5:30 LRN Newscast

For the first time in nearly a quarter century, East Baton Rouge Parish elects a Republican mayor-president, as Sid Edwards has unseated two-term incumbent Sharon Weston Broome. At his victory rally, the longtime high school football coach said voters wanted change.

Cut 3 (13) “…going to happen. (cheers fade)” 

Edwards won the race despite being very heavily outspent by both Broome and by Ted James, who finished third in the primary and did not advance in the runoff

Yet another teenager is arrested for making threats against his school on social media. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says the 15-year-old boy sent messages stating that he was going to bring a gun to school and shoot someone who was spreading rumors about him. The boy told deputies that he did not have a gun and did not have access to one. He’s been released to a parent on a custodial agreement to appear in court.

Public library usage in the state is approaching pre-pandemic levels. Last year, more than ten-million people visited public libraries – a double-digit percentage increase from 2022. State Librarian Meg Placke says not only do libraries have volumes of books that can be checked out, but they have lots of programs for the entire family.

Cut 10 (10) “…summer reading programs.”

Placke says many patrons are also taking advantage of the library’s online offerings.

Saints Interim Coach Darren Rizzi is denying reports that quarterback Derek Carr is out for the season. After Carr left yesterday’s win over the Giants with an injury to his non-throwing hand, reports surfaced that Carr would miss the remainder of the season. However, Rizzi says that’s not true.

Cut 12 (07) “…week plays out.”

Rizzi did say that Carr suffered a concussion and is now in concussion protocol.