06:30 Newscast, October 16th, 2017

The Coast Guard says they are looking for a missing man after an explosion on an oil platform in Lake Pontchartran near Kenner Sunday evening. They say 8 people were working on the platform at the time of the explosion, and one person did not make it to shore. Of the 7 that did, 6 were taken to the hospital; and 5 are in critical condition. More on this as it develops.

A significant cold front moved through the Bayou State leaving us with some much needed relief. State Climatologist Barry Keim says with afternoon highs in the 70s in northern parishes, and low 80s along the coastal zone, Louisiana may have broken the back of summer…:
Cut 8 (07) “be over”
He says this cool weather will stick around all week long.

A Zachary man is under arrest for allegedly killing his 11 month old child. Police say 33-year-old Fabian Smith is charged with first-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to juveniles.

Saturday was an Election Day in Louisiana, and the State Treasurer’s race is headed to a runoff between Republican John Schroder, and Democrat Derrick Edwards. Baton Rouge orthopedic surgeon Craig Greene won the the Public Service Commissioner seat for the district that covers The Capitol City, Lafayette and Houma.

State health officials are reminding Louisianans it’s time to get your annual flu vaccination. Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Heath Dr. Parham Jaberi says the flu season has begun and doctors are starting to see a small number of cases…:
Cut 4 (09) “from now”

LRN AM Newscall October 16 ##Updated with sports cuts###

State health officials say now is the time for Louisianans to get their flu shot, as the influenza season is starting. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Looks like the Bayou State has gotten some much needed relief from the heat as a cold front passed through last night. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Congressman Garret Graves is seeking to protect Cajuns, saying they’re endangered.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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State health officials are reminding Louisianans it’s time to get your annual flu vaccination. Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Heath Dr. Parham Jaberi says the flu season has begun and doctors are starting to see a small number of cases.

Cut 4  (09) “from now”

LDH will host flu vaccination clinics until December in all parts of the state and residents can visit LDH’s website for locations and dates. Jaberi says walk-ins are welcome. He says the flu shot is free for individuals with insurance and 10 dollars for those without insurance.

Cut 5  (09)  “them somewhere”

Jaberi says it’s important to get a flu shot because the virus is dangerous to young children and the elderly. He says many people think they can get the flu from the vaccine, but that’s not true.

Cut 6 (10) “actual illness”

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A significant cold front moved through the Bayou State leaving us with some much needed relief. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this front has brought in much cooler and drier Canadian air and pushed out the warm Gulf of Mexico air. He says the afternoon highs will be in the 70s in northern parishes and low 80s in the coastal zone.

Cut 7 (11)  “coastal parishes”

Keim says this cool weather will stick around all week long. He says we may have broken the back of summer.

Cut 8 (07) “be over”

Keim says even as temperatures in the 90s subside, expect a warmer than usual autumn.

Cut 9 (11)  “currently getting”

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Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves authored legislation seeking to protect Cajuns, saying they are endangered, because of coastal land loss.  He is pushing for them to be protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.  Graves believes the federal government has been mismanaging the Mississippi River system for years, endangering the Cajun’s way of life…

Cut 10 (08)  “primarily live.”

Graves claims endangered species are given extra protections and since the Cajun culture is threatened, he wants them to be afforded the same opportunity…

Cut 11 (13) “same protections.”

He says no matter how his fellow congressman feel, the federal government needs to get out of the business of “land grabbing”…

Cut 12 (09) “that loss.”

Following discussion on the floor and some good natured jabbing, Graves withdrew his amendment from consideration.

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Halloween is only two weeks away and Louisiana residents are rushing to find the hottest costume. Store manager for Halloween Express in Baton Rouge DeMarcus Cox says the most popular costume this year is Pennywise the Clown from the movie It. He says it looks like guys are going for scarier outfits for this Halloween.

Cut 13 (08) “scream man”

Cox says women aren’t on board for the scary theme this year, instead dressing up as female superheroes.

