11:40 LRN Sportscast

Cornerback Derek Stingley Junior showed off his speed during LSU’s pro day that could result in him being selected in the top ten in the upcoming NFL draft. Stingley missed most of his junior season with a foot injury and showed no lingering effects yesterday as he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds. He also posted impressive numbers in the vertical jump and individual drills….
cut 18 (11) “….good to go”

There are reports the Saints are interested in a reunion with Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Houston is looking to trade the 28-year-old who has 8,364 receiving yards in the NFL since 2014. But the Saints are one of a number teams who have inquired about Cooks, who was drafted by New Orleans.

Former LSU golfer Sam Burns will make his Master’s debut today. Burns, who has won three titles on the PGA Tour, will tee off at 12:19. Burns best finish at a major is a tie for 29th at the 2019 PGA Championship.

The Pelicans are back home tonight to host the Trail Blazers. New Orleans is in the play-in tournament and has a chance to host an elimination game between them and San Antonio. The Pels have a one-game lead over the Spurs with three games left.

In college baseball last night, the Ragin Cajuns scored seven runs in the sixth inning to come back from a six to one deficit to beat Louisiana Tech eight to six. Cooper Rawls earned the win as he relieved an ineffective Peyton Havard to strike out 12 in 7.2 innings.

Also last night, Southeastern Louisiana, Nicholls, and McNeese won, but Northwestern State opened an eight-game road trip with a 9-6 loss to Lamar.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Adults recruiting juveniles to commit car jackings would be illegal under legislation approved unanimously by the Louisiana House. The bill’s author, New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says he wants to hold adults accountable for a crime that’s creating fear in the city he loves…
Cut 3 (12) “..our parish”
The proposed law says violators would face sentencing between five and 20 years. The measure heads to the Senate for more discussion.

A bill that would prohibit smoking weed while driving or riding in a car has advanced out of the Louisiana House. The measure is by Metairie Republican Representative Laurie Schlegel…:
CUT 15 (11) our roads safe”
The proposal passed the House 66-31 and now heads to the Senate.

Lake Charles Police announce the arrest of 11 individuals for their role in the death of a six-year-old girl who was fatally shot as she watched TV in her home on March 20th. Police Chief Shawn Caldwell hopes these arrests give the family of Draya Guillory a sense of closure.
Cut 9 (12) “…(NawfSideBabies) Northside Babies.”
Caldwell says bonds on some of those 11 arrested are as high as 2.5 million and they expect to make more arrests.

A House committee approves a bill that would remove the party affiliation of a judge on a voting ballot. The vote was 9-3 with a few GOP lawmakers opposing like Haughton Representative Dodie Horton…:
Cut 11 (07) “adheres to”
Despite the opposition, the measure heads to the House floor for more discussion

10:30 LRN newscast

The House Committee looking into the death of Ronald Greene is scheduled to hear from district attorney John Belton today. He can bring state charges against the troopers involved in the fatal arrest. Also today in Senate Education, a debate will take place over a proposal to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports. La-Politics-dot-com Jeremy Alford says it’s an important issue for GOP lawmakers…
cut 6 (12) “….are you”

Many people complain of having a hard time trying to recall when recent events occurred. Head of Psychiatry at LSU Health New Orleans, Doctor Rahn Bailey, says we tend to link memories with emotional events, like weddings and graduations, and the lack of those occasions because of the pandemic plays a part in our recall.
Cut 8 (13) “…get out of.”

Despite some objection, the House Governmental Affairs Committee approves a measure that would prohibit political party affiliation from being shown on a ballot next to a judicial candidate. Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges voted against it, because she says voters deserve to do know who they are voting for…
cut 12 (12) “…or independent”
But House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski, who is an attorney by occupation in Crowley, says judges support this legislation…
cut 13 (10) “….liberal judges”
The bill passed on a nine to three vote and it heads to the full House for consideration.

The hurricane forecast team at Colorado State is predicting 19 named storms for the upcoming hurricane season.

LRN Am Newscall April 7

A Senate committee is scheduled today to take up a second attempt to ban transgender athletes in women’s sports. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

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If you find yourself having trouble remembering when things occurred over the last two years, there are a few reasons why your memory might be fuzzy.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A bill heading to the House floor would remove party affiliation from the ballot for judicial candidates. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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Today, the Senate Education Committee is scheduled to discuss a transgender athlete ban. Franklinton Republican Senator Beth Mizell brings the bill again after it was vetoed by Governor Edwards last year. An attempt to override that veto failed. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says Edwards nixed the bill  because he saw it as a “solution looking for a problem”, however…:

Cut 4 (15)  “…in Louisiana.”

