7:30 LRN Newscast Dec 14

A tornado in Keithville has left two persons dead. Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator’s office says a missing mother, whose home was destroyed by the twister, was found dead among debris one street over. Her son was found dead in a wooded area nearly a half-mile away. Crews continue to look for victims and survivors this morning.

In Union Parish, a tornado virtually levelled a neighborhood in Farmerville. At least 25 people are reported injured. The worst damage is reported along Highway 2 near Scotts Hideaway Road. A shelter is now open at the Farmerville Recreation Center.

Since a new law went into effect stating adopted persons may see their original birth records, hundreds have applied to do so. Leesville Representative Charles Owen, who is adopted, wrote the law. He says the requests are being processed will haste..:’

CUT 10(11)      “…going to happen”

 

A LaPlace couple has been arrested for the beating death of their 1-year-old baby girl. St. John Sheriff Mike Tregre says Keaura Dillon, and her boyfriend, Renard Robinson – both 23 – were arrested on Monday. He says Robinson confessed during questioning. Charged with murder, his bond is set at $300-thousand. Dillon is charged as an accessory. Her bond is $190-thouisand.

Children’s Hospital New Orleans is addressing the notable rise in eating disorders amongst children and teens by launching the first pediatric Eating Disorder Center in Louisiana. Whitney Thomas reports…:

CUT 01(29)      “…Thomas.”

6:30 LRN Newscast Dec 14

Tornadoes that tore through Louisiana yesterday have left at least 2 persons dead. In Caddo Parish, Sheriff Steve Prator says a woman’s body was found under debris one street away from her home which had been destroyed. Her child’s remains were found about a half-mile away. Another woman was seriously hurt in the storm. First responders continue their work this morning.

90 miles away, in Farmerville, a tornado virtually levelled an entire neighborhood, leaving almost 25 people injured. So far no deaths are reported there. More on these disasters as it develops.

Severe weather is expected today across southern Louisiana, with the possibility of tornadoes. Strong thundershowers, possible hail, damaging winds and flash flooding are anticipated. Be on alert for further weather watches or warnings. The bad weather is expected to begin moving out of the state by early evening, bring clearer and cooler temperatures.

 

Since a new law allowing adopted children access to their original birth certificate went into effect in August, the state office of Vital Records has received more than 600 requests and over 500 have been located…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Thorington.”

A good many schools across Louisiana have decided to close today, due to the severe weather outlook. Please check with your school board or local news sources for an update on your kids’ school, and stay safe.

5:30 LRN Newscast Dec 13

A public meeting is taking Lake Charles to discuss a new I-10 bridge over the Calcasieu River. Lake Charles Representative Phillip Tarver says the plan is to build the new bridge just north of the existing one…

Cut 7 (08)  “…is safer.”
Tarver says the projected cost of the bridge is one-point-five billion dollars and while a billion dollars in public money is set aside to build the bridge, tolls may be needed.

That meeting is being held at the Pryce/Miller Recreational Center.

The executive director of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents Mike Faulk believes it’s time to end a mandate for juniors to take the A-C-T. Faulk says only students planning to go to college should be required to take the A-C-T…
cut 11 (12) “…ACT exam”

A large portion of the state is under a tornado watch until 10 PM. The watch area covers Shreveport, Monroe, Natchitoches, Alexandria, and DeRidder. Mike Steele, with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says the threat for tornadoes exists for south Louisiana during the overnight hours

College football is mourning the loss of Mississippi State Coach Mike Leach who died last night after suffering a massive heart attack on Sunday. He was 61.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

 

16:30 LRN Newscast

A tornado watch is posted until 10 o’ clock tonight. It covers Shreveport, Monroe, Natchitoches, Alexandria and DeRidder. Mike Steele is with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says a significant storm system will impact the entire state bringing a variety of threats…
cut 13 (08) “…flash flooding”
Much of the southern half of the state is under a flash flood watch tonight through tomorrow.

