1:30 LRN Newscast Nov 24

Tomorrow is the one of the busiest shopping days of the year as shoppers will look for great deals to complete their Christmas shopping list. Jill Gonzales with the personal finance website, Wallethub.com says – based on their research – J.C. Penny, Belk and Macy’s have the best Black Friday deals…:

CUT 06 (12)      “…65-percent off.”

She says if you’re looking for a great deal on a new phone or perhaps a computer, keep looking. Real Black Friday savings doesn’t usually extend to those items.

An ex-Catholic priest who was arrested for making a sex tape on the altar of a church in Pearl River pleads guilty to felony obscenity charges. Travis Clark’s plea deal will mean a suspended prison sentence, three years on probation and a $1000 fine. Clark was defrocked by the Church after his arrest in 2020.

 

The nonprofit Troops Direct is asking for help to provide critical supplies to American service members. Aaron Negherbon says Troops Direct is unique…:

CUT 03 (12)      “…deployment.”

To make a cash donation, visit them at “TroopsDirect.org”

Looking for some post-Thanksgiving fun? You may want to check out the Louisiana Renaissance Festival; now in its 23rd year. Festival CEO Alvon Brumfield says it’s smart to get your tickets online BEFORE you make the drive to Hammond…:

CUT 14 (07)      “…rain or shine.”

The festival is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The website is “larf2022.org”. The festival is located just minutes off I-12 near Hammond.

12:30 LRN Newscast Nov 24

Volunteers picking up litter at a busy I-10 interchange in Baton Rouge discovered a loaded gun lying on the roadside. The group Keep Tiger Town Beautiful turned the automatic pistol with extended clip and bullets over to local police, who’re checking to see if it was used in a crime.

Tomorrow is Black Friday and Jeff Palermo has the latest trends for one of the biggest shopping days of the year…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Palermo.”

 

The nonprofit Troops Direct is asking for help to provide critical supplies to American service members. Spokesman Aaron Negherbon (NEAR-BON) says due to the specialized nature of what they supply, they are asking for cash donations only.  He says their overhead is only about 9 to 10 percent of their overall budget.  There are four people on staff and one is a Marine Corps veteran…:

CUT 05(08)      “…possibly can.”

“TroopsDirect.org” if you’d like to help.

With holiday shopping in full swing, security professionals have a few tips on how to have a safe one when making online purchases. LSU Cybersecurity Expert Abe (BAH-gil-lee) Baggili says – first – use only actual credit cards and NOT your ATM debit card…:

CUT 09(08)      “…as you’re shopping.”

He says avoid using public wi-fi when shopping and never shop at an unsecured website.

5:30 LRN Newscast Nov 23

Two Shreveport area women are charged with stealing money from customers of USAA Bank; mostly elderly person and military veterans. Shreveport PD spokesperson Angie Wilhite says ZarRajah Watkins was arrested last week. She allegedly used her job at an “S Port” call center to access the accounts…:

CUT 04  (09)        “…right now.”

Another suspect, Destane Glass, was an accomplice. She was arrested Tuesday. The pair stole about a million bucks and used it to live lavishly.

Baton Rouge police are investigating the shooting death of a man who was allegedly shot by his own son over blowing his nose. BRPD’s Sgt L’Jean McKneely says it happened around 9:30 Tuesday morning…:

CUT 06(10)      “…killing him.”

The son called an ambulance and tried to render aid, but it was too late.

 

Police in New Orleans say an 8-year-old child was shot and killed by gunfire from outside the house. Officers say bullets penetrated the exterior wall of the home and one hit the child in the stomach. The child died at a local hospital. The shooting happened just before 11 am Wednesday. They ask anyone with information on the crime to please come forward.

Strong showers and thunderstorms could be a part of your Thanksgiving holiday. State Climatologist Barry Keim says two systems are making their way toward Louisiana, one from Oklahoma and another from the Gulf…:

CUT 09(10)      “…on Friday.”

He says watch for flash flooding and expect up to 4 inches of rain in some areas.

4:30 LRN Newscast Nov 23

A Baton Rouge man is under arrest for allegedly killing his own father because the man blew his nose. 21-year-old Adam Carter told officers at the scene he gets angered by nose-blowing and when his father did it they argued, then he shot him. BRPD’s Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says this will be rough on the family, right at the holidays…:

CUT 08  (10)        “…before Thanksgiving.”

