6:30 LRN Newscast May 7

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter met briefly with President Joe Biden yesterday during his visit to Louisiana to promote his jobs and infrastructure plan. Biden vowed that if his plan is passed a new I-10 bridge over the Calcasieu River would be built. Hunter says that’s great, but this isn’t the first time they’ve heard that promise…
Cut 4 (12)“…bridge.”

The Louisiana House approved next fiscal year’s 36-billion dollar budget and agreed on how to spend 800 million dollars in federal American Rescue Act funds. Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue highlighted the increased investment in higher education.
Cut 13 (10) “…institutions.”
The proposed spending plans still need Senate approval.

LSU is the first school in the SEC to select a Black president. Brooke Thorington has more on the historic appointment of William Tate IV.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

AM LRN Newscall May 7

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter and President Joe Biden spoke Thursday during the President’s visit about the city’s most pressing needs. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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LSU is the first school in the SEC to select a Black president. Brooke Thorington has more on the historic appointment of William Tate IV.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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The House found agreement on how to spend 804 million dollars of the 1.6 billion dollars in American Rescue Act funding we’re set to receive this year. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (28)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter met briefly with President Joe Biden Thursday during the President’s visit to Louisiana to promote his jobs and infrastructure plan.

Biden vowed that if his plan is passed a new I-10 bridge over the Calcasieu River would be built. Hunter says that’s great if so, but this isn’t the first time they’ve heard that promise…

Cut 4 (12)“…bridge.”

Hunter says he also took time to implore the President to send additional hurricane aid to the area. He says the long wait for federal aid has been unacceptable…

Cut 5 (08)“…package.”

Hunter says he also spoke with President Biden about getting a group of American oil executives imprisoned in Venezuela known as the Citgo Six freed. Hunter says he personally knows Lake Charles native Tomeau Vadall, who’s been imprisoned in the country for the past three years on charges of corruption.

Hunter says the President was very attentive and responsive to his requests during the visit.

Cut 6 (08) “…honor.”

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An LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center study indicates the pandemic was responsible for almost doubling the loss of sleep for mothers of young children Researcher Dr. Chelsea Kracht says they surveyed close to two thousand mothers who on average sleep less anyway, but the epidemic only worsened the situation.

Cut 7 (10)  “…physical health.”

Kracht says a marked decrease in the amount of sleep one receives can increase depression and absenteeism from work. There is even a name for the malady.

Cut 8 (09) “…usually do.” 

She says a lack of sleep also leads to weight gain which can cause multiple health concerns.

Several factors surrounding pandemic anxiety were responsible for the decrease in sleep. Kracht says fear of contracting the virus, long-term career impacts due to cutting back hours to care for children, and having to oversee their children’s remote learning.

Kracht says to assist mothers of young children society needs to rethink safe and economical approaches to childcare.

Cut 9 (07) “…responsibility.”

Kracht says having fathers take on some of the responsibilities of housework will also assist mothers in balancing the demands of their careers and personal lives.

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LSU appoints the first-ever Black president in the school’s history and who’s also the first Black president in the Southeastern Conference. University of South Carolina Provost William Tate IV has been tapped by the LSU Board of Supervisors to lead the system.

Cut 10 (11) “…very special.”

Tate was unanimously approved by the board and board member Collis Temple Jr, who was LSU’s first Black basketball player, made the emotional official motion to select Tate.

When asked how he will lead the university that remains under the cloud of a Title IX scandal Tate says he believes it’s an opportunity to develop a trauma-based approach to assist victims of sexual misconduct.

Cut 11 (12) “….the case.”

Tate was also questioned about what he considers his biggest challenge as he takes the helm at LSU, Tate responded getting to know everyone as quickly as possible.

Cut 12 (12) “…in the future.”

Board Chairman Robert Dampf says the details of Tate’s contract are still being negotiated.

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The House approved next fiscal year’s 36.4 billion dollar spending plan and found agreement on how to spend 800 million of the 1.6 billion in American Rescue Act funds Louisiana receives this year.

House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue highlighted the increased investment they were able to put into higher education.

Cut 13 (10) “…institutions.”

Zeringue also notes they found the funds to double the Governor’s proposed 400 dollar teacher pay raise to 800 dollars.

There were a number of smaller increases and new programs financed for next year’s budget, including a boost to foster family assistance.

Cut 14 (08) “… populations.”

The total budget for next year sits at 42 billion dollars.

The ARA funds went into four categories: 400 million to replenish the unemployment trust fund, 10 million for logger’s relief, 90 million for broadband expansion, and 300 million for water infrastructure…

Cut 15 (11)“..serwer systems.”

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Cut 16 (00) “…N/A.”

 

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It’s the final home series of the season for the ULM Warhawks who host Texas-Arlington. The Warhawks will recognize their seniors who are wrapping up their collegiate careers. Head Coach Mike Federico

Cut 17 (23) “…conference standings.”

