4:30 LRN Newscast June 15

Forecasters say there is a high chance a disturbance in the southern Gulf of Mexico will develop into at least a tropical storm over the next five days. The National Hurricane Center says they will have a better idea once the system actually develops. National Weather Service meteorologist Ben Schott says even if doesn’t get to tropical storm strength, it could be a big rainmaker…

Cut 4 (12) “…heavy heavy rain”

If named, it will be called Claudette.

Governor John Bel Edwards signs legislation decriminalizing possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana. Policy Director for Louisiana Progress Peter Robins-Brown says decriminalization is a widely popular policy that creates more trust between law enforcement and their local community.

Cut 12 (08) “…law”

The family of former LSU President Troy Middleton is suing LSU demanding the school return a collection of the General’s World War Two memorabilia. Middleton family attorney Jill Craft says the family has tried to retrieve the collection but keeps getting the runaround. The suit also seeks damages for “extreme humiliation and embarrassment.” Craft says the school refuses to turn over the collection.

Cut  11 (12) “…payback” 

There are reports LSU and Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco are discussing the possibility of the former Tiger catcher and pitching coach becoming the next head coach of the LSU baseball program.  LSU beat reporter for the USA Today Network Glen Guilbeau says right now Bianco is the school’s top candidate.

Cut 6 (09) “…more talks”

3:30 LRN Newscast June 15

Forecasters say Louisiana residents should brace for the potential of heavy rainfall later this week as a result of a tropical system. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a two-year-old boy who was left in a hot car Monday. Public Information Officer Katherina Breaux says deputies received a call and found the young boy who was left inside an unattended vehicle for an extended period of time Monday afternoon. This is the fourth hot car death in the U-S this year.

Governor John Bel Edwards signs legislation decriminalizing possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana. Policy Director for Louisiana Progress Peter Robins-Brown says he thinks this bill is another step towards full legalization of marijuana.

Cut 14 (12) “..point” 

Under the new law possession under 14 grams cannot lead to jail time and comes with a maximum fine of 100 dollars.

There are reports LSU and Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco are discussing the possibility of the former Tiger becoming the next head coach of the LSU baseball program.  LSU beat reporter for the USA Today Network Glen Guilbeau says Bianco has always been well-liked by those who have played with Skip Bertman…

Cut 7 (07) “…got there”

Bianco has been the head coach at Ole Miss since 2000

LRN PM Newscall June 15

Forecasters say Louisiana residents should brace for the potential of heavy rainfall later this week as a result of a tropical system. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

____________________________________

A year after Troy Middleton’s name was removed from the LSU Library his heirs are suing to have Middleton war memorabilia held by the school returned. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

______________________________________

Forecasters say there is a high chance a disturbance in the southern Gulf of Mexico will develop into at least a tropical storm over the next five days. National Weather Service meteorologist Ben Schott says the broad area of low pressure will eventually move northward and flash flooding is possible in south Louisiana on Friday

Cut 3 (06) “…heavy rainfall, rainfall”

The National Hurricane Center says they will have a better idea once the system actually develops. If named, it will be called Claudette. Schott says even if doesn’t get to tropical storm strength, it could be a big rainmaker…

Cut 4 (12) “…heavy heavy rain”

Schott says prepare now for a big rainmaker on Friday and Saturday…

Cut 5  (12) “….for flooding” 

Some of the models are showing rainfall totals of ten plus inches in less than 12 hours.

______________________________________

There are reports LSU and Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco are discussing the possibility of the former Tiger catcher and pitching coach becoming the next head coach of the LSU baseball program.  LSU beat reporter for the USA Today Network Glen Guilbeau says right now Bianco is the school’s top candidate.

Cut 6 (09) “…more talks”

Bianco has been the head coach at Ole Miss since 2000. He’s the winningest baseball coach in school history and had led the Rebels to the College World Series one time.  Guilbeau says Bianco has always been well-liked by those who have played with Skip Bertman…

Cut 7 (07) “…got there”

LSU fans can be tough to please and Guilbeau believes if this hire were to be made, it would receive mixed reviews.

