LRN PM Newscall May 26

An effort to hold former state police leader, Colonel Kevin Reeves, in contempt of the Legislature has been put on hold after an agreement is made on the viewing of his personal journals. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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As Entergy Louisiana customers could soon be paying monthly hurricane restoration charges totaling $4.5 billion, Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell is crying foul. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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A bill to require public schools to provide menstrual products for students advances in Senate Education. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says the bill was amended to remove the word restrooms and changed to an easily accessible location for female students.

Cut 3 (09) “..they need.”

Freeman told committee members that many female students miss class due to a lack of access to feminine products and providing them will ease that burden.

Cut 4  (06) “…for them.”

House Bill 195 advances but after the state budget has already been approved. The question of how schools will pay for menstrual products was also discussed. Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson spoke in support of the bill and recommended the Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus assist in locating funding.

Cut 5  (07) “…get appropriations.”

The bill has been referred to Senate Finance.

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Ponchatoula police have made multiple arrests involving firearms in recent weeks. The first took place in a Walmart parking on May 18 when officers responded to a call of an individual pointing a gun at children. Chief Bry Layrisson says two men, 22-year-old Kylin Sexton and 25-year-old Tyshon Coleman, both of Hammond were taken into custody.

Cut 6  (10) “…incidents occurred.” 

A search of the duo’s vehicle produced multiple Glock 9 millimeter handguns, more than 15-hundred pills suspected to be Oxycodone Hydrochloride, as well marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. Chief Layrisson says the two suspects didn’t do a very good job of being inconspicuous.

Cut 7 (10) “…acting a fool.” 

This past Sunday, officers were called to the Ponchatoula Community Center after two men showed guns during a fight. Two suspects were arrested, 18-year-old Charles Wheeler and a 16-year-old juvenile. An AR-15 and AK-47 were found at the scene.

Cut 8 (12) “…were harmed.” 

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Former State Police leader Colonel Kevin Reeves has agreed to turn over his personal journals by tomorrow afternoon if they remain sealed from public view in order to avoid a contempt charge.  Houma Representative Tanner Magee is seeking to hold Reeves in contempt after he withheld certain pages from the journals from a committee investigating the state police custody death of Ronald Greene…

Cut 9 (12) “…for now.”

Reeves’ attorney Lewis Unglesby says his client has nothing to hide and that the pages lawmakers are seeking to see do not contain any new information about Greene’s death…

Cut 10 (10) ” …told you.” 

Reeves’ personal financial information contained in the journals will be redacted.

A special House committee looking into Greene’s violent arrest by State Police in May of 2019 in Union Parish says Reeves’ journal entries are critical to an investigation into a possible cover-up by State Police. But Unglesby believes it’s unfair how the committee is treating Reeves…

Cut 11 (12)  “…in any way” 

Unglesby says the blame should be put on Trooper Chris Hollingsworth who was involved in Greene’s beating. Hollingsworth died 16 months later in a single-vehicle crash.

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Entergy Louisiana customers could soon be paying hurricane restoration charges monthly for the next several years. However, Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says it’s time for the utility provider to pay their fair share after giving stockholders $3 billion in dividends and the CEO a one million dollar raise.

Cut 12 (12) “…the people.”  

Campbell says costs incurred to restore power after storms are typically passed along to customers and the estimated tally from Entergy is $4.5 billion.

Cut 13 (08) “…the roof.”

The outspoken commissioner believes there are enough members who share his view and they could vote for Entergy to pay for at least 20-percent of restoration costs. Campbell also questions the utility provider’s business practices.

Cut 14 (12)  “…territory.”

Campbell says he questioned Entergy CEO and Chairman Leo Denault about his reported trip during Ida and Denault confirmed he was in Colorado.

2:30 LRN Newscast May 26

Entergy Louisiana customers could soon be paying monthly hurricane restoration charges totaling over $4-billion, and Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell is crying foul. More from Brooke Thorington…:

CUT 02(34)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

State Police Troop E reports they’re investigating a deputy-involved shooting last night near the Winn Parish town of Dodson. There are hardly any details as yet, but we do know the incident involved a Jackson Parish deputy and it happened along U.S. Highway 167. More as it develops.

 

Former State Police superintendent Colonel Kevin Reeves has agreed to turn over his personal journals by tomorrow afternoon – if they remain sealed from public view – in order to avoid a contempt charge. A legislative panel investigating the death of Ronald Greene in 2019 seeks to hold Reeves in contempt for withholding journal entries as evidence. His lawyer, Lewis Unglesby, says Reeves has nothing to hide and the pages requested have nothing to do with the Greene case…:

CUT 10(10)      “…what I told you.”

Unglesby says the blame for Greene’s death should be put on Trooper Chris Hollingsworth, who died a little over a year after the incident in a single-vehicle crash.

