11:30 LRN Newscast Jan 31

There is the potential for light freezing rain across the northern parishes tonight, into the overnight hours and tomorrow morning. Louisiana Radio Network Meteorologist John Wetherbee says high temperatures will only be in the upper 30s today. The advisory is for parishes along I-20…

Cut 10 (09) “…close to freezing” 

Wetherbee says the advisory goes into effect tonight until tomorrow morning.

Revelers receive welcome news from the City of New Orleans as Mayor LaToya Cantrell officially announces parade routes will return to pre-pandemic paths and the Crescent City has secured enough police officers for carnival season.

Cut 3 (13) “…City of New Orleans” 

State lawmakers are debating a program to incentivize more insurance companies to cover properties in Louisiana. The Legislative Auditor shares a snapshot of the state’s insurance environment so members can make an informed decision.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

A report from the legislative auditor’s office finds that Black students are more than five times as likely to attend a D or F rated school than white students. So about 41-percent of Black students attend a school at the bottom of the grading scale, compared to just eight percent of white children.

10:30 LRN Newscast Jan 31

There is the potential for light freezing rain across the northern parishes tonight, into the overnight hours and through tomorrow morning. Louisiana Radio Network Meteorologist John Wetherbee says high temperatures will only be in the upper 30s today across north Louisiana and temperatures will approach freezing tonight.

Cut 9 (11) “…early tomorrow.” 

The Winter Weather Advisory is for parishes along I-20.

The Broussard Police Department continues to investigate the theft of 12 squirrel monkeys from a habitat at Zoosiana over the weekend. Police Chief Vance Oliver says they have an idea of how the burglary happened.

Cut 7 (09) “..from that location.”

A squirrel monkey is the size of a squirrel and they do bite.

State lawmakers begin debate today on a program to incentivize more insurance companies to cover properties in Louisiana after several either left or went insolvent. House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue says he and others have concerns about the proposal and its…

Cut 10 (08)  “…intended goal.”
To give lawmakers a better picture of the property insurance crisis in the state, the Legislative Auditor released a report and how the Insure Louisiana Incentive Program worked in 2007. Ed Seyler with the Legislative Auditor’s office back then only five additional insurance companies came to the state but says it was measurable success….

Cut 5 (13) “…of their targets.”

 

9:30 LRN Newscast

The House Appropriations Committee is set to begin debate this morning on a plan by Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon to reduce the number of homeowners who have insurance through Citizens Insurance. Chairman Jerome Zeringue has authored the bill to create a 45-million dollar incentive fund to lure more private insurers to the state…
cut 11 (10) “…do this”
The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office has released a report on the state of homeowners insurance in Louisiana. Ed Seyler says the report provides other suggestions for legislators to consider…
cut 6 (07) “…percent or more”
He says lawmakers could give Citizens a pool of cash to help them with purchasing re-insurance, which could also lower premiums.

The search continues in Acadiana for the person or persons who stole 12 squirrel monkeys from a habitat at Zoosiana over the weekend. Police Chief Vance Olivier says they are reviewing video footage and they increased surveillance…
cut 8 (10) “…second attempt”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Broussard Police Crime Stoppers.

The third ranked LSU women’s basketball team remained undefeated last night with a 76-68 victory over the Tennessee Volunteers. Alexis Morris and Angel Reese led the way. Reese had 18 points and 17 rebounds, while Morris had a career-high 31 points. Morris believes with herself and Reese leading the way they can win it all…
cut 18 (08) “…all we need”
LSU is now 21-and-0.

8:30 LRN Newscast

At the state capitol today, debate begins on a bill to fund an incentive program to help with the state’s lack of property insurance options. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

A report from the legislative auditor’s office finds that Black students are more than five times as likely to attend a D or F rated school than White students. So about 41-percent of Black students attend a school at the bottom of the grading scale, compared to just eight percent of White children.

The Broussard Police Department is seeking the public’s help as they investigate the theft of 12 squirrel monkeys from a habitat at Zoosiana. Police Chief Vance Olivier…
cut 9 (11) “….fisheries as well”
The burglary was reported on Sunday. Squirrel monkeys are the size of a squirrel and are known to be very clever and can live up to 25 years.

With waterways already high and more rain on the way this week, the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch through Thursday afternoon for a large portion of north Louisiana. Meteorologist Jason Hansford…
cut 14 (13) “…area waterways”
And there’s the potential for some freezing rain in the northern parishes tonight and into tomorrow morning.

7:30 LRN Newscast

State lawmakers will begin debate today on a program to incentivize more insurance companies to cover properties in Louisiana after several either left or went insolvent. House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue says he and others have concerns about the proposal and its…
Cut 10 (08) “…intended goal.”

