5:30 LRN Newscast April 6

A Sulphur man is accused of burglarizing a home dressed as a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputy. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

 

Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a woman accused her of beating up her 85-year-old grandmother. 20-year-old Cecile Anne Lee allegedly struck the victim multiple times with a heavy-duty wooden back scratcher and a picture frame, then vandalized the residence and damaged the victim’s phone in order to keep her from contacting first responders. Lee faces charges of battery, cruelty to the infirm, and more.

A 33-year-old man from Terrebonne Parish has been charged in the death of a Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Sergeant Nick Pepper, who died Sunday when a vehicle rammed into his patrol unit during a police chase in Thibodaux. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says the suspect, Anthony Savoie, of Bourg, now faces a list of serious charges …:

CUT 13(05)      “…police officer.”

Pepper leaves behind a wife and 3 kids.

The rain will stick around for a few days as we head into Easter weekend, a stationary front is keeping showers from moving OUT of the area. A flash flood watch is now in effect until 7 Friday night for western and northwestern Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the chance for severe weather for us has lessened…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…south Louisiana.” 

Fingers crossed the rain that the rain will exit in time for Easter.

10:30 LRN Newscast April 6

A 33-year-old Anthony Savoie of Bourg has been charged in the death of a Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Deputy. Detective Sergeant Nicholas Pepper died Sunday when a vehicle rammed into his rig during a police chase in Thibodaux. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says Savoie was recovering from his injuries.

Cut 12 (09) “…on the charges” 

Among his charges is first-degree murder of a police officer.

A new poll shows crime is the top concern for Louisiana voters. The JMC Analytics poll for the Justice Action Network shows 40 percent of respondents are more worried about crime than issues like the economy. Pollster John Couvillon says on the surface it seems obvious, but there is another takeaway from the results.

Cut 4 (10)  “…punishment is warranted.”

Metairie Rep Stephanie Hilferty wants K-12 schools to adopt a policy that if they use corporal punishment, they must have parental permission. Even though Hilferty believes corporal punishment should be discontinued altogether, she wants parents to have a voice in school systems that still allow it.

Cut 9 (11)  “…child’s behavior.

Governor Edwards continues to advocate for teacher pay raises, so they’ll reach the southern regional average. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says but some lawmakers are concerned the raises won’t be sustainable when a sale tax is repealed in 2025.

Cut 14 (10)  “…part too.”

The 2023 regular session begins Monday.

1:30 LRN Newscast April 5

The State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Hammond Fire Department have reopened seven closed cases and made nine arrest. Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says calls to their tip line helped and a notable case, the Christmas Eve Walmart fire, calls, and widespread media coverage…

Cut 7 (08)  “…face everywhere.” 

The suspect confessed he started the fire as a distraction to steal merchandise.

According to WalletHub Louisiana is the second least financially literate state in the country. WalletHub Analyst Jill Gonzales says making an impact in education would be a step towards increasing basic concepts in money management for all ages.”

Cut 5 (10) “…and literacy.”

Louisiana ranked 18th in high school financial literacy scores.

Shipbuilding giant Edison Chouest is constructing a 260-foot-long vessel to support offshore wind turbines. The vessel is being built at the LaShip shipyard in Houma and it’s called E-C-O Edison. LaShip General Manager Wally Naquin says it’s involved 275-thousand work hours and has another year to go…

Cut 9 (09) “…energy independent”

E-C-O Edison will house 60 workers who will temporarily live on the vessel for maintenance.

The LSU women’s basketball team will celebrate and honor its 2023 national championship this evening with a parade and a celebration inside the PMAC.  LSU Chief Brand Officer Cody Worsham says everyone is invited to attend this great celebration.

Cut 13 (11) “…at seven.” 

5:30 LRN Newscast April 4

A member of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation says it’s a bad idea to have both LSU and Iowa at the White House, a suggestion made by First Lady Jill Biden. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx” 

In an interview on ESPN Sports Center today, Iowa guard Caitlin Clark said she has no ill feelings towards LSU forward Angel Reese and believes she shouldn’t be criticized for any of her actions from Sunday’s game.

Boyce Police arrested two brothers in the death of their elderly mother – who was under their care. 66-year-old James McCoy and 56-year-old Kevin Glynn, 56, were the primary caregivers of the victim, 88-year-old Ethel Glynn who died on March 21. Assistant Chief of Police, Linwood Banks says his office was contacted by the Rapides Parish Coroner’s office on March 22 to investigate her death.

Cut 12 (09) “…the case” 

The two brothers were arrested and charged with cruelty to the infirm.

An Ascension Parish lawmaker’s bill for the upcoming legislative session would authorize public schools to have a trained, armed protection officer on campus. Gonzales state Senator Eddie Lambert says, his bill allows schools to have someone with a concealed firearm on hand at all times…:

Cut 3 (12) “….address the threat.”

1:30 LRN Newscast April 4

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter believes only the LSU women’s basketball team should visit the White House because of their victory and the Iowa team should not. First Lady Jill Biden extended the offer to both schools and has since backtracked the invite after receiving backlash. Carter says he doesn’t believe there was ill intent on her behalf.

