11:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry laid out his agenda on the opening day of the special session on crime. Landry wants to allow non-felon adults to be able to conceal carry without a permit, he’s seeking to create a permanent State Police Troop in New Orleans, expand methods to carry out the death penalty and increase the penalties for those convicted of car jacking. Landry has this message for a person looking to carjack a vehicle…
cut 9 (11) “….in jail”
House Democratic Caucus Chairman Matthew Willard says the governor’s agenda is missing some key items that can address crime…
cut 14 (12) “….into society”
Debate begins today on the proposals put forth by the Republican controlled Legislature.

RESET Louisiana cautions the House and Senate against reversing 2017 criminal justice reforms in the crime special session. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says data shows current reforms that focus on non-violent offenders are working.
Cut 4 (11) “…go away.”
Criminal justice reforms approved in 2017 are credited to helping drop Louisiana’s imprisonment rate from one to two in the nation.

Louisiana has agreed to send National Guard troops to Texas to assist with the southern border. Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Jacques Thibodeaux says they’ve officially received the request from Texas Governor Greg Abbott…
Cut 10 (11) “…moving forward.”

9:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry laid out his blueprint on how to make Louisiana a safer state as a special session on crime is underway. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 2 (37) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Authorities say a suspicious package was sent to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson’s home church in Benton, which is in Bossier Parish. The package contained white powder and it was non-hazardous.

Among the bills to be discussed in the special session on crime are measures to restrict early release, requiring 17-year-olds accused of a felony to be tried as an adult and give police officers more legal immunity. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Matthew Willard is concerned this session will not address the root cause of crime…
cut 15 (10) “….in Louisiana”
Willard says there needs to be a discussion about mental health, substance abuse disorders and reetnry programs.

Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says lawmakers should consider actions proven to work that reduce crime…
cut 5 (12) “….safety opportunities’
The special session ends March 6th.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry laid out his agenda on the opening day of the special session on crime. Landry wants to allow non-felon adults to be able to conceal carry without a permit, he’s seeking to create a permanent State Police Troop in New Orleans, expand methods to carry out the death penalty and increase the penalties for those convicted of car jacking. Landry has this message for a person looking to carjack a vehicle…
cut 9 (11) “….in jail”
House Democratic Caucus Chairman Matthew Willard says the governor’s agenda is missing some key items that can address crime…
cut 14 (12) “….into society”
Debate begins today on the proposals put forth by the Republican controlled Legislature.

Louisiana has officially received Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s request for assistance at the southern border. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

West Monroe police has made an arrest in a fatal shooting that took place Sunday at Lazarre Park. Cops apprehended 41-year-old Willie Townes Junior in Monroe after a witness came forward. Two people were shot at Lazarre Park. The female victim died from her injuries. A male victim is in critical condition. No word on what sparked the shooting.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry tells the Legislature it’s time to end the criminal-minded element destroying Louisiana. On the opening day of the special session, Landry laid out his agenda for the crime-fighting special session. Early in his speech, he spoke about his desire to restart executions of death row inmates…
Cut 7 (08) “…these families”
Landry supports a bill that would shield from the public the names of drug companies that provide chemicals to carry out a lethal injection. He also wants to expand the methods for executing to include the electric chair and Nitrogen gas.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says it’s received a formal request from Texas to help with the security of the southern border. GOHSEP director Jacques Thibodeaux says Louisiana is ready to help…
cut 12 (06) “….contribute to”
50 Louisiana National Guardsmen are expected to be deployed to the border next month.

Committee hearings begin today at the state capitol for the crime special session. Reset Louisiana, which is a collection of good government groups, urges legislators to make thoughtful decision, instead of backpedaling on reforms….
cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

Saints tight end Jimmy Graham is planning to participate in the Artic Challenge. Graham and three others will row across the Artic Ocean in July 2025 to benefit several charities including the Covenant House and the Jimmy Graham Foundation. Graham’s crew would be the first mix-gendered team to row across the Arctic Ocean.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU baseball team is off to a 4-0 start after defeating Central Arkansas four to three. Tigers first baseman Jared Jones hit his third home run on the season, a 403 foot shot in the third inning. It proved to be the winning run. Jones was asked about the team’s start to the season after the game…
cut 18 (17) “…anytime of a game”
LSU will host Northern Illinois on Thursday

New Orleans dot-football reports the Saints have hired Keith Williams to be the team’s new receivers coach, replacing Kodi Burns. Williams has been on the Ravens staff the last three seasons.

Louisiana Christian head coach Drew Maddox has resigned after four seasons as he’s been hired as the defensive line coach at Southeast Missouri State.

