6:30 LRN Newscast

The leader of the Department of Children and Family Services appeared before lawmakers to answer questions about a Baton Rouge toddler that died from an overdose and the agency was notified twice before that the child was in danger. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters…
Cut 10 (13) “…strong enough.”
The state’s Inspector General is investigating the case.

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins is running out of options to get his name on the ballot in November after providing incorrect information on his qualifying papers. A state appeals court rejected his appeal. LSU-Shreveport political science professor Jeff Sadow says Perkins’ lawyers argued it was just a clerical error, but the three appellate judges didn’t see it that way…:
cut 4 (08) “…particular explanations”
Perkins plans to appeal to the state supreme court.

It’s pushing mid-August and that means schools are starting again. State police says that means you need to change your driving habits. Marsanne Golsby has more.
Cut 2 (28) “….I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

For the first time since 2000, LSU football is not in the coaches preseason Top 25 poll.

AM LRN Newscall Aug 8

A Louisiana appeals court rules Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins is still disqualified from running for another term. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

________________________________________________

It’s pushing mid-August and that means schools are starting again. State police say that means you need to change your driving habits. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (28) “….I’m Marsanne Golsby.” 

________________________________________________

After a toddler overdose death and the alleged rape of a foster child in East Baton Rouge parish lawmakers question the Department of Children and Family Services. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

___________________________________________________

A state appeals court upholds the disqualification of incumbent Mayor Adrian Perkins from running for re-election this fall. Perkins was found to have used an incorrect address on his qualifying papers, and a local judge ruled that a violation of election law. LSU-Shreveport political science professor Jeff Sadow says Perkins’ lawyers argued it was just a clerical error, but the three judges didn’t see it that way…:

Cut 4 (08)  “…particular explanations.”

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals made its ruling public Monday afternoon. In her concurrence with the decision, Judge Shonda Stone said Perkins’ Ivy League education made it hard to believe he’d simply made a mistake. Sadow explains…:

Cut 5 (15) “…very convincing.”

For his part, Perkins claims he’s been targeted by political foes, who wish to suppress the vote of his supporters. Sadow says he will almost certainly take his appeal further, to the state Supreme Court…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…that’s what he wants.”

Sadow says he doesn’t expect Perkins outcome in the High Court to change.

_______________________________________________

It may still be summer but schools are starting back and that means you need to begin to drive like it’s autumn. State Police reminds us, that school zones are back. Drivers need to adjust. Trooper Jonathan Odom

Cut 7 (12) “….on the road”

He says fines are doubled in school zones in order to get you to slow down. Higher speeds mean you have slower reaction times. And remember, hang up that cell phone. You’re not supposed to use it at all, not even on speaker.

Cut 8 (;09)  “…on your music.”

Perhaps most importantly, when a school bus stops in front of you, you must stop thirty feet back. Pay attention to the signals on the buses.

Cut 9 (09)  “…safe to do.”

Most school zones have reduced speed limits from seven to nine am and two to four pm.

______________________________________________

Lawmakers questioned the Department of Children and Family Services after a Baton Rouge toddler died from an overdose and the agency was notified twice before that the child was in danger. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters…

Cut 10 (13) “…strong enough.”

Walters says they are investigating and reviewing where things went wrong so they can learn how to prevent such a tragedy in the future, but she says their ongoing staffing shortage is a major factor.

Cut  11 (12)  “…not replaced.” 

And while the public and lawmakers want answers immediately Walters says a thorough investigation takes time and their current system prevents a quick turnaround.

Cut 12 (11) “…be accurate.” 

The two-year-old child in Baton Rouge overdosed twice on fentanyl prior to his fatal overdose in June. The child’s mother Whitney Ard faces multiple charges. And DCFS made headlines again after a 14-year-old was allegedly raped while in foster care in Zachery.

_________________________________________________

On tonight’s episode of House Hunters, a Baton Rouge couple will narrow down their search for the ideal home in the capital city. Chris Fiore, who’s also the spokesperson for the Louisiana Workforce Commission says it was unique having a camera crew document the experience.

Cut 13 (08) “…it tonight.”

The show follows prospective buyers as they look at three homes, they weigh the pros and cons of each, and make their final decision. Fiore says once chosen for the long-running TV series they looked at homes in Mid-City and the Garden District in Baton Rouge.

Cut 14 (10)  “…national television.”

Fiore says like any couple, each of them wanted different things in their prospective new home, and keeping it secret for four months was hard, but that all ends tonight when their choice is finally revealed.

Cut 15 (07)  “…happy with it.”

The House Hunters episode is titled Southern Charm in Baton Rouge, and it airs at 9pm on HGTV.

_______________________________________________

LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock says he’s looking for someone to take ownership of the offense as the battle for starting quarterback of the Tigers is underway….

Cut 16 (16)  “…at LSU.”

There are questions about the offensive line as the Tigers need to find four new starters. Denbrock says there is talent for him to work with….

Cut 17 (24) “…or not.” 

Denbrock says they are working with Jayden Daniels on his footwork to make him a more accurate passer…

Cut  18 (23) “…accurately.”

