LRN AM Newscall July 4

Senator Bill Cassidy weighs in on Congressional hearings on the January 6th Capitol riot. Kevin Gallagher has that…:

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Another COVID surge sweeps across the state…Here’s David Grubb with more…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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The State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind of you to practice fireworks safety this 4th. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says it’s always best to attend a public display where professionals are handling them but if you choose to do your own make sure it’s legal to do so at your location and choose an appropriate one.

Cut 3 (08) “…be watching.” 

Rodrigue says never set off fireworks if you are impaired and it’s best to not to allow children to handle fireworks whatsoever.

Cut 4 (12)  “…come up with.”

And always make sure you have water nearby incase things get out of controls and when the show is over make sure they are watered down and no longer smoldering because Rodrigue says they could…

Cut 5 (11) “…your home.”

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission 11-thousand injuries were caused by fireworks in 2021.

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Louisiana U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says, regardless of one’s politics, Americans should pay attention to the congressional January 6th hearings in D.C. Cassidy says it remains to be seen if former President Trump is culpable in the riot, but he feels it WAS “an attempt to harm the Constitution by interrupting the peaceful transfer of power”…:

Cut 6 (15)  “…agrees with me.”

On January 6th, 2021, President Trump held a rally at the Washington Monument to protest the election results. A mob of supporters marched to the Capitol, entered and vandalized the place, while trying to invade the House chamber. One person was shot by Capitol Police. Cassidy says he feels we can all learn a lot from what’s happening in the hearings…:

Cut 7 (07) “…concerning or not?”

And what about reports that some angry Trump supporters at the riot wanted to harm Vice President Mike Pence, who wouldn’t back Trump’s claim the election was “stolen”…?

Cut 8 (06)  “…hang Mike Pence.”

Cassidy has harbored no love for the former President and irked many Louisiana Republicans by voting to convict Trump on his impeachment by the House for Russian Collusion.

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A new fiscal year is underway in Louisiana which means the state’s new spending play went into effect on July 1st. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says as a result of surplus dollars the state made a historic investment in every level of education from higher education to pre-K…

Cut 9 (10)  “…early childhood education”

Dardenne says there are also hundreds of millions of dollars dedicated to improving the state’s roads and bridges. He says motorists should see an improvement…

Cut 10 (10) “…infrastructure development.”

There are concerns the state’s economy may decline because of high gas prices and inflation, but Dardenne is optimistic the economic forecast they used to produce the budget will hold up….

Cut  11 (06)  “…budget cuts.” 

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With summer in full swing, people are out and about and COVID cases are on the rise. According to the latest data from the Louisiana Department of Health, more than 2200 new cases of coronavirus infection have been reported, with nearly 500 patients currently hospitalized. Dr. Joe Kanter says it’s a statewide trend…

Cut 12 (10) “…regions of the state.” 

Fortunately, there is some good news. Two years since the start of the pandemic, about 95 percent of the state has either been vaccinated, had COVID, or both. Kanter says the concerns are still real, but the impact isn’t nearly as severe as in the past…

Cut 13 (07) “…getting very sick.”

Kanter says COVID is with us for the long haul, so we’ve got to get used to it. What we can do is take advantage of the tools available and make good decisions in assessing our risk for infection and be prepared for seasonal surges.

Cut 14 (13)  “…high-quality mask.”

 

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10:30 LRN Newscast July 2

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says extra officers will be on the highways this Fourth of July weekend to detect and stop impaired drivers. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says remember to not drink & drive, but also be aware that your meds could also impair your judgement…:

CUT 05(12)      “…not as good.”

Federal highway safety grant dollars will go to pay local and state LEO’s to patrol the roadways. Lambert says don’t let a DUI ruin your holiday.

An Alexandria man is charged with murder for providing the fentanyl that led to an overdose death. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline says 28-year-old Brian Allen is charged with 2nd-degree murder, plus criminal conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute dangerous drugs. He says their investigation turned up evidence linking Allen to that overdose…:

CUT 13  (11)        “…make an arrest.”

As of July 1st diapers and feminine products are state sales tax free. It’s the result of a bill passed by New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman…:

CUT 09  (09)        “…without a tax.”

Diapers – for babies and  adults – are also now state sales exempt.

The Pelicans and star forward Zion Williamson have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension that will keep Williamson in New Orleans for the next six years. The deal could be worth up to $231 million. Fox Sports’ Rob Parker says, for the Pels, he’s worth every penny…:

CUT 07(10)      “…gotta sign him.”

 

9:30 LRN Newscast July 2

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says extra officers will be on the highways this fourth of July weekend looking for impaired drivers. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says based on data from LSU 100 people were injured and six people were killed in alcohol-related crashes during last year’s Independence Day holiday. He says one of the biggest travel threats to families is an impaired driver

Cut 4  (11) “…judgement”

 

As of Friday feminine products and diapers are state sales tax free. The bill establishing that in law was passed in 2021. New Orleans Democrat Representative Aimee Freeman says her “Pink Tax Exemption” affects all women, regardless of their politics…:

CUT 10  (07)        “…went forward.”

