8:30 LRN Newscast

Legislation that sought to create firearm free zones in areas classified as major entertainment districts failed to advance out of House Criminal Justice Committee. Firearm professionals Louisiana political director Chris Patron spoke in opposition…
cut 5 (11) “….need is enforcement”
New Orleans Representative Alonzo Knox is the author of the bill. He’s concerned about more people carry guns in the New Orleans French Quarter because of the state’s new permitless conceal carry law.

Do you have a bunch of fire ant mounds in your yard? LSU Ag Center horticulturist Heather Kirk Ballard says there are some organic options available and one is non-toxic…
cut 9 (12) “….or rotenone”
Kirk Ballard also advises to work with your neighbors so fire ants stay off your block.

Members of the news media and good-government groups strongly oppose a bill supported by Governor Jeff Landry that would prevent journalists and the public from obtaining records that can now be accessed through public records requests. New Orleans investigative TV reporter Lee Zurik says public record requests he obtained helped shine a light on what led to the collapse of the New Orleans Hard Rock Hotel in 2019…
cut 11 (12) “…this law”
Governor Jeff Landry says current public records law stifles deliberative speech.

U-S House Speaker Mike Johnson of Benton has scheduled votes on Saturday for stand alone bills to provide aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. They will be separate votes for each country. But Republicans have said any foreign aid package should also result in improved southern border security. Johnson is facing pressure from his Republican colleagues…
cut 28 (11) “….right think”

7:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Senate approves a bill that would prohibit public schools from teaching that students endure or cause oppression due to their race or national origin. Opponents are concerned this will prevent teachers from doing lessons on racism in America. Denham Springs Senator Valerie Hodges says her legislation will not prevent educators from teaching history lessons…
Cut 29 (09) “…America.”
The bill heads to the House for more discussion.

A proposal to expand gun free zones in New Orleans did not get out of House Criminal Justice Committee. Opponents to the legislation say adding another firearm free zone infringes on a person’s second amendment rights. New Orleans metro councilwoman Helena Moreno says there’s also a bill on the Senate side, so the issue is not dead for this session…
cut 6 (13) “…better shape”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee has approved legislation that makes major changes to the state’s public records law. Opponents to the bill say many documents currently available through public record requests would no longer be available. The bill, which is also touted as legislation to keep the governor and his family safe, passed on a six to two-vote. New Orleans Senator Gary Carter voted against it…
Cut 12 (10) “…know that.”
Governor Jeff Landry says the state’s current public records law is stretched and being weaponized to stifle deliberative speech.

Fire ant mounds are popping up in yards across Louisiana. LSU Ag Center Horticulturist, Heather Kirk-Ballard says each mound could contain up to 200,000 stinging insect…
Cut 7 (12) “…pretty formidable.”
Kirk-Ballard says coordinating efforts with neighbors is the best way to keep fire ant mounds out of your yard.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

No Zion Williamson tomorrow night for the Pelicans and he’ll miss at least the next two weeks after injuring his hamstring in Tuesday night’s loss against the Lakers. New Orleans needs to beat Sacramento tomorrow night or its season is over. The Pels are 5-0 against the Kings, but New Orleans has also struggled at home this season. Tip off is at 8:30 PM.

For the second straight night, the 14th ranked U-L Lafayette baseball team defeated Southeastern Louisiana. Last night the final score in Hammond was eight to one. Conor Higgs hit two solo home runs and the Cajuns are at Coastal Carolina this weekend.

The LSU gymnastics squad will compete in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships today at 3:30 in Fort Worth, Texas as the Tigers are in search of the program’s first national championship. This might be the school’s most talented team. Coach Jay Clark…
Cut 14 (08) “…love to have.”

The LSU baseball team leaves for Columbia, Missouri today as they head to Mizzou looking to snap their five game SEC series losing streak. Coach Jay Johnson has been meeting with players on a one-on-one basis in the hopes of getting this team out of this slump…
Cut 16 (20) “..those guys out”
LSU is 3-and-12 in the SEC and can not afford to lose another SEC series and still make the NCAA Tournament.

In transfer portal news…LSU tight end Connor Gilbreath has entered the transfer portal. Also speedy freshman wide receiver Khai Prean is also leaving LSU.

The Lady Tigers are looking for a point guard in the transfer portal after losing Hailey Van Lith and Angelica Velez to the transfer portal. Van Lith and Velez’s departure leaves LSU with just two point guards on its roster.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approves legislation that critics say will gut the state’s public records law at every level. It would prohibit the public from obtaining any government documents involved in decision-making. Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud, says they are trying to prevent unfinalized information from becoming public…
Cut 10 (11) “…catastrophic.”
Opponents are concerned about not obtaining information on how governmental decisions are made.