The Legislative Auditor’s Office has released a report on the state of property insurance in Louisiana…
cut 1 (32) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher

The Broussard Police Department continues to investigate the theft of 12 squirrel monkeys from a habitat at Zoosiana over the weekend. Police Chief Vance Oliver says they have an idea of how the burglary happened.
Cut 7 (09) “..from that location.”
A squirrel monkey is the size of a squirrel, so about a foot long, weighing two pounds. If you keep them as a pet, they are known to be very destructive, aggressive during breeding season and they can bite.

A large portion of north Louisiana, including Shreveport, Monroe, Natchitoches and Jena are under a flood watch through Thursday afternoon. Jason Hansford is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Shreveport and he says showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast…
cut 13 (12) “…the day Thursday”
There’s also a winter weather advisory for the northern parishes of the state as some of that rain may become light freezing rain starting tonight and lasting through the morning.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

In front of 15-thousand fans wearing white t-shirts the third ranked LSU women’s basketball team topped the once mighty Tennessee Volunteers 76-68 in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center last night. The 15-thousand fans is the largest for the arena since it was reconfigured in 2005. Alexis Morris had a career-high 31 points and Angel Reese had her 21st straight double-double, 18 points and 17 rebounds. Reese says she’s never played in an atmosphere like that…
cut 22 (22) “…support me”
LSU is 21-and-0 and will host Georgia on Thursday night.

LSU has started its first official collective called Bayou Traditions, which will open more opportunities for athletes to get paid through name, image, and likeness deals. Bayou Traditions President Brent Cunningham says fans can receive certain perks for supporting the collective financially and they can make direct payments to a specific sport…
Cut 25 (10) “…their program”
For more information go to “BayouTraditionsCollective.com

John Hartwell was introduced as ULM’s new athletic director yesterday. Hartwell takes over an athletic budget that’s one of the smallest among F-B-S playing schools, but he doesn’t want the coaches to use that as an excuse…
cut 29 (15) “…great things here”
Hartwell was previously an athletics director at Utah State and Troy.

6:30 LRN Newscast

As state lawmakers proceed with a special session aimed at easing the property insurance crisis in Louisiana, the Legislative Auditor releases a report on the state’s insurance picture and how the Insure Louisiana Incentive Program worked when it was done before. Ed Seyler is an economist with the Legislative Auditor’s office. He says a big number of insurers have left the state; forcing people to Louisiana Citizens…:
Cut 4 (12) “…of this year.”
Today House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue says his committee will begin discussing Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon’s plan to depopulate Citizens with a 45-million dollar incentive fund for private insurers…
cut 12 (12) “…excessive amount”
The special session must conclude by Sunday night.

The Broussard Police Department is investigating a bizarre case of missing squirrel monkeys. Whitney Thomas Reports.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

AM LRN Newscall Jan 30

As state lawmakers ponder special insurance incentive fund this week, the Legislative Auditor shares a snapshot of the state’s insurance environment so members can make an informed decision. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Broussard Police Department is investigating a nutty case of missing squirrel monkeys, Whitney Thomas Reports.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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It’s day two of the special session and lawmakers will begin debate on a bill to fund an incentive program to help with the state’s lack of property insurance options.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_____________________________________________

As state lawmakers proceed with a special session aimed at easing the property insurance crisis in Louisiana, the Legislative Auditor releases a report full of data on the state’s insurance picture and on how the Insure Louisiana Incentive Program worked when it was done before. Ed Seyler is an economist with the Legislative Auditor’s office. He says a big number of insurers have left the state; forcing people to the state-run insurance company of last resort, Louisiana Citizens…:

Cut 4 (12)  “…of this year.”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is asking lawmakers to approve a $45-million incentive fund to attract new companies to come here and help de-populate Citizens book of business. Seyler says the same thing was done in 2007, after Katrina & Rita swelled Louisiana Citizens ranks, but it only brought 5 companies to the state. Still, he says, they achieved measurable success…:

Cut 5 (13) “…of their targets.”

Seyler says the report is to help lawmakers with the decision they must make during this 5-day special session. He says it also notes there are other steps that could also help alleviate property insurance costs by up to 57-percent, such as…:

Cut 6 (07)  “…70-percent or more.” 

He says lawmakers could give Citizens a pool of cash to help them with purchasing re-insurance, which could also lower premiums. 20 insurers have left Louisiana since hurricanes in 2020 and ’21; growing Citizens’ book of business by about 100-thousand policies.

_____________________________________________

Broussard Police Department responded to the report of a burglary at Zoosiana. The zoo owner noticed about 12 squirrel monkeys were taken from their habitat on Sunday around midnight. Police Chief Vance Oliver says they have an idea of how the burglary happened.

Cut 7 (09) “..from that location.”

Oliver says all safety measures have been taken to secure the Zoo and other animals.

Cut 8 (10)  “…a second attempt.”

All other animals at the zoo have been accounted for and there are no public safety concerts at this time. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing, however, Oliver is asking for the public’s help.

Cut 9 (11)  “…fisheries as well.”

