3:30 LRN Newscast June 30

The start date of legal sports betting in Louisiana is in question. Louisiana Casino Association Executive Director Wade Duty says the Gaming Control Board doesn’t have a chair at the moment and there are several other things that must be completed before sports wagering is online.

Cut 4 (12) “…kinds of things”

Duty says most likely it will be later in the season, not the beginning of football season before it’s online.

The state health department says in the week after registration began for the Shot at a Million lottery incentive, COVID-19 vaccinations rose by 14-percent. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says about 35-percent of the state is fully vaccinated it’s one of the lowest percentages in the country…

Cut 13 (10) “…flat”

A 170 million dollar chlorine plant is set to be built on the site of a previous one in Calcasieu Parish that caught fire during Hurricane Laura. The facility by KIK Consumer Goods is expected to be completed in 2022. KIK COO, Jeff Schmitt says construction of the BioLab facility wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of their employees.

Cut 10 (12) “…were before.”

290 small and midsized Louisiana municipalities have been awarded over 315 million dollars in American Rescue Plan COVID relief funds. Louisiana Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the funds are being allocated based on population. For example, the city of Baker is receiving five million dollars while the Village of Noble, 1.6 million.

Cut 7 (10) “…didn’t happen.”

 

11:30 LRN Newscast June 30

KIK Consumer Products along with Governor Edwards announced a $170 million investment in a chlorine manufacturing plant in Westlake. The dedication of the new facility was on the site of the previous plant that was destroyed 10 months ago during Hurricane Laura. KIK COO, Jeff Schmitt….

Cut 9 (10) “…with us.”

The project will create 82 direct jobs.

An estimated 25 percent of the current COVID cases in Louisiana are believed to be the more dangerous Delta variant strain that first emerged in India. That’s according to State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter who says the number of new Delta cases is doubling every two to three weeks meaning we could face a new spike in overall COVID cases.

Cut 4 (07) “…sick.”

The 25 percent share of Delta cases in Louisiana is above the national average of about 20 percent.

Top law enforcement officials in St. Tammany Parish have voiced their opposition to a proposed 325-million dollar casino in the Slidell area. St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith says FBI data shows there are several different crimes and social issues tied to gambling…
Cut 11 (10) “..suicides increase.”

Smith says St. Tammany Parish already has one of the highest suicide rates in the state.

Peninsula Pacific Entertainment has guaranteed to hire 50-percent of their employees from the parish and Slidell

Senator Hewitt says some see the casino as a great economic development opportunity for the parish.

Cut 12 (07) “…vote on it.” 

The St. Tammany Parish Council will vote tonight on whether there will be a referendum on the November ballot to ask voters if they want the casino.

10:30 LRN Newscast June 30

At tonight’s St. Tammany Parish Council Meeting, members will vote on whether to grant a parish-wide vote to be put on the November ballot to allow a casino to relocate to the parish. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt sponsored legislation for a public vote and now the parish council will decide its next fate.

Cut 10 (09) “…to vote.”

But St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith opposes a casino stating it will only increase crime in the area, crimes like human trafficking. Smith says they work with federal and state law enforcement on combatting human trafficking which he says is already an issue on the I-10/12 corridor that runs through Slidell.

Cut 13 (08) “…don’t need.”

The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 tonight.

The gig is up for a Plaquemine man who was arrested for impersonating a police officer after he allegedly pulled over an off-duty parish deputy. Assumption Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Lonny Cavalier says 27-year-old Vincent Vinny Marks is no stranger to law enforcement, he was involved in an incident earlier this year and the same deputy he pulled over answered the call.

Cut 8 (10) “…recognized.”

Marks is charged with a felony count of impersonating a peace officer.

America’s Health Rankings 2021 Health Disparities Report finds before just COVID Louisiana saw an increase in some health issues. UnitedHealth Group CMO Dr. Ana Fuentevilla (fwent-uh-vee-uh) says there was a 33 percent increase in depression among Louisiana adults who reported only having a high school diploma.

