AM LRN Newscall June 20

A Tangipahoa Parish grand jury has charged Danel Callihan and Victoria Cox with first-degree murder in the deaths of Callie Brunett and her three-year-old daughter Erin. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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This weekend, several Louisiana sports legends including Drew Brees and Seimone Augustus will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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State legislators passed a bill re-establishing a black bear season in Louisiana. Mel Bridges has the details.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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A Tangipahoa Parish grand jury has charged Danel Callihan with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Callie Brunett and her three-year-old daughter Erin. The other suspect, Victoria Cox, faces one count of first-degree murder. With federal charges also anticipated, Tangipahoa Parish District Attorney Scott Perrilloux wants the pair to be tried in Louisiana first.

Cut 4 (09) “…decided here.”

Both suspects also face one count of aggravated kidnapping of a child and one count of second-degree kidnapping. Cox also faces accessory after the fact to first-degree murder.  Perrilloux wouldn’t comment on the details of the crime when asked if Erin was killed in Louisiana or Mississippi.

Both suspects could face the death penalty, but Perrilloux says a decision has not been made on whether to pursue capital punishment.

Cut 5 (09) “…a decision.”

Perrilloux says the case has left the small Tangipahoa Parish community in shock.

Cut 6 (10) “…and accept.”

Callihan and Cox also face murder and sexual battery charges in Mississippi, where they are currently being held. Funeral services for Callie and Erin were held yesterday in Hammond.

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On Saturday, nine sports figures will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, including former Saints quarterback Drew Brees and LSU legend Seimone Augustus. Hall of Fame Foundation President Ronnie Rantz says Augustus is regarded as the greatest women’s basketball player from Louisiana.

Cut 7 (13) “…she’s the greatest.”

Rantz says inducting Brees is a no-brainer.

Cut 8 (14) “…legend.” 

Other inductees include MMA icon Daniel Cormier, prolific high school football and baseball coach Frank Monica, and horse jockey Ray Sibille, whose 4-thousand career wins embody something Rantz says you just don’t see anymore.

Cut 9 (12)  “…these days.

Induction celebrations will be held during this weekend at the HoF’s home in Natchitoches.

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Four people have been arrested in connection with the death of 25-year-old Ashley Beauclair of Marksville. Tim Ryan with the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office says in October her body was found in a wooded area north of Marksville and with the assistance of the FACES lab they were able to identify her remains.

Cut 10 (10) “…Marksville, Louisiana.”

Those three suspects were arrested Tuesday and on Thursday Morgan Lin Heims of Missouri was arrested in the case. Sonny Dauzat is charged with second-degree murder and all four suspects criminal conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges.

Sheriff David Dauzat says several law enforcement agencies have worked diligently to find those responsible for Beauclair’s death. Ryan says the APSO is committed to doing its best…

Cut 11 (06) “…we’re doing.”

He declined to give a motive and says the case has been turned over to the District Attorney’s Office. Ryan says while they don’t expect any more arrests in the case…

Cut 12 (04) “…the matter.” 

Listing of arrestees:

25-year-old Sonny Ray Dauzat of Effie – 2nd-degree murder, criminal conspiracy, and obstruction of justice. Bond set at $1.1 million

29-year-old Keion Joseph Roy of Moreauville – criminal conspiracy and obstruction of justice.

24-year-old Sophie Mae Badeaux of Marksville – criminal conspiracy and obstruction of justice

20-year-old Morgan Lin Heims of Branson, Missouri – criminal conspiracy and obstruction of justice

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State legislature passed House Bill 684, which re-establishes a black bear season in Louisiana. LDWF Large Carnivore Program Manager John Hanks says part of what the bill does is make sure money generated from the sale of black bear licenses goes towards a good cause.

Cut 13 (11)  “…species.”

