5:30 LRN Newscast June 28

After receiving a tip, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cites 40-year-old Caleb Hudson of Breaux Bridge for illegal possession of two venomous and restricted snakes. Adam Einck with LDWF says agents found two copperheads in plastic totes inside Hudson’s home. Einck says copperheads are on the list of restricted snakes in Louisiana and being in possession of venomous and restricted snakes can be costly.

Cut 4 (10) “…as well.”

Dozens of leaders within the oil and gas industry have signed off on a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to visit domestic energy facilities prior to a scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia next month. Tommy Faucheux, president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association says that before the President considers asking other nations to increase their production, he’d like him to take a closer look at how to do so here at home.

Cut 6 (09) ”…energy companies.”

A class-action lawsuit against homebuilder D.R. Horton alleges the company is not building homes to properly withstand the heat and humidity in Louisiana. D. R. Horton issued a statement saying, “The health and safety of our homeowners is a top priority, and D.R. Horton is committed to superior customer service and building quality homes.” Attorney Lance Unglesby says photos prove otherwise and the homebuilder should defend their case in court and not hide it in arbitration.

Cut 11 (11) “…feel better.”

One day before her order was set to go into effect, the U.S. Supreme Court put Baton Rouge federal Judge Shelly Dick’s order for lawmakers to give her a new congressional district map that includes two majority-Black districts on hold. The court granted a last-minute stay of her ruling without signature or explanation. The order is not a decision on the merits of the case, but the action means the one-Black-district map passed in February will be used for the 2022 elections this fall. The stay will remain in effect until justices decide on a similar Alabama lawsuit, which isn’t expected until next June.

4:30 LRN Newscast June 28

The U.S. Supreme Court today put on hold Baton Rouge federal Judge Shelly Dick’s order for lawmakers to give her a new congressional district map that includes two majority-Black districts; instead of just one. The action means the one-Black-district map passed in February will be used for the 2022 elections this fall. Attorney General Jeff Landry’s reaction…?

CUT 28(04)      “…this week.”

Minden Mayor Terry Gardner passed away today at the age of 68 after a battle with cancer. Gardner publicly announced on May 24th he had pancreatic cancer and it also spread to his liver. Minden Councilwoman Pam Bloxom says Gardner loved his city, and got it on firm fiscal ground and was bullish about keeping Minden beautiful…:

CUT 14(11)      “…spotlessly clean.”

 

A class action lawsuit against homebuilder D.R. Horton alleges the company is not building homes to properly withstand the heat and humidity in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Vandals broke into the Vidalia Junior High School, in Concordia Parish, over the weekend. They generally trashed the whole place; doing over $200-thousand in damage. Surveillance video shows them all to be kids – some as young as ten. Several have been rounded up and volunteers started working on cleanup & repairs today.

3:30 LRN Newscast June 28

A class-action lawsuit against homebuilder D.R. Horton alleges the company is not building homes to properly withstand the heat and humidity of Louisiana. Attorney Lance Unglesby says after receiving calls from several homeowners they had experts inspect the homes and they found high humidity levels…:

CUT 09(09)      “…grow mold.”

Horton attorney James Brown says their homes are continuously inspected and meet all state building codes…:

CUT 10(09)      “…warranty act.”

The U.S. Supreme Court today put on hold a lower court ruling that Louisiana must draw new congressional districts before the 2022 elections to increase Black voting power. The high court’s ruling effectively ensures the Republican-drawn map from last February will remain in place for the 2022 elections.

 

Dozens of leaders within the oil and gas industry have signed off on a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to visit domestic energy facilities prior to a scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia next month. Tommy Faucheux, president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association says he understands the White House’s commitment to reducing fossil fuel emissions, but he believes that can be done while meeting U.S. energy needs…:

CUT 07(11)      “…one or the other.”

Acting on a tip, state Wildlife & Fisheries agents bust a Breaux Bridge man found to be in possession of two deadly copperhead snakes. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck says agents found them inside 40-year-old Caleb Hudson’s home, in plastic totes…:

CUT 03(05)      “…his possession.”

