6:30 LRN Newscast

The family of the 63-year-old Houston woman who died of hypothermia in a New Iberia Arby’s May 11th is suing the owners of the chain. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The search continues in the Bahamas for a recent Louisiana high school graduate who went missing after he went overboard during a sunset cruise. 18-year-old Cameron Robbins who graduated days ago from University High in Baton Rouge was on a trip with other grads when he reportedly jumped into the water on a dare and disappeared moments later.

According to a survey of 500 people, crime has surged to the top as the biggest concern among state residents….
cut 5 (06) “…20-percent
That’s the director of the Louisiana Survey, LSU’s Doctor Michael Henderson, who says four out of five Louisiana residents say crime has increased over the last few years.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says law enforcement are paying close attention to see if motorists are buckled up during the “Click It or Ticket” campaign, which runs through June 4. Spokesperson Gregory Fischer says wearing a seat belt increases your chances of surviving a vehicle crash. He says all you have to do is look at the 2021 crash statistics…
Cut 7 (07) “…their seatbelts.”
State law mandates every person in a vehicle must wear a seat belt. Based on a latest survey 86 percent of people in the front seat buckle up.

LRN AM Newscall updated copy on click and ticket it story

LSU’s annual “Louisiana Survey” of public opinions shows residents’ Number One concern is CRIME. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (31)  “…Kevin Gallagher.”

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It’s the law to wear a seatbelt in Louisiana and Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is making sure all occupants are buckled up during their “Click it or Ticket” campaign through June 4th. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The family of the 63-year-old Houston woman who died of hypothermia in a New Iberia Arby’s May 11th is suing the owners of the chain. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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LSU’s annual “Louisiana Survey” public opinion poll shows crime is residents’ top concern. The survey is done by LSU’s Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs to gauge public opinion of life, government and policies. Study lead Michael Henderson says the yearly telephone interview survey of over 500 random statewide residents got a surprising result this time around…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…folks named ‘crime’”

Henderson says 20 percent of respondents said their biggest worry was rising crime. He says that is the highest number on that particular question in memory…:

Cut 5 (06)   “…near 20 percent.”

Henderson says folks taking the Louisiana Survey reported they can see crime getting worse and spreading everywhere…:

Cut 6 (05)  “…last four years.”

Henderson hopes law enforcement and government leaders will take note and understand the public is looking for better, safer times.

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Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reminds drivers law enforcement will be out to issue tickets to anyone who doesn’t buckle up during the “Click It or Ticket” campaign through June 4. Spokesperson Gregory Fischer says wearing a seat belt increases your chances of surviving a vehicle crash.

Cut 7 (13) “…their seatbelts.”

State law mandates every person in a vehicle must wear a seat belt or be in a child safety seat. Fewer than 14 percent of drivers and passengers make up more than half of the motor vehicle fatalities in the state. Fischer says unsecured backseat drivers can be in more jeopardy during a crash.

Cut 8 (13) “…buckled up.”

The 2022 LHSC survey shows 91 percent of women wear seatbelts, while men are at 82-percent. New Orleans and Monroe have the highest seat belt usage at 88 percent. Fischer says the usage rate is lower in central Louisiana.

Cut 9 (12)  “…their seatbelts.”

A first-time ticket for not wearing a seatbelt costs $50, and subsequent offenses are $75.

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The most recent ALICE Report, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed from the United Way indicates more than half of Louisiana households are struggling to make ends meet. President of the Louisiana Association of United Ways, Sarah Berthelot says the Bayou State ranks second in the country, just behind Mississippi…

Cut 10 (05) “…survival budget. ” 

In 2021 the ALICE Household Survival Budget for a working family of four was $66,000, far above the Federal Poverty Level of $26,500. Berthelot says that would mean wage earners in a household of four would need $33 an hour to meet household expenses, yet 70 percent of the state’s most common jobs pay less than $20 an hour.

Berthelot says stagnant wages and inflation are to blame.

Cut 11 (11)  “…really tough.”

Berthelot says so many families are working extremely hard to pay their expenses but the 11-percent increase in inflation is making it extremely difficult and so many families were forced to dip into their savings during the pandemic.

Cut 12 (11)    “…concluding.” 

