1:30 LRN Newscast Oct 9

The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating two fatal shootings that happened within hours of each other. Sheriff Andy Brown says on Friday night they believe 18-year-old Terrion Atkins killed 26-year-old Breunte (Bray-on-tay) Hicks at a Circle K Gas Station in Jonesboro…

Cut 12 (12) “…glock.”  

Brown says about two hours later 30-year-old Devontre Jackson of Grambling was gunned on US Highway 167, it’s possible the two are connected.

Walker High School Principal Jason St. Pierre, who revoked Kaylee Timonet’s (Tim-oh-net) scholarship after a video of her dancing at a private party, is taking leave for the remainder of the school year. Timonet, says it was St. Pierre who bought up religion, but his recent social media post says otherwise. She responded on TikTok…

Cut 7 (12) “…not factual.” 

The State Fire Marshal has received a $180 thousand grant to provide smoke alarms for residents this Fire Prevention Week. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says smoke alarms can help when cooking fires, which often happen when someone steps away from the kitchen…

Cut 10 (08) “…everyone out.”

Reach out to your local fire department to see if you’re eligible for a free smoke alarm.

Tonight’s Powerball Jackpot is up to $1.55 billion, with a cash value of $679 million. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says a ticket worth $50 thousand was purchased in Kenner over the weekend and there was a lucky winner in Houma also.

Cut 5 (08) “ …numbers drawn”  

To be eligible for tonight’s drawing, tickets must be purchased by 9 p.m.

5:30 LRN Newscast Oct 6

Early voting for the October 14th primary election ends Saturday, October 7th, and it looks like turnout among Louisianans is down 9 percent compared to 2019. Pollster John Couvillon with JMC Analytics says the number of Louisianans who cast a ballot September 30th through Thursday is down by 22 thousand.

Cut 3 (11) “…early voted.”

Typically, turnout for a gubernatorial election is around 45 to 50 percent.

This weekend’s cooler weather may tempt some to light a bonfire, but Lake Charles National Weather Service Meteorologist Marti Calhoun urges folks to respect their local burn ban.

Cut 8 (06) “…as it is.”

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the southern portions of Louisiana that’s in effect for both Saturday and Sunday.

For almost four decades October has been recognized as breast cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Donna Williams, Director of Louisiana Cancer Prevention and Control says when healthcare outlets are able to make breast exams and mammograms more accessible, it saves lives.

Cut 9 (10) “…a benefit.” 

Visit LouisianaCancer-dotorg for more information on low-cost mammogram availability near you.

The 23rd-ranked LSU Tigers look to bounce back from last week’s close loss when they meet Missouri in Columbia for an 11 AM kickoff on Saturday. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly is pleased with his team’s preparation…

Cut 12 (10) “..they will”  

LSU has struggled and allowed a school-record 706 yards of offense last week. Missouri is undefeated.

PM LRN Newscall Oct 6

Early voting for the October 14th gubernatorial primary election shows turnout at the polls is down 9 percent compared to four years ago. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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October has been recognized as breast cancer awareness month for almost forty years now. Brooke Thorington has more on how early detection saves lives.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Early voting for the October 14th primary election ends tomorrow, and it looks like turnout among Louisianans is down 9 percent compared to 2019. Pollster John Couvillon with JMC Analytics says the number of Louisianans who cast a ballot Saturday through Thursday is down by 22 thousand.

Cut 3 (11) “…early voted.”

Typically turnout for a gubernatorial election is around 45 to 50 percent according to the Secretary of State’s office. Based on the numbers for early voting, Couvillon expects interest among registered voters to remain low on Election Day.

Cut 4 (09) “..been saying.”

Statewide mail-in early voting is up 104 percent but in-person voting is down 24 percent. Couvillon points out that Republican turnout for early voting is up compared to the same time four years ago.

Cut 5 (09) “ …42 Democratic”  

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The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the southern portions of Louisiana, which includes all coastal communities, west to east over to the Mississippi state line. NWS Lake Charles Meteorologist Marti Calhoun says strong winds are expected Saturday after a cold front moves through today.

Cut 6 (07) “…drought conditions.”

While some areas of the state did receive some rain, Calhoun says the state is still under a drought.

Cut 7 (11) “…weather conditions.” 

And with the long-awaited cooler temperatures in the Bayou State this weekend, you might be tempted to light a bonfire, but Calhoun urges you to abide by your local burn ban.

Cut 8 (06) “…as it is.”

The Red Flag Warning is in effect for both Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM.

