6:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Senate has approved a 39-billion dollar budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1st. Very little discussion on the Senate floor as the spending plan passed unanimously. The bill includes a 15-hundred dollar annual pay raise for teachers and 300-million dollars towards a new Mississippi River Bridge.

House approved legislation to limit the release of mugshots in Louisiana advances in Senate Governmental Affairs. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The House Criminal Justice Committee approved a Senate-passed bill that would require the state to conduct a risk assessment of juvenile offenders before they are placed into a juvenile detention center. Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud says the bill is in response to a big uptick in violence at juvenile facilities…
Cut 4 (11) “…to a tiered system.”
High-risk individuals would be segregated from low and medium-risk juvenile offenders.

Congress is trying to do something about the nationwide shortage of baby formula. Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow says the head of the F-D-A will testify in front of a House Appropriations subcommittee today…
cut 14 (13) “….months ago”

LRN AM Newscall May 19

A Senate-passed bill to use a tiered risk assessment system to evaluate and house juvenile offenders wins House committee approval. More on that from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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House approved legislation to limit the release of mugshots in Louisiana advances in Senate Government Affairs. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Governor Edwards is dropping the COVID vaccine as a requirement for Louisiana elementary and high school students. David Grubb has more…

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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A Senate-passed bill proposing risk assessment for juveniles who run afoul of the law clears another legislative hurdle. Central Louisiana Senator Heather Cloud’s SB 323 has already won approval from the full Senate. She tells members of the House Criminal Justice Committee the bill is in response to a big uptick in violence among juvenile offenders…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…to a tiered system.”

Cloud’s bill would require that juveniles arrested and brought into the system be assessed for their tendencies toward violent behavior, and would be housed under a tier system; assessing them from least dangerous to most dangerous. Michelle Piazza is a corrections officer at a youth detention center in Bunkie. She tells members of her attack and serious injury by a violent teen…:

Cut 5 (10) “…in the face.”

Cloud says evaluating and housing juvenile inmates based on a tiered system will be safer for guards and other detainees…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…in that facility.”

The committee advanced the bill, sending it to the House floor for debate, and what could be final passage.

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House-approved legislation to limit the release of mugshots in Louisiana advances in Senate Government Affairs. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says the bill is an effort to protect innocent individuals from the embarrassment of the photo.

Cut 7 (12) “…release it.”

House Bill 729 was amended in committee allowing the photo to be released upon conviction and/or in the event an individual is charged with a violent crime. Committee Chair, Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt…

Cut 8 (11)  “…be used.”

Duplessis says he knows of situations where an innocent person has lost their job due to a mugshot and its intention to keep those who are innocent from being negatively impacted by a mugshot.

Cut 9 (09)  “…effect.”

The bill advances to the Senate floor.

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Though things look back to normal, Louisiana isn’t out of the COVID woods just yet. After seeing numbers fall for the past several weeks, 114 people were hospitalized due to the virus as of Wednesday…the highest figure in the state since March 24. Speaking with Jim Engster on Ask the Governor, John Bel Edwards expressed his concern with the rise…

Cut 10 (12) “…certainly increasing.”

Despite those concerns, Edwards says the Louisiana Department of Health has removed the COVID-19 vaccine as a requirement for elementary and secondary school students, citing a lack of full approval by the Food and Drug Administration.

Cut  11 (10)  “…17-year-olds.”  

Though the COVID vaccine will not be on the schedule this fall, Governor Edwards and the LDH are still in agreement with the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations that all children between the ages of five and 17 get vaccinated.

Cut 12 (11) “…any boosters.” 

According to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation, COVID-19 was the fourth leading cause of death among children ages 5-14 and individuals between 15-24 as recently as January of this year.

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To address the ongoing baby formula shortage the US Agriculture Appropriations subcommittee will hold a hearing today. Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow who was just named to House Appropriations, says it will be her first hearing on the committee.

Cut 13 (11) “…searching.”

The committee will hear from FDA Commissioner about the baby formula shortage. Letlow says it’s frightening to hear that some children are being admitted to the hospital as a result.

Cut 14 (13)  “…months ago.”

Letlow says in an effort to help desperate parents she’s signed on to co-author Republican legislation House Resolution 7718, also known as the Formula Act.

Cut 15 (06)  “…for parents.”

House Democrats also proposed legislation to give the FDA $28-million to address the formula shortage.