Called the “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act”, the bill seeks to assure female athletes do not have to face unfair competition from athletes who are bigger, faster and stronger because they were once men. It passed in both chambers last year, but failed in a veto override attempt. Alford says GOP majorities in both chambers are anxious to send the bill to the Governor’s desk again…:

Cut 5 (08) “…for quite a while.”

Alford says this is a hot-button issue with conservative members of the Republican party, and many lawmakers are thinking of their re-election campaign next year. He says being on the wrong social side of this social issue could be costly…:

Cut 6 (12)  “…kind of Republican are you?”

The bill is scheduled today before the Senate Education Committee.

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Besides changing our normal way of life, it appears the pandemic might have also impacted our memory. When it comes to recalling exactly when something happened over the last two years things are a bit fuzzy for some of us. Head of Psychiatry at LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Rahn Bailey says general anxiety can impact cognition.

Cut 7 (10) “…forward with them”

Bailey says is COVID responsible for increasing our anxiety ranging from worries if you’ll catch the virus, to financial anxieties over the last two years.

The pandemic has also forced us to cancel many annual events. Bailey says we tend to link memories with emotional events, like weddings and graduations, and the lack of those occasions plays a part in our recall.

Cut 8 (13)  “…get out of.”

And while it’s too early to tell if the virus itself impacts cognition, Bailey says we’ll have to wait on research from long-term studies. But if you are finding difficulty remembering things and previous strategies to recall things aren’t working Bailey encourages you to ask for help.

Cut 9 (10)  “…helpful.”

If you are in need of counseling, you can call the Keeping Calm Through COVID Hotline at 1-866-310-7977.

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The House Governmental Affairs Committee approves a bill that would remove from a voting ballot the party affiliation of a candidate running for judge. Marrero Representative Kyle Green says party should not matter, because judges should be non-partisan

Cut 10 (12) “…on the ballot.”

The bill was approved by the committee on a nine to three vote. A few Republican lawmakers opposed, including Haughton Representative Dodie Horton…

Cut  11 (10)  “…adheres to.”  

Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges says voters deserve to know who they are voting for

Cut 12 (12) “…or independent”

House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski, who is an attorney by occupation, says judges support this legislation…

Cut 13 (10) “…the other yesterday.”

The measure heads to the House floor for more discussion.

___________________________________________________

On the House Floor Wednesday, Metairie Republican Representative Laurie Schlegel continued to make her case for HB 234, which would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in any form while either driving or riding in a motor vehicle on public highways.

Cut 14 (10)  “…while it’s operating.”

Schlegel was asked if the intent of her bill was to target those who smoke marijuana. In response, she cited studies from multiple states showing increased numbers of fatal vehicle crashes post-legalization and touted her own record on decriminalization.

Cut 15 (11)  “…our roads safe.”

Violators would face a 100-dollar fine if the proposal become law. Some lawmakers are concerned about the enforcement as Schlegel received several questions about that issue…

Cut 16 (12)  “…hold them accountable.”

The bill passed the House on a 66-31 vote and now heads to the Senate for more discussion.

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LSU held its annual Pro Day for NFL scouts on Wednesday and no workout was more anticipated than that of cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. After exploding onto the scene as a freshman for the 2019 National Champs, Stingley only played in 10 games over the last two seasons. Stingley said he was confident he would perform even after the long layoff.

Cut 17 (13) “ …a little kid.” 

Stingley had been recovering from a torn ligament he suffered in his left foot last September that required surgery. He showed no lingering effects from the injury after clocking in unofficially with a 4.37-second 40-yard dash and posting impressive numbers in the vertical jump and individual drills.

Cut 18 (11) “ …good to go.” 

Besides the measurable numbers, like his 40 time or the bench press, Stingley is confident that he has the skills and makeup to be the top corner, if not the top player selected in the draft.

Cut 19 (20) _“…how it goes.” 

LRN PM Newscall

A bill to ban the release of most mug shots passes the Louisiana House. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Legislation to limit the number of insurance adjusters for a single claim to three, produces more questions than answers in the Senate Insurance Committee. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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The Louisiana House approves legislation that would prohibit the release of an arrestee’s mug shot before they are convicted. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says mug shots are prejudicial…

Cut 3 (07) “..undermines that”

Duplessis has a few exceptions to his legislation if the person is a fugitive or police determine the individual is an imminent threat. But Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews is concerned the banning of mug shots will have a negative impact on public safety…

Cut 4  (10) “…person”

Duplessis says the release of a mug shot before a conviction can cause irreversible harm to a person, especially if the criminal charges are dropped…

cut 5  (07) “…personal life”

The measure passed on a 75-21 vote and heads to the Senate for more discussion.

