LRN PM Newscall May 28

Cameron Parish authorities say it was a tip from a local woman that helped them identify a human skull found off a highway in 2018. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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The Legislature sends a 38-billion dollar spending plan to Governor Edwards’ desk, a record amount buoyed by federal coronavirus aid.  Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

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After 15 seasons and one national championship at LSU, Paul Mainieri has announced he’s retiring as a college baseball coach. Mainieri has the most career victories among active Division one coaches, but his team had a losing record in SEC play this year. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says the 63-year-old is also dealing with health issues…

Cut 3 (10)  “…left to prove.” 

Mainieri led the Tigers to the College World Series five times, winning it all in 2009 and finishing as a runner-up in 2017. But his critics say Mainieri didn’t win enough national titles like Skip Bertman, who won five titles. Higgins says Mainieri was still a great coach…

Cut 4 (08) “…great job.” 

This year’s LSU baseball team is waiting to find out if they made the NCAA Tournament. The Field of 64 will be unveiled on Monday at 11 AM. The Tigers are on the bubble after going 13-and-17 in SEC play. Higgins says Mainieri’s announcement might give the selection committee another reason to put the Tigers in a regional

Cut 5  (10)  “…deserve that”

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Millions of drivers are expected to hit the roadway this Memorial day weekend and the Louisiana Transportation Department advises travelers to exercise extra caution. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says 330 people have lost their lives in fatal crashes this year in Louisiana so put down the phone and buckle up to prevent more fatalities…

Cut 6 (8) “…they’re used too”

Last year over 800 drivers died in Louisiana. Mallett hopes they do not surpass that number this year, despite traffic volume up over last year.

Cut 7 (9) “…that trend downwards” 

Travelers should expect roadwork on I-10 next to the Texas border and near the Atchafalaya Basin and I-12 in St. Tammany Parish. Mallet says there will be no lane closers but be aware of speed limit changes and lane shifts…

Cut 8 (7) “…at any minute” 

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A human skull found in Cameron Parish more than three years ago has been identified as a missing 58-year old San Antonio woman. Cameron Parish Sheriff Ron Johnson says it was a computer-generated image of the head that led a concerned citizen to connect the dots and dental records confirmed the findings.

Cut 9 (11) “…Sally Hines.”

58-year-old Hines went missing in December of 2017 and a clean-up crew found the head on highway 27 between Hackberry and Holly Beach in March of 2018.

After numerous tips over the years that never identified the skull, Johnson says it was a Cameron Parish woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, that looked at a computer-generated image of what the skull would resemble in person and that pointed investigators in the direction to see if it was Hines.

Cut 10 (11) “…at zero.

Johnson says San Antonio police, who took the initial missing person report, is leading the investigation and many questions remain unanswered.

Cut 11 (08) “…the body.”

Johnson says they do not believe any other body parts from Hines, with the exception of the skull, are located in Cameron Parish.

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With two weeks still left in the session, the Legislature approves a record 38 billion dollar spending plan for the fiscal year starting in July.

Senate President Page Cortez says because of federal assistance there were a lot of things they could accomplish so lawmakers didn’t argue about the little things.

Cut 12 (08)   “…Senate.” 

Despite frequent talk of increasing early childhood education funding, no additional dollars were allocated to it.

Cortez highlighted a few of the major investments they were able to make thanks to the American Rescue Act Assistance, including infrastructure.

Cut 13 (11)“..lines”

The state also paid down 400 million dollars of a one billion dollar outstanding payment we owe to the federal government over the 12 billion dollar New Orleans levee system built after Hurricane Katrina. The unemployment trust fund was also replenished with 490 million dollars. After paying back some money owed to the feds that puts the fund at a net of 300 million dollars.

Also included was an 800 dollar teacher pay raise and a roughly two and a half percent higher education faculty pay raise. Cortez says they may be reoccurring costs, but it’s a priority that’s worth it.

Cut 14 (12) “…do that” 

Other items include four million to increase LSU campus lighting and security, more money for public defenders, millions in funding for small local projects, judicial pay raises, the full funding of TOPS, and more.

1:30 LRN Newscast May 28

The Legislature sends a 38-billion dollar spending plan to Governor Edwards’ desk, a record amount buoyed by federal coronavirus aid.  Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

A Scott man was arrested for allegedly fatally shooting his dog and posting video of the shooting on Snapchat. The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office says 23-year old Issac Gotreaux was arrested Tuesday and faces charges of cruelty to animals and unlawful posting of criminal activity for notoriety or publicity

After 15 seasons and a national championship at LSU, baseball Coach Paul Mainieri is retiring as a head coach. 63-year old Mainieri led the Tigers to the College World Series five times, winning it all in 2009 and finishing as a runner-up in 2017. But his critics say Mainieri didn’t win enough national titles like Skip Bertman, who won five titles. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins…

Cut 4 (08) “…great job.” 

The roadways will be crowded this Memorial Day weekend and state officials want you to be alert and drive safe. Louisiana Transportation Department spokesperson Rodney Mallet says in 2020 over 800 drivers died in Louisiana. Mallett hopes they do not surpass that number this year, despite traffic volume up over last year.