ULM is 7-and-11 in conference play and in last place in the Sun Belt West Division, while the Mavericks are 10-and-5 and in first place. Federico is looking forward to the opportunity to still move up the division standings

Cut  18 (15)”…this weekend.” 

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Louisiana Tech looks to extend its school-record 10-game winning streak on the road when they begin a four-game series against F-I-U. The Panthers are 8-and-16 in Conference USA play, but Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs knows they have plenty of talent….

Cut 19 (19) “…any weekend.” 

Burroughs is expecting a hard-fought series…

Cut 20 (12) “…your playing.” 

530 PM LRN News

A 36.4 billion spending plan for the next fiscal year was approved by the House with little opposition. It features increases in funding to a range of different programs, largely due to a massive influx of federal funds. House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue highlighted the increased investment they were able to put into higher education.

Cut 13 (10) “…institutions.”

Zeringue also notes they’re giving K-12 teachers a 800 dollar pay raise.

Additionally 800 million dollars in American Rescue Act funding was dedicated into four categories: 400 million to replenish the unemployment trust fund, 10 million for logger’s relief, 90 million for broadband expansion, and 300 million for water infrastructure…

Cut 15 (12)“..system_.”

The Senate advances Senator Beth Mizell’s bill to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

President Joe Biden vowed to send additional federal assistance to hurricane-ravaged Lake Charles today after visiting the area. He says it’s the helping hand they need…

Cut 14 (10) “..I’ve observed” 

He also says if Congress passes his infrastructure bill he’ll build a new bridge on the Calcasieu River.

3:30 LRN Newscast May 6

President Biden was in Lake Charles touting his American Jobs Plans to rebuild infrastructure today. Congressman Steve Scalise says the President is promoting a budget-busting tax hike that will force middle-class jobs overseas. But Biden says his plan would result in over 16-million American jobs and is willing to meet with GOP lawmakers to find common ground.

Cut 13 (11)“…to compromise.”

 

The LA Wallet now offers the ability to store a copy of your COVID vaccine card. In addition to your driver’s license Governor Edwards says it’s optional and free of charge.

Cut 3 (04)  “…information” 

The LA Wallet app is free and available for download on the Apple App and Google Play stores.

Four women have filed EEOC complaints alleging they suffered sexual harassment and discrimination at LSU Health Shreveport. Their attorney Allison Jones says her clients wanted to address the situation privately, but the LSU Board of Supervisors held an executive session where politicians were invited, but the media and accusers were barred.

Cut 7 (07) “…situation.”

They are calling for Chancellor G.E. Ghali to be removed.

House Labor approves legislation prohibiting employers from retaliating against employees for sharing salary information with each other, and from asking about applicants’ previous wage history. Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Carpenter says in 2013 the Legislature passed legislation allowing state employees to share salary information and it narrowed the gender pay gap.

Cut 15 (09) “…percent.” 

Carpenter says 19 states have passed similar pay transparency laws.

230 PM LRN News

President Joe Biden was in Lake Charles today to tout his American Jobs Plan, which he says will create millions of jobs to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure. Biden says this legislation would result in tax hikes for the wealthiest Americans to pay for new roads and bridges, like the Calcasieu River Bridge…

Cut 12 (12)   “…this important” 

A bill blocking employers from asking applicants about their wage history clears House Labor. Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Carpenter wrote the bill. She says blocking employers from asking about applicants’ wage history ensures they don’t get lowballed when taking a new job.

Cut 16 (09) “…retirement” 

The legislation would also prevent employers from retaliating against employees who share wage information.

LA Wallet users can now use the app to get a digital copy of their COVID Vaccine Card. LA Wallet launched in 2018 to provide a digital copy of your driver’s license. Governor Edwards says the additional feature for your vaccine status is completely voluntary.

Cut 5  (10)  “…allows.”

The LA Wallet app is free.

Ponchatoula native, sophomore LSU QB TJ Finley has officially entered his name into the transfer portal after losing the backup quarterback battle to Max Johnson. USA Today Network LSU Beat reporter Glen Guilbeau says Finley’s stay in Baton Rouge didn’t go as planned but he still has a nice career ahead of him…

Cut 11 (11) “…than ever”

1:30 LRN Newscast May 6

President Biden is in Lake Charles touting his infrastructure plan this hour at the Calcasieu River Bridge. After a tour of hurricane recovery efforts, he will then travel to New Orleans and also visit the city’s water and sewer system.

Four women accusing LSU Health Shreveport Chancellor of fostering a toxic and discriminatory workplace spoke about their decision to file an EEOC complaint against the school. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.” 

The LA Wallet on your smartphone can now store your COVID vaccine card. Governor John Bel Edwards says users can be assured their health information is protected with the LA Wallet and the ability to have a copy of your vaccine status in the application is ideal for residents who tend to misplace things.

Cut 4 (08) “…lose them.” 

It’s free and storing your vaccine status is completely optional.

LSU quarterback TJ Finley has officially entered the transfer portal.  Finley started five games for the Tigers last season after an injury to Myles Brennan but was replaced late in the year by Max Johnson.  USA Today Network LSU Beat reporter Glen Guilbeau says the Ponchatoula native threw for 941 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions in 2020.  While Finley showed some promise, Guilbeau says he wasn’t consistent enough.

