1:30 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.

Xavier University is partnering with Ochsner Health in creating a new college of medicine. University President Reynold Verret says together they can increase the number of Black physicians and better serve the healthcare needs of marginalized populations.

Cut 15 (08)  “…the world.”

36-year-old Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson joins four others who are running for governor. So far, he’s the youngest candidate and Nelson says he’s a moderate Republican and that sets him apart from other state leaders who are stuck in the past.

Cut 5 (09) “…Connecticut or something.”

Nelson graduated top of his LSU Law Class and undergraduate in Biological Engineering.

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.

12:30 LRN Newscast Jan 18

Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson declared his candidacy for governor today. Among the five candidates, he’s also the youngest at 36. A proponent of tax reform and elementary education he also authored a bill in 2021 to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, even though he’s never used it…

Cut 4 (10)  “…my opinion.” 

2022 saw record-breaking high rents. Jonas Bordo, co-founder of renters’ resource website “Dwellsy.com,” says rentals in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, 2 and 3 bedroom homes are up as much as 20-percent. He says rentals tend to be lower the farther one gets away from I-10.

Cut 12 (11) “…about $950 there.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has discovered five additional suspected cases of chronic wasting disease in deer in Tensas Parish. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

 

11:30 LRN Newscast Jan 18

Another Republican has declared their candidacy for governor. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson is also the youngest candidate in the race at the age of thirty-six. 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, elementary education, and legalizing cannabis.

Now that Republican state representative Richard Nelson has entered the governor’s race, the attention focuses on Congressman Garret Graves. Among potential candidates from the Republican side, he’s yet to give an indication. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Graves has to make sure he has the resources…

Cut 6 (08)  “…hat in the ring” 

Xavier University is partnering with Ochsner Health in creating a new college of medicine. University President Reynold Verret says Xavier, the only historically Black and Catholic University in the county, is grounded in the premise of social justice.

Cut 14 (09)  “…serve this country.”

The university’s pre-med program has the distinction of sending more Black students to medical school than any other college.

Five additional suspected cases of chronic wasting disease been found in deer harvested by hunters on private land in Tensas Parish. State Wildlife Veterinarian Jim LaCour encourages hunters to help them curb spread of the disease by submitting samples for testing.

Cut 9 (12)  “…throughout Louisiana.”

AM LRN Newscall Jan 18

Legislative leaders are meeting today to discuss the possibility of a special session to entice property insurance companies to the state. But one lawmaker has questions. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has discovered five additional suspected cases of chronic wasting disease in deer in Tensas Parish. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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2022 saw record-breaking high rental prices in Louisiana, but what might this year bring for renters? Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Legislative leaders and the governor’s office are meeting today to discuss the possibility of holding a special session to entice more property insurers to write policies in Louisiana. Since 2021 up to twenty insurance companies have either left or gone insolvent. But Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland says not so fast.

Cut 4 (09)  “…up to $45-million.”

Last month Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne and Senate President Page Cortez were leaning towards addressing the matter during the regular session in April, but Insurance Commissioner Jay Donelon says the state can’t wait that long. McFarland questions if the proposal will benefit existing insurance companies.

Cut 5 (08) “…significantly increase.”

The north Louisiana Republican questions why they should be called in to address the issue when they haven’t for other markets, like the trucking industry when very few companies would even write policies in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (12)  “…insurance program.” 

If called it’s expected the session will be held in early February to avoid conflicts with the height of carnival season.

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Five additional suspected cases of chronic wasting disease have been discovered in deer harvested by hunters on private land in Tensas Parish. This comes after a second case of CWD was confirmed last month. The first CWD-positive case in Tensas Parish was confirmed in January of last year, and the area has been under heightened surveillance since a case was found in Issaquena County, Mississippi, in 2018. State Wildlife Veterinarian Jim LaCour says the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is working on zeroing in on the outbreak…

Cut 7 (12) “…infection in deer.”

CWD is a neurodegenerative disease caused by an infectious, misfolded protein particle, and it is 100 percent fatal to deer after an indeterminate incubation period. Infected deer may show signs of weight loss, salivation, frequent drinking and urination, and a lack of fear of people. CWD has not been found to be contagious to humans, but the Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization recommend against human consumption of deer known to be positive. LaCour says the LDWF provides free testing for hunters across the state…

Cut 8 (08)  “…prior to consumption.”

