3:30 LRN Newscast April 5

The state Fire Marshal’s office has been racking up arson arrests; especially in Tangipahoa Parish. In recent weeks, seven arrests – many of them in re-opened closed cases – have been made. Fire Marshal’s spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says one case involved three suspects and at least two Hammond house fires…:

CUT 06(08)      “…partners involved.”

She say if you have an arson tip, call the Fire Marshal’s tip line.

Four Louisiana Parishes lead the state in population lost following Hurricane Ida in 2021; they’re Terrebonne, St. John, St. Charles and Plaquemines. New Orleans area demographer Greg Rigamer says richer parishes recover pretty quickly from such disasters…:

CUT 13(11)      “…reinvesting.”

A recent study by WalletHub, ranking states by so-called financial literacy, rates Louisiana pretty poorly. Teiko Foxx has more…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Foxx.”

Louisiana “American Idol” winner Laine Hardy, who was accused of putting an audio bug in his ex-girlfriend’s LSU dorm room, will avoid jail time after completing an alternative program for nonviolent offenders. Hardy can also file an appeal to have his record cleared on all charges. No word on IF he will do that.

2:30 LRN Newscast April 5

Four Louisiana parishes rank in the top ten for the largest percentage of population lost between 2021 and 2022. Those four parishes were impacted by Hurricane Ida, which hit southeast Louisiana in August of 2021. Demographer Greg Rigamer says population loss was expected following the Category Four storm…:

CUT 12(14)      “…south Louisiana.”

Those four parishes are St. John, Terrebonne, Plaquemines and St. Charles.

Shipbuilding giant Edison Chouest is constructing a 260-foot-long vessel at its shipyard in Houma, which will be used to support offshore wind turbines. It’s being built for a Danish firm called Orsted, who builds and operates wind farms around the globe. Orsted V.P. Mikeel Maehlisen says it will be used to maintain wind farms in the Northeast…:

CUT 10(12)      “…walk to work.”

 

After the State Fire Marshal prompted the reopening of closed arson cases, they’ve made nine arrests in Tangipahoa Parish. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Baton Rouge native Stephanie Clifford – better known by her stage name, Stormy Daniels – has been ordered by a Los Angeles court to pay Donald Trump $122-thousand to cover his legal fees in her failed defamation lawsuit against him. Trump was arraigned Tuesday in New York on charges he misreported campaign money used to buy Daniels’ silence about an alleged affair.

1:30 LRN Newscast April 5

The State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Hammond Fire Department have reopened seven closed cases and made nine arrest. Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says calls to their tip line helped and a notable case, the Christmas Eve Walmart fire, calls, and widespread media coverage…

Cut 7 (08)  “…face everywhere.” 

The suspect confessed he started the fire as a distraction to steal merchandise.

According to WalletHub Louisiana is the second least financially literate state in the country. WalletHub Analyst Jill Gonzales says making an impact in education would be a step towards increasing basic concepts in money management for all ages.”

Cut 5 (10) “…and literacy.”

Louisiana ranked 18th in high school financial literacy scores.

Shipbuilding giant Edison Chouest is constructing a 260-foot-long vessel to support offshore wind turbines. The vessel is being built at the LaShip shipyard in Houma and it’s called E-C-O Edison. LaShip General Manager Wally Naquin says it’s involved 275-thousand work hours and has another year to go…

Cut 9 (09) “…energy independent”

E-C-O Edison will house 60 workers who will temporarily live on the vessel for maintenance.

The LSU women’s basketball team will celebrate and honor its 2023 national championship this evening with a parade and a celebration inside the PMAC.  LSU Chief Brand Officer Cody Worsham says everyone is invited to attend this great celebration.

Cut 13 (11) “…at seven.” 

