09:30 LRN Newscast, July 21st

A Calcasieu Parish jury gives convicted cop killer Kevin Daigle a death sentence. Daigle shot and killed State Police Trooper Steven Vincent in August of 2015. He was found guilty in 2019. Calcasieu D.A. Stephen Dwight says Daigle was cold and unrepentant, and the death penalty is appropriate…:
Cut 4 (07) “justice was served”
In Louisiana, a death sentence means an automatic appeal.

The Humane Society of Louisiana blames inflation and Covid-era adoptions as the reason they are seeing an overwhelming number of pets being surrendered. Spokesman Jeff Dorson says as people returned to work full time, they realized they couldn’t care for a pet. To relieve the situation…:
Cut 15 (08) “…shelters.”
To assist an animal in need you can donate at humaneLA.org.

Lafayette prosecutor Holden Hoggatt says he’s the first well-funded Republican to challenge Congressman Clay Higgins….:
Cut 3 (33) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

The children of the late former Governor Edwin Edwards have issued a plea to his widow Trina to release the ashes of their father. Anna, Stephen and Victoria Edwards would like to see the ashes, which are currently at Trina’s home, buried next to their mother Elaine. Their public plea through the press is, “Trina set our father free.”

08:30 LRN Newscast, July 21st.

The coroner in St. Tammany Parish warns of the dangers of illegal drugs, after a local man died from taking one pill. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

A prominent pastor in St. John the Baptist Parish has been convicted for a second time for killing his 8-year-old stepson in 2008. Rev Errol Victor had to be retried after the same conviction in 2014 because the jury then wasn’t unanimous which the US Supreme Court said wasn’t constitutional in 2019. The jury that convicted Victor Wednesday was unanimous.

Day 2 of Qualifying in the November Louisiana Congressional Primary is underway. On Wednesday Republican incumbent US Senator John Kennedy was the first one to sign up, with Democrats Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers qualified to run against Kennedy, as did political newcomer Luke Mixon and Syrita Steib. In the third district, Republican Lafayette prosecutor Holden Hoggatt qualified to run against Congressman Clay Higgins. He says Higgins extremist views don’t reflect those of the district:
Cut 12 (12) “…south Louisiana.”
After the first day of qualifying Lane Payne Jr. and Jack Shaheen are also candidates for the Third Congressional District.

The dangerous heat continues across Louisiana today, as heat advisories are once again posted in most parishes through 7pm for the third straight day. High temperatures will again reach the mid 90s for most, with heat index values peaking near 110 in some locations. There is a higher chance for some cooling showers this afternoon across South Louisiana, but any rain won’t be widespread.

07:30 LRN Newscast, July 21st

Qualifying for the November Open Congressional Primary continues today and runs through tomorrow. Republican Lafayette prosecutor Holden Hoggatt (Hog-It) has qualified to run against Congressman Clay Higgins in the Third District. He accused Higgins of not doing much for his constituents after Hurricanes Laura and Delta devastated southwest Louisiana…:
CUT 10 (12) “the need”

Animal shelters across the state and the country are overwhelmed with pets that have been surrendered. Director of the Humane Society of Louisiana Jeff Dorson says some pets are being left to fend for themselves in the woods and on the streets..:
Cut 14 (07) “as well”
To assist an animal in need you can donate at humaneLA.org.

The man who murdered State Trooper Steven Vincent seven years ago in Calcasieu Parish gets the death penalty. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (28) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

A teacher in the Zachary school district is one of two people arrested in a child porn sting. The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office says 25-year-old Peyton Lambertson is booked with 100 counts of child porn and 100 counts of computer aided solicitation of a minor. Zachary Community School District Superintendent Scott Devillier confirmed that officials are taking appropriate action in view of Lambertson’s arrest.

