11:30 LRN Newscast

Tropical Storm Arthur is no more, but it’s going to be a while before it becomes a distant memory. The storm spawned a handful of tornadoes in southeast Louisiana, including Metro New Orleans, causing damage to several homes, including more than a half-dozen in and near Houma. Earl Eues, the director of the Terrebonne Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says the rain came down so hard and so fast that it overwhelmed the parish’s flood control system.

Cut 10 (09) “…to catch up.” 

National Weather Service Meteorologist Phil Grigsby says those areas got about six to nine inches of rain – and the same is also true for areas further north.

Cut 7 (14) “…over 10 inches.”

The Louisiana Farm Bureau convention kicks off today with a record 16-hundred farmers and their families expected to attend. The four-day event will host Labor, Environmental, Farm-to-Table and Commodity Conferences. Bureau Communications Director Avery Davidson says the convention is always the most important event of the year.

Cut 3 (09) “…coming year.”

The next time you go to a fast food restaurant in Louisiana, be on your best behavior towards the employees, or else. Governor Landry signed the Behind The Counter Protection Act, which toughens penalties for those convicted of assaulting retail and service employees. Landry signed the bill in a ceremony at a Baton Rouge McDonald’s.

Cut 13 (07)  “…lost their civility.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

While Tropical Storm Arthur did not pack any damaging winds, it did dump large amounts of rain throughout South Louisiana – enough to overwhelm drainage pumps. National Weather Service Meteorologist Phil Grigsby says areas near New Orleans were especially hit hard.

Cut 6 (08) “…to nine inches.”

Terrebonne Parish was among the parishes that sustained the heaviest damage from the storm. Earl Eues, the director of the Terrebonne Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says the damage was not only from flood waters, but also from tornadoes.

Cut 9 (12)  “…some minor damage.”

Eues says the rain came down so fast that the drainage pumps couldn’t keep up, and that caused some homes to flood.

The 104th annual Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention kicked off in New Orleans today. Kace Kieschick reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

We’re getting details of Cam Jordan’s one-year deal with the Saints that he says will be his last with the team and the NFL. Jordan’s base value is seven and a half million dollars; and if he reaches certain sack incentives, he can add an additional three-million dollars to that total.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Tropical Storm Arthur may have dissipated, but the cleanup in some areas is just getting started. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says an unexpected turn to the north yesterday afternoon kept rainfall totals down.

Cut 10 (07) “…eight or so.”

Still, there are reports of several areas throughout South Louisiana which became flooded, stretching across the entire state from Lake Charles to New Orleans.

If you become aggressive towards fast food employees, be prepared to pay a steep price. Governor Landry signed the Behind The Counter Protection Act, which toughens penalties for those convicted of assaulting retail and service employees. John Valluzzo, whose family operates McDonald’s locations in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi, says this law is needed to protect his employees

Cut 15 (09) “…be treated respectfully.”

School districts throughout the state are expressing concern about Governor Landry’s plan to redirect 168-million dollars in public school funding to extend the teacher and support staff stipends for another year. Louisiana Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack says this would be a one-year reduction.

Cut 6 (07) “…need.”

Franklin Parish running back Trey Martin has committed to LSU. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

The next time you go to a fast food restaurant, be nice to the employees, or else. Andrew Greenstein explains why.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Flash flood and tornado watches and warnings were issued overnight for parts of southeast Louisiana as the remnants of what was Tropical Storm Arthur remained.  LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says this storm was proof we should never let our guard down.

Cut 12 (07) “…just be vigilant.”

———————

Louisiana Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack has reviewed the financials of the state’s public-school districts, and says most of them have the funds to support Governor Landry’s plan to cover the cost of a two-thousand-dollar stipend for teachers and a one-thousand-dollar stipend for school support workers.

Cut 5 (11) “…one time ask.”

