07:30 Newscast, December 15th, 2016

Flood victims waiting for a mobile home from FEMA will receive one by January 31st. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The National Cattleman’s Beef Association says consumers could see lower beef prices because of an increase in production. CEO of Cattle Producers of Louisiana, Dave Foster, says packagers are offering feeders more money for their cattle, which has helped the market rebound…:
Cut 10 (08) “to market”

The Governor’s Office confirms LDWF Secretary Charlie Melancon has stepped down. Melancon becomes the first cabinet secretary to leave the 11 month old Edwards Administration. The Governor says this will be a time of transition for the department, but there are positive reforms being made to LDWF to correct issues raised in the legislative auditor’s report regarding the previous administration.

The attorney for the man convicted of manslaughter for killing former Saints player Will Smith says they are mapping out an appeal this week. Cardell Hayes is scheduled to be sentenced February 17th, and the DA says he is seeking the maximum 60 years.

Lake Charles Police have made an arrest in a homicide that took place in 1987. Lt. Richard Harrell says they re-opened the cold case last spring and put together enough evidence to charge 59-year-old Harry James Richard with armed robbery and first degree murder in the death of 75-year-old Noah Breaux…:
CUT 7 (10) “be prosecuted”
Harrell says more evidence and witness testimony has since come out, and police are preparing a case to present to the DA.

 

06:45 Sportscast, December 15th, 2016

New LSU offensive coordinator Matt Canada doesn’t think it will take long for the Tigers to have a high-powered offense. Canada says his playbook is simple and effective and it will be tailored around the strengths of the players…:
Cut 16 (16) “proud of that”
Canada was at Pittsburgh this past season and he was a finalist for the Broyles Award which goes to the nation’s top assistant coach. The 41-year-old was the only offensive finalist for that award.

In college hoops last night, UL-Lafayette fell to Georgia in Athens 73-60. Justin Miller Led the Cajuns with 17 points. Nicholls State lost to Texas Tech 89-46. McNeese State was clobbered by SMU 92-56.

The Pelicans are going to try to light things up tonight as they face the Pacers in the Smoothie King Center.

The last couple of games have been rough for the Saints. They’ve only scored 24 points and Quarterback Drew Brees has not thrown a touchdown pass and has been intercepted six times. Brees knows he’ll bounce back:
Cut 19 (15) “those corrections”
This Sunday the Saints visit the Arizona Cardinals.

Saints offensive tackle Terron Armstead has been placed on season ending injured reserve. Armstead has been nursing an injured knee throughout the season and has missed several games. Andrus Peat is expected to start at left tackle this Sunday.

The attorney for the man convicted of manslaughter for killing former Saints player Will Smith says they are mapping out an appeal this week. Cardell Hayes is scheduled to be sentenced February 17th, and the DA says he is seeking the maximum 60 years.

 

06:30 Newscast, December 15th, 2016

FEMA announces any flood victims awaiting a manufactured housing unit will receive one by January 31st. Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer for FEMA Tito Hernandez says 25-hundred families are currently eligible to live in a mobile home…:
cut 4 (06) “the field”
Hernandez says the holdup occurs when the portable homes are placed on personal property, as it’s hard to install these units in front of someone’s flood-damage home.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries secretary, Charlie Melancon, has stepped down from his position. Governor John Bel Edwards released a statement saying that Melancon has been a tremendous public servant, but the two have agreed that LDWF should move in a different direction. The former congressman resigned on the heels of a state audit showing some problems under his predecessor.

Newly elected 4th District Congressman Mike Johnson is resigning from his statehouse seat. Media outlets report that State Rep. Johnson, a Republican from Bossier City, sent his letter of resignation Tuesday.

If you plan on mailing a gift this Christmas, you’re running out of time to ship it. New Orleans Postmaster Matt Connelly says today is the deadline for ground mailing through the US Postal Service. He says other deadlines are also approaching…:
Cut 13 (08) “December 23”
He says today is the biggest mailing day of the season.

New LSU offensive coordinator Matt Canada doesn’t think it will take long for the Tigers to have a high-powered offense. Canada says his playbook is simple and effective and it will be tailored around the strengths of the players…:
Cut 16 (16) “proud of that”

 

LRN AM NEWSCALL DEC 15

According to FEMA, flood victims waiting for a mobile home will receive one by January 31st. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A 59-year-old man has been arrested for murder in a Lake Charles cold case that’s nearly 30-years-old. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Increased beef production could mean consumers see lower prices, according to the National Cattleman’s Beef Association. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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FEMA announces any flood victims awaiting a manufactured housing unit will receive one by January 31st. Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer for FEMA Tito Hernandez says 25-hundred families are currently eligible to live in a mobile home.

cut 4  (06) “the field”

Currently on average, FEMA is installing 30 trailers each day. Hernandez says a lot of work goes into installing a FEMA home, which is considered a last resort when it comes to temporary housing. He says even given the criticism, they are pleased with their performance.

