6:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas was on the field as the Black and Gold held a mandatory minicamp yesterday. Thomas watched from the sidelines as he continues to rehab from ankle surgery. Running back Alvin Kamara who has had a tumultuous offseason, was suited up and practicing with his teammates. Kamara has an August first court date on a battery charge for an incident that occurred in Las Vegas. Coach Dennis Allen says everyone, healthy or not, was in attendance and ready for work…
cut 17 (15) “….training camp”
Saints kicker Will Lutz has been medically cleared to return after missing all of last season. Lutz had core muscle surgery before training camp last year and then complications developed. Allen says Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport continues to work back from shoulder and finger injuries.

With the stroke of a pen, Louisiana makes a move to remain competitive in the world of major college athletics. David Grubb has the story…
Cut 1 (36) “…I’m David Grubb.”

A report emerged yesterday that Louisiana Tech’s Lane Burroughs had emerged as Baylor’s top option as its next baseball coach. But Burroughs tweeted last night that this train ain’t stopping. Get on board or get off the track…..hash-tag JYD23, which stands for Junk Yard Dogs 23.

LSU sophomore infielder Collier Cranford has entered the transfer portal. Cranford was a career .158 hitter at LSU and started nine games at third base this past season.

6:30 LRN Newscast

A special session called by the governor to redraw a Congressional map with two Black-majority districts gets underway today. A federal judge has given the Legislature a June 20th deadline to approve a new map, but a hearing will be held tomorrow to hear arguments from House Speaker Clay Schexnayder and Senate President Page Cortez who want the deadline extended. Covington Republican Representative Mark Wright says it’s likely you won’t see much done today.
Cut 13 (07) “…those maps.”
New Orleans Democrat Mandie Landry says because the matter is being bounced around in the courts, there’s a chance the legislature will pass a ‘just in case map.’
Cut 14 (09) “…majority-minority districts in it.”
Both chambers are scheduled to convene today at noon.

Louisianans with much of their retirement and wealth invested in stocks are growing worried about the emerging bear market. The Dow Jones and the S&P500 have both dropped around 20 percent overall, triggered by fears a recession is looming. Financial investments advisor Matt Kennedy says do not panic, but be ready to ride out some rough fiscal times…:
Cut 10 (07) “…level out some.”
Kennedy says it’s not unusual in bear markets for investors to move money from stocks to bonds, but Kennedy says that may not be your best move at this time.

State Police announce they’ve arrested two people involved in a deputy-involved shooting in Terrebonne Parish on June 3rd. Trooper Ross Brennan says 18-year-old Joshua Babin was shot by a deputy after he pointed a gun at an officer. Brennan says Babin was booked after he was released from the hospital and they also arrested 21-year-old Chad Boudreaux because he purchased the gun that Babin used to point at deputies…
cut 5 (08) “….process”

LRN AM Newscall June 15 2022 ###Updated version###

With the stroke of a pen, Louisiana makes a move to remain competitive in the world of major college athletics. David Grubb has the story…

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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As Wall Street finds itself slipping into a bear market, Louisiana investors are warned not to make panicky decisions. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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 A special session to redraw a Congressional map with two Black-majority districts to meet the June 20th deadline convenes today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (39) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A deputy-involved shooting of an 18-year-old in Houma on June 3rd results in the arrest of two males. Trooper Ross Brennan says the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office received a call of suspected drug activity at a residence and when deputies arrived Joshua Babin pointed his weapon at them, failed to obey commands, and was subsequently shot.

Cut 4 (09)  “…fraudulently.”

Brennan says 21-year-old Chad Boudreaux has also been arrested because he purchased the firearm that Babin pointed at deputies.

Cut 5 (08) “…process.”

Babin has been charged with aggravated assault with a firearm and Brennan says Boudreaux also faces charges for his role in the incident.

Cut 6 (09)  “…correction center.”

