6:30 LRN Newscast June 23

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed the legislation that puts the framework in place for legal sports betting in the 55 parishes that approved it last fall. The governor also signed a bill that lays out where the tax revenues from legalized sports gambling will go…
cut 8 (05) “….annually”
Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says 25-percent of that money will go towards early childhood education.

The governor also got out his veto pen and with a signature, he prevents a bill that would have prohibited transgender girls and women from participating in female sports. Edwards calls the bill discriminatory, but the bill’s author Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell disagrees…
cut 14 (10) “….sport”
The state legislature can attempt to override the veto if they call themselves in for a veto session.

Starting next year, Louisiana patients who are prescribed medical marijuana can purchase the smokeable form at one of the state’s nine licensed medical marijuana pharmacies. It’s another expansion to the state’s medical-marijuana program the Legislature created in 2015. Houma Representative Tanner Magee on what state lawmakers may try to do next year to expand the program even more…
cut 12 (12) “….have more pharmacies”

More than 160-thousand vaccinated residents have registered to get another shot, a shot at a million dollars. Assistant Secretary for the Louisiana Health Department Kim Hood says the lottery to incentivize more people to get vaccinated, ShotAtAMillion.com, went live at noon on Monday.
Cut 4 (06) “…exciting.”
Weekly drawings start July 9th, the one-million-dollar grand prize will be announced on August 13th.

AM LRN Newscall 6-23-2021

Gamblers are one step closer to legally place their bets on sports in 55 voter-approved parishes now that Governor Edwards has signed the legislation. Brooke Thorington.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Governor Edwards has signed legislation legalizing smokable more affordable medical marijuana for certain patients. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.” 

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Governor Edwards followed through on his vow to veto legislation that would have banned trans athletes from playing on girls’ and women’s sports teams in Louisiana schools. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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More than 160-thousand vaccinated residents have registered to get another shot, a shot at a million dollars. Assistant Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health Kim Hood says the lottery to incentivize more people to get vaccinated, ShotAtAMillion.com, went live at noon on Monday.

Cut 4 (06) “…exciting.”

Officials are pleased the vaccine lottery is off to such a good start. Hood says registration is quick and easy you just have to enter some basic information contact information, date of birth, and where you received your vaccination.

With weekly prizes starting July 9th and the following four weeks, Hood says many people have asked if they have to register weekly to be considered.

Cut 5  (05) “…prizes.”

There are 14 total prizes in the vaccine lottery, five cash prizes, and nine scholarships. Hood says you don’t have to upload a photo of your vaccine card, however, if your name is picked, they will verify your vaccine status.

Cut 6 (12) “…good news.”

To register go to ShotAtAMillion.com or call 877-356-1511. The states’ vaccination rate is just below 34-percent.

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The odds to legally place your bets on sports in Louisiana have improved immensely now that the Governor has signed legislation creating the framework for sports wagering. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says now the gaming commission has the checkered flag to issue provisional gaming licenses.

Cut 7 (10) “…able to do.”

Ward says then permanent gaming licenses would be put in place by the beginning of football season in 2022.

Sports betting was approved by voters in 55 parishes and gamblers will only be able to legally wager on sports in those parishes.

The question that remains to be answered is just how much revenue legalized sports betting will generate. Ward says he has a reasonable guess on just how much it would produce.

Cut 8 (05) “…annually.”

As for who will be holding all the cards at the end of the game Ward says they’ve already dedicated where a percentage of the winnings will go.

Cut 9 (08) “…early childhood education.”

To place bets, you must be 21 and older and have an account with a sports betting operator. Bets cannot be placed on high school or youth sports events.

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Governor Edwards has signed House Bill 391 legalizing the usage of smokable medical marijuana for certain patients. Houma Representative Tanner Magee, who sponsored the bill, says its purpose is to drive down costs and present a much-requested product for patients…

Cut 10 (11) “…alternative to opioids.”

Patients will likely be able to purchase the product sometime in January due to the small number of manufacturers. The bill received remarkably little pushback during the legislative session which Magee attributes to a shift in public opinion…

Cut 11 (6) “…a lot of uses.”

Currently, only LSU and Southern University produce medical marijuana for the state. Moving forward, Magee says most of the push will be to expand its availability in the state…

Cut 12 (12) “…have more pharmacies.” 

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Governor Edwards vetoes legislation that would have blocked transgender athletes from participating in girl’s and women’s sports teams in Louisiana K-12 and post-secondary schools.

