1:30 LRN Newscast June 25

Chalmette High School principal 79-year-old Wayne Warner will have to have surgery after he was allegedly attacked by 33-year-old Christopher Kidd who is wheelchair-bound. St Bernard Parish Sheriff James Pohlman says when Warner saw Kidd pushing over trash cans Sunday night, he stopped to render aid.

Cut 6 (09) “…(x2) in the wheelchair.”

 

Kidd faces numerous charges including resisting arrest with force, battery on a police officer, simple assault and battery.

 

Doctor Ralph Abraham has been named as the state’s first Surgeon General. Abraham was serving as Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health. Governor Jeff Landry says in his role as Surgeon General, Abraham will look to modernize Louisiana’s healthcare and policies…

Cut 10 (10) “…our field.”

Abraham says he wants to change policies that have been holding the state back in providing better healthcare…

 

The situation New Orleans homeowner Cheron (Sharon) Brylski (Brill-ski) is facing is not unique in Louisiana. After her previous property insurance carriers left the state, she’s been forced to use Citizens and says now she has no other choice but to sell the home she and her husband, who died 9 years ago, lovingly restored.

Cut 13 (09)  “…by myself.”

 

Brylski says it costs nearly $15,000 annually to insure her home.

 

Former Baton Rouge Representative Scott McKnight is running for the Public Service Commission. McKnight will seek to replace District 2 PSC Commissioner Craig Greene, who is not seeking re-election.

McKnight says this is a regulatory position and that means striking a balance of what is going on in the industry.

Cut 5 (06)  “…Louisiana.”

 

Republican Congressman Garrett Graves, who is not seeking re-election for his seat in the U-S House, says he does not intend to run for P-S-C seat

 

12:30 LRN Newscast June 25

Governor Jeff Landry has named former Congressman Ralph Abraham as the state’s first surgeon general. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (00)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

 

 

Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s office found 72-year-old David Young unresponsive in his home with injuries consistent with blunt force trauma and stabbing. After canvassing the area a nearby resident 62-year-old Terry Houston was identified as a person of interest. The investigation determined that Houston was involved in an altercation leading to Young’s death. Houston was placed under arrest for one count of second-degree murder and obstruction of justice.

 

Daniel Callihan, the man charged with the murders of Callie Brunett and her daughter Erin of Loranger, says he won’t fight extradition charges and he’s requested to be transferred back to Louisiana.  At a press conference Monday, Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade says he’ll never forget when he saw four-year-old Erin’s body…

Cut 14 (11)  “…accountable.”

 

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch says they are working collaboratively with investigators and prosecutors in Louisiana.

 

Former Baton Rouge Representative Scott McKnight is running for the Public Service Commission. McKnight will seek to replace District 2 PSC Commissioner Craig Greene, who is not seeking re-election.

Cut 4 (11) “…market.”

The election will be held on November 5, 2024 with a December 7th run-off if necessary. Candidates will qualify for the election next month.

 

AM LRN Newscall June 25

The ACLU has officially filed suit against the Ten Commandments law which requires public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Heirloom Carbon Technology is investing $475 million in a decarbonization project that will result in the construction of two direct air capture facilities at the Port of Caddo-Bossier. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Sean Richardson” 

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As the insurance crisis continues to financially cripple Louisiana homeowners, some are being faced with the reality of selling their homes. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The ACLU has filed suit against the Ten Commandments law that required public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Plaintiffs include nine multi-faith families with children in public schools. Plaintiff, Reverend Jeff Sims

Cut 4 (07) “…tramples on it.”

Sims says the separation of church and state means that families get to decide if, when, and how their children are introduced to religion, not the state.

Cut 5 (12) “…chosen religion.”

Plaintiff Joshua Harlands says as a parent, an American and a Jew he is appalled that the state lawmakers are forcing public schools to post a specific version of the Ten Commandments in every classroom.

Cut 6 (12) “…religious text.”

Harlands says the state is dividing children on religious lines and that the new law has no education benefit.

Cut 7 (12) “…religious text.”

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Heirloom Carbon Technologies announces a $475 million decarbonization project that will result in the construction of two direct air capture facilities at the Port of Caddo-Bossier. Heirloom Carbon Technologies Community Liaison Caitlyn Cain.

Cut 8 (12) “…accelerated the process.”