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The governor has signed SB 250 into law. Authored by Marrero Senator Patrick Connick, the legislation overhauls the state’s name, image, and likeness guidelines by allowing colleges and universities, affiliates, and boosters to compensate athletes directly. Connick says the changes were necessary for Louisiana to keep up in the world of big-time collegiate athletics.

Cut 7 (07) “…around the nation.”

The new law loosens restrictions as to who can help facilitate deals for student-athletes, correcting some of the mistakes Connick said the legislature made when it created its initial NIL law. States got little guidance from the N-C-A-A in what would and would not be allowed. A year later, with more info at hand, it was time for tweaking.

Cut 8 (12)  “…want to help.”

Connick says he believes the legislature will continue to revisit and revamp the state’s NIL guidelines, depending on what happens around the country, though ultimately he thinks this issue is one that has to be settled on a national level.

Cut 9 (10)  “…everybody must follow.”

_______________________________________

Louisianans with much of their retirement and wealth invested in stocks are growing worried about the emerging bear market. The Dow Jones and the S&P500 have both dropped around 20-percent overall, triggered by fears a recession is looming. Financial investments advisor Matt Kennedy says do not panic, but be ready to ride out some rough fiscal times…:

Cut 10 (07) “…level out some.”

Kennedy is with Presley Wealth Management in Baton Rouge. He says he understands the investor fear, especially when looking at your investment statements. However he says try to be calm and patient…:

Cut  11 (14)  “…down the road.” 

Kennedy says it’s not unusual in bear markets for investors to move money from stocks to bonds, but Kennedy says that may not be your best move this time…:

Cut 12 (12) “…find alternative investments.” 

Kennedy says if you are within five years of retiring, you must be more careful with investments; looking at reduced risk of loss of principal. He says this bear market will probably not last more than a couple months.

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A special session called by the governor to redraw a Congressional map with two Black-majority districts gets underway today. A federal judge has given the Legislature a June 20th deadline to approve a new map, but a hearing will be held tomorrow to hear arguments from House Speaker Clay Schexnayder and Senate President Page Cortez who want the deadline extended. Covington Republican Representative Mark Wright says it’s likely you won’t see much done today.

Cut 13 (07) “…those maps.”

New Orleans Democrat Mandie Landry says because the matter is being bounced around in the courts, there’s a chance the legislature will pass a ‘just in case map.’

Cut 14 (09)  “…majority-minority districts in it.”

A federal appeals court will hear arguments on July 8th on whether the map approved by lawmakers in February is legal. Wright says he would rather wait on a ruling from the 5th circuit court of appeals before they redraw a map…

Cut 15 (09)  “…of 105.”

So far two maps have been filed by Democratic lawmakers to be considered for the special session. Landry says Democrats produced several maps in the original redistricting session that contained two majority Black districts out of the six Congressional districts.

Cut 16 (07)  “…Congressional maps.”

Both chambers are scheduled to convene today at noon.

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It was a busy day on Airline Drive as the Saints opened Mini-camp in Metairie. Head coach Dennis Allen says everyone, healthy or not, was in attendance and ready to work.

Cut 17 (18) “ …training camp.” 

Running back Alvin Kamara was on the field Monday. Though the two-time All-Pro has the cloud of a potential suspension over his head after an altercation at the Pro Bowl in February, Allen says he’s locked into the task at hand.

Cut 18 (15) “ …this year.” 

Leading the Saints on the field and in the locker room is Jameis Winston, now in year three with New Orleans.  Allen says the growth in Winston is noticeable.

Cut 19 (19) _“…right now.” 

1:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy spoke with reporters today to promote a bipartisan gun bill that’s in response to mass shootings. Cassidy says the proposal increases resources for mental health, improves school safety, and will help keep weapons out of the hands of dangerous criminals while preserving 2nd Amendment rights.
Cut 12 (09) “…law-abiding Americans.”

