10:30 LRN Newscast

The state department of transportation is launching a new program that gives businesses an opportunity to get involved in the fight against litter.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A 22-year-old man from Avoyelles Parish has been arrested for allegedly calling in a bomb threat to a nursing home in Rayne. Jonathan Jones of Hessmer has been charged with communicating false information of a planned arson. The bomb threat was called into The Ellington of Rayne nursing home on July 16th. The residents of the home were evacuated, but no bomb was found.

 

Suspended LSU freshman running back JT Lindsey remains on the sidelines following his arrest last week for allegedly harboring two Alexandria teenagers accused of murder in his dorm room a few weeks before the start of preseason camp. WAFB-TV Investigative Reporter Chris Nakamoto broke the story and says investigators are questioning what Lindsey is claiming.

Cut 7 (14) “…for murder.”

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says she’s disgusted by the allegations that one of her officers was paying prostitutes for sex while on duty in the French Quarter. State Police have charged 56-year-old Terrance Johnson with prostitution and malfeasance in office. Kirkpatrick says an internal investigation is underway to determine how NOPD supervisors were not aware this was going on…

Cut 4 (07) “…and questions.”

Johnson has been with NOPD since 19-97.

9:30 LRN Newscast

The state department of transportation is starting a new program that will allow businesses to get involved in cleaning up the litter along state highways. It’s called “Sponsor A Highway.” DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says local businesses can sponsor one-mile segments of a highway and the cost of that sponsorship will help pay for litter removal…

Cut 10 (10) “…litter.”

The “Sponsor a Highway” program will start in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Shreveport, with the hopes of expanding.

Preseason camp continues for the Tigers, but freshman running back JT Lindsey remains suspended from the team for allegedly harboring two teenagers wanted for murder inside his dorm room. WAFB-TV investigative reporter Chris Nakamoto says this is a serious charge against Lindsey…

Cut 9 (13) “…to begin”

A New Orleans Police officer is facing prostitution and malfeasance charges after he allegedly coordinated and paid women in exchange for sexual relations on multiple occasions while he was on duty in the French Quarter. NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick is moving forward with the process of terminating Johnson, unless he can prove the allegations are false…

Cut 6 (11) “…that opportunity.”

The officer has been identified as 56-year-old Terrance Johnson who has been on the force since 1997.

Louisiana is seeing an increase in the number of people infected with Vibrio vulnificus, commonly called flesh eating bacteria. The state has reported 20 people have been hospitalized and four people have died from this infection. This dangerous bacteria can be found in warm coastal waters and raw seafood, so State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says it’s important to pay attention to skin infections…

Cut 15 (10) “….raw seafood”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU defensive tackle Bernard Gooden has been one of the pleasant surprises of preseason camp as the South Florida transfer has constantly shown the ability to get in the opposing backfield. Gooden is an undersized defensive tackle, just like interior defensive line coach Kyle Williams. Gooden says that Williams’ past experience can help improve his game.

Cut 17 (15)  “…a blessing.”

Gooden totaled 10 tackles for loss and one sack with South Florida last season.

The Saints will have a joint practice with the Rams today in Carson, California. A chance for the starters to get quality reps. Second-year wide out Bub Means has been placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury and he’s done for the season.

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ULM football is just two weeks away from its opener at home against Saint Francis. Head coach Bryant Vincent is known for being run-heavy. The Warhawks added South Alabama transfer running back Braylon McReynolds this offseason. McReynolds says even though there’s competition at running back, he brings specific strengths to the room that others may not have.

Cut 19 (21) “…everybody better.”

McReynolds had 20 carries for 111 yards and a touchdown for South Alabama last season.

The Pelicans will host the Lakers and Grizzlies as part of the NBA’s in-season tournament. Those games will be in November. New Orleans will also play the Clippers and Mavericks on the road. The full regular-season schedule comes out today.

LRN Am Newscall August 14

There are unanswered questions surrounding the case of suspended LSU running back JT Lindsey, who is accused of harboring two Alexandria teenagers wanted on murder charges. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The state department of transportation is launching a new program that gives businesses an opportunity to get involved in the fight against litter. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Serious infections caused by Flesh eating bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, are on the rise in Louisiana. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick is disgusted by the allegations that one of her officers was paying prostitutes for sex while on duty in the French Quarter. State Police have charged 56-year-old Terrance Johnson with prostitution and malfeasance in office. Johnson has worked for the NOPD since 1997. Kirkpatrick says an internal investigation is underway to determine how NOPD supervisors were not aware this was going on…

Cut 4 (07) “…and questions.”

