Monthly Archives: February 2023

02.16.23
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LRN AM Newscall February 17

After 17 years, the Road Home program comes to an official end, and also lawsuits against those accused of misspending rebuilding grants. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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A $1.17 million settlement with protestors after the death of Alton Sterling has been reached with the East Baton Rouge Metro Council.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The white Shreveport police officer involved in the shooting death of an unarmed Black man has been arrested and charged with negligent homicide. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The state says it will drop lawsuits against thousands of people accused of misspending grants for elevating their homes after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Many used the grant money from the Road Home Program to make repairs instead, then were faced with government legal action; attempting to claw that money back. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says the suits threatened the American dream for many homeowners…:

Cut 4 (10)  “…protect that dream.”

The event was held to herald the official closure of the $10-billion Louisiana Road Home Program; a problem-fraught recovery plan that did its best to make homeowners whole again after the twin storms destroyed their homes 17 years ago. Governor John Bel Edwards says over 3000 persons were sued over allegedly misspending Road Home elevation grants…:

Cut 5 (12) “…these grants anyway.”

Congressman Carter and Governor Edwards say all lawsuits seeking recovery of alleged misused grant dollars are officially being dropped with the official end of Road Home…:

Cut 6 (07)  “…collection efforts.” 

Carter says a ”long bad dream” is over for thousands of south Louisiana homeowners.

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Fourteen protesters arrested during the 2016 protest of Alton Sterling’s police shooting death will receive $1.17 million. The East Baton Rouge Metro Council approved the settlement accusing Baton Rouge law enforcement of violating their First Amendment rights and using of excessive force. Protester, Blaire Imani, says the accountability from the city is a success.

Cut 7 (08) “…is really big.”

The protesters were imprisoned, strip-searched and a 17-year-old protester was also detained at the adult prison. Among the 14 protesters were two reporters. One was Cherri Foytlin, who recalls the humiliation.

Cut 8 (13)  “…that happened there.”

Foytlin says Governor John Bel Edwards should also take accountability for his comments to the media.

Cut 9 (12)  “…be expecting an email.”

The settlement still has to be approved by US District Judge John deGravelles who is presiding over the trial.

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Alexander Tyler, the 23-year-old white, Shreveport Police officer involved in the shooting death of 43-year-old Alonzo Bagley, is charged with negligent homicide. Investigators say Bagley was unarmed, but Tyler’s attorney Dhu Thompson says body camera footage shows Bagley reaching for something seconds before he jumped from a balcony and ran.

Cut 10 (10)  “…his direction.”

An attorney for the Bagley family, Ron Haley says Bagley, a Black man, was not a threat to anyone if anyone he was a threat to himself. Haley says Bagley was only armed with a bottle before he ran from officers.

Cut 11 (09)  “…happened here.”

Thompson says during Tyler’s bond hearing there was testimony his client had only seconds to respond to what was a perceived threat when Bagley came towards him.

Cut 12 (12) “…in the case.”

Alonzo Bagley’s brother says he’s proud of state troopers for the role they’ve played in the investigation, and he hopes his brother’s death will mean something.

Cut 13 (09)  “…no threat there.”

The Bagley family has filed a $10 million federal lawsuit against Tyler for excessive force. The investigation remains active.

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The Lafayette area welcomes all comers for Mardi Gras festivities that kick into high gear starting tonight. Joe Giglio (pronounce “GIG-leo”) is Parade Chairman of the Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association. He invites everyone to visit Lafayette tonight as they kick off the big weekend…:

Cut 14 (11)  “…fairs and festival.”

He says Lafayette Mardi Gras is a much more family-friendly affair, and Saturday’s parades begin with the Children’s Parade; made up entirely of youthful float riders. Giglio says that parade rolls at 12:30 pm…:

Cut 15 (13)  “…typical Mardi Gras.”

Sunday is a day of rest in Lafayette, and on Monday – Lundi Gras – the city hosts the annual Queen’s Parade at 6 pm, with representatives from 11 area krewes. Giglio says it all leads up to Fat Tuesday, with three parades rolling, beginning at 10 am…:

Cut  16 (13)  “…Tuesday afternoon.” 

Lafayette Mardi Gras wraps up Tuesday night, with the big Grand Ball, at 8 o’clock, at the Heymann Performing Arts Center.

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The LSU Baseball season opens today against Western Michigan. The Tigers have dominated the preseason polls as the number one-ranked team in the country under second-year Head Coach Jay Johnson. LSU had both the top-ranked recruiting class and transfer class in the nation this offseason along with a strong roster of returning players. Junior first baseman Tre Morgan has been a star for the Tigers since arriving in Baton Rouge and has noticed a shift in the locker room ahead of this season. He says the team isn’t running from the expectations…

Cut 17 (18) “…all the way.” 

