6:30 LRN Newscast

There are two weeks left in the legislative session and one of the major bills that has yet to be decided is the measure that calls for a Constitutional Convention. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the bill is still awaiting a discussion in the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee…
cut 14 (06) “….will happen”
Republican megadonor Lane Grigsby has recommended the governor should scrap the idea of having Jeff Landry picking 27 delegates for the proposed convention.

Governor Landry has appointed Dustin Yates as the mayor of the state’s newest city. St. George. The state Supreme Court has ruled for the incorporation of St. George, after 54-percent of voters living in the proposed city’s limits in East Baton Rouge voted to have their own city. National headlines have painted this as an attempt by whites to create their own majority city, but Yates says this is about controlling their own tax dollars…
cut 6 (13) “….our residents”

President Biden has signed the FAA Reauthorization Bill. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves had a major part in crafting the legislation. He says it’s good news for Louisiana travelers. One focus of the bill is to improve the overall experience for airline customers. Graves says that means everything from the baggage claim to air traffic control.
Cut 7 (11) “..experience for the family.”
One new provision is airlines must issue an automatic refund in cases when a flight is canceled or there is a long delay.

Congressman Graves says he plans to run for re-election, but he hasn’t committed if it will be the sixth District, his current seat that was reapportioned as the state’s second majority-Black district. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Graves could run against fellow Republican Julia Letlow in the fifth district…
Cut 10 (10) “…Republican district.”

LRN Legislative Report

With the Louisiana Radio Network Legislative Report, I’m Jeanne Burns.

The Louisiana Senate has approved the bill that creates the Gator Scholarship Program which will provide parents public dollars to pay for private school tuition. The bill’s author, Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds, says this is a historic moment as the legislation will give parents options on where to send their child to school..

Cut 6  (11) “..of Louisiana. ” 
A bill to ban transgender people from using school restrooms and other facilities that match their gender identity passed in the Senate 29 to 10. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell, who presented it to the Senate, champions the bill as protecting women…

Cut 11 (12) ” …that bathroom.”

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With two weeks remaining in the legislative session, one of the biggest pieces of legislation to be decided is whether lawmakers will hold a Constitutional Convention. The measure was amended in the House to begin in August, as for what it will entail remains a mystery. But first political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it still must clear the Senate.

Cut 13 (08)  “…politics.”
As for Landry’s first legislative session, Pinsonat says the governor for the most part has gotten his way on legislation he’s supported.

Cut 15 (10)  “…he wanted.”
The session ends June 3rd.

LRN AM Newscall May 20

Governor Jeff Landry has appointed Dustin Yates, as the Interim Mayor of the newest City of St. George. Jeanne Burns has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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President Biden has signed legislation designed to improve air travel.  Sean Richardson spoke with Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves who helped write the bill that is designed to improve the flying experience.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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It’s conference tournament time in college baseball. Jeff Palermo looks at how Louisiana teams stand a week before the NCAA Regional pairings are announced…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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Governor Jeff Landry appoints Dustin Yates Interim Mayor for the City of Sta George. Yates says getting the call came as a surprise.

Cut 4 (05) “….things like this.”

The Governor also appointed Police Chief, Todd Morris but still needs to appoint the remaining members of the council. Yates says until then he’s got plenty of work in front of him.

Cut 5 (13) “…in this transition.” 

St. George will be the 5th largest city in Louisiana and the transition of services and tax dollars will be a huge task.

For many St. George was seen as an attempt to create a majority white city, separate from EBR. Yates says it’s a very emotional issue and people on both sides have very passionate opinions on the issue, but race wasn’t the reason.

Cut 6 (13) “…for our residences.”

Yates is serving his 19th year with the St. George Fire Department where he has held the position of Firefighter, Lieutenant, and Chief Administrative Officer.

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President Joe Biden has signed the FAA Reauthorization Bill. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves had a major part in crafting the legislation. He says it’s good news for Louisiana travelers. One focus of the bill is to improve the overall experience for airline customers. Graves says that means everything from the baggage claim to air traffic control.

Cut 7 (11) “..experience for the family.”

