11:30 LRN Newscast April 29

Three Kenner Police officers shot during a lengthy standoff with a gunman on Sunday have been released from the hospital. The gunman, Matthew Lathers, was killed. Lathers exchanged gunfire with both Kenner Police officers and Jefferson Parish deputies. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says a member of his SWAT team fatally shot Lathers.

Cut 9 (04) “…in time.” 

Lopinto says Lathers was wanted for an armed robbery and an attempted murder that occurred last week.

In Lincoln Parish, a Dubach police officer was killed while conducting a traffic stop on U-S 167 just south of Hamilton Road. State Police spokesperson Ryan Davis says officer Russell Croxton’s police vehicle was hit by a truck driver who didn’t see the police unit.

Cut 4 (11) “..injuries” 

After three years and nine visits to the Ware Youth facility in Red River Parish, the State Inspector General’s Office has completed its investigation. This after a 2022 New York Times article reported abuse allegations and 64 suicide attempts. Inspector General Stephen Street says the attempts varied…

Cut 12 (13) “…other categories.” 

Edibles containing THC could soon be illegal in Louisiana. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly says his bill does not impact the highly regulated medical marijuana industry; he’s going after the recreational hemp industry that he says misled lawmakers.

Cut 7 (10) “…of children.”

The bill passed in the Senate and awaits a hearing in a House committee.

10:30 LRN Newscast April 29

In Lincoln Parish, a Dubach police officer was killed while conducting a traffic stop on U-S 167 just south of Hamilton Road. State Police spokesperson Ryan Davis says Officer Russell Croxton’s police vehicle was hit by a truck driver from Arkansas who didn’t see the police unit in the right lane…

Cut 3 (05) “…flashing lights.” 

Croxton’s father, Ruston Police Sergeant Raymond Croxton, also died in a traffic crash while on duty in 1978.

Edibles containing THC, like gummies, could soon be illegal in Louisiana. Even with an age requirement to purchase hemp products, Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly says they are easily getting into the hands of minors and there have been reported cases of psychosis in children.

Cut 9 (12)  “…the effects.”

The bill has passed in the full Senate and is awaiting a House committee hearing.

Three Kenner police officers were injured after a standoff Sunday morning that ended with the suspect 31-year-old Matthew Lathers deceased. It happened while police were investigating a double shooting. All three police officers have been released from the hospital.

Several property insurance reform bills expected to bring more insurers into Louisiana are headed to the governor’s desk. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

9:30 am Newscast

After three years and nine announced and unannounced visits to the facility, the State Inspector General’s Office has completed its investigation of conditions at Ware Youth Center in Red River Parish. Inspector General Stephen Street

Cut 10 (07) “…suitable place.”

In 2022 the New York Times reported allegations of abuse and at least 64 suicide attempts at the facility prompting then Governor Edwards to request an investigation.

Another bill heading to the governor’s desk removes an end date on the popular fortified roof program as are several insurance reform bills. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says removing the end date shows insurance companies Louisiana has a long-term commitment to resiliency…

Cut 6 (06) “…toward that.”

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Three Kenner police offers were shot over the weekend during a standoff after responding to an earlier double shooting that left one person hospitalized and critical. Authorities say the suspected shooter, 31-year-old Matthew Lathers was later killed by Jefferson Parish SWAT officers. We’re told all three of the officers shot will be ok.

If you have illegally tinted windows or a cover obscuring your license plate, Louisiana State Troopers will be issuing citations the first week of May. Trooper First Class Ross Brennan says obscured license plates and dark windows make it difficult for troopers to identify motorists and their vehicles.

Cut 15 (12)  “…place coverings.”

Louisiana law requires front window tint to have light transmission of at least 40-percent, side windows 25-percent and rearmost windows 12-percent.

 

 

8:30 am Newscast

If you have illegally tinted windows Louisiana State Troopers want you to know they’ll be looking for you come May 1st. Trooper First Class Ross Brennan says excessively dark tinted windows create a driving hazard for motorists, especially when it’s dark outside…

Cut 14 (10)  “…pulling out.”

