16:30 Newscast July 12

The US Senate will work the first two weeks of August instead of recessing to try and reach an agreement on the healthcare bill. US Senator John Kennedy says Democrats want the federal government to regulate healthcare, but he doesn’t think that’s what the people want.

Cut 5 (11) “Democrats want”

Kennedy says he cannot support a single-payer healthcare system.

Candidates qualified today for the state treasurer race. Former-Commissioner of Administration Angele Davis is one of those. She says after working under two different administrations, she has the know how to address the state’s fiscal woes.

Cut 14 (09) “of government”

Election Day is October 14.

One-third of Louisiana students scored mastery on the 2017 LEAP test. That’s according to state education superintendent John White, who says this is a four percent increase from 2015 in ELA, math and science. He says it’s good news those gains have remained steady this year.

Cut 6 (10) “science scores”

English scores rose 5 percent in the last two years, while math and science saw a two percent increase.

Former “Sons of Guns” star Will Hayden pleaded no contest to two rape charges in Livingston Parish today. Hayden was sentenced to life in prison for an aggravated rape charge and 10 years for aggravated incest. The new sentences come after Hayden received a life sentence in April for aggravated rape and forcible rape in East Baton Rouge Parish.

3:30 Newscast July 12,2017

Today candidates qualified for the open state treasurer seat. Michelle Southern reports on the major race in the October 14 election…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

US Senator John Kennedy is thrilled Senate leaders have delayed the August Congressional recess. Kennedy says the Senate hasn’t accomplished as much as he would like and he’s eager to repeal and replace Obamacare.
Cut 4 (09) “for it”

 

The state Department of Education announces 33% of students scored Mastery on LEAP tests in 2017, which is the same as last year. Superintendent John White says 45 percent of white students achieved mastery this year compared to 19-percent for black students, a gap of 26 percentage points. He says now the question is what do we do with these results.
CUT 8 (12) “2025”

21-year-old Lane Thibodeaux of Vermilion Parish will now spend 45 days in a federal prison and pay a 2,500 dollar fine for killing a whooping crane in 2014. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Spokesperson Adam Einck says Thibodeaux argued in court that he didn’t know he was shooting at a protected bird but…
Cut 11 (11) “would apply”

PM Newscall July 12th, 2017

US Senator John Kennedy is glad Majority Leader Mitch McConnell agreed to delay the Senate’s August recess by two weeks. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Today candidates qualified for the open state treasurer seat. Michelle Southern reports on the major race in the October 14 election…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Senate leaders have delayed the August Congressional recess, and US Senator John Kennedy is thrilled lawmakers will work the first two weeks of next month. He says the Senate hasn’t accomplished as much as he would like, and he would feel guilty about taking an entire month off work.

Cut 3 (10) “August off”

Kennedy and others requested that Majority Leader Mitch McConnell cancel the four week recess all together, but the former-State Treasurer says he’ll settle for meeting halfway. He says federal leaders still have to implement tax reform, address the national deficit, approve plans for infrastructure, and of course, create a new federal healthcare system. Kennedy says he’s eager to repeal and replace Obamacare.

Cut 4  (09) “vote for it”

The Senate has been gridlocked on plans to alter the federal healthcare system. Kennedy says that’s because Democrats have a plan of their own – a single payer system. He says the far left wants the government to regulate healthcare, doctors, and hospitals like utilities. But he doesn’t think that’s what the American people want.

Cut 5  (11)  “Democrats want”

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The state Department of Education announces 33% of students scored mastery on LEAP tests in 2017, which is the same as last year. Superintendent John White says this is still an improvement of four percent since 2015 in ELA, math and science combined, so it’s good news that those gains have remained steady this year…:

Cut 6 (10) “science scores”

English results have risen five percentage points in the past two years, while math and science saw a 2 point jump. White added these results keep showing that more must be done to close gaps between advantaged students and historically disadvantaged students, because it’s not shrinking…:

Cut 7 (09)  “poor students”

45 percent of white students achieved mastery this year compared to 19 percent for black students, a gap of 26 percentage points. White says now the question is what do we do with these results?…:

Cut 8 (12) “2025”

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State Officials are extremely serious about crimes when it comes to enforcing wildlife laws, and now a man is going to spend 45 days in federal prison and pay a $2500 fine for killing a whooping crane in 2014. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesman Adam Einck says the accused is 21-year-old Lane Thibodeaux of Vermilion Parish…:

Cut 9 (10)  “euthanize it”

Einck says LDWF agents were able to catch Thibodeaux after putting up a 10-thousand dollar reward for information leading to an arrest. He says multiple informants came forward which is exactly why big rewards like this are offered…:

Cut 10 (10) “his arrest”

Einck says Thibodeaux also faces charges amid allegations he threatened people who reported him. He says one of the arguments Thibodeaux made in court was that he didn’t know he was shooting at the protected whooping crane, but that didn’t fly…:

Cut 11 (11) “would apply”

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The race is on for the open state treasurer seat, as candidates qualified today for the position vacated by US Senator John Kennedy. The field is full of capable candidates, like Republican Colombia Senator Neil Riser. He says his 20 years of banking experience makes him uniquely qualified. He notes he also chaired the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs and sat on the Bond Commission.

