11:30 LRN Newscast June 7

Governor Edwards is expecting to call for a special session after a federal judge rejected the Congressional Redistricting Map the legislature passed before the regular session. Research Director with the Public Affairs Research Council Melinda Deslatte (Duh-Lot) says the judge issued a June 20th deadline for the new map that must have two majority-minority districts.

Cut 6  (06) “…different map.” 

State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says the 2022 legislative session that ended yesterday was a good one for education. He says lawmakers approved legislation to address the teacher shortage by allowing any resident who has a Master’s Degree in a particular content to teach at a local school in that area of expertise…

Cut 4  (08) “…other professions.”

Teachers also received a 15-hundred dollar pay raise.

Dr. Catherine O’Neal, chief medical officer at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, is the new chief medical adviser for the Southeastern Conference. She will be working to develop conference-wide standards of health. O’Neal says she hopes her efforts will have value beyond the field of play.

Cut  11 (12)  “…the college athlete.” 

LSU’s baseball season ended Monday with an 8-7 loss to Southern Miss in the final of the Hattiesburg Regional. After two nail-biting rallies in a row, Friday and Saturday the Tigers failed to advance in the regional. Here’s Tigers coach Jay Johnson…

Cut 16 (11)  “…lot to say.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast June 6

Republican members of the state House are generally satisfied with what was accomplished in the Regular Legislative Session that wrapped up Monday. House GOP Delegation chairman and Acadiana Representative Blake Miguez says the session was unusual in that there were billions of dollars in one-time federal money – from the pandemic and three hurricanes – that flowed into the state…:

AM Cut 13 (11) “…in the infrastructure.”

Robert E. Lee Day and Confederate Memorial Day will no longer be on the state’s calendar of official holidays after HB 248, received final legislative approval. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says we can remember the negative parts of history without celebrating them.

PM Cut 6 (09) “…our nation’s history.”
If Roe v Wade is overturned as expected this summer, Louisiana along with other states with trigger laws would automatically stop abortions. Senate Bill 342 only strengthens the current trigger laws and does not provide an exception for rape and incest. Governor Edwards, a pro-life Democrat would like to see an exception in the case of rape or incest and says he’s not alone.

PM Cut 5  (07) “…as well.”

The governor is expected to sign the legislation.

A bill to create the Office of Women’s Health in Louisiana is on its way to the Governor’s Desk. The bill passed unanimously but not without debate over Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews’ amendment excluding transgender women from receiving services from the office.

PM Cut 10 (11) ” …codified.” 

1:30 LRN Newscast June 6

If Roe v Wade is overturned as expected this summer, Louisiana along with other states with trigger laws would automatically stop abortions. Senate Bill 342 only strengthens the current trigger laws and does not provide an exception for rape and incest. Governor Edwards, a pro-life Democrat would like to see an exception in the case of rape or incest and says he’s not alone.

Cut 5  (07) “…as well.”

A bill to create the Office of Women’s Health in Louisiana is on its way to the Governor’s Desk. The bill passed unanimously but not without debate over Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews’ amendment excluding transgender women from receiving services from the office.

Cut 10 (11) ” …codified.” 

A bill removing two holidays commemorating the Civil War moves to the governor’s desk for signing. David Grubb has the story…

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m David Grubb.”  

After two rallies in a row, the LSU Tigers failed to make it a third last night in Hattiesburg in the NCAA baseball regional against the University of Southern Mississippi. But this afternoon they hope to settle the score with the Golden Eagles at 3pm today and advance to the next bracket.

11:30 LRN Newscast June 6th

Legislation that would close abortion clinics in Louisiana if Roe v Wade is overturned and ban the procedure is on its way to the governor’s desk for signature. Governor John Bel Edwards, a pro-life Democrat, says he’d prefer exceptions for rape and incest.

Cut 4  (16) “…for that.”

Edwards is expected to sign the legislation.

