15:30 LRN Newscast February 2nd

The man accused of fatally shooting former NFL player Joe McKnight has been indicted for second-degree murder. That’s according to the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s office. 54-year-old Ronald Gasser was originally charged with manslaughter, but the D-A’s office says they’ve been able to develop additional evidence regarding the case. Gasser’s bond has been increased to 750-thousand dollars.

Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston-Broome announced today that police officers in her city will be required to give verbal warnings before they use lethal force. It’s just one of several policy changes announced by Broome who is trying to improve police-community relations following the Alton Sterling death. There’s been talk of replacing the police chief, but Broome says not right now…
cut 8 (10) “…a resolution”

Today is Groundhog Day, and that means something a little different in Acadiana. Daily Iberian Publisher Christina Pierce says unlike our neighbors in the north, we celebrate Cajun Groundhog Day with a nutria rat named Pierre C. Shadeaux…:
Cut 3 (08) “we’re sweating”
Today Pierre did not see his shadow, which means a longer spring and shorter hot summer for Louisiana.

The next time a tropical storm or hurricane approaches Louisiana’s coast, the National Hurricane Center will issue storm surge watches or warnings for the first time. Storm Surge specialist Jamie Rhome says a storm surge warning will be called when the danger of deadly rising water will take place along the coast in the next 36 hours…
cut 13 (09) “…an area”

14:30 LRN Newscast February 2nd

The Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s office says Ronald Gasser has been indicted on one-count of second-degree murder in the apparent road rage shooting death of former NFL player Joe McKnight. Gasser was booked in early December on a charge of manslaughter. But Jefferson Parish District Attorney Paul Connick says since the arrest, additional evidence has been developed and it was presented to a grand jury. Gasser cooperated with authorities after the shooting.

The National Hurricane Center says they’ll issue storm surge watches and warnings for the first time ever the next time a tropical storm or hurricane approaches the U.S. coastline. Storm surge specialist Jamie Rhome…
cut 14 (08) “…handle that”
Rhome says this kind of information will convince coastal residents to evacuate if the conditions warrant.

A Lake Charles doctor has developed an F-D-A approved cream that can be used to alleviate pain. Doctor Craig Morton says the cream can be applied directly where the pain is located or where tissue is swollen. He adds that it can be used as needed…
cut 11 (09) “…the most”
Morton says the cream is available at the Center for Orthopedics in Lake Charles or at Aculeve.

And in New Iberia, the Cajun groundhog, known as Pierre C. Shadeaux did not see his shadow, which means spring will last six weeks longer this year. Daily Iberian publisher Christina Pierce says this is the 19th year they’ve celebrated Cajun Groundhog Day….
cut 5 (10) “…up close”
That’s right Pierre C Shadeaux is a nutria rat and if he did see his shadow, then Louisiana would experience a longer hot summer.

11:40 LRN Sportscast February 2nd

LSU’s 2017 football recruiting class features two quarterbacks. Lowell Narcisse of St. James and Myles Brennan from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Tigers Head Coach Ed Orgeron has a lot of confidence new offensive coordinator Matt Canada can develop both of them
cut 17 (16) “…here at LSU”
If no one transfers, LSU will have seven quarterbacks on their roster for the start of fall camp.

Two of the better quarterbacks in the state have signed at UL Lafayette and Louisiana Tech. The Cajuns inked Levi Lewis from Scotlandville. But there’s a possibility Lewis could be moved to wide receiver. Elijah Walker of Amite is now a Bulldog. Walker helped the Warriors reach the Class 3A title game.

According to Rivals-dot-com’s rankings, ULM had the best the recruiting class in the Sun Belt. The Warhawks signed 22 players, including four three-star prospects. Coach Matt Viator is pleased with the players he signed…
cut 30 *(16) “…kids here”
One of the three-star prospects is former Neville standout Corey Straughter.

In basketball…LSU lost its eighth straight as they fell to South Carolina 88-63. UNO fell out of first place in the Southland as the Privateers lost in overtime to Abilene Christian 70-69. Southeastern Louisiana ended a two-game losing streak with an easy 72-44 victory over Nicholls.

And in the NBA, the Pelicans lost their third striaght as Detroit downed New Orleans 118-98.

10:30 LRN Newscast February 2nd

One of the first bills filed for the 2017 regular legislative session seeks to undo penalties put in place by the Affordable Care Act. Covington Representative Paul Hollis says the proposal would no longer require Louisiana residents to pay a fine for not having health insurance…:
CUT 7 (09) “has done”
Hollis says the bill is a response to President Trump’s executive order that allows state departments to waive any provision of the Affordable Care Act “that would impose a fiscal burden on a state.”

