LRN PM Newscall July 8

Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi says slain St. Gabriel Officer Devin Boutte was under investigation and had a relationship with his suspected killer. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

___________________________________________________

The United Cajun Navy is in the Texas Hill Country helping with search and rescue efforts following the catastrophic flash flooding that has so far killed 108 people. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

St. Gabriel police captain Devin Boutte was found stabbed to death in his home Sunday morning. Authorities report the officer had an on-and-off domestic relationship with the suspect and was under investigation for corruption. 25-year-old Warren Mitchell III admitted to stabbing Boutte multiple times. Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi says the suspect sold drugs for Boutte.

Cut 3 (11) “…doing together.”

Crystal meth and other drugs were found inside the home. Stassi brought allegations of corruption to the Attorney General’s Office, which began their investigation just ten days before the murder.  Stassi says the investigation was slowed.

Cut 4 (12) “…end result.”

Mitchell is facing charges of second-degree murder as the homicide investigation is still ongoing. Stassi says the vicious attack occurred while Boutte was sleeping, and the entire situation is tragic.

Cut 5 (14) “…that person.”

________________________________________________

The United Cajun Navy is helping with the search and rescue operation in the Texas Hill Country, where more than 100 people have been killed in flash floods. So far, United Cajun Navy searchers have found 11 bodies. Vice President Brian Trascher says they have sent people with very specific backgrounds to the scene.

Cut 6 (14) “…kind of experience.”

Trascher says rain in the area has subsided; and thus, the rivers are fairly calm. 

Cut 7 (12) “…to be there.”

Trascher says the United Cajun Navy will remain in Texas until officials there say they have everything under control.

Cut 8 (15) “…easier on us.”

Overall, the death toll has reached 108. Five campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for.

________________________________________________

The United Way of Southwest Louisiana is responding to the disaster through its UnitedGulf disaster relief campaign. Volunteer Coordinator Ashley Norman says the very best thing you can donate right now is money.

Cut 9 (09)  “…of logistical work.”

Norman says furthermore, by donating cash, you’re not creating additional logistical headaches.

Cut 10 (06) “…of the area.”

Norman says if you’d like to help out in this effort, it’s very easy.

Cut 11 (10) “…slash-united-gulf.”

(Text UNITEDGULF to 40403 or visit unitedwayswla.org/unitedgulf)

2:30 PM LRN Newscast

Crystal meth and other drugs were found inside the home of St. Gabriel police captain Devin Boutte who was found stabbed to death in his home Sunday morning. Authorities report the officer had an on-and-off domestic relationship with his accused killer; 25-year-old Warren Mitchell III and Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi says Boutte was under investigation for corruption. The Attorney General’s Office began their investigation just ten days before the murder.  Stassi says the investigation was slowed.

Cut 4 (12) “…end result.”

In Slidell, a 6-year-old child had to be airlifted to a trauma New Orleans hospital after the family’s pit bull attacked the child Monday afternoon. The animal had been temporarily chained in the back yard at the time of the attack. Slidell police who responded to the incident are asking for prayers for the child. Slidell Animal Control has taken possession of the dog as the investigation continues.

The United Cajun Navy is in the Texas Hill Country helping with search and rescue efforts following the catastrophic flash flooding that has so far killed 108 people. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The United Way of Southwest Louisiana is also responding through its UnitedGulf disaster relief campaign. Volunteer Coordinator Ashley Norman says those wanting to help should donate cash rather than supplies that could create logistical challenges.

Cut 10 (06) “…of the area.”

1:30 LRN Newscast

The United Cajun Navy is helping with the search and rescue operation in the Texas Hill Country, where more than 100 people have been killed in flash floods. So far, United Cajun Navy searchers have found 11 bodies. Vice President Brian Trascher says they have sent people with very specific backgrounds to the scene.

Cut 6 (14) “…kind of experience.”

The United Way of Southwest Louisiana is responding to the disaster through its UnitedGulf disaster relief campaign. Volunteer Coordinator Ashley Norman says the very best thing you can donate right now is money.

Cut 9 (09)  “…of logistical work.”

Text UNITEDGULF to 40403.

Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi says St. Gabriel police officer Devin Boutte was under investigation and had a relationship with his suspected killer. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

LSU head baseball coach Jay Johnson was named D1 Baseball Coach of the Year after winning his second national title in Baton Rouge. It is his second time receiving the honor after earning the same award from the American Baseball Coaches Association in June. Johnson is the fastest coach to win two national titles with a program after taking home two trophies in four years at LSU.

