5:30 LRN Newscast March 31

Governor John Bel Edwards encouraged Medicaid recipients to check their eligibility status and take action to avoid losing coverage. Eligibility reviews were paused due to the COVID pandemic. In a public service announcement released earlier today, Edwards says this is important for every Louisianan receiving health coverage.

Cut 9 (11) “…their coverage.”

The massive outreach effort will cost nearly $196-million.

Legislation that would designate the pecan as the official state nut and authorize its use on official state documents and with the insignia of the state has been filed by Alexandria Representative Lance Harris. Louisiana harvests an average of 17.7 million pounds of pecans annually. The Republican lawmaker says the state is one of the largest producers of pecans in the country – it’s time to make it official.

Cut 5 (10) “…produce them”

Lawmakers will hear the bill in the legislative session that begins April 10.

House Majority Leader and Congressman Steve Scalise says the indictment of former President Donald Trump is political.  Trump has been indicted for alleged illegal use of campaign dollars as hush money to cover up an alleged affair with adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Scalise says the New York City D.A. Alvin Bragg is abusing his power.

Cut 12 (13) “…after Donald Trump.” 

He is the first former (or seated) U.S. President to ever be formally accused of a crime.

With crawfish prices dropping an average 15-cent this week, it will be another great weekend to congregate with friends and enjoy. Crawfish App co-founder Laney King says the drop in prices wasn’t at the dock this time, it was retailers who dropped their prices.  King says if you’re interested in ready to eat crawfish you will pay about $4.00 a pound.

Cut 8 (08)  “…can expect.” 

This weekend prices are down 20-cents a pound compared to the same weekend last year.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU women’s basketball team will appear in its 6th Final Four tonight and its first since 2008 when it faces Virginia Tech in Dallas. The Lady Tigers are seeking their first National championship. Senior Guard Alexis Morris says the team that’s mentally the toughest will advance to Sunday’s championship game…
Cut 17 (13) “…these moments.”
Tip-off tonight is at 6 o’clock.

Alex Box Stadium was rocking last night as the top ranked LSU baseball team beat ninth ranked Tennessee five to two in front of a record 13-thousand fans. Gavin Dugas hit a two run homer and Jordan Thompson had a three-run double in the eight inning to snap a two-two tie. Coach Jay Johnson….
cut 18 (11) “…time”

The Ragin Cajuns who are tied for first place in the Sun Belt with a five and one league record will begin a three-game series tonight against Appalachian State. The Mountaineers are four and two in league play.Both teams are capable of scoring a lot of runs.

Louisiana Tech is coming off a dominating win on Tuesday over Sacramento State and this weekend they host Dallas Baptist in a three game series against the Patriots. The Bulldogs have won three of their last four and Coach Lane Burroughs believes Tech’s best baseball is ahead of them….
cut 20 (07) “….dugout”

After beating Denver last night 107 to 88, The Pelicans have won six of their last seven and they’ll host the Clippers tomorrow. New Orleans is tied for seventh place in the West and there are just five games left in the regular season. Is it possible for Zion Williamson to return next week? We’ll have to wait and see.

4:30 LRN Newscast March 31

Tens of thousands of Louisiana Medicaid recipients could lose coverage, unless they take steps to update their information within the system. Governor John Bel Edwards says Medicaid eligibility reviews will begin in April, and it’s important to assure your contact info is up-to-date…:’

CUT 11(08)      “…keep your coverage”

He says look for a package from LDH in the mail and respond to it right away to prevent loss or interruption of benefits. LDH estimates more than 300-thousand people will be taken off of Medicaid during this re-eligibility process.

A date has been set for ceremonies to officially re-name Fort Polk, in Vernon Parish. The Armey has set June 13th for the event, in which the fort will be re-dubbed Fort Johnson; named for World War I hero and Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. William Henry Johnson.

