11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU baseball finds itself in a tough spot midway through SEC play. The Tigers have just six conference wins and likely need 13 or 14 to secure a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Former LSU standout and two-time World Series champion Ryan Theriot says several factors are holding the Tigers back…

Cut 16 (19) “…grinded-out at-bats.”

LSU begins a three-game series against 10th ranked Texas A-and-M tomorrow night.

The LSU gymnastics squad competes in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships this afternoon at 3:30. The Tigers are the number two national seed. LSU competes against SEC champion Florida, Georgia and Stanford and the top two finishers advance to the Final Four on Saturday.

 

The House Natural Resources Committee approves a resolution that would remove the deer feeding bans that are in place where chronic wasting disease has been found. Avid hunter and rock ‘n’ roll legend Ted Nugent testified in favor of the legislation. He recorded a video for members of the Natural Resources Committee to hear

Cut 11 (11) “…heritage.”

To control the spread of C-W-D, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries has imposed feeding and baiting bans in all or part of 18 parishes, mostly in northeastern Louisiana.

Back to baseball…the hottest team in the state is Louisiana Tech who has won seven in a row heading into this weekend’s series at Kennesaw State. Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs says his club is playing with confidence…

Cut 21 (11) “…out of their way”

Tech is 9-and-6 in Conference USA and in fifth place in the league.

10:30 LRN Newscast

The state’s Public Service Commission has approved Entergy Louisiana’s request to expediate the approval process on the power company’s plan to build seven new gas power plants and other investments to power Meta’s data center in Richland Parish. Commissioner Eric Skrmetta says with the consultants, staff, and prior experience they have; the process can be fast-tracked while protecting the public but Alaina DiLaura from the Alliance for Affordable Energy said…

Cut 9 (11)  “…period of time.”

Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Patrick McMath is proposing a plan to dismantle the much-criticized Department of Children and Family Services and move the functions to the Department of Health and have State Police handle child abuse reports. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau said…

Cut 14 (04) “…terrible outcomes.”

 

The LSU gymnastics team looks to punch its ticket to the Final Four today for the second time in three seasons. Andre Champagne has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The House Natural Resources Committee approves a resolution that would remove the deer feeding bans that are in place where chronic wasting disease has been found. Hunter Nation Chair Rock Bordelon, who owns deer hunting land in Avoyelles Parish, says the feeding bans in other states have not slowed the spread of C-W-D…

Cut 10 (04) “…feeders”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU baseball team has a big home series coming up against 10th ranked Texas A&M. The Tigers are six and nine in the SEC while the Aggies are 9-and-5.

The additions through the transfer portal have not been as productive as they were in previous seasons for Coach Jay Johnson. Former LSU star Ryan Theriot says the LSU program for this season, does not have the revenue sharing funds and the NIL dollars that other teams have…

Cut 17 (19) “…pay the most money”

LSU athletics director Verge Ausberry said last week that the baseball program will receive more revenue share and NIL dollars.

_______________________________________________________

At 3:30, the LSU gymnastics program will compete in the semis of the NCAA Championships. For LSU to advance to Saturday’s finals, they must finish in the top two this afternoon. Florida, Georgia and Stanford are the other three teams they will compete against, but sophomore Lexi Zeiss says it doesn’t matter…

Cut 5 (07) “…our best”

What’s the best way to slow the spread of chronic wasting disease in deer? The Louisiana Department of Wildlife Fisheries believes one way is deer feeding bans. Deer program manager Johnathan Bordelon…

Cut 12 (10) “…congregrate deer”

But the House Natural Resources Committee sent a resolution to the floor that would lift and prevent any new deer feeding bans from going into effect for the next 18 months. Supporters say the bans affect hunters’ rights.

LRN AM Newscall April 16

The LSU gymnastics team looks to punch its ticket to the Final Four today for the second time in three seasons today. Andre Champagne has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

A measure that seeks to lift the deer feeding bans in response to chronic wasting disease in deer is heading to the House floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Patrick McMath wants to dismantle the heavily criticized Department of Children and Family Services and he’s proposed legislation to do it. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________________

The LSU gymnastics team will look to punch its ticket to the Final Four for the first time since 2024 after falling short last season in Fort Worth.,Texas. The Tigers take the floor today in Session I of the NCAA Semifinals. Head coach Jay Clark says the team should feel confident heading into the meet, having been ranked No. 2 all season.

Cut 4 (12) “…get after it.”

LSU’s philosophy for reaching the top is simple: control what you can and stay true to what’s worked all season. Sophomore Lexi Zeiss…

Cut 5 (07) “…our best.”

Clark says it will be crucial for the Tigers to be the best version of themselves in order to earn a chance to compete for their second national championship in three seasons.

Cut 6 (11) “…perfect is.”

LSU will compete at 3:30. The other three schools in their session are Florida, Georgia and Stanford.

