10:30 LRN Newscast

The US Supreme Court’s rejection of President Biden’s student loan plan to erase portions of their loans is receiving criticism. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says it sends the wrong message to students who’ve worked hard to get their college degrees.

Cut 7 (07) “…provide help.”

Carter says the federal government regularly forgives the debt of businesses, industries, and even small countries and students deserve the same. 

Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator says he will not run for re-election due to a recent diagnosis of a treatable heart condition. Prator says he will continue to serve as sheriff for the next 12 months.

Cut 14 (12)  “…in Caddo Parish.”

At the end of his current term, he will have served 24 years.

A new poll in the Governor’s race shows GOP candidate Stephen Waguespack moving into 3rd place, but is it an accurate representation of voter preference? Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 3 (32)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

 State Police have identified the woman who was killed after her car crashed into the Amite River in Livingston Parish on Saturday night. They say for unknown reasons, 37-year-old Sara Marshall of Prairieville ran off the road and into the river. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

 

 

09:30 LRN Newscast, July 3rd

A new poll on the 2023 Governor’s race shows Democrat Shawn Wilson slightly ahead of Republican front-runner Jeff Landry, but also shows former LABI head Stephen Waguespack surging into 3rd place. The poll was conducted for Reboot La, a PAC supporting Waguespack. Political analyst Roy Fletcher says this poll is accurate…:
CUT 12 (07) “but that’s malarkey”
Fletcher places more faith in independent pollsters.

Taxes on e-cigarettes and vape products in Louisiana have tripled as of July 1. Secretary of Department of Revenue Kevin Richard says retailers must use electronic age verification platforms…:
Cut 4 (13) “of age”
The law also says beginning on October 1st, manufacturers will have to register their products with ATC.

The US Supreme Court ruling that President Biden overstepped his authority to forgive federally backed student loans is receiving criticism. This ruling comes on the heels of affirmative action being overturned for college admission which New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says is another example of politics in the nation’s highest court:
Cut 9 (07) “of policy”
Carter says the federal government regularly forgives the debt of businesses, industries, and even small countries and students deserve the same.

LSU Star Pitcher Paul Skenes has raised nearly $50,000 for Folds of Honor, a non-profit that provides educational scholarships to the family members of military and first responders who have fallen or been disabled. Skenes’ effort got a big boost when Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves kicked in $20,000.

08:30 LRN Newscast, July 3rd

The chance that lawmakers will return to Baton Rouge for a veto override session went up Friday as Governor John Bel Edwards nixed anti-LGBTQ legislation. The Governor promised he would veto any measures similar to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay Bill” that seeks to ban talk about gender and sexual identity in K-12 classrooms. The governor called such proposals an attack on some of the state’s most vulnerable children.

Under a new law that went into effect July 1st, the taxes on nicotine vape products and e-cigarettes nearly tripled. Teiko Foxx reports..:
CUT 1 (33) “I’m Teiko Foxx”

The US Supreme court is being criticized for it’s decision to strike down President Biden’s student loan cancellation plan. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says it sends the wrong message to students who’ve worked hard to get their college degrees…:
Cut 7 (07) “provide help”
The court’s decision means payments would start back up again in October.

Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator says he will instead retire at the end of this year and not seek re-election. He says he wanted to announce his decision because there are only six weeks left to qualify for the office…:
Cut 15 (10) “successful campaign”
He stressed he is not resigning. Prator became sheriff in Caddo 23 years ago, and has been in law enforcement for 50 years.

 

07:30 LRN Newscast, July 3rd

A new poll on the 2023 Governor’s race shows Democrat Shawn Wilson slightly ahead of Republican front-runner Jeff Landry, but also shows former LABI head Stephen Waguespack surging into 3rd place. The poll was conducted for Reboot La, a PAC supporting Waguespack for Governor. Political analyst Roy Fletcher says he’s recently seen two independent polls that contradict Reboot La’s findings:
Cut 10 (12) “into double digits”
The gubernatorial primary election is October 14th, and the general election is November 18th.

After close to 50 years in law enforcement, Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator announces he will not seek re-election. Prator says a recent diagnosis of a treatable cardiac condition played a role in his decision:
Cut 13 (10) “this decision”

State Police have identified the woman who was killed after her car crashed into the Amite River in Livingston Parish on Saturday night. They say for unknown reasons, 37-year-old Sara Marshall of Prairieville ran off the road and into the river. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Supreme Court’s ruling that President Biden overstepped his authority on student loan debt forgiveness receives criticism. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

 

06:45 LRN Sportscast, July 3rd

LSU coach Jay Johnson has been named 2023 NCAA Division I National Coach of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association. It’s the second 2023 Coach of the Year Designation as he was also honored last week by Collegiate Baseball newspaper.

Meanwhile Johnson remains busy working on the 2024 season as he indicated at the celebration last week. Johnson announced he’s set to hire Nate Yeskie from Texas A&M as the Tigers next pitching coach. This fills the space left open by Wes Johnson who already announced his departure to become the head coach of the Georgia Bulldog Program.

