11:30 LRN Newscast

Get ready for another active hurricane season. NOAA is predicting an above-average season, with 13 to 19 named storms. Of them, they predict six to ten hurricanes, with three to five being major hurricanes – Category Three or higher. National Weather Service Director Ken Graham says even a storm that does not rise to the level of a major hurricane can still be very devastating.

Cut 3 (11) “…care the category.”

The number of storms for an average season is 14 and last year there were 18 named storms.

Attorney General Liz Murrill, along with state corrections officials completed a tour of the Orleans Parish Jail as the state looks at how it can prevent another jail break. Murrill says her office will spend the next several weeks looking at how to make the facility more secure, but she pointed out a quick fix and that’s not allowing construction materials to be used as weapons…

Cut 6 (11) “…gets the job done”

Murrill says making sure they have the right locks and hinges on the doors is also a top priority.

 

A Senate bill that would prohibit schools that receive state funding from serving ultra-processed foods at lunch is now heading to the House floor after no one voted against the bill in House Health and Welfare. The bill’s author, Covington Senator Patrick McMath, says Louisiana is one of several states considering similar legislation and the goal is…

Cut 10 (10) “…alter the ingredients.”

McMath’s bill incentivizes food makers to eliminate toxins from school lunches. The legislation also requires a warning label on foods containing artificial colors, additives or banned chemicals. And it requires restaurants to notify customers if they cook or prepare foods using seed oils.

State lawmakers now have an additional 139-million dollars to spend next fiscal year. The Revenue Estimating Conference recognized the additional cash after hearing from economists who project the amount of revenue the state will collect after July 1st.

10:30 LRN Newscast

State Treasurer John Fleming announced that approximately 143-thousand unclaimed property checks, totaling over 34-million dollars, will be mailed next Friday. This follows a data match with the Louisiana Department of Revenue with updated addresses.

Cut 7 (09) “…land next month.”

The Revenue Estimating Conference has recognized an additional 139-million-dollars in funding, which means the state will have more available dollars to plug into next fiscal year’s budget.  Louisiana Policy Institute for Children CEO Libbie Sonnier is urging legislators to use some of the additional revenue to increase funding for early childhood education…

Cut 4 (11) “…child care assistance.”

Livingston Parish once again teamed up with former Dateline NBC correspondent Chris Hansen in an online sex sting. This time, nine men were arrested, including two registered sex offenders and one man who brought a loaded gun to the sting house. Sheriff Jason Ard says the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force set up the operation in March and April, creating a fake social media profile.

Cut 13 (11)  “…an undercover deputy.”

A 15-year-old girl drowns in the Ouachita (wash-uh-TAW) River. The Monroe Police Department says the girl went swimming in the river with her friends when she failed to resurface shortly before seven last night. The department’s dive team responded and pulled her body out of the water. M-P-D is urging you to stay out of the Ouachita River at this time, because water levels are too high to make any activity in the water safe.

9:30 LRN Newscast

A Senate bill that would prohibit schools that receive state funding from serving ultra-processed foods at lunch is now heading to the House floor after no one voted against it in House Health and Welfare. This is part of the Make America Healthy Again initiative. Committee member and Slidell Representative Stephanie Berault (buh-RAHLT):

Cut 11 (11) “…have it now.”

During testimony of the bill, opposition came from those who do not like that artificial sweeteners would be banned from being served in school lunches. Lobbyist Alton Ashy represents the Calorie Control Council and he says artificial sweeteners can help with weight management

Cut 12 (13) “…in their diet.”

Louisiana is one of several states considering such legislation.

The Revenue Estimating Conference has recognized an additional 139-million dollars in funding, and some advocates are urging the legislature to use some of that additional money for early childhood initiatives. The House-approved  budget contains almost 78-million-dollars for the Child Care Assistance Program. Louisiana Policy Institute for Children CEO Libbie Sonnier says they would like to see funding return to the previous level.

Cut 5 (10) “…young children thrive.”

Livingston Parish once again teamed up with former Dateline NBC correspondent Chris Hansen in an online sex sting. This time, nine men were arrested, including two registered sex offenders and one man who brought a loaded gun to the sting house. Sheriff Jason Ard says this underscores the importance of monitoring your kids’ online activities at all times.

