4:30 LRN Newscast May 31

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has finished its investigation of a Pineville Police officer-involved shooting back in April. RPSO spokesman Tommy Carnline says officers responded to a call to find 25-year-old Larry Calk threatening a child with a gun, and so they shot Calk; rescuing the kid. He says they then rendered immediate medical aid…:

CUT 14  (09)        “…alive today.”

RPSO has handed their findings over to the Rapides DA.

Hurricane Season starts tomorrow, and State Climatologist Barry Keim says we are one of the three most-vulnerable states for hurricanes…:

CUT 11  (13)        “…in Louisiana.”

NOAA predicts 12-to-17 named storms this year. Last year, none impacted our state.

 

We have our first attack ad in the governor’s race. A group supporting Republican candidate Stephen Waguespack claims in a TV and radio spot that Jeff Landry, the perceived front-runner in the governor’s race, has been soft on crime during his time as Attorney General…:

CUT 06(11)      “…in America.”

A super PAC called Reboot Louisiana produced the ad. The Landry campaign has responded by announcing endorsements from eight sheriffs and district attorneys. If it seems a bit early for attack ads, that’s because qualifying for the elections isn’t until the first week of August.

State officials will file a lawsuit tomorrow against FEMA over what they call it’s “lack of transparency” around the Risk Rating 2.0 system of setting federal flood insurance rates. Attorney General Jeff Landry’s Office says the formula is “flawed” and will force families into bankruptcy or foreclosure. Landry calls it “Federal abuse.”

3:30 LRN Newscast May 31

The gloves are coming off in the governor’s race as we have our first attack ad. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Palermo.”

On the eve of the beginning of the 2023 Hurricane Season, we have a low pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico, but it poses little threat to Louisiana. By the weekend, it could either weaken or drift eastward toward the Florida Peninsula with some heavy rain.

 

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has completed its investigation into the fatal April 23rd Pineville Police officer-involved shooting. RPSO spokesperson Tommy Carnline says 25-year-old Larry Calk was holding a child and a weapon and threatening to harm the child while on the front porch of a residence. He says officers acted appropriately…:

CUT 13(11)      “…life was saved.”

The investigation has been turned over to the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office.

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.13. That’s $1.10 cheaper than this same time last year. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says thank crude oil at around $70-a-barrel. He predicts a great many will take advantage of relatively cheap gas and get in some travel…:

CUT 05(06)      “…the summer.”

2:30 LRN Newscast May 31

The first attack ad of the 2023 Governor’s race is out. A political action committee supporting Stephen Waguespack has a TV and radio ad hitting Attorney General Jeff Landry as being soft on crime. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s the earliest he’s seen an attack ad in a governor’s race, but a sign that Waguespack is a serious contender…:

CUT 08  (09)        “…go after Landry.”

He expects Landry or his supporting PAC will return fire.

Hurricane Season starts tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the peak of the season, with the potentially heavy stuff, doesn’t come until mid-August, but it’s smart to get your storm plan in place now, and be ready…:

CUT 10  (11)        “…hyper-focused.”

A Pacific El Nino could mean fewer and weaker storms this year.

 

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office completes its investigation of the fatal officer-involved shooting of a man who was holding a child in his arms. Brooke Thorington has that…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

A teacher at a Shreveport Christian school is under arrest; accused of a sexual relationship with a minor. 36-year-old Jessica Sims was arrested after a concerned mom told police her son confessed to the contact, and then told investigators the same. Sims is charged with prohibited sexual conduct between an educator and student.

1:30 LRN Newscast

A super PAC called Reboot Louisiana has produced an ad that alleges violent crime has increased with Jeff Landry as Louisiana’s Attorney General. Reboot Louisiana supports fellow Republican Stephen Waguespack in the governor’s race. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the October 14th primary is five and a half months away and the gloves are coming off…
Cut 7 (08) “..the front-runner”
The Landry campaign has responded by announcing endorsements from eight sheriffs and district attorneys.

