2:30 LRN Newscast June 29

How does the US Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action for college admissions impact Louisiana? Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(29)      “…Thorington.”

Deputies in East Baton Rouge Parish arrest a local woman for allegedly stealing tens of thousands from her 81-year-old father’s bank account. Investigators say that during 2022, Sarah Banks made 68 transfers to her personal account; totaling over $35-thousand. She also allegedly wrote herself checks of over $5-thousand. She’s charged with exploitation of the infirmed, bank fraud, theft, and illegal transmission of monetary funds.

 

A 15-year-old Opelousas teen is arrested for shooting a Port Barre man, and police say his mother turned him in. Neither the juvenile nor his 20-year-old victim have been identified yet. The man was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and the teen booked into detention.

This weekend in New Orleans, the 29th Annual Essence Festival; the nation’s largest music festival. It kicks off today and runs through July 3rd. New Orleans & Co.’s Kelly Schulz says the lineup of big stars, and celebrities in the city – plus many celebrity visitors – means attendance is expected to go over the top…:

CUT 08(12)      “…to New Orleans.”

Last year’s Essence Fest had a $327-million impact on the city’s economy.

If you’re headed for the Gulf Coast beaches this holiday weekend, be careful. Rip currents anywhere from the Florida Panhandle to Alabama’s shoreline have claimed ten lives in recent weeks.

1:30 LRN Newscast Jun 29

The US Supreme Court made a landmark ruling today, ending affirmative action for college admissions. University of Louisiana system president Dr. Jim Henderson says the UL system has intentional interventions in place to ensure students succeed regardless of their background.

Cut 4 (10)  “…our communities.” 

Nine states already ban affirmative action, Florida is the only state in the southeast that does.

The 29th Annual Essence Festival of Culture, the nation’s largest music festival, kicks off today in Crescent City. New Orleans and Company Senior Vice President of Communications Kelly Schulz says hotel occupancy rates last year hovered at 93 percent and an informal survey says numbers are still holding strong.

Cut 7 (12)  “…last year.” 

The festival ends on Monday, July 3rd.

The man who crashed his SUV through the front of the Hammond Target three years ago is sentenced to 25 years. 44-year-old Walter Allbritton the III of Ponchatoula pled no contest to several charges including terrorizing aggravated criminal damage to property. Allbritton also broadcasted the incident on Facebook Live.

McNeese broke ground on a new press box for Cowboy Stadium today. Much of southwest Louisiana was devastated by Hurricanes Delta and Laura in 2020 and the former press box was damaged significantly. Three years later, Director of Facilities Kevin Martin says they’ve completed the long process to organize funding from 4 separate sources and get the project underway…

Cut 9 (14) “…like that.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast June 29

Hundreds of LSU fans braved the oppressive heat to pack the box and celebrate the LSU Baseball team’s seventh national championship in program history. Paul Skenes put together one of the greatest seasons ever by a college baseball pitcher and set a new SEC record with 209 strikeouts this season surpassing LSU legend Ben McDonald. Skenes was at Air Force the last two seasons and made the decision to transfer LSU so he can improve as a pitcher and win a natty…

Cut 17 (17) “…came here.”

The national championship winning baseball team along with a women’s basketball title and top 10 finishes in gymnastics, beach volleyball, and both men’s and women’s outdoor track, helped LSU earn a ninth-place final ranking in the Director’s Cup. The cup measures the overall success of an institution’s athletic programs, awarding points based on NCAA Championship finishes for a maximum of 19 sports. LSU’s ninth-place finish is its highest since it was ninth in 2009.

During last night’s celebration many players had the opportunity to speak to fans a they reflected on a historic season. Coach Jay Johnson says he didn’t spend much time working on his speech as he is already preparing for the 2024 season. But Johnson says he’ll never forget this group of players and the focus they played with in the NCAA Tournament….

Cut 18 (19) “…2023 (applause).” 