The bill has consumer protections in place that would offer the option for customers to get paid in cash instead of airline credits and that would be at the discretion of the customer..

Cut 8 (10) “…major delays or inconveniences.” 

One cause of those delays is not enough air traffic controllers to manage flights.  Graves says this bill also addresses that and looks to recruit and hire more Air Traffic Controllers and reduce the bottleneck of delays around the county.

Cut 9 (18)  “…mass retirements.”

The bill also has $24.9 million for funding the Airport Improvement Program to update not just runways but terminals and overall customer experience.

_________________________________________________________________

Congressman Garret Graves says he plans to run for re-election, but he hasn’t committed if it will be sixth District, his current seat that was reapportioned as the state’s second majority-Black district. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Graves could run against fellow Republican Julia Letlow in District 5…

Cut 10 (10) “…Republican district.”

Democratic State Senator Cleo Fields has already announced he’ll run for the sixth district and Hogan says if Graves chooses to run against him, it will be extremely competitive…

Cut 11 (12) “…national contributors.”

Graves posted on social media “Because of the absurdity of the map, we are looking through these districts to determine where we can best represent the interests and the priorities of the people of Louisiana for the next two years until a reasonable map is restored.”

If Graves chooses to run against Fields versus another incumbent Republican, Hogan believes the GOP will be more likely to support him.

Cut 12 (07) “…the chamber.” 

Qualifying is July 17th – 19th for the November 5th election.

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Two weeks are left in the legislative session and one of the biggest issues left undecided is whether lawmakers will pass a bill that will result in a Constitutional Convention in August. Details on how the convention will be held have yet to be decided. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the bill is awaiting a vote in the Senate.

Cut 13 (08)  “…politics.”

Pinsonat says Landry’s agenda on what will be revised in the constitution has not been made public and procedural matters, like will the proposed changes have to have a two-thirds majority before it’s placed on the ballot for voters to decide.

Cut 14 (06)  “…will happen.”

As for Landry’s first regular legislative session, Pinsonat says the governor for the most part is getting what he wanted.

Cut 15 (10)  “…he wanted.”

The session ends June 3rd.

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The LSU baseball team ended the regular season by sweeping Ole Miss to finish the season 13-and-17 in the SEC. Many believe the Tigers needed 13 wins in league play to have a chance at making the NCAA Tournament. Coach Jay Johnson says there’s no doubt in his mind that LSU should play in a regional…

Cut 16 (12) “….no brainer.” 

LSU can add to its resume on Tuesday morning when they face Georgia in the SEC Tournament in a single-elimination game. Johnson’s team finished the SEC by winning four of its last five series, which he believes is a great accomplishment…

Cut 17 (17) “…probably do that.”

11:30 am Newscast May 18

The Supreme Court says the most recent congressional map approved by lawmakers with two Black majority districts will be the one used in upcoming federal elections. Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry says the May 15th ruling came just in time…

Cut 3 (10) “…fall elections.” 
The Gator Scholarship Program bill has now been approved by the Louisiana. It will provide public dollars to parents to pay for their children’s private school tuition. Those in favor of the bill says it gives parents more choice when it comes to their kids’ education. But some say Education Savings Accounts are an abandonment of public education and it’s teachers. New Orleans Senator Royce Duplesis.

Cut 7 (13) “…in the program.”  

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A bill to ban transgender people from using school restrooms and other facilities that match their gender identity passed the Louisiana Senate 29 to 10. New Orleans Senator Royce was among those opposed to the measure, saying it’s a cultural war issue meant to drum up fear.

Cut 10 (08) “…protect children.” 
The bill would also separate restrooms in prisons and domestic violence shelters. It heads next to Governer’s desk.

Organizers of a recall effort to oust Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape have already collected 6-thousand signatures…but they’ll need 30-thousand more by October in over to force a new election. Noble-Bates Young with Family First St. Tammany on what would happen next.

Cut 12 (08) “…what not.” 

Young says if they meet their goal, a new election would most likely be on the Spring 2025 ballot for St. Tammany Parish voters.