The arrest warrant shows that Johnson’s arrest is linked to accused killer and alleged French Quarter prostitute Danette Colbert, who is facing a second-degree murder charge in the overdose death of Kansas City sports reporter Adan Manzano in February.

Johnson is not involved in Manzano’s death, but according to the arrest warrant, his contact number was found during the search of Colbert’s seized cellphones.

Kirkpatrick says Johnson’s alleged actions do not represent the New Orleans Police Department…

Cut 5 (12) “…NOPD today.”

Johnson has been charged with two counts of prostitution, three counts of malfeasance in office and two counts of injuring public records. Kirkpatrick is moving forward with the process of terminating Johnson, unless he can prove the allegations are false…

Cut 6 (11) “…that opportunity.”

________________________________________________________

Suspended LSU freshman running back JT Lindsey remains on the sidelines following his arrest last week for allegedly harboring two Alexandria teenagers accused of murder in his dorm room a few weeks before the start of preseason camp. WAFB-TV Investigative Reporter Chris Nakamoto broke the story and says investigators are questioning what Lindsey is claiming.

Cut 7 (14) “…for murder.”

Murder suspects Shemell Jacobs and Keldrick Jordon were arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in the Riverbend Building of the Nicholson Gateway dorms on Monday August 4th. Nakamoto says that marshals found an excessive amount of firepower in Lindsey’s room.

Cut 8 (12) “…a glock.”

Lindsey was suspended from the LSU football team after he turned himself in. His accusation is a very serious one as Nakamoto says that there is a possibility that the Alexandria native could face multiple years in prison if he is convicted.

Cut 9 (13)  “…to begin”

________________________________________________________

The state department of transportation is starting a new program that will allow businesses to get involved in cleaning up the litter along state highways. It’s called “Sponsor A Highway.” DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says local businesses can sponsor one-mile segments of a highway and the cost of that sponsorship will help pay for litter removal…

Cut 10 (10) “…litter.”

The “Sponsor a Highway” program will start in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Shreveport, with the hopes of expanding the program later. Mallett says DOTD spends 13-million dollars a year on litter removal efforts and this a chance for private dollars to go towards that effort…

Cut 11 (11) “…regular basis.”

Mallett says participating businesses will partner with Adopt A Highway Maintenance Corporation. He says A-H-M-C will provide the professional litter removal services a minimum of six times a year…

Cut 12 (10) “…improvements.”

For more information go to adoptahighway.com.

_______________________________________________________

Louisiana is seeing an increase in the number of people infected with Vibrio vulnificus, commonly called flesh eating bacteria. State epidemiologist, Theresa Sokol says typically, at this time of year, we see less than ten cases but so far this year, 20 people have been hospitalized. She says Vibrio thrives in warm salt and brackish waters.

Cut 13 (10)  “…vibrio infections.”

Not all the infections came from Louisiana waters. Sokol says use caution in all of the warm Gulf waters.

Sokol says vibrio infections are serious. They can lead to amputations or are sometimes fatal. She says you can become infected by eating raw seafood from exposed waters but most people infected were exposed through open wounds. She says if you have a wound stay out of brackish and salt waters.

Cut 14 (09) “…or raw seafood.”

If efforts to avoid exposure fail, immediately wash the wound Thoroughly with soap and water.

Sokol says it’s important to pay attention to symptoms of skin infections like redness, swelling, blisters, and fever and act quickly if you experience them.

Cut 15 (11) “…or raw seafood.”

__________________________________________________________________________

LSU cornerback Ashton Stamps enters his junior year with the Tigers as one of the most experienced returners. LSU has had trouble with safety play the past few years, but Stamps the addition of veteran safeties in the portal are already helping the group’s play.  Stamps says it is important to build a bond off the field so that it translates to effective communication on Saturdays.

Cut 16 (20) “…things happen.”

LSU defensive tackle Bernard Gooden is one of the many transfers defensive line coach Kyle Williams added this offseason. Gooden totaled 10 tackles for loss and one sack with South Florida last season. Gooden says that Williams’ past experience can help improve his game.

Cut 17 (15)  “…a blessing.”

Stamps was a part of the past two disappointing defenses LSU put out on the field. A key to improving LSU’s defense is its ability to get pressure to the quarterback. Stamps says the defensive line unit has helped the cornerbacks make more plays by getting consistent pressure.

Cut 18 (18) “…right away.”

________________________________________________________________

ULM football is just two weeks away from its opener at home against Saint Francis. Head coach Bryant Vincent is known for being run-heavy. The Warhawks added South Alabama transfer running back Braylon McReynolds this offseason. McReynolds says even though there’s competition at running back, he brings specific strengths to the room that others may not have.