The 13th ranked LSU women’s basketball team had a dominating win on the road last night as the Lady Tigers defeated Texas A-and-M 81-58. The Aggies had just 14 points in the first half and LSU shot 53-percent from the field. Aneesah Morrow had 25 points and 15 rebounds. Flau’Jae Johnson had 20 points and nine rebounds as she looked to attack the rim. Coach Kim Mulkey…
cut 16 (16) “…us better”
The Lady Tigers have won four in a row and they are 9-3 in the SEC.

In men’s hoops…Grambling is back in a tie for first place in the SWAC as the Tigers defeated Prairie View A-and-M 83-74, while the Jaguars lost to Texas Southern 68-56.

Lamar upended Southeastern 77- to 72 in overtime despite 30 points from Lions guard Nick Caldwell. Nicholls knocked off UNO 89 to 77 and Northwestern State lost to Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi 72-61.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry laid out his blueprint on how to make Louisiana a safer state as a special session on crime is underway. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 2 (37) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Authorities say a suspicious package was sent to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson’s home church in Benton, which is in Bossier Parish. The package contained white powder and it was non-hazardous.

As Republican Governor Jeff Landry’s special session to focus on crime convenes, the Black Legislative Caucus says they too are also committed to addressing crime, yet they were not involved in drafting legislation. New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard says while the governor refers to victims of crime…
Cut 13 (10) “…communities safer.”
Good government groups are concerned legislators could reverse criminal justice reforms approved in 2017 that reduced the state prison population and used the savings to pay for programs that would cut down on recidivism. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says little evidence exists to show that imprisoning criminals with longer sentences reduces crime….
cut 6 (13) “…the population.”

LRN PM Newscall February 19

Louisiana lawmakers begins a special session on crime today that will tackle a measure that would allow Louisianans 18 or older to own and carry a gun without a permit. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

______________________________________

In a social media post, suspended LSU running back Trey Holly says he’s been falsely accused in a shooting that injured two others on February 9th. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

______________________________________

A measure to allow people who are 18 or older to carry a concealed gun without a permit will be discussed in the special session on crime that begins today. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry believes training should be required to carry a gun.

Cut 3 (11) “…gun ownership.”  

In 2021, the bill passed the House and Senate but Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed the measure.

Landry says with a Republican super majority in the House and Senate and a Republican in the governor’s office, the Democratic legislator does not see anything stopping this legislation this year…

Cut 4 (11) “…vetoed it.”

27 states already allow concealed carry without a license. Supporters of the legislation believe this grant the Second Amendment right of law-abiding citizens.

Senator Kirk Talbot believes the bill will advance this year with no pushback.

Cut 5 (08) “…pass easily.”

Session is set to begin today at 1pm at the State Capital.

________________________________________________________________

On Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster this morning, DCFS Secretary David Matlock defends the state’s refusal of Summer EBT dollars that equates to $70 million in federal match from a state investment of $7 million. Matlock says this summer the state will provide 1.8 million more meals than before the pandemic to children in a congregate setting, he says that’s more ideal than adding funds to an EBT card.

Cut 6  (06) “…the child.” 

He says they need to hire 300 employees and they need a new fleet of vehicles, which are vital for child welfare caseworkers and many of the cars are 20 years old.

Matlock says DCFS is facing an internal fiscal cliff of $35 million a year and he’s done with generational poverty. He says the answer to child poverty is educational opportunities along with workforce and job development.

Cut 7 (13) “…done with it.”  

The seven-million-dollar investment required by the state for the Summer EBT program is administrative costs, that’s split between DCFS and state education.  Matlock says he’s trying to budget dollars for more child welfare caseworkers to meet the department’s main goal.

Cut 8 (06) “…caretakers.” 

The Louisiana Democratic Party issued a statement criticizing the Landry Administration’s rejection of Summer EBT which affects an estimated 594,000 children in the state. Party Chair Katie Bernhardt says it makes no sense to turn down $71 million to feed poor children.

Louisiana is one of 15 other states with Republican governors not accepting Summer EBT federal funding.

__________________________________________________________________

LSU running back Trey Holly, who faces three felony charges, says he’s been falsely accused in a shooting that took place in Farmerville on February ninth that injured two people. Holly released the statement on social media. His attorney Kelvin Rodgers says Holly was at home at the time of the shooting…

Cut 9 (09) “…falsely accused 

Holly is one of three people charged with attempted second degree murder that left one woman seriously injured and another man wounded.  Rodgers says Holly was at home at the time of the shooting and the shooting occurred outside of his apartment

Cut 10 (10) “…day in court”

Holly has bonded out of jail, but has been suspended indefinitely from all LSU football team activities. Rodgers says the former Union Parish star running back is cooperating fully with the authorities

Cut 11 (10) “…since day one”

In Holly’s social media post, Holly says he looks forward to proving his innocence and one day his story will be legendary.