LSU baseball is getting ready to host its first NCAA Baseball Regional since 2019. Coach Jay Johnson says playing postseason ball at Alex Box was the goal before the season started….
cut 18 (14) “….800″
LSU hosts Tulane at 2 PM on Friday.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has completed its investigation of the fatal Pineville Police officer-involved shooting on April 23rd. Spokesperson Tommy Carnline says 25-year-old Larry Calk was holding a child and a weapon and threatening to harm the child while on the front porch of a residence.
Cut 12 (09) “…the child.”
Carnline says they’ve turned the results of their investigation into the district attorney’s office.

Another hurricane season begins tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Louisiana, Florida, and North Carolina are the top three most vulnerable states.
Cut 9 (13) “…these things.”
NOAA predicts a near-normal season with 12 to 17 named storms, five to nine hurricanes.

12:30 LRN Newscast May 31

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.13, $1.10 cheaper than the same time last year. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says crude oil prices are under $70 a barrel and drivers should budget $3.25 – $3.50 a gallon for the remainder of the summer.

Cut 4 (06)  “…gallon gasoline.” 

State-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards could soon advertise the Crisis Lifeline of 9-8-8 that’s available for people who are struggling with mental health, thanks to a Senate-approved bill. In 2021 Louisiana had more than 680 suicides. Karen Stubbs with the Office of Behavioral Health with the Louisiana Department of Health oversees 9-8-8.

Cut 15 (12)  “…need it.”

Senate Bill 34 heads to the House floor for final passage.

The gloves are coming off in the governor’s race as we have our first attack ad. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m   Jeff Palermo” 

 

11:30 LRN Newscast May 31

We have our first attack ad in the governor’s race. A group supporting Republican candidate Stephen Waguespack claims in a TV and radio spot that Jeff Landry, the perceived front-runner in the governor’s race, has been soft on crime during his time as Attorney General…

Cut 6 (11)  “…in America” 

A super PAC called Reboot Louisiana produced the ad. The Landry campaign responded by announcing endorsements from eight sheriffs and district attorneys.

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.13, $1.10 cheaper than the same time last year. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says crude oil prices are under $70 a barrel and that translates to better prices for the consumer.

Cut 3 (10) “…this year”

Pineville Representative Mike Johnson’s bill that says if a cop in the commission of his job tells you to stay back, you must keep at least 25 feet away or be charged with a misdemeanor is headed to the Senate, Megan Gentry, with the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys told House Criminal Justice committee members the 25-foot rule in the bill is unconstitutionally vague.

Cut 12 (07)    “…nobody knew.” 

Senate-approved legislation to add the suicide crisis 9-8-8 number to state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs advances in House Transportation. Natchitoches Senator Louie Bernard says a group of students at Northwestern State who lost friends to suicide inspired the legislation.

Cut 13 (10) “…number to call.”  
According to the C-D-C, nearly 700 people in Louisiana committed suicide in 2021.

10:30 LRN Newscast May 31

A nationwide shortage of cancer drugs is forcing some physicians to either ration the chemotherapy drugs or try other medications. Dr. Amelia Jernigan with LSU Health New Orleans Gynecologic Oncology has a suggestion if you or a family member are impacted by the shortages.

Cut 9 (06)  “…in the future.”

In the Louisiana legislature, a House-passed bill giving police the power to tell you to “stay back” while they’re engaged is headed to the Senate. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson’s bill states if a cop in the commission of his job tells you to stay back, you must keep at least 25 feet away or be charged with a misdemeanor. New Orleans Democrat Senator Gary Carter lets Johnson know he’s opposed to the bill…

Cut 11 (07)  “…I do not.”

The latest release from the annual LSU Louisiana survey of public opinion confirms the property insurance market in distress. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 29 (33)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

The National Weather Service is monitoring a disturbance in the gulf and tomorrow is the official start of hurricane season. The system is expected to move across the Florida peninsula this weekend and emerge in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean early next week.