The bill also establishes a $20 black bear hunting license, which will be required in addition to a basic hunting license, and a bear harvest permit. Both are required to hunt black bears. The Wildlife and Fisheries Commission will hold a lottery for permits at $50 per application. Finally, Hanks says, the bill establishes what is and isn’t legal.

Cut 14 (07)  “…bait bears.”

Black bear season runs from the first Saturday to the third Sunday in December, and you can only hunt black bears in a handful of parishes in northeastern Louisiana. If you’re in those parishes and can’t wait to get your license and permit, Hanks says to stay tuned.

Cut 15 (07)  “…work in progress.”

Black bear hunting had been suspended in Louisiana after the bears became endangered, but the population has since recovered.

 

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Cut 16 (11) “…you whole.” 

 

Cut 17 (19) “…right track.”

 

Cut 18 (20)  “…getting better.”

 

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Cut 19 (18) “…some power.” 

 

Cut 20 (22) “…overcome that.”

 

 

 

 

5:30 LRN Newscast

The new law requiring public classrooms to display the Ten Commandments is already facing a legal challenge. Loyola University Law professor Dane Ciolino says the law may violate the First Amendment, despite being written to display the Ten Commandments for historical, not religious, purposes.

cut 3 (12) “…establishment clause.”

Three organizations say they plan to file a joint lawsuit against the law.
The Louisiana Public Service Commission has ordered SWEPCO to issue 23-million dollars in refunds to its 240-thousand customers in 12 northwest Louisiana parishes. Commissioner Foster Campbell says SWEPCO customers deserve that refund because of an accounting error.
cut 12 (08) “…to be.”
Ragin’ Cajun’s Softball head coach Gary Glasco took the head coaching position at Texas Tech. Sean Richardson has more.

cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

 

A 1-million dollar gift from the family of Clifford Smith to Nicholls State University will create the William Clifford Smith School of Engineering, which is set to start in August. Dean of the College of Science and Technology Dr. John Doucet…

cut 7 (09) “…in the region.”

4:30 PM Newscast June 20

The Louisiana Public Service Commission has ordered SWEPCO to issue 23-million dollars in refunds to its Louisiana customers. District 5 Commissioner Foster Campbell says the P-S-C will also conduct service quality investigation on SWEPCO, because of frequent outages from storms…

Cut 13 (11) “…service better.” 

When you know you know that’s the popular phrase District 2 Public Service Commissioner Craig Greene used as he announced his decision to make this his last term. He is not going to seek re-election saying while keeping a watchful eye on utility providers and keeping prices affordable, he’s had the chance to meet great people and engage in debates that will have generational impact. Greene will have served eight years when his term ends in January.

Legal challenges are already in the works, so we asked Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino what he thinks will happen to the Ten Commandments law requiring them to be displayed in public school classrooms.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A $1 million gift from the family of Clifford Smith to Nicholls State University will create the William Clifford Smith School of Engineering set to start in August. Dean of the College of Science and Technology Dr. John Doucet.

Cut 6 (09) “…jobs elsewhere.”

3:30 PM Newscast June 20

It’s unclear whether the new law requiring public classrooms to display the Ten Commandments will survive a legal challenge. Loyola University Law professor Dane Ciolino expects the law to be deemed unconstitutional and then Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murril will appeal it to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is more conservative than in the past.

Cut 5 (08)  “…will do.”

A fourth person has been arrested in the murder investigation of 38-year-old Ashley Beauclair. The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested Morgan Lin Heims, 20, of Branson, Missouri, for criminal conspiracy and obstruction of justice Thursday. The three arrested Tuesday are Sonny Ray Dauzat, 25, of Effie, for second-degree murder, criminal conspiracy and obstruction of justice. Keion Joseph Roy, 29, of Moreauville, and Sophie Mae Badeaux, 24, of Marksville, were also arrested. Beauclair’s body was discovered last October but she wasn’t identified until February with the help of DNA and the LSU Faces Lab.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission has ordered SWEPCO to issue 23-million dollars in refunds to its 240-thousand customers in 12 northwest Louisiana parishes. Commissioner Foster Campbell says SWEPCO customers deserve a credit

Cut 12 (08) “…to be.” 

