11:40 LRN Sportscast

The first round of the NFL draft is tonight and the Saints have the 29th overall pick. General Manager Mickey Loomis has traded up nine times in the first round since he became the G-M in 2002. Loomis says they might not have the draft ammunition to move up this year, but moving back is probably not an option either…
cut 17 (15) “….lesser player”
Former LSU defensive end B-J Ojulari could be a late first round selection. WWL’s Mike Detillier says if Ojulari is not selected tonight, he’ll go early in the second round…
cut 19 (10) “…locker room”
The first round begins at 7 PM.

Kim Mulkey won a national championship in her second season as the head coach of the Lady Tigers now she wants to see the school do something about the 51-year-old Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mulkey told WBRZ-TV that it’s time to either build a new arena or completely renovate the PMAC…
cut 8 (09) “….coat of paint on it”
The last renovation on the PMAC was 2009.

LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne will be featured in Sports Illustrated’ s 2023 swimsuit issue. S-I says Dunne is an absolute inspiration for other female athletes. The 20-year-old is the most followed NCAA athlete on social media. The New Jersey native says this is a dream come true.

In college baseball last night, the Cajuns clobbered Northwestern State 15 to 3 and Southern Miss topped Louisiana Tech six to five.

11:30 LRN Newscast

43-year-old Hannah Landon of Harahan has been arrested and charged in the death of her boyfriend’s six-year-old daughter. The father reported Belle Fontenelle missing Wednesday morning and she was found inside a 10-gallon bucket on her mother’s lawn that afternoon. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says Tuesday evening video footage from the neighborhood led them to arrest Landon.

Cut 3 (06) “….that wagon.”

Landon was located at the hospital Wednesday afternoon and is charged with first-degree murder and obstruction of justice.

The USDA approves a fourth round of Pandemic-EBT for Louisiana. Department of Children and Family Services Economic Stability Director Tim Jenkins DCFS will issue benefits to school-aged children; K-12, along with zero- to five-year-olds who are currently receiving SNAP.

Cut 15 (10)  “…for the summer.”

The Bayou State is among more than 25 states that received the approval.

LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey has won a national championship for the university and, now she wants a updated basketball arena. The Pete Maravich Assembly Center lacks revenue generating suites. After winning the school’s first national championship in basketball, Mulkey told WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge its time to start talking about a new arena

Cut 7 (12)  “…it’s time” 

Mulkey says she doesn’t have a preference on whether a new arena is needed or should the school complety renovate the PMAC.

A Louisiana High School Senior has secured $1.2 million in academic and merit scholarships for college. Kelsie Tillage, a senior at Southern University Laboratory School in Baton Rouge, was accepted into several top universities including Tufts, Spelman, UNC, Rhodes, and more. She also found time to participate in several volunteer ventures.

Cut 9 (10)  “…grew to.”

Tillage is a John Hopkins CTY scholar and was awarded the Gold Medal Congressional Award in 2022, the highest honor a youth civilian can achieve through the US Senate and House of Representatives.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Legislation that would prohibit school faculty and staff from discussing gender identity and sexual preference topics in the classroom clears its first legislative hurdle. Bossier Parish Republican Representative Dodie Horton sponsors the legislation. In the House Education Committee, Baton Rouge Rep. Barbara Frieberg believes this is not a matter for the legislative.

Cut 4 (09)  “…shouldn’t control this.”

Horton says local school districts tell her the policy would be more defensible from a legal standpoint if it is set into state statutes…:

Women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey brought a national championship to LSU, now she wants a new or remodeled basketball arena.  Mulkey made her demand during a speech in front of the Baton Rouge Rotary Club…

Cut 6 (12)  “…dangerous in there” 

The Pete Maravich Assembly Center is actually 51 years old and 2009 was the last time major work was done to the facility.

A Louisiana High School teen has earned $1.2 million in scholarships for college. Kelsie Tillage, senior at Southern University Laboratory School in Baton Rouge, says when she applied she wasn’t sure if she qualified.

Cut 8 (10) “…this feat.”

Tillage already has 30 college credit hours at Southern University with a 4.25 GPA. She will attend Spelman College this fall.

After exhausting all other options, St. Charles Parish files a lawsuit against FEMA seeking transparency of the Risk Rating 2.0 calculations. Parish President Matthew Jewell says  the new pricing system has not been shared.

Cut 12 (07)    “…this model.” 

The federal lawsuit is filed on the basis of being denied a public document under the Freedom of Information Act.