Cut 12 (12) “to do so”

Former Republican Covington Representative John Schroder says he’s in the race because he wants to fight for the people of Louisiana. He says he’s got a history of doing just that for a decade in the state legislature and in the military. He believes he can address the state’s spending problem.

Cut 13 (12) “too much money”

Former Republican Commissioner of Administration Angele Davis is also in the running. She says the financial problems facing the state need someone with qualifications and experience. After working under two different administrations, she says she has the know how to address Louisiana’s fiscal woes.

Cut 14 (09)  “of government

The lone major Democrat, New Orleans attorney Derrick Edwards, notes he is the only candidate in the race with both a bachelor’s and a master’s in accounting. He says he’s running on a platform of transparency and accountability.

Cut 15 (12) “politicians responsible”

Election Day is October 14.

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14:30 Newscast, July 12th, 2017

The state Department of Education announces 33% of students scored mastery on LEAP tests in 2017, which is the same as last year. Superintendent John White added these results keep showing that more must be done to close gaps between advantaged students and historically disadvantaged students, because it’s not shrinking…:
CUT 7 (09) “poor students”
45 percent of white students achieved mastery this year compared to 19 percent for black students.

A Vermilion Parish man is going to spend 45 days in federal prison and pay a $2500 fine for killing a whooping crane in 2014. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesman Adam Einck says and $10,000 reward was offered for information when the protected bird was found shot, and multiple people stepped up:
Cut 10 (10) “his arrest”
The man is identified as 21-year-old Lane Thibodeaux.

Today candidates qualified for the open state treasurer seat. Former Republican Covington Representative John Schroder believes he can address the state’s spending problem…:
Cut 13 (12) “too much money”
The lone major Democrat, New Orleans attorney Derrick Edwards, says he’s running on a platform of transparency and accountability…:
Cut 15 (12) “politicians responsible”
Election Day is October 14.

The big story in national news today is that two Democratic congressmen have introduced an article of impeachment against President Donald Trump, alleging obstruction of justice. They are California Representative Brad Sherman, and Texas Representative Al Green.

 

13:30 Newscast, July 12th, 2017

The race is on for the open state treasurer seat, as candidates qualified today for the position vacated by US Senator John Kennedy. The field is full of capable candidates, like Republican Colombia Senator Neil Riser touted his experience as chair of the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs and seat on the Bond Commission…:
Cut 12 (12) “to do so”
Former Republican Covington Representative John Schroder and Former Republican Commissioner of Administration Angele Davis are also among the GOP candidates to qualify today. New Orleans Democrat Derrick Edwards is also officially in the race.

The US Senate has decided to shorten its traditional August recess by two weeks, following a request from Senator John Kennedy and other Republicans. Kennedy says he would prefer the entire month of August, but is pleased about the decision.

The state Department of Education announces 33% of students scored Mastery on LEAP tests in 2017, which is the same as last year. Superintendent John White says this is still an improvement of four percent since 2015 in ELA, math and science combined, so it’s good news that those gains have remained steady this year…:
CUT 6 (10) “science scores”
White added these results keep showing that more must be done to close gaps between disadvantaged students and their peers.

The ESPY’s take place tonight and will be hosted by five-time NFL MVP and two-time Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning of New Orleans. Saints superfan Jarrius Robertson of Reserve, who has undergone two liver transplants, has been selected to receive the Jimmy V Perseverance Award. Robertson says he’s never met Manning, but plans to thank him for the interception the then Colts Q-B threw in the Superbowl game when the Saints won their first NFL title the 2009 season.

 

12:30 Newscast, July 12th, 2017

US Senator John Kennedy is glad Majority Leader Mitch McConnell agreed to delay the Senate’s August recess by two weeks….:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

US Representative Steve Scalise is once again out of ICU nearly a month after being shot at a Congressional baseball game. Scalise underwent surgery last week for an infection and was readmitted to the intensive care unit, according to MedStar Washington Hospital Center. He remains in serious condition.

State Officials are extremely serious about crimes when it comes to enforcing wildlife laws, and now a man is going to spend 45 days in federal prison and pay a $2500 fine for killing a whooping crane in 2014. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesman Adam Einck says the accused is 21-year-old Lane Thibodeaux of Vermilion Parish…:
Cut 9 (10) “euthanize it”
Einck says witnesses came forward when a $10,000 reward was offered.

