12:30 LRN Newscast

On his monthly radio show “Ask the Governor”,  Governor John Bel Edwards was asked if he plans to veto any legislation making its way through the legislature addressing the LGBTQ community. The governor wouldn’t say if he plans to or not but brought up the example of when the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in 2015.

Cut 4 (12)  “…exactly none.” 

Haughton Representative Dodie Horton’s bill that passed in the House on a 67 to 28 vote prohibits discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom.

The house passed legislation that would provide access to free menstrual products to female students in public schools in a 79 to 17 vote. State Policy for Alliance for Period Supplies Manager Lacey Gero says under the legislation the products would be in an easily accessible location at no cost to students.

Cut 7 (10)  “…would be.” 

New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman reintroduced her bill after it stalled last year on the Senate floor.

Congressman Clay Higgins is seen on video physically removing an activist away from a press conference. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

 

11:30 LRN Newscast May 18

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins is seen on video physically moving an activist away from a news conference on Capitol Hill. The activist asked Colorado Congresswoman Lauren Boebert about her divorce from her husband and that’s when Higgins ushered him away.

Cut 9 (10) “…stand by”

On his monthly radio show Ask the Governor, Governor John Bel Edwards was questioned about anti-LGBTQ legislation making its way through the legislature and if he plans to veto any of them. The governor wouldn’t say if he plans to or not, only…

Cut 3 (10) “…unfortunate.”

Multiple state agencies are reporting network computer outages, among the agencies are DCFS, OMV, State Wildlife, and DOTD.

Legislation to lower the threshold of signatures needed in order to recall an elected official passed in the House. Bill author Covington Representative Paul Hollis says, under the current law it is very difficult to recall an elected official….:

Cut 11 (08)  “…smaller districts.”

The bill advances to a Senate committee.

Legislation to provide access to free menstrual products for female students in public schools passed in the House in a 79 to 17 vote. State Policy for Alliance for Period Supplies Manager Lacey Gero (Gee-row) says this is a positive step towards removing embarrassment for female students across the state.

Cut 6 (12)  “…education met.” 

The bill requires public schools to provide the products in an easily accessible location at no cost to students.

10:30 LRN Newscast May 18

Governor John Bel Edwards has expanded the criteria for the Restore Louisiana Program where thousands of additional households could be eligible for disaster assistance. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

If you needed to go to the Office of Motor Vehicles, you’re out of luck. There’s a statewide network outage that’s impacting all of the field offices today. when things will be restored is not known at this time. You can visit expresslane.org for an update.

The Louisiana House passes a bill to lower the threshold of signatures required in order to trigger a recall election. Bill sponsor and Covington Representative Paul Hollis says other states have passed similar legislation so citizens can feel they have more control when they grow dissatisfied with elected leaders…:

Cut 12 (06)    “…on board this year.” 

The bill advances to a Senate committee.

It seems like alligator sightings at the beach are becoming the norm, but LDWF Alligator Program Manager Jeb Linscombe says it’s mating season and so they tend to roam. Just be aware of your surroundings and if you do encounter one, make sure you, children, the elderly, and pets are taken out of harm’s way.

Cut 6 (06)  “…the animal.”

He says never feed one because then they will think it’s ok to approach you and that they are more afraid of you than you are of them.

9:30 LRN Newscast

This is the time of year when you see lots of movement among alligators, and Recent sightings have many wondering if they’ll be sharing their vacation with a reptile. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Alligator Program Manager Jeb Linscombe says that the air temperature is higher than the water is one reason you’ll see them on land, to warm up because they are cold-blooded animals.

Cut 5 (11)   “…time of the year.”

If it’s an urban area where you encounter a gator, Linscombe says contact wildlife agents so they can remove the reptile.

The National Institute of Health has selected LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center as a research site for one of the largest research efforts to find out why diets work for some and not for others. Associate Executive Director for Clinical Science Dr. Eric Ravussin says the results may help to offer personalized guidance to improve overall health.

Cut 9 (12)  “…you live.”

The study will last approximately 2 weeks and participants will be compensated $300. Learn more about enrolling at www.joinallofus.org.

Legislation that would lower the threshold of signatures required in order to recall an elected official was passed by the Louisiana House. Covington Representative Paul Hollis – the bill’s author – says, under current law it is very difficult to recall an elected official….:

Cut 11 (08)  “…smaller districts.”

Hollis’s bill heading to the Senate would require signatures from 50 percent of the number of people who voted in the election for that office. By a vote of 71-to-29, the bill clears the House and will move to the Senate.

Governor John Bel Edwards announced the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program is expanding the criteria for homeowners that sustained damage from disasters in 2020 and 2021 to qualify for assistance. Executive Director for the LA Office of Community Development Pat Forbes says HUD has allocated funding and monies are available.

Cut 14 (13)  “…is eligible.”

To complete a brief survey visit restore.la.gov or call 866-735-2001.

8:30 LRN Newscast

A bill to lower the number of voter signatures needed to recall a public official wins passage in the House. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

There is video of Congressman Clay Higgins physically removing an activist from a press conference after asking Congresswoman Lauren Boebert about her divorce. Higgins then grabbed the man and escorted him away…
cut 29 (10) “…
Higgins says he had to escort the activist away because it was a disturbance by a mental person.

The state says there are about 60-thousand homeowners who are eligible for financial assistance through the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program that have yet to apply for assistance. Restore Louisiana provides grant dollars to repair homes damaged during the 2020-21 hurricane season…
cut 15 (12) “….hurricane damage”
That’s Pat Forbes with the Office of Community Development. For more information go to restore-dot-la-dot-gov.

