6:30 LRN Newscast February 3

In an interview with the Advocate, Senate President Page Cortez backs House Speaker Clay Schexnayder’s statement to the Associated Press that Governor Edwards said to them in a meeting that Black motorist Ronald Greene died as a result of injuries suffered in a car wreck. But Edwards says he never said to anyone that Greene died as a result of a wreck, and believes the troopers who beat him should be charged criminally.

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee is expected to discuss proposed changes to the state’s Congressional district maps today…
cut 1 (31) “….I’m Brooke Thorington”

A strong cold front moves through the state today bringing the possibility for wintry precipitation across the northern parishes and a lot of rain for the rest of the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says after the cold front moves through, cold air moves in…
cut 15 (12) “…in the 40s”
It will be chilly on Saturday too and then we’ll see a warm-up starting on Sunday.

The state department of wildlife and fisheries is reporting Louisiana’s first suspected case of chronic wasting disease in white-tailed deer. It was found in a hunter-harvested adult buck taken on private land in Tensas Parish. CWD is 100-percent fatal in deer. LDWF veterinarian Doctor Jim Lacour says they hope the neurodegenerative disease does not spread through the deer population and they ask hunters to monitor…
cut 13 (10) “….is acting abnormally”

5:30 LRN Newscast Feb 2

The National Weather Service issues a winter weather advisory for Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Union, and Webster parishes in north Louisiana. Meteorologist C-S Ross says winter-like perception should begin after midnight with a mix of light snow and sleet, so prepare for a slippery drive.

Cut 4 (05) “…travel headaches”

Any ice accumulation north of I-20 is expected to be less than a tenth of an inch but enough to cause problems.

Tiger Rag Magazine says Sharon Lewis, who was fired from her position as LSU’s associate athletic director of football recruiting and alumni relations has been asked to testify before Select Committee on Women and Children concerning the school’s Title IX investigation. Editor Adam Hunsucker says it could prompt LSU to settle her case, rather than risk exposing more dirty laundry and…

Cut  11 (06)   “….and cooperate.”  

During a lengthy press conference Tuesday, where Governor John Bel Edwards denied any wrongdoing in the aftermath of Ronald Greene’s fatal 2019 arrest. Edwards says he believes racism played a role in the incident…

Cut 13 (09) “…soon as possible”

The troopers involved in the fatal arrest of Greene have been fired, but no one has yet been charged with a crime. Edwards says Greene died a violent, terrible death and the state troopers involved committed criminal acts….’

Cut 14 (12)  “…too long” 

One of the troopers involved in the Greene arrest, Master Trooper Chris Hollingsworth, died in a car crash in 2020 shortly after learning he would be fired

4:30 LRN Newscast February 02

A major winter storm is expected to sideswipe Louisiana tonight; bringing light snow and sleet to the state’s northern parishes. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

State Attorney General Jeff Landry seeks to intervene and take over a lawsuit filed against New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and her administration over COVID-19 mandates and policies. In a written statement, Landry says health care decisions should be made by individuals, not dictated by the government. Cantrell says mask & vaccine orders will remain in effect through Mardi Gras.

 

Louisiana ranks in the top five for states with the overall highest gun death rates. According to the Violence Policy Center, the Bayou State ranks third and Government Affairs Director Kristen Rand says awareness is key to lowering that statistic…:

CUT 08(11)      “…and suicides.”

Only Mississippi and Wyoming have more per capita gun-related deaths.

Jefferson Parish deputies are sorting out the circumstances that led to an Iowa woman dying after trying to stop her daughter from leaving in her car. The domestic dispute happened Tuesday. Officers say 22-year-old Savannah Lawrence argued with her grandmother, then tried to drive off in a huff. At some point her mother, 42-year-old April Springs attempted to stop her, but was hit; sustaining a traumatic head wound. She died later in a hospital. Lawrence is charged with manslaughter. The investigation is ongoing.

3:30 LRN Newscast February 02

During a lengthy press conference Tuesday, Governor John Bel Edwards denied any wrongdoing in the aftermath of Ronald Greene’s fatal arrest, and expressed concern that racism played a role in the Greene’s death. Edwards says he doesn’t believe if Greene was white he would have been treated that way…:

CUT 12(11)      “…never happen again.”

Body camera video from the Union Parish traffic stop in May of 2019 shows white troopers beating and stunning Greene, a black man, who led authorities on a three parish high-speed chase.