A link to view the ALICE report can be found on the LouisianaRadioNetwork.com

https://www.launitedway.org/ALICE-Reports-Louisiana

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Family members of the 63-year-old Houston woman who died of hypothermia at the New Iberia Arby’s on May 11th are suing Turbo Restaurants, the Texas-based company that owns the franchise. Attorney Paul Skrabanek (scraw-bionic) says Nguyet Lee (New wet Lee) was the acting manager when she was found dead in the walk-in cooler.

Cut 13 (11) “…thing broken.”  

Turbo Restaurants had asked Le, who managed an Arby’s in Houston, to manage the New Iberia eatery temporarily for four to six weeks. Skrabanek says it was Le’s 41-year-old special needs son who worked with her that made the grisly discovery. He says the police told them Le tried to fight her way out.

Cut 14 (10)  “…the floor.”

Skrabanek says Le was alone at the restaurant and arrived around 9 o’clock that morning and was discovered about an hour and a half later. He says employees were using a screwdriver to go in and out of the cooler and propping the door open with a box, since Fall. He says they want to bring about awareness of the incident and are seeking monetary damages. He says he’s heard nothing from the owners.

Cut 15 (09)  “…to file it.”

Skrabanek says Le was a mother of four from a tight-knit hard-working Asian family.

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U-L Lafayette fans are getting ready for a late night so they can watch the Lady Cajun softball team batting Washington in game one of a super regional series. First pitch from Seattle is at 9 PM. The 22nd-ranked Cajuns have won 50 games this year, while the Huskies are 41-13 and ranked fifth in the country. U-L Coach Gerry Glasco says there will be a lot of talent on the field during this best-of-three series

Cut  16 (16)  “..hard-fought series.” 

Both teams enter the super regionals on an emotional high. The Cajuns beat their in-state rival LSU twice on Sunday, while Washington had to rally from six runs down in the seventh to beat McNeese and win its regional. Glasco says getting off to a good start will be key…

Cut 17 (15) “…mentally.” 

The Cajuns won the Baton Rouge regional despite committing five errors in the championship game against LSU. Glasco says they need to keep the errors to a minimum this weekend…

Cut 18 (19) “…all aspects”

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The national champion LSU women’s basketball team meets President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden today for a ceremony to celebrate the Lady Tigers and the national champion UCONN men’s basketball team. The voice of the Lady Tigers Patrick Wright says the champs are excited about the trip…

Cut 19 (19) “… all of us.” 

The Lady Tigers hoops squad is the fourth LSU sport to visit the White House in celebration of a national championship. The last time an LSU team went to the White House was the 2019 national champion football team and they produced a viral video while dancing to “Get the Gat.” Wright wouldn’t be surprised if this team produces a sequel…

Cut 20 (07)  “…cameo”  

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU is battling Arkansas in the SEC Tournament. A good pitcher’s duel is expected as Paul Skenes is on the hill for the Tigers and the Razorbacks counter with their ace Hagen Smith, who has a 2.56 ERA.

Louisiana Tech scored five runs in the ninth inning but lost seven to six to Middle Tennessee in the Conference USA Tournament today. The Bulldogs will need to win tomorrow against Charlotte to keep its season alive.

After beating Texas State last night in the Sun Belt Tourney, the Cajuns have a big test tonight as they face top seeded Coastal Carolina at 7:30. Louisiana is reportedly on the bubble when it comes to making the NCAA Tourney.

McNeese stayed alive in the Southland Tournament with a three to nothing win over U-I-W. Tonight Northwestern State faces UNO in a winner’s bracket contest.

The national champion LSU women’s basketball team meets President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden tomorrow for a ceremony to celebrate the Lady Tigers and the national champion UCONN men’s basketball team. The voice of the Lady Tigers Patrick Wright says the champs are excited about the trip…
cut 19 (19) “….for all of us”
The Lady Tigers hoops squad is the fourth LSU sport to visit the White House in celebration of a national championship.

And LSU men’s basketball coach Matt McMahon is celebrating today as former five star recruit Damion Collins is transferring from Kentucky to the Fighting Tigers. The six-foot-nine 210 pounds sophomore from Atlanta, Texas did not play a lot the last two seasons in Lexington.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU is off to a good start in the SEC Tournament as they are in the winner’s bracket following yesterday’s 10-3 win over South Carolina. The Tigers got very good pitching performances from Thatcher Hurd and Nate Ackenhausen. Coach Jay Johnson….
cut 20 (21) “…at bats”
LSU faces Arkansas at 4:30 today and it’s a great pitching match-up. Paul Skenes goes for the Tigers, while Arkansas counters with sophomore left-hander Hagen Smith, who is 8-1 with a 2.56 ERA.

