06:30 LRN Newscast, July 19th

Louisiana lawmakers have succeeded in overriding the governor’s veto of a bill that bans doctors from performing a medical procedure that attempts to alter the biological sex of a minor. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment has called the bill the “Stop Harming Our Kids Act”:
Cut 13 (13) “gender dysphoria”
Governor John Bel Edwards issued a statement saying this is just the 2nd time he’s had a veto overridden and the first time the courts threw out the law, and he expects the same thing will happen with this bill.

The Office of State Parks has kicked off a new pilot recycling program. Bins will be placed at various parks to collect cans and plastic bottles. Pontchartrain Conservancy Executive Director Kristi Trail:
Cut 10 (09) “better use”

After arresting 42-year-old Janice Frazier in the shooting death of her boyfriend, Baton Rouge Police tell Teiko Foxx the suspect is connected to another unsolved murder of the woman’s ex…:
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

The Powerball drawing tonight is worth an estimated $1 Billion Dollars which is the third largest jackpot in history.

LRN AM Newscall July 19

24 individuals associated with a Shreveport street gang have been indicted for a CARES Act fraud scheme. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

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After arresting 42-year-old Janice Frazier in the shooting death of her boyfriend found Saturday, Baton Rouge authorities tell Teiko Foxx they have also connected Frazier to the unsolved murder of an ex-boyfriend.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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The Republican controlled Louisiana Legislature overrides the governor’s veto of a ban on doctors from performing medical procedures on children designed to change their biological sex. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (43)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo”

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U.S. Attorney Brandon Brown says 24 people closely associated with a Shreveport street gang are facing charges related to a CARES Act fraud scheme. Brown says the defendants defrauded the federal government of thousands of dollars by taking advantage of small business pandemic relief loans to fund criminal activity

Cut 4 (12)  “…vulnerable state.”

Brown says the defendants manufactured a variety of artificial businesses in order to fraudulently receive pandemic relief dollars…

Cut 5 (11)   “…money that way.”

All 24 defendants face counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and varying charges or wire fraud. If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison, 1 to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Brown says cases like this is why he became a federal prosecutor…

Cut 6 (13)  “…violent-crime organizations.”

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Authorities say a Baton Rouge woman arrested for killing her boyfriend over the weekend has also confessed to killing an ex-boyfriend in 2021. On Saturday, Baton Rouge Police detectives began investigating the shooting death of 34-year-old Christopher Holden, who was found dead in a park. Sergeant L’Jean McKneely says they determined 42-year-old Janice Frazier killed Holden and during questioning, they learned she was involved in another homicide…

Cut 7 (04) “…degree murder.”

McKneely says Frazier is not only facing a murder charge for fatally shooting Holden this past weekend, they now have a confession that she killed 29-year-old Emanie Anderson in October 2021…

Cut 8 (05) “…Mr. Anderson.’”

McKneely says detectives believe both murders are a result of domestic violence…

Cut 9 (09)  “…being involved.”

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The Office of State Parks kicks off a new pilot recycling project – Let Louisiana Shine Park Recycling Program – as recycling bins will be placed at four different state parks to collect aluminum cans and plastic drink bottles. Pontchartrain Conservancy Executive Director Kristi Trail says recycling bins help keep items out of the state’s waterways and off roadways…

Cut 10 (09) “…better use.”

The program has rolled out at the Fontainebleau, Fairview-Riverside, Tickfaw, and Bogue Chitto. Materials will be collected, sorted, and trash contamination will be removed. Trail says before this initiative, there was nowhere to separate recyclable materials…

Cut 11 (08)  “…the park.”

Trail says collection totals will be recorded on a bi-weekly basis to determine the program’s success rate…

Cut 12 (08)    “…going forever” 

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Louisiana lawmakers have succeeded in overriding the governor’s veto of a bill that bans doctors from performing a medical procedure that attempts to alter the biological sex of a minor. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment has called the bill the “Stop Harming Our Kids Act”….

Cut 13 (13) “…gender dysphoria” 

But New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes agreed with the governor’s veto message that the legislation is unconstitutional….

Cut 14 (12)  “…normal children” 

The House overrode the veto by five votes, on a 75-23 vote. Firment says 20 other states, including many in the South, have passed similar legislation

Cut 15 (12)  “…medical experiments.”

A federal judge last month struck down Arkansas version of the trans youth health care ban. Firment’s bill is set to go into effect in January. St. Martinville Senator Fred Mills voted no as he believes the Legislature should not get involved in the relationship between a patient and a child

Cut 16 (10) “..any of that”

The gender affirming care bill as some have called it, is the only bill that lawmakers successfully vetoed. The governor issued over two dozen vetoes from the recently completed legislative session.