________________________________________________________________

There’s a battle for starting quarterback at ULM between Chandler Rogers and Jiya Wright. Rogers appeared in 12 games last season while Jiya Wright appeared in four games. Coach Terry Bowden breaks down the competition

 Cut 19 (12) _“…that’s the biggest” 

Bowden says replacing four starters in the secondary is another important storyline…

Cut 20 (12) “ …aware of yet.” 

 

5:30 LRN Newscast Aug 8

The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s office has arrested a teacher for sending text messages to a 15-year-old student for sexual purposes. C-P-S-O spokesperson Brandy Spears says 26-year-old Bradly Dyer was arrested with the assistance Grant Parish Sheriff’s office at his home in Colfax…

Cut 13 (08) “…the school”

He’s charged with Indecent Behavior with juveniles and the investigation is ongoing.

Louisiana performs poorly in the Annie E Casey Foundation’s child wellbeing ranking. Foundation president Lisa Hamilton says the incidence of anxiety and depression among kinds spiked with 12 percent of kids nationally struggling to make it through the day, up 26 percent from 2016

Cut 10 (10) “…pandemic deaths.” 

Overall Louisiana ranked 49th in the country.

Former Congressman and state legislator Buddy Leach of Leesville has passed away at the age of 88. Marsanne Golsby has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

Now that school has restarted for most of Louisiana, State Police are reminding us all to be extra careful, especially in and around schools and school zones. Troopers say be vigilant for kids walking or riding bikes to and from school and remember to never use your cell phone while in a school zone.

4:30 LRN Newscast August 8

A north Louisiana Appeals Court rules Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins is still disqualified from running for re-election. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments last Friday and released its decision this afternoon. Perkins used an incorrect address when filing qualifying papers; an infraction of state election law. He says he’ll appeal it to the state Supreme Court.

To help the ongoing nursing shortage the LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing is expanding to North Louisiana…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

 

The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s office has arrested a teacher for sending explicit text messages to a 15-year-old student for sexual purposes. CPSO spokesperson Brandy Spears says 26-year-old Bradly Dyer of Colfax discussed dating the minor in the text messages…:

CUT 12(09)      “…a secret.”

Dyer is charged with Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile, but more charges may be coming.

Rest In Peace, former congressman and state legislator Claude “Buddy” Leach, who passed away Saturday at age 88. Leesville Senator Mike Reese says his innate business sense, and knack for connecting with people, helped him build a business fortune and succeed in politics…:

CUT 03(04)      “…astonished me.”

Leach ran unsuccessfully for Governor in 2003. His funeral is Friday at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Charles.

3:30 LRN Newscast August 8

Baton Rouge Police arrest a man, after his 2-year-old son died in a local hospital. Anderson King initially told BRPD the boy had fallen down stairs, but later admitted he’d beaten the child. The coroner lists multiple blunt force injury as the cause of death, and considers the case a homicide. For now, King is charged with cruelty to a juvenile, but more charges may be coming.

A somewhat related story…the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s annual child well-being ranking puts Louisiana very near the bottom among states. 49th, to be exact. Casey’s president, Lisa Hamilton, says our state ranks very low when it comes to the physical health of kids…:

CUT 11(06)      “…low birth rates.”

According to the report, 26-percent of Louisiana children live in poverty as of 2020. Only New Mexico ranked lower for kids’ well-being.

 

A Shreveport area Appeals Court upholds a lower court ruling that Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins is disqualified from running for re-election. That came after a local resident sued;, pointing out that Perkins used the wrong address on his qualifying papers. The Appeals judges all concurred. Last week Perkins said he’d keep appealing all the way to the state Supreme Court if necessary. Meanwhile 8 candidates are vying to replace Perkins at City Hall.

Former Congressman and Louisiana legislator Claude “Buddy” Leach died Saturday of congestive heart failure. Leesville Senator Mike Reese says one of Leach’s main goals in life was to make Louisiana better….:

CUT 05(10)      “…his community.”

Leach died of heart failure Saturday at 88. His funeral is Friday at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Charles.

2:30 LRN Newscast August 8

The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s office has arrested a teacher for sending text messages to a 15-year-old student for sexual purposes. CPSO spokesperson Brandy Spears says 26-year-old Bradly Dyer of Colfax discussed dating the minor in the text messages. Spears says Dyer was arrested by Grant Parish deputies, and has been charged…:

CUT 14(08)      “…with juveniles.”

Louisiana once again performs poorly in the Annie E Casey Foundation’s child well-being ranking. The state ranks 49th, finishing ahead of only New Mexico. Annie E Casey Foundation president Lisa Hamilton says the state has only made a slight improvement in the percentage of kids living in poverty, and federal assistance may have played a role…:

CUT 09(10)      “…as well.”

 

To help the ongoing nursing shortage the LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing is expanding to North Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

Now that school has restarted for most of Louisiana, State Police are reminding us all to be extra careful, especially in and around schools and school zones. Troopers say be vigilant for kids walking or riding bikes to and from school, and remember to never use your cell phone while in a school zone.

