8:30 LRN Newscast June 16

A federal judge in Lafayette has granted Attorney General Jeff Landry’s request to halt President Biden’s moratorium on new oil and gas lease sales on federal land and water. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Mike Moncla calls the decision a big win for Louisiana workers that are dependant on offshore oil and gas production…
Cut 7 (06) “…for us.”
A statement from the U-S Interior Department says they are reviewing the judge’s opinion and will comply with the decision, but they will outline the next steps to improve stewardship of public lands and waters.

Senator Bill Cassidy says a bipartisan group of 10 Senators is working on an infrastructure spending package that over time will help pay for mega projects….
Cut 10 (09) “…Louisiana.”
Cassidy says raising the federal gasoline tax and having it tied to inflation is one way to pay the infrastructure bill, but President Biden does not support a higher gasoline tax.

Governor Edwards has signed legislation that removes all deadlines for child sex abuse victims to seek civil damages against their abuser. The previous law allowed child sex abuse victims until their 28th birthday to file a civil suit. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says his bill also has a caveat for victims over the age of 28…
Cut 5 (08) “..their age.”

The LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital says they are able to provide dogs with total hip replacement surgery for the treatment of advanced hip osteoarthritis. Orthopedic surgeon, Doctor Charles Walls, says the procedure can greatly improve a dog’s quality of life…
cut 15 (05) “…success rate”
The cost of the surgery can range anywhere from five thousand to $65,000 and complete recovery averages six months.

7:30 LRN Newscast

U-S District Judge Terry Doughty has blocked the Biden administration’s executive order that prohibits new oil and gas leases on federal land and water. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry asked for the preliminary injunction and Judge Doughty said he could not find a rational explanation in canceling the lease sales. Legal analyst Tim Meche…
cut 8 (09) “….new one”
The moratorium was imposed in late January as the Biden administration looks to move away from fossil fuels in an effort to reduce the effects of climate change.

A bill that removes the deadline for child sex abuse victims to pursue civil damages against their abuser has been signed into law by Governor Edwards. The bill’s author, New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says he’s received emotional feedback from abuse survivors…
Cut 4 (08) “…to us.”
The legislation goes into effect on August 1st.

Senator Bill Cassidy is part of a bipartisan team of 10 US senators working on an infrastructure spending proposal that they believe can win 60 votes in the Senate. Matt Doyle has ore…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The National Hurricane Center says there’s a high chance that a tropical disturbance in the Bay of Campeche will form into at least a tropical depression over the next 48 hours. Forecasters say the system will begin to move north tomorrow and heavy rains are likely for Louisiana on Friday.

6:45 LRN Sportscast June 16

The Rose Bowl will be at 100-percent capacity when the LSU Tigers visit the UCLA Bruins for the season opener of the college football season on September fourth. It will be the first time since 2019 the Tigers will play in a full stadium.

U-L Lafayette’s football stadium has a new name thanks to a 15-million dollar investment from Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center. The Cajuns’ stadium will now be known as Cajun Field at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium as the hospital has agreed to a 15-year, 15-million dollar naming rights deal. Coach Bill Napier says this will help his football program…
cut 20 (20) “….across the board”
The 15-million dollars from Lourdes will pay for renovations on the 50-year-old stadium.

Nothing new on LSU’s search for a baseball coach. The latest reports have Ole Miss Coach Mike Bianco and East Carolina’s Cliff Godwin as the main candidates to replace the retired Paul Mainieri.

Two Tigers, Dylan Crew and Tre Morgan, were named Freshmen All-Americans by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. Crews hit .362 this past season with 18 homers and 42 RBI. Morgan batted .357 with six homers and 42 RBIs. Both players scored 64 runs.

Former LSU basketball players Trendon Watford and Cam Thomas have been invited to the NBA draft combine which will take place later this month in Chicago.

Kevin Durant delivered one of the great NBA playoff performances of all time last night as K-D had 49 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists to help Brooklyn beat Milwaukee 114 to 108. The Nets lead the series three games to two and game six is tomorrow in Milwaukee.

6:30 LRN Newscast June 16

A federal judge halts President Joe Biden’s moratorium on new oil and gas lease sales on federal lands and waters. Matt Doyle has more…
cut 2 (29) “….I’m Matt Doyle”

Governor Edwards has signed a bill that lessens the penalties for possession of a small amount of marijuana. The maximum penalty for possessing up to a half-ounce of pot is now 100-dollars, the possibility of jail time is no longer an option, even for repeat offenders. The new law goes into effect on August 1st.

Senator Bill Cassidy is part of a bipartisan group of 10 senators who supports a 579-billion dollar infrastructure plan that could help pay for new bridges in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles. Cassidy says the proposal includes plans to reduce carbon emissions by building infrastructure that claims to capture carbon from manufacturing facilities, which will create new opportunities for blue-collar workers.
Cut 11 (09) “…the ground.”
Cassidy says raising the federal gasoline tax can help pay for new infrastructure spending, but President Biden doesn’t like that idea.

The LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital is now offering total hip replacement surgery for dogs who have advanced hip osteoarthritis. Doctor Charles Walls says there are signs to look for that can let you know if your dog is suffering from arthritis in the hips…
cut 14 (10) “….narrow-based”
If this sounds like your dog, call the LSU Veterinary Small Animal Surgery Department to see if a hip replacement is a possible option.

AM LRN Newscall June 16

A bill to remove the statute of limitations for child sex abuse victims to seek civil damages becomes law in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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A federal judge halts President Biden’s moratorium on new oil and gas lease sales on federal lands and waters. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________

A bipartisan team of 10 US senators unveiled a 1.2 trillion dollar compromise infrastructure proposal that they believe can win 60 votes in the Senate. Matt Doyle spoke with one of the members, Bill Cassidy…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

____________________________________

A bill to remove the deadline for child sex abuse victims to pursue civil damages against their abuser is signed into law by Governor Edwards. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes’ bill goes into effect August first. Hughes says he’s received emotional feedback from abuse survivors thanking him for the bill.

Cut 4 (08) “…to us.”

The previous law allowed child sex abuse victims until their 28th birthday to file suit but research shows the average age for victims to come forward is age 52. Hughes says  House Bill 492 also has a caveat for victims who have aged out giving them a window of three years to seek damages.

Cut 5  (08) “..their age.”

Hughes says he didn’t realize the impact his legislation would have until he began to hear from survivors of child sex abuse. He says passage of the bill was truly a bipartisan effort and the law puts the abuser on notice.

Cut 6 (11) “…our children (x2).”

The law applies to a wide range of child sex abuse victims but the bill received key support from a coalition of those abused by Catholic priests and deacons.

___________________________

A US District Court Judge has approved Attorney General Jeff Landry’s request to halt President Biden’s moratorium on new oil and gas lease sales on federal lands and waters.

Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Mike Moncla calls the decision a big win for United States workers, but particularly for Louisiana workers that are dependant on the Gulf.

Cut 7 (06) “…for us.”

Landry released a statement saying “we appreciate that federal courts have recognized President Biden is completely outside his authority in his attempt to shut down oil and gas leases on federal lands.”

Legal analyst Tim Meche says the order does not question the President’s authority to issue moratoriums, it just dings this moratorium for not being specific enough.

Cut 8 (09) “…new one.”

Meche says this back and forth involving new orders and preliminary injunctions could go on for quite some time until the issue is resolved by the Legislative Branch.

Moncla says while it is possible Biden just issues a new order, he hopes this decision will force the President to rethink his oil and gas policy.

Cut 9 (09) “…on that.”

The decision was made by Judge Terry Doughty of the US District Court Western District of Louisiana Lake Charles division.

The Biden Administration says the moratorium on new lease sales is part of the effort to reduce the country’s carbon production in an effort to limit the effects of climate change.

__________________

Senator Bill Cassidy touts a new 1.2 trillion dollar bipartisan agreement on infrastructure that he says will address the state’s need for new roads and bridges as well as coastal resiliency.

Cassidy says the funding for new roads and bridges in this bill could, over time, address a number of the state’s longstanding priorities for mega projects.

Cut 10 (09) “…Louisiana.”

Cassidy was part of the five Republican and five Democrat group that crafted the counter to President Biden’s over two trillion-dollar proposal.

The proposal includes plans to reduce carbon emissions by building infrastructure that claims to capture carbon from manufacturing facilities. Cassidy says will create new opportunities for blue-collar workers.

Cut 11 (09) “…the ground.”

The plan would spend 1.2 trillion over eight years with 974 billion of it in the first five years and about half of the funds being repurposed COVID relief money. The proposal also suggests raising the federal gas tax to pay, at least in part, for the rest of the package.

Progressive Democrats are blasting the offer saying it falls woefully short of the President’s campaign trail commitments to fighting climate change, but Cassidy says they should reconsider.

Cut 12 (09) “…for all.”

Progressives instead are pushing for Democrats to pass a more substantial infrastructure package that includes more climate-related spending through a budget process that would only require 50 votes.

__________________

The LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital is once again providing total hip replacement at their small animal surgery center. LSU Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Charles Walls says hip arthritis and dysplasia and are among the most common ailments for dogs in the fifty-to-hundred-pound weight range.

Cut 13 (11) “…not enough.”

German Shepherds are not the only breed prone to the ailment but dogs that are also the same size are just as susceptible.

Walls says owners often miss the signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia and arthritis in young dogs, but when you compare their lack of activity to other dogs that are that same age it becomes more obvious.

Cut 14 (10) “…narrow-based.”