Former Sons of Guns reality star William Hayden pleaded no contest to two rape charges in Livingston Parish on Wednesday and was sentenced to life in prison for aggravated rape and 10 years for aggravated incest.

 

11:40 Sportscast, July 12th, 2017

Alabama coach Nick Saban took the stage today at SEC Media Days, and was asked about returning to college football after his pro stint and when he left LSU. The Crimson Tide coach said he loved LSU and loved Louisiana, but he always had it in his mind he would go pro one day. Obviously that didn’t work out.

Yesterday was highlighted by Mississippi State and Florida. The Tigers take on The Bulldogs in its SEC opener on September 16th. Nick Fitzgerald returns as the Mississippi State’s starting Q-B. The last time he played, Fitzgerald had 258 rushing yards, two rushing TDS and three passing touchdowns in a blowout win over Ole Miss. State Head Coach Dan Mullens is excited to see what Fitzgerald can do this year…:
Cut 17 (18) “last year”’

 

 

11:30 Newscast, July 12th, 2017

Senate leaders have delayed the August Congressional recess, and US Senator John Kennedy is thrilled they will work the first two weeks of next month. He says the Senate hasn’t accomplished as much as he would like, and he would feel guilty about taking an entire month off work:
Cut 3 (10) “August off”
He says federal leaders still have to implement tax reform, address the national deficit, approve plans for infrastructure, and of course, create a new federal healthcare system.

Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise has been transferred out of ICU at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. The House Majority Whip remains in serious condition and is still being treated for an infection. Friday makes one month since Scalise was shot by a gunman who opened fire during a Republican Congressional baseball practice.

Qualifying began today for the October 14th election and 3 major candidates have officially thrown their hat into the ring for the State Treasurers race. They are Former Commissioner of Administration Angele Davis, Former State Representative John Schroder and Senator Neil Riser. The candidates all wore pink this morning for Kenner Representative Julie Stokes who bowed out of the race after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Florida Coach Jim McElwain said at SEC Media Days that he’s tired of answering questions about The Gators choosing LSU for it’s homecoming game. He directed this comment to a Baton Rouge reporter…:
CUT 25 (10) “does that help you I guess?”
Alabama coach Nick Saban spoke this morning at SEC Media Days. A ton of Crimson Tide fans showed up for Alabama’s appearance today in Hoover.

 

10:30 Newscast July 12,2017

The US Senate has decided to shorten its traditional August recess by two weeks, following a request from Senator John Kennedy and other Republicans. Kennedy says he would prefer the entire month of August, but is pleased about the decision. He says they have a lot of work to do including the contentious health care topic.

Qualifying also begins today for the New Orleans Mayoral election. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says what makes this race for the top seat in the Big Easy interesting is that the top story is who isn’t running instead of who is. He says those big names like, Speaker Pro-Tempore Walt Leger, and State Senators JP Morell and Karen Carter Peterson…:
Cut 5 (09) “a surprise”
He says even though the race is wide open, it feels like there’s less interest in the job than in years past.

 

A fire at an Amite Walmart last weekend caused over a million dollars in damaged according to Sheriff Daniel Edwards. Edwards says 45-year-old Larry Schouest (Sch-west) of Hammond combined chemicals to start the fire. He says Schouest faces multiple charges including aggravated arson, felony theft and criminal damage to property.
Cut 15 (09) “drug habit”

According to a forecast from NOAA, it’s going to be a good season for the brown shrimp harvest in the Gulf of Mexico. Dr. Rick Hart with the National Marine Fisheries Service says moderate salinities combined with strong, consistent southerly winds have increased available nursery area and allowed for the greater distribution of juvenile shrimp.
Cut 11 (08) “shrimps”

The harvest is expected to yield 44.2 million pounds, which is above the predicted value for the last two years.

09:30 Newscast, July 12th, 2017

Qualifying for the October 14th election is underway and one of the big races is for New Orleans Mayor…:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

NBC News in Washington is reporting that Representative Steve Scalise is once again out of ICU nearly a month after being shot at a Congressional baseball game. Scalise underwent surgery last week for an infection and was readmitted to the intensive care unit, MedStar Washington Hospital Center said.

An Amite Walmart that was set on fire last weekend sustained over a million dollars in damage. Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards says much of the inventory inside the store was completely ruined. He says 45-year-old Larry Schouest of Hammond allegedly used things in three Wal Marts to start the blaze while he made off with laptops…:
Cut 13 (13) “a fire”
Schouest is facing two counts of aggravated arson, six counts of felony theft, and charges of criminal damage to property.

It looks as though this year will be a good one for the brown shrimp harvest in the Gulf of Mexico. According to NOAA’s annual forecast, the harvest is expected to yield 44.2 million pounds. Dr. Rick Hart with the National Marine Fisheries Service says many factors in the water are adding up to lead to a productive season…:
Cut 10 (08) “for harvest”’