The Ragin Cajuns got great pitching from Jackson Nezuh and Cooper Rawls yesterday in a six to one win over Texas State. Nezuh and Rawls held the Bobcats to one hit. Big test tonight for U-L Lafayette as they face the top seed in the Sun Belt Tournament, Coastal Carolina at 7:30. UL Lafayette is said to be on the bubble when it comes to making the NCAA Tournament.

Sixth seeded Louisiana Tech will face seventh seeded Middle Tennessee this afternoon in the Conference USA Tournament. The Blue Raiders upset second-seeded UTSA five to one yesterday. Tech is trying to repeat as Conference USA Tournament champs and receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Coach Lane Burroughs says the key is to stay focused on the present…
Cut 18 (12) “…right now”

This afternoon in the Southland Conference, Nicholls faces Lamar. The Colonels won the longest game in Southland Conference History last night, a three to two win over McNeese in 14 innings. Tonight, Northwestern State battles UNO.

Grambling and Southern will play each other today at 5 PM in a winner’s bracket game of the SWAC Tournament. The Jaguars doubled up Bethune Cookman four to two, while Grambling edged Jackson State eight to seven.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Republican state senator Fred Mills from St. Martin Parish is facing backlash today after he casted the tie-breaking vote to kill a bill that would ban gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors. Mills sided with Democrats to defeat the legislation in Senate Health and Welfare. Louisiana Republican Strategist Lionel Rainey…
cut 6 (09) “…how does this happen”
Rainey says the bill would prevent life altering medical procedures on youth who are confused about their gender identity. But during committee debate, Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says gender-affirming care has the support of several major medical organizations
cut 16 (12) “….needed therapy”
Opponents of the legislation pointed to studies that show transgender youth are less at risk for depression and suicidal thoughts if they are able to access gender-affirming care.

A bill that would end capital punishment in Louisiana has failed to pass out of the House Criminal Justice Committee. Opposing the bill was 18th Judicial District Attorney Tony Clayton, who says the death penalty still has a place in Louisiana justice… as punishment for the worst of the worst…:
CUT 09(09) “…the death penalty
Louisiana is one of 27 states that still allow capital punishment, but no one has been put to death here since 2010. The measure failed on an eleven to four vote.

Triple-A estimates 42-million people will travel this Memorial Day weekend. Spokesperson Don Redman says today is a good day to make sure your vehicle is ready for the long road trip…
cut 13 (13) “…for help”

10:30 LRN Newscast

A bill to end capital punishment in Louisiana receives a death sentence in the House Criminal Justice Committee. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 1 (33) “…Kevin Gallagher.”

State Police has released more information on the fatal police shooting in Bastrop last Thursday. L-S-P says the man Bastrop Police shot was a suspect in a stabbing and did not comply when the officer instructed him to lay on the ground. Investigators say the man instead charged the officer and was armed with a utility knife.

St. Martin Parish Senator Fred Mills is taking criticism from conservatives around the country for his controversial vote yesterday that led to the defeat of a bill attempting to ban gender affirming healthcare for transgender minors. Mills, chairman of Senate Health and Welfare, sided with Democrats on the committee…
cut 14 (07) “…vote yes”
Right-wing political commentator Matt Walsh said on Twitter Mills sided with butchers and groomers and he’ll regret it. Mills is term-limited.

Delta Biofuel has green-lighted a project to build a renewable fuel facility in Jeanerette that will employ 126 individuals. CEO Phil Keating says they will convert sugarcane waste into feedstock for low-emissions energy generation….
cut 5 (13) “…..industrial scale”
Construction will begin next month.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Despite support from Governor John Bel Edwards, the House Criminal Justice Committee rejected a bill that would eliminate the death penalty in Louisiana. Defense attorney Ralph Capitelli, says the process-from conviction to actual execution—simply takes too long to play out and it should be eliminated….
cut 8 (11) “….criminal justice sytem”
It’s been since 2010 since Louisiana has executed anyone. But John Sinquefield, chief deputy of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, worries what message ending capital punishment might send…
cut 10 (12) “…..no death penalty”
The bill was defeated on an 11-to-4 vote which is a death sentence for this session on an effort to end capital punishment.

