6:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry opened the start of a eight-day special session urging legislators to approve a Congressional District map that adds a second majority minority district. He also wants legislation approved that will shift Louisiana’s elections from a jungle open primary to closed party primaries. He says voters that belong to a political party should have the right to choose their candidate to represent them in the General election
cut 15 (14) “….decipher”
The special session must end by January 23rd.

We are in the middle of a deep freeze in Louisiana. Cold temperatures and winter precipitation has led to….
cut 10 (03) “….roads and bridges”
That’s State Trooper Ryan Davis who says numerous bridges, on-ramps, and elevated highways are closed this morning.

Temperatures are in the teens and wind chills are in the single digits on this frosty morning. Colleen Crain reports the extreme cold will last until tomorrow morning…
cut 1 (30) “..I”m Colleen Crain”

And this winter weather has produced power outages. Entergy says 11-thousand customers are without power and many of those outages are in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans areas. Cleco has over 500 customers without power and SWEPCO has over 300 customers without power in the Shreveport area.

LRN AM Newscall January 16

Louisiana is feeling more like a deep freeze than the Deep South. Colleen Crain has more on Tuesday and Wednesday’s extreme cold.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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As wintery weather conditions impact the state, a combination of freezing rain, ice, and snow in north Louisiana is causing hazardous driving conditions for motorists. Teiko Foxx has more on what this means for drivers.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Governor Jeff Landry urges state legislators to pass a Congressional map with two black voting districts and makes the case for closed primaries. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A new poll released shows there is support for closed primaries. A survey released last week found that 56 percent oppose changing to a closed primary system. But Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says a majority of respondents to his survey of 600 likely voters approve several features of a closed-party primary…

Cut 4 (12) “..revealing”

59 percent said it makes sense for Republicans and Democrats to pick their party candidates in a closed primary and 56 percent like the idea of a November ballot with one Democrat, one Republican, and potentially independent candidates.

Pinsonat says 70 percent of their respondents said party primaries in the spring and general elections in the fall would give voters more time to understand the candidates…

Cut 5 (10) “,…for months” 

Heated debate at the capitol is expected over Governor Jeff Landry’s proposal to shift from the state’s unique open “jungle primary” system to closed party primaries. Pinsonat says there is support for closed primaries but it’s not overwhelming

Cut 6 (10) “…the other”

Project Louisiana Values funded the poll. Legislators will debate a shift to closed party primaries during the ongoing special session.

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Frigid weather is impacting Louisiana so just how cold is it going to feel Tuesday and Wednesday? Cameron Kowalski with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says the wind is going to make it feel even colder along the I-10 corridor.

Cut 7 (11) “…mid 30s”

North Louisiana is expected to see temperatures as low as 10 degrees Tuesday with wind gusts possibly up to 25 miles per hour and the day’s highs will still be extremely cold says Kowalski…

Cut 8 (08) “…freezing mark.” 

By Wednesday morning winds will die down but Kowalski says temperatures will drop even lower as the skies clear.

Cut 9 (12)  “…low as 12.”

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Louisiana State Police urges motorists to use caution as the roads could be slick this morning. Trooper Ryan Davis says DOTD crews have been applying salt and de-icing agents to bridges impacted by winter precipitation.

Cut 10 (03) “…roads and bridges”

Motorists should drive slowly and allow extra time to get to your destination.

Davis recommends staying off the roadway until conditions improve but if you drive, let someone know…

Cut 11 (11) “…them assistance.” 

Several roads, bridges and overpasses are closed. It’s illegal and and unsafe to drive around a road-closed barricade and violators can be fined up to 500 dollars or face jail time.

If you get stranded, Davis says motorists can call star-LSP or star-577 for help…

Cut 12 (10) “…their trip.” 

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Governor Jeff Landry opened the special session by calling on lawmakers to pass a Congressional map with two majority Black voting districts. Landry says if the state Legislature does not do it before the special session ends on January 23rd, the federal courts will

Cut 13 (12) “..federal judge”

Judge Shelly Dick ordered Louisiana to redraw the Congressional map by January 30th. The current map violates the Voting Rights Act, because the state’s population is one-third Black, therefore one-third of the state’s Congressional districts should have a Black majority.

Chair of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus Candace Newell took to the House floor before Landry spoke and said she’s received assurances from the governor and Republican Legislative leadership that they will pass a map with two voting Black districts

Cut 14 (11) “..what is right” 

During this special session, Landry also wants legislators to pass legislation that will shift Louisiana’s elections from the jungle open primary to closed party primaries. He says it’s only right for voters in a political party to choose their candidate to represent them in the General Election…

Cut 15 (14) “…decipher”

Landry is also urging legislators to pass a new Supreme Court Justice District map. There are currently seven districts and Landry says there should be two Black-majority districts. He says the federal courts are threatening to draw a new map if the Louisiana Legislature doesn’t…

Cut 16 (16) “..as another one” 

Legislators will also debate whether there should be nine Supreme Court districts instead of the current seven.