06:45 LRN Sportscast, July 21st

Southeastern Louisiana is picked to win the Southland Conference in football this season. The Lions are coming off their second postseason appearance in the last three seasons, but they have to replace All-American quarterback Cole Kelley. Lions Coach Frank Scelfo says Cephus Johnson and Coby Suits are battling to be the starter this year..:
Cut 16 (13) “…looking forward to it”
McNeese is picked to finish fourth. First-year head coach Gary Goff is working on establishing a winning culture at McNeese..:
Cut 18 (20) “ …hoping to win”
The Louisiana Tech men’s basketball team is set to play in Peurto Rico during a summer event in preparation for the 2022-23 season. The Bulldogs will get 10 days of practice leading up to the trip in August where they will play in three games. The NCAA allows basketball programs to take a summer tour every four years.

Out at SEC Media Days, Florida Coach Billy Napier said Wednesday he plans to repeat the success he saw at UL-Lafayette with the Gators program. Napier won 40 games in four seasons in Lafayette and transformed the Ragin Cajuns into a nationally ranked program. He told reporters yesterday that he cherished his time in Lafayette.

The Saints have signed their second-round draft pick. Cornerback Alontae Taylor who had four career interceptions at Tennessee. Rookies have already reported for training camp.

06:30 LRN Newscast, July 21st

Louisiana has handed down a death sentence after a Calcasieu Parish jury decided the fate of cop killer Kevin Daigle who murdered State Police Trooper Steven Vincent in August of 2015. Calcasieu D.A. Stephen Dwight says he stands by the decision to ask for capital punishment…:
Cut 5 (07) “in cold blood…on video”
Trooper Vincent was shot in the face when he stopped to render roadside aid to Daigle. Patrol unit dash cam video captured everything.

Officials at Angola are investigation the death of an inmate who was allegedly killed by another prisoner during a fight. The prisoner who died has been identified as 42-year-old Carlos McGrew who was serving two concurrent life sentences for murder convictions out of Jefferson Parish. The suspect is identified as 26-year-old Kevin Hamburg who may face additional charges.

The coroner in St. Tammany Parish is worried there are pills circulating the black market that are intentionally tainted with fentanyl, after the recent death of a healthy 22-year-old who apparently OD ‘ed on a single dose. Dr. Charles Preston says the pills look like Percocet but they are called FentPerc on the streets. He warns against taking those…:
Cut 9 (08) “in your body”
He encourages people to start adding Narcan to first aid kits which can reverse an overdose instantly.

Thanks to lower demand and lower global prices, the consumer price at the pump keeps falling. In Louisiana the statewide average fell another two cents over night to 4.02 — down nearly 50 cents over last month.

AM LRN Newscall July 21

The man who murdered State Trooper Steven Vincent seven years ago in Calcasieu Parish gets the death penalty. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

________________________________________________

The coroner in St. Tammany Parish warns of the dangers of illegal drugs, after a local man died from taking one pill. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

________________________________________________

Lafayette prosecutor Holden Hoggatt says he’s the first well-funded Republican to challenge Congressman Clay Higgins. Brooke Thorington has more the political newcomer.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

___________________________________________________

A Calcasieu Parish jury gives convicted cop killer Kevin Daigle a death sentence. Daigle shot and killed State Police Trooper Steven Vincent in August of 2015. He was found guilty in 2019. Calcasieu D.A. Stephen Dwight says Daigle was cold and unrepentant, and the death penalty is appropriate…:

Cut 4 (07)  “…justice was served.”

Trooper Vincent was shot in the face when he stopped to render roadside aid to Daigle. Patrol unit dash cam video captured everything. Dwight says he stands by the decision to ask for capital punishment…:

Cut 5 (07) “…in cold blood…on video.”

In Louisiana, a death sentence means an automatic appeal.

Official sentencing is coming up in early September. Dwight says Daigle showed no remorse at any point during court proceedings, and it’s better he never walk free again. He says he and many others are glad the whole ordeal is over…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…State Police community.”

_______________________________________________

The coroner in St. Tammany Parish warns of the dangers of taking illegal pills that could contain the drug fentanyl. Dr. Charles Preston says the recent death of healthy 22-year-old Cameron Landry was alarming because he apparently overdosed on a single pill. Dr. Preston says lab results are pending, but he’s fairly certain that pill contained fentanyl…:

Cut 7 (11) “…than morphine.”