____________________________________________________

After the Department of Veterans Affairs recommended the closure of the Alexandria VA Medical Center in Pineville last month, Congresswoman Julia Letlow reached out to VA Secretary Denis McDonough. Letlow says she told him closing the hospital is unacceptable.

Cut 6  (11) “…hospital open.” 

The report suggests relocating some VA services to a new outpatient clinic in the vicinity of Alexandria and that the current 1950 constructed facility would cost an estimated $157 million to correct to current standards.

After meeting with him personally, Letlow says she’s encouraged by the open dialogue she’s established with Secretary McDonough about the VA facility in the 5th Congressional District.

Cut 7 (06) “…heroes.” 

The report states the estimated enrolled veteran population for CenLa is expected to decline by 288 over a ten-year period and that along with construction costs led to the recommendation of closure. The same report also called for a complete rebuild of the VA Medical Center in Shreveport.

Letlow says she will continue to meet with McDonough in an effort to keep the Pineville facility open.

Cut 8 (09) “…the region.” 

_________________________________________

Louisiana is receiving $40 million in federal grant funding for flood mitigation. It’s part of the “Swift Current” initiative that’s funded by President Biden’s Infrastructure law that’s allocating $60 million to four states impacted by Hurricane Ida. FEMA spokesperson Melissa Wilkins says the money will assist disaster survivors whose homes flood repeatedly.

Cut 9 (10) “…Hurricane Ida.”

To be eligible buildings must be insured through the National Flood Insurance Program to be considered for the funding opportunity.

Wilkins says the goal of the program is to help homeowners get protection for their structures.

Cut 10 (07)  “…comes through.”

Wilkins says FEMA has reduced the grant application process by developing pre-calculated benefits for those eligible for mitigation projects. The application process is open now until October 3rd.

Cut 11 (08)  “…floodplain manager.”  

For more information visit grants.gov and search Swift Current.

_____________________________________________________

The Senate Insurance Committee discusses whether there should be a law on the number of adjusters an insurance company use for a single claim. Executive Director for Real Reform Louisiana Eric Holl says after the recent hurricanes some policyholders have dealt with over a dozen adjusters

Cut 12 (09) “…south Louisiana” 

New Orleans Senator Joseph Bouie has a bill that would limit the number of adjusters for a single claim to three. But Bossier City Senator Barrow Peacock says an adjuster can be anyone that touches a case and limiting the number of adjusters could end up hurting the consumer

Cut 13 (13) “…whatever number”

Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot says “adjuster churning” needs to be addressed, but multiple adjusters have been needed in some cases, because the state has been hit by multiple hurricanes during a pandemic and finding licensed adjusters is also difficult…

Cut 14 (09)  “…perfect storm.”

After hearing concerns about his bill, Bouie says he’ll tighten up the language and bring it back before the committee at a later date, but believes there should be a limit on the number of adjusters that work on a single claim…

Cut 15 (11) “…they know” 

11:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana House approves legislation that would prohibit the release of an arrestee’s mug shot before they are convicted. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says mug shots are prejudicial…
Cut 3 (07) “..undermines that”
Duplessis has a few exceptions to his legislation if the person is a fugitive or police determine the individual is an imminent threat. The measure passed on a 75-21 vote and heads to the Senate for more discussion.

Fifth District Congresswoman Julia Letlow says she met with Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough to discuss the proposed closure of the Alexandria V-A hospital. Letlow says closing this facility in Pineville is unacceptable…
cut 6 (11) “…hospital open”
The V-A report says they could modernize services if they had a smaller outpatient clinic with 48 beds in the vicinity of Alexandria.

Leaders of Louisiana law enforcement are urging legislators to invest millions yearly in early education plans aimed at keeping kids away from a life of crime. St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne says numerous studies indicate it’s better to invest in young kids before they enter the criminal justice system…:
Cut 10 (06) “…a life of crime.”
Champagne is among lawmen asking state government to approve $115-million yearly in care & education programs to reach kids.

This fall at Nicholls State the university will welcome pets to the state’s first pet-friendly residence hall. Director of Residential Living Alex Coad says they’ll have space for 32 pets at North Babington Hall because the university understands how pets enhance our quality of life.
Cut 7 (07) “…car or dog.”
Coad says this goes beyond service and emotional support animals that are allowed for students through a separate waiver.

