AM LRN Newscall July 19

There’s an effort underway to restore Pontchartrain Beach so the public can put their toes in the sand once again. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A Baton Rouge judge could decide today that trigger laws banning abortions in Louisiana should go into effect. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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It wasn’t all just football talk when Brian Kelly spoke with reporters at SEC Media Days. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The drawing for the $530-million Megamillions Jackpot is tonight. Kim Chopin with the Louisiana Lottery says it’s the 8th largest jackpot in Megamillion’s history and it has a cash value of almost $305-million.

Cut 4 (12)  “…lump sum payment.”

April was the last time someone took home Megamillions jackpot in the multi-state game. Megamillions has only been available in Louisiana since 2013 and Chopin says so far no one from the Bayou State has claimed a jackpot.

Cut 5 (04) “…jackpot winner.”

And while no one in Louisiana has hit the Megamillion jackpot, Chopin says five people in the state have been Megamillion Match 4 plus the Mega-ball winners. She says always check your ticket because you still might have a cash prize.

Cut 6 (11)  “…Megaball numbers.”

To be eligible for tonight’s drawing tickets must be purchased by 9 PM.

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There’s a movement underway to restore Pontchartrain Beach that’s sat dormant for decades. Co-founder of the Pontchartrain Beach Foundation Guy Williams says they want to revitalize the area and today they are taking their proposal before the Lakefront Management Authority in New Orleans.

Cut 7 (07) “…approved.”

He says the foundation will seek both private and public funding to restore Pontchartrain Beach.

Williams says the project will include restrooms, an area for food trucks, a site for boaters and an area for water activities like kayaking.

Cut 8 (07)  “…the beach.”

The site will also contain a renovated fishing pier, a volleyball area and dog park. Along the western side of the project, Williams says there will be a created wetland to filter the water and the runoff.

Cut 9 (09)  “…storm protection.”

Once approved they hope the project will be open to the public in four years.

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A Facebook message in January helped authorities determine the identity of a person killed while walking I-10 in Breaux Bridge in December 1981. St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office Captain Ginny Higgins says that message led to a potential match thanks to D-N-A technology

Cut 10 (10) “…analyzation”

Higgins says the victim has been identified as Michele Elaine Oaks Boutilier…aka Michele Oakes-Gautreaux, who was 26 at the time. She says they created a Facebook post about the unidentified female victim in 2017, but it took several years before they got a tip that led to a positive I-D…

Cut  11 (09)  “..that person.” 

The driver who hit the victim was not charged and they believe alcohol played a role in her death….

Cut 12 (11) “…we’ll never know.” 

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A Baton Rouge judge has ruled in favor of insurance companies who refused to pay expenses for those homeowners who evacuated during Hurricane Ida from parishes that did not issue mandatory evacuation orders. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon issued a directive following Ida that insurers should cover evacuation costs, but Judge Patrick Moore ruled Donelon overstepped his authority

Cut 13 (10) “…my authority.”

Hurricane Ida quickly developed into a Category Four storm, not providing enough time for many southeastern Louisiana parishes to issue a mandatory evacuation order. Donelon says the Legislature has changed the law, so for next hurricane season a mandatory evacuation will not be required for insurers to cover evacuation expenses

Cut 14 (10)  “…evacuation order.”

Donelon says starting with next hurricane season, insurance providers would have to pay evacuation expenses if civil authorities prohibit the use of a dwelling as a result of a storm…

Cut 15 (05)  “…return order”

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LSU Football Coach Brian Kelly tells reporters at SEC Media Days that the offensive line needs to improve the most between now and the start of the season. The Tigers need to replace four starters, but Kelly says two players from the transfer portal, Tre’Mond Shorts and Miles Frazier bring depth and experience to the position

Cut 16 (15)  “…developed.”

There is some concern LSU has lost ground in recruiting because the school is under funded when it comes to finding name, image and likeness deals for its football players. But Kelly believes they are as competitive as anybody else…

Cut 17 (16) “…hamstrung.” 