Cut 14 (10) “wonder woman”

Cox says the trends show even kids are looking to be scary with clown costumes. But he says the favorite costume for children is…

Cut 15 (05) “policeman “

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The LSU Tigers are once again ranked in the Top 25 polls after their historic come from behind win over Auburn. LSU trailed by 20 points, but roared back to beat their SEC West rival 27-23. The defense held Auburn to 64 yards in the 2nd half, D.J. Chark returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown and Connor Culp kicked two field goals in the final three minutes. Head Coach Ed Orgeron…

Cut 16  (20)  “football game”

It’s the Tigers largest come from behind win at home since 1949. LSU is now 5-2, 2-1 in the SEC. Two weeks ago, some wondered if LSU would finish with a winning record. Now they are in position to compete for an SEC West title. Orgeron says his team never showed any signs of quitting after the upset loss to Troy…

Cut 17 (21)  “have been” 

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The Saints nearly blew a 35-point lead, but an opportunistic Black and Gold defense preserved a 52-38 victory over the Detroit Lions. The Saints defense, which looked very bad at the beginning of the season, forced five turnovers and scored a franchise record three touchdowns in one game. Head Coach Sean Payton credits the pressure put on Detroit QB Matthew Stafford

Cut 18 (17) “sack fumble early” 

An interception in the end zone by Cam Jordan on a batted pass sealed the victory. Before that big play by Jordan, the Lions scored four straight TDs. One of the scores was a punt return and another a pick six. The Saints offense failed to get a first down in eight straight possessions in the second half. Payton not happy with how his team finished

Cut 19 (12) to win“

The Saints have won three in a row and for the first time since 2013 they have a winning record at 3-2. Quarterback Drew Brees tossed two touchdown passes, but only threw for 186 yards and he threw his first two interceptions of the season. Brees says there’s a lot of mistakes that need to be corrected going forward

cut 20 (20)  “get better” 

11:30 LRN Newscast October 14

It’s Election Day in Louisiana.  Polls will remain open until 8 p.m.  Secretary of State Tom Scheduler predicts less than 15% turnout for elections for state treasurer and three constitutional amendments; and a handful of local races, including the New Orleans mayoral race. You can find your ballot with the GeauxVote app, Geaux spelled the Cajun way.

Police have identified the suspect involved in the shooting death of a New Orleans Police Officer.  30-year-old Darren Bridges, a convicted felon, faces a charge of first degree murder in the shooting death Friday of 29-year-old officer Marcus McNeil.  Chief Michael Harrison says they are still investigating what exactly happened…

(Cut 3) (:12) “as a result.”

Bridges was chased into a nearby building and apprehended without further incident.

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Two Baton Rouge school students are in trouble after a BB gun they allegedly brought to school discharged Friday.  Police say the incident happened after students were traveling back to Istrouma (Is-tru-ma) High School following a field trip.  The male 9th grader who brought the weapon tossed it to a female 9th grade student asking if it discharged after a BB pellet struck another student.  Both were charged with Negligent Injury and Illegal Carry of a Weapon on school property.

 

Louisiana legislators met for a one day retreat this week to consider what needs to be done to prevent falling off a fiscal cliff. As much as legislators don’t want to consider tax increases Minden Representative and House Democratic Caucus chairman Gene Reynolds says the public needs to talk with their representatives urging them to find a solution everyone can agree on, no matter the cost…

Cut 13 (07)  “you like.”

 

65 members of the House attended the meeting Thursday…

10:30 LRN Newscast October 14

The Kappa Sigma fraternity chapter at the University of Louisiana at Monroe is suspended after a pledge group’s private statements were made public. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern.”

 

Sasol announces they have hired their 500th employee to support its new 11 billion dollar ethane cracker and derivatives project in Calcasieu Parish and plans to hire at least 200 new employees over the next two years. Kim Cusimano (Cues-si-man-no) says if you’re interested in working for Sasol….

Cut 8 (04) “know”

Louisiana legislators met for a one day retreat this week to consider what needs to be done to prevent falling off the fiscal cliff. The state is facing a more than one billion dollar cut in funding when extra temporary tax revenue fall off the books July 1st. Minden Representative and chairman of the House Democratic Caucus Gene Reynolds says they are one step closer to resolving the issue.

Cut 12 (11) “something done.”