Cut 10 (10) “…she is.” 

Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey wants to require high school students to receive instruction on organ donation. He says the instruction would be in cooperation with organizations like the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency.

Cut 7 (08)  “…to teach this.” 

He was asked by a constituent who lost their daughter in a 2021 car crash to write the legislation.

Gonzales state Senator Eddie Lambert files legislation to authorize all schools to have an on-campus, armed protection officer. Kevin Gallagher has more

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

22-year-old American Idol winner Laine Hardy has enrolled in a pretrial diversionary program through the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s office for nonviolent offenders. Once completed Hardy will not be formally charged after being accused of hiding a recorder in his former girlfriend’s dorm room. Hardy was booked last April on one count of illegal wiretapping.

12:30 LRN Newscast April 4

An Ascension Parish lawmaker’s bill for the upcoming legislative session would authorize public schools to have a trained, armed protection officer on campus. The bill is in response to school shootings in the US. Gonzales state Senator Eddie Lambert says, his bill allows schools to have someone with a concealed firearm on hand at all times…:

Cut 3 (12) “….address the threat.”

And Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey wants to require high school students to receive organ donor instructions. Ivey says the bill is at the request of a constituent, who lost her daughter, Allie Raines, in a 2021 car crash. He says Allie’s example is one more kids should follow…:

Cut 6 (12)  “…organ for her.” 

The session begins on Monday.

One member of the state’s congressional delegation believes the runner-ups of the women’s NCAA Championship – the Lady Hawkeyes – shouldn’t have been extended an invitation to the White House. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx” 

11:30 LRN Newscast April 4

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter believes the LSU Women’s Basketball team should enjoy a solo trip to the White House after winning the national title. That’s the opposite of First Lady Jill Biden’s opinion that both teams should attend. Carter says if everyone gets to partake in such celebratory gestures it diminishes the value of the trip.

Cut 9 (09) “…the prize.”

A White House statement says the First Lady’s comments were intended to applaud all of the athletes that played Sunday.

It’s National Distracted Driving Awareness month. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Spokesperson Mark Lambert says in 2021 distracted drivers were involved in more than five-thousand accidents in which at least one person was injured or killed in Louisiana.

Cut 5 (07) “…real problem.”

Lambert says drivers need to give their full attention to roadways.

A Bossier Parish lawmaker has, again this year, filed a bill to forbid classroom discussion of sexual preference or gender identity. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton’s bill would also prohibit teachers and school employees from discussing their own orientation with kids. She says she knows of an educator in Shreveport who does this…:

Cut 7 (12) “…elementary students.”

Northwood-Lena is the first high school to win titles on both girls’ and boys’ basketball teams in the same season. But sadly, Coach Alan Tinsley says expenses for team essentials over the season have left very little to pay for championship rings. The Rapides Parish coach is asking the community for donations.

Cut 15 (09)  “…the school.”

The estimated cost of rings for 35 players and coaches is fourteen thousand dollars.

10:30 LRN Newscast April 4

After inviting both women’s basketball teams to the White House, First Lady Jill Biden appears to be backtracking after receiving backlash on social media for inviting the Hawkeyes who lost to LSU 102-85. A statement this morning says Biden extended the extra invite because of far women have advanced in sports and that she looks forward to welcoming the Tigers. Several LSU players are not happy about Iowa’s invitation.

Bossier Parish Representative Dodie Horton has filed a bill to ban classroom discussion of sexual preference or gender identity. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

In Prairieville, a 13-year-old Galvez Middle School student is facing video voyeurism charges after a camera, disguised as an ink pen, was located in the girl’s locker room last week.  Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Donovan Jackson says another student found the camera and reported it.

Cut 12 (07)  “…situations.”

Jackson says the suspect confessed.

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness month and Louisiana distracted drivers are involved in at least 5,000 crashes a year.  But Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Spokesperson Mark Lambert believes distracted driving is underreported and drivers should consider the possible consequences before picking up their phone.

Cut 6 (12)  “…and others.”

On average, Louisiana drivers use their cell phones 2.4 times each time they drive.

AM LRN Newscall April 4

Bossier Parish Representative Dodie Horton has filed a bill to ban classroom discussion of sexual preference or gender identity. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A 13-year-old Prairieville student is facing charges after a camera disguised as an ink pen, was found in the girl’s locker room. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams earned state championship title rings this year in Rapides Parish but need help to cover the cost of getting them. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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April is National Distracted Driving Awareness month and distracted drivers in Louisiana are involved in at least 5,000 crashes a year.  Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesman Mark Lambert says driving is an activity that requires your full attention.

Cut 4 (11)  “…cell phone.”

Using a cell phone, eating while driving, or talking to passengers are the most common distractors. In 2021, distracted drivers were involved in 5,030 accidents in which at least one person was injured or killed according to data from the Center for Analytics in Research and Transportation Safety at LSU. Lambert says 53 of the wrecks resulted in at least one fatality, the highest number of distracted-related fatal crashes in Louisiana since 2009.

Cut 5 (07) “…real problem.”

Louisiana law prohibits the use of cell phones and sending text messages while driving and adult drivers could be fined up to $1,000. Lambert believes distracted driving is underreported and drivers should consider the possible consequences before picking up an electronic device.

