06:30 Newscast, December 15th, 2017

The state legislative auditor releases findings that point to possible misuse of state dollars and abuse of power by the former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson. During a meeting of the legislative audit advisory council, an auditor who worked on the report gave an example of how Edmonson allegedly used public resources to run errands for his family…:
Cut 13 (10) “state vehicle”
Edmonson says he plans to respond to the audit by January 15th.

UL-Lafayette alum and former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco will be guest speaker today at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Fall 2017 Commencement ceremony. UL-Lafayette President Joe Savoie says the plans for Blanco to give the address were made before she announced she was fighting liver cancer…:
Cut 4 (06) “do it”
He says Blanco will also receive an honorary doctorate.

Republican Congressman Mike Johnson has helped to create a caucus dedicated to restoring civility in American politics. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Four Covington High School students have been arrested following a fight on a school bus that occurred as school was letting out Thursday.

AM Newscall, December 15th, 2017

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco will give the Commencement address at UL-Lafayette today. Kelley Ray reports the governor is known as a friend to education…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

______________________________________

Republican Congressman Mike Johnson along with Democratic Congressman Charlie Crist of Florida have created a caucus dedicated to restoring civility in American politics. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________________

A State Legislative Audit into possible misuse of state funds by former Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been released.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo .”

____________________________________________________

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco will give the Commencement address at UL-Lafayette today.   Blanco announced last week she is fighting liver cancer.  University President Joe Savoie says the plans for her to speak today were made before her latest diagnosis…

Cut 4  (06) “do it.” 

Blanco served as Governor from 2004 to 2008 and Savoie says Blanco led efforts to improve higher education funding…

Cut 5  (10)  “southern states.”

Savoie says Blanco has not only been a great political leader, but is a great person and looks forward to seeing her values shine through in the speech…

Cut 6 (10)  “to it.”

Her husband Raymond served many roles at UL-Lafayette during his 46 years with the university.

________________________________________________________

Republican U.S. Representative Mike Johnson along with Democratic Florida Representative Charlie Crist have established a bi-partisan Honor and Civility Caucus to restore trust and confidence in American politics. Johnson, who represents the northwestern parishes of Louisiana, says it’s time to change the tone of the way politics is done.

Cut 7 (11)  “an example”

Johnson authored the “Commitment to Civility” that’s been signed by over 120 bi-partisan members of Congress to commit to setting an example of personal integrity and mutual respect. He says it’s sad that an issue has to be made about this topic to remind people to be polite.

Cut 8 (09) “pretty simple”

Johnson says the goal of the caucus is to hold other lawmakers responsible for their actions and encourage respect in Congress.

Cut 9 (10)  “vice versa.”

________________________________________________________

Through an Executive Order, Governor John Bel Edwards has the created the Governor’s Justice Implementation Oversight Council as a part of the sweeping criminal justice reform effort.  The Governor’s Communications Director Shauna Sanford says a variety of backgrounds will serve on the panel…

A main aspect of the reform effort is the lowering of the state’s incarceration rate, which the Governor’s office says will save the state 78-million-dollars over ten years.  The money will be reinvested for programs designed to rehabilitate former inmates into becoming productive citizens.  Sanford says the council will make sure the money is being used as promised and the information will be transparent…

They won’t be directly changing laws, but will meet quarterly to see if the reform is working.  If it isn’t, Sanford says they will be able to make informed recommendations on what changes are needed…

Cut 12 (08) “the council.”

A required annual report will be submitted to the Governor starting at the end of 2018.

_________________________________________________________

The state legislative auditor releases findings that point to possible misuse of state dollars and abuse of power by the former Superintendent of State Police Mike Edmonson. During a meeting of the legislative audit advisory council, an auditor who worked on the report gave an example of how Edmonson allegedly used public resources to run errands for his family…

Cut 13 (10)  “state vehicle”

Governor John Bel Edwards calls the report’s findings troubling. The report also details improper use of New Orleans hotel rooms during Mardi Gras. State Auditor Roger Harris says Edmonson and his family lived in a state owned building without proper authority….

Cut 14 (12) “of his employment.”

Edmonson says he plans to respond to the audit by January 15th and believes Louisiana residents will not prematurely reach conclusions until all facts are presented. He retired in March after it was learned several troopers billed taxpayers for sight seeing trip to Las Vegas and Grand Canyon. Harris says they believe Edmonson knew about the expensive side trip…

Cut 15 (13) “tour sites”

________________________________________________________________

The 9-and-4 Saints are preparing to host the New York Jets Sunday. New Orleans is in a tie in the NFC South with Carolina after losing last Thursday to Atlanta.  Quarterback Drew Brees says the long week has allowed the team to heal and prepare for the final four games of the regular season…

Cut 16  (11)  “some experience.”

