7:30 LRN Newscast

Union Parish District Attorney John Belton provided an update on the federal and local investigations into the fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. David Grubb has more…
Cut 1 (37) “…I’m David Grubb.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he opposes the idea of sending the National Guard to New Orleans to help with the city’s crime problems. Edwards says guardsmen are soldiers, not law enforcement.

A special session to redraw a Congressional district map that would have two Black majority districts instead of one is set to begin tomorrow. A federal judge has ordered state lawmakers to approve a new map by Monday.
cut 13 (11) “…even possible”
That’s Erath Representative and House Republican Delegation Chairman Blake Miguez. But Governor John Bel Edwards says there’s enough time to pass a Congressional map that reflects the state’s one-third Black population.

Meanwhile, a group of Democrats in the Legislature are pushing Governor Edwards to veto a bill approved in the regular session that would ban abortions in Louisiana if the Supreme Court overturns Roe versus Wade.
cut 8 (11) “….bad legislation”
New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says they are also concerned the legislation does not contain an exception for rape or incest.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Lawmakers are expected to return to the state capitol tomorrow to redraw a six-district Congressional map with two Black majority districts. But Kevin Gallagher spoke with the head of the House Republican delegation who is skeptical they can approve a map by a court-ordered June 20th deadline…
Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

It’s another Air Quality Action Day as southwesterly winds continue to transport Sharan dust across the Bayou State. The state Department of Environmental Quality says conditions will result in unhealthy air for sensitive groups due to particles from the dust.

The district attorney who could bring state charges against State Troopers involved in the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene says he’ll meet with the FBI this week to receive files of evidence that he could present to a special grand jury…
cut 5 (09) “…on Wednesday”
That’s John Belton who made the comments during an appearance before the Baton Rouge Press Club. He also discussed his candidacy for Attorney General in 2023.

Natchitoches Republican Louie Bernard has decided not to seek a second term in the Louisiana Senate. The 71-year-old says he’s making the announcement now to give potential candidates ample time to lay the groundwork for their campaigns…
cut 11 (11) “…raise money’
The election will take place next year.

LRN AM Newscall June 14

Union Parish District Attorney John Belton provided an update on the federal investigation into the death of Ronald Greene. David Grubb has more…

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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A group of Democratic lawmakers is asking Governor Edwards to veto the most recent abortion bill that passed in the session. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Lawmakers have to go back to the drawing board tomorrow to make a Congressional district map that’s acceptable to minorities and the courts. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

________________________________________________

Lincoln and Union Parish District Attorney John Belton says it’s still possible federal civil rights charges and state criminal charges could be handed down against the State Troopers involved in the fatal arrest death of motorist Ronald Greene. Belton says he recently met with officials in the Civil Rights Office in Washington, D.C who have been investigating this case for multiple years and could determine Greene’s civil rights were violated

Cut 4 (09)  “…final decision.”

Belton says justice for the family of Ronald Greene could come from his office too. He would like to present evidence from the case to a special grand jury. He says he’s anticipating getting critical investigative files from the FBI this week

Cut 5 (09) “…on Wednesday.”

During his remarks, Belton was asked about the apparent discrepancy between his and the governor’s accounts of when he received the body cam footage taken from Lieutenant John Clary. He says that his greater concern is with the actions of LSP.

Cut 6 (11)  “…April of 2021.”

Belton has announced his candidacy for State Attorney General and says he will run without a party affiliation.

Cut 4 (09)  “…final decision.”

Belton says he is still pursuing justice for the family of Ronald Greene and that he may be able to take another step in that pursuit this week, as he anticipates the receipt of critical files related to the case from the FBI.

Cut 5 (09) “…on Wednesday.”

During his remarks, Belton was asked about the apparent discrepancy between his and the governor’s accounts of when he received the body cam footage taken from Lieutenant John Clary. He says that his greater concern is with the actions of LSP.

Cut 6 (11)  “…April of 2021.”

