8:30 LRN Newscast April 25

The Coast Guard has suspended the search for three children in the Mississippi River. An eight-year-old girl, a 14-year-old girl, and a 15-year-old boy entered the water in Algiers near the Crescent City Connection Bridge before sunset on Saturday. A New Orleans TV station reports one of the girls fell into the water, prompting the other two to try and save her.

A bill to allow sexual assault victims to receive a copy of their forensic medical exam is expected to be heard in the Louisiana Senate today…
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields has a bill that would require cable and internet providers to provide refunds automatically if customers are without service for more than 24 hours after a disaster…
cut 8 (10) “….are not metered”
Meaning the bill does not extend to energy providers. The Senate Commerce Committee likes the bill, but asked Fields that when he brings it before the entire Senate that the language in the legislation is tightened.

LSU student-founded Mallard Bay won over 200-thousand dollars in investment cash at a business plan competition hosted by Rice University. Mallard Bay helps sportsmen book guided hunting and fishing trips with charters and outfitters. So what’s next “Shark Tank”, co-founder Logan Meaux.
cut 12 (10) “…gonna go from here”
For more information go to Mallard-bay-dot-com.

7:30 LRN newscast April 25

A bill to allow a sexual assault victim, if requested, to receive a copy of their forensic medical exam is scheduled to be heard in the Louisiana Senate today. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says she was shocked to learn this was even an issue after hearing testimony from former LSU students who claimed they were sexually assaulted.
Cut 4 (09) “…her report.”
Mizell’s measure says a copy must be provided to the patient no later than 14 days after the request is received.

After a disaster strikes outages are likely and paying for your internet or cable that is not working should not be another burden for consumers, so says Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields…
Cut 7 (10) “… have to pay.”
The legislation has passed out of a Senate committee, but Fields is still working on the wording of the legislation to make sure consumers get relief, while also trying to not punish cable and internet providers.

The Pelicans evened their playoff series with the Suns at two games apiece by outscoring Phoenix by 17 points in the second half on their way to a 118 to 103 victory. Suns star Chris Paul was held to four points and turned it over three times. It got testy between C-P-3 and Pelicans rookie Jose Alvarado…
cut 15 (11) “….difficult for him”
The series shifts back to Phoenix for Game 5 on Tuesday

LSU student-founded Mallard Bay won 218-thousand dollars at the Rice University Business Plan Competition. Logan Meaux, co-founder of Mallard Bay, says they will use the money to grow the company which is an Air-b-n-b marketplace where sportsmen and guides can connect…
cut 11 (11) “…across North America”
For more information go to mallard-bay-dot-com.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans evened their playoff series with the Suns at two games a piece by dominating the second half outscoring Phoenix by 17 points on their way to a 118 to 103 victory. Brandon Ingram had 30 points to lead New Orleans. Jonas Valanciunas had 26 points and 15 rebounds and C-J McCollum added 18 points. Suns star Chris Paul was held to four points and he turned it over three times and it got testy between C-P-3 and Pelicans rookie Jose Alvarado, who says it’s just basketball…
cut 15 (11) “….difficult for him”
The series shifts back to Phoenix for Game 5 on Tuesday and Game six will be back in New Orleans on Thursday, the same night as the first round of the NFL draft.

After sweeping Missouri over the weekend, LSU baseball is in third place in the SEC West with a ten and eight record. The Ragin Cajuns are in third place in the Sun Belt after sweeping Georgia State. Louisiana Tech dropped a series against Middle Tennessee and falls four games back of Southern Miss for first place. Nicholls and McNeese are tied for first place in the Southland. Grambling is a half-game back of Prairie View A-and-M for first place in the SWAC West division after sweeping Alcorn State, scoring 67 runs in the process.