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There’s a lot on the line for LSU baseball as they head to Nashville to take on Vanderbilt in their SEC regular-season finale. Less than a week ago the Tigers were a near lock to host an NCAA regional, and now they’re flirting with a below .500 finish in the SEC. Pitching will be key against the Commodores and Jay Johnson likes what he’s seen lately from sophomore Ty Floyd.

Cut 16 (20)  “…him in there.”

Adversity has been a big part of Jay Johnson’s first year in Baton Rouge. Key players have missed time with injury, the starting rotation has been in flux, and LSU’s defense has been inconsistent. Johnson says his team has shown grit all year long and he expects them to continue to do so this weekend.

Cut 17 (18) “ …this week.” 

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The U-L Ragin Cajuns are fighting to get back into the NCAA tournament for the first time in six years. Matt Deggs’ squad was on a major roll before being swept by Texas State last weekend. Now the Cajuns likely need a big weekend against Little Rock and a strong showing in the Sun Belt tourney to reach the postseason. Deggs says he’s been here before…

Cut 18 (19) “ …big at-bats.” 

Deggs’ biggest concern leading up to the conference tournament is his pitching staff. The Cajuns will use this weekend to set up their rotation, but Deggs says they’ll adapt to matchups and hopefully get some hitting.

Cut 19 (19) _“…be a grinder.” 

5:30 LRN Newscast and Legislative Report May 18

Since the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act is one step closer to the Governor’s Desk, and when questioned on his monthly call-in show Governor John Bel Edwards says he not going to commit to vetoing the legislation at the moment.

PM Cut 12 (16) “…itself,”  

The bill prohibits transgender females from competing in women’s sports in Louisiana.

Senate Health and Welfare votes in favor of House-approved legislation aimed at improving access to medical marijuana. Military veteran Tony Landry says there’s a monopoly on the medical marijuana industry with just nine licensed pharmacies and two licensed growers, LSU and Southern.

PM Cut 10 (10)  ”….in Louisiana”

The bill now heads to the Senate.

A Senate-approved bill proposing risk assessment for juveniles who run afoul of the law clears House Criminal Justice. Central Louisiana Senator Heather Cloud says the bill is in response to an uptick in violence among juveniles…:

AM Cut 4 (11)  “…to a tiered system.”

The bill now goes to the House floor for final passage.

House approved legislation to limit the release of mugshots in Louisiana advances in Senate Government Affairs. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says the bill is an effort to protect innocent individuals from the embarrassment of the photo.

AM Cut 7 (12) “…release it.”

The bill was amended to allow for the release of mugshots of those charged with violent crimes. The bill now heads to the Senate.

4:45 LRN Sportscast May 18

Brayden Jobert hit two home runs as the LSU Tigers got back in the win column last night with a 19-7 win over Northwestern State. The Tigers now head to Nashville where they’ll wrap up SEC play with a three-game series versus Vanderbilt. The Demons begin Southland Tournament play in Lake Charles on Thursday as they’ll face Nicholls.

The Ragin’ Cajuns picked up a 6-1 victory over the Colonels. After trailing 1-0 after 5 innings, U-L put up 4 runs in the sixth capped by Wil Veillon’s pinch-hit home run. Chipper Menard pitched four scoreless innings of relief to earn his fifth win.

Southern’s three-game win streak came to an end in New Orleans as UNO scored two in the bottom of the eighth and held on for a 5-4 victory. Tremaine Spears had 2 RBI for the Jags but Miguel Useche came up with a pinch-hit double that drove in the winning runs for the Privateers.

And after winning the NAIA basketball championship earlier this year, the Loyola Wolfpack are just one game away from the NAIA World Series.

Matt McMahon has completely remade the LSU basketball roster in a matter of weeks. After essentially having no players six weeks ago, he completed his 2022 class with the signing of 6-10 center, Shawn Phillips Jr., out of Arizona. McMahon’s class is now ranked 13th with the addition of Phillips, a four-star recruit. Advocate sportswriter Sheldon Mickles is impressed…

Cut 16 (15) “…on the roster.”

Mickles says Phillips is the fourth player on McMahon’s roster six foot ten or taller.

The New Orleans Pelicans didn’t have the Golden Ticket, but they did end up with the eighth pick in next month’s NBA draft. The Orlando Magic won the top selection for the fourth time in franchise history and their track record with that pick has been pretty good, with Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Webber, and Dwight Howard as their previous three choices.

