LRN Am Newscall March 19

A bill to eliminate vehicle inspection stickers in Louisiana will be heard in House Transportation today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Former Addis police officer David Cauthron pled guilty to two counts manslaughter in his connection to a high-speed chase in Brusly that killed two teens and severely injured a third teen in 2022. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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Grambling State University is invited to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament for the first time in the history of the school. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

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A bill to eliminate vehicle inspection stickers in Louisiana will be heard in House Transportation today. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley’s bill would remove the requirement to have an up-to-date-inspection stickers.

Cut 4 (07) “…for it.”

This will be Bagley’s third attempt to eliminate break tags or vehicle inspection stickers in Louisiana. As for opposition, he says he’s gotten pushback from the owners of vehicle inspection sites and from state police.

Cut 5 (10) “…of that.” 

Bagley says he also hasn’t received any opposition from Governor Jeff Landry’s administration over House Bill 344.

For vehicle owners in five parishes (Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, and West Baton Rouge) that are required by the federal Clean Air Act to have emission inspections every two years they would be charged eight dollars for those inspections.

Bagley says law enforcement has always had the right to pull over a motorist if their vehicle has issues like a head or taillight not working.

No other states in the south require break tags or inspection stickers, except for Texas which is phasing there’s out. Bagley says they are simply a money grab.

Cut 6 (07) “…the years.”

Commercial and student transportation vehicles would still be required to have inspection stickers.

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David Cauthron, a former Addis police officer, pled guilty Monday to two counts of manslaughter related to a deadly car crash on New Year’s Eve in 2022. Cauthron slammed his unit into a vehicle with three teens during a high-speed chase and killed two teenage girls. 18th Judicial District Attorney Tony Clayton says Cauthron’s actions and comments before the accident were critical in the case.

Cut 7 (11) “…to hurt.”

17-year-old Maggie Dunn and 16-year-old Caroline Gill died in the crash. 18-year-old Liam Dunn, Maggie’s brother, suffered multiple injuries but survived the accident.

Cauthron was chasing Tyquel Zanders who was accused of stealing his family’s car in Baton Rouge. Clayton says Cauthron was traveling at a high rate of speed when he ran a red light before impact.

Cut 8 (07) “…was ridiculous.” 

Once released, Clayton says Cauthron will be restricted from working in law enforcement. He says the testimony from Dunn was heartbreaking for everyone in court.

Cut 9 (12)  “…hear all that.”

Cauthron received a 10-year prison sentence and a 22-year suspended sentence. And pled guilty to one count of negligent injuring.

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History is made at Grambling State University this year as the Men’s Basketball team is on its way to their first ever NCAA Tournament.  Tigers Basketball Coach Donte Jackson understands the significance and to his players says…

Cut 10 (08) “…play basketball.”

Creating a culture that can accomplish something never before done at Grambling is a challenge and Jackson says it’s especially challenging to keep your players in the current college sports environment…

Cut 11 (11) “…portal era.” 

Grambling plays Montana State in Dayton Ohio Wednesday night. Jackson credits his players for buying in to the culture the staff is building in Grambling and says it’s an amazing feeling…

Cut 12 (10) “…your back.” 

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LSU Health-New Orleans ALS Clinic has been recognized as an ALS Association Certified Treatment Center of Excellence. Co Director Dr. Stephen Kantrow says the recognition shows their commitment to providing quality care in ALS-related research.

Cut 13 (11)  “…way possible.”

An estimated 5,000 people are diagnosed with ALS annually in the United States. Kantrow says patients visit the multidisciplinary clinic every three months.

Cut 14 (12) “…deliver care.”

In 2014, the ALS Association named LSU Health-New Orleans ALS Clinic as an ALS Association Recognized Treatment Center. Kantrow says the center is one of only two designated centers in Louisiana. He says the collaborative effort simplify the patient health care experience.

Cut 15 (13) “…difficult diagnosis.”

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The LSU Tigers dropped from two to number five in the D-1 baseball poll after losing the opening SEC series. Mississippi State scored 33 runs and the Tigers committed six errors as dropped two out of three in Starkville. Coach Jay Johnson says they scored enough runs to win a series on the road, but didn’t pitch well enough and the errors were also costly…

Cut 16 (20) “..great on defense” 

LSU entered SEC play with a 16-2 record, but the series loss at Mississippi State could be a wake up call for this team. Johnson says his team knows there’s room for improvement…

Cut 17 (20) “…we play” 

LSU is back at home to take on Louisiana Tech tonight. The Bulldogs are coming off a sweep over Northwestern State. Tech is 16-5 and Johnson says they have several older players…

Cut 18 (17)  “..good coaching staff” 

First pitch is at 6:30.

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The Saints have signed defensive end Chase Young to a one-year contract. The 24-year-old was the number two overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. He’s played four NFL seasons and this will be his third team. He was drafted by Washington and traded in San Francisco during the middle of last season. Young signed his deal after visiting with Saints officials yesterday….

