07:30 LRN Newscast, July 19th

19th JDC Judge Don Johnson has asked both sides in the debate over Louisiana’s trigger laws on abortion to submit their proposed findings this morning on fact and conclusions of law in the case before he rules. He left a June 11th restraining order in place in the meantime meaning abortion clinics could remain open.

Authorities in St. Martin Parish have identified the victim of a pedestrian fatal crash that happened over 40 years ago on I-10 in Breaux Bridge. Captain Ginny Higgins says a Facebook message led to a potential match thanks to D-N-A technology..:
      Cut 10 (08) “analyzation”
The woman, now identified as Michele Elaine Oakes-Gautreaux, 26 of Cut Off, was killed in the early morning of December 5, 1981.
There’s a movement underway to restore Pontchartrain Beach that’s sat dormant for decades. Co-founder of the beach Foundation Guy Williams says they want to revitalize the area, and today they are taking their proposal before the Lakefront Management Authority in New Orleans….:
      Cut 7 (07) “approved”
Once that happens, he says they hope the project will be open to the public in four years.
The drawing for the $530-million Megamillions Jackpot is tonight. Kim Chopin with the Louisiana Lottery says it’s the 8th largest jackpot in Megamillion’s history and so far no one from Louisiana has ever won a jackpot in the game…:
      CUT 5 (04) “jackpot winner”
To be eligible for tonight’s drawing tickets must be purchased by 9 PM.

Governor John Bel Edwards is expected today to provide an update on the future of the troubled Bridge City Center for Youth in Jefferson Parish, after yet another 6 juvenile inmates escaped from the facility over the weekend.

06:30 LRN Newscast July 19th

A Baton Rouge judge could decide today that trigger laws banning abortions in Louisiana should go into effect. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 2 (29) “….I’m Jeff Palermo”

A Heat Advisory is in effect for most of the state today beginning at noon, with the exception of coastal parishes. High temperatures are slated to reach the mid 90s, with heat index values likely climbing to above 105 in many areas. And don’t expect rain to bring much relief today as forecasters have reduced the chance for showers to 20%.

A Baton Rouge judge has ruled in favor of insurance companies who refused to pay expenses for those homeowners who evacuated during Hurricane Ida from parishes that did not issue mandatory evacuation orders. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon issued a directive following Ida that insurers should cover evacuation costs, but Judge Patrick Moore ruled Donelon overstepped his authority…:
Cut 13 (10) “my authority”
That’s Mr. Donelon who says the Legislature has changed the law, so for next hurricane season a mandatory evacuation will not be required for insurers to cover evacuation expenses.

Louisianans are seeing lots of relief at the pump certainly compared to a month ago. The current statewide average stands at $4.06, down 46 cents this time in June.

AM LRN Newscall July 19

There’s an effort underway to restore Pontchartrain Beach so the public can put their toes in the sand once again. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A Baton Rouge judge could decide today that trigger laws banning abortions in Louisiana should go into effect. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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It wasn’t all just football talk when Brian Kelly spoke with reporters at SEC Media Days. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The drawing for the $530-million Megamillions Jackpot is tonight. Kim Chopin with the Louisiana Lottery says it’s the 8th largest jackpot in Megamillion’s history and it has a cash value of almost $305-million.

Cut 4 (12)  “…lump sum payment.”

April was the last time someone took home Megamillions jackpot in the multi-state game. Megamillions has only been available in Louisiana since 2013 and Chopin says so far no one from the Bayou State has claimed a jackpot.

Cut 5 (04) “…jackpot winner.”

And while no one in Louisiana has hit the Megamillion jackpot, Chopin says five people in the state have been Megamillion Match 4 plus the Mega-ball winners. She says always check your ticket because you still might have a cash prize.

Cut 6 (11)  “…Megaball numbers.”

To be eligible for tonight’s drawing tickets must be purchased by 9 PM.

_______________________________________________

There’s a movement underway to restore Pontchartrain Beach that’s sat dormant for decades. Co-founder of the Pontchartrain Beach Foundation Guy Williams says they want to revitalize the area and today they are taking their proposal before the Lakefront Management Authority in New Orleans.

