9:30 LRN Newscast

Jackson, Mississippi police chief Joseph Wade says there is still many more questions than answers into the investigation of the abduction of four-year-old Erin Brunett and hear six year-old sister Jalia Brunett from their home in Loranger. Erin was killed in Jackson and their mother was brutally murdered at their home in Loranger. Daniel Callihan and Victoria Cox are facing multiple charges and they are still investigating the home where they were arrested and where the children were found…
cut 6 (13) “….or transpire”

Les Miles has filed a lawsuit against LSU in an effort to get back the 37 victories vacated from the fourth program between 2012 to 2015. Miles attorney Peter Ginsburg says LSU made the decision to vacate the wins to protect itself from severe penalties as a result of recruiting violations conducted by former basketball coach Will Wade…
cut 8 (12) “…basketball program”
The victories were vacated because a former football player received improper benefits from a booster. The 37 wins taken away means Miles is not eligible for the college football hall of fame.
Despite state and federal efforts, 1 in 3 people in Winn Parish don’t have access to affordable, high-speed internet. Though schools, libraries, and most buildings in towns have high-speed internet, many individuals in the parish do not. Parish School Superintendent Al Simmons…
Cut 13 (12) “…a lot of folks.”

Crestworth Elementary math teacher Derrick Winn of Baton Rouge is one of four teachers in Louisiana to receive the Milken Educators Award .The award comes with a cash prize of $25,000 and a trip to LA to attend the “Oscars for Teachers”.
Cut 11 (09) “…that we are.”
The Milken Educator Awards targets early-to-mid career education professionals for their already impressive achievements and, more significantly, for the promise of what they will accomplish in the future.

8:30 LRN Newscast

The woman charged in the death of four-year-old Erin Brunett of Loranger said in a Mississippi courtroom the last time she saw her and her six-year-old sister Jalie, they were both alive. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A federal judge in Baton Rouge will hear arguments today on whether the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola should force inmates to perform outdoor work on the farm when the heat index reaches 88 degrees or above. A New Orleans based advocacy group and a several inmates filed the lawsuit.

Les Miles has filed a lawsuit against LSU over the school’s decision to vacate 37 victories from the football program because a former player’s family received payments from a booster. LSU made the decision to vacate the victories as part of an NCAA investigation. The lawsuit alleges LSU said it would fight to get the victories restored. The loss of the 37 victories, drops Miles’ all-time winning percentage below the 60-percent winning percentage needed in order to be eligible for the College Football Hall of Fame. Miles’ attorney Peter Ginsburg….
cut 9 (10) “…those victories’
LSU says it does not comment on pending litigation.

Louisiana Tech student Olivia Grace George has been crowned as Miss Louisiana 2024. George beat out 32 other women to win the award…
cut 12 (09) “…education is key”

7:30 LRN Newscast

The police chief in Jackson, Mississippi, Joseph Wade says 36-year-old Daniel Callihan and 32-year-old Victoria Cox, are facing capital murder and sexual battery charges for the alleged kidnaping of six-year-old Jalie Brunett and her four-year sister Erin Brunett from Loranger….
cut 4 (05) “…matter”
Authorities believe Erin Brunnett was killed in Jackson, Mississippi, while the children’s mother was brutally murdered in the bedroom of her Loranger home.

A recent state audit shows Louisiana still has a long ways to go in bringing affordable, high-speed internet to rural areas of Louisiana. Winn Parish School Superintendent Al Simmons says an estimated one and three people in their parish lack high-speed internet…
cut 14 (05) “….shortly”
Simmons says the parish is waiting on federal dollars for broadband programs to bring Winn into the 21st century.

Former LSU football coach Les Miles is suing the university over vacating 37 of the coach’s wins preventing him from eligibility for College Football Hall of Fame Consideration. Kace Kieschnick has the story…
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

A hearing takes place today in a New Orleans courtroom over New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s attempt to get a restraining order against a citizen who took photos of her enjoying a dining experience with her bodyguard on a French Quarter balcony. In a court filing, Cantrell says the photo was used to attack and dehumanize her character.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Les Miles has filed a lawsuit against LSU over the school’s decision to vacate 37 victories from the football program because a player’s family received payments from a booster. LSU made the decision to vacate the victories as part of an NCAA investigation into recruiting violations involving the men’s basketball program and there was also this case of former offensive lineman Vadal Alexander’s father receiving 180-thousand dollars from John Paul Funes.

