10:30 LRN Newscast Jan 23

Baton Rouge Police are investigating a mass shooting inside a nightclub that injured 12 people, three of the victims are said to have life-threatening injuries. The shooting happened inside The Dior Bar and Lounge early Sunday morning on Bennington Avenue near College Drive. Lt. Bryan Ballard says it was a targeted attack…

Cut 13 (13) “of Baton Rouge.”

Eight people were shot inside a home in Shreveport on Sunday afternoon. Police chief Wayne Smith says five adults and three children, two three-year-olds and a five-year-old were wounded…

Cut 10 (14)  “…so much.”

Four of the victims are listed in critical condition, including a three-year-old boy.

A special legislative session to address the state’s lack of property insurance providers will begin on January 30th. Commissioner Jim Donelon pleaded with legislative leaders last week to hold a session to approve an incentive program to entice insurance carriers to the state after 20 have either left the state or gone insolvent.

The U.S. Postal Service unveils the new postage stamp featuring Louisiana author Ernest J Gaines during a ceremony today. Whitney Thomas Reports.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

5:30 LRN Newscast Jan 20

A five-year-old was killed by his six-year-old cousin Thursday night after the child found a gun in the home. Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes says the victim’s mother and his aunt, Kursten Richard, live at the home along with four other children. The babysitter Desome Daniels and the aunt were arrested and taken to the Jefferson Davis Parish Jail.

Cut 11 (11)  “…back stolen.”

 

Richard is charged with principal negligent homicide, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and cruelty to a juvenile.

Avoyelles Parish deputies arrest a man for impersonating a law enforcement officer. 45-year-old Patrick P. Miller allegedly wore a uniform and badge while intimidating a neighbor over a dispute. Officers found and took his uniforms away, plus they arrested him on outstanding warrants for obscenity, contempt of court & tampering with a surveillance or monitoring system. His bond is set at $ 100 thousand.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon made his case to state lawmakers Friday on why a special session is needed next month to address the big decline in private insurance companies willing to provide property coverage. Donelon wants to give insurance companies a financial incentive to write policies in coastal areas…

Cut 12 (08) “…incentive program.”

Louisiana ranks 4th among states with the highest percentage of people leaving their jobs. WalletHub Analyst Jill Gonzales says 3.4 percent of workers in Louisiana are part of the great resignation. She says burnout is the main reason people leave their jobs and the pandemic caused many to re-evaluate their careers. She says employers are also re-evaluating things like pay scales, benefit packages, and more…and if they can get that done…:

Cut 8 (04)  “…slowly but surely.” 

 

4:30 LRN Newscast Jan 20

A five-year-old was killed in Jennings Thursday evening after police say his six-year-old cousin got hold of a gun and it went off. According to American Press the victim’s name is Auden Gaines. Police Chief Danny Semmes says it’s one of the most tragic cases he’s ever seen in his career

Cut 10 (11) “…everybody involved.” 

The child’s aunt Kursten Richard and the 26-year-old babysitter, Desome Daniels face multiple charges including principal negligent homicide.

It ruffled some feathers when the state Republican Party endorsed Attorney General Jeff Landry for governor before any other GOP candidates announced their intentions. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser, who’s opted to seek re-election had some harsh words for party leader Luis Gurvich.

Cut 3 (10) “…endorse.” 

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon made his case to state lawmakers Friday on why a special session is needed next month to address the big decline in private insurance companies willing to provide property coverage. Donelon says a similar incentive program worked after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita pushed thousands to the state-owned last-resort insurer, Louisiana Citizens…:

CUT 13(09)      “…rate increase.”

An ongoing labor study by fiscal website “WalletHub” ranks Louisiana among the top states for people leaving their jobs. Wallethub analyst Jill Gonzales says, even in the face of record high inflation “the great resignation” is having a negative effect on employers…:

Cut 7 (10)  “…of high inflation.” 

She says burnout the most common reason people quit their jobs.

11:30 LRN Newscast Jan 20

It ruffled some feathers when the state Republican Party endorsed Attorney General Jeff Landry for governor before any other GOP candidates announced their intentions. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser, who’s opted to seek re-election had some harsh words for party leader Luis Gurvich on WWL Radio’s Newell Normand show.