Johnson announced the starting rotation for opening weekend. Air Force transfer and top pitching prospect Paul Skenes will open the season for the Tigers today while left-handed junior Riley Cooper is set to start Saturday and freshman right-hander Chase Shores will close out the weekends. Johnson says this one was an easy decision…

Cut 18 (16) “…not close.” 

Johnson made it a point not to underestimate Western Michigan but also sees this weekend as an opportunity to evaluate the loaded roster.  He says they plan to test out some different looks opening weekend…

Cut 19 (20) “…doing that.”

The first pitch has been moved up to 3:00 this afternoon due to concerns about the weather.

02.16.23
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4:45 LRN Sportscast Feb 16

The LSU women’s basketball team will take the floor tonight against Ole Miss after their undefeated season came to an end Sunday against first-ranked South Carolina. Coach Kim Mulkey says she and her team of course weren’t happy with the result, but the game was still a major moment for the program and the team’s progression…

Cut 18 (19) “…did you learn.” 

The LSU Baseball team’s season opener has been moved up to 3:00 tomorrow due to concerns about the cold weather forecast for Friday night. Coach Jay Johnson announced that transfer Paul Skenes will start opening night for the Tigers with left-handed junior Riley Cooper getting the start Saturday and freshman Chase Shores will round out the opening weekend rotation

Louisiana Tech hosts 21-5 North Texas tonight. The Bulldogs fell to the Mean Green in a tight 67-65 game in Texas earlier this year and have lost back-to-back games on the road. Seventh in the conference, Coach Talvin Hester says he’s excited to have a chance to defend home court and improve their seeding before the end of the season…

Cut 17 (15) “…than at home.” 

Saints running back Alvin Kamara along with Bengals corner Chris Lammons and two others have been indicted by a Clark County grand jury for an alleged beating at a Las Vegas nightclub before the Pro Bowl last year. The four men were indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit battery and battery resulting in substantial bodily harm. The NFL has not commented on the incident and Kamara and Lammons were both allowed to play last season. Kamara faces a civil lawsuit in Louisiana and intends to fight the allegations. The indictment means the criminal case will bypass Las Vegas Justice Court and move to District court with a date set for March 2nd.

 

02.16.23
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4:30 LRN Newscast Feb 16

The upcoming retirement of DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson has only fueled speculation he’s running for governor. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(29)      “…Thorington.”

A mother and son in New Iberia are under arrest on drug and weapons charges. Police say 39-year-old Jennifer Olivier and her son were stopped by an officer Monday evening. He discovered a large amount of marijuana and an AR-15 style rifle in their car. The charges for Olivier are possession, possession of a gun around controlled dangerous substances and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

 

Shreveport Police Officer Alexander Tyler has been charged with negligent homicide in the shooting death of 43-year-old Alonzo Bagley, an unarmed black man. The incident happened on February 3rd as officers chased Bagley after he jumped from a second-floor apartment. State Police released Tyler’s body camera video today..:

CUT 09(13)      “…NO! NO!”

Tyler and another officer were in pursuit of Bagley before he was shot.

Let the good times roll this weekend, but don’t let those good times impair you behind the wheel. That’s the message from LEOs and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. LHSC’s Mark Lambert says have fun, but have smart fun…:

            CUT 06(11)      “…been drinking.”

Cops will be working overtime – literally – to catch drunk drivers.

02.16.23
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5:30 LRN Newscast Feb 16

A Shreveport Police officer is charged in the shooting death of an unarmed man earlier this month. Alexander Tyler is charged with negligent homicide in the death of Alonzo Bagley. This is from a body cam video of an officer on the scene trying to render first aid to Bagley.

Cut 10 (10) “…respond” 

Tyler is 23 years old and has been with the Shreveport PD for just under two years.

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for your help in locating 32-year-old Trey Rentrop of Raceland. LPSO Captain Brennan Matherne says after an iPad was discovered in the home of a woman with two children recording them.

Cut 3 (11) “…aware of it.” 

You’re asked to call Crimestoppers.

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign is in effect for the last weekend of carnival season. That means officers will be on the lookout for impaired and unsafe drivers. Mark Lambert, with the state Highway Safety Commission, says alcohol accounts for most crashes during this time of year…:

Cut 7 (14)  “…destructive decisions.” 

With DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson’s announced retirement we asked the question that’s on everyone’s mind, will he run for governor. Wilson wouldn’t say if he is or isn’t running but he did hint that an announcement is forthcoming.

Cut 13 (12) “…a public servant.” 

Wilson says he won’t make an announcement until he retires which is March 4th.

