5:30 LRN Newscall

Today is the last day for early voting in the presidential election here in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (12)  “…been here for.”

John Couvillon (COO-vee-ahn) with JMC Analytics says while the early voting in polling places is up from four years ago, the mail-in ballots are considerably down from that time. He says he does not expect the state to reach the one-million early vote mark at the end of the day today.

The City of Tallulah, in Madison Parish, will be imposing a curfew starting Friday. The police chief is taking the action due to what he says are issues within the city. City spokeswoman Yvonne Lewis says the curfew will be in place indefinitely.

Cut 14 (07) “…will lift it.”

Days before the curfew was announced, the principal of Madison High School ordered students to leave backpacks at home this week.

Governor Landry is in South Korea for his first economic development mission trip as governor.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A 14-year-old boy is killed in a shooting in Terrebonne Parish. The shooting happened last Friday in a neighborhood in Chauvin, and the boy’s body was found in a wooded area. The sheriff says the shooting stemmed from a series of vehicle burglaries involving two other juvenile boys. The name of the teen killed has not yet been released.

4:30 LRN Newscast

Today is the last day for early voting in the presidential election here in Louisiana. John Couvillon (COO-vee-ahn) with JMC Analytics says just over 850-thousand have already voted, and Republicans represent the majority of them.

Cut 11 (15) “…seven-point lead.”

If you do not vote today, your last chance will be on Election Day one week from today at your assigned precinct.

Governor Landry is in South Korea on his first overseas economic development trip as governor. Economist Doctor Loren Scott says Landry is promoting Louisiana as an attractive place to invest in natural gas, just like Texas.

Cut 7 (12) “…world markets.”

The City of Tallulah, in Madison Parish, will be imposing a curfew later this week. Starting Friday, no one will be allowed on the streets between midnight and five a-m. City spokeswoman Yvonne Lewis says the police chief is taking the action with the blessing of the mayor and city council.

Cut 12 (10) “…during those times.”

The curfew will be in place indefinitely.

Following an all-day search that involved multiple agencies, a ten-year-old Livingston Parish boy who disappeared from his home is found safe. Sheriff Jason Ard says Brody Sturdivant ran away from home after being punished. He says even though the boy has been found safe, the investigation is ongoing.

Cut 5 (11) “…hard right now.”

The FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service assisted in the search.

LRN PM Newscall October 29

Jeff Landry is in South Korea for his first economic development mission trip as governor. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Later this week, people in one northeast Louisiana community will be told to be home by midnight. Andrew Greenstein explains.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Following an all-day search that involved multiple agencies, a ten-year-old Livingston Parish boy who disappeared from his home is found safe. Sheriff Jason Ard says ten-year-old Brody Sturdivant ran away from home after being punished, and this isn’t the first time this has happened.

Cut 3 (09) “…what he does.”

Sheriff Ard says Brody was found underneath a house in a neighborhood not too far from his own.

Cut 4 (07) “…to find him.”

Ard says even though the boy has been found safe, the investigation is ongoing.

Cut 5 (11) “…hard right now.”

The FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service assisted in the search.

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Jeff Landry is conducting his first overseas economic development trip as governor as he’s in South Korea. The governor’s office says Landry is there to strengthen relationships with major South Korean companies currently doing business in Louisiana or considering future investment in the state. Economist Doctor Loren Scott says the cheap price of natural gas makes Louisiana an attractive place to invest…

Cut 6 (11) “…cheap molecules.”

Scott says the price of natural of gas is also cheap in south Texas so there’s competition in attracting companies from Asia who are looking to produce material using natural gas.

Cut 7 (12) “…world markets.”

According to the governor’s office, South Korea is Louisiana’s fourth largest import market and Korea is also the world’s third largest liquefied natural gas importer in the world, which includes exports from two different LNG facilities in south Louisiana.

Scott says these face to face visits in other countries can result in more jobs and investment in Louisiana…

Cut 8 (08) “…in person.”

