9:30 LRN Newscast

The state Office of Juvenile Justice says all is well at the temporary juvenile center set up on the grounds of Angola prison. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Two more people are under arrest in connection with the fatal overdose death of a 15-year-old Galliano girl last month. Lafourche Parish deputies arrested 21-year-old Anthony Francis, of Larose, and 18-year-old Sergio Perez, of Cutoff, were charged with drug distribution. 18-year-old Blayne Terrebonne was arrested last week.

67-year-old Clinton Preston Smith who got lost while hiking in northwest Arkansas at the Buffalo National River has been found alive. Park spokesperson Casse Branstetter says he set off on his hike last Thursday and it took until yesterday for search crews to locate him….
cut 11 (11) “….outcome is this”
Smith was dehydrated, but in good spirits.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the bird flu has been detected in hunter-harvested blue-winged teal in southwest Louisiana. State wildlife veterinarian Jim LaCour says bird flu is a low risk for for public health, but recommends avoiding contact with infected birds. Lacour says if you come across any unexplained mortality among birds, contact LDWF…
cut 9 (09) “….for testing” (2x)

8:30 LRN Newscast

State officials report all is going well with juvenile offenders transferred last month to a new facility on the grounds of Angola State Prison. Assistant Secretary of Juvenile Justice Curtis Nelson says the facility is named the West Feliciana Center for Youth and it is separated and secure from Angola’s adult population…:
Cut 4 (11) “…can’t see outside.”
Nelson says there have been no incidents of violence or unrest in the two weeks since it opened.

Many Louisiana residents are dreaming of winning tonight’s one-point-two billion dollar Powerball jackpot. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison asks everyone to play responsibly…
cut 15 (08) “…this evening”
You have until nine pm tonight to buy a ticket, the drawing is just before 10 PM.

A Baton Rouge man who set out for a six-mile hike in Arkansas last week has been found alive and safe. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Early voting ended yesterday. The Secretary of State’s Office says they received 363-thousand ballots for the November eighth election. 272-thousand early voted in person and 91-thousand voted absentee. Also 43-percent of the early votes were registered Republicans, 42-percent from Democrats.

7:30 LRN newscast

The state Office of Juvenile Justice says the decision to house eight youth offenders at a facility at the Louisiana State Penitentiary has worked well. Assistant Secretary Curtis Nelson says the incarcerated juveniles are receiving special treatment and by moving eight youth inmates to Angola, they depopulated the prison population at the troubled Bridge City Center for Youth…
cut 6 (06) “…two and a half weeks”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the bird flu has been found in waterfowl in southwest Louisiana. LDWF veterinarian Jim LaCour says the CDC says bird flu poses a minimal danger to hunters, but he recommends taking extra precautions as you do with any raw meat.
Cut 8 (09) “…or more.”

The multi-state Powerball jackpot reaches $1.2 billion, the second-largest jackpot in the history of the game.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

Saturday night’s game between LSU and Alabama is now a top ten ranked matchup as the Tigers are ranked tenth in the first college football playoff rankings of the year. Alabama is ranked sixth and head coach Nick Saban is impressed with LSU…
cut 16 (14) “…they’ve made’

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Saturday night’s game between LSU and Alabama is now a Top Ten matchup as the first college football playoff rankings were unveiled last night and Alabama is ranked sixth while LSU is ranked tenth. The Tigers are the highest ranked two-loss team.

When the Bayou Bengals face the Crimson Tide, they will see a familiar face on defense. Bama cornerback Eli Ricks transferred to Tuscaloosa after two seasons in Tiger Town.

Ricks is coming off a strong performance against Mississippi State and Tide Coach Nick Saban says his mentality heading into the game will be important…
cut 17 (14) “….to play for”
Kick-off is at 6 PM in Death Valley.

Tonight in Los Angeles, the Pelicans play the Lakers. New Orleans is 4-2, while L-A is 1-5. Tip off tonight is at 9:30.

The Cajuns will celebrate Senior night Saturday as they host Troy in one of their last home games of the season. Coming off a 39-24 loss to Southern Miss last week, coach Michael Desormeaux is looking to honor one of the most influential classes in program history with not only a win, but with a successful final third of what has so far been a disappointing season…
Cut 19 (13) “…UL history.”
Troy leads the Sun Belt West with a four and one record and they’ve won five in a row overall. The Cajuns are two and three in conference play. ULM is one and three in the Sun Belt and host Texas State. The Bobcats are also 1-and-3.

