LRN AM Newscall January 26

Three Louisiana teachers received a $25 thousand dollar award for their outstanding educator skills. Whitney Thomas reports.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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The annual Washington D.C. Mardi Gras gets underway today. Kevin Gallagher reports on the must-attend event for movers, shakers and candidates for office…:

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The Department of Justice says the Louisiana Department of Corrections is violating the 14th Amendment by holding inmates beyond their release date. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Three south Louisiana teachers are $25 thousand dollars richer for receiving the Milken Educator Award which goes to about 40 elementary educators across the country every year. The three recipients are Prairieville teacher Elise Frederic, Port Allen’s Dereka Duncan, and Lafayette Parish teacher Corrie Campbell. Frederick won the award for her innovative teaching skills with first graders. 

Cut 4 (12)  “…appreciate it.”

Duncan was honored for teaching her fifth graders to challenge themselves beyond expectations, and now they’re dreaming of careers beyond their imaginations.

Cut 5 (13) “…of Louisiana.”

Campbell’s award recognized her ability to do whatever it takes to give her third graders the best learning environment as possible.

Cut 6 (14)  “…more engaging.” 

All teachers who received the award were completely surprised by the huge honor. Students were able to attend the award ceremony as well.

(For photos and videos visit www.milkeneducatorawards.org/educators/view/elise-fredric)

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The annual Washington D.C. Mardi Gras gets underway today. The event has become a staple for political folk who want to “see-and-be-seen,” network and fund raise.  “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford is in the nation’s capital, and says un-official events started Wednesday, but the Big Show begins this evening…:

Cut 7 (13) “…events take place.”

In addition, he says, there is any number of unofficial receptions, luncheons, and cocktail parties…where deals can be made. Alford says the events all lead to the big celebration, which brings the sights and sounds of a Mardi Gras parade indoors…:

Cut 8 (09)  “…classic Carnival style.”

Lobbyists, lawmakers, and candidates all rub elbows in full formal attire; bringing a bit of Louisiana to the capital city. Alford says a great many people running for office this fall will be in attendance, and it’s not just to “Let the Good Times Roll”…:

Cut 9 (07)  “…raising money.”

Alford says if a person intended to announce a run for office this fall, this would be the place and time do it.

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The Department of Justice says it’s a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment when the Louisiana Department of Corrections holds inmates past their release date. Baton Rouge Defense Attorney Lindsay Blouin (blu-in) agrees and says the pandemic revealed a number of deficiencies within the criminal justice system that should be fixed.

Cut 10 (06)  “…update their status.”

The DOJ says there’s an obligation to incarcerated persons and taxpayers not to keep someone confined longer than they should be. Blouin says the extra days are costly.

Cut 11 (09)  “…thousands of people.”

The ruling says for more than a decade the DOC has been on notice for its over-detention problem and has failed to correct it. Blouin is optimistic the DOC will finally receive adequate funding to modernize its computer system.

Cut 12 (09) “…issues fixed.”

The DOC released a statement they are reviewing the DOJ report and cannot provide a response until the report is reviewed.

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Authorities arrested a 15-year-old female who allegedly called in bomb threats into a restaurant in Opelousas and five schools in St. Landry Parish. Deputy Chief of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office Eddie Thibodaux says they got involved yesterday when a bomb threat was made towards Northwest High School. He says the school was evacuated and the search failed to find any devices, and students were allowed to return to class.

Cut 13 (10)  “…received one.”

The final bomb threat was for the Washington Career Center. McAlister’s restaurant in Opelousas also received a bomb threat on Tuesday night.

Thibodeaux says the searches stretched their resources and it wasn’t until after 2 o’clock yesterday that every school was cleared. Multiple agencies responded and Thibodeaux says some kids might think it’s a fun prank the consequences are not amusing.

Cut 14 (10)  “…the departments.”

Thibodeaux says when they have to respond to pranks it diverts their attention away from real emergencies. He urges parents to explain to their children it’s not something to take lightly.

Cut 15 (10)  “…false alarms.”

The minor is charged with three counts of terrorizing in Opelousas and three additional charges are expected from the parish.

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UL-Lafayette men’s basketball returns to the Cajundome tonight and they look to extend their winning streak to seven games as they host the Troy Trojans. Coach Bob Marlin’s team is coming off a 60-51 at Texas State and  he says Troy presents his team another tough challenge…

Cut  16 (12)  “…type game” 

Troy leads the Sun Belt in field goal percentage defense, three-point shooting defense and scoring defense, allowing 62 points a game. Marlin’s team is one of three in the Sun Belt tied for first place with a six-and-two league record…

Cut 17 (18) “…good basketball.” 

Tip off is at 7 PM.

