2:30 LRN Newscast March 22

The line of thunderstorms moving across Louisiana has begun to move off to the east in central and northeastern portions of them state. In the Baton Rouge area and points south and southeast, the storm line is just arriving. Be prepared for severe thunderstorms, hail, possible flash flooding and possible tornados. The system should be mostly out of Louisiana by dinner time.

The special House committee looking into the 2019 fatal arrest of motorist Ronald Greene tried to figure out today why three high-ranking State Police officers wiped their phones of information in 2020. Houma Representative Tanner Magee tells Lt. Colonel Doug Cain (one of the three whose phones were wiped) that State Police say they want to be transparent, but this action says just the opposite…:

CUT 13(12)      “…and the directives.”

Lawmakers want to know why LSP originally told the public Greene died in car crash, when that was not the case.

 

New Orleans cops arrest four teens for a carjacking Monday that took the life of an elderly woman. 73-year-old Linda Frickey was dragged by her own vehicle as the thieves sped away. She died when her arm was torn off. NOPD Chief Shaun Ferguson says parents of two of the teens cooperated in the investigation…:

CUT 11(11)      “…address.”

The four are all between 15 and 17.

Disgraced nursing home owner Bob Dean reportedly shot his own thumb off during an incident in Georgia, while transferring a number of guns from one vehicle to another at a local car dealership. New Orleans Attorney Madro Bandaris who’s representing a nursing home patient in one of many lawsuits says if that had happened in Louisiana, those guns would have been confiscated…:

CUT 08(11)      “…he and his wife.”

1:30 LRN Newscast March 22

Four teenagers involved in the horrific New Orleans carjacking that claimed the life of a 73-year old Linda Frickey Monday have been arrested. NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson says two of the teen’s parents turned in their own children.

Cut 10 (09)  “…son in.”

The four are facing second-degree murder charges.

The special House committee looking into the 2019 fatal arrest of motorist Ronald Greene tried to figure out today why three high-ranking State Police officers wiped their phones of information in 2020. State Police staffer Triet Le sanitized the phones of Kevin Reeves, Doug Cain, and Mike Noel and told state Representative Denise Marcelle says he did it because that’s what he was asked to do…

Cut 12 (11) “…for that.” 

LSU’s storybook season came to a sudden end Monday night, but Kim Mulkey and the Tigers have laid a foundation for the future.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

The federal government has just announced that Louisiana will receive nearly $1.3 billion in hurricane funding. HUD is allocating the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds for the 2020 and 2021 hurricanes.

12:30 LRN Newscast March 22

All four minors involved in the horrific carjacking that claimed the life of a 73-year woman in New Orleans Monday have been arrested. The victim was dragged to her death and died after her arm was severed. Police Superintendent says a 17-year-old male, a 16-year-old girl, and two 15-year old girls have been arrested. He expects they will be charged as adults.

Cut 9 (12) “…accountable.”

Ferguson says two of the teen’s parents turned in their children involved in the carjacking.

The special House committee looking into the 2019 fatal arrest of motorist Ronald Greene tried to figure out today why three high-ranking State Police officers wiped their phones of information in 2020. State Police staffer Triet Le sanitized the phones of Kevin Reeves, Doug Cain, and Mike Noel and told state Representative Denise Marcelle says he did it because that’s what he was asked to do.

The LSU Lady Tigers were defeated by Ohio State, 79-64 in the second round of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament Monday. LSU finished 26-6 and the crowds at the PMAC grew tremendously over the season In her first season at LSU Coach Kim Mulkey says excitement has returned to the program.

Cut 4 (09) “…in one year.”

Disgraced nursing home owner Bob Dean reportedly shot off his thumb during an incident in Thomaston, Georgia at a local car dealership on March 4th. New Orleans Attorney Madro (Mod-drow) Bandaris who’s representing a nursing home patient in one of many lawsuits against Dean, says he was told Dean’s wife called police to their Georgia property.

Cut 7 (09) “… everything else.” 

Dean also refused medical care he faces several charges and has yet to be arrested.

11:30 LRN Newscast March 22

A strong storm system is moving through the state producing high water on roadways and knocking down trees as well. Tornado watches are also posted but so far with no major damage. Strong winds and hail is being reported in southwest Louisiana at this hour.