The next chapter of the LSU-Auburn rivalry will be written this afternoon in Death Valley when the Tigers host the 10th ranked War Eagles at 2:30. Auburn has not won in Tiger Stadium since 1999. LSU is coming off an emotional win over Florida and they are also welcoming back the 2007 national championship team including former coach Les Miles…

9:30 LRN Newscast October 14

Officials are expecting a light turnout for today’s election.  There are just a few races to be decided. A Public Service Commission seat, state treasurer three constitutional amendments and a handful of local races – including the New Orleans Mayoral race, which has 18 candidates running.   Secretary of State Tom Scheduler predicts less than 15% turnout – based on the low numbers from early voting tallies last week.  Polls remain open until 8pm.

Louisiana legislators met for a one day retreat this week to consider what needs to be done to prevent falling off a fiscal cliff.  Minden Representative and House Democratic Caucus chairman Gene Reynolds says the public needs to talk with their representatives…

Cut 13 (07)  “you like.”

65 Representatives attended Thursday’s retreat.

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Two Baton Rouge school students are in trouble after a BB gun they allegedly brought to school discharged Friday.  Police say the incident occurred Friday as students were traveling back to Istrouma High School following a field trip.  The male 9th grader who brought the weapon tossed it to a female 9th grade student asking if it discharged after a BB pellet struck another student.  Both were charged with Negligent Injury and Illegal Carry of a Weapon on school property.

 

Former LSU Head Coach Les Miles will be in Tiger Stadium for the 10th anniversary of the 2007 National Championship team. He says the ’07 squad deserves every bit of recognition Death Valley can muster.
Cut 9 (10) “of men”
Kickoff for LSU vs. Auburn is at 2:30 pm.

8:30 Newscast October 14

It’s election day in Louisiana.  Polls will remain open until 8 p.m.  Secretary of State Tom Scheduler predicts less than 15% turnout for elections for state treasurer and three constitutional amendments; and a handful of local races. You can find your ballot with the GeauxVote app, Geaux spelled the Cajun way.

New Orleans police are coming to grips with the shooting death of one of their own early Friday morning.  29-year-old Marcus McNeil was killed when 30-year-old Darren Bridges began firing on the officers in New Orleans East.  Chief Michael Harrison says McNeil and the other three officers were on patrol when they were ambushed…

Cut 5 (11) “this hurts.”

Bridges is a convicted felon.  He remains in custody.  McNeil worked for NOPD since 2015.

Sasol (Sas-Sow) announces they have hired their 500th employee to support its new 11 billion dollar ethane cracker and derivatives project in Calcasieu Parish and plans to hire at least 200 new employees over the next two years.  Kim Cusimano (Cues-si-man-no) says this is a goal they have been working toward for years…

(CUT 6) (:11) “2013.”

83 percent of those hired will be from Calcasieu Parish while they expect to hire 93 percent from Louisiana…

A child who was injured in a car accident Wednesday night on I-12 in Denham Springs has died.  The 5-month-old girl was taken off life support Friday.  Police say Jessica Cowart of Denham Springs struck the rear end of the vehicle the mother Gabbie Madare (Ma-dare) and the baby were in, throwing the baby into the car’s dash.  No word on if any charges will be filed…

18:30 LRN Newscast October 13

A New Orleans police officer is dead following a shooting.  29-year-old Marcus McNeil was killed when 30-year-old Darren Bridges began firing on the officers in New Orleans East.  Chief Michael Harrison says Bridges fled from the scene following the shooting and was surrounded by SWAT members.  He later surrendered…

Cut 4  (07) “this time.” 

McNeil is survived by his wife and two children.  Police say Bridges is a convicted felon.

The University of Louisiana at Monroe is continuing to investigate alleged racist remarks made by several students which resulted in the suspension of the Kappa Sigma Pledge fraternity.   ULM President Nick Bruno says he understands that racism is dividing the country.  He hopes the students and ULM faculty can rise above the divisive issue…

Cut 10 (10) “by one”

The Dean of Students will now investigate the incident.

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The Humane Society of Louisiana is looking for a Baton Rouge man who hung a cat outside of a building. Animal Control found the cat after receiving calls from witnesses and vets determined the feline was  alive prior to its asphyxiation. The Humane Society is offering a 12-hundred dollar reward for information leading to the individual’s arrest.