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For almost four decades October has been recognized as breast cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Donna Williams, Director of Louisiana Cancer Prevention and Control says when healthcare outlets are able to make breast exams and mammograms more accessible, it saves lives.

Cut 9 (10) “…a benefit.” 

Before mammograms were widely used Wiliams says breast cancer was a death sentence, because most were detected late stage, and/or the surgery was so intense that many lost the use of their arm as well.

Cut 10 (12) “…massive surgery.”

Treatment can also include chemotherapy and radiation.

Williams says early detection is key when it comes to breast cancer and recommended guidelines are for women are regular mammograms beginning at age 40.

Cut 11 (12) “…care physician.”

To see if you are eligible for a no-cost mammogram and pap smear test visit the Louisiana Breast and Cervical Cancer Health Program website at lbchp.org

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The 23rd-ranked LSU Tigers look to bounce back from last week’s close loss when they meet Missouri in Columbia for an 11 AM kickoff on Saturday. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly is pleased with his team’s preparation…

Cut 12 (10) “..they will”  

LSU has struggled and allowed a school-record 706 yards of offense last week. Kelly says if they get better play from the defensive line, the entire defense will benefit…

Cut 13 (09) “….better tackling positions”

Missouri is undefeated on the season and they are getting great quarterback play from Brady Cook.

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The Saints are in New England on Sunday losing to snap a two-game losing streak. The offense has had trouble scoring touchdowns all season and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael knows the pressure is on to perform better….

Cut  14 (10) “..focus”

The Saints are 2-and-2 on the season and defensive end Cam Jordan says the team is focused on getting back in the win column….

Cut 15 (12) “…the game”

New England is 1-and-3. Kick-off on Sunday is at noon.

AM LRN Newscall Oct 6

Louisiana U-S Senator John Kennedy has not endorsed any candidate in the governor’s race. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Legal action will be filed today in an effort to get the courts to void a settlement that has halted clemency hearings for death row inmates. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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After rain moves through the state today, it’s going to be the weekend we’ve all been waiting for weather-wise. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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With only eight days before the October 14th primary election, U-S Senator John Kennedy has yet to make an endorsement in the Louisiana governor’s race. LaPolictics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s a mystery why Kennedy has not endorsed anyone after he thought about running.

Cut 4 (12) “…Jeff Landry.”

Alford says the only endorsement Kennedy has made in a statewide race is Liz Murrill who has been Landry’s top prosecutor in the AG’s office.

Cut 5 (08) “…olive branch.”

Alford believes as the major Republican frontrunner, Landry does not need endorsements to carry him across the finish line.

Cut 6 (09) “…or not.”

The primary election is on October 14th.

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An attorney representing the death row inmates filed an appeal today in an attempt to get the courts to rule that a settlement between the Louisiana Pardon Board and district attorneys is illegal. The settlement will prevent death row inmates from receiving a clemency hearing, but Michael Arata calls it a secret deal…

Cut 7 (11) “…supposed to be done.”

Arata says the Louisiana Pardon Board is a public body and there should be public input from residents, lawmakers, and the governor before they change their rules to keep death row inmates from having their clemency applications heard…

Cut 8 (10) “…at it.” 

Arata says he’s hoping a judge will rule on his appeal by next Friday, which is the day the first of five death row inmates were expected to make their plea for a sentence of life in prison, instead of the death penalty…

Cut 9 (09)  “…the board.”

The Louisiana District Attorneys Association says the Louisiana Pardon Board held a public meeting last Friday to approve the settlement and death row inmates can still receive an administrative review that could result in a capital inmate still receiving a clemency hearing.

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It’s finally going to feel like summer in Louisiana this weekend after two frontal systems ushering in rain and clouds move through the state today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says one system is along the coast and the other is coming in from the north. Rain totals could be between and half inch to an inch or less…

Cut 10 (09) “…the weekend.”

Lows Saturday morning will be in the mid-50s across northern parishes and the mid-60s in south Louisiana. But the kicker, Keim says, is the high temperatures that will only reach into the seventies. On Sunday he says lows in north Louisiana will be in the upper-forties and in the fifties in the south.

Cut 11 (06) “…fan damn tastic.”

And as we get into next week Keim says the mercury will slowly increase but it will still be very-fall like. After having to stay indoors for so long due to the excessive heat, Keim says this is the weekend weather we’ve all been waiting for.

Cut 12 (08) “…unbelievable.” 

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The projected timeline for the saltwater intrusion on the Mississippi River, threatening water systems in southeast Louisiana has shifted for the better. Colonel Cullen Jones with the Army Corps of Engineers says with more rainwater from the north coming down the river and the underwater levee, also known as a sill, is still proving effective…

Cut 13 (12) “…forecast today.”