The governor’s office did not say when Governor Landry will return to Louisiana.

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Today is the last day for early voting in the presidential election here in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (12)  “…854,000.”

John Couvillon (COO-vee-ahn) with JMC Analytics says while the early voting in polling places is up from four years ago, the mail-in ballots are considerably down from that time. He says he does not expect the state to reach the one-million early vote mark at the end of the day today.

Cut 10 (11) “…than the other.”

Couvillon says in this case, the side more interested in early voting is the Republicans, which is highly unusual.

Cut 11 (15) “…seven-point lead.”

If you do not vote today, your last chance will be on Election Day one week from today at your assigned precinct.

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The City of Tallulah, in Madison Parish, will be imposing a curfew later this week. Starting November 1st, no one will be allowed on the streets between midnight and five a-m. City spokeswoman Yvonne Lewis says the police chief is taking the action with the blessing of the mayor and city council.

Cut 12 (10) “…during those times.”

Lewis did not elaborate on what those issues are. Of course, if you have a reason to be out during those times, such as going to work or returning home from work, that’s okay. Lewis says they’re not looking to charge anyone with a crime for simply being out past curfew.

Cut 13 (09) “…where you’re going.” 

Lewis says the curfew will be in place indefinitely.

Cut 14 (07) “…will lift it.”

Days before the curfew was announced, the principal of Madison High School ordered students to leave backpacks at home this week. Lewis said this is so that any issues that are persisting in the city do not spill over into the school community.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Landry is conducting his first overseas economic development trip as governor as he’s in South Korea. The governor’s office says Landry is there to strengthen relationships with major South Korean companies currently doing business in Louisiana or considering future investment in the state. Economist Doctor Loren Scott says the cheap price of natural gas makes Louisiana an attractive place to invest…

Cut 6 (11) “…cheap molecules.”

Following an all-day search that involved multiple agencies, a ten-year-old Livingston Parish boy who disappeared from his home is found safe. Sheriff Jason Ard says ten-year-old Brody Sturdivant ran away from home after being punished, and this isn’t the first time this has happened.

Cut 3 (09) “…what he does.”

Sheriff Ard says Brody was found underneath a house in a neighborhood not too far from his own.

The City of Tallulah, in Madison Parish, will be imposing a curfew later this week. The city says the police chief is taking the action with the blessing of the mayor and city council due to issues within the community, not elaborating on the nature of said issues. The principal of Madison High School in the city has ordered students to leave backpacks at home this week; the city says this is so that issues do not spill into the school community. The curfew will be in place indefinitely.

If you’re looking for a spooky place to celebrate Halloween, look no further than the Baton Rouge area. Travel experts at Planet Cruise have named The Myrtles in St. Francisville as the sixth spookiest place in the world, based on the number of times the word “spooky” appeared in TripAdvisor reviews. Mary Glen Miller, the director of sales and marketing at The Myrtles, says it has quite the history.

Cut 13 (15)  “…throughout the years.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

One week from tomorrow, lawmakers will be back in Baton Rouge to, among other things, consider Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal. It calls for lowering the income tax across the board and imposing sales tax on some services not currently being taxed. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says there seems to be agreement that we’re moving in the right direction…

Cut 6 (13) “…can get behind.” 

It was an argument that led to a deadly shooting that ruined St. Martinville’s homecoming football game last Friday. Police Chief Ricky Martin says the people involved had nothing to do with any players on either team.

Cut 10 (11) “…a third party.”

The three suspects were captured in Texas and are awaiting extradition.

If you’re looking for a spooky place to celebrate Halloween, look no further than the Baton Rouge area. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

A new playground coming in Metairie will be the largest inclusive playground in the state. The playground will include equipment for kids with auditory issues and spaces for non-verbal kids. Construction will begin soon, and it’s expected to be completed next spring.