Preston says having an adult man weighing over 250 pounds O.D. on a single pill is unusual, but testament to how dangerous fentanyl can be. He says many are buying illegal meds that may look like something simple, like Percocet, but have varying amounts of fentanyl. He says the overdose rescue drug Narcan should be in every first aid kit…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…that dispense it.”

Preston says in the case of Landry’s death, the pill did look like Percocet. He says there is even a street name for it; “Fentperc.” Preston says, if you’re addicted, seek readily available help…and more importantly…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…in your body.”

________________________________________________

Republican Lafayette prosecutor Holden Hoggatt has qualified to run against Congressman Clay Higgins. Hoggatt says he felt the need to run for office because he says Higgins has failed to help the third congressional district after Hurricanes Laura and Delta devastated southwest Louisiana.

Cut 10 (12) “…the need.”

Hoggatt says Higgins has never has a run against a proper, well-funded Republican and claims Higgins first win was a fluke. Hoggatt believes he’s the candidate to represent the district and help those who are still suffering from the 2020 hurricanes.

Cut  11 (11)  “…my race to lose.” 

Hoggatt says he’s the candidate best suited for conservative district and that Higgins extremist views are not reflective whatsoever of the people he’s supposed to represent.

Cut 12 (12) “…south Louisiana.” 

After the first day of qualifying Lane Payne Jr. and Jack Shaheen are also candidates for the Third Congressional District.

_________________________________________________

Animal shelters across the state and the country are overwhelmed with pets that have been surrendered. Director of the Humane Society of Louisiana Jeff Dorson says numerous pet owners are unable to care for their animals due to inflation and many people who adopted a pet during the pandemic have returned to work fulltime.

Cut 13 (07) “…to shelters.”

Dorson says social media is flooded with stories of animals being abandoned and shelter personnel are also trying to do all they can to rescue them. He says some pets are being left to fend for themselves in the woods and on the streets.

Cut 14 (07)  “…as well.”

When asked what can be done to relieve the situation, Dorson says southerners need to spay and neuter their pets and for some reason they are resistant to the practice of proper maintenance for their pets.

Cut 15 (08)  “…shelters.”

To assist an animal in need you can donate at humaneLA.org

_______________________________________________

Southeastern Louisiana is picked to win the Southland Conference in football this season. The Lions are coming off their second postseason appearance in the last three seasons, but they have to replace All-American quarterback Cole Kelley. Lions Coach Frank Scelfo says Cephus Johnson and Coby Suits are battling to be the starter this year

Cut 16 (13)  “…looking forward to it”

Last season’s Southland Champion UIW is picked to finish second and Nicholls finished third in the preseason poll. The Colonels missed the F-C-S playoffs last season with a six and five record. Coach Tim Rebowe says he likes the determination he’s seen from his team this offseason…

Cut 17 (18) “…to go.” 

McNeese is picked to finish fourth. The Cowboys haven’t been to the FCS playoffs since 2015 and they’ve gone through four head coaches over the last five season. First-year head coach Gary Goff is working on establishing a winning culture at McNeese

Cut 18 (20) “ …hoping to win” 

Northwestern State is picked to finish in fifth place. Brad Laird is entering his fifth season as the Demons head coach, but he says there is a renewed enthusiasm around the football program…

Cut 19 (11) _“…new day” 

 

Cut 20 (12) “ …in high school” 

 

 

5:30 LRN Newscast July 20

Today was the first day of qualifying, eight people have signed up to run for U-S Senate, including the Republican incumbent, John Kennedy, who says he’ll fight against the Biden administration policies that are hurting the wallets of Americans. Two of his main Democratic challengers among the eight to qualify, include Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers…

Cut 5  (16) “…lives in.”
Political newcomer Luke Mixon also filed to run as a Democrat for Senate. The former Top Gun Naval pilot called out Kennedy for not standing up for democracy when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol.

