7:30 LRN Newscast

State lawmakers will begin debate today on a program to incentivize more insurance companies to cover properties in Louisiana after several either left or went insolvent. House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue says he and others have concerns about the proposal and its…
Cut 10 (08) “…intended goal.”

The Legislative Auditor’s Office has released a report on the state of property insurance in Louisiana…
cut 1 (32) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher

The Broussard Police Department continues to investigate the theft of 12 squirrel monkeys from a habitat at Zoosiana over the weekend. Police Chief Vance Oliver says they have an idea of how the burglary happened.
Cut 7 (09) “..from that location.”
A squirrel monkey is the size of a squirrel, so about a foot long, weighing two pounds. If you keep them as a pet, they are known to be very destructive, aggressive during breeding season and they can bite.

A large portion of north Louisiana, including Shreveport, Monroe, Natchitoches and Jena are under a flood watch through Thursday afternoon. Jason Hansford is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Shreveport and he says showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast…
cut 13 (12) “…the day Thursday”
There’s also a winter weather advisory for the northern parishes of the state as some of that rain may become light freezing rain starting tonight and lasting through the morning.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

In front of 15-thousand fans wearing white t-shirts the third ranked LSU women’s basketball team topped the once mighty Tennessee Volunteers 76-68 in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center last night. The 15-thousand fans is the largest for the arena since it was reconfigured in 2005. Alexis Morris had a career-high 31 points and Angel Reese had her 21st straight double-double, 18 points and 17 rebounds. Reese says she’s never played in an atmosphere like that…
cut 22 (22) “…support me”
LSU is 21-and-0 and will host Georgia on Thursday night.

LSU has started its first official collective called Bayou Traditions, which will open more opportunities for athletes to get paid through name, image, and likeness deals. Bayou Traditions President Brent Cunningham says fans can receive certain perks for supporting the collective financially and they can make direct payments to a specific sport…
Cut 25 (10) “…their program”
For more information go to “BayouTraditionsCollective.com

John Hartwell was introduced as ULM’s new athletic director yesterday. Hartwell takes over an athletic budget that’s one of the smallest among F-B-S playing schools, but he doesn’t want the coaches to use that as an excuse…
cut 29 (15) “…great things here”
Hartwell was previously an athletics director at Utah State and Troy.

6:30 LRN Newscast

As state lawmakers proceed with a special session aimed at easing the property insurance crisis in Louisiana, the Legislative Auditor releases a report on the state’s insurance picture and how the Insure Louisiana Incentive Program worked when it was done before. Ed Seyler is an economist with the Legislative Auditor’s office. He says a big number of insurers have left the state; forcing people to Louisiana Citizens…:
Cut 4 (12) “…of this year.”
Today House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue says his committee will begin discussing Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon’s plan to depopulate Citizens with a 45-million dollar incentive fund for private insurers…
cut 12 (12) “…excessive amount”
The special session must conclude by Sunday night.

The Broussard Police Department is investigating a bizarre case of missing squirrel monkeys. Whitney Thomas Reports.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU announced today the launch of Bayou Traditions, which is a collective that will open up more opportunities for athletes to get paid through name, image and likeness deals. Bayou Traditions President Brent Cunningham says fans can donate to the collective
Cut 3 (07) “…specifically”
Cunningham says fans have the opportunity to make one-time, monthly and annual payments, anywhere from 10-dollars a month to 50-thousand dollars a year.

The LSU women’s basketball team moved up to number three in the new Associated Press poll that came out today. The Lady Tigers are 21-0 as they host Tennessee tonight. Coach Kim Mulkey is impressed with how her team bought into the value of rebounding and playing defense…
cut 15 (14) “….can defend”
The top-ranked LSU baseball team has started full squad practices. It’s year number two for head coach Jay Johnson. Last year LSU really had to piece together a pitching staff as they lacked strong starting pitching. Johnson says this year he has a more well-rounded group…
Cut 18 (25) “…right now”

Four LSU Tigers have been named to the Baseball America’s preseason All-Americans teams. Center fielder Dylan Crews and right-hander and utility player Paul Skenes are first-team selections. First baseman Tre Morgan and third baseman Tommy White are second team selections.

LRN PM Newscall January 30

LSU launches a collective that gives fans the opportunity to donate money that will be used to provide name, image and likeness payments for select athletes. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

An attorney for the mother of Madison Brooks says defense lawyers representing the four men accused of her sexual assault, are victim blaming.