Belton has announced his candidacy for State Attorney General and says he will run without a party affiliation.

_____________________________________________

A group of Democratic Louisiana lawmakers is asking Governor John Bel Edwards to veto Senate Bill 342 which outlines penalties for physicians who perform abortions. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry, who’s also an attorney, says the bill was the last opportunity to add the exception of rape and incest.

Cut 7 (11) “…and complicated.”

Landry says prior abortion laws were based on Roe v. Wade remaining in place and now with Senate Bill 342 awaiting Governor Edwards’s signature…

Cut 8 (08)  “…bad legislation.”

To date, Landry says they haven’t received a response from Edwards if he will either sign or veto the legislation, but she says she’s has received feedback from some constituents.

Cut 9 (11)  “…pushing back.”

After a document was leaked from the Supreme Court of the United States earlier this year, Roe v. Wade is expected to be officially overturned this summer.

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Natchitoches Senator Louie Bernard says he’s calling it a day at the end of his term next year. The Republican who’s served more than four decades in office, which includes police jury, clerk of court for Natchitoches Parish, and now four years in the Senate.

Cut 10 (10) “…term of office.”

Bernard says he’s making the announcement now to allow potential candidates ample time to lay the groundwork for their campaigns.

Cut  11 (11)  “…raise money.” 

Bernard says he has grandchildren in Baton Rouge and recently they lost their other grandfather who was also a dear friend. He says it was that loss that made inspired him to leave public life and spend more time with his family.

Cut 12 (08) “…issues.” 

Bernard says he will finish out his current term which ends December 31, 2023.

________________________________________

Lawmakers will gather again at the State Capitol tomorrow for a short special session to redraw a Congressional district map that’s acceptable to the courts. The GOP majorities in the House & Senate pushed through a map with only one majority minority district. Blacks make up one-third of the state’s voters, so many feel two of our six districts should be Black majority. New Iberia Representative Blake Miguez says the 5th U.S. Circuit Appeals court’s ruling is a tall order…:

Cut 13 (11) “…it it’s even possible.”

A federal judge has given Louisiana until June 20th to submit a map that reflects two majority-minority districts. Miguez says that is insufficient time to put such a map through the process…:

Cut 14 (14)  “…the House and the Senate.”

Miguez says the federal judge could have allowed more time for legal objections to the existing map – passed back in February – to play out in the court system. But, he says, he and colleagues will have to go back to Baton Rouge and do the best they can…:

Cut 15 (09)  “…the next two days.”

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Another first for new Saints head coach Dennis Allen today as the team opens its mandatory minicamp. Ross Jackson, the host of the Locked On Saints podcast, says from rookie camp to OTAs, Allen’s approach has been well-received.

Cut 16 (13)  “…for the season.”

There are plenty of players to watch, with so many new additions to the roster. Jackson says a heavy dose of attention will be focused on this year’s rookie class, highlighted by dual first-rounders: wide receiver Chris Olave and left tackle Trevor Penning.

Cut 17 (20) “ …Chris Olave.” 

Last season at this time the Saints’ defensive secondary and wide receiver positions were the positional groups that had the biggest questions surrounding them. This season both look fully stocked, and Jackson says there are new position battles to monitor that will be just as intriguing.

Cut 18 (17) “ …question mark there.” 

Jameis Winston takes the field as the number one starter from Day One, a luxury he didn’t have as he battled Taysom Hill for the job last year. Jackson says that should benefit Winston and the Saints offense tremendously.

Cut 19 (19) _“…to get better.” 

___________________________________________

5:30 LRN Newscast June 13

Senator Bill Cassidy and a bipartisan group of senators propose a bill to curb the threat of school violence and preserve Second Amendment rights. The bill calls for more thorough background checks on 18-to-21-year-olds because their juvenile record could have been expunged. After the Parkland shooting in 2018, Cassidy says similar legislation was proposed but this bill strengthens the mental health component.

