06:45 Sportscast, March 20th, 2017

The sixth ranked LSU baseball team finished off a sweep of Georgia with 7-6 win on Sunday at Alex Box Stadium. Kramer Robertson drove in four runs and Greg Deichmann drove in two. Freshman pitcher Eric Walker struck out eight in six innings to improve his record to 3-0. Coach Paul Mainieri…:
Cut 18 (19) “our winning”
The Tigers are now 16-5.

In the Sun Belt, No. 14 UL-Lafayette defeated Appalachian State 4-3 at home on Sunday and the Cajuns claim the 4th straight series victory of the year.

ULM got off to a strong start but it wasn’t enough as Arkansas State handed the Warhawks an 8-3 loss.

In C-USA action, Louisiana Tech fell to Southern Miss yesterday 8-5 and the Golden Eagles went on to take the series in Ruston.

The McNeese Baeball team completed a three game Southland Conference sweep of Stephen F Austin on Sunday with an 11-1 run-rule victory.

Southeastern’s win streak stopped at 10 as the Lions fell to Lamar in a 13-5 comeback win for The Cardinals. SLU is now 14-5 on the year and 5-1 in conference action.

Tulane got the 8-7 win yesterday over Columbia and the Green Wave took the series.

UNO edged Abilene Christian 9-8 and the Privateers complete the conference sweep.

Nicholls State got by Houston Baptist, 3-2, to also complete a Southland sweep.

What a win for the New Orleans Pelicans Sunday. Anthony Davis put up a stellar 28 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Pels to the 123-109 win over Minnesota. DeMarcus Cousins added 15 points and 11 rebounds in his return from a one-game absence. New Orleans hosts the Memphis Grizzlies tomorrow.

According to sources, the Saints are hosting backup quarterback Chase Daniel for a visit. New Orleans is looking for someone to compete for the backup job with Luke McCown.

 

 

06:30 Newscast, March 20th, 2017

The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s deputy who was killed in the line of duty has been identified as 43-year-old Sgt. Shawn Anderson. According to authorities, Anderson was conducting an investigation with another deputy at a barber shop when they encountered a suspect and shots were fired leading to the eventual death of Anderson and injuring of the suspect. State Police is handling the investigation.

The Office of Community Development is seeking new offers from companies that want to oversee the homeowner assistance program for flood victims. The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Julie Baxter Payer says they’re reopening the bidding process because they weren’t pleased with the initial offers…:
Cut 10 (09) “best cost”
But Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves feels this is just slowing down the process when Congress approved 1.6 billion dollars last year and the money still isn’t in the hands of those who need it.

Opening arguments in the Derrick Stafford trial are set for 9 a.m. in Marksville. The former deputy marshal faces murder and attempted murder charges after he and another officer allegedly shot at a vehicle killing a 6-year-old boy and injuring his father. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the main issue is whether the shooting was justified..:
Cut 7 (05) “deadly force”
The shooting happened in November of 2015.

Governor John Bel Edwards is seeking to give the Louisiana tax system a facelift during the upcoming legislative session. But Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh is skeptical of the plan he feels could propose higher taxes…:
Cut 16 (09) “gas tax”
Other lawmakers say they support the effort to repeal many business tax exemptions, so that large companies are paying taxes to the state, instead of getting a big refund.

AM Newscall, March 20th, 2017 *Sports Cuts Added*

Opening arguments are scheduled to begin today in the murder trial of a law enforcement officer accused of fatally shooting a six-year-old boy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The state is taking new bids from companies that want to oversee the homeowner assistance program for flood victims. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Governor Edwards hopes to revamp the Louisiana tax system in the upcoming legislative session. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana expands their KIDLINE services to 24 hours a day. The hotline services parents, victims of child abuse, and others who need a listening ear. PCA Louisiana Executive Director Amanda Brunson says a grant from the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement provided dollars to have counselors available around the clock.

Cut 4  (09) “chat online”

Brunson says the hotline offers confidential emotional support, information on child development, and positive discipline tips.

