6:45 LRN Sportscast May 7

Tre Morgan had four hits, including a two-run triple in the eighth inning to put the game away as LSU opened a three-game series at Auburn with an eight to three win on the Plains. Morgan leads the team in hitting with a .375 average and the Tigers improved their league record to 8-and-14. Game two is tonight at 7 and A-J Labas will start on the hill for the Tigers.

The LSU Board of Supervisors has approved new contracts for head women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey and wide receiver coach Mickey Joseph. Mulkey has an eight-year deal that will pay her two-point-five million dollars this year. Joseph’s two-year contract extension will pay him a half-million dollars a year. And the school has a new president, William Tate the fourth becomes the first Black leader of the school.

The Pelicans are at Philadelphia tonight. Brandon Ingram will not play because of a sprained ankle. The Pels are a 1.5 games back of San Antonio for the final spot in the play-in tournament.

Today begins the final home series of the season for the ULM Warhawks who host Texas-Arlington. The Warhawks will recognize their seniors who are wrapping up their collegiate careers. Head Coach Mike Federico
Cut 17 (23) “…conference standings.”
The Warhawks are in last place in the Sun Belt West with a 7-and-11 record, while the Mavericks are in first place with a 10-and-5 record. U-L Lafayette who is 9-and-9 in league play will host North Alabama out of the Atlantic Sun Conference. The Lions have just seven wins on the year.

Also, 14th ranked Louisiana Tech travels to F-I-U. McNeese visits Northwestern State and Nicholls is at Southeastern Louisiana tonight.

6:30 LRN Newscast May 7

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter met briefly with President Joe Biden yesterday during his visit to Louisiana to promote his jobs and infrastructure plan. Biden vowed that if his plan is passed a new I-10 bridge over the Calcasieu River would be built. Hunter says that’s great, but this isn’t the first time they’ve heard that promise…
Cut 4 (12)“…bridge.”

The Louisiana House approved next fiscal year’s 36-billion dollar budget and agreed on how to spend 800 million dollars in federal American Rescue Act funds. Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue highlighted the increased investment in higher education.
Cut 13 (10) “…institutions.”
The proposed spending plans still need Senate approval.

LSU is the first school in the SEC to select a Black president. Brooke Thorington has more on the historic appointment of William Tate IV.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

4:45 LRN Sportscast May 6

LSU sophomore quarterback T-J Finley has entered the NCAA transfer portal. Finley was 2-and-3 last season as a true freshman starter and threw 941 yards, five touchdowns and five interceptions. USA Today Network, LSU Beat Reporter Glen Guilbeau says Finley showed some promise, but he wasn’t consistent enough…
cut 10 (11) “…of games”
Johnson is entering his sophomore season and will battle with veteran Myles Brennan for the starting quarterback duties.

Calvary Baptist Quarterback Landry Lyddy announced on Twitter that he has committed to Louisiana Tech. Lyddy led the Cavaliers to a Division Four state championship last year as he threw for 35-hundred yards, 43 touchdowns and three interceptions.

The Ragin Cajuns have announced they will play Michigan State in East Lansing in September of 2024.

The LSU baseball team begins a three-game series tonight at Auburn. The latest projections for the upcoming NCAA Tournament do not show the Tigers as one of the 64 teams making a regional. But if LSU can rack up some wins, they can still get in the NCAA Tournament, based on their strong strength of schedule. LSU reliever Devin Fontenot says they control their own fate…
cut 18 (25) “…deserve to be”
First pitch tonight is at 6:30.

Also this weekend, Louisiana Tech is at F-I-U, ULM hosts Texas Arlington, the Ragin Cajuns face North Alabama, Nicholls battles Southeastern Louisiana and McNeese is at Northwestern State.

LRN PM Newscall May 6

Four women accusing LSU Health Shreveport Chancellor of fostering a toxic and discriminatory workplace spoke about their decision to file an EEOC complaint against the school. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________________

President Biden pushed for the passage of the American Jobs Plan during a visit to Lake Charles, a city that could use a new bridge and hurricane recovery dollars. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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In addition to providing a digital copy of your driver’s license LA Wallet now offers the ability to store a copy of your COVID vaccine card. Governor Edwards says it’s optional and free of charge.

Cut 3 (04)  “…information” 

Edwards says users can be assured their health information is protected with the LA Wallet and the ability to have a copy of your vaccine status in the application is ideal for residents who tend to misplace things.

Cut 4 (08) “…lose them.” 

If you don’t have a smartphone you also have the option to receive a printed copy of your vaccine records from a parish health unit or any provider that administers vaccines and uses the LINKs system.

LA Wallet launched in 2018 to provide a digital copy of your driver’s license. Edwards says the additional feature for your vaccine status is completely voluntary.

Cut 5  (10)  “…allows.”

The LA Wallet app is free and available for download on the Apple App and Google Play stores.

__________________________________________________

Four women who filed EEOC complaints alleging they suffered sexual harassment and discrimination at LSU Health Shreveport are calling for Chancellor G.E. Ghali to be removed. Attorney Allison Jones represents the four high-ranking members of the school. Jones says Ghali created a toxic work environment hostile to women.

