09:30 Newscast, June 15th, 2017

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says the attack on House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana and others is a sign of the turbulent times in our country. There’s been reports of congressional leaders receiving threats following the attack, suggesting that more may follow. Graves says he won’t let it interfere with his duties in Washington..:
Cut 12 (11) “to be fixed”
Scalise is in critical condition and will need more surgeries according to hospital officials.

A budget bill approved by the House uses all dollars forecast by the revenue estimating conference. New Orleans Representative Walt Leger says, despite opposition from some in the GOP, using all of the money is is the responsible way to fund state government:
Cut 16 (10) “of the state”
HB1 will likely be quickly approved in the Senate.

A new law that limits first time opioid prescriptions to a 7 day supply may not address Louisiana’s opioid epidemic as hoped. One provision allows patients to request their script only be partially filled, and they could get the rest later if needed. St. Tammany Coroner Charles Preston says he’s spoken to pharmacies say they cannot partially fill a prescription…:
Cut 8 (10) “additional prescription”
He hopes this law doesn’t cloud the importance of funding addiction treatment programs.

The LSU Tigers are off to Omaha. Pitcher Alex Lange will start versus Florida State on Saturday night. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the first round earlier this week. But Lange is not worried about his pro career…:
Cut 18 (08) “Omaha now”
It’s LSU’s first trip to the College World Series since 2015.

 

08:30 Newscast, June 15th, 2017

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves blames turbulent political times for the attack on House Majority Whip Steve Scalise. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 3 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The hospital where Scalise is staying issued a statement saying the Republican Congressman remains in critical condition and will likely need several more surgeries.

The slain gunman, 66-year-old James T. Hodgkinson, who had a history of holding a grudge against the GOP, had apparently been living in a van for months and was frequently spotted at a YMCA near the site of the shooting.

Legislators have taken a significant step towards ending the budget impasse and the special session. On a 56-44 vote, the House approved a budget that allocates 100-percent of the available money. A large contingent of House Republicans like Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala did not want to spend all of the dollars forecast…:
Cut 13 (05) “need that money”
But others argued holding back $100 million would cause cuts to critical state services. The Senate is expected to quickly approve HB1.

Tulane researchers have found Louisiana is sinking at a rate of just over one third of an inch per year, which is 50-percent faster than what was estimated two years ago. Geology professor and co-author of the report, Tor Tornqvist, says this research should alarm those about future of Louisiana’s coastline…:
Cut 6 (11) “right now”

 

07:30 Newscast, June 15th, 2017

Congressman Steve Scalise of Louisiana remains in critical condition after being shot by a now-deceased man in the hip during baseball practice. The shooter is said to have been politically motivated and Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says he has never seen things so divisive…:
Cut 11 (09) “right now”
Scalise is expected to need additional surgeries.

The House approved a budget plan Wednesday that allocates 100-percent of available money forecast . New Orleans Representative Walt Leger says if the state doesn’t use the dollars it has, cuts will occur to areas of the budget where they don’t need to be:
cut 15 (10) “budget”
Not all of the House GOP was happy about giving in, but on a narrow 56-44 vote the plan heads to the Senate where it will be quickly approved.

Tulane researchers discover Louisiana’s coast is sinking at a rate of one third inch per year, which is 50-percent faster than an earlier estimate…
Cut 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

St. Tammany Coroner Charles Preston doesn’t think the new laws restricting opiod prescriptions will curb the addiction epidemic. He says less than one percent of those who are prescribed pain pills abuse drugs:
Cut 7 (10) “appropriately”
The new law limits first time prescriptions for acute pain to a 7-day supply.

 

06:45 Sportscast, June 15th, 2017

The LSU Tigers leave for Omaha this morning. Senior shortstop Kramer Robertson is looking forward to his first C-W-S experience…:
Cut 17 (20) “all of it”
LSU pitcher Alex Lange will start versus Florida State on Saturday night.