Cut 5  (09)  “and resources”

Brunson says the KIDLINE also connects families to local counselors and community services. She says that includes help meeting basic needs with resources like food banks and local shelters.

Cut 6 (07) “appropriately”

The 24 hour hotline is 1-800-CHILDREN, and counselors can be reached via text at 225-424-1533. She says counselors are also available for web chat at pcal.org/kidline. Calls to report child abuse should be made to law enforcement.

______________________________________

Opening arguments in the Derrick Stafford trial are set for 9 a.m. in Marksville. The former deputy marshal faces murder and attempted murder charges after he and another officer allegedly shot at a vehicle killing a 6-year-old boy and injuring his father. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the main issue is whether the shooting was justified

Cut 7 (05)  “deadly force”

The shooting happened in November of 2015. Stafford and deputy marshal Norris Greenhouse Junior chased a vehicle driven by Christopher Few. The chase stopped at the end of a dead-end street and Few and his six-year-old autistic child were shot. The boy was fatally struck. It took five days for 12 jurors and two alternates to be selected and Ciolino says it will be an emotional trial…

Cut 8 (09) “circumstances”

The defense is expected to argue there was another shooter involved, possibly with testimony from experts and video simulation. Legal analyst Bryan Jeansonne says how it’s presented will make a difference.

Cut 9 (08)  “lose interest”

_________________________________________________________

The Office of Community Development is seeking new offers from companies that want to oversee the homeowner assistance program for flood victims. The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Julie Baxter Payer, says there won’t be any delay in getting assistance to those who need it. She says they’re reopening the bidding process because they weren’t pleased with the initial offers.

Cut 10 (09) “best cost”

Payer says they will expedite this second round of bidding, and she’s confident a contractor will be in place in a month. As of right now, the federal government has yet to give the state access to the federal dollars made available for homeowners, so the only delay is in Washington.

Cut 11 (10) “opened up yet”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says it’s disappointing the state is reopening the bidding process to find a new administer for the program. He says it’s just another delay and it’s frustrating because Congress approved one-point-six billion dollars last year…

Cut 12 (09) “out the door”

A program manager is needed to dole out money to homeowners and arrange state contractors to repair homes. Even though Louisiana has a Democratic governor, the Republic Congressman says this isn’t about politics, it’s about helping those that were affected by the flood.

Cut 13 (09) “people are in”

_________________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is seeking to give the Louisiana tax system a facelift during the upcoming legislative session. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward supports the effort to repeal many business tax exemptions, so that large companies are paying taxes to the state, instead of getting a big refund.

Cut 14 (10) “pay something”

Ward says the plan to eliminate more corporate tax breaks is a much more fair approach.

Cut 15 (04) “right now” 

But Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh is skeptical of Governor Edwards attempt at tax reform. He’s concerned that with the state searching for more dollars, higher taxes will be proposed when legislators meet in April.

Cut 16 (09) “gas tax”

Seabaugh also says if the state cuts exemptions and credits that businesses currently benefit from, then that will hurt economic development efforts…

Cut 17 (08)  “for everybody”

___________________________________________

The sixth ranked LSU baseball team finished off a sweep of Georgia with 7-6 win on Sunday at Alex Box Stadium. Kramer Robertson drove in four runs and Greg Deichmann and drove in two runs. Freshman pitcher Eric Walker struck out eight in six innings to improve his record to 3-0. Coach Paul Mainieri on the team’s 16th win of the season…

Cut 18 (19) “our winning”

Georgia pitchers hit 12 LSU batters during the three-game series. But the Tigers scored 34 runs and  Mainieri says anytime you can sweep a team in the SEC, you have to be happy…

Cut 19 (19)   “scoring”

Caleb Gilbert earned the save, but the Tigers also got two good innings out of relief pitcher Matthew Beck. Mainieri likes what he sees from the Alexandria native…

Cut 20 (17)   “we can count on”

LRN AM Newscall March 20th

Opening arguments are scheduled to begin today in the murder trial of a law enforcement officer accused of fatally shooting a six-year-old boy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The state is taking new bids from companies that want to oversee the homeowner assistance program for flood victims. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Governor Edwards hopes to revamp the Louisiana tax system in the upcoming legislative session. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana expands their KIDLINE services to 24 hours a day. The hotline services parents, victims of child abuse, and others who need a listening ear. PCA Louisiana Executive Director Amanda Brunson says a grant from the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement provided dollars to have counselors available around the clock.