_________________________________________________________

The state’s Public Service Commission has approved Entergy Louisiana’s request to expediate the approval process on the power company’s plan to build seven new gas power plants and other investments to power Meta’s data center in Richland Parish. The four to one vote means the P-S-C will vote in December on Entergy’s power plan proposal. Commissioner Jean-Paul Coussan says that’s plenty of time to review Entergy’s plan

Cut 7 (05) “…in Louisiana.”

An executive order signed by Governor Landry last December opened the door for large projects like data centers to go through a fast tracked approval process.  Commissioner Eric Skrmetta says the “Lightning Initiative” is doable…

Cut 8 (16) “…on this”

Since Entergy Louisiana’s application is fast-tracked, a formal recommendation from an administrative judge will be skipped. Alaina DiLaura from the Alliance for Affordable Energy argued that due diligence is needed..

Cut 9 (11)  “…period of time.”

____________________________________________________________

The House Natural Resources Committee approves a resolution that would remove the deer feeding bans that are in place where chronic wasting disease has been found. Hunter Nation Chair Rock Bordelon, who owns deer hunting land in Avoyelles Parish, says the feeding bans in other states have not slowed the spread of C-W-D…

Cut 10 (04) “…feeders

There have been about 50 confirmed cases of C-W-D in deer, with most of the those cases concentrated in Tensas Parish. It’s also been detected in Concordia, Catahoula and Ouachita.

In an effort to control the spread of C-W-D, a fatal disease for deer, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries has imposed feeding and baiting bans in all or part of 18 parishes, mostly in northeastern Louisiana.

Avid hunter and rock ‘n’ roll legend Ted Nugent testified in favor of the legislation. He recorded a video for members of the Natural Resources Committee to hear

Cut 11 (11) “…heritage.”

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick is the author of the resolution. He says feeding bans are affecting people’s hunting rights. And supporters of the legislation also point out that there has not been a single case of CWD being transmitted to humans.

But LDWF’s Deer Program Manager Johnathan Bordelon, no relation to Rock Bordelon, says the feeding bans are one way they can slow the spread of CWD…

Cut 12 (10) “…congregate deer.”

The measure heads to the full House for more discussion.

__________________________________________________________

Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Patrick McMath unveils his plan to fix the state agency responsible for child welfare. The Department of Children and Family Services has been criticized for not preventing child deaths after they were alerted about dangers in the home. McMath wants to move many of the functions of D-C-F-S within the Department of Health and put State Police in charge of handling child abuse reports…

Cut 13 (10)  “..now dead.”

McMath’s legislation would also put the Attorney General’s office in charge of making sure parents are making their court-ordered support payments.

The proposal is 111 pages long so members of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee will spend the next week going over the major changes. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau is one of several lawmaker displeased with f D-C-F-S’s inability to protect abused and neglected children.

Cut 14 (04) “…terrible outcomes.”

Luneau’s biggest concern with the proposal is funding and workforce to do the job. McMath says current employees of D-C-F-S would not lose their jobs, instead they would be transferred into L-D-H and that agency’s new name will be the Louisiana Department of Health and Human Services…

Cut 15 (12) “…in funding.”

The Advocate asked Governor Landry about McMath’s plan, and he told the news organization that he’s frustrated with the proposal because no one talked with him about it. He questioned the idea of having State Police handling the child abuse hotline and how that would cost the state.

________________________________________________________

The LSU baseball team finds itself in a tough spot midway through SEC play. The Tigers have just six conference wins and likely need 13 or 14 to secure a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Former LSU standout shortstop and two-time World Series champion Ryan Theriot says several factors are holding the team back from reaching its full potential.

Cut 16 (19) “…grinded-out at-bats.”

Over the past three years, Jay Johnson has dominated the transfer portal with key additions like Paul Skenes, Tommy White, and Anthony Eyanson. This season, however, LSU’s transfers haven’t panned out as well, and Theriot says the program will need consistent financial support moving forward to find better players in the future.

Cut 17 (19)  “…who can pay the most money?.”

One of the biggest surprises this season has been the inconsistency of sophomore pitcher Casan Evans. After a dominant freshman campaign, the Friday-night starter has struggled to hit his stride. Theriot says more experience will benefit Evans in the long run.

Cut 18 (14)  “…expect him to get better.” 

5:30 LRN Legislative Report

Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Patrick McMath unveils his plan to fix the state agency responsible for child welfare. The Department of Children and Family Services has been criticized for not preventing child deaths after they were alerted about dangers in the home. McMath wants to move many of the functions of D-C-F-S within the Department of Health and put State Police in charge of handling child abuse reports…

Cut 13 (10) “…now dead”

The Mandeville Republican says current employees of D-C-F-S would not lose their jobs, instead they would be transferred into L-D-H and that agency’s new name will be the Louisiana Department of Health and Human Services.