1:30 LRN Newscast Aug 8

The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s office has arrested a teacher for sending text messages to a 15-year-old student for sexual purposes. C-P-S-O spokesperson Brandy Spears says 26-year-old Bradly Dyer was arrested with the assistance Grant Parish Sheriff’s office at his home in Colfax…

Cut 13 (08) “…the school”

He’s charged with Indecent Behavior with juveniles and the investigation is ongoing.

Former Congressman and Louisiana legislator Claude “Buddy” Leach died Saturday of congestive heart failure. Leesville Senator Mike Reese says those who knew him best say his main goal in life was to make Louisiana better.

Cut 4  (13) “…started.”

Leach was 88.

A state appeals court agrees with a lower court’s ruling that Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins is disqualified from running for re-election. To date the courts have agreed the incumbent mayor listed the wrong address on his qualifying paperwork and he’s not eligible for the November ballot. Perkins is expected to appeal to the state supreme court.

To help with the ongoing nursing shortage, LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing will expand and offer instruction at LSU-Health Shreveport. Assistant Professor of Nursing Off-Campus, Linda Ledet says the accelerated program allows students to graduate in two years and they’re already accepting applications for spring.

Cut 8 (11) “…in the fall.”

Students will receive in-person instruction in Shreveport and virtual from New Orleans.

 

12:30 LRN Newscast

Former Congressman and Louisiana legislator Claude “Buddy” Leach died Saturday of congestive heart failure, according to his family. Leach served one term in Congress, four terms in the legislature, and ran for governor in 2003. Leesville Senator Mike Reese says his innate business sense and knack for connecting with people helped him build a business fortune and succeed in politics.
Cut 3 (04) “…astonish me”
Leach’s public record wasn’t perfect. He was charged—but acquitted—of vote buying in the 1978 congressional race. He was 88-years-old.

A state appeals court agrees with a lower court’s ruling that Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins is disqualified from running for re-election. So far the courts have agreed Perkins put down the incorrect information on his qualifying paperwork and his name can not appear on the November ballot. Perkins is expected to appeal to the state supreme court.

The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s office has arrested a teacher for sending text messages to a 15-year-old student for sexual purposes. C-P-S-O spokesperson Brandy Spears says 26-year-old Bradly Dyer of Colfax discussed dating the minor in the text messages…
Cut 12 (09) “…a secret”
Spears says Dyer told detectives he recently began a new job as a high school teacher.

Starting in 2023, the LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing will educate students in an accelerated nursing program at a site on the LSU Health Shreveport campus. Director of the Program Linda Ledet says the students at the Shreveport facility will receive both in-person instruction and also participate in classes at the LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing…
cut 7 (06) “….virtual classes”
The accelerated program allows students to graduate in two years.

11:30 LRN Newscast Aug 8

The LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing expands its program to north Louisiana to assist with the ongoing nursing shortage in the nation. Assistant Professor of Nursing Off-Campus Linda Ledet (rhymes with Bidet) says the new approved Off-Campus Instructional site is at LSU-Health Shreveport.

Cut 6   (08) “…greatly.” 

A New Orleans non-profit wants to equip restaurants with solar panels so they can remain operational during lengthy power losses. Feed Second Line Founder Devin De Wulf says the idea was sparked when the city lost power after Hurricane Ida and restaurants had to dispose of thousands of pounds of food.

Cut 10 (11) “…and batteries.”
He says they installed their first set of solar panels a few weeks ago at Queen Trini Lisa in Mid-City New Orleans.

The Louisiana State Police Crime Lab is the first in the country to receive approval from the FBI to conduct rapid DNA booking operations. Sgt. Dustin Dwight says the technology has the potential to keep criminals from being unknowingly released prior to the return of traditional DNA results.

Cut 13 (10) “…linked to a crime.”

Later this week, President Biden will sign the PACT act which expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. John Wells, chairman of the Slidell-based Military Veterans Advocacy, says the measure will help out thousands in Louisiana…

Cut 5 (07) “…a lot of years.”
Wells says the next step is to make sure the legislation provides benefits to veterans and their families.

 

9:30 LRN Newscast

Qualifying for the 2023 governor’s race begins one year from today and we still do not have any announced candidates. There are several Republican candidates who have expressed interest. But will we see a strong Democratic candidate in the race. U-L-M Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley…
cut 8 (11) “…right now”
Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome, state senator Gary Smith and New Orleans city council member Helena Moreno are some of the names that have been put out there as possible Democratic candidates.

Later this week, President Biden will sign the PACT act which expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. John Wells, chairman of the Slidell-based Military Veterans Advocacy, says the measure will help out thousands in Louisiana…
cut 5 (07) “….a lot of years”
Wells says the next step is to make sure the legislation provides the benefits to veterans and their families.

Former Congressman and state representative Buddy Leach passed away over the weekend at the age of 88. Leach also served two years as the chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party beginning in 2010. Governor John Bel Edwards says Leach, who was born in Vernon Parish, worked to make life better for all Louisianans.

A New Orleans non-profit that helps feed those in need has sparked a new idea to keep restaurants operational after hurricanes. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”