8:30 LRN Newscast

The governor has signed a measure requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom and the new law already faces a legal challenge.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Advocates for prisoners have asked a federal judge in Baton Rouge to issue an order that says the state can not have Angola inmates working on the prison’s farm when the heat index exceeds 88 degrees. Promise of Justice Initiative attorney Lydia Wright says the heat and humidity are dangerous to the health of the incarcerated men….
Cut 30 (07) “…our trial.”
State Department of Corrections says the work is in accordance with constitutional and industrial standards.

Governor Landry has signed the education savings account bill that will replace the state’s current voucher system that provides taxpayer dollars so students from low-income families can attend private schools. Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds says the E-S-A bill will expand the voucher program so more parents can receive public dollars to pay for private school tuition, tutoring, textbooks and other approved expenses. Edmonds says how big the program will get will depend on available state dollars…
cut 9 (06) “…together”

It’s watermelon season and Washington Parish watermelons are now available. Bogalusa Representative John Wyble says Washington Parish watermelons are a well-known treat…
cut 14 (08) “…continuing that”
Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says watermelons thrive in the heat and if there are a few dry days right before harvest, they’ll be extra sweet.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry has signed into law a measure that requires public schools to have the Ten Commandments posted in every classroom. Civil liberties groups say this law is unconstitutional because its in violation of the separation of church and state. But Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills believes the law will withstand a legal challenge because the Ten Commandments provide a foundation for modern-day law in America…
cut 13 (07) “….the challenge”

Governor Landry has also signed the Louisiana GATOR Scholarship Program into law, which will provide vouchers to more parents to send their kids to a private or parochial school. Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds ays the GATOR Scholarship program will replace the state’s current voucher program, starting with the 2025-26 school year.
Cut 7 (07) “…funded.”
How many vouchers will be handed out and for how much money remains to be seen.

After Governor Jeff Landry vetoed the Collateral Source reform bill, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple calls on the governor and legislative leaders to hold a special session to address the state’s high auto insurance premiums. Temple says legislation is needed to improve the legal climate…
Cut 28 (08) “…do it now.”
Landry vetoed House Bill 423 which supporters say would limit the amount juries can award to car crash victims, but the governor said the reform proposal would result in accident victims not getting what they deserved.

Attention anglers!!!. New red drum regulations go into effect today. There’s a four fish daily limit per angler, instead of five. You can only keep red drum that measure between 18 to 27 inches in length. The retention of red drum by captains or crew on charter boats while on a for-hire trip is prohibited. LDWF Director of Marine Fisheries Chris Schieble (sheeble)…
cut 5 (10) “…catches one”
These limits are in place to get the population of red drum back up after overfishing.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry has signed into law a measure that requires every public school classroom from kindergarten to college to display the Ten Commandments. Landry expected lawsuits from civil liberty groups and the Executive Director of the Louisiana ACLU Alanah Odoms says they are filing one because it violates the separation of church and state clause in the U-S Constitution…
cut 10 (10) “….face of that”
But Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says the Ten Commandments hold a historical significance and set a universal moral code…
cut 11 (13) “….a challenge”
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says she looks forward to defending the law.

Starting today, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will enforce several new limits on catching red drum in state waters in an attempt to curb overfishing. LDWF Director of Marine Fisheries Chris Schieble (sheeble)…
Cut 4 (05) “…of four.”
The minimum size of harvested red drum must be at least 18 inches long, instead of 16 and fishermen can no longer keep a red drum that’s over 27 inches. Previous regulations said you could harvest one fish over 27 inches.

It’s that time of year to enjoy tasty watermelons and Bogalusa Representative John Wyble is encouraging consumers to buy Watermelons from Washington Parish. Wyble says watermelons from Washington Parish are clearly marked with a sticker…
cut 15 (07) “….that you can find”
The Washington Parish Watermelon Festival, it runs from July 5th to the 7th at the Washington Parish Fair Grounds.

AM LRN Newscall June 20

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries released several new regulations on red drum fishing that go into effect today. Mel Bridges explains…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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Governor Jeff Landry signed the LA GATOR Scholarship Program into law today, which will provide vouchers for more parents to send their kids to better schools. Mel Bridges has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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While Louisiana hopes to be the first state to require public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments, the newly signed law is already facing a legal challenge. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

___________________________________________

Starting today, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will enforce several new limits on catching red drum in an attempt to curb overfishing. LDWF Director of Marine Fisheries Chris Schieble (sheeble) says the new regulations aren’t anything too crazy.

Cut 4 (05) “…of four.”

Additionally, the caught red drum now must be between 18 and 27 inches. Schieble says there are also new rules for whether or not the captain and crew on charter on for-hire trips can catch and keep red drum.

Cut 5 (10) “…catches one.”

These limits are in place to get the population of red drum back up after LDWF found signs of overfishing, such as not enough juvenile fish making it back to spawning areas. Luckily, Schieble says, it shouldn’t take too long for red drum to bounce back.