Cut 15 (11) “…prey right then.”

8:30 LRN Newscast

Former Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet has been indicted on bribery and wire fraud charges. Federal prosecutors allege Montoucet was involved in a lucrative kickback scheme involving a state contract. If found guilty. Montoucet faces up to 20 years in prison and a one-million dollar fine.

A Senate bill heading to the House floor would prohibit schools that receive state funding from serving lunches with ultra-processed foods. Andrew Greenstein has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

 

The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children is urging the Louisiana Legislature to increase state funding for early childhood education by an additional nine million dollars. Doctor Libbie Sonnier says it would be a wise investment…

Cut 6 (08) “….learn and excel”

The legislature found out yesterday that they will have an additional 139-million dollars to spend next fiscal year, because revenues are coming in higher than projected.

At the end of the month, the state treasurer’s office will mail out 143-thousand unclaimed property checks totaling 34-million dollars. State Treasurer John Fleming says for those who receive these checks, this is money that belongs to you. He says the money usually comes from old payroll checks, bank accounts, royalties, utility deposits, interest payments, stock certificates and life insurance proceeds…

Cut 9 (08) “…will claim it”

Visit L-A Cash Claim dot-org.

7:30 LRN Newscast

The Revenue Estimating Conference has recognized an additional 139-million-dollars in funding, which means the state will have more available dollars to plug into next fiscal year’s budget.  Louisiana Policy Institute for Children CEO Libbie Sonnier is urging legislators to use some of the additional revenue to increase funding for early childhood education…

Cut 4 (11) “…child care assistance.”

There will also be a push to fund a high-dosage tutoring program that was not funded when the House approved the budget last week.

The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested nine suspected child sex predators on child grooming and abuse charges. Sheriff Jason Ard says these nine  individuals were caught having inappropriate conversations with detectives, who they thought were teenagers…

Cut 14 (06) “…right through that”

An LSU student and an alleged gang member were among the nine people arrested.

A Senate bill that would prohibit schools that receive state funding from serving ultra-processed foods at lunch is now heading to the House floor after no one voted against the bill in House Health and Welfare. The bill’s author, Covington Senator Patrick McMath, says Louisiana is one of several states considering similar legislation and the goal is…

Cut 10 (10) “…alter the ingredients.”

McMath’s bill incentives food makers to eliminate toxins from school lunches. The legislation also requires a warning label on foods containing artificial colors, additives or banned chemicals. And it requires restaurants to notify customers if they cook or prepare foods using seed oils.

State Treasurer John Fleming says 143-thousand unclaimed property checks, totaling over 34-million dollars will be mailed at the end of the month. Fleming says his office is holding on to one-point-two billion dollars in unclaimed property and the checks they will send out on May 30th is the result of working with the Department of Revenue to connect the unclaimed property checks with the person’s address…

Cut 7 (09) “…next month”

To find out if you have unclaimed property, search La-cash-casino-dot-org.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Grambling was the only college baseball team from Louisiana to win a tournament game last night. The Tigers topped fourth seeded Arkansas Pine Bluff 13 to 6 in Birmingham. Chenar Brown homered and drove in four runs and Aries Gardner hit a three-run homer. Grambling plays Florida A-and-M tonight in a winner’s bracket game. Southern lost to Florida A-and-M nine to one yesterday and the Jags need to beat Arkansas Pine-Bluff to stay alive.

The Ragin Cajuns and Louisiana Tech are in the loser’s bracket in their respective conference tournaments. Fourth-seeded Marshall beat fifth seeded UL Lafayette nine to five. The Cajuns play Georgia Southern in an elimination game at 12:30 today.  Louisiana Tech could not hold on to a three-run lead and lost to Jacksonville State nine to seven. Tech plays Liberty today.

 

The LSU Tigers will find out today who they will play Friday night in the SEC Tournament. It will be either Auburn or Texas A-and-M. The Aggies blanked Mississippi State nine to nothing. LSU left-hander Kade Anderson is expected to start tomorrow night. Anderson has become one of the top pitchers in the country. He credits the team’s strength program and a new pitch he’s developed…

Cut 30 (08) “…right now”

The Washington Nationals have placed former LSU star Dylan Crews on the ten-day injury list. Daniels has a left oblique strain. It’s been a struggle for Crews this season. He’s only hitting .196 with seven home runs and 15 RBIs.

