4:30 LRN Newscast April 27

A Baton Rouge man who was found not guilty by reason of insanity after killing a woman with his car, has been released from a state mental facility. 21-year-old Jack Jordan’s attorney James Manasseh says his client has weekly meetings with psychiatrists, and probation officers and is no longer allowed to drive…:

CUT 05 (08)      “…supervision.”

Manasseh says Jordan will essentially be on probation for the remainder of his life.

Deputies in Sabine Parish arrest two woman for embezzling thousands of dollars from the villages where they worked as clerks. 50-year-old Anna Ferguson allegedly stole from the village of Florien, and 53-year-old Brenda Frederick allegedly took money from the town of Noble. Both women have been charged with malfeasance and theft.

 

The World Meteorological Organization has retired Ida from the rotating lists of Atlantic Hurricane names. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02 (30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Police in New Orleans say a 3-year-old girl was shot to death inside her French Quarter home Tuesday. Reportedly the little girls older brothers – ages 17 and 18 – have been taken into custody. So far, there’s no word on what charges they may be facing

3:30 LRN Newscast April 27

At the State Capitol, the House Criminal Justice Committee approves a bill cracking down on drunk drivers, by mandating they have an ignition interlock installed on their vehicle for two years, IF their blood alcohol content was .15 or higher when they were arrested. Bill sponsor and Covington Representative Mark Wright…:

CUT 12(08)      “…protect others from.”

The bill passed without objection and proceeds to the House floor.

A bill officially prohibiting physical punishment at schools wins easy passage in House Education. No one spoke in opposition, but Michael Faulk, with the state School Superintendents Association, says there are already 19 school systems he knows of that still allow hitting students…:

CUT 11(10)      “…discipline.”

The same bill failed a full House vote last year.

 

Calcasieu Parish deputies say a man was killed this morning in an accident at the Phillips 66 plant in Westlake. A contract worker was killed while unloading equipment from a trailer around 11:30 a.m., according to officials with Phillips 66 and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity is withheld for now.

When a dog bites a man, that’s not news, but how about when a squirrel bites a man? Authorities say a 78-year-old Slidell man sustained significant injuries in a squirrel attack. Slidell Police spokesman Dan Seuzeneau says the man was walking outside his house, when the animal jumped on him. When first responders arrived the fight was still on. He says the victim was trying to choke the squirrel but couldn’t get a grip…:

CUT 07(12)      “…of that attack.”

2:30 LRN Newscast April 27

Police in Opelousas are investigating a morning shooting that left two dead and three people hurt. An argument led to a brawl, then gunfire that killed a 46-year-old man and a 4-year-old girl. Three kids, between 17 months and 16 years of age suffered gunshots but are expected to recover. OPD seeks tips to help them make arrests.

An elderly Slidell man was hospitalized after being attacked by a squirrel. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 01(35)      “…David Grubb.”

 

You’ll never see another hurricane named Ida. The 2021 Cat 4 storm has had its name retired from future use; something reserved for only the worst and most damaging hurricanes. The name “Imani” will take Ida’s place in recurring rotation of storm names.

The House Education Committee approves a bill that bans corporal punishment in public schools. Metairie Democrat Representative Stephanie Hilferty says physical punishment at schools needs to go. Baton Rouge Republican Representative Barbara Frieberg agrees…:

CUT 10(06)      “…the school system.”
No one spoke in opposition and the measure passed the committee without objection. The full House will debate it next.

State Police say two people died in a crash Tuesday on Highway 28 in Rapides Parish. Troopers say a van made a left turn into the path of an oncoming big rig. The driver and a passenger in the van were killed. The truck driver only moderately hurt.

1:30 LRN Newscast April 27

A bill seeking to repeal the state’s 2016 Raise the Age law will go to the full Senate for debate. Kevin Gallagher reports it would mean more juveniles could be tried as adults…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

A shooting in Opelousas early this morning claimed two lives and left three children injured. A fight that began on Tuesday night between two women apparently escalated according to reports. Two men joined the dispute and shots were fired into a residence. A 46-year-old man was found dead at the scene, and a 4-year-old girl died at the hospital. Opelousas PD is still seeking information related to the shooting.

