10:30 LRN newscast

More details have been provided from this week’s brutal double homicide in Covington where a retired priest and longtime church worker were killed and then burned. St. Tammany Parish Coroner Charles Preston on the manner of death for Father Otis Young and Ruth Prats…
cut 28 (14) “…death homicide”
Antonio Tyson has been charged in their killings and police believe it was a random act of violence.

Five soldiers stationed at Ft. Polk are in the Vernon Parish Jail, charged with raping two women in Rosepine. Sheriff Sam Craft says the women knew one of the soldiers, and that all five of them gave the two spiked alcohol. He says once the women were incapacitated the men raped them.
Cut 3 (11) “..type scenario.”
Craft described the women as very credible witnesses. He says they went to the hospital the next morning where forensic evidence confirmed the assaults.

The governor’s office says French President Emmanuel Macron is in New Orleans today to sign a memorandum of understanding to further expand and enhance the strong cultural connections between France and Louisiana in the areas of the economy, clean energy and the environment. Tulane French professor Faycal Falaky (Fie-sul fa-LAH-key)….
cut 12 (12) “….sign some treaties”

Tickets went on sale this morning for Shania Twain’s concert in New Orleans on July 24th. The Queen of Country Pop is the best-selling female artist in country music history and 100-point-seven Tiger DJ Abby Leigh in Baton Rouge calls Shania a trailblazer for country music female artists…
cut 14 (05) “…Taylor Swift”

9:30 LRN Newscast

The president of France, Emmanuel Macron, is in New Orleans today. It’s the first time a French leader has visited the Crescent City in over four decades. Tulane French professor Faycal Falaky says Macron will visit the New Orleans Museum of Art…
cut 11 (07) “….in Louisiana and New Orleans”
The Council for the Development of French in Louisiana says just over 100-thousand students across the state are enrolled in 26 French immersion schools across eight parishes.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is urging Louisiana voters to vote for constitutional amendment one which would prohibit voting for people who are not U-S Citizens. Ardoin says current language in the state constitution could be construed to allow non-citizens to vote in municipal elections…
cut 6 (05) “….our election”
Early voting for the December 10th election ends tomorrow.

Tickets for Shania Twain’s July 24th New Orleans concert go on sale today at 10 AM. The Queen of Country Pop is known for hits like “You’re Still the One,” and Baton Rouge Tiger 100-point-7 DJ Abby Leigh says her 1999 release of “Man! I Feel Like a Woman,” also spawned a memorable music video.
Cut 15 (05) “…what it is.”
Mickey Guyton, the first Black woman to ever be nominated for a Grammy in Best Country Solo Performance category will open for Shania in New Orleans.

LSU is relatively healthy team heading into tomorrow’s SEC Championship game against top ranked Georgia. Coach Brian Kelly says leading rusher Josh Williams appears to be a go after missing the last two games with a knee injury…
cut 16 (19) “…effective”
Kick-off is at 3 PM.

8:30 LRN newscast

Authorities have released the identity of the second victim in a brutal double homicide that took place in Covington this week. It is pastoral associate Ruth Prats. She was killed and her body burned along with retired priest Otis Young. Father Daniel Brouillette, the current pastor of St. Peter Roman Catholic Chuch says the two were passionate about the church…
cut 9 (13) “….his people”
Authorities believe this was a random killing by a former convict identified as Antonio Tyson.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is urging voters to vote yes for Constitutional Amendment one on the December10th ballot. A yes vote would prohibit non U-S citizens from voting. Ardoin says there’s only been a few incidents where a non-citizen has voted or attempted to vote in Louisiana…
cut 5 (07) “….and foremost”

For the first time in over 40 years, the President of France is in New Orleans today. Kevin Gallagher has more on Emmanuel Macron’s visit…:
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

The top-selling country female artist of all time will make a stop in Louisiana on her 2023 world tour. Tickets for Shania Twain’s July 24th New Orleans concert go on sale today at 10 AM. Shania broke records and boundaries in the 90s and Baton Rouge 100-point-7 The Tiger DJ Abby Leigh says her fan base runs the gamut.
Cut 13 (08) “…millions of fans.”

7:30 LRN Newscast

Authorities say double murder suspect, Antonio Tyson, did not have a connection with his victims before he allegedly burned them beyond recognition in St. Tammany Parish.
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Whitney Thomas.”

