7:30 am Newscast

The severe weather that rolled through Louisiana yesterday has left at least one person dead. Officials report someone died just outside the town of Henderson during what many believe was a tornado. Henderson Mayor Sherbin Collette says they have a big cleanup on their hands…

Cut 17 (08) “…the place.”

Louisiana Income Tax returns are due tomorrow, May 15th. If you need a little extra time to prepare them, there’s good news and bad. Colleen Crain explains.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

—————————-

The pastor of St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville says 60 children were set to receive their First Communion on Saturday when a teenager entered the church and brandished a gun. Law enforcement was quick to respond and a frightening experience ended with no shots fired…

Cut 10 (06) “…young man .”

Authorities have charged a 16-year-old with terrorizing and two counts of possession of a firearm by a juvenile.

Louisiana’s Love the Boot Week was a major success. That’s according to Keep Louisiana Beautiful and The Office of the Lieutenant Governor. Close to 20,000 volunteered and collected a record 346 tons of litter KLB Executive Director Susan Russell says litter is 100% preventable if we all do our part.

Cut 5 (08) “…out the window.” 

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints have announced the signing of defensive tackle Kendal Vickers and offensive lineman Lucas Patrick. Vickers appeared in two games with the Bills last season and spent three seasons with the Raiders. Patrick is a seven-year NFL vet who has started 54 games with the Packers and the Bears.

The NFL schedule will be released tomorrow night. Two games were confirmed yesterday. The season opener is Baltimore at Kansas City on September 5th. The Cowboys will kick off the regular season in Cleveland against the Browns. That will be Tom Brady’s debut in the broadcast booth for Fox.

Also, Tampa Bay has signed safety Antonio Winfield to an 84-million dollar deal, making him the highest paid defensive back in the NFL. And the Lions have signed quarterback Jared Goff to a four-year 212 million dollar contract.

Brett McMurphy with Action Network is reporting New Orleans is bidding to hold the College Football Playoff national championship in 2028.
______________________________________________________
Former Ragin Cajuns star Spencer Arrighetti won his first major league game last night as Houston defeated the Oakland As nine to two. Arrighetti allowed two runs over five innings. Former LSU star Alex Bregman hit two home runs.

College baseball tonight…McNeese hosts Texas State and Southeastern Louisiana hosts South Alabama.

LSU gymnast Sierra Ballard has announced she’s returning for her final season with the Tigers. Ballard led off on floor in all 16 compeititions and averaged a 9.820 on beam for the year.

Home and away opponents for the 2024-25 season have been released for LSU men’s basketball. The Tigers will play Arkansas, Texas A-and-M, and Ole Miss home and away. They will host Auburn, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A-and-M, and Vanderbilt. LSU will visit Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas A-and-M.

6:30 am Newscast

The severe weather that rolled through Louisiana yesterday is responsible for at least one death. Authorities say a person died just outside of the town of Henderson. St. Martin Sheriff Becket Breaux says a twister likely hit the parish…

Cut 16 (10) “….a tornado” 

As of this morning Entergy was reporting some 50, 000 customers still without power as a result of the storm.

The Louisiana House has given final legislative approval to a bill that scraps a plan to put cameras up on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge that would issue tickets to speeding violators resulting in twice the normal fine. New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez is a big proponent of cops ticketing speeding vehicles, not cameras

Cut 13 (13)  “..compliance.”

—————————–

Keep Louisiana Beautiful and The Office of the Lieutenant Governor announced that April’s,  Love the Boot Week was a major success.  With 19,441 people volunteering and a record 347 tons of litter collected,  KLB Executive Director Susan Russell says it was a year of tremendous growth.

Cut 4 (10) “…4400 plants.”
Louisiana has hit the peak for termite swarm season. Experts say Formosan subterranean termites are some of the most destructive species we have, responsible for billions of dollars in damages every year. LSU Ag Center Entomologist Dr. Aaron Ashbrook says if they get in your home, they love to feast on moist wood as a result of a water leak or drainage issue…
Cut 8 (13) “…in an area though” 

Updated LRN AM Newscall with storm fatality in St. Martin Parish

It was a record turn out for Love the Boot Week’s 3rd annual litter removal and beautification throughout the state. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”
_______________________________________________

Formosan Subterranean termite swarm season is in full swing. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

____________________________________________

Louisiana Income Tax returns are due tomorrow, May 15th. If you need a little extra time to prepare them, there’s good news and bad. Colleen Crain explains.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

___________________________________________

Keep Louisiana Beautiful and The Office fo the Lieutenant Governor announced that April’s,  Love the Boot Week was a major success.  With 19,441 people volunteering and a record 347 tons of litter collected,  KLB Executive Director Susan Russell says it was a year of tremendous growth.

