eligible for a second booster shot, to do so sooner than later and stay ahead of surges. You can visit any existing vaccine provider for the second booster.

Cut 13 (07) “…this booster.”

For more information call 1-855-453-0774.

____________________________________________

 

The race for U-S Senate still has time to heat up, but right now John Kennedy is a clear favorite to retain his seat. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvilllon says Kennedy may not even see a runoff.

Cut 14 (12)  “…settled in September.”

Baton Rouge Democrat Gary Chambers leads the opposition with 14 percent, with fellow Democrat Luke Mixon getting the endorsement of seven percent of likely voters.

Cut 15 (09)  “…than Mixon does.”

Even though 23 percent of those polled are still undecided, Couvillon says Kennedy has everything he needs to coast into re-election.

Cut 16 (07)  “…midterm year.”

______________________________________________

After dropping four of five, the 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 opens a three-game series with Auburn tonight. Auburn comes in 17-8 and is also 3-3 in conference play, same as the Bayou Bengals. Dugas says every SEC team is a challenge and the Tigers are no different.

Cut 18 (12) “ …ready to go.” 

_______________________________________________

5:30 LRN Newscast March 30

The Louisiana House voted to override Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto of a Republican-drawn Congressional map that has one majority Black District. 70 votes were needed in the 105 member House. Speaker Clay Schexnayder reads the final vote

Cut 12 (06) “…(applause)” 

There are 68 Republicans in the House and all of them voted for the override, plus three independents and Democratic Representative Francis Thompson.

After the House vote, there was an emotional debate in the upper chamber. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson claims supporters of a Congressional map with one majority-minority district are choosing party over people.

Cut 13 (13) “…what’s right”

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says it matters where the Black population lives and the population is not dense enough to create two majority-minority districts and the Voting Rights Act supports their argument…

Cut 15 (12) “…in their population” 

A lawsuit is expected to be filed challenging the Congressional District map approved that has one majority-minority district. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields expects the courts will toss it out and make the Legislature draw a new map…

Cut  16 (09) “…needs to do”

The vote in the Senate to override was 27-11. It’s the first time 31 years the Legislature has overridden a governor’s veto.

 

4:45 LRN Sportscast March 30

After 13 NFL seasons, including seven with the New Orleans Saints, safety Malcolm Jenkins has announced his retirement. Jenkins was the last remaining player from the 2009 Super Bowl champions. You can expect to see his number 27 in the Saints Ring of Honor sooner rather than later.

One player who isn’t going anywhere is wide receiver Michael Thomas, though he has missed 26 of the Saints’ last 33 games with injury. Head coach Dennis Allen says he visited the All-Pro in California where he continues to rehab.

Cut 18 (20) “…just personally.”

And…Former LSU defensive lineman and Evangel football coach Byron Dawson has been named head coach of the Centenary College Gents. Centenary will add football in the fall of 2024 after 50 years without a team.

Conference USA has released its revised 2022 football schedule, after reaching separation agreements with Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss, who are leaving to join the Sun Belt conference. That means changes for Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs’ non-conference slate remains the same with the season-opener at Missouri, followed by games against Stephen F. Austin, Clemson, and South Alabama. The conference home schedule starts on Oct. 8 with UTEP and includes Rice, Middle Tennessee, and UAB. On the road, Tech faces North Texas, Florida International, UTSA, and Charlotte.

The New Orleans Pelicans are on the road tonight, visiting the Portland Trail Blazers and looking for their third win in their last four games. Outside of the Pels postseason push, the big story tonight is the return of CJ McCollum to the Rose City. McCollum was traded to New Orleans after spending nine-plus seasons with the Blazers. He says walking into the Moda Center as a visitor felt…different.
Cut 21 (11) “…that was unique.”

Portland visits the Smoothie King Center next Thursday.