The lawsuit contends LSU would fight to get the victories restored. The loss of the 37 victories, drops Miles’ all-time winning percentage below 60-percent which is needed in order to be eligible for the Hall of Fame. Miles’ attorney Peter Ginsburg….
cut 9 (10) “…those victories’
LSU says it does not comment on pending litigation.

A starter at catcher for the last two seasons at LSU has decided to enter the transfer portal. Brady Neal hit .276 this past season with 9 home runs and 31 RBIs. He played in 44 games last season and was in line to be a starter next year. Neal’s departure, means junior college transfer Blaise Preister is the Tigers likely starter behind the plate next season. The former Live Oak star hit .377 with home 14 homes for Meridian Community College this past season.

At the College World Series yesterday….Texas A-and-M is now 2-0 after beating Kentucky five to one. Florida avoided elimination with a five to four win over North Carolina State.

Two elimination games today…Florida State against North Carolina this afternoon and tonight Kentucky versus Florida.

Former Pelican Jrue Holiday is now a two-time NBA champion as Holiday helped the Celtics win their 18th championship as Boston defeated Dallas 106 to 88 to win the series four games to one. Holiday had 15 points and 11 rebounds last night

6:30 LRN Newscast

Tangipahoa Pairsh Coroner Rick Foster says Callie Brunett died of multiple sharp force injuries. Brunett was found dead inside the bedroom of her rural Loranger home last week. 36-year-old Daniel Callihan faces a first degree murder charge. He also faces a capital murder charge and sexual battery charges in Jackson Mississippi for the death of three-year-old Erin Brunett. 32-year-old Victoria Cox faces the same charges. Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade did not elaborate on the sexual battery charge…
cut 5 (12) “….appropriate charge”

Former LSU football coach Les Miles has filed a lawsuit against LSU over 37 vacated victories. Miles’ attorney, Peter Ginsburg, says the loss of the 37 victories drops Miles winning percentage below the benchmark needed to be eligible for the College Football Hall of Fame…
cut 7 (11) “…Hall of Fame”
LSU is not commenting about the lawsuit. The 37 victories were vacated because of LSU’s admission that a booster paid former LSU offensive lineman Vadal Alexander from 2012 to 2015, which would make Alexander ineligible to play.

Despite state and federal efforts, 1 in 3 people in Winn Parish don’t have access to affordable, high-speed internet. Mel Bridges has more.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

LRN AM Newscall June 11

A Louisiana community college will kick off a first-in-the-state wind turbine program this fall. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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Sharks off the coast of Florida attacked three women with one woman losing her left arm.  Sean Richardson has more from a shark expert in New Orleans.

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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There have been recent incidents where car owners have gone after car thieves and the outcome in one case in Baton Rouge was deadly. Brooke Thorington has more from a self-defense expert..

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Nunez Community College in Chalmette is set to kick off a first-in-the-state associate’s program training students as entry-level wind turbine technicians. Dean of Instruction Reggie Poche (Po-shay) says there’s plenty of room for the program to grow

Cut 4 (09) “…Mexico.”

Nunez has the first wind-energy related degree program in Louisiana after approval from the Global Wind Organization. Poche hopes this program will push the state to modernize its energy sector, since…

Cut 5 (09) “…this country.”

Besides hands-on training for a field with above average pay, Poche says there’s another reason to consider becoming a wind turbine technician…

Cut 6 (09) “…program.”

The program is set to begin in the Fall 2024 semester.

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Three shark attacks off Florida coast last week sent three women  to the hospital.  Two of the women suffered arm and leg wounds and the third lost her left arm. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas curator Kristine Grzenda.   

Cut 7 (12) “…go to the beach”

Grzenda says globally there are only around 7,200 shark attacks annually so while the chances are rare you still need to remain alert at the beach.

Cut 8 (12) “…chord with us.” 

Dusk and dawn are the most likely times for shark attacks says Grzenda, but most of the time it’s a case of mistaken identity.