 

District 1 Congressman and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise says the indictment of former President Donald Trump is a political maneuver. Trump has been indicted for alleged illegal use of campaign dollars as hush money to cover up an alleged affair with adult film actress Stormy Daniels. He is the first former (or seated) U.S. President to ever be formally accused of a crime. Scalise says the charges are alleged violation of federal law, and federal prosecutors have not seen fit to indict Trump. He questions why a New York City D.A. would press the issue…:

CUT 14(08)      “…standard in America.”

There’s one of these every year: a bill to proclaim something as the Louisiana state BLANK. This time, it’s a bill from CenLa Representative Lance Harris, proclaiming the pecan the official State Nut…:

CUT 03(12)      “…state nut.”

There are too many jokes here and they’re all far too easy.

3:30 LRN Newscast March 31

Governor Edwards urges Medicaid recipients to update their contact information with the program, as eligibility checks are re-starting in April. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Palermo.”

Parishes in Northwest Louisiana are under a tornado watch until 9 tonight. Areas north of Natchitoches and from the Texas line to just east of Ruston should be prepared for severe thunderstorms and be alert to possible tornado warnings that may occur.

 

District 1 Congressman and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise says the indictment of former President Donald Trump is a political maneuver. Scalise says the New York district attorney is pretty obviously acting in the best interests of his political party; not his constituents…:

Cut 13  (11)      “…politically-charged.”
Trump has been indicted for alleged illegal use of campaign dollars as hush money to cover up an alleged affair with adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

It’s another great week for crawfish consumers with an average 15-cent drop in prices this week. That’s according to Crawfish App co-founder Laney King. She says the drop in prices wasn’t at the dock this time, it was retailers who dropped their prices…:

CUT 06(09)      “…crawfish season.”

Which of course is Easter weekend.  You can expect to pay about $2.64 a pound this weekend for live crawfish.

2:30 LRN Newscast March 31

District 1 Congressman and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise says the indictment of former President Donald Trump is a political maneuver. Scalise says the New York City D.A. Alvin Bragg is abusing his power…:

CUT 12  (13)        “…after Donald Trump.”

Trump has been indicted for alleged illegal use of campaign dollars as hush money to cover up an alleged affair with adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Scalise says the indictment is clearly intended to hurt Trump’s 2024 election plans.

Governor John Bel Edwards urges Medicaid recipients to take action and check their eligibility status to avoid losing coverage. He says look for a package in the mail and reply right away…:

CUT 10(09)      “…contact information.”

 

Baton Rouge Police are investigating the death of a pedestrian Thursday night in Interstate 12. Officers say – for reasons unknown – 35-year-old Michael Williams ran out into the middle of the roadway and then stopped. He was struck by traffic and killed. The coroner rules the death an accident, but cops want to know WHY he did it.

State lawmakers are accused of coming up with nutty ideas, well one Central Louisiana lawmaker wants to make the pecan the official state nut…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Palermo.”

LRN PM Newscall March 31

State lawmakers are accused of coming up with nutty ideas, well this one might make sense as a central Louisiana lawmaker wants to make the pecan the official state nut. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Governor Edwards releases a Public Service Announcement urging Medicaid recipients to update their contact information with the program as eligibility checks are re-starting in April. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

______________________________________

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris has authored a bill that would designate a little taste of Louisiana – the pecan as the official state nut and authorize its use on official state documents and with the insignia of the state. Harris says in a quest to identify the state nut he realized one did not exist and a constituent requested he propose the bill.

Cut 3 (12) “…state nut”

Louisiana harvests an average of 17.7 million pounds of pecans annually and ranks top five among pecan-producing states. Harris says the only nut produced in the state has been overlooked and this measure will add candied benefits for Louisiana growers.

Cut 4 (11)  “…that designation” 

Harris says the state sports one of the largest crops of pecans in the south – Louisianans love them and it’s time to make it official.

Cut 5 (10) “…produce them”

Lawmakers will hear the bill in the legislative session that begins April 10.