Cut 7 (07) “…approved.”

He says the foundation will seek both private and public funding to restore Pontchartrain Beach.

Williams says the project will include restrooms, an area for food trucks, a site for boaters and an area for water activities like kayaking.

Cut 8 (07)  “…the beach.”

The site will also contain a renovated fishing pier, a volleyball area and dog park. Along the western side of the project, Williams says there will be a created wetland to filter the water and the runoff.

Cut 9 (09)  “…storm protection.”

Once approved they hope the project will be open to the public in four years.

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A Facebook message in January helped authorities determine the identity of a person killed while walking I-10 in Breaux Bridge in December 1981. St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office Captain Ginny Higgins says that message led to a potential match thanks to D-N-A technology

Cut 10 (10) “…analyzation”

Higgins says the victim has been identified as Michele Elaine Oaks Boutilier…aka Michele Oakes-Gautreaux, who was 26 at the time. She says they created a Facebook post about the unidentified female victim in 2017, but it took several years before they got a tip that led to a positive I-D…

Cut  11 (09)  “..that person.” 

The driver who hit the victim was not charged and they believe alcohol played a role in her death….

Cut 12 (11) “…we’ll never know.” 

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A Baton Rouge judge has ruled in favor of insurance companies who refused to pay expenses for those homeowners who evacuated during Hurricane Ida from parishes that did not issue mandatory evacuation orders. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon issued a directive following Ida that insurers should cover evacuation costs, but Judge Patrick Moore ruled Donelon overstepped his authority

Cut 13 (10) “…my authority.”

Hurricane Ida quickly developed into a Category Four storm, not providing enough time for many southeastern Louisiana parishes to issue a mandatory evacuation order. Donelon says the Legislature has changed the law, so for next hurricane season a mandatory evacuation will not be required for insurers to cover evacuation expenses

Cut 14 (10)  “…evacuation order.”

Donelon says starting with next hurricane season, insurance providers would have to pay evacuation expenses if civil authorities prohibit the use of a dwelling as a result of a storm…

Cut 15 (05)  “…return order”

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LSU Football Coach Brian Kelly tells reporters at SEC Media Days that the offensive line needs to improve the most between now and the start of the season. The Tigers need to replace four starters, but Kelly says two players from the transfer portal, Tre’Mond Shorts and Miles Frazier bring depth and experience to the position

Cut 16 (15)  “…developed.”

There is some concern LSU has lost ground in recruiting because the school is under funded when it comes to finding name, image and likeness deals for its football players. But Kelly believes they are as competitive as anybody else…

Cut 17 (16) “…hamstrung.” 

Kelly says he likes the depth he has at the quarterback position and the battle for starting Q-B will really get going when the team reports for preseason camp in early August. The first year coach on what he’s looking for in a starting signal caller…

Cut 18 (26) “ …evaluate that” 

 

Cut 19 (16) _“…when you know, you know.” 

 

Cut 20 (12) “ …in high school” 

 

 

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5:30 LRN Newscast July 18

In Baton Rouge, 19th JDC Judge Don Johnson extends the temporary order allowing abortion clinics to remain open; telling state Attorney General Jeff Landry to provide him more information on the case, which he’ll review tomorrow and then render a decision. Outside the courthouse, with protesters in the background, Landry had this reaction…:

Cut 12 (07) “…couple of weeks ago.”   

Under Johnson’s temporary restraining order blocking the trigger law, abortion clinics are currently open.

The Louisiana Department of Health has launched the 9-8-8 suicide and crisis Lifeline. Karen Stubbs, Assistant Secretary with the Office of Behavioral Health at LDH, says if you dial 988 in Louisiana it’s routed to a local crisis center.

Cut 10 (11) “…our culture.” 
There’s been an increase in COVID infections among Louisiana nursing home residents. Kevin Gallagher reports COVID deaths have also increased…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Louisiana Department of Health reports 54-hundred new additional COVID cases today and with eight fatalities from the virus. 657 individuals are in Louisiana hospitals with COVID, and 70-percent of those patients are not fully vaccinated.

