Lawyers for the men accused of raping an LSU co-ed, and dumping her on a dark roadway shortly before she was hit & killed by traffic, say they have video evidence that shows the victim got in the car willingly and was let out unharmed. They also say video taken inside the car shows she consented to sex. Attorney Joe Long says if 19-year-old Madison Brooks was still alive this would not be a crime…:

CUT 05(07)      “…did not do that.”

Imagine winning $50-thousand and then missing out on collecting it. That just happened, as a 50-k winning Lottery ticket sold in Ascension Parish passed its collection deadline yesterday. Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison says this happens pretty often…:

CUT 06(10)      “…larger ones.”

He says check your tickets thoroughly, because you may win a smaller prize – still worth having.

Car thefts and carjacking are at epidemic proportions in the city of New Orleans. NOPD says nearly 600 vehicles have been stolen so far in 2023. 600. Many have been used in commission of crimes in other parishes, and even in Mississippi. State Police have created a specialized unit to try to get the problem in check.

An FDA advisory panel is proposing a plan to simplify COVID vaccines, and a Louisiana expert weighs in on that…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

Attorneys representing the four men facing rape charges in the alleged sexual assault of LSU student Madison Brooks say there’s video evidence that will show their clients are innocent.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The family of 55-year-old Shelia Jean Baker are asking for help to locate her. Baker was in Lafayette for the holidays and on Christmas day was driving to Lake Charles to visit her mother but never arrived. She was last seen driving on I-49 north in Rapides Parish, driving a 2008 Toyota Yaris with Florida plates.

A plan to streamline COVID vaccination protocols is under consideration. The FDA advisory panel is recommending a transition to annual vaccinations. Tulane epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says annual boosters tailored to protect against specific variants, similar to how flu shots work.

Cut 14 (12)   “…step forward.”

Thursday was the deadline to claim a $50-thousand prize from a July 30^th Powerball drawing. It was sold in Ascension Parish. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says once prize money is expired it’s deposited into an unclaimed prize fund…

Cut 8 (11)  “…second chance drawings” 

The winning ticket had matched four of the five white ball numbers drawn as well as the Powerball number.

An FDA advisory panel is proposing a plan to simplify COVID vaccines and a Louisiana expert weighs in…:

Cut 02  (31)      “…Thorington”

Two teen girls have admitted making threats that led to the lockdown of Jennings High School Wednesday. Deputies in Jeff Davis Parish says the youths admitted to officers they had made the threat via phone call, then followed it up with two more calls. Charged with Terrorizing, the girls have been booked and released.

Lawyers for the young men accused of raping LSU co-ed Madison Brooks, before dumping her on a dark roadway where she later was hit by traffic and killed, say they have video evidence of their client’s innocence. Attorney Ron Haley says the video shows that Brooks consented to sex and was dropped off unharmed….:

CUT 04(06)      “…very clear.”

He says taken inside the car will also provide evidence that a rape did not occur.

The President of Southeastern Louisiana University, in Hammond, says he will retire at the end of the current school year. Dr. John Crain has been SELU President since 2009, and has been a faculty member for over 35 years. Crain has led the university through setbacks from state budget cuts, multiple hurricanes (most recently Ida) and the pandemic. He’s also seen it through the launch of new degree programs, numerous facility upgrades and advances in academic achievement and sports…:

CUT 10(10)      “…you’re proud of.”

Attorneys representing the suspects accused of participating in the rape of LSU student Madison Brooks, before she died, say she was not raped. Attorney Ron Haley says Brooks consented to have sex with two individuals in a vehicle before she was dropped off…:

CUT 03(13)      “…factually inaccurate.”

Haley says there’s video of Brooks leaving the vehicle unharmed and in good health. Haley says at this time they are not releasing the video as they work with the district attorney’s office and allow the judicial process to take place.

The FDA is currently reviewing plans to move COVID shot recommendations to a single yearly inoculation, like the flu shot. Tulane University epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig says this may take some stigma over the word “Pfizer” and COVID shots. She says no one sweats who manufactures their annual flu shot…:

CUT 13(10)      “…every year.”

Somebody missed out on $50-thousand. The Louisiana Lottery says the deadline to claim a Powerball ticket worth 50-k expired Thursday. The ticket was purchased at Fisherman’s One Stop on L-A 22 in Ascension Parish. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison it’s possible the player gave up hope after seeing they didn’t match all the numbers…:

CUT 07(10)      “…way to win.”

Expired and uncollected prize money is deposited into an unclaimed prize fund for a second-chance drawing.

A ten-year-old in Lake Charles is credited with taking fast action that may have saved his mom’s life. Peyton Farrell was riding with his mother, when she passed out behind the wheel. The car crashed into a culvert and the airbags deployed. The little boy quickly activated the car’s OnStar, which brought help to the scene quickly. Thanks to his fast action, both he and mom escaped with just cuts and bruises.