Cut 16 (04) “…COVID.” 

4:30 LRN Newscast June 29

Insiders say there’s a high likelihood a veto session will happen next month. LA-Politics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says based on his discussions there’s enough support to override the anti-transgender legislation…

Cut 5  (10) “…more effort” ” 

A lawsuit filed against LSU for the school’s alleged mishandling of campus rape and sexual misconduct has been amended to now include coach Ed Orgeron. Advocate newspaper reporter Andrea Gallo says Orgeron inclusion appears to be linked to an allegation that Orgeron knew about Derrius Guice’s rape allegations. Allegations that Gallo says were not in the Husch Blackwell report.

Cut 8 (10) “…appropriately.”

Orgeron said he was not aware of the rape allegations against Guice.

Lafayette-based food delivery service Waitr has agreed to pay a similar California business by the name of Waiter, that’s W-A-I-T-E-R $4.7 million over trademark issues. The local Waitr, that’s waiter without an E trademarked their company in 2016 and the California company in 2000.  The local Waitr is also rebranding their name and a company spokesperson said they agreed to settle the suit to avoid further litigation.

There’s a nationwide shortage of fireworks this year so if you’re planning on lighting up the skies this weekend you might want to make your purchase sooner than later. Regional Manager for Little Dixie Fireworks Ashley Routon says it depends on where you purchase your explosives if they will have a large selection or not this year.

Cut 10 (09) “…fill them.”

She says they are expecting to sell out this year before the 4th.

3:30 LRN Newscast June 29

A lawsuit filed against LSU for the school’s alleged mishandling of campus rape and sexual misconduct has been amended to now include coach Ed Orgeron. Advocate newspaper reporter Andrea Gallo says Orgeron’s inclusion appears to be linked to an allegation first reported by USA Today that Orgeron had been told that running back Derrius Guice allegedly raped a student.

Cut 7 (11) “…people.”

When that story was first reported Orgeron said he was not aware of the rape allegations against Guice and that he never said that to the victim’s boyfriend.

La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says due to some controversial vetoes by Governor Edwards it is highly likely Louisiana will have a historic veto session July 20th….

Cut 4 (08) “…voters.”

Kentwood native Jaime Lynn Spears is disputing allegations that she helped facilitate an allegedly abusive conservatorship of her pop star sister Britney Spears. Jaime Lynn Spears said on an Instagram video she supports her sister and if she wants to end the conservatorship, she supports that decision as well.

Cut 13 (10) “…either way”

Both sisters were born in Mississippi but raised in Kentwood.

 

If you’re having a hard time, finding fireworks for the 4th of July, you aren’t alone. There’s a nationwide shortage of firecrackers and Regional Manager for Little Dixie Fireworks Ashley Routon says it started with factories being shut down in China during the pandemic.

Cut 9 (10) “…just one”

She anticipates they will sell out of fireworks before the 4th of July.

 

1:30 LRN Newscast June 29

A lawsuit filed against LSU for the school’s alleged mishandling of campus rape and sexual misconduct has been amended to now include coach Ed Orgeron. Advocate newspaper reporter Andrea Gallo says Orgeron inclusion appears to be linked to an allegation that Orgeron knew about Derrius Guice’s rape allegations. Allegations that Gallo says were not in the Husch Blackwell report.

Cut 8 (10) “…appropriately.”

Kentwood native Jaime Lynn Spears is disputing allegations that she helped facilitate an allegedly abusive conservatorship of her pop star sister Britney Spears. Last week Britney Spears alleged in court that her entire family participated in a scheme to control her fortune. Jaime Lynn spoke on Instagram…

Cut 12 (07) “…that”

Both Spears were born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood.

Insiders say there’s a high likelihood a veto session will take place next month If a session is called, it will take a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate to override any vetoes.  LA-Politics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says based on his discussions with legislators, there is enough support to override the anti-transgender legislation…

Cut 5  (10) “…more effort” ” 

The pandemic is responsible for a fireworks shortage this 4th of July. Regional Manager for Little Dixie Fireworks Ashley Routon says with more people gathering this year due to eased health restrictions, she says there’s even higher demand.