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Louisiana Tech is at UAB tonight. The Bulldogs are 11-9 overall, 4-and-5 in Conference USA as they’ve reached the halfway point of the 20-game league schedule. Tech is in a four-way tie for fifth in the league standings. Coach Talvin Hester says he’s looking for his team to be more consistent…

Cut 18 (17) “…had it” 

Tech lost to UAB earlier this month in Ruston 81-74. Hester says they need to rebound better this time, after giving up 21 offensive rebounds to the Blazers in the first meeting…

Cut 19 (16) “…boxing out”

5:30 LRN Newscast Jan 25

While the Tigerland Bar Reggie’s is being investigated for serving minors involved with the alleged sexual assault of Madison Brooks, the state has suspended their liquor license.   East Baton Rouge Alcoholic Beverage Control Board member Scott Wilfong says bars should not allow anyone under the age of 21 to enter.

Cut 5 (10) “…the age to 21.”

In his press briefing U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy was asked about classified federal documents recently found in President Biden’s office in Philadelphia, and in two homes in Delaware. Cassidy says there’s no good reason for a former Vice President to have such files in his personal possession…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…different residences. Period.” 

Classified documents were discovered this week in the home of former vice President Mike Pence.

It’s National Passenger Safety Week and State Police is urging passengers to speak up for their safety when in a dangerous driving situation. Trooper Ross Brennan says vehicle passengers make up 62 percent of traffic fatalities in the U.S.

Cut 11 (11) “…the nation.”

 

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says Mardi Gras Krewes will be able to use their full parade routes this year, after COVID and lack of law enforcement officers, forced them to abbreviate their routes. Cantrell announce this morning that the city has secured enough law enforcement officers for Mardi Gras this year.

Cut 12 (12) “…traditional routes.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans have lost five in a row, but help is on the way as Brandon Ingram is expected to play tonight when New Orleans hosts Minnesota. Ingram has missed the last 29 games witha toe injury and the Pels offense can use his scoring ability. During this five game losing streak, the Pels have failed to score more than 110 points. Tip off tonight is at 7 PM.

The LSU men’s basketball team scored a season-low 40 points as the Tigers suffered their seventh straight loss in a 60-40 defeat to Arkansas. The Tigers were just 3-of-25 from the field in the first half and shot just 26-percent from the field for the game. LSU steps out of conference this Saturday to host Texas Tech as part of the SEC-Big 12 challenge.

LSU women’s basketball player Angel Reese has been named SEC Player of the Week for a fifth time this season. She had 30 points and 19 rebounds last Thursday against Arkansas and then 14 points and 14 rebounds on Monday for a school-record 20th consecutive double-double.

Baseball America ranks LSU number one in its preseason poll. The Tigers bring in the top-ranked recruiting and transfer classes, plus center fielder Dylan Crews returns for what’s expected to be his final season in purple and gold. Teddy Cahill with Baseball America says Crews is a big time major league prospect…
cut 18 (19) “…list too”
LSU begins full-squad workouts on Friday.

An audit shows LSU mistakenly paid LSU football coach Brian Kelly over one-million dollars more then they should have in 2022, so he’ll end up receiving less money this year to make up for the clerical error. Kelly signed a 10-year, 95-million dollar contract in December of 2021.

4:30 LRN Newscast Jan 25

Trouble for notorious Tigerland bar Reggie’s in Baton Rouge; its liquor license is suspended after 4 underage youths were served – and likely overserved – and then went on to allegedly gang rape an LSU co-ed. Scott Wilfong is on the local Alcoholic Beverage Control board. He says Reggie’s has been cited for serving minors before. He says an investigation is warranted…:

CUT 04(12)      “…the license.”

He says state and local lawmakers should consider measures to curtail underage drinking. Police say 19-year-old Madison Brooks had a blood alcohol level of .319 when she was hit and killed by a car, after the suspects in her attack dropped her on the roadside.

Ouachita Parish deputies are investigating an apparent murder-suicide in West Monroe Wednesday. A requested welfare check of the home revealed that Zane Brantley and Gwen Brantley were both dead. They says it looks like one killed the other, then themselves.

 

It’s National Passenger Safety Week and passengers are being encouraged to speak up. Whitney Thomas reports…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Whitney Thomas.”

The National Weather Service confirms that an EF1 tornado hit the town of Ventress in Pointe Coupee Parish last night. The twister tossed multiple mobile homes onto their side and even tore one apart. Three people were treated for minor to moderate injuries.

3:30 LRN Newscast Jan 25

The Baton Rouge Tigerland bar, where 19-year-old student Madison Brooks got drunk with four men accused of raping her, has had their liquor license suspended by the state.  Baton Rouge Alcoholic Beverage Control board member Scott Wilfong says while the state investigates Reggie’s bar, it’s out of their hands…:

CUT 03  (08)        “…take action.”

Reggie’s has been cited before for serving minors. Wilfong says the age to even ENTER a bar should be 21.