State Police in Troop F say a single vehicle crash Tuesday in Franklin parish took the life of two Winnsboro women, who were not wearing safety belts. Troopers say the Mercury SUV went off the highway, for reasons yet unknown. All three persons inside were unrestrained and were ejected from the vehicle. Only 1 survived. LSP says seatbelts might well have saved them. The crash is still under investigation.

 

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for five parishes in northwest and north-central Louisiana. Meteorologist C.S. Ross says Bossier, Caddo, Webster, Claiborne, and Union parishes could see some winter precipitation after midnight tonight…:

CUT 03(11)      “…area bridges and overpasses.”

Even colder weather is expected for Friday night and Saturday, but with less chance of precipitation.

Tiger Rag magazine has obtained a letter from lawyers representing Sharon Lewis, the woman recently fired from her job with the LSU Athletic Department. The letter, sent to the Louisiana State Select Committee on Women and Children, requests that Lewis be allowed to testify before the state in the school’s ongoing Title IX investigation. Tiger Rag editor Adam Hunsuker says they first asked in April 2021…:

CUT 09(12)      “…with the investigation, basically.”

Hunsucker says that Lewis’ latest move could prompt LSU to settle her case, rather than risk exposing more dirty laundry.

2:30 LRN Newscast February 02

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for five parishes in northwest and north-central Louisiana. Meteorologist C.S. Ross says Bossier, Caddo, Webster, Claiborne, and Union parishes could see some winter precipitation during the overnight hours. Also, more cold weather is on its way as temperatures will drop considerably after the cold front moves through. Ross says high temperatures on Friday will be in the 30s and 40s and we’ll see a couple of nights of below-freezing temperatures, however…:

CUT 05(11)      “…below zero.”

Detectives in Ascension Parish are investigating the death of a local woman whose body was found stuffed inside a plastic storage bin and left in the bed of a pickup. The victim is ID’ed as 24-year-old Crystal Scott. Deputies say her remains were definitely moved from another location. They’re seeking three persons of interest for questioning. An autopsy is pending.

 

A New Orleans woman is recovering from injuries sustained during a carjacking at a Costco in mid-city. The victim was pumping fuel on the passenger side when a man jumped in and took off; driving over the woman as he made his getaway. An attempted car theft happened Monday at the same Costco.

The Violence Policy Center says 47-percent of Louisiana homes have guns and the state ranks third for the highest overall gun death rates. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

1:30 LRN Newscast February 2

A major winter storm is expected to side swipe Louisiana bringing light snow and sleet to the state’s northern parishes. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Louisiana ranks in the top five for states with the overall highest gun death rates. According to the Violence Policy Center, the Bayou State ranks third and Government Affairs Director Kristen Rand says the majority of the types of gun deaths have evolved recently.

Cut 7 (08) “…homicides as well.”

Tiger Rag Magazine has obtained a letter from the attorneys that represent Sharon Lewis, who was recently fired from her position as LSU’s associate athletic director of football recruiting and alumni relations, which requests the opportunity for Lewis to testify before the state, in the school’s ongoing Title IX investigation.

The letter was submitted to the Louisiana State Select Committee on Women and Children, which first asked Lewis to appear in April 2021. Tiger Rag editor Adam Hunsucker says that Lewis’ latest move could prompt LSU to settle her case, rather than risk exposing more dirty laundry. If not, other witnesses could be moved to share their stories.

Cut 11 (06)   “….and cooperate.”

Meanwhile, the Tigers continue to await word on who will fill out their 2022 freshman class as National Signing Day rolls on…This morning, LSU received a commitment from cornerback Jaelyn Davis-Robinson. Brian Kelly did lose out on running back TreVonte Citizen to Miami. LSU targets, linebacker Harold Perkins, tight end Danny Lewis, wideout Caleb Douglas, and safety Jacoby Mathews, have yet to announce.

12:30 LRN Newscast Feb 2

Louisiana ranks in the top five for states with the overall highest gun death rates. According to the Violence Policy Center, the Bayou State ranks third and Government Affairs Director Kristen Rand says states with a large percentage of gun owners and weak gun laws have a higher gun death rate.

 Cut 6 (12) “…since 2011.” 

The National Weather Service issues a winter weather advisory for Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Union, and Webster parishes in north Louisiana. Meteorologist C-S Ross says winter-like perception should begin after midnight with a mix of light snow and sleet, so prepare for a slippery drive.

Cut 4 (05) “…travel headaches”

Any ice accumulation north of I-20 is expected to be less than a tenth of an inch but enough to cause problems.

Governor Edwards addressed accusations that he tried to impede and even underplay the Ronald Greene incident. Edwards emphatically denied the accusations and held a press conference one day after Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder said Edwards should be investigated to which Edwards says a GOP-led legislature investigation would do no good…

Cut 12 (09) “…would stop.”
Louisiana is encouraging homeowners who sustained damage from Hurricanes Laura and Delta to fill out a survey at restore.la.gov. Office of Community Development Director Pat Forbes says the state will receive 600-million dollars in federal disaster block grant funding and answers to the survey will help determine allocation.

Cut 7 (09) “…out there.”

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast February 2

It’s National Signing Day, the first for Brian Kelly as the head man at LSU. Glen West, editor of LSU Country for Sports Illustrated says a big part of Kelly’s recruiting has been identifying the types of players that fit his vision for what an LSU Tiger should be on the field and off.

Cut 18 (14) “…a positive way.”

Wednesday morning, Jaelyn Davis-Robinson announced his intent to sign with the Tigers. He becomes the second freshman cornerback to join the 2022 class.

On the court, the Tigers lost for the fifth time in their last six games. Tuesday night, the Ole Miss Rebels walked out of the P-MAC with a 76-72 win. Darius Days had 21 points and 13 rebounds to lead LSU, but the Tigers were unable to overcome a 13-point halftime deficit.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans ended their own-four game skid by knocking off the Pistons, 111-101. The Pels outscored Detroit 54-36 in the second half. Brandon Ingram led all scorers with 26 points.

Former Miami Dolphins head coach, and current Saints coaching candidate Brian Flores has filed a lawsuit that alleges long-standing practices of racial discrimination and institutional racism within the NFL. During an appearance on “CBS This Morning”, Flores stated that his interview with the New York Giants, which he alleges came after they had already made the decision to hire Brian Daboll, who is white, is an example of the league’s ineffective approach to dealing with the issue.

Cut 21 (9) “…check a box.”

Flores’ attorneys are seeking class-action status for the lawsuit, citing very strong statistical and anecdotal evidence against the league.

Cut 22 (10) “…American society.”

For Flores, this is a dividing line for the future of the NFL.

Cut 23 (6) “…some real change.”

11:30 LRN Newscast February 2

Governor Edwards denies any wrongdoing following the aftermath of Ronald Greene’s death. Greene, a Black motorist, died in State Police custody after a police chase through north Louisiana that ended with Troopers punching and tasing him.

Edwards has been embattled in a controversy over what he knew about Greene’s death since an Associated Press report suggested he may have kept details of the police custody death quiet because he was up for re-election in 2019. But Edwards says he never interfered with the investigation…
Cut 11 (11) “…being served.”

Meanwhile, residents in northwest and north-central Louisiana are preparing for winter precipitation during the overnight hours and into tomorrow. National Weather Service Meteorologist C-S Ross…
cut 3 (11) “…overpasses”
Ross says they are not anticipating a major weather event.

State officials say the federal government is getting close to making available 600-million dollars in federal disaster aid to help homeowners who suffered damage from Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Office of Community Development Director Pat Forbes says they are asking storm victims to fill out a survey at restore-dot-la-dot-gov so they can have a better idea on how to distribute the funds…
cut 30 (09) “…people first”

There’s a new website for unclaimed property, it’s la-cash-claim-dot-org. Unclaimed property consists of abandoned financial assets like checking and savings accounts, unpaid wages, life insurance payouts, and proceeds from safety deposit boxes. Treasurer John Schroder says one in six Louisiana residents have unclaimed property…
Cut 15 (09) “…today.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards denies his office impeded an investigation into the death of Black motorist, Ronald Greene, who died in State Police custody following a violent struggle with Troopers. Edwards met with reporters to respond to accusations his office was involved in a cover-up…
Cut 10 (10) “…categorically false.”
In an Associated Press Report, Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder claims Edwards told him that Greene died from injuries in a car accident. Edwards denies he ever said that and also explained why he didn’t condemn the trooper’s actions until after the body camera video of the arrest was leaked to the media…
cut 30 (10) “…their investigation”
No one has yet to be charged in Greene’s death.

The state is urging Louisaina homeowners impacted by hurricanes in 2020 and 2021 to complete a survey as the state prepares to allocate 600-million dollars in federal disaster aid.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

Treasurer John Schroder says there’s a new website for Louisiana residents to check to see if the state is holding unclaimed dollars that belong to you. Schroder says the website is La-cash-claim-dot-org…
Cut 14 (06) “…its results.”
Schroder says the state has 900-million dollars in unclaimed property.