6:30 AM LRN Newscast April 18

Another round of bad weather is impacting Louisiana today, starting this morning. There’s an enhanced risk for severe weather in the forecast for East Carroll Parish all the way down to southwest Louisiana and all parishes east of that stretch. State Climatologist Barry Keim says expect strong thunderstorms.

Cut 4 (08) “…of Louisiana today.”

Strong storms are currently moving into northwest Louisiana.

 

Texas A&M Athletic Director Scott Woodward is reportedly set to take over as LSU’s new AD. Woodward has been in charge of Aggies athletics since 2016, but Glen Guilbeau, who covers LSU for the USA Today Network, says he’s a local boy who may have been itching to get back to his roots in the boot.

Cut 13 (06) “Louisiana.”

Woodward presided over the hiring of football coach Jimbo Fisher at A&M, a 10 year 75 million dollar contract.

 

A bill is being introduced that would guarantee all Louisianans 12 weeks of paid family or medical illness leave, along with legal protections against being fired while out. Berni Consulting partner Caitlin Berni says it would allow you to draw from a fund managed by the Workforce Commission, and paid into by you and your employer every paycheck.

Cut 7 (08) “employer”

 

The bill includes parental leave, leave to take care of a close relative who has fallen ill, and long term medical leave for events like chemo therapy in cancer patients.

 

The Gofundme campaign for the three St. Landry parish churches that burned down has reached its goal of one-point-eight million dollars and the donations continue to pour in.

Updated LRN AM Newscall April 18

Another round of bad weather is hammering much of the state today.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

 Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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 A family advocacy group is bringing legislation that would guarantee Louisianans 12 weeks of paid parental, family emergency, or long term illness leave. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Thinking about getting a bunny or a chick as gift for someone this Easter? The Louisiana SPCA says you may want to reconsider. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Another round of bad weather is impacting Louisiana today, starting this morning. There’s an enhanced risk for severe weather in the forecast for East Carroll Parish all the way down to the Cameron Parish and all parishes east of that stretch. State Climatologist Barry Keim says expect strong thunderstorms.

Cut 4 (08) “…of Louisiana today.”

The storms will likely continue into the early evening hours.

Keim expects the front to clear the state by tomorrow morning. The rain potential is anywhere from one to two inches.

Cut 5 (05) “…careful with that.”

Once the front is out of the way, expect cool and dry weather starting Friday and continuing through the weekend.

Keim says this part of spring is notorious for severe weather as the atmosphere is very unstable this time of year.

Cut 6 (07) “…makes perfect sense.”

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A bill is being introduced that would guarantee all Louisianans 12 weeks of paid family or medical illness leave, along with legal protections against being fired while out. Berni Consulting partner Caitlin Berni says it would allow you to draw from a fund managed by the Workforce Commission, and paid into by you and your employer every paycheck.

Cut 7 (08) “employer”

The bill includes parental leave, leave to take care of a close relative who has fallen ill, and long term medical leave for events like chemo therapy in cancer patients.

Berni says the pot of leave money would grow overtime, and mechanisms would be put in place to cover expenses of young workers who need to take the leave before they’ve built up enough money to cover 12 weeks. Berni says the leave is transferable between jobs.

Cut 8 (10) “…four quarters.”

The leave pay would come directly from the fund, and not your employer while you were out.

Louisiana Families First is beginning a statewide effort to push support for the proposal. While it would functionally be an income tax increase of about about a quarter of a percent on most workers, she says 82 percent of those polled were on board.

Cut 9 (09) “…employee″

The bill is being brought by New Orleans Senator JP Morrell.

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For the last two years, more than 60 pet rabbits have been turned over to the Louisiana SPCA following the Easter holiday from owners with buyer’s remorse.  While rabbits can be great companion animals, Louisiana SPCA spokesperson Rebecca Melanson says many people do not realize the commitment of rabbit ownership.

Cut 10 (09) “…in your family.”

