10:30 LRN Newscast July 18

Today in Baton Rouge, a judge will hear arguments for and against blocking the state’s abortion ban trigger law, which is currently on hold. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the odds are Judge Don Johnson will rule for the state; allowing the law back into effect and closing abortion clinics. If the judge rules against the plaintiffs, Ciolino says they will undoubtedly file another challenge. However, he feels they are just delaying the inevitable…:

CUT 06(12)      “…not vague.”

The hearing is today in downtown Baton Rouge.

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. Andrew Muhl is Policy Director for AARP Louisiana. He says the elderly are more at risk from COVID than anyone…:

CUT 03(11)      “…in nursing homes.”

Muhl says nursing home staff NEED to assure they are up-to-date on COVID shots.

 

Qualifying for the federal elections in November will get underway on Wednesday at the Secretary of State’s office in Baton Rouge. Republican Senator John Kennedy and the state’s six U-S House members are up for re-election and expected to win. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says that’s by design…:

CUT 07(11)      “…the incumbent.”

Alford says Senator Kennedy and all six congressional delegates are likely to win re-election.

A well-known Lafayette eatery is ranked by The Food Network as THE best barbecue in Louisiana. The TV network highlighted Johnson’s Boucaniere in downtown Lafayette. Proprietor Lori Johnson Walls says she cannot reveal the secret to their tasty barbecue; a special recipe rub made by her husband…:

CUT 10(09)      “11 to 12 hours.”

Johnson’s Boucaniere is on St. John Street near downtown Lafayette. By the way, “boucaniere” is Cajun French for “smokehouse.”

9:30 LRN Newscast July 18

A Baton Rouge judge is scheduled today to hear arguments both for and against blocking the state’s abortion ban trigger law. The law was triggered by the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe vs. Wade, but is temporarily on hold pending the hearing. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says plaintiffs argue the law’s language is too vague and therefore unenforceable, but he think today’s hearing in Don Johnson’s 19th JDC court will not go their way…:

CUT 05(09)      “…illegal in Louisiana”

Qualifying for the fall mid-term congressional elections starts this week in Baton Rouge. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says most will be easy wins for the incumbents, but Senator John Kennedy has three Democrat challengers announced. One potential Republican challenger was Baton Rouge Reverend Tony Spell, but…

CUT 09(08)      “…through with that.”

 

The Food Network names a popular Lafayette eatery as the Best Barbecue in Louisiana, according to its “50 States of Barbecue” poll. It’s Johnson Boucaniere, on St. John Street downtown. Lori Johnson Walls is the proprietor. She says the secret to their success is “Make it great. Make it consistent and make it with love”…”

CUT 12(11)      “…barbecued at home.”

SEC Football Media Days kick-off today in Atlanta, the unofficial start of the college football season. LSU Football Coach Brian Kelly speaks today and Tiger Rag Editor Tim Buckley says Kelly will get a bunch of questions about his three-way battle for starting quarterback…:

CUT 13(11)      “…to start.”

Buckley says Kelly was averse to having multiple quarterbacks before, but may be warming up to the idea.

8:30 LRN Newscast July 18

Six juvenile inmates escaped from the troubled Bridge City Center for Youth in the overnight hours of Sunday morning. Five were captured in relatively short order, but a fifth – who had an adult accomplice – carjacked a vehicle & shot the car’s owner. That man is now in critical condition. Police apprehended him later during a high speed chase.

Qualifying for the federal elections in November will get underway on Wednesday at the Secretary of State’s office in Baton Rouge. Senator John Kennedy and the state’s six congressmen (and woman) are running for re-election. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says the one race that may be in question is District 3, where incumbent Clay Higgins could face a well-funded challenger…:

CUT 08(10)      “…community leaders.”

Alford says Higgins has less than a half-million in available campaign money.