The Ragin’ Cajuns baseball team had four players selected on the final day of the 2017 MLB Draft on Wednesday. Junior left-hander Gunner Leger was picked by the Miami Marlins, but he’s decided to return for his senior season.

LSU junior right-handers Hunter Kiel and Doug Norman were selected in the MLB draft Wednesday. Kiel by the Chicago White Sox, Norman was chosen by the Cincinnati Reds.

Former ULM baseball player Nathan Reynolds was selected by Arizona in the MLB draft.

The Diamondbacks also selected Nicholls State University pitcher Cole Stapler Wednesday.

Louisiana Tech left fielder Raphael Gladu was taken by the New York Mets, and the Colorado Rockies drafted Nate Harris.

Saints wide receiver Willie Snead says he’s optimistic about the 2017 season following day 2 of Mini Camp. He told NewOrleansSaints.com they are going to step it up following the departure of Brandin Cooks, and has a great feeling about free agent receiver Ted Ginn Jr…:
CUT 25 (22) “can’t wait for the season”

For the first time in a decade, federal authorities and the five Gulf states agreed on Wednesday allow an extended red snapper season in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

 

06:30 Newscast, June 15th, 2017

The hospital treating Congressman Steve Scalise of Jefferson Parish issued a statement late Wednesday indicating he remains in critical condition and will require additional operations. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says the attack on Scalise and others at a congressional baseball game practice is going too far…:
Cut 10 (10) “physical attacks”
There’s been reports of congressional leaders receiving threats following the attack, suggesting that more may follow.

Land along Louisiana’s coastline is sinking 50 percent faster than was estimated, according to a new study out of Tulane. Lead researcher, Tor Tornqvist, says they developed a map to determine how rapidly it’s going underwater and where…:
Cut 4 (06) “one inch”
He hopes the map will be used by policymakers who are making decisions about restoring Louisiana’s coast.

The St. Tammany Parish coroner doesn’t think a new law to limit first time opioid prescriptions will address the epidemic as much as we hoped.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Louisiana House backed a $28 billion operating budget that would use every dollar forecast to be available for spending. The plan will be heard in the Senate finance committee today.

 

LRN AM Newscall June 15th

Tulane researchers discover Louisiana’s coast is sinking at a rate of one third inch per year, which is 50-percent faster than their estimate from two years ago. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The St. Tammany Parish coroner doesn’t think a new law to limit first time opioid prescriptions will address the epidemic as much as we hoped. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves blames turbulent political times for the attack on House Majority Whip Steve Scalise. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

__________________________________

Tulane researchers have found Louisiana is sinking at a rate of just over one third of an inch per year, which is 50-percent faster than what was estimated two years ago. Geology professor and co-author of the report, Tor Tornqvist, says we’ve always known the state is sinking, but they developed a map of coastal Louisiana to determine how rapidly it’s going underwater and where.

Cut 4  (06) “one inch”

Tornquvist says they were able to conduct this research by collecting data from nearly 300 monitoring stations along the state’s coast that measured how wetland surfaces change over time and how much sediment accumulates over time.

Cut 5  (11)  “feet”

Tornquvist says this map is an improvement and can hopefully be used by policymakers who are making decisions about restoring Louisiana’s coast. He says this research should alarm those about future of Louisiana’s coastline.

Cut 6 (11) “right now”

________________________________________________________

A new law that limits first time opioid prescriptions may not address Louisiana’s opioid epidemic as much as we hoped. St. Tammany Coroner Charles Preston says according to numbers he’s seen, only four to 13 percent of patients will misuse their opioid prescription, and four percent of those will go on to use harder drugs. He says that means less than one percent of those who receive opioid prescriptions will abuse drugs.

Cut 7 (10)  “appropriately”

The law limits first time prescriptions for acute conditions to a 7-day supply. One provision allows patients to request their script only be partially filled, and they could get the rest later if needed. Preston says that could be problematic for pharmacies. He says he’s spoken to many that say they cannot practically partially fill a prescription.