I’d call this a big “oops”. The state’s Legislative Auditor says LSU accidentally overpaid head football coach Brian Kelly by #1-million last summer. Kelly received supplemental payments that are in his contract, but the university paid him twice by mistake. They also found other irregularities in coaching staff pay and in the Tiger athletic Foundation. The full audit is available online.

 

In his weekly media availability, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy was asked about classified federal documents recently found in President Biden’s office in Philadelphia, and in two homes in Delaware. Cassidy says there’s no good reason for a former Vice President to have such files in his personal possession. Does he think this also applies to fellow Republicans Donald Trump and Mike Pence; both accused of doing the same? He says “absolutely”…:

CUT 08(14)      “…safe, secure environment.”

It’s National Passenger Safety Week and State Police say it’s OK for passengers to speak up and help the driver to see and avoid possible hazards. Trooper Ross Brennan…:

CUT 10(11)      “…hazardously.”

Brennan says buckle up.

LRN PM Newscall January 25

Baton Rouge Alcoholic Beverage Control Board member Scott Wilfong discusses the fallout after the alleged rape and death of an underage LSU student linked to Reggie’s bar.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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It’s National Passenger Safety Week and passengers are being encouraged to speak up. Whitney Thomas reports.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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The Tigerland bar where 19-year-old student Madison Brooks was with four men who are facing rape charges, has had their liquor license suspended by the state.  Baton Rouge Alcoholic Beverage Control board member Scott Wilfong says while the state investigates Reggie’s Bar, it’s out of their hands.

Cut 3 (08) “…take action.” 

It’s not the first time Reggie’s has been cited for serving minors. Wilfong says it happened a few years ago but the board’s current policy is three or more violations in a calendar year a hearing is held.

Cut  4 (12)  “…the license.” 

Wilfong says Reggie’s isn’t the only bar that’s been cited for serving minors, he says it’s an issue parish-wide. He believes bars should not allow anyone under the age of 21 to enter and that would have a huge impact on underage drinking.

Cut 5 (10) “…the age to 21.”

Wilfong says he’s talked with three members of the metro council and believes they will consider such a proposal of raising the entrance age along with other measures to curtail underage drinking.  The state Alcohol & Tobacco Control board will hold an emergency meeting next month to decide the fate of Reggie’s, after evidence from the investigation is presented.

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In his weekly media availability, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy was asked about classified federal documents recently found in President Biden’s office in Philadelphia, and in two homes in Delaware. Cassidy says there’s no good reason for a former Vice President to have such files in his personal possession…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…different residences. Period.” 

Some of the Biden documents date back to when he was in the U.S. Senate. Cassidy says he’d like a proper investigation, and he is OK with waiting for that before any further judgement of the President…:

Cut 7 (13)  “…realize they’re there.” 

The Biden documents discovery comes after the President and Democrats railed against former President Trump about a smaller number of document found in his Florida home. This week, even more federal documents were found in former VP Mike Pence’s home. Does Cassidy feels all should be receive equal scrutiny…:

Cut 8 (14)  “…safe, secure environment.” 

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It’s National Passenger Safety Week and State Police is urging passengers to speak up for their safety when in a dangerous driving situation. Trooper Ross Brennan says vehicle passengers make up 62-percent of traffic fatalities nationwide and the best way to reduce that number is for passengers to make sure everyone in a vehicle is buckled up 

Cut 9 (08) “…properly restrained.” 

Brennan says passengers can also be an extra set of eyes for a driver. 

Cut 10 (11) “…hazardously” 

Brennan says he wants passengers to know they have the power to promote safe driving practices and prevent unsafe ones by speaking up and enforcing better habits.

Cut 11 (11)  “…the nation.”

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says Mardi Gras Krewes will be able to use their full parade routes this year, after COVID and lack of law enforcement officers, forced them to abbreviate their routes. Cantrell announce this morning that the city has secured enough law enforcement officers for Mardi Gras this year.

Cut 12 (12) “…traditional routes.”

Cantrell says it wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of multiple first-responder agencies, like the Sheriff’s Association. She says the city has entered into an agreement to provide funding for much-needed outside law enforcement for carnival season.

Cut 13 (07) “…we know it.” 

The parade route for Endymion will be altered due to ongoing renovations at the Superdome.

2:30 LRN Newscast Jan 25

Baton Rouge Alcoholic Beverage Control Board member Scott Wilfong discusses the fallout after the alleged rape and death of an underage LSU student linked to a notorious bar…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

Lawmen in Opelousas have given the all clear after five separate bomb threats closed five St. Landry parish schools. Those being Northwest High, Opelousas High, Washington Trade School, Center for Academic Programs (CAPS), and St. Landry Accelerated. Deputies says they found no dangerous devices at any of the schools, and allowed classes to resume just after 1.