Legislation to create a Gun Free Zone in New Orleans’ entertainment district has been tabled. Bill author Representative Alonzo Knox filed the bill in response to the state’s permitless conceal carry law that goes into effect July 4th.
Cut 4 (11) “…a crisis.”

In the springtime, fire ant mounds bring swarms of stinging pests to yards and gardens. Colleen Crain on how to get rid of the tiny tormentors.
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Colleen Crain.”

The second ranked LSU gymnastics squad competes in the semifinal round of the NCAA Championships today at 3:30 in Fort Worth, Texas. Coach Jay Clark has told the team to keep their same mindset…
cut 15 (06) “…be successful

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans say Zion Williamson injured his hamstring late in last night’s loss to Los Angeles and will be unavailable for Friday night’s elimination game against Sacramento. Williamson scored 40 points against the Lakers, but it wasn’t enough and New Orleans must beat the Kings to get into the Western Conference playoffs.

For the LSU Baseball team to get into the NCAA Tournament they will likely need 13 SEC wins. They are 3-and-12 in the league heading into this weekend’s series at Missouri. Teddy Cahill with Baseball America says LSU can not afford to lose another series…
cut 16 (11) “…in Hoover”

Tonight..14th ranked U-L Lafayette is at Southeastern. The Cajuns won yesterday 15 to 8.

Suspended LSU running back Trey Holly pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to a felony gun charge he faces from a shooting that wounded two people in Farmerville on February 15th. Holly’s attorney Mike Small expects his client will be cleared of all charges.
Cut 28 (09) “…about that.”
LSU Coach Brian Kelly expressed optimism earlier this month that Holly’s legal issues could be wrapped up soon. But Holly’s next court date is not until July 3rd.

The LSU gymnastics squad will compete in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships tomorrow afternoon as the Tigers are in search of the program’s first national championship. This is LSU’s 33rd appearance in the NCAA Championships and Coach Jay Clark might have the school’s most talented team…
cut 14 (08) “….love to have”

LRN PM Newscall April 17

The Pelicans will not have Zion Williamson for their do or die matchup against the Sacramento Kings. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Republican Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie joins Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene’s motion to vacate Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House. Jeff Palermo reports Johnson has no plans to leave…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

______________________________________

The Louisiana Senate has approved a bill that would prohibit public school teachers from teaching critical race theory. The bill passed on a 28-11 vote and would prohibit teachers from teaching about systemic racism. Denham Springs Senator Valerie Hodges says her legislation will help preserve a bid to preserve students’ self-esteem

Cut 3 (08) “…national origin.” 

Every Democrat in the Senate voted against the legislation, including New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis. Duplessis is concerned the legislation is too broad and it will impact a teachers’ ability to educate students about subjects that some may find difficult…

Cut 4 (08) “…history be taught” 

Hodges says her legislation will not prevent educators from teaching history lessons…

Cut 5 (09)  “…America.”

The measure heads to the House for more discussion.

____________________________________________________________________

U-S House Speaker Mike Johnson is adamant he is not resigning despite calls from House Republicans who are not happy with his proposals to provide aid to Israel and Ukraine. The Republican from Bossier Parish says efforts to remove him from office are not helpful

Cut 6  (06) “…do our job.” 

Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene filed a motion to vacate the speaker and Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie has suggested Johnson should step down. Johnson says an effort to remove him as speaker does not help House Republicans advance their agenda…

Cut 7 (07) “…very thing”  

Johnson’s aid package proposal for Ukraine and Israel will require support from Democrats, which upsets some Republicans. House Republicans also do not like that Johnson is not requiring more security at the U-S Mexico border as he pushes separate aid bills for Ukraine and Israel.

Johnson refers to himself as a wartime speaker…

Cut 8 (12) “…terribly divided” 

The U-S House has 435 representatives and Republicans hold a single vote majority with 218 seats.

____________________________________________________________________

Parental approval would be needed for a teacher to identify a student by their preferred name or a pronoun that does not match their biological sex as a result of a bill that received House approval. Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews says teachers could still object for religious reasons…

Cut 9 (13) “…that classroom” 

The House approved the bill on a 68- to-30 vote, sending it to the Senate. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says this type of legislation makes it harder on transgender children…

Cut 10 (12) “…in any manner”

_____________________________________________________________________

The Louisiana House has approved legislation that critics have labeled as the “Don’t Say Gay Bill.” It prohibits teachers in K-through-12th grade from discussing gender identity and sexual orientation during class time, or even during extracurricular and athletic events. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton is the author of the legislation…

Cut 11 (08) “…haven’t discussed”

The proposal was approved on a 69-28 vote. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says this is a bill that conservative groups are trying to get states to pass, but it’s really a non-issue…

Cut 12 (12) “…sits in” 

3:30 LRN Newscast

U-S House Speaker Mike Johnson is adamant he is not resigning despite calls from hard line Republicans who are not happy he’s working with Democrats to pass legislation that would provide aid to Israel and Ukraine. The Republican from Bossier Parish says efforts to remove him from office are not helpful.
Cut 6 (06) “…do our job.”