Former state representative and chair of an organization called 10-thousand Women Louisiana, Melissa Flournoy has written a letter to Laurie Lipsey Aronson, the CEO of Baton Rouge-based Lipsey’s, one of the largest firearm wholesalers in the country. Flournoy is asking her business to stop the distribution of automatic and assault-style, semi-automatic weapons to the public…
cut 10 (12) “:…retail outlets”

An effort to pass a permitless concealed carry bill was derailed in the final days of the legislative session but the bill’s author says he’s determined it will become law in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Today marks the five-year anniversary of when a gunman shot Louisiana Congressman and Minority Whip Steve Scalise as he and other members of Congress were practicing for the congressional baseball game. Scalise underwent multiple surgeries and several months of rehab. He was one of five people wounded. The shooter was gunned down by responding special agents and officers.

11:30 LRN newscast

Lawmakers will gather at the State Capitol tomorrow for a special session that the governor called to fulfill a federal judge’s order for legislators to approve a Congressional district map with two Black majority districts. The deadline for a new map is June 20th. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says that is insufficient time…:
Cut 14 (14) “…the House and the Senate.”
It’s possible Republican lawmakers will not pass another map and let the courts decide if the map they approved in February is legal.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he opposes the idea of sending the National Guard to New Orleans to help with the city’s crime problems. Edwards says guardsmen are soldiers, not law enforcement.
Cut 5 (07) “…an answer”
New Orleans has seen a 37-percent increase in fatal shootings and a 28-percent increase in armed robberies in 2022, compared to this time last year.

A group of Democrats in the Legislature are pushing Governor Edwards to veto a bill approved in the regular session that would ban abortions in Louisiana if the Supreme Court overturns Roe versus Wade.
cut 28 (11) “….bad legislation”
New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says they are also concerned the legislation does not contain an exception for rape or incest.

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s effort to pass a permitless concealed carry bill was derailed in the final days of the legislative session when the legislation was completely amended to allow school teachers to carry guns. McCormick does not believe the amendment was sincere…
cut 6 (10) “….Senate floor”
McCormick’s bill was heavily amended days after the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

8:30 LRN Newscast

State lawmakers are scheduled to return to the State Capitol tomorrow for a redistricting session that’s been called by the governor to redraw a Congressional district map with two Black majority districts. The state legislature has been given a court-ordered deadline of June 20th. But Erath Representative Blake Miguez says many of his Republican colleagues believe the map they passed in February will eventually be accepted by the courts…
cut 15 (09) “…next two days”

Who saw the most graphic body camera video from the fatal arrest of Ronald Greene and when has been a story. District Attorney John Belton still wonders why it took nearly two years before he saw the video that came from Lt John Clary’s body cam…
cut 6 (11) “…..April of 2021”

A group of Democratic lawmakers is asking Governor Edwards to veto the abortion ban bill that passed in the regular session. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Natchitoches Senator Louie Bernard says he’s not seeking a second term in the Louisiana Senate. The 71-year-old wants to spend more time with family…
cut 12 (08) “….issues”
Bernard says he will finish out his current term which ends December 31, 2023.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Union Parish District Attorney John Belton provided an update on the federal and local investigations into the fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. David Grubb has more…
Cut 1 (37) “…I’m David Grubb.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he opposes the idea of sending the National Guard to New Orleans to help with the city’s crime problems. Edwards says guardsmen are soldiers, not law enforcement.

A special session to redraw a Congressional district map that would have two Black majority districts instead of one is set to begin tomorrow. A federal judge has ordered state lawmakers to approve a new map by Monday.
cut 13 (11) “…even possible”
That’s Erath Representative and House Republican Delegation Chairman Blake Miguez. But Governor John Bel Edwards says there’s enough time to pass a Congressional map that reflects the state’s one-third Black population.