And another accolade rolled in for star pitcher Paul Skenes who has been named the 2023 D1 Baseball Player of the Year after a historic season, helping to lead LSU to the national championship.

Skenes along with teammates Dylan Crews and Tommy White were named 2023 First-Team All-Americans by Baseball America magazine.

The New Orleans Pelicans have signed veteran center Cody Zeller to a 1-year, $3.1 million dollar deal, according to a report Sunday from ESPN. The other notable move by the Pels during this NBA Free agency period is the 4-year extension for defensive star Herb Jones.

Two former LSU players are on the rosters of teams beginning their NBA 2023 Summer League season in Salt Lake City starting today. Rookie free agent KJ Williams, who earned All-SEC honors this past season for the Tigers, will be playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder, while Javonte Smart, who played for LSU from 2018-21, will be with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Knicks guard Josh Hart, who previously played for the Pelicans, has committed to the final roster spot on Team USA to play in this summer’s World Cup.

Another note on LSU star pitcher Paul Skenes. He raised tens of thousands of dollars for Folds of Honor, a non-profit that provides educational scholarships to family members of military and first responders who have fallen or been disabled.

06:30 LRN Newscast, July 3rd

The US Supreme court is being criticized for striking down President Biden’s student loan cancellation plan. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says the decision will limit the ability for many to purchase a home, start a business and spend extra money in local economies…:
Cut 8 (09) “them relief”
Student loan payment requirements are to resume in the fall.

State taxes on nicotine vape products and e-cigarettes tripled July 1st as a bill signed into law by Governor John Bel Edwards went into effect. Additionally, in the coming months every vapor and nicotine manufacturer whose products are sold in Louisiana must register the merchandise with the ATC.
Cut 6 (10) “current laws”
That’s Kevin Richard, Secretary of the Department of Revenue.

A new poll in the Governor’s race shows GOP candidate Stephen Waguespack surging into 3rd place, but is it an accurate representation of voter preference? Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 3 (32) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

LRN AM Newscall

Louisiana taxes on vape products and electronic cigarettes increased threefold from 5 cents per milliliter to 15 cents per milliliter as of July 1. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

The Supreme Court’s ruling that President Biden overstepped his authority on student loan debt forgiveness receives criticism. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

A new poll in the Governor’s race shows GOP candidate Stephen Waguespack surging into 3rd place, but is it an accurate representation of voter preference? Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 3 (32)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

_______________________________________________

Taxes on e-cigarettes and vape products in Louisiana have tripled as of July 1. Secretary of Department of Revenue Kevin Richard says retailers must use electronic age verification platforms…

Cut 4 (13)  “…of age.”

The Legislative Fiscal Office expects the tax bump – from five cents per milliliter to 15 cents per milliliter – to generate an additional $9.8 million in revenue annually on top of the roughly $5 million it currently brings in.

Retailers purchasing these products tax-free directly from online authorized manufacturers are required to pay the excise tax to the Department of Revenue monthly. Richard says anyone who does not comply will face penalties.

Cut 5 (13)   “…other offense.”

Beginning on Oct. 1, manufacturers will have to register their products with ATC. The law will also create a directory of all vape and alternative nicotine products authorized for sale in the state. Richard says retailers will need to comply…

Cut 6 (10)  “…current laws.”

The first $22 million raised annually will go to State Police pay raises.

________________________________________________

The US Supreme Court ruling that President Biden overstepped his authority to forgive federally backed student loans is receiving criticism. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says it’s a bad day for liberty, and it sends the wrong message to students who’ve worked hard to get their college degrees.

Cut 7 (07) “…provide help.”

Carter says the decision will limit the ability for many to purchase a home, start a business and spend extra money in local economies.

Cut 8 (09) “…them relief.’”

The court’s ruling on student debt forgiveness on the heels of affirmative action being overturned for college admission, Carter says is another example of politics in the nation’s highest court.

Cut 9 (07)  “…of policy.”

Carter says the federal government regularly forgives the debt of businesses, industries, and even small countries and students deserve the same.

____________________________________________

A new poll on the 2023 Governor’s race shows Democrat Shawn Wilson slightly ahead of Republican front-runner Jeff Landry, but also shows former LABI head Stephen Waguespack surging into 3rd place. The poll was conducted for Reboot La, a political action committee supporting Waguespack for Governor. Political analyst Roy Fletcher says he’s recently two independent polls that contradict Reboots LA’s findings…:

Cut 10 (12) “…into double digits.”

Remington Research did the survey for Reboot LA. In an “if the election were today” question in the poll, 27% said they’d choose the former DOTD Secretary, 25% said Landry and now 16% says Waguespack is their choice. Fletcher feels it’s no coincidence Waguespack shows well in a poll done by his supporters…:

Cut 11 (05)  “…for a reason.”

Reboot LA’s poll shows Waguespack 14 percentage points in just three months, to take an unofficial 3rd place. It also shows Shawn Wilson with a 2-point lead on Republican Jeff Landry. Fletcher says not to place too much faith in polling unless done by independent pollsters. He doubts the Remington/Reboot La poll is accurate…:

Cut 12 (07)    “…but that’s malarkey.” 