Cut 7 (9) “…that trend downwards” 

12:30 LRN Newscast May 28

After 15 seasons and one national championship at LSU, Paul Mainieri has announced he’s retiring as a college baseball coach. Mainieri has the most career victories among active Division one coaches, but his team had a losing record in SEC play this year. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says the 63-year-old is also dealing with health issues…

Cut 3 (10)  “…left to prove.” 

With two weeks left in the session, the Legislature approves a record 38-billion-dollar spending plan for the fiscal year starting in July. Senate President Page Cortez says because of federal assistance there were a lot of things they could accomplish so lawmakers didn’t argue about the little things.

Cut 12 (08)   “…Senate.” 

Despite frequent talk of increasing early childhood education funding, no additional dollars were allocated to it.

A human skull found in Cameron Parish more than three years ago has been identified as 58-year-old Sally Hines of San Antonio. Cameron Parish Sheriff Ron Johnson says it was a local woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, saw a computer-generated image of what the skull would resemble in person that connected the dots.

Cut 10 (11) “…at zero.

A clean-up crew found the head on highway 27 between Hackberry and Holly Beach in March of 2018.

Millions of are expected to hit the roadway this Memorial Day weekend and the Louisiana Transportation Department advises travelers to exercise extra caution. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says 330 people have been killed in fatal crashes this year so put down the phone and buckle up…

Cut 6 (8) “…they’re used too”

Last year over 800 drivers died in Louisiana.

11:30 LRN Newscast May 28

Before state lawmakers left the capitol for the Memorial Day weekend, they approved a 38-billion dollar state budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1st. It didn’t take as long to approve a spending plan since the state has millions of dollars in extra cash as a result of federal coronavirus aid. Salary hikes are going to teachers, college professors, prison guards and juvenile justice workers.

Protestors were at the state capitol demanding justice for the death of Ronald Greene. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A human skull found in Cameron Parish more than three years ago has been identified as a missing San Antonio woman. Cameron Parish Sheriff Ron Johnson says it was a computer-generated image of the head that led a concerned citizen to connect the dots, and dental records confirmed the findings.
Cut 9 (11) “…Sally Hines.”
The 58-year-old Hines went missing in December of 2017 and there are no details on what led to her disappearance.

Legislation that would have allowed 1,500 Louisiana prisoners who were convicted by a non-unanimous jury to seek a new trial was defeated in a House committee. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says Louisiana voters already deemed non-unanimous verdicts unconstitutional going forward, and that decision should be retroactive…
Cut 4 (09)”…today.”
But the legislation failed on a seven to five vote.

10:30 LRN Newscast May 28

A House committee rejects an effort to provide a path to parole or retrial for the 1,500 Louisiana inmates who were convicted on non-unanimous verdicts before the practice was deemed racist and unconstitutional. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

A human skull found March 2018 along Highway 27 in Cameron Parish has been positively identified as a Texas woman who went missing in December of 2017. The Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Office says investigators used dental records to identify 58-year old Sally Ann Hines of San Antonio.

A bill prohibiting trans athletes from participating in K-12 and college girl’s and women’s sports passes in the House 77-17. Jefferson Representative Laurie Schlegel says the bill seeks to protect biological females and ensure a fair competitive environment. Opponents are concerned the bill would cause unintended economic consequences. New Orleans Representative Royce DuPlessis says businesses might be less likely to invest in Louisiana if this makes it into law…

Cut 11 (08) “…our business there.”
Schlegel says this won’t be an issue since states who have already passed similar legislation are hosting sponsored sporting events…

Cut 12 (07) “…Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee.”

That bill is expected to be vetoed by the Governor.

9:30 LRN Newscast May 28

About 200 people marched from the State Capitol to the Governor’s Mansion yesterday demanding criminal charges against the State Troopers who arrested Ronald Greene in 2019. Greene died in police custody after he was punched and tased numerous times. L-S-P originally said Greene died in a car accident following a high-speed chase. Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers…
cut 9 (13) “…for months”
Governor Edwards says State Police is cooperating with the Union Parish District Attorney and the US Justice Department as they investigate.

State lawmakers have approved a police reform bill. The legislation would ban chokeholds by officers, put body camera activation policies in place, and the duty to intervene. State Representative Ted James says police can still do nighttime no-knock warrants, but certain policies must be followed…
cut 15 (09) “….protect life”

Legislation that would prohibit transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports is heading to the governor’s desk. Supporters say it will protect the integrity of girls’ sports, New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says the bill threatens to alienate an already vulnerable community…
cut 13 (08) “…positive for them”
Governor Edwards is expected to veto the bill.

A bill that would have provided an estimated 15-hundred prisoners with another shot at a trial if they were convicted by a non-unanimous jury failed in a House committee. District attorneys say 15-hundred retrials would be difficult, costly and harm victims, but Promise of Justice Lawyer Jamila Johnson says that’s no excuse…
cut 6 (10) “…of the judge”
The bill failed on a seven to five vote.