The victim is identified as 64-year-old Ronnie Carter.

Big holiday meals can mean getting sick from food-borne illnesses. USDA food safety expert Ken King says when preparing the meal, remember: clean, separate, cook and chill…:

CUT 12  (09)        “…the breast.”

Questions? Call USDA’s Meat & Poultry Hotline: 888-674-6854.

 

Prepare yourself for a rainy Thanksgiving Day. Two weather systems – one from the Gulf and one from Oklahoma – will clash to bring up to 4 inches of rain in many parishes. State Climatologist Barry Keim says stay weather-alert, because flash flooding is possible…:

CUT 11  (09)        “…need the rain.”

The rain should move out starting early Friday.

Lafayette based restaurant delivery service ASAP, formerly known as WAITR, says they will lay off 100 employees shortly after January 1st. ASAP cites a “prolonged decrease in revenue” as the reason for the reduction in force. The company says they lost about $73-million in the 3rd Quarter. They blame competition in deliveries, inflation and high fuel prices.

Don’t forget Saturday is Small Business Saturday; a day to do some Christmas shopping at those local “mom “ pop” stores.

3:30 LRN Newscast Nov 23

Shreveport Police say two women accessed USAA bank accounts of mostly seniors and veterans to steal up to a million dollars from those accounts…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Golsby.”

Police in New Orleans say an 8-year-old child was shot and killed by gunfire from outside the house. Officers say bullets penetrated the exterior wall of the home and one hit the child in the stomach. It happened just before 11 am Wednesday. They ask anyone who knows who did it to please come forward.

 

Baton Rouge police say a local man killed his father during an argument over blowing his nose. BRPD’s Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says 21-year-old Adam Carter told them he gets irked to hear nose-blowing…and when his father did it, the son shot him…then called police…:

CUT 07(09)      “…then died.”

The victim is identified as 64-year-old Ronnie Carter. The son is charged with manslaughter.

Thanksgiving Day will be soggy affair for most of Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says northern, central and southwest Louisiana could get up to 4 inches. Bad news for the holiday, but good news for agriculture…:

CUT 10  (10)        “…couple of months.”

Rains should move out by Friday morning.

2:30 LRN Newscast Nov 23

Police in Baton Rouge are investigating the death of an elderly man they say was shot by his own son. BRPD’s Sgt. L’Jean McKneely…:

CUT 06  (10)        “…killing him.”

The victim is identified as 64-year-old Ronnie Carter. The suspect, 21-year-old Adam Carter is charged with manslaughter.

Two Shreveport woman are facing identity theft charges, for allegedly stealing from USAA Bank customers. Shreveport PD’s Angie Wilhite, between the two, they face 175 counts of identity theft…:

CUT 03  (08)        “…citizen veterans.”

USAA Bank services military veterans and their families. Wilhite says victims are scattered across the country, but most are from northwest Louisiana.

 

Millions of Americans succumb to foodborne illnesses each year. USDA Food Safety Expert Kenneth King has tips to help ensure your and your family’s safety this Thanksgiving…:

CUT 02(29)      “…Kieschnick.”

We’ll get a good soaking on Thanksgiving Day. Northern central and southwest Louisiana could see from 2 to 4 inches of rain, with some flash flood watches posted. Rain is expected in southeast Louisiana, but not as heavy.

4:30 LRN Newscast Nov 22

Two tragic stories out of southwest Louisiana. First, a 16-year-old boy died last night in a fiery crash in Lake Charles, after running a stop sign on state Highway 397. State Police Trooper Derek Senegal says young Phillip Conner, of Holmwood, was hit by an oncoming SUV and did not survive the wreck. Senegal says troopers are investigating why the teen didn’t stop at the intersection…:

CUT 14(08)      “…ever applied.”

And deputies in Calcasieu Parish say a local woman who went missing early Saturday morning has been found; dead inside her submerged vehicle in Bayou D’Inde. The coroner is determining 32-year-old Stephany Fong’s cause of death. She was last seen leaving a local video poker place and then getting gas at about 5 am Saturday. A GoFundMe account has been set up for her interment expenses.

 

Louisiana Christmas tree farmers are hopeful for a profitable season and a Washington Parish farmer says there’s plenty from which to choose…:

CUT 02(29)      “…Thorington.”