Sasol announces they have hired their 500th employee to support its new 11 billion dollar ethane cracker and derivatives project in Calcasieu Parish and plans to hire at least 200 new employees over the next two years. Kim Cusimano says if you’re interested in working for Sasol…:

Cut 8 (09) “available”

93-percent of those hired are Louisiana residents.  83 percent are Louisiana residents…

17:30 LRN Newscast October 13

Police have identified the suspect involved in the shooting death of a New Orleans Police Officer.  30-year-old Darren Bridges, faces a charge of first degree murder in the shooting death of 29-year-old officer Marcus McNeil.  Chief Michael Harrison says McNeil and the other three officers were on patrol when Bridges ambushed them…

Cut 5 (11) “this hurts.”

Bridges is a convicted felon.

Governor John Bel Edwards says 100 pallets of donated goods will be sent to Puerto Rico.  Parishes across the state have been collecting the items for the past couple of weeks.  Over 400-thousand packaged items including diapers and baby wipes will be sent to help Hurricane Maria survivors.  300 members of the Louisiana National Guard have been sent to Puerto Rico…

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Sasol (Sas-Sow) announces they have hired their 500th employee to support its new 11 billion dollar ethane cracker and derivatives project in Calcasieu Parish and plans to hire at least 200 new employees over the next two years.  Kim Cusimano (Cues-si-man-no) says this is a goal they have been working toward for years…

(CUT 6) (:11) “2013.”

83 percent of those hired will be from Calcasieu Parish…

Louisiana legislators met for a retreat this week to consider ways to keep the state budget from falling off the fiscal cliff.  Minden Representative Gene Reynolds says they are one step closer to resolving the issue…

(Cut 12) (:11) “something done.”

16:30 LRN Newscast October 13

Police have identified the suspect involved in the shooting death of a New Orleans Police Officer.  30-year-old Darren Bridges, a convicted felon, faces a charge of first degree murder in the shooting death of 29-year-old officer Marcus McNeil.  Chief Michael Harrison says they are still investigating what exactly happened…

(Cut 3) (:12) “as a result.”

Bridges was chased into a nearby building and apprehended without further incident.

A child who was injured in a car accident Wednesday night on I-12 in Denham Springs has died.  The 5-month-old girl was taken off life support today.  Police say Jessica Cowart of Denham Springs struck the rear end of the vehicle the mother Gabbie Madare (Ma-dare) and the baby were in, throwing the baby into the car’s dash…

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The Kappa Sigma fraternity chapter at the University of Louisiana at Monroe is suspended after a pledge group’s private statements were made public. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern.”

Louisiana legislators met for a one day retreat this week to consider what needs to be done to prevent falling off a fiscal cliff.  Minden Representative and House Democratic Caucus chairman Gene Reynolds says the public needs to talk with their representatives…

Cut 13 (07)  “you like.”

16:45 Sportscast October 13

The next chapter of the LSU-Auburn rivalry will be written Saturday afternoon in Death Valley when the Tigers host the 10th ranked War Eagles at 2:30. Auburn has not won in Tiger Stadium since 1999. LSU is coming off an emotional win over Florida and they are also welcoming back  the 2007 national championship team.

It’s homecoming on the ULM campus, the Warhawks are looking to go 4-0 in the Sun Belt. ULM has trailed at one point in all three of its Sun Belt victories. Coach Matt Viator (Via-tore) says his team has done well in overcoming adversity….

Cut 20 (16) “…do that”

In Sun Belt play on Thursday, the Ragin Cajuns jumped out to a 14-0 start and defeated Texas State 24-7 as Andre Nunez threw for 232 yards and a touchdown in his 1st start. The Cajuns are at Arkansas State next Thursday.

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The Saints return from the bye week to host the Detroit Lions on Sunday. This could be a high scoring game. Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford has nine touchdown passes, while New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees has thrown eight. Brees on the matchup….

Cut 18 (18) “…competitive nature”

The Lions have won the last three meetings between these two teams. Kick-off on Sunday is at noon.

In Southland football action on Saturday…Nicholls hosts Abilene Christian as the Colonels look to go 3-1 in the Southland. Northwestern State is at Sam Houston State. Southeastern Louisiana visits Houston Baptist. The Lions are also looking to improve to 4-1 in league play.

Tulane has won two in a row and they are at FIU.

Louisiana Tech and Grambling are off.