11:30 LRN Newscast Feb 2

46-year-old Jefferey Dixon of Bunkie faces attempted murder and arson charges in connection with a house fire. State Fire Marshal’s Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says when the Bunkie Fire Department responded to a house fire Tuesday evening, they found the back porch engulfed in flames and one of the residents safely outside.

Cut 6  (06) “…set fire.” 

Shortly after, Dixon was quickly apprehended nearby and he also faces Violation of a Protective Order and Simple Burglary charges.

Louisiana’s Special Legislative session on crime will begin in about two weeks and Governor Landry has been speaking to lawmakers about possibly expanding the death penalty. Landry failing to carry out that sentence goes further than fighting crime…

Cut 24 (09) “…we do.” 

The state’s last death row execution was in 2010.

A lawsuit challenging the most recent congressional map has been filed on behalf of twelve plaintiffs who identify themselves as non-African American voters. Monroe attorney Paul Hurd says the map resembles one that was deemed unconstitutional in the 90s and says his clients filed the suit to put voters in communities of interest back together.

Cut 15 (13) …in Louisiana. “

State Transportation and Calcasieu Bridge Partners have reached a new agreement on a public-private partnership to construct a new Interstate-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue says expenses related to right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, wetland impact mitigation, and others the state is responsible for have been significantly lowered.

Cut 11 (13) “…25 percent.” 

 

 

10:30 LRN Newscast February 2

Lawmakers are about 2 weeks from the governor’s special session on crime and Governor Landry is expected to push for expanding Louisiana’s death penalty. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The National Weather Service is predicting inclement weather statewide for Saturday and Mardi Gras Krewes are adjusting parade schedules and times. Krewes in Baton Rouge and Lafayette have adjusted time. But Shreveport, Lake Charles, and New Orleans still plan to let the good times roll.

A new deal has been reached to construct a new Interstate-10 Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles. DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue says tolls charged to motorists have also decreased from the original plan.

Cut 10 (11) “…before.”

Donahue says the total cost for the project has been reduced by more than 20 percent.

It’s that time again! The Humane Society of Louisiana announce more than a dozen Mardi Gras parade horses are up for adoption during their annual Mardi Gras Horse Adoption Program. President Jeff Dorson says it helps save horses who are brought into the area to accommodate equine demand during Mardi Gras.

Cut 4 (12) “…terrible ending.”

The program has saved over 90 horses from potentially being sent to slaughter. You can find more information on their Facebook page at Humane Society of Louisiana’s Mardi Gras Horses Adoption Program.

9:30 am Newscast

The Humane Society of Louisiana plans to make sure the good times keep rolling for more than a dozen Mardi Gras parade horses this year. HSLA partners with Cascade Stables which brings in horses to meet the demand of Mardi Gras krewes. President Jeff Dorson says the program has had 100 percent success since 2017 and he hopes to find homes for more horses.

Cut 5 (11) “…stable now.” 
A lawsuit challenging the most recent congressional has been filed on behalf of twelve plaintiffs who identify themselves as non-African American voters. The map in question was passed by the legislature in a special session last month Monroe attorney Paul Hurd, says he hopes the unconstitutional nature of the 6th district is as apparent to the court as it is to his clients.

Cut 14 (11) “…and we will.

————–

Louisiana’s Special Legislative session on crime will begin in about two weeks and Governor Jeff Landry has been speaking to lawmakers about possibly expanding the death penalty. The state’s last death row execution was in 2010. And with the recent shortage on lethal injection drugs, many wonder how Louisiana can make it happen. Governor Landry.

Cut 9 (09)  “…to death.”

A jury could not reach a verdict in a lawsuit accusing Baton Rouge Police of using abusive tactics and faking evidence while responding to protests following the 2016 shooting death of Alton Sterling. You’ll recall the killing sparked days of unrest across the city, resulting in more than 200 protestor arrests. A mistrial was declared in the trial yesterday about six hours of deliberations. So far there’s no word on a retrial date.