Testing is performed on the brainstem and lymph nodes of the head, meaning the head and five inches or more of the neck may be removed and submitted to the LDWF for testing, and hunters may remove the antlers and skull plate prior to testing if desired. LaCour says coolers will be placed throughout the CWD Control Area for hunters to submit samples, and testing results across the state will be posted on the LDWF website. LaCour hopes efforts of hunters and biologists across the state will help to manage the spread of the disease…

Cut 9 (12)  “…throughout Louisiana.”

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2022 saw record-breaking high rents, plus very high demand and often-low supply. Jonas Bordo, co-founder of renters’ resource website “Dwellsy.com,” says rentals in Louisiana are a mixed bag. In New Orleans and Baton Rouge, 2 and 3 bedroom home rentals are up as much as 20-percent for 2022, but apartment rents have gone down slightly. Bordo says he expects to see rentals drop some over the coming year, as more and more rental properties come online…:

Cut 10 (09)  “…for this country.”

Bordo says, because so many new apartment complexes will be coming available for rents, consumers should expect to see median rents go down…:

Cut 11 (06)  “…to a lot of people.”

Bordo says apartment rentals tend to be lower the farther one gets from I-10. Shreveport rents, for instance, are considerably less than in New Orleans, Baton Rouge or Lafayette…:

Cut 12 (11) “…about $950 there.”

Bordo says Dwellsy feels inflation will ease over the coming months and rental prices will ease with it.

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Xavier University is partnering with Ochsner Health in creating a new college of medicine. University President Reynold Verret says the partnership will help create a strong physician pipeline to address inequities in healthcare.

Cut 13 (07)  “…physicians in the U.S.”

Verret says Xavier, the only historically Black and Catholic University in the county, is grounded in the premise of social justice.

Cut 14 (09)  “…serve this country.”

This isn’t the first partnership between the two institutions, in the 1980s Ochsner offered clinical training spots for Xavier pharmacy students. Verret says together they can increase the number of Black physicians and better serve the healthcare needs of marginalized populations.

Cut 15 (08)  “…the world.”

The university’s pre-med program has the distinction of sending more Black students to medical school than any other college. Xavier’s College of Medicine will be the fifth Black medical school in the country.

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Running back John Emery is coming back for a fifth season at LSU. Many thought the former five-star prospect would turn pro, but Emery did not submit his name for the NFL draft prior to Monday’s deadline. LSU beat reporter for Bengal Tiger On Three, Shea Dixon, says Emery has not had the college career many expected coming out of Destrehan High School…

Cut  16 (15)  “…academic suspension” 

Emery did not play in 2021 and returned this past season to rush for 375 yards and six touchdowns. He also had two touchdown catches. Dixon says with Emery’s return that means LSU’s top five rushers from 2022 plan to play for the Tigers in 2023…

Cut 17 (27) “…starting running back'” 

Dixon says Emery will look to improve his draft stock by coming back for a fifth season…

Cut 18 (13) “…many times.” 

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The LSU men’s basketball team was blown out by No. 4 Alabama over the weekend in a 106-66 loss to the Crimson Tide. The Tigers kept it within 4 for the first 7 minutes of play before Alabama jumped out on a 10-nothing run and were up 37 by halftime. Coach Matt McMahon says there were little-to-no positives for the Tigers Saturday, but what matters now is their response…

Cut 19 (20) “…player’s response.”

The Tigers’ biggest struggle of the season so far has been creating production offensively. LSU ranks 11th in the SEC in points per game and 10th in shooting percentage. McMahon says the Tigers will need to look to more than just half-court sets if they want to create offense in the SEC…

Cut 20 (19)  “…to help us.” 

5:30 LRN Newscast Jan 17

The state’s Republican Party advises Congressman Garret Graves to stay out of the Governor’s race. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

30-year-old Christian King of Baton Rouge is under arrest, after violating a restraining order and setting his ex-girlfriend’s home on fire. Firefighters say the home’s doorbell camera shows him dousing the home with gas and setting it ablaze. He’s been charged with simple arson, violation of protective orders, and simple criminal damage to property it could be bumped to aggravated arson.

Chairman of the Louisiana Oyster Task force says the $2.5 billion Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project will devastate the state’s seafood industry. Mitch Jurisich says the project scheduled to begin in March will put him and others out of business permanently.

Cut 3 (11) “…severely impacted.” 
Jurisich says they plan to file a lawsuit against the Corps of Engineers and CPRA to stop the project.

After five years in Lafayette, the prestigious Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off moves this year to Lake Charles and will be held at the city’s Golden Nugget casino and entertainment complex.  Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says Lake Charles is deserving, after fighting its way back from two devastating hurricanes…:

Cut 12 (11) “…your hard work.”