Melanson says each year, in addition to the hundreds of rabbits that are turned into shelters and some people even try release rabbits in the wild in an effort to relinquish ownership.

Cut 11 (05) “…from wild rabbits.”

Melanson says there are great alternatives to giving bunnies and baby chickens as gifts at Easter.

Cut 12 (07) “…for real chicks.”

The average rabbit lifespan is 10-12 years.

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Texas A&M Athletic Director Scott Woodward is reportedly set to take over as LSU’s new AD. Woodward has been in charge of Aggies athletics since 2016, but Glen Guilbeau, who covers LSU for the USA Today Network, says he’s a local boy who may have been itching to get back to his roots in the boot.

Cut 13 (06) “Louisiana.”

Woodward is leaving one of the richest programs in all of college athletics for an LSU that isn’t exactly known for it’s free spending, evidenced by the fact that current football coach Ed Orgeron is not one of the highest paid in the SEC. Guilbeau says this could be signaling a change.

Cut 14 (12) “…Scott.”

Woodward presided over the hiring of football coach Jimbo Fisher at A&M, a 10 year 75 million dollar contract.

This wraps up a wild week for the school that saw basketball coach Will Wade’s suspension lifted, and a long time AD axed. Guilbeau says Alleva was not a popular figure in the program, and it’s remarkable he stuck around for over ten years.

Cut 15 (09) “…he did.”

Nola.com reports the hire was made less than an hour after it was announced that former LSU AD Joe Alleva was set to “transition” into a new role at the school while his contract runs for another year.

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LSU is set to begin a three-game series tonight against Florida and there’s good news on the injury front. Coach Paul Mainieri says he’s shocked by it, but he’s been told Zack Hess, Zach Watson and Chris Reid could return from injury and play in this series…

Cut 16  (14) “…three weeks” 

LSU is not sure if Hess will start on the mound tonight, but could come in as a reliever. Hess has a groin injury and so is Watson. Mainieri says he’s not sure how effective Watson will be, but it would be great to get him back on the field…

 cut 17 (18)   “.got hurt” 

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The Pelicans new executive vice president David Griffen is not ruling out the possibility that Anthony Davis could return to New Orleans next season. Griffen says he plans to speak with Davis and his agent and the key is if A-D is 100-percent committed to the Pels…

Cut 18 (22)  of your life” 

Griffen doesn’t expect his conversation with Davis to be very complicated…

Cut 19 (11)    looks like” 

Griffen was the general manager of the Cavaliers when that franchise won their first championship in 2016. Griffen says Cleveland and San Antonio are excellent examples of how a small market city can be successful in the NBA…

Cut 20 (24) “…here for”

4:30 PM Newscast

LSU Athletics Director Joe Alleva has officially announced he’s stepping down. The university says he’ll be transitioning into a new role as special assistant to the president for donor relations, but will continue to serve as A-D until a new athletics director is named. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran

Cut 14 (11) “…figure.”

Alleva has been the school’s A-D since 2008 and his contract is set to expire next year.

Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco is under hospice care. Blanco, who served as governor from 2004 to 2008 was first diagnosed with an eye cancer in 2011, but the cancer returned in 2017 and spread to her liver. Last December, she said there’s no escape from her cancer. Franklin Representative Sam Jones spoke on the House floor to recognize the governor’s fight for her life…

Cut 3 (12) “…do so ”

Over 1.2 million dollars has been raised for the burned St. Landry Parish churches on a GoFundMe page that’s seen a surge in donations since a fire tore through the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Seventh District Missionary Baptist Church President Freddie Jack says the effort is much appreciated, and the congregations are taking the tragedy in stride while they figure out how to get back into their old homes.

Cut 8 (08) “…spirits”

The Center for Reproductive Rights says if an admitting privileges law set to be heard at the US Supreme Court were to take effect, two of the state’s three abortion clinics would close. President Nancy Northup says the regulation requiring clinics and providers to have admitting privileges at a local hospital would dramatically reduce access to the procedure.

