12:30 LRN Newscast Jan 19

Next month, Governor Edwards will present a budget for next fiscal year to lawmakers and the state has 728-million dollars in a surplus money from the last fiscal year to spend. Governor Edwards says much of that money will go towards ongoing infrastructure projects that have gone up in price…:

CUT 09(09)      “…because of inflation.”

Edwards will present his budget on February 17th.

Gasoline prices continue their upward trend. The statewide average price of regular is now at $3.06, though it can be found as cheap as $2.49 in Alexandria. Louisiana AAA’s Don Redman says just a month ago oil was much cheaper and fuel prices were trending downward, however all of that reversed upon reports of an improving economy…:

CUT 04(11)      :…higher prices.”

 

Actor Alec Baldwin will be charged in New Mexico for the shooting death of a film crew member in 2021. Jeff Palermo talks with a Louisiana legal expert…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Palermo.”

And now today’s markets….

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Rough night for basketball in the state of Louisiana last night as both the Pelicans and Tigers were blown out on their home floor. The Miami Heat led the whole way as they defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 124-98. The Heat built a 20 point lead in the first quarter and Coach Willie Green blames himself…
cut 29 (18) “…in practice”
The Pelicans have lost five of their last seven.

The LSU men’s basketball team’s losing streak is up to five games after falling to 16th ranked Auburn 67-49. The Tigers shot a season low 29-percent.

The third ranked LSU women’s basketball team hosts Arkansas tonight. The Lady Tigers are 18-0 and Angel Reese is seeking her 19th consecutive double-double, which would tie a school record.

Louisiana Tech looks to end a two-game losing streak tonight when they host Western Kentucky. The Bulldogs are 3-and-4 in Conference USA. The losses in league play have been by seven points or less. Bulldogs Coach Talvin Hester is optimistic more wins are on the way…
Cut 18 (19) “…into wins.”
Tip off is at 8 PM on the CBS Sports Network.

Louisiana Tech may have found a starting quarterback. ESPN is reporting former Boise State quarterback Hank Bachmeier is transferring to La Tech. Bachmeier has two full years of eligibility after starting 29 games at Boise State, going 20-and-9, throwing for 66 hundred yards, 41 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions.

11:30 LRN Newscast Jan 19

You might have noticed you’re paying more for gasoline. AAA reports the statewide average price for regular is up to $3.06. Their fuel guy, Don Redman says that’s up 30 cents from a month ago and despite low demand and a healthy supply…:

CUT 03(07)      “…$80-a-barrel.”

For reference oil was at about $70 a month ago.

Actor Alec Baldwin will be charged in the shooting death of a cinematographer while making a western movie in 2021. The charge will be involuntary manslaughter. Baton Rouge defense attorney Franz Borghardt says proving Baldwin was “grossly negligent” in the shooting will not be easy for prosecutors…:

CUT 06(07)      “…likely to be loaded.”

Baldwin insists he did not pull the trigger.

 

The 2023 governor’s race. Something is missing from the field of candidates so far: Democrats…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

2018 Northwestern State alumi Alyssa Jacobs will be part of the next season of “The Bachelor” on ABC. She earned a BS in Science at NSU, then a master’s in business admin from LSU-Shreveport. She is now a professional healthcare strategist in Atlanta. The show begins next Monday night.

10:30 LRN Newscast Jan 19

Lafourche Parish Sheriff deputies responded to a complaint from a Lockport woman that led to the arrest of 30-year-old Shane Chelette who allegedly forced himself onto the woman. The two met through the dating app Tinder and agreed to dinner. Captain Brennan Matherne says things eventually took a turn for the worst.

Cut 13 (13)  “…the residence.”

Chelette was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex.

It still remains to be seen if a Special Session to address the state’s lack of property insurance carriers will be called before the regular session in April. Governor John Bel Edwards believes there’s overwhelming support after more than 20 insurance companies have either left the state or gone insolvent from the 2020 and 2021 hurricane seasons.

Cut 12 (08) “…Citizen’s policies.”

The Public Service Commission approves Entergy hiking power bills to pay for Hurricane Ida damage to their grid. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office is reportedly close to providing enough deputies from around the state so Mardi Gras krewes can return to their traditional routes. Most parade routes were shortened last year because of a lack of law enforcement. More details are expected to be announced later this week.

9:30 LRN Newscast

The Public Service Commission has approved Entergy’s request to add another surchage on your bill to cover the costs of the repairs needed after Hurricane Ida in 2021. The surchage is $5.50 for the next 23 years. New PSC member Davante Lewis voted no…
cut 6 (08) “…them greatly”
Entergy customers are already paying a 10-dollar surcharge for recovery costs after a super active 2020 hurricane season.