One Constitutional Amendment we’ll see this November is surprising: an act to remove any and all language allowing involuntary servitude as a criminal punishment from state statutes. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says most would assume it was removed decades ago…

Cut 6 (07)  “…slavery in Louisiana.”

An LSU Health New Orleans study shows significant promise with ultraviolent light therapy in hospitalized COVID patients. Associate Professor of Clinical Surgery Dr. Frank Lua says it helped lower the mortality rate among 30 patients in New Orleans from 33 to 13 percent and it’s part of a much larger 500-patient study.

Cut 8 (09)  “…right now.”

The Army Corps of Engineers expects to begin a $122-million project this summer to restore the levees surrounding Grand Isle.  Mayor David Carmardelle says they will finally place a stronger filling in that burrito, something he’s recommended for years.

Cut  11 (10)  “…us over here.” 

The system was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ida.

11:30 LRN Newscast June 4

The Louisiana Legislature is poised to approve an anti-abortion law that clarifies what happens if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The House gives final legislative passage to a Senate-passed bill that would make it illegal for out-of-state providers to provide Louisianans with so-called abortion pills by mail. The bill goes back to the Senate for concurrence on amendments made in the Lower Chamber. The session ends Monday afternoon.

The Louisiana Department of Health marks a historic milestone in its efforts to treat those who were diagnosed with hepatitis C. LDH and the drug manufacturer for the hepatitis C medication entered into an agreement to expand treatment for Medicaid and incarcerated populations. Assistant Secretary of Health Kim Hood says the cost of treating patients after they’ve developed serious diseases as a result of hepatitis C is astronomical.

Cut 15 (07) “…lives”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says they’ve noticed a concerning trend when conducting routine checks for personal floatation devices on private boats. Lt. Tim Fox says agents are seeing that users of inflatable life jackets in many cases, are lacking the CO2 cartridge which inflates the jacket.

Cut 4  (10) “…separately.”

9:30 LRN Newscast June 4

The Senate unanimously passes legislation to protect the state’s 1.4 million renters.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”  

Entergy Louisiana serves notice to its one-million-plus customers that they can all expect higher utility bills over the summer. The company cites two factors as the reason for the price spike: the rising cost of natural gas and severe weather that has impacted the region over the past two years. Customers can expect an average monthly increase of $25.

The state Department of Health marks a big milestone in its efforts to treat those who were diagnosed with hepatitis C. Assistant Secretary of Health Kim Hood says a modified Medicaid pharmaceutical program has meant 11-thousand Louisianans have received treatment. Hep C is a viral disease; transmitted by blood and about half of those with it show no symptoms. Hood says it’s important to catch the disease early and treat it…:

CUT 14(10)      “…even death.”

The LSU Tigers made quite a rally last night to advance in the Hattiesburg Regional. The Bayou Bengals entered the eighth inning down seven runs but erupted for ten runs in the eighth inning to beat Kennesaw State 14 to 11. The unbelievable comeback puts LSU into a winner’s bracket game against Southern Miss today at 6 PM.

8:30 and 10:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Legislature is poised to pass a bill that would ban abortions, even in the cases of rape and incest if the U-S Supreme Court reverses Roe versus Wade. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson says this bill makes it clear what would happen in Louisiana if Roe versus Wade is overturned.

Cut 6  (10) “…and fines.” 

Doctors or others who perform abortions if it becomes illegal will face a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

The Senate unanimously approved a bill to punish landlords who illegally evict their tenants. This issue became particularly pervasive following Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Ida. Cashauna Hill, Executive Director of the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center…

Cut 10 (12) ” …think twice.” 

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says they’ve noticed a concerning trend when conducting routine checks for personal floatation devices on private boats. Lt. Tim Fox says many PFDs do not meet the required standards.

Cut 3 (07) “…approved.”

By law, you are required to have US Coast Guard-approved PFDs that are properly sized for any intended wearers and enough for everyone aboard the vessel.

