8:30 LRN newscast

The announcement of DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson’s March retirement has some speculating he’s running for governor. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The man who has admitted to fatally shooting former Saints star Will Smith during a road rage incident in 2016 in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans has had his trial delayed for a sixth time. A new trial date will be set March 6th. Cardell Hayes says he acted in self-defense when he shot Smith. Hayes was convicted of manslaughter in 2016, but the conviction was overturned because the verdict was not unanimous.

Several Republican lawmakers plan to address cases of sexually explicit material available for children to read at public libraries when the legislative session begins in April. But Governor John Bel Edwards said on his monthly talk show, “Ask the Governor”, that this is not an issue in Louisiana and these conservative lawmakers are following a national playbook…
cut 9 (09) “….use of our time”
As for his possible veto of any such bills passed, Edwards says he’ll wait to see what they actually say and do before deciding.

Are you packing food for Mardi Gras parades this weekend? University of Holy Cross in New Orleans conducted research to see how parade food like, fried chicken, jambalaya and sandwiches held up while being stored in a cooler outside. Food Science Program Director Doctor Darryl Holliday says the worst-performing food was ham and cheese sandwiches…
cut 12 (07) “….ready to eat”

7:30 LRN newscast

Three bills have been filed for the upcoming regular legislative session to head off kids accessing adult content at public libraries; an issue the governor says is a “solution in search of a problem”…:
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Shawn Wilson is stepping down as the state’s transportation secretary effective March 4th. It’s expected Wilson will run for governor as he could be the main candidate for Democrats.

Inflation continues to be the biggest problem for small business owners based on a national survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Business….
cut 13 (06) “…big problem”
That’s Louisiana NFIB spokesperson Todd Pack who says many small business owners continue to have a negative outlook when it comes to expecting better business conditions.

Many Louisiana families are looking forward to the Mardi Gras parades this weekend. University of Holy Cross in New Orleans Food Science Program Director Doctor Darryl Holliday says if you are packing food for the day, keep hot foods warm and cold foods cool throughout the day….
cut 11 (14) “….warming oven”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans head into the All-Star Break with a 30-29 record after losing to the Lakers last night 120 to 102. New Orleans allowed 38 points in the first quarter and Coach Willie Green says his team didn’t play with a sense of urgency….
cut 21 (19) “…on our part”
The Pels find themselves in eighth place in the Western Conference just a game ahead of Oklahoma City for the final spot in the play-in tournament. New Orleans next game is a week from tonight in Toronto.

The fifth ranked Lady Tigers return to the floor tonight for the first time since losing South Carolina as LSU hosts Ole Miss at 8 PM in the Maravich Center. The Rebels are 20-5 overall, 9-3 in the SEC.

The Cajuns and Warhawks meet on the hardwood in Lafayette tonight as both teams are looking to snap losing streaks. U-L Lafayette has lost two in a row, while ULM has lost three straight. The Cajuns beat the Warhawks earlier this year by 13 in a game played in Monroe.

Louisiana Tech basketball returns to action tonight against North Texas who is currently second in the Conference USA. The Bulldogs have a 6-8 conference record, but 7 of those losses have been by 7 points or less. Coach Talvin Hester says his young team has bought into the system but is going through some growing pains…
Cut 16 (20) “…turn to W’s.”
Tip off is at 6 PM.

Also tonight, Northwestern State hosts Southeastern. The Demons are tied for first place with Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi. The Islanders are in Thibodaux tonight to battle Nicholls.

6:30 LRN Newscast

State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson has told Governor John Bel Edwards that he will retire from state service effective March 4th, fueling speculation the Democrat will enter the governor’s race. Edwards says Wilson has been the most effective DOTD secretary in state history and would make a great governor, if he chooses to run…
cut 5 (09) “…for him”
Edwards made those comments on his monthy Ask the Governor Show.

The governor was also asked about legislation pre-filed by Republican lawmakers that seek to make public library boards more accountable for allowing sexually explicit material to be available for children in a library. Edwards says it’s a hot issue for conservaties, but not a real problem in Louisiana…
cut 7 (07) “…our libraries work”

The University of Holy Cross in New Orleans tested the growth of foodborne bacteria and pathogens on parade route favorites over an eight-hour period. Kace Kieschnick has the results…
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

LRN PM Newscall February 15

The effort to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has one week until its petition signature deadline, and they say they are very close…:

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

The Violence Policy Center ranks Louisiana second in the country for overall gun death rates. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

______________________________________

Legislation to require parade organizations to pay for clean-up has been filed for the upcoming legislative session. West Monroe Representative Foy Gadberry says the litter control group, Ouachita Green, asked him to allow parishes and municipalities the ability to charge parade groups for clean-up.

Cut 3 (06) “…to do so.” 