At LSU’s spring game, sophomore wide receiver Jack Bech was one of the stars as he caught two touchdown passes. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly calls Bech deceptive…
cut 18 (20) “….that today”

6:30 LRN Newscast April 25

Behind 30 points from Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans evened their best of seven playoff series with the Suns at two games apiece as New Orleans dribbled past Phoenix 118 to 103. Ingram becomes the first player in franchise history to score 30 points or more in three straight playoff games…
cut 13 (13) “…look good”
Game five is Tuesday night in Phoenix.

An LSU student-founded sportsmen’s charter business wins big in a business plan competition. Logan Meaux is the founder of Mallard Bay, which books guided hunting and fishing trips with reputable charters and outfitters. He says at the Rice University Business Plan Competition, they won over $200-thousand dollars…:
Cut 10 (14) “…pitching in the finals.”

Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields has a bill heading to the Senate floor that would require cable and internet service providers to provide rebates after disasters.
Cut 2 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.”

We have rain moving into northwest Louisiana this morning. Shreveport and Monroe could see a half-inch to an inch of rain, while south of I-20 could see over an inch of rainfall today. Showers and thunderstorms will develop in south and central Louisiana later today. Only a marginal risk for severe weather.

Legislative report for Monday April 25

This is the Louisiana Radio Network Legislative Report, I’m Erik Piccoli…

A bill to allow a sexual assault victim, if requested, to receive a copy of their forensic medical exam is scheduled to be heard in the Louisiana Senate today. Bill Author, Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says she was shocked to learn this was even an issue after hearing testimony from former LSU students who claimed they were sexually assaulted…
Cut 4 (10) “…her report.”

Another bill awaiting Senate floor debate is a measure that would require internet and cable providers to provide refunds to customers if they’ve experienced an outage for more than 24 hours following severe weather or a hurricane…
cut 7 (10) “…should not have to pay”
Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields says currently a customer needs to contact their cable or internet provider in order to receive a refund.

The proposal also puts cable and internet providers under the regulatory authority of the Public Service Commission.

Lauren Chauvin (Show-van), executive director of the Louisiana Internet and Television Association, says they do issue refunds and they oppose the bill…
Cut 9 (12) “…on our members.”

A bill staking New Orleans’ claim as the birthplace of Rock and Roll is headed to the house floor.
Cut 20 (35)…I’m David Grubb.”

I’m Erik Piccoli on the Louisiana Radio Network.

Updated LRN AM Newscall for April 25 ###Pelicans sound added###

A bill to allow sexual assault victims to receive a copy of their forensic medical exam is expected to be heard in the Louisiana Senate today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Senator Cleo Fields has a bill on the table that would require cable and internet service providers to provide rebates after disasters. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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An LSU student-founded outdoorsman’s company wins big in a prestigious business plan pitching competition. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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A bill to allow a sexual assault victim, if requested, to receive a copy of their forensic medical exam is scheduled to be heard in the Louisiana Senate today. Bill Author, Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says she was shocked to learn this was even an issue after hearing testimony from former LSU students who claimed they were sexually assaulted.

Cut 4 (10)  “…her report.”

The bill was amended in committee that only a component adult victim may request a copy of the exam from the healthcare provider who performed the examination. Mizell says a copy must be provided to the patient no later than 14 days after the request is received.

Cut 5 (12) “…like that.”

STAR (Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response) Legal Director Morgan LeMandre says it’s about your medical health and victims of other crimes, for example, a gunshot wound, are able to have a copy but not victims of sexual assault.

LeMandre says she and Mizell were told at a sexual assault oversite commission meeting why victims are denied a copy of the report….

Cut 6 (12)  “…through something (right).”

If passed the bill is a companion piece of legislation to Shreveport Representative Thomas Pressly’s, House Bill 313, granting crime victims certain rights.

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After a disaster strikes outages are likely, and paying for your internet or cable that is not working should not be another burden for consumers, says Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields. His Senate Bill 352 would fix that.

Cut 7 (10) “… have to pay.”

Fields says he’s not interested in punishing companies, but in making the process of recovery easier. To emphasize that, he proposed amendments to the bill that limited the scope of when the rebates would take effect and who would be subject to them.

Cut 8 (11)  “…are not metered.”

