1:30 PM Newscast May 1

Georgia Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green says will call for a vote to remove Mike Johnson from Bossier Parish as Speaker of the House. Green says she voted for Johnson to lead the House because he was a conservative, but his views have changed…

Cut 11 (13) ” …us recognize.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves was among the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the state’s congressional map, which was overturned by Tuesday’s two-to-one court decision. They agreed that race was the predominant factor for the map that changed his district into a majority-black one. As for what’s next…

Cut 8 (12) “…new maps” 

State Attorney General Liz Murrill says the state will appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court so the map lawmakers passed in January will stand.

Louisiana is expected to see heavy rainfall during overnight hours. Bill Jacquemin has information on a flash flood watch that’s been posted for a large portion of the state….

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Bill Jacquemin”

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency is planning to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug but that will have to be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget.  Peter Robins-Brown with Louisiana Progress says if approved it acknowledges the medicinal use of marijuana and at the same time recognizes that cannabis has lesser potential for abuse. The proposal, however, does not legalize recreational use.

Cut 5 (08)  “…the state.” 

12:30 PM Newscast May 1

The fate of Louisiana’s congressional map is up in the air again after a two-to-one ruling throws out the map lawmakers approved in January with a second majority-black district. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat describes the ruling as stunning and incredible…

Cut 13 (08)  “…this fall.”

14 people that were part of a large Pro-Palestine protester encampment set up Monday on Tulane’s campus were arrested as police broke up the protest. Witnesses say police outnumbered protestors two to one as they removed protestors in front of Gibson Hall along St. Charles Avenue. Some protesters complained they were injured. NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says they will review video from surveillance cameras.

Cut 7 (12) “…the other.”  

The university says the majority of the protestors are not affiliated with the school.

After a closed-door meeting with legislators Tuesday, Governor Jeff Landry’s administration will be participating in the federal summer feeding program for needy children, reversing his earlier position. The administration initially said the state lacked funds needed to cover administrative costs of the program but last week, the House voted to include $3.6 million to cover it. At least 250,000 children will be served by the 71 million dollars in federal dollars and beginning June 4th eligible families will receive extra $40 per month per child in EBT during the summer months.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency is looking to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. Peter Robins-Brown with Louisiana Progress on what that means for medicinal cannabis in Louisiana …

Cut 4 (08) “..medicine.” 

Currently, marijuana is in the same classification as heroin and LSD. If approved, it would change from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans won 49 games in the regular season, but failed to win a single game in the Western Conference playoffs. After being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, Pelicans executive president of basketball operations David Griffin says that there are still positive takeaways from this season like the play of Pelicans star Zion Williamson.

Cut 17 (23) “… intends to go.”

Williamson played in a career-high 70 games last season and led the Pels in scoring this season.

And LSU gymnastics star Haleigh Bryant is returning to LSU for a fifth season. Bryant led the Tigers to its first ever national championship last season, won the national all-around title, and owns the record for the most 10’s in LSU gymnastics history.

LSU baseball found their offensive footing last night when the Tigers beat Grambling 26 to 2. The Tigers combined for 17 hits and 5 home runs in the game. Tommy White went 2 for 3 scoring 5 RBI’s and Michael Braswell III stole home in the bottom of the first inning. LSU Head Coach Jay Johnson says that he likes his team’s offensive progress from last weekend against Auburn.

Cut 20 (22) “… consistent basis.”

LSU will take on top ranked Texas A&M this weekend in the Box

In other baseball news across the state, Louisiana Tech is now on a six game win streak after the Bulldogs defeated ULM yesterday 8 to 4. The win is the Bulldogs third straight over the Warhawks and the Bulldogs have won 8 out of the last 10 games between the two schools.

11:30 AM Newscast May 1

Louisiana’s new congressional map creating a second majority-black district has been thrown out. And The Secretary of State’s Office has stated they needed a map in place by May 15th for the fall election. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there are several complications and multiple twists and turns in the map saga.

Cut 14 (14)  “…this controversary.”