Cut 8 (10) “..mixed bag” 

___________________________

The family of former LSU President Troy Middleton is suing LSU demanding the school return a collection of the General’s World War Two memorabilia.

Middleton family attorney Jill Craft says the family has tried to retrieve the collection but keeps getting the runaround.

Cut 9 (12) “…get it (x2).”

Middleton’s name was removed from the school’s library last summer amidst an outcry over the former President’s support for segregation during his tenure running the school in the 50s and 60s.

Craft says this collection was never given to LSU, it was loaned for the purpose of a specific exhibition. Now that the loan purpose has expired the family wants the items returned.

Cut 10 (12) “…returned”

Craft says the school has not provided documents proving the collection was not a loan and says there are news articles from the time it was handed to the school calling the exchange a loan. She also notes the school is currently displaying some of the collection in a newly opened WW2 exhibit on campus.

The suit also seeks damages for “extreme humiliation and embarrassment”. Craft says that is a last resort should the school refuse to turn over the collection.

Cut  11 (12) “…payback” 

In a statement, LSU spokesperson Ernie Ballard said they’ve told the family while they can give back some of the collection, parts of it may constitute historical records that belong to the federal government or university.

“Earlier this year LSU offered to return parts of the collection constituting General Middleton’s personal belongings and memorabilia. However, LSU as a state institution cannot simply give away the parts of the collection that constitute historical government records and documents that may properly belong to the university or federal government.”

___________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards signs legislation decriminalizing possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana.

Policy Director for Louisiana Progress Peter Robins-Brown says decriminalization is a widely popular policy that creates more trust between law enforcement and their local community.

Cut 12 (08) “…law”

Under the new law, written by Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover, possession under 14 grams cannot lead to jail time and comes with a maximum fine of 100 dollars.

The legislation has historically been pushed by Democrats but Robins-Brown says this year it got a lot of Republican support that some found surprising.

Cut 13 (12) “…for this.”

Before being signed only New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport had decriminalized possession.

Robins-Brown says his guess is that this bill is another step towards full legalization of marijuana.

Cut 14 (12) “..point” 

Governor Edwards released a statement about the signing saying “I believe deeply that the state of Louisiana should no longer incarcerate people for minor legal infractions, especially those that are legal in many states.” Per the AP the legislation is set to take effect on August 1st.

2:30 LRN Newscast June 15

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed a bill into law that ends the possibility of jail time for a person if they are convicted of possessing a small amount of recreational marijuana. Policy Director for Louisiana Progress Peter Robins-Brown says the measure has support from both Republicans and Democrats…
cut 13 (12) “…for this”
A person convicted of possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana will be fined up to 100-dollars, but no possibility of jail time, even if they are a repeat offender.

The National Hurricane Center says a disturbance in the southern Gulf of Mexico has an 80-percent chance of developing into at least a tropical depression over the next five days. National Weather Service meteorologist Ben Schott says the broad area of low pressure will eventually move northward and flash flooding is possible in south Louisiana on Friday
Cut 3 (06) “…heavy rainfall, rainfall”
Some of the models are showing rainfall totals of ten plus inches in less than 12 hours anywhere from Lake Charles to Mobile, Alabama.

Could Ole Miss Head Coach and former LSU catcher and pitching coach Mike Bianco be the next head baseball coach of the Fighting Tigers? USA Today Network LSU beat reporter Glen Guilbeau says it’s possible, even though it could lead to mixed reactions from a passionate fan base…
cut 8 (10) “…mixed bag”
Guilbeau says Bianco appears to be the choice to replace the retired Paul Mainieri.

Family members of former LSU president Troy Middleton have sued the school in an effort to get back his military memorabilia. A year ago, LSU removed Middleton’s name from the school’s main library because of his segregationist views. Attorney Jill Craft is representing Middleton’s heirs…
cut 10 (12) “…returned”
LSU says the school may have to keep some of the items because they belong to the university and or the federal government.