Cut 19 (20) “….every day”  

Young has 16.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in 43 games.  He’s looking forward to playing with Cam Jordan…

Cut 20 (14) “…game from”

LRN PM Newscall March 18

The State Inspector General has issued a report on the death investigation of two-year-old Mitchell Robinson, who died of a fentanyl overdose in 2022 in Baton Rouge. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (39)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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We are not done with winter yet, below freezing temperatures are possible tomorrow morning. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin reports freeze warnings and watches have been posted…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Bill Jaquemin.” 

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Coushatta Casino Resort will break ground on a new $150 million 204 room hotel expansion in Kinder this week. Director of Marketing Robert Thornton says the new hotel is needed to keep up with consumer demand…

Cut 3 (12) “…that regard.”  

Coushatta Casino Resort is the largest casino in Louisiana and operated by the Coushatta Tribe.

Thornton says the expansion will increase total capacity to over one-thousand rooms. And the new eight story hotel includes luxury rooms with a grand entrance.

Cut 4 (08) “…the casino.” 

Thornton says the hotel will create 150 to 200 additional permanent jobs in Allen Parish. He says it’s not all about monetary gain. It’s also about getting the tribe’s culture out to the public.

Cut 5 (10)  “…historical figures.”

The hotel has not yet been named. The project is expected to be complete by late 2025.

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The Louisiana Office of Inspector General has issued a report on their investigation of the death of two-year-old Mitchell Robinson, who died of a fentanyl overdose in 2022 in Baton Rouge. Inspector Stephen Street says even though DCFS was notified of previous overdoses the system failed to protect the toddler.

Cut 6  (10) “…child’s safety.” 

The report points out the assigned caseworker was overwhelmed with multiple high-profile cases and DCFS says they are trying to rectify that by hiring more staff.

Street says nine-days before the child’s death on June 26th, a third call was made to the DCFS hotline from a physician asking if any action had been taken in the case along with lab confirmation that fentanyl was found in the child’s system on June 4th.

Cut 7 (09) “…that was.”  

Street says it’s an unfortunate truth that these types of tragedies with children are way more common than we want them to be.

Cut 8 (08) “…to handle.” 

The child’s mother Whitney Ard faces murder charges and the father Mitchell Robinson, Junior pleaded guilty to multiple drug charges.

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A new poll from JMC Analytics indicates there is still minimal support for changing Louisiana’s elections to a closed primary. In the first special session, lawmakers voted to move Congressional, PSC, BESE and Supreme Court elections to a closed primary starting in 2026. Pollster John Couvillon says he surveyed 660 likely voters and 48 percent of them did not even know it was changed.

Cut 9 (13) “…primary more.” 

This is the second time JMC Analytics has polled Louisiana voters to get their thoughts on closed primaries. He says the first survey took place in December and based on the results of this latest poll, closed primaries have become less popular in Louisiana…

Cut 10 (11) “…it had. “

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, the new election system will cost the state an additional 135-million dollars over ten years. Couvillon says when the respondents heard the cost of a party primary system, 72-percent said they oppose switching from open primaries.

Cut 11 (06) “…minimal popularity.”

A bill has been filed in the regular session that seeks to include statewide offices, including elections for governor and legislative seats into the closed primary system.

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The McNeese Cowboys are preparing for their first NCAA Tournament Basketball game since 2002. The Pokes are a 12 seed and will face fifth seeded Gonzaga on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. Coach Will Wade says there are only 68 teams left playing and all of them are good…

Cut 12 (09)  “…hard to do.”

McNeese is 30-3 and they are just one of four teams in the country with at least 30 wins. Junior forward Christian Shumate says they are ready to play on the big stage…

Cut 13 (12) “…reckon with”  

For the first time in school history, the Grambling State men’s basketball team is in the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers will play Montana State on Wednesday night in Dayton, Ohio.

LRN AM Newscall March 18

Speed limits are changing for truckers crossing the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge on I-10. Colleen Crain has the details…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Congressman Troy Carter is hosting three workshops to help those in the crawfish industry apply for financial assistance. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Since the Louisiana Legislature can not mandate homeowners insurance rates, how can they lower premiums. Jeanne Burns has more…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeanne Burns”

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Phase 2 of the state’s plan to make the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge safer begins today with a change in speed limits for truckers. For years, the speed limit for trucks was 55-miles per hour and 60 miles per hour for passenger vehicles. Executive Director of Louisiana Motor Transport Association, Renee Amar, says a change to a uniform 60 mile per hour limit for all vehicles makes everyone safer…

Cut 4 (12) “…more hazardous.”

Truckers will continue to be limited to just the right lane. Amar believes it would be better to allow truckers access to both lanes…

Cut 5 (09) “…going forward.” 

Signs warning motorists of the speed limit and traffic changes as they approach the Basin Bridge are helpful, says Amar. She says people from all over the country are traveling I-10 and need to know what’s coming on roadways they don’t travel often…

Cut 6 (07) “…the Basin.”

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To help the crawfish industry with financial assistance after last summer’s drought severely impacted the crop, Congressman Troy Carter is holding three workshops for crawfish producers, boil houses, restaurants, grocery stores, and others who depend on crawfish.

Cut 7 (10) “…of Louisiana.”

The first of three workshops in conjunction with the Small Business Administration will be at Southern University at New Orleans today. Carter says it’s not just about Louisianan’s love for crawfish, but about a vital part of the state’s economy.