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The Pelicans lost a close, back-and-forth game to the Dallas Mavericks yesterday 125 to 120. Dallas was physical which contributed to the Mavericks’ 32 free throws on the afternoon as the Pelicans got into foul trouble early in the game. New Orleans Head Coach Willie Green says Dallas had them on their heels to start the game.

Cut 17 (22) “… physical team.” 

Another influential factor in the Mavericks win was the play of Dallas Center Dereck Lively II and Point Guard Kyrie Irving who both had big nights as Irving scored 42 points, had 7 rebounds, and 7 assists and Lively had 12 rebounds. Green says most of Lively’s rebounds were during big moments and created key opportunities for the Mavs.

Cut 18 (23)  “… back out.” 

CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson combined for 53 of New Orleans’ 120 points against Dallas. McCollum also had 6 rebounds and 4 assists and says that a big part of his success in the game was adopting a more aggressive style of play.

Cut 19 (15) “… second quarter.” 

5:30 PM Newscast

Two adults and a minor have been arrested in connection with the shooting outside Bogalusa High School that took the life of a 14-year-old body and left a 13-year-old hospitalized last week. Bogalusa Police say a 16-year-old has been charged with first degree murder. 21-year-old Jamichael Spikes has been charged with several offenses including principal to attempted second degree murder. 18-year-old Caleb Moss was arrested on several charges including accessory after the fact of first-degree murder. The investigation is ongoing.

An arrest has been made in the weekend murder of a mother and her young child in Gonzales over the weekend.  Investigators are calling the shootings of Christina Lynn Artus, 41, and Kaylee Forcell, 1 year a domestic violence situation.The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested Kalvin N. Forcell, 39, of Donaldsonville, on two counts of first-degree murder; simple burglary (vehicle); unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling; theft of a vehicle over $25,000; illegal use of weapons; and possession of a firearm by persons convicted of certain felonies.

Snow sleet and freezing rain has been falling across northern parishes of Louisiana. For south Louisiana light rain is expected to turn to freezing rain into tomorrow morning but only a glaze of ice is possible on roads and the ground. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin

Cut 8 (09) “…into tomorrow” 

Louisiana and the world of Cajun and Country music morns Jo-El Sonnier, the man who took the music of South Louisiana to the world. Saturday, while on tour in Texas, Sonnier received a standing ovation for one of his biggest hits, Tear-Stained Letter, before he left the stage to rest before signing autographs. Minutes later he suffered a fatal heart attack. Cajun Music Historian, Wade Falcon…

Cut 12 (11)  “…this world.”  

Sonnier had a reputation for generosity. He performed and collaborated with many well-known Cajun and Country artists.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU Men’s basketball team suffered its first SEC loss against Auburn on Saturday 78 to 93. The game saw Louisiana’s own Jordan Wright score 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists on the night. The Tigers struggled to keep possession of the ball against what LSU Head Coach Matt McMahon says is an elite Auburn team.

Cut 19 (19) “ … in transition.”

LSU will host Ole Miss on Wednesday with tip off at 6:00 pm on the SEC Network.

The LSU Lady Tigers also suffered their first SEC loss to Auburn 67 to 62 on Sunday. Angel Reese had 24 points and 11 rebounds and Aneesah Morrow had 12 points and 15 rebounds for the game. The loss dropped LSU from number 7 to number 10 in the newest AP Rankings and LSU Head Coach Kim Mulkey says that there’s a lot of room to improve after the loss.

In other college basketball news, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defeated the Liberty Flames in an overtime thriller on Sunday 80 to 76. Bulldogs Head Coach Talvin Hester says that a big reason the Bulldogs won was because of the play of forward Daniel Batcho.

Cut 16 (13) “… tough team.”

Daniel Batcho was named the Conference USA player of the week after averaging 18.5 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks in Louisiana Tech’s wins over Middle Tennessee and Liberty.

And a big day for McNeese’s men’s basketball team as it received it’s first ever Associated Press Top 25 Men’s Basketball Poll vote. The Cowboys are 14 and 2 on the season and 3 and 0 in Southland conference play with a 74 to 65 win over Southeastern on Saturday.

In LSU Transfer Portal news, Liberty wide receiver CJ Daniels has transferred to LSU after a 1,067 yard and 10 touchdown performance last season.