Cut 7 (12) “…to lie.” 
Governor Edwards and the state department of transportation have updated their Highway Safety Plan after nearly a thousand motorists were killed in car crashes last year, a 17-percent increase from 2020. State Police Superintendent Lamar Davis says they are committed to keeping motorists safe.

Cut 12 (12) “…negative behavior.”   
A 15-year-old girl died last night in a single vehicle crash in St. James Parish. State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says a 17-year-old was behind the wheel on LA Highway 18 when he lost control left the roadway and rolled over. The driver and his two juvenile passengers were not restrained and ejected from the vehicle. 15-year-old Ramiya Sowell of St. James was killed. Brenan says seat belts might have saved her life…:

Cut 15 (07) “…crash.” 

4:30 LRN Newscast July 20

Republican US Senator John Kennedy is being challenged by three democrats in his re-election campaign for his second term…:

CUT 01(42)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Two Baton Rouge women who gave a large volume of whiskey to a toddler, resulting in the child’s death, have been indicted for murder. It happened last April. Police say the grandma did the deed, but the 4-year-old’s mother was there and did nothing to stop it.

 

The state is updating its Strategic Highway Safety Plan after nearly one-thousand people were killed in crash crashes in 2021. Based on preliminary data, 971 motorists died, a 17-percent increase from 2020. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman says that’s the highest percentage increase in one year ever…:

CUT 11(12)      “…community crisis.”

Increasing education efforts, strengthening laws and public policies to prohibit risky behaviors such as distracted driving are what the state has in mind.

A 15-year-old girl died last night in a single vehicle crash in St. James Parish. State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says a 17-year-old was behind the wheel on LA Highway 18 when he failed to stay on the road…:

CUT 14(10)      “…overturn.”

Brennan says, seat belts might have saved the life of young Ramiya Sowell, of St James.

4:45 LRN Sportscast July 20

LSU football has its share of question marks heading into the 2022 season. How will the offensive line perform, what kind of play will they get from the quarterback position and can the defensive secondary come together quickly with so many new faces. While, The strength of LSU’s 2022 football team appears to be the defensive line. Edge rusher B-J Ojulari says there’s a lot of talent with that position group…
cut 17 (22) “….D-Line chemistry’

The Saints have signed their second-round draft pick. Cornerback Alontae Taylor who had four career interceptions at Tennessee. Rookies have already reported for training camp.

Southeastern Louisiana is picked to win the Southland Conference football title this season. They were the preseason favorites last season as they returned quarterback Cole Kelley, who was named the top player in the F-C-S by winning the Walter Payton Award for the spring of 2021. Kelley has moved on to the NFL and Lions Coach Frank Scelfo says they may run the ball more this year…
cut 20 (19) “….stand point”
U-I-W, who won the conference last year, is picked to finish second in the preseason poll, followed by Nicholls, McNeese and Northwestern State is picked to finish fifth in the eight-team league.

3:30 LRN Newscast July 20

Qualifying for the U.S. Senate race got underway this morning and the first one to sign up was incumbent John Kennedy, who says he’s running for another six years based on his record…:

CUT 03(07)      “…116th congress.”

Challenging Kennedy, Baton Rouge activist & Democrat Gary Chambers, who opened fire…:

CUT 05(16)      “…lives in.”

Bunkie airline pilot Luke Mixon, also a Democrat, attacks Kennedy on what her sees as inaction on the January 6th riot…:

CUT 08(13)      “…to defend.”

 

Two men in the Capital area were booked on a slew of charges for possessing child pornography and soliciting minors online. One of them, 27-year-old Payton Lambertson, is a teacher at Zachary Elementary School. He and an accomplice are now in the East Baton Rouge Parish jail.

Louisiana has updated their Highway Safety Plan after nearly one-thousand motorists were killed in car crashes last year, a 17-percent increase from the year before. Jeff Palermo has more…:

CUT 02(34)      “…Jeff Palermo.”