Cut 8 (12) “…for us.” 

On Wednesday a workshop will be held at Reserve Community College and on Thursday at the Reimagine Women’s Center in Baton Rouge.

Carter says the workshops are one-stop-shops for those in the crawfish industry who need financial support.

Cut 9 (12)  “…it most.”

For a detailed listing of the workshops visit LouisianaRadioNetwork.com

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Beginning today the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control will resume the enforcement of state laws concerning the marketing and sale of vapor products. Commissioner Ernest Legier says even though the law restricting the sale of products not registered with the state’s VAPE directory is being challenged in court…

Cut 10 (09) “…as written.”

Enforcement of Act 414, which passed in the 2023 regular session, was paused after a legal challenge. Legier says retailers who sell unregistered products can be fined and…

Cut 11 (11) “…are written.” 

Legier says for products to be included in the state’s VAPE directory they must have an application, pending or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

He says the legislature passed and the governor signed off on Act 414 to eliminate flavored vape products…

Cut 12 (11) “…elected officials.” 

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Clarifying the claims process is one idea lawmakers will discuss during this legislative session as a way to bring more insurers into Louisiana. Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot says they’ve been told by Lloyd’s of London, which is an insurance and reinsurance marketplace, that Louisiana’s claims process is ambiguous and unclear

Cut 13 (06)  “…in Louisiana”

Talbot has filed a bill that makes it more clear on when the clock starts for claims to be paid. He also wants to give insurers 60-days, instead of 30 days, for a claim to be paid after a hurricane…

Cut 14 (12) “…do it”

Talbot says the current system leads to more lawsuits and insurers are hesitant to do business in a litigious environment. He says the legislature can’t tell insurance companies to lower rates, they have to create a market that results in multiple companies vying for your business…

Cut 15 (08) “…listeners business”

The consumer advocacy group, Real Reform Louisiana, is concerned lawmakers are trying to take away the legal rights of storm victims

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The road to another national championship for the LSU Lady Tigers basketball team looks difficult as they are a 3-seed in a region that features top-seeded Iowa and second-seeded UCLA. Coach Kim Mulkey’s team beat Iowa in the national title game last year and UCLA holds its opponents to 60 points a game…

Cut 16 (09) “..at home” 

LSU will host the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. They will face Rice, who won the American Athletic Conference Tournament as a ten-seed. If the Lady Tigers defeat the Owls, they’ll play either sixth-seeded Louisville or 11th-seeded Middle Tennessee who easily won the Conference USA regular season and conference titles. Louisville is LSU point guard Hailey Van Lith’s former team. Mulkey expects Van Lith will handle it well

Cut 17 (17) “…salty too” 

LSU has not played since a grueling SEC Tournament that ended with a loss to top-ranked South Carolina on March 10th. Mulkey says her team has been able to get healthy during this extended break…

Cut 18 (18)  “..we were” 

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McNeese is the 12th seed in the Midwest Region and will face 5th seeded Gonzaga in the first round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. The game will be played on Thursday night at 6:25 in Salt Lake City. Coach Will Wade has led the Cowboys to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2002 and they’ll play a Gonzaga team ranked 17th in the AP poll…

Cut 19 (14) “….get there”  

Gonzaga was a national runner-up in 2017 and 2021. McNeese will make its third ever NCAA Tournament appearance. They have not won a game in the Big Dance and this will be the first meeting between the two schools. The Zags are considered the best mid-major program in the country and Wade is interested to see how his team stacks up…

Cut 20 (12) “…away we are”

LRN PM Newscall March 15

Louisiana National Guardsmen participating in Operation Lone Star have arrived in Texas. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The McNeese State fanbase is excited to see where the men’s basketball team will play in the NCAA Tournament. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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Many times after a car crash, debris is left behind, adding to the state’s litter problem. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has asked State Police, police chiefs and sheriffs to make sure vehicle bumpers, glass, tire fragments and personal belongings are picked up after the vehicles are towed away. He says it will make our roadways cleaner and safer…

Cut 3 (08) “…adds to the litter”  

A litter study by Keep Louisiana Beautiful found nearly 10 percent of all litter on Louisiana’s roadways consists of car accident debris.

Nungesser says the cleanup of debris from car accidents falls on wrecker services. And he’s working with law enforcement to make sure tow trucks do their job.

Cut 4 (12) “…job properly” 

The goal is to remove all debris left on roadways from accidents to make Louisiana roadways safer. Nungesser says sometimes that debris ends up on the road in a travel lane.

Cut 5 (08)  “…miss it.”

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Louisiana National Guardsmen participating in Operation Lone Star have arrived in Texas. LANG spokesperson Lt. Col Noel (No-elle) Collins says fifty soldiers begin their first of three 30-day rotations today at the southern border.

Cut 6  (10) “…operation.” 

As part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, Governor Jeff Landry signed off on sending Louisiana guardsmen at the request of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Collins anticipates the soldiers will be assisting with patrols to prevent, detect, and deter illegal crossings.

Cut 7 (12) “…Texas border.”  