10:30 am Newscast May 18

The Louisiana Senate has approved the bill that creates the Gator Scholarship Program which will provide parents public dollars to pay for private school tuition. The bill’s author, Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds, says this is a historic moment as the legislation will give parents options on where to send their child to school.

Cut 6  (11) “..of Louisiana. ” 

The E-S-A bill passed on a 24-15 vote. It still needs House approval. Opponents are concerned about the overall cost of the program which could be 500 million.

Organizers say they’ve collected 6,000 signatures of the 36,000 they need to recall embattled St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape. Noble-Bates Young with Family First St. Tammany says they’ll rely heavily on business hubs for signatures.

Cut 13 (13) “…so far.” 

Signatures must be collected by October.

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The Supreme Court has ruled the most recent state congressional map approved by lawmakers with two majority Black districts will be the one to use in the upcoming election. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Mel Bridges”

A bill to ban transgender people from using school restrooms and other facilities that match their gender identity passed in the Senate 29 to 10. Senator Beth Mizell says the measure stemmed from an incident that happened at a Louisiana park restroom…

Cut 9 (12) “…nothing (x2).” 

 

9:30 am Newscast May 18

A bill to ban transgender people from using school restrooms and other facilities that match their gender identity passed in the Senate 29 to 10. New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis believes this bill is part of a cultural war issue based on fear. But Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell champions the bill as protecting women.

Cut 11 (12) ” …that bathroom.”
An effort to recall St. Tammany Parish’s new coroner is picking up steam…as organizers have collected 6-thousand of the 36 thousand signatures needed so far.  Dr. Christopher Tape ran unopposed and a recall effort began after criminal accusations of child sexual abuse more than two decades ago in New Mexico came to light. As for who will run against Tape if the recall is successful, Young says Family First St. Tammany is focused on getting enough signatures right now.

Cut  14 (10) “…of office.” 
All signatures for the recall must be collected by October.

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The Louisiana Senate has passed the Gator Scholarship Program which would give parents the ability to receive taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 
A ruling by the Supreme Court means the map approved by Louisiana lawmakers earlier this year with two majority black districts will be the one used in upcoming federal elections. Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry on why knowing this far ahead of the November election is so important.

Cut 4 (10) “…doing that.” 

 

8:30 am Newscast May 18

The Supreme Court says the most recent congressional map approved by lawmakers with two Black majority districts will be the one used in upcoming federal elections. Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry says the May 15th ruling came just in time…

Cut 3 (10) “…fall elections.” 
The Gator Scholarship Program bill has now been approved by the Louisiana. It will provide public dollars to parents to pay for their children’s private school tuition. Those in favor of the bill says it gives parents more choice when it comes to their kids’ education. But some say Education Savings Accounts are an abandonment of public education and it’s teachers. New Orleans Senator Royce Duplesis.

Cut 7 (13) “…in the program.”  

—————————————-
A bill to ban transgender people from using school restrooms and other facilities that match their gender identity passed the Louisiana Senate 29 to 10. New Orleans Senator Royce was among those opposed to the measure, saying it’s a cultural war issue meant to drum up fear.

Cut 10 (08) “…protect children.” 
The bill would also separate restrooms in prisons and domestic violence shelters. It heads next to Governer’s desk.

Organizers of a recall effort to oust Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape have already collected 6-thousand signatures…but they’ll need 30-thousand more by October in over to force a new election. Noble-Bates Young with Family First St. Tammany on what would happen next.

Cut 12 (08) “…what not.” 

Young says if they meet their goal, a new election would most likely be on the Spring 2025 ballot for St. Tammany Parish voters.

7:30 LRN sportscast

The LSU baseball team went into the final series of the regular season needing a sweep and they are one win away from accomplishing that goal after beating Ole Miss four to two. Starting pitcher Luke Holman was outstanding as he struck out nine and left-hander Griffin Herring picked up the save for the second consecutive game as he pitched two scoreless innings. Herring says he was prepared to pitch again after getting the final outs on Thursday…
cut 19 (12) “>…compete”
LSU will try for the sweep this afternoon. Game three is at one pm.