State Treasurer John Schroder’s office says they’ve sent out over 27-thousand checks; re-uniting people with what the state calls Unclaimed Property. That can be from old payroll checks, old bank accounts, royalties, utility or rental deposits, interest payments and more. The checks sent out this week total over $4-million. To find out of you have money waiting for you, go to “LaCashClaim.org” to search by name.

1:30 LRN Newscast May 26

Former State Police leader Colonel Kevin Reeves agrees to turn over his personal journals by Friday if they remain sealed from public view to avoid a contempt charge from the legislative committee investigating the death of Ronald Greene. Reeves’ attorney Lewis Unglesby says his client has nothing to hide and that the pages they are seeking do not contain any new information.

Cut 10 (10) ” …told you.” 

22-year-old Kylin Sexton and 25-year-old Tyshon Coleman both of Hammond were arrested after reportedly pointing a gun at children in the parking lot of a Ponchatoula Walmart. Authorities found multiple handguns, and several illegal drugs in their vehicle. Ponchatoula Police Chief Bry Layrisson

Cut 7 (10) “…acting a fool.”

 

Entergy Louisiana customers could soon be paying monthly hurricane restoration charges for 15 years totaling $4.5 billion. However, Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says it’s time for Entergy to pay some especially after they made significant profits.

Cut 13 (08) “…the roof.”

Campbell says Entergy shareholders received $3-billion in dividends and their CEO received a million-dollar pay increase.

A bill requiring public schools to provide menstrual products for students, advances but does so after the state budget has been approved. The question of who will pay for them was discussed in Senate Education. Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson recommended the Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus could assist in locating funding.

Cut 5 (07) “…get appropriations.”

The bill has been referred to Senate Finance.

 

12:30 LRN Newscast May 26

A bill to require public schools to provide menstrual products for students advances in Senate Education. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says the bill was amended to remove the word restrooms and changed to an easily accessible location for female students. Freeman told committee members that many female students miss class due to a lack of access to feminine products and providing them will ease that burden.

Cut 4 (06) “…for them.”

Ponchatoula police have made multiple arrests involving firearms in recent weeks. The first took place in a Walmart parking on May 18 when officers responded to a call of an individual pointing a gun at children. Chief Bry Layrisson says two men, 22-year-old Kylin Sexton and 25-year-old Tyshon Coleman, both of Hammond were taken into custody on weapons and drug charges without incident.

Cut 6 (10) “…incidents occurred.”

Former State Police leader Colonel Kevin Reeves, who is facing a contempt charge, has agreed to turn over his personal journals by tomorrow afternoon if they remain sealed from public view. Houma Representative Tanner Magee is seeking to hold Reeves in contempt after he withheld certain pages from the journals from a committee investigating the state police custody death of Ronald Green…

Cut 9 (12) “…for now.”

Reeves’ attorney Lewis Unglesby says his client has nothing to hide.

Entergy Louisiana customers could soon be paying hurricane restoration charges monthly for the next several years. However, Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says it’s time for the utility provider to pay their fair share after giving stockholders $3 billion in dividends and the CEO a one million dollar raise.

Cut 12 (12) “…the people.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast May 26

After several delays, the LSU Tigers will finally get to play their opening game at the SEC tournament when they face 12th-seeded Kentucky at 7 pm tonight. Having a couple of extra days of rest could be good for the LSU pitching staff. Ma’Khail Hilliard has been the team’s top starting pitcher, but a true number two hasn’t emerged, meaning the Tigers will rely heavily on their bullpen. SEC Network host Peter Burns says a lack of quality arms is a problem across the SEC.

Cut 18 (20) “…is injured.”

Tulane beat South Florida, 9-6 to stave off elimination in the AAC tournament. The Wave will play either Cincinnati or East Carolina on Friday at 1 pm.

In Conference USA, Louisiana Tech scored a 4-0 shutout of Charlotte. The Bulldogs scored all four runs in the bottom of the first, capped off by a two-run home run by Adarius Myers. Cade Gibson went five innings, striking out seven without a walk to pick up the win. Tech advances to face third-seeded Old Dominion this afternoon at 4 pm.

Grambling fell to Bethune-Cookman 4-3 at the SWAC tourney. The Tigers will face either Alabama State or Texas Southern this afternoon in an elimination game. Southern opens the tournament against Jackson State at 1 pm.

Due to weather, the Sunbelt conference tourney is now single-elimination. No games today, but UL-Lafayette will play South Alabama at 4 pm Friday, followed by UL-Monroe and top-seeded Texas State.

The best-of-three Southland Conference championship series starts tonight in Lake Charles with the top two seeds, McNeese and Southeastern squaring off. The Cowboys swept the Lions during the regular season, outscoring Southeastern 21-11 over three games. Game one starts at 6 pm.

The Saints’ preseason schedule is final. New Orleans will play three games starting on the road vs the Texans on Aug. 13 and the Packers on the 19th; finishing at home on Aug. 26 versus the Chargers.