 

4:30 LRN Newscast

We’re seeing a good bit of wintry preciptiation falling across the state and that will continue into the morning hours. There’s also plenty of cold air that pushing towards the coast. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says there’s a hard freeze warning for most of the state…
cut 7 (07) “…on Wednesday”

A special legislative session is underway in Baton Rouge. Teiko Foxx reports the top priority is drawing new boundaries for the state’s Congressional map…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

A new poll released shows there is support for closed primaries. A survey released last week found that 56-percent oppose changing to a closed primary system. But Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says a majority of respondents to his survey of 600 likely voters approve several features of a closed party primary…
Cut 4 (12) “..revealing”
59-percent said it makes sense for Republicans and Democrats to pick their own party candidates in a closed primary.

Cajun and country musician Jo’el Sonnier has died at the age of 77. Sonnier won a Grammy in 2015 for “The Legacy” Album, he also had some great country music hits. Cajun Music historian Wade Falcon…
cut 14 (11) “….multiple times”
Sonnier died after a concert in Texas on Saturday night.

3:30 LRN Newscast January 15

Legislators are in Baton Rouge today for a special session where the main objective is to draw congressional map with two majority minority districts. Senate President Pro Tem Regina Barrow says Republicans and Democrats are offering different opinions on what the new congress district map should look like in order to have two black congressional districts.

Cut 10 (09) “..to be submitted.” 

Winter precipitation has fallen north of I-20 today. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says south Louisiana will experience cold temperatures possible freezing rain this afternoon into tomorrow morning.

Cut 8 (09) “…into tomorrow” 

A Cajun music legend passed away following a concert in Texas over the weekend. Colleen Crain has more on the life of Jo-El Sonnier…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

Bogalusa Police have arrested a two adults and a minor for their in connection with last week’s shooting outside a Bogalusa High Basketball game that left a 14-year-old dead and left a 13 year old hospitalized. 21 year old Jamichael Spikes has been charge with several offenses including principal to attempted second degree murder. 18 year old Caleb Moss was arrested on several charges including accessory after the fact of first degree murder. The 16 year old has been charged with first degree murder. The investigation is ongoing.

LRN PM Newscall January 15

State lawmakers begin a special session at 4 PM today. Teiko Foxx reports the top priority is drawing new boundaries for the state’s Congressional map…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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A Cajun music legend passed away following a concert in Texas over the weekend. Colleen Crain has more on the life of Jo-El Sonnier…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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Winter weather is expected this week with the low predicted to be in the teens. Humane Society of Louisiana urge pet owners not to leave pets outside especially overnight. Director Jeff Dorson says if it’s too cold for you to be outside, its probably too cold for your furry friends.

Cut 3 (13) “…be comfortable.”

State law requires pet owners to bring pets inside when temperatures fall below fifty degrees. This means it will be illegal to leave a pet out in the cold this week.

When it comes to larger animals like livestock, Dorson recommends putting them in stalls, sheds, or barns and give them enough food. He says its important for owners to bring pets inside when the temperature dips to freezing conditions.

Cut 4 (09) “…as well.”

Another important precaution is to keep antifreeze away from pets or where they can get to it. Dorson says antifreeze has a sweet taste that animals like, so if you spill it – clean it up.

Cut 5 (11) “…it’s fatal.” 

If you see a pet left out in the cold, contact your local animal control office or police department.

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Snow sleet and freezing rain has been falling across northern parishes of Louisiana. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says it’s been a light dusting so far…

Cut 6 (09) “..ice up first” 

Jacquemin says there’s a hard freeze warning out for most of the state…

Cut 7 (07) “…on Wednesday.” 

For south Louisiana light rain is expected to change over to freezing rain this afternoon into tomorrow morning. Only a glaze ice is possible on roads and the ground. Jacquemine says the bigger concern for south Louisiana is cold temperatures…

Cut 8 (09) “…into tomorrow” 

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The Louisiana Legislature begins a special session at 4 PM today and the main priority is for lawmakers to redraw the Congressional boundaries with two majority minority districts, instead of one. Senate President Pro Tem and Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow believes they can get it done before the session ends on January 23rd…

Cut 9 (08) “…we agree on.” 

A federal judge has given the Louisiana Legislature a January 30th deadline to draw a six-district Congressional map, with two majority minority districts.

Barrow says House Democrats are proposing a second majority minority district that covers a significant portion of the Baton Rouge area, the Felicianas, Avoyelles Parish, the Mississippi River Delta parishes and northeast Louisiana…

Cut 10 (09) “..to be submitted.” 

Barrow says she expects the Republicans proposal for a Congressional District map will have significant implications for Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves…

Cut 11 (11) “…the question”

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Louisiana and the world of Cajun and Country music morns Jo-El Sonnier, the man who took the music of South Louisiana to the world. Saturday, while on tour in Texas, Sonnier received a standing ovation for one of his biggest hits, Tear-Stained Letter, before he left the stage to rest before signing autographs. Minutes later he suffered a fatal heart attack. Cajun Music Historian, Wade Falcon…

Cut 12 (11)  “…this world.”  

