Eleven-year-old Matthew Fortenberry was killed last night while sitting in a car in North Baton Rouge last night and a 17-year-old suspect is in custody. BRPD Spokesperson Sargent L’Jean McNeely says the suspect approached the car on foot where the victim was inside with family members and held them at gunpoint.

Cut 12 (12) “…his injuries.” 

The suspect was charged with First Degree Murder, four counts of First Degree Attempted Murder, and False Imprisonment.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents are on the hunt to seize Neuty, a Jefferson Parish couple’s 22-pound pet nutria.  News stories began circulating Wednesday about the couple’s ownership of the rodent which they found on Christmas Eve of 2020. Pratt says when the status was made public – the department decided to move forward to confiscate the animal.

Cut 7 (11)  “…of it.” 

State law says it is illegal to own nutria.

District Four Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis enters the race for Louisiana Secretary of State. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

District 4 Public Service Commission member Mike Francis says he will run for Secretary of State this fall: challenging incumbent Kyle Ardoin. Francis tells LRN several local clerks of court – who handle elections on the local level who feel Ardoin doesn’t communicate with them. The Heritage Foundation currently ranks Louisiana’s election system #6 of 50 states for integrity. Francis says if elected, he’ll work to further improve that rating.

Cut 12 (11)  “…elections are done.”

But Ardoin says it’s nothing more than campaign rhetoric from his fellow Republican challenger.

Cut 13 (09) “…Heritage Foundation.” 

Also running for Secretary of State is Republican Brandon Trosclair, an Ascension Parish businessman.

LSU and the state’s largest ports announce a partnership that the university says will produce more cybersecurity grads and at the same time protect the states’ ports from cyber threats. LSU President William Tate says a vulnerable port can have major repercussions…

Cut 5 (12) “…United States’s economy.”

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents are searching for Neuty, a 22-pound nutria that a Jefferson Parish couple treated as a pet. When located Neuty will be moved to the Baton Rouge Zoo to become a part of an educational exhibit. LDWF Spokesperson Ed Pratt…

Cut 6 (04)  “…your home.” 

The couple has had the nutria since 2020 and after stories circulated about Neuty the department decided to confiscate the rodent, but Nuety is reportedly with the couple’s son on a joyride.

LSU and the state’s largest ports have formed an alliance to advance cyber talent and at the same time protect critical infrastructure. LSU President William Tate says the partnership allows students to receive training and research opportunities with six of the state’s largest ports.

Cut 4 (10)  “…in real-time.”
Students will also assist ports to find external funding to increase their security and engage in research that’s going to add value to the state.

Louisiana Economic Development launches an online resource portal that allows small business owners to connect with others. Stephanie Hartman with LED says LouisianaBizHub.com also has an events calendar.

Cut 15 (07)  “…time it is.”

That’s LouisianaBizHub.com.

The number of Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease will double by the year 2050 according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Teiko Foxx has the story.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Delhi Representative Francis Thompson has switched parties which now gives Republicans the supermajority in both chambers. After nearly 50 years of elective service as a Democrat, 81-year Thompson is now a member of the GOP. He was among the last of the blue-dog Democrats.

LSU Cybersecurity students and state ports have joined forces to protect critical infrastructure. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Local officials announced at the Monroe Chamber of Commerce that Amtrak will be running a new passenger rail service through Monroe within the next two years. It was also announced that within four years, there will be two round trips spanning from Mederian, Miss. To Dallas, Texas passing through Monroe, LA. Amtrak is actively applying for full funding and grants for this project.

Alzheimer’s Association released a new study that the number of Americans diagnosed with the disease will double to about 13 million around 2050. LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center Professor, Dr. Owen Carmichael says there are new medications to help slow the numbers.

Cut 8 (09) “…first place.”

There are approximately 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s.

Public Service Commission member Mike Francis has added his name to the race for Secretary of State against incumbent Kyle Ardoin this fall. Francis tells LRN local clerks of court feel a lack of communication has created a disconnect.

Cut 10 (08)  “…for the most part.”

Ardoin says Francis is trying to create a rift where there isn’t a rift.

A sobering report came out from the Alzheimer’s Association this week as they expect the number of Alzheimer’s diagnoses to double to 13-million by 2050. LSU Pennington biomedical Research Center Professor, Doctor Owen Carmichael is hopeful new treatments will slow the effects, but older adults having cognitive problems should visit their doctor…
cut 9 (05) “…..you need”
The national cost for caring for people with dementia-related problems rose to $345 billion in 2023, which is up $24 billion from 2022.

Louisiana Economic Development launches an online resource portal that allows small business owners to connect with others like them and offers resources to help grow their businesses. Stephanie Hartman with LED says LouisianaBizHub.com offers a searchable-friendly database to find specific resources.
Cut 14 (11) “…at that time.”
Another valuable feature of the Louisiana Business Hub is the calendar of events.

