11:30 LRN Newscast

Legislation requiring all public school buses to have heating and air conditioning by 2032 fails to receive the support of the Louisiana House.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana House approves a bill that classifies two drugs that induce abortions as dangerous controlled substances. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly’s legislation calls for a prison sentence of up to ten years if a person is in possession of the abortion pills without a prescription. Doctors oppose the bill because they say the drugs are needed to treat miscarriages or stop hemorrhaging after childbirth. Pressly says the drugs will still be available for legitimate medical reasons with a prescription.

Legislation to remove the required 20-minute break for minors who work five or more hours passed in the Senate after it was amended and it returns to the House. Lafayette Republican Senator Jean-Paul Coussan’s amendment changed the bill to keep the required break for fourteen- and fifteen-year-olds.
Cut 7 (13) “…my vote.”
The measure still needs House approval of the Senate change.

They will be playing a lot of baseball in Hammond and Ruston over the next few days as both cities are hosting conference baseball tournaments. In Ruston, Louisiana Tech is the top seed in the Conference USA Tournament. Director of Marketing and Communications for Experience Ruston, Tori Davis, says they expect a surge of Bulldog fans…
cut 15 (09) “….here in Ruston”

10:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana is poised to become the first state to classify two pills that are used to induce an abortion as controlled dangerous substances. Opponents of the legislation say this could cause delays in women receiving timely reproductive care, but Carencro Representative Julie Emerson made this argument
cut 4 (10) “…cause death”
The bill’s author, Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly, says the legislation will not present barriers to accessing the medication for legitimate medical purposes other than abortion.

The Louisiana House has voted against a bill that called for all public school buses to have heating and air conditioning. The measure failed on a 57-42 vote. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson was one of the “no” votes…
cut 12 (06) “…local school”
The bill passed the Senate 33 to 4.

The LSU Tigers are playing their best baseball of the season. They opened the SEC Tournament with a nine to one win over Georgia and they lead Kentucky two to nothing today. D-1 Baseball’s Kendall Rogers says LSU’s solid play of late has been impressive…
cut 17 (12) “….realizes that’
Rogers says LSU will be one of the 64 teams in the NCAA Tournament.

The Conference USA Baseball Tournament is underway in Ruston. Director of Marketing and Communications for Experience Ruston, Tori Davis, says the tournament kicks off a big summer of tourism for the area…
cut 16 (10) “…Louisiana Peach Festival”

9:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana House has approved legislation that would make it a crime to possess two abortion-inducing drugs without a prescription. But doctors are concerned reclassifying mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled dangerous substances could prevent pregnant patients from receiving care in a timely manner. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman expressed her frustration…
cut 3 (10) “…everything”
The drugs can treat miscarriages, induce labor and halt hemorrhaging. Proponents of the legislation say the pills will still be available for legitimate medical purposes.

The House Criminal Justice Committee has rejected a bill that would prevent the state from using nitrogen hypoxia as a method to carrying out an execution. Jacquelyn Stern with Jews Against Gassing says they tried to talk with the governor about this issue…
cut 9 (11) “…our testimony”

A cicada known as the Great Southern Brood has emerged after 13 years, but there’s a concern they are no longer in Louisiana. The LSU Ag Center is asking the public to document the emergence of individual cicadas but also to see if if there are any chorusing activities in trees…
cut 27 (10) “…in the field”
That’s LSU Ag Center Insect Diagnostician Christopher Carlton.

The Southland Conference Baseball Tournament is underway in Hammond. Southeastern Louisiana Athletics Director Jay Artigues says all of the games will be played at Alumni Field…
cut 14 (07) “…for the fans”
And in Ruston, Louisiana Tech is hosting the Conference USA Tournament. The Bulldogs are the top seed and will play Middle Tennessee late in the afternoon.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Members of the Jewish community were stunned after the House Criminal Justice Committee voted against a bill to remove gassing as a form of execution in Louisiana. Jacquelyn Stern with Jews Against Gassing says it was as if the committee ignored their testimony altogether.
Cut 7 (13) “…and listening.”
Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala, a member of the committee, argued the state is executing convicted murderers not innocent women and children like they did in the Holocaust.