Cut 5  (10)  “a lot”

Hernandez says the holdup occurs when the portable homes are placed on personal property rather than in a commercial location. He says it’s been difficult to install these units in front of someone’s flood-damage home….

Cut 6 (08) “been done”

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Lake Charles Police have made an arrest in a homicide that took place in 1987. Lt. Richard Harrell says they re-opened the cold case last spring and put together enough evidence to charge 59-year-old Harry James Richard with armed robbery and first degree murder in the death of 75-year-old Noah Breaux.

CUT 7 (10)  “be prosecuted”

Harrell says more evidence and witness testimony has since come out, and Breaux’s body was exhumed in August. He says 30 years ago, first responders responded to a house fire and they discovered Breaux’s body in his home, which launched a homicide investigation at the time.

Cut 8 (09) “suspect’s tracks”

Harrell says the investigation is still ongoing, as police prepare to present the case to the District Attorney. He says the family is relieved that an arrest has finally been made, decades after Breaux’s death.

Cut 9 (08)  “hoped for”

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The National Cattleman’s Beef Association says consumers could see lower beef prices because of an increase in production. CEO of Cattle Producers of Louisiana, Dave Foster, says the increase in U.S. beef production is due to packagers offering feeders more money for their cattle, which helped the struggling market rebound.

Cut 10 (08) “to market”

The US Department of Agriculture found that November 2016 was the largest beef production month since 2010. But Foster says don’t expect lower prices for beef for the holidays, because consumers a lot of beef this time of year.

cut 11 (10) “the price”

CattleFax is more optimistic, as they say consumers could expect better sale prices and more limited-time offers on menu items. But Foster says we may have to wait until January 2017 until see a noticeable dip in prices.

cut 12 (07) “retail outlet”

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If you plan on mailing a gift this Christmas, you’re running out of time to ship it. New Orleans Postmaster Matt Connelly says today is the deadline for ground mailing through the US Postal Service. He says other deadlines are also approaching.

Cut 13 (08) “December 23”

Connelly reminds everyone that you cannot mail things that are liquid hazardous perishable, like lithium batteries, perfume, or nail polish, and fragile packages should be labeled. He says it’s also important to make sure your packages are properly labeled inside and out.

cut 14 (08) “on time”

Connelly says today will be the busiest mailing day, and the busiest delivery day will be December 22. He says they even have solutions for people who can’t make it to the post office in person. He says people can find information and shipping tips at USPS.com.

Cut 15 (08) “no charge”

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New LSU offensive coordinator Matt Canada doesn’t think it will take long for the Tigers to have a high-powered offense. Canada says his playbook is simple and effective and it will be taylored around the strengths of the players….

Cut 16 (16) “proud of that”

LSU’s previous head coach Les Miles was criticized for meddling to much with the offensive game plan. Canada doesn’t think that will be a problem with Head Coach Ed Orgeron

Cut 17 (14)    “football games”

During his previous stops, Canada has shown the ability to move the ball and score points with different types of offenses. He says when he gets on the recruiting trail, he won’t look for a particular style of quarterback, but instead the best Q-B…

Cut 18 (18) “who is accurate”

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The last couple of games have been rough for the Saints. They’ve only scored 24 points and Quarterback Drew Brees has not thrown a touchdown pass and has been intercepted six times. Brees knows he’ll bounce back…

Cut 19 (15)   “those corrections”

This Sunday the Saints visit the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona is a disappointing 5-7-and-1, but they are number one in the NFL total yards allowed per game. Brees knows their offense will face a huge challenge this weekend….

cut 20 (14)   “all year”

18:30 Newscast Dec 14

A judge ruled in favor of Attorney General Jeff Landry in the suit filed by the governor for blocking state contracts that contained anti-LGBT discrimination language. Landry says the governor can’t issue executive orders that don’t support a current law.

Cut 7 (07) “create it”

Sean Sullivan with Forum for Equality Foundation says this ruling is another setback for the LGBT community in Louisiana.

LSU President F. King Alexander went before the House Appropriations Committee and expressed his concerns over the 16th budget cut in nine years that the school is facing. Alexander says at some point the state needs to invest in the next generation of students.