 

7:30 am Newscast

A lawsuit has been filed against the most recently passed congressional map, claiming it racially segregates Louisiana voters. Here’s Brooke Thorrington.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A jury could not reach a verdict in a lawsuit accusing Baton Rouge Police of using abusive tactics and faking evidence while responding to protests following the 2016 shooting death of Alton Sterling. A mistrial was declared in the trial yesterday about six hours of deliberations. So far there’s no word on a retrial date.

———

The Humane Society of Louisiana plans to make sure the good times keep rolling for more than a dozen Mardi Gras parade horses looking to be adopted following the end of carnival season. President Jeff Dorson says it helps save horses who are brought into the area to accommodate equine demand during Mardi Gras.

Cut 4 (12) “…terrible ending.”
Dorson says they’ve got photos, bios, information about each horse’s personality, and which parade they trotted in on a Facebook page. And to make sure all horses are placed in good homes…

Cut 6 (12) “…adoption fee.”

You can find more information on their Facebook page at Humane Society of Louisiana’s Mardi Gras Horses Adoption Program.

 

 

 

 

6:45 LRN Sportscast February 2

Louisiana Tech put a beat down on Florida International last night winning 93-53. Tahlik Chavez had 27 points, while Daniel Batcho had 20 points and 13 rebounds. The Bulldogs improve to 16-6 overall, six and one in Conference USA.

Louisiana Tech’s 2024 football schedule is out. They will host conference opponents Middle Tennessee, U-TEP, Jacksonville State, and Kennesaw State. Games in October will be either Tuesday or Thursday night.

The SEC has announced a new format for its conference baseball tournament. Starting in 2025, when Texas and Oklahoma join the league, all 16 teams will make it. And it will be a single-elimination tourney. The Top four teams will get a double bye and will not play until Thursday.

The Pelicans close out a four-game road trip by visiting San Antonio. New Orleans looking to end the trip on a two-game winning streak.

__________________________________________

The LSU men’s basketball team returns to the hardwood tomorrow morning when they host Arkansas at 11 AM. The Tigers are looking to snap a three-game losing streak and they would also like to get Jalen Cook back on track. The senior from Walker has 21 turnovers in his last six games and just eight assists. Coach Matt McMahon says they’ve been breaking down the tape this week…

cut 19 (19) “…better and better there”
LSU and Arkansas is at 11 AM in Baton Rouge.

LSU women’s basketball usually plays on Thursday night, but they have tonight off. The Lady Tigers will look to snap a two-game losing skid on Sunday afternoon against the Florida Gators. Tip time is at 1 PM.

 

LSU will compete against Arkansas in gymnastics tonight at the Maravich Center. It’s a top-ten showdown as LSU is ranked fifth and Arkansas is 7th. Arkansas beat the Tigers in Fayetteville last year. The competition starts at 7:30.

6:30 am Newscast

A lawsuit challenging the most recent congressional has been filed on behalf of twelve plaintiffs who identify themselves as non-African American voters. Monroe attorney Paul Hurd says like the congressional map in the 1990s that created a Z-shaped district, this map is drawn along racial lines, not communities of interests.

Cut 13 (11)  “…unconstitutional.”
State Transportation and Calcasieu Bridge Partners have reached a new agreement on a public-private partnership to construct a new Interstate-10 Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles. DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue says tolls charged to motorists have also decreased from the original plan.

Cut 10 (12) “…before.”

——=—

Louisiana’s Special Legislative session on crime will begin in about 2 weeks and Governor Landry has been speaking to lawmakers about possibly expanding the death penalty. Landry says Louisiana is obligated to the victims…

Cut 7 (11) “…should receive.”

The state’s last death row execution was in 2010.