9:30 LRN Newscast

The White House and U.S. House GOP majority agreement to raise the federal debt ceiling and avoid a government default must be approved by Congress. Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy says to avoid a government default – the deal has to place limits on how quickly the country can incur new debt to reach the new ceiling and it does that…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…spending cuts.”

The House is expected to vote on it today.

A bill to add the National Suicide Prevention Hotline number —  988 — on driver’s licenses and other state IDs advances in House Transportation. One death by suicide occurs every 11 minutes and in 2021 Louisiana had more than 680 suicides. Karen Stubbs with the Office of Behavioral Health with the Louisiana Department of Health oversees 9-8-8.

Cut 15 (12)  “…need it.”

Senate Bill 34 heads to the House floor for final passage.

LSU’s first opponent in the Baton Rouge Regional, Tulane defied the odds to get in the NCAA Tournament. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 3 (32)  “….Kace Kieschnick.”

 

Multiple people, pets, and 10 children safely escaped a house fire in Kenner Tuesday evening. Neighbors alerted the homeowner to the fire. The homeowner, Patricia Chaney, said although she doesn’t own a daycare – she has looked after children in the neighborhood for years. The American Red Cross is helping the family find a home. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

 

8:30 LRN Newscast

Now that a deal has been reached between the U.S. House leadership and the White House to raise the federal debt ceiling and avoid a government default, the deal must be sold to House and Senate members. Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy says the deal has some drawbacks, but he basically approves in principle…:
Cut 4 (05) “…send to us.’”
A vote in the House is scheduled for today. The House Freedom Caucus is urging Republicans to vote “no” because it doesn’t roll back the President’s student loan forgiveness proposal or the Inflation Reduction Act.

At the State Capitol, a House-passed bill to allow adults, 21 and over, with a clean criminal record to carry a concealed weapon without a permit moved out of Senate Judiciary. Fabian Blache, directed of the state Association of Chiefs of Police, worries about young men with unpermitted guns…:
CUT 23 (12) “…going to fire”
The bill was approved, 4-to-1, but must also pass Senate Finance, because ending concealed carry permits will mean a loss of revenue.

Senate-approved legislation to add the suicide crisis 9-8-8 number to state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs advances in House Transportation. Natchitoches Senator Louie Bernard says a group of students at Northwestern State who lost friends to suicide inspired the legislation.
Cut 13 (10) “…number to call.”
According to the C-D-C, nearly 700 people in Louisiana committed suicide in 2021.

There is a shortage of chemotherapy drugs which is forcing doctors to reduce doses or in some cases delay care. Among the medications are carboplatin and cisplatin which are used as a first-line chemo treatment for a variety of cancers. Doctor Amelia Jernigan at LSU Health New Orleans and she says they are tried-and-true drugs that are generic and cost less than newer medications and that’s part of the problem.
Cut 8 (10) “…so narrow.”
Health care leaders and lawmakers are hoping the F-D-A can do something soon to address the shortage.

7:30 LRN Newscast

A shortage of cancer drugs used in chemotherapy is forcing physicians to ration or seek alternative medications. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Baton Rouge and New Orleans areas are under an Air Quality alert again today as smoke from wildfires in Central America is impacting the quality of air in south Louisiana, especially for sensitive groups. The state department of environmental quality is hopeful the air quality will improve tomorrow.

A vote in the U-S House is expected today on a debt ceiling and budget deal negotiated between House Republican leadership and President Joe Biden. The deal would restrict spending over the next two years and Senator Bill Cassidy says there are parts of the compromise he agrees with…
cut 5 (09) “….epidemic is over”
But Cassidy says they are also clawing back disaster recovery funding. He says it’s money that could go to utility companies to pay for restoration costs, instead customers will have to pick up those costs.

A proposed law that could result in a person being charged with a misdemeanor if they do not stay 25 feet away from a police officer who is making an arrest of conducting an investigation is nearing final legislative passage. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson is the author of the bill…
cut 10 (09) “…for space”
The measure is heading to the Senate floor for final legislative passage.