Cut 6 (05) “…fairly quickly.”

LDWF estimates the red drum population will recover in three to five years with these regulations in place.

___________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry signed the LA GATOR Scholarship Program into law yesterday, which will provide vouchers for more parents to send their kids to better schools. Bill author Senator Rick Edmonds of Baton Rouge says GATOR will look similar to the current voucher program for low-income students and students in low-rated schools.

Cut 7 (07) “…funded.”

The plan is to eventually expand GATOR to cover students of all incomes and schools. Similar programs in other states have ballooned financially as parents took vouchers and sent their kids to different schools whether they needed to or not. Edmonds says he and his team planned for this while creating GATOR.

Cut 8 (08) “…both worlds.” 

In addition to tuition, the vouchers could also be used for tutoring, textbooks, dual enrollment courses, uniforms, and transportation. Edmonds says he hopes GATOR, which will roll out in three phases, becomes a blueprint for how to do a state scholarship program right.

Cut 9 (06)  “…together.

Phase one of GATOR is set to start for the 2025-26 school year.

________________________________________________________________

Upon Governor Jeff Landry’s signature of the Ten Commandments bill requiring them to be posted in every public school classroom, Executive Director of the ACLU of Louisiana Alanah Odoms says they are filing a lawsuit.

Cut 10 (11) “…face of that.”

President of the Louisiana Family Forum Gene Mills helped craft the legislation and he believes not only do the Ten Commandments belong in the classroom for their historical significance, but they set a universal moral code that every individual conscience is bound to.

Cut 11 (13) “…a challenge.”

Governor Landry has stated he welcomes the legal challenge as Louisiana becomes the first state to require them in the classroom. Odoms says Landry knows what he signed is patently unconstitutional.

Cut 12 (13) “…in court.” 

Mills says the Ten Commandments law will withstand the legal challenge and once it does, he believes other states will follow Louisiana’s lead.

Cut 13 (07)  “…the challenge.”

The law also authorizes the display of the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, and the Northwest Ordinance.

______________________________________________

As peak watermelon season approaches, more and more Washington Parish watermelons will appear in stores and stands. State Representative John Wyble explains what makes melons from Washington Parish so special…

Cut 14 (08)  “…continuing that.”

Wyble says shoppers looking for local, high-quality watermelons should look for fruits with a Washington Parish Watermelons sticker. Only watermelons grown in Washington Parish can have the sticker, and anyone found to be mislabeling melons could face fines or other consequences.

Cut 15 (07)  “…that you can find.”

Washington Parish also hosts a Watermelon Festival. This year, it’s July 5 through 7 at the Washington Parish Fair Grounds.

_______________________________________________________

 

 

5:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry vetoed House Bill 423 which sought to limit damages a jury can award to victims in auto accidents. Jeff Palermo reports  Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says this is a bad move.

cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

 
A Slidell man is charged with 11 counts of video voyeurism for putting at least one hidden camera in his guest bathroom. In addition, police found evidence that 31-year-old Jonathan Bethancourt had posted similar cameras at his condo in Orange Beach, Alabama.

 
Starting tomorrow, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will enforce several new limits on catching red drum in an attempt to curb overfishing. LDWF Director of Marine Fisheries Chris Schieble (sheeble) says the new regulations aren’t anything too crazy.
cut 4 (06) “…of four.”
Additionally, caught red drum now must be between 18 and 27 inches.

 
Governor Jeff Landry signed the LA GATOR Scholarship Program into law earlier today, which will provide vouchers for more parents to send their kids to better schools. Bill author Senator Rick Edmonds of Baton Rouge says GATOR will look similar to the current voucher program for low-income students and students in low-rated schools.
cut 7 (07) “…funded.”
The plan is to eventually expand GATOR to cover students of all incomes and schools. Phase one of GATOR is set to start for the 2025-26 school year.

16:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry has vetoed legislation that supporters of the bill say would help to reduce auto insurance rates by limiting the amount of money a car crash victim would get in a jury trial settlement. But Landry says the proposed reforms to the collateral source rule could prevent a person involved in a car crash that was not their fault in getting the medical cost payments they deserve
cut 14 (09) “…coverage”
Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple supported the proposed changes to the collateral source rule, because he says the current law allows for juries to award judgements that go way above the medical costs from a wreck…
cut 11 (06) “…premiums”
Temple would like to see the governor or legislative leaders call a special session to address the legal climate surrounding car crashes in Louisiana.

Governor Jeff Landry has signed a law requiring all public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Louisiana is the first state with such a mandate. At a Republican fundraiser in Tennessee last weekend, Landry said he can’t wait to be sued for signing the bill. The ACLU of Louisiana said today they will sue, because the U-S Supreme Court over turned a similar law more than 40 years ago.

