10:30 LRN Newscast

Three weeks left in the legislative session and the Louisiana Senate has yet to take up one of the session’s marquee bills. A measure that would result in a constitutional convention held in August. Senate President Cameron Henry says the House amended the bill so that there will be convention committee hearings in June and July….
Cut 7 (10) “…August 1st.”
Senate Governmental Affairs Committee has yet to schedule debate on this bill.

Meanwhile, there’s some good news for Louisiana Crawfish farmers who will now be covered under the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program which means the USDA Farm Service Agency will offer them disaster grants because of the low production they’ve endured as a result of last summer’s drought. Louisiana Crawfish Processors Board Chairman David Savoy…
Cut 11 (12) “…already.”

The Revenue Estimating Conference has recognized an additional $88 million for the next fiscal year budget which is good news for teachers. Colleen Crain explains.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Most of the southern half of the state is under a flash flood watch until tomorrow morning. The National Weather Service says two of five inches has already fallen over parts of central Louisiana and another two to four inches could fall over the next 24 hours.

9:30 am Newscast

Louisiana lawmakers in the House reduced teacher stipends from $2,000 to $1,700 for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year. But that could change. House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says when the House received the budget, they were given X amount of dollars and had to make cuts accordingly. But he points out that they did that believing Revenue Estimating Conference would find extra monies to restore those cuts which they did.

Cut 5 (12) “…at all.” 
A bill to hold a Constitutional Convention, in August instead of May still needs approval from the Senate. Senate President Cameron Henry says there are still too many unknowns about the convention…things he says will have to be answered before the upper chamber will approve it.

Cut 9 (07)  “…the Senate.”

——————–

Good news for Louisiana crawfish farmers as the USDA has announces they are now covered under the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program, which allows them to apply for federal disaster grants. Last year’s historic drought and a late-season freeze reduced production by about 200 million pounds. Louisiana Crawfish Processors Board Chairman David Savoy says supply has improved in April and May, but prices are still about a dollar more this year for boiled crawfish…

Cut 12 (05) “…come back.” 

Savoy says crawfish the money will help crawfish farmers with re-seeding which will go a long way in getting them back on track.

 It’s Motorcycle Awareness Month and Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has some advice for Louisiana drivers.

Cut 13 (10)  “…difficult to see.”

 

8:30 am Newscast

A bill to hold a Constitutional Convention in August instead of May still needs approval from the Louisiana Senate. Even if that happens and the convention accomplishes its goals, Senate President Cameron Henry any changes made at the convention would still have to go before voters to take effect.

Cut 8 (11) “…square one.” 

Meanwhile, there’s some good news for Louisiana Crawfish farmers who will now be covered unde the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program which means the USDA Farm Service Agency will offer them relief from losses they suffered during last year’s drought. Chairman of the Louisiana Crawfish Processors Board David Savoy…

Cut 11 (12) “…already.”

______________________

The Revenue Estimating Conference has recognized an additional $88 million for the next fiscal year budget which is good news for teachers. Colleen Crain explains.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and officials are reminding all of us to be aware. Even with advances in technology like lane and driver assist, Greg Fisher with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says it’s still important to slow down and look before you go.

Cut 15 (07)  “…motorcycle safety awareness month.”

 

7:30 am Newscast

The USDA has announced Louisiana crawfish farmers are now covered under the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program, allowing producers to apply for federal disaster grants. Last year’s historic drought and a late-season freeze reduced production by about 200 million pounds at 45 thousand ponds. Louisiana Crawfish Processors Board Chairman David Savoy says it will take money to get production back to normal levels….

Cut 10 (05) “…in there. .”
We’re already more than a week into Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and safety officials are reminding all drivers to obey the spee limit and drive responsibly especially around motorcycles because…

Cut 14 (05)  “…hotdogging on motorcycles.”

——————————————-

Legislation to hold a Constitutional Convention in August still has to clear the Senate. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

It looks like a three hundred dollar cut to teacher stipends in Louisiana could end up being restored. That’s based on figures from the Revenue Estimating Conference. House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland…
Cut 6 (08) “…executive budget.”

 

 

 

 

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU Tigers chances of making the NCAA Tournament took a major hit this past weekend as they dropped a series to Alabama. It started with a bad loss on Friday, blowing a late four-run lead and losing to the Crimson Tide eight to seven. LSU won Saturday, but dropped Sunday’s rubber game four to three. The Tigers are 10-and-17 and will likely need to sweep Ole Miss this week to give them a chance at a Regional berth.