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New Auburn Head Coach Hugh Freeze took the podium today at SEC Media Day. Freeze is known for his ability to turn programs around quickly after helping new FBS teams Arkansas St and Liberty to their first winning seasons and Ole Miss win its first SEC game in two years back in 2012. He’ll hope to help to rebuild Auburn after two losing seasons but says it starts with one position…

Cut 17 (20) “…that spot”

The first step for Freeze has been in recruiting adding 42 new players to the roster since last season ended. While Freeze thought Auburn might be an easier turnaround than his other rebuilds, he doesn’t underestimate the challenge of coaching a new roster…

Cut 18 (17) “…to this” 

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Mississippi State’s new Head Coach Zach Arnett spoke at SEC Media Days today. The Bulldog’s former defensive coordinator has the tall task of replacing the late Mike Leach which starts on the offensive side of the ball. Leach was known for his iconic Air Raid offense but Arnett says new coordinator Kevin Barbay brings a different approach…

Cut 19 (21) “…what they do.” 

While the Bulldogs may be experiencing some major coaching changes, they’ll have many returning players this year including the top two tacklers in the SEC, linebackers Jett Johnson and Nathaniel Watson. Arnett says they’ll be essential in the team’s success…

Cut 20 (14)  “…they didn’t”  

5:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana lawmakers have succeeded in overriding the governor’s veto of a bill that bans doctors from performing a medical procedures that attempt to alter the biological sex of a minor. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment has called the bill the “Stop Harming Our Kids Act”….
cut 13 (13) “…gender dysphoria”
New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes agreed with the governor’s veto message that the legislation is unconstitutional….
cut 14 (12) “….normal children”
A federal judge last month struck down the Arkansas version of the trans youth health care ban. Firment’s bill is set to go into effect in January.

New campaign finance reports shows Republican Jeff Landry has nine-million dollars available in his gubernatorial campaign warchest, while the lone major Democrat in the race, Shawn Wilson has just 594-thousand dollars. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Wilson will have to pick up the pace…
cut 12 (04) “….statewide office”

U.S. Attorney Brandon Brown says 24 people closely associated with a Shreveport street gang are facing charges related to a CARES Act fraud scheme. Brown says the defendants defrauded the federal government of thousands of dollars by taking advantage of small business pandemic relief loans to fund criminal activity…
Cut 4 (12) “…vulnerable state.”
Brown says the defendants manufactured a variety of artificial businesses in order to fraudulently receive pandemic relief dollars.

4:45 LRN Sportscast July 18

The LSU offense is poised to be one of the best in the SEC this year with many of its key players returning including the entire offensive line. Fifth-year senior quarterback Jayden Daniels may have a season under his belt and Heisman aspirations, but Coach Brian Kelly says that doesn’t mean he can relax now with sophomore Garret Nussmeier getting better every day…

Cut 16

Nussmeier went 11-of-15 for 173 yards and two touchdowns in LSU’s 63-7 Citrus Bowl victory last year.

LSU Catcher Hayden Travinski announced he’ll be returning to LSU for his final season of eligibility after going undrafted in the MLB draft. Travinski exploded offensively late into the season batting .356 on the year with 30 RBI and 10 homers. He’ll join fellow catcher Alex Milazzo who is also expected to return after suffering an injury during the final game of the championship series against Florida.

Auburn was one of four teams to be featured at the SEC Media Day in Nashville today. First-year coach Hugh Freeze spoke to reporters about the challenges of rebuilding a football program as he has at Arkansas St, Ole Miss, and Liberty. With 42 new players on this year’s roster, Freeze says it all starts with one position…

Cut 17

LSU Pitcher and No. 1 overall pick Paul Skenes signed a contract with the pirates that includes a record-setting $9.2 million signing bonus. The deal breaks the record previously set by 2020 top pick Spencer Torkelson and the Detroit Tigers. Skenes will begin his pro career at the Florida complex League in Bradenton. 2nd overall pick Dylan Crews has yet to ink a deal.

4:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Legislature has voted to override the governor’s veto of a bill that bans doctors from performing medical procedures that can alter a child’s sex. The House overrode the veto by five votes, on a 75-23 vote. The bill’s author, Pollock Representative Gabe Firment says 20 other states, including many in the South, have passed similar legislation…
cut 15 (12) “…medical experiments”
On a 28-11 vote, two more yes votes than needed, the Senate also voted to overturn the veto. St. Martinville Senator Fred Mills voted no as he believes the Legislature should not get involved in the relationship between a patient and a child…
cut 16 (11) “…any of that”
Expect legal action to block the law from going into effect.

