3:30 LRN Newscast June 6

At the Capitol, the Senate gives final approval to a bill aimed at raising literacy by requiring 3rd graders to pass a reading exam in order to move up to 4th grade. Senator Beth Mizell of Franklinton spoke for the House bill. She says passing it will lead to better outcomes for kids later in life…:

CUT 08  (09)        “…we see.”

That bill will go to the Governor for his signature.

The federal environmental protection agency grants nearly a half-million buck to the Louisiana Department of Environmental quality to set up air monitoring in St. James Parish. Congressman Troy Carter says much needs to be done to assure the air is safe…:

CUT 05  (09)        “…punish them.”

The grant is part of the Biden Administration’s Investing in America agenda.

 

The so-called Constitutional Carry bill, which would have allowed citizens over 21 with no criminal record to carry a concealed weapon without a permit, is dead for this year. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick decided to pull his bill – already passed in the House – from consideration, because of amendments senators were sought to tack on the bill…:

CUT 15(12)      “…defer it.”

Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau wanted to add an amendment to make sure training would still be required to conceal carry. McCormick says that defeats much of the purpose of his bill.

Baton Rouge Police arrest a man after video circulates online showing him giving a marijuana cigarette to a toddler. The then-5-year-old takes the joint and smokes it. 48-year-old John Hall’s face is seen in the video, so cops had little trouble rounding him up. He is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. A concerned citizen tipped police off to the video a couple weeks ago.

LRN PM Newscall June 6

Lawmakers have approved a bill that would require third graders to pass a reading test to advance to the fourth grade. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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Restore Louisiana announces homeowners affected by Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Ida and the May 2021 severe storms have until August 1st to complete a survey in order to receive rebuilding grant money. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx ”  

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EPA announces a $480,000 grant to DEQ to establish an air monitoring site in St. James Parish. Congressman Troy Carter says the people of St. James Parish are impacted by air pollution.

Cut 3 (13) “…and community.”

LDEQ received $450,000 to establish a temporary community air monitoring site targeted toward communities on the west side of the Mississippi River known as “cancer alley.: Carter says they want to make sure the community is safe.

Cut 4 (10)  “…the air.” 

Equipment at the site will produce near-real-time data on certain pollutants affecting air quality. Community groups, churches, local governments, and other partners can access the data to understand air quality. Carter says there’s still work to do, however…

Cut 5 (09)  “…punish them.

Primary funding came from the American Rescue Plan. The grant is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda.

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The Senate has given final legislative approval to a bill that attempts to improve reading scores. The legislation would require third graders to pass a reading test in April in order to to be promoted to the fourth grade. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell…

Cut 6 (12)  “…be retained.” 

The legislation gives third graders three chances to pass the literacy test. Students diagnosed with dyslexia and kids still learning English could still be promoted to the fourth grade. Gonzales Senator Ed Price voted against the bill as he believes it’s an unfunded mandate…

Cut 7 (07)  “…fund it.” 

Mississippi has a similar program and they’ve seen an increase in reading scores. Louisiana has among the lowest literacy rates in the nation and Mizell says if the state can improve a child’s ability to read, it will lead to better outcomes later in life…

Cut 8 (09)  “… we see” 

The measure heads to the governor’s desk. If Governor John Bel Edwards signs the bill, the first literacy tests for promotion will be administered in April 2025.

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Hours after releasing a photo of suspects wanted in connection with the Sunday evening fire at the Covington Walmart, two teens were arrested. State Fire Marshal Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says it was the Northshore community that responded quickly which led to the arrests…

Cut 9 (12) “…from Covington.”

(The two suspects are a 15 and 17-year-old boys. )

The blaze caused extensive damage to Walmart and the store is closed at this time. In addition to endangering the lives of more than 200 people that were in the store Sunday night, Rodrigue says there are even more repercussions…

Cut 10 (10) “…frequently.”

Rodrigue says they tend to see more cases involving juveniles and fire over the summer break. She encourages parents to make it clear that fire is not a toy whatsoever.

Cut 11 (08)  “…out of trouble.”

The suspects were booked into the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center. Charges include Aggravated Arson, Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Arson, along with Manufacture and Possession of a Delayed Action Incendiary Device. 

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The Louisiana Office of Community Development sets a deadline of August 1 for homeowners affected by Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Ida and the May 2021 severe storms to complete the initial survey to participate in the Restore Louisiana Program. Executive Director Pat Forbes says there are still thousands of homeowners statewide who have not completed the survey.

Cut 12 (13) “…be eligible.” 

Restore LA provides grant funding to homeowners affected by the 2020-21 disasters for home repair, reconstruction, and/or reimbursement for repairs already completed. Forbes says the program expanded its criteria for homeowners to qualify.

Cut 13 (13) “…reimburse you.” 

Since launching in February 2022, more than 22 thousand homeowners have submitted the survey. Forbes urges homeowners to complete the survey even if they don’t believe they qualify.