The 22nd ranked Ragin Cajuns have clinched at least a share of the Sun Belt regular season title after beating Georgia Southern nine to two yesterday. Carson Fluno pitched six strong innings on the mound. U-L Lafayette wraps up the regular season by hosting South Alabama starting on Thursday.

La Tech swept Western Kentucky to move into a tie with Dallas Baptist for first place in Conference USA. The Bulldogs completed the sweep with a seven to one victory yesterday. Ethan Bates hit his 15th homer.
________________________________________________________
At Saints rookie mini-camp, first round pick Taliese Fuaga (Tall-ee-s-a Foo-ah-gah) was working at left tackle. While at Oregon State, Fuaga played mostly right tackle. Former first round pick Trevor Penning will also get a chance to be the starter at left tackle.

The Saints have also reportedly signed veteran offensive lineman Lucas Patrick. The 30-year-old started 15 games for the Chicago Bears last season. He spent two seasons in Chicago and his first five years in the NFL were with the Green Bay Packers. He can play center and both guard positions.

Both LSU and U-L Lafayette softball will host regionals. The Tigers are a nine national seed and will host Cal, Southern Illinois and Jackson State. The Cajuns are a 13 seed and hosting for the first time since 2016. They will host Baylor, Ole Miss and Princeton.

Southeastern Louisiana, who is in the NCAA Tournament for the first time ever, is heading to the Tuscaloosa Regional.

6:30 am Newscast

A bill to hold a Constitutional Convention, in August as opposed to May, still must pass in the Senate. While Senate President Cameron Henry says a new start date is more realistic, he says there are still several unknowns about the process that will be used in June and July before the convention.

Cut 7 (10) “…August 1st.”
Louisiana lawmakers in the House reduced teacher stipends from $2,000 to $1,700 for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year. And while the budget has yet to be heard in Senate Finance, House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says the Revenue Estimating Conference figures could allow for those cuts to be restored.

Cut 4 (10) “…backfill.”

The REC found an additional $88 million that can be added to the next budget year which begins July 1st.

————————————————–

The USDA has changed the rules so crawfisherman impacted by low production this year because of last year’s summer heat can apply for federal disaster grants. Sean Richardson has more from a local producer

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 
It’s Motorcycle Awareness Month and Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has some advice for Louisiana drivers.

Cut 13 (10)  “…difficult to see.”

 

 

LRN Legialative Report

Louisiana lawmakers in the House reduced teacher stipends from $2,000 to $1,700 for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year. And while the budget has yet to be heard in Senate Finance, House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says the Revenue Estimating Conference figures could allow for those cuts to be restored.

Cut 4 (10) “…backfill.”

The REC found an additional $88 million that can be added to the next budget year which begins July 1st.

A bill to hold a Constitutional Convention, in August as opposed to May, still must pass in the Senate. While Senate President Cameron Henry says a new start date is more realistic, he says there are still several unknowns about the process that will be used in June and July before the convention.

Cut 7 (10) “…August 1st.”

Henry says proposed changes made at the convention will still have to go before voters in either the November or December elections.

Cut 8 (11) “…square one.” 

Congresswoman Julia Letlow says Louisiana crawfish farmers will be covered under the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program and the USDA Farm Service Agency will offer relief from losses they experienced brought on by the drought.

Chair of the Louisiana Crawfish Processors Board, David Savoy says there’s only one way to fix the issue.

Cut 10 (05) “…in there. .”

Savoy said the funding will make a major difference and help farmers with reseeding.

 

LRN AM Newscall May 13

The Revenue Estimating Conference has recognized an additional $88 million for the next fiscal year budget which is good news for teachers. Colleen Crain explains.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_______________________________________________

Legislation to hold a Constitutional Convention in August still has to clear the Senate. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

____________________________________________

The USDA has changed the rules so crawfisherman impacted by low production this year because of last year’s summer heat can apply for federal disaster grants. Sean Richardson has more from a local producer

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

____________________________________________

Louisiana lawmakers in the House reduced teacher stipends from $2,000 to $1,700 for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year. And while the budget has yet to be heard in Senate Finance, House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says the Revenue Estimating Conference figures could allow for those cuts to be restored.

Cut 4 (10) “…backfill.”

The REC found an additional $88 million that can be added to the next budget year which begins July 1st.

McFarland says when the House received the budget, they were given X amount of dollars and had to make cuts accordingly. But he points out that they did that with the anticipation that the REC would find extra monies to restore those cuts and the originally proposed teacher stipends of $2,000.