12:30 LRN Newscast

A St. Gabriel police captain is stabbed to death inside his home. Captain Devin Boutte (BOO-tee) allegedly had an on-and-off domestic relationship with 25-year-old Warren Mitchell and was under investigation for corruption. Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi (STASS-ee) says Mitchell sold drugs for Boutte and admitted to stabbing him multiple times.

Cut 3 (11) “…doing together.”

The United Cajun Navy is helping with the search and rescue operation in the Texas Hill Country, where more than 100 people have been killed in flash floods. Vice President Brian Trascher says they will remain there until officials say they have everything under control.

Cut 8 (15) “…easier on us.”

So far, United Cajun Navy searchers have recovered 11 bodies.

A Louisiana Tech senior is being hailed a hero after helping lead 14 young campers to safety during deadly flash floods in central Texas. Sean Richardson has more on the heroism of Emma Foltz.

Cut 1 (22) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The United Way is responding to the disaster through its UnitedGulf disaster relief campaign. If you’d like to help, Text UNITEDGULF to 40403.

And now, a look at today’s commodities.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU head coach Jay Johnson was named D! Baseball Coach of the Year after winning his second national championship in Baton Rouge. It is his second time receiving the honor after earning the same award from the American Baseball Coaches Association in June. Johnson is the fastest coach to win two national titles with a program after taking home two trophies in four years at LSU.

UL-Lafayette is hiring Marshall pitching coach Taylor Sandefur to replace Gunner Leger, who has now taken a job at Southern Miss. Sandefur led the Thundering Herd pitching staff to a 5.09 ERA with a 33-and-26 record.

Saints owner Gayle Benson and linebacker Demario Davis will be traveling to France this week to promote the team’s international brand. The NFL granted the Saints marketing rights in the country as part of the league’s 2023 Global Markets Program. The trip will look to strengthen the team’s connection with European fans with events Thursday through Monday and the launch of a team-branded boys and girls flag football program.

The Saints announced the team will be releasing a new alternate helmet tomorrow. A new uniform will also be released sometime before training camp, likely replacing either New Orleans’ Color Rush or 60’s throwback uniforms.

Sun Belt Media Days will kick off July 22 in New Orleans. UL-Lafayette offensive lineman Jax Harrington and safety Tyree Skipper will represent the Cajuns along with head coach Michael Desormeaux. ULM announced they’d be sending redshirt senior tight end Nate Sullivan Jr. and senior outside linebacker Billy Pullen to join head coach Bryant Vincent.

ESPN MLB Draft expert Kiley McDaniel ranked LSU pitcher Kade Anderson as his number one prospect ahead of Sunday’s MLB Draft. McDaniel has previously mocked Anderson to go number one overall. He ranked LSU righties Anthony Eyanson and Chase Shores 45th and 68th. Second Baseman Daniel Dickinson came in at 89th, D-H Ethan Frey ranked 132nd and first baseman Jared Jones rounded out the top 250 at 249. 13 LSU commits also ranked in the top 250.

11:30 LRN Newscast

A Louisiana Tech student from Alexandria is being hailed a hero after helping lead 14 young campers to safety during deadly flash floods in central Texas. Emma Foltz, a counselor at Camp Mystic near Kerrville, acted quickly as rising waters flooded cabins on July 4th. Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson says he couldn’t be prouder.

Cut 4 (10) “…Louisiana Tech students.”

The United Cajun Navy is in Texas helping with the search and rescue operation in the Texas Hill Country, where more than 100 people have been killed in flash floods. So far, United Cajun Navy searchers have found 11 bodies. Vice President Brian Trascher…

Cut 7 (12) “…to be there”

 

An invasive species of ants not native to the U.S. has been detected in Louisiana. A colony of the Asian needle ant was detected in East Baton Rouge Parish last month. Aaron Ashbrook, an entomology professor at LSU, says the species is a native to Japan and China and it’s been in the U.S. since the 1930s…

Cut 14 (15) “…given its proximity.”

The Asian needle ant’s sting is more painful than that of the fire ant.

Ascension Public Schools retained the top spot in Louisiana for the percentage of students in grades 3 through 12 achieving mastery or advanced levels on the 2024-25 LEAP state tests, with 53-percent meeting those benchmarks. Superintendent Edith Walker….

Cut 11 (09) “…as well.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

The United Cajun Navy is in Texas helping with the search and rescue operation in the Texas Hill Country, where more than 100 people have been killed in flash floods. Vice President Brian Trascher says they’re sending people with very specific backgrounds to the scene.