12:30 LRN Newscast

Representative Gabe Firment of Pollock will make a second attempt to ban gender reassignment surgery and transition procedures for minors.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana is 2023′s second least financially literate state according to a recent WalletHub study. Louisiana ranked 50 of 51 states as one of the least financially literate states. WalletHub Analyst, Jill Gonzales says consumer habits in Louisiana show poor money management and on average only, the minimum amount is paid on credit card bills.

Cut 4 (11)  “…interest rates.” 

Louisiana is the third worst education state in the country.

For the past seven months investigations from the State Fire Marshals Office and the Hammond Fire Department have resulted in nine arrests in seven arson cases. State Fire Marshal Chief Dan Wallis reopened several closed investigations and spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says assistance from the State Fire Marshal’s Office allowed the Hammond Fire Department to re-examine the seven arson cases.

Cut 8 (08)  “…on our tip-line.” 

The State Fire Marshal’s Office encourages you to call their tip line If you have any tips or information about any fire.

11:30 LRN Newscast April 5

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon unveils his legislative agenda, which he calls an ambitious plan to stabilize rates for homeowners. Kace Keischnick has that…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Keischnick.”

Speaking of the legislative session, a bill has been filed that would forbid anyone under 21 from entering a bar. Period. St. Tammany state Senator Beth Mizell brings the measure and says it’s the best way to assure persons under 21 aren’t served; accidentally or otherwise. Violations could get bar owners fines of up to $15-thousand.

 

For the past seven months investigations from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Hammond Fire Department have resulted in nine arrests in seven arson cases. Several cases had been closed and recently re-opened. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says one case – involving three suspects – is allegedly linked to two Hammond house fires and more…:

CUT 06(08)      “…partners involved.”

If you have any tips or information about any fire, call the Fire Marshal’s Office.

Louisiana is 2023′s second least financially-literate state, according to a recent WalletHub study. Louisiana ranked 50 of 50 plus Puerto Rico as one of the least moneywise states. WalletHub Analyst, Jill Gonzales says Louisiana ranks poorly in several categories including “unbanked households”…:

CUT 03(12)      “…as well.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

A central Louisiana lawmaker wants to ban transgender care for any person under 18 years of age. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment says there are doctors who are opposed to gender reassignment…
cut 8 (12) “….higher rate”
The legislation is expected to face fierce opposition from L-G-B-T-Q groups.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says his legislative agenda includes legal reforms and a significant investment in fortified roofing in response to the insurance crisis. Donelon says the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program will provide homeowners with direct incentives to build stronger roofs. He says a similar program has been successful in Alabama
Cut 12 (10) “…homeowners insurance”
The legislative session begins Monday.

Funeral services are this morning for Sergeant Nicholas Pepper, a Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s deputy who was killed during a police chase early Sunday morning. A funeral procession will take in Thibodaux, starting around 11 AM. Pepper leaves behind a wife and three children.

A big celebration is planned for tonight on LSU’s campus to celebrate the national champion women’s basketball team. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

9:30 LRN Newscast

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon’s latest legislation proposes reforms to stabilize insurance costs for homeowners. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

In an interview on ESPN, Iowa superstar guard Caitlin Clark said she has no ill feelings toward LSU’s Angel Reese and believes she doesn’t deserve criticism for any actions from Sunday’s game. Reese was called a poor sport among other things for giving the “You Can’t See Me Hand Gesture” and pointing to her ring finger in the final moments of the national championship game.

Louisiana Oil & Gas Association founder and President-Emiritus Don Briggs – who died in his home Monday – will be laid to rest tomorrow. Current President Mike Moncla says Briggs fought for Louisiana’s oil and gas industry for more than 50 years.

Cut 5 (12) “…always there.”

Briggs founded the association in 1992 and served as the President for 26 years.

Grant Parish Representative Gabe Firment filed a measure that would ban gender reassignment surgery and transition procedures for minors in Louisiana. Firment filed a similar bill last year to ban gender-affirming healthcare for minors, but withdrew it and filed a study resolution instead. Firment says there are many complications and dangers associated with those procedures that children should not go through.

Cut 9 (11)  “…really evil.”