02.16.23
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3:30 LRN Newscast Feb 16

A 23-year-old Shreveport Police officer has been arrested for negligent homicide for shooting an unarmed black man during a foot chase. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Palermo.”

Despite the threat of some stormy weather tonight, officials in New Orleans say tonight’s three parades will roll, rain or shine. Organizers say only lightning in the vicinity will delay the processions. Metairie parades are also expected to roll as scheduled.

 

Deputies in Lafourche Parish seek public help catching an accused video voyeur. Spokesman Captain Brennan Matherne says 32-year-old Trey Rentrop allegedly placed a digital device in a woman’s bathroom to recorder her activities. The suspect is a known acquaintance of the victim and Matherne says they also located a rifle belonging to Rentrop in the woman’s home…:

CUT 05(11)      “…possess a firearm.”

Crimestoppers will gladly take tips on Rentrop’s whereabouts.

Lawmen and the state Highway Safety Commission have some advice this Mardi Gras Weekend: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Officers will be working overtime – literally – looking to catch impaired drivers. LHSC spokesman Mark Lambert says have fun but be smart…:

CUT 08(15)      “…if you do that.”

Stay safe.

02.16.23
by

LRN PM Newscall

A 23-year-old Shreveport Police officer has been arrested for negligent homicide for shooting an unarmed black man during a foot chase. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (37)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The upcoming retirement of DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson has only fueled speculation he’s running for governor. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for your help in locating 32-year-old Trey Rentrop of Raceland. LPSO Captain Brennan Matherne says after an iPad was discovered in the home of a woman with two children recording them.

Cut 3 (11) “…aware of it.” 

Matherne says Rentrop is charged with video voyeurism, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and failure to register as a sex offender in Assumption Parish.

Cut  4 (05)  “…for rape.” 

The suspect is a known acquaintance of the victim and Matherne says they also located a rifle belonging to Rentrop in the woman’s home.

Cut 5 (11) “…possess a firearm.”

You are asked to call Crimestoppers if you have any information about his whereabouts.

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Don’t let the good times impair your judgment during carnival season. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission announces its Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over campaign. LHSC spokesman Mark Lambert encourages everyone to have a good time and be safe.

Cut 6 (11)  “…after you’ve been drinking” 

According to a recent report from the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety at LSU, a sizable number of highway crashes involving people killed or injured during carnival season were alcohol-related.

Cut 7 (14)  “…destructive decisions.” 

Lambert encourages everyone to become a designated driver and stop others from driving impaired.

Cut 8 (15)  “…if you do that” 

The campaign ends at midnight, Tuesday-Mardi Gras, February 21.

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Shreveport Police Officer Alexander Tyler has been charged with negligent homicide in the shooting death of 43-year-old Alonzo Bagley, an unarmed black man. The incident happened on February third as officers chased Bagley after he jumped from a second-floor apartment. State Police released Tyler’s body camera video today

Cut 9 (13) “…No, No”

Officers were called to the apartment complex after receiving a 9-1-1 call from Bagley’s wife, who said her husband was extremely impaired and threatening others at the home.

Tyler and another officer were in pursuit of Bagley before he was shot. An unidentified officer immediately rendered first aid to Bagley who was shot in the chest….

Cut 10 (10) “…respond” 

Bagley was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Here’s State Police Lt. Melissa Matey describing what happened when Tyler fired his weapon…

Cut 11 (12)  “…the chest”

Matey says Crime Lab Technicians with the L-S-P Crime Lab processed the crime scene and no weapons were located on or near Bagley. Officer Tyler is 23-years-old and started with Shreveport P-D in May 2021. He’s on administrative leave.

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After State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson announced his March 4th retirement it’s only increased speculation that he’ll run for governor. Wilson who’s been secretary for seven years has more than 25 years in public service.

Cut 12 (07) “…next chapter.”

And while the New Orleans native wouldn’t say if he is or isn’t running for governor, he did hint that an announcement is forthcoming.

Cut 13 (12) “…a public servant.” 

Since 1987, Wilson has lived in Lafayette with his wife and children and he’s commuted to Baton Rouge for more than twenty years working in state service. We asked Wilson if he did run for governor what makes him the best candidate, the Democrat says his career path and how he’s already served the state.

Cut 14 (13)   “…those ideas.”

The transportation secretary says he is a bridge builder, literally and figuratively. To date, six others have declared their candidacy for governor and only one Democrat.

02.16.23
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2:30 LRN Newscast Feb 16

A Shreveport cop faces negligent homicide charges for the shooting death of 43-year-old Alonzo Bagley, who was un-armed at the time. State Police are investigating. Here’s Trooper Melissa Matey describing what happened when Officer Alexander Tyler fired his weapon…:

CUT 11(12)      “…the chest.”