Louisiana Tech is 1-3 in conference USA play and they host Middle Tennessee. The Blue Raiders are also one and three in league action.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The state Office of Juvenile Justice says all is well at the temporary juvenile center set up on the grounds of Angola prison. :
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

67-year-old Preston Smith of Baton Rouge has been found alive. He went hiking along the Buffalo National River in northwest Arkansas on Thursday. Park spokesperson Cassie Branstetter says his family reported him missing Friday night and on Tuesday morning he was found….
cut 12 (07) “…space”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries confirms cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Flu (HPAI) in waterfowl. State Wildlife veterinarian Jim LaCour says it’s alarming because this highly contagious form of bird flu can be transmitted to other species.
Cut 7 (11) “…be destroyed.”
LaCour says bird flu can have a huge economic impact when chickens have to be destroyed.

The Powerball jackpot is $1.2 billion for tonight’s drawing with a cash value of $596.7 million making it the second-largest jackpot in the history of the game, and 4th largest jackpot in the U.S. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says the large jackpot has resulted in an increase in sales…
Cut 13 (09) “…picked up.”
The Louisiana Lottery says 35-percent of ticket sales goes to the state treasury, most of that money is used to fund public education.

LRN AM Newscall November 2

The state Office of Juvenile Justice says all is well at the temporary juvenile center set up on the grounds of Angola prison. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

_________________________________________________

A Baton Rouge man who set out for a six-mile hike in Arkansas last week has been found alive and safe. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________________

The multi-state Powerball jackpot reaches $1.2 billion making it the second-largest jackpot in the history of the game. Whitney Thomas has more…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

________________________________________________

Louisiana state officials report all is going well with juvenile offenders transferred last month to a new facility on the grounds of Angola State Prison. Assistant Secretary of Juvenile Justice Curtis Nelson says the facility is named the West Feliciana Center for Youth and is actually separate and secure from Angola’s adult population…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…can’t see outside.”

Nelson says the WFCY facility sits about a mile from any building housing adult prisoners at Angola. He says there have been no incidents of violence or unrest in the two weeks since it opened. He says inmates are safe and secure…:

Cut 5 (07) “…within that facility.”

The eight inmates at West Feliciana Center for Youth are from facilities in St. Martinville and Monroe. Very dangerous inmates from the Bridge City Center for Youth in Jefferson Parish were moved to Swanson in Monroe and to the Acadiana Center near Bunkie. Nelson says all has been quiet at Bridge City ever since…:

Cut 6 (67)  “…two and a half weeks.” 

_______________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries confirms cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Flu (HPAI) in waterfowl. State Wildlife veterinarian Jim LaCour says it’s alarming because this highly contagious form of bird flu can be transmitted to other species.

Cut 7 (11) “…be destroyed.”

LaCour says bird flu can have a huge economic impact when chickens have to be destroyed.

The CDC says bird flu posed minimal dangers to hunters, but LaCour recommends taking extra precautions as you do with any raw meat.

Cut 8 (09)  “…or more.”

And he advised not to feed any other animals’ waterfowl because bird flu can be passed on to them and not to leave a carcass out in the wild. Bag it up and take it to a landfill.

Bird flu cases have been detected among blue-winged teal ducks in southwest Louisiana and among captive birds in Monroe at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo.

If you come across any unexplained mortality among birds, LaCour asks that you contact LWDF.

Cut 9 (09)  “…(x2) for testing.”

If you are a hunter who also has poultry LaCour recommends being extra cautious and to change out of your hunting clothes before interacting with them. Pathogens from bird flu can remain in water and soil for a prolonged period.

_________________________________________________

The Baton Rouge hiker who was last seen on Thursday was found alive yesterday at Buffalo National River in Arkansas. Park spokesperson Cassie Branstetter says 67-year-old Preston Smith was found uninjured about two and a half miles from the trail he was originally hiking.

Cut 10 (09) “…his family.” 

Within the 98-thousand acres of Buffalo National River, Branstetter says it’s not the first time they’ve had to search for a lost hiker.

Cut  11 (11)  “…outcome is this.”

Branstetter says four days however is among the longest searches they’ve performed. Even though the area where he was found had already been searched, Smith kept hiking to find his way out. And when asked if he knew people were looking for him, Branstetter says…

Cut 12 (07) “…the space.” 