Cut 4 (10) “…4400 plants.”

Russell says this issue is 100% preventable if everyone is responsible for their own actions.

A few steps you can take are…

Cut 5 (08) “…out the window.” 

Lieutenant Gov. Billy Nungesser says, “Love the Boot Week’s impact is a testament to our states readiness for a cleaner, greener Louisiana.” And with the turnout from this years event, lets hope that next year is even better.

Cut 6 (11) “…love the boot.”

___________________________________________________________

Louisiana has hit the peak for termite swarm season. LSU Ag Center Entomologist Dr. Aaron Ashbrook says Formosan subterranean termites are attracted to light so keep interior lights off at night to prevent them from coming into your house. Second, termites are looking for leaks in your home.

Cut 7 (10) “…moist wood.”

Ashbrook says these termites are some of the most destructive species we have and they are responsible for billions in damages every year. He says if they get in your home, they love to feast on moist wood as a result of a water leak or drainage issue…

Cut 8 (13) “…in an area though” 

Ashbrook says if you have swarms inside your home that is a concern

Cut 9 (11)  “…to establish.”

The best plan is to work with a Termite and Pest control company for preventative maintenance.

_________________________________________________________________

The pastor of St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville says 60 children were set to receive their First Communion on Saturday when a teenager entered the church and brandished a gun. Law enforcement was quick to respond and a frightening experience ended with no shots fired…

Cut 10 (06) “…young man .”

Viewers of the live stream saw two priests lowering their bodies behind a table and screams can be heard from the congregation…

Cut 11 (11) “…(noise from the church

Authorities have charged a 16-year-old with terrorizing and two counts of possession of a firearm by a juvenile. The Diocese of Lafayette says the gunman was dressed in all black with a hoodie over his head and wearing a mask. After he was taken into custody, the all clear was given…

Cut 12 (11) “…go slowly.” 

Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel says they will have uniformed law enforcement at all upcoming Masses. First Communicants can receive First Holy Communion at whichever Mass they choose this weekend.

______________________________________________

The Louisiana House has given final legislative approval to a bill that scraps a plan to put cameras up on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge that would issue tickets to speeding violators resulting in twice the normal fine. New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez is a big proponent of cops ticketing speeding vehicles, not cameras

Cut 13 (13)  “..compliance.”

The measure voids a section of a law passed in 2022 that sought to control speeding on the 18-mile bridge by doubling the speeding fines and using cameras to do it. But Miguez says a normal speeding ticket already costs a driver 350 dollars…

Cut 14 (12)  “..of the state.”

Miguez says using cameras to issue tickets also means fewer dollars for their local criminal justice system

Cut 15 (08)  “…of the funds.”

The bill received unanimous support in both the House and Senate.

______________________________________________

The severe weather that rolled through Louisiana yesterday is responsible for at least one death. Authorities say a person died just outside of the town of Henderson. St. Martin Sheriff Becket Breaux says a twister likely hit the parish…

Cut 16 (10) “….a tornado” 

Henderson Mayor Sherbin Collette says they have a big cleanup on their hands today…

Cut 17 (08) “…the place.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry is urging the Louisiana Senate to approve the Education Savings Account bill. The proposed E-S-A would allow families of all income levels to receive state dollars to pay for education expenses, including private school tuition. Some lawmakers are concerned about the cost. But Landry says in this TV commercial paid for by Protect Louisiana Values, it’s time for parents to have more control of their child’s education…
Cut 23 (08) “….today”
School choice was one of Governor Landry’s campaign promises.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has asked the U-S Supreme Court to get involved in the state’s Congressional map controversy. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino…
Cut 11 (08) ” … May 15th”
Two different draws maps drawn by lawmakers over the last few years have been rejected by federal judges.

The Louisiana House has given final legislative passage to a measure that voids a section of a law passed in 2022 that sought to control speeding on the 18-mile I-10 Atchafalaya Basin bridge by doubling the speeding fines and using cameras to do it. But New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez says a normal speeding ticket already costs a driver 350 dollars…
cut 14 (12) “…of the state”
The bill received unanimous support in both the House and Senate.