 

SEC Football Media Days begin today in Atlanta. Many fans consider it the start of the college football season…:

CUT 03(29)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

The Food Network recently named Johnson’s Boucaniere in Lafayette Louisiana’s best barbecue; listing them in their “50 States of Barbecue” poll. Owner Lori Walls appreciates the honor, and says it IS a team effort…:

CUT 11(09)      “…them as well.”

7:30 LRN Newscast July 18

42-thousand homeowners are looking for a new insurance policy today, after their coverage was dropped by Southern Fidelity Friday. Now those property owners have 60 days to find a new policy.

Qualifying for the federal elections in November begins Wednesday, but Louisiana is looking at a quiet election season. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

 

Today in Baton Rouge, a judge will hear arguments on a petition to block the state’s abortion trigger law from taking effect. A New Orleans judge punted the case back to the Capital City. Last week, 19th JDC Judge Don Johnson order the law on hold, pending the outcome of this morning’s hearing. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the judge has an important task to decide…:

CUT 04(13)      “…indeterminate.”

Ciolino says, even if plaintiffs lose they will file something else to keep abortion clinics open. He says the case will eventually be decided by the state Supreme Court.

Six incarcerated juveniles escaped from the troubled Bridge City Center for Youth in the Sunday morning overnight hours. Five were recaptured in short order, but a 5th escape, who had an accomplice, carjacked a man and shot him; leaving the victim in critical condition. That youth was later captured during a high speed chase.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

SEC Football Media Days begin today in Atlanta. Many fans consider it the start of the college football season…
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Former LSU Tiger Jacob Berry was selected number six overall in the Major League Baseball draft by the Miami Marlins. He’s LSU’s first first-round draft choice since 2017 and the Tigers’ highest pick since 2015, when Alex Bregman was selected number two overall by the Astros. The Toronto Blue Jays took LSU second baseman Cade Doughty with the 78th pick in the second round.

The Pelicans wrapped up the summer league with a 107-71 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. John Butler Junior was six of six from three-point territory and finished with 25 points. He also had seven rebounds. Butler is from Florida State and went undrafted. New Orleans went three and two in the summer league.

The Blazers won the Summer League Championship with an 85-77 win over the New York Knicks. Former LSU Tiger Trendon Watford earned MVP honors as he scored 19 points and pulled down seven rebounds.

LSU women’s basketball commitment and Parkway star Mikaylah Williams had 10 points and six rebounds as the United States defeated Spain 82-61 to win the gold medal in the under 17 Women’s World Cup in Hungary. Williams is rated as the nation’s number one recruit for the class of 2023.

Australian Cameron Smith rallied from four shots down yesterday to win his first British Open Championship. Smith shot a 64 and had a run of five straight birdies on the back nine to edge Cameron Young by one shot and Rory McIlroy by two strokes.

6:30 LRN Newscast July 18

A Baton Rouge judge will hear arguments for and against blocking the state’s abortion ban trigger law, which is currently on hold. More from Don Molino on today’s hearing…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Don Molino.”

Police in Natchitoches mourn one of their own. While working a shift in the downtown area Sunday, Officer Brian Olliff suddenly suffered some kind of medical event and collapsed and died. The cause of his death has not been determined and funeral arrangements haven’t yet been made.

 

Qualifying for the federal elections in November will get underway on Wednesday at the Secretary of State’s office in Baton Rouge. Republican Senator John Kennedy and the state’s six U-S House members are up for re-election and expected to win. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says that’s by design…:

CUT 07(11)      “…the incumbent.”

Alfords say all congressional races are shoe-ins except possibly for District 3, where Clay Higgins may face a well-funded challenger.

A well-known Lafayette eatery is ranked by The Food Network as one of America’s finest barbecue joints and THE best barbecue in Louisiana. The TV network highlighted the brisket and pulled pork at Johnson’s Boucaniere in downtown Lafayette. Proprietor Lori Johnson Walls says she cannot reveal the secret to their tasty barbecue; a special recipe rub made by her husband…:

CUT 10(09)      “…eleven to twelve hours.”

