1:30 LRN Newscast February 17

18-year old Jaden Michael Adroin faces first-degree and attempted murder charges after his alleged jealousy caused him to chase down two men who flirted with his girlfriend. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (35)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

California-based Origin Materials has committed to investing more than $750 million to develop a biomass manufacturing facility in Ascension Parish that will create more than 1000 new direct and indirect jobs. John Bissell, Co-CEO of Origin says the state’s workforce, infrastructure, and potential were major factors in choosing Louisiana.

A Baton Rouge lawmaker unloaded on his colleagues in the Louisiana House after his proposal to add a second majority-Black district to the state’s Supreme Court map was tabled without debate. Republican Barry Ivey says the Republican-led Legislature is maintaining the status quo in all the maps that are advancing and Ivey is frustrated…

Cut 4 (10) “…upset.”

In response, Alexandria Republican Lance Harris says life does not give you what you want, it gives you what you deserve.

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board is giving Pacific Peninsula Entertainment 60 more days to sell the closed DiamondJacks Casino in Bossier City. DiamondJacks shut its doors in May of 2020 and P-2-E attempted to build a new facility in Slidell, but St. Tammany Parish voters shot down that proposal in December. P-2-E has two months to sell Diamond Jacks or board member Julie Berry says they lose the license…

Cut 14 (10) “…this is it.”

PM LRN Newscall Feb 17

Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey lets his colleagues have it after the Louisiana House votes to table his proposal to add a second majority Black district to the state Supreme Court map. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

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18-year old Jaden Michael Ardoin faces first-degree and attempted murder charges after his alleged jealousy caused him to chase down two men who flirted with his girlfriend. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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A Baton Rouge lawmaker unloaded on his colleagues in the Louisiana House after his proposal to add a second majority-Black district to the state’s Supreme Court map was tabled without debate. Republican Barry Ivey says he’s learned if legislation doesn’t have the backing of deep-pocketed special interest groups it will not pass…

Cut 3 (10) “…all the time.”

Ivey, who has been in the state legislature since 2013, says it’s unlikely he’ll file another bill.

The major debate in the redistricting session is whether Louisiana should add majority-minority districts to its political maps because the Black population has grown since the 2010 census. The Republican led-Legislature is maintaining the status quo in all the maps that are advancing and Ivey is frustrated…:

Cut 4 (10) “…upset.”

Ivey says the redistricting session is a microcosm of why the state ranks at the bottom in so many rankings because the House is too stupid to work together…:

Cut 5 (10) “…solve ’em.”

Alexandria Republican Lance Harris says life does not give you what you want, it gives you what you deserve.

Covington Representative Mark Wright made the motion to table, he says being told by Ivey that the House is stupid, lazy, racist, and corrupt because they vote against his bills is unacceptable and narcissistic. Wright says he made the motion after Ivey couldn’t say how he voted last year on legislation to expand the number of Supreme Court justices. Wright says she couldn’t take Ivey’s bill seriously.

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18-year-old Jaden Michael Ardoin of Port Barre faces first-degree and attempted murder charges after following two brothers in his vehicle and allegedly firing shots Tuesday night near Melville because the two routinely flirted with his girlfriend. St Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodaux says a high-speed chase ensued.

 Cut 6 (10) “…the scene.” 

Wade Edward Smith was killed, and James Preston Allen Vaughn is listed in stable condition.

Thibodaux says investigators were able to secure video footage from the gas station where the two brothers interacted with Ardoin’s girlfriend.

Cut 7 (12) “…incident happened.” 

Thibodaux says it’s unfortunate that a jealous rage sparked such an incident that’s impacted so many lives.

Cut 8 (10) “…for a murder.”  

Another arrest is expected today.

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Louisiana will receive approximately $75 million over the next five years to build electric vehicle charging stations. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says it’s critical because car manufacturers will be making more EVs in the future and Louisiana needs to be prepared so citizens can take advantage of their value.

Cut 9 (09) “…fuel stations.”

Wilson says DOTD is going to create a grant program so they can deploy charging stations in areas where there’s already infrastructure in place to build upon.

Cut 10 (08)  “…an opportunity.” 

Along with utility providers and public spaces.

Wilson says EVs are going to mainstream sooner than later, and Louisiana needs to be prepared, by providing ample charging stations along routes for residents.

Cut 11 (06)   “….rural communities.”  

Wilson says the cost to operate an EV will be more affordable than current automobiles and will also help reduce carbon emissions.

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The Louisiana Gaming Control Board is giving Pacific Peninsula Entertainment 60 more days to sell the closed DiamondJacks Casino in Bossier City. DiamondJacks shut its doors in May of 2020 and P-2-E attempted to build a new facility in Slidell, but St. Tammany Parish voters shot down that proposal in December. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says this is P-2-E’s last extension…

Cut 12 (07) “..this again.”  

An attorney representing P-2-E told the board they are in talks with Foundation Gaming to buy the Diamond Jacks casino property. Johns hopes that will happen…

Cut 13 (12) “…local government.”