Cut 4  (11) “…if necessary.”

Based on a ruling Sunday by a federal appeals court, Louisiana’s Legislature may be required to approve a new Congressional District map with two black-majority districts. House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski says it will be difficult to do in a special session that’s set to begin Wednesday and end next Monday….

Cut 10 (06) ” .front running plan.” 

Caddo Parish Sheriffs arrested Oil City Police officer William Fitzpatrick on Sunday, after receiving a complaint that he allegedly entered the home of a woman without permission. CPSO spokesperson Bia Roldan…

Cut 12 (11) “…touched her.”  

Saharan dust levels have been gradually increasing since the weekend, leading the state Department of Environmental Quality to issue alerts about the air quality. Those who have lung or heart disease, children and older adults, as well as those active outdoors for extended periods, should take care says DEQ analyst Jason Meyers.

Cut 6  (11) “…and such.” 

4:30 LRN Newscast June 13

Union Parish D.A. John Belton is meeting with federal investigators to obtain additional materials related to his investigation of the 2019 death of Ronald Greene while in State Police custody. Belton revealed this latest news while speaking to the Baton Rouge Press Club today. He also made his candidacy for Attorney General in 2023 official. Belton will run as a “no party” candidate.

Caddo Parish Sheriffs arrested an Oil City Police officer Sunday, after receiving a complaint that he allegedly entered the home of a woman without permission and touched her inappropriately. The victim says that’s what woke her up to 39-year-old William Fitzpatrick’s presence in her apartment. Caddo sheriff’s spokesperson Bia Rolden says this isn’t his first arrest either…:

CUT 14(12)      “…simple battery.”

He’s charged with unauthorized entry and sexual battery.

 

Saharan dust levels have been gradually increasing since the weekend, leading the state Department of Environmental Quality to declare today an Ozone Action Day. DEQ’s Jason Myers…:

CUT 08(07)      “…similar tomorrow.”

The alert means little kids, senior citizens and those with heart or respiratory issues should try to remain indoors. Those who work outside should take care. To monitor air quality, visit “deq.louisiana.gov.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he will not be calling in the National Guard to help with crime in New Orleans. Crescent City Councilman Oliver Thomas called for the troops to come in, after the city has seen a 37-percent year-to-date increase in fatal shootings, a 7% increase in carjackings, and a 28% increase in armed robberies.

Three Shreveport residents are in the hospital after running gas-powered generator inside their home. Firefighters found an adult and two kids in the home. Their condition is listed as serious.

3:30 LRN Newscast June 13

A ruling from a federal appeals court could force state lawmakers to approve a Congressional map with two Black majority districts. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

In New Orleans, a horse pulling a funeral wagon late last week collapsed and died shortly afterward. A necropsy is scheduled for beloved animal, but the Humane Society says heat exhaustion is the likely cause. Temperatures exceeded 90 that day. a jazz funeral for the horse is scheduled as well.

 

Senator Bill Cassidy and a bipartisan group in the Senate agree on a bill they say will curb the threat of school violence and preserve Second Amendment rights. Cassidy says, because a majority of school shootings are committed by males 18 to 21, the bill allows for a more thorough background check because juvenile records are expunged…:

CUT 03(11)      “…in the past.”

The bill – which is not yet drafted – would also provide for mental health funding.

Saharan dust levels have been gradually increasing since the weekend, leading the state Department of Environmental Quality to declare today and tomorrow Ozone Action Days. Those who have lung or heart disease, children and older adults, as well as those active outdoors for extended periods, should take care. DEQ’s Jason Myers says you can monitor daily air quality in our state by visiting “deq.louisiaina.gov”…:

CUT 07(11)      “…e-mail notification.”

2:30 LRN Newscast June 13

Deputies in Caddo Parish arrest an Oil City cop, after a resident complains he illegally entered her home. Caddo Sheriff’s spokesperson Bia Roldan says 39-year-old Officer William Fitzpatrick allegedly entered the woman’s apartment without permission and inappropriately touched her as she slept. Roldan says they are unaware of any real relationship between Fitzpatrick and the victim…:

CUT 13  (07)        “…like that.”