8:30 LRN Newscast April 6

The Louisiana House Transportation committee put the brakes on a bill that sought to prohibit tolls on existing interstates. Sulphur Representative Les Farnum says toll money should not be used to fund a new I-10 bridge in Lake Charles, but DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says tolls could be necessary…:
Cut 23 (06) “…additional revenue.”
The bill failed by a vote of 6 “yeas” to 9 “nays.”

Nicholls State will be the first college campus in Louisiana to have a pet-friendly residence hall in the fall. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

West Monroe Senator Jay Morris says he has a package of bills addressing the increase in violent crime. He’s calling it a safer Louisiana Agenda. Morris says these bills, along with those introduced by other legislators are the start of a multi-year effort to reverse the trend of letting violent offenders back on the streets
Cut 4 (09) “…something about it.”
Morris says a large part of the problem is light sentences, particularly for repeat offenders.

The state fire marshal’s office announces two elderly people have died from a house fire that took place on March 27th in Amite. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the home had working smoke alarms, but due to the mobility limitations of the victims that early warning was not enough. She says that’s why it’s important to have a planned and practiced home escape route…
cut 15 (08) “…help you out”

7:30 LRN Newscast April 6

Louisiana law enforcement leaders urge legislators to support funding aimed at keeping kids in school and OUT of jail…
cut 3 (33) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher”

A bill that would prohibit tolls from going up on Louisiana’s existing interstates failed to get out of the House Transportation Committee. Meanwhile, the full House approves a bill that would restrict law enforcement from releasing mug shots of individuals not convicted of a crime.

West Monroe Senator Jay Morris is working to pass a package of bills that he says will address the rising rate of violent crime. Morris says part of the problem is the state is light on prison sentences, particularly for repeat offenders…
cut 5 (10) “….again”
Morris says he also wants to get the Attorney General involved when a local district attorney cannot or refuses to initiate a prosecution.

Nicholls State University says next fall they will have the state’s first pet-friendly dormitory for students. Pets will be limited to cats or dogs and there are no breed or weight restrictions. Director of Residential Living Alex Coad says the response has been positive…
Cut 8 (10) “…another building.”
Coad says they’ll have space for 32 pets at North Babington Hall.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Today is Pro Day on the LSU campus as NFL scouts are in Baton Rouge to watch Tiger football players go through a variety of drills. Working out for the first time for NFL teams will be cornerback Derek Stingley, who has recovered from a foot injury that forced him to miss most of his junior campaign. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says talent is not the question with Stingley, availability is…
cut 17 (18) “…..calm some nerves”
Stingley could be a top ten pick.

Former LSU Tiger and free-agent safety Tyrann Mathieu visited with the Saints yesterday. Mathieu walked out of their building without a contract.

After starting the season 1-and-12, the Pelicans are in the playoffs after beating Sacramento 123 to 109 last night. Jaxson Hayes and C-J McCollum led the way as each had 23 points. The Pels will be in the play-in tournament and will play the Clippers if New Orleans holds on to the ninth seed.

Will Zion Williamson be available for a postseason run? Zion’s stepfather, Lee Anderson, told the Jordy Cullota Show that he expects Williamson will play this season and the former number one pick is happy to be with the Pels.

LSU baseball trounced Grambling 16-3 last night as Hayden Travinski hit two home runs and Louisiana Tech topped U-L Lafayette seven to three.

6:30 LRN Newscast

West Monroe Senator Jay Morris says he has a package of bills that he calls a Safer Louisiana Agenda. Kevin Gallagher has the story…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

State Police say a lieutenant with the Louisiana Department of Corrections was killed early yesterday morning when his vehicle crashed into a tree that fell across a Webster Parish highway. 65-year-old Gene Latin of Gloster was pronounced dead at the scene, despite wearing a seatbelt. The DOC says Latin was heading to Ochsner LSU Health hospital in Shreveport to perform security duties for prisoners admitted to the hospital.

Leaders of Louisiana law enforcement are urging legislators to invest millions yearly in early education plans aimed at keeping kids away from a life of crime. St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne says numerous studies indicate it’s better to invest in young kids before they enter the criminal justice system…:
Cut 10 (06) “…a life of crime.”
Champagne is among lawmen asking state government to approve $115-million yearly in care & education programs to reach kids.

This fall at Nicholls State the university will welcome pets to the state’s first pet-friendly residence hall. Director of Residential Living Alex Coad says they’ll have space for 32 pets at North Babington Hall because the university understands how pets enhance our quality of life.
Cut 7 (07) “…car or dog.”
Coad says this goes beyond service and emotional support animals that are allowed for students through a separate waiver.