A 61-year-old Monroe woman has been arrested for allegedly allowing people to sell narcotics out of her residence. Police first received an anonymous tip in June of last year. Rosie Lee Jenkins, known as “Momma Rose,” allegedly accepted narcotics and money in exchange for allowing the illegal sales. She has been charged with Letting a Disorderly Place.

AM LRN Newscall Feb 2

Fifteen Mardi Gras horses will be up for adoption after carnival season. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

Lawmakers are about 2 weeks from the governor’s special session on crime and Governor Landry is expected to push for expanding Louisiana’s death penalty. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

______________________________________________

Twelve plaintiffs are named in a lawsuit against the most recently passed congressional map, claiming it racially segregates voters and separates communities of interests. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________________

The Humane Society of Louisiana plans to make sure the good times keep rolling for more than a dozen Mardi Gras parade horses looking to be adopted following the end of carnival season. President Jeff Dorson says it helps save horses who are brought into the area to accommodate equine demand during Mardi Gras.

Cut 4 (12) “…terrible ending.”

HSLA partners with Cascade Stables which brings in horses to meet the demand of Mardi Gras krewes. The program has saved over 90 horses from potentially being sent to slaughter.

Dorson says the adoption fee usually runs from $650 to $850. He says the program has had 100 percent success since 2017 and he hopes to find homes for more horses.

Cut 5 (11) “…stable now.” 

Every year the horses’ names are based on a theme and this year is spices. So expect to adopt nutmeg, poppy, honey, rosemary, pumpkin, and other spice names.

Dorson says they’ve got photos, bios, information about each horse’s personality, and which parade they trotted in on a Facebook page. And to make sure all horses are placed in good homes…

Cut 6 (12) “…adoption fee.”

You can find more information on their Facebook page at Humane Society of Louisiana’s Mardi Gras Horses Adoption Program.

__________________________________________

Louisiana’s Special Legislative session on crime will begin in about two weeks and Governor Landry has been speaking to lawmakers about possibly expanding the death penalty. The state’s last death row execution was in 2010. Landry says Louisiana is obligated to the victims…

Cut 7 (11) “…should receive.”

Landry says it takes a unanimous jury of 12 to convict someone of a capital crime and then the jury must come back with a 2nd unanimous decision for a death penalty sentence. He says failing to carry out that sentence goes further than fighting crime…

Cut 8 (09) “…we do.” 

When asked about expanding the death penalty to include specific methods like gas, hanging, and firing squad Landry didn’t comment on the methods themselves but said others are finding ways…

Cut 9 (09)  “…to death.”

_________________________________________________________

State Transportation and Calcasieu Bridge Partners have reached a new agreement on a public-private partnership to construct a new Interstate-10 Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles. DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue says tolls charged to motorists have also decreased from the original plan.

Cut 10 (11) “…before.”

Governor Landry touted the project had been renegotiated and costs have been reduced by more than 20 percent. Donahue explains expenses related to right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, wetland impact mitigation, and others that the state is responsible for have been lowered.

Cut 11 (11) “…25 percent.” 

The entire project has an estimated price tag of $2.1 billion. Donahue says the retained costs (right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, wetland impact mitigation, etc.) dropped from approximately $415 million to $281 million.

Cut 12 (12) “…accomodate construction.” 

Construction could begin as early as this year and is expected to be completed in approximately seven years.

_____________________________________________________

A lawsuit challenging the most recent congressional has been filed on behalf of twelve plaintiffs who identify themselves as non-African American voters. Monroe attorney Paul Hurd says like the congressional map in the 1990s that created a Z-shaped district, this map is drawn along racial lines, not communities of interests.

Cut 13 (10)  “…unconstitutional.”

The map in question was passed by the legislature in a special session last month that created a second majority-Black district that stretches the 6th congressional district from Baton Rouge to Shreveport. Hurd, who’s litigated congressional maps in Louisiana and other states before, says he hopes the unconstitutional nature of the 6th district is as apparent to the court as it is to his clients.

Cut 14 (11) “…and we will.