The snakes were taken to two Louisiana zoos.

2:30 LRN Newscast June 28

A class action lawsuit against a major homebuilder alleges the company is not building homes to properly withstand the heat and humidity in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Vandals ransacked Vidalia Junior High School last weekend; doing over $200-thousand in damage. Surveillance video captured images of the culprits who appear to all be between 10 and 13 years of age. Volunteers started cleaning & fixing up the school this week.

 

Minden Mayor Terry Gardner passed away today at the age of 68 after a battle with cancer. Gardner publicly announced on May 24th he had pancreatic cancer and it also spread to his liver. Minden Councilwoman Pam Bloxom says Mayor Gardner was the ultimate supporter of Minden…:

CUT 13(05)      “…Terry Gardner.”

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

State Wildlife & Fisheries agents arrest a Breaux Bridge man for possessing two illegal and VERY venomous snakes. Spokesman Adam Einck says 40-year-old Caleb Hudson’s copperhead rattlers were seized and…re-homed…:

CUT 05(05)      “…Alexandria Zoo.”

The statewide average price of regular gas is down again; now at $4.43-a-gallon. That’s 8-cents less than one week ago, but still 20-cents more than a month ago.

1:30 LRN Newscast

Oil & Gas Industry leaders are calling on President Joe Biden to look inward for solutions to record-high gas prices. David Grubb has more…
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.”

Gas prices are on the decline. According to Triple-A, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline fell another penny from yesterday to $4.43. That’s eight cents lower than a week ago.

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against D-R Horton, claiming the home builder has built poorly ventilated homes across south Louisiana which has led to high humidity inside and mold. An attorney from D-R Horton says their homes are built to industry standards and local building codes, but attorney Lance Unglesby says the homeowners he represents believe differently…
cut 11 (11) “…feel better”
The next court hearing is August 1st.

In northwest Louisiana, the mayor of Minden has passed. Terry Gardner lost his bout with cancer at the age of 68. It was just last month Gardner announced he had pancreatic cancer, which spread to his liver. Council woman Pamela Bloxom says he’ll be missed…
cut 15 (08) “…to fill”

12:30 LRN Newscast June 28

Dozens of leaders within the oil and gas industry have signed off on a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to visit domestic energy facilities prior to a scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia next month. Tommy Faucheux, president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association says that before the President considers asking other nations to increase their production, he’d like him to take a closer look at how to do so here at home.

Cut 6 (09)”…energy companies.”

After receiving a tip, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cites 40-year-old Caleb Hudson of Breaux Bridge for illegal possession of two venomous and restricted copperhead snakes. Adam Einck with LDWF says being in possession of venomous and restricted snakes can be costly.

Cut 4 (10) “…as well.”

The seized snakes have been donated to zoos in Louisiana.

A temporary restraining order is in effect that keeps Louisiana from squeezing the trigger on the state’s abortion ban. Brooke Thorington has a response from a local pro-life organization.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Brook Thorington.”

11:30 LRN Newscast June 28

Abortions can resume in Louisiana today after a New Orleans judge put a temporary hold on a trigger law that made abortions illegal as a result of the Supreme Court overturning Roe versus Wade. Sarah Zagorski with the Louisiana Right to Life says they are working with Attorney General Jeff Landry to fight the restraining order…

Cut 5 (08) “…that he can.”
A hearing on the trigger ban is scheduled for July 8th. A lawsuit says the state’s trigger laws are vague and do not spell out what conduct is exactly prohibited.

After receiving a tip, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cites 40-year-old Caleb Hudson of Breaux Bridge for illegal possession of two venomous and restricted snakes. Adam Einck with LDWF says agents found two snakes in plastic totes inside Hudson’s home.

Cut 3 (05) “…his possession.”

Hudson could face a fine of up to $500 and 90 days in jail.