Construction of the first facility is set to begin by the end of this year, and they estimate 17,000 tons of CO2 will be removed from the atmosphere annually starting in 2026. Heirloom will partner with CapturePoint for permanent CO2 storage.

Cut 9 (06)  “…central louisiana.

This is a public and private investment with up to 550-million dollars in funding from the federal government. Cain says they chose the Port of Caddo-Bossier because Louisiana is the energy capital of the United States…

Cut 10 (05) “…that we need.”

This will be the first commercial DAC facility in Louisiana and the second in North America and will bring over a thousand construction jobs and 81 permanent jobs with an average salary of $56,000.

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The situation New Orleans homeowner Cheron (Sharon) Brylski (Brill-ski) is facing is not unique in Louisiana. After her previous property insurance carriers left the state, she’s been forced to use Citizens and says now she has no other choice but to sell the home she and her husband, who died 9 years ago, lovingly restored.

Cut 11 (13) “…realistic.”

Brylski, who owns her own public relations company, has been downsizing her business as she prepares to retire but says the increase in property taxes and insurance has forced her to spend what would be her retirement savings to stay in her home.

Cut 12 (12) “…increase again.” 

She says she’s tried to find another carrier instead of Citizens, but no one is willing to write her policy, even though she owns her home outright and her neighborhood didn’t flood after Katrina. Since she put the for sale sign up in her yard, Brylski says others have shared similar stories.

Cut 13 (09)  “…by myself.”

Brylski says it costs nearly $15,000 annually to insure her home.

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Daniel Callihan, the man charged with the murders of Callie Brunett and her daughter Erin of Loranger, says he won’t fight extradition charges and he’s requested to be transferred back to Louisiana.  At a press conference Monday, Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade says he’ll never forget when he saw four-year-old Erin’s body…

Cut 14 (11)  “…accountable.”

Victoria Cox has also been charged with the murders, and the pair also face sexual battery charges in Mississippi. In Louisiana, they face first-degree murder and kidnapping charges.

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch says they are working collaboratively with investigators and prosecutors in Louisiana.

Cut 15 (09)  “…working together.”

Callihan confessed to the media on July 14th, the day after he led authorities to the body of Erin and her six-year-old sister Jalie who was still alive. Wade says while the investigation is ongoing, they feel they have a strong case against him and Cox.

Cut 16 (06) “…(x2) what he did.” 

Federal charges are also expected to be issued against Callihan and Cox.

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One of the top pitchers in the Southland is heading to LSU. Jacob Mayers had two standout seasons at Nicholls, his freshman season was particularly good as he had an ERA of 2.02 and was named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Freshman Pitcher of the Year. Mayers gives a lot of credit to former Colonels Coach Mike Silva

Cut 17 (21) “…crazy.”

Mayers had just one scholarship offer coming out of St. Amant High School in Ascension Parish and ended up being a Friday night starter for Nicholls. Mayers is looking forward to wearing the Purple and Gold…

Cut 18 (17)  “…to Omaha.”

Mayers didn’t make the team as a freshman at St. Amant, but the six-foot-five right-hander says that only motivated him…..

Cut 19 (19) “…adversity.” 

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Cut 20 (22) “…overcome that.”

 

 

 

 

5:30 LRN Newscast June 24

Beginning January 1st to receive their certification, teachers must undergo a criminal background check with the state. Currently, it’s up to local school systems to require those checks, but now Arthur Joffrion (Joe-free-on) with the Louisiana Department of Education says it’s a state requirement.

Cut 3 (09) “…our educators.”

The new policy is a result of legislation passed in 2023.

 

Former President Donald Trump is in New Orleans today for a fundraiser hosted by two of Louisiana’s biggest Republican donors, Boysie Bollinger and Joe Canizaro. Bollinger says Trump is confident he will win Louisiana as he did in 2020, so he’s stopping by to raise campaign funds, not to campaign.

Cut  14 (10) “…expect to have.” 

Bollinger says every ticket has been sold.

 

Cleco customers will see a rate increase next month of around five dollars, which will jump to 13 dollars in October. Spokesperson Fran Phoenix says while she understands the rise may come as a shock, it’s necessary to curb inflation and increased operating and maintenance costs.

Cut 6 (09) “…customer.”