Cut 12 (11) “they have”

Former US Representative Charlie Melancon has resigned as the state’s wildlife and fisheries secretary. Governor John Bel Edwards issued a statement saying it’s time to take the department in a different direction. Edwards says while there will be a transitional period, there are positive reforms that can be made to correct the issues made under the previous administration.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser wants to boost international travel throughout Louisiana. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

17:30 LRN Newscast December 14th

Governor John Bel Edwards’ executive order preventing LGBT discrimination in state government and businesses who have contracts with the state has been overturned. Attorney General Jeff Landry says he applauds Judge Todd Hernandez’ ruling. He says at the end of the day, this case was about the governor trying to create his own law….
cut 6 (11) “…the process”
Edwards says he plans on appealing the ruling and believes the executive order is necessary to show the state does not tolerate discrimination.

LSU made it official today by naming Matt Canada as the Tigers new offensive coordinator. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran believes it’s a good hire and it gives LSU two young and talented coordinators, Canada and defensive coordinator Dave Aranda….
cut 11 (09) “…versatility”

LSU President F. King Alexander expresses his concerns to legislators about future budget cuts to higher ed….
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

And Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser wants international tourists to visit the entire state, now just southeast Louisiana. Nungesser says out of country travelers would like our rural attractions and we’ll see more international tourists over the next couple of years…
cyt 5 (09) “…more money”

16:45 LRN Sportscast December 14th

LSU made it official today by naming Matt Canada as the Tigers new offensive coordinator. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran believes it’s a good hire and it gives LSU two young and talented coordinators, Canada and defensive coordinator Dave Aranda….
cut 11 (09) “…versatility”
Canada was at Pittsburgh this past season and he was a finalist for the Broyles Award which goes to the nation’s top assistant coach. The 41-year-old was the only offensive finalist for that award.

It’s been reported Saints offensive tackle Terrance Armstead has been placed on injured reserve which would end the veteran’s season, with three games left remaining on the schedule. Armstead has been nursing an injured knee throughout the season and has missed several games. Andrus Peat is expected to start at left tackle this Sunday against Arizona.

ULM announced today that they’ve signed five junior college players who will join the program next month. One of the players is former Neville offensive lineman Joquarius Savage, who has spent the last two seasons at Northeast Mississippi Community College. Coach Matt Viator says three of the five players signed are defensive backs, which he says is a position of need.

The LHSAA is considering changing the schedule for the prep football classic. Instead of spreading out over two weekends, the LHSAA is looking at holding it on the same weekend, over a three-day period from December 7th to the 9th in 2017. Three games will be played each day.

16:30 LRN Newscast December 14th

Governor John Bel Edwards executive order protecting the rights of LGBT individuals who work for the state or are employed with a business that has a contract with the state has been thrown out by a state judge in Baton rouge. Attorney General Jeff Landry has said the order exceeds the governor’s authority and Judge Todd Hernandez agreed. Sean Sullivan with Forum for Equality Foundation, says unfortunately these kinds of protections are necessary…
cut 9 (08) “…and socially”
Governor Edwards says he plans to appeal today’s ruling.

LSU introduced Matt Canada as it’s new offensive coordinator today. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says it appears to be a good hire…
cut 10 (10) “…he’s been”
Canada says he will stay with his current employer, Pitt, through their bowl game.

LSU System President F King Alexander is not painting a rosy picture of the school’s future with the potential for more budget cuts to be handed down. The state’s budget problems have forced TOPS students in the upcoming semester to pay roughly 60-percent of their tuition. Alexander says enrollment is down 3.5 percent for the next semester compared to the previous spring…
cut 14 (11) “….our institution”
Higher education leaders are requesting a 189-million dollar increase in state aid.

The tables turned on a robbery suspect in Shreveport when a 71-year-old shop owner took matters into his own hands. Cpl. Marcus Hines with Shreveport Police says 36-year-old Michael Kelly allegedly stole the victim’s wallet at the store then attacked him…:
Cut 15 (07) “multiple times”
Following his release from the hospital, Kelly will be booked into jail on many charges.

 

15:30 LRN Newscast December 14th

A Baton Rouge judge has ruled Governor John Bel Edwards executive order that protects L-G-B-T individuals from discrimination is unconstitutional. Attorney General Jeff Landry has questioned the legality of the L-G-B-T rights order, because the legislature did not approve it…
cut 7 (07) “…create it”
Governor Edwards says the executive order is necessary in order to show that the state doesn’t discriminate and he plans to appeal.

