1:30 LRN Newscast Feb 15

Severe weather will impact the state today and tomorrow. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says north, central, and southwest Louisiana are under a slight risk for severe weather this afternoon and into tomorrow morning. Mardi Gras parades rolling in the New Orleans area should be fine tonight, but the threat for severe weather exists tomorrow in southeast Louisiana…

Cut 10 (09) “…day tomorrow” 

 

The Violence Policy Center says based on 2021 CDC data Louisiana ranks second in the country for having a gun death rate of 28.42 per 100-thousand people. V-P-C executive director Josh Sugarmann says Louisiana consistently ranks in the top every year

Cut 11 (08)  “…unintended deaths.”

Mississippi has the highest overall gun death rate.

Legislation to require parade organizations to pay for clean-up has been filed for the upcoming legislative session. West Monroe Representative Foy Gadberry says litter across the state is an ongoing problem and parades are only making it worse. He says businesses along parade routes are also negatively impacted.

Cut  4 (12)  “…of thing.” 

 

The effort to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has one more week to gather enough signatures needed. Group organizer Eileen Carter says a large number of residents are not satisfied with Cantrell’s handling of city services, like trash collection, street maintenance, draining and police protection, and when confronted with Cantrell often goes on the offensive…:

Cut 7 (08)  “…across the board.” 

12:30 LRN Newscast Feb 15

Another round of severe weather will impact the state today and tomorrow. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says north, central, and southwest Louisiana are under a slight risk for severe weather starting this afternoon into tomorrow morning.

Cut 9 (08) “…impact Louisiana”

Mardi Gras parades rolling in the New Orleans area should be fine tonight, but the threat for severe weather exists tomorrow in southeast Louisiana…

And speaking of parade, legislation to require parade organizations to pay for clean-up has been filed for the upcoming legislative session. West Monroe Representative Foy Gadberry says the litter control group, Ouachita Green, asked him to allow parishes and municipalities the ability to charge parade groups for clean-up.

Cut 3 (06) “…to do so.” 

The regular session begins on April 10th

The effort to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has one more week to gather the petition signatures needed, and they say they are very close. On Tuesday, “No LaToya” reports needing just over 1000 names. Group organizer Eileen Carter says New Orleans residents who want change in their city need to act…:

Cut 6 (11)  “…NoLaToya.org.” 

 

The group must have over 49-thousand signatures to the Orleans Registrar of Voters office a week from today.

11:30 LRN Newscast Feb 15

The East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office will present evidence today to a grand jury claiming that three adults and a teenager raped LSU student Madison Brooks before she was killed by a passing car. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says there’s been talk the D-A will pursue first-degree rape charges, which carries a higher penalty if convicted…

Cut 8 (07)  “…get it.”
Lake Charles Police have arrested 46-year-old Marvin Kyer of Douglasville, Georgia, and 49-year-old Terrance Malvo of Sulphur for their alleged involvement in the death of Allen Babineaux in January of 2000. L-C-P-D Police Chief Shawn Caldwell says his department re-opened the cold case over a year ago.

Cut 13 (13)  “…two suspects”.

After a 40-year wait, victims of a flood in Tangipahoa Parish – caused by I-12 road work – will soon see compensation. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

State Police has released more information on last week’s police shooting where an 18-year-old suspected carjacker was shot in Shreveport. L-S-P says the suspect, Zechariah Stutts, pointed a gun at officers during a foot chase. Stutts was shot in the hip, a non-life-threatening injury and he’s been charged with attempted first-degree murder.

10:30 LRN Newscast Feb 15

A grand jury convenes in Baton Rouge today to hear evidence against three of the four men arrested in the alleged rape of LSU student Madison Brooks. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says he would be shocked if the grand jury doesn’t issue an indictment if the DA is actively seeking one.

Cut 7 (08) “…an indictment.”

A fourth suspect, who is 17 years old, will have his case handled in the juvenile court.