Cut 9 (11) “…each year”

The only remaining clinic would be a facility in Baton Rouge.

16:45 LRN Sportscast April 17

LSU announces Joe Alleva is transitioning out of his role as athletic director to a new role as special assistant to the president for donor relations. Alleva has been the school’s A-D since 2008, but Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says he’s leaves as a widely unpopular figure….
Cut 12 (10) “…in charge”
Alleva’s popularity began to take a hit with the attempted firing of Les Miles as head football coach towards the end of the 2015 season. It got worse for Alleva when basketball coach Will Wade was suspended in early March.

David Griffin was introduced today as the new Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations. During the press conference, Griffin said that head coach Alvin Gentry will return next season and he believes there’s a chance Anthony Davis could also return, despite his demand for a trade during the regular season.

Tonight, the NFL will release the schedule for all 32 teams, but there have been plenty of leaks and it’s been reported New Orleans will kick off the 2019 regular season by hosting Houston on Monday night football. It’s one of four primetime games for the Black and Gold. New Orleans will also host Dallas for Sunday night football during week four. Visit the Falcons on Thanksgiving night and host the Colts for Monday night football during Week 15. The Saints and Rams NFC championship game rematch will be week 2 in L-A.

Great come from behind win for UL-Lafayette last night as the Cajuns defeated the Tigers six to five thanks to two home runs in the eighth inning. Orynn Veillon and Handsome Monica went back-to-back and Jacob Schultz threw four shutout innings of relief. The Cajuns now travel to U-T Arlington, who leads the Sun Belt’s Western Division.

LSU gets ready to host Florida for a series that starts tomorrow. Coach Paul Mainieri says there’s a chance Zack Hess can pitch, even though he injured his groin in his last start.

330PM LRN News

Tiger Rag Magazine has confirmed the initial report from the Baton Rouge Business Report that Joe Alleva is out as athletics director at LSU. Alleva’s faced controversy involving two prominent coaches but Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says there’s evidence Alleva wanted to go through with the firing of Les Miles and not suspend Will Wade, but the fan outrage is with Joe…
Cut 13 (10) “…Joe Alleva”

A high place source has informed us that a replacement will be named within 24 hours.
The Center for Reproductive Rights says if an admitting privileges law set to be heard at the US Supreme Court were to take effect, two of the state’s three abortion clinics would close. Senior Council TJ Toup says with an increase in abuse towards workers and patients at the Shreveport clinic already escalating, the only doctor with privileges at the facility said he’d retire if the law took effect.
Cut 10 (11) “…providing.”

_______________________
Over 1.2 million dollars has been raised for the burned St. Landry Parish churches on a GoFundMe page that’s seen a surge in donations since a fire tore through the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Seventh District Missionary Baptist Church President Freddie Jack says the historic majority black congregations have deep roots in the community, some of which go back over a century.
Cut 7 (10) “…long.”
21-year-old Holden Matthews is accused of burning the churches in a racially motivated attack.
Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco is under hospice care. Blanco, who served as governor from 2004 to 2008 was first diagnosed with an eye cancer in 2011, but the cancer returned in 2017 and spread to her liver. Franklin Representative Sam Jones asks that Louisiana residents pray for Blanco…
Cut 5 (10) “…that side”

2:30 LRN Newscast April 17

Multiple reports say Joe Alleva is out as LSU’s athletics director. Alleva’s contract is set to expire next year and Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says this could be a good time for the head of athletics to step down or retire…
Cut 14 (11) “…figure.”
Alleva has been heavily criticized for his handling of basketball coach Will Wade’s suspension.

Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco is under hospice care as she battles cancer. Blanco’s one term in office was marked by Hurricane Katrina and the destruction it left behind. Franklin Representative Sam Jones says Blanco worked tirelessly to bring evacuees back home and wasn’t afraid to stand up to the White House…
Cut 4 (09) “…her recently”
Blanco is 76-years-old.