The Tush Bush will continue to be a legal play in the NFL. A vote among the league’s owners to ban the play, came up two votes short of passing. The Saints reportedly voted against the proposal to ban the play. Head Coach Kellen Moore has a Super Bowl Ring because the Eagles perfected the short yardage play.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Early Childhood Education Advocates are urging the Louisiana Senate to spend more dollars on the Child Care Assistance Program. Sean Richardson reports the Louisiana House’s proposed budget keeps funding at the same level as this year…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

And state lawmakers now have an additional 139-million dollars to spend next fiscal year. The Revenue Estimating Conference recognized the additional cash after hearing from economists who project the amount of revenue the state will collect after July 1st. Senate President Cameron Henry says the additional dollars could fund more criminal justice improvements, economic development initiatives and some lawmakers want to see the state spend 30-million dollars to keep a high-dosage tutoring program going.

Livingston Parish once again teamed up with former Dateline NBC correspondent Chris Hansen in an online sex sting. This time, nine men were arrested, including two registered sex offenders and one man who brought a loaded gun to the sting house. Sheriff Jason Ard says the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force set up the operation in March and April, creating a fake social media profile.

Cut 13 (11)  “…an undercover deputy.”

An LSU student and an alleged gang member were among the nine people arrested.

At the end of the month, Louisiana’s Treasurer’s Office will send out 143-thousand unclaimed property checks totaling over 34 million dollars. State Treasurer John Fleming says there are about 25-hundred people receiving unclaimed property that’s higher than their maximum for an automatic check…

Cut 8 (11) “…verifying their identity”

The unclaimed property checks are blue and it will have a logo that says Your Money…Claim It.

LRN AM Newscall May 22

Early Childhood Education Advocates are urging the Louisiana Senate to spend more dollars on the Child Care Assistance Program. Sean Richardson reports the Louisiana House’s proposed budget keeps funding at the same level as this year…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

Approximately 143-thousand unclaimed property checks, totaling over 34-million-dollars, will be mailed next Friday. Sean Richardson has more

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

A Senate bill heading to the House floor would prohibit schools that receive state funding from serving lunches with ultra-processed foods. Andrew Greenstein has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

The Revenue Estimating Conference has recognized an additional 139-million-dollars in funding, which means the state will have more available dollars to plug into next fiscal year’s budget.  Louisiana Policy Institute for Children CEO Libbie Sonnier is urging legislators to use some of the additional revenue to increase funding for early childhood education…

Cut 4 (11) “…child care assistance.”

The Louisiana House approved a budget that contained nearly 78-million-dollars for the Child Care Assistance Program.  Sonnier says they would like to see funding return to the 2023-24 level, which was 87-million-dollars.

Cut 5 (08) “…young children thrive.”

Louisiana spends around one-percent of its state budget on early childhood education, and Sonnier says investing in early childhood education is a two generation approach with parents able to work and contribute to the state economy…

Cut 6 (12) “…learn and excel.”

______________________________________________________

State Treasurer John Fleming announced that approximately 143-thousand unclaimed property checks, totaling over 34-million dollars, will be mailed next Friday. This follows a data match with the Louisiana Department of Revenue with updated addresses.

Cut 7 (09) “…land next month.”

This is the largest batch of checks mailed since 2018, reaching residents in every parish. Fleming says 25-hundred claims exceed the automatic check limit will receive claim forms with instructions on how to complete the process.

Cut 8 (11) “…verifying their identity.”

Fleming says the blue colored checks, featuring the Treasury’s logo, are legitimate and urged recipients to cash them and no one can cash these checks or deposit them but you…

Cut 9 (08)  “…will claim it.”

You can visit L-A-Cash-Claim-dot-org to see if you have any unclaimed property.

______________________________________________________

A Senate bill that would prohibit schools that receive state funding from serving ultra-processed foods at lunch is now heading to the House floor after no one voted against the bill in House Health and Welfare. The bill’s author, Covington Senator Patrick McMath, says Louisiana is one of several states considering similar legislation and the goal is…

Cut 10 (10) “…alter the ingredients.”