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested five Fort Polk soldiers after they allegedly drugged and raped two women at a residence in Rosepine. Authorities say one of the victims was acquainted with one of the subjects, who brought four other men to her home that she shared with a roommate. The victims claim the men brought alcohol that caused them to lose consciousness and the men allegedly engaged in non-consensual sexual contact with the females.

The President of France visits New Orleans today; the first time a French leader has done so since 1976. President Emmanuel Macron will meet with Governor John Bel Edwards and other officials, tour the French Quarter and attend a special dinner with film and entertainment figures. Tulane University French professor Faycal Falaky (Fie-sul fa-LAH-key) says Macron’s visit makes sense because Louisiana remains tied culturally to everything French…:
Cut 10 (07) “…talk about that.”
The governor’s office says Edwards and President Macron will sign a memorandum of understanding to further expand and enhance the cultural connections between France and Louisiana in the areas of the economy, clean energy and environment.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is urging voters to vote for constitutional amendment one on the December 10th ballot. Ardoin says a yes vote would prohibit non-citizens from voting in Louisiana, even though it’s already unlawful for them to vote in state and federal elections…
cut 4 (09) “.,,,their elections”
Early voting for the December tenth election concludes tomorrow.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU looks to be at full strength for tomorrow’s SEC Championship game against unbeaten and top ranked Georgia. Quarterback Jayden Daniels is fine after injuring his ankle last week, cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse has returned from a concussion and Coach Brian Kelly says leading rusher Josh Williams appears ready to go….
cut 16 (19) “…effective”
A win for LSU could put them in the Sugar Bowl.

The Sugar Bowl will be part of the 12-team playoff that’s coming to college football starting with the 2024 season. The Sugar Bowl will be the site of a quarterfinal game in 2024 and 2025…. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey says they’ll keep the division format in football until the league expands to 16 teams in 2025.

Tulane hosts UCF tomorrow as the Green Wave try to win their first conference championship since 1998 as they look to win the American Athletic Conference. Green Wave Coach Willie Fritz hopes this is just the first of many tries to win a conference title in the years to come…
Cut 19 (17) “…whole program”
A win for Tulane and they could be headed to the Cotton Bowl.

Tonight it’s semifinal action of the high school football playoffs….The reigning Class 5A champs, the Zachary Broncos, travel north to play top-seeded Ruston, the Division Two-select semifinals will be played in Lafayette, as top seeded St. Thomas More hosts E-D White and Teurlings Catholic hosts Lafayette Christian. In Division Two non-select, Iowa hosts North Desoto, while Lutcher travels to West Feliciana.

6:30 LRN newscast

Authorities have released a few more details in the double homicide in Covington where the victims bodies were burned. Covington Police Lieutenant Kevin Collins says the suspect Antonio Tyson came in contact with the victims, retired priest Otis Young and longtime church worker, Ruth Prats, while riding his bike in Prats neighborhood…
cut 7 (13) “….Prats residence”
The charred bodies of Young and Prats were found in an alleyway in downtown Covington on Monday morning.

The governor’s office says French President Emmanuel Macron will be in New Orleans today to sign a memorandum of understanding to further expand and enhance the strong cultural connections between France and Louisiana in the areas of the economy, clean energy and the environment. Tulane French professor Faycal Falaky (Fie-sul fa-LAH-key)….
cut 12 (12) “….sign some treaties”

The Queen of Country Pop adds New Orleans to her 2023 tour and tickets go on sale today. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

AM LRN Newscall Dec 2

Authorities say the double murder suspect, Antonio Tyson, did not have a connection with his victims before he allegedly burned them beyond recognition.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Whitney Thomas.”

_________________________________________________

For the first time in over 40 years, Louisiana is being visited by a President of France today. Kevin Gallagher has more on Emmanuel Macron’s arrival in New Orleans…:

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

______________________________________________

The Queen of Country Pop adds New Orleans to her 2023 tour and tickets go on sale today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

________________________________________________

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is urging voters to vote yes on constitutional amendment number one on the December 10th ballot. A yes vote would prohibit non-citizens from voting in Louisiana, even though it’s already unlawful for them to vote in state and federal elections.

Cut 4 (09)  “…their elections.”