The LSU Tigers made quite a rally last night to advance in the Hattiesburg Regional. The Bayou Bengals entered the eighth inning down seven runs but erupted for ten runs in the eighth inning to beat Kennesaw State 14 to 11. It’s the largest comeback in an LSU regional since 1998 when LSU trailed Cal State Fullerton 7-0 and won 13-11. The unbelievable comeback puts LSU into a winner’s bracket game against Southern Miss today at 6 PM.

1:30 LRN Newscast June 3

The Louisiana Legislature is poised to approve an anti-abortion law that clarifies what happens if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Entergy Louisiana customers be prepared for bills to increase by an average of $25. The utility provider says rising natural gas costs and restoration expenses are the reason for the increase which will be reflected in June bills.

The Senate unanimously approved a bill punish landlords who illegally evict their tenants. Thirty-nine other states, including both Alabama and Texas, already have such laws. Cashauna Hill, Executive Director of the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center says Louisiana can finally start catching up to the rest of the country.

Cut 11 (11)  “…doesn’t make sense.” 

Hill says this is a major victory for the state’s 1.4 million renters.

The Louisiana Department of Health marks a historic milestone in its efforts to treat those diagnosed with hepatitis C. Assistant Secretary of Health Kim Hood says the outbreak had reached epidemic proportions but through a modified pharmaceutical program more than 11-thousand Louisianans have received treatment.

Cut 13 (05) “…of Louisiana.”

For more information visit HepCuredLA.org

12:30 LRN Newscast June 3

The Louisiana Legislature is poised to pass a bill that would ban abortions, even in the cases of rape and incest if the U-S Supreme Court reverses Roe versus Wade. Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps says it would be unfair to ask a teenager sexually assaulted by a relative to give birth to a child if the rape led to a pregnancy…

Cut 8 (10) “…we are.” 

Carencro Representative Julie Emerson says a pregnancy as a result of rape and incest is horrific for the woman, however….

Cut 9 (05) “…this situation.”

The House voted for the bill 72-25 and it now heads to the Senate. Governor John Bel Edwards says he supports an abortion ban if Roe versus Wade is overturned, but he also supports exceptions for rape and incest.

Thursday the Senate unanimously approved HB 160, which would punish landlords who illegally evict their tenants. This issue became particularly pervasive following Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Ida. Cashauna Hill, Executive Director of the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center, says this is a major victory for the state’s 1.4 million renters.

Cut 10 (12) ” …think twice.” 

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says they’ve found several boaters using personal floatation devices that aren’t US Coast Guard approved, which is required by law. And another issue Lt Tim Fox says agents are seeing is among inflatable life jackets.

Cut 4  (10) “…separately.”

5:30 LRN Newscast June 2

Lt. Colonel Chris Eskew, who was the head of State Police internal affairs when Ronald Greene died in L-S-P custody, tells state lawmakers he saw no criminal activity when he watched the violent body camera video of Greene’s arrest. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle provided the line of questioning

Cut 3 (13) “..no ma’am.”

Later on in the meeting, Eskew changed his answer. He explained he was reluctant to answer for fear it could harm the ongoing investigations into Greene’s death. Marcelle sees it as State Police officials trying to protect each other…

Cut 5  (10) “..bring down.”

Governor Edwards is scheduled to testify before the committee on June 16th.

A House bill to allow concealed carry without a permit was heavily amended by Gonzales Senator Eddie Lambert in a Senate committee. The original bill to allow non-felons over the age of 21 to carry concealed now creates provisions for schools to appoint a teacher to serve voluntarily as a school protection officer. Lambert says that person will be certified.

Cut 7 (11) “…right now.” 

Because the amendment completely removed concealed carry language, West Monroe Senator Jay Morris, who had his Constitutional Carry bill vetoed by the governor last year, asked Lambert why House Bill 37 can’t keep its original intent and provide school protection officers.

Cut 8 (06) “…the other.” 

With the session ending on Monday, Lambert says this is the only way legislators can address school safety.