Collins says the soldiers that are in Texas for the first rotation are part of the 2nd of the 108th Cavalry Regiment out of Shreveport. She says they are properly trained and equipped to assist with Operation Lone Star.

Cut 8 (08) “…of Texas.” 

The mission is scheduled to wrap in mid-June.

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Former LSU basketball player and Ukrainian, Roman Rubchenko, is in Louisiana to raise awareness of the humanitarian aid needed due to the Russian invasion. Rubchenko says before coming to Louisiana, he tried to meet with House Speaker Mike Johnson…

Cut 9 (12) “…come through.” 

House Speaker Mike Johnson opposes a $95 billion foreign security aid bill passed by the Senate, but the Republican from Bossier Parish has told the Politco he’s interested in approving a stand alone funding bill for Ukraine, despite objections from his own party. Rubchenko is pleading with Congress to provide this aid…

Cut 10 (13) “…was introduced” “

The six-foot-nine Rubchenko played at LSU from 1992 to 1996. He was living in Kyiv in 2022 when Russia began its attack on Ukraine. Thousands have been killed on both sides, including more than 10-thousand civilians since the Russia strikes started. Rubchenko says the urgency is high because Ukraine is running low on ammunition…

Cut 11 (11) “…attack items”

Rubchenko made these comments on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster.

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The LSU Lady Tigers will find out Sunday night who they will play in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The defending national champs won ten in a row before losing to South Carolina last Sunday. ESPN bracketologist Charlie Creme predicts LSU will be a two seed…

Cut 12 (12)  “…Mississippi State.”

LSU will host the first two rounds of the tournament and their first game will be either Friday or Saturday.

The Lady Tigers are 28-and-5 and two of their losses came against top ranked South Carolina. Creme says a third meeting with the Gamecocks will have to wait until the Final Four in Cleveland…

Cut 13 (11) “…Final Four”  

The NCAA Women’s Basketball Selection Show is at 7 PM.

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The McNeese men’s basketball team is in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2002 and the Lake Charles community is crazy about the Bayou Bandits.  Jim Gazzolo covers the team for the American Press and says it didn’t take for first year head coach Will Wade to win over the fanbase…

Cut  14 (11) “..amazing thing”

The Cowboys are 30-3 and Gazzolo says they’ll have a decent seed despite coming from a conference that will only have one team in the Big Dance…

Cut 15 (09) “…Pittsburgh”

The NCAA Tournament Selection Show is at 5 PM.

LRN PM Newscall March 14

The McNeese men’s basketball team is headed to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2002. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Two bills concerning mental health at schools advance from Senate Education. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The McNeese Cowboys are going dancing as they are headed to the NCAA men’s Basketball Tournament for the first time since 2002. The Bayou Bandits received an invite to the Big Dance by beating Nicholls 92-76 in the Southland Tournament Championship game. A happy Coach Will Wade spoke after his team cut down the nets at the Legacy Center…

Cut 3 (07) “…for everybody.”  

Wade led LSU to three NCAA Tournament appearances in five seasons in Baton Rouge and in his first season at McNeese he turned around a losing program, increasing their win total by 19 games, which matches an NCAA record. He says the team looks forward to selection Sunday…

Cut 4 (12) “…to me” 

Shahada Wells earned most valuable player honors for the tournament as he had 27 points and six assists in the win over the Colonels. Wells is excited to lead McNeese to its third ever NCAA Tournament appearance

Cut 5 (08)  “…make a run.”

The Bayou Bandits will learn of their NCAA Tournament destination on Selection Sunday at 5 PM.

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The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has jumped 16 cents since last month. Today’s statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.07. Triple-A Fuel analyst Don Redman says higher crude oil prices is raising the price at the pump…

Cut 6  (09) “…a barrel.” 

Redman expects gas prices to continue to rise.

Cut 7 (08) “…in Louisiana.”  

If you’re planning on traveling over the Easter weekend, plan to budget around $3.15 for a gallon of regular gas. Redman says gas prices will keep rising into the summer as demand will also be up…

Cut 8 (07) “…a gallon.” 

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Two bills related to mental health on school campuses advance from Senate Education. Lake Charles Senator Mark Abraham’s bill allows public schools to employ or allow a volunteer chaplain to provide support services for students and teachers. He says in the two states that do allow chaplains…

Cut 9 (07) “…are zero.” 

Abraham says fifteen other states are currently considering such laws, and it’s not just students who benefit.

Cut 10 (09) “…these schools.”

Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow’s bill promotes awareness of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 9-8-8. Schools would be required to post the 24/7 free counseling number on their website and school ID cards. Barrow quoted concerning suicide statistics from 2021…

Cut 11 (12) “…to me.”

Barrow says knowing that individuals as young as 10 years old have committed suicide is heartbreaking and she wants anyone who is struggling to know help is a phone call away.

Cut 12 (11)  “…can call.”

In 2021, there were 689 suicides in Louisiana.

