8:30 LRN Newscast

The family members of a Houston woman who died in a walk-in freezer at an Arby’s in New Iberia has filed a lawsuit against Turbo Restaurants, who owns the franchise.
cut 15 (09) “….to file it”
That’s attorney Paul Skrabanek who represents the family of Nguyet Le, who was found dead inside the freezer earlier this month. Scrabanek says Le was found with blood on her hands from pounding on the door.

Louisiana law enforcement agencies are paying closer attention to see if you are buckled up as part of the click it or ticket it campaign. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Gregory Fischer says the state’s seat belt usage rate is 86-percent and lower for pickup truck drivers…
cut 9 (12) “….their seatbelts”
Seat belt usage rate for pickup truck drivers is 79-percent in Louisiana.

LSU’s annual “Louisiana Survey” public opinion poll shows crime is residents’ top concern. The survey is done by LSU’s Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs to gauge public opinion of life, government and policies. Study lead Michael Henderson says the yearly telephone interview survey of over 500 random statewide residents got a surprising result…:
Cut 4 (11) “…folks named ‘crime’”
80-percent say that crime has increased over the last few years.

The Louisiana Association of United Ways releases a new report that says 900-thousand households, 51-percent of all families, can’t afford life’s basic necessities, an increase of nearly 23-thousand families. President of the Louisiana Association of United Ways, Sarah Berthelot, says stagnant wages and inflation are to blame…
cut 11 (11) “…really tough”
The report also shows one-third of Louisiana households earn more than the federally designated poverty level, but less than the cost of living in their area.

7:30 LRN Newscast

LSU’s annual “Louisiana Survey” of public opinions shows residents’ Number One concern is CRIME. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (31) “…Kevin Gallagher.”

Republican State Senator Fred Mills from St. Martin Parish says he has no regrets about his vote as chairman of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee that resulted in the defeat of a bill to ban gender-affirming care for transgender children. Mills says statistics show this is not a problem in Louisiana and it’s ridiculous to create legislation that impacts a few dozen people.

Family members of the 63-year-old Houston woman who died of hypothermia at the New Iberia Arby’s on May 11th are suing Turbo Restaurants, the Texas-based company that owns the franchise. Attorney Paul Skrabanek says Nguyet Lee (New wet Lee) was the acting manager when she was found dead in the walk-in cooler.
Cut 13 (11) “…thing broken.”
Skrabanek says Le tried to force her way out and was found with blood on her hands. Turbo Restaurants has not commented on the incident.

The Louisiana Association of United Ways released a report that says 51-percent of Louisiana households struggle to afford the basics, an increase of nearly 23-thousand families. President of the Louisiana Association of United Ways, Sarah Berthelot, says the 11-percent increase in inflation is making it extremely difficult on so many families.
Cut 12 (11) “…concluding.”
A link to view the ALICE report can be found on the LouisianaRadioNetwork.com

6:45 LRN Sportscast

A four-run fifth inning by Arkansas resulted in a five to four win for the Razorbacks over the LSU Tigers in the SEC Tournament yesterday. LSU’s starting pitcher Paul Skenes walked the lead-off hitter in the fourth inning, gave up three singles, issued another walk, before being pulled for Riley Cooper. Arkansas caught a break on a catcher’s interference call that helped the Hogs score five runs in that inning. Skenes suffered the loss as he gave up five runs in 3.2 innings. He credits Arkansas’ approach at the plate as they worked long counts…
cut 23 (15) “…too”
LSU will play at 3 PM today against Texas A-and-M in an elimination game.

The Ragin Cajuns also have an elimination game tonight after losing to top-seeded Coastal Carolina six to three. U-L Lafayette will take on Texas State at 6:30.

Louisiana Tech has an elimination game today at 2 PM against Charlotte after falling to Middle Tennessee seven to six.

U-L Lafayette softball begins its Super Regional series tonight at Washington. Both teams enter the best of three series on an emotional high. The Cajuns beat their in-state rival LSU twice on Sunday, while Washington had to rally from six-runs down in the seventh to beat McNeese and win its regional. Cajuns Coach Gerry Glasco says getting off to a good start will be a key…
cut 17 (15) “…mentally”
First pitch is at 9 PM.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The family of the 63-year-old Houston woman who died of hypothermia in a New Iberia Arby’s May 11th is suing the owners of the chain. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The search continues in the Bahamas for a recent Louisiana high school graduate who went missing after he went overboard during a sunset cruise. 18-year-old Cameron Robbins who graduated days ago from University High in Baton Rouge was on a trip with other grads when he reportedly jumped into the water on a dare and disappeared moments later.