Attention anglers!!!. New red drum regulations go into effect tomorrow. There’s a four fish daily limit per angler. You can only keep red drum that measure between 18 to 27 inches in length. Keeping red drums over 27 inches is prohibited. The retention of red drum by captains or crew on charter or head boats while on a for-hire trip is prohibited. LDWF Director of Marine Fisheries Chris Schieble (sheeble)…
cut 30 (10) “…catches one”
These limits are in place to get the population of red drum back up after LDWF found signs of overfishing, such as not enough juvenile fish making it back to spawning areas.

3:30 LRN Newscall June 19

Governor Jeff Landry vetoed House Bill 423 which sought to limit damages a jury can award to victims in auto accidents. Jeff Palermo reports it has resulted in Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is asking for a special session to address the state’s insurance crisis.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

 

Governor Landry signed the 10 Commandments bill into law this morning. The law requires public schools and colleges to display the 10 Commandments in each classroom. The ACLU of Louisiana along with other advocacy groups say they will be filing a lawsuit, on the grounds of separation of Church and State.

A federal judge is considering whether to issue a preliminary injunction that would block Farm Line operations at Angola Prison when the heat index reaches 88 degrees. Plaintiff Ronald Marshall…

Cut 4 (08) “…day out.”

The DOC says the work conducted on the Farm Line is in accordance with constitutional and industrial standards.

Ryan McKinnon with Charge Ahead Partnership says the state has yet to access 73-million dollars in federal funds for businesses to apply for to build electric vehicle charging stations.

Cut 6 (11) “…help in that.” 

 

But DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says the state has yet to receive the money and the rules for this federal grant program do not match their usual contracting methods, so there are few more hoops to jump through.

2:30 LRN Newscast

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple would like to see the governor or lawmakers call a special session this year to address the legal environment around automobile crashes. This comes after Governor Landry vetoed a bill that Temple and pro business groups believed would help reduce auto insurance rates…
cut 10 (12) “…bring a solution”
Landry said at a press conference the legislation would not be fair for a car accident victim who won damages in a jury trial.

Governor Jeff Landry has signed into law legislation that gives judges the ability to sentence certain convicted sex offenders to surgical castration if the victim is the under the age of 13. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow hopes the new law sends a clear message to anyone who seeks to sexually abuse kids…
cut 12 (07) “…lifestyle change”

A federal judge in Baton Rouge has been asked to issue an order that would prevent inmates at Angola from working on the prison farm when heat indices reach 88 degrees or higher. Sean Richardson has more.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Governor Jeff Landry has signed into law legislation requiring all public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Louisiana is the first state with such a mandate. At a Republican fundraiser in Tennessee, Landry said he can’t wait to be sued for signing the bill and the ACLU of Louisiana said today they will sue, because the U-S Supreme Court has already over turned a similar law more than 40 years ago.

1:30 LRN Newscast June 19

After Governor Jeff Landry vetoed the Collateral Source reform bill, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is calling on lawmakers to hold a special session to address the state’s high auto insurance rates. Temple says legislation is needed to improve the legal climate…

Cut 9 (08) “…do it now.” 

Supporters say the bill limits the amount juries can award to car crash victims, and Landry says the veto has nothing to do with campaign contributions.

We have our first named storm of the hurricane season. Tropical Storm Alberto is expected to make landfall later tonight or early tomorrow morning in Mexico. While the bulk of the storm is not expected to be a threat to Louisiana, state police say water is lapping onto Louisiana Highway 1 between Golden Meadow and Grand Isle.

A federal judge is considering a preliminary injunction to stop Farm Line operations at Angola when the heat index reaches or exceeds 88 degrees. State Corrections says the work is in accordance with constitutional and industrial standards. Promise of Justice Initiative attorney Lydia Wright….

Cut 5 (07)  “…our trial.”

Louisiana has received $73 million from the 2021 Federal Infrastructure Act but has yet to distribute the money to vendors wanting to enter the electric vehicle charging business. Ryan McKinnon with Charge Ahead Partnership hopes Louisiana will distribute those funds…

Cut 8 (11)  “…charging stations.” 

DOTD says they plan to start the request-for-proposal process as soon as they identify an appropriate contracting mechanism to use the money

12:30 LRN Newscast June 19

In Lafayette this morning Governor Jeff Landry signed the Gator Scholarship Program into law. The Education Savings Account Act is intended to help all families offset private school education costs, and the governor also signed the 10 Commandments bill that requires public schools and colleges to display them in the classroom. At a Republican fundraiser in Tennessee that past weekend, Landry told attendees he looks forward to getting sued over the bill.

Louisiana received $73 million from the 2021 Federal Infrastructure Act but has yet to distribute that money to vendors wanting to enter the electric vehicle charging business. Ryan McKinnon with Charge Ahead Partnership says the funds are intended to help small businesses.

Cut 7 (06) “…in Louisiana.”  

DOTD says they plan to start the request-for-proposal process as soon as they identify an appropriate contracting mechanism to use the money.

A federal judge in Baton Rouge has been asked to issue an order that would prevent inmates at Angola from working on the prison farm when heat indices reach 88 degrees or higher.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.”