In his veto statement, Edwards said discrimination is not a Louisiana value. Edwards says he concerned about the mental health impact the bill would have on trans youth.

Cut 13 (11) “…do it.”

Edwards announced his opposition to the bill early in the legislative session.

Bill author and Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell took issue with Edwards’ accusation that the bill is discriminatory.

Cut 14 (10) “…sport.”

Edwards countered that this legislation could put the state at risk of losing major sporting events like the 2022 Final Four for no reason.

Cut 15 (10)“..sports”

But Mizell says the legislature is often proactive in responding to situations before they occur.

Cut 16 (12) “…protected.”

The bill cleared both chambers of the Legislature with over two-thirds support. Mizell indicated that the chances of a veto session being called may be dependent on what other pieces of legislation are also vetoed. Per the AP the Legislature has not held a veto override session since the current state constitution was first adopted in the 70s.

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Cut 17 (16) …keep Vitello.” 

 

Cut  18 (16)”..situation there.”

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Cut 19 (14) “…lives.” 

 

Cut 20 (27)  “…next weekend.” 

 

530 PM LRN News

Governor Edwards vetoes legislation that would have banned transgender athletes from playing on K-12 and post-secondary school girls and women’s sports teams in Louisiana. The bill cleared the legislature on veto-proof majorities but it is unknown whether lawmakers will elect to call a veto override session.

The newly approved drug Aduhelm (Add-u-helm) to treat Alzheimer’s has stirred interest in the state but it comes with a hefty price tag.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The CDC reports a higher-than-expected number of cases of myocarditis in people who received their second dose of mRNA covid vaccines. LSU Health Shreveport infectious disease professor Dr. John Vanchire says cases have been the highest amongst men under the age of 18 and the heart inflammation symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pains

Cut 12 (11) “…have recovered”

Catholic High School in Baton Rouge has vacated its 2017 and 2020 state football championships after the LHSAA determined they violated rules that occurred in 2017 as a result of an investigation that began in March. WBRZ-TV sports reporter Matt Trent says he’s learned that inappropriate contact occurred with athletes.

Cut 3 (14) “…open house.”

Former catholic coach Gabe Fertitta says he was not aware of the allegations when he resigned his position in February to join Louisville.

4:30 LRN Newscast June 22

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed Senate Bill 156, the bill to prevent transgender athletes from competing on girls’ sports teams in schools. Governor Edwards says the bill was a “solution in search of a problem that simply does not exist in Louisiana.” He added that discrimination is not a Louisiana value. No word yet if the legislature will hold a session to override the veto.

However, Governor Edwards has signed legislation that should help prevent employment discrimination against those who were charged but never convicted of a crime. New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard says under his bill a business cannot request a background check for an applicant if it did not lead to a conviction.

Cut 9 (09) “…ignore that”

Willard says his bill is a step towards “banning the box” for private-sector employers.

The CDC reports a higher-than-expected number of cases of myocarditis in people who received their second dose of mRNA covid vaccines. LSU Health Shreveport infectious disease professor Dr. John Vanchire says the risks involved with getting covid versus getting myocarditis isn’t comparable…

Cut 14 (10) “…are safe.” 

The vaccines that fall under this category include Pfizer and Moderna.

Aduhelm (Add-u-helm) the newest drug to treat Alzheimer’s comes with a hefty price tag of $56,000 annually per patient, Chair of Neurology at Tulane School of Medicine Dr. Demetrius Maraganore (Mare-ah-gah-nor-ay)…

Cut 7 (11) “…treatment.”

He’s advising his patients to look at participating in a study to forgo the cost.

4:45 LRN Sportscast June 22

The NBA draft lottery is tonight at 7:30. The Pelicans have a 4.5 percent chance of landing the number one pick. A 20-percent chance of receiving a top-four selection. But the most likely scenario is that the Pels end up with the 10th pick. There’s a 60-percent chance that will happen.

The Pelicans have reportedly received permission to speak with Brooklyn Nets assistant Jacque Vaughn and Milwaukee Bucks assistant Charles Lee. Vaughn previously was the head coach at Orlando and finished with a record of 58 and 158 after two-plus losing seasons.

LSU basketball’s Adam Miller and Louisiana Tech’s Kenneth Lofton are among 17 finalists for the 2021 USA Basketball Mens’ Under-19 World Cup team.

On three-sports is reporting that LSU’s basketball player Josh Leblanc is entering the transfer portal after appearing in 25 games last season for the Tigers and averaged three points a contest. The Baton Rouge product transferred in from Georgetown.

