6:30 LRN Newscast April 28

Legislation providing $8.5 million in funding for bulletproof vests for peace officers across Louisiana was passed by a full House with a 98-0 vote. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds says it’s about safety and protection…

CUT 13(13)      “…covers them.”

That bill moves now to the Senate for committee review.

The Senate Education Committee advances a bill to keep adult reading material in public libraries out of the hands of children. Turkey Creek Republican Senator Heather Cloud says this is a matter of importance to a great many parents and grandparents across Louisiana…:

CUT 10(11)      “…explicit material.”

That bill passed committee un-opposed. Next stop: the Senate floor.

 

Travelers along Interstate 10 between Baton Rouge and Lafayette: be warned. Road crews will be doing some repairs on the elevated Atchafalaya Basin Bridge today; meaning some lane closures in the eastbound right lane near Lake Pelba until about 3 pm.  Either allow extra drive time or take an alternate route.

Lizzo, Ed Sheeran, The Steve Miller, and Kane Brown are some of this year’s headliners at the 38th Annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival that kicks off today…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Teiko Foxx”

LRN AM Newscall April 28

Lizzo, Ed Sheeran, The Steve Miller, and Kane Brown are some of this year’s headliners at the 38th Annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival that kicks off today April 28th through May 7th. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Almost 40 years after a skull fragment was found in the Lake Pontchartrain area, testing shows it’s 3,500 years old. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A Senate bill aimed at keeping adult reading materials in public libraries away from impressionable young eyes passes its first legislative hurdle. More from Brooke Thorington…:

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival returns to the New Orleans Fairgrounds this weekend – April 28th through May 7th  - with a jam-packed two-weekend full of culture, crafts, and music. Festival Producer, Quint Davis says this is the second post-COVID event and people are excited.

Cut 4 (09)  “…that one.”

The Festival is one of the city’s biggest festivals celebrating its rich culture and heritage. It will also showcase diverse works of art and contemporary crafts. There will be 16 musical stages featuring over 580 bands covering everything from jazz blues and gospel to Cajun, zydeco, hip-hop, funk, and more from national and international acts.

Cut 5 (09)   “…for everybody.”

In 2019 and 2022, organizers reported more than 475,000 people attended the two-weekend event. There will also be a big transition to a cashless-only festival this year. All vendors will not accept cash payments but any type of money cards will be accepted. There will also be Cash Exchange booths where attendees can use cash to get a prepaid card for no fee and the cards can be used anywhere outside the festival.

Cut 6 (07)  “…whose playing.”

This year’s headliners include Lizzo, Ed Sheeran, The Steve Miller Band, HER, Dead & Company, Wu-Tang Clan, and Kane Brown, and many more. Visit nojazzfest.com for the full lineup.

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A skull fragment discovered almost 40 years ago near Lake Pontchartrain is found to be 35-hundred years old.  In 2009 because of its degraded condition DNA testing could only tell them it was female. In January, Cold Case Investigator Chris Knoblauch with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, says Carbon-14 testing was performed.

Cut 7 (09) “… it was.”

Knoblauch says it’s hard to fathom who this woman, was in back in 1634 to 1504 B.C. and how a fragment of her skull ended up in what’s now St Tammany Parish. She’s estimated to be between 25 to 35 years, and testing even revealed her diet.

Cut 8 (11) “…as well.”

Geographically, Knoblauch says back then the area was much different from what it is now. He says the Mississippi River is believed to be elsewhere and geographic landmarks that we know now didn’t necessarily exist then.

Cut 9 (10)  “…kind of right in.”

The LSU FACES lab has current possession of the fragment.

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At the Capitol, the Senate Education Committee advances a bill to keep adult reading material in public libraries out of the hands of children. Turkey Creek Republican Senator Heather Cloud says this is a matter of importance to a great many parents and grandparents across Louisiana…:

Cut 10 (11) “…sexually explicit material.” 

Cloud’s bill would set up a tiered library card system, wherein parents could select a lending level appropriate for their kid. Amendments added to the measure seek to clear up the definition of what constitutes “sexually explicit,” and establish a 60-day warning period for libraries to address complaints. Cloud says libraries would not have to go over every book, looking for objectionable content…:

Cut 11 (06)  “…by a patron.”

Cloud’s bill would set up a two-step process for reviewing library books that have received complaints. Under the bill, libraries in violation could face loss of funding.. Cloud says drafting the bill was a delicate process…:

Cut 12 (12)    “…for this content.” 

After an hour of discussion and before the opposition could speak, Senator Bodi White called the question for an immediate vote. With no opposition from members, it moves to the Senate floor.