Cut 4  (09) “chat online”

Brunson says the hotline offers confidential emotional support, information on child development, and positive discipline tips.

Cut 5  (09)  “and resources”

Brunson says the KIDLINE also connects families to local counselors and community services. She says that includes help meeting basic needs with resources like food banks and local shelters.

Cut 6 (07) “appropriately”

The 24 hour hotline is 1-800-CHILDREN, and counselors can be reached via text at 225-424-1533. She says counselors are also available for web chat at pcal.org/kidline. Calls to report child abuse should be made to law enforcement.

______________________________________

Opening arguments in the Derrick Stafford trial are set for 9 a.m. in Marksville. The former deputy marshal faces murder and attempted murder charges after he and another officer allegedly shot at a vehicle killing a 6-year-old boy and injuring his father. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the main issue is whether the shooting was justified

Cut 7 (05)  “deadly force”

The shooting happened in November of 2015. Stafford and deputy marshal Norris Greenhouse Junior chased a vehicle driven by Christopher Few. The chase stopped at the end of a dead-end street and Few and his six-year-old autistic child were shot. The boy was fatally struck. It took five days for 12 jurors and two alternates to be selected and Ciolino says it will be an emotional trial…

Cut 8 (09) “circumstances”

The defense is expected to argue there was another shooter involved, possibly with testimony from experts and video simulation. Legal analyst Bryan Jeansonne says how it’s presented will make a difference.

Cut 9 (08)  “lose interest”

_________________________________________________________

The Office of Community Development is seeking new offers from companies that want to oversee the homeowner assistance program for flood victims. The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Julie Baxter Payer, says there won’t be any delay in getting assistance to those who need it. She says they’re reopening the bidding process because they weren’t pleased with the initial offers.

Cut 10 (09) “best cost”

Payer says they will expedite this second round of bidding, and she’s confident a contractor will be in place in a month. As of right now, the federal government has yet to give the state access to the federal dollars made available for homeowners, so the only delay is in Washington.

Cut 11 (10) “opened up yet”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says it’s disappointing the state is reopening the bidding process to find a new administer for the program. He says it’s just another delay and it’s frustrating because Congress approved one-point-six billion dollars last year…

Cut 12 (09) “out the door”

A program manager is needed to dole out money to homeowners and arrange state contractors to repair homes. Even though Louisiana has a Democratic governor, the Republic Congressman says this isn’t about politics, it’s about helping those that were affected by the flood.

Cut 13 (09) “people are in”

_________________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is seeking to give the Louisiana tax system a facelift during the upcoming legislative session. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward supports the effort to repeal many business tax exemptions, so that large companies are paying taxes to the state, instead of getting a big refund.

Cut 14 (10) “pay something”

Ward says the plan to eliminate more corporate tax breaks is a much more fair approach.

Cut 15 (04) “right now” 

But Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh is skeptical of Governor Edwards attempt at tax reform. He’s concerned that with the state searching for more dollars, higher taxes will be proposed when legislators meet in April.

Cut 16 (09) “gas tax”

Seabaugh also says if the state cuts exemptions and credits that businesses currently benefit from, then that will hurt economic development efforts…

Cut 17 (08)  “for everybody”

10:30 LRN Newscast March 18th

Governor John Bel Edwards hopes to revamp the Louisiana tax system in the upcoming legislative session. Emelie Gunn has more…
Cut 3 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

An effort to recall Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni has unsuccessfully ended. Attorney Robert Evans the Third had six-months to get 90-thousand signatures to force a recall and three weeks before the deadline he only had 55-thousand signatures. Evans sought a recall after Yenni reportedly sent sexually explicit texts to a 17-year-old boy.