State Police is advising that I-20 at mile post 49 in Webster Parish is temporarily closed as a result of road work. Troopers are diverting traffic north onto L-A 531 and then to U-S 80. The repair is expected to take at leaset three hours. Authorities are advising to use caution when traveling through the area and expect delays.

The White House has said that President Donald Trump intends to keep in place an executive order that protects L-G-B-T indiviudals from workplace discrimination in the federal government. Equality Louisiana president Baylor Boyd is cautiously optimistic that Mr. Trump will defend the gay and lesbian commmunity, but it’s hard to believe based on who the President chose to serve in his administration…
cut 14 (09) “….LGBTQ people”

A former employee for the Caddo Parish school board has been arrested as on an allegation that he stole at least 260-thousand dollars in public funds. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Cindy Chadwick…
cut 12 (09) “…school board”
Chadwick says 32-year-old Brandon Lewis used a business credit card to purchase 40-thousand dollars in VISA gift cards. He also allegedly used public money to buy car parts and building materials for his personal gain.

18:30 LRN Newscast February 1st

It was an up and down day on the recruiting front for the LSU football team on national signing day. They received some commitments, while losing out on other top prospects. But Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says it’s still a strong class, especially on the defensive side of the ball.:
cut 24 (13) “Tyler Taylor”
24-7 sports ranks LSU’s class as the seventh best.

Do you find you’re becoming more stressed out at work? A new survey by Accountemps finds 60% of employees are dealing with stress, and 55% feel worker anxiety is on the rise. Rebecca Green, with the employment agency Robert Half in New Orleans, says technology contributes to this..:
CUT 7 (07) “at work”

The state Fire Marshal’s Office says an unattended pot on a stove led to a fire that took the life of a 5-year-old in Baton Rouge. Halen Doughty has more…
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Investigators believe a house fire in Shreveport was caused by a hoverboard. Two adults and six children inside the home were able to get out unharmed. But unfortunately a puppy died in the blaze. A fire department spokesperson says owners of hoverboards should check the make and model numbers to see if it has been recalled, because some are considered a fire hazard.

16:45 LRN Sportscast February 1st

LSU received three commitments on national signing day to bolster a strong recruiting class that’s ranked as the seventh best by 24-7 sports. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says one of the biggest gets of the day is Houston five-star pass rusher K’Lavon Chaisson…:
cut 12 (13) “out of Plaqumine”

It appears the Tigers did well on the defensive side of the ball. Sonny Shipp with Geaux 24-7 is high on five-star defensive back Jacoby Stevens…

cut 17 (11) “…this class”

LSU didn’t get everyone they wanted, the state’s top wide receiver, Amite’s Devonta Smith, has signed with Alabama.

NOLA.com reports the Saints will not return to the Greenbrier resort in West Virginia for training camp. It’s unknown if New Orleans will hold camp at another remote location or just stay at their training facility in Metairie. The Houston Chronicle says the Houston Texans will train at the Greenbrier instead of the Saints.

Back to recruiting, Louisiana Tech’s class features several players from the Bayou State. Thibodaux’s Amik Robertson, Neville’s JaCorion Andrews, Amite’s Elijah Walker and Oak Grove’s Joshua Mote.

Rivals-dot-com says ULM has the third best class for 2017 in the Sun Belt. The class features four three-star prospects, Ponchatoula’s Jakyle Holmes, Neville defensvie back Corey Straughter, California defensive back J-J Dallas and Mississippi offensive lineman Joquaris Savage.

UL Lafayette’s class features Scotlandville quarterback Levi Lewis, who is a three-star prospect from Baton Rouge.

14:30 LRN Newscast February 1st

A tragic story out of the Capital City today as State Fire Marshal investigators determine a pot left unattended on a stove sparked a blaze that killed a five-year-old girl in a Baton Rouge apartment complex. Chief Deputy Brant Thompson says Treasurer Garner was found dead in her bedroom…
cut 10 (12) “…the fire”
At least ten units were damaged in the blaze.

Accountemps has found through a survey that six out of ten employees say they are more stressed at work now, then they were five years ago and the largest age group feeling stressed is millennials…
cut 8 (10) “…supervisor sets”
That’s Rebecca Green, with the employment agency Robert Half in New Orleans.

Bossier City police have arrested a couple after their five children tested postive for either mairjuana or cocaine. Spokesperson Mark Natale says the children’s ages range from six months to ten-years-old…
cut 4 (05) “…those narcotics”
Natale says 35-year-old Shannon Blake and 30-year-old Victoria Blake face multiple charges.

