5:30 LRN Newscast March 6

A total of four individuals were arrested yesterday for their roles in the fatal drive by shooting of a Lake Charles woman. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff-elect Stitch Guillory says 65 year old Annette Touvell was struck by one of the rounds fired from the vehicle.

Cut 9 (08) “…bullets came through.” 

The 17-year-old driver, who stole the vehicle from a family member, was arrested. And 18-year-old Jordan Jones of Lake Charles has been charged with second-degree murder…

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry issued a disaster declaration Wednesday requesting federal assistance for the state’s crawfish industry after last year’s severe drought destroyed this year’s harvest. Vermilion Parish crawfish farmer Connor Popeck decided it was not worth the effort to flood his field

Cut  14 (12) “..catching anything”

Louisiana Congressman Troy Carter says the declaration is an important step to helping crawfish farmers in Louisiana.

Tragedy in Caddo and DeSoto Parishes has prompted the State Fire Marshal’s Office to urge Louisianans to have working smoke alarms. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Congressman Clay Higgins has announced another 14-million dollars for hurricane Laura recovery efforts. Eight million dollars will go to Jefferson Davis Electric Co-op for permanent repairs to a substation, Jefferson-Davis will get another four million for permanent restoration of their north power distribution system and one million dollars will go towards repairs at College Oaks Elementary School in Lake Charles.

4:30 LRN Newscast March 6

Governor Jeff Landry has signed an executive order issuing a disaster declaration for the crawfish industry following the severe 2023 drought. Acadia Parish crawfish farmer Brent Lamm…

Cut 12 (06)  “..surviving”  

Landry says the disaster declaration should result in federal assistance for farmers struggling to catch crawfish.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office issues a call to action for Louisianans to have working smoke alarms following two fatal house fires. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says in the two fatal house fires that occurred hours apart on Friday, neither home had working smoke detectors…

Cut 8 (08) “…smoke alarms.” 

Rodrigue says the majority fatal fires in the Bayou State this year have been related to improper smoking practices.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff deputies announce the arrest of four individuals involved in the drive by shooting that killed a 65-year-old Lake Charles grandmother in her home. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Lafayette Police have arrested a male teen in connection with a carjacking and high-speed chase which slammed into a police vehicle in Acadia Parish.  Authorities say the driver led police on two high speed chases across Lafayette and Acadia Parishes. The investigation is ongoing.

3:30 LRN Newscast March 6

Following last year’s historic drought, Governor Jeff Landry issued a disaster declaration asking the federal government to help the state’s crawfish industry. Acadia Parish crawfish farmer Brent Lamm says it’s been a difficult season but he’s starting to catch more crawfish.

Cut 13 (06) “…normal year”   

Louisiana Congressman Troy Carter says Landry’s disaster declaration will allow for crawfish farmers to access disaster loans through the Small Business Administration.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Office have arrested four people in connection to the fatal drive by shooting of a 65-year-old Lake Charles woman. Sheriff-elect Stitch Guillory…

Cut 11 (13) “…with it.

Two adults and two juveniles were taken into custody yesterday and the search continues for one more person.

State Fire Marshall Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue is urging Louisianans to check their smoke alarms after firefighters responded to two fatal house fires on Friday. Rodrigue says the first fire was reported in Desoto Parish…

Cut 7 (07) “…smoking practices.”  

Rodrigue says the majority of fatal fires this year have been related to improper smoking practices.

One juvenile male has been arrested and another suspect is on the run following a carjacking in Lafayette which resulted in the stolen vehicle slamming into a police vehicle in Acadia Parish. Lafayette Police Lieutenant Jace Quebedeaux says the carjacking happened last night as the victim was exiting his vehicle after returning home.

Cut 3 (12) “…his vehicles.”  

 

12:30 LRN Newscast March 6

Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin wants to make it a crime to live stream illegal activities. He says the proposal would have to identify the difference between a recording in real-time and a pre-recorded video.

Cut 8 (12) “…was live.” 

Lafayette Police have arrested a male teen in connection with a carjacking and high speed chase which slammed into a police vehicle in Acadia Parish.  When law enforcement located the vehicle, Lieutenant Jace Quebedeaux says the driver led police on two high speed chases across Lafayette and Acadia Parishes. During the pursuit in Crowley…

Cut 4 (12) “…a ditch.” 

