7:30 LRN Newscast

After a lengthy debate, the House Civil Law Committee approves legislation that would prohibit transgender individuals from using the bathroom of their gender identity in public buildings like schools, domestic violence shelters and prisons. This means a biological male, who now identifies as a transgender female, would use the men’s bathroom. Trans advocate Britian Forsyth urged lawmakers to vote against this bill, because transgender girls could be bullied in a boys bathroom at a school…
cut 9 (11) “…very scared”
But Baton Rouge Representative Emily Chenevert (Shen-uh-vere) responded this way….
cut 10 (07) “…..clarity”
The measure heads to the House floor for more discussion.

38-year-old Rodney Guillote Jr. of Pineville faces first-degree murder after he allegedly physically abused his infant daughter resulting in multiple injuries and bleeding on the brain. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Tommy Carnline says detectives began their investigation after receiving a call from a local hospital about an infant with extensive bruising.
Cut 4 (08) “…two weeks.”
Guillotte’s bond has been set at one-point-five billion dollars.

At the women’s and men’s national championship basketball games, the teams playing in those games were on the floor for the national anthem. Governor Jeff Landry wants to see that take place all the time with Louisiana’s college teams or risk losing their scholarship. But Alex Morey with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression says there’s nothing less patriotic than government actors forcing personal views on citizens…
cut 16 (11) “…American system”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Ragin Cajuns baseball team is ranked in the major polls for the first time since 2017 as U-L Lafayette has the nation’s longest winning streak at 15 games. Coach Matt Deggs is proud of his team…
Cut 17 (12) “…these boys
U-L Lafayette will host Prairie View A-and-M tonight.

The LSU Tigers, who have dropped their first four SEC series of the season, are no longer ranked. They will host McNeese tonight. The Tigers could use a win as they have a tough series with Tennessee coming up. The Cowboys are 0-6 against SEC teams this year.

U-L-M is home today to take on Northwestern State. The game has been moved up to two pm in an effort to avoid expected stormy weather tonight. The Warhawks were swept in Lafayette last weekend, but they already own two wins over the Demons this season. Northwestern is 11-and-22 on the season after dropping a series at Corpus Christi.

The Pelicans continue their push for a top six seed in the Western Conference playoffs as they are at Portland tonight. New Orleans and Phoenix are currently tied for the sixth spot in the West with four regular season games left. Winnable game tonight as the Trail Blazers have the second worst record in the West.

The LSU women’s basketball team finished sixth in the final A-P Top 25 poll of the season. Lady Tigers are losing Angelica Velez to the transfer portal. The five-foot-seven point guard only played 111 minutes last season.

LSU guard Jalen Cook is entering the NBA draft. He finished the year in Coach Matt McMahon’s dog house after failing to meet the standards of the program.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The House Civil Law Committee approves legislation to prohibit transgender individuals from using the bathroom at schools or domestic violence shelters that does not align with their gender identity. An advocate for domestic violence victims, Morgan Lamandre, argued this legislation puts federal funding for domestic violence shelters at risk because Louisiana’s shelters would be in violation of federal rules
Cut 8 (10) “…what they receive.”
Despite this concern the proposal heads to the House floor.

A first amendment rights group is concerned about Governor Landry’s push for colleges to mandate all student-athletes be present for the national anthem. Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression Director Alex Morey says Landry’s request forces athletes to support his beliefs and views.
Cut 14 (09) “…the flag.”
Many scholars also agree that threatening to take scholarships away for not being present for the national anthem is a violation of first amendment rights.

Legislation to repeal vehicle inspection stickers hits a road bump. Brooke Thorington explains…
Cut 2 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

LRN AM Newscall April 9 2024

The House Civil Law Committee approves legislation that would prohibit a transgender individual from using a public bathroom that aligns with their gender identity. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (41) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Legislation to repeal vehicle inspection stickers hits a road bump. Brooke Thorington explains…

Cut 2 (32)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns baseball team is in the national rankings for the first time since 2017. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________________________

38-year-old Rodney Guillote Jr. of Pineville faces first-degree murder after he allegedly physically abused his infant daughter resulting in multiple injuries and bleeding on the brain. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Tommy Carnline says detectives began their investigation after receiving a call from a local hospital about an infant with extensive bruising.

Cut 4 (08) “…two weeks.”

The 5-month-old child was airlifted to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans with injuries to her torso, head, and lower body. Guillote also assaulted 27-year-old Elisha Mazerolle, the mother of the young girl.