Cut 6 (14) “…kind of experience.”

Trascher says rain in the area has subsided; and thus, the rivers are fairly calm.

Republicans and Democrats are describing a much different picture of what Medicaid will look like because of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful bill becoming law. Louisiana Democratic Party Executive Director Dadrius Lanus says the cuts to Medicaid will hit Louisiana very hard. House Speaker Mike Johnson says the legislation strengthens the Medicaid program by putting new work requirements into place…

Cut 9 (11) “…pull it

Slidell Police say a six-year-old child was severely injured after attacked by the family’s pit bull, which was temporarily chained in the backyard at the time of the incident. The child was airlifted to a New Orleans hospital and Slidell Police has taken possession of the dog.

An invasive ant species not native to the U.S. has been found in Louisiana. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

9:30 LRN Newscast

The Republicans One Big Beautiful Bill provides tax breaks and increases funding for several GOP priorities. To pay for all of that, the budget bill reduces spending by one-point-one trillion dollars over the next ten years for Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. Louisiana Democratic Party Executive Director Dadrius Lanus spoke at the Baton Rouge Press Club…

Cut 7 (08) “….and big corporations”

House Speaker Mike Johnson says the legislation reforms the Medicaid program to benefit those who really need the free health care.

A Louisiana Tech student from Alexandria is being hailed a hero after helping lead 14 young campers to safety during deadly flash floods in central Texas. Emma Foltz, a counselor at Camp Mystic near Kerrville, acted quickly as rising waters flooded cabins on July 4th. Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson says he couldn’t be prouder.

Cut 4 (10) “…Louisiana Tech students.”

 

For the second year in row, Ascension Parish is ranked as the top achieving school system in the state based on LEAP exam results. They are one of three school systems to have more than 50-percent of their students achieve total mastery-plus. Ascension Superintendent Edith Walker says she’s willing to help other school districts get above that 50-percent mark…

Cut 13 (13) “..them as well”

The Asian needle ant, which is native to Japan and China, has been spotted in Louisiana. LSU-Ag Center Entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says they’ve been detected in East Baton Rouge Parish and they will likely move to other parts of the state

Cut 16 (12) “…sting the individual”

And the Asian needle ant’s sting is much more painful than that of the fire ant.

8:30 LRN Newscast

How will Medicaid look in the future because of the passage of the new federal budget bill differs among party leaders. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

More information is coming out about the St. Gabriel Police Officer that was fatally stabbed in his home. According to police records, the suspect, 25-year-old Warren Mitchell the Third knew captain Devin Boutte (Boo-tay), because Boutte supplied him with drugs to sell for his personal use.

 

Governor Jeff Landry is praising Emma Foltz of Alexandria. Foltz, a student at Louisiana Tech, helped evacuate 14 campers to safety at Camp Mystic in Texas before flood waters came rushing in. Louisiana Tech president Doctor Jim Henderson spoke with Foltz after her act of heroism…

Cut 5 (08) “…what’s going on”

The death toll from the catastrophic flooding in Texas has exceeded 100. That includes 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic.

A species of ants that is native to Japan and China has been found in Louisiana. They are called the Asian needle ant. LSU Ag Center entomologist Aaron Ashbrook…

Cut 15 (12) “…feed upon termites”

That’s the good news, but Ashbrook says their sting is more painful than that of a fire ant.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Republicans and Democrats are describing much different pictures of what Medicaid will look like because of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful bill becoming law. At the Baton Rouge Press Club, Louisiana Democratic Party Executive Director Dadrius Lanus says the cuts to Medicaid will hit Louisiana very hard…

Cut 8 (12) “….a float”

Lanus says 33 rural hospitals across the state are projected to close, including 11 in Speaker Mike Johnson’s district. Johnson was a guest on the Moon Griffon Show and says their legislation strengthens the Medicaid program by putting new work requirements into place…

Cut 9 (11) “…pull it

 

An invasive species of ants not native to the U.S. has been detected in Louisiana. A colony of the Asian needle ant was detected in East Baton Rouge Parish last month. Aaron Ashbrook, an entomology professor at LSU, says the species is native to Japan and China and it’s been in the U.S. since the 1930s…

Cut 14 (15) “…given its proximity.”

The Asian needle ant’s sting is more painful than that of the fire ant.

Ascension Parish ranks number one in the state for its students performance on the LEAP exam. The school system also ranked in the top three for performance among economically disadvantaged students, African American students, and students with disabilities. Ascension Parish Superintendent Edith Walker…

Cut 12 (13) “…comes to us.” (2x)