10:30 LRN Newscast Jan 17

Congressman Mike Johnson says new GOP House leadership wants answers about classified documents found in Joe Biden’s office and homes. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

 

After a dredging vessel capsized in the Mississippi River early Monday morning near Meraux, the Coast Guard is overseeing a pollution response. Two passengers on the W.B. Wood were rescued by a vessel nearby. Three response boats are on the scene and have recovered more than 33-hundred gallons of oily water.

More talk of a special session occurring next month to address the state’s property insurance crisis. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon wants to establish a fund of at least 45-million dollars to attract more private insurance companies to Louisiana and insurance companies are busy making their business plans now…

Cut 8 (07)  “…write these policies.”
The incentive fund worked in the 2000’s, when Katrina and Rita drove companies away and the state needed to entice new insurance companies to write policies.

The Last Mile Education Fund and Dow chemicals are collaborating to assist low-income students who are nearing completion of their skilled trades program at River Parishes Community College with grants. Dow spokesperson Stacey Gautreaux says the grant amounts differ depending on need.

Cut 12 (12) “…skill trades.”

5:30 LRN Newscast Jan 16

Among the bills filed for the upcoming legislative session in April is one requiring every public school classroom and even postsecondary institution, to display the national motto “In God We Trust,” Haughton Representative Dodie Horton authored the bill.

Cut 6 (11)  “…must trust in God.” 

Horton says the current law requires it to be displayed in each building

Today is Martin Luther King Junior Day, which is a National Day of Service. Volunteers around the state this week are packing 200-thousand meals for food banks statewide. Entergy Louisiana is a co-sponsor and Spokesperson Jody Montelaro says it makes the heart feel good to help out people who struggle to find quality meals every day…

Cut 14 (06)   “…feel great”

A study from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy says if Louisiana updates its building energy codes, energy use in new buildings could be cut by as much as 20% in residential and 32 percent in commercial structures. Mike Waite, with the ACEEE, says Louisiana is still operating under 2009 national guidelines that are updated every three years, which means Louisiana is four versions behind…:

Cut 4 (12)  “…of this year.” 

A statue of LSU legend Seimone Augustus shooting a basketball was unveiled in front of a large crowd outside of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Sunday. Augustus is considered the greatest women’s basketball player ever from Louisiana and is humbled by the honor…

Cut 9 (12) “…for everyone.” 

AM LRN Newscall Jan 16

Congressman Mike Johnson says new GOP House leadership wants answers about classified documents found in Joe Biden’s office and homes. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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State Government is considering a special session for lawmakers to create an incentive pool to attract new property insurance companies to the state. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Dow Chemicals has launched a pilot program to help students finish their certification at Community Colleges who otherwise could not. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Shreveport Congressman Mike Johnson says new U.S. House leadership will actively seek answers as to why President Joe Biden had classified federal documents stashed at his private office and his home. Johnson says, as chairman of the House Judiciary’s Sub-Committee on Constitutional matters, he and fellow lawmakers are demanding answers from the Department of Justice…:

Cut 4 (12)  “…classified documents.”

Last week, it was revealed that top secret documents were found at Joe Biden’s private office at the Penn-Biden Center. Those documents were from his time as Vice-President, and reportedly some were of a much more sensitive nature than those found in Donald Trump’s Mar-A-Lago home. More recently, more classified documents were found at Biden’s two Delaware homes. Johnson says the timeline of the discoveries is also worrisome…:

Cut 5 (10) “…interested to know why.”

Johnson says the full weight of the FBI and Justice Department came down of former President Trump for the same thing, but in Biden’s case, there were no raids of his home broadcast on television. He feels a double standard is obviously at play. Johnson says the public has the right to know if the President broke federal law…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…comply automatically.” 

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The Governor’s Office and state legislative leaders will discuss a possible special legislative session in early February to deal with the exodus of insurance companies from Louisiana and how to bring new insurers here. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says a meeting is scheduled Wednesday between the Governor and House & Senate leaders…

Cut 7 (15) “…into private insurance.”

The combined hits of two hurricanes in 2020, plus Hurricane Ida in 2021 and a major flood event in 2022 have caused a number of property insurers to either go insolvent of leave Louisiana altogether. Dardenne says the proposed special session would be so lawmakers can approve using surplus revenue for an incentive fund to attract new insurers to come here. Dardenne says this is the time of year when insurers are lining up their re-insurance (insurance for insurers) and Louisiana needs to act fast, to be part of their plans…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…write these policies.”