46-year-old Marvin Kyer of Douglasville, Georgia and 49-year-old Terrance Malvo of Sulphur are in custody and facing murder charges in a fatal shooting that took place in 2000 at a Lake Charles nightclub. L-C-P-D Deputy Chief Franklin Fondell says Allen Babineaux died on New Year’s Day in 2000 and the family can start to have closure…

Cut 14 (07)  “…waiting for healing”
Victims of a 1983 flood in Tangipahoa Parish, caused by the construction of Interstate 12, will soon see compensation. A judge this week gave final approval to a $101-million class action settlement. Plaintiffs’ attorney Jean-Paul Layrisson says the

process of getting compensation from the state Department of Transportation to the over 1,000 families, businesses, and individuals impacted can begin…:

Cut 6 (10)  “…their lawful heirs.” 

Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley is running for President in 2024. In 2021, Haley said she would not run against Trump if he ran again and that she’d support him. LSU-Shreveport political science professor Jeffrey Sadow says a lot has changed for Haley and for Trump in recent years…:

Cut 11 (10)  “…his personality.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast Feb 14

Louisiana’s senior Senator Bill Cassidy says the White House botched the handling of a suspected Chinese spy balloon that flew over the entire country last week. During his weekly press teleconference, Cassidy says President Biden should have ordered the balloon intercepted far earlier than he did…:

Cut 3 (08) “…our southern border.” 

Cassidy feels the president’s failure to react to the first balloon makes us look vulnerable to foreign powers.

Mandeville Representative Paul Hollis has filed a bill for the upcoming regular session that he calls the Public Library Accountability Act. Hollis says his legislation gives power to municipalities and parishes to make sure their library system operates the way they want it to…

Cut 6 (09)  “…not be.” 

A silent alarm at the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement unit building, Sunday night, alerted deputies of a break-in. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tommy Carnline says when they inspected the RADE unit nothing was taken but the backdoor was propped open. Then they heard a noise at a nearby building.

Cut 9 (11) “…use the restroom.”

She faces burglary charges and The RADE building houses individual offices and evidence rooms.

After a complaint to state wildlife Ponchatoula went into a frenzy upon news that their beloved alligator Hardhide could be put down. Owner T-Mike Kliebert (Klee-bear) says the community rallied to keep Hardhide from being euthanized. He says many questioned why she couldn’t be released back into the wild instead.

Cut 13 (11) “…not an option.” 

Hardhide will retire soon to the Kliebert family farm.

 

4:30 LRN Newscast Feb 14

Louisiana’s senior Senator Bill Cassidy says the White House botched the handling of a suspected Chinese spy balloon that flew over entire country last week. Cassidy and other senators were briefed by the Defense Department and says, at least U.S. air defenses are much more alert to such things going forward.

Cut 5 (07) “…pick up these objects.”

Cassidy says the president’s failure to react to the first balloon makes the US look vulnerable.

 

33-year-old Monica Matthews of Ball was arrested after an alarm was tripped at the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement unit building Sunday. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tommy Carnline says Matthews told detectives she thought it was a substation and she wanted to use the restroom.

 

Cut 11 (07)  “…happening again.”

Matthews is being held at the Rapides Parish Detention Center.

State Attorney General Jeff Landry issues a legal opinion stating local governments have the authority to remove members of Library Control Boards. St. Bernard Parish Representative Ray Garafalo says he asked Landry to render the opinion after local officials came to him with their concerns…:

Cut 7 (11)  “…local communities” 

The concern is over kids getting access to adult content at libraries and whether board members will take steps to assure they do not. Garafalo says he’ll propose legislation this spring to make the AG’s opinion a clear matter of state law.

Ponchatoula’s long-time mascot alligator, Hardhide, has been spared being euthanized by state Wildlife & Fisheries.  Owner T-Mike Kleibert says she’s been in the family since 1957 and at the Ponchatoula Country Market for 13 years…:

Cut 12 (10) “…could do.”