Smith began a six-mile hike along the Hemmed-in-Hollow trail by himself on October 27th and was located shortly after noon on Tuesday. 

_________________________________________________

The multi-state Powerball jackpot is $1.2 billion for tonight’s drawing with a cash value of $596.7 million making it the second-largest jackpot in the history of the game, and 4th largest jackpot in the U.S.

Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison, says sales pick up when you have a large jackpot because of people’s curiosity and excitement…

Cut 13 (09) “…picked up.”

Players can win prizes from the lottery without matching all six numbers. Annison says even if you don’t win a jackpot there are still other cash prizes.

Cut 14 (06)  “…this jackpot run.”

Annison says although players are excited he still wants people to be responsible.

Cut 15 (08)  “…this evening.”

To be eligible for tonight’s drawing players must get their tickets before 9 PM.

_____________________________________________________

LSU will host sixth-ranked Alabama Saturday in their third matchup against a top-ten opponent. Coming off a bye week and a win over undefeated Ole Miss, the Tigers look to take control of the SEC West with a win. The 6-2 Tigers have struggled with inconsistencies, but look to be catching their stride under new Head Coach Brian Kelly. Crimson Tide Head Coach Nick Saban credits the coaching and teaching of Kelly and his staff for the improvement the Tigers have seen…

Cut 16 (14)  “…they’ve made.” 

Alabama comes to Death Valley as 13-point favorites boasting an explosive offense led by Heisman-winning Quarterback Bryce Young. It will be strength against strength as the Tigers defense looks to contain the Crimson Tide. On the other side of the ball, LSU fans will find a familiar face in cornerback Eli Ricks who transferred from LSU to Alabama this past offseason. Ricks gained a starting spot in the Bama defense after a strong outing in their last game against Mississippi St, and could be a key factor facing LSU’s talented receiving corps. Saban says his mentality heading into the game will be important…

Cut 17 (14) “…to play for.” 

The Crimson Tide are 6-1 under Nick Saban at Death Valley, but he doesn’t underestimate the impact the home crowd can have on the game. The 6:00 PM kickoff with the SEC West on the line is sure to be accompanied by a roaring sold-out Tiger Stadium. Coach Saban says it is more important than ever to stay poised playing in a hostile environment like Death Valley…

Cut 18 (16) “…beat ourselves.” 

_________________________________________________

The Cajuns will celebrate Senior night Saturday as they host Troy in one of their last home games of the season. Coming off a 39-24 loss to Southern Miss last week, coach Michael Desormeaux is looking to honor one of the most influential classes in program history with not only a win, but with a successful final third of what has so far been a disappointing season…

Cut 19 (13) “…UL history.”

Troy sits atop Group B of the Sun Belt Conference with the 2nd best-scoring defense in the league. The Cajuns were able to put up 35 points against Troy last year, but every point was hard to come by. Desormeaux says that this year they’ll face an even better Troy defense that has depth and knows how to take away the big play…

Cut 20 (13) “…for them.”

Kickoff is at 4:00 Saturday afternoon

5:30 LRN Newscast November 1

A Rapides Parish jury found 46-year-old David Anthony Burns guilty of the murder 19-year-old Courtney Coco who was found in 2004 in Texas. Authorities say she was killed in Alexandria. Rapides District Attorney Phillip Terrell says Burns and Coco were in a relationship and even though Burns was questioned numerous times right after the crime he never confessed to law enforcement.

Cut 13 (08) “…people down.” 

Burns is facing a mandatory life sentence on the second-degree murder conviction and will be sentenced November 28th.

 

A private funeral service for rock n roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis will be held Saturday in his hometown of Ferriday. Services will be at 11 AM at Young’s Funeral Home and it will be live-streamed on Lewis’ Facebook page. A celebration of life is also scheduled for 1 PM Saturday at the Arcade Theater in Ferriday. Lewis died Friday at the age of 87.

Congressman Troy Carter says a Wind Energy Zone Designation in the gulf offshore from Louisiana is significant. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has finalized two Wind Energy Areas in the Gulf and one is off the coast of Lake Charles.

Cut 3 (08) “…for Louisiana.” 

The other zone is located off the coast of Galveston.

State Police released more details today on Sunday’s fatal police shooting in Hammond. Trooper William Huggins says Tangipahoa Sheriff deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call and shortly after they arrived 27-year-old Randall Bass barricaded himself in a vehicle and told officers he had an explosive device, hours later Bass got out of the car with a gun and an explosive, shots were fired, and he died at the scene.