And because they are ahead of schedule with heightening the sill, Jones says it’s only pushed the intrusion timeline out further…

Cut 14 (12) “…into October.”

The heightening is expected to be completed by October 12th.

Jones says there will still be impacts to both Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parishes this month, but they are now projecting delayed impacts to the Algiers and Gretna facilities in late November.

Cut 15 (11) “…treatment facilities.”

The Corps says they’ll continue daily river surveys to monitor the toe of the saltwater wedge and sill performance. They will evaluate those along with the National Weather Service’s updated forecast and will brief the public on changes every Thursday.

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While LSU’s defense has struggled, the Tigers offense is putting up huge numbers, averaging 44 points a game, which ranks seventh in the nation. Quarterback Jayden Daniels is second in the nation in total offense, averaging 400 yards a game. Daniels says the work they did in the offseason is paying off…

Cut 16 (16) “…week out.”

LSU’s offense put up 637 yards of offense against Ole Miss last week. Daniels says they can’t assume they can put up that kind of production again…

Cut 17 (10) “…like that.”

Daniels had great chemistry with receiver Malik Nabers last season and now they’ve incorporated Brian Thomas into the mix.

Cut 18 (16) “…with them.”

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Former LSU Quarterback TJ Finley returns to the Bayou State on Saturday when Texas State visits U-L Lafayette. Finley is playing very well as the Bobcats are averaging 43 points a game which leads the Sun Belt and they are averaging 10 yards per pass play. Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux says Texas State is tough to defend…

Cut 19 (15) “…with it.” 

Kick-off is at 2:30 on ESPN U.

The Saints will look to snap a two-game losing streak when they face the 1-and-3 New England Patriots on Sunday. The New Orleans offense has been tough to watch and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael is taking a lot of criticism from the fans. But Quarterback Derek Carr says it’s up to the players to play better…

Cut 20 (13) “…whole time.” 

Kick-off is at noon on Sunday

12:30 LRN Newscast Oct 5

Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise and Ohio’s Jim Jordan are the top candidates to be the next Speaker of the House. While both are Trump supporters as for where they might differ, The Advocate’s Mark Ballard says Jordan has been very outspoken against aid for Ukraine, compared to Scalise who hasn’t been as vocal on the issue.

Cut 7 (13) “…border security.” 

Louisiana U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy supports sending more aid to Ukraine. Cassidy says he would like the U.S. to continue supporting Ukraine’s efforts to fight off the Russian invasion because the Russian military is trying to kill Americans worldwide…

Cut 13 (09) “… attacked elsewhere.”

The latest gubernatorial campaign finance report shows Attorney General Jeff Landry has $4.5 million in cash on hand and none of his opponents have a million. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat because every poll shows Landry with a big lead, it’s hard for his competitors to raise money…

Cut 9 (10) “…to win.” 

Treasurer John Schroder has $992 thousand in cash on hand. The main Democrat, former state transportation secretary Shawn Wilson reported $721 thousand in cash-on-hand.

A state Department of Revenue investigation results in the arrest of Jennings tax preparer, Anthony Candler for submitting more than 200 fraudulent state income tax returns. L-D-R spokesperson Byron Henderson says the state takes fraud schemes like this one seriously…

Cut 5 (08) “ …General Office”  

 

AM LRN Newscall Oct 4

Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise wants to be the next Speaker of the House. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana drivers can expect to start seeing changes at some intersections across the Bayou State – flashing yellow arrows. Teiko Foxx explains…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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To help LSU’s football captain pay for medical expenses the Tiger Athletic Foundation has established the Greg Brooks Victory Fund. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise has thrown his hat in the ring to be considered the next Speaker of the House. UNO Political Science Professor Dr. Ed Chervenak says it’s no surprise the House Majority Leader wants to move up the ranks.

Cut 4 (08) “…new Speaker.”

Chervenak says the promotion would be beneficial to the Bayou State because the Speaker could marshal legislation and has the ability to insert clauses in bills that could be advantageous for Louisiana.

Scalise announced his multiple myeloma diagnosis in August and fellow congressman Garrett Graves says Scalise needs to focus on his cancer battle instead because Speaker of the House is such a stressful job. Chervenak says despite the timing…

Cut 5 (09) “…the position.”

The rule that allows one House member to initiate a “motion to vacate” the Speaker, Chervenak says needs to be addressed as soon as possible because as long as it isn’t the lower chamber can easily be thrown into chaos…

Cut 6 (08) “…its business.”