After a lengthy debate, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted down a House-approved measure that would have prohibited gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment’s bill would prohibit doctors from giving minors puberty blockers or performing any gender-transitioning procedures. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says there are no cases of a parent allowing their child to have a sex change before they are 18….
Cut 15 (13) “…has occurred”
Republican Chairman and New Iberia Senator Fred Mills casted the tie breaking vote which resulted in the bill’s defeat.

Triple-A estimates 42-million people will travel this Memorial Day weekend. Spokesperson Don Redman says today is a good day to make sure your vehicle is ready for the long road trip…
cut 13 (13) “…for help”

7:30 LRN newscast

A bill that would end capital punishment in Louisiana failed to pass out of the House Criminal Justice Committee. HB 228 is from Marrero Democrat Representative Kyle Green, who tells committee members the death penalty needs to go…:
Cut 7 (09) “…innocent people.”
Louisiana has not executed anyone since 2010, but Republicans believe the punishment serves a deterrent for murder.

The LGBTQ community got a big win in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. The panel voted against a bill to ban gender-affirming health care for transgender youth. Alexandria Representative Jay Luneau says several major medical organizations support this type of care…
cut 16 (12) “….needed therapy”
Supporters of the legislation say the ban is needed to prevent teenagers from receiving life-altering medical procedures.

Do you plan to travel this Memorial Day holiday? If so, AAA projects a 7 percent increase in travelers compared to last year. Teiko Foxx has more.
Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Delta Biofuel will break ground in late June on a $100 million renewable facility in Jeanerette that will produce 340,000 metric tons of biomass fuel pellets annually. CEO Phil Keating says this will solve a serious problem for the sugar cane industry…
Cut 4 (11) “…in utilities”
The facility will also employ 126 workers.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The fifth-ranked LSU baseball team opened the SEC Tournament with a solid 10-3 win over South Carolina. The Tigers got a good start on the mound from Thatcher Hurd and left-hander Nate Ackenhausen was brilliant in relief as he pitched 3.2 innings for his second save of the season. Coach Jay Johnson went to Ackenhausen in the sixth inning when the Gamecocks were mounting a comeback…
Cut 19 (21) “….playoff baseball”
LSU will play Arkansas at 4:30 PM today. The Razorbacks defeated Texas A-and-M six to five in eleven innings.

Late night in Lake Charles last night, Nicholls outlasted McNeese three to two in 14 innings. Northwestern State edged UIW two to one.

Jackson Nezuh and Cooper Rawls held Texas State to one hit last night as the Ragin Cajuns defeated the Bobcats six to one to move into the winner’s bracket of the Sun Belt Tournament. It’s the first combined one-hitter for U-L Lafayette since 2018. Nezuh struck out a career-high nine. The Cajuns face top seeded Coastal Carolina tonight.

Louisiana Tech hit five home runs yesterday to beat Charlotte 13 to eight in the Conference USA Tournament. Dalton Davis hit two dingers and Phillip Matulia mashed his 19th home run of the season. Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs had a feeling some runs would be scored in Houston
Cut 17 (12) “..proud of our guys”
Sixth seeded Louisiana Tech will face seventh seeded Middle Tennessee at 12:30 today.

Grambling and Southern will play each other today at 5 PM in a winner’s bracket game of the SWAC Tournament. The Jaguars doubled up Bethune Cookman four to two, while Grambling edged Jackson State eight to seven.

6:30 LRN Newscast

A bill to end capital punishment in Louisiana receives a death sentence in the House Criminal Justice Committee. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 1 (33) “…Kevin Gallagher.”

State Police has released more information on the fatal police shooting in Bastrop last Thursday. L-S-P says the man Bastrop Police shot was a suspect in a stabbing and did not comply when the officer instructed him to lay on the ground. Investigators say the man instead charged the officer and was armed with a utility knife.

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee kills a bill that would prohibit gender affirming care for minors. The vote was five to four to defer the legislation for the regular session. Republican Chairman and St. Martin Parish Senator Fred Mills casted the tie-breaking vote…
Cut 14 (07) “…vote yes.”
Opponents of the legislation pointed to studies that show transgender youth are less at risk for depression and suicidal thoughts if they are able to access gender-affirming care.

A big travel weekend is coming up and Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says despite inflation they estimate 42-million Americans will travel this Memorial Day holiday weekend, a seven percent increase from last year…
cut 11 (12) “….in 2000”
Air Travel is up eleven percent and road trips are up six percent from last year.