8:30 LRN Newscast

Covington Senator Patrick McMath has filed a bill for the upcoming session that would prohibit state-funded schools from serving foods that contain additives

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Board of Regents recommends the University of New Orleans should be managed by the LSU System, instead of the U-L System. UNO is suffering from budget deficits and a decline in enrollment. The Louisiana Legislature will have to approve the move. It’s unclear how a move to the LSU system will help UNO with its financial troubles.

The personal-finance website Wallethub ranks Louisiana as the third most stressed out state in the country. It’s because Louisiana ranks high for average hours worked per week, the lack of sleep, and the percentage of adults in fair or poor health. Wallethub analyst Chip Lupo says Louisiana also has the second lowest median credit score in the country….

Cut 11 (08) “…above fair credit”

That means many Louisiana residents experience trouble getting credit.

But Louisiana has moved up seven spots in the Heritage Foundation’s ranking for election integrity. The Bayou State now ranks second and Secretary of State Nancy Landry credits a package of laws approved last year. She says the legislation prevents fraud…

Cut 8 (13) “…for other people”

7:30 LRN Newscast

Are you stressed out? A new study claims that the stress level in Louisiana is one of the highest in the country. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Hurricanes stress people out. Accuweather has come out with its prediction for the 2025 hurricane season. The weather forecasting company is predicting 13 to 18 named storms, and they are warning hurricanes can rapidly strengthen leading up to landfall.

Covington Senator Patrick McMath has pre-filed a bill for the upcoming regular session that would prohibit state funded schools from serving lunches that contain potentially harmful additives, including dyes and preservatives.

Cut 4 (09) “…straight up toxic.”

Senate Bill 14 also requires restaurants to display on the menu if the food contains seed oils.

New JFK assassination files were released last week and LSU Honors College Dean Jonathan Earle, a US political history expert, has been studying them. Jack Ruby assassinated Lee Harvey Oswald two days after the assassination of Kennedy and Earle says the new documents do not show a connection between Ruby and President Kennedy’s assassination…

Cut 15 (12) “…of the assassination”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

At the NFL draft combine, former LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell’s arms were measured at 32 5-8 inches, which would be short for an offensive tackle in the NFL. At LSU’s Pro Day yesterday, Campbell’s arms measured at 33 inches long. 34-inches is the length NFL teams look for at offensive tackle. There’s talk that Campbell might make a better guard than tackle in the NFL. The former Neville star says offensive tackle is his preferred spot…

Cut 18 (20) “….play tackle”

The eighth ranked LSU baseball team opens an SEC series with Mississippi State tonight. The Tigers are 4-2 in league play, while the Bulldogs are off to a 1-5 start. First pitch is at 7 PM.

Bill Armstrong is the new head men’s basketball coach at McNeese. Armstrong was an assistant at Baylor last season and he was the associate head coach for Will Wade when the two were at LSU. It’s the first head coaching job for Armstrong and he says it’s the perfect place to start his head coaching career…

Cut 16 (17) “…getting that third.”

Tulane is losing its head coach, Ron Hunter to North Texas. Hunter has been the head coach for the Green Wave the last six years and went 89 and 88.

The Lady Techsters defeated Lindenwood in the WNIT Super 16 last night by the final score of 68-64. Paris Bradley had 24 points.

ULM baseball won its second straight in Arkansas, beating Little Rock seven to six. Henry Garcia’s home run in the ninth inning was the difference. Southeastern Louisiana blanked Mississippi Valley State. It’s the Lions sixth shutout of the season, which leads the nation.

6:30 LRN Newscast

A national organization gives Louisiana high marks in election integrity. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Don’t forget Saturday is election day and there are four constitutional amendments on the ballot. Governor Jeff Landry has been traveling the state asking residents to vote for Amendment Two, which rewrites a large section of the constitution that governs taxes. Polls will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM.

Covington Senator Patrick McMath has filed legislation for the upcoming regular session that prohibits state-funded schools from serving food to students that contains specific dyes and additives. McMath’s legislation also would require food manufactures to label products with a warning if the product contains specific artificial colors, additives or chemicals. He says that stuff doesn’t need to be in our food…

Cut 5 (11) “…same company”

A new batch of newly declassified files related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy were recently released. LSU Honors College Dean Jonathan Earle, an expert in U.S. political history and on conspiracy theories, says those newly released files likely do not change anything.

Cut 13 (08)  “…these 60 years.”

LRN AM Newscall March 27

Covington Senator Patrick McMath has filed a bill for the upcoming session that would prohibit state-funded schools from serving foods that contain additives. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A national organization gives Louisiana high marks in election integrity. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A new study shows that the stress level in Louisiana is one of the highest in the country. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Covington Senator Patrick McMath has pre-filed a bill for the upcoming regular session that would prohibit state funded schools from serving lunches that contain potentially harmful additives, including dyes and preservatives.

Cut 4 (09) “…straight up toxic.”

Senate Bill 14 also requires restaurants to display on the menu if the food contains seed oils. The legislation would also require food manufacturers to label products with a warning label if the product contains specific artificial colors, additives, or chemicals. He says that stuff doesn’t need to be in our food….