The state Department of Transportation holds a meeting tonight in Lake Charles to take public comment about a proposed new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Lake Charles Representative Phillip Tarver says the cost of the bridge is estimated to be $1.5 billion and one billion has already been allocated for the project. As for the remaining amount needed, he says there are differing opinions on how it should be funded.
Cut 8 (09) “…toll that bridge.“

The investigation continues into Monday morning’s in-custody death at the St. Mary Parish courthouse. State Police Trooper Derek Senegal says an altercation between a corrections deputy and an inmate resulted in the fatal shooting of the inmate…
cut 4 (10) “…of the time”
Senegal says the shooting happened inside a deliberation room. The identity of the person has yet to be released.

The executive director of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents says Louisiana is one of only 13 states that require all high school juniors to take the ACT test. Michael Faulk says students who are not planning on going to college shouldn’t have to take the test because they are not prepared for it.
Cut 10 (08) “… workforce.”
Faulk says the A-C-T should be optional for students who are planning on getting a full-time job after high school.

3:30 LRN Newscast Dec 13

There is an enhanced risk of severe weather today and into the overnight hours for most of the state. Mike Steele, with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says stormy weather will arrive in northwest Louisiana this afternoon and the threat for tornadoes exists for south Louisiana during the overnight hours…

Cut 12 (11) “…pop up”  

Much of the southern half of the state is also under a flash flood watch tonight through tomorrow.

State Police investigators have released more details about the death of an inmate yesterday at the St. Mary Parish Courthouse. Trooper Derek Senegal says Investigators are trying to figure out what led up to the incident between the inmate and a correctional officer.

Cut 5 (09) “…of scuffle”

The inmate was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The executive director of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents says Louisiana is one of only 13 states that require all high school juniors to take the ACT test. Michael Faulk says the requirement is outdated.

Cut 9 (07) “… other measures.” 
Faulk says students who are not planning on going to college shouldn’t have to take the ACT test because they are not taught classes that prepare them for it.

The Department of Transportation and Development is hosting a meeting tonight in Lake Charles about the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Lake Charles Representative Phillip Tarver says concerned residents need to attend this meeting.

Cut 6 (11)  “…this project.”

Tarver says the new bridge is expected to be constructed just north of the current one.

2:30 LRN Newscast

The executive director of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents Mike Faulk believes it’s time to end a mandate for juniors to take the A-C-T. Faulk says only students planning to go to college should be required to take the A-C-T…
cut 11 (12) “…ACT exam”
The Work Keys exam is less rigorous and is designed for those students who plan on entering the work force after high school graduation. Faulk says by requiring all juniors to take the A-C-T, it’s lowering the state’s average A-C-T score.

Scattered thunderstorms have entered the western side of Louisiana and most of the state is under a severe weather threat through tomorrow morning. Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson Mike Steele says the southern half of state is under a flash flood watch…
cut 14 (11) “…rain falling”

It’s believed tonight’s meeting about the new proposed 1-10 Calcasieu River Bridge is the last one for the public to add their input. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 1(33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Also in southwest Louisiana, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff deputies arrest a 14-year-old student at Starks High School who allegedly threatened to bomb a teacher’s home. An investigation revealed that the juvenile student had not taken any actions to carry out the threat. He’s been charged with communicating false information of a planned arson.

1:30 LRN Newscast Dec 13

The Department of Transportation and Development is hosting a meeting tonight in Lake Charles about the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Lake Charles Representative Phillip Tarver says the cost of the bridge is estimated to be $1.5 billion and one billion has already been allocated for the project. As for the remaining amount needed, he says there are differing opinions on how it should be funded.

Cut 8 (09)  “…toll that bridge.“

That meeting begins at five PM and will be held at the Pryce/Miller Recreational Center.

The executive director of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents says Louisiana is one of only 13 states that require all high school juniors to take the ACT test. Michael Faulk says students who are not planning on going to college shouldn’t have to take the test because they are not prepared for it.

Cut 10 (08) “… workforce.” 

There is an enhanced risk of severe weather today and into the overnight hours for most of the state. Mike Steele, with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says stormy weather will arrive in northwest Louisiana this afternoon and the threat for tornadoes exists for south Louisiana during the overnight hours. Much of the southern half of the state is under a flash flood watch.