The Saints selected five players in the draft on Saturday and the highlight was South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler. Coach Dennis Allen likes the Q-B’s potential…
Cut 16 (17)  “…as a quarterback.”

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A bill that qwould outlaw edible items that contain THC like gummies is making it’s way through the Louisiana lature.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 
House Bill 611 has is one of several insurance bills headed to the governor’s desk, which means insurers will no longer be prohibited from canceling a homeowners insurance policy if they’ve insured that policy holder for there years or more. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says House Bill 611 allows insurers to drop some policies after three years

Cut 5 (06) “…for them.” 

7:30 am Newscast

Several property insurance reform bills have received final legislative passage, including a measure Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says will create simple, clear timelines for the claims process

Cut 4 (12) “…quicker.”

Senate Bill 323 which will give insurance companies 60 days, instead of 30 days for a qualified adjuster to the start claims process.

Edibles containing THC, like gummies, could soon be illegal in Louisiana. Senate Bill 237 removes a loophole that allows hemp products to contain up to half a milligram of THC per serving or package. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly used THC gummies as an example.

Cut 8 (11) “…and safety.” 

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The investigation of Ware Youth Center in Red River Parish prompted by a 2022 New York Times report alleging poor conditions is complete. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

A Dubach Police officer was killed over the weekend, hit by a commercial truck during a routine traffic stop. State Police say 51 year old Russsel Croxton was speaking to the driver of the vehicle he had stopped when he was hit. Croxton was taken to the hospital where he later died.

6:30 am Newscast

Edibles containing THC, like gummies, could soon be illegal in Louisiana. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly says his legislation does not impact the highly regulated medical marijuana industry. He’s going after the recreational hemp industry that he says misled lawmakers.

Cut 7 (10) “…of children.”
If you have illegally tinted windows or a cover obscuring your license plate, Louisiana State Troopers are giving you a heads-up they’ll be issuing citations the first full week of May. Trooper First Class Ross Brennan…

Cut 13 (12)  “…plates are obscured.”

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Several property insurance reform bills expected to bring more insurers into Louisiana are headed to the governor’s desk. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Three Kenner police offers were shot over the weekend during a standoff after responding to an earlier double shooting that left one person hospitalized and critical. Authorities say the suspected shooter, 31-year-old Matthew Lathers was later killed by Jefferson Parish SWAT officers. We’re told all three of the officers shot will be ok.

 

 

Legislative Report

With your Louisiana Radio Network Legislative Report, I’m Jeanne Burns

Louisiana lawmakers have said yes to several property insurance reform bills and they’re now headed for the governor’s desk.  That includes a measure Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says will create simple, clear timelines for the claims process

Cut 4 (12) “..quicker.”

Right now insurers are prohibited from canceling a homeowners insurance policy if the policyholder has been insured by the company for three years or more. Temple says House Bill 611 allows insurers to drop some policies after three years

Cut 5 (07) “…for them.” 

Temple’s insurance reform legislation seeks to reduce regulations in order to create a more friendly insurance writing market, which he believes will drive up competition and stabilize insurance premiums.

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Edibles containing THC, like gummies, could soon be illegal in Louisiana. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly says his legislation does not impact the highly regulated medical marijuana industry. He’s going after the recreational hemp industry that he says misled lawmakers.

Cut 7 (10) “…of children.”

Pressly says there are more than 2,200 locations in the state selling THC products and he’s gravely concerned about the ATC’s lack of regulatory ability to inspect them.

Senate Bill 237 removes a loophole that allows hemp products to contain up to half a milligram of THC per serving or package. Pressly used the example of THC gummies.

Cut 8 (11) “…and safety.” 

The bill passed in the Senate on a 27 to 9 vote and was assigned to the House Criminal Justice.