_______________________________________________

Lawmakers will begin debate on a program to incentivize more insurance companies to cover properties in Louisiana after several have either left or gone insolvent. Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue who authored the legislation says he and others have concerns about the program and its…

Cut 10 (08)  “…intended goal.”

Zeringue acknowledges that the program is not a long-term solution and at best it’s a stop-gap measure.  He says they want to improve upon a similar incentive program that was used after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

When they return for the regular session in April, he says they’ll work to provide more cost-effective opportunities for insurers but in the meantime, time is of the essence.

Cut 11 (10)  “…and do this.”

The Houma Republican says there is a safeguard in place for the $ 45 million allocated for the program.

Cut 12 (05) “…general fund.”

Zeringue says they want to help as many homeowners as possible to find cost-affordable coverage and avoid the expensive premiums required by Citizens the state insurer of last resort. Doing so he says benefits others who have to remain Citizens by reducing overall costs.

House Bill 1 is one of two being debated in the special session.

______________________________________________

The National Weather Service has placed most all of northern Louisiana under a flood watch for now through Thursday. NWS Shreveport meteorologist Jason Hansford says the region got a thorough soaking Sunday, but more showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast…:

Cut 13 (12)  “….of the day Thursday.”

The flood watch covers Union, Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Lincoln, Desoto, Red River, Bienville, Jackson, Ouachita, Sabine, Natchitoches, Winn, Grant LaSalle, and Caldwell parishes. Hansford says the increased rain – possibly another 2-to-3 inches of it – could bring flash floods and potential temporary highway closures in lower-lying areas…:

Cut 14 (13)  “…area waterways.”

In addition to all the rain, temperatures across Northern Louisiana are expected to drop to around or even below freezing; bringing the concern for possible winter precipitation. Hansford says he doesn’t think freezing rain, sleet, or snow will present a problem in the Bayou State, but…:

Cut 15 (10)  “…go from there.”

He says to stay near sources of weather information for further updates, watches, or warnings.

______________________________________________

 

Cut  16 (09)  “…down too” 

 

Cut 17 (19) “…come back stronger” 

_______________________________________________

 

Cut 18 (25) “…right now” 

 

Cut 19 (18) “..for sure”

 

Cut 20 (12)  “…get people on base” 

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5:30 LRN Newscast Jan 30

Last week defense attorney Ron Haley said there’s video evidence that proves the men did nothing wrong and that their encounter with LSU student Madison Brooks was consensual. But Kerry Miller, who’s representing her mother says the video only proves Brooks was unable to consent due to her level of intoxication and two of the accused told police she was very drunk. And Miller says her blood alcohol content was almost four times the legal limit.

Cut 11 (09)  “…rape period.”

Miller says the defense is victim blaming.

District 3 Congressman Clay Higgins has been named Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Border Security. The Subcommittee is responsible for all aspects of security operations along all federal borders. The southwest Louisiana congressman is a proponent of border control and has re-introduced a bill to resume construction of a wall along the southern border of the country.

Hammond Police arrest a man for allegedly shooting a woman with whom he was riding in a car. Police Chief Ed Bergeron says 19-year-old Johnny Williams was in the back seat of the car. The victim, 24-year-old Tori Banks, was driving when Williams reportedly shot her then got out of the car and ran. Also in the car, her boyfriend, who got police aid…but too late to save her life. They tracked Williams down and took him into custody without a fight…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…so fast.” 

LSU announced the launch of Bayou Traditions today, which is a collective that opens up more opportunities for athletes to get paid through name, image, and likeness deals. Bayou Traditions President Brent Cunningham fans can direct their payment to a specific sport…

Cut 5 (10) “…their program”

For more information go to “BayouTraditionsCollective.com

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU announced today the launch of Bayou Traditions, which is a collective that will open up more opportunities for athletes to get paid through name, image and likeness deals. Bayou Traditions President Brent Cunningham says fans can donate to the collective
Cut 3 (07) “…specifically”
Cunningham says fans have the opportunity to make one-time, monthly and annual payments, anywhere from 10-dollars a month to 50-thousand dollars a year.

The LSU women’s basketball team moved up to number three in the new Associated Press poll that came out today. The Lady Tigers are 21-0 as they host Tennessee tonight. Coach Kim Mulkey is impressed with how her team bought into the value of rebounding and playing defense…
cut 15 (14) “….can defend”
The top-ranked LSU baseball team has started full squad practices. It’s year number two for head coach Jay Johnson. Last year LSU really had to piece together a pitching staff as they lacked strong starting pitching. Johnson says this year he has a more well-rounded group…
Cut 18 (25) “…right now”

Four LSU Tigers have been named to the Baseball America’s preseason All-Americans teams. Center fielder Dylan Crews and right-hander and utility player Paul Skenes are first-team selections. First baseman Tre Morgan and third baseman Tommy White are second team selections.