9:30 LRN Newscast

The tax reform special session is scheduled to start on Nov. 6, and Governor Jeff Landry’s plan focuses on tax cuts, income tax reductions, and increased take-home pay. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

One of the spookiest places in the world, according to Planet Cruise, is gearing up for Halloween just two days from now. Mary Glen Miller, the director of sales and marketing at The Myrtles near Baton Rouge, says if you’d like to stay there on Halloween night, you’d better plan ahead – way ahead.

Cut 15 (08) “…a Halloween destination.”

Three suspects in connection with a deadly shooting outside a high school football game in St. Martinville are awaiting extradition. 22-year-old Zackyric Gardner and two others are charged in connection with the shooting death of 22-year-old Deondre Benjamin. Police Chief Ricky Martin says the shooting ruined St. Martinville’s homecoming game.

Cut 12 (13) “…not the same.”

The LSU School of Nursing in New Orleans receives the National League for Nursing award for the third time. Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing Jenna Martin says this award underscores the school’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in nursing education.

Cut 7 (12) “…students and colleagues.”

LRN AM Newscall October 29

The tax reform special session is scheduled to start next Wednesday, and Governor Jeff Landry’s plan focuses on tax cuts, income tax reductions, and increased take-home pay. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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We’re learning new information about a shooting that ruined a homecoming football game Friday night. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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If you’re looking for a spooky place to celebrate Halloween, look no further than the Baton Rouge area. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Governor Jeff Landry has called a special legislative session a day after the presidential election to address tax reform aimed at boosting the state’s economy and making it more family- and business-friendly. Landry’s plan focuses on tax cuts, income tax reductions, and increased take-home pay. Department of Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says reactions are very positive…

Cut 4 (11) “…competing interest.”

The reforms aim to broaden Louisiana’s tax base, following models from other states like North Carolina. The Public Affairs Research Council projects that higher-income residents will receive around 54% of total tax cuts, though lower-income earners could see proportional relief, with some households under $35,000 potentially experiencing a 50% tax cut. Nelson says this is a bipartisan plan…

Cut 5 (11) “…more competitive.”

Additional proposals include doubling senior tax deductions, raising teacher pay, and dedicating 15% of corporate tax revenues to a “rainy day” fund. Nelson says there seems to be agreement that we’re moving in the right direction…

Cut 6 (13) “…can get behind.”

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The LSU School of Nursing in New Orleans has once again been recognized for its outstanding nursing education, receiving the National League for Nursing (NLN) award for the third time. Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing Jenna Martin says this award underscores the school’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in nursing education.

Cut 7 (12) “…students and colleagues.”

The NLN award highlights the school’s strong curriculum, which integrates cutting-edge teaching methods and hands-on clinical experiences. Martin says this recognition not only honors the hard work of the faculty and students but also enhances the school’s reputation, making it a more attractive option for prospective nursing students.

Cut 8 (12) “…trying to improve.”

Martin noted with its strong emphasis on quality education and student success, the LSU School of Nursing remains a valuable institution in shaping the future of nursing in Louisiana and beyond.

Cut 9 (15)  “…future nurses.”

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We’re learning new information on a deadly shooting that canceled a homecoming football game in St. Martinville last Friday night. 22-year-old Deondre Benjamin was shot dead outside the stadium where St. Martinville was set to host Erath. St. Martinville Police Chief Ricky Martin says the people involved had nothing to do with any players on either team.

Cut 10 (11) “…a third party.”

Chief Martin says the city has been installing a city-wide camera system, and that system was instrumental in capturing 22-year-old Zackyric Gardner, who’s charged with second-degree murder.

Cut 11 (11) …Bridge to I-10.”

Police in Beaumont, Texas, were waiting for the vehicle to cross into that city, and the vehicle drove straight into that trap, and police arrested Gardner and two others. All are being held in Beaumont and are awaiting extradition back to St. Martin Parish. Martin says the collateral damage was that the shooting ruined what was supposed to be a festive atmosphere at the stadium for the homecoming game.