The entire study from the Louisiana Department of Health can be found on our website at LouisianaRadioNetwork.com. The session begins Monday.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Pollock Representative Gabe Firment is trying again to ban gender reassignment surgery and transition procedures for anyone under the age of 18. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell has filed a measure to prevent anyone under the age of 21 from entering a bar. Mizell says the legislation is in response to the death of 19-year-old LSU student Madison Brooks who died following a night of underage drinking at a Tigerland bar.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is proposing legal and claims process reforms in an effort to stabilize insurance costs for homeowners. Donelon says one of the bills would prevent rogue law firms from filing friviouls lawsuits against insurance companies, which he says drives up costs for honest homeowners. He says another proposal would allow homeowners to ask a public adjuster for a second opinion on damages…
Cut 11 (12) “…their repairs”

Funeral services are scheduled for tomorrow for Don Briggs, the founder and President-emeritus of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association. Briggs died Monday at the age of 82 at his Lafayette home. Current LOGA President Mike Moncla says Briggs was a tireless advocate for oil and gas…
cut 6 (14) “…..can remember”

7:30 LRN newscast

Grant Parish Representative Gabe Firment wants to ban gender reassignment surgery and transition procedures in Louisiana for anyone under the age of 18. Firment filed a similar bill last year, but then withdrew it and filed a study resolution for the state health department instead. Firment says many of the procedures are experimental.
Cut 7 (10) “… psychological problems.”
However, the study released last month is limited to Medicaid recipients and does not indicate the adverse outcomes Firment refers to.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says his legislative agenda includes legal reforms and a significant investment in fortified roofing in response to the insurance crisis. Donelon says the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program will provide homeowners with direct incentives to build stronger roofs. He says a similar program has been successful in Alabama
Cut 12 (10) “…homeowners insurance”
The legislative session begins Monday.

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Industry is mouning the death of Don Briggs, who died Monday at the age of 82. He founded the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association in 1992 and current President Mike Moncla says whenever the industry needed a voice, Briggs was there…
cut 5 (12) “…always there”
Funeral services for Briggs are tomorrow in Lafayette.

LSU will celebrate and honor its 2023 national championship women’s basketball team tonight with a parade and then a celebration will take place inside the PMAC. LSU Chief Brand Officer Cody Worsham says everyone is invited to attend….
cut 13 (11) “…..at seven”
And based on a Tweet sent out by President Biden, LSU and the UCONN men’s basketball team will be invited to the White House to celebrate their championships and Iowa will not be invited.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Jim Donelon says in the upcoming legislative session he’s proposing the most ambitious package of insurance reform bills in his 17 years as Insurance Commissioner. Donelon says the legislative package is centered around legal and claims process reform and the Fortify Homes roof grant program…
Cut 10 (05) “…get it done”
Donelon says one of the legal and claims process bills would prevent rogue law firms from filing friviouls lawsuits against insurance companies, which he says drives up costs for honest homeowners.

The funeral of Louisiana Oil & Gas Association founder and President-Emiritus Don Briggs will be held tomorrow. The Lafayette resident died Monday in his home at the age of 82. Briggs founded the association in 1992 and served as the President for 26 years. Current President Mike Moncla says Briggs started LOGA to organize independents as major companies left Louisiana…
Cut 4 (06) “…independents” voice.”
Moncla says Briggs was a titan for the industry.

There’s a big celebration planned on the LSU campus tonight to honor the Lady Tigers basketball team that won a national championship on Sunday. There will be a parade on campus that starts at 6:30 PM and then an event in the Maravich Center where Coach Kim Mulkey and several players will address the crowd. LSU Chief Brand Officer Cody Worsham says the team brought a lot of attention to the school and women’s basketball….
cut 14 (09) “>..promote the sport”
Iowa superstar guard Caitlin Clark told ESPN she has no problems with LSU All-American Angel Reese’s actions towards the end of the game that some people called poor sportsmanship.