Carnline says Mazerolle was arrested for principal to first-degree murder.

Cut 5 (10) “…law enforcement.” 

Carnline says the heartbreaking case prompts a call to safeguard the most innocent and vulnerable among us. He says programs and agencies statewide are on standby to help parents struggling with infant situations.

Cut 6 (06) “…was senseless.”

__________________________________________________

The House Civil Law Committee approves legislation that would prohibit transgender individuals from using a public bathroom that’s in line with their gender identity. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says he’s trying to prevent a biological woman from having to share a bathroom with a transgender female

 Cut 7 (08) “…situations of assault”

Wilder says this legislation is in response to a biological male who identifies as a woman, demanding access to a female changing room at a facility in his district. The proposal covers bathrooms in schools, prisons and domestic violence shelters.

An advocate for domestic violence victims, Morgan Lamandre, argued this legislation puts federal funding for domestic violence shelters at risk because Louisiana’s shelters would be in violation of federal rules

Cut 8 (10) “…what they receive.” 

Trans advocate Britain Forsyth urges members of the House Civil Law Committee not to force transgender children to use a bathroom that aligns with their biological sex

Cut 9 (11)  “…very scared.”

Despite the concerns raised, Baton Rouge Representative Emily Chenevert looks at this legislation as a common-sense bill…

Cut 10 (07) “…clarity.”

The measure heads to the House floor for more discussion.

 ________________________________________________________

The brakes have been put on removing the requirement of the brake tags in Louisiana. In House Appropriations Monday Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley voluntarily pulled his immensely popular bill at the request of State Police. A portion of the cost of the vehicle inspections goes towards their budget.

Cut 11 (10) “…about so.”

Bagley says when he originally presented the bill, he promised State Police that he’d work with them if removing the requirement of inspection stickers negatively impacted their budget.

Cut 12 (10) “…do that.” 

Bagley says LSP is not opposed to removing vehicle inspections however they do object as to how it will impact their budget.

Cut 13 (12)  “…everything straightened.”

The bill could still be brought before lawmakers before the current session ends.

_______________________________________________

A first amendment rights group is concerned about Governor Landry’s push that colleges mandate all student-athletes be present during the national anthem. Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression Director Alex Morey says Landry’s request ties students to support his beliefs and views.

Cut 14 (09)  “…the flag.”

The first amendment in the U-S constitution protects students from being required to pledge allegiance or salute the U-S flag in public schools.

Morey says what’s more concerning is that LSU may possibly comply with Landry’s request. She says students are free to choose how or whether they want to demonstrate patriotism.

Cut 15 (13)  “…expressive rights.”

Morey says there is nothing less patriotic than government actors forcing their personal views on citizens.

Cut 16 (11)  “…American system.” 

_____________________________________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns baseball team is ranked in the major polls for the first time since 2017 as U-L Lafayette has the nation’s longest winning streak at 15 games. Coach Matt Deggs is proud of his team…

Cut 17 (12) “…these boys

The Cajuns are coming off a sweep over in-state foe ULM. U-L Lafayette is 24-8 overall, 11-1 in the Sun Belt. They are ranked as high as 19th in the D-1 baseball poll. Deggs says heading into the season, he wanted to see attendance increase at Tigue Moore Field and he wanted to see the Cajuns back in the national rankings…

Cut 18 (13)  “…work to do.”  

U-L Lafayette will host Prairie View A-and-M tonight, Louisiana Tech tomorrow and then they’ll host Marshall for a weekend series starting on Friday. Deggs says he wants to make sure the streak doesn’t become a burden…

Cut 19 (17) “…play the game.”   

 

5:30 LRN Newscast April 8

House Civil Law approves legislation to prohibit transgender individuals from using a public bathroom that’s in line with their gender identity. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says he’s trying to prevent a biological woman from having to share a bathroom with a transgender female.

Cut 7 (09) “…situations of assault”

The proposal covers bathrooms in schools, prisons, and domestic violence shelters.

An advocate for domestic violence victims, Morgan Lamandre, argued it would put federal funding for domestic violence shelters at risk because Louisiana’s shelters would be in violation of federal rules

Cut 8 (11) “…what they receive.” 

The measure heads to the House floor for more discussion.

The brakes have been put on removing the requirement of the brake tags in Louisiana. In House Appropriations Monday Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley voluntarily pulled his immensely popular bill at the request of State Police. A portion of the cost of the vehicle inspections goes towards their budget.

Cut 11 (11) “…about so.”