LSU and Hyundai Steel inked a Master Research Agreement in collaboration with its 5.8-billion-dollar steel mill scheduled to open in Ascension Parish in 2029. LSU Assistant Vice Chancellor of Research Partnerships Greg Trahan (truh-HAHN) says the research agreement is unlike any LSU has ever signed as it outlines a new way to work with a company.

Cut 9 (14)  “…of talent development.”

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor believes the funds are available for school systems to pay teachers their stipends so they do not receive pay cuts. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Parts of Louisiana are still experiencing the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur seeing flash flood and tornado watches and warnings overnight.  And LSUU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s another frontal system heading our way.

Cut 11 (08) “…afternoon convective showers.”

——————

LSU and Hyundai Steel have signed a Master Research Agreement.  It’s all part of Hyundai’s 5.8-billion-dollar steel mill scheduled to open in Ascension Parish in 2029. LSU Assistant Vice Chancellor of Research Partnerships Greg Trahan (truh-HAHN) says the agreement allow Hyundai Steel and LSU to collaborate on any research opportunities the company may encounter, giving Hyundai access to LSU’s research personnel and resources.

Cut 8 (14) “…every academic discipline.”

Governor Jeff Landry has signed the “Behind the Counter Protection Act” into law.  It toughens penalties for those convicted of assaulting retail and service employees. The bill was authored by Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin.

Cut 14 (10) “…behind the counters.”

 

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Franklin Parish four-star running back Trey Martin gave his verbal pledge to join LSU’s 2027 recruiting class. The rising senior is the number one running back in the state, and 247Sports ranks him as the 14th best back in the nation. The Voice of the Patriots, Matt Reynolds, says even as a freshman, you could tell Martin could be the best player to ever wear a Patriots uniform.

Cut 16 (16) “…a threat offensively.”

The LSU Tigers also got a commitment from four star edge rusher Chris Whitehead from Chesterfield, Virgina. Ohio State, South Carolina and Virginia Tech were also after Whitehead, who had 54 tackles and 10.5 sacks as a junior.  According to 2-4-7 sports, LSU’s recruiting class ranks as the 19th best.

 

The Saints have wrapped up mini-camp, but the work doesn’t stop. Quarterback Tyler Shough has plans to set up a passing retreat with the Saints receivers and Saints legend Drew Brees in San Diego. New Orleans has prioritized building chemistry this offseason, placing players into SWAT teams with teammates they may not usually be around. Shough says the offseason prep has helped on and off the field.

Cut 20 (18) “…have been around.”

At the College World Series, Oklahoma, who LSU beat in the SEC Tournament, is headed to the championship series of the C-W-S. The Sooners eliminated Georgia 11 to 4  as they hit five more runs last night. O-U will play North Carolina in a best out of three championship series starting on Saturday.

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

What was Tropical Storm Arthur is dissipating this morning after making landfall in Texas about halfway between Corpus Christi and made a turn to the North. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says that turn is what changed things for Louisiana’s rain forecast.

Cut 10 (07) “…eight or so.”

Flash flood and tornado watches and warnings were issued overnight for parts of southeast Louisiana , Radar from one New Orleans TV station’s confirmed a tornado on the ground in the Houma-Ashland area overnight, detecting debris in the atmosphere there.

Louisiana Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack has reviewed the financials of the state’s public-school districts, and he says most of them have the funds to support Governor Landry’s plan to cover the cost of a two-thousand-dollar stipend for teachers and a one-thousand-dollar stipend for school support workers.

Cut 4 (04) “…to do this.”

———————-

The next time you go to a fast food restaurant in Louisiana, be on your best behavior towards the employees, or else. Governor Landry signed the Behind The Counter Protection Act, which toughens penalties for those convicted of assaulting retail and service employees.

Cut 13 (07)  “…lost their civility.”
The bill by Baton Rouge representative Dixon McMakin, goes into effect August 1st.

LSU and Hyundai Steel inked a Master Research Agreement in collaboration with its 5.8-billion-dollar steel mill scheduled to open in Ascension Parish in 2029. LSU Assistant Vice Chancellor of Research Partnerships Greg Trahan (truh-HAHN) says the agreement isn’t just for one project; it’s for all of them.

