6:30 LRN Newscast

Hammond Police are charging three individuals with attempted murder after a female student at Southeastern Louisiana University survived a fentanyl overdose. Police Chief Edwin Bergeron says previously these suspects would just face drug charges, but they are doing something new in Tangiaphoa Parish……
Cut 7 (08) “…murder charges.”
50-year-old Kawaiishh Brown and two men, 29-year-old, Shyheim Pines, and 21-year-old Mark Fridge, III face attempted murder charges. The student is back at school.

It’s Easter weekend and it’s the biggest crawfish eating weekend of the year…
cut 12 (04) “…ASAP:
That’s Crawfish App co-founder Laney King who says be prepared to spend around 150 to 200 dollars on a 35 pound sack. Boiled crawfish are selling for about seven dollars a pound.

It’s Eastertime in Louisiana which means Elmer’s Candy will be filling baskets. Colleen Crain looks at the sweets coming from the Ponchatoula candy maker…
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

AM LRN Newscall March 29

It’s Eastertime in Louisiana which means Elmer’s Candy will be filling baskets. Colleen Crain looks at the sweets coming from the Ponchatoula candy maker…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Three individuals are facing attempted murder charges in connection to the non-fatal overdose of a Southeastern student. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The lower-than-usual supply of crawfish has not kept up with demand for this Easter weekend. Teiko Foxx reports there’s been a bump in prices heading into the holiday weekend…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Easter baskets are being filled this weekend and in Louisiana, that means Elmer’s Candy. Elmer’s CEO, Rob Nelson says there’s usually a big rush on the South Louisiana treats in the three days leading up to the holiday that this year is coming early…

Cut 4 (06) “…very good.”

Elmers has been making the treats that show up in Louisiana Easter baskets since 1855 and Louisiana has its favorites, says Nelson.

Cut 5 (11) “…Gulf Coast.” 

During the pandemic, Elmers had to stop making their popular Strawberry Heavenly Hash but they’re back and even better, says Nelson. He says they received lots of letters asking for them, but the requests were only part of the reason for the return of the Strawberry treats…

Cut 6 (11) “…or colors.”

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Hammond Police have made three attempted murder arrests in connection to the January non-fatal overdose of a Southeastern student. Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron says before it would have been narcotic charges but now with the Fentanyl Overdose Response Team’s investigation…

 Cut 7 (08) “…murder charges.”

50-year-old Kawaiishh Brown and two men, 29-year-old, Shyheim Pines, and 21-year-old Mark Fridge, III face attempted murder charges for their role in dealing narcotics that led to the overdose of a female student. None of the suspects were enrolled at Southeastern.

Bergeron credits the quick action of Southeastern University Police in saving her life by administering Narcan.

Bergeron says the Fentanyl Overdose Response Team, made up of several law enforcement agencies, hopes to curb the overdose epidemic and send a strong message to drug dealers.

Cut 8 (08) “…this way.” 

Bergeron credits the team for their quick arrests and thorough investigation…

Cut 9 (09)  “…these things.”

The three were arrested Tuesday and the student has returned to campus.

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If you’re planning a crawfish boil for this Easter weekend,  plan to spend 50 cents a pound more than last week as demand is outpacing supply. Crawfish App co-founder Laney King keeps track of prices…

Cut 10 (13) “…sack of crawfish.”

Laney says Crawfish prices are almost double what they were last Easter, which $2.59 a pound for live crawfish. She says Easter is the busiest weekend of the season and supply is lower than usual.

Cut 11 (08) “…and Sunday.”

Prices for boiled crawfish are around $7.00 a pound this weekend, and live crawfish are now averaging $4.75 a pound. King says if you haven’t already, reserve your sacks now.

Cut 12 (04) “…ASAP.” 

Crawfish App averages crawfish data from more than 1,600 businesses in Louisiana.

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A whopping 92-pound, nearly 50-inch Grass Carp was captured in Lake Concordia in Ferriday. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologist Shelby Richard (Ree-shard) says the carp was taken during standard spring electrofishing sampling

Cut 13 (12)  “…shy of that.”

Had this carp been captured by traditional fishing methods, it would have bested the current IGFA All-Tackle World Record by four pounds, which was caught in Bulgaria in 2009. It would have tied the current Bowfishing Association of America World Record, caught in Alabama in 2015.