PSC Davante Lewis, who voted against the increase, says Cleco recently lost a contract selling power to another Louisiana power company…

Cut 8 (07)  “…ratepayers.”

The price increase passed the Louisiana Public Service Commission on a 4 to 1 vote.

12:30 LRN Newscast

The new law requiring public classrooms to display the Ten Commandments is already facing a legal challenge. Loyola University Law professor Dane Ciolino says while it violates the First Amendment; the bill was written to display them for historical not religious purposes.

Cut 3 (12) “…establishment clause.”

The ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom from Religion Foundation say they plan to file a joint lawsuit against the measure.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission has ordered SWEPCO to issue 23-million dollars in refunds to its 240-thousand customers in 12 northwest Louisiana parishes. Commissioner Foster Campbell says SWEPCO customers deserve a credit, because of an accounting error

Cut 12 (08) “…to be.” 

UL-Lafayette Softball head coach Gerry Glasco accepted an offer today to become the next head coach at Texas Tech. Host of the Locked-on Sun Belt Podcast Dave Schultz says he’s surprised Glasco is leaving.

Cut 9 (09) “…Oklahoma City.”

Glasco finished his seventh season with a record of 302-88.

A $1 million gift from the family of Clifford Smith to Nicholls State University will create the William Clifford Smith School of Engineering set to start in August. Dean of the College of Science and Technology Dr. John Doucet.

Cut 7 (09) “…in the region.”  

Programs will include geomatics, energy engineering technology, and mechanical engineering which is also being offered in partnership with UNO.

3:30AM LRN Newscast June 18

Victoria Cox, the woman who’s been charged in the death of four-year-Erin Brunett along with Daniel Callihan said in Mississippi courtroom Monday that the last time she saw the two girls they were both alive. Callihan confessed to authorities and the media Friday and Jackson Police Chief Joshep Wade believes they have a solid case.

Cut 4 (12) “…the FBI.”

Both Cox and Callihan have been charged with murder and sexual battery in Mississippi. Wade opted not to elaborate on the sexual battery charges as they pertained to the young girls.

Cut 5 (12) “…appropriate charge.”

Wade says the FBI is expected to hand down charges in a matter of days.

 

Former LSU Head Football Coach Les Miles is suing the school over its decision to vacate 37 of his teams’ wins between 2012 and 2015. The vacated victories bring Miles’s career winning percentage from .665 to .597, just under the College Football Hall of Fame’s 60-percent threshold for eligibility. Miles’s attorney Peter Ginsberg says he isn’t seeking monetary compensation…

Cut 7 (11) “…Hall of Fame.”

The lawsuit also names the NCAA and College Football Hall of Fame as defendants and comes only after a lack of action and communication from LSU.

 

Crestworth Elementary math teacher Derrick Winn received the Milken Educators Award on February 6th, 2024. After observing Winn for close to a year, getting interviews, and receiving letters from friends and coworkers it was clear that they had the right teacher.

Cut 11

The Milken Educator Awards targets early-to-mid career education professionals for their already impressive achievements and, more significantly, for the promise of what they will accomplish in the future.

4:30 PM Newscast June 14

The FBI is now the lead agency in the horrific kidnapping and murder of a three-year-old girl from Loranger. Erin Brunett and her 6-year-old sister Jalie were abducted from their home by 36-year-old Daniel Callahan, who allegedly killed their mother Callie Brunett, and took them to Jackson, Mississippi. Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade…

Cut 4 (14) “…survived.” 

An accomplice 32-year-old Victoria Cox has been arrested in connection with the case

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is reminding residents to stay safe on the water this summer. Major Clay Marquez says the best way to do so is by taking the free online or in-person boating safety course offered by the state. Marquez says it makes a world of difference…

Cut 9 (13) “…education course.” 

Visit LWDF for more information

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Site preparations for a nearly $3 billion coastal restoration project in Plaquemines Parish are set to resume months after the state issued a stop-work order amid legal disputes. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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U.S. Representative Garret Graves says he will not seek re-election to Congress.

Graves’ current 6th District was modified for the upcoming race and will stretch from Baton Rouge to Shreveport. This change makes the district a majority-minority.

Graves says, “It is evident that a run in any temporary district will cause actual permanent damage to Louisiana’s great representation in Congress.

