5:30 LRN Newscast Oct 26

According to Walgreens’ flu tracker, Louisiana leads the country in cases. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Saints Head Coach Dennis Allen announced Andy Dalton will be the starting quarterback moving forward even with Jameis Winston a full participant in practice. Coach Allen’s decision was performance-based.

The offense under Dalton has been one of the top-ranked in both yards and points, and Allen said Dalton will keep the starting job if that trend continues. Dalton and the Saints will host the 2-4 Raiders at noon this Sunday.

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Louisiana shrimpers say their industry is in shambles. They say rising fuel costs, lax testing of imports, and most of all, competition from foreign imports are the culprits. Acy Cooper is President of the Louisiana Shrimp Association.

He says the imported shrimp is not only bad for the economy, but it’s also bad for consumers’ health. He cites a Consumer Reports study on shrimp safety.

Cut 7 (11) “..trash coming in”

Tomorrow, Southeastern Louisiana University will begin providing independent scientific monitoring of the Lake Maurepas ecosystem. The goal is to see where the lake stands before Air Products begins its project to inject captured carbon emissions into wells deep beneath the lake.

Dan McCarthy is the dean of Southeastern’s College of Science and Technology.

Cut 3 (11) “..recognize changes” 

1:30 LRN Newscast Oct 25

The suspected gunman in Friday’s early morning shooting at an off-campus fraternity house at Southern University, 22-year-old Jaicedric Williams was out on bond and had posted bond twice within a month, in October of 2020 on separate domestic violence and attempted armed robbery charges. Bail for the 11 counts of attempted murder from the Friday shooting was denied.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services might be looking for you! DCFS needs to fill 400 vacancies in a hurry—so they’re changing their hiring process.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

RSV and flu cases are on the rise among children and Dr. Brannon Perilloux, a pediatrician at Ochsner Health Center for Children says in 2020 they didn’t see hardly any flu cases and RSV cases decreased dramatically but since COVID restrictions eased both are making a comeback.

Cut 10 (10) “…comes through.”

Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan is asking voters to vote against his proposed Constitutional Amendment seven because the ballot language is confusing. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin also opposes the amendment that deals with a form of slavery and but because of how it’s written, it may actually broaden the use of involuntary servitude

Cut 7 (06) “..in the constitution”

Early voting for the November 8th election began today.

10:30 LRN Newscast Oct 25

Early voting for the Nov. 8th Election begins today and continues through Tuesday, Nov. 1st.  Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding people to get out and be proactive Whitney Thomas has more …

Cut 1 (26) “…Whitney Thomas.”

The suspected gunman in Friday’s early morning shooting at an off-campus fraternity house at Southern University, 22-year-old Jaicedric Williams was out on bond and had posted bond twice within a month, in October of 2020 on separate domestic violence and attempted armed robbery charges. Bail for the 11 counts of attempted murder from the Friday shooting was denied.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon leaves for London today to meet with Lloyd’s of London. Donelon says 37 percent of Lloyd’s business globally is re-insurance and the rising cost of re-insurance is resulting in a huge increase for Citizens Insurance and fewer private insurers…

Cut 9 (10)  “…substantial coastal exposure.”

Among the EIGHT Constitutional Amendments to decide on the ballot is Amendment 2. Steven Procopio, with the Public Affairs Research Council (PAR), if approved it exempts disabled military veterans from paying property tax and establishes a sliding scale of additional property tax exemptions for those with a partial military service-related disability. He says a “no” vote keeps what’s in place…:

Cut 12 (10) “…not a total exemption.” 

 

5:30 LRN Newscast Oct 24

The man accused of shooting up a frat party that injured 11 people near the Southern University campus in Baton Rouge Friday is under arrest. BRPD’s Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says the investigation is ongoing and witnesses are encouraged to come forward…:

Cut 5 (07) “…right people.” 

East Baton Rouge D.A. Hillar Moore has asked that Jaicedric Williams be held without bond, and a judge has agreed. Two other men are booked as accessories in the crime.

Louisiana’s 4th-grade students lead the country in reading growth according to the Nation’s Report Card released by the National Center for Education Statistics. State Superintendent of Education Doctor Cade Brumley says, over the last two years, Louisiana has implemented a number of policy decisions to curb the state’s long-standing literacy crisis…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…we’ve been doing.” 