Kelly says he likes the depth he has at the quarterback position and the battle for starting Q-B will really get going when the team reports for preseason camp in early August. The first year coach on what he’s looking for in a starting signal caller…

Cut 18 (26) “ …evaluate that” 

 

Cut 19 (16) _“…when you know, you know.” 

 

Cut 20 (12) “ …in high school” 

 

 

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5:30 LRN Newscast July 18

In Baton Rouge, 19th JDC Judge Don Johnson extends the temporary order allowing abortion clinics to remain open; telling state Attorney General Jeff Landry to provide him more information on the case, which he’ll review tomorrow and then render a decision. Outside the courthouse, with protesters in the background, Landry had this reaction…:

Cut 12 (07) “…couple of weeks ago.”   

Under Johnson’s temporary restraining order blocking the trigger law, abortion clinics are currently open.

The Louisiana Department of Health has launched the 9-8-8 suicide and crisis Lifeline. Karen Stubbs, Assistant Secretary with the Office of Behavioral Health at LDH, says if you dial 988 in Louisiana it’s routed to a local crisis center.

Cut 10 (11) “…our culture.” 
There’s been an increase in COVID infections among Louisiana nursing home residents. Kevin Gallagher reports COVID deaths have also increased…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Louisiana Department of Health reports 54-hundred new additional COVID cases today and with eight fatalities from the virus. 657 individuals are in Louisiana hospitals with COVID, and 70-percent of those patients are not fully vaccinated.

 

4:30 LRN Newscast July 18

State District Judge Donald Johnson says he will decide tomorrow if abortion ban trigger laws can go into effect. In the meantime, abortions to remain legal in Louisiana. Attorney General Jeff Landry, who is representing the state and says the ban should take effect, faced pro-choice protestors outside of the Baton Rouge courtroom today.

Cut 14 (09)  “…go away!!” 

The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice continues to be plagued with incidents. Over the weekend six inmates escaped from the Bridge City Center for Youth. All six have been recaptured but Marrero Senator Patrick Connick questions if the extra personnel to assist the OJJ is in effect.

Cut 6 (08) “…this year.” 

988 has been designated as the new three-digit number to dial for suicide prevention. The number is now active in Louisiana and Karen Stubbs, Assistant Secretary with the Office of Behavioral Health at LDH says it’s vital to help those in crisis…:

Cut 9 (11) “…level of 911.”

In 2020 more than 600 Louisianans took their own life.

The Louisiana AARP says COVID-19 cases and deaths in the state’s nursing homes are up for a second straight month after consistent decline. Louisiana AARP Policy Director Andrew Muhl says many nursing home residents COULD be catching the virus from the people who work at the facility and are not vaccinated…:

Cut 5  (09) “…still out there.”

3:30 LRN Newscast July 18th

A state district judge in Baton Rouge says he’ll decide tomorrow if abortion trigger laws can go into effect. A temporary restraining order blocking enforcement of the abortion ban was issued for a second time, last week. Judge Donald Johnson will hear from both sides on the issue. Attorney General Jeff Landry believes the case will ultimately wind up before the state supreme court.

The Louisiana Department of Health launches 988 as the phone number to dial for suicide prevention to help those in crisis. Don Molino has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Don Molino.”  

Six inmates at the Bridge City Center for Youth in Jefferson Parish escaped over the weekend. All six are back in custody but it’s among the more than 25 escapes from juvenile facilities in Louisiana this year alone. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says the Bridge City Center is designed as a dormitory to house teens facing truancy charges.

Cut 7 (10) “…individuals.” 

The Office of Juvenile Justice was granted extra personnel to assist with their ongoing incidents.

For a second straight month, COVID-19 infections and deaths are increasing among Louisianans living in nursing homes. Two deaths were reported for the month of May 2022, but that number jumped to seven for June. Louisiana AARP Policy Director Andrew Muhl…

CUT 03(11)      “…in nursing homes.”

2:30 LRN Newscast July 18

A state judge is expected to rule tomorrow on whether trigger laws that ban most abortions in Louisiana can take effect. Baton Rouge Judge Don Johnson heard arguments this morning from an attorney for abortion providers who say the law is too vague, but Attorney General Jeff Landry says the law is clear and he says the case will ultimately be decided by the state Supreme Court…:
Cut 13 (08) “..effectively as possible.”