Cut 9 (09)  “…very costly one.”

Grzenda says when you’re at the beach remember you’re in their environment.

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Bacteria that cause strep throat and some hospital-acquired infections may save millions of lives. LSU Biological Sciences Professor, Roger Laine is working on cancer treatments using polysaccharides isolated from two different bacteria to destroy tumors. They work by attaching to receptors in the capillaries that feed the tumors…

Cut 10 (09) “…the tumor.”

Laine says treatment with the polysaccharides, CM101 and PS1, shows promise with minimal side effects because they target the blood supply and not the tumor itself which also prevents the tumor from becoming resistant to treatment.

Cut 11 (09) “…being affected.”

The use of polysaccharides for cancer treatment has been researched with some success as far back as 100 years but didn’t progress due to lack of understanding, technology, and funding. Laine’s work has been called profound with the potential to save countless lives.

Cut 12 (06) “…blood vessels.” 

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With car theft on the rise in Louisiana, there have been cases where car owners have tried to either confront the thieves during the theft or later when they track down their vehicle. In some cases, the car owner has been injured or even killed. Self-defense expert Dave Newman says it’s best not to confront them whatsoever…

Cut 13 (08)  “…or dead.”

Newman says if you find yourself witnessing a car theft, try to document as much as you can, for example, record the incident….

Cut 14 (10)  “…(x2) because of GPS.”

Then contact the police once you are out of harm’s way and give them as much information as possible.

Newman says it’s not a smart move to go after your vehicle if you can track it.

Cut 15 (11)  “…short answer.”

If you go after a thief or try to retrieve your vehicle and use a gun to do so, he says you can be found as the aggressor and face charges yourself. He says to let the police handle it but follow up with them on the whereabouts of your vehicle.

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The Saints begin a three-day mandatory minicamp today. The team has been going through O-T-As and the media on hand has been able to see a new offense get installed. Ross Jackson, host of the Locked on Saints Podcast, says new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has players moving before the snap…

Cut 16 (16) “…helps a lot.” 

Jackson says several players have shown signs of developing during O-T-As. He says wide receiver A-T Perry has looked good…

Cut 17 (20) “…can be.”

Jackson says when it comes to rookies, he’s been impressed with sixth-round pick defensive tackle Khrstian Boyd from Northern Iowa…

Cut 18 (16)  “…that position.”

LRN PM Newscall June 10

A bill that would lift licensing requirements to braid hair is dead in this year’s legislative session. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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Considering Louisiana has among the highest property and auto insurance rates in the country, insurance coverage for your pet here is the most affordable. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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This year’s edition of the KIDS COUNT Data Book shows the pandemic had an unprecedentedly harmful effect on student learning. Annie E. Casey Foundation President Lisa Hamilton says this report shows a higher percentage of Louisiana students suffered from trauma than students nationwide.

Cut 3 (10) “…nationally.” 

Hamilton says what’s interesting is that Louisiana did not see as many students who were chronically absent as the rest of the country.

Cut 4 (08) “…nationally.” 

Though the report found 30% of all students nationally were chronically absent from 2019 to 2022, nearly double pre-pandemic rates, Hamilton says Louisiana students are staying in school, and it shows.

Cut 5 (09)  “… on time.”

Hamilton says there are still pandemic funds out there that could help schools catch students up.

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A bill that would lift licensing requirements to braid hair did not make it through this year’s legislative session. Bill sponsor Mike Bayham of Chalmette says the bill is important to promote jobs in Louisiana.

Cut 6  (08) “…entry. ” 

The current rules say braiders must have at least 500 hours of education, which can cost as much as 20 thousand dollars. Critics of the bill say the hours are essential for education and safety. Bayham says they are cost-prohibitive and unnecessary.

Cut 7 (06) “…job.”  

Though the bill failed in the House Commerce Board, Bayham intends to bring the bill back next year, when he says the conditions are more favorable.

Cut 8 (08)  “…push this.” 

In addition to this legislation, a separate lawsuit against the licensing process is going through appeals.