Discussion has begun in the Louisiana House over a proposed bill that would result in the state holding a constitutional convention in May. Governor Landry wants to streamline the state’s current constitution by moving sections of it into state law. New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd says she’s unclear what changes could be made…

cut 15 (09) “…coming from”
The public will have a chance to vote in November on any changes to the state constitution.

The Louisiana House has approved legislation that critics have labeled as the “Don’t Say Gay Bill.” It prohibits teachers in K-through-12th grade from discussing gender identity and sexual orientation during class time, or even during extracurricular and athletic events. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton is the author of the legislation…
cut 11 (08) “…haven’t discussed”
The proposal was approved on a 69-28 vote and heads to the Senate for more discussion.

The Louisiana Senate has approved legislation that would prohibit the teaching of critical race theory in public classrooms. New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis is concerned the legislation is too broad and it will impact a teachers’ ability to educate students about subjects that some may find difficult…
Cut 4 (08) “…history be taught”
The bill’s author, Denham Springs Senator Valerie Hodges, says her legislation will not prevent educators from teaching history lessons.

9:30 LRN Newscast

A bill that would prohibit the state from using the gassing method known as nitrogen hypoxia as a way to carry out a death sentence is heading to the Senate floor. Colleen Crain has more.
Cut 2 (32) “I’m Colleen Crain.”

Governor Jeff Landry has signed emergency declarations for the severe storms and tornadoes that hit the state last week. The governor’s office says the state will provide debris removal assistance to St. Tammany, St. Landry, West Feliciana and Pointe Coupee parishes and shelter assistance to St. Tammany.

The House Governmental Affairs Committee has begun discussions on the bill that would call for a constitutional convention so that lawmakers and delegates chosen by the governor can streamline the state’s constitution and provide better financial flexibility during tough budget times. Former state lawmaker Neil Abramson…
cut 14 (13) “…those decisions’
The House Governmental Affairs Committee continues discussing the bill today.

Suspended LSU running back Trey Holly entered a not guilty plea in a Union Parish courtroom yesterday to the charge of illegal use of a weapon or dangerous instrumentality. His next court hearing is July 3rd. Meanwhile, his defense attorney, Mike Small, has asked for the evidence against Holly. Small says he is working to resolve the criminal case against Holly sooner than later…
cut 11 (09) “…prosecution”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans fought hard last night but came up short and lost to the Lakers 110 to 106. New Orleans will need to beat Sacramento on Friday to keep its season alive. The Pels trailed by 18 points in the third quarter, but Zion Williamson led a big-time comeback, scoring 40 points. But after scoring his 40th point with 3 minutes and 19- seconds left to play, he left the game with an injury and the Lakers outscored New Orleans 15 to 11 the rest of the way. Coach Willie Greene said after the game Williamson had left leg soreness.

The 14th-ranked Cajuns baseball team scored 12 runs in the first three innings and beat Southeastern Louisiana 15 to 7. Trey LaFleur homered and drove in five runs. Same two teams tonight, but in Hammond.

The Tigers doubled up UNO six to three. Jared Jones, Hayden Travinski, and Brady Neal all homered.
____________________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech baseball got back in the win column last night with a six to two win over ULM. Cole McConnell had a two run homer.

The seventh-ranked LSU softball team defeated 25th-ranked U-L Lafayette four to two. Ciara Briggs’ two-run single in the fourth inning was the difference.

Back to the LSU baseball team, the Tigers are 3-12 in the SEC and they will begin a series at Missouri on Friday. LSU will likely need to go 10-5 in the second half of SEC play in order to make the SEC Tournament. Teddy Cahill with Baseball America says the Tigers are better than their SEC record…
cut 18 (19) “…next five weeks

LRN AM Newscall April 17

For Governor Jeff Landry’s first 100 days in office, he’s yet to take his foot off the gas…. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

A bill that would ban the gassing method known as nitrogen hypoxia for the death penalty passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “I’m Colleen Crain.” 