Another escape of inmates took place at the Bridge City Center for Youth in Jefferson Parish. Six teens escaped early Sunday morning, but they were recacptured later in the day. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says the facility was given extra guards and he’s reached out to the governor and the Office of Juvenile Justice to find out why juvenile offenders continue to escape…
cut 8 (10) “…gotta stop”

For a second straight month, COVID-19 infections and deaths are increasing among Louisianans living in nursing homes. Andrew Muhl is Policy Director for AARP Louisiana. He says the elderly are more at risk from COVID than anyone, so make sure they get their shots…:
CUT 04 (07) “…fully vaccinated.”
He says nursing home workers need their shots up-to-date as well.

Louisiana launches a new 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, which replaces the ten-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. According to the CDC, suicide is the 12th leading cause of death and in 2020 more than 600 Louisianans took their own life. Karen Stubbs with the Office of Behavioral Health at LDH says 988 is there to help.
Cut 11 (08) “…seeking assistance.”
All calls to 988 are free and confidential.

1:30 LRN Newscast July 18

In Baton Rouge, 19th JDC Judge Don Johnson extends the temporary order allowing abortion clinics to remain open; telling state Attorney General Jeff Landry to provide him more information on the case, which he’ll review tomorrow and then render a decision. Outside the courthouse, with protesters in the background, Landry had this reaction…:

Cut 12 (07) “…couple of weeks ago.”   

Under Johnson’s temporary restraining order blocking the trigger law, abortion clinics are currently open.

The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice continues to be plagued with incidents. Over the weekend six inmates escaped from the Bridge City Center for Youth. All six have been recaptured but Marrero Senator Patrick Connick questions if the extra personnel to assist the OJJ is in effect.

Cut 6 (08) “…this year.” 

There’s been an increase in COVID infections among Louisiana nursing home residents. Kevin Gallagher reports COVID deaths have also increased…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Louisiana Department of Health reports 54-hundred new additional COVID cases today and with eight fatalities from the virus. 657 individuals are in Louisiana hospitals with COVID and 70-percent of those patients are not fully vaccinated.

12:30 LRN Newscast July 18

A Baton Rouge judge will rule tomorrow on whether a temporary restraining order will continue that prohibits laws banning most abortions from going into place in Louisiana. Judge Donald Johnson wants to see additional documents from the two sides. Pro-choice lawyers say the laws are too vague, while Attorney General Jeff Landry believes the state’s trigger laws should go into effect. Landry says he’s certain that – no matter what Judge Johnson decides – there will be further challenges and the case will ultimately be decided by the state Supreme Court…:
Cut 13 (08) “..effectively as possible.”
While Landry was speaking to the media, pro-choice protesters were shouting their opinion of Landry….
cut 14 (09) “…go away”

The Louisiana AARP says COVID-19 cases and deaths in the state’s nursing homes are up for a second straight month after consistent decline. Andrew Muhl is Policy Director for AARP Louisiana and says many nursing home residents COULD be catching the virus from the people who work at the facility and take care of them and are not vaccinated…:
Cut 5 (09) “…still out there.”
Since the pandemic began, nearly 33-hundred Louisiana nursing home residents have died from COVID-19.

The Louisiana Department of Health has launched the 9-8-8 suicide and crisis Lifeline. Karen Stubbs, Assistant Secretary with the Office of Behavioral Health at LDH, says if you dial 988 in Louisiana it’s routed to a local crisis center…..
cut 10 (11) “…our culture”

11:30 LRN Newscast July 18

In Baton Rouge, 19th JDC Judge Don Johnson extends the temporary order allowing abortion clinics to remain open; telling the state Attorney General’s office to provide him more information on the case, which he’ll review tomorrow. Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says the judge has a big task ahead, and feels the judge will find for the state, but the case will eventually be decided by the state Supreme Court.

For a second straight month, COVID-19 infections and deaths are increasing among Louisianans living in nursing homes. Andrew Muhl is Policy Director for AARP Louisiana. He says the elderly are more at risk from COVID than anyone, so make sure they get their shots…:

CUT 04  (07)        “…fully vaccinated.”

