LRN AM Newscall May 1

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has named Rachel Zechenelly as its first female top game warden in the agency’s history. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Once again this year, a bill to ban using a hand-held cell phone while driving goes before state lawmakers today. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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A bill to extend the state’s film tax credit for another 10 years from the current expiration of July 2025 goes before the full House today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has appointed its first female as head of its Enforcement Division in the agency’s 79-year history. Rachel Zechenelly will oversee 257 game agents and support staff. Zechenelly says she’s ready to lead as the new Chief of Enforcement.

Cut 4 (09)  “…and women.”

Zechenelly has worked with the agency for over two decades and has received several awards including the LDWF Meritorious Award for Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Harvey, Irma, and Ida, the 2016 Flood, and BP Oil Spill. The Pearl River native says the agency’s main responsibility is protecting commercial fisheries, hunting, and fishing, however…

Cut 5 (11)   “…and rescue.”

Zechenelly graduated from LDWF Cadet Academy in 1999, where she served as a field agent in the southeast region before being promoted to Headquarter staff in 2005. She was also named the LDWF Agent of the Year for Headquarters Staff in 2008. She believes the leadership from her mentor, Col. Hebert has prepared her for the future.

Cut 6 (09)  “…that road.”

Zechenelly will succeed Col. Chad Hebert, who was promoted to Colonel in 2020 but has decided to retire.

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Once again this year, a bill to ban using a hand-held cellphone while driving is scheduled for review before the House Transportation Committee. The measure comes from St. Martin Parish representative Mike Huval. Louisiana AAA’s Don Redman says his organization supports Huval’s bill, as they have in the past…:

Cut 7 (11) “…behind the wheel.”

Similar bills have been filed for many years, by Huval and other lawmakers before him, but the bill has never made it to final passage. Redman says Huval’s bill would only restrict HOW you use your phone while driving…:

Cut 8 (08) “…phone in-system.”

Huval’s HB 580 would mandate one could only use a cell phone hands-free while behind the wheel. A first offense would mean a fine of $50 to $100, but subsequent offenses could mean fines up to $300 with community service and possible license revocation. Redman says AAA is behind the bill, and passing it could even mean a break on your auto insurance, because we have so many distracted driving crashes…:

Cut 9 (11)  “…to 6 and a half.”

Huval’s bill is scheduled today in House Transportation.

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House Bill 562 to extend tax credits for the film industry in Louisiana will be heard in the lower chamber today. The bill would extend the current tax credits set to expire in July 2025 to July 2035. Jason Waggenspack with Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association says passage is vital to stabilizing the industry long-term.

Cut 10 (10) “…year over year.” 

A Louisiana Economic Development study estimates a billion dollars spent by the industry in the state last year and of that $350 million was on the payroll of residents. Waggenspack says the industry also supports 10,000 jobs.

Cut 11 (08)  “…to the state.”

The state film tax incentive started in 2002 and Waggenspack says Louisiana is among the first states to have the initiative. He says other states have followed Louisiana’s lead and now more than 38 states have a film tax program, and more are in the works.  According to LED, there is a $6.00 Return on Investment for every dollar the state puts into the industry. Waggenspack says with more than a third of that billion is going directly to Louisiana payroll…

Cut 12 (06)    “…unfathomable.” 

Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder’s legislation also calls for productions who receive incentives to have a Louisiana logo promoting the state in the end credits.

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Seven of the major candidates for governor who attended the Public Affairs Research Council’s annual meeting were asked about their top priorities for the state. PAR President Seven Procopio says they were also asked if they would continue Medicaid expansion in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (05) “…said maybe. 

During rapid-fire questioning of the candidates, Procopio says they ran out of time to ask Attorney General Jeff Landry about Medicaid, but they caught up with him after the meeting.

Cut 14 (07)  “…undo it.”

Governor John Bel Edwards also attended the conference and Procopio says Edwards refers to Medicaid expansion as one of his biggest achievements.

Cut 15 (07)  “…their campaign.”

Procopio says the candidates all agree that crime, the economy, and education are topics that need attention in Louisiana.