Fields says currently a customer needs to contact their cable or internet provider in order to receive a refund if they experienced an outage after a hurricane or severe weather. The Baton Rouge lawmaker believes these refunds should occur automatically if the outage lasts more than 24 hours.

The proposal also puts cable and internet providers under the regulatory authority of the Public Service Commission.

Lauren Chauvin, executive director of the Louisiana Internet and Television Association, says they issued millions of dollars in refunds after Hurricane Ida and the bill calls for too many restrictions on service providers…

Cut 9 (12)  “…on our members.”

The amended bill passed through Senate Commerce, with Fields pledging to work on the wording of the legislation before he brings it up for a vote in the Senate.

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An LSU student-founded sportsmen’s charter business wins big in a business plan competition. Logan Meaux is the founder of Mallard Bay, which he describes as a marketplace for booking guided hunting and fishing trips with reputable charters and outfitters. He says they recently were in the Rice University Business Plan Competition, and won over $200-thousand…:

Cut 10 (14) “…pitching in the finals.”

Meaux is the son of WAITR delivery app founder Chris Meaux. He says problems with booking a hunting trip for his dad inspired him to build Mallard Bay from the ground up. In existence for less than a year, Meaux feels Mallard Bay did remarkably well in the prestigious business pitch competition…:

Cut  11 (11)  “…across North America.”  

Only 42 teams competed in the Rice competition, and Mallard took home the fourth largest amount of investments; totaling about $215-thousand. So what’s next for Meaux, his business partners and Mallard Bay? Perhaps an appearance on “Shark Tank?”…

Cut 12 (10) “…gonna go from here.” 

More online at “MallardBay.com”

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Trailing by two at halftime, the eighth-seeded Pelicans outscored top-seeded Phoenix 69-52 in the second half on their way to a 118-103 victory on Sunday night to even up their opening-round series at two games each. Brandon Ingram scored a game-high 30 points, becoming the first player in franchise history to reach that mark in three straight playoff games.

Cut 13 (13) “…look good”

It was an electric weekend in New Orleans, with sold out crowds making their presence felt in both games. Pelicans coach Willie Green says it was something special.

Cut 14 (11)  “…behind us.”

After scoring 31 points in game three, Chris Paul was held to four by the Pelicans, on just 2-of-8 shooting. Herb Jones and Jose Alvarado also forced Paul into three turnovers, one more than he had in the entire series coming in. It got testy between the two in the second half, Alvarado says it’s just basketball.

Cut 15 (11)  “…difficult for him.”

Game five of the series is Tuesday night with game six back in New Orleans on Thursday.

___________________________________________

LSU and Louisiana Tech held spring games on Saturday and both schools are undecided at starting quarterback. In Ruston, TCU transfer Matthew Downing, redshirt senior Parker McNeil and freshman Landry Lyddy are competing to be Q-B 1. Bulldogs coach Sonny Cumbie says it would be hard to name a starter right now

Cut 16 (06)  “…have to do that today.”

Going into spring, many believed it was between Myles Brennan and Jayden Daniels to be the starting quarterback. But Garrett Nussmeier showed he should be considered as well as he threw for a game-high 136 yards and a touchdown. Following the spring game, Tigers Coach Brian Kelly admitted there’s less clarity on who will be the starter…

Cut 17 (17) “ …on the team” 

Jack Bech led the wide receivers with six catches for 56 yards and two touchdowns. Kelly is impressed with the soon-to-be sophomore from Lafayette and calls him deceptive…

Cut 18 (20) “ …that today” 

After a slow start on Saturday, LSU got the running game going. Tre Bradford led the way with 85 yards rushing, Armoni Goodwin had 71 yards on the ground and Josh Williams scored twice and had 51 yards rushing. John Emery also got four carries for 24 yards. Kelly knows they have holes on the team but not at running back…

Cut 19 (20) _“…in this league” 

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After getting swept last weekend at Arkansas, LSU baseball returned home this past weekend to sweep Missouri. Tigers Coach Jay Johnson likes the look of his line-up with freshman Josh Pearson leading-off…

Cut 20 (22) “ …this weekend” 

LSU hosts UNO on Tuesday and then Georgia this weekend.