Operation We Care has shipped 300 king cakes overseas to soldiers to celebrate Mardi Gras. Emelie Gunn has more…
Voicer 4 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

LRN PM Newscall February 1st

60-percent of employees have reported pressure in the workplace has increased over the past five years, according to an Accoutemps survey. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The state Fire Marshal’s Office says an unattended pot on a stove top led to the fire that took the life of a 5-year-old in Baton Rouge. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A Bossier City couple is behind bars after police say their children tested positive for drugs. Mark Natale with Bossier Police says Child Protective Services launched an investigation into a child abuse complaint involving 35-year-old Shannon Blake and 30-year-old Victoria Blake. He says CPS tested all five of the couple’s children.

Cut 3 (08) “their systems”

Natale says not all of the children had tested for both marijuana and cocaine, but all had at least one in their systems. He says the children’s ages range from 6 months to 10-years-old.

cut 4  (05) “those narcotics”

Natale says both of the parents have been charged with five counts of cruelty to a juvenile.

Cut 5  (07)  “maximum security facility”

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A survey by Accountemps finds six in ten employees believe stress in the workplace has increased over the last five years. The study also found that 55-percent of those surveyed say worker anxiety is on the rise. Rebecca Green, with the employment agency Robert Half in New Orleans, says technology has put more of a burden on workers.

Cut 6 (07) “at least”

Green says the survey also finds 54-percent of CFO’s are aware that their employees are stressed. She says she wasn’t surprised to see stress levels this high with employees.

CUT 7 (07)  “at work” 

According to the survey, 64-percent of employees from 18 to 34 are more stressed about work compared to 59-percent of workers 35 to 54. Green attributes this to younger people’s desire to grow and move up in the company.

Cut 8 (10) “supervisor sets”  

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The state Fire Marshal’s Office believes an unattended pot left on a stove top led to a fatal fire at a Baton Rouge apartment complex that killed a 5-year-old girl. Chief Deputy Brant Thompson says an 18-year-old was caring for her sister, Treasure Garner, when she tried to cook fried chicken and left the apartment with a pot of grease on the stove. He says she returned to find the apartment filled with smoke, and there was a frantic attempt to rescue the little girl from the burning home.

Cut 9 (12)  “upstairs bedroom”

Thompson says they are still trying to determine how long the 18-year-old was out of the apartment. He says the girl was missing for some time, as first responders tried to determine if Treasure had escaped. He says fire fighters eventually quelled the flames enough to enter the residence and found Treasure dead in a bedroom.

Cut 10 (12) “the fire”

At least 10 units were damaged in the fire, but Thompson says the investigation is still ongoing into the extent of the damage. He says several other people in the complex were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

cut 11 (10) “the blaze”

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It’s been a great national signing day for LSU, and as expected it looks like they will have one of the best recruiting classes in the nation. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says one of the biggest gets of the day is Houston five-star pass rusher K’Lavon Chaisson…:

cut 12 (13) “out of Plaqumine”

Worsham says LSU’s 2017 recruiting class has a chance at easily finishing in the top 5…:

Cut 13 (10) “Ed Orgeron’s done“

Worsham says one of the big items of note about this class is that it’s really strong defensively….:

cut 14 (09) “somebody else”

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11:40 LRN Sportscast February 1st

It’s national signing day and based on the signed letters of intent that have already come in, the LSU Tigers will have a recruiting class that’s ranked among the best in the nation. They received a couple of good additons today, Plaquemine safety Todd Harris and Georgia inside linebacker Tyler Taylor. This afternoon, they hope to land Marvin Wilson, the nation’s number one defensive tackle. Sonny Shipp with Geaux 24-7 says Wilson is also very interested in Florida State, but LSU might have an edge over the Seminoles for the Texas product…
cut 16 (12) “…trek”
There were a couple of kids that LSU recruited but they missed out on. Four-star outside linebacker Willie Gay decided to stay at home and attend Mississippi State and Markaviest Bryant selected Auburn over LSU.

UL Lafayette introduces Doctor Bryan Maggard as it’s new athletic director. He’s been at Missouri the last 21 years and current job with Mizzou is executive associate athletic director and he worked under former A-D Mike Alden. Alden has served as a consultant to U-L for over a year.

Rivals-dot-com ranks ULM’s recruiting class as the third best in the Sun Belt. The Warhawks have four three-star prospects…Ponchatoula running back Jakyle Holmes, Neville defensive back Corey Straughter, California defensive back J-J Dallas and Mississippi offensive lineman Joquarius Savage.