Campbell says the credit will amount to 21-dollars per month for the average SWEPCO residential customer and it should appear on July, August and September bills.

UL-Lafayette Softball starts the search for a new head coach as head coach Gerry Glasco accepts an offer to become the next head coach at Texas Tech. Host of the Locked-on Sun Belt Podcast Dave Schultz was surprised by the move.

Cut 9 (09) “…Oklahoma City.”

Glasco finished his seventh season with a record of 302-88.

2:30 PM Newscast June 20

The new law requiring public classrooms to display the Ten Commandments is already facing a legal challenge. Loyola University Law professor Dane Ciolino says In 1980 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled a similar law in Kentucky was unconstitutional, but in 2022, the high court ruled in favor of a high school football coach in Washington who prayed with students on the field on the basis of history and tradition.

Cut 4 (12) “…Ten Commandments.”

The Louisiana National Guard has completed their third deployment at the Southern Border in Texas. Task force Lone Star praised the Soldiers for their service. Louisiana was one of 50 states participating and for 90 days maintained security at the border round the clock. Cpt. Zach Neely, commander of Task Force Lone Star said leadership was deliberate with sending soldiers with the correct skills for this type of mission.

After seven successful seasons in Lafayette, Gerry Glasco is leaving the Ragin Cajuns to be the new head coach at Texas Tech. has Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

A $1 million gift from the family of Clifford Smith to Nicholls State University will create the William Clifford Smith School of Engineering set to start in August. Dean of the College of Science and Technology Dr. John Doucet says Programs will include geomatics, energy engineering technology, and mechanical engineering which is also being offered in partnership with UNO.

Cut 8 (06)  “…University.”

Clifford Smith was an engineer, land surveyor and owner of the consulting firm T. Baker Smith.

1:30 LRN Newscast

Legal challenges are already in the works, so we asked Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino what he thinks will happen to the Ten Commandments law requiring them to be displayed in public school classrooms….
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A Tangipahoa Parish grand jury has indicted 36-year-old Daniel Callihan and Victoria Cox on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, in the brutal slaying of a Loranger mother and the abduction of her two children, a four and six year-old. The indictment also alleges Callihan killed the four-year-old.

UL-Lafayette Softball head coach Gerry Glasco accepted an offer today to become the next head coach at Texas Tech. Host of the Locked-on Sun Belt Podcast Dave Schultz says Glasco’s departure could also spur some players from the team to follow him to Lubbock…
cut 10 (12) “…to be seen”
Glasco won 302 in seven seasons in Lafayette and last year’s team hosted a Regional.

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says the P-S-C will conduct a service quality investigation on SWEPCO, because of frequent outages from storms…
Cut 13 (11) “…service better.”
Campbell says SWEPCO Customers are also receiving a credit that will amount to 21-dollars a month for the next three months because of an accounting error made by SWEPCO.

12:30 LRN Newscast

The new law requiring public classrooms to display the Ten Commandments is already facing a legal challenge. Loyola University Law professor Dane Ciolino says while it violates the First Amendment; the bill was written to display them for historical not religious purposes.

Cut 3 (12) “…establishment clause.”

The ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom from Religion Foundation say they plan to file a joint lawsuit against the measure.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission has ordered SWEPCO to issue 23-million dollars in refunds to its 240-thousand customers in 12 northwest Louisiana parishes. Commissioner Foster Campbell says SWEPCO customers deserve a credit, because of an accounting error

Cut 12 (08) “…to be.” 

UL-Lafayette Softball head coach Gerry Glasco accepted an offer today to become the next head coach at Texas Tech. Host of the Locked-on Sun Belt Podcast Dave Schultz says he’s surprised Glasco is leaving.

Cut 9 (09) “…Oklahoma City.”

Glasco finished his seventh season with a record of 302-88.