1:30 LRN Newscast June 15

Governor John Bel Edwards signs legislation decriminalizing possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana. Policy Director for Louisiana Progress Peter Robins-Brown says decriminalization is a widely popular policy that creates more trust between law enforcement and their local community.

Cut 12 (08) “…law”

Under the new law, written by Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover, possession under 14 grams cannot lead to jail time and comes with a maximum fine of 100 dollars.

Forecasters say there is a high chance a disturbance in the southern Gulf of Mexico will develop into at least a tropical storm over the next five days. National Weather Service meteorologist Ben Schott says prepare now for a big rainmaker on Friday and Saturday…

Cut 5  (12) “….for flooding” 

A year after Troy Middleton’s name was removed from the LSU Library his heirs are suing to have Middleton war memorabilia held by the school returned. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s office is investigating the death of a two-year-old boy who was left in a hot car Monday. Public Information Officer Katherina Breaux says deputies received a call and found the young boy who was left inside an unattended vehicle for an extended period of time Monday afternoon. This is the fourth hot car death in the U-S this year.

12:30 LRN Newscast June 15

Governor Edwards has signed a bill to reduce the penalty for possession of a small amount of marijuana.  The bill does not decriminalize possession however it does reduce the penalty for those in possession of 14 grams or less to have a maximum fine of $100 and no jail time. Edwards says bipartisan support of the legislation is a step forward in criminal justice reform efforts.

The National Weather Service says Louisiana residents should brace for the potential heavy rainfall later this week as a result of a tropical system. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

There are reports LSU and Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco are discussing the possibility of the former Tiger becoming the next head coach of the LSU baseball program.  LSU beat reporter for the USA Today Network Glen Guilbeau says Bianco has always been well-liked by those who have played with Skip Bertman…

Cut 7 (07) “…got there”

Bianco has been the head coach at Ole Miss since 2000

The family of former LSU President Troy Middleton is suing LSU demanding the school return a collection of the General’s World War Two memorabilia. Middleton family attorney Jill Craft says the family has tried to retrieve the collection but keeps getting the runaround.

Cut 9 (12) “…get it”

Middleton’s name was removed from the school’s library last summer amidst an outcry over the former President’s support for segregation in the past.

1140 Sportscast 6/15

The Advocate Newspaper reports that LSU is focusing its search for a new baseball coach on Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco and East Carolina coach Cliff Godwin.  Big names like Vanderbilt’s Tim Corbin has been mentioned as an option but college baseball analyst Ronnie Rantz says convincing him to come to Baton Rouge would not  be easy.

Cut 17 (14) “in the country”

Bianco and Godwin have both spent time in Baton Rouge as assistant coaches, while Bianco also played for the Tigers in the late 1980’s.

Ragin Cajuns head basketball coach Bob Marlin has announced the hiring of Derrick Zimmerman as a new assistant coach for the Cajuns basketball program.  The Monroe native spent the last three seasons on the Mississippi State staff, serving as a graduate assistant for two seasons before becoming Director of Scouting and Analytics last year.

The Ragin Cajuns have received a verbal commitment from 2022 offensive lineman Bryant Williams, who helped lead Grand Lake to the Class One-A championship game last season. Williams is six-foot-eight, 315 pounds, and received an offer from U-L Lafayette in late January.

According to Rivals recruiting expert Mike Farrell, former LSU running back Kevontre Bradford will transfer to the University of Oklahoma.  Bradford signed with LSU as a four-star prospect in the class of 2020.  As a freshman, Bradford had 10 carries for 58 yards for the Tigers.

LSU Gymnastics Head Coach Jay Clark has announced Garrett Griffeth and 2004 Olympian Courtney McCook Griffeth as new assistant coaches. The Griffiths come to Baton Rouge after serving as assistant coaches for the last two seasons at the University of Utah. The Utes finished third nationally this past season.