Cut 3 (10) “…endorse.” 

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon made his case to state lawmakers today on why a special session is needed next month to address the big decline in private insurance companies willing to provide property coverage. Donelon wants to give insurance companies a financial incentive to write policies in coastal areas…

Cut 12 (08) “…incentive program.”

A Glock or auto switch is a device that can turn a semi-automatic handgun into basically what amounts to a machine gun. New Orleans ATF Assistant Special Agent In Charge Marlin Ford says they want to educate the public and law enforcement about the use of auto switches and the dangers they pose to the community.

Cut 6 (06)  “…how they function.” 

Along with awareness, they want to update gun laws in the state to make them illegal.

The mother of Governor John Bel Edwards passed away. Dora Jean Edwards raised eight children and worked for several years as a Charity Hospital nurse. The governor released a statement honoring his mother, she is preceded in death by her husband Frank of 57 years and her son Chris Edwards. The governor credits his parents for instilling the values of public service that made him who he is today. The Edwards family also asked for prayer during this difficult time.

 

10:30 LRN Newscast Jan 20

Law enforcement would like to see legislation passed at the state capitol this year that would crack down on Glock switches. They’re devices that can turn a handgun into a fully automatic weapon. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says Glock switches are illegal on the federal level, but Louisiana law does not target them directly…

Cut 5 (06) “…there now.”

With multiple Republican candidates in the Governor’s race, one might think the party isn’t unified. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says that might normally be the case, but letting in-party grievances air this early into the election year will likely not benefit the opposition this time…:

Cut 9 (09)  “…is it going to be?”

The ULM unveils a new online interactive recruitment tool and virtual campus tour. ULM’s Director of Digital Recruitment and Analytics Trey Wilson says they expect the virtual tour will make a big impact in the recruitment of new students.

Cut 12 (08) “…see that as well.”

Visit ULM’s website and click on the “Take Flight” link.

Despite a disappointing season, it appears that the Saints won’t be making any major coaching changes. Host of the Lockdown Saints Podcast Ross Jackson says, but if things were to go south, Dennis Allen and Pete Carmichael could find themselves on the hot seat…

Cut 15 (14)  “…doesn’t work out.”

 

AM LRN Newscall Jan 20

The use of Glock or auto switches in firearms is a growing danger and law enforcement wants to update existing laws prohibiting their use. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The state Republican Party says A.G. Jeff Landry is the choice to be our next Governor, yet three other GOP candidates are challenging him so far and more may enter the race. Is there a problem brewing among the Louisiana GOP…?

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Pete Carmichael Jr. will return as the Saints’ Offensive Coordinator in 2023. Lockdown Saints podcast host Ross Jackson says the move is a surprise for the 22nd-ranked scoring offense in the NFL. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.” 

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Law enforcement says the use of Glock switches, or auto switches, has grown exponentially in the last few years. What looks like a harmless piece of plastic, can turn a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic firearm. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says even though they’re already illegal in Louisiana…

Cut 4 (09)  “…is crazy.”

Moore along with Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Agents want to see the law changed to prohibit those found using an auto switch from possessing a gun for at least ten years after they’ve completed their sentence and update the definition of a machine gun.

Cut 5 (06) “…there now.”

New Orleans ATF Assistant Special Agent In Charge Marlin Ford says they want to educate the public and law enforcement about the use of auto switches and the dangers they pose to the community.

Cut 6 (06)  “…how they function.” 

Moore and the ATF are also raising awareness about the use of auto sears, which is a similar device when used in a rifle, allowing it to become fully automatic.

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Despite having the Louisiana Republican Party’s official endorsement to be the state’s next governor, Attorney General Jeff Landry currently has four challengers; three from within his own party. More Republicans may enter the race in the weeks ahead. Does this signal a serious rift within the state GOP? LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says at the very least, it shows there is not a consensus candidate among Republican voters…:

Cut 7 (11) “…to a candidate.”

State Republican Party head Louis Gurvich clearly wants anyone not named Jeff Landry to bow out of the race, so the party can provide a unified front in the fall. Hogan says not all Republicans are willing to fall in line…:

Cut 8 (10)  “…around different candidates.”