Former, Louisiana Tech football star and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson died from using fentanyl and cocaine. That’s the result of a blood toxicology report. He was found unresponsive in a Baltimore home just over two weeks ago. Funeral services and visitation for Ferguson are being held today in St. Francisville.

 

It appears that Zion Williamson will be nesting with the Pelicans for a few more years. David Grubb has the details…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.”

8:30 LRN Newscast July 2

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says extra officers will be on the highways this fourth of July weekend to detect and stop impaired drivers. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says if you plan on drinking to celebrate America’s birthday, let someone else drive

Cut 3 (04) “…to drive.”

Last year 100 people were injured and six people were killed in alcohol-related crashes during Independence Day.

28-year-old Brian Allen of Alexandria is facing second-degree murder charges for allegedly providing fentanyl that led to an overdose death in Pineville. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office chief of staff Tommy Carnline says over the past several months, detectives have been investigating overdose related deaths

Cut 12 (08) “…made the connection”  

Allen has also been charged with criminal conspiracy and possession and distribution of fentanyl.

As of yesterday you’ll no longer pay state sales tax on feminine products along with diapers. It’s called the “Pink Tax” exemption and it’s a result of New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman’s legislation from the 2021 legislative session. She says it’s a tax emption that will help women in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (09) “..without a tax.”

The “Pink Tax” exemption includes diapers for both children and adults.

The Pelicans and star forward Zion Williamson have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension that will keep Williamson in New Orleans for the next six years. The deal could be worth up to $231 million. Fox Sports’ Rob Parker says it was a no-brainer for both sides.

Cut 6 (11) ” …match made in heaven.” 

 

7:30 LRN Sportscast July 2

The Pelicans and star forward Zion Williamson have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension worth up to as much as $231 million. Zion has played in just 85 of a possible 226 games over his career so far. FOX Sports’ Rob Parker says that even with his injury history, the Pelicans’ potential reward is worth the risk.

Cut 7 (10) “…gotta sign him.”

–

The Pelicans haven’t made much noise at the start of free agency. Head Coach Willie Green’s team already has plenty of players who will be looking for minutes, a problem he says he’s glad to have.

Cut 16 (20) “…just keep rolling.”

–

Now that USC and UCLA have made the move to the Big Ten, NYU Sports Law professor Dan Lust says that he expects more dominoes to fall as other conferences scramble to remain viable against the surging juggernauts in the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference. One of the biggest could be on the national level as the notion of amateurism in collegiate athletics, which took a major hit from the emergence of NIL, will be tested by players who see billions of dollars changing hands and ask for their fair share.

Cut 15 (09) “…entitled to.”

In other conference realignment news, the Southland Conference officially welcomed Texas A-and-M-Commerce as the league’s ninth member, while the Sun Belt adds James Madison, Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss.

–

Former Louisiana Tech star and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson died last week from the combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine, based on the results of an autopsy on the body of the 26-year-old as reported by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore. Ferguson was found unresponsive in the late hours of June 21.

6:30 LRN Newscast July 2

You’ll be paying less for feminine products and diapers from now on, thanks to the “Pink tax” exemption. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

—

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says extra officers will be on the highways this Fourth of July weekend to detect and stop impaired drivers. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says if you plan on drinking to celebrate America’s birthday, let someone else drive.

Cut 3 (04) “…to drive.”

Based on data from LSU 100 people were injured and six killed in alcohol-related crashes last Independence Day weekend.

—

The Pelicans and star forward Zion Williamson have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension that will keep Williamson in New Orleans for the next six years. The deal could be worth up to $231 million. Fox Sports’ Rob Parker says it was a no-brainer for both sides.

Cut 6 (11) ”…match made in heaven.”

—

28-year-old Brian Allen of Alexandria is facing second-degree murder charges for allegedly providing fentanyl that led to an overdose death in Pineville. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office chief of staff Tommy Carnline says over the past several months, detectives have been investigating overdose-related deaths

Cut 12 (08) “…made the connection”

Allen has also been charged with criminal conspiracy and possession and distribution of a C-D-S-two, which is fentanyl. Carnline says Sheriff Mark Wood has made it a priority to arrest drug dealers responsible for overdose deaths…

5:30 LRN Newscast July 1

You’ll no longer pay state sales tax on feminine products along with diapers. It’s called the “Pink Tax” exemption and it’s a result of New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman’s legislation from the 2021 legislative session. She says it’s a tax exemption that will help women in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (09) “…without a tax.”