Walls says the cost of the surgery can range anywhere from five thousand up to $65,000 and complete recovery averages six months. He says the procedure can greatly improve the quality of life for man’s best friend.

Cut 15 (05)“…success rate.”

530 PM LRN news

National Weather Service meteorologist Ben Schott warns we may be in for a ton of rain on Friday and Saturday as a disturbance in the southern Gulf looks highly likely to turn into a tropical storm over the next few days.

Cut 5  (12) “….for flooding” 

Some of the models are showing rainfall totals of ten plus inches in less than 12 hours.

The family of former LSU President Troy Middleton is suing LSU demanding the school return a collection of the General’s World War Two memorabilia. Middleton family attorney Jill Craft says the family has tried to retrieve the collection, which they say was only a loan, but keeps getting the runaround.

Cut 9 (12) “…get it (x2).”

Middleton’s name was removed from the school’s library last summer amidst an outcry over the former President’s support for segregation during his tenure running the school in the 50s and 60s.

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed a bill into law that ends the possibility of jail time for a person if they are convicted of possessing a small amount of recreational marijuana. Policy Director for Louisiana Progress Peter Robins-Brown says the measure has support from both Republicans and Democrats.

cut 13 (12) “…for this”

A person convicted of possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana will be fined up to 100-dollars, but no possibility of jail time, even if they are a repeat offender.

Could Ole Miss Head Coach and former LSU catcher and pitching coach Mike Bianco be the next head baseball coach of the Fighting Tigers? USA Today Network LSU beat reporter Glen Guilbeau says it’s possible, even though it could lead to mixed reactions from a passionate fan base…

cut 8 (10) “…mixed bag”

4:30 LRN Newscast June 15

Forecasters say there is a high chance a disturbance in the southern Gulf of Mexico will develop into at least a tropical storm over the next five days. The National Hurricane Center says they will have a better idea once the system actually develops. National Weather Service meteorologist Ben Schott says even if doesn’t get to tropical storm strength, it could be a big rainmaker…

Cut 4 (12) “…heavy heavy rain”

If named, it will be called Claudette.

Governor John Bel Edwards signs legislation decriminalizing possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana. Policy Director for Louisiana Progress Peter Robins-Brown says decriminalization is a widely popular policy that creates more trust between law enforcement and their local community.

Cut 12 (08) “…law”

The family of former LSU President Troy Middleton is suing LSU demanding the school return a collection of the General’s World War Two memorabilia. Middleton family attorney Jill Craft says the family has tried to retrieve the collection but keeps getting the runaround. The suit also seeks damages for “extreme humiliation and embarrassment.” Craft says the school refuses to turn over the collection.

Cut  11 (12) “…payback” 

There are reports LSU and Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco are discussing the possibility of the former Tiger catcher and pitching coach becoming the next head coach of the LSU baseball program.  LSU beat reporter for the USA Today Network Glen Guilbeau says right now Bianco is the school’s top candidate.

Cut 6 (09) “…more talks”

3:30 LRN Newscast June 15

Forecasters say Louisiana residents should brace for the potential of heavy rainfall later this week as a result of a tropical system. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a two-year-old boy who was left in a hot car Monday. Public Information Officer Katherina Breaux says deputies received a call and found the young boy who was left inside an unattended vehicle for an extended period of time Monday afternoon. This is the fourth hot car death in the U-S this year.

Governor John Bel Edwards signs legislation decriminalizing possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana. Policy Director for Louisiana Progress Peter Robins-Brown says he thinks this bill is another step towards full legalization of marijuana.

Cut 14 (12) “..point” 

Under the new law possession under 14 grams cannot lead to jail time and comes with a maximum fine of 100 dollars.

There are reports LSU and Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco are discussing the possibility of the former Tiger becoming the next head coach of the LSU baseball program.  LSU beat reporter for the USA Today Network Glen Guilbeau says Bianco has always been well-liked by those who have played with Skip Bertman…

Cut 7 (07) “…got there”

Bianco has been the head coach at Ole Miss since 2000

LRN PM Newscall June 15

Forecasters say Louisiana residents should brace for the potential of heavy rainfall later this week as a result of a tropical system. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

____________________________________

A year after Troy Middleton’s name was removed from the LSU Library his heirs are suing to have Middleton war memorabilia held by the school returned. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

______________________________________

Forecasters say there is a high chance a disturbance in the southern Gulf of Mexico will develop into at least a tropical storm over the next five days. National Weather Service meteorologist Ben Schott says the broad area of low pressure will eventually move northward and flash flooding is possible in south Louisiana on Friday

Cut 3 (06) “…heavy rainfall, rainfall”

The National Hurricane Center says they will have a better idea once the system actually develops. If named, it will be called Claudette. Schott says even if doesn’t get to tropical storm strength, it could be a big rainmaker…

Cut 4 (12) “…heavy heavy rain”

Schott says prepare now for a big rainmaker on Friday and Saturday…

Cut 5  (12) “….for flooding” 

Some of the models are showing rainfall totals of ten plus inches in less than 12 hours.

