11:30 LRN Newscast April 30

Louisiana is suing the Biden Administration over revised Title IX rules prohibiting discrimination based on a student’s sexual and gender identity. Governor Jeff Landry says state education has already told public schools not to follow the new rules…

Cut 6 (12) “…set forth.”
State officials say the new rules will result in biological girls sharing bathroom and locker room space with biological boys who are transgender girls.

Opelousas High School has been given their football championship title back after it was stripped for alleged use of an ineligible player. Coach Jimmy Zachery will remain on probation for one year but will be allowed to coach the team. He says his main concern was making sure the team retained a rightfully deserved championship…

Cut 5 (11)  “..thrilling man” 

The City of Ruston has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with state and federal highway administrations to prep for the construction of Bucees. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says, they’ve been making plans and preparations for the toothy beaver for 14 months and things are moving along for groundbreaking this year.

Cut 13 (11)  “…the whole works.”

The store is scheduled to open next year.

Because the Pelican State is located along two major migration routes in North America, state tourism has launched a new interactive website, it’s BirdingLouisiana-dot-com.  Doug Bourgeois with the Office of Tourism says it’s a one-stop shop for birdwatchers.

Cut 14 (12)  “…across Louisiana.”

 

10:30 LRN Newscast April 30

Louisiana has filed suit against the U-S Department of Education’s new Title Nine regulations that protect transgender students.

Cut 1 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Natchitoches Police are investigating the homicide of a 15-year-old that happened in the 200 block of University Drive. When police arrived last night around 9:30, the teen was suffering from a single gunshot wound, later died of their injuries at the hospital.

A bill to raise a driver’s license fee by $6.00 to fund litter abatement advances from House Appropriations. Currently, $1.50 from license fees goes towards cleaning up the state, but the increase would send $7.50 from your driver’s license to help clean up the state. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser

Cut 9 (11)  “…way of grants.”

The bill advances to the House.

Opelousas High School can once again say they’re state football champions, after LHSAA stripped their title over the alleged use of an ineligible player last season, Coach Jimmy Zachery thanks the school board and St. Landry Parish Superintendent Milton Batiste who had his back…

Cut 4 (08) “..keep fighting” 

Coach Zachery will remain on probation for one year but will be allowed to coach the team in 2024.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana is suing the Biden Administration over new rules against discriminating against students based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. State A-G Liz Murrill says the feds are telling schools and universities disregard the concept of biological sex…
cut 30 (07) “…biological women”
Murrill says the revised Title Nine rules will result in biological females sharing a bathroom and locker room with a biological male who identifies as a female. The Louisiana Forum for Equality says the state continues to attack human beings that deserve love, respect and acceptance.

A bill to raise a driver’s license fee by $6.00 to $48.75 to fund litter abatement receives approval from House Appropriations. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser….
Cut 8 (06) “…(x2) paradise.”
The measure moves to the House floor.

The Louisiana Office of Tourism has launched a new website called birding-Louisiana-dot-com. It offers birders the ultimate guide to bird watching in Louisiana. Assistant Secretary of Tourism Doug Bourgeois says interest in birding is increasing and a large majority of birders are retired, so they tend to visit longer…
cut 15 (08) “….the state”
The site features 256 places in Louisiana to watch all kinds of different birds.

Opelousas High School can once again say they are state champions in football. The LHSAA stripped the school of its title in February over the alleged use of an ineligible player last season, but coach Jimmy Zachery says an agreement with the LHSAA brings the title back to Opelousas…
cut 3 (12) “…got what we earned”

8:30 LRN Newscast

A bill making its way through the Louisiana House will increase the cost of a driver’s license by six dollars and that extra money will go towards litter abatement. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the cost to clean up the litter on the side of Louisiana roads is costly…
cut 10 (08) “….that mess”
The proposal is heading to the House floor. It would raise the cost of a driver’s license from $42.75 to $48.75.

Construction on the state’s first ever Buc-ees has moved a step closer after a memorandum of understanding has been signed between Ruston, the state DOTD and the federal highway administration on the roads needed for access to the store off of I-20 in Lincoln Parish. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker can’t wait until Buc-ees opens in 2025…
cut 11 (09) “…huge”

We know Louisiana is the Sportsman’s Paradise but it’s also ideal for bird watchers. Brooke Thorington has more on a new website, especially for them.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Opelousas High School has its state championship in football back. An agreement has been reached between the school and the LHSAA that led to the reinstatement of Opelousas High as Division Two non-select state football champions. The LHSAA stripped Opelousas of its title in February, because they allegedly used an ineligible player.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana is suing the Biden Administration over revised Title IX rules that prohibit discrimination based on a student’s sexual and gender identity. Governor Jeff Landry says the state department of education has already told public schools not to follow these new rules…
cut 6 (12) “…set forth”
State officials say the new rules will result in biological girls sharing bathroom and locker room space with biological boys who are transgender girls.

Director of Louisiana Trans Advocates, Peyton Rose Michelle, says Louisiana’s government leaders continue to try and erase trans individuals…
Cut 7 (12) “…queer kids.”