The Center for Reproductive Rights filed a petition today asking the U-S Supreme Court to strike down a Louisiana law that says abortion doctors must have admitting privileges at a local hospital. Shreveport clinic administrator Cathleen Pittman says the legislation could leave the state with just one clinic, which isn’t good…
cut 11 (12) “…means”
Supporters of the law say it will help ensure the safety of the woman.

Over 1.2 million dollars has been raised for the burned St. Landry Parish churches on a GoFundMe page. Seventh District Missionary Baptist Association President Freddie Jack says the historic congregations are hoping for help from their insurance, but one of them is looking at some heavy costs.
Cut 6 (12) “…rebuilding”
The Goal Fund Me goal was one-point-eight million.

LRN PM Newscall April 17

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco is in his hospice care. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A GoFundMe campaign for the burned St. Landry Parish churches is now over 1.2 million dollars. Matt Doyle spoke with the Seventh District Baptist Church President about the effort…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco is under hospice care. Blanco, who served as governor from 2004 to 2008 was first diagnosed with an eye cancer in 2011, but the cancer returned in 2017 and spread to her liver. Last December, she said there’s no escape from her cancer. Franklin Representative Sam Jones spoke on the House floor to recognize the governor’s fight for her life…

Cut 3 (12) “…do so ”

Blanco did not seek re-election in 2008. She was criticized for her handling of Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath and the federally funded program set up to help Louisiana homeowners rebuild. Jones, who worked for Blanco in the governor’s office, fought hard for the state and wasn’t afraid to stand up to the White House…

Cut 4 (09) “…her recently”

Blanco served in elected offices for two dozen years, as she spent time as a state legislator, public service commissioner, Lt. Governor and then elected as the state’s first woman governor. Jones asks that Louisiana residents pray for Blanco…

Cut 5 (10) “…that side”

Blanco is a New Iberia native, who lives in Lafayette. She’s 76-years-old.

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Over 1.2 million dollars has been raised for the burned St. Landry Parish churches on a GoFundMe page that’s seen a surge in donations since a fire tore through the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Seventh District Missionary Baptist Church President Freddie Jack says the historic congregations are hoping for help from their insurance, but one of them is looking at some heavy costs.

Cut 6 (12) “…rebuilding”

The page has been shared by national figures like Hillary Clinton, and Katie Couric.

The Pastor noted the historic majority black congregations have deep roots in the community, some of which go back over a century.

Cut 7 (10) “…long.”

21-year-old Holden Matthews is accused of burning the churches in a racially motivated attack.

Jack says the effort is much appreciated, and the congregations are taking the tragedy in stride while they figure out how to get back into their old homes.

Cut 8 (08) “…spirits”

You can find the fund by searching Seventh District Baptist Church Fires on GoFundMe.

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The Center for Reproductive Rights says if an admitting privileges law set to be heard at the US Supreme Court were to take effect, two of the state’s three abortion clinics would close.

President Nancy Northup says the regulation requiring clinics and providers to have admitting privileges at a local hospital would dramatically reduce access to the procedure.

Cut 9 (11) “…each year”

The only remaining clinic would be a facility in Baton Rouge.

The Shreveport facility has reported a significant increase and concentration of what they called “nasty” personal harassment of facility workers and patients as the number of facilities has declined statewide. Senior Council TJ Toup says the only doctor with privileges at the facility said he’d retire if the law took effect.

Cut 10 (11) “…providing.”

Shreveport clinic administrator Cathleen Pittman says a nearly identical law in Texas demonstrated that reducing access won’t end abortion, but it will make it significantly less safe.

Cut 11 (12)   “…means”

CRR has filed a motion to have the law dismissed by the court, citing it’s similarity to a previously dismissed Texas admitting privileges law.

