06:45 LRN Sportscast, May 3rd

The top ranked LSU Baseball team picked up its first mid-week win in 3 weeks after a 10-0 seven-inning outing against Southeastern Tuesday in Hammond. Freshman Gavin Guidry got his first college start on the mound and he didn’t allow a hit in 2.1 innings pitched and had 4 strikeouts. The Tigers are now 36-8 on the year and travel to Auburn Friday.

Elsewhere around the state in college baseball Tuesday, Northwestern State gets the win over Louisiana Tech by a score of 10-7 in 11 innings. They also prevailed over The Bulldogs on April 4th, and its the first time the Demons completed the season sweep over Tech since 2019.

Tulane fell to Southern Miss 10-5, and UNO beat Jackson State 6-3.

LSU Women’s Basketball Coach Kim Mulkey continued her title tour on Tuesday ringing the closing bell on the New York Stock Exchange. She did it while flashing an L to the cheering crowd.

LSU football fans no longer have to worry about quarterback Garrett Nussmeier transferring. The window to enter the transfer portal for the spring closed on Sunday and Nussmeier remains on LSU’s roster. Shea Dixon with on-three-dot-com says LSU quarterback Jaiden Daniels will start this season and Nussmeier could be your starter in 2024 and 2025…:
Cut 16 (16) “right now”
Players can still sign with other schools if they are in the transfer portal like U-L Lafayette star cornerback Trey Amos and Dixon says LSU has their eye on him.

Meanwhile LSU assistant Brian Polian is leaving the team to become the athletic director at his alma mater, John Carroll University. Polian, who followed Coach Brian Kelly to LSU from Notre Dame, was the special teams coordinator last season but was moved to an off-field role 3 months ago. LSU’s kickoff and punt return units ranked near the bottom of the SEC in 2022.

06:30 LRN Newscast, May 3rd

The legislature advances a bill banning transgender procedures on minors. New Orleans Pediatric Psychologist Clifton Mixon testified before the House Health and Welfare Committee in opposition. He says every alternative method possible is tried before performing reassignment surgery and prohibiting them would have consequences….:
Cut 11 (10) “your hands”
Supporters of the bill assert it would protect children from making such a decision before they are mature enough to do so. The measure heads to the House Floor.

A man accused in a deadly stabbing and shooting in Alabama is believed to be the same suspect arrested after a Tuesday shootout with police in Bossier City. BCPD says the Louisiana incident claimed the lives of two people at a gas station and wounded an officer. Cortrell Burks was booked into the Bossier City Jail on multiple counts including first degree murder, and is wanted in Jefferson County, Alabama.

A bill to give cops the right to tell you “stay back” while they do their jobs advances out of a House Committee. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

House Education advances a bill to hold back 3rd graders who aren’t reading on grade level and get them the help they need to catch up. The same bill was proposed last year but ran out of time for consideration before the session ended. It goes to the full House floor next.

LRN AM Newscall May 3

Third-grade students in Louisiana may be required to take literacy screenings in order to be promoted to the fourth grade if the bill is passed on the House Floor.

Cut 1 (33)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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A bill to give cops the right to tell you “stay back” while they do their jobs advances out of a House Committee. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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A bill to prohibit transgender procedures on minors advances from the House Health and Welfare Committee. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A proposed bill that prohibits the promotion of third-graders who can not read proficiently was approved by House Education with a 7 – 3 vote. Sponsor of the bill – Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says Louisiana is among the top ten states with the lowest literacy performance.

Cut 4 (11)  “…at it.”

Statewide more than 15,000 third graders failed below reading on grade level based on a literacy screener administered last year. 75% of fourth graders in Louisiana can not read based on national test results. Nelson birthed the bill when he realized his child had a reading impediment. Addressing the committee, Nelson’s wife, Ashley says imaging this bill in any other concept would be:…

Cut 5 (11)   “…the water.”

Nelson says his bill mirrors a Mississippi legislation that was passed in 2013. If the screening determines the child has a reading deficiency, the student would have three attempts to determine promotion to fourth grade. Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps expressed concern over the present law and the proposed bill.

Cut 6 (12)  “…we have.”

The bill heads to the House floor.

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The House Criminal Justice Committee advances a bill that would give police the right to say “stay back” while they do their job and establish a 25-foot safe zone between them. Pineville Rep. Mike Johnson is the bill sponsor. He tells committee members his bill is a safety measure and allows cops to take preventive steps for his or her own safety and the safety of an approaching citizen…:

Cut 7 (12) “…of a misdemeanor.”

Johnson says people have been hurt for walking up on a cop doing his job, who didn’t know that person’s intentions and cops have been hurt and even killed in similar encounters. Opponents of the bill worried it will prevent people from being able to video police. Citizen and attorney Allison McCrery says the bill’s 25-foot buffer zone means witnesses will have limited sight, and oversight, of police actions…:

Cut 8 (05) “…that far away.”