Charged with unauthorized entry and simple battery…if convicted, Fitzpatrick could face fines up to $1000 and up to six months in jail.

A man who once ran for D.A. in the Felicianas pleads guilty to indecent acts with juveniles back in 2001 through 2003. 60-year-old David Opperman received a 14-year sentence, with 9 of those suspended; meaning he’ll be out in 5 years. He must also register as a sex offender for life.

 

Senator Bill Cassidy is among a bipartisan group of Senators presenting a bill to address school shootings by permitting more thorough background checks for some. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Dust from the Sahara Desert has caused the state Department of Environmental quality to declare today and tomorrow as Ozone Action Days. Those who have lung or heart disease, children and older adults should try to avoid outdoors activities, if possible.

1:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is part of a group of 20 U-S Senators, both Republicans and Democrats, who have agreed on gun safety legislation. The measure, which is still being drafted, would provide greater mental health resources to states, and improve school safety and there are also proposals to prevent the mentally ill from purchasing weapons. Cassidy says the bill is not just in response to the latest school shooting in Uvalde, Texas…
cut 5 (10) “…as well”

Based on a ruling made yesterday by a federal appeals court, Louisiana’s Legislature may be required to approve a new Congressional District map with two black-majority districts. House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski says it will be difficult to do in a special session that’s set to begin Wednesday and end next Monday….
cut 10 (06) “…front running plan”

Saharan dust levels have been gradually increasing since the weekend, leading the state Department of Environmental Quality to issue alerts about the air quality. Those who have lung or heart disease, children and older adults, as well as those active outdoors for extended periods, should take care says DEQ analyst Jason Meyers.
Cut 6 (11) “…and such.”

An Oil City Police officer was arrested over the weekend after he entered the home of a woman without permission and inappropriately touched her as he woke her up. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Bia Roldan says 39-year-old William Fitzpatrick has been arrested before
cut 14 (12) “….sexual battery”
If convicted on this latest charge Fitzpatrick could face up to six months in prison.

12:30 LRN Newscast June 13

Senator Bill Cassidy and a bipartisan group of senators propose a bill to curb the threat of school violence and preserve Second Amendment rights. The bill calls for more thorough background checks on 18-to-21-year-olds because their juvenile record could have been expunged. After the Parkland shooting in 2018, Cassidy says similar legislation was proposed but this bill strengthens the mental health component.

Cut 4  (11) “…if necessary.”

Caddo Parish Sheriffs arrested Oil City Police officer William Fitzpatrick on Sunday, after receiving a complaint that he allegedly entered the home of a woman without permission. CPSO spokesperson Bia Roldan…

Cut 12 (11) “…touched her.”  

A ruling from a federal appeals court could force state lawmakers to approve a Congressional map with two Black majority districts. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

 

11:30 LRN Newscast June 13

To address school shootings Senator Bill Cassidy is among a bipartisan group of Senators presenting a bill to allow for a more thorough background check for young adults. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Heat indices could reach 110-degrees for the northern half of the state and southeast Louisiana. Also, Saharan dust has moved into the state causing a rise in particle levels which produces unhealthy air for sensitive groups.

A federal appeals court has ruled against a permanent stay against a federal judge’s order that the Legislature must redraw a Congressional district map by June 20th. That means a special session set for Wednesday will likely happen. House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski remains hopeful, that the courts will determine the Congressional map approved by lawmakers in February is legal. He says if a second majority Black district is required, Congresswoman Julia Letlow’s district could be impacted the most…
Cut 11 (08) “…the most”

A new name has emerged as a possible candidate to run for governor next year. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says its former Louisiana Western District U-S Attorney Donald Washington…
cut 13 (11) “…as U-S Attorney”