When registering to vote there’s a box to check attesting citizenship. Ardoin says there have only been a few incidents where a non-citizen has voted or attempted to vote in Louisiana.

Cut 5 (07) “…and foremost.”

The amendment was placed on the ballot after a bill authored by Kenner Republican Representative Debbie Villio, passed in the 2022 regular legislative session. Ardoin says current language in the state constitution could be construed to allow non-citizens to vote in municipal elections.

Cut 6 (05)  “…our elections.” 

Early voting for the December 10th election ends tomorrow.

________________________________________________

Authorities are not releasing a motive in the double homicide of a retired priest and a longtime church worker at St. Peter Catholic Church in Covington. Covington Police Lieutenant Kevin Collins says Father Otis Young and Ruth Prats were standing outside in the neighborhood on Sunday when they casually passed words with the suspect Antonio Tyson. Moments later things took a drastic turn.

Cut 7 (13) “…Pratts residence.”

Collins says the bodies of Young and Prats were found Monday morning behind a business in downtown Covington burned beyond recognition.

St. Tammany Parish Coroner Charles Preston says the autopsies confirmed the cause of death.

Cut 8 (14)  “…death homicide.”

Ruth was a member of the St. Peter church for decades, as a minister and pastoral assistant while Young led the church as the pastor for 10 years. Father Daniel Brouillette, the current pastor of St. Peter says the two victims were passionate about the community.

Cut 9 (13)  “…his people.”

Authorities say they arrested Tyson in Prats’ vehicle at a Walgreens, but detectives do not believe Tyson knew his victims before Sunday’s deadly encounter.

___________________________________________

The President of France visits New Orleans today; the first time a French leader has done so since 1976. President Emmanuel Macron will meet with Governor John Bel Edwards and other officials, tour the French Quarter and attend a special dinner with film and entertainment figures. Faycal Falaky (Fie-sul fa-LAH-key) is a professor of French at Tulane University. He says Macron’s visit makes sense because Louisiana remains tied culturally to everything French…:

Cut 10 (07) “…talk about that.” 

Macron will meet with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, then stroll through the French Quarter and meet with Governor John Bel Edwards. Falaky says the leaders have a lot to discuss…:

Cut 11 (07)  “…in Louisiana and New Orleans”

Falaky says Macron and local leaders are expected to address transitioning to “green” energy and climate change concerns…:

Cut 12 (12) “…sign some treaties”

Macron will also talk about preservation of French culture and language in Louisiana. Falaky says he will attend a reception for the French President.

___________________________________________

The top-selling country female artist of all time will make a stop in Louisiana on her 2023 world tour. Tickets for Shania Twain’s July 24th New Orleans concert go on sale today at 10 AM.  Shania broke records and boundaries in the 90s and Baton Rouge 100-point-7 The Tiger DJ Abby Leigh says her fan base runs the gamut.

Cut 13 (08) “…millions of fans.”

When Shania burst onto the country charts the Canadian singer was also able to successfully crossover to the pop charts. Leigh says Shania was the trailblazer for country music female artists.

Cut 14 (05)  “…Taylor Swift.”

There was such an overwhelming response for tickets to The Queen of Me tour that Shania added five stops and one of those is New Orleans. The Queen of Country Pop is known for hits like “You’re Still the One,” and Leigh says her 1999 release of “Man! I Feel Like a Woman,” also spawned a memorable music video.

Cut 15 (05)  “…what it is.”

Mickey Guyton, the first Black woman to ever be nominated for a Grammy in Best Country Solo Performance category will open for Shania in New Orleans.

___________________________________________

LSU looks to be at full strength for tomorrow’s SEC Championship game against unbeaten and top ranked Georgia. Quarterback Jayden Daniels is fine after injuring his ankle last week, cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse has returned from a concussion and Coach Brian Kelly says leading rusher Josh Williams appears ready to go

Cut  16 (19)  “….effective” 

This is the second straight year Georgia enters the SEC Championship game undefeated. Last year they were knocked off by Alabama. Kelly says his team understands the challenge they face Saturday…

Cut 17 (22) “…as well.” 

The College Football Playoff announced it will expand to 12 teams starting with the 2024 season. Kelly likes having more teams involved in the playoff…

Cut 18 (18) “…college football.” 