_______________________________________________

It’s another great week for crawfish consumers with an average 15-cent drop in prices this week. That’s according to Crawfish App co-founder Laney King. She says the drop in prices wasn’t at the dock this time, it was retailers who dropped their prices.

Cut 6 (09)  “…crawfish season.” 

Which of course is Easter weekend.  You can expect to pay about $2.64 a pound this weekend for live crawfish. As we approach Easter weekend, King says you’ll want to start planning now if you haven’t already and reserve your sacks as soon as possible. And even though there’s been a consistent weekly drop in crawfish prices this season King predicts that’s about to change.

Cut 7 (10)  “…quarter a pound.” 

And if you’re hankering for some crawfish this weekend and aren’t in the mood to boil them yourself, King says you’ll pay about $4.00 a pound.

Cut 8 (08)  “…can expect.” 

The Crawfish App compiles data from more than 16-hundred Louisiana vendors and prices this weekend are down 20-cents a pound compared to the same weekend in 2022

_______________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards urges Medicaid recipients to take action and check their eligibility status, to avoid losing coverage. Eligibility reviews typically happen annually but were paused due to the COVID pandemic. In a public service announcement released earlier today, Edwards says this will be an important and critical process for many Louisianans.

Cut 9 (11) “…their coverage.”

The massive outreach effort will cost nearly $196-million. Medicaid eligibility reviews will begin in April but it will take up to 14 months to complete. Edward says renewal packets and information letters will be mailed to more than two million members – who should reply right away.

Cut 10 (09) “…contact information” 

The process is expected to continue into the next fiscal year with an $89.2-million budget. Edward says this is a top priority for his administration and LDH and they will do everything they can to remove practical barriers and meet members where they are.

Cut 11 (08)  “…your coverage”

LDH estimates more than 300-thousand people will be taken off of Medicaid during the re-eligibility process. Visit Louisianaradionetwork.com to view resources on where to update contact information.

_______________________________________________

District 1 Congressman and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise says the indictment of former President Donald Trump is a political maneuver. Scalise says the New York City D.A. Alvin Bragg is abusing his power…:

Cut 12 (13) “…after Donald Trump.” 

Trump has been indicted for alleged illegal use of campaign dollars as hush money to cover up an alleged affair with adult film actress Stormy Daniels. He is the first former (or seated) U.S. President to ever be formally accused of a crime. Scalise says the New York district attorney is pretty obviously acting in the best interests of his political party; not his constituents…:

Cut 13 (11) “…politically-charged.”

Scalise says the charges are alleged violation of federal law, and federal prosecutors have not seen fit to indict Trump. He questions why a local D.A. would press the issue…:

Cut 14 (08)  “…standard in America.”

Scalise says it’s “clear to anyone who looks at it impartially” that the Trump indictment is politically-motivated to hurt Trump’s 2024 election plans.

__________________________

1:30 LRN Newscast March 31

Governor Edwards urges Medicaid recipients to check their eligibility status to avoid losing coverage in a public service announcement released earlier today. Eligibility reviews are usually done yearly but were paused due to the pandemic. Edwards says this is an important and critical process for many Louisianans.

Cut 9 (11) “…their coverage.”

It will cost the state close to $196 million to conduct outreach for eligibility reviews.

Among the legislation filed for the upcoming session is one to bestow the designation of the official state nut to the pecan. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris is sponsoring the bill and he says since Louisiana sports one of the largest crops of pecans in the south and Louisianans love them and it’s time to make it official.

Cut 5 (10) “…produce them”

The average price for a pound of crawfish dropped 15-cents so you’re looking at an average of $2.64 a pound for live mudbugs, 70 to $80 a sack. And if you’re hankering for some crawfish this weekend and aren’t in the mood to boil them yourself, Crawfish App co-founder Laney King says you’ll pay about $4.00 a pound at your favorite restaurant.

Cut 8 (08)  “…can expect.” 

As we approach Easter, she’s predicting a quarter-per-pound increase.

And you might want to pick up a strawberry biscuit this weekend too. For a limited time, Popeyes has added the treat to their dessert menu. It’s their signature biscuit with reportedly the right balance of salty and sweet with strawberry bits baked in and creamy icing on top. The strawberry biscuits are available nationwide but again for a limited time.

12:30 LRN Newscast March 31

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris has filed some nutty legislation for the upcoming session. Because Louisiana harvests an average of 17.7 million pounds of pecans annually and ranks top five among pecan-producing states he wants it to be honored as the state nut.

Cut 4 (11)  “…that designation” 

 

And another favorite delicacy in the Bayou State is crawfish. This weekend expect to pay an average of $2.64 a pound for live mudbugs or about four dollars for boiled. Crawfish App co-founder Laney King says even though there’s been a consistent drop in prices weekly that’s about to change as we approach Easter.

Cut 7 (10)  “…quarter a pound.” 

The LSU women’s basketball team will appear in its 6th Final Four tonight and its first since 2008 when it faces Virginia Tech in Dallas. The Lady Tigers are seeking their first National championship. Senior Alexis Morris says the team that’s the toughest mentally will advance to Sunday’s championship game…

Cut 17 (13) “…these moments.” 

Tip-off tonight is at 6 o’clock.

And it was a memorable baseball game at the Box last night with 13-thousand fans witnessing the Tigers pull off a five-to-two victory over ninth-ranked Tennessee. Game two of the series is also at 6 tonight.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

A memorable game at Alex Box Stadium last night as a record 13-thousand fans saw the Tigers pull out a five to two victory over ninth ranked Tennessee. Paul Skenes and Garrett Edwards were great on the mound, Gavin Dugas hit a two-run home run and Jordan Thompson cleared the bases with a three-run double to give LSU the lead for good. Coach Jay Johnson says Thompson has that clutch gene…
cut 19 (11) “…as anybody”
Game two of the series is tonight at 6 PM.

The Ragin Cajuns who are tied for first place in the Sun Belt with a five and one league record will begin a three-game series tonight against Appalachian State. The Mountaineers are four and two in league play. ULM looks for its first Sun Belt win of the season tonight as they host Marshall. Louisiana Tech takes on Dallas Baptist for three starting tonight in Ruston.

The LSU women’s basketball team will appear in its 6th Final Four tonight and its first since 2008 when it faces Virginia Tech in Dallas. The Lady Tigers are searching for their first National championship. Second-year head coach Kim Mulkey won three national titles at Baylor and led the Lady Bears to the Final Four four times. This is Virginia Tech’s first appearance in the Final Four, but Mulkey says the Hokies have been playing together longer…
Cut 18 (18) “…course of the game.”
Tip-off is at 6 PM.

The Pelicans moved into a tie for seventh place in the Western Conference with a 107 to 88 win at Denver last night. Brandon Ingram had a triple double as he led the way with 31 points. New Orleans has won six of its last seven and the Pels host the Clippers on Saturday.

11:30 LRN Newscast March 31

A 19-year-old student at Southwood High School is facing charges after a school resource officer allegedly found a fully loaded gun in his backpack. Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator says Officer Calvin Williams confronted Caleb Morris after he allegedly threatened to kill a coach at the school…

Cut 12 (08)  “…being shot.”
Morris faces several charges including terrorizing and possession of a weapon in a gun free zone.

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris has filed legislation some nutty legislation he wants – the pecan to be the official state nut. In a quest to identify the state nut Harris realized there wasn’t one and a constituent requested he propose one.

Cut 3 (12) “…state nut”

The legislative session begins on April 10th.

Congressman Steve Scalise’s comprehensive energy bill that would bolster oil and gas production in the United States received approval from the U-S House. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

If you’re looking for the best price for crawfish this weekend, according to the Crawfish App you can expect to pay $2.64 a pound or $70 to $80 a sack for live mudbugs and $4.83 a pound for boiled crawfish. Prices are down an average of 15-cents this weekend.