 

It’s National Passenger Safety Week and State Police is urging passengers to speak up for their safety when in a dangerous driving situation. Trooper Ross Brennan says vehicle passengers make up 62-percent of traffic fatalities nationwide and the best way to reduce that number is for passengers to make sure everyone in a vehicle is buckled up…:

CUT 09(08)      “…properly restrained.”

He says passengers can also assist the driver by being extra eyes and ears.

New Orleans Mardi Gras Krewe parades will return to their original routes this year, now that the city has secured sufficient police to patrol them. Mayor LaToya Cantrell says the city has entered into an agreement to provide funding for much-needed outside law enforcement for carnival season…:

CUT 13(07)      “…we know it.”

Only Endymion’s route will be shortened due to work going on at the Superdome.

1:30 LRN Newscast Jan 25

Two of the men accused in the rape investigation of LSU student Madison Brooks have posted bond. 28-year-old Everett Lee and 18-year-old Casen Carver both charged with principle to third-degree rape have posted bond. The 17-year-old who is accused of third-degree rape, has not had a bond hearing, and remains in a juvenile facility, and 18-year-old Kaivon Washington also charged with third-degree rape, remains behind bars. Brooks was killed shortly after the suspects dropped her off in a subdivision along Burbank Drive.

While the Tigerland Bar Reggie’s is being investigated for serving minors involved with the alleged sexual assault of Brooks, the state has suspended their liquor license.   East Baton Rouge Alcoholic Beverage Control Board member Scott Wilfong says bars should not allow anyone under the age of 21 to enter.

Cut 5 (10) “…the age to 21.”

When asked about the discovery of classified documents found in former offices and homes of President Biden, Senator Bill Cassidy says he’d like a proper investigation, and he is OK with waiting for that before any further judgment of the President…:

Cut 7 (13)  “…realize they’re there.” 

And this week top secret documents were also found in former Vice President Mike Pence’s home.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says Mardi Gras Krewes will be able to use their full parade routes this year, after COVID and lack of law enforcement officers, forced them to abbreviate their routes. Cantrell announce this morning that the city has secured enough law enforcement officers for Mardi Gras this year.

Cut 12 (12) “…traditional routes.”

 

12:30 LRN Newscast Jan 25

Two of the four men accused of raping 19-year-old LSU student Madison Brooks before her death have posted bond. 28-year-old Everett Lee and 18-year-old Casen Carver both charged with principle to third-degree rape have posted bond. The 17-year-old who is accused of third-degree rape, has not had a bond hearing and remains in a juvenile facility, and 18-year-old Kaivon Washington also charged with third-degree rape, remains behind bars.

The Tigerland bar where Brooks was with the four men accused of sexual assault has had their liquor license suspended by the state.  East Baton Rouge Alcoholic Tobacco Control Board member Scott Wilfong says it’s not the first time Reggie’s has been cited for serving minors, it happened a few years ago but the board’s current policy is three or more violations in a calendar year a hearing is held.

Cut  4 (12)  “…the license.” 

In his weekly press conference, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy was asked about classified federal documents recently found in President Biden’s office in Philadelphia, and in two homes in Delaware. Cassidy says there’s no good reason for a former Vice President to have such files in his personal possession…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…different residences. Period.” 

Some of Biden’s documents date back to when he was in the U.S. Senate. And this week, top secret documents were found in former Vice President Mike Pence’s home.

11:30 LRN Newscast Jan 25

The Tigerland bar where 19-year-old student Madison Brooks partied with four men – who are facing rape charges – has had their liquor license suspended by the state.  East Baton Rouge Alcohol  & Tobacco Control Board member Scott Wilfong says, while the state investigates Reggie’s Bar, it’s out of their hands…:

CUT 03(08)      “…take action.”

Of the entire group of four young men and the victim, Brooks, only one was over 21. It’s not the first time Reggie’s has been cited for serving minors. Police say the men raped an intoxicated Brooks and dumped her near a busy roadway, where she was hit by traffic and killed.

The Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office is responding to damage reports from a possible tornado last night in Ragley. In Pointe Coupee Parish, a suspected twister tossed several mobile homes over in the town of Ventress. One home was literally torn open. So far no serious injuries have been reported.

 

A new study from the Public Affairs Research Council shows a pretty small number of us use public transit, like buses. PAR President Steven Procopio says that about 1-percent He says public transit is primarily for those who cannot afford a vehicle of their own, but it also serves an important need…:

CUT 14(07)      “…workforce as well.”

PAR doesn’t take a position on public transit; good or bad. They simply provide information for taxpayers to make informed decisions.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission reports continued job growth for the state. Data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics shows seasonally adjusted non-farm employment for December 2022 was at 1.9 million jobs. LWC spokesman Mark Jones says that’s an increase of over 4000 jobs in one month…:

CUT 10(09)      “…22 consecutive months.”

He says UNemployemt is also at a record low3.5-percent.