12:30 LRN Newscast Jan 26

Charges against 19-year-old Blayne Terrebonne of Larose have been upgraded to second-degree murder after authorities say he sold 15-year-old female drugs that led to her death. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Captain Brennan Matherne says on October 27th, deputies first responded to a 16-year-male in Galliano.

Cut  4 (10)  “…suspected overdose.” 

Toxicology results indicated high levels of fentanyl in her system.

The state department of corrections says it’s reviewing a U-S Department of Justice report that finds the state is routinely keeping inmates in prison past their release dates, which is a violation of the 14th amendment. Baton Rouge attorney Lindsey Blouin says it’s been a problem for over a decade…

cut 12 (09) “…issues fixed”

A federal judge sentences 21-year-old Chance Seneca of Lafayette for attempting to kill a gay man he groomed on the dating app, Grindr. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

5:30 LRN Newscast Jan 25

While the Tigerland Bar Reggie’s is being investigated for serving minors involved with the alleged sexual assault of Madison Brooks, the state has suspended their liquor license.   East Baton Rouge Alcoholic Beverage Control Board member Scott Wilfong says bars should not allow anyone under the age of 21 to enter.

Cut 5 (10) “…the age to 21.”

In his press briefing U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy was asked about classified federal documents recently found in President Biden’s office in Philadelphia, and in two homes in Delaware. Cassidy says there’s no good reason for a former Vice President to have such files in his personal possession…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…different residences. Period.” 

Classified documents were discovered this week in the home of former vice President Mike Pence.

It’s National Passenger Safety Week and State Police is urging passengers to speak up for their safety when in a dangerous driving situation. Trooper Ross Brennan says vehicle passengers make up 62 percent of traffic fatalities in the U.S.

Cut 11 (11) “…the nation.”

 

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says Mardi Gras Krewes will be able to use their full parade routes this year, after COVID and lack of law enforcement officers, forced them to abbreviate their routes. Cantrell announce this morning that the city has secured enough law enforcement officers for Mardi Gras this year.

Cut 12 (12) “…traditional routes.”

1:30 LRN Newscast Jan 25

Two of the men accused in the rape investigation of LSU student Madison Brooks have posted bond. 28-year-old Everett Lee and 18-year-old Casen Carver both charged with principle to third-degree rape have posted bond. The 17-year-old who is accused of third-degree rape, has not had a bond hearing, and remains in a juvenile facility, and 18-year-old Kaivon Washington also charged with third-degree rape, remains behind bars. Brooks was killed shortly after the suspects dropped her off in a subdivision along Burbank Drive.

While the Tigerland Bar Reggie’s is being investigated for serving minors involved with the alleged sexual assault of Brooks, the state has suspended their liquor license.   East Baton Rouge Alcoholic Beverage Control Board member Scott Wilfong says bars should not allow anyone under the age of 21 to enter.

Cut 5 (10) “…the age to 21.”

When asked about the discovery of classified documents found in former offices and homes of President Biden, Senator Bill Cassidy says he’d like a proper investigation, and he is OK with waiting for that before any further judgment of the President…:

Cut 7 (13)  “…realize they’re there.” 

And this week top secret documents were also found in former Vice President Mike Pence’s home.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says Mardi Gras Krewes will be able to use their full parade routes this year, after COVID and lack of law enforcement officers, forced them to abbreviate their routes. Cantrell announce this morning that the city has secured enough law enforcement officers for Mardi Gras this year.

Cut 12 (12) “…traditional routes.”

 

12:30 LRN Newscast Jan 25

Two of the four men accused of raping 19-year-old LSU student Madison Brooks before her death have posted bond. 28-year-old Everett Lee and 18-year-old Casen Carver both charged with principle to third-degree rape have posted bond. The 17-year-old who is accused of third-degree rape, has not had a bond hearing and remains in a juvenile facility, and 18-year-old Kaivon Washington also charged with third-degree rape, remains behind bars.

The Tigerland bar where Brooks was with the four men accused of sexual assault has had their liquor license suspended by the state.  East Baton Rouge Alcoholic Tobacco Control Board member Scott Wilfong says it’s not the first time Reggie’s has been cited for serving minors, it happened a few years ago but the board’s current policy is three or more violations in a calendar year a hearing is held.

Cut  4 (12)  “…the license.” 

In his weekly press conference, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy was asked about classified federal documents recently found in President Biden’s office in Philadelphia, and in two homes in Delaware. Cassidy says there’s no good reason for a former Vice President to have such files in his personal possession…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…different residences. Period.” 

Some of Biden’s documents date back to when he was in the U.S. Senate. And this week, top secret documents were found in former Vice President Mike Pence’s home.