Sonnier died doing what he had done his whole life, bringing joy to his audience with his songs like No More One More Time, Come on Joe, Raining in My Heart and others. Falcon says the Emmy award winning Cajun brought music to the world on local and national record labels and stages, and his remarkable career started early…

Cut 13 (09) “…ever since then.” 

From a young age Sonnier learned from and played alongside great Cajun musicians from the post World War II Dance Hall era. Falcon says, Sonnier lived and breathed his style of music…

Cut  14 (11) “..multiple times.”

Sonnier had a reputation for generosity. He performed and collaborated with many well-known Cajun and Country artists.

2:30 PM Newscast

The Louisiana Legislature begins a special session at 4 PM today with the main priority of redrawing the Congressional boundaries with two majority minority districts. Senate President Pro Tem and Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says House Democrats are proposing a second district that covers a significant portion of the Baton Rouge area, the Felicianas, Avoyelles Parish, the Mississippi River Delta parishes and northeast Louisiana…

Cut 10 (09) “..to be submitted.” 

Snow sleet and freezing rain has been falling across northern parishes of Louisiana. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says it’s been a light dusting so far…

Cut 6 (09) “..ice up first” 

Jacquemin says there’s a hard freeze warning out for most of the state…

 

Louisiana and the world of Cajun and Country music morns Jo-El Sonnier. He died while on tour in Texas Saturday doing what he had done his whole life, bringing joy to his audience with his songs like No More One More Time, Come on Joe, Raining in My Heart and others. Cajun Music Historian, Wade Falcon says the Emmy award winning Cajun brought music to the world on local and national record labels and stages, and his remarkable career started early…

Cut 13 (09) “…ever since then.” 

With the extreme Winter weather expected this week and lows predicted to be in the teens. Humane Society of Louisiana urge pet owners not to leave pets outside. Director Jeff Dorson says When it comes to larger animals like livestock, put them in stalls, sheds, or barns and give them enough food. He says its important for owners to bring pets inside when the temperature dips to freezing conditions.

Cut 4 (09) “…as well.”

 

1:30 PM Newscast Jan 15

Arrests have been made after a violent weekend in Louisiana. In Shreveport 70-year old Joan Johnson, and 29-year old Jasmine Johnson died after being shot in the early morning Sunday. A male victim was also shot and remains hospitalized. Shreveport police have arrested 30 year old Donald White with whom Jasmine Johnson had had a romantic relationship. White has been charged with 2 counts of 2nd degree murder, one count of attempted 2nd degree murder.

Louisiana and the world of Cajun and Country music morns Jo-El Sonnier, the man who took the music of South Louisiana to the world. Saturday, while on tour in Texas, Sonnier received a standing ovation for one of his biggest hits, Tear-Stained Letter, before he left the stage to rest before signing autographs. Minutes later he suffered a fatal heart attack. Cajun Music Historian, Wade Falcon…

Cut 12 (11)  “…this world.”  

State lawmakers begin a special session at 4 PM today. Teiko Foxx reports the top priority is drawing new boundaries for the state’s Congressional map…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

Winter weather is expected this week with the low predicted to be in the teens. Humane Society of Louisiana urge pet owners not to leave pets outside especially overnight. Director Jeff Dorson says if it’s too cold for you to be outside, its probably too cold for your furry friends.

Cut 3 (13) “…be comfortable.”

12:30 LRN Newscast January 15

Record low temperatures are expected this week and the Humane Society of Louisiana stress the importance of bringing pets. Director Jeff Dorson says its important for owners to bring pets inside when the temperature dips to freezing conditions.

Cut 4 (09) “…as well.”

Another important precaution is to keep antifreeze away from pets or where they can get to it. If you see a pet left out in the cold, Dorson suggests contact your local animal control office or police department.

Snow sleet and freezing rain has been falling across northern parishes of Louisiana. For south Louisiana light rain is expected to change over to freezing rain this afternoon into tomorrow morning. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says the bigger concern for south Louisiana is cold temperatures…

Cut 8 (09) “…into tomorrow” 

A federal judge has given the Louisiana Legislature a January 30th deadline to draw a six-district Congressional map, with two majority minority districts. Senate President Pro Tem and Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says House Democrats are proposing a second majority minority district that covers a significant portion of the Baton Rouge area, the Felicianas, Avoyelles Parish, the Mississippi River Delta parishes and northeast Louisiana…

Cut 10 (09) “..to be submitted.” 

Lawmakers will begin redrawing the map in the special session that starts at 4 PM today.

The seventh ranked LSU women’s basketball team’s 16-game winning streak ended yesterday with a 67-62 defeat to unranked Auburn. Coach Kim Mulkey says Auburn’s defense was disruptive…

Cut 17 (15) “…came at us”