A Baton Rouge man who was found not guilty by reason of insanity after driving his speeding truck into the back of a 51-year-old woman’s car, killing her as a result has been released from a state mental facility. Jack Jordan, who was 19 years old at the time, said he believed God told him to commit suicide but instead he killed Stephanie Payne in his attempt. His attorney, James Manasseh says when one pleads guilty by reason of insanity, they still have to meet conditions set forth by the Judge.

Cut 4 (12) “…anticipated.”

The House Education Committee approves a bill that bans corporal punishment in public schools. Metairie Representative Stephanie Hilferty says children should not be physically punished by their principal or teacher…

Cut 9 (13) “…in school”

12:30 LRN Newscast April 27

A Baton Rouge man found not guilty by reason of insanity after telling authorities God told him to kill himself when in 2019, he rammed his truck into a 51-year-old woman’s car, killing her, is no longer in a state mental facility. 21-year-old Jack Jordan’s attorney James Manasseh says when one pleads guilty by reason of insanity, they still have to meet conditions set forth by the Judge.

Cut 4  (12) “…anticipated.”

A Slidell man sustained significant injuries in a squirrel attack this morning. Slidell Police Department spokesman Daniel Seuzeneau (Soos-ih-no).

Cut 6  (12) “…the man’s hand.” 

This is the second reported squirrel attack in Slidell this year, the other happened at Mardi Gras parade in February.

Starting next month, Entergy will give its customers the option to purchase power that comes from a renewable energy source like solar power. Entergy’s director of regulatory affairs Elizabeth Ingram says it’s part of their goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050…

Cut 12 (11) “…to bring customers.” 

If customers decide to receive their electricity from a renewable energy source, a small fee is attached.

Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says gamblers have wagered 628-million dollars in the five months since sports betting started in Louisiana and that’s resulted in seven million dollars in tax revenue for the state….

Cut 15 (06)  “…pleased with.”

11:30 LRN Newscast

A bill that would result in more 17-year-old violent offenders being charged as adults is heading to the Senate floor. 18th judicial district attorney Tony Clayton says he wants the ability to charge 17-year-olds as adults…
cut 8 (08) “….with the rest of us”
Opponents say current law doesn’t prohibit a prosecutor from trying a 17-year-old for murder as an adult.

A Baton Rouge man found not guilty by reason of insanity after telling authorities God told him to kill himself when in 2019 he plowed his truck into the back of a 51-year-old woman’s car, killing her, is no longer in a state mental facility. 21-year-old Jack Jordan’s attorney James Manasseh says his client has met all the conditions set forth by the hospital.
Cut 3 (11) “…or himself.”
Manasseh says doctors believe Jordan had a psychotic moment in 2019 and is now under heavy medication and no longer allowed to drive.

Next month Entergy customers will have the option to pay extra for electricity from renewable energy sources. Director of regulatory affairs Elizabeth Ingram says the Green Select program allows customers the option of receiving 25 to up to 100 percent of their power from facilities like the Capital Region Solar site in West Baton Rouge.
Cut 10 (08) “…renewable sources.”
Visit renew-dot-Entergy-dot-com for more information.

Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says sports gamblers wagered $628.3 million in the first five months of the expansion for online betting.
Cut 13 (10) “…it works”
Sports wagering has generated seven million dollars in tax revenue for Louisiana.

10:30 LRN newscast April 27

A Senate committee passes a bill to repeal Louisiana’s“Raise the Age” law. Supporters say it will lead to more 17-year-olds being tried as adults. and it’s needed to combat a spike in violent crimes involving teens. Speaking in opposition Rachel Gassert, with the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights, says current law merely stops the automatic routing of 17-year-olds through the adult court system and calls the measure is unnecessary…:
Cut 9 (09) “…question is relevant.”
The bill heads to the Senate for more discussion.

State Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says there are 500-thousand people who have registered for legalized mobile sports betting in Louisiana and the activity has resulted in seven million dollars in tax revenue in the five months it’s been launched…
cut 14 (11) “we did”

Starting next month, Entergy will give residential and business customers the opportunity to receive some or all of their electricity usage from a clean, renewable energy generator. Director of regulatory affairs Elizabeth Ingram says customers will pay a slight surcharge depending on which tier they select…
cut 11 (09) “….per kilowatt hour”
The solar energy would come from Entergy’s Capital Region Solar site in West Baton Rouge Parish.