As federal lawmakers devise a plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, US Senator John Kennedy says he will vote for any plan that’s better than Obamacare. Halen Doughty has more…
Voicer 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

What a night at Alex Box Stadium for Lafayette native Antoine Duplantis. The sophomore left fielder drove in seven runs on a single-game school record six hits as the 6th ranked LSU Tigers belted Georgia 22-9. Duplantis was 6-for-6 on the night. LSU and Georgia meet again tonight at 6:30.

09:30 LRN Newscast March 18th

20-year-old Armande Stephen Tart faces four counts of first degree murder. Jefferson Parish investigators believe he’s the man who killed four people at a Metairie apartment complex earlier this week. Three of the victims were fatally shot and the fourth victim was reportedly stabbed over 40 times. Sheriff Newell Normand calls Tart a cold-blooded killer, who murdered these people over drugs.

There are 12 confirmed cases of the mumps and it will likely keep rising, according to Dr. Frank Welch with the state Department of Health. He says the viral infection has a long incubation period which is why it’s important to know how to prevent the spread of mumps this St. Patrick’s Day weekend…:
cUT 5 (11) “through saliva”
He says know the symptoms, such as headache, fever, fatigue, and jaw swelling just below your ear.

The St. Landry Sheriff’s office announces three teenagers have been arrested for the hanging of a noose on the campus of Westminster Christian Academy. Major Eddie Thibodaux says one of the juveniles involved performed well in school, but made a very bad decision…
cut 14 (10) “….his life”
The school says all three students are no longer enrolled at Westminster.

A Washington Parish man is behind bars after police say he shot and killed five abandoned puppies in February. Chief Deputy Mike Haley with the Sheriff’s Office says a concerned citizen contacted the Humane Society after seeing the abandoned puppies on the side of the road:
Cut 9 (10) “they were dead”
25-year-old Shawn Glen Jones of Angie faces animal cruelty charges.

08:30 LRN Newscast March 18th

LSU police arrest a 20-year-old man in the reported kidnapping and sexual assault of an LSU student on campus. Frank Herrera was booked on numerous charges after detectives say they found his DNA in the victim’s vehicle. Authorities say Herrera kidnapped his victim, as she was walking into a sorority house and forced her to perform oral sex at another location. The victim was able to call for help after Herrera dropped her off at a convenience store to buy condoms.

The major criticism with the House Republicans plan to overhaul the nation’s health care system is that fewer people will be insured as they are now under the Affordable Care Act. But Senator John Kennedy says that’s because the GOP’s plan repeals the individual and employer mandates. He says residents will decide whether they want insurance or not…
cut 8 (08) “….American way”

Three arrests have been made after a noose was hung at the baseball field of Westminster Christian Academy following an argument between three black boys and three white boys. Maj. Eddie Thibodaux with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office says even though it was meant as a joke, a noose is humiliating and hateful.
Cut 13 (06) “lives”
Two juveniles and one 18-year-old are charged with public display of a noose with intent to intimidate.

The State Department of Health predicts the mumps outbreak in Louisiana will get worse. Medical director of the state Immunization Program Dr. Frank Welch says the viral infection has a long incubation period so it could be a few weeks before cases are reported. He says it’s a good idea to know the symptoms…:
cut 4 (08) “both sides”
So far, LDH has confirmed 12 cases.

07:30 LRN Sportscast March 18th

What a night for Lafayette native Antoine Duplantis. The sophomore left fielder drove in seven runs on a single-game school record six hits as the 6th ranked LSU Tigers belted Georgia 22-9. Duplantis was 6-for-6 on the night. Senior shortstop Kramer Robertson was 5-for-5, including a school record-tying three doubles. It was not a good game for starting pitcher Alex Lange, who gave up eight runs in 4.1 innings. Austin Bain earned the win in relief.