LRN AM Newscall July 18

A Baton Rouge judge will hear arguments  for and against blocking the state’s abortion ban trigger law, which is currently on hold. More from Don Molino on today’s hearing…:

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Don Molino.”

________________________________________________

 Qualifying for the federal elections in November begins Wednesday, but Louisiana is looking at a quiet election season. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

________________________________________________

SEC Football Media Days begin today in Atlanta. Many fans consider it the start of the college football season…

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

___________________________________________________

Today in Baton Rouge, a judge will hear arguments on a petition to block the state’s abortion trigger law from taking effect. A New Orleans judge punted the case back to the Capital City. Last week, 19th JDC Judge Don Johnson order the law on hold, pending the outcome of this morning’s hearing. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the judge has an important task to decide…:

Cut 4 (13)  “…indeterminate”

The suit was filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights immediately after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, triggering Louisiana’s law into effect. Plaintiff say the law is too vague, and make that argument today. Ciolino thinks the hearing will NOT go their way…:

Cut 5 (09) “…illegal in Louisiana.”

If the judge rules against the plaintiffs, Ciolino says they will undoubtedly file another challenge. However, he feels they are just delaying the inevitable…:

Cut 6 (12)  “…not vague”

That hearing is this morning in downtown Baton Rouge.

_______________________________________________

Qualifying for the federal elections in November will get underway on Wednesday at the Secretary of State’s office in Baton Rouge. Republican Senator John Kennedy and the state’s six U-S House members are up for re-election and expected to win. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says that’s by design…

Cut 7 (11) “…the incumbent”

Alford says if there’s a race to watch, it might be the third Congressional District, as Clay Higgins is seeking his fourth term, but he might face a formidable candidate…

Cut 8 (10)  “…community leaders.”

Higgins has faced criticism for not helping to secure federal hurricane recovery dollars for southwest Louisiana in a timely manner.

Kennedy is seeking a second term as U-S Senator and there are at least two Democratic challengers that are active on social media who plan to oppose him. Reverend Tony Spell in East Baton Rouge told the Advocate newspaper he’s thinking about running against Kennedy as a Republican, but Alford says that’s unlikely

Cut 9 (12)  “…never know.”

________________________________________________

A well-known Lafayette eatery is ranked by The Food Network as one of America’s finest barbecue joints and THE best barbecue in Louisiana. The TV network highlighted the brisket and pulled pork at Johnson’s Boucaniere (boo-ken-YAIR) in downtown Lafayette. Proprietor Lori Johnson Walls says she cannot reveal the secret to their tasty barbecue; a special recipe rub made by her husband…:

Cut 10 (09) “…eleven to twelve hours.”

In Cajun French, a “boucaniere” is, basically, a smokehouse. Walls says they get rave reviews for their Cajun smoked sausage, ribs, boudin and, of course, barbecue. The restaurant was recently named among Food Network’s “50 States of Barbecue”; a list of the very finest across the U.S. Walls says their success is a real team effort…:

Cut  11 (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. You may want to drop by and try their bill of fare. Walls says their model for success is “make it great, make it consistent and make it with love”…:

Cut 12 (11) “…barbecued at home.” 

Walls says they’re very honored by The Food Network’s accolades, which she calls “an awesome surprise.”

_________________________________________________

SEC Football Media Days kick-off today in Atlanta, the unofficial start of the college football season. LSU Football Coach Brian Kelly speaks today and Tiger Rag Editor Tim Buckley says Kelly will get a bunch of questions about his three-way battle for starting quarterback

Cut 13 (11) “…to start.”

Kelly downplayed the idea of playing two quarterbacks in a game when asked during spring football, but Buckley says it’s an idea the coach could be warming up to

Cut 14 (12)  “…change of pace guy.”