Meanwhile, a group of Democrats in the Legislature are pushing Governor Edwards to veto a bill approved in the regular session that would ban abortions in Louisiana if the Supreme Court overturns Roe versus Wade.
cut 8 (11) “….bad legislation”
New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says they are also concerned the legislation does not contain an exception for rape or incest.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints begin a mandatory three-day minicamp today with first-year head coach Dennis Allen at the helm. Host of the Locked on Saints podcast, Ross Jackson says rookie camp to OTAs, Allen’s approach has been well-received…
cut 16 (13) “…..for the season”
Today and tomorrow’s practice is open to the public. Jackson says fans will get their first looks at first-round picks, wide receiver Chris Olave and left tackle Trevor Penning…
cut 17 (20) “…..Chris Olave”

The eight-team College World Series field is set and half of the teams are from the SEC West. Auburn was the last the team to punch its ticket to the C-W-S as the 14th-seeded Tigers took down third-seeded Oregon State four to three last night. Auburn will play SEC rival Ole Miss on Saturday. Also on Saturday, Arkansas will face Standford. The Cardinal defeated UCONN 10 to 5 yesterday to lock up a trip to Omaha. The C-W-S gets underway Friday with Texas A-and-M taking on Oklahoma and Norte Dame facing Texas.

Golden State took three games to two lead in the NBA Finals. Steph Curry only scored 16 points and didn’t make a three-pointer, but Andrew Wiggins stepped up for the Warriors with 26 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Game six is in Boston on Thursday.

Barbe’s Gavin Guidry has been named the Class 5A Baseball Player of the Year. Guidry was 8-0 on the mound with a 0.16 ERA. West Monroe’s Wade Simoneaux was named Coach of the Year as he guided the Rebels to their first baseball title since 1999.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Lawmakers are expected to return to the state capitol tomorrow to redraw a six-district Congressional map with two Black majority districts. But Kevin Gallagher spoke with the head of the House Republican delegation who is skeptical they can approve a map by a court-ordered June 20th deadline…
Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

It’s another Air Quality Action Day as southwesterly winds continue to transport Sharan dust across the Bayou State. The state Department of Environmental Quality says conditions will result in unhealthy air for sensitive groups due to particles from the dust.

The district attorney who could bring state charges against State Troopers involved in the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene says he’ll meet with the FBI this week to receive files of evidence that he could present to a special grand jury…
cut 5 (09) “…on Wednesday”
That’s John Belton who made the comments during an appearance before the Baton Rouge Press Club. He also discussed his candidacy for Attorney General in 2023.

Natchitoches Republican Louie Bernard has decided not to seek a second term in the Louisiana Senate. The 71-year-old says he’s making the announcement now to give potential candidates ample time to lay the groundwork for their campaigns…
cut 11 (11) “…raise money’
The election will take place next year.

1:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is part of a group of 20 U-S Senators, both Republicans and Democrats, who have agreed on gun safety legislation. The measure, which is still being drafted, would provide greater mental health resources to states, and improve school safety and there are also proposals to prevent the mentally ill from purchasing weapons. Cassidy says the bill is not just in response to the latest school shooting in Uvalde, Texas…
cut 5 (10) “…as well”

Based on a ruling made yesterday by a federal appeals court, Louisiana’s Legislature may be required to approve a new Congressional District map with two black-majority districts. House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski says it will be difficult to do in a special session that’s set to begin Wednesday and end next Monday….
cut 10 (06) “…front running plan”

Saharan dust levels have been gradually increasing since the weekend, leading the state Department of Environmental Quality to issue alerts about the air quality. Those who have lung or heart disease, children and older adults, as well as those active outdoors for extended periods, should take care says DEQ analyst Jason Meyers.
Cut 6 (11) “…and such.”

An Oil City Police officer was arrested over the weekend after he entered the home of a woman without permission and inappropriately touched her as he woke her up. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Bia Roldan says 39-year-old William Fitzpatrick has been arrested before
cut 14 (12) “….sexual battery”
If convicted on this latest charge Fitzpatrick could face up to six months in prison.