Many of the players were apart of Johnson’s first team when he arrived at LSU. Johnson helped lead the group to a national title in just his second season in Baton Rouge.

The NFL confirmed Saints rookies will report to training camp on July 18th with their veteran teammates arriving a week later on the 25th. Open practice dates are yet to be announced.

12:30 LRN Newscast Jun 29

The US Supreme Court made a landmark ruling today, ending affirmative action for college admissions. University of Louisiana system president Dr. Jim Henderson says in Louisiana schools use objective admissions criteria based on high school GPA, core curriculum, and standardized test scores.

Cut 3 (12) “…the country.”

The 29th Annual Essence Festival of Culture, the nation’s largest music festival, kicks off today in New Orleans and runs through July 3rd. New Orleans and Company Senior V. P. of Communications Kelly Schulz says the festival has a huge impact on the Crescent City…

Cut 6 (11)  “…New Orleans.” 

We could see some record-high temperatures today. Health officials warn to stay out of the heat. Teiko Foxx has more….

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast June 29

On a hot, steamy night, thousands of LSU fans went to Alex Box Stadium last night to celebrate the 2023 national champion LSU baseball team. Several star players spoke including Golden Spikes Award winner and expected top 2 overall pick in the upcoming MLB draft Dylan Crews. Crews thanked the fans for his time and success in Baton Rouge…

Cut 16 (19) “…can I say.”

The SEC and ACC have announced this year’s opponents for the SEC/ACC Challenge. The Women’s basketball team will host Virginia Tech on November 30th while the men’s team will visit Syracuse November 28th.

The NFL confirmed Saints rookies will report to training camp on July 18th with their veteran teammates arriving a week later on the 25th. Open practice dates are yet to be announced.

With LSU’s national championship winning baseball team along with a women’s basketball title and top 10 finishes in gymnastics, beach volleyball, and both men’s and women’s outdoor track, the Tigers earned a No. 9 final ranking in the Director’s Cup. The cup measures the overall success of an institution’s athletic programs, awarding points based on NCAA Championship finishes for a maximum of 19 sports. LSU’s ninth place finish is its highest since it was ninth in 2009 and one behind their all-time best finish of eighth which came in 2008. The SEC led all conferences with eight top 25 final rankings and Stanford on the overall title for the 26th time followed by future SEC member Texas.

LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson and stars Dylan Crews, Paul Skenes, Tommy White, Ty Floyd, and Tre Morgan took their talents off of the diamond and into the kitchen today. The national champions celebrated their title by working a shift at the original Raising Cane’s location on Highland serving fans in the dirve-tru and at the counter for a celebratory shift.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards discussed the state budget on his monthly call-in radio show. The budget contained a $100 million reduction to the Louisiana Department of Health. Among the anti-transgender bills, is one to prohibit transgender procedures and or treatments of minors. Edwards says the bills have nothing to do with improving the economy, education, or healthcare.

Cut 9 (12)  “…and so forth.”

If you had damage from the 2020-2021 hurricanes and need assistance with submitting surveys, Restore Louisiana representatives will be on-site in Kenner today at the Martin Luther King Center before the August 1 deadline. Community Development Director Pat Forbes says homeowners statewide still have not completed the initial step.

Cut 13 (12) “…survey done.”  

Homeowners can complete the survey at restore.la.gov or call 866-735-2001.

Governor Edwards has vetoed legislation some call the “Stay Back” bill; aimed at heading off bad encounters between police and citizens. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (31)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The June heat wave is reportedly blamed for at least 13 deaths in Texas and 2 in Caddo Parish. An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect today and tomorrow for nearly the entire state with high temperatures this afternoon slated to reach 100 degrees pushing heat index values to between 115-120.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Thousands of LSU fans packed the stands in Alex Box Stadium last night to celebrate the 2023 C-W-S national champion LSU men’s baseball team.  Several star players spoke to the big crowd. Dylan Crews thanked the fans…

Cut 16 (19) “…can I say.”