He says nursing home workers need the shots up-to-date as well.

 

As of today, 988 has been designated as the new three-digit number to dial for suicide prevention. The number is now active in Louisiana and Karen Stubbs, Assistant Secretary with the Office of Behavioral Health at LDH says it’s vital to help those in crisis…:

CUT 09(12)      “…level of 911”

In 2020 more than 600 Louisianans took their own life. Stubbs says 988 hopes to change that.

The Food Network proclaims the best barbecue in Louisiana is found at Johnson’s Boucaniere in Lafayette. Proprietor Lori Johnson Walls says being named in the network’s “50 States of Barbecue” is a real honor, and their success is a real team effort…:

CUT 27(09)      “…to them as well.”

Originally founded in Eunice by Lori’s grandfather, Johnson’s Boucaniere has been around since 1937 but is now located on St. John Street, near downtown Lafayette.

10:30 LRN Newscast July 18

Today in Baton Rouge, a judge will hear arguments for and against blocking the state’s abortion ban trigger law, which is currently on hold. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the odds are Judge Don Johnson will rule for the state; allowing the law back into effect and closing abortion clinics. If the judge rules against the plaintiffs, Ciolino says they will undoubtedly file another challenge. However, he feels they are just delaying the inevitable…:

CUT 06(12)      “…not vague.”

The hearing is today in downtown Baton Rouge.

For a second straight month, COVID-19 infections and deaths are increasing among Louisianans living in nursing homes. Two deaths were reported for the month of May 2022, but that number jumped to seven for June. Andrew Muhl is Policy Director for AARP Louisiana. He says the elderly are more at risk from COVID than anyone…:

CUT 03(11)      “…in nursing homes.”

Muhl says nursing home staff NEED to assure they are up-to-date on COVID shots.

 

Qualifying for the federal elections in November will get underway on Wednesday at the Secretary of State’s office in Baton Rouge. Republican Senator John Kennedy and the state’s six U-S House members are up for re-election and expected to win. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says that’s by design…:

CUT 07(11)      “…the incumbent.”

Alford says Senator Kennedy and all six congressional delegates are likely to win re-election.

A well-known Lafayette eatery is ranked by The Food Network as THE best barbecue in Louisiana. The TV network highlighted Johnson’s Boucaniere in downtown Lafayette. Proprietor Lori Johnson Walls says she cannot reveal the secret to their tasty barbecue; a special recipe rub made by her husband…:

CUT 10(09)      “11 to 12 hours.”

Johnson’s Boucaniere is on St. John Street near downtown Lafayette. By the way, “boucaniere” is Cajun French for “smokehouse.”

9:30 LRN Newscast July 18

A Baton Rouge judge is scheduled today to hear arguments both for and against blocking the state’s abortion ban trigger law. The law was triggered by the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe vs. Wade, but is temporarily on hold pending the hearing. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says plaintiffs argue the law’s language is too vague and therefore unenforceable, but he think today’s hearing in Don Johnson’s 19th JDC court will not go their way…:

CUT 05(09)      “…illegal in Louisiana”

Qualifying for the fall mid-term congressional elections starts this week in Baton Rouge. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says most will be easy wins for the incumbents, but Senator John Kennedy has three Democrat challengers announced. One potential Republican challenger was Baton Rouge Reverend Tony Spell, but…

CUT 09(08)      “…through with that.”

 

The Food Network names a popular Lafayette eatery as the Best Barbecue in Louisiana, according to its “50 States of Barbecue” poll. It’s Johnson Boucaniere, on St. John Street downtown. Lori Johnson Walls is the proprietor. She says the secret to their success is “Make it great. Make it consistent and make it with love”…”

CUT 12(11)      “…barbecued at home.”

SEC Football Media Days kick-off today in Atlanta, the unofficial start of the college football season. LSU Football Coach Brian Kelly speaks today and Tiger Rag Editor Tim Buckley says Kelly will get a bunch of questions about his three-way battle for starting quarterback…:

CUT 13(11)      “…to start.”

Buckley says Kelly was averse to having multiple quarterbacks before, but may be warming up to the idea.