Johnson says the bill would apply only IF the officer asked or instructed you to stay back, and would not totally prevent approaching an officer – say to ask for help. Johnson says the bill’s language does not mention videotaping officers the 25-foot buffer zone is still plenty close for cell phone video…:

Cut 9 (07)  “…not accurate.”

Violators could get fines and possible jail time. By a vote of 8-to-1, the bill moves to the House floor for debate.

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Legislation to prohibit transgender procedures on minors advances from the House Health and Welfare Committee. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment’s bill is entitled the Save Adolescents from Experimentation Act. The Republican says several European nations that pioneered gender reassignment surgery have reversed course.

Cut 10 (09) “… and surgeries.” 

New Orleans Pediatric Psychologist Clifton Mixon testified before committee members in opposition to the bill. He says healthcare professionals try every alternative possible before performing such procedures and prohibiting them will have dire consequences.

Cut 11 (10)  “…your hands.”

Firment says surrounding states and other conservative southern states have passed similar laws and Louisiana should also.

Cut 12 (10)    “…our kids.” 

Proponents of the bill say physicians are grooming children to have the costly procedures merely for greed and social media is what’s causing children to be trans. Olivia Gowan, a transgender woman, refuted the argument and told committee members she was a transgender child in the 90s long before social media.

Cut 13 (11) “…time’s up. 

Committee Chair Larry Bagley, who lost his wife to suicide, quickly dismissed Gowan. The bill passed in committee on a 14 to 3 vote and advances to the full House.

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Legislation to make it legal to bury your pet’s cremated remains in the owner’s coffin passes in the House. After receiving pushback from the Cemetery Association last year, Minden Rep Wayne McMahen pulled the bill. But this year the former veterinarian says they are backing the legislation.

Cut 14 (09)  “…associations.”

The bill also makes it legal to have pet cremated remains declared as personal property.

Amite Representative Robby Carter questioned McMahen about the size of one’s pet.

Cut 15 (13)  “…about a pound.”

House Bill 248 passed in the House 98-0 and heads to a Senate committee.

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LSU fans no longer have to worry about quarterback Garrett Nussmeier transferring. The window to enter the transfer portal for the spring closed on Sunday and Nussmeier remains on LSU’s roster. Shea Dixon with on-three-dot-com says LSU is set at quarterback as Jaiden Daniels will start this season and Nussmeier could be your starter in 2024 and 2025…

Cut  16 (16)  “…right now” 

A lot of college football players are jumping into the transfer portal when they don’t get immediate playing time, but Dixon says Nussmeier has been committed to LSU…

Cut 17 (15) “…never wavered.”

The window has closed for players to enter the transfer portal, but players in the portal can still sign at another school. U-L Lafayette star cornerback Trey Amos got in the portal over the weekend and Dixon says LSU is very interested…

Cut 18 (18) “…with the Gators”

6:30 and 9:30 LRN Newscast May 2 UPDATED

Shreveport Police have arrested one of the two suspects who ran over a 9-year-old child while fleeing an attempted carjacking at a Love’s Truck Stop in Minden Monday night. Minden Police Chief Jared McIver says security cameras caught everything and the footage is hard to watch…:

CUT 13  (10)        “…deserve.”

The child is expected to recover, and the teen is being held on a $2.5 million bond.

The fatal shooting of a man in downtown Alexandria Sunday night sparks concern about public safety before its annual AlexRiverFete. The shooting happened near the intersection of Third Street and Johnston Street. Alexandria Police Chief Chad Gremillion says security will be beefed up at and around the festival…:

CUT 07(12)      “…presence in place”

AlexRiverFete is Alexandria’s largest downtown event and is this weekend.

A House Committee approves a bill that would give members of the state legislature a hefty pay raise, to $40-thousand…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

House Education advances a bill to hold back 3rd graders who aren’t reading on grade level and get them the help they need to catch up. The same bill was proposed last year but ran out of time for consideration before the session ended. It goes to the full House floor next.

 

5:30 LRN Newscast and Legislative Report May 2

Legislation to prohibit transgender procedures on minors advances from the House Health and Welfare Committee. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment says several European nations that pioneered gender reassignment surgery have reversed course.

Cut 24 (09) “… and surgeries.” 

New Orleans Pediatric Psychologist Clifton Mixon testified before committee members in opposition to the bill. He says healthcare professionals try every alternative possible before performing such procedures and prohibiting them will have dire consequences.

Cut 11 (11)  “…your hands.”

The bill advances to the House on a 14 to 3 vote.