Cut 2 (40)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

LSU announced today the launch of Bayou Traditions, which is a collective that will open up more opportunities for athletes to get paid through name, image and likeness deals. Bayou Traditions President Brent Cunningham says fans can donate to the collective

Cut 3 (07) “…specifically” 

Cunningham says fans have the opportunity to make one-time, monthly and annual payments, anywhere from 10-dollars a month to 50-thousand dollars a year. He says the person making the contribution will get something in return

Cut  4 (11)  “…football season” 

Cunningham says fans can direct their payment to a specific sport…

Cut 5 (10) “…their program”

For more information go to “BayouTraditionsCollective.com”

_______________________________________________

Hammond Police arrest 19-year-old Johnny Williams on charges of First-Degree Murder and Attempted First Degree murder. Chief Edwin Bergeron says Williams was a passenger in the car and just after seven o’clock last night an officer was flagged down by another man who told him his 24-year-old girlfriend, Tori Banks had been shot.

Cut 6 (12)  “…officer down.” 

Williams fled the scene on foot and Banks later died at the hospital.  Upon further investigation, Bergeron says it was learned that the three had been driving around town prior to the shooting.

Cut 7 (11)  “…the girlfriend.” 

Bergeron says about four hours later Williams was taken into custody, without incident, at his home that was not far from the scene of the incident. He credits officers for their hard work and diligence in apprehending Williams.

Cut 8 (07)  “…so fast.” 

Williams was booked into the Hammond City Jail and the investigation is ongoing.

___________________________________________

A lawyer representing the mother of Madison Brooks is calling out defense attorneys, representing four men accused of sexual assault, for trying the case in the media just moments after they said they wouldn’t. Kerry Miller says in a press conference last week they proceed to blame the victim.

Cut 9 (12) “…very offensive.” 

18-year-old Kaivon Washington, who’s accused of the rape of Brooks, has also been charged with the 2020 rape of a 12-year-old girl in Walker.  Miller says her mother wants to preserve Brooks’ legacy and would like to establish a foundation in her memory.

Cut 10 (06) “…feeling right now.” 

Last week defense attorney Ron Haley said there’s video evidence that proves the men did nothing wrong and that the encounter was consensual. Miller says the video only proves Brooks was unable to consent due to her level of intoxication. Two of the accused told police she was very drunk and Brooks’ blood alcohol content was almost four times the legal limit.

Cut 11 (09)  “…rape period.”

In the Brooks case, Washington and a 17-year-old minor are charged with third-degree rape. 18-year-old Casen Carver and 27-year-old Everett Lee are charged with principle to third-degree rape.  Miller says in the meantime, evidence will be presented to a grand jury to decide if the charges will be upgraded.

____________________________________________________

State Police arrest a Lake Arthur man for hitting a bicyclist and killing him earlier this month. Trooper Thomas Gossen says 60-year-old Allen Vincent, of Gueydan, cycling along state Highway 717 in Vermilion Parish on the night of January 9th, when he was hit by a Toyota pickup. Gossen says they initially thought the cyclist was in the wrong lane, but learned otherwise…:

Cut 12 (10) “…correct direction.”

The crash happened back on January 9th at around 7pm, in full darkness. Trooper Gossen says a follow-up investigation the next morning led them to conclude that the pickup driver, 20-year-old Kane LeBlanc of Lake Arthur, was the one who had crossed into the wrong lane…:

Cut 13 (10) “…this determination.” 

Gossen says a routine blood toxicology sample was taken from LeBlanc and the report meant additional charges…:

Cut 14 (11)   “…in a motor vehicle.”

It’s unknown at this time whether LeBlanc has been granted or has made bond.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Tonight’s game between the fourth-ranked LSU women’s basketball team and Tennessee is a sell-out as the Lady Tigers look to improve to 21-0 overall, 9-0 in the SEC. The Lady Vols are also undefeated in conference play. LSU’s Angel Reese says they enter tonight’s game with the right mindset
Cut 14 (10) “…to win”
Tip off is at 6 PM.

Former Utah State and Troy athletic director John Hartwell will be introduced as the new A-D at U-L-M this afternoon. ULM Director of Student-Athlete Success Carmen Wright says Hartwell’s comprehensive experience with similar schools is ideal for the Warhawks…
cut 5 (13) “…focused”
Hartwell also served in athletic administration at Ole Miss.

No repeat trip to the Super Bowl for former LSU Tigers Joe Burrow and J’Marr Chase as the Chiefs defeated the Bengals 23 to 20 last night in Kansas City. Burrow threw for 270 yards and a touchdown. But he was also intercepted twice and sacked five times. Joey B expects to be in the hunt again next year…
Cut 17 (19) “…come back stronger”
Kansas City will play Philadelphia in Super Bowl 57. Former Louisiana Tech star and Zachary native Boston Scott scored a touchdown in the Eagles 31-7 win over the 49ers in yesterday’s NFC Championship game.