College football is mourning the loss of Mississippi State Coach Mike Leach who died last night after suffering a massive heart attack on Sunday. He was 61.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

 

12:30 LRN Newscast

A public meeting takes place in Lake Charles tonight to discuss a new I-10 bridge over the Calcasieu River. Lake Charles Representative Phillip Tarver says the plan is to build the new bridge just north of the existing one…
cut 7 (08) “…is safer”
Tarver says the projected cost of the bridge is one-point-five billion dollars and while a billion dollars in public money is set aside to build the bridge, tolls maybe needed.

A large portion of Louisiana is under an enhanced threat for severe weather today and into the overnight. Strong storms are expected to arrive in northwest Louisiana this afternoon. Mike Steele is with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says this storm system brings a variety of threats…
cut 13 (08) “…flash flooding”
Much of the southern half of the state is also under a flash flood watch tonight through tomorrow.

The executive director of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents says Louisiana is one of only 13 states that require all high school juniors to take the ACT test. Michael Faulk says the requirement is outdated.
Cut 9 (07) “… other measures.”
Faulk says students who are not planning on going to college shouldn’t have to take the ACT test because they are not taught classes that prepare them for it.

The investigation continues into Monday morning’s in-custody death at the St. Mary Parish courthouse. State Police Trooper Derek Senegal says an altercation between a corrections deputy and an inmate resulted in the fatal shooting of the inmate…
cut 4 (10) “…of the time”
Senegal says the shooting happened inside a deliberation room. The identity of the person has yet to be released.

11:30 LRN Newscast Dec 13

There is an enhanced risk of severe weather today and into the overnight hours for most of the state. Mike Steele, with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says stormy weather will arrive in northwest Louisiana this afternoon and the threat for tornadoes exists for south Louisiana during the overnight hours…

Cut 12 (11) “…pop up”  

Much of the southern half of the state is also under a flash flood watch tonight through tomorrow.

State Police investigators have released more details about the death of an inmate yesterday at the St. Mary Parish Courthouse. Trooper Derek Senegal says an altercation between the inmate and a corrections deputy happened in a deliberation room just outside the courtroom.

Cut 3 (09) “…gunshot wound” 

The inmate was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The Department of Transportation and Development is hosting a meeting tonight in Lake Charles about the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Lake Charles Representative Phillip Tarver says concerned residents need to attend this meeting.

Cut 6 (12)  “…this project.”

The meeting will be from 5 until 7 at the Pryce/Miller Recreational Center.

This week is expected to be the busiest week of the year for the United States Postal Service. USPS spokesperson David Walton says some post offices have extended hours so customers can drop off packages and delivery workers are working longer days also.

Cut 9 (09)  “…time change.”

Saturday is the deadline for first-class mail and packages to arrive in time for Christmas.

 

10:30 LRN Newscast Dec 13

According to the United Health Foundation, America’s Health Rankings for 2022 and Louisiana ranked dead last. A major reason for the poor ranking is that drug deaths rose by 50% between 2019 and 2020. United’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ravi Johar says the state also suffers from a high prevalence of physical inactivity.

Cut 5 (11) “…that sort.”

Plans are in place to build a one-point-eight-billion-dollar state-of-the-art container facility on the Mississippi River in St. Bernard Parish, creating 17-thousand new jobs by 2050. Port NOLA President Brandy Christian says the facility will help Louisiana attract new investment from companies competing globally.

Cut 14 (10)  “…by container”

This week is expected to be the busiest week of the year for the United States Postal Service. The deadline for mailing greeting cards and first-class packages, if you want them to arrive before Santa, is December 17. USPS spokesperson David Walton says they are fully staffed and so far, things are running as smoothly as possible.

Cut 8 (09)  “…of year.”

250 million people are expected to visit the post office during the holidays.

In St. Tammany Parish they’ve placed a time capsule inside the Slidell Museum featuring items from the COVID pandemic, like a mask, a Covid test, letters from students, and news coverage. Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer says in 100 years when the capsule is opened it will show how resilient their residents were during the pandemic

Cut 11 (09)  “…but forever.”