__________________________________________________________

Tulane hosts UCF tomorrow as the Green Wave try to win their first conference championship since 1998 as they look to win the American Athletic Conference. Green Wave Coach Willie Fritz hopes this is just the first of many tries to win a conference title in the years to come…

Cut 19 (17) “…whole program”

___________________________________________________________

The Saints will face Tampa Bay on Monday. New Orleans was shutout last Sunday and Quarterback Andy Dalton expects they’ll execute better against the Buccaneers….

Cut 20 (20) “…good place”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast Dec 1

The St. Tammany Parish Coroner has identified Ruth Prats as the second victim who along with Father Otis Young, both of their bodies were found Monday and burned beyond recognition. The cause of death for both victims is blunt force trauma. Antonio Tyson has been arrested and charged with the murders.

Federal authorities are searching for potential victims from an online child exploitation scheme that started in Northeast Louisiana in 2021.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is urging voters to vote yes on constitutional amendment number one on the December 10th ballot. A yes vote would prohibit non-citizens from voting in Louisiana, even though it’s already unlawful for them to vote in state and federal elections.

Cut 4 (09) “…their elections.”

Amendment one is one of three on the December 10th ballot. Early voting ends tomorrow.

State Treasurer John Schroder says he will not run for governor in 2023 if Senator John Kennedy runs…

Cut 6 (12)  “…in 2023.”
Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is in the same position, while Attorney General Jeff Landry has already announced and has the endorsement of the Louisiana Republican Party.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU Tigers leave for Atlanta tomorrow where they’ll play top ranked Georgia on Saturday in the SEC Championship Game. The Bulldogs are second in the SEC in passing yards with quarterback Stetson Bennett at the helm. His top receiver is tight end Brock Bowers. Tigers cornerback Mekhi Garner says they are really good at the tight end position…
cut 18 (18) “…stop that offense’
Kick off Saturday is at 3 PM.

The College Football Playoff Board of Managers announced that a 12-team playoff will begin with the 2024 season. The six highest ranked conference champs automatically qualify and then the next six highest-ranked teams will receive at-large bids. The top four conference champs receive a bye and seeds five through eight will host a first round playoff game on their campus.

Southern will play Jackson State in the SWAC Championship game on Saturday. The Tigers trounced the Jaguars in the regular season matchup, winning 35-0. Southern Coach Eric Dooley says they need to execute better…
Cut 19 (17) “…forward to it”
Kick-off is at 3 PM in Jackson.

Zion Williamson scored a season-high 33 points as the Pelicans defeated the Raptors 126 to 108 last night. Williamson was 12 of 15 from the floor. He also grabbed ten rebounds, five assists, four steals and two block shots. Trey Murphy started for an injured Brandon Ingram and hit six three-pointers, and scored 26 points. New Orleans visits the Spurs tomorrow night.

Tonight in college hoops, Northwestern State at Stephen F Austin.

 

3:30 LRN Newscast

Republican State Treasurer John Schroder has told Louisiana Radio Network he will not run for governor next year, if G-O-P Senator John Kennedy decides to run for governor. Schroder says if Kennedy runs for governor, he’ll run for re-election as State Treasurer and look forward to working with Kennedy…
cut 7 (08) “….with Senator Kennedy”
Kennedy said shortly after he was re-elected to a second term in the U-S Senate that he was considering a run for governor.

The community of Holum in Caldwell Parish is recovering from a tornado that hit Tuesday. The National Weather Service says the tornado strengthened as it went along, reaching peak winds of 140 miles per hour as an EF3. Caldwell Parish Sheriff Chief Deputy Jack McKeithen describes the damage.
Cut 3 (09) “..three or four others.”
One person suffered a minor injury.

The U-S Attorney’s Office says Gary Landon Harper is in custody on child pornography charges as part of an online child exploitation case where many of the victims are from northeast Louisiana. US Attorney for Louisiana’s Western District Brandon Brown…
cut 10 (11) “….do nots”
Brown says Harper was able to obtain child pornography while posing as an 18-year-old on snap chat and the cash app.

State Police says a tip to Crimestoppers helped them recover 16 stolen vehicles at an abandoned apartment complex in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans. Trooper Kate Stegall says they also found several stolen guns and a travel trailer. Two people were arrested and Stegall thanks the person who provided the tip that led to the bust…
cut 14 (06) “….owners vehicles”
Stegall says the search continues for a stolen restored classic 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle.