16:30 LRN Newscast

There has been speculation for weeks that GOP Congresswoman Julia Letlow could run for U-S Senate and challenge Republican incumbent Bill Cassidy. But during an interview with Brian Haldane on Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge, Letlow says she’ll seek re-election next year as a U-S Representative…

Cut 11 (09) “…at hand.”

The 44-year-old Letlow has represented Louisiana’s 5th Congressional district since 2021. Cassidy is already facing three well-known Republican challengers in an April primary, John Fleming, Blake Miguez and Eric Skrmetta.

Two south Louisiana men have been arrested for the murder of 56-year-old Pamela Johnson, who was found shot to death in her Terrebonne Parish home in 2015. District Attorney Joseph Waitz says Pamela’s husband, 70-year-old Charles Johnson and 56-year-old Shannon Robinson have been charged in her murder. Waitz says Johnson hired Robinson to kill her…

Cut 14 (06) “….protect his property”

Authorities say new evidence surfac3ed linking Johnson Charles Johnson and Robinson to the murder.

 

An eight-year-old Covington girl is killed in a crash, and State Police say the lack of proper restraint may have made the difference between life and death. Trooper Marc Gremillion (GREM-ee-ahn) says it happened as a car was going along Louisiana Highway 40 in St. Tammany Parish just before 8:30 yesterday morning.

Cut 6 (04) “…struck a tree.”

Jewell Leger was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was properly restrained and suffered moderate injuries. As far as any potential charges, Gremillion says that’s still under investigation.

Southeastern Louisiana University reports enrollment is up almost eight-percent from last year to 15-thousand-500. President Dr. William Wainwright says one reason for the strong enrollment number is the school’s commitment to offer degree programs that will be of good use to students here in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (13) “…of MBA graduate.”

3:30 LRN Newscast

It took nearly a decade, but detectives in Terrebonne Parish have arrested two men in connection with the murder of a woman. On December 1st, 2015, deputies found 56-year-old Pamela Johnson shot to death. This week, deputies arrested her husband, 70-year-old Charles Johnson, and 43-year-old Shannon Robinson. District Attorney Joseph Waitz says the Johnsons were going through a divorce at the time. 

Cut 13 (08)  “…very tragic.”

An eight-year-old Covington girl is killed in a crash, and State Police say the lack of proper restraint may have made the difference between life and death. Jewel Leger was riding unrestrained in the front seat of a Toyota Camry that veered off Highway 40 and hit a tree. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Trooper Mark Gremillion says the front seat of a vehicle is no place for a child.

Cut 8 (08) “…child safety seat.”

Southeastern Louisiana University’s enrollment tops 15-thousand-500 – its strongest enrollment in 13 years. University President Dr. William Wainwright says it’s a testament to the school’s commitment to offer degree programs that will be of good use to students here in Louisiana. He says the university will continue to keep a close eye on the industries in Louisiana where the need for talent is greatest.

Cut 5 (07) “…programs as well.”

Southeastern’s football team travels 48 miles west Saturday, mostly along I-12, to take on LSU in a game that’s not expected to be close. LSU coach Brian Kelly says Garrett Nussmeier will play despite a torso injury. It’s an injury Nussmeier suffered during preseason camp, and Kelly says Nuss is feeling better.

Cut 9 (08)  “…do that.”

1:30 LRN Newscast

There’s one Republican who will NOT be challenging Bill Cassidy next year. There’s been speculation that Congresswoman Julia Letlow could add her name to the primary ballot. But during an interview with Brian Haldane on Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge, Letlow says she’s happy where she is, and she’ll be seeking re-election to her current seat in the House.

Cut 11 (09) “…at hand.”

The lack of proper restraint may have been the difference between life and death for one Covington girl. State Police say eight-year-old Jewel Leger was riding in a Toyota Camry that, for an unknown reason, veered off Highway 40 in St. Tammany Parish yesterday morning. Trooper Mark Gremillion says the driver was restrained and suffered moderate injuries, but Jewel was not as fortunate.

Cut 7 (07) “…at the scene.”

Southeastern Louisiana University is the latest school to report strong enrollment numbers. It boosted its enrollment from last year by almost eight-percent to more than 15-thousand-500. President Dr. William Wainwright says one reason for the strong enrollment number is the school’s commitment to offer degree programs that will be of good use to students here in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (13) “…of MBA graduate.”

Southeastern’s football team, meanwhile, travels 48 miles west, mostly along I-12, to take on LSU Saturday in a game that’s not expected to be close. LSU coach Brian Kelly says Garrett Nussmeier will play despite a torso injury. It’s an injury Nussmeier suffered during preseason camp, and Kelly says Nuss is feeling better.

Cut 9 (08)  “…do that.”

12:30 LRN Newscast

An eight-year-old Covington girl is killed in a crash, and State Police say the lack of proper restraint may have made the difference between life and death. Trooper Marc Gremillion (GREM-ee-ahn) says it happened as a car was going along Louisiana Highway 40 in St. Tammany Parish just before 8:30 yesterday morning.

Cut 6 (04) “…struck a tree.”

Jewell Leger was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was properly restrained and suffered moderate injuries. As far as any potential charges, Gremillion says that’s still under investigation.

Southeastern Louisiana University sees its strongest enrollment in 13 years. Southeastern’s enrollment now stands at more than 15-thousand. University President Dr. William Wainwright says that’s nearly an eight-percent increase over last year.

Cut 3 (12) “…jobs in Louisiana.”

The Washington Post is reporting that the White House is planning to deploy up to a thousand National Guard troops to various cities throughout Louisiana. Governor Landry supports the idea.

Cut 13 (09)  “…already war zones.”

Democratic Congressman Troy Carter, who represents New Orleans, doesn’t see it that way. He says sending in the National Guard is counterproductive.

Cut 14 (13) “…insult to injury.”

11:30 LRN Newscast

The Washington Post is reporting the White House has plans to send as many as one-thousand National Guard troops to various cities in Louisiana. Reaction to the possibility is mixed. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy has appointed a Baton Rouge physician to a vaccine panel that recommends vaccination policies to the C-D-C. Doctor Evelyn Griffin has expressed concerns about the Covid vaccine and questioned the need for inoculations for children.

 

The newly created Office of Louisiana Highway Construction is working to repair 62 bridges in rural areas across the state that are in poor condition. The legislature used 100-million dollars from the state’s Rainy Day Fund to pay for the bridge replacement program. These are relatively small bridges, no more than 150-feet long, but director of the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction Archie Chaisson says they are in poor condition, and have weight limits or closed to all traffic, which means detours…

Cut 12 (08) “…the state”

Chaisson says the plan is to repair these 62 bridges by the end of 2026.

Enrollment at LSU-Alexandria is just under 77-hundred students as enrollment has more than doubled since 2019. Vice chancellor for enrollment and student engagement, Abbey Bain on what’s attracting students to their campus…

Cut 5 (12) “…and our faculty”

10:30 LRN Newscast

The White House may be planning to deploy up to a thousand National Guard troops to various cities throughout Louisiana. This, according to a recent report in the Washington Post. Congressman Troy Carter, whose district includes New Orleans, says Governor Landry and the Louisiana State Police have already implemented an alternative that has proven to lower crime in New Orleans by establishing Troop NOLA.

Cut 15 (11) “…making a difference.”

Landry was asked for his reaction during an economic development news conference. He said reducing crime with the help of the National Guard will ultimately help attract business.

Cut 16 (09) “…face of violence.”

New Orleans and Baton Rouge have been mentioned as cities where the White House may send National Guard troops.

A new Louisiana transportation agency is working on repairing dozens of rural bridges by the end of 2026. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A fifth person has died from Vibrio vulnificus. Vibrio are bacteria that naturally live in coastal waters and are found in higher numbers in the warmer months of May through October. It can cause illness when an open wound is exposed to coastal waters or when someone eats raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Several Louisiana legislators from both parties have received postcards containing graphic images of a lynching. The postcard has an image of two people hanging from a noose with the words “Thank You.” Republican Representative Mike Bayham of Chalmette was among those who received one; he says the F-B-I is investigating.

Cut 9 (10)  “…legislators.”

Another Louisiana school is reporting surging enrollment. LSU Alexandria has announced that its enrollment has grown to just under 77-hundred students. Abbey Bain, the vice chancellor for enrollment and student engagement, says LSUA also has more than 45-hundred students who take their classes entirely online.

Cut 6 (11) “…further their career.”

Southeastern football will take a short trip down I-12 to Baton Rouge to face the number three-ranked LSU Tigers this Saturday. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The longtime 21st District Attorney has announced that he is not seeking re-election. Scott Perrilloux’s decision will bring an end to a 30-year run as the chief prosecutor in Livingston, St. Helena and Tangipahoa parishes. Perrilloux will continue to serve until January 10th, 2027.

8:30 AM Newscast

Several Louisiana legislators have received postcards with graphic images of a lynching. The postcard has a image of two people hanging from a noose with the words “Thank You.” Republican State Representative Mike Bayham of Chalmette says the postcard has the Department of Homeland Security’s mailing address with Secretary Kristi Noem’s name.

Cut 8 (10) “…federal authorities.”

Bayham says the F-B-I is now investigating.

Another death from a deadly flesh-eating bacteria has been reported in Louisiana.  Health officials warning that infections from Vibrio vulnificus, are now up to 26 cases in Louisiana this year.  In all six, six cases have been fatal.  Typically Louisiana sees only one death per year related to this flesh eating bacteria.

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The Washington Post is reporting that the White House is planning to deploy up to a thousand National Guard troops to various cities throughout Louisiana. Governor Landry supports the idea. But Democratic Congressman Troy Carter, who represents New Orleans, says Landry and State Police have already implemented an alternative to the National Guard that has proven to lower crime in New Orleans – with Troop NOLA.

Cut 15 (11) “…making a difference.”

The Office of Louisiana Highway Construction has set an ambitious goal of fixing 62 small bridges in rural areas of Louisiana by end of next year.  Director Archie Chaisson says it typically takes two years for DOTD to repair a bridge, but the state legislature gave the his office the ability to cut through the red tape faster so it can get the job done.

Cut 11 (11) “…quicker”

The legislature used 100-million dollars from the state’s Rainy Day Fund to pay for the bridge replacement program.

7:30 AM Newscast

The Washington Post is reporting the White House has plans to send as many as one-thousand National Guard troops to various cities in Louisiana. Reaction to the possibility is mixed. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Officials in Terrebonne Parish have announced the arrests of two Houma men in connection with the 2015 murder of Pamela Johson.  70 year old Charles Johnson and 43 year old Shannon Robinson are both facing charges of First-Degree Murder and Solicitation for murder in the death of Johnson, who was 56 the night she was found shot to death.  They’re being held in the Terrebonne Parish Detention Center without bond.

—————————————–

Several Louisiana legislators have received postcards containing graphic images of a lynching. Republican State Representative Mike Bayham of Chalmette was one of the lawmakers who received the nefarious postcard.

Cut 7 (13) “…disturbing images.”

Bayham says the F-B-I is now investigating.

The Office of Louisiana Highway Construction has set an ambitious goal of fixing 62 small bridges in rural areas of Louisiana by end of next year. The Louisiana Legislature established this new office earlier this year and granted the new agency with emergency procurement powers. The director of this new office, Archie Chaisson, says that allows them to hire contractors faster…

Cut 10 (09) “…quicker”

6:30 AM Newscast

The Washington Post is reporting that the White House is planning to deploy up to a thousand National Guard troops to various cities throughout Louisiana. Governor Landry supports the idea.

Cut 13 (09)  “…already war zones.”

Democratic Congressman Troy Carter, who represents New Orleans, doesn’t see it that way. He says the Crescent City already has Troop Nola to help with crime and says sending in the National Guard is counterproductive.

Cut 14 (13) “…insult to injury.”

Governor Landry has said that reducing crime with the help of the National Guard will ultimately help attract business.

—————————–

A new Louisiana transportation agency is working on repairing dozens of rural bridges by the end of 2026. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Another Louisiana school is reporting surging enrollment. LSU Alexandria has announced that its enrollment has almost up t0 77-hundred students. Abbey Bain, the vice chancellor for enrollment and student engagement, says it’s a the latest in a long streak of wins for the school.

Cut 4 (05) “…record-breaking enrollment.”