A $1 million gift from the family of Clifford Smith to Nicholls State University will create the William Clifford Smith School of Engineering set to start in August. Dean of the College of Science and Technology Dr. John Doucet.

Cut 7 (09) “…in the region.”  

Programs will include geomatics, energy engineering technology, and mechanical engineering which is also being offered in partnership with UNO.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry has signed a bill requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every classroom and now the legal fight begins. Louisiana ACLU Director Alanah Odoms says the governor knows what he signed violates the separation of church and state clause in the constitution….
cut 12 (13) “…in court”
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says the Ten Commandments are important to our country’s foundations and she looks forward to defending the law.

A $1 million gift from the family of Clifford Smith to Nicholls State University will create the William Clifford Smith School of Engineering set to start in August. Dean of the College of Science and Technology Dr. John Doucet.
Cut 6 (09) “…jobs elsewhere.”
Clifford Smith was an engineer, land surveyor and owner of the consulting firm T. Baker Smith.

Attention anglers!!!. New red drum regulations go into effect today. There’s a four fish daily limit per angler, instead of five. You can only keep red drum that measure between 18 to 27 inches in length. The retention of red drum by captains or crew on charter boats while on a for-hire trip is prohibited. LDWF Director of Marine Fisheries Chris Schieble (sheeble)…
cut 5 (10) “…catches one”
These limits are in place to get the population of red drum back up after overfishing.

It’s watermelon season and Washington Parish watermelons are now available. Bogalusa Representative John Wyble says Washington Parish watermelons are a well-known treat…
cut 14 (08) “…continuing that”
Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says watermelons thrive in the heat and if there are a few dry days right before harvest, they’ll be extra sweet.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Landry has signed into law a measure that requires every public school classroom from kindergarten to college to post the Ten Commandments. Landry expects lawsuits from civil liberty groups and the Executive Director of the Louisiana ACLU Alanah Odoms says they are filing one because it violates the separation of church and state clause in the U-S Constitution…
cut 10 (10) “….face of that”
But Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills believes the law will withstand a legal challenge because the Ten Commandments provide a foundation for modern-day law in America…
cut 13 (07) “….the challenge”
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says she looks forward to defending the law.

Governor Jeff Landry has signed a bill that creates the Louisiana Gator Scholarship program, which will provide taxpayer funded vouchers to families of all income levels to pay for private school tuition…
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

New regulations go into place today on catching red drum in state waters in an attempt to curb overfishing. LDWF Director of Marine Fisheries Chris Schieble (sheeble)…
Cut 4 (05) “…of four.”
The minimum size of harvested red drum must be at least 18 inches long, instead of 16 and fishermen can no longer keep a red drum that’s over 27 inches.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry has signed a bill requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every classroom and now the legal fight over whether it’s constitutional to do so will be played out over the next several months. Louisiana ACLU Director Alanah Odoms says the governor knows what he signed violates the separation of church and state clause in the constitution….
cut 12 (13) “…in court”
But Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says the Ten Commandments hold a historical significance and set a universal moral code…
cut 11 (13) “….a challenge”
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says she looks forward to defending the law.

Governor Landry has signed an education savings account bill into law. E-S’-As allows families to use public dollars to pay for private school tuition, tutoring, textbooks, uniforms and other educational related expenses. Similar programs in other states ballooned financially as parents took the money to send their kids to different schools. Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds says legislators planned for this while creating the Louisiana Gator Scholarship Program…
Cut 8 (08) “…both worlds.”

New regulations go into effect today when it comes to fishing red drum. The maximum daily catch per angler is four instead of five. Harvested red drum must be 18 to 27 inches long. The previous minimum was 16 inches. LDWF Director of Marine Fisheries Chris Shcieble says these limits are in place to get the population of red drum back up from overfishing.
Cut 6 (05) “…fairly quickly.”
LDWF estimates the red drum population will recover in three to five years with these regulations in place.