9:30 LRN Newscast

A bill that would prohibit a public school teacher, employee or presenter from discussing sexual orientation or gender in front of a classroom is heading to the House floor, after receiving approval from the House Education Committee. However, Haughton Representative Dodie Horton says her legislation would allow these topics to be discussed between teacher and student in a one-on-one setting…
cut 7 (02) “…absolutely”

Legislation that would prohibit insurance companies from using gender as a factor in determing auto insurance rates was approved by the Senate Insurance Committee. The lone female on the panel, Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson, voted “Yes”….
cut 24 (09) “…down to”
Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says insurance providers are not discriminating against females. He says predictive modeling is used to determine rates of female and male drivers.

The USDA approves a fourth round of Pandemic-EBT benefits for eligible children. Department of Children and Family Services Economic Stability Director Tim Jenkins says this is welcome news for recipients.
Cut 14 (11) “…public health emergency.”
Students who attended schools that were shut down for five consecutive days as a result of COVID are eligible for the funding also children who receive free or reduced price meals.

Upset over the lack of transparency when it comes to setting flood insurance rates under Risk Rating 2.0, St. Charles Parish has filed suit against FEMA seeking details on the new pricing methodology. Parish president Matthew Jewell says instead of using a model to create rates, the rates were calculated in reverse…
cut 13 (06) “……justify that”

8:30 LRN Newscast

The House Education Committee approves on a seven to five vote Haughton Representative Dodie Horton’s legislation that would ban discussion in public school classrooms about gender and sexual identity. Some on the committee believes this policy should be left up to local school boards, but Horton says it would be more defensible from a legal standpoint if it was a state law….
cut 5 (10) “….a policy around”
And Homer Representative Patrick Jefferson worries the bill would mean students can no longer seek advice from teachers…
cut 6 (09) “….have a question”
But Horton says a student can still have a one-on-one conversation with a teacher about gender and sexual identity issues. The legislation heads to the House floor for more discussion.

St. Charles Parish files a lawsuit against FEMA over Risk Rating 2.0.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The federal government has approved a fourth round of Pandemic EBT benefits. DCFS Stability Director Tim Jenkins says students who participate in the National School Lunch Program or saw their schools close for five consecutive days due to COVID are eligible…
cut 16 (07) “….statewide”
Schools will advise DCFS of the children who are eligible.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Haughton Representative Dodie Horton’s bill that would forbid school teachers and staff from classroom discussion of gender identity and sexual preference topics clears its first legislative hurdle. The House Education Committee approved the bill on a seven to five vote, but Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Frieberg believes Horton’s bill is not necessary…:
Cut 4 (09) “…shouldn’t control this.”
Horton says local school districts tell her the policy would be more defensible from a legal standpoint if it is was a state law.

After exhausting all other options, St. Charles Parish files a lawsuit against FEMA seeking transparency of the Risk Rating 2.0 calculations. Parish President Matthew Jewell says property owners in his parish have seen their flood insurance increase more than 200 percent.
Cut 11 (08) “…about 752%.”
Jewell says FEMA’s new rate pricing methodology has not been made public and even members of the state’s congressional delegation have been denied access.

Louisiana Entergy customers will receive refunds in the coming months. It’s part of a 36-million dollar settlement the Public Service Commission finalized with Entergy. The PSC sued Entergy for overcharging rate payers to cover the expenses of operating the Grand Gulf nuclear plant in Port Gibson, Mississippi.

A Louisiana teen has received one-point-two million dollars in college scholarships. Teiko Foxx has her story…
cut 2 (32) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The first round of the 2023 NFL Draft is tonight, and the Saints hold the 29th overall pick thanks to Sean Payton’s move to Denver. New Orleans’ tenth overall pick belongs to the Eagles after trading up in last year’s first round. Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis is known for his aggressive drafting strategy and seems open to moving up again if possible. He says the Saints don’t have the ammunition to make a big jump forward, but don’t expect them to move back either…
Cut 17 (15) “…lesser player.”
Most draft analysts believe the Saints will take a defensive or offensive lineman in the first round. Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (bruh-ZEE) is a popular name. He was a second-team All-ACC selection.

The Pelicans announce guard CJ McCollum underwent successful surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb. McCollum also dealt with a shoulder injury, but he will not have surgery on his torn labrum and instead will undergo an offseason rehabilitation program. He is expected to make a full recovery before training camp.

In college baseball last night. the Ragin Cajuns pounded Northwestern State 15 to 3 as Kyle DeBarge and Will Veillon each had three hits. The Demons are now 21-and-17 and will host Nicholls this weekend. U-L Lafayette begins a three-game series at home against sixth ranked Coastal Carolina on Friday. Louisiana Tech lost its fourth straight game as they fell to Southern Miss six to five. Ethan Bates had a three-run homer in a losing effort. The Bulldogs are at Middle Tennessee this weekend.