The city of Ruston, the state DOTD and the federal highway administration have signed a memorandum of understanding that acknowledges the type of infrastructure needed to build the first Buc-ees off of I-20 in Lincoln Parish. Construction is expected to begin later this year and the store will open next year. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker is excited about the economic impact Buc-ees will have on the region…
cut 12 (11) “…at Buccees”

In an effort to bring more bird watchers to Louisiana, the state office of tourism has launched a new website called birding-louisiana-dot-com. Assistant secretary for the state office of tourism, Doug Bouregois, says bird watchers means international visitors, which the state already experiences with the Yellows Rails and Rice Festival in Jefferson Davis Parish in October…
cut 16 (09) “…Yellow Rails”
The website is briding-louisiana-dot-com.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans season is over as the Oklahoma City Thunder completed a four game sweep of New Orleans beating the Birds 97 to 89 in the Smoothie King Center. The Pels had a lead in the fourth quarter, but O-K-C went on an 18-2 run in the fourth quarter to put a fork in New Orleans’ season. Coach Willie Green was dejected after the game…
cut 18 (18) “…more after”
One of the big decisions for the Pelicans to make in the offseason is whether they’ll sign Brandon Ingram to a contract extension. Ingram struggled in this playoff series as he tried to come back from a late season knee injury.

In hockey, the Shreveport Mudbugs have advanced to the South Division Finals after winning their series over El Paso three games to two. They’ll play Lone Star next.

LSU baseball back in action tonight as the Tigers host Grambling. The Tigers are coming off a second consecutive SEC Series win, beating Auburn two games to one. Grambling just took two of three from Texas Southern. Grambling’s Trevor Hatton was named the SWAC Hitter of the Week as he was six for 11 at the plate with 8 RBIs, three doubles, two home runs and one triple.

A red hot Louisiana Tech travels to ULM tonight. The Bulldogs have won five in a row. The Warhawks are coming off a series loss to Old Dominion.

The Ragin Cajuns are off tonight. They are now ranked 18th in the D-1 baseball poll. They have a big series coming up this weekend at Troy.

Opelousas has been reinstated as state champions of Division Two non-select in Louisiana High School football. Coach Jimmy Zachery will remain on probation for one year, but he says an agreement has been reached with the LHSAA for the Tigers to keep their title. The LHSAA ruled in February Opelousas had to vacate its championship because of an ineligible player.

LRN Newscast 6:30

Louisiana has filed suit against the federal government for changing its Title Nine rules to protect LGBTQ students from discrimination. State Attorney General Liz Murrill says the new rules disregard the concept of a person’s biological sex and provide protections based on gender identity
Cut 4 (13) “…an administration.”
Murrill says the new Title Nine rules could result in boys and girls sharing locker rooms, bathrooms and perhaps lodging on overnight field trips with members of the opposite sex.

The Louisiana House has approved a bill that would prevent transgender children from using the bathroom that does not align with their biological sex. Director of Forum for Equality Sarah Jane Guidry calls it harmful legislation and it’s why the U-S Department of Education needs to protect transgender students
Cut 5 (10) “…their identity.”

Louisiana is a step closer to its first Buc-ees as the City of Ruston, the state department of transportation and the Federal Highway Administration sign a memorandum of understanding for the design concept of the I-20 interchange and service road to allow easy access to the future store…
Cut 2 (28 “I’m Colleen Crain.”

The Pelicans season ended last night with a 97-89 loss to Oklahoma City. The Thunder swept New Orleans four games to nothing.

Tonight in college baseball action…LSU hosts Grambling and ULM hosts La Tech.

AM LRN Newscall April 30

Louisiana has filed suit against the U-S Department of Education’s new Title Nine regulations that protect transgender students. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

_______________________________________________

Louisiana is a step closer to getting her first Bucees as the City of Ruston and State and Federal Highway Administration sign a memorandum of understanding.

Cut 2 (34)  “I’m Colleen Crain.” 

____________________________________________

We know Louisiana is the Sportsman’s Paradise but it’s also ideal for bird watchers. Brooke Thorington has more on a new website, especially for them.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________________________

Louisiana has filed suit against the federal government for changing its Title Nine rules to protect LGBTQ students from discrimination. State Attorney General Liz Murrill says the new rules disregard the concept of a person’s biological sex and provide protections based on gender identity

Cut 4 (13) “…an administration.”

Murrill says the new Title Nine rules could result in boys and girls sharing locker rooms, bathrooms and perhaps lodging on overnight field trips with members of the opposite sex.

The Louisiana House has approved a bill that would prevent transgender children from using the bathroom that does not align with their biological sex. Director of Forum for Equality Sarah Jane Guidry calls it harmful legislation and it’s why the U-S Department of Education needs to protect transgender students

Cut 5 (10) “…their identity.” 

Several other states led by Republicans are also suing the U-S Department of Education in trying to prevent these new Title Rules from going into effect. Governor Jeff Landry fully supports Louisiana’s legal effort…

Cut 6 (12) “…set forth.”