A plan to streamline COVID vaccination protocols is under consideration. The FDA advisory panel is recommending a move towards an annual vaccination routine similar to flu shots. In New Orleans, Tulane University epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says such a plan could encourage those skeptical of the vaccine to get protected…:

CUT 12(12)      “…preventative effort.”

Perhaps you’ve seen the TV ads of Lafayette business woman Katie Bernhardt that seem to tease she’ll run for governor. Some state Democrats are angry that the woman who is the chair of the state party would make such a move, and call for her to step down, if she intends to run. Some feel her ambition is a conflict of interests; her own and the party’s. Still, others feel Bernhardt is a proven leader and fundraiser, and would do the Democrats proud. So far, she has not announced a run for governor.

The President of Southeastern Louisiana University, in Hammond, says he will retire at the end of the current school year. Dr. John Crain has been SELU President since 2009, and has been a faculty member for over 35 years. Crain says he’s proud of his time leading the university, but he’s reaching a new chapter in his life…:

CUT 09  (10)        the next president

Crain says, in some ways, retirement is a “bittersweet proposition” for him. He says he announced it now, so a proper search could be done to find SELU’s next president. Crain will step down at the end of the school year.

…and now a look at commodity prices…

Since the alleged assault and death of LSU student Madison Brooks made the headlines, it’s inspired two freshman students to create a group to help other female students get home safely. Alisha Ortolano says that sadly females are abandoned without a way home more often than you’d think…:

CUT 04(06)      “…this situation.”

So Ortolano and her friend Caitlynn Bakewell created a group called LSU GIRLS RIDES on the app GroupMe. Female students are verified and when one requests a ride other members can answer the call.

Somebody missed out on 50-thousand dollars. The Louisiana Lottery says the deadline to claim a Powerball ticket worth 50-thousand dollars expired Thursday. The ticket was purchased at Fisherman’s One Stop on L-A 22 in Ascension Parish. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says it’s common for prizes to go unclaimed..:

CUT 06(10)      “….larger ones.”

Berwick High School, in St. Mary Parish, is under lockdown at this hour after a note was found threatening something bad. At this hour, LRN doesn’t know the nature of the threat. Classrooms were evacuated and the school searched, but nothing was found. However, they remain on lockdown while officers investigate.

The search for the state’s longest-married couple is underway. Brooke Thorington has more on how you can nominate a duo that’s been married for seven decades or more…:

CUT 02(28)      “…Thorington.”

After LSU student Madison Brooks never made it home, two freshman students created a group in the app GroupMe to help others find a safe ride home.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

One of the wounded victims in the January 22nd mass shooting in Shreveport has died. Officials in Caddo Parish confirmed 33 year old Latounda Bryant succumbed to her injuries Thursday morning. She was one of 8 people hit by what police believe was a drive by shooting on Sunday. No arrests have been made in the case.

The state transportation department is mourning the death of a DOTD worker killed on Wednesday afternoon while filling potholes in DeSoto Parish on U.S. Highway 171. State Police Trooper Jonathan Odom says 35-year-old Christopher Gray of Lake Charles was killed after an empty log truck driven by 42-year-old Charles Barker hit two DOTD vehicles…:
Cut 10 (10) “…behind the truck”
Gray was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Louisiana Family Forum is once again looking for the longest married couple. Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says the deadline for entries is February sixth and the honorees will be recognized on Valentine’s Day…
cut 9 (08) “…this year”
You can find an entry form at LAfamilyforum.org

The state department of transportation is mourning the death of DOTD worker Christopher Gray of Lake Charles, who was killed when a empty log truck hit two DOTD vehicles on US Highway 171 in DeSoto Parish Wednesday, one of the DOTD vehicles hit Gray and he was pronounced dead at the scene. State Police Trooper Jonathan Odom says as of now, the driver of the log truck has not been charged…
cut 11 (06) “….under investigation”

LSU’s campus is still reeling after details were released this week about the death of LSU student Madison Brooks. The 19-year-old from Madisonville was struck and killed on Burbank Road after she was allegedly raped in a vehicle. Alisha Ortolano has created a group called LSU GIRLS RIDES on the Groupme app and it’s a place where females can request a safe ride home…
cut 5 (07) “…700 girls”
Ortoloano hopes students at other schools follow their lead.

Former LSU QB Joe Burrow and the Bengals will try to reach the Super Bowl for a second straight year as they visit the Chiefs in Sunday’s AFC Title game.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Louisiana Family Forum is seeking nominations for the Longest Married Couple that will be honored on Valentine’s Day. Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says last year’s winner was Patsy and Gail Richardson of Gonzales. They were married 81 years…
cut 8 (11) “…any occasions”
You can submit a nomination at the Louisiana Family Forum’s website.