In the opening game of the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals, the Miami Heat topped the Boston Celtics, 118-107. Dallas and Golden State open the West Finals tonight.

 

4:30 LRN Newscast May 18

Consumer watchdog groups are warning parents of potential scams due to the nationwide shortage of baby formula. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(34)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

A Baton Rouge cop was arrested this week for pulling a gun on utility workers who were laying fiber optic cable in his back yard. He ordered them – at gunpoint – to refill the holes they’d dug. He was booked with multiple counts of aggravated assault and is now on administrative leave.

 

Since the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act is one step closer to the Governor’s Desk, and when questioned on his monthly call-in show Governor John Bel Edwards says he not going to commit to vetoing the legislation at the moment. In the past, Edwards has said it’s a solution looking for a problem and so far, it isn’t a problem in Louisiana. Edwards says he’s met with the bill’s author, Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell and he believes her intent is not spiteful…:

CUT 13(12)      “…unfortunate.”

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee votes in favor of a House-approved bill that’s aimed at improving access to medical marijuana. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says his measure will allow pharmacies to open satellite locations and home delivery would also be an option…:

CUT 09(13)      “…rural access”

That bill is expected to meet full Senate approval as well.

3:30 LRN Newscast May 18

During his monthly statewide radio program, Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s not going to commit to a veto of a transgender athlete ban, if it comes to his desk…:

CUT 12(16)      “…the bill itself”

In the past, Edwards has said it’s a solution looking for a problem and so far, it isn’t a problem in Louisiana. Edwards says he’s met with the bill’s author, Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell and he believes her intent is not spiteful of trans athletes, but protective of natural female athletes. That bill is nearing final passage. The governor vetoed a similar bill last year. A veto override attempt failed.

The statewide average price of regular gas is now at $4.22-a-gallon. That’s up 3-cents from just yesterday. Experts say be prepared to pay up to $4.50 right through the summer.

 

Deputies in Iberville Parish are investigating an apparent murder suicide in the town of Maringouin Tuesday. Sheriff Brett Stassi says two teens came home from school to find their mom and dad both dead. Stassi says they have established no clear motive, but the incident is still under investigation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that traffic fatalities across the country are at their highest level in 16 years; with nearly 43-hundred deaths in 2021. That’s an 11-percent increase from the previous year. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesman Mark Lambert says the annual “Click it or Ticket” campaign begins next week, and law enforcement will be looking for drivers and passengers who haven’t buckled up…:

CUT 08(11)      “…in a crash.”

PM LRN Newscall May 18

Consumer watchdog groups are warning parents of potential scams due to the nationwide shortage of baby formula. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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There’s been a national surge in road fatalities and Louisiana hasn’t avoided the trend. David Grubb has the story…

Cut 2 (35) …I’m David Grubb.”  

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As the nationwide shortage of baby formula continues consumer watchdog groups are warning parents of potential scams. President of the Better Business Bureau of South-Central Louisiana, Carmen Million says fear makes people make rash decisions and scammers are taking advantage of it.

Cut 3 (11) “….physician”

Million says to be sure to research the vendor or individual you intend to purchase formula from. See if they have a brick-and-mortar store and know that reviews can easily be falsified. Million says formula is called formula for a reason, it’s specific

Cut 4  (11) “…their kids.”

For parents who are having difficulty locating formula, Million says to start a conversation with family and friends and if you run across a scam, also let your family, friends, physician, and the Better Business Bureau know of those scams.

Cut 5  (11) “…money back.”

Visit the BBB-dot-org forward-slash scam tracker for more information.

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that US traffic fatalities are at their highest level in 16 years with nearly 43-hundred deaths in 2021, an 11 percent increase from the previous year. Mark Lambert, spokesman for the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says the numbers don’t get better here at home…

Cut 6  (10) “…2020 to 2021.” 

Lambert says driver behavior is typically the cause of traffic deaths, and the leading cause is highly preventable.

Cut 7 (10) “…safety belt.” 

Seat belts have been shown to reduce the chances of severe injury by as much as 50 percent and the risk of death by 45 percent.

The LHSC begins its participation in the national “Click it or Ticket” campaign this Monday. Lambert says law enforcement will be looking for drivers and passengers who haven’t buckled up.

Cut 8 (11) “…in a crash.” 

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The Senate Health and Welfare Committee votes in favor of a House-approved bill that’s aimed at improving access to medical marijuana. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says his measure will allow pharmacies open satellite locations and home delivery would also be an option….