The subject fled from the vehicle and a foot pursuit began. Quebedeaux says officers arrested a male teen. And following the search of the vehicle.

After the high-profile case where the man accused of poisoning his wife with an abortion pill in Texas and was only sentenced to 6 months, the brother of the victim is calling for stiffer penalties here in Louisiana

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU Men’s basketball will play their final road game tonight as they face off against Arkansas. The Tigers have already defeated the Razorbacks this season 95 to 74 and a major reason for the 21 point victory was holding Arkansas senior guard Khalif Battle to 0 points. After averaging 37 points over the last three games, LSU Head Coach Matt McMahon says that there is no doubt in his mind that Battle is a special player.

Cut 19 (23) “… high-level.”

The game will tip off at 6 pm

The New Orleans Pelicans had a very successful game against the Raptors last night winning 139 to 98. The Pelicans victory saw the team shooting almost 50 percent from the three point line and Trey Murphy the third had a season high 34 points for New Orleans.

And in college basketball news, ULM’s season has come to an end as the War Hawks lost to Coastal Carolina in the first round of the Sun Belt Championship tournament 75 to 71.

LSU Baseball will travel to face Southeastern tonight. The Lions look to be a promising team under first year head coach Bobby Barbier after going 9 and 4 to start this season including a win over eleventh ranked East Carolina and a 12 to 2 win over Alcorn State last night. LSU Head Coach Jay Johnson says that he’s excited for tonight’s matchup and environment.

Cut 16 (19) “… right now.”

The first pitch will be on ESPN+ at 6 pm

In other college baseball news, Tulane beat Nicholls last night 14 to 12, ULM beat Little Rock 11 to 1, and Louisiana Tech is still undefeated this season as the Bulldogs defeated Xavier of Ohio 11 to 3.

And in women’s college basketball news, Angel Reese was voted the SEC player of the year; as the Lady Tigers earned many honors at the SEC’s postseason awards.

5:30 LRN Newscast March 5

Governor Jeff Landry signed several of the bills today approved in the crime special session. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says a woman is recovering from her injuries after fatally stabbing a twice convicted sex offender who attacked her at a laundromat near Lacombe on Sunday. The man killed has been identified as 40-year-old Nicholas Tranchant who was on parole.

Legislation that allows non felon adults to conceal carry a firearm in a restaurant that serves alcohol has been filed for the upcoming regular session. New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez  says the measure aims to make sure there’s an even set of rules for all gun owners.

Cut 5 (09) “…a permit.”

Miguez points out his bill prohibits conceal carry in bars where more than 50 percent of its sale is alcohol.

Jennings Representative Troy Romero has pre-filed a bill for the regular session to allow the Department of Child and Family Services to prohibit the purchase of unhealthy foods with SNAP benefits. He says Louisiana is among the unhealthiest states in the country, he’s hoping his legislation will change that.

Cut 6  (08) “…those things.” 

4:45 LRN Sportscast Mar 5

LSU returned to the football practice field today for Spring Practice. With the departure of Heisman-winning Quarterback Jayden Daniels, Sophomore Garrett Nussmeier enters spring as the starting quarterback. He’ll face competition from Vanderbilt transfer A.J. Swann and redshirt freshman Rickie Collins. The Advocate’s Wilson Alexander says getting Nussmeier to be more accurate will be a focus during the spring…

Cut 18 (17)  “…passer.” 

LSU Forward Angel Reese was named SEC Player of the Year while Guard Mikaylah Williams was named SEC Freshman of the year. Williams joined center Aalyah Del Rosario on the All-Freshman First team, and Reese was joined by junior guard Aneesha Morrow on the All-SEC First Team. Guard Flau’Jae Johnson was named to the All-SEC Second team. The 2nd-seeded Tigers will Tip-off their SEC Tournament run Friday at 5:00 versus the Winner of Arkansas and Auburn.

The Ragin Cajuns softball team ended reigning National Champion Oklahoma’s NCAA Record 71-game win streak dating back to February of last year. The historic win is one that proves the talent and potential of a Cajuns team which has struggled thus far. Coach Gerry Glasco says they need to be more consistent…

Cut 20 (16) “…work to do.”