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The Saints selected seven players in the three-day NFL draft, including a quarterback. Six-foot Jake Haener from Fresno State, was a three-year starter for the Bulldogs and last season threw for nearly 29-hundred yards, 20 touchdowns, and three interceptions. Coach Dennis Allen likes what he sees from Haener

Cut  16 (11)  “…timing and accuracy” 

The Saints used their last pick to pick wide receiver A-T Perry from Wake Forest. He’s six-foot-three, 195 pounds and had 28 touchdowns during his career with the Demon Deacons. Allen calls Perry an intriguing prospect…

Cut 17 (25) “…football players”

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The top ranked LSU baseball team swept its second straight SEC weekend as they took three from Alabama this past weekend. The Tigers scored 33 runs against Crimson Tide pitching and Coach Jay Johnson liked the approach he saw at the plate…

Cut 18 (10) “..was awesome”

LSU completed a sweep of Bama with a 13-11 win yesterday. Number nine hitter Alex Milazzo drove in the go-ahead run with an RBI single in the seventh. Milazzo learned after the game he had the trust of Johnson to get the job done…

Cut 19 (17) “      play the game

LSU is now 35-8 overall, 15-5 in the SEC, half a game back of Vanderbilt for the best conference. Milazzo is enjoying his fourth season in Purple and Gold…

Cut 20 (13)  “… right now”  

11:30 LRN Newscast April 29

The coroner in Jefferson Parish releases his preliminary cause of death findings for Bella Fontanelle, the 6-year-old girl whose body was found stuffed in a ten-gallon bucket this week. Coroner Gerry Cvitanovich says Bella died from strangulation and blunt force trauma to the head. 43-year-old Hannah Landon, the girlfriend of Bella’s father has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Cvitanovich says the case has been difficult on everyone involved including first responders and his staff…:

CUT 13(07)      “…young girl.”

Video footage from cams in the neighborhood show Landon pulling a wagon Tuesday night with that bucket inside.

Has your infant had its shots? This is National Infant Immunization Week, and Shreveport pediatrician Dr. Nikki Humphries says vaccines ARE safe and guard your baby from numerous illnesses…:

CUT 10(10)      “…pneumonia, polio…”

 

A New Orleans teen has set a record by receiving more than $9-million in scholarships and 180 college acceptance letters. 16-year-old Dennis Maliq Barnes holds the Guinness World Record title as the top senior accepted by the most colleges with the most scholarships. Barnes, a senior at the International High School of New Orleans, says his intent was just to get into college…:

CUT 06(12)      “…really fast.”

Barnes has a 4.98 GPA and was promoted early to 10th and 11th.

We have some chances of rain in the Louisiana forecast today, as a line of showers and thunderstorms moves across the state. Some of those could get intense at times. Some areas may see next to nothing. However, the rain is expected to move out to the east and northeast during the overnight hours. We should wake up Sunday to clearing skies and cool temperatures, with afternoon highs reaching into the mid-to-upper-70’s.

10:30 LRN Newscast April 29

A Friday morning car crash in Grant Parish takes three lives. State Police say a Toyota sedan was trying to pass multiple vehicles on Highway 71, when it crashed head-on into a SUV. The victims are identified as 24-year-old Joseph Kirk of Boyce, 30-year-old Brittney Johnson of Colfax and an un-named 10-year-old child. The crash is under investigation.

The Jefferson Parish coroner release his preliminary findings in the murder of 6-year-old Bella Fontanelle this week in Harahan. Coroner Gerry Cvitanovich says she died from strangulation and blunt force trauma to the head. He says rumors she was dismembered are NOT true. He says dealing with death is routine for he and his staff, but it IS different when the victim is a child…:

CUT 14(11)      “…all of us.”

The girl’s father’s girlfriend, Hannah Landon, has been arrested for Bella’s murder.

 

Two Breaux Bridge men are under arrest in a major drug bust. St. Martin Parish deputies executing a search warrant found sizeable amounts of crystal meth, powder and crack cocaine, heroin, weed and numerous kinds of pills. Brothers Travis and Dwayne Calais are in custody facing a long list of charges.

A Shreveport pediatrician says National Infant Immunization Week is the perfect time to make sure your baby has his or her necessary shots. Dr. Nikki Humphries is a pediatrician at Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport. She says an “anti-vaccine” sentiment has surfaced in recent years, after a now-discredited study linked them to autism and other childhood ailments. The COVID pandemic and pressure to get that vaccine added to public paranoia. As a result, diseases like measles and rubella and others are seeing an uptick in the U.S.  Humphries urges parents to disregard the hype and follow the science for their child’s sake…:

CUT 11(08)      “…decades and decades.”

9:30 LRN Newscast April 29

The coroner in Jefferson Parish releases his preliminary cause of death findings for Bella Fontanelle, the 6-year-old girl whose body was found stuffed in a ten-gallon bucket this week. Coroner Gerry Cvitanovich says Bella died from strangulation and blunt force trauma to the head. 43-year-old Hannah Landon, the girlfriend of Bella’s father has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Cvitanovich says the case has been difficult on everyone involved including first responders and his staff…:

CUT 13(07)      “…young girl.”

Video footage from cams in the neighborhood show Landon pulling a wagon Tuesday night with that bucket inside.