The incentive fund worked in the 2000’s, when Katrina and Rita drove companies away and the state needed to entice new property coverers. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says it will work again if the state acts quickly. Dardenne expects the decision on a session will come sooner than later…:

Cut 9 (10)  “…a call will be issued.”

Dardenne says if the special session is called, it will likely be only a few days long, and probably take place in early February. He says we’ll all know by the week’s end.

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The Last Mile Education Fund and Dow chemicals are collaborating to assist low-income students who are nearing completion of their skilled trades program with grants, so they are more likely to get certified. Dow spokesperson Stacey Gautreaux says all too often students face financial burdens that keep them from finishing school.

Cut 10 (12)  “…can apply.”

It’s a pilot program and Gautreaux says they want to make sure it’s helping those who need it most with grants up to $5,000.

Cut 11 (12)  “…St. Charles Parish.”

The grants are also available for their Sabine Parish site at community colleges in Beaumont, Texas.  The grant amounts will differ depending on the need. Gautreaux says at this point they don’t know how much funding the program will require.

Cut 12 (12) “…skill trades.”

Gautreaux says you can find more information at their Dow Louisiana Operations Facebook page as well as Rivers Parishes Community College.

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LSU AgCenter researchers are looking to see if it’s possible to grow raspberries in the deep South. Horticulturist David Picha says most raspberries are produced in other countries, primarily Mexico. Picha says they are looking at varieties and production methods that would work in the southeast

Cut 13 (13)  “…healthier foods”

Picha says demand has increased for raspberries with more consumers eating at home and looking to eat a healthy diet. He says raspberries are very high in vitamins and vitamin C

Cut 14 (10)  “…anti-oxidants”

Picha says in order to make raspberries a success, it’s important to get multiple harvests throughout the year…

Cut 15 (10)  “…fresh market raspberries”

Picha says a major hurdle is having cold storage units ready once raspberries are picked.

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Cut  16 (19)  “…maximize that” 

Cut 17 (16) “…in my mind'” 

Cut 18 (19) “…knee injuries” 

Cut 19 (18) “…get a W.”

Cut 20 (14)  “…the floor.” 

 

2:30 LRN Newscast Jan 16

LSU’s spring semester began on a somber note as a student was killed in a traffic accident near the campus early Sunday morning. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

In Redding, California 32-year-old Andrew Williams and 32-year-old Chantel Knox both of Baton Rouge face several drug charges after police found more than 200 pounds of marijuana in their car last night. They also seized two handguns from the pair.

Among the bills filed for the upcoming legislative session in April is one requiring every public school classroom and even postsecondary institutions, to display the national motto “In God We Trust.” Haughton Representative Dodie Horton who wrote the bill says it does not require public funds to purchase the displays.

Cut 8 (07)  “..these posters.” 

The regular session begins April 10th.

 

A statue of LSU legend Seimone Augustus shooting a basketball was unveiled in front of a large crowd outside of the P-MAC Sunday The legend of Augustus grew before she arrived at LSU, after standout seasons at Capitol High School in Baton Rouge. Associate Head Coach Bob Starkey was on LSU’s staff when Augustus signed…

Cut 10 (09) “…it’s true.” 

Augustus is the first female athlete with a statue on LSU’s campus

10:30 LRN Newscast Jan 16

There are three Republicans who’ve announced their candidacy for governor, Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt, Treasurer John Schroder, and A.G. Jeff Landry. But a Democrat has yet to jump in the race.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the Party of The Left is running behind at this time…:

Cut 15 (09)  “…two different worlds.”

Lake Charles attorney Hunter Lundy is running as an independent.

Louisiana Tech University Police have identified the suspect responsible for bringing a firearm on campus and vandalizing the Integrated Engineering and Science Building on New Year’s Eve. 30-year-old Jacob Roberts, a La-Tech student is currently in jail in Rogers, Arkansas on unrelated charges.  Local police are currently working to have him extradited back to Louisiana. He’s charged with damaging the building’s windows with a firearm.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says he is particularly proud of passing his “No Surprises Act” last January which prevents patients from receiving medical bills they were not expecting from a procedure they thought insurance covered…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…of this legislation.” 

Cassidy is also supported the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs act which he says a large portion will be used for road and bridge projects in Louisiana.

COVID nursing home deaths nationwide increased by 14% during the end of December, that’s according to AARP’s COVID dashboard. Louisiana AARP Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl says they’ll continue to encourage for better safety measures.

Cut 9 (14)  “… They’ve been taking .”