Cut 9 (13) “…rural access.”

The House voted 77-16 for the legislation and now that the Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved the measure, it’s expected to receive approval from the full senate. But there is opposition. Military veteran Tony Landry says there’s a monopoly on the medical marijuana industry with just nine licensed pharmacies and two licensed growers, LSU and Southern

Cut 10 (10) ” ….in Louisiana” 

Denham Springs Senator Rogers Pope is the only one on the committee who voted against the proposal…

Cut 11 (11)  “…I am” 

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Since the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act is one step closer to the Governor’s Desk, and when questioned on his monthly call-in show Governor John Bel Edwards says he not going to commit to vetoing the legislation at the moment.

Cut 12 (16) “…itself,”  

The bill prohibits transgender females from competing in women’s sports in Louisiana.

In the past, Edwards has said it’s a solution looking for a problem and so far, it isn’t a problem in Louisiana. Edwards says he’s met with the bill’s author, Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell and he believes her intent is not spiteful.

Cut 13 (12) “…unfortunate.”

2:30 LRN Newscast May 18

There’s been a national surge in road fatalities and Louisiana hasn’t avoided the trend. David Grubb has the story…:

CUT 02(35)      “…David Grubb.”

Speaking of which, State Police report a motorcycle crash in Calcasieu Parish over ten days ago has taken the life of a Sulphur man. Troopers say, on May 6th, 27-year-old John Baldwin ran from troopers trying to stop him for speeding. He lost control after hitting a curb and was thrown from the bike. He died Monday in the hospital.

 

Police in Winnfield are investigating a shooting incident last night that left two people dead and two injured. The two men killed were young Black males. Two wounded victims were airlifted to an Alexandria hospital, where they are expected to recover. Police say over 30 rounds of ammunition were fired in the gunfight.

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee advances a House-approved bill aimed at improving access to medical marijuana. The bill would allow the existing licensed cannabis pharmacies to open satellite stores, and even do home delivery. Only Denham Springs Senator Rogers Pope voted against the proposal…:

CUT 11(11)      “…that’s where I am.”

The measure moves to the full Senate, where it is expected to reach final passage.

1:30 LRN Newscast May 18

Consumer watchdog groups are warning parents of potential scams due to the nationwide shortage of baby formula. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

While a bill to criminalize abortion in Louisiana failed to get out of committee, two other anti-abortion bills did advance to the Senate. Senate Bill 342 would increase criminal penalties for abortion providers and SB 388 would prohibit out-of-state vendors from selling abortion-inducing medication to people in this state.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that US traffic fatalities are at their highest level in 16 years with nearly 43-hundred deaths in 2021, an 11 percent increase from the previous year. Mark Lambert, spokesman for the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says driver behavior is typically the cause of traffic deaths, and the leading cause is highly preventable.

Cut 7 (10) “…safety belt.”

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee votes in favor of a House-approved bill that’s aimed at improving access to medical marijuana. The House voted 77-16 for the legislation and now that the committee has approved the measure, it’s expected to receive approval from the full senate. But there is opposition. Military veteran Tony Landry says there’s a monopoly on the medical marijuana industry with just nine licensed pharmacies and two licensed growers, LSU and Southern.

Cut 10 (10)  ”….in Louisiana”

12:30 LRN Newscast May 18

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee votes in favor of a House-approved bill that’s aimed at improving access to medical marijuana. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says his measure will allow pharmacies open satellite locations and home delivery would also be an option….

Cut 9 (13) “…rural access.”

The House voted 77-16 for the legislation and it’s expected to receive full approval from the senate.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports US traffic fatalities are at their highest level in 16 years, up 11 percent from 2020. Mark Lambert, spokesman for the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says the numbers don’t get better here at home…

Cut 6  (10) “…2020 to 2021.” 

As the nationwide shortage of baby formula continues, President of the Better Business Bureau of South-Central Louisiana, Carmen Million warns of possible scams. She says to be sure to research the vendor or individual you intend to purchase formula from. See if they have a brick-and-mortar store and know that reviews can easily be falsified. Million says formula is called formula for a reason.

Cut 4  (11) “…their kids.”

Cleco’s CARE program for low-income families is still accepting applicants through May 30, and now the energy provider has introduced the Watt Matters campaign says spokesperson Fran Phoenix and the campaign teaches customers how to keep energy from escaping their homes through weatherization.

Cut 8 (12)  “…energy efficient.”