7:30 LRN Sportscast

I’m Erik Piccoli and This Louisiana Radio Network Sportscast is brought to you by tele-leaf-dot-com, Louisiana’s access to medical marijuana from the comfort of your home….

The Pelicans battled last night, but Suns point guard Chris Paul was fantastic in the fourth quarter again as he scored 19 of his 28 points in the final 12 minutes as Phoenix dribbled past New Orleans 114 to 111. The Suns also got a big night from Deandre Ayton (A-ton) who had a playoff career high 28 points and 17 rebounds. Brandon Ingram had 34 points for the Pels, but it was not enough. New Orleans will try even the series at two games apiece on Sunday when the two teams meet again in the Smoothie King Center.

Spring football games take place in Baton Rouge and Ruston today. A lot of attention will be on the quarterbacks during LSU’s spring game which gets underway at 1 PM. Louisiana Tech’s spring game begins at 11 AM.

Louisiana Radio Network sports.
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In college baseball, there were three walk-off wins involving Lousiaina teams and a perfect game last night. LSU’s Cade Doughty slammed a single into left center field to score the winning run in the tenth inning as the Tigers defeated Missouri four to three to take the series. LSU will go for the sweep this afternoon.

Kade Morris mashed a grand slam in the eleventh inning as McNeese defeated Southeastern Louisiana seven to three. Gary Rowlett drove in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth as Northwestern State defeated Houston Baptist four to three.

Grambling State’s standout pitcher Shemar Page threw a perfect game as the Tigers trounced Alcorn State 16 to nothing. Page struck out 13 and it goes down as the 34th perfect game in NCAA Division One history.

Also last night, the Ragin Cajuns defeated Georgia State five to four, Appalachian State downed ULM five to one and Middle Tennessee knocked off Louisiana Tech seven to three.

This sportscast was brought to you by tele-leaf-dot-com, I’m Erik Piccoli Louisiana Radio Network sports.

LRN PM Newscall April 22

Baton Rouge Police say a four-year-old died after being forced to consume a bottle of whiskey and her relatives are behind bars. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A bill staking New Orleans’ claim as the birthplace of Rock and Roll is headed to the house floor. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (35)…I’m David Grubb.”  

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After a four-year-old Baton Rouge toddler was allegedly forced to drink alcohol and found unresponsive Thursday morning, her mother and grandmother are charged with first-degree murder. BRPD Spokesperson L’Jean McKneely says when officers arrived the family had already attempted to revive China Record by placing her in a tub of cold water.

Cut 3 (11) “…later die.”

The coroner says China Record’s blood alcohol concentration was a deadly point-six-eight-zero. McNeely says the victim’s grandmother 53-year-old Roxanne Record and mother 28-year-old Kadjah Record were both charged, even though the investigation indicates the grandmother forced the child to drink the whiskey.

Cut 4  (10) “…unconscious.”

McKneely says this is just one of many heartbreaking cases where a child’s life ended due to abuse. He says they are trying to raise more awareness of available resources to help those in such situations. McKneely encourages the public to contact them.

Cut 5  (08) “…available.”

The case remains under investigation. Both women are being held in the East Baton Rouge Parish Jail and bond amounts have not been listed

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Houma Representative Tanner Magee considers himself a music aficionado, and as one, something has bothered him for a very long time…the fact that the city of Memphis lays claim as the home of rock and roll. A trip to the legendary Sun Records studio years ago has inspired him to propose HB 889, which would create a rock and roll museum in New Orleans.

Cut 6  (12) “…comes to Memphis.” 

The Dew-Drop-America’s Rock and Roll Museum would celebrate and promote the city and state’s rich musical heritage, as well as the social, cultural, and economic history of rock and roll music near the site of one of the most famous music clubs and hotels in the country.

Cut 7 (12) “…just music.” 