______________________________________

There are reports LSU and Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco are discussing the possibility of the former Tiger catcher and pitching coach becoming the next head coach of the LSU baseball program.  LSU beat reporter for the USA Today Network Glen Guilbeau says right now Bianco is the school’s top candidate.

Cut 6 (09) “…more talks”

Bianco has been the head coach at Ole Miss since 2000. He’s the winningest baseball coach in school history and had led the Rebels to the College World Series one time.  Guilbeau says Bianco has always been well-liked by those who have played with Skip Bertman…

Cut 7 (07) “…got there”

LSU fans can be tough to please and Guilbeau believes if this hire were to be made, it would receive mixed reviews.

Cut 8 (10) “..mixed bag” 

___________________________

The family of former LSU President Troy Middleton is suing LSU demanding the school return a collection of the General’s World War Two memorabilia.

Middleton family attorney Jill Craft says the family has tried to retrieve the collection but keeps getting the runaround.

Cut 9 (12) “…get it (x2).”

Middleton’s name was removed from the school’s library last summer amidst an outcry over the former President’s support for segregation during his tenure running the school in the 50s and 60s.

Craft says this collection was never given to LSU, it was loaned for the purpose of a specific exhibition. Now that the loan purpose has expired the family wants the items returned.

Cut 10 (12) “…returned”

Craft says the school has not provided documents proving the collection was not a loan and says there are news articles from the time it was handed to the school calling the exchange a loan. She also notes the school is currently displaying some of the collection in a newly opened WW2 exhibit on campus.

The suit also seeks damages for “extreme humiliation and embarrassment”. Craft says that is a last resort should the school refuse to turn over the collection.

Cut  11 (12) “…payback” 

In a statement, LSU spokesperson Ernie Ballard said they’ve told the family while they can give back some of the collection, parts of it may constitute historical records that belong to the federal government or university.

“Earlier this year LSU offered to return parts of the collection constituting General Middleton’s personal belongings and memorabilia. However, LSU as a state institution cannot simply give away the parts of the collection that constitute historical government records and documents that may properly belong to the university or federal government.”

___________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards signs legislation decriminalizing possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana.

Policy Director for Louisiana Progress Peter Robins-Brown says decriminalization is a widely popular policy that creates more trust between law enforcement and their local community.

Cut 12 (08) “…law”

Under the new law, written by Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover, possession under 14 grams cannot lead to jail time and comes with a maximum fine of 100 dollars.

The legislation has historically been pushed by Democrats but Robins-Brown says this year it got a lot of Republican support that some found surprising.

Cut 13 (12) “…for this.”

Before being signed only New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport had decriminalized possession.

Robins-Brown says his guess is that this bill is another step towards full legalization of marijuana.

Cut 14 (12) “..point” 

Governor Edwards released a statement about the signing saying “I believe deeply that the state of Louisiana should no longer incarcerate people for minor legal infractions, especially those that are legal in many states.” Per the AP the legislation is set to take effect on August 1st.

2:30 LRN Newscast June 15

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed a bill into law that ends the possibility of jail time for a person if they are convicted of possessing a small amount of recreational marijuana. Policy Director for Louisiana Progress Peter Robins-Brown says the measure has support from both Republicans and Democrats…
cut 13 (12) “…for this”
A person convicted of possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana will be fined up to 100-dollars, but no possibility of jail time, even if they are a repeat offender.

The National Hurricane Center says a disturbance in the southern Gulf of Mexico has an 80-percent chance of developing into at least a tropical depression over the next five days. National Weather Service meteorologist Ben Schott says the broad area of low pressure will eventually move northward and flash flooding is possible in south Louisiana on Friday
Cut 3 (06) “…heavy rainfall, rainfall”
Some of the models are showing rainfall totals of ten plus inches in less than 12 hours anywhere from Lake Charles to Mobile, Alabama.

Could Ole Miss Head Coach and former LSU catcher and pitching coach Mike Bianco be the next head baseball coach of the Fighting Tigers? USA Today Network LSU beat reporter Glen Guilbeau says it’s possible, even though it could lead to mixed reactions from a passionate fan base…
cut 8 (10) “…mixed bag”
Guilbeau says Bianco appears to be the choice to replace the retired Paul Mainieri.

Family members of former LSU president Troy Middleton have sued the school in an effort to get back his military memorabilia. A year ago, LSU removed Middleton’s name from the school’s main library because of his segregationist views. Attorney Jill Craft is representing Middleton’s heirs…
cut 10 (12) “…returned”
LSU says the school may have to keep some of the items because they belong to the university and or the federal government.