The Advocate asked Governor Landry about McMath’s plan, and he told the news organization that he’s frustrated with the proposal because no one talked with him about it.

 

The House Natural Resources Committee approves a resolution that would remove the deer feeding bans that are in place where chronic wasting disease has been found. Hunter Nation Chair Rock Bordelon, who owns deer hunting land in Avoyelles Parish, says the feeding bans in other states have not slowed the spread of C-W-D…

Cut 10 (04) “…feeders”

There have been about 50 confirmed cases of C-W-D in deer, with most of the those cases concentrated in Tensas Parish.

In an effort to control the spread of C-W-D, a fatal disease for deer, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries has imposed feeding and baiting bans in all or part of 18 parishes, mostly in northeastern Louisiana.

But LDWF’s Deer Program Manager Johnathan Bordelon, no relation to Rock Bordelon, says the feeding bans are one way they can slow the spread of CWD…

Cut 12 (10) “…congregate deer.”

The measure heads to the full House for more discussion.

LRN PM Newscall April 15

Amazon is purchasing a satellite communications company based in Covington for 11.6 billion dollars. Joe Gallinaro has the details

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

____________________________________________

Governor Landry is urging Louisiana voters to vote “Yes” for Constitutional Amendment Three on the May 16th ballot. Andre Champagne has the story..

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

____________________________________________

State Police is looking for a driver who struck and killed a bicyclist in St. Tammany Parish. The crash claimed the life of 24-year-old Rodrigo Ornelas Junior of Folsom. Trooper Marc Gremillion says the incident occurred at around 12:30 AM on Sunday on Louisiana Highway 40 in Folsom….

Cut 3 (05) “…fled the scene.”

Ornelas Junior was not wearing a helmet but was dressed in light-colored clothing. He died at a local hospital. Gremillion says Troopers are looking for a dark-colored sedan or small SUV that struck Orlenas and they need the public’s help…

Cut 4 (08) “…unfortunate death.”

Gremillion says anyone with information is urged to contact State Police…

Cut 5 (13) “…8-0-7″

____________________________________________

The 22nd-ranked LSU softball team no-hit UL Lafayette in its 8-0 run-rule win last night. The Cajuns fell to .500 on the season, and head coach Alyson Habetz, who also played at UL from 1990-95, was revved up after the embarrassing loss.

Cut 6 (13) “make them care more.”

The Cajuns find themselves in jeopardy of missing the postseason for the second straight year. Habetz says her team can still get to where it wants to be, but it will take a complete turnaround.

Cut 7 (12) “…we have to make it happen.”

The Cajuns look to bounce back this weekend as they host Coastal Carolina.

______________________________________________________________

The Louisiana Tech baseball team picked up its seventh straight win on Tuesday night after beating Little Rock nine to three. Just two weeks ago, the Bulldogs had lost eight in a row, but head coach Lane Burroughs says the team has gotten its swagger back.

Cut 8 (15) “…get out of their way.”

Now that the Bulldogs have won seven straight, they head into this weekend’s series with a bigger target on their backs. Burroughs says his team just needs to stay humble and hungry going into their three-game series at Kennesaw State.

Cut 9 (12)  “…fun to coach.”

______________________________________________________________

Amazon is purchasing a Louisiana satellite communications company for nearly 12-billion dollars. President and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc, Michael Hecht, says it’s great news for Covington-based Globalstar…

Cut 10 (10) “… Amazon Leo.”

Globalstar is the primary satellite link for Apple’s iPhone emergency SOS features. In a news release, Amazon says it plans to use Globalstar’s network to enable smartphone users to connect directly to a network of thousands of satellites for voice and data service.

Hecht says Globalstar relocated to the Northshore from California in 2010 and they are now a Louisiana success story…

Cut 11 (09) “…in Louisiana.”

Hecht says news that Amazon has bought a satellite communications company based in St. Tammany Parish broadens Louisiana’s brand for those companies considering doing business in Louisiana…

Cut 12 (07) “…innovative companies”

___________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry is making the rounds on local talk shows touting his support for Constitutional Amendment Three on the May 16th ballot. Amendment Three eliminates three education trust funds and use the money contained in those funds to pay down retirement debt, which will give public school teachers and support workers a permanent raise…

Cut 13 (12) “…tax reform.”

The three education funds that would be dissolved contain about two billion dollars according to the Legislative Fiscal Office. Landry says the money from those funds can be used to pay down a debt of seven billion dollars with the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana…

Cut 14 (09) “…two years.”

In 2023, the Louisiana Legislature provided teachers with a stipend of two-thousand dollars and school support workers with a one-thousand-dollar stipend. The legislature has paid for those stipends ever since, but Landry say passage of Amendment Three makes those temporary pay raises permanent…

Cut 15 (08) “…is permanent.”