Hurd says his clients filed the suit to put voters in communities of interest back together.

Cut 15 (12) …anymore.“

_______________________________________________________________

 

Cut 16 (12) “…the program.” 

Cut 17 (12) “…this year.” 

 

Cut 18 (18)  “…the season.” 

 

Cut 19 (20) “…for that” 

 

Cut 20 (16) “…process though.”

 

 

 

5:30 LRN Newscast February 1

A group of voters are taking legal action against the latest congressional map approved by the state legislature that contains two majority-Black districts. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Forecasters are predicting heavy rain, flooding, and possible strong storms across portions of the Bayou State on Saturday – leaving Mardi Gras krewes in limbo on whether to continue to let the good times roll. City and krewe leaders are waiting for more information before making any final decisions.

House Speaker Mike Johnson blames President Biden and the Senate for the ongoing crisis at the Mexican border. Johnson says he’s been waiting two months to read the bipartisan Senate legislation and he hopes what he’s hearing about the bill isn’t true.

Cut 6  (15) “…the House.” 

The Homeless Coalition of Central Louisiana launches a GoFundMe campaign to help support and provide for the growing needs of the homeless population in central Louisiana. Director Kitty Wynn says the center offers things that many take for granted like washing laundry and showers.

Cut 5 (10) “…you anything.”  

Wynn says additional funding is needed to keep the facility open and all donation can be made to the GoFundMe account “Help the Homeless in Central Louisiana”.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans finished off January by ending a three-game losing streak and beating the Houston Rockets 110 to 99. It was the first time the Pels have defeated Houston after losing two previous games against them this season. Coach Willie Green says it was a solid effort all the way around…
cut 20 (16) “….29 from 3s”
New Orleans is now 27-21, good for seventh place in the Western Conference. The Pels will stay in Texas and visit San Antonio on Friday night. The Spurs have the worst record in the Western Conference.

LSU women’s basketball usually plays on Thursday night, but they have tonight off. The Lady Tigers will look to snap a two-game losing skid on Sunday afternoon against the Florida Gators. Tip time is at 1 PM.
________________________________________________________
The Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team won their sixth straight last night as they defeated instate rival ULM 80-72. The victory moves U-L Lafayette into third place in the Sun Belt standings with a seven-and-three record. ULM falls to 3-7 in conference play after seeing their three-game winning streak end.

Louisiana Tech takes a five-game winning streak into tonight’s game at F-I-U. Coach Talvin Hester has this scouting report on the 7-and-14 Panthers…
cut 19 (14) “…pick and roll”
Hester says they will look to slow the pace down to take advantage of their big men down low.

Louisiana Tech’s 2024 football schedule came out today. They will host conference opponents Middle Tennessee, U-TEP, Jacksonville State, and Kennesaw State. Games in October will be either Tuesday or Thursday night.

4:30 PM Newscast Feb 1

House Speaker Mike Johnson says he has spoken with former President Trump about the Southern border crisis and applauded Trump’s use of executive orders to curb illegal crossing. He says President Biden has reversed Trump’s orders and is responsible for the ongoing flood of illegal immigration.

Cut 8 (11) “…to us.” 

The newest congressional map with two majority black districts is the subject of a lawsuit. La-Politics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says while it seems like the congressional map based on the 2020 Census has been back and forth, it’s nothing new, the same thing happened with the congressional map from the 1990 Census. As for the weight of the newest litigation…

Cut 11 (11) “…have to see.”

A GoFundMe initiative by the Homeless Coalition of Central Louisiana hopes to raise money to support those who experience homelessness. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

A 61-year-old Monroe woman has been arrested for allegedly allowing people to sell narcotics out of her residence. Police first received an anonymous tip in June of last year. Rosie Lee Jenkins, known as “Momma Rose,” allegedly accepted narcotics and money in exchange for allowing the illegal sales. She has been charged with Letting a Disorderly Place.