The magic had to end sometime, though LSU fans hoped it would not be this soon as the Lady Tigers were defeated by Ohio State, 79-64 in the second round of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. LSU finished 26-6 after winning just nine games a season ago. Coach Kim Mulkey calls this season a tremendous success.
Cut 3 (13) “…just built it.”

And LSU has a new men’s basketball coach. Matt McMahon has reportedly signed a seven-year contract after a successful seven-year run as head coach Murry State.

Disgrace nursing homeowner Bob Dean reportedly shot off his thumb during an incident in Thomaston, Georgia when transferring a number of guns from one vehicle to another at a local car dealership. New Orleans Attorney Madro (Mod-drow) Bandaris who’s representing a nursing home patient in one of many lawsuits says Dean is quite the toxic defendant.
Cut 6 (11) “…thumb off.”
Bandaris’ client lost both of her legs after complications of the mass evacuation of more than 800 residents to a warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish in 2021 during Hurricane Ida.

A Louisiana Senate committee approved a bill that would create the crime of theft of a catalytic converter. Thieves are stealing catalytic converters because they contain precious metals that are worth a lot. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says the legislation is similar to the one that addresses copper theft in which the seller’s identification has to be recorded during a sale…
cut 8 (10) “….definitely help”
The measure heads to the Senate floor.

10:30 LRN Newscast March 22

It’s a day to be weather aware across Louisiana. Meteorologist John Wetherbee says strong to severe thunderstorms are marching in from Texas and while there’s only a marginal threat for northwest Louisiana, the greatest potential for severe weather exists for portions of central and southeast Louisiana…

Cut  11 (07)  “…to Alexandria.”  

 

River Ridge Senator and Chair of the Senate Judiciary C Committee Kirk Talbot is hoping to increase the penalties for the ever-growing crime of carjacking. Talbot wants to increase penalties when a gun is used in a carjacking and give the judicial system more leeway.

Cut 9 (06)  “…more severely.”

In New Orleans, a 73-year-old woman was dragged in a carjacking and died after being severed from her arm Monday. Police say three of the four suspects, reportedly juveniles have been arrested.

Barksdale Airman Faith Crocker files a federal lawsuit claiming the Biden administration COVID vaccine mandate for military members violates her religious freedom. Attorney James Baehr the Pelican Institute for Public Policy, who’s representing Crocker says she filed a religious accommodation, and her request was never considered…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…those requests en masse.”

Matt McMahon has been named the new head basketball coach for LSU, after the university terminated coach Will Wade. After leading Murray State for the last seven years, John Wright, sports editor at the Murray Ledger, says there’s a lot to like about McMahon.

Cut 13 (10) “…I believe.”

 

9:30 LRN Newscast March 22

A strong line of storms is moving through Louisiana and a large portion of Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 2 PM today.
cut 12 (08) “….across Louisiana”
That’s Meteorologist John Wetherbee who says the tornado watch includes Oak Grove, Alexandria, Leesville, Lake Charles and Lafayette.

Barksdale Airman Faith Crocker has filed a federal lawsuit claiming the Biden administrative COVID-19 vaccine mandate for military members violates her religious freedom. The Pelican Institute for Public Policy is representing Crocker, Attorney James Baehr…
cut 5 (09) “….no reason for this”
Crocker says her God does not want to put anything in her body that she’s not sure is safe.

Vice President Kamala Harris was in the St. Landry Parish town of Sunset yesterday to announce a 30-million dollar federal grant that will help fund high-speed internet in eleven rural Acadiana communities…
cut 26 (02) “…just a downpayment”
The money comes from the 277-million dollar Broadband Infrastructure Program and there are an estimated 22-thousand households in rural Acadiana that lack high-speed internet.

It didn’t take long for LSU athletics director Scott Woodward to find a new men’s basketball coach. Matt McMahon has agreed to take over a program that could get hit with several NCAA penalties for recruiting violations that allegedly took place with former coach Will Wade. Wade was a popular coach with the LSU fan base and Murray Ledger sports editor John Wright says LSU will also love McMahon…
cut 15 (09) “…to have him”
McMahon’s contract is reportedly for seven years.

8:30 LRN newscast

Strong storms are moving through Louisiana this morning. Several roads are underwater in northwest Louisiana. Alexandria is set to see some heavy rain and there’s a tornado watch until 2 this afternoon that stretches from Oak Grove to Lake Charles and the watch box also includes Lafayette.