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Legislation providing $8.5 million in funding for bulletproof vests for peace officers across Louisiana was passed by a full House with a 98-0 vote. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds says it’s about safety and protection.

Cut 13 (13) “…covers them. 

House Bill 442, authored by Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds, would establish funds to provide critical resources to those who protect and serve our communities. Edmonds says the idea came from the killing of three Baton Rouge officers in 2016.

Cut 14 (13)  “…of vest.”

Edmonds says the cost per vest is around $2,500 and guidelines would be monitored by the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement.

Cut 15 (08)  “…be proper.”

The law requires the state treasurer to deposit into the fund at the beginning of each year starting July 1.

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LSU begins a three-game series tonight against the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Tigers are 12 and 5 in the SEC and in first place, while is in third place with a 9-and-9 record. Coach Jay Johnson points out that Bama has won six of its last seven

Cut  16 (20)  “… a lot of fun.” 

Alabama enters the game with a 9-9 SEC record, 30-12 overall. The Tigers are 12-5 and in first place in the SEC West and they are 32-8 overall. LSU leads the SEC in hitting and they’ve scored a league-high 397 runs. Johnson on their approach on offense…

Cut 17 (20) “…hurting you.” 

Two of LSU’s best hitters, Tommy White and Tre Morgan, didn’t play in Tuesday’s loss to Nicholls because of nagging injuries. Johnson says the trainer has been getting them ready for this weekend….

Cut 18 (17) “..going to play.”

5:30 LRN Newscast & Legislative Report April 27

Senate Education Committee advances a heavily amended bill to keep adult reading material out of school libraries. Turkey Creek Republican Senator Heather Cloud says it’s a matter of importance to a great many parents and grandparents.

Cut AM 10 (11) “…sexually explicit material.” 

 

Cloud’s bill would set up a tiered library card system, wherein parents could select a lending level appropriate for their child. Amendments added to the measure seek to clear up the definition of what constitutes “sexually explicit.” Cloud says libraries would not have to go over every book, looking for objectionable content…:

Cut AM 11 (07)  “…by a patron.”

After an hour of discussion and before the opposition could speak, Senator Bodi White called for an immediate vote, and with no opposition from committee members, it moves to the Senate floor.

Legislation providing $8.5 million in funding for bulletproof vests for peace officers in the state passed in the House with a 98-0 vote. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds says it’s about safety and protection.

Cut 13 (13) “…covers them.” 

The funding would be monitored by the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement.

Legislation requiring air monitoring systems in certain permitted facilities advanced from Senate Environmental. Bill author – Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields says companies would have to maintain monitoring data records.

Cut 12 (12) “…be warned.” 

The bill requires all facilities in the state that produce toxic chemicals to alert communities nearby when air quality reaches dangerous levels. The measure was passed in a 4-1 vote.

4:30 LRN Newscast April 27

It can’t hurt to ask….National Championship LSU Lady Tigers basketball coach Kim Mulkey calls for a newly-built, or majorly refit, basketball arena.  She made the ask (slash) demand while speaking to the Baton Rouge Rotary Club…:

CUT 06(12)      “…dangerous in there.”

The Pete Maravich Assembly Center is over 50 years old and hasn’t had any major renovations since 2009.

At the State Capitol, a Senate committee advances a bill requiring many petrochemical plants to have or install air quality monitoring systems and save that data. Here’s bill sponsor and Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields…:

CUT 12(12)      “…be warned.”

With only one “no” vote, the bill moves to the Senate floor. The legislature will conclude this year’s business in early June.

 

The murder of a six-year-old girl, whose body was found in a bucket shocks the small town of Harahan. Brooker Thorington reports…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

An employee at a McDonald’s in Kenner has been arrested for allegedly threatening a customer with a gun. The customer says she argued over an order with 21-year-old Troy Washington, who lifted his shirt and showed her a pistol in his waistband; moving to draw it. She called the cops and he was arrested a short time later for assault and possession of cannabis.

3:30 LRN Newscast April 27

A Harahan woman is accused of murdering her boyfriend’s 6-year-old daughter and stuffing her body inside a large bucket. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says Bell Fontanelle’s dad reported her missing yesterday morning. She was later found inside the bucket. Lopinto says a neighbor’s security cam video from the night before showed a woman they believe is 43-year-old Hannah Landon…:

CUT 03(06)      “…that wagon.”

Women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey brought a national championship to LSU, now she wants a new or remodeled basketball arena. Speaking to WBRZ in Baton Rouge, Mulkey says build a new one or do major refit of the PMAC; either way she’s good. She says she’ll leave that up to university heads…:

CUT 08(10)      “…paint on it.”