Cut 6 (10) “…behavior”

Jones highlighted behavior by administrative employee Dr. Scott Kennedy, alleging his routine harassment of female coworkers was allowed by Ghali.

Jones says her clients hoped to address the situation privately, but instead the LSU Board of Supervisors held an executive session where politicians were invited, but the media and accusers were barred.

Cut 7 (07) “…situation.”

An internal investigation by the school looked into the complaints but did not find any Title Nine violations. Ghali is currently on leave, but denies the allegations.

Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Jen Woerner is one of the accusers. She says this decision wasn’t easy…

Cut 8 (11) “…truth”

An LSU Health Shreveport spokesperson responded saying “LSU Health Shreveport does not comment on personnel matters.”

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LSU quarterback TJ Finley has officially entered his name into the transfer portal.  Finley started five games for the Tigers last season after an injury to Myles Brennan, but was replaced late in the year by Max Johnson.  USA Today Network LSU Beat reporter Glen Guilbeau says after spring practice Finley saw the writing on the wall.

Cut 9 (12) “…play much”

The Ponchatoula native threw for 941 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions in 2020.  While Finley showed some promise, Guilbeau says he wasn’t consistent enough.

Cut 10 (11) “..of games” 

Even though Finley’s time in Baton Rouge didn’t go as planned, Guilbeau is still confident that Finley can have a nice career.

Cut 11 (11) “…than ever”

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President Joe Biden was in Lake Charles today to tout his American Jobs Plan, which he says will create millions of jobs to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure. Biden says this legislation would result in tax hikes for the wealthiest Americans to pay for new roads and bridges, like the Calcasieu River Bridge…

Cut 12 (12)   “…this important” 

Biden says over 80-thousand vehicles a day use the I-10 bridge in Lake Charles and it’s one of 45-thousand bridges in the US that are structurally deficient.

Republicans do not support Biden’s plan. House Republican Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana says the President is promoting a budget-busting tax hike that will force middle-class jobs overseas. But Biden says his plan would result in over 16-million American jobs and is willing to meet with GOP legislators to find common ground

Cut 13 (11)“…to compromise.”

The other issue surrounding Mr. Biden’s trip to Lake Charles is hurricane recovery. Local officials say Hurricane Laura devasted the region and Congress has yet to approve a disaster relief package. The President says he believes residents in southwest Louisiana need the help and he’ll make sure they get it

Cut 14 (10) “..I’ve observed” 

_________________________

House Labor approves legislation prohibiting employers from retaliating against employees for sharing salary information with each other, and from asking about applicants’ previous wage history. Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Carpenter says in 2013 the Legislature passed legislation allowing state employees to share salary information and it narrowed the gender pay gap.

Cut 15 (09) “…percent.” 

Carpenter says 19 states have passed similar pay transparency laws.

Carpenter says blocking employers from asking about applicants’ wage history ensures they don’t get lowballed when taking a new job.

Cut 16 (09) “…retirement” 

The legislation is opposed by the National Federation of Independent Businesses.

11:30 LRN Newscast May 6

President Joe Biden will arrive in Lake Charles in the next hour to promote his two-point-three trillion-dollar infrastructure plan. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the state has had ongoing infrastructure needs for decades and Biden’s American Jobs Plan provides a solution.
Cut 5 (11)“…achievable.”
The President will speak in front of the Calcasieu River Bridge, which is 20 years past its designed lifespan. Mr. Biden will also stop in New Orleans this afternoon to visit the city’s Carrollton Water Plant.

A CDC report shows the U-S birth rate has fallen to its lowest point in more than a century. For women between the ages of 20 and 34, the birth rate has declined at least four percent from 2019 to 2020. LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Doctor Robert Maupin says this is reflecting a cultural shift among young women…
cut 8 (08) “….family”
Birth rates for women in their late 30s and 40s have increased slightly.

With no debate, the Senate overwhelmingly agrees to advance Senator Beth Mizell’s bill to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Louisiana House approves legislation that would allow individuals over the age of 21 to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. The Senate has approved similar legislation, but Governor John Bel Edwards likes that handgun owners have to receive training to get a permit to conceal carry and could veto the legislation once it reaches his desk.

9:30 LRN Newscast May 6

President Biden will make two stops in Louisiana today as part of his Getting America Back on Track tour. Brooke Thorington has more on what he’s expected to spotlight.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The LSU Board of Supervisors is expected to name a new LSU System president and chancellor today. U-L System leader Doctor Jim Henderson, Kelvin Droegemeier, and William Tate are the finalists. Sources tell Louisiana Radio Network that Tate has the inside track to get the job. He’s the Provost and Executive Vice President for South Carolina’s Office of Academic Affairs.

The Louisiana House approves legislation that would allow those 21 and older to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. The bill’s author, Thibodaux Representative, Bryan Fontenot, says over a dozen states allow individuals to carry concealed weapons without a permit…
cut 13 (11) “….standing ehre”
A similar measure has passed the Senate. Governor Edwards has indicated he would veto both bills.