The “Pink Tax” exemption includes diapers for both children and adults. Freeman proposed legislation this year for schools to provide feminine products for students which ultimately failed but she plans to refile the bill next year.

—

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says extra officers will be on the highways this Fourth of July weekend to detect and stop impaired drivers. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says if you plan on drinking to celebrate America’s birthday, let someone else drive.

Cut 3 (04) “…to drive.”

Based on data from LSU 100 people were injured and six killed in alcohol-related crashes last Independence Day weekend.

—

The Pelicans and star forward Zion Williamson have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension that will keep Williamson in New Orleans for the next six years. The deal could be worth up to $231 million. Fox Sports’ Rob Parker says it was a no-brainer for both sides.

Cut 6 (11) ”…match made in heaven.”

—

28-year-old Brian Allen of Alexandria is facing second-degree murder charges for allegedly providing fentanyl that led to an overdose death in Pineville. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office chief of staff Tommy Carnline says over the past several months, detectives have been investigating overdose-related deaths

Cut 12 (08) “…made the connection”

Allen has also been charged with criminal conspiracy and possession and distribution of a C-D-S-two, which is fentanyl. Carnline says Sheriff Mark Wood has made it a priority to arrest drug dealers responsible for overdose deaths…

4:45 LRN Sportscast July 1

The Pelicans and star forward Zion Williamson have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension worth up to as much as $231 million. Zion has played in just 85 of a possible 226 games over his career so far. FOX Sports’ Rob Parker says that even with his injury history, the Pelicans’ potential reward is worth the risk.

Cut 7 (10) “…gotta sign him.”

—

The Pelicans haven’t made much noise at the start of free agency. Head Coach Willie Green’s team already has plenty of players who will be looking for minutes, a problem he says he’s glad to have.

Cut 16 (20) “…just keep rolling.”

—

Now that USC and UCLA have made the move to the Big Ten, NYU Sports Law professor Dan Lust says that he expects more dominoes to fall as other conferences scramble to remain viable against the surging juggernauts in the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference. One of the biggest could be on the national level as the notion of amateurism in collegiate athletics, which took a major hit from the emergence of NIL, will be tested by players who see billions of dollars changing hands and ask for their fair share.

Cut 15 (09) “…entitled to.”

In other conference realignment news, the Southland Conference officially welcomed Texas A-and-M-Commerce as the league’s ninth member, while the Sun Belt adds James Madison, Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss.

—

Former Louisiana Tech star and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson died last week from the combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine, based on the results of an autopsy on the body of the 26-year-old as reported by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore. Ferguson was found unresponsive in the late hours of June 21.

4:30 LRN Newscast July 1

Beginning today you’ll pay less for feminine products and diapers thanks to the pink tax exemption. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

The Essence Festival is underway in New Orleans, after having to be done virtually for two years because of the pandemic. Headliners include Janet Jackson, Nicki Minaj, New Edition, Doug E. Fresh, Stephanie Mills. Over a half-million people attended the last LIVE Essence Festival in 2019.

 

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says extra officers will be on the highways this Fourth of July weekend to detect and stop impaired drivers. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says remember to not drink & drive, but also be aware that your meds could also impair your judgement…:

CUT 05(12)      “…not as good.”

Federal highway safety grant dollars will go to pay local and state LEO’s to patrol the roadways. Lambert says don’t let a DUI ruin your holiday.

The Pelicans and star forward Zion Williamson have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension that will keep Williamson in New Orleans for the next six years. The deal could be worth up to $231 million. Fox Sports’ Rob Parker says, for the Pels, he’s worth every penny…:

CUT 07(10)      “…gotta sign him.”

3:30 LRN Newscast July 1

As you head out on the highway this holiday weekend, be aware extra officers will be patrolling the roads; seeking out impaired drivers. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesman Mark Lambert says if you’re planning on having some drinks, let someone else drive…:

CUT 04  (11)        “…good judgement.”

He says drunk driving a major travel threat for families. Last year six people were killed and over a hundred injured on Louisiana highways over July 4th Weekend.

Former West Feliciana High standout, Louisiana Tech football star and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson died from using fentanyl and cocaine. That’s the result of a blood toxicology report. He was found unresponsive in a Baltimore home just over two weeks ago. Funeral services and visitation for Ferguson are Saturday in St. Francisville.

 

An Alexandria man faces murder charges for supplying a person with the fentanyl that cause their overdose death. Rapides Parish sheriff’s Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline says Sheriff Mark Wood is focused on catching the pushers responsible for overdoses, and they’ve made several so far…:

CUT 14  (09)        “…overdosed and died.”

Starting today, certain women’s products and diapers are state sales tax free; like essential groceries and prescription drugs. The bill establishing that in law was passed in 2021. New Orleans Democrat Representative Aimee Freeman says her “Pink Tax Exemption” affects all women, regardless of their politics…:

CUT 10  (07)        “…went forward.”