 

4:30 LRN Newscast July 18

State District Judge Donald Johnson says he will decide tomorrow if abortion ban trigger laws can go into effect. In the meantime, abortions to remain legal in Louisiana. Attorney General Jeff Landry, who is representing the state and says the ban should take effect, faced pro-choice protestors outside of the Baton Rouge courtroom today.

Cut 14 (09)  “…go away!!” 

The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice continues to be plagued with incidents. Over the weekend six inmates escaped from the Bridge City Center for Youth. All six have been recaptured but Marrero Senator Patrick Connick questions if the extra personnel to assist the OJJ is in effect.

Cut 6 (08) “…this year.” 

988 has been designated as the new three-digit number to dial for suicide prevention. The number is now active in Louisiana and Karen Stubbs, Assistant Secretary with the Office of Behavioral Health at LDH says it’s vital to help those in crisis…:

Cut 9 (11) “…level of 911.”

In 2020 more than 600 Louisianans took their own life.

The Louisiana AARP says COVID-19 cases and deaths in the state’s nursing homes are up for a second straight month after consistent decline. Louisiana AARP Policy Director Andrew Muhl says many nursing home residents COULD be catching the virus from the people who work at the facility and are not vaccinated…:

Cut 5  (09) “…still out there.”

3:30 LRN Newscast July 18th

A state district judge in Baton Rouge says he’ll decide tomorrow if abortion trigger laws can go into effect. A temporary restraining order blocking enforcement of the abortion ban was issued for a second time, last week. Judge Donald Johnson will hear from both sides on the issue. Attorney General Jeff Landry believes the case will ultimately wind up before the state supreme court.

The Louisiana Department of Health launches 988 as the phone number to dial for suicide prevention to help those in crisis. Don Molino has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Don Molino.”  

Six inmates at the Bridge City Center for Youth in Jefferson Parish escaped over the weekend. All six are back in custody but it’s among the more than 25 escapes from juvenile facilities in Louisiana this year alone. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says the Bridge City Center is designed as a dormitory to house teens facing truancy charges.

Cut 7 (10) “…individuals.” 

The Office of Juvenile Justice was granted extra personnel to assist with their ongoing incidents.

For a second straight month, COVID-19 infections and deaths are increasing among Louisianans living in nursing homes. Two deaths were reported for the month of May 2022, but that number jumped to seven for June. Louisiana AARP Policy Director Andrew Muhl…

CUT 03(11)      “…in nursing homes.”

2:30 LRN Newscast July 18

A state judge is expected to rule tomorrow on whether trigger laws that ban most abortions in Louisiana can take effect. Baton Rouge Judge Don Johnson heard arguments this morning from an attorney for abortion providers who say the law is too vague, but Attorney General Jeff Landry says the law is clear and he says the case will ultimately be decided by the state Supreme Court…:
Cut 13 (08) “..effectively as possible.”

Another escape of inmates took place at the Bridge City Center for Youth in Jefferson Parish. Six teens escaped early Sunday morning, but they were recacptured later in the day. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says the facility was given extra guards and he’s reached out to the governor and the Office of Juvenile Justice to find out why juvenile offenders continue to escape…
cut 8 (10) “…gotta stop”

For a second straight month, COVID-19 infections and deaths are increasing among Louisianans living in nursing homes. Andrew Muhl is Policy Director for AARP Louisiana. He says the elderly are more at risk from COVID than anyone, so make sure they get their shots…:
CUT 04 (07) “…fully vaccinated.”
He says nursing home workers need their shots up-to-date as well.

Louisiana launches a new 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, which replaces the ten-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. According to the CDC, suicide is the 12th leading cause of death and in 2020 more than 600 Louisianans took their own life. Karen Stubbs with the Office of Behavioral Health at LDH says 988 is there to help.
Cut 11 (08) “…seeking assistance.”
All calls to 988 are free and confidential.