The bill could still be brought before lawmakers before the current session ends.

A federal court in Shreveport is hearing arguments in a suit filed by Republicans over the state’s congressional map which added a second majority-black district. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the plaintiffs claim the map is racial gerrymandering.

Cut 9 (10) “…only factor.” 
The hearing is set to end on Wednesday.

4:30 LRN Newscast April 8

Three federal judges in Shreveport are hearing a suit filed by Republicans against the most recent congressional map passed by the legislature. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Portions of central Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 8 PM meaning conditions are favorable for the development of a tornado. North Louisiana is under the risk of severe thunderstorms with the possibility of hail, strong winds, and tornadoes. Rainfall totals of up to three to six inches are expected. The National Weather service recommendations says review your emergency plans and be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued.

The longtime head coach of the Warhorses, Charles Smith will be inducted in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s 2024 class. The Basketball Hall of Famer is Louisiana’s all-time winningest head coach with 1, 208 wins and has helped over 70 players secure scholarships to pursue collegiate basketball opportunities. He says one of the greatest fulfillment in his coaching career…

Cut 5 (12)  “…of work.”

Smith is one of 13 inductees of the 2024 class.

The state has announced the Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program will end on April 30th so those still living in the 500 or so travel trailers will have to find a new home. GOHSEP director Jacques Thibodeaux says it’s a challenge to find these individuals still in travel trailers a place to live…
cut 14 (09) “….interested in that”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU is out of the college baseball polls and the Ragin Cajuns are in. U-L Lafayette has the nation’s longest winning streak at 15 games and they’ve entered the national rankings in several polls for the first time since the 2017 season. D-1 Baseball has the Cajuns ranked 19th.

After dropping another conference series, the LSU baseball team is now 3-and-9 in SEC play. Vanderbilt took two of three from the Tigers and won the series on Saturday with a 13-3 win in eight innings. Coach Jay Johnson on what’s wrong with LSU’s pitching
Cut 19 (09) “…right now”
LSU hosts McNeese tomorrow, who just lost two of three to Lamar.

The LSU Lady Tigers finished sixth in the last A-P poll of the year. And LSU men’s basketball player Jalen Cook has declared for the NBA draft.

Suspended LSU running back Trey Holly no longer faces an attempted murder charge from a shooting in Farmerville on February 15th that injured two people. A Union Parish grand jury rejected that charge. The 19-year-old still faces one felony gun charge. Coach Brian Kelly does not expect the criminal case against Holly to drag on…
Cut 7 (12) “…reinstatement”
Holly said in a social media post on February 17th that he was 100-percent innocent and had been falsely identified, accused and arrested.

Peabody High School Coach Charles Smith has been inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame. That’s the greatest honor a person involved in basketball can receive. Smith has won more than 12-hundred games and nine state championships. But Smith says winning games is not the only reason why he coaches…
cut 5 (12) “…OF WORK”
Induction ceremonies are scheduled for August 17th.

3:30 LRN Newscast April 8

Heavy cloud coverage obstructed the view of the eclipse for most of the Bayou State today. Northwest Louisiana had the best opportunity for a glimpse 90% totality this afternoon. Due to the inclement weather Louisiana’s make up date for the eclipse is August 23, 2044.

Legendary Peabody boys’ basketball coach Charles Smith joins basketball greatest names as he’s an inductee into the Naismith basketball Hall of Fame. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

 

A federal court in Shreveport is hearing arguments in a suit filed by Republicans over the state’s congressional map. Plaintiff says the map violates the Equal Protection Act. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the state will have to argue there was a compelling interest to satisfy the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He believes it will be difficult for the state to contend because…

Cut 11 (09) “…only factor.”

 

April 30th is the deadline for those still in travel trailers as part of the Ida Sheltering program. Jacques Thibodeaux, who became director of GOSHEP in January says the deadline for those living in about 540 units, has been extended numerous times by FEMA and the state, but with a state fiscal cliff looming…

Cut 12 (12) “…the state.” 

He says caseworkers have been working with those in need of continued sheltering.

LRN PM Newscall April 8

Legendary Peabody boys basketball coach Charles Smith joins basketball greatest names as he’s an inductee into  the Naismith basketball Hall of Fame. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

______________________________________

Three federal judges in Shreveport are hearing a suit filed by Republicans against the most recent congressional map passed by the legislature. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

Legendary boys’ basketball Coach Charles Smith of Peabody High School in Alexandria will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Smith is one of a handful of high school coaches to join the ranks. Smith says it is an honor to join the elite group.