The Louisiana House has rejected legislation that called for all public school buses to have heating and air conditioning by 2032. Republicans argued it’s an unfunded mandate for local school systems. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment…
Cut 11 (11) “…thank you.”
The bill failed on a 57-42 vote.

Louisiana is poised to become the first state to classify two pills that can induce an abortion as controlled dangerous substances. Opponents of the legislation say this could cause delays in women receiving the proper reproductive care, but the bill’s author, Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly, says the bill does not present any barriers to accessing the medication for legitimate medical purposes other than abortion.

Two species of Cicadas are emerging together for the first time since 1803. But one species might not make an appearance in Louisiana.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

7:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana House has put the brakes on a bill requiring all public school buses to have heating and air conditioning by 2032. The proposal would also mandate all buses bought after August 1st would be equipped with heat and air. Amite Representative Robby Carter doesn’t see how anyone would vote against a safety measure…
Cut 10 (10) “…in the afternoon.”
But opponents say this is an unfunded mandate on local school systems.

Despite pleas from the Jewish Community, the House Criminal Justice Committee rejected a Senate approved measure that would take nitrogen suffocation off the table as a method to execute a death row prisoner. John Sinquefield with the Attorney General’s Office said the use of nitrogen hypoxia is not comparable to the poisonous gas used during the Holocaust. But Jacquelyn Stern says Sinquefield missed the point…
cut 8 (12) “…as jews”

The LSU Tigers improved its NCAA Tournament resume with a solid nine-to-one win over Georgia in the opening game of the SEC Tournament.
Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The Conference USA Tournament begins today in Ruston. Top-seeded Louisiana Tech takes on Middle Tennessee at around 4 PM. Director of Marketing and Communications for Experience Ruston, Tori Davis, says they are excited to welcome the seven other teams to Lincoln Parish…
cut 15 (09) “…in Ruston”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU baseball opened the SEC Tournament yesterday morning with an impressive nine-to-one win over Georgia. The Tigers began the tournament on the bubble for receiving an NCAA Tournament bid, but Coach Jay Johnson says he knew a win over Georgia would solidify their chances of making a Regional
Cut 20 (13) “….else does that.”
The Tigers will play Kentucky this morning at 9:30. The Wildcats finished tied with Tennessee with best conference record and they’ve stolen over 100 bases on the season.

The Pelicans Herb Jones has been named to the NBA’s All-Defense first team. He’s only the four player in franchise history to accomplish that feat.
Saints Coach Dennis Allen says there are no plans to move Marshon Lattimore despite rumors the veteran cornerback is on the trading block.

The Ragin Cajuns begin play in the Sun Belt Tournament this afternoon at four PM in Montgomery, Alabama. U-L Lafayette will face Old Dominion. D-1 Baseball’s Kendall Rogers says the Cajuns have been strong on the mound all year, now their bats are cooking…
cut 19 (20) “…as well”

In Ruston, the Conference USA tournament gets underway today.Louisiana Tech is scheduled to play Middle Tennessee in the third game of the day. Bulldogs two-way star Ethan Bates was named Conference USA Player of the year.

The Southland Tournament gets underway this morning in Hammond as Northwestern State faces McNeese. The Demons eliminated the Cowboys in last year’s tournament.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Legislation requiring all public school buses to have heating and air conditioning by 2032 fails to receive the support of the Louisiana House.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Also at the capitol, the Louisiana Senate approves legislation that removes the requirement 16 and 17-year-old employees must take a break if their shift lasts more than five hours.

And the House approves a bill that classifies two drugs that induce abortions as dangerous controlled substances.

For the first time since 1803 two species of cicadas are emerging at the same time. One species every 17 years and another called, the Great Brood every 13 years. The problem is in 2011 there were no sightings for the Great Brood in Louisiana. LSU Ag Center Insect Diagnostician, Christopher Carlton says that could be due to a few reasons from migration to extinction in the area.
Cut 4 (07) “…reliable emergence.”
Carlton says they are asking the public to take pictures of cicadas and load them on an app called the I Naturalist so they can see if the Southern Brood is still in Louisiana.