1:30 LRN Newscast July 18

In Baton Rouge, 19th JDC Judge Don Johnson extends the temporary order allowing abortion clinics to remain open; telling state Attorney General Jeff Landry to provide him more information on the case, which he’ll review tomorrow and then render a decision. Outside the courthouse, with protesters in the background, Landry had this reaction…:

Cut 12 (07) “…couple of weeks ago.”   

Under Johnson’s temporary restraining order blocking the trigger law, abortion clinics are currently open.

The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice continues to be plagued with incidents. Over the weekend six inmates escaped from the Bridge City Center for Youth. All six have been recaptured but Marrero Senator Patrick Connick questions if the extra personnel to assist the OJJ is in effect.

Cut 6 (08) “…this year.” 

There’s been an increase in COVID infections among Louisiana nursing home residents. Kevin Gallagher reports COVID deaths have also increased…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Louisiana Department of Health reports 54-hundred new additional COVID cases today and with eight fatalities from the virus. 657 individuals are in Louisiana hospitals with COVID and 70-percent of those patients are not fully vaccinated.

12:30 LRN Newscast July 18

A Baton Rouge judge will rule tomorrow on whether a temporary restraining order will continue that prohibits laws banning most abortions from going into place in Louisiana. Judge Donald Johnson wants to see additional documents from the two sides. Pro-choice lawyers say the laws are too vague, while Attorney General Jeff Landry believes the state’s trigger laws should go into effect. Landry says he’s certain that – no matter what Judge Johnson decides – there will be further challenges and the case will ultimately be decided by the state Supreme Court…:
Cut 13 (08) “..effectively as possible.”
While Landry was speaking to the media, pro-choice protesters were shouting their opinion of Landry….
cut 14 (09) “…go away”

The Louisiana AARP says COVID-19 cases and deaths in the state’s nursing homes are up for a second straight month after consistent decline. Andrew Muhl is Policy Director for AARP Louisiana and says many nursing home residents COULD be catching the virus from the people who work at the facility and take care of them and are not vaccinated…:
Cut 5 (09) “…still out there.”
Since the pandemic began, nearly 33-hundred Louisiana nursing home residents have died from COVID-19.

The Louisiana Department of Health has launched the 9-8-8 suicide and crisis Lifeline. Karen Stubbs, Assistant Secretary with the Office of Behavioral Health at LDH, says if you dial 988 in Louisiana it’s routed to a local crisis center…..
cut 10 (11) “…our culture”

11:30 LRN Newscast July 18

In Baton Rouge, 19th JDC Judge Don Johnson extends the temporary order allowing abortion clinics to remain open; telling the state Attorney General’s office to provide him more information on the case, which he’ll review tomorrow. Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says the judge has a big task ahead, and feels the judge will find for the state, but the case will eventually be decided by the state Supreme Court.

For a second straight month, COVID-19 infections and deaths are increasing among Louisianans living in nursing homes. Andrew Muhl is Policy Director for AARP Louisiana. He says the elderly are more at risk from COVID than anyone, so make sure they get their shots…:

CUT 04  (07)        “…fully vaccinated.”

He says nursing home workers need the shots up-to-date as well.

 

As of today, 988 has been designated as the new three-digit number to dial for suicide prevention. The number is now active in Louisiana and Karen Stubbs, Assistant Secretary with the Office of Behavioral Health at LDH says it’s vital to help those in crisis…:

CUT 09(12)      “…level of 911”

In 2020 more than 600 Louisianans took their own life. Stubbs says 988 hopes to change that.

The Food Network proclaims the best barbecue in Louisiana is found at Johnson’s Boucaniere in Lafayette. Proprietor Lori Johnson Walls says being named in the network’s “50 States of Barbecue” is a real honor, and their success is a real team effort…:

CUT 27(09)      “…to them as well.”

Originally founded in Eunice by Lori’s grandfather, Johnson’s Boucaniere has been around since 1937 but is now located on St. John Street, near downtown Lafayette.