_______________________________________________

After close to 50 years in law enforcement, Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator announces he will not seek re-election. Prator says a recent diagnosis of a treatable cardiac condition played a role in his decision.

Cut 13 (10) “…this decision.”  

Prator says fundraising for his campaign was not an issue whatsoever and he had all intentions to seek re-election and donations to his campaign will be returned to donors. He says he’s not resigning and that he will continue to serve as sheriff for the next 12 months.

Cut 14 (12)  “…in Caddo Parish.”

Prator is among the longest-serving sheriffs in Caddo Parish, and at the end of his current term, he will have served 24 years. Prator says he wanted to announce his decision because there are only six weeks left to qualify for the office.

Cut 15 (10)  “…successful campaign.”

Prator’s career in law enforcement began in 1973 as a patrol officer in Shreveport. He then worked homicide, robbery, sex crimes, and narcotics before being appointed Chief of the Shreveport Police Department. His term as sheriff began in July of 2000.

___________________________

10:30 LRN Newscast, July 1st

Governor John Bel Edwards on Friday vetoed three bills widely opposed by LGBTQ+ advocates — his final actions on measures stemming from the 2023 legislative session. The Republican-controlled legislature will now consider whether to reconvene in a session that could override the governor’s vetoes. A two-thirds vote in the House and Senate is required to override a veto which is exceedingly rare in Louisiana.

AAA says this 4th of July Holiday weekend will be one of the busiest on record in terms of people who’ve decided to go out of town, and state officials are urging you not to drive impaired. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign is underway and Greg Fischer, with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says July 4th is among the worst holidays for DWI mishaps…:
Cut 13 (11) “impaired drivers”
The campaign is in place through Wednesday.

A stretch of I-10 was closed off to westbound traffic in Ascension Parish Friday after a portion of the roadway buckled from excessive heat, according to highway officials. The pothole was reported around near the Sorrento exit and was patched up about one hour later as traffic backed up for miles. DOTD says there have been numerous instances of buckling across the state.

Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise met with Brian Kelly, Nick Saban, and other SEC officials to discuss potential legislation surrounding college athlete NIL deals. There are no regulations and protections in the current NIL space and Scalise wants to have something in place to keep college athletics on the up and up…:
Cut 11 (14) “in jeopardy”

09:30 LRN Newscast, July 1st

The chance that lawmakers will return to Baton Rouge for a veto override session went up Friday as Governor John Bel Edwards nixed anti-LGBTQ legislation. The Governor promised he would veto any measures similar to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay Bill” that seeks to ban talk about gender and sexual identity in K-12 classrooms. The governor called such proposals an attack on some of the state’s most vulnerable children.

On a hot 4th of July weekend like this one where Excessive Heat Warnings remain in place, going out on the water is a great way to keep cool – but state officials urge you to have a sober boat operator. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has put Operation Dry Water in place this weekend where boating Education Coordinator Lt. Garret Kimble says to expect heightened enforcement…:
Cut 3 (05) “and checks”
A Drive Sober or Get Pulled over campaign is also in place for the Holiday weekend.

After close to 50 years in law enforcement, Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator announces he will not seek re-election. Prator says he wanted to make public his decision as there are only six weeks left to qualify for the office…:
Cut 15 (10) “successful campaign”
But he says he’s not resigning and that he will continue to serve as sheriff for the next 12 months.

Cops in East Baton Rouge Parish are looking for a driver who ran over a Central Police Officer’s leg during an incident Friday evening. They say when the officer learned there were narcotics in the vehicle the driver sped off causing the officer to be dragged before his leg was run over. The officer is expected to be okay, and now authorities are searching for the person involved.

08:30 LRN Newscast, July 1st

Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed anti-LGBTQ legislation Friday, including the state’s version of what critics call the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. GOP lawmakers have said if this happened as the governor promised, they would call for the legislature to return to Baton Rouge for a veto override session.

Most of the state is under yet another excessive heat warning today where the heat index could reach between 110-115 degrees. On Friday it got so hot in Ascension Parish that a section of I-10 buckled causing a brief shutdown near the Sorrento exit.

The 4th of July Holiday weekend is one of the deadliest on the roadways so expect to see lots of cops on the road as a Drive Sober or Get Pulled over campaign is underway.
Cut 12 (11) “off the road”
That’s Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.

Congressman Steve Scalise met with LSU Coach Brian Kelly and other SEC officials to discuss potential legislation regarding collegiate Name-Image-Likeness deals. Kace Kieschnick has more…:
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Kace Kieschnick”

LSU is set to hire Nate Yeskie from Texas A&M as its next pitching coach according to head coach Jay Johnson. Johnson confirmed a report that his former assistant coach would be reuniting with him in Baton Rouge. LSU is in need of a new pitching coach since former coach Wes Johnson was announced as the next head coach of the Georgia Bulldog program.