Cut 3 (12) “…professional coaches.”  

Smith won 9 state championships with the Warhorses and has coached Peabody since 1979. The Basketball Hall of Famer is Louisiana’s all-time winningest head coach with 1, 208 wins.

Cut 4 (13) “…for me.” 

During his tenure with the Warhorses, Smith has helped facilitate over 70 players in securing scholarships to pursue collegiate basketball opportunities. He says one of the greatest fulfillment in his coaching career…

Cut 5 (12)  “…of work.”

Smith is one of 13 inductees of the 2024 class. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on August 17 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

_____________________________________________________________

LSU running back Trey Holly no longer faces an attempted murder charge as a result of a shooting that occurred in Farmerville on February 15th that injured two people. A Union Parish Grand Jury has rejected the charge. LSU football Coach Brian Kelly says they felt good about Holly’s chances of avoiding serious charges…

Cut 6  (05) “…don’t know” 

The 19-year-old still faces one felony gun charge. His attorney, Michael Small, says Holly intends to plead not guilty to the charge. Kelly does not expect the criminal case against Holly to drag on…

Cut 7 (12) “…reinstatement”  

Holly said in a social media post on February 17th that he was 100-percent innocent and had been falsely identified, accused and arrested. He was suspended from the team when he was arrested. But Kelly says they will look at reinstating him once his case is resolved.

Cut 8 (04) “…welcome him back.” 

Holly appeared in three games as a freshman last season, but is expected to see significant playing time this sophomore season. He’s the all-time leading rusher in Louisiana High School football history at 10,523 yards.

____________________________________________________________________

A federal court in Shreveport is hearing arguments in a suit filed by Republicans over the state’s congressional map which added a second majority-black district. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the plaintiffs claim the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment and the map is racial gerrymandering.

Cut 9 (10) “…only factor.” 

In recent affirmative action decisions, Ciolino says the United States Supreme Court has been critical of states treating race differently. He says if race was the predominant factor for drawing the maps…

Cut 10 (07) “…protection clause. “

Ciolino says the state will argue there was a compelling state interest to satisfy the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in passing the current map. He believes it will be difficult for the state to contend because…

Cut 11 (09) “…only factor.”

A May deadline has been set for a decision so candidates will know the districts they’ll be running for in the November 5th election.

____________________________________________________________________

April 30th is the deadline for those still in travel trailers as part of the Ida Sheltering program. Jacques Thibodeaux, who became director of GOSHEP in January says the deadline for those living in about 540 units, has been extended numerous times by FEMA and the state, but with a state fiscal cliff looming…

Cut 12 (12) “…the state.” 

Thibodeaux says those still in the program have been notified of the deadline and are working with their caseworkers on future housing options. He says GOSHEP is also awaiting a State Attorney General’s opinion on donating travel trailers.

Among the reasons those still in the program have been unable to rebuild, Thibodeaux says is the ongoing insurance crisis that has forced many to lose or drop coverage.

Cut 13 (10) “…piece of it.”

Thibodeaux says among the options are for the affected parishes to apply for federal assistance and continue the sheltering program which he says none have yet or impacted individuals can apply for a rapid house voucher which would move them into an apartment.

Cut  14 (09) “…in that.” 

The deadline for the Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta sheltering programs, Thibodeaux says is set to expire in August.

2:30 LRN Newscast

The Great American Eclipse is almost over in Louisiana for many it was a non-event because of cloud cover. But for some areas in the state, there was enough of a break in the clouds to see the moon cover most of the sun. If you missed it, the next one in North America is not until 2044.

Three federal judges in Shreveport are hearing a suit filed by Republicans against the most recent congressional map passed by the legislature. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

There’s a chance suspended LSU running back Trey Holly could return to the team soon. The attempted murder charge he was facing has been dropped after a grand jury in Union Parish rejected the charge. Holly still faces a felony gun charge, but Kelly is optimistic the case could resolved soon…
cut 8 (04)”…him back”
Holly was adamant on social media he was not involved in a shooting that injured two people in Farmerville on February 15th.

The Hurricane Ida sheltering program will come to an end on April 30th. This federally funded program that the state operated provided sheltering for more than 15-thousand people after the 2021 Category Four storm. There are still people living in about 600 travel trailers and GOHSEP director Jacques Thibodeaux says high insurance rates are keeping many from not being able to find permanent housing…
cut 13 (10) “…piece of it”