The gaming control board could have requested that P-2-E give the license back to the state. But the process of re-selling the license and the new owner building a property for gaming could take four to five years. So P-2-E has two months to sell Diamond Jacks or board member Julie Berry says they lose the license…

Cut 14 (09)  “…this is it.” 

12:30 LRN Newscast Feb 17

A Baton Rouge lawmaker Barry Ivey unloaded on his colleagues in the House after his proposal to add a second majority-Black district to the state’s Supreme Court map was tabled without debate. Ivey a Republican says the redistricting session is a microcosm of why the state often ranks at the bottom because the House is too stupid to work together…

Cut 5 (10) “..solve ‘em.”

Alexandria Republican Lance Harris countered by saying life does not give you what you want, it gives you what you deserve.

The Gaming Control Board is giving Pacific Peninsula Entertainment 60 more days to sell DiamondJacks Casino in Bossier City which shut its doors in May of 2020. P-2-E attempted to build a new facility in Slidell, but St. Tammany Parish voters killed the proposal. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns…

Cut 12 (07) “..this again.”  

18-year-old Jaden Michael Ardoin of Port Barre faces first-degree and attempted murder charges after chasing two brothers and allegedly firing shots Tuesday night near Melville because they flirted with his girlfriend. St Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodaux Wade Edward Smith was killed, and James Preston Allen Vaughn was injured. Investigators were able to secure video footage from the gas station where it all began.

Cut 7 (12) “…incident happened.” 

Another arrest is expected today.

11:30 LRN Newscast February 17

A Baton Rouge lawmaker unloaded on his colleagues in the Louisiana House after his proposal to add a second majority-Black district to the state’s Supreme Court map was tabled without debate.

The major debate in the redistricting session is whether Louisiana should add majority-minority districts to its political maps, because the Black population has grown since the 2010 census. The Republican led-Legislature is maintaining the status quo in all the maps that are advancing and State Rep. Barry Ivey is frustrated…

Cut 4 (10) “…upset.”

Covington Representative Mark Wright made the motion to table, and says being told by Ivey that the House is stupid, lazy, racist and corrupt because they vote against his bills is unacceptable and narcissistic.

Another cold front will enter the Bayou State just in time for a chilly weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the roller-coaster continues with mild weather mid-week and chilly temperatures for the weekend.

Cut 15 (07) “…this winter.”

California-based Origin Materials has committed to investing more than $750 million to develop a biomass manufacturing facility in Ascension Parish that will create more than 1000 new direct and indirect jobs. John Bissell, Co-CEO of Origin praised the Capitol Area’s infrastructure, which he says will provide the facility with easy access to materials and services.

Cut 11 (09) “…of our sort.”

18-year-old Jaden Michael Ardoin of Port Barre faces first-degree and attempted murder charges after following two brothers in his vehicle and allegedly firing shots because the two routinely flirted with his girlfriend. St Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office Major Eddie Thibodaux says a high-speed chase ensued.

Cut 6 (11) “…the scene”

Wade Edward Smith was killed, and James Preston Allen Vaughn is listed in stable condition.

10:30 LRN Newscast Feb 17

Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey lets his colleagues have it after the Louisiana House votes to table his proposal to add a second majority Black district to the state supreme court map. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

Two men alleged to be involved in the incident that resulted in Saints running back Alvin Kamara being arrested in Las Vegas have been booked. Police are looking for a third man thought to be Kansas City Chiefs player Chris Lammons. The felony battery charges against Kamara could mean one to five years in prison if convicted.

On his monthly radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards stated again that he was not involved whatsoever in a coverup of the 2019 arrest and death of black motorist Ronald Greene. The Justice Department is investigating the matter and Edwards says he feels for Greene’s mother Mona Hardin.

Cut 6 (11)  “…should never have happened.”

Another cold front will enter the Bayou State just in time to bring us another chilly weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim says highs today will reach into the 70s and there’s a chance of widespread showers.

Cut 13 (08) “…marginal risk.”

You’ll want to be weather aware today and pay attention to any watches and warnings. And unfortunately, today’s rain won’t be enough to help with the ongoing drought.

09:30 LRN Newscast February 17th

A Baton Rouge lawmaker unloaded on his colleagues in the Louisiana House after his proposal to add a second majority-Black district to the state’s Supreme Court map was tabled without debate. Republican Barry Ivey says he’s learned if legislation doesn’t have the backing of deep pocketed special interest groups it will not pass…:
Cut 3 (10) “all the time”
Alexandria Republican Lance Harris says life does not give you what you want, it gives you what you deserve.

The yo-yo weather pattern continues in Louisiana as another cold front approaches bringing rain and possible severe weather today before we wake up to frigid temps tomorrow and this weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim on the rollercoaster weather year it’s been so far…:
Cut 15 (07) “this winter”
He says it’s a good idea to monitor local radio today should severe weather impact your area.

Louisiana continues to attract companies that specialize in developing and producing sustainable materials. David Grubb has the story:
VOICER 3 (34) “I’m David Grubb”

We’re in the thick of Carnival season and State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter encourages revelers to mask indoors at events and outside when in crowds…:
Cut 7 (09) “their safety”
He doesn’t predict this Mardi Gras being any type of Super Spreader Covid event.