According to a survey of 500 people, crime has surged to the top as the biggest concern among state residents….
cut 5 (06) “…20-percent
That’s the director of the Louisiana Survey, LSU’s Doctor Michael Henderson, who says four out of five Louisiana residents say crime has increased over the last few years.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says law enforcement are paying close attention to see if motorists are buckled up during the “Click It or Ticket” campaign, which runs through June 4. Spokesperson Gregory Fischer says wearing a seat belt increases your chances of surviving a vehicle crash. He says all you have to do is look at the 2021 crash statistics…
Cut 7 (07) “…their seatbelts.”
State law mandates every person in a vehicle must wear a seat belt. Based on a latest survey 86 percent of people in the front seat buckle up.

LRN AM Newscall updated copy on click and ticket it story

LSU’s annual “Louisiana Survey” of public opinions shows residents’ Number One concern is CRIME. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (31)  “…Kevin Gallagher.”

_______________________________________________

It’s the law to wear a seatbelt in Louisiana and Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is making sure all occupants are buckled up during their “Click it or Ticket” campaign through June 4th. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

The family of the 63-year-old Houston woman who died of hypothermia in a New Iberia Arby’s May 11th is suing the owners of the chain. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_____________________________________________

LSU’s annual “Louisiana Survey” public opinion poll shows crime is residents’ top concern. The survey is done by LSU’s Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs to gauge public opinion of life, government and policies. Study lead Michael Henderson says the yearly telephone interview survey of over 500 random statewide residents got a surprising result this time around…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…folks named ‘crime’”

Henderson says 20 percent of respondents said their biggest worry was rising crime. He says that is the highest number on that particular question in memory…:

Cut 5 (06)   “…near 20 percent.”

Henderson says folks taking the Louisiana Survey reported they can see crime getting worse and spreading everywhere…:

Cut 6 (05)  “…last four years.”

Henderson hopes law enforcement and government leaders will take note and understand the public is looking for better, safer times.

_____________________________________________

Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reminds drivers law enforcement will be out to issue tickets to anyone who doesn’t buckle up during the “Click It or Ticket” campaign through June 4. Spokesperson Gregory Fischer says wearing a seat belt increases your chances of surviving a vehicle crash.

Cut 7 (13) “…their seatbelts.”

State law mandates every person in a vehicle must wear a seat belt or be in a child safety seat. Fewer than 14 percent of drivers and passengers make up more than half of the motor vehicle fatalities in the state. Fischer says unsecured backseat drivers can be in more jeopardy during a crash.

Cut 8 (13) “…buckled up.”

The 2022 LHSC survey shows 91 percent of women wear seatbelts, while men are at 82-percent. New Orleans and Monroe have the highest seat belt usage at 88 percent. Fischer says the usage rate is lower in central Louisiana.

Cut 9 (12)  “…their seatbelts.”

A first-time ticket for not wearing a seatbelt costs $50, and subsequent offenses are $75.

________________________________________

The most recent ALICE Report, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed from the United Way indicates more than half of Louisiana households are struggling to make ends meet. President of the Louisiana Association of United Ways, Sarah Berthelot says the Bayou State ranks second in the country, just behind Mississippi…

Cut 10 (05) “…survival budget. ” 

In 2021 the ALICE Household Survival Budget for a working family of four was $66,000, far above the Federal Poverty Level of $26,500. Berthelot says that would mean wage earners in a household of four would need $33 an hour to meet household expenses, yet 70 percent of the state’s most common jobs pay less than $20 an hour.

Berthelot says stagnant wages and inflation are to blame.

Cut 11 (11)  “…really tough.”

Berthelot says so many families are working extremely hard to pay their expenses but the 11-percent increase in inflation is making it extremely difficult and so many families were forced to dip into their savings during the pandemic.

Cut 12 (11)    “…concluding.” 