Two conference baseball tournaments get underway today in Louisiana, one in Ruston, the other in Hammond as Southeastern Louisiana hosts the Southland Conference tournament. S-L-U A-D Jay Artigues says it’s a nice economic boost for Tangiaphoa Parish…
cut 13 (14) “…Hammond, America”

LRN AM Newscall May 22

Two species of Cicadas are emerging together for the first time since 1803. But one species might not make an appearance. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_______________________________________________

Legislation requiring all public school buses to have heating and air conditioning by 2032 fails to receive the support of the Louisiana House. Brooke Thorington has the story…

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________________________

LSU Tigers improved its NCAA Tournament resume with a solid nine-to-one win over Georgia in the opening game of the SEC Tournament. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

___________________________________________

For the first time since 1803 two species of cicadas are emerging at the same time. One species every 17 years and another called, the Great Brood every 13 years. The problem is in 2011 there were no sightings for the Great Southern Brood in Louisiana. LSU Ag Center Insect Diagnostician, Christopher Carlton says that could be due to a few reasons from migration to extinction in the area.

Cut 4 (07) “…reliable emergence.”

The Ag Center is asking for help to document the emergence of individual cicadas but also to see if there are any chorusing activities in the trees.

Cut 5 (11) “…in the field.” 

Carlton says, “Once they are gone they never recover.” And with peak emergence passed there’s still time to get out and help.

Cut 6 (14) “…all be gone.”

Emergence areas can be as small as acre or less.” says Carlton.

_______________________________________________

Members of the Jewish community were stunned after House Governmental Affairs voted against a bill to remove gassing as a form of execution in Louisiana. Jacquelyn Stern with Jews Against Gassing says it was as if the committee ignored their testimony altogether.

Cut 7 (13) “…and listening.”

The bill passed in the Senate and Stern was hopeful House members would have also been allowed to hear the legislation but in a 22-16 vote the committee failed to advance the bill.

Committee testimony against the bill included John Sinquefield (Sink-field) with the State Attorney General’s Office who said the use of nitrogen hypoxia is not comparable to the poisonous gas used during the Holocaust. Stern says he completely missed the point…

Cut 8 (12) “…as Jews.” 

During the crime session, Governor Jeff Landry championed adding different methods to carry out executions that included nitrogen hypoxia.

Stern says she and other members of Jews Against Gassing plan to continue to fight for their cause even though requests to meet with the governor have been ignored.

Cut 9 (11)  “…our testimony.”

In addition to Louisiana, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Mississippi have approved the use of nitrogen hypoxia for executions.

_________________________________________________________________

The Louisiana House has put the brakes on a bill requiring all public school buses to have heating and air conditioning by 2032. The proposal would also mandate all buses bought after August 1st would be equipped with heat and air. Amite Representative Robby Carter doesn’t see how anyone would vote against a safety measure…

Cut 10 (10) “…in the afternoon.”

But Republicans fought against the bill over concerns that it’s an unfunded mandate for local school systems. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment…

Cut 11 (11) “…thank you.”

The bill failed on a 57-42 vote. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson was one of the no “votes…”

Cut 12 (06) “…local school.” 

______________________________________________

Today starts the Southland Conference Baseball Tournament, hosted on the Southeastern University campus in Hammond.   Athletic Director, Jay Artigues says going from a four-team tournament in 2021 to an eight-team will bring not just a good time but a huge economic impact as well.

Cut 13 (14)  “…Hammond America.”

Artigues says that the Southland Conference sees what Southeastern has been able to create and it’s not just hosting baseball, it’s creating an event where visiting teams and fans want to come out.

Cut 14 (10)  “…for the fans.”

Also starting today is the Conference USA Tournament, which Louisiana Tech is hosting for the first time since 2021. Director of Marketing and Communications for Experience Ruston, Tori Davis, says it’s great for local businesses as seven visiting teams along with families and fans are in the town for the tournament. The Bulldogs are also the top seed so that means a surge in local fans.

Cut 15 (09)  “…here in Rust0n.”

While the past has shown that when the temperature gets hotter going into the summer months, tourism can start to slow, but Davis said that hasn’t been the case.