Grass Carp are native to Asia and have been used in the United States since the 1960s to control aquatic vegetation in inland water bodies. Richard says this is the first time they’ve ever observed a Grass Carp in Lake Concordia during sampling

Cut 14 (14)  “…in Lake Concordia.”

Richard says they are still trying to determine its age. They can live for 30 years. He says they’ve sent samples to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to see if it was sterile. But Richard says even if it was not sterile, Lake Concordia does not have the necessary habitat for reproduction

Cut 15 (12)  “…that lake.”

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LSU and UCLA are in Albany, New York preparing for tomorrow afternoon’s Sweet 16 matchup on Saturday afternoon. The Bruins are 27-6, while the Lady Tigers are 30-5. UCLA Coach Cori Close says both teams are similar

Cut 16 (19)  “…other programs.” 

UCLA is led by six-foot-seven, Lauren Betts, who’s averaging 15 points and nine rebounds a game. Close says Betts is a matchup problem for other teams…

Cut 17 (13) “…our side.” 

 

Cut 18 (20)  “…to be made.”  

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Cut 19 (15) “…as a player.”  

 

Cut 20 (18) “…they take.”

 

 

 

 

5:30 LRN Newscast and Legislative Report

The Louisiana House approves legislation to repeal the three-year rule, which prohibits homeowner’s insurance providers from dropping policyholders who have been a customer for more than three years. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Governor Jeff Landry is pushing to wrap the current legislative session early and hold a Constitutional Convention May 20th to July 15th. To do so there must be a two-thirds majority in both chambers and it doesn’t appear that the Republican has the votes to do so. Some lawmakers are balking saying it’s too rushed.

 

Senate Education approves a bill that takes current law prohibiting public school students from using their cell phones on school property a step further. Bill author, Beth Mizell believes requiring the devices be turned off and properly stowed away throughout the instructional day will help pull Louisiana schools up from the bottom of the list…

Cut 20 (09) “…the classroom.” 

Senate Bill 107 now heads to the full Senate.

And Senator Mizell along with Convington Senator Patrick McMath plan to file legislation to limit the authority and control of the new St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christopher Tape who’s under fire after his prior sexual assault accusations were not disclosed and his swift elimination of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners program in four parishes under his authority. The bills would give the parish council the authority to discipline and remove the coroner and the other would adjust the coroner’s authority over the sexual assault evidence and victim programs.

4:45 LRN Sportscast March 28

A sputtering LSU baseball team begins a three-game set tonight against top ranked Arkansas. Coach Jay Johnson’s team is 2-4 in SEC play and knows his guys need to be on top of their game….
cut 15 (15) “…pitch”
Arkansas is 20-6, 5-1 in the SEC and their pitching staff leads the nation in team ERA at 2.50. Tonight’s starting pitcher for the Hogs, Hagen Smith, is the top pitcher in the country, 4-0 with a 1.24 ERA. First pitch is at 6 PM.

Also, ULM hosts 19th ranked Coastal Carolina. The Cajuns seek their eighth straight win when they visit Texas State. Louisiana Tech is at F-I-U. The Golden Panthers are 4-2 in Conference USA, while the Bulldogs are 3-0.

Receiver Malik Nabers put on a show at LSU’s Pro Day, running a 4.35 in the 40 yard dash in front of NFL teams. Nabers is a lock to be a top ten pick and he could be the first receiver taken in the NFL draft. The Youngsville native is LSU’s all-time leader in receiving yards, but describes himself as a humble person…
cut 18 (20) “….to be made”

In basketball….the Pelicans host the Milwaukee Bucks tonight.

The Ragin Cajuns leading scorer last season, Kobe Julien, has entered the transfer portal. Julien averaged 17 points and averaged 5 boards a contest and was a second team All-Sun Belt selection.

The Lady Tigers left for Albany New York today. They’ll play UCLA on Saturday at noon in the Sweet 16.

4:30 LRN Newscast March 28

The Louisiana House approves legislation that would repeal the rule that prohibits homeowner insurance companies from dropping a policyholder after three years. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple’s package of bills seeks to bring more insurers into the state that he says will lead to more competition and lower rates. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson…

Cut 5 (12)  “…that’s right.”

The measure heads to the Senate for debate.

Kristen Perkins has started Leedle’s Dirty Paws Rescue in Rapides Parish in memory of her daughter, Leeleanne who tragically died in 2022 trying to save a dog. Perkins says the rescue help dogs find new homes but admits operating a rescue is tough.