11:30 LRN Newscast June 15

Forecasters say there is a high chance a disturbance in the southern Gulf of Mexico will develop into at least a tropical storm over the next five days. The National Hurricane Center says they will have a better idea once the system actually develops. National Weather Service meteorologist Ben Schott says even if doesn’t get to tropical storm strength, it could be a big rainmaker…

Cut 4 (12) “…heavy heavy rain”

If named, it will be called Claudette.

Crude oil prices are trading above 70-dollars a barrel for the first time in nearly three years. But LSU Center for Energy Studies Director David Dismukes says don’t expect this surge in prices to result in new jobs for the state’s oil and gas industry, because of climate policies like net neutrality by 2050…

Cut 8 (08) “…were at.”
There are reports LSU and Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco are discussing the possibility of the former Tiger catcher and pitching coach becoming the next head coach of the LSU baseball program.  LSU beat reporter for the USA Today Network Glen Guilbeau says right now Bianco is the school’s top candidate.

Cut 6 (09) “…more talks”

Bianco has been the head coach at Ole Miss since 2000.

Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine shows the two-dose offering is 90 percent effective and it appears to have fewer side effects than those from Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson and Johnson but Tulane School of Medicine Professor Susan Hassig says in general none of those shots have side effects that really stand out.

Cut 12 (10) “…consequences.”

10:30 LRN Newscast June 5

Forecasters say there is a high chance a disturbance in the southern Gulf of Mexico will develop into at least a tropical storm over the next five days. National Weather Service meteorologist Ben Schott says the broad area of low pressure will eventually move northward and flash flooding is possible in south Louisiana on Friday.

Cut 3 (06) “…heavy rainfall, rainfall”

The National Hurricane Center says they will have a better idea once the system actually develops. If named, it will be called Claudette.

Today is tax day for most of Louisiana. Senior Tax Manager at Hannis T Bourgeois, Brad Tate, says if your salary decreased in 2020 you could be eligible for more federal assistance…

Cut 5  (09) “…last year.”

Taxpayers in Ascension, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Iberville and Lafayette parishes have until August 16th to file because of last month’s flooding.

Crude oil prices are back above 70-dollars a barrel and trading at their highest price in nearly three years. When you look at gas prices, the statewide average for regular gasoline is $2.71, nearly a dollar more than last year. LSU Center for Energy Studies Director David Dismukes expects the price at the pump will continue to increase…

Cut 9 (07) “…with them.”
Carjackings are on the rise at an alarming rate. State Attorney General Deputy Press Secretary Emmie Fuson urges drivers to pay attention to their surroundings, have their keys and phone in hand when approaching their vehicle, park in a well-lit area, and trust their instincts. Fuson says if you find yourself a victim of carjacking remember a car can be replaced you however cannot.

Cut 15 (10)“…trunk.”

9:30 LRN Newscast June 15

The National Hurricane Center is giving an area of low pressure in the Bay of Campeche a 70-percent chance of developing into a tropical depression over the next five days. Forecasters say this could be a big rainmaker for the Bayou State later this week.

Crude oil prices are back over 70 dollars a barrel but industry experts are not optimistic this will result in increased jobs for the state’s oil and gas industry. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

It’s Tax Day for most of the state, as 2020 state and federal taxes are due. But Senior Tax Manager at Hannis T. Bourgeois, Brad Tate says there are a few parishes that received another extension.
Cut 4 (09) “…August 16th.”
Bourgeois says economic stimulus checks and the frontline worker rebate are not subject to Louisiana state income taxes and the first 10,200 of unemployment benefits is also tax-free.

Maryland-based Novavax says its COVID-19 vaccine they are testing has shown to be 90-percent effective against the disease and also protected against variants. Demand for COVID-19 shots has declined in the U-S and Tulane School of Medicine Professor Dr. Susan Hassig says this vaccine could be particularly useful in other nations that need to get vaccinated in order to prevent even more dangerous variants from mutating…
cut 11 (07) “…Moderna do”