Louisiana Pre-k through 12 education ranks 40th this year in the US News and World Report Best States rankings. That is up from 41st in 2023 and 46th in 2019.
cut 5 (03) “…near future”
Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says Louisiana has benefited from the state’s fundamental shift in how students are taught to read, a focus on foundational math skills and an emphasis on career and college readiness.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU baseball team lost a tight one in Tuscaloosa yesterday and their chances of making the NCAA Tournament have shrunk. Alabama beat the Tigers four to three to win the series two games to one. LSU is 10-and-17 in the Southeastern Conference and will likely need to sweep Ole Miss this week in order to have a chance at an large bid to the NCAA Tourney.

U-L Lafayette and Louisiana Tech swept their opponents this past weekend. The Cajuns have clinched a share of the Sun Belt regular season title. While the Bulldogs are now tied for first place with Dallas Baptist in Conference USA. Tech will be at Liberty for a series that begins on Thursday.

Nicholls is now a game back of Lamar for first place in the Southland after taking two of three from the Cardinals. The Colonels wrap up the regular season with a series against McNeese in Thibodaux on Thursday. The Cowboys are 10-and-11 in the Southland.

LSU and U-L Lafayette will host their own NCAA Tournament Softball Regionals. LSU will welcome California, Southern Illinois and Jackson State. This is the Tigers eighth softball regional appearance in nine years. They are a nine national seed.

The Ragin Cajuns are a 13 seed and they will host a regional for the first time since 2016. U-L Lafayette will welcome Baylor, Ole Miss and Princeton to Lamson Park.

The LSU women’s track and field team won the SEC Championships in Gainesville. That’s the 14th outdoor conference title in program history.

West Monroe baseball won its third state championship in history with a five to one win over Barbe. And in Division Two select, Teurlings Catholic beat St. Louis Catholic three to two in 11 innings.

The NFL schedule will come out on Wednesday. It was announced today that Chiefs will host the Ravens in the regular season opener on September fifth.

4:30 PM Newscast May 13

Louisiana Income Tax returns are due this Wednesday, May 15th but if it’s impossible to complete and file them by then, Louisianans now have an automatic extension, giving you until November 15th. You don’t have to file the extension, but you do still have to pay any taxes owed by May 15th. Taxes not paid by the deadline are subject to interest and penalties. If you prepare your own tax returns, they can be filed electronically through Louisiana File Online or using commercially available tax preparation software. If you prefer paper mail-in returns, the forms are available at revenue.louisiana.gov/Forms.

 

The Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry says we need a congressional map by Wednesday the November 2024 election. Attorney General Liz Murrill has brought the issue to the U S Supreme Court but Loyola Law Professor, Dean Ciolino doesn’t expect the nation’s highest court to act that quickly.

Cut 10 (12) “…resolution.” 

 

US News and World Report Best States has Louisiana at 40th in Pre-k through 12th Education. That is the highest the state has ever ranked. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Sean Richardson”

 

Most of the state, south of Interstate 20 is under a flash flood watch until tomorrow morning. Cameron Kowalski with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says some areas have already received two to four inches…

Cut 6  (11) “..flooding ” 

Kowalski says the heaviest rainfall is expected tonight.

LRN PM Newscall May 13

US News and World Report Best States has Louisiana at 40th in Pre-k through 12th Education. That is the highest the state has ever ranked. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Sean Richardson”

______________________________________

Central and south Louisiana are seeing heavy rounds of rainfall today. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin reports there’s the potential for severe weather and several inches of rain…

Cut 2 (26)  “…I’m Bill Jacquemin” 

______________________________________

Louisiana Pre-k through 12 education ranked 40th this year in US News and World Report Best States rankings. That is up from 41st in 2023 and jumped up from 46th in 2019. Louisiana State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Cade Brumley said the state is moving in the right direction.

Cut 3 (10) “…rankings improve.” 

Brumley says they are excited about the continued progress but there is room for growth.

Cut 4 (03) “…needs to be done.” 

Brumley says a “Back to the Basics” model for reading and math is key for the state to continue to improve in the years to come.

Cut 5 (03)  “…near future

____________________________________________________________________

Most of the state, south of Interstate 20 is under a flash flood watch until tomorrow morning. Cameron Kowalski with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says some areas have already received two to four inches…

Cut 6  (11) “..flooding ” 

Kowalski says the heaviest rainfall is expected tonight…

Cut 7 (12) “…those hours.”  

For southeast Louisiana, the heaviest downpours will come after 8 PM tonight.