The House Governmental Affairs Committee approves a bill that would raise the annual salary for state lawmakers from 16,800 to about 40-thousand dollars. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson voted against the legislation as he says service is about sacrifice…

PM Cut 10 (14) “…we run” 

The bill passed on an eight to four and heads to House Appropriations.

A bill to prohibits the promotion of third-grade students who cannot read proficiently was approved by House Education with a 7 to 3 vote. Bill sponsor Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says Louisiana is among the top ten states with the lowest literacy performance.

Cut 4 (12)  “…at it.”

The bill heads to the House floor for debate.

 

4:30 LRN Newscast May 2

A police officer was shot when gunfire erupted this morning at a gas station in Bossier City…:

CUT 01(28)      “…Thorington.”

A 16-year-old was killed and two others shot and wounded last night in Natchitoches. NPD’s Corporal John Greely says they got several calls just after 8pm…:

CUT 03(07)      “…gunshot victim.”

They ask anyone with tips to come forward.

 

The fatal shooting of a man in downtown Alexandria Sunday night sparks concern about public safety before its annual AlexRiverFete event. Mayor Jacques Roy says this was an isolated incident that started at a private party…:

CUT 05(12)      “…in a death”

He says there will be extra police and sheriff’s presence for the big downtown festival this weekend.

State Troopers have arrested a Church Point man involved in the fatal hit-and-run death of a bicyclist who was found on Highway 93 in Sunset on Sunday. 32-year-old Clay Richard was arrested last night and charged in the death of 59-year-old Randy Thibodeaux. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says a citizen phones in a tip…:

CUT 15(08)      “…solve these cases.”

Richard is charged with felony hit & run, vehicular homicide and driving with a suspended license.

3:30 LRN Newscast May 2

A House Committee approves a bill that would give members of the state legislature a hefty pay raise, to $40-thousand…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

The House Education Committee advances a bill that would hold back certain 3rd graders who are way behind in literacy skills, and then get them the help they need to catch up. The same bill was proposed last year, but ran out of time for consideration before the session ended. It goes to the full House floor next.

 

The fatal shooting of a man in downtown Alexandria Sunday night sparks concern about public safety before its annual AlexRiverFete event. The shooting occurred near the intersection of Third Street and Johnston Street. Alexandria Police Chief Chad Gremillion says security will be beefed up at and around the festival…:

CUT 07(12)      “…presence in place”

AlexRiverFete is Alexandria’s largest downtown event and is this weekend.

Minden Police say they’re close to an arrest of two suspects who ran over a 9-year-old child while fleeing a carjack attempt at a truck stop Monday night. Chief Jared McIver says security cameras caught everything and the footage is hard to watch…:

CUT 13  (10)        “…deserve.”

The child is expected to recover.

2:30 LRN Newscast May 2

A police officer was shot when gunfire erupted this morning at a gas station in Bossier City. Brooke Thorington reports…:

CUT 01(28)      “…Thorington.”

A Church Point man is arrested for the weekend hit & run killing of a bicyclist from Sunset along state Highway 93 in St. Landry Parish. State Police Trooper Tom Gossen says a citizen’s tip led to the arrest…:

CUT 14(07)      “…under suspension.”

 

A 16-year-old was killed Monday evening in Natchitoches and two other teens were injured. Natchitoches Police spokesman Cpl. John Greely with says they received several calls of gunshots in the area of Stella and Northern Streets at around 8:15…:

CUT 03(07)      “…gunshot victim.”

Two other teens were found shot and wounded just blocks away. Police ask anyone with knowledge of what happened to contact NPD or Crimestoppers.

The pay raise for lawmakers moves forward, as the House Appropriations Committee sends the bill the full House for debate. It would raise base salary for lawmakers from $16,800 to about $40k plus per diem and expenses. Some lawmakers say their constituents support the idea. Here’s Marrero Rep. Rodney Lyons…:

CUT 09(10)      “…vast and vary.”

Lawmakers voted themselves a pay hike in 2008, but it was vetoed by Governor Bobby Jindal.

LRN PM Newscall May 2

A police officer was shot when gunfire erupted this morning at a gas station in Bossier City. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (28)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The House Governmental Affairs Committee approves legislation that would raise the annual pay for state lawmakers to 40-thousand dollars. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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A 16-year-old was killed Monday evening in Natchitoches and two other teens were injured. Corporal John Greely with Natchitoches Police says around 8:16 they received several calls of gunshots in the area of Stella and Northern Streets.

Cut 3 (07) “….gunshot victim.”

The 16-year-old victim, who was the driver of the vehicle, had multiple gunshot wounds.

Greely says investigators also learned there were two other juveniles in the vehicle that crashed on Stella Street.

Cut 4 (07)  “…happened.” 

One of the teens was transported to a Shreveport hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and the other teen has been released from the hospital. Police are asking anyone with information to call Crimestoppers.