LSU and Louisiana’s largest ports have announced an agreement that will provide opportunities for students and faculty to work with ports to solve ongoing and emerging cyber security challenges. LSU President William Tate says the school wants to have a role in protecting critical infrastructure…
cut 6 (10) “….the ports”
LSU’s Cybersecurity Program has the National Security Agency designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations.

The Ragin Cajuns came up short in their upset bid of Tennessee in last night’s NCAA Tournament game, losing 58-55. This afternoon in the PMAC, the Lady Tigers host Hawaii in a first round NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament game. LSU Coach Kim Mulkey says Hawaii was also in the Big Dance last year, so they have experience…
cut 22 (08) “…open shot”
Tip off is at 4:30.

LSU and the state’s largest ports announce a partnership that the university says will produce more cybersecurity grads and at the same time protect the states’ ports from cyber threats. LSU President William Tate says a vulnerable port can have major repercussions…
cut 5 (12) “…..United States’ economy”
Tate says the partnership enables LSU and the ports to engage new federal and industry research partners in defense, homeland security and intelligence.

The Alzheimer’s Association says the number of Americans who will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s will reach 13-million by 2050. LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center Professor Dr. Owen Carmichael says advances in health care is one reason why…
Cut 7 (09) “…Alzheimer’s disease.”
Carmichael is optimistic about new treatments coming on line that can slow the effects of Alzheimer’s.

District 4 Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis was just re-elected to another six-year term on the P-S-C, but now he’s running for Secretary of State. Francis says he’s been encouraged to run by clerks of court who say their concerns and ideas are not being heard by Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin. Ardoin says that’s just campaign rhetoric…
cut 11 (07) “….there isn’t a rift”
The Heritage Foundation currently ranks Louisiana’s election system sixth out of 50 states for integrity. Francis – who has been a PSC member since 2016 – says if elected Secretary, he’ll listen to everyone and work to further improve that ranking..:
Cut 12 (11) “…elections are done.”
Also running, south Louisiana businessman Brandon Trosclair who pledges to restore public trust in Louisiana’s elections.

District Four Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis enters the race for Louisiana Secretary of State. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The head of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is leaving at the end of the month. Governor Edwards says he regretfully accepted D-E-Q Secretary Chuck Brown’s resignation. Edwards thanked Brown for refocusing the agency on alternative fuels, conservation and recycling. Brown says Louisiana’s air quality has improved since 2016.

LSU and the state’s largest ports have formed an alliance to advance cyber talent and at the same time protect critical infrastructure. LSU President William Tate says the partnership allows students to receive training and research opportunities with six of the state’s largest ports.
Cut 4 (10) “…in real-time.”
Students will also assist ports to find external funding to increase their security and engage in research that’s going to add value to the state.

The Louisiana Economic Development Department has launched an online resource portal to connect entrepreneurs and small business owners with resources to help them start and grow their business. L-E-D’s Director of Small Business Services Stephanie Hartman says the website is Louisiana-Biz-Hub-dot-com and its organized regionally….
cut 16 (11) “…resource tool”

LSU Cybersecurity students and state ports have joined forces to protect critical infrastructure. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

The number of Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease will double by the year 2050 according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Teiko Foxx has the story.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

District Four Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis enters the race for Louisiana Secretary of State. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

_____________________________________________

LSU and the state’s largest ports have formed an alliance to advance cyber talent and at the same time protect critical infrastructure. LSU President William Tate says the partnership allows students to receive training and research opportunities with six of the state’s largest ports.

Cut 4 (10)  “…in real-time.”

Students will also assist ports to find external funding to increase their security and engage in research that’s going to add value to the state.

Tate says it’s a historic memorandum of understanding between the school to develop talent and protect the state’s ports from cyber threats.  Tate says a vulnerable port can have major repercussions.

Cut 5 (12) “…United States’s economy.”

In modern warfare, the first thing an enemy does is launch a cyberattack. Tate says then once the infrastructure is under their control next come bombs and missiles.

Cut 6 (10)  “…the ports.” 

LSU’s Cybersecurity Program has the National Security Agency designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations.

_____________________________________________

A new report from the Alzheimer’s Association shows more Americans will be diagnosed with the disease in the near future. LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center Professor, Dr. Owen Carmichael says there are several factors associated with those numbers.

Cut 7 (09) “…Alzheimer’s disease.”

There are approximately 7 million people currently suffering from Alzheimer’s in the country but that number is expected to double by 2050. Carmichael says a new drug treatment could possibly slow those numbers.

Cut 8 (09) “…first place.”

The national cost for caring for people with dementia-related problems rose to $345 billion in 2023, which is up $24 billion from 2022. Carmichael says developments in new treatments should accelerate over the next few years but people who are able to identify cognitive problems should visit their doctor.

Cut 9 (05)  “…you need.”

People who are interested in new treatments and approaches for preventing or treating Alzheimer’s should visit www.pbrc.edu.