On his monthly radio call-in show “Ask the Governor” Governor John Bel Edwards discussed the state budget that passed in the final moments of the session earlier this month. The budget included a $100 million cut to the Louisiana Department of Health.

Cut 7 (13) “…and compassion.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed legislation that would have made it a crime to get within 25 feet of police officers on duty, saying there is already a state law that punishes those who interfere with cops. Detractors said it threatens citizens’ First Amendment rights and prevents people from video-recording police. Bill author and Pineville Republican Representative Mike Johnson says the legislation did none of that…:

Cut 12 (11)    “…a police officer.” 

Restore Louisiana representatives will be on-site in Kenner today at the Martin Luther King Center to help homeowners who had damage from the 2020-2021 hurricanes complete surveys before the August 1 deadline. Community Development Director Pat Forbes says the program expanded its criteria for homeowners to qualify.

Cut 15 (12)  “…fifty thousand.”

Homeowners can complete the survey at restore.la.gov or call 866-735-2001.

09:30 LRN Newscast, June 29th

Governor Edwards has vetoed legislation some call the “Stay Back” bill; aimed at heading off bad encounters between police and citizens..:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

Heat index values could reach 115 today or higher. Dr. Jim Aiken is with the LSU Health Science Center in New Orleans…:
Cut 4 (13) “to it”

Governor John Bel Edwards on his monthly call-in radio show discussed how he plans to restore last minute cuts made to the Department of Health. He also talked about the possibility of a veto override session…:
CUT 8 (11) “to that”
To date, the governor has not vetoed any legislation pertaining to the transgender population.

If you still haven’t submitted a survey on damage from the 2020-2021 hurricanes, Restore Louisiana is holding outreach events to help out before the August 1st deadline. Representatives are on-site in Kenner today at the Martin Luther King Center. Community Development Director Pat Forbes many homeowners have still have not finished the first step.
Cut 13 (12) “survey done”
Homeowners can complete the survey at restore.la.gov.

08:30 LRN Newscast, June 29th

Governor John Bel Edwards said on his monthly radio show he intends to restore last-minute budget reductions made by the legislature…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning through 8pm tonight and from 10am-8pm Friday. Dr. Jim Aiken with the LSU Health Science Center in New Orleans says you’ve got to protect yourself…:
Cut 6 (08) “about this”

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a bill that would have given police officers the ability to command you to “stay back” while they do their job. Bill author and Pineville Republican Representative Mike Johnson says his bill was about heading off possible interference…:
Cut 10 (07) “feels threatened”
The governor said he objected to the bill for reasons including its potential chilling effect on exercising one’s First Amendments rights.

LSU fans packed the stands Wednesday evening in Alex Box Stadium to celebrate the 2023 national champion Tigers. Star pitcher Paul Skenes, who was at Air Force the last two seasons, said he made the decision to transfer LSU so he can improve as a pitcher and win a natty…:
Cut 17 (17) “came here”

07:30 LRN Newscast, June 29th

Get ready for more record high temperatures today. Teiko Foxx reports..:
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Teiko Foxx”

The June heat wave is reportedly blamed for at least 13 deaths in Texas and 2 in Caddo Parish. An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect today and tomorrow for nearly the entire state with high temperatures this afternoon slated to reach 100 degrees pushing heat index values to between 115-120. Best to stay inside.

Governor John Bel Edwards is speaking out on some unpopular budget cuts approved by lawmakers in the final moments of the tumultuous legislative session, including the $100 million dollar reduction for the Department of Health….:
Cut 7 (13) “and compassion”
The comments were made on the governor’s monthly call-in radio show Wednesday.

If you still haven’t submitted a survey on damage from the 2020-2021 hurricanes, Restore Louisiana is holding outreach events to help out. The deadline is August 1st. Community Development Director Pat Forbes says the goal is to get homeowners financial assistance to help them recover from their losses…:
Cut 14 (07) “up yet”
Restore Louisiana will be on-site in Kenner today at the Martin Luther King Center.