12:30 LRN Newscast Feb 14

Mandeville Representative Paul Hollis has filed a bill for the upcoming regular session that he calls the Public Library Accountability Act. Hollis says his legislation gives power to municipalities and parishes to make sure their library system operates the way they want to…

Cut 6 (09)  “…not be.” 

Hollis says he wants to give local governments the ability to remove individuals from library control boards.

After a complaint to state wildlife Ponchatoula went into a frenzy upon news that their beloved alligator Hardhide could be put down. Owner T-Mike Kliebert (Klee-bear) says the community rallied to keep Hardhide from being euthanized. He says many questioned why she couldn’t be released back into the wild instead.

Cut 13 (11) “…not an option.” 

Hardhide will retire soon to the Kliebert family farm.

 

A study done at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge shows promise in heading off dementia among older black citizens. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

 

10:30 LRN Newscast Feb 14

The Department of Corrections and the West Feliciana Sheriff’s Office are investigating the death of 64-year-old Clifton Bell, an inmate at Angola, who died Monday after falling from a forklift he was driving. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.

State Attorney General Jeff Landry issues a legal opinion stating local governments have the authority to remove members of Library Control Boards. St. Bernard Parish Representative Ray Garafalo asked for the opinion. Garafalo says they are not trying to ban or remove books from libraries, but feels local governments need the freedom to act, should they see the need to do so…:

Cut 9 (11)  “…they need to do.”

Garafalo plans to file legislation to clarify local government powers over libraries.

Pennington Biomedical Research Center says social engagement and learning may help older African Americans from cognitive decline. Dr. Robert Newton says nearly 60 black men and women – ages 65 to 85 – took part in the 12-week study, one group was more involved in learning and discussion the other exercised…

Cut 6 (08)  “…cognitive health.” 

You can read more about the study at “PBRC.edu”

The Louisiana Family Forum announces the winners of the Longest Married Couple on Valentine’s Day. LFF President Gene Mills says the winning couple is Ira and Margery Milan of New Orleans who recently celebrated their 81st wedding anniversary.

Cut 13 (10)  “…extraordinary family.”
And the Family Forum also recognizes Lauris and Earline Broussard of Abbeville who were married for 82 years. Earline passed away last week before the couple could be honored.

AM LRN Newscall Feb 14

A study done at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge shows promise in heading off dementia among older black citizens. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

_______________________________________________

The Attorney General’s office issues a legal opinion stating local governments have the power to remove members of library control boards. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

_______________________________________________

For Valentine’s Day, the Louisiana Family Forum announces the winners of the Long-Married Couple in 2023.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_____________________________________________

For many older African Americans, social engagement and learning may help defend against cognitive decline. LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center did the research. Dr. Robert Newton says they split two groups of black persons around 70 years of age; one group doing intensive learning about their own health and social interaction with study peers…the other concentrating on exercise…:

Cut 4 (08)  “…your thinking skills.”

African Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s, or other dementias, than whites…and are generally under-represented in health and aging research. Newton says this study discovered that physical exercise is still important, but keeping one’s brain active is also a key…:

Cut 5 (09) “…African-Americans.”

Newton says getting the study participants engaged in learning how to remain active and mentally healthy had a definite positive affect. He says nearly 60 black men and women – ages 65 to 85 – took part in the 12-week study. He says the group more involved in learning and discussion showed better test results for cognition and memory. His conclusion…?

Cut 6 (08)  “…cognitive health.” 

You can read more about the study  at “PBRC.edu”

_____________________________________________

State Attorney General Jeff Landry issues a legal opinion stating local governments have the authority to remove members of Library Control Boards. St. Bernard Parish Representative Ray Garafalo says he asked Landry to render the opinion after local officials came to him with their concerns…:

Cut 7 (09) “…library control board.”

More local governments are becoming concerned with the possibility of children accessing adult reading materials in the public library. They tell Garafalo they cannot act to remove library board members they are not happy with. He says Landry’s office says, yes, they can…:

Cut 8 (09)  “…remove those members.”