Cut 19 (21) “…everybody better.”

ULM finished with the 84th total defense in college football last season, giving up 384 yards a game. Warhawks defensive coordinator Earnest Hill was nominated for the Broyles Award in 2024 after improving his unit significantly from the 2023 season. Hill says he has placed a huge emphasis on the development of his defensive line after bulking up in the spring.

Cut 20 (18) “…pass game.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

A New Orleans Police Officer was booked into jail today. State Police Investigators say 56-year-old Terrance “TJ” Johnson allegedly coordinated and paid for sex on multiple occasions while he was on duty in the French Quarter. NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick…

Cut 5 (12) “…today”

Johnson has been charged with two counts of prostitution, three counts of malfeasance in office and two counts of injuring public records.

A Port Allen man is accused of trying to set a home on fire that had four children inside. The incident happened early Tuesday morning in Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge Fire Department spokesperson Justin Hill says when investigators arrived at the home, they saw evidence of a break-in…

Cut 9 (08)  “…nobody was injured”

Hill says 46-year-old Alfred Jarvis has been charged with four counts of attempted first degree murder.

There are three well-known Republicans challenging Bill Cassidy in next April’s U-S Senate primary, but we have yet to see a Democrat announce they will challenge the Republican primary winner.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Don Molino.”

The state department of transportation has launched a program that would give businesses the opportunity to Sponsor a Highway and their sponsorship will pay for regular litter clean-up along a one-mile stretch of highway. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett…

Cut 11 (11) “…regular basis”

For more information go to adopt-a-highway-dot-com.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Training camp continues for the Saints in Irvine, California. In yesterday’s first practice since the loss to the Chargers in the preseason opener. Rookie Tyler Shough led the first-team offense and went 10-of-14 in team drills. Spencer Rattler was 8 of 16 with an interception.

Saints offensive lineman Trevor Penning reportedly has turf toe, which could force him to miss four to six weeks. Back-up O-lineman Will Clapp has been put on injured reserve with a foot injury. Cornerback Alontae Taylor is expected to miss some time with a groin injury.

New LSU wide receiver Barion Brown wants to be an explosive playmaker for the Tigers. Brown believes he’s improving under wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton…

Cut 18 (19) “….better at”

UL Lafayette Head football coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-mo) spoke on his quarterback battle at yesterday’s media session. Daniel Beale, Walker Howard, and Lunch Winfield are in a battle to be the starting Q-B. Desormeaux says he likes what he sees out of each player.

Cut 19 (21) “…practice setting.”

In high school football…David Amos was set to be Captain Shreve’s starting quarterback. But the junior is reportedly transferring to Calvary Baptist. Amos will need to live in Calvary’s district in order to be eligible to play right away.

Kaplan has a new head football coach. Tank Lotief is out and Vermilion Catholic alum John Thompson takes over the Pirates program. Thompson was V-C’s strength and conditioning coach and also coached boys basketball. Kaplan went 8-3 last season.

LRN PM Newscall August 13

There are three well-known Republicans challenging Bill Cassidy in next April’s U-S Senate primary, but we have yet to see a Democrat announce they will challenge the Republican primary winner. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Don Molino.”

___________________________________________________

A New Orleans Police officer has been arrested for allegedly hire sex workers while on duty in the French Quarter. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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In 1980, the current homestead exemption of 75-thousand dollars was set. St. Tammany Parish assessor Louis Fitzmorris says in the 1980s and 1990s, you could purchase a home and not pay property taxes. Fitzmorris says in the early 1990s he purchased a home in Abita Springs for 48-thousand dollars…

Cut 3 (05) “…200-thousand dollars”

Fitzmorris says if the homestead exemption kept up with inflation from 1980, many homeowners would not pay property taxes. But he says for that to happen, the legislature would have to quadruple the homestead exemption…

Cut 4 (08) “…300-thousand dollars.”

There was an effort in the last legislative session to increase the homestead exemption. New Orleans Representative Matthew Williard’s bill would have allowed parishes to increase the homestead exemption, but it died on the House floor. Fitzmorris says with homestead exemption holding steady at 75-thousand dollars, it’s been a stealth tax increase on homeowners…

Cut 5 (06) “…fully homestead exempted”

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There are three well-known Republicans challenging Senator Bill Cassidy in next year’s U-S Senate race, but will there be a formidable Democratic candidate. LA-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Democrats would like to see former Governor John Bel Edwards run, but that’s unlikely…

Cut 6 (11) “…that happening”

Alford says as it stands now, there’s not an obvious candidate for the Democrats to run against the winner of the Republican Primary. He says former Lt. Governor and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has been mentioned as a possible candidate…

Cut 7 (10) “…that would be.”