Cut 6 (12)  “…and others.”

On average, drivers in Louisiana use their cell phones 2.4 times each time they drive.

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A Bossier Parish lawmaker has, again this year, filed a bill to forbid classroom discussion of sexual preference or gender identity. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton’s HB 466 would also prohibit teachers and school employees from discussing their own orientation with kids. She says she knows of an educator in Shreveport who does this…:

Cut 7 (12) “…elementary students.”

Horton says her bill could be characterized as an anti-grooming measure. She filed a similar bill last year, but it failed to gain traction. She says the measure would prohibit classroom instruction of anything that deviates from state standards or curricula – especially topics of sexual identity and orientation. Horton says the bill codifies adherence to traditional learning…:

Cut 8 (09) “…that’s it.”

Horton’s bill would also bar the use of so-called “preferred pronouns” that do not match the gender the student was born. Exceptions would be made if parents make written requests of such, but can be refused if the teacher has a religious or moral issue with it. Horton says a child’s time in school should be spent learning…:

Cut 9 (10)  “…subject at hand.”

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In Prairieville, a 13-year-old Galvez Middle School student is facing video voyeurism charges after a camera, disguised as an ink pen, was located in the girl’s locker room last week.  Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman Donovan Jackson says they’ve contacted the parents of all of the students who were involved.

Cut 10 (08) “…locker room.” 

Jackson says it is important for children to understand the consequences of something like this, which can be severe. In addition to criminal charges, the young man could also face expulsion.

Cut 11 (08)  “…their actions.”

The camera was found last week by another student, who Jackson says took the device home but when he discovered it was a recording device instead, the school was notified. The school then alerted the authorities.

Cut 12 (07)  “…situations.”

Where and how the 13-year-old student obtained the camera is also being investigated.

____________________________________________________

Rapides Parish high school basketball teams won the state championship but were unable to clinch the rings due to a lack of funding. Northwood-Lena is the first school to win a title on both girls’ and boys’ teams in the same season. Coach Alan Tinsley says after paying for other team essentials during the year – there are no funds available to commemorate the achievement.

Cut 13 (10) “…championship rings.” 

The estimated cost for rings for thirty-five players and coaches is approximately $14,000. Tinsley says the cost of the rings is incurred by the teams.

Cut 14 (09)  “…that works.”

The team is asking community leaders and local businesses to chip in to help purchase the rings and currently working on a t-shirt fundraiser. Tinsley says it was a blessing to have churches to donate but there’s a need for more additional funding.

Cut 15 (09)  “…the school.”

All donations can be made by contacting Northwood-Lena High School.

____________________________________________________

The LSU women’s basketball team is back home celebrating its national championship win over the Iowa Hawkeyes. Head Coach Kim Mulkey delivered on a promise of bringing the national championship to her home state. It only took her two seasons, but she credits the players who came to LSU and the fans…

Cut  16 (24)  “…better and better.” 

LSU held a welcome home celebration for the Lady Tigers yesterday afternoon and Mulkey is looking forward to a parade and another celebration in the PMAC tomorrow night…

Cut 17 (13) “…cheers” 

_______________________________________________________

Jerry Arledge is stepping down as West Monroe High School’s head coach and has been named the school’s athletic director. Arledge has been with West Monroe for 31 seasons and was the defensive coordinator when the school won eight state titles from 1992 to 2012. KNOE-TV Sports Director Aaron Dietrich says it’s the end of an era.

Cut 18 (13) “…in 2013.”

Dietrich says when Arledge was named head coach his tenure was marked with great success but was eclipsed because a state championship eluded him.

Cut 19 (18) “…that goal.”

A search for Arledge’s replacement is underway.

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Cut 20 (07)  “…dugout”  

5:30 LRN Newscast April 3

LSU forward Angel Reese is receiving criticism after taunting Iowa player Caitlin Clark in the final moments of the National Championship game. And because Clark who’s made similar gestures in the past, Reese defended her actions and pointed out the hypocrisy of it all.

Cut 4 (10)  “…me tonight.” 

LSU Chancellor William Tate defended Reese also saying quote “If you have a problem with it, beat her. That’s all I have to say. If you can’t beat her, sit down.” End quote.

A Lafourche Parish deputy was killed Sunday when his patrol unit was rammed by a chase suspect. State Police Trooper Tom Gossen says Sgt. Nicholas Pepper was blocking traffic to keep bystanders safe during a standoff, but the suspect made another getaway; slamming into Pepper’s vehicle.

Cut 8 (04)  “…for sure.” 

The unnamed suspect is in the hospital with moderate injuries.

Gas prices are on the rise again, up a dime from last week. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says we normally see prices go up this time of the year as refineries switch from winter to summer-grade gasoline.

Cut 9 (11) “…all of that”

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas is $3.18.

The legislative session begins a week from today and lawmakers are happy there’s a large budget surplus. More than one-point-five billion dollars will need to be allocated and Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says several agencies, programs, and projects are seeking funds…

Cut 12 (12) “…over this” 

Governor Edwards is pushing for teacher pay raises.