Magee says cities like Memphis have built up cultural tourism sites, leading to increased revenue and that it’s time for Louisiana to start doing the same.

Cut 8 (09) “…all these things.” 

The pill passed House Municipal and now heads to the floor for further debate.

_____________________________________________________

Should Louisiana increase the number of medical marijuana pharmacy licenses? That’s a debate underway in the ongoing legislative session. Current law provides for the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy to issue no more than ten, but Gretna Representative Joe Marino has a bill to increase the limit to 25…

Cut 9 (12) “…access to it.”

The House Health and Welfare Committee has approved Marino’s bill and a full House vote is scheduled next week.

The legislation does not have the full support of the governor. John Bel Edwards says the framework for dispensing medical marijuana is still relatively new in Louisiana and adding more licensee holders could be unfair to the existing ones…

Cut 10 (10)  “…problematic”

Edwards believes it would be better to keep the number of licensed medical marijuana pharmacies to ten….

Cut 11 (11)  “…to have too.” 

Houma Representative Tanner Magee has a bill that’s passed House Health and Welfare that would allow current marijuana pharmacy license holders to have satellite locations.

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Today marks 30 years since the multi-state, big money Powerball lottery game debuted, and Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says the anniversary comes with one of the game’s top twenty jackpot amounts…:

Cut 12 (09) “…for Saturday’s drawing.”  

The estimated Powerball jackpot for Saturday night’s drawing is at just over $400-million. Chopin says ticket sales always soar when jackpots get this high…:

Cut 13 (08) “…for two dollars.”

This far from the biggest Powerball jackpot ever. That was a $1.6-billion sum awarded in January 2016 to winners in California, Florida and Tennessee. Chopin says it’s still good to observe three decades of Powerball with a chance for someone in Louisiana to become a millionaire…:

Cut 14 (09)  “…that multi-state game.”

9:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana House has approved a 38-billion-dollar budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1st. There’s money in the budget to give teachers and college faculty a pay raise and 450-million to upgrade water and sewerage systems. The measure passed on a 94-4 vote. Erath Representative Blake Miguez is one of the four no votes because he’s concerned about a shortfall in the next couple of years when a temporary sales tax expires…
cut 5 (12) “…in the next term”
Governor John Bel Edwards is also disappointed the House did not support his proposal to give law enforcement and firefighters a 100-dollar a month increase in pay…
cut 9 (09) “…there”
The budget is now in the Senate for consideration.

The Pelicans’ success has more birds of a feather flocking together, as fan groups sprout up and meet up to watch the team. David Grubb has more…
Cut 3 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.”

Today is Earth Day and Governor John Bel Edwards, First Lady Donna Edwards and their staffs are picking up litter this morning around the State Capitol as it’s also Love the Boot Week.

The Angola Rodeo returns this weekend at the Louisiana State Penintentary. Tickets are sold out.

8:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana House has passed a $38-billion budget. The legislation is the state’s spending plan for the fiscal year that starts July 1st. Appropriations chairman and Houma Republican Jerome Zeringue says House Bill 1 makes good use of one-time money from the federal CARES act…:
Cut 4 (13) “…one-time expenses.”
The legislation also contains 450-million dollars to upgrade water and sewerage systems.

The search continues for a work release inmate who killed a co-worker at the Foster Farms chicken processing plant in Farmerville. Union Parish Sheriff Dusty Gates says 48-year-old Bruce Causey stabbed the unidentified victim to death, as the two argued…:
CUT 21(08) “…motive behind it.”
Gates says Causey could have fled to the Baton Rouge area.

Local police will increase their enforcement of seat belt use in pick-up trucks. Kevin Gallagher has the story…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

Tonight is Game Three of the Pelicans playoff series against the Suns. It’s the first NBA home playoff game in New Orleans since 2018 and Rel Myers, co-founder of The Pels 12 Fan Group, says the flock will be ready…
cut 15 (09) “….in that first round”
Tonight’s Game 3 is sold out.