Cut 5 (12) “…at all.” 

The original amount set aside in the Executive Budget was $198 million for teacher pay stipends. Governor Jeff Landry proposed a second round of teacher stipends instead of a permanent salary increase because of anticipated future budget shortfalls. McFarland says now with additional funding from the R-E-C for the next fiscal year…

Cut 6 (08) “…executive budget.”

The current legislative session is scheduled to end June 3rd.

___________________________________________________________

A bill to hold a Constitutional Convention, in August as opposed to May, still must pass in the Senate. While Senate President Cameron Henry says a new start date is more realistic, he says there are still several unknowns about the process that will be used in June and July before the convention.

Cut 7 (10) “…August 1st.”

Henry says proposed changes made at the convention will still have to go before voters in either the November or December elections.

Cut 8 (11) “…square one.” 

Henry says there are still too many unknowns about the convention and the delegate process that he says will have to be answered before he believes the upper chamber will approve a convention.

Cut 9 (07)  “…the Senate.”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee has yet to schedule a hearing on the constitutional convention bill. Henry says the Senate also has to focus on approving a budget.

_________________________________________________________________

The USDA has announced Louisiana crawfish farmers are now covered under the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program, allowing producers to apply for federal disaster grants. Last year’s historic drought and a late-season freeze reduced production by about 200 million pounds at 45 thousand ponds. Louisiana Crawfish Processors Board Chairman David Savoy says it will take money to get production back to normal levels….

Cut 10 (05) “…in there. .”

Savoy said the funding will make a major difference and help farmers with reseeding.

Cut 11 (12) “…already.”

Savoy says supply has improved in April and May, but prices are still about a dollar more this year for boiled crawfish…

Cut 12 (05) “…come back.” 

______________________________________________

It’s Motorcycle Awareness Month and Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has some advice for Louisiana drivers.

Cut 13 (10)  “…difficult to see.”

And Fischer says this month isn’t just a message to drivers of trucks and cars, he’s talking to motorcyclists as well. He reminds everyone to drive the speed limit and responsibly this month and every month.

Cut 14 (05)  “…hotdogging on motorcycles.”

Even with advances in technology like lane and driver assist, it’s still best to take the time to slow down and look before you go.

Cut 15 (07)  “…motorcycle safety awareness month.”

11:30 am Newscast

 

This Mother’s Day weekend, it looks like. Louisiana has some work to do for working moms. WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe with details from the 2024 Best and Worst States for Working Moms.

Cut 9 (14) “…professional opportunities.”

One area the survey looked at for working moms is the gender pay gap in Louisiana. Happe says the Bayou State ranked 48th overall.

Mother Nature is gifting moms in Louisiana with ideal weather this weekend. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says the cold front moving in is probably the last one we’ll have this spring, and you’ll want to take advantage of it.

Cut 12 (13) “…lack of humidity.” 

———————-

A beautiful morning for fishing fans at Pierre Part’s Veterans Park as the “Every Fish Matters” conservation event is happening. Tournament Fisherman Cliff Crochet brought lots of fish to release back into Louisiana waterways. The goal: to raise awareness and have some fun, helping Louisiana’s fish population grow, and have some fun doing it.

Cut 8 (08)  “…fighting for conservation.” 

If you’re looking for the best price for mudbugs this Mother’s Day weekend, you’re in luck. Since 2017 The Crawfish App has been tracking more than 800 crawfish retailers in Louisiana and the app can direct you to the best in your area. Crawfish App co-founder, Laney King says this season has been the most unpredictable.

Cut 4 (07) “…crawfish season.” 

King says prices this Mother’s Day are about a dollar more than last year.

10:30 am Newscast

It’s Mother’s Day this Sunday and for Louisiana working moms, it will hopefully be a well-deserved break. Sean Richardson Has the story.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

A gift from Mother Nature this weekend as a cold front moves through to cool things off a bit. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says dewpoint temperatures will be in the 50s to low 60’s so…

Cut 13 (08) “…outside.”
———————————————

This crawfish season has been one of the most unpredictable ones on record and Crawfish App co-founder, Laney King says typically prices go up for Mother’s Day, but

Cut 3 (14) “…retail level.” 

King says prices this Mother’s Day are about a dollar more than last year. And while prices were steep this Easter…

Cut 5 (12)  “…sack of crawfish.” 

You can expect to pay about $5.15 a pound for boiled mudbugs and $2.92 a pound for live crawfish in Louisiana.