Other Republicans who are interested in the position include Ohio Representative Jim Jordan and Oklahoma Congressman Kevin Hern.

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The state transportation department is upgrading 12 hundred traffic signals in Louisiana to include flashing yellow left-turn arrows. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says a yellow flashing turn arrow lets motorists know they should yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.

Cut 7 (08) “…green bulb.”

A study by Bradley University reveals flashing yellow arrows reduce left turn-related crashes by 32 percent. Mallet says hundreds of intersections in the Bayou State have been updated with the new configuration.

Cut 8 (07) “…350 more.” 

The $11 million project, which started seven years ago, has upgraded traffic signals to four options: red, yellow, flashing yellow arrow, and green. Mallet says the new configuration will help motorists think twice about oncoming traffic.

Cut 9 (13)  “…very cautious.”

The project is expected to be completed in two years.

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LSU safety Greg Brooks, who underwent surgery for a brain tumor three weeks ago has been diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. LSU Athletics spokesperson Cody Worsham says recovery for the senior will be lengthy…

Cut 10 (09) “…medical expenses.”

The Harvey native attended West Jefferson High School and played his first three years of college football at Arkansas. He transferred to LSU in 2022 and was voted a team captain this season.

Worsham says the Tiger Athletic Foundation has launched The Greg Brooks Victory Fund to help him and his family cover those expenses.

Cut 11 (09) “…need support.”

Brooks’ speech and ability to communicate have been impacted by the tumor that was located on his cerebellum and brainstem. Fortunately, after the tumor was removed there were no signs the cancer had spread. Recovery will require both treatment and therapy and Worsham encourages Tiger fans to visit LSUSports.Net for a link to contribute.

Cut 12 (11) “…coming months.” 

Under NCAA rules, the university is permitted to accept financial gifts and manage an account to assist Greg Brooks. Contributions of any kind must go through this fund.

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Louisiana U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy supports sending more aid to Ukraine. Cassidy says he would like the U.S. to continue supporting Ukraine’s efforts to fight off the Russian invasion because the Russian military is trying to kill Americans worldwide…

Cut 13 (09) “… attacked elsewhere.”

Support for future aid to Ukraine is facing resistance in Congress. But Cassidy says that sending Ukraine aid is helping to degrade the effectiveness of Russia…

Cut 14 (15) “…every year.”

Cassidy says inspector generals are in Ukraine making sure the money is spent wisely. He says it would also help if the Department of Defense gives a number on how much more is needed…

Cut 15 (08) “…45 days.”

The US has approved four rounds of aid to Ukraine in response to Russia’s invasion. The total so far is 113-billion dollars. In August, President Biden requested an additional 24 billion.

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82-year-old Pete Jenkins is working with the LSU defense trying to help the defensive line become more disruptive. Jenkins is known as a great teacher of technique and Tigers defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo is soaking in the knowledge…

Cut 16 (12) “…upcoming game.”

LSU is at Missouri this Saturday. Mizzou is getting excellent play from its quarterback Brady Cook. The junior from St. Louis is completing 74% of his passes for 1,488 yards, 11 touchdowns, and zero interceptions. In fact, he holds the SEC record for most consecutive passes without an interception, 326. Wingo says the plan is to pressure Cook…

Cut 17 (12) “…good receiver.”

Missouri is undefeated and ranked ahead of 23rd-ranked LSU in the AP poll at number 21. Wingo says they plan on making a statement in the Show Me State…

Cut 18 (09) “…really are.”

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Louisiana Tech will look to go 3-0 in Conference USA action when they host Western Kentucky tonight. The Hilltoppers are 1-0 in league play and they were picked to win the conference. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says he looks forward to defending their home turf…

Cut 19 (19) “…come Thursday night.” 

Western Kentucky has the top quarterback in Conference USA in Austin Reed. He’s thrown for 13-hundred yards, 11 touchdowns and two interceptions. Cumbie says Reed is the real deal…

Cut 20 (18) “…quick release.” 

 

5:30 LRN Newscast Oct 4

Pathology reports for LSU safety Greg Brooks, who underwent brain surgery three weeks ago, indicate the Harvey native has a rare form of brain cancer. Because his recovery will require treatment and extensive therapy, the LSU Tiger Foundation has established the Greg Brooks Victory Fund to help with those expenses, Visit Louisiana Radio Network for more information and a link to donate.

The Bayou State is expected to add nearly 81 thousand new jobs over the next two years. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise has thrown his hat in the ring to be considered the next Speaker of the House. UNO Political Science Professor Dr. Ed Chervenak says it’s no surprise the House Majority Leader wants to move up the ranks.