Cut 8 (12) “…that choice.” 

You can find a link to the rescue at LouisianaRadioNetwork.com

The Small Business Administration has opened a Business Recovery Center in Crowley for businesses impacted by challenges from last year’s extreme drought. Spokesperson Corey Williams…

Cut 11 (11) “…extreme drought.”

Williams says services are free of charge, with no appointment necessary. There are SBA offices in all 64 parishes.

Louisiana honey supply is down due to the state’s extreme drought last year. The state typically produces more than three million pounds of honey in a year. State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says last year it was two-million pounds….

Cut 12 (09) “…wow” 

Strain says a lower supply of honey, means the price has gone up.

3:30 PM Newscast March 28

A 76-year-old pedestrian was killed while walking on Hwy 371 just south of Ringgold Wednesday night around 10:00 PM. Louisiana State Police says Major Love of Ringgold was walking in the northbound lane when a 2014 Ford Fusion traveling in the same direction, struck Love. The driver of the Fusion was not injured. Ford was pronounced deceased at the scene. Toxicology samples were collected and impairment on the part of Love is suspected. State police remind pedestrians to always walk against traffic in well-lit designated areas and wear reflective or light clothing.

After her daughter was tragically killed on a busy highway while trying to save a dog, Kristen Perkins chose to honor her memory by starting “Leedle’s Dirty Paws Rescue.” (pronounced Leal-dell) The Rapides parish rescue in Glenmora might be small but Perkins’ heart for animals is huge.

Cut 6  (10) “…be thrilled.” 

The Louisiana House approves legislation that repeals the three-year rule, which prohibits homeowners insurance companies from dropping policyholders that have been a customer for more than years. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Expect higher prices for Louisiana honey. Supply is down because of Last year’s historic drought State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain felt the reduction in honey production firsthand as he’s also a licensed beekeeper…

Cut  14 (07) “…impact”

LRN PM Newscall

The Louisiana House approves legislation that repeals the three-year rule, which prohibits homeowners insurance companies from dropping policyholders that have been a customer for more than years. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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After her daughter was tragically killed while trying to save a dog two years ago, her mother is keeping her legacy alive in a unique way. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The Louisiana House has approved an insurance reform measure that repeals the three-year rule. Louisiana does not allow homeowners insurance companies to drop policyholders who have been customers for at least three years. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment says his legislation will allow insurers to better manage their risk..

Cut 3 (10) “…insurance market”  

Firment says repealing the three-year rule will help attract more insurers into the state, which would result in lower premiums.

Critics says there is no guarantee this will help bring more insurers into Louisiana. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan says you’re getting rid of a great for consumer protection policy for a hope that it will result in lower premiums…

Cut 4 (06) “…than others.” 

Repealing the three-year rule is part of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple’s package of bills that he says will result will bring more insurance providers to Louisiana. Temple says more competition is the key to reversing soaring premiums. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says if Temple supports it, he backs it too…

Cut 5 (12)  “…that’s right.”

The measure heads to the Senate for more discussion.

_____________________________________________________________

After her daughter was tragically killed on a busy highway while trying to save a dog, Kristen Perkins chose to honor her memory by starting “Leedle’s Dirty Paws Rescue.” (pronounced Leal-dell) The Rapides parish rescue in Glenmora might be small but Perkins’ heart for animals is huge.

Cut 6  (10) “…be thrilled.” 

Perkins says her daughter, whose nickname was Leedle, was on her way home from work at a vet clinic when she stopped on the Monroe highway in Pineville to save an injured dog.

Cut 7 (10) “…out of the highway.”  

Leeleanne “Leedle” was killed on January 11, 2022, just days before her 22nd birthday.

Their six dogs are microchipped, fixed and all deserving of a loving home, but Perkins admits operating a rescue is tough, both emotionally and financially.

Cut 8 (12) “…that choice.” 

You can find a link to the rescue at LouisianaRadioNetwork.com

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The Small Business Administration opened a Business Recovery Center in Crowley today at the former Wells Fargo Bank location on Parkerson Avenue. The center provides resources and assistance to small businesses impacted by last year’s extreme drought. Spokesperson Corey Williams says small businesses are eligible for loans to help with financial loss.

Cut 9 (13) “…in revenues” 

Interest rates are at four percent and does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the loan disbursement.