In football recruiting news, LSU football receives a commitment from two-sport star Trey’Dez Green from East Feliciana High School. Green is six-foot-eight and caught 42 passes for 864 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Green also averages 24 points and 13 rebounds on the basketball court.

6:30 LRN Newscast

A House bill, criticized as “Don’t Say Gay” legislation, clears its first legislative hurdle. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 1 (34) “I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The House Education Committee has also approved House Bill 81, which would require public school employees to use names and pronouns on students’ birth certificates unless parents provide written permission to do otherwise. That legislation by Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews heads to the House floor.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services receives approval to issue a fourth round of Pandemic EBT benefits. DCFS Economic Stability Director Tim Jenkins says they will begin disbursing payments in early May….
cut 15 (10) “…for the summer”
Schools will report to DCFS which students meet the criteria for eligibility. A family is eligible for the benefits if a child is already approved for free or reduced-price meals or if there school operated on reduced attendance or hours for at least five straight days.

Kelsie Tillage, a senior at Southern Lab High School in Baton Rouge, has secured one-point-two million dollars in academic and merit scholarships. Tillage says the best way to get a scholarship is to apply…
cut 10 (11) “….the day”
Tillage will attend Spelman College in Atlanta.

AM LRN Newscall April 27

A House bill, criticized as “Don’t Say Gay” legislation, clears its first legislative hurdle. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (34)  “I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

_______________________________________________

A Louisiana teen excepted to several top universities earns scholarships totaling $1.2 million for college. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

St. Charles Parish files a lawsuit against FEMA over the Risk Rating 2.0. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_____________________________________________

A bill that would forbid school teachers and staff from classroom discussion of gender identity and sexual preference topics clears its first legislative hurdle. Bossier Parish Republican Representative Dodie Horton sponsors the legislation. In the House Education Committee, Baton Rouge Rep. Barbara Frieberg tells Horton her bill is not necessary…:

Cut 4 (09)  “…shouldn’t control this.”

Horton says local school districts tell her the policy would be more defensible from a legal standpoint if it is set into state statutes…:

Cut 5 (10)   “…a policy around.”

Horton’s House Bill 466 has been criticized as a “Don’t Say Gay” bill, but she says it would simply ban discussing such topics with students in class or during extracurricular activities. It also addresses use of so-called “preferred pronouns,” stating teachers are not required to use them unless parents have given permission/request to address their child as such. Claiborne Parish Rep. Patrick Jefferson worries the bill would mean students can no longer seek advice from teachers…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…have a question.”

Horton says the bill would only apply to such discussion in class or school-sanctioned activities. She says a student could seek advice from a teacher otherwise…:

Cut 7 (02) “…absolutely!”

By a vote of 7 “yeas” and 5 “nays”, the bill moves to the House floor for debate. Horton filed the same bill last year but withdrew it due to lack of support.

_______________________________________________

A Louisiana High School Senior has secured $1.2 million in academic and merit scholarships for college. Kelsie Tillage, a senior at Southern University Laboratory School in Baton Rouge, says she was unsure if she would receive a scholarship when she first applied.

Cut 8 (10) “…this feat.”

Tillage maintains a 4.25 GPA and has been accepted into more than six top universities including Tufts, Spelman, UNC, Howard, Rhodes, and more. She is also dually enrolled at Southern University and has accumulated 30 college credit hours. Tillage has also broadened her resume by participating in several volunteer ventures.

Cut 9 (10)  “…grew to.”

Tillage is a published author with an anthology series – “Unpopular Opinions”. She is also a Duke Tip and John Hopkins CTY scholar and was awarded the Gold Medal Congressional Award in 2022, the highest honor a youth civilian can achieve through the US Senate and House of Representatives. Tillage says the best way to get a scholarship is to simply apply.

Cut 10 (11) “…the day.” 

She was recently awarded the 2023 Louisiana Public Broadcasting Young Hero Award. Tillage will be attending  Spelman College -  a historically Black college and a global leader in the education of African American women in Atlanta - this fall with the class of 2027.

____________________________________________________

After exhausting all other options, St. Charles Parish files a lawsuit against FEMA seeking transparency of the Risk Rating 2.0 calculations. Parish President Matthew Jewell says on average property owners in the area have seen their flood insurance increase more than 200 percent.

Cut 11 (11)  “…about 752%.”

Jewell says the new pricing methodology has not been shared with local leaders and even members of the state’s congressional delegation have been denied access.

Cut 12 (07)    “…this model.” 