More than likely, running back Mark Ingram will cross the one-thousand yard mark in rushing, matching his 2016 effort of over one-thousand yards.  Brees says Ingram is a leader that all players want to rally around…

Cut 17 (20) “more positive.”

Brees was critical of the NFL following last week’s loss to the Falcons, but says he realizes that as a leader, he needs to focus on the next challenge in the New York Jets Sunday and be fully prepared…

Cut 18 (17) “from example.”

Kick off is set for 12 noon on CBS.

______________________________________________________________

AM Newscall December 15

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco will give the Commencement address at UL-Lafayette today. Kelley Ray reports the governor is known as a friend to education…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

______________________________________

Republican Congressman Mike Johnson along with Democratic Congressman Charlie Crist of Florida have created a caucus dedicated to restoring civility in American politics. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________________

A State Legislative Audit into possible misuse of state funds by former Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been released.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo .”

____________________________________________________

Former Governor and University of Southwestern Louisiana graduate Kathleen Blanco will give the Commencement address at UL-Lafayette today.   Blanco announced last week she is fighting liver cancer.  University President Joe Savoie says the plans for her to speak today were made before her latest diagnosis…

Cut 4  (06) “do it.” 

Blanco served as Governor from 2004 to 2008 and Savoie says Blanco led efforts to improve higher education funding…

Cut 5  (10)  “southern states.”

Savoie says Blanco has not only been a great political leader, but is a great person and looks forward to seeing her values shine through in the speech…

Cut 6 (10)  “to it.”

Her husband Raymond served many roles at UL-Lafayette during his 46 years with the university.

________________________________________________________

Republican U.S. Representative Mike Johnson along with Democratic Florida Representative Charlie Crist have established a bi-partisan Honor and Civility Caucus to restore trust and confidence in American politics. Johnson, who represents the northwestern parishes of Louisiana, says it’s time to change the tone of the way politics is done.

Cut 7 (11)  “an example”

Johnson authored the “Commitment to Civility” that’s been signed by over 120 bi-partisan members of Congress to commit to setting an example of personal integrity and mutual respect. He says it’s sad that an issue has to be made about this topic to remind people to be polite.

Cut 8 (09) “pretty simple”

Johnson says the goal of the caucus is to hold other lawmakers responsible for their actions and encourage respect in Congress.

Cut 9 (10)  “vice versa.”

________________________________________________________

Through an Executive Order, Governor John Bel Edwards has the created the Governor’s Justice Implementation Oversight Council as a part of the sweeping criminal justice reform effort.  The Governor’s Communications Director Shauna Sanford says a variety of backgrounds will serve on the panel…

Cut 10 (12) “as Legislators.”

A main aspect of the reform effort is the lowering of the state’s incarceration rate, which the Governor’s office says will save the state 78-million-dollars over ten years.  The money will be reinvested for programs designed to rehabilitate former inmates into becoming productive citizens.  Sanford says the council will make sure the money is being used as promised and the information will be transparent…

Cut 11 (11) “the reforms.”

They won’t be directly changing laws, but will meet quarterly to see if the reform is working.  If it isn’t, Sanford says they will be able to make informed recommendations on what changes are needed…

Cut 12 (08) “the council.”

A required annual report will be submitted to the Governor starting at the end of 2018.

_________________________________________________________

The state legislative auditor releases findings that point to possible misuse of state dollars and abuse of power by the former Superintendent of State Police Mike Edmonson. During a meeting of the legislative audit advisory council, an auditor who worked on the report gave an example of how Edmonson allegedly used public resources to run errands for his family…

Cut 13 (10)  “state vehicle”

Governor John Bel Edwards calls the report’s findings troubling. The report also details improper use of New Orleans hotel rooms during Mardi Gras. State Auditor Roger Harris says Edmonson and his family lived in a state owned building without proper authority….

Cut 14 (12) “of his employment.”

Edmonson says he plans to respond to the audit by January 15th and believes Louisiana residents will not prematurely reach conclusions until all facts are presented. He retired in March after it was learned several troopers billed taxpayers for sight seeing trip to Las Vegas and Grand Canyon. Harris says they believe Edmonson knew about the expensive side trip…

Cut 15 (13) “tour sites”

________________________________________________________________

The 9-and-4 Saints are preparing to host the New York Jets Sunday. New Orleans is in a tie in the NFC South with Carolina after losing last Thursday to Atlanta.  Quarterback Drew Brees says the long week has allowed the team to heal and prepare for the final four games of the regular season…

Cut 16  (11)  “some experience.”