Williams says non-profit organizations are also eligible for loans with a two-point three percent interest rate. The goal is to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses of small businesses.

Cut 10 (13) “…they need. “

Services include assessing business working capital needs and a review of options to help owners evaluate their alternatives.

Williams says services are free of charge, with no appointment necessary. He says this initiative is SBA’s commitment to helping Louisiana small businesses to overcome challenges resulting from natural disasters.

Cut 11 (11) “…extreme drought.”

Williams says there are SBA offices in all 64 parishes. Small businesses can apply online at Lending.SBA.gov.

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Last year’s historic drought had an impact on several agricultural commodities, including honey. State  Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says in a typical year, Louisiana produces more than three million pounds of honey, but last year it was two-million pounds….

Cut 12 (09) “…wow” 

Strain says a lower supply of honey, means the price has gone up….

Cut 13 (12) “…26-percent”   

Strain felt the reduction in honey production first hand as he’s also a licensed bee keeper…

Cut  14 (07) “…impact”

2:30 PM Newscast March 28

The Louisiana House has approved an insurance reform measure that repeals the three-year rule which bars homeowners’ insurance companies from dropping policyholders who have been insured with them for at least three years. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment says his legislation will help attract more insurers to Louisiana, but Critics says there is no guarantee and Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan says you’re getting rid of a great for consumer protection policy for a hope that it will result in lower premiums…

Cut 4 (06) “…than others.” 

Crawfish wasn’t the only crop that suffered from Last year’s historic drought. Louisiana’s honey supply is down, and State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says a lower supply, means the price has gone up….

Cut 13 (12) “…26-percent”   

After her daughter was tragically killed while trying to save a dog two years ago, her mother is keeping her legacy alive in a unique way. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The Small Business Administration opened a Business Recovery Center in Crowley today. The center provides resources and assistance to small businesses impacted by last year’s extreme drought. Spokesperson Corey Williams says small businesses are eligible for loans to help with financial loss.

Cut 9 (10) “…lost revenues” 

1:30 LRN Newscast March 28

The Louisiana House approves an insurance reform to repeal the three-year rule. Louisiana does not allow homeowners insurance companies to drop policyholders who have been customers for at least three years. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment this will allow insurers to better manage their risk.

Cut 3 (10) “…insurance market”  

He says repealing the three-year rule will attract more insurers into the state.

Last year’s historic drought also impacted honey in the state. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says in a typical year, Louisiana produces more than three million pounds of honey, but last year it was two-million pounds….

Cut 12 (09) “…wow” 

A lower supply of honey means higher prices.

The Small Business Administration opened a Business Recovery Center in Crowley today to provide resources and assistance to those impacted by last year’s extreme drought. Spokesperson Corey Williams says non-profit organizations are also eligible for loans.

Cut 10 (13) “…they need. “

After her daughter was tragically killed on a busy highway while trying to save a dog, Kristen Perkins chose to honor her memory by starting “Leedle’s Dirty Paws Rescue.” In the small Rapides Parish town of Glenmora; they have six dogs right now.

Cut 8 (12) “…that choice.” 

You can find a link to rescue at Louisiana Radio Network dot com

12:30 LRN Newscast March 28

Legislation to repeal the state’s three-year rule advances from the Louisiana House. Critics say there is no guarantee this will help bring more insurers into Louisiana. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan…

Cut 4 (06) “…than others.” 

Repealing the three-year rule is part of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple’s package of bills that he says will bring more insurance providers to Louisiana. Temple says more competition is the key to reversing soaring premiums. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says if Temple supports it, he backs it too…

Cut 5 (12)  “…that’s right.”

The measure heads to the Senate for more discussion.

Kristen Perkins has started “Leedle’s Dirty Paws Rescue” in Glenmora to honor her daughter, Leeleanne’s memory. On January 11, 2022, she says her daughter was on her way home from work at a vet clinic when she was tragically killed on a highway in Pineville trying to save an injured dog.

Cut 7 (11) “…out of the highway.”  

You can find Leedle’s Dirty Paws Rescue on Facebook and Petfinder.com.

The Small Business Administration opened a Business Recovery Center in Crowley today at the former Wells Fargo Bank location on Parkerson Avenue.  Spokesperson Corey Williams says this initiative is SBA’s commitment to helping Louisiana small businesses to overcome challenges resulting from natural disasters.

Cut 11 (11) “…extreme drought.”

Services are free of charge, with no appointment necessary.