A link to view the ALICE report can be found on the LouisianaRadioNetwork.com

https://www.launitedway.org/ALICE-Reports-Louisiana

_______________________________________________

Family members of the 63-year-old Houston woman who died of hypothermia at the New Iberia Arby’s on May 11th are suing Turbo Restaurants, the Texas-based company that owns the franchise. Attorney Paul Skrabanek (scraw-bionic) says Nguyet Lee (New wet Lee) was the acting manager when she was found dead in the walk-in cooler.

Cut 13 (11) “…thing broken.”  

Turbo Restaurants had asked Le, who managed an Arby’s in Houston, to manage the New Iberia eatery temporarily for four to six weeks. Skrabanek says it was Le’s 41-year-old special needs son who worked with her that made the grisly discovery. He says the police told them Le tried to fight her way out.

Cut 14 (10)  “…the floor.”

Skrabanek says Le was alone at the restaurant and arrived around 9 o’clock that morning and was discovered about an hour and a half later. He says employees were using a screwdriver to go in and out of the cooler and propping the door open with a box, since Fall. He says they want to bring about awareness of the incident and are seeking monetary damages. He says he’s heard nothing from the owners.

Cut 15 (09)  “…to file it.”

Skrabanek says Le was a mother of four from a tight-knit hard-working Asian family.

_______________________________________________

U-L Lafayette fans are getting ready for a late night so they can watch the Lady Cajun softball team batting Washington in game one of a super regional series. First pitch from Seattle is at 9 PM. The 22nd-ranked Cajuns have won 50 games this year, while the Huskies are 41-13 and ranked fifth in the country. U-L Coach Gerry Glasco says there will be a lot of talent on the field during this best-of-three series

Cut  16 (16)  “..hard-fought series.” 

Both teams enter the super regionals on an emotional high. The Cajuns beat their in-state rival LSU twice on Sunday, while Washington had to rally from six runs down in the seventh to beat McNeese and win its regional. Glasco says getting off to a good start will be key…

Cut 17 (15) “…mentally.” 

The Cajuns won the Baton Rouge regional despite committing five errors in the championship game against LSU. Glasco says they need to keep the errors to a minimum this weekend…

Cut 18 (19) “…all aspects”

_____________________________________

The national champion LSU women’s basketball team meets President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden today for a ceremony to celebrate the Lady Tigers and the national champion UCONN men’s basketball team. The voice of the Lady Tigers Patrick Wright says the champs are excited about the trip…

Cut 19 (19) “… all of us.” 

The Lady Tigers hoops squad is the fourth LSU sport to visit the White House in celebration of a national championship. The last time an LSU team went to the White House was the 2019 national champion football team and they produced a viral video while dancing to “Get the Gat.” Wright wouldn’t be surprised if this team produces a sequel…

Cut 20 (07)  “…cameo”  

5:30 LRN Newscast and Legislative Report May 25

Republican state senator Fred Mills from St. Martin Parish is facing backlash after he cast the tie-breaking vote to kill a bill that would ban gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors. Mills sided with Democrats to defeat the legislation in Senate Health and Welfare. Louisiana Republican Strategist Lionel Rainey…

Cut 6 (09)  “…how does this happen.” 

Mills said he voted against the legislation because he believes in the doctor-patient relationship and the ability to allow a family to choose what’s best for them. A’niya Robinson, with the Louisiana ACLU says Mills and the four other lawmakers who voted against the bill stood up for transgender children and families…

Cut 9 (04) “…day went.”

He says his vote was based on testimony given during the lengthy debate.

Legislation to provide free and accessible menstrual products for female public-school students passed in House Education without objection. Bill author, New Orleans Senator Aimee Freeman says other states already provide funding for feminine products.

Cut 12 (08) “…and funding.” 

The bill heads next to House Appropriations

Senate Education advances House-approved legislation requiring high school students to complete a financial literacy course to graduate and qualify for TOPS. State Treasurer John Schroder supports the legislation….

Cut 3 (11) “…have money.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor for final passage.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU is battling Arkansas in the SEC Tournament. A good pitcher’s duel is expected as Paul Skenes is on the hill for the Tigers and the Razorbacks counter with their ace Hagen Smith, who has a 2.56 ERA.

Louisiana Tech scored five runs in the ninth inning but lost seven to six to Middle Tennessee in the Conference USA Tournament today. The Bulldogs will need to win tomorrow against Charlotte to keep its season alive.

After beating Texas State last night in the Sun Belt Tourney, the Cajuns have a big test tonight as they face top seeded Coastal Carolina at 7:30. Louisiana is reportedly on the bubble when it comes to making the NCAA Tourney.