The Pete Maravich Assembly Center is 51 years old. It has had no major work done since 2009.

 

Entergy Louisiana customers will receive refunds in the coming months; part of a $36-million settlement the Public Service Commission finalized with the utility after suing them over overcharging citizens. PSC member (and candidate for Secretary of State) Mike Francis says the amounts customers get back is yet to be determined…:

CUT 11(09)      “…electricity rates.”

A Baton Rouge woman is in jail, after stepping onto a school bus and assaulting the driver. The whole thing was captured on video and led police to arrest 18-year-old Carlicia Lewis with second-degree battery of a school bus driver and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.

And TV talk show host Jerry Springer has died. Springer’s show was raunchy, rude and often violent…and a ratings winner in virtually every Louisiana TV market for over 25 years. He died this morning of an undisclosed cause. Jerry Springer; dead at 79.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The NFL draft begins tonight and New Orleans has eight picks throughout the seven-round draft. Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis says this is a strong draft class at tight end and cornerback. The Black and Gold already has one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL in Marshon Lattimore, but Loomis says that wouldn’t stop them from drafting a cornerback in the first few rounds….
cut 18 (16) “….a strength”
The Saints have the 29th overall pick in the first round, they are expected to take a lineman.

LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey has found her new point guard as Hailey Van Lith has committed to the Lady Tigers. Van Lith averaged nearly 20 points a game last season as she led Louisville to the Elite Eight

After a break out freshman season, it looked like LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte would be a future first round pick. But he’s not expected to be selected day three of the draft. WWL’s Mike Detillier believes Boutte never recovered from an ankle injury that ended his 2021 season…
cut 20 (20) “…a player”

LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey has won a national championship for the university and, now she wants an updated arena . Mulkey told WBRZ-TV it’s time to get the ball rolling on this major project…
Cut 7 (12) “…it’s time”
Mulkey says she doesn’t have a preference on whether a new arena is needed or should the school completely renovate the PMAC.

LRN PM Newscall April 27

The death of a six-year-old girl found in a bucket has shocked the small town of Harahan. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Lady Tigers basketball coach Kim Mulkey says it’s time for an improved basketball arena on LSU’s campus. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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43-year-old Hannah Landon of Harahan has been arrested and charged in the death of her boyfriend’s six-year-old daughter. The father reported Bella Fontenelle missing Wednesday morning and she later was found inside a 10-gallon bucket on her mother’s lawn. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says Tuesday evening video footage from the neighborhood led them to arrest Landon.

Cut 3 (06) “….that wagon.”

Landon was located at the hospital Wednesday afternoon and is charged with first-degree murder and obstruction of justice.

Harahan Police Chief Ed LePre says the small town is shocked and saddened by the news.

Cut 4 (10)  “…for the family.” 

Lopinto says the child’s father and mother are not considered suspects in the case and they believe the child was killed Tuesday night at the father’s home and then taken to the mother’s home within walking distance by Landon. Jefferson Parish Coroner Dr. Jerry Cvitanovich says the manner of death is homicide.

Cut 5 (07) “…fluid investigation.”

Lopinto says the suspect lives with the victim’s father and the child’s mother lives in the same neighborhood one street over.

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Women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey brought a national championship to LSU, now she wants a new or remodeled basketball arena.  Mulkey made her demand during a speech in front of the Baton Rouge Rotary Club…

Cut 6 (12)  “…dangerous in there” 

The Pete Maravich Assembly Center is actually 51 years old and 2009 was the last time major work was done to the facility. The PMAC lacks revenue generating suites and Mulkey says going up and down the stairs is dangerous.

After winning the school’s first national championship in basketball, Mulkey told WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge its time to start talking about a new arena

Cut 7 (12)  “…it’s time” 

Mulkey says she doesn’t have a preference on whether a new arena is needed or should the school complety renovate the PMAC. The 60-year-old coach told WBRZ-TV she’ll leave that decision up to her administration…

Cut 8 (10)  “…paint on it.” 

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Louisiana Entergy customers will receive refunds in the coming months. It’s part of a 36-million dollar settlement the Public Service Commission finalized with Entergy. Commissioner Davante Lewis says the PSC sued Entergy for overcharging rate payers to cover the expenses of operating the Grand Gulf nuclear plant in Port Gibson, Mississippi.

Cut 9 (08) “….not working.”

Commissioner Mike Francis says the settlement is proof that the PSC has the best interest of utility customers…

Cut 10 (07) “…accountable.” 

Francis says it still has to be determined how much money customers will get back.