That is because of other events going on in Ruston. From travel ball to festivals starting June 1st.

Cut 16 (10) “…Louisiana Peach Festival.” 

The Bulldogs open against MTSU today at 4 pm.

___________________________________________________

LSU’s nine to one win over Georgia in the first game of the SEC Tournament possibly locked up an invite to the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers entered the league tourney, winners of four of their last five SEC series. D-1 Baseball’s Kendall Rogers says LSU’s solid play of late has been impressive…

Cut 17 (12) “…realizes that.”

Louisiana Tech begins postseason as the top seed in the Conference USA Tournament in Ruston. The Bulldogs will face Middle Tennessee in their first game today. Rogers says Tech is a dangerous team in the postseason, because of their experienced hitters

Cut 18 (12)  “…La Tech.”

The Ragin Cajuns will begin play in the Sun Belt Tournament as the top seed. Rogers says Cajuns have been strong on the mound all year, and now their bats are cooking…

Cut 19 (20) “…as well.” 

_____________________________________________________

LSU baseball opened the SEC Tournament yesterday morning with an impressive nine-to-one win over Georgia. The Tigers began today on the bubble for receiving an NCAA Tournament bid, but Coach Jay Johnson says he knew a win over Georgia would solidify their chances of making a Regional

Cut 20 (13) “….else does that.”

5:30 LRN Newscast May 21

Members of the Louisiana House Criminal Justice Committee failed to pass a bill that would remove gassing as a form of execution due to perceived similarities to execution methods used during the Holocaust. John Sinquefield with the Attorney General’s office spoke in opposition saying nitrogen hypoxia differs from what was used in Nazi Germany.

cut 9 (10): “…to death.”

Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans Aaron Bloch, who spoke in support of the bill says execution by gas is triggering for the Jewish community.

cut 10 (10): “…their name.”

The bill failed in committee on a 3 to 8 vote and will not advance to the House floor.

On an eight to four-vote, House Education approved legislation to create the Gator Scholarship Program that one day would allow parents of all income levels to receive taxpayer dollars to pay for private tuition. Louisiana Federation of Teacher’s President Larry Carter expressed his concerns…

Cut 7 (11) ” accountability.”  

The bill heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.

The Louisiana House has put the brakes on a bill requiring all public-school buses to have heating and air conditioning by 2032. The proposal would also mandate all buses bought after August would be equipped with heat and air.  Pineville Representative Mike Johnson was one of the no “votes…”

Cut 12 (07) “…local school.” 

The bill failed on a 57-42 vote.

4:45 LRN Sportscast May 21

LSU baseball opened the SEC Tournament this morning with an impressive nine to one win over Georgia. The Tigers began today on the bubble for receiving an NCAA Tournament bid, but Coach Jay Johnson says he knew a win over Georgia would solidify their chances of making a Regional…
cut 16 (14) “…nobody else does that’
And there are not many pitchers pitching as well as Gage Jump. The left-hander allowed just one run in seven innings and struck out seven. Michael Braswell and Tommy White each had three hits and Josh Pearson drove in three runs. Johnson on Pearson…
cut 30 (07) “…this guy”
LSU will face Kentucky Wednesday as they move into the double elimination portion of the SEC Tournament.

Louisiana Tech’s Ethan Bates was named Conference USA Player of the Year today. Bates leads the nation in saves with 15 and at the plate he’s hitting 3-28 with 15 home runs, 69 RBIs and has a league-high 20 doubles.

Coach Lane Burroughs shares co-coach of the year honors with Dallas Baptist’s Dan Heefner.

Louisiana Tech begins postseason play tomorrow as the top seed in the Conference USA Tournament. The Bulldogs will face Middle Tennessee. Kendall Rogers with D-1 baseball says Tech is a dangerous team in the postseason, because of their experienced hitters…
cut 18 (12) “…La Tech”

The Southland Conference Baseball Tournament will get underway tomorrow. Southeastern Louisiana is the host school and will host UNO in the final game of the day. The tournament gets underway at nine A-M as Northwestern State faces McNeese. The Demons beat the Cowboys in a series in late March.