Cut 10 (11) “..of games” 

12:30 LRN Newscast May 6

Four women who filed EEOC complaints alleging they suffered sexual harassment and discrimination at LSU Health Shreveport are calling for Chancellor G.E. Ghali to be removed. Attorney Allison Jones represents the four high-ranking members of the school. Jones says Ghali allowed a toxic work environment that was hostile to women.

Cut 6 (10) “…behavior”

An LSU Health Shreveport spokesperson responded saying “LSU Health Shreveport does not comment on personnel matters.”

In addition to providing a digital copy of your driver’s license LA Wallet now offers the ability to store a copy of your COVID vaccine card. Governor Edwards says it’s optional and free of charge.

Cut 3 (04)  “…information” 

The LA Wallet app is free and available for download on the Apple App and Google Play stores.

LSU quarterback TJ Finley has officially entered his name into the transfer portal.  Finley started five games for the Tigers last season after an injury to Myles Brennan but was replaced late in the year by Max Johnson.  USA Today Network LSU Beat reporter Glen Guilbeau says after spring practice Finley saw the writing on the wall.

Cut 9 (12) “…play much”

President Biden is scheduled to speak in Lake Charles at the Calcasieu River Bridge at 1:25 pm, touting his infrastructure plan, and will also visit the water and sewer system in New Orleans this afternoon.

11:30 LRN Newscast May 6

President Joe Biden will arrive in Lake Charles in the next hour to promote his two-point-three trillion-dollar infrastructure plan. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the state has had ongoing infrastructure needs for decades and Biden’s American Jobs Plan provides a solution.
Cut 5 (11)“…achievable.”
The President will speak in front of the Calcasieu River Bridge, which is 20 years past its designed lifespan. Mr. Biden will also stop in New Orleans this afternoon to visit the city’s Carrollton Water Plant.

A CDC report shows the U-S birth rate has fallen to its lowest point in more than a century. For women between the ages of 20 and 34, the birth rate has declined at least four percent from 2019 to 2020. LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Doctor Robert Maupin says this is reflecting a cultural shift among young women…
cut 8 (08) “….family”
Birth rates for women in their late 30s and 40s have increased slightly.

With no debate, the Senate overwhelmingly agrees to advance Senator Beth Mizell’s bill to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Louisiana House approves legislation that would allow individuals over the age of 21 to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. The Senate has approved similar legislation, but Governor John Bel Edwards likes that handgun owners have to receive training to get a permit to conceal carry and could veto the legislation once it reaches his desk.

10:30 LRN Newscast May 6

President Biden is scheduled to arrive in Lake Charles at 12:15 today and deliver remarks on his American Jobs Plan. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says the President will speak at 1:25 at the Calcasieu River Bridge, that was built in 1952.

Cut 6 (11) “…restore it.”

Biden will also visit New Orleans and tour the city’s water and sewer system.

State officials are celebrating our low overall COVID caseload but also expressing real concern that the vaccination campaign is stalling out sooner than expected Just under a third of Louisianans have initiated their vaccine series and 27 percent have completed their series Governor Edwards says the rapid decline in demand is concerning.

Cut 15 (12)“…themselves.”

Louisiana residents 21 years and older can carry a concealed handgun without a permit under a bill approved by the House. Belle Chasse Representative Mack Cormier was one of 73 House members who voted for the measure…

cut 11 (08) “….good bill”

New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says any legislation that has the potential to bring thousands of untrained individuals with weapons to the streets of New Orleans mixed with alcohol is a deadly combination. She read a statement from New Orleans PD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson in opposition.

Cut 12 (12) “…legislation.”

28 Representatives voted against. A similar measure has also passed the Senate, both bills could be vetoed because Governor Edwards says the training needed to get a permit should stay in place.

 

9:30 LRN Newscast May 6

President Biden will make two stops in Louisiana today as part of his Getting America Back on Track tour. Brooke Thorington has more on what he’s expected to spotlight.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The LSU Board of Supervisors is expected to name a new LSU System president and chancellor today. U-L System leader Doctor Jim Henderson, Kelvin Droegemeier, and William Tate are the finalists. Sources tell Louisiana Radio Network that Tate has the inside track to get the job. He’s the Provost and Executive Vice President for South Carolina’s Office of Academic Affairs.

The Louisiana House approves legislation that would allow those 21 and older to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. The bill’s author, Thibodaux Representative, Bryan Fontenot, says over a dozen states allow individuals to carry concealed weapons without a permit…
cut 13 (11) “….standing ehre”
A similar measure has passed the Senate. Governor Edwards has indicated he would veto both bills.

The US birthrate dropped four percent in 2020 compared to 2019, putting the country “below replacement levels” meaning more Americans die annually than are born. LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Dr. Robert Maupin says the decline is partially COVID-related but also advances in contraceptive access and options…
Cut 7 (10) “…time.”