11:30 LRN Newscast May 26

Louisiana Congressmen react to Tuesday’s mass shooting at a grade school in Uvalde, Texas. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Triple-A predicts 39-million Americans will travel this Memorial Day weekend. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says nearly eight percent of travelers are choosing air travel…

cut 10 (07) “…right now”

A House bill to require public schools to provide menstrual products for students advances in Senate Education. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says the bill was amended to remove the word restrooms and changed to an easily accessible location for female students.

Cut 3 (09) “..they need.”

The bill was referred to Senate Finance for funding for the products.

A House Resolution for members to volunteer as substitute teachers passes in House Governmental Affairs. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey supports the legislation and says while many lawmakers already volunteer in the community this is an ideal way to serve and have a better understanding of what teachers’ experience.

Cut 13 (09) “…our children.”

The resolution advances to the House floor.

10:30 LRN Newscast May 26

Louisiana Congressman Troy Carter reacts to Tuesday’s tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Carter says the massacre is “heartbreaking”, and mass shooters often have mental problems and there are steps we could take to screen them before they get a gun…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…should have been checked.”

A bill to ban corporal punishment in public schools finally gets House approval after it failed to get enough votes in the lower chamber on two previous tries this session. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey says he’s voted against the legislation in the past but likes the opt-in language it contains…

Cut 16 (11)  “…on their child.”

The legislation still needs Senate approval, and the legislative session ends June 6th

State Police are investigating a deputy-involved shooting in Winn Parish that resulted in one death. LSP says shortly after 5 PM Wednesday they were asked by the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office to investigate a deputy-involved shooting involving the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office on US Highway 167 Dodson. No other details were available.

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and people are ready to hit the road. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

9:30 LRN Newscast

More details are coming out about Tuesday’s Texas school shooting, where a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde. About a half-hour before an 18-year-old gunman unleashed terror at Robb Elementary School, he posted on Facebook he would shoot his grandmother, then announced he shot her and then sent another message declaring he would shoot an elementary school. Republican Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves says the issues for many mass shooters, particularly younger ones-often start in the home…
cut 7 (07) “….by their parents”
Democrat Louisiana Congressman Troy Carter says local and federal authorities need to take whatever steps are necessary to assure maximum safety for children at school…
cut 5 (14) “….prospensity for violence”

A resolution urging state representatives to serve as substitute teachers and then write about their experiences is awaiting a vote on the House floor. New Orleans Representative and former teacher Candace Newell says it’s important for lawmakers to serve in the education trenches, especially when they end up voting on a policy that impacts public schools…
cut 12 (11) “….should demand”

Triple-A is predicting 39-million Americans will travel this Memorial Day weekend, an eight percent increase over last year. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says about 35-million travelers will travel via automobile…
cut 9 (09) “…summer travel”
Redman says daily car rental rates have increased 170-percent compared to last year.

8:30 LRN Newscast May 26

Louisiana Congressmen react to Tuesday’s mass shooting at a grade school in Uvalde, Texas. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

State Police is investigating a fatal deputy-involved shooting in Winn Parish. Very little information has been released. All we know is that a subject is deceased after a deputy-involved shooting involving the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office on U-S Highway 167 near Dodson. L-S-P says more information will be released when it becomes available.

A bill to ban corporal punishment in public schools finally gets House approval after it failed to get enough votes in the lower chamber after two previous tries in this session. It’s not a total ban. Metairie Representative Stephanie Hilferty amended her legislation giving parents the option to authorize a spanking of their child through written consent…
Cut 14 (10) “…making that choice.”
The bill passed on a 70-28 vote and still needs Senate approval before the session ends on June 6th.

Triple-A predicts 39-million Americans will travel this Memorial Day weekend. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says nearly eight percent of travelers are choosing air travel…
cut 10 (07) “…right now”
Triple-A finds the average lowest airfare at six percent more than last year, coming at 179-dollars a ticket.

7:30 LRN Newscast May 26

Debate is underway on what to do to prevent the next school shooting. Louisiana Republican Congressman Garret Graves says it’s time to revisit public policy on school safety and screening gun owners, but it should be a deliberate process…
cut 6 (15) “…from happening”

The Louisiana House has approved a bill to ban corporal punishment in public schools, but a parent can authorize a spanking at the child’s school through written consent. Erath Representative Blake Miguez voted against the measure. He says each school district should clarify its policy on corporal punishment and if parents don’t want their child spanked, they could opt out…
Cut 15 (09) “…as well.”
The measure still needs Senate approval.

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and an estimated 39-million Americans are expected to travel…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m David Grubb.”

Homer Representative Patrick Jefferson has authored a resolution strongly encouraging state representatives to spend at least one day as a substitute teacher. Jefferson says it can be helpful to local school districts that are struggling with a teacher shortage…
cut 11 (10) “….is serve”
Jefferson’s resolution is awaiting a vote on the House floor.