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell opposes Amendment Three, He says one of the trust funds has paid out millions for classroom needs over the last 25 years.

12:30 LRN Newscast

A bill requiring some TOPS recipients to repay the state if they lose the scholarship, without a solid reason, advances to the House floor.  Executive director of the Taylor Foundation, James Caillier, testified against the legislation, telling lawmakers, a student who loses a merit scholarship should not be forced to pay it back

Cut 11 (14) “…a scholarship.”

Lafayette Representative Josh Carlson supports the legislation…

Cut 12 (11) “…to be repaid.”

The measure was approved on a six-to-five vote and heads to the House floor.

 

State Police is looking for a dark-colored sedan or small SUV that struck a bicyclist at around 12:30 AM on Sunday on Louisiana Highway 40 in Saint Tammany Parish. The crash claimed the life of 24-year-old Rodrigo Ornelas Junior of Folsom. Trooper Marc Gremillion says anyone with information is urged to contact State Police…

Cut 5 (13) “…8-0-7″

The 22nd-ranked LSU softball team no-hit UL Lafayette in its 8-0 win last night. The Cajuns fell to .500 on the season, and head coach Alyson Habetz, who also played at UL from 1990-95, was revved up after the embarrassing loss.

Cut 6 (13) “make them care more.”

The Cajuns have lost five in a row. They host Coastal Carolina this weekend.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Requiring Louisiana TOPS Opportunity and TOPS Performance recipients to repay their scholarship if they drop or flunk out of college without a good reason, passes out of the House Education Committee on a six to five vote. Laplace Representative Sylvia Taylor asked the bill’s author, Dennis Bamberg, if L-A Gator Scholarship recipients should also be subject to repaying the state…

Cut 13 (10)  “..everything.”

State Police is looking for a driver who struck and killed a bicyclist in St. Tammany Parish. The crash claimed the life of 24-year-old Rodrigo Ornelas Junior of Folsom. Trooper Marc Gremillion says the incident occurred at around 12:30 AM on Sunday on Louisiana Highway 40 in Folsom….

Cut 3 (05) “…fled the scene”

Ornelas Junior was not wearing a helmet but was dressed in light-colored clothing. He died at a local hospital.

Tax Day has arrived and Colleen Crain has tips from a tax professional…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Today is the last day to register to vote or make changes to an existing registration in person or by mail ahead of the May 16 closed party primary. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says that means if you want to vote in the Senate Republican Primary or a Congressional GOP primary, you must be registered as a Republican or “No Party”…

Cut 14 (09) “…vote in.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

Today’s the deadline to file your federal income tax return.  CPA John Theriot with Malcom Dienes in Metairie says if you’re rushing to complete your return to beat today’s deadline, don’t forget to fund your IRAs and HSAs. And remember there are new laws that allow exclusions of some tip income and overtime income if you qualify…

Cut 5 (09) “…your employer.”

Today is the last day to register to vote or make changes to an existing registration in person or by mail ahead of the May 16 closed party primary election. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says if you can’t register or switch your party affiliation in person, you still have until April 25th to do it online at geauxvote.com.

Cut 15 (11) “…those days.

 

A second LSU football player has suffered a season-ending injury this spring. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Front Office Sports is reporting that Louisiana Tech will pay Conference USA an exit fee that’s more than  $8 million. Tech is expected to join the Sun Belt Conference this summer. Louisiana Tech officials say an official agreement with Conference USA has not been finalized.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Requiring Louisiana TOPS Opportunity and TOPS Performance recipients to repay their scholarship if they drop or flunk out of college without a good reason, passes out of the House Education Committee on a six to five vote. Laplace Representative Sylvia Taylor asked the bill’s author, Dennis Bamberg, if L-A Gator Scholarship recipients should also be subject to repaying the state…

Cut 13 (10)  “..everything.”

If this legislation becomes law, TOPS Opportunity and TOPS performance recipients would repay the scholarship dollars they have used up, even though the scholarship money goes to the university not the student. Lafayette Representative Josh Carlson supports the legislation…

Cut 12 (11) “…to be repaid.”

The bill could be heard on the House floor as early as next week.

Its tax day and there are some people seeing higher refunds this year. John Theriot is a CPA with Malcolm Dienes in Metairie and he says recent changes to federal and state income tax laws were designed to put more money in your pocket, but that’s not the only reason for the bigger refunds…

Cut 6 (12) “…bigger refunds”

He says he hasn’t seen the same for self-employed individuals but adjusting  quarterly payments could make a difference.

According to an Associated Press report, the average cost of a new vehicle is 50-thousand dollars. That’s up 30-percent in six years. UNO economist Walter Lane says if you are planning on buying a new car, spreading out the payments over five to seven year period can help reduce the monthly note, or just keep driving what you are driving…

Cut 9 (06) “…historically have”