Cut 12 (13) “…not the same.”

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If you’re looking for a spooky place to celebrate Halloween, forget Transylvania – in fact, you don’t even have to go out of state. Travel experts at Planet Cruise have named The Myrtles in St. Francisville, near Baton Rouge, as the sixth spookiest place in the world, based on the number of times the word “spooky” appeared in TripAdvisor reviews. Mary Glen Miller, the director of sales and marketing at The Myrtles, says it has quite the history.

Cut 13 (15)  “…throughout the years.”

Miller says the resort, which was once a plantation, does not intentionally try to be spooky.

Cut 14 (10) “…while they’re here.”

Still, resort staff take the notoriety in stride. Normally, The Myrtles is booked several months out. But if you’d like to stay there on Halloween night, you’d better plan ahead – way ahead.

Cut 15 (08) “…a Halloween destination.”

The spookiest place in the world, according to Planet Cruise – Mary Kings Close in Edinburgh, Scotland. The spookiest place in the U.S. is the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia.

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The Ragin Cajuns will look to stay unbeaten in Sun Belt play tonight when U-L Lafayette takes on Texas State in San Marcos. The Cajuns are 6-and-1, 3-and-0 in conference play and they are consistent quarterback play from Ben Woolridge. Woolridge was named the starter after preseason camp and Coach Michael Desormeaux says he takes his job very seriously…

Cut 16 (20)   “…all down.”

Texas State is 4-and-3, 2-and-1 and led by quarterback Jordan McCloud who has 20 touchdown passes on the season. Desormeaux says McCloud has a lot of weapons…

Cut 17 (11) “…play sound football.”

Kick off is at 6:30 PM.

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Louisiana Tech plays its third and final Tuesday night game of the year tonight as they visit Sam Houston for a 7 PM kick off on ESPN U. The Bulldogs are 3-and-4, while the Bearkats are 6-and-2 and average over 200 yards rushing a game. Bulldogs linebacker Kolbe Fields leads Tech in tackles with 52…

Cut 18 (14)   “…be beat.”

Louisiana Tech quarterbacks have been sacked 23 times this season and that’s tied for most in Conference USA. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says one of their concerns is Sam Houston’s pass rush…

Cut 19 (25) “….quickly.”  

5:30 LRN Newscast

A special session on tax reform is set for November 6th but there is more on the agenda than just tax reform.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Small business groups say there are pluses and minuses to the plan. NFIB State Director Leah Long says it will require a lot more administrative work by small business owners.

Cut 8 (10) “…to do it.”

A former state trooper reaches a plea deal in connection with the death of Ronald Greene. Kory York was originally charged with one count of negligent homicide and ten counts of malfeasance.

Cut 12 (10) “…of simple battery.”

York’s attorney, Mike Small, says York was given a six-month suspended sentence and a one-thousand-dollar fine.

The former director of the Calcasieu Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has died. Dick Gremillion (GREM-ee-ahn) passed away over the weekend. Tom Hoefer (HAY-fur) with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury says Gremillion was with the parish for 31 years, the last 28 of which as OHSEP director.

Cut 9 (12)  “…been here for.”

Hoefer said while Gremillion had health issues, his passing on Saturday was unexpected.

LRN PM Newscall October 28

A special session on tax reform is set for November 6th but there is more on the agenda than just tax reform.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A small business group says Governor Landry’s tax reform plan has pluses and minuses. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry has officially called for a special legislative session, set to start on November 6, the day after the presidential election. LaPolitics.com Editor Jeremy Alford says this session will focus on a proposed tax overhaul to reduce income tax rates while expanding the state’s sales tax structure.

Cut 3 (12) “…state sales tax structure.”

In addition to tax reforms, Landry’s agenda includes significant changes to the judicial system, juvenile court procedures, vocational education, and property insurance. Alford says by including these additional issues, Landry hopes to secure broader legislation.