Does the seeming dis-unity within the state GOP signal a potential problem for the fall election? Hogan says that might normally be the case, but letting in-party grievances air this early into the election year will likely not benefit the opposition this time…:

Cut 9 (09)  “…is it going to be?”

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The University of Louisiana – Monroe unveils a new online interactive recruitment tool and virtual campus tour. ULM’s Director of Digital Recruitment and Analytics Trey Wilson says the tool is called “Student Bridge” and it features two components. First a general information area, where visitors can link to all ULM departments and degree programs, and a feature video about them…

Cut 10 (07)  “…graduated from here.”

Wilson says the Student Bridge can be found easily by visiting the ULM website (ulm.edu) and clicking the “Take Flight” link. He says the second component of the digital tool is a virtual map of the entire university…:

Cut 11 (09)  “…on campus.”

Wilson says they expect the virtual tour will make a big impact in recruitment of new students to UL-Monroe…:

Cut 12 (08) “…see that as well.”

 

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The Saints will not be looking to replace Offensive Coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. this offseason. The announcement comes as a surprise to many Saints fans who expected the team to move on from one or both of Head coach Dennis Allen and Carmichael after a disappointing season offensively. Reports say New Orleans will not plan to replace any additional assistant coaches before next year. Host of the Lockdown Saints Podcast Ross Jackson says that he didn’t expect the decision…

Cut 13 (14)  “…Saints franchise.”

While the lack of change may surprise some, Jackson says it’s not uncharacteristic for the organization, who’s valued continuity in the coaching staff. The Saints were 19th in total offensive yards in 2022 and struggled with key injuries all season, most notably starting quarterback Jameis Winston and receiver Michael Thomas. Backup quarterback Andy Dalton did well to manage the offense ranking 10th in completion percentage and quarterback rating despite lackluster yardage stats, but Jackson says they’ll need to make a change if they want to find success in the same scheme…

Cut 14 (12)  “…that box.”

The move in favor of continuity comes in an offseason of potential change and uncertainty for the Black and Gold. The Saints do not have a first-round pick in this year’s draft and are coming off their first losing season since 2016. The team is looking for first-round compensation for former Head Coach Sean Payton who may make a return to coaching, and just restructured former Offensive Player of the Year Michael Thomas’s contract for a potential trade. With no solid picture of what the offense may look like next season but a strong defense set to return, Jackson says, if things were to go south, Allen and Carmichael could find themselves on the hot seat…

Cut 15 (14)  “…doesn’t work out.”

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Former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow and the Bengals will face off against the Bills in the divisional round of the NFL Playoffs Sunday. Of course, the two teams were set to play just three weeks ago in a game that could have potentially disrupted the AFC playoff picture altogether before it was canceled and ruled a no-contest after the collapse of Bills safety Damar Hamlin. Because of the no-contest ruling, the Bengals will visit Buffalo in an emotional rematch. Burrow says it’s just another game…

Cut  16 (14)  “…mostly focused on.” 

Buffalo is a 5.5-point favorite at home and has the second-best odds to win the Super Bowl behind the Chiefs. The Bills rank 2nd in scoring defense and first in yards allowed while the Bengals have the eighth-best scoring offense. Burrow says it will be a tough matchup against an extremely effective team…

Cut 17 (17) “…players as well.” 

The Bengals led the two teams’ last matchup 7-3 when it was suspended just nine minutes into play. Burrow says, because of the lack of tape, Cincinnati will be able to implement much of the same game plan they had in place three weeks ago…

Cut 18 (14) “…go from there.” 

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Cut 19 (18) “…in a big way.”

 

Cut 20 (19)  “…to help us.” 

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Edit

5:30 LRN Newscast Jan 19

You might have noticed you’re paying more at the pump, and according to Triple-A the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana is up to $3.06. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says that’s up 30 cents from a month ago and despite low demand and a healthy supply…

Cut 3 (07) “…$80 a barrel.” 

Redman traditionally gas prices in January are among the lowest due to a decrease in demand.