Four Republicans and one Independent have entered the governor’s race, but we are still waiting on a major Democrat to throw their hat into the ring. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says time is running out…
cut 9 (13) “….very difficult”

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a Thibodaux man after things took a sharp turn during a dinner date that ended in an assault Whitney Thomas Reports.
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

Louisiana Tech may have found a starting quarterback. ESPN is reporting former Boise State quarterback Hank Bachmeier is transferring to La Tech. Bachmeier has two full years of eligibility after starting 29 games at Boise State, going 20-and-9, throwing for 66 hundred yards, 41 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Entergy customers will soon see an extra $5.50 tacked on their bill as the utility company recovers the cost for the repairs needed after Hurricane Ida hit southeast Louisiana in 2021. Entergy CEO Phillip May says a tax maneuver reduced rate payers’ immediate obligation by about 180-million dollars…
cut 5 (10) “….this securitiziation”
The Public Service Commission approved this plan on a three to two vote.

Discussions continue on whether to hold a special session next month or wait until the regular session begins in April to create an incentive fund to lure more private homeowner insurance companies to the state. Governor Edwards says there does not seem to be opposition to the incentive program, but disagreement on whether a special session is needed…
cut 11 (12) “…basic determination”

To date, there are five candidates running for governor, four Republicans and one Independent, and no Democrats. ULM-Political Science professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says it would be disappointing if a Democrat doesn’t get in the race because all spectrums and perspectives wouldn’t be represented.
Cut 7 (10) “…be represented.”
There are a few Democrats looking at running at entering the race.

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is offering dating tips after they arrested 30-year-old Shane Chelette of Thibodaux on allegations he committed sexual battery and oral sexual battery on a date he met on Tinder. Captain Brennan Matherne…
cut 15 (14) “…..never met”

7:30 LRN Newscast

There are five candidates who’ve declared their candidacy for governor and not one is a Democrat. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

There is still a possibility another major Republican will enter the race. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is a rumored candidate, but Graves told the Louisiana Illuminator he doesn’t know if he’ll run and doesn’t know when he’ll announce a decision. State Republican Party Chairman Louis Gurvich is urging Graves to stay out of the race.

The Public Service Commission approves a plan to let Entergy recover over a billion dollars in Hurricane Ida repair costs from its customers. A compromise deal proposed by outgoing PSC chairman Craig Greene would have Entergy take on a higher tax liability for the recovery expense; reducing the cost to ratepayers by nearly $200-million…:
Cut 4 (11) “…dirt on their jersey.”
The deal will mean Entergy customers will see an additional $5.50 on their monthly bill for the next 23 years.

A Thibodaux man faces serious charges after he allegedly committed sexual battery and oral sexual battery on a woman he met on an online dating app. Captain Brennan Matherne with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office says 30-year-old Shane Chellette was taken into custody last week…
cut 14 (11) “…this case”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans and LSU men’s basketball were on the wrong end of blowout games last night. The Tigers dropped their fifth in a row as they shot just 29 percent from the field in a 67-49 defeat to 16th-ranked Auburn. Coach Matt McMahon says it will take the right mindset from his players to snap this losing streak…

cut 21 (19) “….gonna respond”

It doesn’t get any easier for LSU as they host ninth-ranked Tennessee on Saturday.

The Pelicans also blown out on their home floor as the Miami Heat defeated 124 to 98. Miami shot 53-percent from the field. C-J McCollum had 21 to lead the Pels, who will be in Orlando on Friday and then face the Heat again on Sunday in Miami.

The Ragin Cajuns are in search of their fifth straight win tonight as they visit Arkansas State. U-L Lafayette is 14-4 overall, and 5-and-4 on the road. Coach Bob Marlins’ team won at ULM and South Alabama last week and he likes his team’s mentality away from the Cajundome…
cut 17 (23) “….is gonna win”
ULM is at Georgia Southern tonight. Both teams are 4-and-2 in league play. Louisiana Tech hosts Western Kentucky tonight. Both teams are 3-and-4 in Conference USA.

ESPN is reporting former Boise State quarterback Hank Bachmeier is transferring to Louisiana Tech. Bachmeier has two full years of eligibility after starting 29 games at Boise State, going 20-and-9 and throwing for 66 hundred yards, 41 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The Public Service Commission approves Entergy hiking power bills to pay for Hurricane Ida damage to their grid. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office is reportedly close to providing enough deputies from around the state so Mardi Gras krewes can return to their traditional routes. Most parade routes were shortened last year because of a lack of law enforcement. More details are expected to be announced later this week.

It still remains to be seen if a Special Session to address the state’s dwindling number of property insurance carriers will be called before the regular session in April. On his monthly call-in radio show, Governor Edwards says Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon told him April might be too late.
Cut 10 (13) “…question of timing.”
Edwards says discussions will continue between Donelon, legislative leaders and his office.

Four Republicans have announced their intentions to run for governor. Still waiting on a Democrat to get in the race. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says moderate and liberal voters are waiting for a candidate they can support…
cut 8 (08) “….our statewide elections”
DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson, Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Katie Bernhardt and East Baton Rouge D-A Hillar Moore are possible Democratic candidates.

