LRN AM Newscall June 14

Union Parish District Attorney John Belton provided an update on the federal investigation into the death of Ronald Greene. David Grubb has more…

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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A group of Democratic lawmakers is asking Governor Edwards to veto the most recent abortion bill that passed in the session. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Lawmakers have to go back to the drawing board tomorrow to make a Congressional district map that’s acceptable to minorities and the courts. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Lincoln and Union Parish District Attorney John Belton says it’s still possible federal civil rights charges and state criminal charges could be handed down against the State Troopers involved in the fatal arrest death of motorist Ronald Greene. Belton says he recently met with officials in the Civil Rights Office in Washington, D.C who have been investigating this case for multiple years and could determine Greene’s civil rights were violated

Cut 4 (09)  “…final decision.”

Belton says justice for the family of Ronald Greene could come from his office too. He would like to present evidence from the case to a special grand jury. He says he’s anticipating getting critical investigative files from the FBI this week

Cut 5 (09) “…on Wednesday.”

During his remarks, Belton was asked about the apparent discrepancy between his and the governor’s accounts of when he received the body cam footage taken from Lieutenant John Clary. He says that his greater concern is with the actions of LSP.

Cut 6 (11)  “…April of 2021.”

Belton has announced his candidacy for State Attorney General and says he will run without a party affiliation.

Cut 4 (09)  “…final decision.”

Belton says he is still pursuing justice for the family of Ronald Greene and that he may be able to take another step in that pursuit this week, as he anticipates the receipt of critical files related to the case from the FBI.

Cut 5 (09) “…on Wednesday.”

During his remarks, Belton was asked about the apparent discrepancy between his and the governor’s accounts of when he received the body cam footage taken from Lieutenant John Clary. He says that his greater concern is with the actions of LSP.

Cut 6 (11)  “…April of 2021.”

Belton has announced his candidacy for State Attorney General and says he will run without a party affiliation.

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A group of Democratic Louisiana lawmakers is asking Governor John Bel Edwards to veto Senate Bill 342 which outlines penalties for physicians who perform abortions. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry, who’s also an attorney, says the bill was the last opportunity to add the exception of rape and incest.

Cut 7 (11) “…and complicated.”

Landry says prior abortion laws were based on Roe v. Wade remaining in place and now with Senate Bill 342 awaiting Governor Edwards’s signature…

Cut 8 (08)  “…bad legislation.”

To date, Landry says they haven’t received a response from Edwards if he will either sign or veto the legislation, but she says she’s has received feedback from some constituents.

Cut 9 (11)  “…pushing back.”

After a document was leaked from the Supreme Court of the United States earlier this year, Roe v. Wade is expected to be officially overturned this summer.

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Natchitoches Senator Louie Bernard says he’s calling it a day at the end of his term next year. The Republican who’s served more than four decades in office, which includes police jury, clerk of court for Natchitoches Parish, and now four years in the Senate.

Cut 10 (10) “…term of office.”

Bernard says he’s making the announcement now to allow potential candidates ample time to lay the groundwork for their campaigns.

Cut  11 (11)  “…raise money.” 

Bernard says he has grandchildren in Baton Rouge and recently they lost their other grandfather who was also a dear friend. He says it was that loss that made inspired him to leave public life and spend more time with his family.

Cut 12 (08) “…issues.” 

Bernard says he will finish out his current term which ends December 31, 2023.

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Lawmakers will gather again at the State Capitol tomorrow for a short special session to redraw a Congressional district map that’s acceptable to the courts. The GOP majorities in the House & Senate pushed through a map with only one majority minority district. Blacks make up one-third of the state’s voters, so many feel two of our six districts should be Black majority. New Iberia Representative Blake Miguez says the 5th U.S. Circuit Appeals court’s ruling is a tall order…:

Cut 13 (11) “…it it’s even possible.”

A federal judge has given Louisiana until June 20th to submit a map that reflects two majority-minority districts. Miguez says that is insufficient time to put such a map through the process…:

Cut 14 (14)  “…the House and the Senate.”

Miguez says the federal judge could have allowed more time for legal objections to the existing map – passed back in February – to play out in the court system. But, he says, he and colleagues will have to go back to Baton Rouge and do the best they can…:

Cut 15 (09)  “…the next two days.”

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Another first for new Saints head coach Dennis Allen today as the team opens its mandatory minicamp. Ross Jackson, the host of the Locked On Saints podcast, says from rookie camp to OTAs, Allen’s approach has been well-received.

Cut 16 (13)  “…for the season.”

There are plenty of players to watch, with so many new additions to the roster. Jackson says a heavy dose of attention will be focused on this year’s rookie class, highlighted by dual first-rounders: wide receiver Chris Olave and left tackle Trevor Penning.

Cut 17 (20) “ …Chris Olave.” 

Last season at this time the Saints’ defensive secondary and wide receiver positions were the positional groups that had the biggest questions surrounding them. This season both look fully stocked, and Jackson says there are new position battles to monitor that will be just as intriguing.

Cut 18 (17) “ …question mark there.” 

Jameis Winston takes the field as the number one starter from Day One, a luxury he didn’t have as he battled Taysom Hill for the job last year. Jackson says that should benefit Winston and the Saints offense tremendously.

Cut 19 (19) _“…to get better.” 

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