Former Saints coach Sean Payton says we should know a lot more this week on whether he’ll return to coaching. The Texans, Cardinals and the Broncos are the three teams that have expressed interest in Payton.

9:30 LRN Newscast

State lawmakers convene a special session today, aimed at alleviating the state’s current property insurance crisis. Since the hurricane hits of 2020 and ’21, more than 20 private property insurers have either gone insolvent or left the state; forcing tens of thousands of property owners to the state’s last-resort insurer Louisiana Citizens. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says lawmakers will consider creating a $45-million incentive fund to help attract new insurers to write policies here…:
Cut 7 (07) “…immediate fix..”
Not all state legislators support Donelon’s plan. Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland (R) says the post-Katrina incentive fund brought the state only five new private insurers and two of them are no longer operating in Louisiana…:
Cut 9 (10) “…for hurricane damage.”

ULM’s new Director of Athletics will be formally introduced today. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Tonight on America’s Got Talent All-Stars on N-B-C former Angola inmate Archie Williams will sing. He spent 37 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Williams watched America’s Got Talent while at Angola and dreamed of being a contestant. He sang on the show in 2020 and he’s back again tonight…
cut 12 (08) “….today”

8:30 LRN Newscast

State lawmakers will spend this week in Baton Rouge for a special session centering around one piece of legislation. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is proposing a 45-million dollar incentive fund aimed at bringing new insurers to the state, giving more options to homeowners seeking private property insurance policies. Donelon says a similar incentive worked after Katrina & Rita caused companies to exit the state, and he believes it will work again…but lawmakers must act quickly…:
Cut 8 (10) “…insurance marketplace.”
There are some skeptical lawmakers, but Marrero Representative Kyle Green says he supports Donelon’s plan…
cut 10 (08) “….be voting for it”
The special session must end by Sunday night.

Louisiana’s own Archie Williams, whose story of redemption and voice amazed the judges of America’s Got Talent in 2020 will perform again tonight.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

ULM will introduce new Athletics Director John Hartwell this afternoon. Director of Student-Athlete Success Carmen Wright says they are thrilled their search led them to Hartwell….
cut 4 (0(0 “…for ULM”
Hartwell previously served as the AD at Utah State and Troy University.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Starting today in Baton Rouge, a special legislative session begins aimed at bringing property insurance relief to thousands of struggling homeowners…:
Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

New Orleans Police have announced the arrest of 19-year-old Andrew Skinner, who allegedly fatally shot a teenage girl. Skinner has been charged with one count of negligent homicide and two counts of negligent injuring.

After being wrongfully convicted and spending 36 years in Angola, Archie Williams captured the hearts of fans and judges on America’s Got Talent in 2020. And tonight, Williams is competing in AGT All-Stars. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house after his memorable performance of “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.”
Cut 11 (08) “…was Elton John.”
While in Angola, Williams watched America’s Got Talent and dreamed of being a contestant.

Former Utah State and Troy athletic director John Hartwell will be introduced as the new A-D at U-L-M this afternoon. ULM Director of Student-Athlete Success Carmen Wright says Hartwell’s comprehensive experience with similar schools is ideal for the Warhawks…
cut 5 (13) “…focused”
Hartwell also served in athletic administration at Ole Miss.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs held off Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals in an epic AFC Championship game last night. K-C kicked a field goal in the final seconds to win 23-20 to advance to the Super Bowl for the third time in four years. Burrow gives the Chiefs credit…
Cut 16 (09) “…down too”
Burrow threw for 270 yards and a touchdown. But he was also intercepted twice and sacked five times.

The Chiefs will face the Eagles in Super Bowl 57 in Glendale, Arizona. Philadelphia beat San Francisco 31-7 as former Louisiana Tech star and Zachary native Boston Scott scored a touchdown for the Eagles.

Former Saints coach Sean Payton says we should know a lot more this week on whether he’ll return to coaching. Denver, Indianapolis, Arizona and Houston are still looking for coaches.

The Pelicans losing streak is up to eight eight games after losing to Milwaukee 135 to 110 last night. New Orleans played without C-J McCollum and Brandon Ingram. The Pels have dropped to eighth place in the Western Conference and they’ll visit Denver on Tuesday. The Nuggets have the best record in the West.

The Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team’s win streak is up to eight games after beating Georgia Southern 94-87. U-L Lafayette is tied for first place in the Sun Belt with Southern Miss. The Cajuns host Texas State on Thursday.

Tonight’s game between the fourth-ranked LSU women’s basketball team and Tennessee is a sell-out as the Lady Tigers look to improve to 21-0 overall, 9-0 in the SEC. The Lady Vols are also undefeated in conference play. LSU’s Angel Reese says they enter tonight’s game with the right mindset
Cut 14 (10) “…to win”
Tip off is at 6 PM.