The weather looks great for the return of Festival International in Lafayette as the free music festival returns tonight after not holding in-person concerts the last two years. Spokesperson Brad Cradeur says music from around the world can be heard at the five-day event in downtown Lafayette…
cut 6 (10) “….something years now”

9:30 LRN Newscast April 27

A Senate committee passes a bill to repeal Louisiana’s 2016 “Raise the Age” law. Current law assures all persons under 18 who commit serious crimes are tried in juvenile court. The bill seeks to lower the age limit to 17 so that convicted 17-year-old offenders are sent to an adult prison. Attorney General Jeff Landry referenced a New Orleans carjacking in which a woman was dragged to death, the suspects are minors…:

Cut 7 (10) “…tried as adults.”
The bill now heads to the Senate.

Louisiana Gaming Commission Chairman Ronnie Johns says sports gamblers wagered $628.3 million in the first five months of the expansion for online betting.

Cut 13 (10) “…it works”

Sports wagering has generated $7.4 million in tax revenue for Louisiana.

Next month Entergy customers will have the option to get some or all of their electricity from renewable energy sources. Director of regulatory affairs Elizabeth Ingram says the Green Select program allows customers the option of receiving 25 to up to 100 percent of their power from facilities like the Capital Region Solar site in West Baton Rouge.

Cut 10 (08) “…renewable sources.”

Visit renew-dot-entergy-dot-com.

Festival International is back and the five-day music festival kicks off tonight in Lafayette. This year the event which features musical acts, crafts, and food from all over the globe, there’s a new cashless payment system. Spokesperson Brad Cradeur says you can register for an account ahead of time on their website FestivalInternational-dot-org

Cut 5 (10) “…bank account.”

8:30 LRN Newscast

A bill that would result in more 17-year-old violent offenders being charged as adults is heading to the Senate floor. A few years ago, Louisiana changed the law so that 17-year-olds would be charged as juvenile offenders, but because of a spike in violent crime among teens, 18th judicial district attorney Tony Clayton says he wants the ability to charge 17-year-olds as adults…
cut 8 (15) “….with the rest of us”
Opponents say current law doesn’t prohibit a prosecutor from trying a 17-year-old for murder as an adult.

Starting next month, Entergy will give its customers the option to purchase power that comes from a renewable energy source like solar power. Entergy’s director of regulatory affairs Elizabeth Ingram says it’s part of their goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050…
cut 12 (10) “….to bring customers”
If customers decide to receive their electricity from a renewable energy source, it will cost them a little more.

The anticipation for Festival International is at an all-time high as the global musical event returns to Acadiana tonight after a two-year absence. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says gamblers have wagered 628-million dollars in the five months since sports betting started in Louisiana and that’s resulted in seven million dollars in tax revenue for the state….
cut 15 (06) “…pleased with”

7:30 LRN Newscast April 27

A Senate committee passes a bill to repeal Louisiana’s 2016 “Raise the Age” law. Current law assures all persons under 18 who commit serious crimes are tried in juvenile court. But The bill seeks to lower the age limit to 17 so that convicted 17-year-old offenders are sent to an adult prison, instead of a juvenile detention center. Speaking for it, e Attorney General Jeff Landry referenced a New Orleans carjacking in which a woman was dragged to death. He says the persons arrested were minors…:
Cut 7 (10) “…tried as adults.”
Speaking in opposition Rachel Gassert, with the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights, says the 2016 law merely stops the automatic routing of 17-year-olds through the adult court system, and she says the measure is unnecessary…:
Cut 9 (09) “…question is relevant.”
The bill heads to the Senate for more discussion.

Entergy announces a program where customers can pay a little bit more in order to receive solar power…
cut 3 (29) “…I’m David Grubb”

The Pelicans fell behind by double digits in the first quarter last night and lost to Phoenix 112 to 97 in game five of their playoff series. The Suns are one win away from eliminating the Pels. New Orleans Coach Willie Green…
cut 20 (13) “…really good team”
Game Six is tomorrow night. tip-off will be at 6:30.