3:30 LRN Newscast Jan 25

The Baton Rouge Tigerland bar, where 19-year-old student Madison Brooks got drunk with four men accused of raping her, has had their liquor license suspended by the state.  Baton Rouge Alcoholic Beverage Control board member Scott Wilfong says while the state investigates Reggie’s bar, it’s out of their hands…:

CUT 03  (08)        “…take action.”

Reggie’s has been cited before for serving minors. Wilfong says the age to even ENTER a bar should be 21.

I’d call this a big “oops”. The state’s Legislative Auditor says LSU accidentally overpaid head football coach Brian Kelly by #1-million last summer. Kelly received supplemental payments that are in his contract, but the university paid him twice by mistake. They also found other irregularities in coaching staff pay and in the Tiger athletic Foundation. The full audit is available online.

 

In his weekly media availability, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy was asked about classified federal documents recently found in President Biden’s office in Philadelphia, and in two homes in Delaware. Cassidy says there’s no good reason for a former Vice President to have such files in his personal possession. Does he think this also applies to fellow Republicans Donald Trump and Mike Pence; both accused of doing the same? He says “absolutely”…:

CUT 08(14)      “…safe, secure environment.”

It’s National Passenger Safety Week and State Police say it’s OK for passengers to speak up and help the driver to see and avoid possible hazards. Trooper Ross Brennan…:

CUT 10(11)      “…hazardously.”

Brennan says buckle up.

2:30 LRN Newscast Jan 25

Baton Rouge Alcoholic Beverage Control Board member Scott Wilfong discusses the fallout after the alleged rape and death of an underage LSU student linked to a notorious bar…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

Lawmen in Opelousas have given the all clear after five separate bomb threats closed five St. Landry parish schools. Those being Northwest High, Opelousas High, Washington Trade School, Center for Academic Programs (CAPS), and St. Landry Accelerated. Deputies says they found no dangerous devices at any of the schools, and allowed classes to resume just after 1.

 

It’s National Passenger Safety Week and State Police is urging passengers to speak up for their safety when in a dangerous driving situation. Trooper Ross Brennan says vehicle passengers make up 62-percent of traffic fatalities nationwide and the best way to reduce that number is for passengers to make sure everyone in a vehicle is buckled up…:

CUT 09(08)      “…properly restrained.”

He says passengers can also assist the driver by being extra eyes and ears.

New Orleans Mardi Gras Krewe parades will return to their original routes this year, now that the city has secured sufficient police to patrol them. Mayor LaToya Cantrell says the city has entered into an agreement to provide funding for much-needed outside law enforcement for carnival season…:

CUT 13(07)      “…we know it.”

Only Endymion’s route will be shortened due to work going on at the Superdome.

1:30 LRN Newscast Jan 25

Two of the men accused in the rape investigation of LSU student Madison Brooks have posted bond. 28-year-old Everett Lee and 18-year-old Casen Carver both charged with principle to third-degree rape have posted bond. The 17-year-old who is accused of third-degree rape, has not had a bond hearing, and remains in a juvenile facility, and 18-year-old Kaivon Washington also charged with third-degree rape, remains behind bars. Brooks was killed shortly after the suspects dropped her off in a subdivision along Burbank Drive.

While the Tigerland Bar Reggie’s is being investigated for serving minors involved with the alleged sexual assault of Brooks, the state has suspended their liquor license.   East Baton Rouge Alcoholic Beverage Control Board member Scott Wilfong says bars should not allow anyone under the age of 21 to enter.

Cut 5 (10) “…the age to 21.”

When asked about the discovery of classified documents found in former offices and homes of President Biden, Senator Bill Cassidy says he’d like a proper investigation, and he is OK with waiting for that before any further judgment of the President…:

Cut 7 (13)  “…realize they’re there.” 

And this week top secret documents were also found in former Vice President Mike Pence’s home.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says Mardi Gras Krewes will be able to use their full parade routes this year, after COVID and lack of law enforcement officers, forced them to abbreviate their routes. Cantrell announce this morning that the city has secured enough law enforcement officers for Mardi Gras this year.

Cut 12 (12) “…traditional routes.”