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Even though Louisiana ranks among the country’s highest property and automobile insurance rates, you’d be surprised to learn that when it comes to pet insurance, Bayou State is ranked the most affordable. Dayna Drake with MarketWatch Guides says the statewide average to insure your pet is $36 a month.

Cut 9 (07) “…national average.” 

The national average is $46 a month. The price of pet insurance varies depending on the type of pet, breed, and coverage. Insurance for dogs costs more compared to cats.

Drake says location is a driving factor for costs, and Louisiana’s lower cost of living is reflected in veterinary costs. She also credits a state law for pet insurers.

Cut 10 (12) “…the vet.”

Like humans, routine care for your pet, she says, is best so any disease or illness can be caught early. Among the types of things pet insurance will pay for, depending on your coverage are…

Cut 11 (10) ” …vet visit.”

Drake says pet insurance in general does not cover pre-existing conditions or procedures that are considered elective.

12:30 LRN Newscast

A bill that would lift licensing requirements to braid hair did not make it through this year’s legislative session. Chalmette Republican Representative Mike Bayham is disappointed his bill did not make it out of House Commerce, because he is looking to promote jobs.
Cut 6 (08) “…entry. ”
The current rules say braiders must have at least 500 hours of education, which can cost as much as 20 thousand dollars and Bayham says the number of hours needed for training and the cost to get educated is a barrier.

The Annie E Casey Foundation released a new report today that shows there was unprecdented drop in learning and absences from 2019 to 2022 as a result of the of the pandemic. Thirty-percent of all students were chronically absent, but Annie E Casey President Lisa Hamilton says the chronic absence percentage was better in Louisiana…
cut 4 (07) “…nationally”
Hamilton says they actually saw reading scores improve as well.
College athletic departments are preparing for the likelihood of paying their athletes a total of 22 million dollars starting in 2025 as a result of a historic antitrust case between the NCAA and two former college athletes. LSU Executive Deputy Athletics Director Verge Ausberry says they are just waiting for terms to be finalized
Cut 13 (11) “…year to year.”
The money that will go to the athletes will come from the massive TV deals that major conferences have agreed to with ESPN and Fox, plus other sources of revenue. One potential new source of revenue is sponsor logos, which can be painted on football fields this year.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Starting in 2025, retailers who do not properly label seafood with its correct country of origin will face fines of up to two-thousand dollars. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says his bill that was recently signed by the governor puts teeth into a law passed in 2019….
cut 8 (12) “…two thousand dollars”

College athletic departments are planning for revenue sharing, where schools will directly pay their athletes starting in 2025. It could be around 22-million dollars for all athletes at a major school as a result of a historic antitrust lawsuit. Schools will look to cut costs. LSU Executive Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry says LSU is looking to schedule more in-state schools for non-conference football games because it’s not as costly
Cut 15 (11) “…range.”

An NFIB jobs report says only 18 percent of small business owners are planning to increase compensation for workers. That’s the lowest since 2021…
Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Before the hurricane season ramps up, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine spokesperson Ginger Guttner says have you dog or cat microchipped…
cut 11 (11) “….come off”

8:30 LRN Newscast

A surge of imported shrimp and crawfish is flooding restaurants and grocery stores and customers are being misled to believe the product is locally caught….
Cut 7 (11) “…in this bill.”
That’s Marrero Senator Patrick Connick discussing his legislation signed by the governor that aims to strengthen protection for consumers. Retailers caught mislabeling seafood as domestic face a fine of up to two-thousand dollars. The new takes effect in 2025.

In 2025, college athletes could be paid directly by the university as a result of an antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA that’s expected to be finalized soon. LSU executive deputy athletics director Verge Ausberry expects the Tigers will remain competitive once revenue sharing between athletic departments and athletes begins…
cut 14 (12) “….look”
It’s expected athletic departments will spend around 22-million dollars in paying college athletes in 2025.

When you’re making your hurricane plans, don’t forget to include your pets. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

According to NOLA-dot-com, New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell has spent 250-thousand dollars on flights, hotels, food, security and other modes of transportation since 2023. Cantrell has made six trips to foreign countries including a trip to Dubai for a climate conference. A spokesperson for the mayor says Cantrell’s travels accomplish political and business goals, as well as satisfying cultural objectives.