Alford says it’s unlikely Democratic U-S Representatives Troy Carter or Cleo Fields would give up a House seat for a chance at representing Louisiana in the U-S Senate.

He says the Louisiana Democratic Party is in rebuilding mode…

Cut 8 (09) “..Republican primary” 

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A Port Allen man is accused of trying to set a home on fire that had four children inside. The incident happened early Tuesday morning in Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge Fire Department spokesperson Justin Hill says when investigators arrived at home, they saw evidence of a break-in…

Cut 9 (08)  “…nobody was injured”

Hill says thanks to the work of several agencies they apprehended the suspect, 46-year-old Alfred Jarvis. Jarvis had two restraining orders again him and he allegedly threatened the occupants of the home two days before he tried to set it on fire….

Cut 10 (12) “…under control.”

Hill says Jarvis have been charged with four counts of attempted first degree murder…

Cut 11 (12) “…witnesses said.”

12:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley supports President Trump’s effort to abolish the Department of Education and let the states decide how to spend federal dollars. Superintendent Brumley says Louisiana is positioned to benefit from that kind of system…

Cut 11 (09) “…result.”

During her visit to Louisiana, U-S Education Secretary Linda McMahon says the Trump Administration would like to move to a block funding model, letting states to decide how to spend federal dollars.

New rules for SNAP recipients in Louisiana will ban the use of food stamps in purchasing soft drinks, energy drinks and candy. hat new policy will go into effect in January.  Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham says the goal is to help prevent future health problems for children.

Cut 14 (11) “…poor child.”

Abraham says they are hoping the USDA makes a rule change that would allow for the purchasing of hot rotisserie chickens with SNAP benefits.

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy is facing a challenge from three well-known Republicans in next year’s U-S Senate race, which will have party primary elections in April and a run-off in May. A formidable Democratic candidate has yet to emerge. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says do not expect former Governor John Bel Edwards or former Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu to get in the race…

Cut 7 (10) “…that would be”

Alford says Democratic U-S Representatives Troy Carter or Cleo Fields are also showing no interest in running for U-S Senate.

11:30 LRN Newscast

There are three well-known Republicans challenging Senator Bill Cassidy in next year’s U-S Senate race, but will there be a formidable Democratic candidate. LA-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Democrats would like to see former Governor John Bel Edwards run, but that’s unlikely…

Cut 6 (11) “…that happening”

Alford says as it stands now, there’s not an obvious candidate for the Democrats to run against the winner of the Republican Primary.

Since last week’s sudden resignation of athletics director John Hartwell, there’s been speculation ULM is cutting funding to athletics. But KNOE-TV sports director Aaron Dietrich says he’s seen the budget for this athletic year, and ULM has increased funding by 1.5 million dollars

Cut 7 (09) “…last year.”

Starting in January, Louisiana SNAP recipients can no longer purchase soda, energy drinks and candy with their food stamps. Jeff Palermo reports Louisiana’s Surgeon General hopes this leads to healthier children…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

State Police has released more information on a fatal officer involved shooting that took place in Sabine Parish on August 2nd. L-S-P says deputies tried to serve a property ban notice to the man for a previous incident, but he fled and barricaded himself inside a home. After several hours, the subject exited the home with a firearm and two knives. Investigators say he refused to surrender his weapons despite commanding  him to do so and that’s when he was shot.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The injuries are starting to pile up for the Saints. Back-up offensive lineman Will Clapp has been put on injured reserve with a foot injury. Coach Kellen Moore says cornerback Alontae Taylor has a groin injury and will be out awhile. Offensive guard Trevor Penning reportedly has a turf toe injury and is expected to miss four to six weeks and reserve wide receiver Bub Means is dealing with an ankle injury.

At LSU preseason camp, the Tigers have two tight ends they want to feature in the passing game, Trey’Dez Green and Bauer Sharp, who led Oklahoma in receiving last season. Green says Sharp has helped him with his confidence…

Cut 17 (15) “….amazing man”

 

ULM is about two weeks from the start of their football season and head coach Bryant Vincent is not only leading the football program, but he’s also leading the athletic department after the sudden resignation of John Hartwell. KNOE-TV sports director Aaron Dietrich says the fanbase is glad Vincent is in charge….

Cut 9 (14) “….period of time”

The Warhawks kick-off the season August 28th against St. Francis.

Preseason camp continues for the Ragin Cajuns. Coach Michael Desormeaux says former Cecilia star Brent Gordon is having a strong camp after helping the Bulldogs win a state title last year…

Cut 20 (18) “…be done”