5:30 LRN Newscast Jan 24

Bond was set this afternoon for three of the four men accused of raping 19-year-old LSU student Madison Brooks before she was run over by a car and killed. 18-year-old Kaivon Washington is charged with third-degree rape with a $150,000 bond. 18-year-old Casen Carver and 27-year-old Everett Lee are charged with principle to third-degree rape. The 17-year-old’s bond hearing will be held next month.

State Lawmakers go into special session Monday to forge a plan to ease property insurance costs, but one House member says he has reservations…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Bogalusa Police Captain David Miller offered some pushback after Mayor Tyrin Troung asked the governor for help with the city of 12 thousand after an alarming increase in crime. With a police force of only four, Miller says, despite a recent pay increase, they are still having trouble hiring more new cops…:

Cut 13 (10) “…and recruit.” 

Several areas of the state are under high winds, flash flood, and storm warnings as a front from Texas moves across the state. LRN meteorologist John Wetherbee says the line of strong and severe storms will reach the Baton Rouge area around 7 PM and then New Orleans after 9 PM.

Cut 10 (10) “…be a concern” 

 

12:30 LRN Newscast Jan 24

A tornado watch has been issued for southwest Louisiana until 6 PM tonight. LRN meteorologist John Wetherbee says isolated tornadoes are possible from a storm system moving in from Texas.

Cut 9 (08) “…the day.” 

Wetherbee says the line of strong and severe storms will reach the Baton Rouge area around 7 PM and then New Orleans after 9 PM.

The state department of education says a new report shows a two-percent increase in the percentage of teachers choosing to stay in the profession over last year. Superintendent of Education Doctor Cade Brumley says the percentage of certified teachers also increased by two percent to 69 percent. He says they want to see the percentage of certified teachers continue to grow…

Cut 5 (07) “…quality teacher.”

State Lawmakers go into special session Monday to forge a plan to ease property insurance costs for the thousands who had their coverage end after recent hurricanes. One House member says he has reservations…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

 

11:30 LRN Newscast Jan 24

Authorities say 19-year-old LSU student Madison Brooks was raped before she was hit by a car on Burbank Drive and died as a result. Four men are facing rape charges and an attorney says video evidence will prove their innocence. The incident happened after a heavy night of drinking and only one of the four men is over the age of 21.

Frustrated with rising violent crime in his small city, the mayor of Bogalusa asks the Governor to send in State Troopers or the National Guard.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The state department of education says a new report shows a two-percent increase in the percentage of teachers choosing to stay in the profession over last year. Superintendent of Education Doctor Cade Brumley says the department has worked to retain teachers by increasing teacher salaries and providing no-cost counseling services for teachers.

Cut  4 (09)  “…pay opportunities” 

The average teacher’s salary has increased by 12 hundred dollars to 52-thousand dollars.

The Bayou State is the 6th worst state for retirement, that’s according to WalletHub’s most recent report. WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales. says Louisiana needs to enact more laws to protect the elderly from crime and improve healthcare accessibility, like hospitals that specialize in geriatric care and more home health nurses. She says Louisiana is deemed affordable compared to other states.

Cut 15 (07)  “…better quality.”

9:30 LRN Newscast Jan 24

Four men who were with 19-year-old LSU student Madi Brooks before she was struck and killed by a vehicle on Burbank drive January 15th, are facing rape charges. Authorities say Brooks was raped in the back of a car after a night of heavy drinking at a Tigerland bar. Attorneys representing the men accused say video evidence will prove their innocence. Only one of the three suspects is of legal drinking age. Brooks’ blood alcohol level was four times the legal limit.

Violent crime is Bogalusa is so bad new Mayor Tyrin Truong (TIE-rin TRUNG) has asked Governor Edwards to send in State Police or the National Guard. A shooting outside of a high school football game has even prompted other schools to refuse to play there. Truong says the problem is disproportionately large for a town of just over 12 thousand, so he’s asked for help…:

Cut 5 (08) “…about gun violence.”

Truong says he’s yet to hear from the governor.

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry supports Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon’s plan to create a 45-million-dollar incentive fund to bring more insurance companies to Louisiana willing to write property insurance policies…
cut 8 (07) “…the private market”
That’s Lauren Hadden with L-A-B-I. Lawmakers will begin a week-long special session on Monday.

The Bayou State is the 6th worst state for retirement, that’s according to WalletHub’s most recent report. WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says they look at affordability, healthcare, and overall quality of life, and where Louisiana falls short is the availability of home healthcare and geriatric hospitals.

Cut 13 (09)  “…most improvement.”

The state also ranked the worst in property crime.