Cut 7 (10) “…these research projects.”

LRN AM Newscall June 18

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor believes the funds are available for school systems to pay teachers their stipends so they do not receive pay cuts. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

The next time you go to a fast food restaurant, be nice to the employees, or else. Andrew Greenstein explains why.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Franklin Parish running back Trey Martin has committed to LSU. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

_________________________________________________________

Louisiana Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack has reviewed the financials of the state’s public-school districts, and he says most of them have the funds to support Governor Landry’s plan to cover the cost of a two-thousand-dollar stipend for teachers and a one-thousand-dollar stipend for school support workers.

Cut 4 (04) “…to do this.”

Landry is proposing a 168-million-dollar cut in public school funding and redirecting that money to pay the stipends teachers and school support workers have received the last three years. Waguespack says school districts have 1.8-billion dollars in their unassigned fund balances that can help pay for the loss in state aid for operation expenses.

Cut 5 (11) “…one time ask.”

The governor’s plan needs legislative support. Two-thirds of the state lawmakers have to approve, and mail-in ballots are due by 5 p-m on June 23rd.

Landry has also a created a task force to study how the state can use its resources better to fund teacher salaries and get their pay closer to the Southern Regional Average. Waguespack says this reduction in state funding is just for one year.

Cut 6 (07) “…need.”

Local school officials say Landry’s plan cuts state funding by about five-percent.

___________________________________________________

LSU and Hyundai Steel inked a Master Research Agreement in collaboration with its 5.8-billion-dollar steel mill scheduled to open in Ascension Parish in 2029. LSU Assistant Vice Chancellor of Research Partnerships Greg Trahan (truh-HAHN) says the agreement isn’t just for one project; it’s for all of them.

Cut 7 (10) “…these research projects.”

The agreement will allow Hyundai Steel and LSU to collaborate on whatever research opportunities the company may encounter. Trahan says the agreement gives Hyundai access to LSU’s research personnel and resources.

Cut 8 (14) “…every academic discipline.”

Trahan says the research agreement is unlike any LSU has ever signed. It clears up any potential patent disputes upfront and allows for quick action and scientific advancement. He says it’s not just about a single investment or project, but a new way to work with a company.

Cut 9 (14)  “…of talent development.”

___________________________________________________

Tropical Storm Arthur is dissipating as it moves over land in Texas and into Louisiana. The storm made landfall in Texas about halfway between Corpus Christi and Galveston and started its northward turn from there. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says with that unexpected turn to the north, Louisiana won’t be as hard hit as originally forecast.

Cut 10 (07) “…eight or so.”

Keim says once Arthur moves out of the region, another frontal system will be coming through the state.

Cut 11 (08) “…afternoon convective showers.”

Keim says Tropical Storm Arthur is proof that even with a lower than normal hurricane forecast for the season, you should not let your guard down under any circumstances.

Cut 12 (07) “…just be vigilant.”

___________________________________________________

The next time you go to a fast food restaurant in Louisiana, be on your best behavior towards the employees, or else. Governor Landry signed the Behind The Counter Protection Act, which toughens penalties for those convicted of assaulting retail and service employees. Landry signed the bill in a ceremony at a Baton Rouge McDonald’s.

Cut 13 (07)  “…lost their civility.”

The bill was authored by Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin, who noted that while there have been no notable incidents in Louisiana, employees should not have to deal with out-of-control customers.

Cut 14 (10) “…behind the counters.”

John Valluzzo, whose family operates McDonald’s locations in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi, says this law is needed to protect his employees

Cut 15 (09) “…be treated respectfully.”

The law goes into effect August 1st.

___________________________________________________

Franklin Parish four-star running back Trey Martin gave his verbal pledge to join LSU’s 2027 recruiting class. The rising senior is the number one running back in the state, and 247Sports ranks him as the 14th back nationwide. The Voice of the Patriots, Matt Reynolds, says even as a freshman, you could tell Martin could be the best player to ever wear a Patriots uniform.