The US birthrate dropped four percent in 2020 compared to 2019, putting the country “below replacement levels” meaning more Americans die annually than are born. LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Dr. Robert Maupin says the decline is partially COVID-related but also advances in contraceptive access and options…
Cut 7 (10) “…time.”

8:30 LRN Newscast May 6

President Biden will visit New Orleans and Lake Charles today to promote his plan to raise corporate taxes in order to pay for billions of dollars in upgrades to roads and bridges. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says the President’s Getting America Back on Track Tour is comparable to former President Franklin D Roosevelt’s response to the Great Depression…
Cut 4 (07)“…today.”
The President will speak in front of the Calcasieu River Bridge this afternoon, which is 20 years past its designed lifespan.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says Louisiana’s COVID percent positivity rate is below three percent with six out of nine medical regions seeing week-to-week case decreases.…
cut 14 (12) “….per capita”
But state officials are concerned about the declining demand for the COVID vaccine.

Louisiana residents 21 years and older can carry a concealed handgun without a permit under a bill approved by the House. Belle Chasse Representative Mack Cormier was one of 73 House members who voted for the measure…
cut 11 (08) “….good bill”
28 Representatives voted against. A similar measure has also passed the Senate, both bills could be vetoed because Governor Edwards says the training needed to get a permit should stay in place.

A CDC report shows the U-S birth rate has fallen to its lowest point in more than a century. For women between the ages of 20 and 34, the birth rate has declined at least four percent from 2019 to 2020. LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Doctor Robert Maupin says this is reflecting a cultural shift among young women…
cut 8 (08) “….family”
Birth rates for women in their late 30s and 40s have increased slightly.

7:30 LRN Newscast May 6

With no debate, the Senate overwhelmingly agrees to advance Senator Beth Mizell’s bill to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Louisiana House has approved a bill that would remove the need for a permit in order to carry a concealed handgun. Similar legislation has also passed in the Senate, but Governor Edwards opposes the idea.

President Biden will be in Lake Charles and New Orleans today to promote his plan to spend trillions of dollars on an infrastructure plan.

The state health department reports 27-percent of the state’s residents are fully vaccinated while 32-percent have received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says with the demand for the vaccine waning, they are moving away from mass vaccine events and into targeted community outreach, like a new program that vaccinates homebound individuals at their home…
cut 16 (09) “….vaccine”

The U-S Birth Rate has fallen to its lowest point ever after falling four percent from 2019 to 2020. LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Doctor Robert Maupin says COVID likely played a role in the steep decrease…
cut 9 (11) “….year and a half”

6:45 LRN Sportscast May 6

LSU Quarterback TJ Finley has reportedly entered the transfer portal. Finley started five games last season as a true freshman, but the former Ponchatoula star appeared to be the third quarterback on the depth chart heading into preseason camp, behind Max Johnson and Myles Brennen.

Longtime Louisiana Tech SID Malcolm Butler has been named the new voice of Bulldog football and men’s basketball replacing Tech Hall of Famer Dave Nitz. Nitz has scaled back his duties to just calling baseball games. Butler has spent the last 22 years of his life working in La Tech Athletics.

The LSU Board of Supervisors meets today to approve new women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey’s contract. The former Hammond High standout and Lady Techsters star has agreed to an eight-year contract that will pay her 2.5 million dollars in her first season and grow to 3.3 million dollars by 2029.

The LSU baseball team begins a series tonight at Auburn in the need of victories in order to make the SEC and NCAA tournaments. There are just three SEC series remaining in the regular season and while every series is important, coach Paul Mainieri wants to take a game-by-game approach.
Cut 17 (15) “…one game at a time.”
Tonight’s game will begin at 6:30. Junior right-hander Landon Marceaux will start for the Tigers and face an Auburn offense that ranks third in the SEC in hitting.

Last night in college baseball, Southeastern Louisiana knocked off 20th ranked Southern Miss five to three. Seven Lions pitchers held the Golden Eagles to three hits.

ULM was held to four hits and lost to Jackson State four to two. The Warhawks begin a Sun Belt series tomorrow as they host U-T Arlington.

6:30 LRN Newscast May 6

A bill to allow citizens 21 and older to carry a concealed handgun without a permit received approval from the Louisiana House on a 72-29 vote. Representative Aimee Freeman spoke against the bill and read a statement from New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson.
Cut 10 (08) “…violence.”
But the bill’s author Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot says Constitution says citizens have the right to possess firearms and they should be able to do so without a permit.

President Joe Biden will be in Louisiana today to promote his two-point-three trillion-dollar infrastructure plan with stops in Lake Charles and New Orleans. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the state has had ongoing infrastructure needs for decades and Biden’s American Jobs Plan provides a solution.
Cut 5 (11)“…achievable.”

As the statewide vaccination campaign stalls out officials are looking for ways to begin a more targeted, grassroots approach. Matt Doyle has more on a program aimed at vaccinating homebound Louisianans…
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”