Cut  11 (05) “….this year.” 

Routon says factory shutdowns in China and shipping issues are major factors in the shortage of fireworks. She says they anticipate selling out this year, and possibly even before the 4th.

12:30 LRN Newscast June 29

A lawsuit filed against LSU for the school’s alleged mishandling of campus rape and sexual misconduct has been amended to now include coach Ed Orgeron and the Tiger Athletic Foundation. Advocate newspaper reporter Andrea Gallo says Orgeron’s inclusion appears to be linked to an allegation first reported by USA Today that Orgeron had been told that running back Derrius Guice allegedly raped a student.

Cut 7 (12) “…people.”

Three additional women are also a part of the suit.

There’s a nationwide shortage of fireworks this year. Regional Manager for Little Dixie Fireworks Ashley Routon says it depends on where you purchase your explosives if they will have a large selection or not this year.

Cut 10 (09) “…fill them.”

She says they are expecting to sell out this year before the 4th.

A state capitol insider says based on his discussions with key legislators, it’s highly likely we’ll see a four-day veto session begin on July 20th. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

 

10:30 LRN Newscast June 29

La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s highly likely the Legislature will hold its first-ever veto session on July 20th. Alford says lawmakers have until July 15th to vote to cancel the veto session, but many legislators want to override two controversial vetoes made by the governor.

Cut 3 (08)  “…highly likely.”

Edwards has vetoed a bill prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports and a measure that does away with a requirement to have a permit to carry a concealed handgun.

The deadline to opt-out of receiving the July child tax credit payments was last night but if you want to opt-out of future ones you can visit the Child Tax Credit Portal on IRS.gov. IRS spokesperson Aaron Wiley says the IRS is trying to be as accommodating as possible to taxpayers throughout the pandemic.

Cut 15 (08)“…available.”

Delta Biofuel is looking at building a $70-million renewable fuel plant in the Iberia Parish town of Jeanerette. Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the facility would produce a fuel source that is a byproduct of sugar cane fiber known as bagasse.

Cut 4 (12) “…footprint.”

If located in Louisiana, Delta would create 126 new jobs and another 149 indirect jobs.

New Tigers head baseball coach Jay Johnson was introduced publicly for the first to the LSU faithful Monday. Johnson, the former six-year head coach at Arizona, says leading a program like LSU is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and he relishes the challenge as well as the spotlight…

Cut 7 (10) “…come true.”

AM LRN Newscall June 29

LSU fans got a first taste of new head baseball coach Jay Johnson Monday at his introductory press conference. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

_______________________________

The number of expected severe rain events appears to be set to go up for Louisiana, which will likely mean higher costs for homeowners and state and local governments. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________

If you are a parent that prefers to collect a refund check after filing instead of the option to receive monthly child tax credit payments, you can unenroll. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

____________________________________

Delta Biofuel is looking at building a $70-million renewable fuel plant in Iberia Parish. Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the production facility would produce a fuel source that is a byproduct of sugar cane fiber known as bagasse.

Cut 4 (12) “…footprint.”

If located in Jeanerette, Pierson says the Delta Biofuel plant would create 126 new direct jobs with an average salary of $62,000 and 149 indirect jobs for the area. For a total of 275 new jobs for the Acadiana region.

Pierson says this is one of several renewable energy projects the state is working on to augment the state’s oil and gas industry by bringing new and diversified elements to Louisiana’s energy portfolio.

Cut 5  (10) “…conscious way.

Pierson says they’ve been working on the project since 2020 and COVID has presented some delays but now they are close to completing the agreement.

Cut 6 (09) “…near future.”

The facility would produce up to 300,000 metric tons of bagasse fuel pellets annually.

___________________________

New Tigers head baseball coach Jay Johnson was introduced publicly for the first to the LSU faithful Monday.