Kowalski says there’s also the possibility for severe storms as a result of this stationary front…

Cut 8 (13)  “…thundershowers.” 

Several schools in southwest Louisiana have dismissed early for the today as a severe thunderstorm watch has been posted for southwest Louisiana until 8 PM tonight. Cameron, Lake Charles, DeRidder and Leesville are inside the the watch box area.

_________________________________________________________

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is seeking guidance from the U-S Supreme Court over the recent decision by a three-judge panel that threw out the Congressional map approved by lawmakers earlier this year. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says a federal judge in Baton Rouge also dismissed a map approved in 2021

Cut 9 (07) “…U.S Supreme Court.” 

All of the parties involved have a deadline of today to turn in written briefs into the U-S Supreme Court.

The Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry has said they need an answer on what congressional map will be used for the 2024 election by Wednesday. Ciolino doesn’t expect the nation’s highest court to act that quickly…

Cut 10 (12) “…resolution.” 

The map approved in 2021 has one majority Black district and the map approved in 2023 has two majority Black districts. Ciolino says the state is caught in the middle between the Voting Rights Act and equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment…

Cut 11 (08) ” … May 15th”

____________________________________________________________________

The political action committee, Protect Louisiana Values, has a television commercial running urging the Louisiana Senate to approve the Education Savings Account bill. This would allow families of all income levels to receive state dollars to pay for education expenses, including private school tuition. Governor Jeff Landry explains the situation…

Cut 12 (09) “…that’s wrong.” 

Some lawmakers are concerned about the cost of the E-S-A legislation. The Louisiana Public Affairs Research Council has put the cost at 520-million dollars a year.

Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds’ version of the bill calls for a study to get a better idea on the actual cost. But Landry says in this commercial paid for by Protect Louisiana Values, it’s time for parents to have more control of their child’s education…

Cut 13 (08) “….today”

School choice was one of Governor Landry’s campaign promises.

3:30 PM Newscast May 13

Since a recent decision by a three-judge panel threw out the Congressional map approved by lawmakers earlier this year. The matter is going to the supreme court and Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says a federal judge in Baton Rouge also dismissed a map approved in 2021. The map approved in 2021 has one majority Black district and the map approved in 2023 has two majority Black districts. He says the state is caught in the middle between the Voting Rights Act and equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment…

Cut 11 (08) ” … May 15th”

The Louisiana Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism with Louisiana Economic Development and Louisiana Entertainment are heading to the Cannes Film Festival in hopes of bringing more filming projects back to Louisiana and attracting more tourist to the Bayou State. A $300,000 U S Commerce Department grant to promote Louisiana as tourism destination is covering the trip that also includes stops in Milan, Italy, and Madrid, Spain.

Most of the state, south of Interstate 20 is under a flash flood watch until tomorrow morning. Cameron Kowalski with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says there’s also the possibility for severe storms as a result of this stationary front…

Cut 8 (13)  “…Thundershowers.” 

Several schools in southwest Louisiana dismissed early today due to the severe thunderstorm. Cameron, Lake Charles, DeRidder and Leesville are inside the the watch box area.

US News and World Report Best States has Louisiana at 40th in Pre-k through 12th Education. That is the highest the state has ever ranked. up from 41st in 2023 and up from 46th in 2019. Louisiana State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Cade Brumley says they are excited about the continued progress but there is room for growth.

Cut 4 (03) “…needs to be done.” 

Brumley says a “Back to the Basics” model for reading and math is key for the state to continue to improve in the years to come.

2:30 PM Newscast

Louisiana Pre-k through 12 education ranked 40th this year in US News and World Report Best States rankings. That is up from 41st in 2023 and jumped up from 46th in 2019. Louisiana State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Cade Brumley said the state is moving in the right direction.

Cut 3 (10) “…rankings improve.” 

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is looking to the U-S Supreme Court over the recent decision by a three-judge panel that threw out the Congressional map approved by lawmakers earlier this year. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says a federal judge in Baton Rouge also dismissed a map approved in 2021.

Cut 9 (07) “…U.S Supreme Court.” 

All of the parties involved are expected to turn their written briefs into the U-S Supreme Court today.

It’s Motorcycle Awareness Month and Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has some advice for Louisiana drivers.

Cut 26 (09)  “…difficult to see.”

Central and south Louisiana are seeing heavy rounds of rainfall today. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin reports there’s the potential for severe weather and several inches of rain…

Cut 2 (26)  “…I’m Bill Jacquemin”