With millions invested in the construction of new levees and pumps, Jewell says the parish is protected more than ever but yet property owners are going to be priced out of living in St. Charles Parish. Jewell believes instead of using a model to create rates, the rates were calculated in reverse.

Cut 13 (06) “…justify that. 

The federal lawsuit is filed on the basis of being denied a public document under the Freedom of Information Act.

________________________________________

The USDA approves a fourth round of Pandemic-EBT for Louisiana. The Bayou State is among more than 25 states that received the approval. Department of Children and Family Services Economic Stability Director Tim Jenkins says this is welcome news for recipients.

Cut 14 (11)  “…public health emergency.”

Jenkins says DCFS will issue benefits to school-aged children; K-12, along with zero- to five-year-olds who are currently receiving SNAP.

Cut 15 (10)  “…for the summer.”

Schools will advise DCFS of the children who are eligible and the funds will be automatically added to P-EBT cards. Parents of children who are in a BESE-approved home-school study program or attend an approved virtual school will have to apply for benefits by May 11th.

The first group to receive benefits will be children who are eligible for free and reduced lunch, or who attend a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school. Jenkins the students will have to have missed school due to COVID or had a COVID quarantine. Jenkins anticipates the number of qualified applicants for this round of P-EBT will be less than before.

Cut  16 (07)  “…statewide.” 

Children in the zero- to five-year-old age range Jenkins anticipates will be $120,000 in benefits monthly. The largest population to receive benefits will be the summer group of over 600,000 children.

Call 2-1-1 for more information.

______________________________________________

The first round of the 2023 NFL Draft is tonight, and the Saints hold the 29th overall pick thanks to Sean Payton’s move to Denver. New Orleans’ tenth overall pick belongs to the Eagles after trading up in last year’s first round. Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis is known for his aggressive drafting strategy and seems open to moving up again if possible. He says the Saints don’t have the ammunition to make a big jump forward, but don’t expect them to move back either…

Cut 17 (15) “…lesser player.” 

After an offseason of speculation and key free agent signings many believe the Saints will try to address tight end or the interior defensive line with their top overall pick. Loomis says this year’s tight end and cornerback classes were especially deep, but New Orleans isn’t opposed to adding to an already strong position group…

Cut 18 (16) “…a strength.”

______________________________________

The NFL Draft starts off tonight, and a couple of LSU players will hope to hear their names called over the weekend. Edge rusher BJ Ojulari is the Tigers’ strongest prospect but could be slightly undersized for his position. Draft Analyst Mike Detillier says he’s shown a lot of technical talent at one of the most sought-after positions in the NFL Draft, but he’s just on the outside of the first round looking in…

Cut 19 (19) “…locker room.”

Wide Receiver Kayshon Boutte shocked LSU fans when he declared for the draft after initially planning to return to LSU. Boutte began the season as a preseason All-American and projected first-round pick but struggled throughout the year for the Tigers and wasn’t able to impress in pre-draft workouts. Detillier projects him to go in the third or fourth round and suspects the ankle injury that ended his 2022 season has a lot to do with his regression…

Cut 20 (20)  “… a player.”  

Edit

5:30 LRN Newscast and Legislative Report April 26

A bill that would forbid schoolteachers and staff from classroom discussion of gender identity and sexual preference topics clears its first legislative hurdle. Bossier Parish Republican Representative Dodie Horton sponsors the legislation. In the House Education Committee, Baton Rouge Rep. Barbara Frieberg tells Horton her bill is not necessary…:

Cut 4 (09)  “…shouldn’t control this.”

Horton says local school districts tell her the policy would be more defensible from a legal standpoint if it is set into state statutes…:

Cut 5 (11)   “…a policy around.”

By a vote of 7 “yeas” and 5 “nays”, the bill moves to the House floor for debate. Horton filed the same bill last year but withdrew it due to lack of support.

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt’s legislation to increase the penalties for manufacturing fentanyl passes in the Senate on 33 to 2 vote and advances to a House committee. The Republican Senator says the bill has the support of sheriffs, district attorneys, and coroners in Louisiana.

Cut 15 (05) “…neighborhoods.”

If passed a first offense would carry a 10-to-40-year prison sentence, ten years without parole, and up to a $50,000 fine.

Legislation to prohibit insurance carriers from using gender as a factor when setting auto insurance rates advances from Senate Insurance. The only female on the committee Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson says it’s a very simple gender shouldn’t be used to determine whether or not she’s an at-risk driver, especially when insurance companies have access to one’s driving record.

Cut 11 (10)  “…down to.”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon argued the legislation would increase rates for females.