Johnson, the former six-year head coach at Arizona, says helming a program like LSU is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and he relishes the challenge as well as the spotlight…

Cut 7 (10) “…come true.”

Johnson made two College World Series appearances during his six years with the Wildcats.

Johnson says he always looked up to LSU going back to the 90s where purple jerseys were staples in Omaha. He says Skip Bertman was a role model during his first years coaching…

Cut 8 (10) “..that was.”

Johnson is known as an offensive guru and a master batting coach but his skills as a recruiter are still in question. He says to get the best of the best he’ll sell recruits on LSU’s storied history as a top program.

Cut 9 (11) “…here.”

Johnson’s Wildcats led the NCAA in runs scored last season.

______________________________

Louisiana appears to be likely to increase its projections for the number of expected severe rain events we’ll see going forward.

The increase is likely to be a part of an update to NOAA’s Atlas 14 rainfall frequency forecast. State Climatologist Barry Keim says over the last ten years it appears that we are getting more frequent, powerful rainstorms.

Cut 10 (10) “…occur.”

Atlas 14 creates projected rain totals over the next year, ten years, hundred years, and further out then predicts the projected rainfall in major events down to the minute. Keim says the Great Flood of 2016 is likely to play a large increase in those potentially increased forecasts due to its widespread and historic impact.

Keim says if we are getting more frequent storms capable of flooding then this certainly will have an impact on your flood insurance rates going forward.

Cut 11 (07) “..stress.”

Keim says if the Atlas 14 forecast is revised upwards then local and state governments will have to spend more money on infrastructure that is increasingly more flood-resistant.

Cut 12 (08) “…on top of it.” 

________________________

The deadline to unenroll from the child tax credit program was Monday night, that is if you’re eligible and prefer to receive a lump sum refund check after you file. If you didn’t unenroll you’ll still receive a July payment but the deadline to stop an August payment is August 2nd. IRS Spokesperson Aaron Wiley says you can do so at the Child Tax Credit portal on IRS.gov.

Cut 13 (08) “…other payments.”

Wiley says if parents file joint returns both must unenroll to stop the monthly payments.

Parents who will be automatic recipients of the child tax credit should have already received a letter in the mail about their eligibility. Wiley said however if your income has changed since you last filed you can visit the Child Tax Credit Portal and check eligibility.

Cut 14 (12) “…signed up.”

The IRS website has had to undergo several updates and offer portals for taxpayers to update their address, income, and banking information that might have changed since they last filed their taxes in order to receive payments. Wiley says the IRS is trying to be as accommodating as possible.

Cut 15 (11)“…whishes to do that.”

For more information visit childtaxcredit.gov or IRS.gov

5:30 LRN Newscast June 28

The Legislature’s Conservative Caucus wants lawmakers to return to Baton Rouge in July and overturn Governor Edwards’ veto of a Constitutional Carry bill. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

Kenner-born and raised blogger, model and actress Cassondra Billedeau-Stratton is among the 159 people who remain missing after the collapse of an apartment building in Surfside, Florida. Billedeau-Stratton is known to spend most of her time between Miami and New York City while maintaining her substantial Instagram account dedicated to fashion.

A recent overseas flight gave two LSU Health New Orleans medical students the chance to be heroes when the flight crew asked for a physician, and no one volunteered.  Students Heather Duplessis and Lauren Bagneris were able to stabilize the passenger. Associate Dean for Student Affairs Dr. Cathy Lazarus says they also just happened to be wearing LSU Health New Orleans sweatshirts on the plane.

Cut 5  (05) “…sweatshirts” 

The two even made the national news.

LSU baseball enters a new era today as Jay Johnson is introduced as the new head coach of the Tigers. Johnson succeeds the now-retired Paul Mainieri, who gave Johnson some advice on how to handle one of the most passionate fan bases in America.

Cut 14 (12) “…here” 

Johnson has signed a five-year contract and he’ll make one-point-two million dollars in his first season.