The State Police Gaming audit division says the first full month of sports wagering on college football games resulted in four-million dollars in revenues for the state. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns expects the number to grow when they get the October numbers next month…

Cut 11 (12) “…National Hockey League.”

Governor John Bel Edwards proclaims today as Red Beans and Rice day in Louisiana. Cajun Country Rice co-owner Robbie Trahan says back in the day families used Red Beans and Rice Mondays as a way to start the week and the tradition is still convenient.

Cut 14 (13)  “…big meal.” 

To learn more visit mondaytradition.com

10:30 LRN Newscast Oct 24

The suspected gunman in the early Friday morning shooting at a fraternity party just off the campus of Southern University has been arrested. Baton Rouge Police spokesperson Sgt L’Jean McKneely says Sunday afternoon 22-year-old Jaicedric (Jay-Cedric) Williams was arrested without incident at his home.

Cut 3 (12) “…history.” 

He along with two other suspects are in the East Baton Rouge Parish jail.

State Archeologist Chip McGimsey believes thousands have visited the site of the now visible ferry that sank 107 years ago in the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge. He says most have been respectful of the boat but some have taken parts of the vessel for a souvenir.

Cut 12 (06) “…the wreck.” 

And because it’s considered state property it’s illegal.

LSU’s offense is humming along now as the Tigers put together another solid performance in handing Ole Miss its first loss of the season in a 45-20 victory. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

And the SEC has fined LSU $250 thousand after fans rushed the field on Saturday. It’s the third such occurrence under the SEC’s policy. The last infraction was the 2018 Georgia game. According to a tweet by the Tiger Athletic Foundation, they will pay the fine.

AM LRN Newscall Oct 23

New labor data shows Louisiana’s jobless rate continues to drop for the 19th straight month. More from Michelle Southern…:

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

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LSU’s offense is humming along now as the Tigers put together another solid performance in handing Ole Miss its first loss of the season in a 45-20 victory. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Since the Mississippi River water levels have dropped the rare opportunity to see the remains of a ferry boat that sank in 1915 has arisen. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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New federal labor numbers show Louisiana’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for September was just 3.4-percent. The lowest rate in the state’s history. Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Cates says this marks 19 consecutive months of declines in jobless claims. She says August saw big gains in jobs in education, construction, and the leisure & hospitality industries…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…in the labor force.” (2x)

Cates says this is the lowest jobless rate since 1976 when they first started tracking such numbers. Some of the state’s bigger cities posted job losses for August, but all have seen measurable job gains over September 2021. Cates says it’s a good indicator the state is moving past the setbacks of the pandemic…:

Cut 5 (08) “…is a good thing.”

Cates says the Workforce Commission is committed to training programs to help people acquire needed skills to get decent-paying jobs…:

Cut 6 (10)  “…really qualified workforce.” 

To view all the labor figures, or find out more about job training visit “laworks.net.”

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Early voting for the November 8th election begins tomorrow, and voters will have eight Constitutional Amendments to decide, as well as local and congressional races. LRN will break them down for you, one at a time. Today: Amendment One. Steven Procopio with the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana (PAR) says CA 1 proposes raising the current cap on moneys in state funds that can be invested in the stock market…:

Cut 7 (09) “…65% of the funds”

Voting “yes” on Amendment One would allow the State Treasurer more leeway in investing and growing state funds. Though not mentioned implicitly in the amendment, lawmakers intend that any investment windfalls from passing CA 1 go toward education in Louisiana. Procopio says it’s a sound idea when the markets are stable…:

Cut 8 (10)  “…short-term losses.”

Procopio says voting “no” on the amendment will maintain the same 35-percent limit on investing state funds; playing it “safe”…:

Cut 9 (10)  “…fund education primarily.”

Early Voting for the November 8th election begins tomorrow and runs through Tuesday, November 1st. By the way, there are another three Constitutional amendments coming on the December ballot.

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About two weeks ago remains of the Brookhill ferry that sank more than 100 years ago washed ashore in Baton Rouge due to low water levels on the Mississippi River. State Archeologist Chip McGimsey says the ferry was partially visible in 1992 when the river was low but then it was full of mud.

