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.

4:45 LRN Sportscast May 6

LSU sophomore quarterback T-J Finley has entered the NCAA transfer portal. Finley was 2-and-3 last season as a true freshman starter and threw 941 yards, five touchdowns and five interceptions. USA Today Network, LSU Beat Reporter Glen Guilbeau says Finley showed some promise, but he wasn’t consistent enough…
cut 10 (11) “…of games”
Johnson is entering his sophomore season and will battle with veteran Myles Brennan for the starting quarterback duties.

Calvary Baptist Quarterback Landry Lyddy announced on Twitter that he has committed to Louisiana Tech. Lyddy led the Cavaliers to a Division Four state championship last year as he threw for 35-hundred yards, 43 touchdowns and three interceptions.

The Ragin Cajuns have announced they will play Michigan State in East Lansing in September of 2024.

The LSU baseball team begins a three-game series tonight at Auburn. The latest projections for the upcoming NCAA Tournament do not show the Tigers as one of the 64 teams making a regional. But if LSU can rack up some wins, they can still get in the NCAA Tournament, based on their strong strength of schedule. LSU reliever Devin Fontenot says they control their own fate…
cut 18 (25) “…deserve to be”
First pitch tonight is at 6:30.

Also this weekend, Louisiana Tech is at F-I-U, ULM hosts Texas Arlington, the Ragin Cajuns face North Alabama, Nicholls battles Southeastern Louisiana and McNeese is at Northwestern State.

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.

LRN PM Newscall May 6

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.” 

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President Biden pushed for the passage of the American Jobs Plan during a visit to Lake Charles, a city that could use a new bridge and hurricane recovery dollars. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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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” 

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.” 

If you don’t have a smartphone you also have the option to receive a printed copy of your vaccine records from a parish health unit or any provider that administers vaccines and uses the LINKs system.

LA Wallet launched in 2018 to provide a digital copy of your driver’s license. Edwards says the additional feature for your vaccine status is completely voluntary.

Cut 5  (10)  “…allows.”

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

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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 created a toxic work environment hostile to women.

Cut 6 (10) “…behavior”

Jones highlighted behavior by administrative employee Dr. Scott Kennedy, alleging his routine harassment of female coworkers was allowed by Ghali.

Jones says her clients hoped to address the situation privately, but instead the LSU Board of Supervisors held an executive session where politicians were invited, but the media and accusers were barred.

Cut 7 (07) “…situation.”

An internal investigation by the school looked into the complaints but did not find any Title Nine violations. Ghali is currently on leave, but denies the allegations.

Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Jen Woerner is one of the accusers. She says this decision wasn’t easy…

Cut 8 (11) “…truth”

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

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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”

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” 

Even though Finley’s time in Baton Rouge didn’t go as planned, Guilbeau is still confident that Finley can have a nice career.

Cut 11 (11) “…than ever”

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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” 

Biden says over 80-thousand vehicles a day use the I-10 bridge in Lake Charles and it’s one of 45-thousand bridges in the US that are structurally deficient.

Republicans do not support Biden’s plan. House Republican Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana 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 legislators to find common ground

Cut 13 (11)“…to compromise.”

The other issue surrounding Mr. Biden’s trip to Lake Charles is hurricane recovery. Local officials say Hurricane Laura devasted the region and Congress has yet to approve a disaster relief package. The President says he believes residents in southwest Louisiana need the help and he’ll make sure they get it

Cut 14 (10) “..I’ve observed” 

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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.

Carpenter 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 is opposed by the National Federation of Independent Businesses.

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.

1140 Sportscast 5/6

LSU Quarterback TJ Finley has reportedly entered the transfer portal.  Finley started five games for the Tigers as a freshman last season, throwing for 941 yards with 5 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.  Finley struggled in the spring game and appeared to be behind Max Johnson and Myles Brennan on the depth chart heading into fall camp.

Ragin Cajuns guard Devin Butts has entered his name into the transfer portal.  Butts appeared in 24 games for the Cajuns last season as a freshman, with two starts.  The 6’5 guard averaged 6.4 points per game and shot 37 percent from the field last year.

Also, LSU big-man Josh Gray has entered the transfer portal.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram will miss Friday’s game against the Philadelphia 76er’s due to a left low ankle sprain that he suffered against Golden State on Tuesday.  Ingram is averaging 23.8 points per game this season.  Tipoff for the game is scheduled for 6 p.m.

The LSU Board of Supervisors meets today to approve new women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey’s contract. She is set to make 2.5 million dollars next season and 3.3 million by 2029.

The LSU baseball team begins a series tonight at Auburn in need of victories in order to make the SEC and NCAA tournaments.  LSU is still looking for a third-weekend starter since Jaden Hill suffered his season-ending injury.  Ma’Khail Hilliard got the start this past weekend and performed well.  Hilliard explained his mindset when he knows he’ll start.

Cut 19 (16) “doing my deal”

Tonight’s game against Auburn will begin at 6:30. Junior right-hander Landon Marceaux will get the start on the mound for the Tigers.

Last night the Southeastern Louisiana baseball team knocked off 20th ranked Southern Miss five to three. Seven Lions pitchers combined for the win and held the Golden Eagles to three hits.

ULM lost to Jackson State four to two. The Warhawks begin a Sun Belt series tomorrow as they host U-T Arlington.