Has your infant had its shots? This is National Infant Immunization Week, and Shreveport pediatrician Dr. Nikki Humphries says vaccines ARE safe and guard your baby from numerous illnesses…:

CUT 10(10)      “…pneumonia, polio…”

 

A New Orleans teen has set a record by receiving more than $9-million in scholarships and 180 college acceptance letters. 16-year-old Dennis Maliq Barnes holds the Guinness World Record title as the top senior accepted by the most colleges with the most scholarships. Barnes, a senior at the International High School of New Orleans, says his intent was just to get into college…:

CUT 06(12)      “…really fast.”

Barnes has a 4.98 GPA and was promoted early to 10th and 11th.

We have some chances of rain in the Louisiana forecast today, as a line of showers and thunderstorms moves across the state. Some of those could get intense at times. Some areas may see next to nothing. However, the rain is expected to move out to the east and northeast during the overnight hours. We should wake up Sunday to clearing skies and cool temperatures, with afternoon highs reaching into the mid-to-upper-70’s.

8:30 LRN Newscast April 29

The preliminary cause of death of a 6-year-old Harahan girl who was murdered Tuesday night has been released. Jefferson Parish Coroner Gerry Cvitanovich says he wanted to stop rumors that are circulating about the shocking death of Bella Fontenelle….:

CUT 12(10)      “…involved.”

Jazz festival is now underway in New Orleans, and coinciding with that major event is a walk-out of ride share drivers; just when they’re needed most. Dozens of Uber & Lyft drivers are refusing to work until they get a bigger share of the money made from fares. One driver said a trip from Armstrong Airport to downtown costs almost $150…of which they make less than $30. Drivers say it costs more to gas up and maintain a vehicle and they need a pay increase to offset that.

 

At the state Capitol, a bill to reduce the number of hours required for cosmetology students passes in the full House…:

CUT 01(29)      “…Thorington.”

It’s National Infant Immunization Week, and Shreveport pediatrician Dr. Nikki Humphries says getting those shots for baby is crucial…:

CUT 09(08)      “…illness and injury.”

07:30 LrN Sportscast

The top ranked LSU baseball team held on for an eight to six victory to win game one of its series against Alabama last night. Dylan Crews and Tommy White each homered and Crews drove in four runs. Paul Skenes allowed one run in six innings to improve to 8-and-1 on the season. Game two is tonight at 6 PM.

The Ragin Cajuns knocked off sixth ranked Coastal Carolina 11 to 9. John Taylor had three hits and also drove in three runs as UL Lafayette had 16 hits.

Louisiana Tech had 21 hits and and defeated Middle Tennessee 18-8. Brody Drost had a grand slam and Justin Williams homered twice.

Georgia Southern outscored ULM eight to six, Northwestern State doubled up Nicholls four to two, Lamar edged Southeastern Louisiana five to four, and UIW knocked off Mcneese eight to seven.

The Saints found themselves a pass rusher and a running back in day two of the NFL draft. With the 40th overall pick, the Saints selected defensive end Isaiah Foskey. He’s Notre DAme’s career record-holder for sacks with 26.5 for his career. Folsky had eleven sacks in 2022 and 2021.

In the third round, New Orleans took T-C-U running back Kendre Miller. He rushed for nearly 14-hundred yards for the Horned Frogs and had a streak of five-straight 100 yard rushing games. New Orleans was looking for a running back with Alvin Kamara facing a possible suspension as a result of the battery charges he faces for a fight that occured in a Las Vegas casino.

The Saints have five more picks today.

Former LSU Tiger B-J Ojulari went in the second round to the Arizona Cardinals.

The high school state softball championships are today in Sulphur. Tioga is playing in its first state title game since 1979 as they will take on St. Thomas More in the Division One select state title game.

5:30 LRN Newscast

The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office released the results of the autopsy of a 6-year-old Harahan girl murdered Tuesday night.  Coroner Gerry Cvitanovich says speculations on the case are not true.

cut 12 (10) “…involved.” 

The girlfriend of Bella’s father, 43-year-old hannah landon, was seen pulling a wagon Tuesday night with a bucket inside. She was been arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

A New Orleans senior with a 4.98 GPA broke the national record after receiving 125 college acceptances and over $9 million in scholarships. 16-year-old Dennis Maliq Barnes began applying for colleges last summer.

cut 6 (12)  “…really fast” 

Barnes plans on breaking his own record by crossing the $10 million threshold in scholarships.  He will pursue a dual degree in computer science and criminal justice.