If you’re making a frozen turkey Thursday and it’s not thawing out now…get at it. USDA expert Kenneth King says you can fast thaw the bird in cold water for a shorter time, but…:

CUT 10(05)      “…after thawing.”

Bon apettit.

2:30 LRN Newscast Nov 22

A 16-year-old who ran a stop sign in Lake Charles died in a fiery crash last night. State Police Trooper Derek Senegal says Phil Conner of Homewood was on Highway 397 when he collided with a mid-size SUV…:

CUT 12(10)      “…GMC Acadia.”

He says LSP is investigating why Conner failed to stop.

Your Thanks giving turkey will cost you – on average – 14-percent more than last year, says state Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain. He says this year’s turkey are also smaller overall…:

CUT 04(09)      “…medium range.”

If your turkey is frozen and it’s not already thawing, get on that right now.

 

Sad news in southwest Louisiana. The body of a missing Lake Charles woman was found inside a submerged vehicle in Bayou d’Inde. 32-year-old Stephany Fong was last seen leaving the Wagin Cajun casino in Sulphur early Saturday morning and then stopped at a nearby gas station.

Louisiana Christmas tree farmers are hopeful for a profitable season and a Washington Parish farmer says there are plenty from which to choose…:

CUT 02(29)      ‘…Thorington.”

9:30 LRN Newscast Nov 21

Authorities have released the police body camera and dash cam video of the fatal arrest attempt of 45-year-old Derrick Kittling of Alexandria on November sixth. The video shows a scuffle between the officer and Kittling, who grabs the deputy’s taser. The Deputy draws his weapon and fires. Kittling died from his injuries. State Police head Colonel Lamar Davis says LSP’s investigation will be fair and impartial…:

CUT 14(09)      “…this investigation.”

New labor statistics show Louisiana has again posted a new record low unemployment rate. The Louisiana Workforce Commission’s Mark Jones says Louisiana’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is now at 3.3-percent, and the state has gained 7000 jobs; mostly in education, health services, hospitality and manufacturing…:

CUT 08(09)      “…proud about that.”

 

A Baton Rouge DOTD worker is dead, after being stabbed Sunday on the side of Interstate 10 in Port Allen by a broken down driver. The man drove a Motorist Assistance Patrol van and stopped to help out. West Baton Rouge Parish deputies arrived in time to witness the attack and used deadly force to end it. Both the victim and the attacker died later in a local hospital. State Police are investigating, as with all officer-involved shootings.

The World Cup is underway and Louisiana soccer fans are all atwitter over Team USA’s chances this year. Louisiana Soccer Association President Sean Esker says we’ll all see when they play Wales today…:

CUT 10(10)      “…that game.”

The game starts at 1pm local time.

Baton Rouge cops had to break up a huge brawl between two groups of adults at a Chuck E. Cheese kids’ restaurant over the weekend. The fight was reportedly over an alleged stolen credit card. One person threatened to go get a gun, and the punches flew. No arrests were reported.

 

 

 

8:30 LRN Newscast Nov 21

Authorities release police body cam and dash cam video of the fatal arrest attempt of 45-year-old Derrick Kittling of Alexandria on November 6th. State Police Lt. Melissa Matey says the video shows a Rapides Parish Sheriff’s deputy involved in a scuffle with Kittling during a traffic stop and during the physical altercation Kittling gained possession of the deputy’s taser…:

CUT 13(11)      “…to his injuries.”

State Police Colonel Lamar Davis says LSP is conducting a thorough investigation that will be done fairly and impartially.

West Baton Rouge Parish deputies rolled up on a knife attack in progress Sunday on Interstate 10, and had to shoot the assailant. State Police Trooper Chis Reed says a Motorist Assistance Patrol worker stopped to help a broken down driver, but was stabbed for his trouble. Deputies witnessed it and shot the attacker. Both the victim and attacker are dead. LSP is now investigating…:

CUT 06(10)      “…appropriate time.”

 

Federal labor data shows Louisiana with another record low in unemployment. Jeff Palermo has more…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Palermo.”

Deputies in Calcasieu Parish are seeking a woman who went missing early Saturday morning after visiting a local video poker place. 32-year-old Stephanie Fong is white, average height and has red hair with orange highlights. She was last seen driving her white 2014 Toyota SUV. Call the sheriff’s office with info: (337) 491-3605.