LRN PM Newscall March 13

If you missed getting tickets for Taylor Swift’s soldout October 26th show at the Superdome, Brooke Thorington has more on how you can win a pair and help “Mastermind” Ochsner Health’s Neuroscience Institute.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Booking mug shots of suspects charged in non-violent or minor crimes would once again become available under legislation heading to the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Ochsner Health is raffling off two tickets to see Taylor Swift and raise money for their Neuroscience Institute. Assistant VP of Philanthropy Lucy King says the winner will receive two suite tickets for the October 26th sold-out show at the Superdome. And like Taylor, King says the neuroscience facilty is one of a kind.

Cut 3 (09) “…and Atlanta.”  

So, if it’s among your “Wildest Dreams” to see Taylor in “Style,” King says don’t “Shake Off” this opportunity.

Cut 4 (10) “…Four Seasons Hotel.” 

King says they’ve already broken ground on the Debra H. and Robert J. Patrick Neuroscience Center in New Orleans and like Taylor, music will play a “Mastermind” role in the treatment of neurological disorders.

Cut 5 (12) “…and care.”

The $100 raffle tickets can be purchased at ochsner.org/eras. The deadline to purchase tickets is just before “Midnight” on April 7th and the winner will be drawn on April 8th.

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State Police has charged a Lafayette truck driver with negligent homicide for driving too fast during the super fog event on I-55 last October. Trooper Jacob Pucheu (pee-shoe) says  61-year-old Ronald Britt’s truck was part of a  massive chain reaction crash that involved 168 vehicles and seven deaths, including 60-year-old James Fleming…

Cut 6  (11) “…Mrs. Fleming” 

Pucheu says Britt is facing several charges…

Cut 7 (11) “…traffic violations”  

Britt was booked into the St. John Parish Correctional Center earlier this week.

The pileup occurred in St. John the Baptist Parish on October 23rd during super fog conditions, a combination smoke from marsh fires and foggy conditions.

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Legislation banning importing, ownership, and trafficking of child sex dolls that resembles children 12 years and younger passed out of committee Tuesday. Bill’s author, Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell explains Homeland Security contacted her about trafficking after receiving a package with a label describing it as a mannequin.

Cut 8 (13) “…in Metairie.” 

And while nine other states already have such laws, Mizell says legislation does not exist in Louisiana to allow law enforcement to take individuals into custody.

Cut 9 (06) “…arrest anybody.” 

Mizell says some companies create dolls based on the likeness of real children. She says her legislation could help prevent assaults on children by pedophiles or potential abusers.

Cut 10 (11) “…these dolls.”

The bill now heads to the Senate floor.

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Legislation that would allow law enforcement to once again make public the booking photos of adults charged with crimes is making its way to the Senate floor. A law passed in 2022 prevents the release of mug shots of suspects accused of non-violent or minor offenses. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh says the 2022 law is hurting law enforcement…

Cut 11 (10) “…law enforcement”

Seabaugh says the 2022 law was approved with good intentions, but there is confusion over what can and can’t be released, so some law enforcement agencies are not making any mug shots available.

Cut 12 (12)  “..that decision.”

The Senate Judiciary C Committee approved Seabaugh’s bill. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow was the only no vote. Barrow says once a mug shot goes public, it never goes away and it change and alter a person’s life…

Cut 13 (13) “…going forward.”  

Sarah Whittington with the Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana says mug shots can cause damage for suspects who later found innocent…

Cut  14 (10) “..good character”

LRN AM Newscall March 13

Big plans for a new sports arena and entertainment arena at LSU along with changes to the Raising Cane’s River Center are on the agenda for the East Baton Rouge Metro Council today. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Legislation to reform property insurance in the Bayou State is up for debate in the legislative session. One statewide official pushes legislation to fix property insurance crisis. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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Among the issues Governor Landry wants lawmakers to address is constitutional reform. Brooke Thorington has more on what could entail.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Baton Rouge Area Chamber is among the groups endorsing a proposed new sports and entertainment arena at LSU being developed by the Tiger Athletic Foundation. The new venue would host sporting events and bring larger entertainment acts to Baton Rouge. Trey Godfrey with BRAC is excited about what the proposal means to Baton Rouge…

Cut 4 (07) “…our community.”

An East Baton Rouge Metro Council hearing on an ordinance to address the new arena and changes to the Raising Cane’s River Center is set for today (Wednesday).  Godfrey says it calls for Mayor Broome to put a plan forward for the RiverCenter…

Cut 5 (12) “…ordinance passes.” 

BRAC, the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, and Visit Baton Rouge support the plan for the Raising Cane’s River Center to increase convention space and add a hotel complex. While the Capital City is the second largest city in the Bayou State, Godfrey says it’s the number four convention city behind Monroe…

Cut 6 (08) “…that space.”

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The 2024 legislative session is underway and insurance reform is a major focus. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says reducing regulations on property insurance companies will lead to a more competitive market which should lower rates. Temple says one of the bills he’s favoring is “file and use” which would allow insurers to adjust rates without his approval. He points out the department still has regulatory charge…

Cut 7 (11) “…unduly discriminatory.”

Temple is also pushing to end the three-year rule, which prohibits insurers from dropping a customer they’ve insured for three years. He says his measure would lift profit caps on insurance companies.

Cut 8 (09) “…whom they want.” 

The former insurance executive wants Louisiana to be a more stable market for consumers and companies. He says the focus is to attract more insurance companies and lower rates.