Cut 8 (10) “additional prescription”

Preston says this new law is a positive step, and he applauds New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno for shedding light on a growing problem in Louisiana and around the country. But he hopes it doesn’t cloud the importance of funding addiction treatment programs.

Cut 9 (10)  “disease process”

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Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says the attack on House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and others at a congressional baseball game practice is a sign of the turbulent times in our country. He says it’s okay to have different ideas and opinions, in fact we should celebrate that. But he says this is taking our differences too far.

Cut 10 (10) “physical attacks”

Graves says this sobering incident shows how quickly things can turn. He says it doesn’t matter which party it is, it’s simply not okay to turn to acts of violence to address a problem. He says he has never seen things as polarizing and divisive as they are right now.

Cut 11 (09) “right now”

There’s been reports of congressional leaders receiving threats following the attack, suggesting that more may follow. Graves says he’s certainly received threats in the past, but he won’t let it interfere with his duties in Washington.

Cut 12 (11) “to be fixed”

____________________________________________________________

Legislators have taken a significant step towards ending the budget impasse and the special session. On a 56-44 vote, the House approved a budget that allocates 100-percent of the available money. A large contingent of House Republicans like Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala did not want to spend at least 100-million dollars, because the state constantly has midyear revenue shortfalls.

Cut 13 (05) “need that money”

Bacala told his colleagues that it would be wise to hold back 100-million dollars so midyear cuts are not needed if the revenue does not come in as anticipated…

Cut 14 (11) “some back”

But New Orleans Representative Walt Leger says if the state doesn’t allocate all of the available dollars, cuts will occur to areas when the fiscal year begins in July to areas of the budget that do not need to be slashed

Cut 15 (10) “budget”

The 28-billion dollar budget proposal will be heard in the Senate finance committee on Thursday. It has the support of Governor John Bel Edwards, who says the spending plan imposes cuts in a responsible way, but it also adequately funds our needs. Leger says using all of the dollars available is the responsible way to fund state government…

Cut 16 (10)  “of the state”

____________________________________________________________________

The LSU Tigers leave for Omaha this morning. It’s their first trip to the College World Series since 2015. Senior shortstop Kramer Robertson is looking forward to his first C-W-S experience…

Cut 17 (20) “all of it”

LSU pitcher Alex Lange will start versus Flordia State on Saturday night. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the first round earlier this week. But Lange is not worried about his pro career…

Cut 18 (08) “Omaha now” 

Lange says everyone is excited about the opportunity to win the school’s seventh national championship…

Cut 19 (15) “fun starts”

18:30 Newscast June 14

MedStar Washington Hospital Center says Congressman Steve Scalise of Jefferson Parish was critically injured when he was shot by a gunman this morning while practicing for a charity baseball game. The Hospital says Scalise remains in critical condition, after undergoing surgery for a gunshot wound to the hip.

Members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation are reacting to the shooting of Congressman Scalise. Michelle Southern has that…
Cut 2 (28) “….I’m Michelle Southern”

Legislators have taken a significant step towards ending the budget impasse and the special session. On a 56-44 vote, the House has approved a budget that allocates 100-percent of the available money. A large contingent of House Republicans like Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala wanted to withold at least 100-million dollars, because the state constantly has midyear revenue shortfalls.

Cut 13 (05) “need that money”

But New Orleans Representative Walt Leger says if the state doesn’t allocate all of the available dollars, cuts will occur to areas when the fiscal year begins in July to areas of the budget that do not need to be slashed.

Cut 15 (10) “budget”

The 28-billion dollar budget proposal will be heard in the Senate finance committee on Thursday, and it has the support of Governor John Bel Edwards.

17:30 LRN Newscast June 14

Louisiana’s Congressional delegation is reacting to the shooting this morning outside of Washington that injured several including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Jefferson Parish. Senator John Kennedy…:
Cut 6 (11) “in America”
Scalise is recovering from a gunshot wound to the hip and a Washington DC hospital lists him in critical condition.