Cut 4 (09) “…new Speaker.”

Chervenak says the promotion would be beneficial to the Bayou State because the Speaker could marshal legislation and has the ability to insert clauses in bills that could be advantageous for Louisiana.

Thirty-three-year-old Ian Howard accepts a plea deal that will spare him the death penalty in the 2017 fatal shooting of Lafayette Police Corporal Michael Middlebrook, who was gunned down in the line of duty. Howard also shot two store employees and another officer. Lafayette DA Don Landry says Howard received a life sentence for Middlebrook but also gets 50 years each for shooting three others…

Cut 13 (09) “…the public.”

Howard was set to stand trial in March.

10:30 LRN Newscast Oct 4

 

The U-S House is without a speaker. Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida led a successful effort to oust Kevin McCarthy by getting a handful of Republicans to back him and every Democrat also voted for the removal. Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves calls it a bone-headed move…

Cut 6 (12) “…quickly.”

Ohio Republican Jim Jordan has announced his bid to replace McCarthy.

Clemency hearings for death row inmates scheduled to begin next week will likely not happen after a settlement was reached between district attorneys and the Pardon Board. East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore led the effort to stop the hearings.

Cut 11 (12) “…even eligible.”

Lawyers representing the inmates are planning to appeal the settlement.

33-year-old Morgan Freche, a former Tangipahoa Parish teacher, faces third-degree rape charges in connection with an alleged sexual relationship with a now 17-year-old student. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says the more serious crime of Third-Degree Rape, carries a prison sentence of up to 25 years…

Cut 14 (11) “…rape charge.”

A police report alleges the student fathered Freche’s child.

The Environmental Defense Action Fund is running TV commercials in Louisiana urging gubernatorial candidates to make coastal restoration a priority if elected. Director of Federal Affairs Cathleen Berthelot says 80-percent of coastal projects are funded by BP oil spill settlement funds and that money will dry up over the next ten years…
cut 5 (07) “…the issue”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast Oct 3

33-year-old Morgan Freche, a former Tangipahoa Parish teacher, faces third-degree rape charges in connection with an alleged sexual relationship with a now 17-year-old student. A police report alleges the student fathered Freche’s child. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says Third-Degree Rape, carries a prison sentence of up to 25 years…

Cut 14 (12) “…rape charge.”

As to the question of whether the student is the father of Freche’s child, Borghardt says a paternity test would confirm that.

Cut 15 (04) “…the victim.”

The allegations of sexual misconduct, investigators say, date back approximately two years.  The TPSO says the initial report of an alleged student-teacher relationship was taken on September 24th. She is also charged with four counts of Felony Carnal Knowledge of Juvenile and one count of Oral Sexual Battery.

 

Almost four percent of Louisiana’s registered voters have already cast their ballots for the October 14th primary. As of Monday, Over 118 thousand people participated in early voting which began on Saturday. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says so far more registered Republicans are showing up to the polls than Democrats.

Cut 10 (12) “… more Democratic.”

Beginning today, nearly 81 thousand new names of unclaimed property owners have been published in local newspapers. State Treasurer John Schroder says people may not always be aware of money owed to them. He says they’ve been able to identify tens of thousands of recipients who are owed money, but it could also include relatives.

Cut 4 (12) “…be anybody.”

 

 

 

 

1:30 LRN Newscast Oct 3

In Tangipahoa Parish, 33-year-old schoolteacher Morgan Freche of Loranger has been arrested on rape charges of a student who allegedly fathered her newborn child. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office says she was booked for third-degree rape, oral sexual battery, and multiple counts of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Investigators say the allegations against the teacher and the now 17-year-old student date back approximately two years.

With two full days of early voting for the October 14th gubernatorial primary election in the books, numbers show voters appear to be less motivated to pack the polls this time. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon…

Cut 9 (12) “…to happen.” 

More than 118 thousand people in the Bayou State cast their ballot between Saturday and Monday.

The Louisiana Department of Education is one of 20 states to be awarded $10 million to improve career opportunities for students with disabilities. Superintendent of Education, Dr. Cade Brumley says the funding will enable them to focus on life after high school for students with disabilities. For example, how to transition to a career in transportation or prepare for college.

Cut 7 (10) “…and beyond.” 

Beginning today, nearly 81 thousand new names of unclaimed property owners have been published in local newspapers. State Treasurer John Schroder people may not always be aware of money owed to them. He says they’ve been able to identify tens of thousands of recipients who are owed money, but it could also include relatives.

Cut 4 (12) “…be anybody.”

You can also look online at LAcashclaim-dot-org.