A bill to reduce the number of hours required for cosmetology students passes in the full House. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The LSU Tigers football team is expected to hire South Carolina defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey for the same position. Lindsey has been the defensive line coach at South Carolina for two seasons. He previously coached defensive ends at Illinois and Western Kentucky. LSU had an opening after former defensive line coach Jamar Cain left for the position of pass rush specialist with the Denver Broncos.

 

4:30 LRN Newscast April 28

The Baton Rouge Tigerland bar that over-served an underage LSU student on the night she died has been ordered to close its doors for good. Kevin Gallagher has that story…:

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

 

Legislation allowing schools to designate school protection officers with the authority to carry a concealed handgun on campus with proof of a valid permit was removed because the law already exists. Gonzales Representative Eddie Lambert decided to pull SB 158 after learning a current law that has similar language.

Hairy legislation to reduce the required class hours for cosmetology students to be licensed in Louisiana passes in the House. Bill author, Slidell Rep Mary DuBuisson says the Cosmetology Board would continue to uphold state requirements.

Cut 5 (05) “…with this bill .”

Students will still be required to pass a national exam to become licensed in Louisiana. The bill advances to a Senate committee.

A New Orleans teen has set a U.S. record by receiving more than $9 million in scholarships and 180 college acceptances. 16-year-old Dennis Maliq Barnes, a senior at International High School, has a 4.98 GPA and was promoted early to 10th and 11th. He says his goal is to reach $10 million in funding.

Cut 8 (04)  “…are interesting.” 

Where he’ll attend college has yet to be decided but he plans to pursue a dual degree in Computer Science and Criminal Justice. He graduates from high school on May 24.

3:30 LRN Newscast

Jefferson Parish coroner has released the cause of death of a 6-year-old Harahan girl found in a 10-gallon bucket Wednesday morning.  Coroner Gerry Cvitanovich says everyone is feeling the impact of the tragic death of Bella Fontenelle.

Cut 14 (11)  “…all of us.”

Preliminary Cause of Death: Manual strangulation and multiple blunt force injuries to the head. 43-year-old Hannah Landon, the girlfriend of Bella’s father has been charged with first-degree murder.

A Louisiana high school senior has set a national record by securing more than $9 million in scholarships and 180 college acceptance letters to colleges. 16-year-old Dennis Maliq Barnes holds the Guinness Book of World Records title as the top senior accepted by the most colleges with the most scholarships. Barnes is also fluent in Spanish.

Cut 7 (09)  “…in New Orleans.” 

Barnes plans to pursue a dual degree in Computer Science and Criminal Justice and is working to top $10 million in scholarships.

A bill to cut the number of required hours for students studying cosmetology passes in the House. The author of the bill, Slidell Rep Mary DuBuisson says the bill will reduce hours but help students get employed earlier which in turn helps salon owners looking for help.

Cut 3 (09) “….seven and a half months.”

The Cosmetology Board will also be required to create a website for students to track their progress and make payments. The legislation passed on a 78 to 15 vote and advances to a Senate committee.

 

A Shreveport pediatrician says National Infant Immunization Week is the perfect time to make sure your baby has his or her necessary shots. Dr. Nikki Humphries is a pediatrician at Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport. She says parents should debunk the myths and follow the science.

Cut 11 (08)  “…decades and decades.”

Dr. Humphries says early vaccinations are safe and guard your baby against numerous common illnesses.

2:30 LRN Newscast April 28

Manual strangulation and multiple blunt force injuries to the head is the preliminary cause of death of 6-year-old Bella Fontenelle of Harahan. Jefferson Parish Coroner Gerry Cvitanovich says the case has been difficult on everyone even first responders and his staff.

Cut 13 (07) “…young girl.” 

Bella’s father’s girlfriend 43-year-old Hannah Landon has been charged. Bella’s body was found in a 10-gallon bucket on her mother’s lawn Wednesday.

In Lafayette an instructor at St. Thomas More High School has been terminated. According to KLFY-TV parents were sent a message that Jacob De La Paz is no longer with the school and there’s no reason to believe he engaged in any type of inappropriate behavior with any students. A KLFY investigation of his previous employment in Arkansas says he sent inappropriate text messages to students in 2017.

A bill to reduce the number of required hours for cosmetology students passes in the House. Bill author Slidell Rep Mary DuBuisson says it will help hair salons that are struggling to find employees, but students are still required to pass their exams. Lafayette Representative Jean-Paul Coussan says it would hurt smaller schools.

Cut 4 (10)  “…smaller communities.” 

The bill now heads to a Senate committee.

It’s National Infant Immunization Week and Shreveport Willis Knighton pediatrician Nikki Humphries says early vaccinations are safe and guard your baby against numerous common illnesses…:

Cut 10 (10) “…pneumonia, polio.” 

Humphries says when it comes to immunizations to trust your healthcare provider, not the internet.