 

12:30 LRN Newscast Jan 25

Two of the four men accused of raping 19-year-old LSU student Madison Brooks before her death have posted bond. 28-year-old Everett Lee and 18-year-old Casen Carver both charged with principle to third-degree rape have posted bond. The 17-year-old who is accused of third-degree rape, has not had a bond hearing and remains in a juvenile facility, and 18-year-old Kaivon Washington also charged with third-degree rape, remains behind bars.

The Tigerland bar where Brooks was with the four men accused of sexual assault has had their liquor license suspended by the state.  East Baton Rouge Alcoholic Tobacco Control Board member Scott Wilfong says it’s not the first time Reggie’s has been cited for serving minors, it happened a few years ago but the board’s current policy is three or more violations in a calendar year a hearing is held.

Cut  4 (12)  “…the license.” 

In his weekly press conference, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy was asked about classified federal documents recently found in President Biden’s office in Philadelphia, and in two homes in Delaware. Cassidy says there’s no good reason for a former Vice President to have such files in his personal possession…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…different residences. Period.” 

Some of Biden’s documents date back to when he was in the U.S. Senate. And this week, top secret documents were found in former Vice President Mike Pence’s home.

11:30 LRN Newscast Jan 25

The Tigerland bar where 19-year-old student Madison Brooks partied with four men – who are facing rape charges – has had their liquor license suspended by the state.  East Baton Rouge Alcohol  & Tobacco Control Board member Scott Wilfong says, while the state investigates Reggie’s Bar, it’s out of their hands…:

CUT 03(08)      “…take action.”

Of the entire group of four young men and the victim, Brooks, only one was over 21. It’s not the first time Reggie’s has been cited for serving minors. Police say the men raped an intoxicated Brooks and dumped her near a busy roadway, where she was hit by traffic and killed.

The Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office is responding to damage reports from a possible tornado last night in Ragley. In Pointe Coupee Parish, a suspected twister tossed several mobile homes over in the town of Ventress. One home was literally torn open. So far no serious injuries have been reported.

 

A new study from the Public Affairs Research Council shows a pretty small number of us use public transit, like buses. PAR President Steven Procopio says that about 1-percent He says public transit is primarily for those who cannot afford a vehicle of their own, but it also serves an important need…:

CUT 14(07)      “…workforce as well.”

PAR doesn’t take a position on public transit; good or bad. They simply provide information for taxpayers to make informed decisions.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission reports continued job growth for the state. Data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics shows seasonally adjusted non-farm employment for December 2022 was at 1.9 million jobs. LWC spokesman Mark Jones says that’s an increase of over 4000 jobs in one month…:

CUT 10(09)      “…22 consecutive months.”

He says UNemployemt is also at a record low3.5-percent.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Bond has been set for three of the four men accused of raping an LSU student after a night of heavy drinking. Madison Brooks was hit by a car the same night and killed. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Two of the suspects have bonded out of prison, while Reggie’s liquor license has been suspended by the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control due to the seriousness of of the allegations and the potential threat to public safety.

New employment numbers from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics shows an increase of 48-hundred jobs from November to December in Louisiana. Mark Jones with the Louisiana Workforce Commission says every metro area in the state added jobs over the year, with Lafayette gaining 42-hundred jobs in 2022…
cut 12 (11) “…different things”
The Monroe area added only 200 jobs in 2022.

Louisiana received three F grades from the American Lung Association which grades states for its tobacco control efforts. Senior director of Advocacy Ashley Lyerly says the state is spending just over five million dollars on tobacco prevention programs this fiscal year…
cut 6 (120 “…..tobacco use”

9:30 LRN Newscast

Bond has been set for three men East Baton Rouge investigators say were involved in a sexual assault of an LSU student who died a short time later when she was hit by vehicle. Authorities say 19-year-old Madison Brooks was extremely drunk when all of this happened. A 17-year-old has also been charged. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt expects East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore to use a grand jury to finalize the charges…
cut 9 (11) “…may think this is”

Total nonfarm employment increased by 48-hundred jobs from November to December. Mark Wilson with the Louisiana Workforce Commission says construction added 33-hundred workers and manufacturing added 12-hundred jobs in that one month period…
cut 11 (12) “….seeing right there”
The manufacturing sector has added 87-hundred jobs from December 2021.