1:30 LRN Newscast

A tropical wave in the southeastern corner of the Gulf is expected to bring plenty of rain to southern Florida and eventually bring precipitation to Louisiana next week.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (00)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill joined the National Association of Attorneys General to endorse a House Resolution bill known as the “Child Exploitation and Artificial Intelligence Expert Commission Act of 2024” to target the usage of AI in child exploitation crimes. IT recommends new methods and solutions to improve criminal investigation and prosecution of crimes against children involving AI.

 

The Louisiana Department of Health reminds everyone to take precautions against mosquito bites this summer that could carry and expose people to West Nile virus.  Mosquitos are more active in the warmer months and that increases the risk of contracting the disease.  State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says most people won’t show any symptoms

Cut 4 (12) “…several weeks.” 

The Saints three-day mandatory minicamp started yesterday and the camp saw many players absent from the Saints OTAs report to their facilities like Alvin Kamara. Many have criticized Kamara and other Saints players for not being at team OTAs this offseason which has created a negative narrative surrounding the players’ participation with the team. Kamara says that he is not going to go along with that narrative because he cares about the team and his teammates.

Cut 10 (13) “…low pressure.”

5:30 PM Newscast June 11

Governor Jeff Landry signed a bill earlier today reorganizing Louisiana Economic Development, which House Commerce Committee Chair Marksville Representative Daryl Deshotel says the act, also known as the Positioning Louisiana to Win bill, makes sure every business is fairly represented in state government by establishing a private sector-led board to advise LED.

Cut 7 (05) “…table.”  

The LED senior leadership team was also announced at the signing.

 

Ray Tanner, the University of South Carolina’s Athletic Director, has shocked the baseball world by selecting Paul Mainieri as the Gamecocks’ next baseball head coach. The move comes after South Carolina fired their head coach Mark Kingston after his seventh season with the program. Tiger Rag editor Todd Horne says the move is shocking after Mainieri retired three seasons ago citing health concerns.

Cut 4 (12) “…now playing.” 

LSU and South Carolina will face each other in SEC regular season play next year.

 

The tragic drowning of a 12-year-old in Ascension Parish on Monday serves as a reminder of the dangers of water. In Louisiana drowning is the third cause of death for children ages one to 14. In Baton Rouge, BREC Aquatics Instructor Daniel Burg says through a partnership with the Red Cross they offer free swimming lessons…

Cut 11 (11) ” …ourselves.”

 

Another bill recently signed by Governor Landry aims to curb the state’s pet overpopulation. The bill allows the Pet Overpopulation Advisory Council to sell commemorative pet stamps with the proceeds supporting spay and neuter programs around the state. The stamps cost a minimum of $15 and will be decorative, not used for postage. The Humane Society of Louisiana says the obvious selling point is that the proceeds go to programs that reduce the burgeoning pet overpopulation.

5:30 LRN Newscast

As the crawfish season is coming to an end, just how bad was it? Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (28)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

 

Two Deputies in Richland Parish were stabbed multiple times after catching up to a fleeing suspect Thursday. 23-year-old Colby Bazan answered RPSO’s request to appear at the sheriff’s office regarding a simple assault and criminal trespass warrant for him involving alleged threats against his family members. When Bazan realized he was under arrest authorities say he fled and when deputies caught up to him, he stabbed two of them with a knife in his possession. Both Deputies were treated and released from the hospital. Bazan is charged with attempted first-degree murder of a police officer and is being held on a one-million-dollar bond.

 

The A&E show “Murder at the Motel” featured Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s office. The episode tells the story of twenty-eight-year-old Sonya Ortego’s (or-ta-go) murder at the Dees Motel by Jackie Pruitt on March 24, 2016. Chief Deputy Jared Morton…

Cut 4 (06) “…at all.” 

Pruitt was convicted of first-degree murder in 2017.

You can watch “Murder at the Motel” on A&E or stream online now.

 

Governor Jeff Landry has signed what has been called the bathroom bill. The legislation prohibits a transgender individual from using a bathroom or locker room at a school that does not match their biological sex. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says his legislation is designed to protect females, especially young girls…

Cut 9 (10) “…uh oh” 

After signing the bill, Governor Landry said in a statement that he’s proud to sign House Bill 608 which protects women’s safety and reinforces the very definition of what it means to be a woman.