Garafalo says there are no efforts underway to ban any books or remove books from libraries, but feels local governments need the freedom to act, should they see the need to do so…:

Cut 9 (11)  “…they need to do.”

Garafalo says he’ll propose legislation this spring to further clarify local governments’ powers and abilities in regulating libraries.

_______________________________________________

There’s a recall in effect for a Purina Pro Plan specialty food, after two confirmed cases of dogs becoming sick from too much Vitamin D in the formula. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says it’s the EL Elemental dog food that’s been pulled.

Cut 10 (08)  “…of exposure.” 

Strain says this is a prescription formula for dogs with special dietary concerns and you can only buy it at a veterinary clinic or select retailers. He says excessive levels of Vitamin D can cause the following symptoms:

Cut 11 (06)  “…excessive drooling.”

EL Elemental dog food is normally prescribed for dogs who have allergies stomach problems and or skin allergies. Strain says pet owners are asked to immediately stop feeding the recalled food.

Cut 12 (06) “…can get it.”

Contact Purina at 1-800-345-5678 for a refund. You can also find that number on our website at LouisianaRadioNetwork.com.

______________________________________________

After a statewide search, the Louisiana Family Forum announces the winners of the Longest Married Couple on Valentine’s Day for 2023. LFF President Gene Mills says the winning couple is Ira and Margery Milan of New Orleans who recently celebrated their 81st wedding anniversary.

Cut 13 (10)  “…extraordinary family.”

In addition to the Milans, the Family Forum is also recognizing Lauris and Earline Broussard of Abbeville who were married for 82 years. Mills says sadly before they could honor the couple, Earline Broussard passed away at the age of 98 last week. Mills says they still wanted to recognize the Broussards.

Cut 14 (09)  “…say goodbye.”

Mills says it’s important to recognize couples who’s gone the distance because marriage and family are the cornerstones to the basic building block of societies.

Cut 15 (09)  “…made it work.”

10 other couples who have been married for 73 to 78 years are also being inducted into the LFF 2023 Marriage Hall of Fame.

__________________________________________________

Raiders QB Derek Carr has reportedly told Las Vegas he’s not waiving his no-trade clause, so Carr is likely headed for free agency. Carr met with the Saints last week and NFL analyst Mike Detillier says New Orleans is still very much interested in acquiring Carr, but so are other teams

Cut  16 (16)  “..Jimmy Garoppolo.” 

Detillier says there’s a good chance the Saints will not bring back Andy Dalton. Jameis Winston could be released, so that means the Saints need to find a veteran Q-B and they’ll also look at the draft….

Cut 17 (17) “…signal caller.” 

The off-season begins now that the Super Bowl is over. Detillier says besides finding a new starting quarterback, the Black and Gold will also need to rebuild their offensive and defensive lines, especially at defensive tackle…

Cut 18 (22) “..three years.” 

___________________________________________

 

Cut 19 (23) “…in here.”

 

Cut 20 (17)  “… a huge blessing.” 

 

5:30 LRN Newscast Feb 13

A St. Mary Parish man faces numerous charges for illegally taking nutria, to profit from the state’s bounty program. More from Jeff Palermo…:

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

A Good Samaritan who was witnessing an armed robbery in the New Orleans French Quarter is credited with intervening and wrestling the gun from the assailant’s hands. The would-be thief got away, and the intended victim and rescuer were unharmed.

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and while you’ll probably witness some last-minute shopping today, overall shoppers are predicted to spend a whopping $25.9-billion in the US this year. Katherine Cullen with the National Retail Federation says that’s up from $24-billion spent last year, and the second highest on record…:

Cut 3 (11) “…last year.” 

Bad news for the Pelicans as All-Star forward Zion Williamson will miss several more weeks after he re-aggravated his right hamstring. Pelicans executive vice president David Griffin says even though Williamson has missed 28 games this season, he’s confident the team can still play at a high level without their all-star and make the playoffs…

Cut 13 (09) “…mentality means.” 

The Pels play in Oklahoma City tonight.