Cut 5 (11) “…same company.”

McMath says U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.wants to remove artificial dyes from the nation’s food supply…

Cut 6 (12) “…food safety program.”

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Louisiana is celebrating a new ranking by the Heritage Foundation that gives the state high marks for election integrity. Secretary of State Nancy Landry:

Cut 7 (09) “…to number two.”

Secretary Landry says those efforts include new laws passed by the legislature last year that, according to her, makes it harder to cheat in elections while making it easier for people to vote.

Cut 8 (13) “…for other people.”

Landry says those efforts are continuing with new voting equipment coming. She says the new machines will have a paper component to them, printing out a voter’s ballot so that the voter can confirm his or her selections before casting that ballot.

Cut 9 (11)  “…after every election.”

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A new study by WalletHub shows that Louisiana is the third most stressed state in the country. Analyst Chip Lupo:

Cut 10 (09) “…the high costs.”

Lupo says another reason is that Louisiana has the second lowest median credit score in the country.

Cut 11 (08) “…above fair credit.”

With credit scores at that level, that means the majority of Louisiana residents may experience trouble getting credit; and those who do end up paying more in interest rates. And Lupo says those financial burdens oftentimes lead to other stress factors.

Cut 12 (09) “…diagnosed with depression.”

The two most stressed states according to the study are, in order, New Mexico and Nevada. At the other end of the spectrum, the least stressed state in the country is Nebraska.

______________________________________________________

A new batch of newly declassified files related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy were recently released. What new revelations were contained in those documents? LSU Honors College Dean Jonathan Earle, an expert in U.S. political history and on conspiracy theories, says those newly released files likely do not change anything.

Cut 13 (08)  “…these 60 years.”

Earle says one reason why these files have remained under lock and key for so long is because the intelligence agencies have been trying to save face.

Cut 14 (14) “…the Cold War.”

Earle says one thing that the documents did not show was any connection that Jack Ruby had with the assassination of President Kennedy.

Cut 15 (12) “…of the assassination.”

Jack Ruby shot and killed Lee Harvey Oswald on live national television two days after Kennedy was killed. Numerous investigations have concluded that Oswald acted alone in shooting Kennedy to death from the sixth floor of what was then known as the Texas Schoolbook Depository in Dallas.

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Bill Armstrong is the new head men’s basketball coach at McNeese. Armstrong was an assistant at Baylor last season and he was the associate head coach for Will Wade when the two were at LSU. It’s the first head coaching job for Armstrong and he says it’s the perfect place to start his head coaching career…

Cut 16 (17) “…getting that third.”

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Offensive tackle Will Campbell’s arms measured 33 inches at LSU Pro Day, which was a little longer than the measurements taken at the NFL draft combine last month. Campbell says his arms did not grow over the last month. He says the measurements were messed up at the combine. A minimum of 34 inches is standard for offensive tackles in the NFL, but Campbell doesn’t think it matters…

Cut 17 (19)  “…for a reason.”

Campbell could fall out of the Top ten because of his 33-inch arms or a team might move him to guard. The former Neville star says he just wants to get on the field, but offensive tackle is his preferred spot…

Cut 18 (20)  “…play tackle”

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The eight-ranked LSU baseball team begins a three-game series against Mississippi State tonight at Alex Box Stadium. After dropping last weekend’s series at Texas, first baseman Jared Jones is eager to snap a two-game SEC losing streak…

Cut 19 (16) “…yeah” 

LSU is 4-2 in league play, while Mississippi State is 1-5 in the SEC. But Coach Jay Johnson says the Bulldogs have enough talent to end up at the College World Series…

Cut 20 (16) “…great weekend.”

First pitch is at 7 PM.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

At LSU Pro Day, offensive tackle Will Campbell’s arms measured 33 inches. Offensive tackles in the NFL have arms that measure 33 inches or longer. Campbell, who is expected to be a top ten pick, has said the length of his arms has been an overblown topic.

Receiver Kyren Lacy was also at Pro Day. He ran a 4.47 in the 40. Lacy was not at the NFL draft combine last month because of his involvement in a fatal crash in December. State Police have charged Lacy with felony hit and run.

At LSU spring practice, Offensive Coordinator Joe Sloan loves the depth in the wide receiver room…

Cut 19 (17) “…elite level”

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The eight-ranked LSU baseball team scored nine runs in the first inning on their way to a 17-4 win in seven innings over the Ragin Cajuns last night. Jared Jones hit a grand slam to cap off the nine-run first inning. The Tigers begin a series with Mississippi State tomorrow. Coach Jay Johnson said today, no changes with the weekend rotation.

In other action…Nicholls upset 13th ranked Southern Miss eight to five in Biloxi. Andy Miller finished a triple shy of the cycle as he had three hits and drove in two runs. Louisiana Tech defeated Grambling 14 to six. ULM upended Central Arkansas eight to one, Northwestern State over Centenary 11 to 1 and McNeese slammed Southern 15 to 5.