Cut 14 (08)  “…the survey.”

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

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Legislation seeking to allow non-felon adults to conceal carry a firearm without a permit is dead for the legislative session. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick decided to pull it from consideration, because of amendments senators were proposing to put on the bill…

Cut 15 (12) “…defer it”

That was McCormick speaking before Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau wanted to add an amendment to make sure training would still be required to conceal carry. Luneau says at a gun store in his district, he saw a young man interested in purchasing a handgun, but told the gun shop owner he didn’t know how to load it…

Cut  16 (08)  “…else does”

2:30 LRN Newscast June 6

At the State Capitol, lawmakers give final passage to a bill that would require third graders to pass a reading test to advance to the fourth grade. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Palermo.”

Longtime Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator says he will run for another term in office, and he now has an announced challenger. That is former Shreveport Police Chief and former State Police superintendent Henry Whitehorn. Prator has been sheriff in Caddo since 2000.

 

The state Fire Marshal’s Office says two teen boys have been arrested for allegedly starting a fire inside a Covington Wal-Mart store Sunday that did tens of thousands in damage. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the 15-year-old and 17-year-old caused the store to have to be closed for quite some time for repairs…:

CUT 10(10)      “…frequently.”

The boys are in juvenile detention on numerous charges.

The state Office of Community Development has set an August 1 deadline for homeowners hit hard by Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Ida – and the May 2021 severe storms – to complete the initial survey needed to get Restore Louisiana Program relief funds. OCD director Pat Forbes says thousands of homeowners statewide still have not completed the survey…:

CUT 12(13)      “…be elgible.”

Go online to “restore.la.gov.”

1:30 LRN Newscast June 6

Two juveniles have been arrested in connection with the Sunday evening fire at the Covington Walmart. State Fire Marshal Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says it was the Northshore community that responded quickly after a photo of the suspects was released.

Cut 9 (12) “…from Covington.”

Charges include Aggravated Arson and Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Arson.

Conceal carry legislation is dead for the legislative session. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau wanted to add an amendment for training as a requirement to conceal carry. Luneau says at a gun store in his district, he saw a young man interested in purchasing a handgun, but told the gun shop owner he didn’t know how to load it…

Cut  16 (08)  “…else does”

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick decided to pull his bill from consideration, because of proposed amendments.

Restore Louisiana announces an August 1st survey deadline for homeowners affected by Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Ida and the May 2021 severe storms.

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx ”  

Game time for the LSU baseball team’s first game in the super regionals is 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon. The fifth-seeded Tigers will play Kentucky in the best-of-three in the super-regional series in Baton Rouge. LSU beat Oregon State 13 to 7 at the Box Monday.

 

12:30 LRN Newscast

The Senate has given final legislative approval to a bill that attempts to improve reading scores. The legislation would require third graders to pass a reading test in April in order to to be promoted to the fourth grade. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell…
cut 6 (12) “…be retained”
The legislation gives third graders three chances to pass the literacy test. Students diagnosed with dyslexia and kids still learning English could still be promoted to the fourth grade. Gonzales Senator Ed Price voted against the bill as he believes it’s an unfunded mandate…
cut 7 (07) “….fund it”
Senators still approved the bill on a 28-11 vote. Mississippi has a similar program and they’ve seen an increase in reading scores.

Legislation seeking to allow non-felon adults to conceal carry a firearm without a permit is dead for the legislative session. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick decided to pull it from consideration, because of amendments senators were proposing to put on the bill…
cut 15 (12) “….defer it”
That was McCormick speaking before Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau wanted to add an amendment to make sure training would still be required to conceal carry.

The EPA is providing nearly 500-thousand dollars in grant money that will be used to operate an air monitoring site in St. James Parish’s cancer alley. Congressman Troy Carter says they want to make sure the community is safe….
cut 4 (10) “…is safe”
Equipment at the site will produce near-real-time data on certain pollutants affecting air quality.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The fifth-seeded LSU Tigers are Super Regional Bound after beating Oregon State 13 to 7 yesterday in Baton Rouge. Catcher Hayden Travinski had three hits including a solo home run in the fifth inning….
Cut 16 (15) “..number is called”
After some struggles on the mound in SEC play, the pitching staff has improved. Coach Jay Johnson on what he’s seeing from his relievers…
Cut 18 (17) “..next pitch.”
LSU will play Kentucky in a best-of-three super regional series that will start in Baton Rouge Saturday at 2 PM.

11:30 LRN Newscast June 6

Legislation to ban gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth is close to final passage despite efforts by Democrats to stop the bill from heading to the governor’s desk. A Louisiana Department of Health report showed only a few dozen Medicaid-enrolled minors received gender-affirming care between 2017 to 2021. And Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says there have been no surgeries…

Cut 11 (08)  “…heard of it.”
But Republicans say it is happening and this legislation is needed to protect kids from having life-altering procedures that they may regret later in life.