____________________________________________

State lawmakers have begun discussions on holding a constitutional convention next month. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

____________________________________________

Today marks Governor Jeff Landry’s 100th day in office and La-Politics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says politically this milestone signals a new power structure in the state’s executive branch…

Cut 4 (11) “…the legislature.”

Alford says he expects Landry’s tenure in office will be extremely transformative, he’s already replaced the entire tax commission and there’s legislation to give him more control over boards and commissions.

Alford says will be at the Louisiana Department of Health and the state tax code.

From a policy perspective, Alford says the governor for the most part has gotten everything he’s asked for…

Cut 5 (09) “…the agenda.” 

Since January Landry has had two special sessions, one that was court-ordered for redrawing the state’s congressional map that also added the party primaries election structure, and another session focusing on crime. His first regular legislative session began last month.

Alford says is now facing his biggest test, trying to convince lawmakers to hold a constitutional convention.

Cut 6 (11) “…as governor.”

Alford says the reason it looks like Landry is off to a fast start is because he campaigned for the position for years.

_________________________________________________

A bill that would ban the gassing method known as nitrogen hypoxia as a method the state could use in death penalty executions advanced out of Senate committee Tuesday. Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews filed the bill on behalf of the Jewish community. She says the gassing method is triggering for Jewish people…

Cut 7 (12) “…death penalty.”

Representatives from a coalition of Jewish organizations, Jews Against Gassing, spoke before the committee and held a rally on the Capitol Steps. Holocaust Scholar and Loyola professor, Naomi Yavneh Klos (Nay-oh-me Yav-na-close) says the group holds no opinion on the death penalty but strongly opposes the method used by Nazis…

Cut 8 (09) “…antisemitic regime.” 

Aaron Block with the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans says the coalition’s firm position against execution by gassing is not suggesting a comparison to the atrocities committed by the Nazis but…

Cut 9 (08)  “…that mechanism.”

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

________________________________________________________

Suspended LSU running back Trey Holly pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to a felony gun charge he faces from a shooting that wounded two people in Farmerville on February 15th. Holly’s attorney Mike Small expects the former Union Parish football star to be cleared of criminal charges.

Cut 10 (09) “…about that.”

In a Union Parish courtroom, Holly plead not guilty to the charge of illegal use of a weapon or dangerous instrumentality. He was facing attempted second-degree murder, but a Union Parish Grand Jury rejected that charge.

LSU Coach Brian Kelly expressed optimism earlier this month that Holly’s legal issues could be wrapped up soon. But Holly’s next court date is not until July 3rd.

Small says he might be able to speed up the court proceedings based on the prosecution’s evidence…

Cut 11 (09) “…the prosecution.”

Small has requested to see the evidence the prosecution has against his client. He expects to get that information in two to four weeks and at that time he could provide more details on why he believes Holly is not guilty

Cut 12 (12) “…this case.” 

Holly posted on social media days after the shooting that he was not involved in the incident at all and he’s 100% innocent.

__________________________________________________

In a House committee hearing, state lawmakers laid out their concerns over holding a constitutional convention on May 20th, two weeks before the regular session is scheduled to end. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham is worried his bills int he regular session will not receive final passage.

Cut 13 (10)  “…out of time.”

Bayham’s comments came during a legislative hearing on the bill that calls for the constitutional convention. Supporters of the convention want to remove items from the constitution and put them into state law to give legislators more financial flexibility.

Former state lawmaker Neil Abramson told legislators during budget deficits, health care, and higher education take the deep cuts

Cut 14 (13)  “…those decisions.”

New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd is unclear on what changes to the constitution could be made…

Cut 15 (09)  “…coming from.”

Supporters of a revised constitution want voters to vote in November on the changes made during the convention. More discussion is expected today on the constitutional convention.

____________________________________________________

The LSU Tigers are struggling to find their way through this baseball season. The team has found themselves at 3 and 12 in SEC play halfway through the season and with a hard road to make the postseason tournament. Baseball America analyst Teddy Cahill says that the Tigers have two options ahead of them if they want to make the field for the NCAA tournament.

Cut 16 (11)  “…crazy in Hoover.”  

LSU has struggled to produce both at the plate and mound in a timely manner this season and Cahill says that neither the offense nor the defense deserves all the blame for the Tigers struggles.

Cut 17 (14) “…number of things.”

Cahill says that LSU’s 3 and 12 SEC record is not reflective of this year’s team, but he says that the multitude of struggles the Tigers have faced is the cause of the Tigers struggle in SEC play. He predicts that the Tigers will play much better over the next five weeks and that their play will reflect a more accurate representation of what this team is capable of doing.

Cut 18 (19)  “… next five weeks.” 

LSU will try to start its second half of the SEC season off on the right foot when they take on Missouri this weekend.