Cut 9 (12)  “…is affordability.”

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Among the issues Governor Jeff Landry wants lawmakers to address is constitutional reform. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio agrees that the 1974 state constitution, which has been amended more than 200 times, needs to be streamlined.

Cut 10 (12) “…should work.”

Landry says the current state constitution is bloated, outdated, antiquated, and much abused.

To hold a constitutional convention to revise one of the country’s longest constitutions with more than 72,000 words, Procopio says the legislature must first approve a bill to hold one, and delegates, which could be lawmakers, would hold hearings and vote on proposed changes.

Cut 11 (09) “…vote on it.” 

Among the most heavily amended sections of the constitution that Procopio says presents hurdles is Article VII, dealing with taxes and spending. For example, he says there are too many restrictions on how you can and can’t add taxes.

Cut 12 (12) “…they did.” 

Legislation to hold a constitutional convention must be filed first. As for the particulars of what would be changed to the state’s constitution remains to be seen.

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A bill is heading to the Senate floor that would toughen penalties against porch pirates. Abbeville Senator Bob Hensgens’ legislation would give judges the authority to sentence a thief to 60 days in jail if they steal packages from several homes. Major Willie Stewart with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office says porch pirates are a big problem

Cut 13 (11)  “…at a time”

Sarah Whittington with the Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana opposed the bill. She says there are already laws on the books addressing theft and specific punishment for porch pirates will not help the situation…

Cut 14 (09) “…the porch.”

New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez, a member of the Judiciary C Committee, believes this legislation can make a porch pirate think twice…

Cut 15 (09) “…deter crime”

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Quarterback Jameis Winston is moving on from the Saints. The 30-year-old has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns that will pay him eight million dollars. Winston has been in New Orleans in 2020, mostly as a back-up. Locked on Saints Podcast Host Ross Jackson says the Black and Gold knew Winston wanted a chance at starting….

Cut 16 (20) “..some point.” 

Winston signed with the Saints in 2020 to learn from Sean Payton and Drew Brees. He won the starting job after Brees retired, but suffered a season-ending knee injury during the middle of the 2021 season and then lost his starting job again early in the 2022 season due to a back injury. Jackson says New Orleans never saw Winston’s true potential…

Cut 17 (19) “…be missed.” 

The Saints will need to find a veteran to serve as a primary backup to Derek Carr. Jackson says the Saints have a history of not being big spenders in free agency, but expect them to get more active with the new-year league beginning at 3 PM…

Cut 18 (17)  “…begins.” 

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The second ranked LSU softball team is now 23-0 after beating third ranked Texas on Tuesday seven to four. Kelley Lynch had a big three-run double in a five run first inning and Sydney Berzon went the distance in the circle for her ninth win of the year. Berzon allowed four runs but Coach Beth Torina had confidence Berzon would not relinquish the lead…

Cut 19 (12) “….stuck with her” 

LSU will now get read to host Ole Miss for a three-game series that will start on Saturday night. The Rebels are 16-7 overall and Torina says they present a challenge…

Cut 20 (16) “…negated”

LRN PM Newscall March 12

Advocating to move from their existing 60-year-old headquarters, New Orleans PD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick describes the myriad of issues plaguing the current facility.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Get ready to hear about Education Savings Accounts during the legislative session. Jeff Palermo explains what they do…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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While addressing the New Orleans city council committee members in a plea for a new facility, Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the wretched building conditions and reminded members of a recent tour of the evidence room.

Cut 3 (13) “…all high.”  

Kirkpatrick stressed the need to move to another building and their proposal to lease two floors of the DXC building on Poydras Street. She says the move would allow them to house dozens of administrators who are exposed to the current deplorable conditions at current headquarters.

And it’s not just high rats and roaches in the evidence room, she says the uncleanliness throughout the buildings is off the charts and presents a myriad of health issues for employees.

Cut 4 (10) “…their desks.” 

Kirkpatrick also described the inoperable elevators, air conditioning, and plumbing in the 60-year-old headquarters.

Cut 5 (12) “…not acceptable.”

A 10-year lease for the other proposed building would cost $7.6 million. 

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Governor Jeff Landry has told lawmakers Louisiana is failing its students and cited a report that ranks the state 46th in education. Council for a Better Louisiana president Barry Erwin says Landry is asking legislators to create an Education Savings Accounts program, which would use taxpayer dollars to help families send their child to a different school

Cut 6  (08) “…other options” 

Erwin says former Governor John Bel Edwards was an opponent of ESAs because it would take money away from the public education school system and give it to private schools.

Cut 7 (10) “…consequences”  

Erwin says it remains to be seen how much money Louisiana will spend on E-S-As. He says the governor is committed to giving families more options if the school they are attending is not right for them…

Cut 8 (12) “…right now.” 

Erwin says an Education Savings Account bill has yet to be filed.

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Agile Cold Storage announces plans to invest 46 million dollars in the first cold storage facility in St. Tammany Parish. St. Tammany Corporation CEO Chris Masingill says it will create dozens of jobs…

Cut 9 (09) “…particular project.” 