The MAHA bill advanced to the House floor without objection. Committee member and Slidell Representative Stephanie Berault:

Cut 11 (11) “…have it now.”

McMath’s bill incentivizes food makers to eliminate toxins from school lunches. The legislation also requires a warning label on foods containing artificial colors, additives or banned chemicals. And it requires restaurants to notify customers if they cook or prepare foods using seed oils.

During testimony of the bill, opposition came from those who do not like that artificial sweeteners are banned from being served in school lunches. Lobbyist Alton Ashy represents the Calorie Control Council and he says artificial sweeteners can help with weight management

Cut 12 (13) “…in their diet.”

______________________________________________________

Livingston Parish once again teamed up with former Dateline NBC correspondent Chris Hansen in an online sex sting. This time, nine men were arrested, including two registered sex offenders and one man who brought a loaded gun to the sting house. Sheriff Jason Ard says the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force set up the operation in March and April, creating a fake social media profile.

Cut 13 (11)  “…an undercover deputy.”

Sheriff Ard reiterates that it’s always the suspect who initiates the conversation, and not the other way around.

Cut 14 (06) “…right through that.”

The conversation escalates to the point that the suspect is given an address to a house to meet up with who he thought was a 12-year-old girl or a 14-year-old boy. Also among the suspects are two foreign nationals – one who’s been studying at LSU for several years and one with ties to a human trafficking gang. Ard says this underscores the importance of monitoring your kids’ online activities at all times.

Cut 15 (11) “…prey right then.”

Some of the cases will be featured on “Takedown With Chris Hansen,” which is streaming on the TruBlu streaming network.

5:30 LRN Newscast/Legislative Report

The Revenue Estimating Conference recognizes an additional 139-million-dollars in funding. Louisiana Policy Institute for Children CEO Libbie Sonnier is urging legislators to use some of that additional revenue to increase funding for early childhood education.

Cut 4 (12) “…child care assistance.”

A Senate bill that would prohibit schools that receive state funding from serving ultra-processed foods at lunch is now heading to the House floor after no one voted against it in House Health and Welfare. The bill’s author, Covington Senator Patrick McMath, says Louisiana is one of several states considering similar legislation and the goal is…

Cut 10 (10) “…alter the ingredients.”

Online sportsbooks could soon be paying additional state taxes if a certain bill makes it onto Governor Landry’s desk. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Marrero Representative Kyle Green is arrested following a single-vehicle crash early Wednesday morning. State Police Trooper Jacob Pucheu (POO-show):

Cut 11 (10) “…with him, though.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

At the SEC Baseball Tournament today, 14th seeded Texas A-and-M blanked Mississippi State nine to nothing. The Aggies need an impressive in the SEC Tourney to have a shot at making the NCAA Tournament. A&M will play Auburn tomorrow and the winner of that game plays LSU on Friday night.

LSU baseball is ranked number one in all of the polls but have they done enough to be a Top 8 National seed, which puts them in position to host a Super Regional if they win their Regional. But LSU is ranked eighth in the RPI which is a metric the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee relies on when determining seeding. LSU Pitcher Kade Anderson believes the Tigers should be a Top 8 national seed…

Cut 19 (19) “…we will be ready”

In college baseball tournament action tonight…Louisiana Tech will play Jacksonville State in the opening round of the Conference USA Tournament. Grambling plays Arkansas Pine Bluff. Southern lost earlier today to Florida A-and-M by the score of nine to one. The Ragin Cajuns will match up with Marshall in the Sun Belt Tournament.

KNOE-TV’s Aaron Dietrich is reporting former LSU and Northeast Louisiana baseball coach Smoke Laval is interested in returning to Monroe to be next head coach of the ULM Warhawks.

At the state capitol, the Louisiana House has approved a bill that increases the tax on online sports betting operators. A portion of the additional revenue created will go to Division one athletic programs in the state, two million dollars to each. Piper Hutchinson with the Louisiana Illuminator says the state has nothing to lose by raising the only sports betting tax rate…

Cut 15 (11) “….not the same”