The shooter has been identified as 66-year-old James Hodgkinson of Illinois, and President Trump announced he is dead. Mr. Trump commended the actions of the officers who stepped in to stop this deliberate attack.
Cut 10 (10) “wounds”

State Police say a Baton Rouge Police officer shot and killed a passenger who allegedly got out of a vehicle during a traffic stop with a gun last night. Trooper Bryan Lee says troopers are gathering witness statements, and the investigation is ongoing…:
Cut 5 (09) “are pending”
The deceased is identified as 35-year-old Jordan Frazier.

Good news for Baton Rouge area motorists, as the state Department of Transportation announces plans to widen Interstate 10 from four to six lanes in East Baton Rouge and Ascension Parishes. The project also includes the replacement of the LA 42 overpass. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says construction will begin early next year
Cut 13 (07) “each direction”
The $72 million project is funded through a combination of state and federal funds.

16:45 LRN Sportscast June 14th

The LSU baseball team leaves tomorrow for Omaha. It’s no surprise that head coach Paul Mainieri has named Alex Lange his starting pitcher for the Tigers opening round game against Florida State on Saturday night. Lange is 9-5 with a 2.92 ERA. The All-American’s only other start in the College World Series was in 2015 and he tossed a complete game victory in an elimination-contest against Cal State Fullerton.

UL Lafayette’s ace pitcher, Gunner Leger, has announced he’s returning for his senior season. Even though the Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Year was selected in the 26th round by the Miami Marlins. Cajuns outfielder Steven Sensley was selected in the 12th round by the Yankees and the As picked pitcher Wyatt Marks in the 13th round.

Louisiana Tech left fielder Raphael Gladu was taken in the 16th round by the New York Mets. In the 21st round, the Colorado Rockies drafted Nate Harris, who was the Conference USA Pitcher of the Year.

There’s just one more day left in the Saints minicamp. There’s been a lot of focus on the running backs with future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson on the roster. Fans are also getting a chance to see third-round pick Alvin Kamara from Tennessee. Coach Sean Payton says he likes what he’s seen from Kamara….
cut 19 (17) “…good job”
In other Saints news…starting center Max Unger hopes to return in time for week one of the regular season after undergoing foot surgery. And wide receiver Willie Snead hopes to have a multi-year deal before the season starts.

And on Instagram, boxer Floyd Mayweather says he will fight M-M-A fighter Conor McGregor on August 26th in Las Vegas. Mayweather had retired with a record of 49-0. But both fighters could get a 100-million dollar pay day.

16:30 LRN Newscast June 14th

New Orleans area Congressman and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise is in critical condition according to a Washington DC hospital after he was shot in the hip while at practice for a charity baseball game. The Illinois man identified as the shooter belonged to a Facebook group called “Terminate the Republican Party.” U.S. Representative Ralph Abraham of Richland Parish says it’s a sad day in America..
cut 9 (09) “…for sure”
The gunman, 66-year-old James Hodgkinson was killed by Capitol police officers. St. Landry Parish Congressman Clay Higgins says that’s just fine with him and he wishes his colleague a full and speedy recovery…
cut 7 (10) “…he’ll recover”

President Donald Trump spoke at the White House about the shooting of Congressman Steve Scalise. The two have developed a close relationship as Scalise has been a huge ally in the U.S. House in the President’s attempt to overhaul health care and reform the nation’s tax code. Mr. Trump says he has offered full and complete support to the Scalise family….
cut 11 (08) “….a fighter”
Scalise’s wife and two children were seen leaving their Jefferson Parish home this morning with luggage.

A suspect is dead as a result of another officer-involved shooting in Baton Rouge. State Police Trooper Bryan Lee says the deadly encounter began when Baton Rouge Police conducted a traffic stop just before midnight….
Cut 3 (10) “at the scene”
The suspect has been identified as 35-year-old Jordan Frazier.