Louisiana Tech clinched the number one seed in next week’s Conference USA Tournament in Ruston by sweeping a doubleheader from Liberty. The Bulldogs defeated the Flames 12 to 8 in game one, ten to one in game two and they are 41-15 on the season.
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The Ragin Cajuns wrap up the regular season today at two pm against South Alabama after splitting a double header with the Jaguars, winning the first six to five, but losing the second game ten to nothing. U-L Lafayette will be looking for its 40th win of the year today.

Nicholls can clinch a share of the Southland Conference regular season title today if they can complete a sweep of McNeese today. The Colonels clobbered the Cowboys ten to three yesterday.

In the NCAA Softball Tournament…Southeastern Louisiana upset Clemson in the Tuscloosa Regional six to two. It was the Lions first ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament. S-L-U will play Alabama at 10:30 today.

LSU and U-L Lafayette also advanced to the winner bracket. The Tigers will play Southern Illinois at noon today, while the Cajuns will battle Baylor at 2 PM.

Former LSU pitcher Paul Skenes threw six hitless innings and had eleven strikeouts in his first Major League win, a Pittsburgh nine to three victory over the Cubs.

5:30 LRN Newscast May 17

A bill to ban transgender people from using school restrooms that match their gender identity, not their biological gender passed the Senate in a 29 to 10 vote. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell, believes the bill is needed and it protects women and girls…

Cut 11 (12) ” …that bathroom.”

Mizell says an incident that happened at a Louisiana park bathroom, prompted the legislation.  New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis believes the bill isn’t necessary, it’s merely cultural war issue…

Cut 10 (08) “…protect children.” 

­­­The bill would also separate restrooms in prisons and domestic violence shelters. The bill goes Governor Landry’s desk to be signed into law.

Since the Supreme Court says the most recent congressional map approved by lawmakers with two Black majority districts will be the one used in upcoming federal elections, Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry says anyone within the changed districts will know long before it’s time to cast a vote.

Cut 3 (10) fall elections.

Qualifying for the Congressional races is from July 17th to 19th.

The Louisiana Senate has approved the bill that creates the Gator Scholarship Program which will provide parents public dollars to pay for private school tuition.

New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis says Education Savings Accounts are an abandonment of public education and its teachers…

Cut 7 (13) “…in the program.”  

The bill awaits the governor’s signature.

 

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU baseball team got another great pitching performance today and will go for the sweep tomorrow against Ole Miss Rebels. Luke Holman struck out out nine in 6.2 innings as the Tigers doubled up Ole Miss four to two. Griffin Herring got out of a one out, two runners on jam in the eighth inning and earned his sixth save. Tommy White homered. Alex Milazzo and Josh Pearson had RBI singles. The final game of the series and the regular season is tomorrow at 1 PM. A win gives LSU 13 SEC wins.

Former LSU pitcher Paul Skenes struck out 11 in six hitless innings as the Pirates blew out the Cubs today today.

Louisiana Tech blew a six run lead but beat Liberty 12 to 8 in eleven innings. Jorge Corona homered twice.

ULM won game one its best of three series with Arkansas State today, 12 to 4 was the final score.

U-L Lafayette softball blanked Princeton eight to nothing in five innings to advance to the winner’s bracket. The Cajuns will play the winner of today’s game between Baylor and Ole Miss tomorrow.

Southeastern Louisiana pulled off the upset in the Tuscaloosa Regional beating Clemson six to two. It’s the Lions first ever NCAA Tournament win. They will likely play Alabama tomorrow.

The nation’s number one prospect at wide receiver for the Class of 2025 has de-committed from LSU. Dakorian Moore from Duncanville, Texas committed to the Tigers last August, but he announced yesterday he’s re-opening his commitment. Texas, Oregon and Ohio State are other schools interested in Moore.

Saints fans have dissected the 2024 regular season schedule which came out this week. Luke Johnson covers the Saints for nola-dot-com and says based on 2023 win-loss records, the 2024 schedule is not difficult….
cut 17 (18) “….it doesn’t feel that way”

And congratulations to Angel Reese. She graduated from LSU today with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Reese and the Chicago Sky play tomorrow night in Dallas.