Gadberry says litter across the state is an ongoing problem and parades are only making it worse. He says businesses along parade routes are also negatively impacted.

Cut  4 (12)  “…of thing.” 

Gadberry says he’s received positive feedback from fellow lawmakers on the legislation and that House Bill 23 would allow each municipality to create its own ordinances to establish fees for permits.

Cut 5 (12) “…their needs.”

The regular session begins on April 10th.

_______________________________________________

The effort to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has one more week to gather the petition signatures needed, and says they are very close. On Tuesday, “No LaToya” reports needing just over 1000 names. Group organizer Eileen Carter says New Orleans residents who want change in their city need to take action…:

Cut 6 (11)  “…NoLaToya.org.” 

Carter says a large number of New Orleanians seek to replace Mayor Cantrell because they are not satisfied with her office’s handling of city services, like trash collection, street maintenance, drainage, sewers and police protection. Carter says when confronted with complaints, the mayor often goes on the offensive…:

Cut 7 (08)  “…across the board.” 

The “No LaToya” group must hand in over 49-thousand signatures to the Orleans Registrar of Voters by a week from today. They must then all be verified before the petition goes to the governor. Carter says they will succeed in getting their signatures and they hope Governor Edwards will schedule the recall with all due haste…:

Cut 8 (09)  “…an immediate way” 

___________________________________________

Another round of severe weather will impact the state today and tomorrow. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says north, central and southwest Louisiana are under a slight risk for severe weather starting this afternoon into tomorrow morning

Cut 9 (08) “…impact Louisiana”

Mardi Gras parades rolling in the New Orleans area should be fine tonight, but the threat for severe weather exists tomorrow in southeast Louisiana…

Cut 10 (09) “…day tomorrow” 

________________________________________________

The Violence Policy Center says based on 2021 CDC data Louisiana ranks second in the country for having a gun death rate of 28.42 per 100-thousand people. V-P-C executive director Josh Sugarmann says Louisiana consistently ranks in the top every year…

Cut 11 (08)  “…unintentional deaths.”

Sugarmann says Mississippi leads the nation in overall gun death rate, following by Louisiana, New Mexico, Wyoming and Alabama. He says all five states have weak gun violence prevention laws

Cut 12 (09) “…gun laws”

Sugarmann says on the flip side, the states with the lowest gun death rates have strong gun laws that ban certain types of firearms, ban large capacity magazines and restrict sales and possession for certain individuals. He says local governments in Louisiana looking to reduce gun violence have their hands tied…

Cut 13 (11) “…do anything” 

Massachusetts leads the nation with a gun death rate of 3.54 per 100-thousand. In Louisiana, household gun ownership is at 47-percent.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The losing streak for the LSU men’s basketball team is up to 13 after losing at Georgia 65 to 63 last night. The Bulldogs scored the winning bucket with a layup with five seconds left. KJ Williams was the only LSU Tiger in double figures as he had 18 points and nine rebounds. The Tigers had 19 turnovers.

The Pelicans are in L-A tonight to face the Lakers in the final game before the All-Star Break. C-J McCollum is questionable for the Pels with a right ankle sprain. Lebron James is also questionable with an ankle sprain media reports indicate he’s expected to play. New Orleans enters the game with a 30-28 and in seventh place in the Western Conference. L-A is 26-and-32.

The Derek Carr sweepstakes are officially underway as the Raiders have released the four-time Pro Bowl Q-B after nine seasons with the franchise. The Saints, Panthers, Titans and Jets are potential landing spots. The Saints are reportedly 59-million dollars over the 2023 salary cap, but could save some money by releasing Michael Thomas, Jameis Winston and Andrus Peat.

Just two days to go before the start of the college baseball season and six-foot-six right-hander Paul Skenes is expected to get the start when top ranked LSU opens the season against Western Michigan. Skenes was at Air Force the last two seasons. Last year, he recorded a 2.96 ERA and had 96 strikeouts. Skenes believes learning from LSU pitching coach Wes Johnson will only make him better…
cut 20 (17) “….a huge blessing”

Ragin Cajuns baseball head coach Matt Deggs announces Jake Hammond is his opening night starter…
cut 16 (11) “…strike zone”
U-L Lafayette opens its season on Friday with a weekend series at Rice.

9:30 LRN Newscast

A grand jury meets today to hear evidence against three men accused of participating in the alleged rape of LSU student Madison Brooks shortly before she was killed by a passing car. .
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

New Orleans Police is charging a 15-year-old with negligent homicide in the fatal shooting of another 15-year-old from Warren Easton High School. Tyler Ellis, described as a straight A student, died from a gunshot wound after he was shot Monday night. Ellis is the second Warren Easton student to die in a shooting in two weeks.