There are viral photos and videos’ of alligators sunning on the beaches in Mississippi and Alabama. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Alligator Program Manager Jeb Linscombe says gators are just like every other species of wild animals…
Cut 4 (12) “…like a beach.”
But he says they do eventually return to their usual habitat. Alligators nest in freshwater.

7:30 LRN Newscast

The House Criminal Justice Committee sends a bill to the House floor that would allow adults over 18 without a criminal background to conceal carry a firearm without a permit.
Cut 29 (30) “….I’m Teiko Foxx”

The Louisiana House has approved legislation that would require public schools to provide free menstrual products to students in public schools. Funding for the program would come from the state’s general fund. A similar bill failed to receive approval from the Senate last year.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center has been selected as a site by the National Institute of Health for the largest research effort to eliminate the one size fits all diet. Associate Executive Director for Clinical Science Dr. Eric Razussin says the goal is to personalize diets that address health disparities.
Cut 7 (11) “…fits all.”
LSU Health Sciences New Orleans is also participating.

The damage threshold has been lowered for those eligible for financial assistance from the 2020 -21 hurricanes. Executive Director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development Pat Forbes says the FEMA-determined damage threshold has been lowered from five thousand dollars to three-thousand dollars. He says that means more households can receive grant dollars from the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program….
cut 13 (11) “…eligible”
If you suffered damage during the 2020-21 hurricanes go to restore-dot-la-dot-gov.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana House has passed a bill that would lower the threshold of signatures required in order to trigger a recall election. Bill sponsor and Covington Representative Paul Hollis took questions from Baton Rouge Rep. Denise Marcelle about the numbers of registered voters that would be required to sign a recall petition, based on city, parish, or district population…:
Cut 10 (09) “…25 and 20.”
Hollis’s bill heading to the Senate would require signatures from 50 percent of the number of people who voted in the election for that office.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is participating in a national study that’s trying to determine why some diets work for some and do not work for others. Associate Executive Director for Clinical Science Doctor Eric Razussin says they will look at a range of factors, including genes and lifestyle…
cut 8 (11) “….such diets”

After all the recent sightings, Brooke Thorington talks to a wildlife expert to find out if an alligator might crash your next beach trip.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

5:30 LRN Newscast and Legislative Report May 17

The House Governmental Affairs Committee rejected a proposal that would set up a process for citizens to be able to put an issue on the ballot for a statewide vote. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey voted against it over concerns of putting an issue before voters that is not vetted by state lawmakers.

Cut 14 (12)  “…certain decision.”

New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry authored the legislation. She believes her ballot initiative process would give voters an opportunity to put important issues up for a referendum vote.

Cut 15 (06) “…on the ballot”

Defeated by the committee, that bill is seemingly done for this year.

The Republican-controlled House approved a bill that would prohibit doctors from performing gender transition procedures on minors. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment says several surrounding states have passed similar bans and several European countries also restrict gender-affirming care for minors…

Cut 3 (12) “…surgeries”

But the American Academy of Pediatrics supports gender-affirming healthcare.

A bill aimed at giving women who are imprisoned for murdering their alleged abuser a chance to be released was heavily amended in the Senate. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow opposed the amendment to her bill that removed the retroactive relief for those serving prison terms…

Cut 13 (09) “…this point.” 

The bill, once amended, passed unopposed and heads to the House.

4:30 LRN Newscast May 17

At the Capitol, the House approves legislation to ban gender reassignment procedures for minors…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Shreveport Police seek your help finding a runaway teen; 17-year-old Madalyn Reiland who was last seen May 12th at her home. She is Caucasian, 5’ 3”, 180 pounds, with long brown hair. If you think you’ve seen her call SPD at 318-673-73-hundred.

 

Also at the Capitol, a bill aimed at giving women who are imprisoned for murdering their alleged abuser a chance to be released passes the full Senate. Baton Rouge senator Franklin Foil offered an amendment to clear up some tricky language concerning retroaction. He says a prisoner COULD say they were abused as a child…:

CUT 12(08)      “…overturned.”

As amended the bill passed and moves now to the House.

A House committee moves forward a bill setting up a process by which CITIZENS could get an initiative on a ballot, despite concerns from Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey…who worries about making laws without elected officials input…:

CUT 16(11)      “…should maintain.”

Lawmakers must wrap up their business this year by June 8th.

3:30 LRN Newscast May 17

The House Governmental Affairs Committee rejected a proposal that would set up process for citizens to be able to put an issue on the ballot for a statewide vote. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey voted against it over concerns of putting an issue before voters that is not vetted by state lawmakers…:

CUT 14(12)      “…certain decision.”

New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry authored the legislation. She believes her ballot initiative process would give voters an opportunity to put important issues up for a referendum vote…:

CUT 15(06)      “…on the ballot.”

Defeated by the committee, that bill is seemingly done for this year.

New Orleans Police are struggling with an explosion of car thefts and carjackings; nearly 3000 so far this year. That’s nearly 1 every hour. The thefts are driving up auto insurance rates for everyone, and often the perpetrators are never caught.

 

The House Criminal Justice Committee sends a bill to the House floor that would allow adults over 18 without a criminal background to conceal carry a firearm without a permit or training…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Teiko Foxx.”

The New Orleans Saints have finalized their pre-season schedule. It features just three games; Kansas City in the Dome on August 13th, IN L.A. against the Chargers on August 290th and wrapping up with Houston in the Caesar’s Superdome on August 27th.