At the Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention, Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder told attendees he plans on running for Lt. Governor…

Cut 9 (09)  “…forward as well.”
Schexnayder says a formal announcement could come later this summer. Current Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has said he will run for governor.

With the cost of living on the rise some college students are struggling with food insecurity. University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson says help is on the way as the governor has signed a bill that establishes colleges as a “hunger-free campus”….

Cut 12 (07) “…opportune time.” 

The law establishes a task force to create action plans focused on food insecurities on college campuses.

10:30 LRN Newscast June 28

On Monday a New Orleans judge granted a temporary restraining order against trigger laws banning abortion in Louisiana once Roe v. Wade was overturned. Sarah Zagorski with the Louisiana Right to Life says they expected pro-choice groups to file legal maneuvers.

Cut 4 (03)  “…very clear.”

Joanna Wright, the attorney who filed the lawsuit, says Louisiana’s poor conceived trigger laws are unconstitutional and vague and violate due process. A hearing is set for July 8th and until then abortions continue in Louisiana.

Louisiana Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder says he is considering running for Lt. Governor in 2023. The Ascension Parish Republican has served in the Legislature since 2012 and was elected speaker two years ago. Schexnayder says he has not made up his mind on the matter completely, but…:

Cut 7 (06) “…encouraging me to run.”

A bill to establish colleges as a “hunger-free campus” in Louisiana has been signed into law. University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson says the legislation is designed to address food insecurities among college students.

Cut 10 (07) “…award of.”
The law establishes a task force to create action plans focused on food insecurities on college campuses.

The chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board says casinos in Shreveport and Lake Charles are seeing an influx of sports bettors from Texas. Ronnie Johns says since sports betting is not legal in the Lone Star State, properties on the western side of the state are benefitting and they are investing that money back into their casinos

Cut 13 (09) “…incredibly nice”
Since sports betting has been operational for over six months it’s produced 12-point-five million dollars in additional tax revenues for the state.

 

9:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana’s three abortion clinics can resume operations this week after a New Orleans judge put a temporary hold on a law that bans abortions in Louisiana. Sarah Zagorski with Louisiana Right to Life hopes pregnant women look at other options and there are programs in place…
cut 6 (07) “…that situation”
A hearing is scheduled for July eighth for Orleans Parish District Judge Robin Giarusso to hear arguments over the state’s abortion ban that was set to go into effect once Roe versus Wade was overturned. Pro-choice groups call the law constitutionally vague.

A week trough of low pressure south of the Louisiana coast continues to drift towards Texas. The National Hurricane Center says there is a low chance the system will develop into a tropical depression, the but disturbance will continue to bring rain and thunderstorms to Louisiana through the middle of the week.

Louisiana is experiencing an influx of sports bettors from Texas as it’s not legal to bet on sports in the Lone Star State. Kevin Gallagher has the story…
Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder can not run for re-election for his seat in Ascension Parish, which is why he’s strongly considering a run for Lt. Governor…
cut 8 (14) “….legislative side”
Schexnayder plans to make an official announcement later this summer.

8:30 LRN Newscast

A temporary restraining order is in effect against trigger laws in Louisiana and in the meantime, abortions can continue in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more form a pro-life organization.
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Gas prices continue to decline. According to Triple-A statewide average fell another penny from yesterday to $4.43 and that’s eight cents lower than a week ago. Economic fears of a potential global recession has led to a lower demand for oil, dropping the price for a barrel of oil.

Sports betting has been legal in Louisiana for six months and it’s resulted in 12.5 million dollars in tax revenues for the state. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says sports betting has been a nice addition for the gaming industry, but casinos are reporting a decline in spending for amenities due to inflation, rising interest and high gas prices…
Cut 15 (10) “…activities.”

With the cost of living on the rise some college students are struggling with food insecurity. University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson says help is on the way as the governor has signed a bill that establishes colleges as a “hunger-free campus”….
cut 12 (07) “…opportune time”
The law establishes a task force to create action plans focused on food insecurities on college campuses.