Cut 11 (09)  “…electricity rates.”

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Legislation requiring air monitoring systems in certain permitted facilities advanced from the Senate Environmental Committee. Author of the bill – Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields says companies would have to maintain monitoring data records.

Cut 12 (12) “…be warned.” 

Senate Bill 35 would also require all facilities in Louisiana that produce toxic chemicals to alert communities nearby when air quality reaches dangerous levels. The measure was passed in a 4-1 vote. Gonzales Senator Eddie Lambert was the only lawmaker to oppose the bill.

A proponent of the bill, Retired Army Lieutenant General Russell Honore says a recent chlorine leak near Iberville Parish sent residents to the hospital.

Cut 13 (11) “…the people.” 

Many industrial plants have similar systems in place but don’t alert communities nearby when a leak occurs.

Cut 14 (11)  “…with fentanyl.”

The cost related to installing and maintaining is $18,000 and each plant would incur the expense. Fields bill failed four times previously.

2:30 LRN Newscast April 27

The Jefferson Parish town of Harahan is shocked at the murder of a young girl; her body found stuffed in a bucket. Brooke Thorington reports…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

Entergy Louisiana agrees to refund some $36-million to customers they overcharged, to settle a lawsuit filed by the Public Service Commission. Here’s PSC member Mike Francis…:

CUT 10(07)      “…accountable.”

 

Legislation requiring air monitoring systems in certain permitted facilities advanced from the Senate Environmental Committee. Author of the bill – Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields says companies would have to maintain monitoring data records. Testifying for the bill, retired Army Lt. General Russell Honore says man chem plants have such or similar systems in place, but don’t necessarily alert communities nearby when they detect a leak…:

CUT 14(11)      “…community knows.”

Installing systems would costs plants less than $20k. The bill goes now to the Senate floor for debate.

Also at the Capitol, a Central Louisiana lawmaker’s bill to make the substance kratom a controlled substance advances out of committee, and is scheduled for House floor debate next week. Kratom is also known as mitragyna speciosa, and can have an intoxicating opioid-like effect.

A Wednesday fire at the West Carroll Parish Police Jury barn is expected to be declared a total loss. The early morning blaze caused extensive damage. No one was reported hurt.

1:30 LRN Newscast April 27

43-year-old Hannah Landon of Harahan has been arrested and charged in the death of her boyfriend’s six-year-old daughter who was found Wednesday morning in a 10-gallon bucket on her mother’s lawn. Jefferson Parish Coroner Dr. Jerry Cvitanovich says the manner of death is homicide.

Cut 5 (07) “…fluid investigation.”

Sheriff Joe Lopinto says the suspect lives with the victim’s father and the child’s mother lives in the same neighborhood one street over, video footage of Landon pulling the bucket in a wagon Tuesday night led to her arrest.

Legislation requiring air monitoring systems in certain permitted facilities advances from Senate Environmental. Retired Army Lieutenant General Russell Honore says a recent chlorine leak near Iberville Parish sent residents to the hospital.

Cut 13 (11) “…the people.” 

The Tigerland bar where 19-year-old LSU student Madison Brooks visited before she was allegedly raped and hit by a car which led to her death has had their liquor license revoked. The owner of Reggie’s Bar, Darin Adams, has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine and agree to never manage an alcohol establishment again.

Lady Tigers basketball coach Kim Mulkey says it’s time for an improved basketball arena on LSU’s campus. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

 

12:30 LRN Newscast

Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s has arrested and charged a woman in the death of her boyfriend’s 6-year-old daughter. 43-year-old Hannah Landon is charged with first-degree murder and obstruction of justice. Harahan Police Chief Ed LePre says the small town is shocked and saddened by the news.

Cut 4 (10)  “…for the family.” 

Bella’s body was found inside a 10-gallon bucket on her mother’s lawn.

Louisiana Entergy customers will receive refunds in the coming months. It’s part of a 36-million dollar settlement the Public Service Commission finalized with Entergy. The PSC sued Entergy for overcharging ratepayers to cover the expenses of operating the Grand Gulf nuclear plant in Port Gibson, Mississippi.

Cut 9 (08) “….not working.”

Lewis says it still has to be determined how much money customers will get back.

Legislation requiring air monitoring systems in certain permitted facilities advanced from the Senate Environmental Committee. Author of the bill – Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields says companies would have to maintain monitoring data records.

Cut 12 (12) “…be warned.” 

Senate Bill 35 would also require all facilities in Louisiana that produce toxic chemicals to alert communities nearby when air quality reaches dangerous levels. The measure was passed in a 4-1 vote.