Next month, Governor Edwards will present a budget for the next fiscal year to lawmakers and the state has 728 million dollars in surplus money from the last fiscal year to spend. Governor Edwards says much of that money will go towards ongoing infrastructure projects that have gone up in price…:

Cut 9 (09) “…inflation” 

Edwards will present his budget on February 17th.

Baton Rouge area rapper, Jarman K. King also known as “Monkey” has been arrested for first-degree murder and criminal conspiracy of murder. He’s accused of killing Jesse Thomas the third October 22nd of last year during a robbery in Denham Springs.  A portion of the city that falls under St. Helena Parish’s authority and authorities had been searching for King for the past two months. King was arrested by the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office today. He also faces separate charges in an armed robbery days after Thomas’ murder.

Actor Alec Baldwin will be charged with involuntary manslaughter, in the shooting death of a cinematographer while making a western movie in 2021. Baton Rouge criminal defense attorney Franz Borghardt says Baldwin will almost certainly have top-notch legal representation for a case that can often be hard to prove…:

Cut 8 (09)  “.represent Mr. Baldwin.” 

10:30 LRN Newscast Jan 19

Lafourche Parish Sheriff deputies responded to a complaint from a Lockport woman that led to the arrest of 30-year-old Shane Chelette who allegedly forced himself onto the woman. The two met through the dating app Tinder and agreed to dinner. Captain Brennan Matherne says things eventually took a turn for the worst.

Cut 13 (13)  “…the residence.”

Chelette was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex.

It still remains to be seen if a Special Session to address the state’s lack of property insurance carriers will be called before the regular session in April. Governor John Bel Edwards believes there’s overwhelming support after more than 20 insurance companies have either left the state or gone insolvent from the 2020 and 2021 hurricane seasons.

Cut 12 (08) “…Citizen’s policies.”

The Public Service Commission approves Entergy hiking power bills to pay for Hurricane Ida damage to their grid. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office is reportedly close to providing enough deputies from around the state so Mardi Gras krewes can return to their traditional routes. Most parade routes were shortened last year because of a lack of law enforcement. More details are expected to be announced later this week.

AM LRN Newscall Jan 19

The Public Service Commission approves Entergy hiking power bills to pay for Hurricane Ida damage to their grid. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Of the five candidates who’ve declared their candidacy for governor not one is a Democrat. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a Thibodaux man after things took a sharp turn during a dinner date that ended in an assault Whitney Thomas Reports.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.” 

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The state’s Public Service Commission approves a plan to let Entergy recover over a billion dollars in Hurricane Ida repair costs from its customers. A compromise deal proposed by outgoing PSC chairman Craig Greene would have Entergy take on a higher tax liability for the recovery expense; reducing the cost to ratepayers by nearly $200-million…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…dirt on their jersey.”

The deal will mean Entergy customers will see an additional $5.50 on their monthly bill for the next 23 years. This is in addition to the $10 they already pay to cover Entergy’s damages from hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta in 2020. Entergy’s CEO Phillip May says Greene’s proposed plan will ease some pain for its ratepayers…:

Cut 5 (10) “…through this securitization.”

The only members to vote against the plan were Foster Campbell from northwest Louisiana, and new member Devante Lewis from New Orleans. Lewis says too many people are struggling already to pay their electric bills…:

Cut 6 (08)  “… them… greatly.” 

By law, utilities can recover damage losses from their customers with PSC approval. This measure passed by a 3-to-2 vote.

_____________________________________________

To date, there are five candidates running for governor, four Republicans and one Independent, and no Democrats. ULM-Political Science professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says it would be disappointing if a Democrat doesn’t get in the race because all spectrums and perspectives wouldn’t be represented.

Cut 7 (10) “…be represented.”

Stockley says if all of the candidates are conservative Republicans then most of the state is actually not represented in a candidate. He says the majority of this state is not conservative, there are moderates and liberals that wouldn’t have a candidate they identify with.

Cut 8 (08)  “…our statewide elections.”

And with the primary less than ten months away, Stockley says the longer a Democrat waits it puts them at a disadvantage.

Cut 9 (13)  “…very (x4) difficult.”