08:30 LRN Newscast February 17th

We’re almost at the height of carnival season and health officials offer some advice to protect revelers from COVID. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

The State House kills a bill to give Louisiana a second majority Black Supreme Court district and the measure’s sponsor is not happy about it. Baton Rouge Republican Representative Barry Ivey said the legislature is the laziest group of people he’s ever worked with in a speech after the vote in favor of tabling the bill.

On his monthly radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards once again denied he was involved in an alleged cover up of the death of Ronald Greene in 2019. The AP has suggested Mr. Edwards knew the circumstances surrounding Greene’s death, but wanted it kept quiet during the re-election campaign. The Governor says that’s a lie…:
Cut 5 (14) “what the truth is”
He says he looks forward to the results of the feds investigation.

Big news out of Ascension Parish as a major California-based manufacturer has committed to investing a $750 million biomass facility there. John Bissell, Co-CEO of Origin Materials says the state’s workforce was a major factor in choosing Louisiana:
Cut 10 (13) “absolutely world-class”
The project is expected to result in over 1,000 new jobs.

LRN Newscast February 17th

Governor John Bel Edwards reiterates there was no cover-up of the death of Ronald Greene to aid his re-election campaign. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Coast Guard is searching for a woman who reportedly went overboard a Carnival cruise ship in the Gulf of Mexico, about 150 miles offshore SouthWest Pass, Louisiana. The USCG has not said how the 32-year-old woman ended up in the water, but reports from passengers on social media say there was a disturbance that caused security to detain her with handcuffs when she jumped off the deck hitting the side of the ship before hitting the water. The ship was set to dock in New Orleans this morning.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to head to Louisiana over the next couple weeks in the state’s first massive Mardi Gras celebration in almost 2 years. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter is optimistic this Carnival won’t be a super spreader event like it was in 2020…:
CUT 9 (12) “our downswing”
Kanter recommends using an N95 mask when in large crowds.

A cold front is moving into Louisiana and behind some storms and possibly severe weather today, temps tomorrow morning will cause a light freeze along the I-20 corridor…:
Cut 14 (10) “…along the coast.”
That’s State Climatologist Barry Keim.

06:30 LRN Newscast February 17th

Another cold front will enter the Bayou State just in time to bring us another chilly weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim says highs today will reach into the 70s and there’s a chance of widespread showers…:
Cut 13 (08) “marginal risk”
It’s a good idea to plan to have a way to receive warnings in the event storms turn severe this afternoon in your area like on this radio station.

Governor John Bel Edwards said on his monthly radio show Wednesday there was no cover up by his re-election campaign of the arrest and death of Ronald Greene in 2019. Mr. Edwards reiterated State Police told him a man died during an arrest, but the media has been relentless with accusations…:
Cut 4 (15) “Department of Justice”
He says he looks forward to the results of the feds investigation.

California-based Origin Materials announces it’s investing more than $750 million to develop a manufacturing facility in Ascension Parish. John Bissell, Co-CEO of Origin says they are the only company to use renewable wood fibers and carbon-negative materials. He says Louisiana is poised to be a destination for green companies and they are proud to be among the first to take advantage of what our state has to offer…:
Cut 12 (11) “world-scale plant”
The project is expected to result in over 1,000 new jobs.

Two men alleged to be involved in the incident that resulted in Saints running back Alvin Kamara being arrested in Las Vegas have been booked, and police are looking for a third man thought to be Kansas City Chiefs player Chris Lammons. The felony battery charges against Kamara could mean one to five years in prison if convicted.

4:30 LRN Newscast February 16

The Louisiana Supreme Court says it will consider whether the state’s ban on non-unanimous jury verdicts should apply retroactively. The U-S Supreme Court has already refused to make the split jury ban law retroactive, but Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the state Supreme Court can issue its own ruling…:

CUT 09(10)      “…federal constitution.”

Louisiana allowed split jury verdicts of 10-to-2 and 11-to-1 for 120 years. That ended in 2019 with a voter-approved Constitutional Amendment.

Third Judicial District Attorney John Belton plans to pursue criminal charges against those involved in the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene, but he’s waiting for the U-S Justice Department to complete its investigation. Belton says while the federal investigation has taken time, it has produced results…:

CUT 06(12)      “…federal government.”

 

Governor John Bel Edwards has extended Louisiana’s COVID public health emergency order but has removed mask mandates and attendance limits. Mr. Edwards did re-emphasize the recommendations for people to wear masks, particularly around large crowds. It’s something to keep in mind as Mardi Gras and festival season approaches…:

CUT 12(14)      “…remain high.”

The Governor’s current order is set to expire one month from today, though Edwards has said he may end it before then if positive trends continue.

Deputies in Tangipahoa Parish are seeking a man wanted for an alleged sexual relationship with a minor. 49-year-old Mario Funez is wanted for indecent behavior with a juvenile, sexual battery, carnal knowledge of a juvenile and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. His victim is just 13.