AM LRN Newscall Jan 24

Frustrated with rising violent crime in his small city, the mayor of Bogalusa asks the Governor to send in State Troopers or the National Guard. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

_______________________________________________

According to WalletHub Louisiana is among the worst states for retirees. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

The potential for severe weather exists for all of south Louisiana today. Whitney Thomas reports on what we can expect…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.” 

_____________________________________________

How bad is violence & crime in the small Washington Parish town of Bogalusa? Bad enough that new Mayor Tyrin Truong (TIE-rin TRUNG) has asked Governor Edwards to send in State Police or the National Guard. On WWL radio in New Orleans, Truong says gun violence in his city has reached a fever pitch…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…get this fever down.”

Bogalusa has had numerous violent crimes and nag-related shooting incidents in recent months. One happened right outside a high school football game; causing panic and making some schools refuse to play a visiting game there. Truong says the problem is disproportionately large for a town of just over 12-thousand, so he’s asked for help…:

Cut 5 (08) “…about gun violence.”

Truong says too many are scared to name the guilty parties engaging in gun violence in Bogalusa. He says there needs to be a concerted effort to tackle the problem, for everyone affected..:

Cut 6 (09)  “…interested in.” 

Truong says he has not yet received a reply to his request from Governor Edwards.

_____________________________________________

A special legislative session has been called to address insurance coverage issues in Louisiana. Lauren Hadden with the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (L-A-B-I) says during the regular session last year lawmakers approved creating an incentive program for property insurers, but it wasn’t funded.

Cut 7 (09) “…successful.”

Hadden says they support Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon’s goal to divert adding more policies to Citizens, the state-run insurer of last resort, which is forced to price their coverage higher than the private market.

Cut 8 (07)  “…the private market.”

The program would essentially provide public grants to insurers who are willing to write policies in higher-risk areas to help cover those costs. Hadden says while there might be alternatives to improving the insurance market in Louisiana…

Cut 9 (13)  “…those initiatives.”

Hadden says Donelon has told them that incentives would only be available for existing carriers and potential carriers that have the means to come and stay in Louisiana.

The special session is slated to begin on January 30th and wrap on February 5th.

____________________________________________

The Southeast corner of Louisiana is expected to see some severe weather today that will have an enhanced risk of damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, and flooding rain. Louisiana Radio Network Meteorologist John Wetherbee says certain areas will get the most impact.

Cut 10 (13)  “…rainfall.”

Wetherbee says this severe weather is a response to dry and cool air mixing.

Cut 11 (10)  “…the pacific.”

Wetherbee is advising Southeast Louisiana residents to take the proper precautions needed to stay safe and alert.

Cut 12 (14) “… it’s happening.”

___________________________________________________

The Bayou State is the 6th worst state for retirement, that’s according to WalletHub’s most recent report. WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says they look at affordability, healthcare, and overall quality of life, and where Louisiana falls short is the availability of home healthcare and geriatric hospitals.

Cut 13 (09)  “…most improvement.”

The study also looks a violent and property crime rates. Gonzales says while violent crime is notably worse in metropolitan areas, property crime in Louisiana is considered the worst in the nation…

Cut 14 (11)  “…now as well.”

Gonzales says Louisiana needs to enact more laws to protect the elderly from crime and improve healthcare accessibility, like hospitals that specialize in geriatric care and more home health nurses. She says Louisiana is deemed affordable compared to other states.

Cut 15 (07)  “…better quality.”

Virginia came in first, Louisiana ranked 45th and Kentucky was deemed the worst state for retirees.

________________________________________________________

 

Cut  16 (16)  “…continue to improve.” 

_________________________________________________________

 

Cut 17 (07) “…as a team.” 

 

Cut 18 (09) “…last year” 

_____________________________________________________________

 

Cut 19 (12) “…of the basketball”

 

Cut 20 (17)  “…end of the season” 

 

______________________________________________

Edit

5:30 LRN Newscast Jan 23

State Democrat Party chair Katie Bernhardt, of Lafayette, seems to be running for governor, though her newly released video doesn’t actually declare that. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers says he and other party members are not pleased with the ad…

Cut 4 (07)  “…for governor.” 

So far, NO Democrats have declared in the governor’s race.

Louisiana is assisting California after heavy rain caused flooding and landslides. A four-person recovery team from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness left today. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says Louisiana got word of California’s needs through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

Cut 13 (13) “…accept it.” 

The state Board of Elementary & Second Education elects its new president for 2023; district 7 BESE member Dr. Holly Boffy (Bow-fee).

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Bad weather is expected tomorrow for Louisiana, as a strong low-pressure system takes aim on the state. Widespread rain will quickly develop Tuesday morning and then become heavy, possibly severe at times Tuesday afternoon. And behind all that rain is another round cool temperatures.