Highlighting the Ragin Cajuns recruiting class is Scotlandville quarterback Levi Lewis and St. Aug cornerback Jeremiah West.

Louisiana Tech has four three-star recruits, according to rivals-dot-com. Thibodaux defensive back Amik Robertson, former Neville quarterback Jaiden Cole, Amite Q-B Elijah Walker and Natchez wide receiver George Scott.

LRN AM Newscall February 1st

The Tax Foundation released data on which state imposes the highest combined state and local sales taxes and Louisiana comes in first at 9.98-percent. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (26) “I’m Don Molino”

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Operation We Care has shipped 300 king cakes overseas to soldiers to celebrate Mardi Gras. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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LSU heads into national signing hoping a few big-time recruits choose to play for the Purple-and-Gold. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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14 individuals have been arrested after an extensive burglary investigation by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office. Capt. Tommy Carnline says each time a search warrant was conducted, it led detectives to find more information or the recovery of stolen property. He says the suspects were part of what seems to be a huge burglary ring.

cut 4  (09) “big ring”

Carnline says three additional suspects are still wanted. He says this group of people burglarized at least six locations, where a variety of items were stolen, including body armor.

Cut 5  (10)  “into cash”

Carnline says some of these burglaries started back in the fall, but the bigger break ins took place in January.

Cut 6 (09) “recover them”

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The Tax Foundation releases data on what each state imposes when it comes to state and local sales taxes, and Louisiana leads the nation with a rate of 9.98-percent. Vice President for State Projects Joe Henchman says having a high rate is okay for states if it’s managed well and residents can afford it. But he says that’s not the case in Louisiana.

CUT 7 (10)  “of complexity”

Louisiana is facing a 304 million dollar budget deficit and Henchman says the Tax Foundation has recommendations for state lawmakers to fix problems with its tax system. He says the rate is so high because what the tax applies to is so narrow…

Cut 8 (11) “everything else”

Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama and Washington are ranked behind Louisiana in the top five. Henchman says Louisiana certainly deserves its number one ranking.

Cut 9 (10)  “this point”

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The group, Operation We Care out of St. Tammany Parish, has shipped 300 red, white and blue king cakes to U.S. soldiers overseas to celebrate Mardi Gras. Public Relations Director Colleen Smith says these cakes were specially made by Randazzo’s Camellia City Bakery in Slidell for the troops. She says it’s all about putting a smile on the soldiers’ faces.

Cut 10 (10) “very happy”

Smith says names of soldiers are gathered by Louisiana people, so typically most soldiers who receive a cake are from the state, but anyone from anywhere can receive a king cake.

cut 11 (10) “like that”

Operation We Care has been sending troops king cakes for 14 years. Smith says they chose to send the red, white and blue cakes rather than traditional Mardi Gras colors to be a little more special and patriotic. She says they are able to send the soldiers these packages strictly though donations.

cut 12 (09) “for us”

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President Donald Trump nominates federal appellate judge Neil Gorsuch of Colorado to the Supreme Court. Several Democrats have said they will try and block Trump’s nominee from U.S. Senate confirmation. Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana is disappointed Democrats started voicing their concerns, before they knew who the nominee would be

Cut 13 (11) “gonna be”

Senate Democrats have already been slow to confirm many of Mr. Trump’s picks for cabinet secretaries. Scalise points out that most of former President Barack Obama’s cabinet scretaries were already confirmed during his first week in office…

cut 14 (06) “to do”

Meanwhile on the House side, Scalise says legislators are set to pass bills this week to bring jobs back to America…

Cut 15 (12) “moving again”

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It’s national signing day and the LSU Tigers hope to secure a top five recruiting class. Several top recruits have yet to publicly say where they’ll play college football, including Marvin Wilson, the nation’s number one defensive tackle. Sonny Shipp with Geaux  24-7 says Wilson is also very interested in Florida State, but LSU might have an edge over the Seminoles for the Texas product

Cut 16 (12) “trek”

LSU enters national signing day with the sixth best recruiting class in the country, according to 24-7. Shipp says highlighting the class are two quarterbacks, Lowell Narcisse from St. James and Myles Brennan of Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. Shipp says the class also contains five-star defensive back JaCoby Stevens

Cut 17 (11)   “this class”

LSU also needs to sign linebackers and they hop to get a couple of them to sign today. He says they already have a verbal pledge from the country’s top inside linebacker Jacob Phillips

Cut 18 (10) “beef inside”