The Cajuns next appearance will be tomorrow night against McNeese

The Pelicans return to action tonight in Toronto against the short-handed Raptors. The 23-and-38 Raptors will be without All-star Forward Scottie Barnes as well as forward Bruce Brown and Center Jakob Poeltl. The 5th-place Pelicans will look to seize the opportunity to build momentum in a tight Western conference playoff race just a game-and-a-half out of the play-ins with 20 games left in the season. Tip-off is tonight at 6:30

1:30 LRN Newscast March 5

Governor Landry signed a bill today that would allow non felon adults to conceal carry without a permit in Louisiana. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry would like to see legislation approved in the regular session that clearly defines where you can and cannot carry a firearm.

Cut 10 (10) “…the language.”

House Bill 627 would define that a firearm is prohibited within 1,000 feet of a parade or a demonstration at a government entity, for example, a rally at the state capitol.

Legislation that allows law abiding citizens 18 and older to conceal carry a firearm in a restaurant that serves alcohol will be heard in the upcoming regular session. New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez points out his bill prohibits conceal carry in bars where more than 50 percent of its sale is alcohol. And all the current safeguards in the law would remain.

Cut 4 (06) “…negligent manner.” 

Jennings Representative Troy Romero has pre-filed a bill for the regular session to allow the Department of Child and Family Services to prohibit the purchase of unhealthy foods with SNAP benefits.

Cut 7 (11) “…processed foods.”  

The bill would direct DCFS to partner with healthcare providers to produce educational materials to educate SNAP beneficiaries about healthy alternatives. Romera says the bill has the support of Governor Landry along with DCFS Secretary David Matlock.

One of the new bills signed into law by Governor Landry today expands Louisiana’s death penalty methods and seals the records of how the state obtains drugs to carry out a lethal injection. Critics believes this will increase the prison population and cost the state more money to house prisoners. But Landry says criminals are already costing the state billions

Cut 11 (11) “…a year.”

11:30 LRN Newscast March 5

Governor Landry signed several bills today approved in the crime special session. One of the new laws expands Louisiana’s death penalty methods and seals the records of how the state obtains drugs to carry out a lethal injection. Landry says this legislation will allow the state to re-start executions and this should serve as a deterrent to prevent brutal murders…

Cut 9 (09) “…of Louisiana.” 

Landry also signed the permitless conceal bill which will go into effect on July 4th.

New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez has pre-filed legislation for the regular session to clarify that it will be legal to conceal carry a firearm in a restaurant that serves alcohol. The Republican lawmaker says this bill gives gun owners the ability to  protect themselves.

Cut 3 (12) “…eating out.”  

There was a saying that life begins at 50. For St. John Parish Police Juror, Dixie Ramirez, Political life began at 90. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Congressman Garret Graves tells WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge that he plans to run for re-election in the district he currently serves, the sixth district. The new Congressional map approved by lawmakers in January radically changes his district, stretching it from Baton Rouge to Shreveport, but Graves says he’s confident the courts will reject that map

12:30 LRN Newscast March 4

The regular session gets underway next week and Louisiana lawmakers will address a bill to codify the right to contraception for Louisianans. Public Policy Professional Mary Patricia Wray says because Louisiana has a very high rate of domestic abuse and other sex-related crimes that can lead to pregnancy and disease…

Cut 7 (10) “…not wanted.”  

The bills also define what methods of birth control are included.

18-year-old Jaylon Joiner, a student at Carencro High School, was fatally shot while getting off at a bus stop in Lafayette Parish Friday. Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Valerie Ponseti (pon-set-tee) says Joiner was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds outside the Carencro city limits.

Cut 9 (06) “…Bradford Drive.” 

Ponseti says 19-year-old Malikai Doucet was arrested and charged with second degree murder of Joiner.

Now that the special session is over, it’s time to look ahead to the regular session which begins a week from today. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh has filed legislation to prohibit the installation and use of red light and speed cameras by local governments. The Republican says the biggest problem with traffic cameras is the money and when you pay a camera ticket…

Cut 30 (10) “…the wayside.” 

State Police are searching for a White Castle man who is still missing following a single vehicle crash after the vehicle went into Bayou Lafourche in Assumption Parish on Saturday. Trooper Ross Brennan says a Grand Marquis driven by 64 year old Gilbert Bunch Juinor traveled off the roadway after failing to stop for a stop sign at LA Highway 1 and Highway 398. He says multiple agencies have searched for Bunch in Bayou Lafourche.

Cut 4 (10) “…for him.”