More than likely, running back Mark Ingram will cross the one-thousand yard mark in rushing, matching his 2016 effort of over one-thousand yards.  Brees says Ingram is a leader that all players want to rally around…

Cut 17 (20) “more positive.”

Brees was critical of the NFL following last week’s loss to the Falcons, but says he realizes that as a leader, he needs to focus on the next challenge in the New York Jets Sunday and be fully prepared…

Cut 18 (17) “from example.”

Kick off is set for 12 noon on CBS.

18:30 LRN Newscast December 14

A State Legislative Audit into possible misuse of state funds by former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been released.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo .”

Governor John Bel Edwards says the report uncovered some troubling findings and serious problems with past abuses of power by the former Superintendent Edmonson.  Edwards did praise current superintendent Kevin Reeves as he has already taken significant steps to restore the public’s trust and accountability…

A grand jury met for the first time to determine if 10 LSU fraternity members should be charged in connection with Maxwell Gruver’s suspected hazing death. Gruver’s mother, Rae Ann, spoke on ABC’s Good Morning America today saying the Phi Delta Theta brothers should be charged with murder. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says he suspects East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore chose to call a grand jury because…

Cut 4  (10) “that decision.” 

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway for the holiday season. Executive Director Katara Williams says law enforcement officers will be cracking down on drunk driving. She says they want Louisianans to celebrate the holidays responsibly.

Cut 12 (10) “and celebrate.”

17:30 LRN Newscast December 14

The state legislative auditor releases findings that point to possible misuse of state dollars and abuse of power by the former Superintendent of State Police Mike Edmonson. During a meeting of the legislative audit advisory council, an auditor who worked on the report gave an example of how Edmonson allegedly used public resources to run errands for his family…

Cut 13 (10)  “state vehicle”

Edmonson says he plans to respond to the audit by January 15th and believes Louisiana residents will not prematurely reach conclusions until all facts are presented.

A man has been found guilty of killing a man sexually assaulted his then girlfriend.  21-year-old Jace Crehan killed and stuffed 47-year-old Robert Noce Jr. of Zachary in a barrel.  Noce pled no contest to the claims before his death.  Crehan faces sentencing Jan 18th.

A grand jury began meeting today to look at the evidence collected in the suspected hazing death of LSU freshman Maxwell Gruver who died from alcohol poisioning. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says prosecutors may use a grand jury to get more information on a case….

cut 5 (07) “…of something”

Ten frat members are facing a charge of hazing and one of the accused is also charged with negligent homicide.

The Iberville Parish Sheriff’s office has confiscated an eighth-grader’s guns as a result of a threatening Instagram post. Sheriff Brett Stassi says the student admits to taking the picture, but did not write the text that had parents and law enforcement concerned. Stassi says the Math, Science and Arts Academy campus was open today, once they realized there was not a threat…

cut 8 (09) “…the school”

Stassi says this appears to be a prank that went awry.

16:30 LRN Newscast December 14-CORRECTED

The Legislative Audit investigating former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been released.  Governor Edwards says it’s uncovered some troubling findings and serious problems with past abuses of power, but praised Superintendent Kevin Reeves since he has already taken significant steps to resolve public trust and accountability.

A grand jury began hearing evidence today in the suspected hazing death of 18-year-old Maxwell Gruver. He’s the LSU freshman who based on toxicology reports drank himself to death in September at the Phi Delta Theta house. Ten fraternity members face a charge of hazing and one of them has also been charged with negligent homicide. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino on why the District Attorney assembled a grand jury.

cut 4 (10) “…that decision”

The Legislative Audit investigating former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been released.  Governor Edwards says it’s uncovered some troubling findings and serious problems with past abuses of power, but praised Superintendent Kevin Reeves since he has already taken significant steps to resolve public trust and accountability.

The state’s Highway Safety Commission’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign has started and will continue through the remainder of the holiday season.  Executive Director Katara Williams says there is a big problem with drinking and driving all times of the year, not just during the holidays.  More than 330 were killed in 2016 as a result of someone getting behind the wheel impaired.

Cut 13 (06)  “drunk driver”

The U-S Post office says time is running out to make sure your holiday gifts get to your loved ones on time.  Spokesperson Twana Barber says all first class mail needs to be at the Post Office by December 19th, priority mail December 20th and December 22nd for Priority Mail express. She says make sure the name and address of where the gift is going can be clearly seen…

Cut 10 (10) “those labels”

15:30 LRN Newscast December 14

The state legislative auditor has released a report that details improper use of taxpayer dollars by former state police superintendent Mike Edmonson. The audit suggests Edmonson may have violated state laws. Edmonson says he’ll respond to the audit by January 15th and he’s confident Louisiana residents will not prematururely reach conclusions.