14 people that were part of a large Pro-Palestine protester encampment on Tulane’s campus were arrested as over 100 police officers moved in to break up the protest. The group set up an encampment on Monday after a march in support of Palenstine. NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick…

Cut 6  (10) “…them room.” 

In a historic move, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency is looking to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. Peter Robins-Brown with Louisiana Progress says with close to 40 states having medical marijuana and two dozen with legalized recreational use….

Cut 3 (12) “…their ways.” 

New Orleans will be home to the Gulf Coast’s only HBCU Medical School. Founding Dean Dr. Leo Seoane (Swan ee) a first-generation Cuban American says Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine will transform generations of young black and brown lives…

Cut 9 (11)  “…for it.”

The medical school will operate from Benson Tower on Poydras and when it opens will be the 5th HBCU School of Medicine.

10:30 LRN Newscast May 1

The fate of Louisiana’s congressional map is up in the air again after a two-to-one ruling throws out the map lawmakers approved in January with a second majority-black district. State Attorney General Liz Murrill says the state will appeal the ruling but with a Secretary of State deadline of May 15th for the map, political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the clock is ticking…

Cut 15 (14)  “…any of this.”

Qualifying for the fall elections is mid-July.

House Criminal Justice advances a bill to better define gun-free zones for parade routes. It clarifies guns are not permitted within 100 feet of the center line of the route. President of the Louisiana Shooting Association Dan Zelenka…

Cut 5 (06) “…themselves.” 

The bill heads to the house.

Big vote today on the House floor as the bill that calls for a constitutional convention is up for debate this afternoon. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

 

14 people, eight women and six men, have been arrested after pro-Palestine protests on Tulane’s campus refused to leave. The university says most of the protesters are not affiliated with the school. Two of the arrestees were Tulane students and two others Loyola. Police say they warned protesters before more than 100 law enforcement officers removed them from campus.

9:30 am Newscast

We could be one step closer to knowing whether state lawmakers will convene a constitutional convention later this month. The Landry Administration says reorganization is needed so state lawmakers can avoid making deep cuts to health care and education when there are budget deficits. But Alfreda Tillman Bester, with the group ten-thousand women, says the public remains in the dark regarding what exact changes would be proposed.

Cut 12 (14) “…rewritten.” 

 

Legislation to better define gun-free zone laws regarding parade routes has advanced out of House Criminal Justice. In the latest discussions, New Orleans Representative Alonzo Knox reminded those opposed to the measure that law enforcement supports laws for a gun-free parade zone.

Cut 6 (14) “…my area.”

The bill passed on an eight to five vote and heads to the Full House.

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Xavier University and Ochsner Health are teaming to bring the first HBCU Medical College to the Gulf Coast. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 2 (32)  “I’m Colleen Crain.” 

A Shreveport man found guilty of domestic violence crimes earlier this month has been ordered to serve almost 15 years in prison. 47 year old Darnell Caldwell was sentenced yesterday to 13 years for domestic abuse battery with a dangerous weapon and causing serious bodily injury. Ad hoc District Judge John Robinson also ordered Caldwell to serve 18 months on each of two instances of domestic abuse batter with child endangerment

8:30 am Newscast

The fate of Louisiana’s congressional map is up in the air again after a two-to-one ruling throws out the map lawmakers approved in January with a second majority-black district. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat describes the ruling as stunning and incredible…

Cut 13 (08)  “…this fall.”

The Louisiana House is set to vote today on a bill that calls for a constitutional convention to begin on May 20th. Louisiana’s constitution was created in 1974 and over the last 50 years it’s been amended 216 times. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says it’ time to move some sections of the constitution into state law, and that’s where the focus of the convention would be.

Cut 11 (08) “…make it better”

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A bill to define the parameters of a parade route for gun-free zones advances from House Governmental Affairs. Brooke Thorington has more.