Not only is Alabama beating LSU on the football field, but they are also doing a better job in hiring professors. That’s what LSU System president F King Alexander told a legislative committee earlier today….
cut 13 (07) “…football coaches’
Alexander says the University of Alabama is in the process of hiring 300 new teachers, while LSU has lost over 500 in the past nine years and he pleaded with lawmakers to make more of a state investment in higher education.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser wants to boost international travel throughout Louisiana. Don Molino has more…
CUT 1 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

LSU made it official today by naming Matt Canada as the Tigers new offensive coordinator. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran believes it’s a good hire and it gives LSU two young and talented coordinators, Canada and defensive coordinator Dave Aranda….
cut 11 (09) “…versatility”

LRN PM Newscall December 14th

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser wants to boost international travel throughout Louisiana. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

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LSU President F. King Alexander expresses his concerns to legislators about future budget cuts to higher ed. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The number of international visitors has grown in Louisiana, but Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, who oversees tourism in the state, doesn’t just want these travelers to visit New Orleans. Nungesser says there are direct flights into New Orleans from London, Germany, and Honduras, but he wants to see these tourists get out to the rest of the state.

Cut 3 (12) “of Louisiana”

Nungesser says there are 17 scenic byways across Louisiana through 53 parishes covering 2,400 miles. He hopes these highways encourage international travelers to get off the interstates and see more of the Bayou State. He says this would not only benefit the small towns in Louisiana, but the state as a whole.

cut 4  (09) “by tourists”

Louisiana saw a 36-percent increase in international tourism from 2014 to 2015, ranking second in the nation for overall growth. Nungesser says Louisiana could see one million more international visitors by 2018, representing an economic impact of $1.7 billion.

Cut 5  (09)  “more money”

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Governor John Bel Edwards’ executive order preventing LGBT discrimination in state government and businesses who have contracts with the state has been overturned. Attorney General Jeff Landry says he applauds Judge Todd Hernandez’ ruling. He says at the end of the day, this case was about the governor trying to create his own law.

Cut 6 (11) “the process”

The governor had filed a lawsuit against the AG for blocking state contracts that contained anti-discrimination language. Landry says it wasn’t the anti-discrimination aspect of the order that was the problem, it was the legality. He says if a bill passed that established the LGBT community as a protected class, then that would be different.

CUT 7 (07)  “create it”

Sean Sullivan with Forum for Equality Foundation says this ruling is another setback for the LGBT community in Louisiana. But he says they are confident the Governor’s Office will continue to fight to move these protections forward.

Cut 8 (09) “the state”

Sullivan says these are not new protections, as they have been in place under two previous Louisiana governors, Edwin Edwards and Kathleen Blanco. He says unfortunately, at this point in time these kinds of protections are necessary.

Cut 9 (08)  “and socially”

Governor Edwards released a statement saying he plans to appeal the ruling.

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LSU Head Coach Ed Orgeron has hired former Pittsburgh Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada to be the Tigers new O.C. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says once it was obvious Alabama’s Lane Kiffin was seeking a head coaching job, Canada was the best choice.

Cut 10 (10) “he’s been”

Moran says Matt Canada will fit well in the mix with defensive coordinator Dave Aranda. He says both started their coaching careers young and worked their way up quickly…

cut 11 (09) “and versatility”

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LSU President F. King Alexander went before the House Appropriations Committee and expressed his concerns over the 16th budget cut in nine years that the school is facing. Alexander says they can’t be much more efficient when LSU is already 46 out of 50 flagship universities in per student spending. He says at some point the state needs to invest in the next generation of students.

cut 12 (11) “they have”

Higher Education Commissioner Joseph Rallo is asking the legislature to increase funding by 189-million dollars in next year’s budget. But the state has as an estimated 600-million dollar budget deficit for this year. Alexander says the University of Alabama is in the process of hiring 300 new teachers, while LSU has lost over 500 in the past nine years.

Cut 13 (07) “this weekend”

The state’s budget problems have forced TOPS students in the upcoming semester to pay over 50-percent of their tuition. Alexander says enrollment is down 3.5 percent for the next semester compared to the previous spring…

cut 14 (11) “our institution”

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The tables turned on a robbery suspect in Shreveport when a 71-year-old shop owner took action into his own hands. Cpl. Marcus Hines with Shreveport Police says the owner let 36-year-old Michael Kelly into his business to use the bathroom. He says that’s when Kelly stole the man’s wallet and things turned violent.

Cut 15 (07) “multiple times”

Hines says Kelly was struck three times and tried to flee on foot, but collapsed in front of the business. He says when police arrived, the owner was visibly shaken.

Cut 16  (10)  “minor injuries”

Hines says Kelly faces a laundry list of charges, including armed robbery, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, resisting an officer, and an outstanding warrant.

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