McNeese introduced Bill Armstrong as its new men’s basketball coach today. Armstrong was an assistant at Baylor this past season and Will Wade’s associate head coach at LSU. He told reporters he plans on taking McNeese back to the NCAA Tournament again next season.

1:30 LRN Newscast

Senator Bill Cassidy is downplaying the growing controversy over a group chat plotting military action against Yemen. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Board of Regents has approved a proposal to move the University of New Orleans from the University of Louisiana system to the LSU system. UNO is struggling with finances and its enrollment has declined. The state Legislature must approve the move.

The Landry administration has announced a 39-million-dollar investment in the Renaissance Juvenile Facility in Alexandria. The money will increase the number of beds from 12 to more than 50. State Senator Heather Cloud says by expanding the number of beds, more juvenile offenders from central Louisiana can be rehabilitated in Alexandria…

Cut 10 (14) “…sustainable funding”

Monroe Police has arrested a sixth person for their role in a gang shooting at Hibbett Sports at Pecanland mall last month. 27-year-old Christopher Winfield of Monroe was the latest suspect arrested. Police Chief Victor Zordan says anyone with information is urged to contact Monroe P-D or Crimestoppers…

Cut 14 (13) “…paid for that”

Two people were shot and suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Former Four-term Louisiana U-S Senator J Bennett Johnston has passed away at the age of 92. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat was Johnston’s executive assistant in charge of Louisiana political operations and says the Democrat worked with Democrats and Republicans to bring back federal dollars to Louisiana…

Cut 14 (09) “…priority.”

Johnston also served in the Louisiana Legislature from 1964 to 1972.

Louisiana’s Senior US Senator Bill Cassidy says no one should get fired over military a group chat leak where national security officials accidentally included a journalist from the Atlantic in a text chat that discussed military strikes in Yemen. Cassidy says it was a mistake and no Americans died from this…

Cut 4 (07) “…Afghanistan”

Not everyone in Ascension Parish is happy that Hyundai will build a massive steel manufacturing plant there. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Shreveport City Council has approved a 30-year lease of portions of the Stageworks of Louisiana to Curtis “50 cent” Jackson who plans to transform the facility into a hub for entertainment and sports. The media mogul and rapper has said he wants to bring basketball, boxing, MMA fights, car shows and concerts to the Stageworks building in downtown Shreveport.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU baseball and softball won big over U-L Lafayette last night. At Alex Box Stadium, the Tigers scored nine runs in the first inning and went on to beat the Cajuns 17 to four in seven innings. Jared Jones hit a grand slam to cap off the nine run first inning.

LSU softball spotted the Cajuns a four-run lead and then scored 11 unanswered runs to win 11-4.

Former Lafayette Christian football star Ju’Juan Johnson is spending spring practice at LSU at quarterback. Johnson started at LSU as a defensive back, moved to running back and now he’s at Q-B. Offensive coordinator Joe Sloan is impressed with his skill level…

Cut 17 (17)  “…situations.”

Big win for Nicholls baseball last night as the Colonels upset 13th ranked Southern Miss eight to five in Biloxi. Nicholls grabbed the lead with a four-run seventh inning and Cole Poirrer from St. Amant High School pitched the final 2.1 innings for the save.

In Ruston, Louisiana Tech rallied back from a three-run deficit to beat Grambling 14 to six at the Love Shack. Garrison Berkley hit his third homer in the past two games and Coach Lane Burroughs says it’s good to see the left fielder swing the bat well…

Cut 26 (24) “…hard work”

Tech will host Kennesaw State this weekend, while Grambling is at Jackson State.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Former Four-term Louisiana U-S Senator J Bennett Johnston has passed away at the age of 92. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat was Johnston’s executive assistant in charge of Louisiana political operations and says the Democrat worked with Democrats and Republicans to bring back federal dollars to Louisiana…

Cut 14 (09) “…priority.”

Johnston also served in the Louisiana Legislature from 1964 to 1972.

Environmental groups say Louisiana is sacrificing the health of Ascension Parish residents by allowing Hyundai to build a five-billion dollar steel mill in Donaldsonville. Rural Roots Louisiana and The Bucket Brigade are concerned this plant will be a big polluter with little government oversight. But Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment (QUINT-maw) says  the plant will produce green steel – which means they are not using fossil fuels.

Cut 5 (07) “…attractive to us.”

 

How honest are restaurants when it comes to disclosing where their shrimp comes from? A new report from SEAD (“seed”) Consulting shows Louisiana is actually doing quite well. SEAD Consulting President David Williams says they found a relatively small percentage of Louisiana restaurants being dishonest about where their shrimp is coming from – claiming that it’s coming from the Gulf Coast when in fact it’s not.

Cut 8 (10) “…quite a lot.”

The study found that 58-percent of restaurants in Shreveport are misleading customers into thinking that they’re eating Gulf shrimp when they’re not.

Starting April 5th, Mega Millions will see Mega changes.  Kimberly Chopin with the Louisiana Lottery says Mega Millions will have a higher starting jackpot, improved odds, and a built-in prize multiplier.

Cut 11 (12) “…on their ticket.”

The cost of a ticket is also going up from two dollars to five dollars.