8:30 A.M. LRN News 05/28/21

Protestors marched at the state capitol demanding justice for the death of Ronald Greene. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Legislation that would have provided a pathway to parole or retrial for the 1,500 Louisiana inmates with settled cases who were convicted non-unanimously is defeated in a House committee. Promise of Justice lawyer Jamila Johnson says her organization represents two-thirds of the 1,500 people in jail on non-unanimous convictions. She says their convictions were part of a racist policy.
Cut 5 (06)”…clients are Black.”

Police reform legislation covering a number of bases from body camera activation policies to duty to intervene, and even bans on chokeholds is headed to the Governor’s desk.
The bill is the result of a policing policy reform task force established last year after the George Floyd Protests. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says it’s the result of a lot of discussion…
Cut 14 (06) “…final passage.”

A bill prohibiting trans athletes from participating in K-12 and college girl’s and women’s sports passes in the House 77-17.
Opponents are concerned the bill would cause unintended economic consequences. New Orleans Representative Royce DuPlessis says businesses might be less likely to invest in Louisiana if this makes it into law…
Cut 11 (08) “…our business there.”

That bill is expected to be voted by the Governor.

7:30 A.M. LTN News 05/28/21

A House committee rejects an effort to provide a path to parole or retrial for the 1,500 Louisiana inmates who were convicted on non-unanimous verdicts before the practice was deemed racist and unconstitutional. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

A temporary state sales tax levied back in 2018 may become permanent after a late amendment was tacked on to the medical marijuana bill. It is a nearly half-cent tax that was added a few years back which is set to expire. The money will be earmarked to repair and maintain state highways and bridges.

Some 200 protestors marched at the State Capitol Thursday demanding justice in the death of Ronald Greene, the black man who died during a 2019 traffic arrest in Union Parish by state troopers. Civil rights activists along with members of Greene’s family are calling on swift action to be taken for those responsible for his death.
Attorneys for the Greene family say they were initially told he died from injuries in a car crash after Greene led officers on a chase that ended in Union Parish. Body camera footage however later emerged showing Greene crying out he’s sorry as officers repeatedly punched, dragged, and used a stun gun on him while he was restrained.
Greene’s mother Mona Hardin joined protestors at the Capitol and thanked them for their support.
Cut 8 (03) “…murdered.”

A bill prohibiting trans athletes from participating in K-12 and college girl’s and women’s sports passes in the House 77-17. Jefferson Representative Laurie Schlegel says the bill seeks to protect biological females and ensure a fair competitive environment…
Cut 10 (07) “…no longer exist.”

06:45 LRN Sportscast

The Ragin Cajuns advanced to the semi-finals of the Sun Belt Tournament with a seven to two win over Appalachian State in Montgomery, Alabama. Three U-L Lafayette pitchers held the Mountaineers to three hits and Ben Fitzgerald hit a grand slam in the eighth inning to give the Cajuns a five-run victory. U-L Lafayette’s next game is Saturday, most likely against Georgia Southern who plays ULM today in the Warhawks final game of the season.

McNeese moved to 2-0 in the Southland Conference Tournament with a three to two win over Southeastern Louisiana. Nate Fisbeck’s three-run homer in the third was the difference.

The Lions will play UNO today at noon in an elimination game. The Privateers hit three grand slams to eliminate Northwestern State 14 to 1. Darren Willis hit two of those grand slams.

LSU softball must win tonight in order to keep its season alive. They fell to Florida State one to nothing in game one of their super regional series last night.

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LSU football will start the 2021 football season with three night games. The season opener in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl against UCLA will kick off at 7:30 central time. The following weekend will be the home opener against McNeese, which will kick off at 7 PM and then Central Michigan will be in Tiger Stadium for a 6:30 kickoff.

Six of UL-Lafayette’s football games have been selected for national broadcasts starting with the season opener against Texas on September fourth. Kick-off in Austin will be at 3:30. Three home games will be nationally televised as well September 16th against Ohio, Appalachian State on October 12th and Georgia State on November fourth.

Back to college baseball, Louisiana Tech could only muster six hits in a four to one loss to Southern Miss in the Conference USA Tournament. The Golden Eagles scored in single runs in the third, fourth, seventh and eighth innings. Tech will be in action again tonight against Western Kentucky in an elimination game.

 

6:30 A.M. LRN News 05/28/21

Legislation that would have provided a pathway to parole or retrial for the 1,500 Louisiana inmates with settled cases who were convicted non-unanimously is defeated in a House committee.
New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says Louisiana voters already deemed non-unanimous verdicts unconstitutional going forward, and that decision should be retroactive…
Cut 4 (09)”…today.”

Some 200 protestors marched at the State Capitol Thursday demanding justice in the death of Ronald Greene, the black man who died during a 2019 traffic arrest in Union Parish by state troopers. Civil rights activists along with members of Greene’s family are calling on swift action to be taken for those responsible for his death. Eugene Collins with the NAACP…
Cut 7 (05) “…right now (cheering).”

Attorneys for the Greene family say they were initially told he died from injuries in a car crash after Greene led officers on a chase that ended in Union Parish.

The House passes a bill banning K-12 and college trans athletes from participating in sports designated for biological females. Erik Piccoli has the story.