Lake Charles Police announce the arrest of two individuals who were involved in the murder of 27-year-old Allen Babineaux, who was fatally shot at a nightclub in 2000. Calcasieu Parish District Attorney Stephen Dwight says they will present their evidence to a grand jury next week…
cut 15 (07) “….in the making”
46-year-old Marvin Kyer of Douglasville, Georgia and 49-year-old Terrance Malvo of Shreveport are the two men charged in the case.

A state judge has given final approval to a 101-million dollar class-action settlement for victims of a massive flood in Tangipahoa Parish in 1983. It’s been determined the newly constructed I-12 disrupted water flow flooding hundreds of homes and nearly 100 businesses in Ponchatoula.
cut 5 (06) “…long ride”
That an attorney for the plaintiffs, Jean-Paul Layrisson, who hopes the process of getting money from the state to his clients will be a quick one.

8:30 LRN Newscast

State Police has released more information on last week’s police shooting where a 18-year-old suspected car jacker was shot in Shreveport. L-S-P says the suspect, Zechariah Stutts, pointed a gun at officers during a foot chase. Stutts was shot in the hip, a non-life threatening injury and he’s been charged with attempted first-degree murder.

After a 40-year wait, victims of a flood in Tangipahoa Parish – caused by I-12 road work – will soon see compensation. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The East Baton Rouge District Attorney will present evidence to a grand jury today in the Madison Brooks case. Authorities say the LSU student from Covington was raped inside a vehicle, before dying a short time later when struck by a passing car. Attorneys representing the defendants say the sex was consensual, but legal analyst Franz Borghardt says there appears to be enough evidence to get an indictment…
cut 9 (08) “…get it”
Three young men are facing third degree rape charges and a 17-year-old will have his case go through the juvenile court system.

Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has announced she’s running for President, the first major challenger for former President Donald Trump, who is once again seeking the Republican nomination. LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow says Haley wants voters to remember her ties to the former President…
cut 10 (11) “…and among Republicans”

7:30 LRN Newscast

The East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office will present evidence today to a grand jury claiming that three adults and a teenager raped LSU student Madison Brooks before she was killed by a passing car. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says there’s been talk the D-A will pursue first-degree rape charges, which carries a higher penalty if convicted…
cut 8 (07) “…..get it”

46-year-old Marvin Kyer of Douglasville, Georgia and 49-year-old Terrance Malvo of Sulphur are in custody and facing murder charges in a fatal shooting that took place in 2000 at a Lake Charles nightclub. L-C-P-D Deputy Chief Franklin Fondell says Allen Babineaux died on New Year’s Day in 2000 and the family can start to have closure…
cut 14 (07) “….waiting for healing”

Former South Carolina Governor and Republican Nikki Haley is running for President. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow says she has the qualifications and appeals to conservative voters…:
Cut 12 (11) “…kind of candidacy.”
But Sadow says if Florida Governor Ron DeSantis enters the race, her chances will diminish.

After waiting 40 years for an answer, victims of a 1983 flood in Tangipahoa Parish, caused by the construction of Interstate 12, will soon see compensation. A judge this week gave final approval to a $101-million class action settlement. Plaintiffs’ attorney Jean-Paul Layrisson says this final approval is great news for the 1200+ people and businesses who were flooded in 1983…:
Cut 4 (11) “…the right amounts.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU men’s basketball team nearly ended its 12-game losing streak, but instead it’s up to 13 after losing 65-63 at Georgia. The Tigers had several chances to take the lead in the final two minutes but couldn’t get the job done. K-J Williams had 18 points and nine boards in a losing effort.

Longtime assistant basketball coach Bob Starkey says the late Sue Gunter would be proud but also embarrassed about her name joining Dale Brown’s on the court in the Maravich Center. Starkey was an assistant coach for both Brown and Gunter and knew Gunter before he arrived at LSU in 1990…
Cut 18 (20) “..done before”
The LSU Board of Supervisors voted last week to add Gunter’s name to the court despite pleas from Brown supporters who believe it takes away an honor given to Brown.

After nine seasons with the Raiders, Las Vegas has released quarterback Derek Carr allowing teams who need a signal caller to sign the 31-year-old immediately. Carr was 63-and-79 as a starter with the Raiders and is coming off of one of his worst seasons as a pro. But the Saints and several other teams are interested in signing Carr.

The Ragin Cajuns are picked to finish fourth in the Sun Belt and they have one of the top players in the league in center fielder Carson Roccaforte. Coach Matt Deggs expects Roccaforte to have another great season, but he’s looking for others to step up….
cut 17 (17) “….one guy”
The Cajuns open the season with a weekend series at Rice starting on Friday. ULM is picked to finish 11th in the Sun Belt and the Warhawks host Bradley this weekend.