A constitutional amendment that supporters say would make it clear slavery is prohibited did not receive enough votes to pass. Gonzales Senator Eddie Lambert argued the constitution is already clear that slavery is illegal…

Cut 15 (09)  “…than this”
A bill heading to the governor’s desk would result in life in prison for anyone convicted of possessing more than 250 grams of fentanyl. It’s an attempt to slow down the number of fentanyl overdoses, but LSU criminal law professor Doctor Ken Levy is skeptical…

Cut 9 (08)  “…are suffering.”
Levy says poverty and mental health issues are the root causes behind drug use.

EPA announces a $480,000 grant to DEQ to establish an air monitoring site in St. James Parish. Congressman Troy Carter says the people of St. James Parish are impacted by air pollution.

Cut 3 (13) “…and community.”

LDEQ received $450,000 to establish a temporary community air monitoring site targeted toward communities on the west side of the Mississippi River.

10:30 LRN Newscast June 6

The Louisiana Senate approves legislation that would ban gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth. Monroe Senator Jay Morris argued for passage of the measure, saying it will protect children from life-altering medical procedures…

Cut 10 (13) “…protect kids.”

The bill passed in the Senate 29-10.

The two suspects wanted for setting a fire inside the Covington Walmart Sunday, have been arrested. Hours after photos of the suspects were shared by the media the 17-year-old and 15-year-old boys were booked into the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center. Charges include Aggravated Arson, and Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Arson. The State Fire Marshal in conjunction with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office say they received an overwhelming amount of tips from the community which led to the arrest.

Attorney General candidate and Crowley Representative John Stefanski’s bill to increase the penalties for fentanyl possession received final passage in the legislature. But LSU Law Center criminal law professor Dr. Ken Levy says instead of passing laws to increase penalties, it’s the root cause of drug use that needs to be the focus instead.

Cut 8 (13) “…to address.”

A House bill giving police the power to tell you “stay back” while they do their job wins final legislative passage in the state Senate. Pineville Rep. Mike Johnson’s bill was represented on the Senate floor by Natchitoches Senator Louie Bernard. He says the bill is a way to avoid misunderstandings between citizens and law enforcement officers that can sometimes get out of hand…:

Cut 6 (10)  “…please back up.”

9:30 LRN Newscast

A House bill giving police the power to tell you “stay back” while they do their job wins final legislative passage in the state Senate. Among those opposed was Democrat Senator Royce Duplessis, of New Orleans, who says the bill is potentially unconstitutional, because of the question of distance. He says it is also already addressed in state law…:

Cut 5 (08)   “…law enforcement investigation.”

The measure passed by a 29-10 vote. It goes now to Governor John Bel Edwards for his signature…or veto.

Attorney General candidate and Crowley Representative John Stefanski’s bill to increase the penalties for fentanyl possession received final passage and await the governor’s signature. But LSU Law Center criminal law professor Dr. Ken Levy says it’s simply a repeat of the “War on Drugs” from the 80s.

Cut 7 (09) “…mass incarceration.”

For the first offense of possession of 250 grams or more, the penalty is life in prison and at least 35 years without parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

A legislative proposal that supporters say would make it clear in the state constitution that slavery is prohibited in Louisiana fails to get the two-thirds vote needed in the Senate in order for the measure to appear on the October 14th ballot. Gonzales Senator Eddie Lambert voted “no”…

Cut 13 (09) “…constitution.”  

The United States abolished slavery in 1865.

The fifth-seeded LSU Tigers are Super Regional Bound after beating Oregon State 13 to 7 yesterday in Baton Rouge. Catcher Hayden Travinski had three hits including a solo home run in the fifth inning….

Cut  16 (15)  “..number is called”

LSU will play Kentucky in a best-of-three super regional series that will start in Baton Rouge Saturday at 3 PM.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Nearing final legislative passage is a bill that bans gender-affirming health care for transgender minors. Teiko Foxx has more…
Cut 3 (40) “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

The Senate has given final legislative approval to a bill that attempts to improve reading scores. The legislation would require third graders to pass a literacy test to be promoted to the fourth grade. Supporters say a similar program in Mississippi has improved fourth grade reading scores.

A proposal to make it clear in the state constitution that slavery is prohibited in Louisiana fails to get the two-thirds vote needed in the Senate in order to appear on the October 14th ballot. Gonzales Senator Eddie Lambert told Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields he does not believe the state constitution needs to be changed regarding slavery…
Cut 14 (14) “…from everybody”
The vote was 21-16 in favor of the measure, but it needed 26 yes votes to pass.

A bill heading to the governor’s desk would result in life in prison for anyone convicted of possessing more than 250 grams of fentanyl. It’s an attempt to slow down the number of fentanyl overdoses, but LSU criminal law professor Doctor Ken Levy is skeptical
cut 9 (08) “….are suffering”
Levy says poverty and mental health issues are root causes behind fentanyl use.