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Tiger Rag Magazine has confirmed the initial report from the Baton Rouge Business Report that Joe Alleva is out as athletics director at LSU. Alleva has been the school’s A-D since 2008, but Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says Alleva is widely unpopular

Cut 12 (10) “…in charge”

Alleva’s unpopuarlity began to take a hit with the attempted firing of Les Miles as head football coach towards the end of the 2015 season. It got worse for Alleva when basketball coach Will Wade was suspended in early March. Moran says there’s evidence Alleva wanted to go through with the firing of Miles and not suspend Wade, but the fan outrage is with Joe…

Cut 13 (10) “…Joe Alleva”

Alleva’s contract is set to expire next year and Moran says this could be a good time for the head of athletics to step down or retire…

Cut 14 (11) “…figure.”

1:30 PM Newscast

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco is in his hospice care. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Over 1.2 million dollars has been raised for the burned St. Landry Parish churches on a GoFundMe page that’s seen a surge in donations since a fire engulfed the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The page has been shared by national figures like Hillary Clinton and Katie Couric. 21-year-old Holden Matthews is accused of burning the three churches in a racially motivated attack.

Tiger Rag Magazine has confirmed the initial report from the Baton Rouge Business Report that Joe Alleva is out as athletics director at LSU. Alleva has been the school’s A-D since 2008, but Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says Alleva is a widely unpopular administrator

Cut 12 (10) “…in charge”

 

The Center for Reproductive Rights says if an admitting privileges law set to be heard at the US Supreme Court were to take effect, two of the state’s three abortion clinics would close. President Nancy Northup says the regulation requiring clinics and providers to have admitting privileges at a local hospital would dramatically reduce access to the procedure.

Cut 9 (11) “…each year”

The only remaining clinic would be a facility in Baton Rouge.

12:30 PM Newscast

Reports have surfaced that LSU Athletics Director Joe Alleva is expected to step down, perhaps as soon as today. Alleva has held the position for more than a decade and his contract expires next year. Over the years, Alleva has been the target of criticism from fans for various issues including the firing of football coach Les Miles and failing to recruit Jimbo Fisher. Most recently Alleva has once again caught heat following the suspension and reinstatement of LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade in the wake of an FBI wiretap investigating a recruitment scandal.

Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco is under hospice care. Blanco, who is battling cancer, served as governor from 2004 to 2008. Franklin Representative Sam Jones spoke on the House floor asking that Louisiana residents pray for Blanco…

Cut 5 (10) “…that side”

Blanco served in elected offices for two dozen years.

A GoFundMe raising money for the burned St. Landry Parish churches is now over 1.2 million dollars. Matt Doyle talked with the Seventh District Baptist Church President about the effort…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”  

 

11:30 AM Newscast

Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco is under hospice care. Blanco, who is battling cancer, served as governor from 2004 to 2008 and did not seek re-election. She was criticized for her handling of Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath and the federally funded program set up to help Louisiana homeowners rebuild. Franklin Representative Sam Jones who worked for Blanco in the governor’s office, fought hard for the state and wasn’t afraid to stand up to the White House…
Cut 4 (09) “…her recently”
Blanco is 76-years-old.
The latest installment from the Louisiana Survey out of LSU shows that 70-percent approve of the 2016 criminal justice reforms. But 60 percent of Republicans now support the reform efforts, up from 46 percent in 2018. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Dr. Michael Henderson says it’s taken a few years for the average GOP voter to buy in…

Cut 8 (09) “…ago.”

A constitutional amendment is on its way to the House floor that would let Louisiana voters decided whether or not the state constitution protects abortion rights. The amendment was brought by Monroe Democratic Representative Katrina Jackson who says it’s an opportunity for voter to show the rest of the country that the Bayou State is the no. 1 pro-life state.

Cut 14 (11) “…Louisiana.”

The proposal would need two thirds support in both chambers, and over 50 percent of the vote at the October 12th ballot that also features the primary round of the governor’s race. Several states have adopted similar additions to their constitutions.

Reports have surfaced that LSU Athletics Director Joe Alleva is expected to step down, perhaps as soon as today. Alleva has held the position for more than a decade. Alleva recently caught heat from fans for his decision to suspend LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade in the wake of an FBI wiretap investigating a recruitment scandal.