New campaign finance numbers show Republican Jeff Landry has a huge advantage in available dollars over his opponents. Landry reported raising 4.5 million dollars from April 8th to July 7th and has nine-point-two million dollars on hand. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says that’s a lot of cash
Cut 10 (08) “… in the race”
Republicans John Schroder and Stephen Waguespack have about two million dollars in cash on hand and so does independent Hunter Lundy.

Grant Parish Deputies have seized over 71 pounds of marijuana in the largest drug bust in parish history. Sheriff Steven McCain says the large quantity of pot had a street value of 586-thousand dollars…
Cut 3 (07) “….our community.”
After a month-long investigation, 57-year-olds Charles Dupry and David Hollis of Pollock were arrested in connection with the sting operation.

3:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana House has voted to override the governor’s veto on a bill that would prohibit doctors from performing sex altering medical procedures on transgender minors. Marksville Republican Daryl Deshotel cut his family vacation in France short so he can vote “Yes” to override..
Cut 6 (12) “…for it.”
The vote was 75-23 in favor of overturning the veto. It needed 70 votes.

The Senate has yet to vote to override the governor’s veto on a ban on transgender health care for youth.

The author of a vetoed bill that would phase out the corporate franchise tax decides not to seek an override vote. Franklin Senator Bret Allain says it’s Louisiana’s worst tax, because it hinders economic development
Cut 8 (08) “…the veto”
In his veto letter, Edwards agreed the corporate franchise tax is antiquated, but the fiscal impact is not known.

Two people have been arrested in what authorities are calling the largest marijuana drug bust in Grant Parish history. 71-pounds of marijuana were seized with a street value of 586-thousand dollars. Sheriff Steve McCain says this is high-grade pot…
cut 4 (09) “…40-percernt”
The two men arrested have been identified as Charles Dupry and Davis Hollis. Both are 57-years-old and from Pollock.

Another hot day in Louisiana and the near record heat is expected to continue for the rest of the week. LRN meteorologist John Weatherbee says if you plan to spend several hours outside, drink plenty of water…
cut 14 (11) “…elderly too”
Radar indicates no afternoon cooling showers today.

LRN PM Newscall July 18

Published campaign finance reports shows Republican Jeff Landry with a huge lead over his opponents in campaign dollars as Landry seeks to replace Governor John Bel Edwards. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (27)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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From film study to Moneyball, sports analysis is always changing, and LSU Coach Brian Kelly says AI could be the next step in LSU’s recruiting process. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Kace Kieschnick”  

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Grant Parish Deputies have seized over 71 pounds of marijuana worth over half a million dollars in the largest drug bust in parish history. Sheriff Steven McCain says the large quantity of pot had a street value of 586-thousand dollars…

Cut 3 (07) “….our community.” 

After a month-long investigation, 57-year-old Charles Dupry and David Hollis of Pollock were arrested in connection with the seizure. McCain says the THC levels in marijuana today are much higher than ever before…

Cut 4 (09)  “…forty percent” 

Hollis faces one count of possession with intent to distribute, four counts of illegal carrying of weapons, and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. Dupry is charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Hollis says tips and leads made these arrests possible…

Cut 5 (10)  “…the information.”

Detectives also seized four firearms. Dupry and Hollis were booked into Grant Parish jail.

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The Louisiana House has voted to override the governor’s veto on a bill that would prohibit doctors from performing sex altering medical procedures on transgender minors. Marksville Republican Daryl Deshotel cut his family vacation in France short so he can vote “Yes” to override..

Cut 6 (12)  “…for it.” 

The vote was 75-23 in favor of overturning the veto. It needed 70 votes.

Deshotel says he had to stay up for 28 hours in order to fly back after spending a few days in France with his family. He wanted to be in Baton Rouge for this historic override session…

Cut 7 (11)  “…some of those vetoes.” 

As of publish time, the Senate has yet to vote to override the governor’s veto on a ban on transgender health care for youth.

The author of a vetoed bill that would phase out the corporate franchise tax decides not to seek an override vote. Franklin Senator Bret Allain says it’s Louisiana’s worst tax, because it hinders economic development

Cut 8 (08)  “…the veto” 

In his veto letter, Edwards agreed the corporate franchise tax is antiquated, but the fiscal impact is not known. Allain is term-limited so he hopes the next Legislature will take up this legislation again in 2025, which is the next fiscal session.