Cut 16 (16) “…a threat offensively.”

Martin racked up over 13-hundred rushing yards and 31 touchdowns his junior season. He also runs track for Franklin Parish with an 11.31-second 100-meter sprint time. Reynolds says the six-foot, 200-pound back can beat you any way you like.

Cut 17 (18)  “…got breakaway speed.”

Martin is the third running back to commit to LSU’s 2027 class, alongside four-star Tre Segarra and three-star Brennan Lacey. Reynolds says Martin is all business off the field. He takes care of himself and is obsessed with getting better.

Cut 18 (14) “…on the field.”

____________________________________________________

The Saints finished veteran minicamp yesterday and are out for the summer until training camp begins in late July. Quarterback Tyler Shough says he’s spent the entire offseason in New Orleans, and he says it will make a big difference heading into year two.

Cut 19 (14) “…these new guys?”

Shough has plans to set up a passing retreat with the Saints receivers and Saints legend Drew Brees in San Diego. New Orleans has prioritized building chemistry this offseason, placing players into SWAT teams with teammates they may not usually be around. Shough says the offseason prep has helped on and off the field.

Cut 20 (18) “…have been around.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast

Tropical Storm Arthur made landfall in Texas about halfway between Corpus Christi and Galveston and started its northward turn from there. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says with that unexpected turn to the north, Louisiana won’t be as hard hit as originally forecast.

Cut 10 (07) “…eight or so.”

Senator Bill Cassidy is speaking out against the proposed deal with Iran to end the war and re-open the Strait of Hormuz. Cassidy says if it goes through, the deal makes the entire U.S.-led operation in vain.

Cut 6 (14) “…everyone failed.”

Cassidy says the deal strikes him as what he terms “JCPOA 2.0,” which was the deal that President Obama struck with Iran, which he also opposed.

An Australian woman in Franklinton faces voter fraud charges for allegedly illegally voting in the last two federal elections. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Tropical Storm Arthur has forced some adjustments to early voting in Cameron Parish. Governor Landry has issued an executive order suspending early voting tomorrow. There’s no early voting Friday because of the Juneteenth holiday. Early voting will proceed as normal in all other parishes.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU added another commitment in five-star edge rusher Chris Whitehead. Whitehead is the top prospect in Virginia and ranks as high as the number four edge rusher in the country. He joins a 2027 class with another top edge in the nation, five-star KJ Green.

Whitehead’s commitment comes just hours after LSU received a verbal pledge from Franklin Parish four-star running back Trey Martin. Martin is the top running back prospect in Louisiana. Franklin Parish football coach Adrian Burnnette says he’s a special athlete.

Cut 13 (12) “…out of it.”

Lane Kiffin’s staff is red hot, adding nine commitments in less than two weeks. The Tigers have climbed all the way up to 19th in 247Sports’ recruiting class rankings after ranking 62nd just 11 days ago.

Lane Kiffin told former Tiger Tyrann Mathieu on his “In the Bayou” podcast that LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt is healthy and fully cleared for summer workouts. The Arizona State transfer missed much of last season with a nagging right foot injury.

Saints all-time sack leader Cameron Jordan is back for one final season in New Orleans. The 15-year vet signed an incentive-laden, one-year deal to likely finish his career with the team that drafted him in 2011. Jordan says GM Mickey Loomis told him he’d always have a job in New Orleans, and former teammates like Mark Ingram, Michael Thomas and Demario Davis all told him what he needed to do.

Cut 17 (10)  “…in my corner.”

Louisiana Tech infielder Bradi Gallaway announced she’d be transferring to Texas Tech. Gallaway hit .317 with 12 doubles and 11 homers and started all 55 games as a freshman this season. She’ll join LSU softball ace Jayden Heavener in Lubbock.