Officer Tyler is on administrative leave and charged with negligent homicide.

Be sure to stay sober behind the wheel as you enjoy parades this Mardi Gras weekend. Because the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign is in effect. That means LEOs will be on the lookout for impaired and unsafe drivers. Mark Lambert, with the state Highway Safety Commission, says alcohol accounts for most crashes during Carnival season…:

CUT 07(14)      “…destructive decisions.”

 

The upcoming retirement of DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson has only fueled speculation he’s running for governor. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(29)      “…Thorington.”

An East Baton Rouge Parish school bus driver, who is accused of smoking marijuana while driving elementary kids, has been fired from his job. Officials with EBR schools say no proof was found to substantiate the accusation, but the man was sacked all the same. That driver was also accused of speeding and driving recklessly. His name has not been released.

02.16.23
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1:30 LRN Newscast Feb 16

After state Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson announced his March 4th retirement it’s only increased speculation that he’ll run for governor. Wilson who’s been secretary for seven years has more than 25 years in public service…:

CUT 12(08)      “…next chapter.”

Wilson drops a big hint that an announcement may be coming soon.

A Shreveport Police officer is charged in the shooting of an un-armed man earlier this month. Officer Alexander Tyler is charged with negligent homicide in the shooting of Alonzo Bagley. This is from body cam video from an officer on the scene trying to render first aid to Bagley…:

CUT 10(10)      “…wake up!”

Officer Tyler is 23 and has been a Shreveport cop for just under two years.

 

Don’t let the good times impair your judgment during this Mardi Gras weekend. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is in effect. LHSC spokesman Mark Lambert encourages everyone to have a good time, but be safe…:

CUT 06(11)      “…been drinking.”

He says to use a designated sober driver or better yet, BE that D.D.

A mother and son in New Iberia are under arrest on drug and weapons charges. Police say 39-year-old Jennifer Olivier and her son – who is a minor – were stopped by an officer Monday evening. He discovered a large amount of marijuana and an AR-15 style rifle in their car. They also found some drug paraphernalia. The charges for Olivier are possession, possession of a gun around controlled dangerous substances and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

A cold front is moving across Louisiana. Expect temperatures to dip into the 30’s by early Friday morning.

02.16.23
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12:30 LRN Newscast Feb 16

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for your help in locating 32-year-old Trey Rentrop of Raceland. LPSO Captain Brennan Matherne says he’s wanted for video voyeurism & possession of gun by convicted felon…also failure to register as a sex offender…:

CUT 04(06)      “…for rape.”

He was allegedly using an iPad to spy on a woman’s bathroom.

Shreveport Police Officer Alexander Tyler has been charged with negligent homicide in the shooting death of 43-year-old Alonzo Bagley, an unarmed black man. The incident happened on February third as officers were chasing Bagley after he jumped from a second floor apartment. State Police released Tyler’s body camera video today..:

CUT 09(13)      “…no.no.”

 

The announcement of DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson’s March retirement has some speculating he’s running for governor. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Thorington.”

…and now a look at today’s commodities with Neal Melancon…

02.16.23
by

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans head into the All-Star Break with a 30-29 record after losing to the Lakers last night 120 to 102. New Orleans allowed 38 points in the first quarter and never got back into the contest. The Pels find themselves in eighth place in the Western Conference just a game ahead of Oklahoma City for the final spot in the play-in tournament. New Orleans next game is a week from tonight in Toronto.

The fifth ranked Lady Tigers return to the floor tonight for the first time since losing South Carolina as LSU hosts Ole Miss at 8 PM in the Maravich Center. The Rebels are 20-5 overall, 9-3 in the SEC. LSU Coach Kim Mulkey says this is a good team coming into the PMAC…
cut 19 (15) “…to us”
The Rebels are second in the SEC in scoring defense allowing nearly 55 points a game.

The Cajuns and Warhawks meet on the hardwood in Lafayette tonight as both teams are looking to snap losing streaks. U-L Lafayette has lost two in a row, while ULM has lost three straight. The Cajuns beat the Warhawks earlier this year by 13 in a game played in Monroe.

Louisiana Tech basketball returns to action tonight against North Texas who is currently second in the Conference USA. The Bulldogs have a 6-8 conference record, but 7 of those losses have been by 7 points or less. Coach Talvin Hester says his young team has bought into the system but is going through some growing pains…
Cut 16 (20) “…turn to W’s.”
Tip off is at 6 PM.

Also tonight, Northwestern State hosts Southeastern. The Demons are tied for first place with Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi. The Islanders are in Thibodaux tonight to battle Nicholls.