Republicans – Attorney General Jeff Landry, Treasurer John Schroder, Representative Sharon Hewitt, and Representative Richard Nelson have announced their candidacy along with Independent Hunter Lundy for governor.

____________________________________________

It still remains to be seen if a Special Session to address the state’s lack of property insurance carriers will be called before the regular session in April. On his monthly call-in radio show Ask the Governor, Governor John Bel Edwards says Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon told him April might be too late.

Cut 10 (13)  “…question of timing.”

The proposed program would offer financial incentives to property insurance companies to come to the state and write policies and reduce the number of residents on Louisiana Citizens, the insurance of last resort. Edwards says he doesn’t feel there’s opposition to the incentive program only a matter of when the session is held.

Cut 11 (12)  “…basic determination.”

The incentive program would be similar to the one that was offered after numerous policy writers left the state following hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Edwards believes there’s overwhelming support to repeat the program after more than 20 insurance companies have either left the state or gone insolvent from the 2020 and 2021 hurricane seasons.

Cut 12 (08) “…Citizen’s policies.”

The regular session begins on April 10th.

___________________________________________________

Lafourche Parish deputies responded to a complaint from a Lockport woman that led to the arrest of 30-year-old Shane Chelette who allegedly forced himself onto the woman. The two met through the dating app Tinder and agreed to dinner. Captain Brennan Matherne, says things eventually took a turn for the worst.

Cut 13 (13)  “…the residence.”

Detectives issued a warrant for Chelette’s arrest, he was located Friday and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux.

Matherne says Chelette faces several charges.

Cut 14 (11)  “…this case.”

Deputies warn individuals using dating apps to become more aware of its dangers by doing a search for their potential date on Google or social media before meeting in person. Matherne says it’s also best to meet in a public place with a cell phone.

Cut 15 (14)  “…never met.”

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The Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team goes after its fifth straight win tonight as they battle Arkansas State in Jonesboro. Coach Bob Marlin says his team is playing well and it’s really showing on the offensive end…

Cut  16 (22)  “…rebound margin.” 

The Cajuns are 14-and-4 overall, and 5-and-4 on the road. Marlin’s team won at ULM and South Alabama last week and he likes his team’s mentality away from the Cajundome…

Cut 17 (23) “…is gonna win.” 

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Louisiana Tech looks to end a two-game losing streak tonight when they host Western Kentucky. The Bulldogs are 3-and-4 in Conference. The losses in league play have been by seven points or less. Bulldogs Coach Talvin Hester is optimistic more wins are on their way…

Cut 18 (19) “…into wins.” 

Louisiana Tech is led in scoring by Cobe Williams at 18 points a game. Keaston Willis is averaging 13 points a game and is coming off a season-high 23 points against UAB. Hester says Willis was concerned about a shooting slump so he told him to concentrate on defense

Cut 19 (18) “…in a big way.”

 

Cut 20 (19)  “…to help us.” 

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Edit

5:30 LRN Newscast Jan 18

Baton Rouge Police have arrested a juvenile in connection with the shooting and robbery of his 10th-grade Broadmoor High School classmate as he walked to his bus stop this morning. Sgt L ’Jean McKneely says the victim was taken to the hospital.

Cut 9 (08) “…this robbery” 

After being shot the victim ran home for help and paramedics responded to a neighborhood off Sherwood Forest Boulevard. The suspect is being held at a juvenile detention center and faces two counts of armed robbery.

Police in New Iberia confirms they have arrested a 14-year-old boy for the murder of another teen, who was found shot to death Monday behind an apartment complex. From the condition of the body, detectives believe the victim had been deceased for some time. Neither the victim nor the accused teen shooter has been identified as yet because they are underage.

Another Republican has declared their candidacy for governor. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson is also the youngest candidate in the race at the age of 36. In addition to his one term in the legislature, Nelson says he brings seven years of experience working in the foreign service to the table.

Cut 3 (07) “…running for.” 

Nelson is a proponent of tax reform and legalizing recreational marijuana.

It still remains to be seen if Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves will throw his name in the hat for governor.  LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says out of the Republican candidates, Graves has the best chance at getting votes from Democrats…

Cut 7 (10)  “..right now” 

50-year-old Graves just won a fifth two-year term to congress.