The Catholic High of Baton Rouge football team made four straight trips to the state championship game from 2017 to 2020. But the titles they won in 2017 and 2020 have been wiped off the record books as the school acknowledges they violated LHSAA rules, which has led to the school forfeiting its two state football championships and two runner-up trophies.

Gabe Fertitta was the head coach during this time and he resigned in February and joined the University of Louisville coaching staff. WBRZ sports reporter Matt Trent says Fertitta told him he had no idea about these allegations…
cut 5 (09) “…..otherwise”
The LHSAA or Catholic High has not provided details on the violations that occurred, but Trent has learned the school committed multiple recruiting violations.

Monroe police have made an arrest in the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Sherman, the former Richwood High quarterback who was fatally shot on Friday night. 21-year old Malech Rucks has been charged with one count of second-degree murder.

330 PM LRN News

Governor Edwards signs legislation prohibiting employers from discriminating against job applicants who have been charged with a crime but never convicted. Under the bill by New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard employers are barred from requesting background checks relative to criminal histories of non-felons. Willard says his legislation started as an attempt to outright ban private-sector employers from asking if an applicant has a felony record.

Cut  11 (11) “…in mind” 

Two weeks ago, the FDA approved the first drug to treat Alzheimer’s in more than 15 years, despite an independent committee not endorsing Aduhelm (Add-u-helm). Chair of Neurology at Tulane School of Medicine Dr. Demetrius Maraganore (Mare-ah-gah-nor-ay) says this is the first drug to reduce amyloids in the brain which are prevalent among patients.

Cut 6 (11) “…reverse Alzheimer’s.”

Catholic High School in Baton Rouge has vacated its 2017 and 2020 state football championships after the LHSAA determined they violated rules that occurred in 2017 as a result of an investigation that began in March. Gabe Fertitta was the head coach of the Bears during their run to four straight championship games in 2017 and 2020. WBRZ-TV sports reporter Matt Trent says Fertitta told him he did not know about these allegations…

Cut 5  (09) “…otherwise” 

Fertitta resigned from Catholic in February.

The CDC reports a higher-than-expected number of cases of myocarditis in people who received their second dose of mRNA covid vaccines. LSU Health Shreveport infectious disease professor Dr. John Vanchire says that while myocarditis can be fatal, the inflammation is treatable and shouldn’t scare patients from getting vaccinated…

Cut 13 (11) “…vaccination”

LRN PM Newscall June 22

The newly approved drug Aduhelm (Add-u-helm) to treat Alzheimer’s has stirred interest in the state but it comes with a hefty price tag. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Under a bill signed by Governor Edwards those who have a criminal history but were never convicted of a crime can’t be discriminated against by employers. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

______________________________________

Catholic High School in Baton Rouge has vacated its 2017 and 2020 state football championships after the LHSAA determined they violated rules that occurred in 2017 as a result of an investigation that began in March. WBRZ-TV sports reporter Matt Trent says he’s learned that inappropriate contact occurred with athletes.

Cut 3 (14) “…open house.”

While this punishment stems from numerous recruiting violations, Trent says that more violations could have occurred.

Cut 4 (12) “…and play.”

Gabe Fertitta was the head coach of the Bears during their run to four straight championship games in 2017 and 2020. He resigned from Catholic in February and joined the University of Louisville coaching staff. Trent says Fertitta told him he did not know about these allegations…

Cut 5  (09) “…otherwise” 

The LHSAA or Catholic High has not provided details on the violations that occurred.

___________________________

Two weeks ago, the FDA approved the first drug to treat Alzheimer’s in more than 15 years, despite an independent committee not endorsing Aduhelm (Add-u-helm). Chair of Neurology at Tulane School of Medicine Dr. Demetrius Maraganore (Mare-ah-gah-nor-ay) says this is the first drug to reduce amyloids in the brain which are prevalent among patients.

Cut 6 (11) “…reverse Alzheimer’s.”

He says this drug will put the reducing amyloid theory to the test.

But with a hefty price tag of $56,000 annually per patient Maraganore says no physician with a good conscience is going to recommend a medication with uncertain benefits that are not cost-effective.

Cut 7 (11) “…treatment.”

Maraganore says however patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s could still possibly benefit from the medication and he’s recommending that his patients look at participating in a study.

Cut 8 (11) “…this point.”

It’s estimated that 92,000 residents over the age of 65 suffer from Alzheimer’s in Louisiana.

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Governor Edwards signs legislation that should help prevent employment discrimination against those who were charged but never convicted of a crime.

