LRN AM Newscall August 26

A human skull found at a wildlife refuge in St. Tammany Parish in 2017 has finally been identified. Mel Bridges has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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LSU Tigers fans are heading to Las Vegas to support their Tigers in the season opener against the USC Trojans this Sunday. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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The Louisiana Department of Corrections Secretary Jimmy Leblanc is stepping down after holding that job for nearly 17 years. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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A human skull found in the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in St. Tammany Parish seven years ago has finally been identified. Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape says his office worked with a genetic genealogy company to identify a living niece in California who confirmed the skull as Gary Maggio of Slidell…

Cut 4 (11) “…unfortunately.”

Maggio had never been reported missing. Officials learned Maggio was an outdoorsman, so him being in the wildlife refuge isn’t immediately suspicious. However, Tape says Maggio was being treated for severe mental health issues and didn’t tell anyone he was going camping. Tape says they can’t rule out foul play or suicide…

Cut 5 (12) “…at this point.”

Maggio’s niece, who lives in California, told officials her uncle hadn’t been heard from since 2016, and Maggio’s skull was recovered in 2017. Maggio is believed to have been 67 when he died. Tape says they’re glad to finally identify the skull and to bring Maggio’s family some answers after seven years.

Cut 6 (09) “…heartbreaking.”

Anyone who knew Maggio or has information about his last days is asked to contact the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office.

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LSU fans will head to Las Vegas later this week for the Tigers season opener against the USC Trojans this Sunday. The game, set to take place at Allegiant Stadium, has generated considerable excitement as it marks the start of the college football season. Owner of Mr. Fun’s Travel Jason Ramezan says this trip rivals any he has been a part of including the 2016 trip to Lambeau Field and the Rose Bowl in 2021…

Cut 7 (08) “…bucket list.”

Ramezan says LSU is expected to have a strong presence in the city, with fans eager to witness the Tigers’ debut under the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Cut 8 (07) “…represented in Vegas.”

Ramezan says LSU fans are not just attending the game, they’re bringing their unique energy and traditions to the city, transforming Las Vegas into a temporary home for the Tiger faithful.

Cut 9 (06)  “…Las Vegas this weekend.”

Ramezan estimates there will be 30,000 LSU fans in Las Vegas for the game.

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The man who has run the state’s prison system for the last 16 years is resigning. Louisiana Department of Corrections Secretary Jimmy Leblanc says health reasons are forcing him to step down. Former state lawmaker and House Criminal Chairman Joe Marino says Leblanc did an excellent job despite limited resources…

Cut 10 (10) “…long time.”

Leblanc served for three governors, Republican Bobby Jindal, Democrat John Bel Edwards and now Republican Jeff Landry. Marino says his expertise will be difficult to replace…

Cut 11 (08) “…experience.”

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says Leblanc worked hard to reduce the state’s recidivism rate…

Cut 12 (10) “…stop that.”

Landry says Leblanc’s dedication has been unmatched. Moore says the key to Leblanc’s success was that he was level headed…

Cut 13 (05)  “…made it easy.”

Landry says appointing a new secretary to this position will be a top priority.

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Many are mourning in Acadia Parish as 27-year-old Rayne Police Detective Javonta Flugence was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Friday afternoon. Flugence’s fiancee, Amber Davy, and their two-year-old child, Caroline, were also killed. State Police Trooper Peggy Bourque says the wreck occurred on Louisiana Highway 13 near Bluefish Road…

Cut 14 (12)  “…the scene.”

Bourque says it appears none of the occupants were restrained…

Cut 15 (08)  “…do that.”

Flugence started as a detective for the Rayne Police Department in 2019. He was considered a pivotal person in Rayne’s fight against drug activity.

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The Saints dropped their preseason finale 30 to 27 to the Tennessee Titans. It was one final chance for Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler to claim the second-string quarterback spot behind starter Derek Carr. Rattler had the better day as he threw for 105 yards and a touchdown and led the offense to scores on all four of his possessions. Coach Dennis Allen….

Cut 16 (16) “…quarterback room.” 

Rattler acknowledges that the decision is out of his hands…

Cut 17 (09) “…my best foot forward.”

The star of the second half of was Jacob Kibodi. The rookie running back who grew up in Baton Rouge and attended U-L Lafayette scored two roushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Cut 18 (08)  “…good showing.”

Allen says the defense as a whole did not not have a good day, but backup linebacker Anfrernee Orji of Rockwall, Texas had a nice game as he led the team with nine total tackles. Orji on his chances of making the team..

Cut 19 (08) “…hope for the best.”

The deadline for NFL teams to reduce their rosts to 53 is 3 PM on Tuesday.