McNeese stayed alive in the Southland Tournament with a three to nothing win over U-I-W. Tonight Northwestern State faces UNO in a winner’s bracket contest.

The national champion LSU women’s basketball team meets President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden tomorrow for a ceremony to celebrate the Lady Tigers and the national champion UCONN men’s basketball team. The voice of the Lady Tigers Patrick Wright says the champs are excited about the trip…
cut 19 (19) “….for all of us”
The Lady Tigers hoops squad is the fourth LSU sport to visit the White House in celebration of a national championship.

And LSU men’s basketball coach Matt McMahon is celebrating today as former five star recruit Damion Collins is transferring from Kentucky to the Fighting Tigers. The six-foot-nine 210 pounds sophomore from Atlanta, Texas did not play a lot the last two seasons in Lexington.

4:30 LRN Newscast May 25

The NOAA says we likely have a “near-normal” hurricane season ahead this year. They predict up to 17 named storms (the average is 14)…up to 9 of those hurricanes, and up to 4 of those Category 3 or stronger. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we got a break last year; getting NO storms at all. This year we have two climate factors at play…;

CUT 13 (10)      “…hurricane season.”

A Pacific El Nino can actually weaken Atlantic storms, and that would be a good thing.

A House-approved bill to require high schooler complete a financial literacy course to graduate and qualify for TOPS passed out of the Senate Education committee today. State Treasurer John Schroder spoke for the bill…:

CUT 03 (11)      “…have money.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor for what could be final passage.

 

A Senate bill to provide free and accessible feminine products to Louisiana public school girls advances out of the House Education Committee…:

CUT 02 (31)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

The family of a 12-year-old Kenner boy, who was killed when an ice cream truck crashed through his home, says they will donate his organs so that up to 8 lives can be saved. The crash left young Adrian Fajardo in critical condition and brain dead. Go to “LOPA.org” to learn how you can be an organ donor.

3:30 LRN Newscast May 25

Hurricane season officially begins in a week, and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (or NOAA) predicts near-normal activity this year. 12-17 named storms, 5-9 of those hurricanes and 1-4 of those Cat 3 or higher. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the developing Pacific El Nino could help calm the tropics down a bit for us…:

CUT 15(13)      “…deeper into the season.”

Hurricane Ida in 2021 was our last hurricane.

A bill to assure that public schools provide free and accessible feminine hygiene products for girls passed out of the House Education Committee un-opposed today. Speaking for the bill, Caddo high schooler Natalie Cockrell, who says she and classmates had to pitch in to buy what they needed once a month…:

CUT 11(06)      “…than normal.”

The Senate has already passed the bill, by New Orleans Senator Aimee Freeman. It goes now to House Appropriations due to its cost to taxpayers.

 

Republican Senator Fred Mills from New Iberia is receiving strong backlash from his own party for voting against a bill to ban gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors…:

CUT 01(39)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Opening today in Lafayette, the 35th annual Cajun Heartland State Fair; featuring live music, rides, food and even a big top circus style performances. The fair runs now through June 4th.

2:30 LRN Newscast May 25

At the State Capitol, a Senate bill to provide free and accessible feminine products to Louisiana public school students advances out of the House Education Committee. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

State Police report a 2 vehicle crash in Sabine Parish Wednesday afternoon left three people dead. Troopers says it happened on Highway 171 near Zwolle, when a pickup rear-ended a big rig that was waiting to make a left turn. A man and two teens in the pickup were killed. The crash is under investigation.

 

NOAA predicts a near-normal 2023 hurricane season. Weather officials say that means 12 to 17 named storms, five to nine hurricanes, and one to four of those Category 3 or higher. State Climatologist Barry Keim says an El Nino will likely be in full effect by the time we’re well into storm season…:

CUT 14(11)      “…be weaker.”

Louisiana was spared any hurricanes or tropical storms last year, but 2020 and 2021 were disastrous.

The Senate Education Committee advanced House-approved legislation requiring high school students to complete one unit of financial literacy course to graduate and to qualify for TOPS. State Treasurer John Schroder says businesses have contacted the Department of Treasury to donate money to help pay for the infrastructure of the program…:

CUT 05(09)      “…could use.”

That bill moves now to the Senate floor.