New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard says under his bill a business cannot request a background check for an applicant if it did not lead to a conviction.

Cut 9 (09) “…ignore that”

Willard says his legislation also attempts to help out convicted felons who are out of jail and seeking a job.

Cut 10 (09) “…writing”

The bill also calls for businesses to consider the nature of a convicted felon’s offense and how long it has been since the offense was committed.

Willard says his legislation started as an attempt to outright ban private-sector employers from asking if an applicant has a felony record. While that was a bridge too far this year for the business community…

Cut  11 (11) “…in mind” 

Currently, state agencies have “banned the box” and do not require applicants to note whether they are a convicted felon.

_________________________________________________

The CDC reports a higher-than-expected number of cases of myocarditis in people who received their second dose of mRNA covid vaccines. LSU Health Shreveport infectious disease professor Dr. John Vanchire says cases have been the highest amongst men under the age of 18 and the heart inflammation symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pains

Cut 12 (11) “…have recovered”

The vaccines that fall under this category include Pfizer and Moderna. Dr. Vanchire says that while myocarditis can be fatal, the inflammation is treatable and shouldn’t scare patients from getting vaccinated…

Cut 13 (11) “…vaccination”

Contracting myocarditis is more likely after getting the vaccine but is still a rare event with 20 to 30 cases out of a million. Dr. Vanchire says the risks involved with getting covid versus getting myocarditis isn’t comparable…

Cut 14 (10) “…are safe ” 

2:30 LRN Newscast June 22

Governor Edwards signs legislation to help prevent employment discrimination against those who were charged but never convicted of a crime. New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard says the new law attempts to help out convicted felons who are out of jail and seeking a job.

Cut 10 (09) “…writing”

Catholic High School in Baton Rouge has vacated its 2017 and 2020 state football championships after the LHSAA determined they violated rules that occurred in 2017. WBRZ-TV sports reporter Matt Trent says while this punishment stems from numerous recruiting violations, more violations could have occurred.

Cut 4 (12) “…and play.”

Neither the association nor the school has provided details on the violations.

The CDC reports a higher-than-expected number of cases of myocarditis in people who received their second dose of mRNA covid vaccines. LSU Health Shreveport infectious disease professor Dr. John Vanchire says cases have been the highest amongst men under the age of 18 and the heart inflammation symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pains.

Cut 12 (11) “…have recovered”

The newest drug to treat Alzheimer’s comes with a hefty price tag of $56,000 annually per patient, Chair of Neurology at Tulane School of Medicine Dr. Demetrius Maraganore says he’s recommending that his patients look at participating in a study.

Cut 8 (11) “…this point.”

1:30 LRN Newscast June 22

Authorities have made an arrest in the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Sherman, the former Richwood High football player in Monroe that was killed Friday night. 21-year old Malech Rucks was booked at the Ouachita Parish Correctional Facility on one count of second-degree murder.

Under a bill signed by Governor Edwards, those who have a criminal history but were never convicted of a crime can’t be discriminated against by employers. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

The newest drug to treat Alzheimer’s comes with a hefty price tag of $56,000 annually per patient, annually per patient, Chair of Neurology at Tulane School of Medicine Dr. Demetrius Maraganore says

Cut 7 (11) “…treatment.”

Catholic High School in Baton Rouge has vacated its 2017 and 2020 state football championships after the LHSAA determined they violated rules that occurred in 2017 as a result of an investigation that began in March. WBRZ-TV sports reporter Matt Trent says he’s learned that inappropriate contact occurred with athletes.

Cut 3 (14) “…open house.”

Neither the school nor the association has not provided details on the violations that occurred.

1230 PM LRN News

Governor Edwards signs legislation that should help prevent employment discrimination against those who were charged but never convicted of a crime. New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard says under his bill a business cannot request a background check for an applicant if it did not lead to a conviction.

Cut 9, 9 seconds, ignore that

Willard says his bill is a step towards “banning the box” for private-sector employers.

Two weeks ago, the FDA approved the first drug to treat Alzheimer’s in more than 15 years, despite an independent committee not endorsing Aduhelm (Add-u-helm). Chair of Neurology at Tulane School of Medicine Dr. Demetrius Maraganore (Mare-ah-gah-nor-ay) says this is the first drug to reduce amyloids in the brain which are prevalent among patients.

Cut 6 (11) “…reverse Alzheimer’s.”

Beginning in July of 2022, wrongfully convicted individuals who are exonerated will be eligible for more money, to compensate them for each year they spent behind bars. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”