State lawmakers go into special session Monday to discuss a proposal to use $45-million in surplus cash to bring new property insurers to Louisiana, which means fewer businesses and homeowners relying on Louisiana Citizens, which costs significantly more. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the same plan brought five new companies to the state after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, but Thibodaux Rep. Bryan Fontenot remains skeptical…
CUT 28(09) “…on those companies?”

The American Lung Association gives Louisiana three f-grades, a D-grade and one C-grade in their annual tobacco control report card. Louisiana received a C grade for smokefree air and the senior director of advocacy at the American Lung Association Ashley Lyerly says the state can do better…
cut 5 (12) “….the state of Louisiana”
The state received Fs for tobacco prevention funding, tobacco taxes and not regulating flavored tobacco products.

8:30 LRN Newscast

State lawmakers go into special session Monday to put together a plan to bring new private property insurance companies to Louisiana, but not everyone is on board. The proposal is to use $45-million in surplus cash to make an incentive fund to lure new insurers. Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot says there may be better uses for that $45-million…:
CUT 27(12) “…in our state.”
Fontenot says there’s no talk of possible tort reform which could help lower insurance costs nor reforming Louisiana Citizens so it is more affordable.

Bond has been set for the three adult suspects facing rape charges and a 17-year-old is facing third-degree rape as they were allegedly involved in a sexual assault of an LSU student who later died when she was hit by a car. They all left Reggie’s Bar, which now has a suspended liquor license. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says civil lawsuits are also likely…
cut 7 (10) “…even happened”

A study by the Public Affairs Research Council shows a very small number of Louisianans actually use buses or other public transit….
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Louisiana received three Fs, one D and one C on the American Lung Association of Tobacco Control 2023 report card. ALA senior director of Advocacy Ashley Lyerly says Louisiana is not investing nearly enough in tobacco prevention…
Cut 4 (12) “…across the state.”

7:30 LRN Newscast

Four men face charges for an alleged rape that occurred in a vehicle before 19-year-old Madison Brooks of Madisonville left that same vehicle and was struck and killed by a passing vehicle on Burbank Drive in Baton Rouge. Authorities say Brooks was heavily intoxicated when she left with the men from Reggie’s Bar near LSU’s campus. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt…
cut 8 (10) “….supposed to be”
The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control has suspended Reggie’s bar’s liquor license.

There’s talk of a passenger rail line between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, but U-S Bureau of Transportation statistics shows only about 35-thousand Louisiana residents, which is less than one percent of the state’s total population uses some form of public transit to commute to work. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says there are a lot of lingering questions about that rail project…
cut 15 (06) “…going to be successful”

According to Entergy Louisiana’s power outage map, four-thousand customers are without power as a result of the strong storms that rolled through south Louisiana yesterday. Three people were injured in Pointe Coupee Parish when a suspected twister turned over mobile homes. The entire city of Plaquemine is without power this morning.

The American Lung Association gave Louisiana 3 F’s, a D, and a C in the state’s 2023 “State of Tobacco Control” report card. Kace Kieschnick spoke with the Senior Director of Advocacy Ashley Lyerly…
cut 1 (26) “…I’m Kace Keischnick.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Workforce Commission reports continued job growth for the state. Data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics shows seasonally adjusted non-farm employment for December 2022 was at 1.9 million jobs. LWC’s Mark Jones says that’s an increase of over 4000 jobs in one month…:
Cut 10 (09) “…22 consecutive months.”
Jones says is closing in on being back at per-pandemic levels of employment.

A new study from the Public Affairs Research Council (PAR) shows few Louisianans actually use public transportation, despite federal grant money flowing in to support it. PAR President Steven Procopio says in 2021 less than one percent of Louisiana residents or about 35-thousand people used some form of public transit to commute to work, which ranks Louisiana fourth among Southern states…
Cut 13 (10) “…transportation system though.”

Bond has been set for three of the four men accused of raping an LSU student after a night of heavy drinking. Madison Brooks was hit by a car the same night and killed. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”