Cut 4 (13) “…not related to taxes.”

These reforms, Landry argues, would make Louisiana more competitive with states like Florida and Texas, which do not impose income taxes. Alford says any proposed changes passed by the Republican-controlled legislature would require voter approval in March 2025 for a rewrite of Article 7 of the state constitution…

Cut 5 (08) “…used to seeing”

This session marks Louisiana’s third special legislative session of the year.

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Small business groups say there are pluses and minuses for small business owners to Governor Landry’s tax reform plan. Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, says on the plus side, the proposed reduction in income taxes will ultimately mean more money that the small business owners will get to keep.

Cut 6 (10) “…these business owners.”

Long says the state needs to lower income tax rates to remain competitive with neighboring states.

Cut 7 (07) “…to do that.”

On the flip side of the coin, Landry’s tax plan will mean additional services, including those performed by small business, would be subject to sales tax. Long says that will require a lot more administrative work by the business owners.

Cut 8 (10) “…to do it.”

So all that said, Long says if those businesses do indeed become subject to sales tax, she hopes the state will do everything it can to educate those owners on how to do it.

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The former director of the Calcasieu Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has died. Dick Gremillion (GREM-ee-ahn) passed away over the weekend. Tom Hoefer (HAY-fur) with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury says Gremillion was with the parish for 31 years, the last 28 of which as OHSEP director.

Cut 9 (12)  “…been here for.”

Hoefer says when Gremillion said to evacuate, you did exactly what he said.

Cut 10 (10) “…rather than fear.”

Hoefer said while Gremillion had health issues, his passing on Saturday was unexpected.

Cut 11 (06) “…away so quickly.”

Hoefer says Calcasieu Parish officials are currently discussing how to honor Gremillion.

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A former state trooper reaches a plea deal in connection with the death of Ronald Greene. Kory York was originally charged with one count of negligent homicide and ten counts of malfeasance. His attorney is Mike Small.

Cut 12 (10) “…of simple battery.”

Small says York pleaded no contest so that it couldn’t be used against him in his civil case, which is still pending and which Small is not involved in. In his criminal case, York was handed his sentence following his no contest plea.

Cut 13 (09) “…one-thousand dollars.” 

York will also serve one year probation, and he will have to perform 160 hours of community service. If he violates his probation, he will be required to serve his prison sentence. Small says while he was confident that he could have gotten an acquittal on all charges, his client did not want to take any chances.

Cut 14 (13) “…all eight counts.”

Prosecutors had previously dropped the most serious charge of negligent homicide.

11:30 LRN Newscast

U-S House Speaker Mike Johnson believes we’ll see a Red Wave on election day with Donald Trump winning the White House and Republicans growing their majority in the House and taking control of the Senate. Johnson expressed this confidence after early voting in Bossier Parish.

Cut 10 (11) “…for the country”

Johnson believes he’ll be re-elected as House Speaker if Republicans retain control of the U.S. House.

The day after election day, Louisiana lawmakers will convene in Baton Rouge for the start of a special session on tax reform. Governor Landry proclaimed that the session will start November 6th and must end by November 25th. Tax reform won’t be the only item on the agenda – lawmakers will also consider changes to property insurance, juvenile procedures, the judicial branch and other items.

It was a losing weekend for LSU and the Saints. LSU lost to Texas A&M 38-23, while the Saints lost to the Chargers, 26-8.

Halloween is Thursday and if you haven’t gotten your costume picked out yet then you better get a move on.  Sean Richardson has the trick and treat…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

St. Martinville’s homecoming football game Friday night was ruined by a deadly shooting prior to kickoff. One person was killed in the shooting, which resulted in the cancellation of the game between St. Martinville and Erath. 22-year-old Zackyric Gadner was arrested on a charge of second-degree murder. He’s in the St. Martin Parish jail, with bond set at 10 million dollars. At this time, it’s still unclear what led up to the deadly shooting.