11:30 am Newscast

Crawfish prices are down again this weekend in Louisiana. Experts say the average price for a pound of live mudbugs in Louisiana is now about $2.99. With prices down another 50-cents this week, Crawfish App co-founder Laney King says it’s all about supply and demand, so you don’t want to miss your change at what could be the lowest prices of the 2024 season.

Cut  14 (11) “…from consumers.” 

In addition to Louisiana, The Crawfish App also surveys the average prices in Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida panhandle.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is offering a cash reward to anyone with information with the vandalism of an historic French Quarter museum yesterday afternoon. Nungesser says surveillance cameras captured a woman spraying graffiti on a wall of the Presbytere around two yesterday afternoon. The presbytere is an example of colonial Spanish architecture and has been on the National Historic Registry since 1970.

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A package of Property insurance reform bills have received final legislative passage, including House Bill 611. One bill that’s heading to the governor’s desk removes an end date on the popular fortified roof program. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says this shows insurance companies that Louisiana is has a long-term commitment to resiliency…

Cut 6 (07) “…toward that.”
Twenty-one people from Shreveport and Bossier City face federal bank fraud charges for allegedly stealing nearly seven million dollars from U-S-A-A customers. U-S Attorney Brandon Brown says stolen bank information was used to issue counterfeit checks and others were recruited to deposit checks into their bank accounts in exchange for money…

Cut 11 (12) ” …individuals.”

10:30 am Newscast

Twenty-one people in Shreveport and Bossier City are under indictment in a federal bank fraud case. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”
A six year old boy is hospitalized and critical this morning after authorities say he was accidentally shot in the face by his eleven year old brother. It happened just before eleven last night in a Shreveport apartment complex. Shreveport Police are still investigating the incident.

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Several property insurance reform bills have received final legislative passage, including a measure Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says will create simple, clear timelines for the claims process

Cut 4 (12) “..quicker.”

Temple is talking about Senate Bill 323 which will give insurance companies 60 days, instead of 30 days for a qualified adjuster to the start claims process. He says the additional time will stop insurers from just sending a warm body to inspect a damaged home.

If you’re looking for live crawfish, you’re in luck this weekend as prices are down once again. Experts say the average price for a pound of live mudbugs in the Bayou State is $2.99 right now, and $5.99 if you get them already boiled. Crawfish App co-founder Laney King says since the app was created eight years ago this has been the most unusual season to date due to last year’s drought.

Cut 13 (12) “…little bit more.”

 

9:30 am Newscast

It’s been happening for 38 years, and this weekend Lafayette’s Festival International is hitting a high note.   President of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, Ben Berthelot says Festival International was created when the oil and gas industry was suffering in 1986 and is a great way to celebrate the Louisiana’s French.

Cut 8 (13) “…support it.” 
Twenty-one people from Shreveport and Bossier City stand accused of stealing nearly seven million dollars from U-S-A-A customers. U-S Attorney Brandon Brown says many military service members and elderly residents who did banking with U-S-A-A and did not check their accounts regularly had money taken from their account in 2021 and 2022…

Cut 10 (08) “…bank account balances.” 

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If you’ve been dying to get your hands on some good old Louisiana mudbugs, this weekend might just be the perfect time as crawfish prices have dropped to new lows. Crawfish App co-founder Laney King says the average price for a pound of live mudbugs in the Bayou State is $2.99.

Cut 12 (10) “…couple of weeks.” The average price for boiled crawfish is $5.29 a pound.
In case you missed it the Saints moved up four spots in the second round of the NFL draft to take Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry with the 41st overall pick. McKinstry was a first-team A-P All-American for the Crimson Tide. New Orleans gave up a fifth and sixth round pick with Green Bay to move up the four spots to take McKinstry.

In college baseball, The Ragin Cajuns edged Southern Miss three to two. Old Dominion defeated ULM two to one in 12 innings. Louisiana Tech blanked Sam Houston two to nothing. And the LSU baseball took game one of three, beating Auburn five to nothing.