Junior left-hander Gunner Leger was good again for the Ragin Cajuns last night as he allowed just two hits in seven innings as UL Lafayette blanked Appalachian State 3-0 in the Sun Belt Conference opener. Leger also had 10 strikeouts.

ULM and Arkansas State were rained out last night and they’ll play a doubleheader at two PM. Louisiana Tech started Conference USA play with a 5-2 loss to Southern Miss.

McNeese improved to 4-0 in league play with a 4-1 win over Stephen F Austin. Matt Gallier homered and Shane Selman drove in two runs as the Cowboys have won 11 straight home games.

Southeastern Louisiana won its 9th straight game overall as the Lions edged Lamar for six to five win. Jacob Seward’s squeeze bunt in the fifth inning brought home two runs.

Northwestern State gave up five runs in the fourth inning and lost to Oklahoma State six to three in Stillwater.

Cole Stapler tossed a complete game as Nicholls edged Houston Baptist two to one. UNO outscored Abilene Christian eight to six, Tulane crushed Columbia seven to zip. Dallas Baptist blanked Grambling 3-0.

In the WNIT last night, Louisiana Tech blew a 14-point lead and lost to SMU 75-70. LSU faces California in the NCAA Tournament tonight at 8 PM.

In the NBA…DeMarcus Cousins did not play last night because of left knee and rib soreness, but Solomon Hill stepped up and scored a career-high 30 points as the Pelicans knocked down the Rockets 128-112.

18:30 Newscast March 17

State health officials say the mumps outbreak in Louisiana will get worse before it gets better. Dr. Frank Welch with the Department of Health says after someone is exposed to mumps, it can take two to three weeks for them to show symptoms.

Cut 3 (09) “lag time”

LDH has confirmed at least 12 cases of mumps so far.

As federal lawmakers work to repeal and replace the affordable care act, US Senator John Kennedy says he’ll vote for anything that’s better than Obamacare, even if it’s not perfect. He says one change he’d like to see in the House bill is more healthcare assistance for those that need it.

Cut 7 (08) “the help”

Kennedy says he also wants more flexibility for states to run Medicaid.

There have been three arrests made after a noose was found hanging at Westminster Christian Academy. Major Eddie Thibodeaux with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office says two juveniles and one 18-year-old, Judah Barber of Opelousas, have been arrested on one count.

Cut 12 (06) “to intimidate”

The incident began after three black boys and three white boys were arguing on the baseball field. All three of those arrested are students.

A Rapides Parish man will spend 21 months behind bars after authorities say he stole more than $100-thousand in Veterans Affairs benefits. 51-year-old Tracy Marler of Ball withdrew more than $100-thousand from a deceased woman’s account between 2008 and 2014. He was sentenced for one count of theft of government property. The judge also sentenced Marler to two years supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution.

17:30 Newscast March 17

An arrest has been made in the case of a quadruple homicide in Metairie. Authorities say 20-year-old Armande Tarte is booked on four counts of first degree murder, and one count of attempted murder. Police say three victims were fatally shot, one was fatally stabbed in the head, and another survived a gunshot to the head. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand says this is a cold blooded killing for the sake of money and drugs.

The State Department of Health predicts the mumps outbreak in Louisiana will get worse. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

US Senator John Kennedy says there are problems with the House Republican’s plan to overhaul the nation’s health care law, but he’s confident it will be improved as it moves through the legislative process. Kennedy likes that the House bill is not as generous with tax credits as Obamacare, but it’s not ungenerous either.

Cut 6 (10) “buy insurance”

One change he would like to see in the bill is giving states more flexibility to operate Medicaid.

A Washington Parish man is behind bars after police say he shot and killed fie puppies that were abandoned on the side of the road. Chief Deputy Mike Haley says during the interrogation, 25-year-old Shawn Jones denied killing the puppies, until detectives learned he obtained a .22 caliber rifle just before the shooting.

Cut 11 (08) “the puppies”

Jones is booked on 5 counts of cruelty to animals.