Cut 10 (09) “…of her.” 

The ferry sank after a major overnight storm in 1915. McGimsey says archives indicate only a nightwatchman was on board at the time and he survived.

McGimsey says so far thousands have turned out to view the ferry boat in person and he hopes it inspires future archeologists.

The Brookhill was one of the two ferry boats that serviced Baton Rouge and Port Allen in 1915 and ferries operated consistently between the two cities before the I-10 bridge was completed in 1968.

McGimsey says you can find her just over the levee near the intersection of North Street and River Road in the capital city.

Cut  11 (06)  “…about it.”

For the most part, McGimsey says visitors have been respectful of the boat but unfortunately a few have decided to take parts of the vessel for a souvenir. And because it’s considered state property it’s illegal.

Cut 12 (06) “…the wreck.” 

He says everything below normal pool level in the river in Louisiana is considered state property and that includes shipwrecks.

McGimsey encourages visitors to see the boat in person while the Mississippi River remains low before it’s underwater once again. The sister ferry to the Brookhill was the Istrouma which broke loose during a 1915 hurricane and sank down the river.

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The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office and parish sheriff’s offices will distribute free child ID kits to students in kindergarten through fifth grades. A-G Jeff Landry says every 40 seconds a child goes missing in the U-S and when a child goes missing , time matters…

Cut 13 (08) “…that child.”

East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says parents can use the kits to store their child’s fingerprints, a DNA sample, physical identification information, and recent photos that can be given to law enforcement in abduction and runaway cases…

Cut 14 (10)  “..that investigation.”

The National Child ID program is celebrating its 25th anniversary and has distributed more than 75 million child ID kits nationally via public-private partnerships. National Child ID Program Director Kenny Hansmire says the kits do not enter a database, instead, it allows parts to store their children’s vital information in their own homes…

Cut 15 (08)  “…parent and law enforcement.”

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Ragin Cajuns Quarterback Ben Wooldridge threw for a career-high 316 yards and tied a school record with five touchdown passes as U-L Lafayette defeated Arkansas State 38-18 to improve to 2-and-2 in Sun Belt play. Wooldridge says he just focused on the little things…

Cut 16 (15)  “…on the field.” 

The Cajuns’ next game is Thursday night at Southern Miss.

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Louisiana Tech suffered a hard-fought loss on homecoming to Rice on Saturday as the Owls defeated the Bulldogs 42-41 in overtime. Tech Coach Sonny Cumbie decided to go for two and the win after scoring a touchdown in overtime, but freshman QB Landry Lyddy’s pass was incomplete. Cumbie on his decision to go for two…

Cut 17 (16) “…went for two.” 

Tech will be in Miami on Friday night to face F-I-U.

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The LSU Tigers spotted Ole Miss a 17-3 lead on Saturday but dominated the rest of the way as the Bayou Bengals knocked off the seventh-ranked Rebels 45-20. LSU held Ole Miss to 112 yards of total offense and the Rebels only rushed for three yards a carry. Coach Brian Kelly believes he and defensive coordinator Matt House were overthinking it too much on defense at the beginning of the game…

Cut 18 (17) “…let’s go play.” 

LSU got another outstanding performance from quarterback Jayden Daniels who accounted for five touchdowns. He threw for 248 yards and two scores and rushed for another 121 and 3 TDs. Daniels says the offense has come a long way since the season opener…

Cut 19 (15) “…play football.”

The offensive line continues to get better. Kelly gives a lot of credit to the players and offensive line coach Brad Davis…

Cut 20 (19) “…with that.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast Oct 21

Homecoming at Southern University is marred by a shooting during an off-campus homecoming celebration. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

A nine-year-old lawsuit against oil and gas companies over damages to wetlands in Louisiana will return to a state court for trial after federal judges upheld a January decision from the late U.S. District Judge L.C. Feldman of New Orleans. The suit filed by Plaquemines Parish against Chevron USA, Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips, BP America and Shell returns to state court in Plaquemines Parish

 

The Department of Children and Family Services plans to hire 50 nurses to make home visits to infants who were exposed to substance abuse by their mothers while pregnant. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says five years ago the department was ordered to come into compliance with follow-up visits for those infants.

Cut 6 (10)  “…for a while.” 