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The fatal shooting of a man in downtown Alexandria Sunday night sparks concern about public safety before its annual AlexRiverFete event. Mayor Jacques Roy says this was an isolated incident that started at a private party.

Cut 5 (12) “…a death.”

Roy posted a video to Facebook Monday night sharing details of the incident and reminding citizens downtown remains one of the safest parts of the city. The shooting occurred near the intersection of Third Street and Johnston Street – adjacent to the Mini Park just a block away from City Hall.

He says youth crime and illegal guns are out of control around the nation and despite the recent event, security will be beefed up in Downtown Alexandria for the AlexRiverFete.

Cut 6 (13)  “…feel safety.” 

Alexandria Police Chief Chad Gremillion echoed Roy on the festival security.

Cut 7 (12)  “…presence in place.” 

AlexRiverFete is Alexandria’s largest downtown event and is this weekend. No details were released on the victim’s identity or if any arrests were made.

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The House Governmental Affairs Committee approves a bill that would raise the annual salary for state lawmakers from 16,800 to about 40-thousand dollars. Gretna Representative Joe Marino says many legislators are leaving because the time commitment does not match the pay…

Cut 8 (08)  “…than this” 

The bill passed on an eight to four vote and it needs review from House Appropriations, since it’s an added cost for the state.

Lawmakers have not received a boost in annual pay since 1980. In 2008, then Governor Bobby Jindal vetoed a legislative pay raise bill because of public pressure.  Marrero Representative Rodney Lyons says he surveyed his constituents and they support a higher salary for legislators…

Cut 9 (10) “….and vary.”

Pineville Representative Mike Johnson voted against the legislation as he says service is about sacrifice…

Cut 10 (14) “…we run” 

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An arrest is imminent for two suspects who ran over a 9-year-old girl while fleeing an attempted carjacking at Love’s Truck Stop Monday evening. Minden Police Chief Jared McIver says when the father of the child went inside with his youngest, his teenage daughters were in the car when the suspects tried to take the vehicle. The father ran out to stop it and his 9-year-old daughter followed.

Cut 11 (07)  “…take out.”

McIver says they are looking for two black males in a white stolen U-Haul pick-up truck, with the U-Haul stickers removed.

In the chaotic scene, McIver says fortunately a physician was able to assist the child at the scene after she was run over by the pick-up truck.

Cut 12 (08) “…airlifted.” 

The child was taken to LSU Ochsner in Shreveport with several broken bones but is expected to recover.

McIver says video footage from the truck stop is extremely difficult to watch.

Cut 13 (10) “…deserve.” 

The suspects are also believed to be involved in an armed robbery with the same stolen vehicle.

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State Troopers have arrested a Church Point man involved in the fatal hit-and-run death of a bicyclist who was found on Highway 93 in Sunset on Sunday. 32-year-old Clay Richard was arrested last night and charged in the death of 59-year-old Randy Thibodeaux. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says the suspect was arrested a short distance from the scene of the accident.

Cut 14 (07)  “…under suspension”

Thibodeaux was riding his bicycle north of 356 near Wild Rose Road when he was struck by a vehicle. He was found in a ditch by a family member who last reported seeing Thibodeaux on Friday. Gossen says the arrest was the result of a tip from a concerned citizen.

Cut 15 (08) “…solve these cases.”

Impairment is unknown but a standard toxicology sample was submitted. The crash remains under investigation.

1:30 LRN Newscast May 2

Minden Police are looking for two males who ran over a 9-year-old girl while fleeing an attempted carjacking at Love’s Truck Stop Monday evening. Police Chief Jared McIver says the father of the victim was inside the store with the child and ran out when he heard his teenage daughters scream as the suspects tried to steal the car, they were in. Fortunately, a physician was able to assist when the child was run over by the pick-up truck.

Cut 12 (08) “…airlifted.” 

The child suffered multiple broken bones but is expected to recover, they are looking for two black males in a stolen pick-up with the U-haul stickers removed.

There are few details about the fatal shooting of a man in downtown Alexandria Sunday night, but Mayor Jacques Roy says they will have increased security for the AlexRiverFete.

Cut 6 (13)  “…feel safety.” 

In St. Landry Parish an arrest has been made in the fatal hit-and-run that killed cyclist 59-year-old Randy Thibodeaux of Sunset. St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested 32-year-old Samuel Clay Richard of Church Point Monday after a tip they received. He’s been charged with felony hit and run, negligent homicide and operating a vehicle while under suspension. Thibodeaux was reported missing on Friday and his body was found in a ditch Sunday afternoon.

The House Governmental Affairs Committee approves legislation that would raise the annual pay for state lawmakers to 40-thousand dollars.

Cut 2 (31)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo”