10:30 Newscast, January 27th, 2018

A jury finds Ronald Gasser guilty of manslaughter for fatally shooting former NFL player Joe McKnight in 2016. Gasser never denied shooting McKnight in Jefferson Parish, but said it was in self defense during a heated road rage incident. JPSO did not arrest Gasser immediately, and Prosecutor Seth Shute praises the diligence of the investigation…:
CUT 27 (05) “built a case”
Gasser faces up to 40 years in prison.

Rough News for the New Orleans Pelicans. Even after a thrilling victory over the Rockets last night, All-Star Demarcus Cousins went down and ESPN reports is out for the season with a torn Achilles. Pels Coach Alvin Gentry was visibly shaken after the game when talking about Cousins’ injury…:
CUT 25 (07) “pushing on”
Cousins was averaging 25.4 points, 12.9 rebounds and 5.2 assists.

A federal judge in Shreveport rules against an effort to stop the removal of a Confederate monument outside of the Caddo Parish Courthouse…:
Cut 2 (23) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Millions of dollars in repairs are now complete on the St. Joseph water system in Tensas Parish and clean water is on the way. State health officer, Doctor Jimmy Guidry, says there are several aging water systems needing repair, but the state can’t afford to bail every small town out…
Cut 8 (07) “St. Joes.”
St. Joe’s rehabilitated water system is expected to be in full operation next month.

09:30 Newscast, January 27th, 2018

Louisiana is getting a good soaking today, and most of the bottom half of the state is under a Flash Flood Watch through this afternoon. The National Weather Service says 2-4 inches of rain is expected to fall throughout the day with locally higher amounts possible. Forecasters say lingering clouds, breezy and seasonably cool weather is anticipated for tomorrow, with cool sunshine on the way for early next week.

An estimated ten-thousand pro-life supporters are expected to march today in the Louisiana Life March North in Bossier/Shreveport…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The man who shot and killed former NFL player Joe McKnight in a 2016 Jefferson Parish road-rage incident has been found guilty of manslaughter. Prosecutor Shannon Swaim says the family is happy with the verdict…:
CUT 26 (05) “pay attention”
The defense argued that Gasser shot McKnight in self-defense, but Swaim says ultimately it was physical evidence that ended up showing Gasser lied about McKnight lunging towards him. He faces up to 40 years in jail.

The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office says a man is under arrest on second degree murder charges for allegedly selling someone synthetic marijuana lead to that person’s death. They say it was a long investigation that began last summer after 25-year-old Brandon Balentine was found dead in Benton, and a friend admitted the two smoked synthetic weed. 24-year-old Treyvon Johnson, the suspected dealer, is facing a $637,000 bond.

Eight strip clubs on Bourbon Street have had their alcohol licenses pulled by the ATC and NOPD after investigators say they found multiple instances of prostitution, lewd acts and in some cases illegal drug activity.

08:30 Newscast, January 27th, 2018

Ronald Gasser, the man who shot and killed former NFL player Joe McKnight in a Jefferson Parish 2016 road rage incident, has been found guilty of manslaughter. Assistant District Attorney Seth Shute said they are very pleased with the verdict and felt that a similar 2006 road-rage incident in which Gasser was involved helped prove their case…:
CUT 26 (10) “confrontation”
Gasser faces up to 40 years in prison and will be sentenced in March.

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for South Louisiana through this evening. The National Weather Service says rain could fall at a rate of 1 to two inches per hour at times today, which could cause flash flooding in low lying areas and along streams and bayous.

New Orleans Pelicans star Demarcus Cousins went down after a thrilling win over the Rockets last night in the Smoothie King Center. He reportedly tore an Achilles and will be out for the season.

The Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office says a suspect wanted for allegedly holding a woman hostage for two days was shot by deputies when he came out of his home armed with a rifle. They say 41-year-old Steve Hulion is reportedly in critical condition. Two deputies have been placed on paid leave pending an investigation by State Police.

It’s been a year of repairs, replacement and testing for the St. Joseph water system, but it appears it is about ready for public use again. A public health emergency was declared in late 2016 after high amounts of lead was discovered. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says there has been a complete overhaul since then…
cut 6 (11) “the homes”
It cost 9.5 million dollars to repair the St. Joseph system.

07:30 Sportscast, January 27th, 2018

The Pelicans landed a 115-113 victory over the Houston Rockets last night, but were delivered a big blow in the meantime. DeMarcus Cousins went down with just 10 seconds left the game, and ESPN reports he will miss the rest of the season with a torn Achilles. Pelicans Coach Alvin Gentry was visibly shaken after the game when talking about Cousins’ injury…:
CUT 25 (07) “pushing on”
Team officials said an MRI will determine the severity of the injury.

The man who shot and killed former NFL player Joe McKnight in a 2016 Jefferson Parish road-rage incident has been found guilty of manslaughter. The prosecution argued throughout the trial that 56-year-old Ronald Gasser was the aggressor in the incident, and even if he wasn’t the shooting was not justified. He faces up to 40 years in prison and will be sentenced in March.

The Nicholls State men’s basketball team heads into tonight’s contest against against Southland and in-state rival Southeastern riding a 5 game win streak. The Colonels haven’t allowed more than 80 points a game in the last month, and Head coach Richie Riley says December was the turning point:
Cut 17 (15) “on defense”
The Lions are currently tied for third place in Southland Conference standings. Nicholls sits on top.

The LSU men’s basketball team will have its hands full this evening as they face No. 19 Auburn in a battle with the SEC’s number 1 team. Tipoff is 5pm. The Ragin Cajuns look to stay undefeated in Sun Belt play as they host Troy at 2 PM, while Louisiana Tech seeks its third straight win when they host Southern Miss tonight.

The select…non-select playoffs will continue in the sports of basketball, baseball and softball. High School principals voted to keep the current format in place.

18:30 LRN Newscast January 26

A federal judge in Shreveport rules against an effort to stop the removal of a Confederate monument outside of the Caddo Parish Courthouse. I’m Matt Doyle.

Cut 2 (23) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

A year of repairs, replacement and testing for the St. Joseph water system appears is coming to an end.  The system was shut down after dangerous levels of lead were found coming from facets last year in about a quarter of the homes State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says they are in the final stages of testing…

Cut 7 (11)  “is clear.”

An estimated ten-thousand pro-life supporters are expected to march in Saturday’s Louisiana Life March North in Bossier/Shreveport.  Life March North is the second of three events being held across Louisiana. Organizer Louis Avallone says the movement is much more than just protesting abortions.  It celebrates life no matter how young or old a person is…

Cut 3 (09) “long one.”

Rain Saturday and sunny on Sunday.  That’s the forecast for south Louisiana this weekend.  After a day of heavy rains in which several inches could fall, Sunday should be mild and clear.  National Weather Service’s meteorologist Jared Rackley says it’s a good idea to put outside plans on hold till then…

Cut 11 (08) “nice out.”

17:30 LRN Newscast January 26

We are a waiting on a decision from the jury who heard the Ronald Gasser trial. Gasser fatally shot former NFL player Joe McKnight in a road rage incident in Jefferson Parish and faces a second-degree murder charge, which carries a life sentence. Gasser did not take the stand during the six days of testimony. But Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the jury still heard from Gasser on what happened as there were seven hours of taped interviews that were played during the trial….
cut 13 (08) “…video”
Gasser claims he shot McKnight in self defense.

We are seeing scattered showers across south Louisiana and more rain is coming. National Weather Service Lake Charles meterologist Jared Rackley says south Louisiana could see several inches of rain….
cut 10 (06) “….day tomorrow”
Rackley expects the rain will end Sunday morning.

Clear and healthy drinking water is coming soon to the residents of St. Joseph in Tensas Parish. Millions of dollars in repairs are complete and now the state health department is finishing its testing. State health officer, Doctor Jimmy Guidry, says there are several aging water systems needing repair, but the state can’t afford to bail every small town out…
Cut 8 (07) “St. Joes.”
St. Joe’s rehabilitated water system is expected to be in full operation next month.

About 10-thousand pro-life supporters are expected to march tomorrow from the Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City to Festival Plaza in Shreveport. Organizer of the Louisiana Life March North, Louis Avallone, says it’s their goal to reduce the number of abortions…
cut 4 (04) “…do that”
The march begins at 10 AM.

16:30 LRN Newscast January 26

A jury is deliberating the fate of Ronald Gasser, who is charged with second-degree murder of former NFL player Joe McKnight. Prosecutors argue Gasser should serve a life sentence for shooting McKnight during a road rage incident in Jefferson Parish. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the evidence shows McKnight tried to enter Gasser’s car and he feels Louisiana’s Castle Doctrine will favor Gasser…
Cut 12 (09) “the car.”

A federal judge in Shreveport ruled against the United Daughters of the Confederacy today. They are trying to stop the removal of a Confederate monument that’s been standing since 1906. The Caddo Parish Commission voted to have the monument removed. The U-D-C claims they own the land where the statue stands, but the judge says the group did not prove that it does.

Pro-life advocates will march in Shreveport-Bossier City tomorrow as it is the annual Louisiana Life March North. Organizer Louis Avallone says they will start from the Louisiana Boardwalk, cross the Texas Street Bridge and finish at Festival Plaza in Shreveport….
cut 5 (11) “….of life”
The event is sponsored by the Lousiaina Right to Life, who will host another march next week in Alexandria-Pineville.

Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow, especialy in south Louisiana where some areas could see three inches. Jared Rackley, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says if you have outdoor plans tomorrow, it might be a good idea to reschedule them for Sunday….
cut 11 (08) “…nice out”
High temperatures will be in the 60s for the weekend.

15:30 LRN Newscast January 26

A jury is deliberating the fate of Ronald Gasser at this hour.  Prosecutors argue Gasser should spend the rest of his life in prison for shooting former NFL player Joe McKnight during a road rage incident in 2016.  Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says based on the evidence presented the chances of a second-degree murder conviction against Gasser are low…

Cut 14 (08) “deliberations go”

A year of repairs, replacement and testing for the St. Joseph water system is about ready to come to an end.  A public health emergency was declared in late 2016 after high amounts of lead was discovered.  State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says there has been a complete overhaul since then…

Cut 6 (11)  “the homes.”

A federal judge in Shreveport rules against an effort to stop the removal of a Confederate monument outside of the Caddo Parish Courthouse. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (23) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

Four New Orleans French Quarter strip clubs had their licenses suspended for alleged prostitution, illegal sexual behavior and drug activity.  Stilettos, Hustlers Barley Legal, Hunks Oasis and Ricks Cabaret were ordered to cease selling alcohol and tobacco products immediately.  NOPD, State Police and the Alcohol and Tobacco Control conducted joint operations in targeting the violations in the four clubs.

14:30 LRN Newscast January 26

Clear and healthy drinking water is coming soon to the residents of St. Joseph in Tensas Parish. Millions of dollars in repairs are complete and now the state health department is finishing its testing. State health officer, Doctor Jimmy Guidry, says there are several aging water systems needing repair, but the state can’t afford to bail every small town out…
Cut 8 (07) “St. Joes.”
St. Joe’s rehabilitated water system is expected to be in full operation next month.

About 10-thousand pro-life supporters are expected to march tomorrow from the Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City to Festival Plaza in Shreveport. Organizer of the Louisiana Life March North, Louis Avallone, says it’s their goal to reduce the number of abortions…
cut 4 (04) “…do that”
The march begins at 10 AM.

We are seeing scattered showers across south Louisiana this afternoon and more rain is coming. National Weather Service Lake Charles meterologist Jared Rackley says south Louisiana could see several inches of rain….
cut 10 (06) “….day tomorrow”
The rain will move out of the state on Sunday.

The Audubon Insectarium in New Orleans is offering a unique twist on king cakes. Matt Doyle has the scoop…
Voicer 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

13:30 LRN Newscast January 26

Between five and ten-thousand pro-life supporters are expected to march in Saturday’s Louisiana Life March North in Bossier-Shreveport. Jeff Palermo has more…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The FBI is investigating the what happened before Juwanna Brooks of Lafayette fell overboard on Carnival cruise ship into the Gulf of Mexico. Passengers say they observed her and her husband Scott Brooks arguing at dinner. Juwanna was reported overboard about a half hour later. The The Mexican Navy will end their search today whether they find Juwanna or not.

It’ll be a rainy Saturday across much of Louisiana. Cold weather is not expected, but the rain should come hard and heavy for most of the day. National Weather Service Lake Charles meteorologist Jared Rackley says the rain will start Saturday in the early AM hours…
Cut 9 (10) “tomorrow night.”
Heaviest rainfall totals will be in south Louisiana, where as much as three inches could fall.

There are many varieties of King Cakes available. Traditional, fruit filled, cream cheeses, almond and now, cricket. That’s right, cricket. Audubon Insectarium Curator of Animal Programs Zack Lemann says crickets add a depth of flavor to King Cakes…
Cut 15 (13) “king cake”
The cakes are baked from scratch at the Audubon insectarium in New Orleans. You can order one there.