DCFS came under fire after a two-year-old’s overdosed death from fentanyl after the agency received multiple warnings about the child and other child welfare incidents.

The Louisiana Supreme Court has ruled the state’s ban on non-unanimous verdicts for violent offenses cannot be used retroactively. The decision impacts about 15-hundred inmates hoping for a new trial. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the U-S Supreme Court declined to make non-unanimous verdicts retroactive two years ago and the state supreme court ruled six to one against it…

Cut 13 (13) “..retroactively” 

4:30 LRN Newscast Oct 21

Nine people were shot last early Friday morning at a southern University frat house, as that school’s Homecoming Week draws to an end. Baton Rouge Police spokesman Lt. Don Coppola says officers responded to the Kappa Alpha Psi House at around 2 am…:

Cut 9 (10)  “…the time”

The investigation is ongoing.

There’s a gun buyback program scheduled for Saturday in Jeanerette. The program is a faith-based effort to get guns off the street and help prevent further violence. Organizer Felton Hogan says the buyback will start at noon Saturday at Jeanerette’s King Joseph Recreational Center. Hogan says his group had a successful buyback in New Iberia recently as well…:

Cut 3 (12) “…one life at a time.” 

The Department of Children and Family Services plans to hire 50 nurses to make home visits to infants who were exposed to substance abuse by their mothers while pregnant. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says the purpose is for nurses to check that the mother understands how to protect their child and…

Cut 7 (11) “…their child.”

The State Supreme Court refused to allow non-unanimous jury convictions be retroactive. It denies new trials for as many as 15-hundred inmates. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says when the state law passed the law it specifically addressed that non-unanimous verdicts would not be retroactive, but lawmakers are free to change that law.

Cut 14 (12)  “…end of the road” 

10:30 LRN Newscast Oct 21

The suspect from Sunday’s violent road rage incident in Ascension Parish is in custody. Sheriff Bobby Webre says the victim 59-year-old Scott Gray, who has stage IV cancer was severely beaten and 37-year-old Bryan Cage of Zachery turned himself in after the incident made headlines.

Cut 4 (09)  “…but doing ok.”

Cage is charged with second-degree battery and hit and run and Webre says more charges could be added and that another person was in the truck with Cage.

In Lake Charles, Judge Clayton Davis formally sentenced Kevin Daigle to death for the 2015 fatal shooting of Louisiana State Police trooper Steven Vincent. The victim’s brother and Iowa Police Chief Keith Vincent.

Cut 13 (11) “…system prevails.”

The Legislative Auditor’s Office says the state needs to consider higher road usage fees, Gina Brown is a Performance Audit Manager with the Legislative Auditor, she says because gas taxes go towards maintenance in 2021 the state imposed a road usage fee of $110 annually for electric vehicle owners and $60 for a hybrid but she says that’s not enough…:

Cut 8 (13)  “…96 dollars a year.”

Incumbent U.S. Senator John Kennedy is being criticized for not committing to debate his challengers. During an interview on Shreveport’s 710 AM KEEL Kennedy says the Baton Rouge Advocate invited him to an event this Monday on  short notice…:

Cut  11 (11)  “…people coming out.”

9:30 LRN Newscast Oct 21

37-year-old Bryan Cage of Zachary turned himself in Thursday after Sunday’s violent road rage incident put the victim in the hospital. Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre says Cage is charged with second-degree battery and hit and run which is a felony and this was not Cage’s first run-in with the law.

Cut 5 (12) “…looks like.”

He says more charges could be added and that there was possibly a person in the truck with Cage.

Incumbent U.S. Senator John Kennedy is under fire from critics for not committing to debate his challengers. During an interview on 710 AM KEEL in Shreveport, Kennedy was asked directly if he was dodging debates.

Cut 10 (11) “…an axe to grind.” 

Early voting for the November 8th election begins on Tuesday.

Baton Rouge Police say nine people were shot at a fraternity house near the Southern University campus this morning. None of the injuries are considered life-threatening and no arrests have been announced.

A state Legislative Auditor’s report to lawmakers says – like it or not – we need higher gas taxes for roads and bridges…and high fees for electric vehicles too. Jeff Palermo explains.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

The Saints are now 2-and-5 on the season after losing to the Arizona Cardinals 42-34 last night.