____________________________________________________

State lawmakers have convened a 17-day special session focused on crime issues. Governor Jeff Landry told lawmakers this afternoon that he made a pledge to Louisiana residents on campaign that he would make this a safer state…

Cut 12 (12)  “..that process.”  

So far more than 30 bills have been filed for consideration. They range from execution methods, stronger penalties for carjacking and changes to probation or parole.

Landry says in 2021, Louisiana had the highest violent crime rate in the nation. And in 2022, three cities were in the top ten for most dangerous in America. He says it’s time to take back our streets

Cut 13 (14) “…deadly drugs’  

The special session must end on March 6th.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU running back Trey Holly posted on social media on Saturday night that he is 100-percent innocent of the charges that he faces. Holly is one of three people facing an attempted second-degree murder charge for a shooting that injured two others in Farmerville on February ninth. Holly says he was not involved in this shooting.

The LSU baseball team scored 27 runs on 27 hits in a 27-5 win over VMI. The 27 hits ties a 34-year-old school record and 20 of the hits were singles, which is a school record. Freshman second baseman Steven Milam had four hits.

Louisiana Tech is 4-0 after sweeping Northern Colorado. The Cajuns took two of three from Wright, ULM dropped it series with Missouri state. Nicholls outscored Sacred Heart 19 to 12 yesterday, while Northwestern State fell to Southern Illinois 15-11.

The LSU men’s basketball team had its biggest win of the year on Saturday, coming back from 16 points down to defeat 11th ranked South Carolina 64-63. The win snapped a three-game losing streak. Coach Matt McMahon says his team deserved to win…
Cut 17 (13) “…today.”

After dropping two in a row, Louisiana Tech men’s basketball is on a two-game winning streak after beating FIU 75-68 on Saturday to stay in a first-place tie with Sam Houston in Conference USA. The Bulldogs are back on a winning streak despite missing two starters, because of injuries, Daniel Batcho and Sean Newman. Coach Talvin Hester says he can’t wait to get them back…
Cut 20 (20) “…all healthy.”
Tech begins a three-game road trip on Thursday when they visit UTEP.

11:30 LRN Newscast

State lawmakers begin a two-and-a-half-week session today that will address crime. Emotional debate is expected on legislation that will give the state more options to carry out a death sentence, such as the electric chair and nitrogen gas. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says different groups have differing opinions…
Cut 13 (11) “…national attention.”
Another major topic is how to handle 17-year-olds who commit crimes, most non-violent offenders are charged as juveniles, but there’s a push to charge them as adults.

A new Tulane University study using data collected from hundreds of monitoring sites along Louisiana’s coast is giving researchers a glimpse at what the state’s coastal wetlands will be like 50 years from now. Tulane Geology Professor Torbjorn (Tor Be urn) Tornqvist (Torn Quist) says expect major losses if things continue as they are.
Cut 7 (08) “…by 2070.”

The first of three Antiques Roadshow episodes filmed in Louisiana last spring airs tonight on LPB. You’ll see an array of family heirlooms and even sports memorabilia. Brooke Thorington has more.
cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The West Monroe Police Department is investigating a shooting at Lazarre Park on Sunday. Two people were critically injured. Authorities say the investigation is in the early stages and there is no suspect information at this time.

10:30 LRN Newscast

A special session on crime begins at 1 PM today and there are two-dozen items for the Louisiana Legislature to consider. One of the bills would address an eleven member board that oversees the public defense system. Governor Jeff Landry would like to eliminate the board and replace it with a public defense czar appointed by the governor. Vernon Parish Republican Senator Mike Reese…
cut 11 (13) “…..to be”

A measure to allow people who are 18 or older to carry a concealed gun without a permit will be discussed in the special session on crime that begins today. New Orleans representative Mandie Landry believes training should be required to carry a gun.
Cut 3 (11) “…gun ownership.”
In 2021, the bill passed the House and Senate but Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed the measure, Landry expects the measure will pass this year.

A new Tulane study paints a sobering picture of the state’s coast as the report says if nothing is done about the rising sea level over the next 10 to 20 years, then the state would lose a vast majority of its wetlands by the end of the century. Tulane Geology Professor Tornbjorn Tornqvist says there is hope for a more favorable outcome, if immediate action is taken…
cut 9 (11) “….manageable path”

For those who love the P-B-S show Antiques Roadshow, they will likely enjoy tonight’s episode as it was shot last spring at the LSU Rural Life Museum in Baton Rouge. L-P-B program director Jason Viso says you can always count on Louisiana episodes to be colorful and unique…
cut 6 (09) “….our state”
The first of three episodes from Louisiana airs tonight at 7 PM.