Cut 9 (12)  “…that opportunity”

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New campaign finance numbers show Republican Jeff Landry has a huge advantage in available dollars over his opponents. Landry reported raising 4.5 million dollars from April 8th to July 7th and has nine-point-two million dollars on hand. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross….

Cut 10 (08)  “… in the race”

Republicans John Schroder and Stephen Waguespack have about two million dollars in cash on hand and so does independent Hunter Lundy. Cross calls that a respectable total…

Cut 11 (07)  “…mean more”

Republican state legislators Sharon Hewitt and Richard Nelson have less than a million dollars on hand and so does Democrat Shawn Wilson. Cross says Wilson will have to do much better than 594-thousand dollars on hand…

Cut 12 (04) “…statewide office” 

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A heat advisory is in effect again today and we can expect near-record heat for the rest of the week. Heat indices will reach between 105 to 112-degrees. LRN meteorologist John Wetherbee says heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration are concerns for those who spend a lot of time outdoors…

Cut 13 (13) “…nine minutes.”

Wetherbee says if you plan to spend several hours outside, drink plenty of water.

Cut  14 (11)  “..elderly too”

2:30 LRN Newscast July 18

The Louisiana House has voted to override the governor’s veto on a bill that would prohibit doctors from performing sex altering medical procedures on minors. The vote was 75-23 in favor of overturning the veto. Marksville Representative Daryl Deshotel cut short his family vacation to France to be at the capitol to vote in support of the bill and others that were vetoed…
cut 7 (11) “…those vetoes”
The Louisiana Senate still has to vote on overriding House Bill 648.

The Louisiana Senate will not vote to override a proposal to phase out the corporate franchise tax. Franklin Senator Bret Allain says he didn’t have the 26 votes needed, but hopes the next Legislature looks to get rid of this tax that hinders economic development…
cut 9 (12) “…..that opportunity”

Published campaign finance reports shows Republican Jeff Landry with a huge lead over his opponents in campaign dollars as Landry seeks to replace Governor John Bel Edwards. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Two men from Pollock have been arrested in what authorites say is the largest marijuana drug bust in the history of Grant Parish. Sheriff Steven McCain says 71 pounds of marijuana was seized and 57-year-olds David Hollis and Charles Dupry are in custody…
cut 5 (10) “…the information”

1:30 LRN Newscast

The veto session is underway and the author of a vetoed bill that would phase out the corporate franchise tax decides not to seek an override vote. Franklin Senator Bret Allain says it’s the worst tax Louisiana has on its books, because it hinders economic development….
cut 8 (08) “…the veto”
Allain needed 26 votes in the 39-member Senate. We are still waiting for a override veto vote in the House on a bill that bans medical procedures on transgender minors.

New campaign finance reports shows Republican Jeff Landry has nine-million dollars available in his gubernatorial campaign, while the lone major Democrat in the race, Shawn Wilson has just 594-thousand dollars. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Wilson will have to pick up the pace…
cut 12 (04) “….statewide office”

From film study to Moneyball, sports analysis is always changing, and LSU Coach Brian Kelly says AI could be the next step in LSU’s recruiting process.
Cut 2 (33) “….I’m Kace Kieschnick”

Two people have been arrested in what authorities are calling the largest marijuana drug bust in Grant Parish history. 71-pounds of marijuana were seized with a street value of 586-thousand dollars. Sheriff Steve McCain says this is high-grade pot…
cut 4 (09) “…40-percernt”

12:30 LRN Newscast

New Campaign finance reports are out and Jeff Landry has seen a fundraising explosion over his opponents with nine point two million dollars on hand. Republicans John Schroder and Stephen Waguespack have about two million dollars in cash on hand and so does independent Hunter Lundy.  ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross calls that a respectable total…

Cut 11 (07)  “…mean more”

Landry pulled in 4.5 million dollars during the April 8th to July 7th fundraising period.

A heat advisory is in effect again today and we can expect near-record heat for the rest of the week. Heat indices will reach between 105 to 112-degrees. LRN meteorologist John Wetherbee says heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration are concerns for those who spend a lot of time outdoors…

Cut 13 (13) “…nine minutes.”

Wetherbee says if you plan to spend several hours outside, drink plenty of water.

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor releases a new report that finds staffing shortages present challenges for administering state parks. Director of State Parks Brandon Burris says despite the audit’s findings, visitation numbers are high.

Cut 8 (11) “…we are.’”

While the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in visitation, recent hurricanes have damaged or forced some parks to close.

LSU won an SEC West title in Coach Brian Kelly’s first season at the helm and the Tigers plan on building on that success this season. Jayden Daniels is back as the starting QB and Daniels believes they can have one of the top offenses in the country…