_______________________________________________

District 4 Public Service Commission member Mike Francis says he will run for Secretary of State this fall; challenging incumbent Kyle Ardoin. Francis tells LRN he has spoken with local clerks of court – who handle elections on the local level – and many feel the Secretary doesn’t communicate with them. He says their thoughts on improving elections are tossed aside…:

Cut 10 (08)  “…for the most part.”

But Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says that’s little more than campaign rhetoric…:

Cut 11 (07)  “… there isn’t a rift.”

The Heritage Foundation currently ranks Louisiana’s election system #6 of 50 states for integrity. Francis – who has been a PSC member since 2016 – says if elected Secretary, he’ll listen to everyone and work to further improve that ranking..:

Cut 12 (11)  “…elections are done.”

Ardoin succeeded Tom Schedler in 2016 after the latter resigned amid a scandal. He was re-elected to a full term in 2019. He says he will seek re-election based on his record as Secretary of State…:

Cut 13 (09) “…Heritage Foundation.” 

Also running for Secretary of State is Republican Brandon Trosclair, an Ascension Parish businessman who says Louisiana elections are “tarnished by years of mismanagement and controversy.”

______________________________________________

Louisiana Economic Development launches an online resource portal that allows small business owners to connect with others like them and offers resources to help grow their businesses. Stephanie Hartman with LED says LouisianaBizHub.com offers a searchable-friendly database to find specific resources.

Cut 14 (10)  “…at that time.”

Another valuable feature of the Louisiana Business Hub is the calendar of events. Hartman says the calendar is a one-stop shop that brings together multiple workshops and training from their various partners like small business development centers, the Urban League of Louisiana, and more.

Cut 15 (07)  “…time it is.”

Hartman encourages the business population to visit the hub for valuable resources they can tap into…

Cut  16 (11)  “…resource tool.” 

__________________________________________________

The LSU women’s basketball team will begin their NCAA Tournament run this afternoon in the P-MAC. The Lady Tigers earned a three-seed in the tournament this year after a 28-2 season and second-place finish in the SEC. They came up short in the SEC tournament, blowing a 17-point lead to Tennessee, but will hope to bounce back against 14-seeded Hawaii. All-American forward Angel Reese has led the Tigers this season, and Coach Kim Mulkey says she’s elevated her game after the tough loss…

Cut 17 (19) “…right now.” 

LSU hosts a heavy three-point shooting Hawaii team that could provide some offensive mismatches with the size of LSU. The Rainbow Wahine have won their last five games and made the tournament thanks to a thrilling 61-59 comeback win over UC Santa Barbara in the Big West Conference Championship. Mulkey says she got a chance to watch the game live and knows not to underestimate this group…

Cut 18 (19) “…better be ready”

Tip-off is at 4:30

__________________________________________________

The LSU baseball team opens SEC play tonight in College station. The 11th-ranked Aggies are 13-4 on the year and have won their last 8 straight behind the 5th best pitching staff in the SEC. LSU comes into College Station on an 11 game win streak of their own, their longest since the 2017 Tigers won 17 in a row. The Tigers were the preseason favorites to win the SEC this year but Coach Jay Johnson says the league is far and away the toughest in college baseball…

Cut 19 (16) “…tournament teams”

Texas A&M will be the Tigers first ranked opponent of the season and toughest challenge yet. but Johnson is confident in his team’s ability to match up with anyone. Johnson says the margin for error in the SEC is slim, especially on the road, but the Tigers have experience playing in hostile environments…

Cut 20 (18)  “…draw from” 

First pitch is scheduled for 6:00

A Tangipahoa Parish man is sentenced to 35 years for raping a juvenile and will undergo chemical castration. Tangipahoa D.A. Scott Perilloux says 34-year-old Ryan Clark pleaded guilty earlier this month. Clark must serve at least 25 years of his sentence and undergo the procedure if or when he is released. The state law allowing chemical (and in some cases physical) castration has been around since 2008.

Crude oil dropped below $70 a barrel in trading Wednesday, for the first time in more than a year. So, what does that mean for consumers at the pump? AAA fuels analyst Don Redman says soil prices dropped to two bank collapses, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict…:

Cut 7 (10)  “…on politics.” 

He says the budget for gas at around $3.00 through the spring.

If you were told one of only 150 dental robots in the world was in Louisiana, the city of Pineville most likely wouldn’t be your first guess. Dr. Jonas Gauthier of Today’s Dental says since January they’ve performed dozens of dental implant surgeries with the Yomi Robotic Dental System, and it drastically reduces recovery time.

Cut 12 (12) “…for the patients”. 

And he says the robot helps them avoid, nerves, blood vessel and sinuses during surgery.

Northern Louisiana could get some rough weather this evening. Rain, thunderstorms and even hail. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says all that will shift tomorrow to Southeast Louisiana…:

Cut 10 (09) “…Friday evening” 

And cooler temps will follow.