Before Kelly and the rest of the SEC coaches speech, Commissioner Greg Sankey will give his state of the league address. Buckley says Sankey will discuss the NIL and transfer portal issues and possible expansion now that USC and UCLA are heading to the Big 10…

Cut 15 (10)  “…it grow”

10:30 LRN Newscast July 16

The U.S. House passes a new defense spending bill containing a LOT of money for Louisiana military bases. More from Don Molino…:
CUT 01(28) “…don Molino.”

42-thousand homeowners who had insurance through Southern Fidelity need to find a new insurance policy. Southern Fidelity is the latest insurance provider to pull out of the state as a result of back to back destructive hurricane seasons. Southern Fidelity customers who do not find an insurance provider by September 13th will end up with Citizens, the state’s insurer of last resort.

While President Biden visits with Saudi Arabian leaders, to try to convince them to step up oil production…back at home Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says a much simpler answer is for the White House to stop hindering domestic oil & gas production…:
CUT 13 (12) “…Louisiana jobs.”
The Biden administration has placed restrictions on fossil fuel development in the United States as a way to combat climate change.

Add Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell to the list of folks angry with Entergy over huge power bill increases. 2021 & 22 storm damage repair costs AND higher natural gas prices have caused sticker shot for some ratepayers. Campbell says utility companies having a monopoly in this state is not good…:
CUT 10(12) “…do something”

9:30 LRN Newscast

President Joe Biden is in Saudi Arabi to see if the Middle Eastern country can produce more oil. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy…
CUT 12(12) “…energy production.”
Fox News reports that Saudi Arabi said it’s nearly at its limit for producing oil.

The U.S. House has passed a new National Defense Authorization Act; a spending bill containing hundreds-of-millions for Louisiana military facilities. Louisiana District 4 Congressman Mike Johnson says Fort Polk will get an additional $61-million to build a new Joint Operations Center, and Barksdale will get $125-million to facilitate weapons. The bill must also pass the Senate but Johnson doesn’t expect a partisan fight…:
CUT 08(08) “…funding the military”

State Police seeks the public’s help in finding a gunman who fatally shot one person and injured two others in Richland Parish, in an ambush attack. Master Trooper Javier Leija says the fatal shooting took place late Wednesday afternoon in Delhi. 22-year-old Quattrous Jones of Delhi was pronounced dead at the scene. The other two victims suffered non-life threatening injuries. Trooper Leija says if anyone has information they should contact the North Delta Crime Stoppers…:
CUT 05(11) “zero-zero-zero-zero.”
He says they’re looking for a Chevy Tahoe SUV used in the attack.

In Livingston Parish, a 33-year-old Denham Springs woman was killed when she was struck from behind by a Livingtson Parish Sheriff’s deputy who state police says was responding to a call of service. Christina Estave was stopped on L-A 16 when her Saturn was struck in the rear end. Estave was not buckled up. The deputy was also not restrained, but sustained minor injuries.

8:30 LRN Newscast July 16

Entergy customers are seeing higher electricity bills this summer. The utility company warned its customers their utility bill will go up, because of previous storm repair costs and higher natural gas prices. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell still believes the power company is charging ratepayers too much…
Cut 9 (11) “..sympathy.”
But fellow Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta told Fox 8 TV in New Orleans that Louisiana has some of the lowest rates in the nation.

The U.S. House has passed a new National Defense Authorization Act; a spending bill containing 125 million dollars for Barksdale Air Force Base and 61-million dollars for construction of a new Joint Operations Center at Fort Polk. Louisiana District 4 Congressman Mike Johnson…
Cut 6 (13) ” …important to us.”

The state Department of Health says more cases of monkeypox are turning up. Kevin Gallagher reports all cases so far are in and around New Orleans…:
Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

A Caddo Parish judge sentenced a 26-year-old Louisiana man to 70 years in prison for killing a man in 2020 with a crossbow. Daniel Ralph Hair will not be eligible for probation, parole or a suspended sentence because he’s habitual offender. Haire was convicted in May of manslaughter in the death of 33-year-old Rodney Nordby. Nordby’s body was found wrapped in two comforters in a park in February of 2020.