A Barksdale Airman is suing the federal government to block being discharged for refusing to get a COVID vaccine. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Carjackings are growing crime in Louisiana and River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot has legislation to address it…
Cut 7 (09) “…your face.”
Talbot’s bill to increase the penalty for the crime of carjacking when committeed with a firearm or other dangerous weapon will be heard in a Senate committee today.

Yesterday afternoon in New Orleans police say an elderly woman was killed in a Mid-City carjacking when she was dragged for several blocks, and her arm was severed from her body.

An LSU women’s basketball team that grabbed the attention of the whole state had its season end last night as the Lady Tigers fell to Ohio State 79-64 in the second round fo the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, the men’s basketball program has a new head coach as Matt McMahon takes over after leading Murray State for seven successful seasons. Murray Ledger sports editor John Wright knows McMahon well…
cut 14 (13) “…into the system”

7:30 LRN Newscast

It’s a day to be weather aware across Louisiana. Meteorologist John Wetherbee says a very strong line of storms is marching in from Texas…
Cut 10 (09) “…isolated tornadoes.”
A tornado watch is in effect until two o’clock PM, The watch box extends from Oak Grove to Lake Charles and it also covers Alexandria, Leesville, and Lafayette. The Shreveport-Bossier area is reporting several road closures because of high water.

At the state capitol today, a Senate committee will discuss a bill that would create the crime of theft of a catalytic converter. Thieves are stealing catalytic converters because they contain precious metals that have risen in price. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says the legislation is similar to the one that addresses copper theft in which the seller’s identification has to be recorded during a sale…
cut 8 (10) “….definitely help”
The meeting begins at 10 AM.

A great season for the LSU women’s basketball team came to an end last night as Ohio State eliminated the Lady Tigers 79-64 in the second round of the women’s basketball tournament.

Meanwhile, LSU has a new men’s basketball coach. David Grubb has more on the next coach to lead the Tigers on the hardwood…
cut 3 (30) “…I’m David Grubb”

Louisiana Tech needs a new head coach as Eric Konkol is leaving after seven seasons to be the new head coach at Tulsa. While Northwestern State has hired its new men’s basketball coach. Missouri State associate head coach Corey Gipson replaces Mike McConathy.

6:30 LRN Newscast

A strong storm system that spawned several tornadoes across central Texas is making its way towards Louisiana. Heavy rainfall has already fallen across northwest Louisiana, flooding streets. The greatest chance for severe weather stretches from Lake Charles to Alexandria, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and Ferriday.

River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot is hoping his legislation to increase the penalties on carjackings and catalytic converter theft will discourage the crimes. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A Louisiana public policy “think tank” is suing the U.S. Department of Defense on behalf of a Barksdale Airman who refuses to take the COVID vaccine. Pelican Institute Center for Justice attorney James Baehr says Senior Airman Faith Crocker was denied a religious exemption she filed in good faith and was told to get the shots or be discharged…:
Cut 4 (08) “…should have to make.”
Airman Crocker is the daughter of a Baptist minister and has deeply held beliefs about what to put in her body.

A special season for the LSU Lady Tigers ended last night as they lost to Ohio State 79-64 in the second round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. But the men’s program has a new head coach. Matt McMahon comes to LSU after seven successful seasons as the head coach at Murray State. John Wright, sports editor at the Murray Ledger, says there’s a lot to like about McMahon….
cut 13 (10) “….I believe”

5:30 LRN Newscast March 21 and Legislative Report

The House Transportation Committee has approved a bill that would ban the use of a hand-held cell phone while driving. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Legislation to address catalytic converter theft will be heard in committee Tuesday.  The bill’s author River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says the legislation is similar to that which addressed the copper theft by setting up regulations for their resell.

Chair of the Senate Judiciary C Committee Senator Kirk Talbot is hoping to increase the penalties for the ever-growing crime of carjacking. He says living in New Orleans he’s seen them become increasingly more violent.

Cut 7 (09) “…your face.”

Monday afternoon police say an elderly woman was killed in a New Orleans carjacking when she was dragged for several blocks, and her arm was severed from her body.

The MJ Foster Promise Program is now online… providing $10.5 million annually for financial support for students to earn credentials to gain employment in high-demand jobs. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance spokesperson Ebony Holmes says the program provides multiple options.

Cut 12 (11) “…for that.” 

Applications are being accepted now.