Cut 11 (12)  “..ongoing investigation”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The NFL trade deadline came and went at three PM today and Running back Alvin Kamara is still with the Saints. There was speculation that New Orleans might deal Kamara, but he remains with the Black and Gold.

Kamara is coming off a three touchdown performance against the Raiders on Sunday. He’s a leader on this team, urging his teammates to play with more swagger. Now he wants to see it for the rest of the season…
cut 19 (18) “….next week”
The Saints will host the 5-and-3 Ravens next Monday night. But it doesn’t look like fellow running back Mark Ingram will be available. Ingram suffered an MCL sprain in the first quarter on Sunday and he’ll reportedly miss the next three to four weeks.

The only other running back on the Saints 53-man roster is Dwayne Washington. On the practice squad they have former Bears, Dolphins and Eagles running back Jordan Howard.

LSU will host sixth-ranked Alabama Saturday in their third matchup against a top-ten opponent. Coming off a bye week and a win over undefeated Ole Miss, the Tigers look to take control of the SEC West with a win. The 6-2 Tigers have struggled with inconsistencies, but look to be catching their stride under new Head Coach Brian Kelly. Crimson Tide Head Coach Nick Saban credits the coaching and teaching of Kelly and his staff for the improvement the Tigers have seen…
Cut 16 (15) “…they’ve made.”
During his coaching career, Kelly is 51-19 in November games and he’s won 16 straight games in the month of November.

The Fall Classic resumes tonight as Game 3 of the World Series between the Astros and Phillies is set to begin just after 7 PM. The series is tied up at one game a piece. Former LSU Tiger Alex Bregman bats in the clean-up spot tonight for the Stros.

The Pelicans are off tonight they visit the 1-and-5 Lakers tomorrow.

4:30 LRN Newscast Nov 01

It took a jury in Rapides Parish just 90 minutes to return a guilty verdict for 46-year-old David Burns in the 2004 murder of Courtney Coco. The 19-year-old’s body was found in Winnie, Texas…but it was determined she was killed in Alexandria. Rapides DA Phil Terrell says Burns and Coco were in a relationship…:

CUT 12(12)      “…unceremonious manner.”

Terrell says he’s glad to have some closure for Courtney’s family. Burns gets a mandatory life sentence for 2nd degree murder.

State Police are investigating Sunday’s fatal officer-involved shooting during a domestic disturbance and standoff. Trooper Bill Huggins says 47-year-old Randall Bass suddenly got out of his truck with a gun and apparent explosives..:

CUT 10(08)      “…fatally injured him.”

Bass died at the scene. State Police investigate all officer-involved shootings.

 

Two more people are under arrest in connection with the fatal overdose death of a 15-year-old Galliano girl last month. Lafourche Parish deputies arrested 21-year-old Anthony Francis, of Larose, and 18-year-old Sergio Perez, of Cutoff, were charged with drug distribution. 18-year-old Blayne Terrebonne was arrested last week.

Another company announces plans to build a new, clean energy plant in south Louisiana, IF it meets all the regulatory requirements…:

CUT 01 (30)     “…Golsby.”

3:30 LRN Newscast Nov 01

Eighteen years after the murder of Alexandria resident Courtney Coco, Rapides Parish prosecutors get a conviction in the one-time cold case…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Palermo.”

New Orleans Police are investigating four separate shootings that occurred between 4 pm and 8:30 Sunday. Three men and one woman were shot- all in separate and seemingly unrelated incidents. All were non-fatal, but there are – so far – no known suspects or known motives.

 

Congressman Troy Carter says a Wind Energy Zone designation in the Gulf offshore from Louisiana is significant for the state. He says the approval from the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will mean wind energy off the Gulf Coast that could power millions of homes and businesses. Carter says it will take some time to do, but Louisiana is ahead of the curve because of infrastructure already in place in the Gulf…:

CUT 05(10)      “…a lifetime.”

The commercial leasing process for the two zones is on track to begin mid-2023.

State Police are now investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting Sunday in Hammond. Trooper Bill Huggins says Tangipahoa deputies were called to a domestic disturbance and found themselves in a 2-hour standoff with 47-year-old Randall Bass, who wouldn’t get out of his pickup…:

CUT 09(07)      “…explosive targets.”

It was then they shot Bass, who died at the scene.