Director of Louisiana Trans Advocates, Peyton Rose Michelle, says Louisiana’s government leaders continue to try and erase trans individuals and it’s hurtful…

Cut 7 (12) “…queer kids.”

___________________________________________________________

A bill to raise a driver’s license fee by $6.00 to fund litter abatement advances from House Appropriations. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, whose office oversees Keep Louisiana Beautiful, says they need more funds to clean up.

Cut 8 (06) “…(x2) paradise.” 

Currently, $1.50 from license fees goes towards cleaning up the state, but the increase would send $7.50 from your driver’s license to fund litter abatement.

Cut 9 (11)  “…way of grants.”

Nungesser says last year they gave out $1.9 million in grants, and the increase will allow his office to distribute $3.5 to $4 million to parishes.

When you throw trash on Louisiana’s streets and roadways, Nungesser says it impacts tourism and industry recruitment and is also expensive to pick up.

Cut 10 (08) “…that mess.”

The bill advances to the House.

___________________________________________________________

Bucees is one step closer to reality in Louisiana. The State and Federal Highway administration and the City of Ruston signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Mayor Ronny Walker is excited about the impact the popular travel center will have on the area…

Cut 11 (09) “… huge.”

Walker expects the new Bucees to have a huge economic impact that extends the entire North Louisiana region.

Cut 12 (11) “…at Bucees.” 

Walker says, they’ve been making plans and preparations for Bucees for 14 months. There is still work to do but things are moving along and are on schedule for a 2024 groundbreaking and 2025 opening…

Cut 13 (11)  “…the whole works.”

__________________________________________________________

Because the Pelican State is located along two major migration routes in North America, state tourism has launched a new interactive website, it’s BirdingLouisiana-dot-com.  Doug Bourgeois with the Office of Tourism says it’s a one-stop shop for birdwatchers.

Cut 14 (12)  “…across Louisiana.”

Bourgeois says the website is a great way to cater to a unique market and entice them to swoop in for bird sightings. And another great thing about a large majority of birders, they’re retired so they tend to visit longer.

Cut 15 (08)  “…the state.”

And if you’re a novice spotting birds, the site provides photos and details about birds in your area of the state along with a checkoff list. And you can also listen to birds on the website.

Bourgeois says Jefferson Davis Parish is a popular site for birders to attend the Yellow Rails and Rice Festival.

Cut 16 (09)  “…(x2) Yellow Rails.”

This year’s festival in southwest Louisiana will be October 23rd to the 27th.

___________________________________________________

Cut 17 (17) “…got me.”

 

Cut 18 (20)  “…I’m prepared.”

________________________________________________________________________

 

Cut 19 (16) “…last eight.” 

 

Cut 20 (20) “…..constraints.”

 

 

 

 

 

5:30 LRN Newscast April 29

Louisiana is joining several other states in a lawsuit against the federal government over new Title IX rules that expand protections to LGBTQ-plus students in a classroom setting. Attorney General Liz Murrill on what the new rules mean for every school that receives federal funding.

Cut 11 (11) ” …as well.”

The Louisiana House has approved a bill to prevent transgender children from using the bathroom that does not align with their biological sex. Director of Forum for Equality Sarah Jane Guidry calls it harmful legislation and it’s why the U-S Department of Education needs to protect transgender students.

Cut 5 (10) “…their identity.” 

Legislation to hold a constitutional convention beginning May 20th advances from House Appropriations. Bill author New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu told committee members it would cost 63-thousand-dollars if it wraps by June 3rd but could grow to 1.5 million if it concludes in mid-July. …

Cut 6  (11) “…our per diem.” 

The bill passed on a 14 to 6 vote, along party lines and advances to House.

A bill to raise a driver’s license fee by $6.00 to fund litter abatement advances from House Appropriations. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, whose office oversees Keep Louisiana Beautiful, says they need more funds to clean up.

Cut 8 (06) “…(x2) paradise.” 

Currently, $1.50 from license fees goes towards cleaning up the state, but the increase would send $7.50 from your driver’s license to fund litter abatement.

4:30 PM Newscast April 29

Legislation to hold a constitutional convention heads to the Full House, after costs were discussed in House Appropriations. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

 

Louisiana is joining several other states in a lawsuit against the federal government over new Title IX rules that expand protections to LGBTQ-plus students in a classroom setting. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley has already told public schools not to follow the revised Title IX rules….

Cut 13 (06) “…across the country”

 

Three Kenner Police officers shot during a lengthy standoff with a gunman on Sunday have been released from the hospital. The gunman, Matthew Lathers, was killed after exchanging gunfire with both Kenner Police officers and Jefferson Parish deputies. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says it started when Lathers shot two people sitting in a vehicle outside of his home…

Cut 10 (06) “..fired upon them.” 

 

In Lincoln Parish, a Dubach police officer was killed while conducting a traffic stop on U-S 167 just south of Hamilton Road. State Police spokesperson Ryan Davis says officer Russell Croxton’s police vehicle was hit by a truck driver from Arkansas who didn’t see Croxton’s police vehicle in the right lane…

Cut 3 (05) “…flashing lights.” 

Davis says this is a reminder to obey the “Move Over” law.