The company estimates the project will result in a total of 195 potential new jobs. The new facility, will be located in Pearl River, will prepare fresh food for transportation by blast-freezing and packing it for shipment.

Masingill says the space will have highly automated, multi-temperature and conventional warehousing and logistics support. He says the building will house primarily poultry for export every week.

Cut 10 (07) “…of New Orleans.”

The state offered Agile a competitive incentive package that includes a performance-based grant of $1.5 million that will reimburse the company for site improvement expenditures, contingent on board approval.

Masingill says the synergy from the parish and state played a vital role in Agile’s decision to choose Pearl River. He said they also liked the logistics the area provides…

Cut 11 (09) “…for them.”

The company expects to begin construction on the 150,000-square-foot facility next month. And operations are set to begin in the first quarter of 2025.

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State Police has provided more information on a fatal shooting involving a Calcasieu Parish Sherriff’s deputy. Trooper Derek Senegal says during a traffic stop last Thursday on I-10 between Lake Charles and Iowa, 37-year-old Quinton Baker of Gadsden, Alabama, was killed when he attempted to drive off while a deputy was searching inside his SUV.

Cut 12 (05)  “…struck Baker.”

The 2023  Chevy Tahoe then struck a concrete barrier, and traveled across three lanes of traffic, a ditch, and struck several trees before coming to a stop. Baker was pronounced dead at a Lake Charles hospital and the deputy sustained injuries as well. Senegal says the deputy responded appropriately.

Cut 13 (05) “…incident.”  

The deputy received injuries to his neck and back along with abrasions and lacerations. Approximately two kilos of cocaine were recovered from the vehicle.

LRN AM Newscall March 12

The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction has added three new inductees to its ranks. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Early voting and mail-in ballots in Caddo Parish are off to the strongest start in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington

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Governor Jeff Landry challenges state lawmakers to be bold on the opening day of the legislative session. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

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Three individuals who have made contributions to advancing agriculture in Louisiana are the newest inductees into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction. One inductee, former North Louisiana Congressman and Physician Dr. Ralph Abraham served the largest agricultural district in the nation.

Cut 4 (11) “…national security.”

The Richland Parish native co-authored the 2018 farm bill and ensured Iraq remained a reliable destination for U-S rice.

Stephen Crawford of Concordia Parish was recognized for his extensive career in protecting agriculture. He aided the LSU AgCenter’s efforts of developing weed control to prevent and disrupt the growth of intrusive weeds.

Cut 5 (13) “…with them.” 

Crawford has been a key developer of herbicides for cotton, corn, soybeans, and rice.

Dr. Leodrey Williams became the first black inductee in the hall of distinction. Since 2001, Williams has led the Southern University Agricultural and Research Extension. Establishing the newest campus was challenging, but Williams knew it would see great dividends.

Cut 6 (11) “…various locations.”

Since its inception, the Hall of Distinction has inducted 31 individuals.

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Turnout for early voting is high in Caddo Parish and the driving force isn’t the presidential primary, it’s the hotly contested sheriff’s race. Political analyst Scott Hughes says there was a one-vote margin between Democrat Henry Whitehorn and Republican John Nickelson last November and after two appeals, the courts ruled for another run-off election.

Cut 7 (09) “…early voting.”

And while you’d expect plenty of mudslinging with such a close race, Hughes says so far, it’s been more of a get-out-the-vote effort driving turnout.

Cut 8 (08) “…vote in person.” 

Hughes says another noteworthy item in this race is that traditionally Democrats tend to vote early or by mail compared to Republicans who tend to cast their ballot on election day…

Cut 9 (11)  “…Republican voters.”

Hughes says the one-vote margin in the November 2023 sheriff’s election was not only historic in Louisiana, but he believes it’s the largest one-vote margin in the country with more than 40,000 votes cast.

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Governor Jeff Landry opens the 2024 regular legislative session by telling state lawmakers that bold changes need to be made to improve public education. Landry says it’s time to give parents more flexibility to decide where to send their students to school. He pointed out the success of two children in the audience who attend a charter school in Baton Rouge…

Cut 10 (10) “…in their area”

Landry also wants legislators to address constitutional reform. He says the state’s current constitution has been amended way too many times. He says the document also limits the legislature’s ability to address significant problems…

Cut 11 (11) “…(cheering)” 

Insurance reform will also be key topic as the state legislators will look at ways to improve the property insurance market. New Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says deregulation of the industry is the key and Landry agrees…

Cut 12 (12) “…our people” 

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Children’s Hospital New Orleans has been designated the only hospital in Louisiana to offer a promising, newly approved gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease, a devastating illness that affects every major organ. Pediatric Oncologist, Dr. Zachary Leblanc says this therapy has advantages over others because it uses the patient’s own stem cells…

Cut 13 (11)  “…red blood cells.”

Leblanc says after years of clinical trials that began in France; two companies received approval from the FDA in December to provide the gene therapy products Lygenia (lif gen nee uh) and Casgevy (cass jevie). According to the Louisiana Department of Public Health, around 3000 Louisianans are living with Sickle Cell Disease.

Cut 14 (10) “…that goal.”

The therapy is only available for patients over the age of 12 and involves multiple health care disciplines. Dr. Leblanc says, the procedures require several months, and the patient will be hospitalized at least twice with multiple follow up visits but when it’s over…

Cut 15 (07) “…non-sickle hemoglobin.”

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One of LSU’s most popular athletes will likely compete for the final time on the LSU campus Friday night. Olivia Dunne and the 2nd ranked LSU gymnastics squad host North Carolina for Senior night. Dunne only competed in four meets last year because of injuries, but she says a more focused approach to all of her responsibilities has led to better results

Cut 16 (15) “…on it” 

The social media star, who is earning millions through NIL deals, has competed on uneven bars several times year and last week matched a career-high 9.9 score on the floor.

Last summer, Dunne started the Livvy fund, to help other LSU female athletes land NIL deals with some of the top brands. She’s proud of the legacy she’s leaving behind

Cut 17 (16) “..so far” 

The 21-year-old is a senior, but does have one more year of eligibility left. Dunne is not ready to speculate on her future plans, she’s more focused on helping LSU win its first national championship in gymnastics. The New Jersey native admits this has been her favorite year at LSU…

Cut 18 (13)  “…a blast” 

LRN PM Newscall March 11

A package of bills aimed to make Louisiana number one in the country regarding election integrity will be addressed in the regular session which begins today. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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After one day of early voting, the number of mail-in ballots for the presidential primary is the third highest in Louisiana’s election history. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Today marks the first day of the 2024 legislative session. Secretary of State Nancy Landry is pushing a package of bills that would further boost the state’s election integrity policies. She says the bills would bring Louisiana closer to being ranked first in the nation for election integrity.

Cut 3 (08) “…our elections.”  

Among those bills is one that would expand voter canvass to further ensure that Louisiana’s voter rolls are accurate. Landry says House bill 114 will help verify if Louisiana residents are still eligible to vote.

Cut 4 (11) “…more years.” 

Former Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed the proposed bill multiple times after it was passed by the legislature.

After 10 years, Landry points out voters would not be removed from the non-active voters list automatically. She says notification would be mailed out and if a voter does not respond…

Cut 5 (12) “…active rolls.”

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After one day of early voting, the number of mail-in ballots for the March 23rd presidential primary is the third highest in Louisiana’s election history. The November 2020 Presidential race and the 2022 Senate primary were first and second respectively. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says when the pandemic eased the rules for those 65 and older to vote by mail…

Cut 6  (08) “…out of habit.” 

The volume of mail-in voting for this primary is 17% higher than it was on the first day of the 2020 primary which was in July, not March. The dates were pushed twice due to COVID-surges.

Couvillon says considering this Presidential primary is “low wattage” with a few local elections thrown in, mail-in voting is higher than the 2020 Presidential primary…

Cut 7 (07) “…to me.”  

He says it suggests that mail-in voting is a trend that’s here to stay.

The deadline for mail-in ballots to be turned in for this Presidential Primary is March 22 so it’s possible it could eclipse the 2022 Senate primary for mail-in votes. Couvillon says mail-in ballots for the November 2020 election were significantly greater than the 2022 Senate primary.

Cut 8 (09) “…it happening.” 

Caddo Parish has the highest number of mail-in votes this primary because of a hotly contested sheriff’s race.

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Jeremy Alford of La-politics-dot-com says insurance reform and education issues will be the big topics during the three-month long legislative session that began today. Alford says Republican lawmakers are eager to set up a program called education savings accounts. He says it would allow eligible families to use public money on a variety of education expenses

Cut 9 (10) “…private school tuition.” 

Alford says new Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is pushing a package of bills that are considered pro industry. Alford says Temple will make the argument to legislators that there are too many regulations on insurance companies…

Cut 10 (10) “…pro industry ideas.”

Alford says legislators also have to approve a budget for next fiscal year. He says lawmakers will look at reducing state spending with an eye towards 2025 when a temporary sales tax expires

Cut 11 (12) “…tough decisions”

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LSU and South Carolina battled each other hard yesterday and tempers flared late in the game which resulted in both benches clearing after Lady Tigers guard Flau’jae Johnson was pushed down to the ground.  LSU ended up losing in the SEC Tournament title game 79 to 72, but Coach Kim Mulkey feels good about her squad

Cut 12 (11)  “…this point  

Poa was taken off on stretcher on Saturday night after banging her head on the floor. Mulkey expects Poa to be ready for the NCAA Tournament which begins next week.

LSU will find out on Sunday night who they will play in the NCAA Tournament. Sunday’s loss ended the Lady Tigers ten game winning streak and Mulkey is eager to see her team try to win another title…

Cut 13 (13) “…next week”  

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On the opening day of the legislative session, Governor Jeff Landry laid out his agenda for lawmakers. He began his speech by encouraging legislators to make his reforms in public education. The governor says he wants parents in control of a child’s education and take away some of the burdens affecting teachers…

Cut  14 (14) “..can teach”

Landry also wants legislators to tackle the insurance crisis and he’s calling for a constitutional convention. He says the current constitution makes it too difficult for lawmakers to correct the state’s problems

Cut 15 (12) “…too late”

Landry and Republican lawmakers are pushing to move items out of the state’s constitution and place it into state law.