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.”

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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.” 

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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.” 

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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Cut 17 (17) “…got me.”

 

Cut 18 (20)  “…I’m prepared.”

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Cut 19 (16) “…last eight.” 

 

Cut 20 (20) “…..constraints.”