A bill to define the parameters of a parade route for gun-free zones advances from House Governmental Affairs. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorrington.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is reminding the public about its mercury advisories. As you may know mercury is a naturally occurring substance, but experts say larger species of fish tend to accumulate more mercury in their bodies, which is why they’re warning people, specifically pregnant women, to be mindful of their fish consumption. Right now there are fish consumption advisories for 51 waterways in Louisiana.

7:30 am Newscast

New Orleans is set to become home to the Gulf Coast’s only HBCU Medical School. It could be three years before accreditations, hiring, and renovations are complete and Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine is ready to begin training physicians. Founding Dean Leo Seoane (Swan ee) says there’s an urgent need because the doctor shortage is growing…

Cut 8 (11) “…medical school.” 

House Criminal Justice has advanced a bill that would better define gun-free zone laws as they relate to parade routes. The legislation clarifies that guns are not permitted within 100 feed of the center line of a parsed route and doesn’t apply to law enforcement or those with a permit, President of the Louisiana Shooting Association Dan Zalenka is against the measure.

Cut 5 (06) “…themselves.” 

———————

Big vote today on the House floor as the bill that calls for a constitutional convention is up for debate this afternoon. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

A Shreveport man found guilty of domestic violence crimes earlier this month has been ordered to serve almost 15 years in prison. 47 year old Darnell Caldwell was sentenced yesterday to 13 years for domestic abuse battery with a dangerous weapon and causing serious bodily injury. Ad hoc District Judge John Robinson also ordered Caldwell to serve 18 months on each of two instances of domestic abuse batter with child endangerment

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU Tigers had their hitting shoes on last night as they slugged five home runs on their way to a 26-2 victory over Grambling. The Tigers scored half of their runs in the fourth inning, when they scored 13. Tommy White homered and drove in five runs and Jake Brown also homered and drove in four runs. LSU will host top ranked Texas A-and-M this weekend.

Louisiana Tech scored the first eight runs of the game last night in Monroe and defeated the ULM Warhawks eight to four. Dalton Davis and Cole McConnell homered for the Bulldogs, who have won six in a row.

In other action, it was Nicholls over Southern 12 to four, Southern Miss edged UNO five to four and Tulane topped Southeastern Louisiana 13 to 6.

Tonight, McNeese is at Houston and ULM hosts Alcorn State.
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The Pelicans won 49 games in the regular season, but had zero victories in the postseason. Executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin says changes will be needed to make some noise in the Western Conference playoffs next season
Cut 16 (11) “…do that.”
Adding a point guard will be a priority for the Pelicans this offseason.

Haleigh Bryant just led LSU to its first ever championship in gymnastics and she’s coming back for a fifth season. Bryant also won the national all-around title and has scored the most perfect 10s in LSU history. She’ll be 23 next year, but Mike Smith the P-A announcer at LSU gym meets says Bryant knows her body well…
cut 30 (10) “…what it is saying”

6:30 am Newscast

The Louisiana House is set to vote today on a bill that calls for a constitutional convention to begin on May 20th. The Landry Administration says reorganization is needed so state lawmakers can avoid making deep cuts to health care and education when there are budget deficits. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson supports the effort…

Cut 10 (10) “…on the ballot.”

Legislation to better define gun-free zone laws pertaining to parade routes advances from House Criminal Justice. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry’s bill clarifies that guns are not permitted within 100 feet of the center line of a parade route and it does not apply to law enforcement or…

Cut 4 (12) “…to them.”

___________________

New Orleans will be home to the Gulf Coast’s only HBCU Medical School. Founding Dean Dr. Leo Seoane (Swan ee) says Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine will transform generations of young black and brown lives…

Cut 7 (09) “…nationwide.”

The fate of Louisiana’s congressional map is up in the air again after a two-to-one ruling throws out the map lawmakers approved in January with a second majority-black district. The ruling was handed down after a federal lawsuit was filed on behalf of some Republicans on the grounds the January map was racial gerrymandering.  The Secretary of State’s Office has said it needs a map in place by May 15th for the fall election. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat…

Cut 14 (14)  “…this controversary.”