AM LRN Newscall Jan 19

The Public Service Commission approves Entergy hiking power bills to pay for Hurricane Ida damage to their grid. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

_______________________________________________

Of the five candidates who’ve declared their candidacy for governor not one is a Democrat. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a Thibodaux man after things took a sharp turn during a dinner date that ended in an assault Whitney Thomas Reports.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.” 

_____________________________________________

The state’s Public Service Commission approves a plan to let Entergy recover over a billion dollars in Hurricane Ida repair costs from its customers. A compromise deal proposed by outgoing PSC chairman Craig Greene would have Entergy take on a higher tax liability for the recovery expense; reducing the cost to ratepayers by nearly $200-million…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…dirt on their jersey.”

The deal will mean Entergy customers will see an additional $5.50 on their monthly bill for the next 23 years. This is in addition to the $10 they already pay to cover Entergy’s damages from hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta in 2020. Entergy’s CEO Phillip May says Greene’s proposed plan will ease some pain for its ratepayers…:

Cut 5 (10) “…through this securitization.”

The only members to vote against the plan were Foster Campbell from northwest Louisiana, and new member Devante Lewis from New Orleans. Lewis says too many people are struggling already to pay their electric bills…:

Cut 6 (08)  “… them… greatly.” 

By law, utilities can recover damage losses from their customers with PSC approval. This measure passed by a 3-to-2 vote.

_____________________________________________

To date, there are five candidates running for governor, four Republicans and one Independent, and no Democrats. ULM-Political Science professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says it would be disappointing if a Democrat doesn’t get in the race because all spectrums and perspectives wouldn’t be represented.

Cut 7 (10) “…be represented.”

Stockley says if all of the candidates are conservative Republicans then most of the state is actually not represented in a candidate. He says the majority of this state is not conservative, there are moderates and liberals that wouldn’t have a candidate they identify with.

Cut 8 (08)  “…our statewide elections.”

And with the primary less than ten months away, Stockley says the longer a Democrat waits it puts them at a disadvantage.

Cut 9 (13)  “…very (x4) difficult.”

Republicans – Attorney General Jeff Landry, Treasurer John Schroder, Representative Sharon Hewitt, and Representative Richard Nelson have announced their candidacy along with Independent Hunter Lundy for governor.

____________________________________________

It still remains to be seen if a Special Session to address the state’s lack of property insurance carriers will be called before the regular session in April. On his monthly call-in radio show Ask the Governor, Governor John Bel Edwards says Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon told him April might be too late.

Cut 10 (13)  “…question of timing.”

The proposed program would offer financial incentives to property insurance companies to come to the state and write policies and reduce the number of residents on Louisiana Citizens, the insurance of last resort. Edwards says he doesn’t feel there’s opposition to the incentive program only a matter of when the session is held.

Cut 11 (12)  “…basic determination.”

The incentive program would be similar to the one that was offered after numerous policy writers left the state following hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Edwards believes there’s overwhelming support to repeat the program after more than 20 insurance companies have either left the state or gone insolvent from the 2020 and 2021 hurricane seasons.

Cut 12 (08) “…Citizen’s policies.”

The regular session begins on April 10th.

___________________________________________________

Lafourche Parish deputies responded to a complaint from a Lockport woman that led to the arrest of 30-year-old Shane Chelette who allegedly forced himself onto the woman. The two met through the dating app Tinder and agreed to dinner. Captain Brennan Matherne, says things eventually took a turn for the worst.

Cut 13 (13)  “…the residence.”

Detectives issued a warrant for Chelette’s arrest, he was located Friday and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux.

Matherne says Chelette faces several charges.

Cut 14 (11)  “…this case.”

Deputies warn individuals using dating apps to become more aware of its dangers by doing a search for their potential date on Google or social media before meeting in person. Matherne says it’s also best to meet in a public place with a cell phone.

Cut 15 (14)  “…never met.”

________________________________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team goes after its fifth straight win tonight as they battle Arkansas State in Jonesboro. Coach Bob Marlin says his team is playing well and it’s really showing on the offensive end…

Cut  16 (22)  “…rebound margin.” 

The Cajuns are 14-and-4 overall, and 5-and-4 on the road. Marlin’s team won at ULM and South Alabama last week and he likes his team’s mentality away from the Cajundome…

Cut 17 (23) “…is gonna win.” 

_____________________________________________________________-

Louisiana Tech looks to end a two-game losing streak tonight when they host Western Kentucky. The Bulldogs are 3-and-4 in Conference. The losses in league play have been by seven points or less. Bulldogs Coach Talvin Hester is optimistic more wins are on their way…

Cut 18 (19) “…into wins.” 

Louisiana Tech is led in scoring by Cobe Williams at 18 points a game. Keaston Willis is averaging 13 points a game and is coming off a season-high 23 points against UAB. Hester says Willis was concerned about a shooting slump so he told him to concentrate on defense

Cut 19 (18) “…in a big way.”

 

Cut 20 (19)  “…to help us.” 

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