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign is underway to keep Louisiana’s roadways safe over the holiday season. Emelie Gunn has the story…
Voicer 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A grand jury met for the first time today to determine if 10 LSU fraternity members should be charged in connection with Maxwell Gruver’s suspected hazing death. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the accused individuals have the opportunity to testify and tell their story…
Cut 3 (11) “….telling him to drink”
All ten are facing a charge of hazing and one of the defendants has also been charged with negligent homicide.

Iberville Parish authorities are trying to find out who added threatening words to a Snapchat photo of an eighth grader who took a photo of himself with his dad’s guns. The original picture didn’t have threatening words to it, but someone added “Don’t got to school tomorrow.” Sheriff Brett Stassi….
cut 7 (11) “…school board”

LRN PM Newscall December 14

A grand jury meets today in the case of 10 LSU Phi Delta Theta brothers who are charged in connection with the death of Maxwell Gruver. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign is underway to keep Louisiana’s roadways safe over the holiday season. Emelie Gunn has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________________

A grand jury meets for the first time today to begin the process of determining if 10 LSU fraternity members should be charged in connection with Maxwell Gruver’s suspected hazing death. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says this gives the accused individuals the chance to testify and tell their side of the story…

Cut 3 (11) “to drink”

Gruver’s mother, Rae Ann, spoke on ABC’s Good Morning America today the Phi Delta Theta brothers should be charged with murder. Ciolino says this is not the type of case that needs to be presented to a grand jury as 9 of the 10 men involved face misdemeanor charges. He suspects East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore chose to call a grand jury because…

Cut 4  (10) “that decision.” 

All 10 individuals involved face a hazing charge and one of them faces a negligent homicide charge. Ciolino says Moore calling for a grand jury could be a way to get some extra information on this case.

Cut 5  (07)  “of something”

___________________________________________________

Authorities say a prank that went awry in Iberville Parish caused a scare at the Math, Science and Arts Academy-West campus when a snap chat picture of a student holding a semi-automatic rifle was changed to warn kids not to go to school. Sheriff Brett Stassi says original photo shows a student wearing a bandana holding a .308 caliber rifle.

Cut 6 (10)  “terrorism”

Stassi says last night they identified the eighth grader who took the photo and were able to take his guns and prohibit him from attending school today.

Cut 7 (11)  “school board”

No charges have been field and they are trying to find the person responsible of changing the words of the photo, which caused the terrorism scare. Stassi says while this is a frightening occurrence, students should feel safe attending school.

Cut 8 (09) “the school.”

___________________________________________

The U-S Post Office says today is the last day to mail packages via ground service, if you want ensure that gift arrives in time for Christmas. And Twana Barber with the U-S Postal Service says you only have a few more days to ship Christmas cards…

Cut 9 (09)  “By Christmas”

Barber says all first class mail needs to be at the Post Office by December 19th, the deadline for priority mail is December 20th and December 22nd for Priority Mail express. She says make sure the address of where the gift is going can be clearly seen and so is the recipient’s name…

Barber says when you ship your gift, make sure it is sturdy….
_________________________________________________________

 

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway for the holiday season. Executive Director Katara Williams says law enforcement officers will be cracking down on drunk driving. She says they want Louisianans to celebrate the holidays responsibly.

Cut 12 (10) “and celebrate

Williams says Louisiana has a big problem with drinking and driving all times of the year, not just during the holidays. She says more than 330 people were killed in 2016 as a result of someone getting behind the wheel impaired.

Cut 13 (06)  “drunk driver”

Williams says it only takes one bad choice to alter or change the course of someone’s life. She says through the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, grant money is used to allow for more law enforcement to be on the roads conducting DWI checkpoints.

Cut 14 (11) “our roadways”

14:30 LRN Newscast December 14

The state Legislative Auditor’s office lists allegations in a report released this afternoon that provide evidence of possible illegal use of taxpayer dollars by retired State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson. The audit found that Edmonson’s family lived in a state-owned home without paying rent, had troopers running personal errands and used the Governor’s mansion dry cleaning service for free.

A grand jury began meeting today to look at the evidence collected in the suspected hazing death of LSU freshman Maxwell Gruver who died from alcohol poisioning. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says prosecutors may use a grand jury to get more information on a case….
cut 5 (07) “…of something”
Ten frat members are facing a charge of hazing and one of the accused is also charged with negligent homicide.

A prank that went awry in Iberville Parish caused a scare at the Math, Science and Arts Academy-West campus in Plaquemine when a snap chat picture of a student holding a semi-automatic rifle was altered to say kids should not to go to school. Sheriff Brett Stassi says the original photo shows a student wearing a bandana holding a rifle.
cut 6 (10) “…terrorism”
Stassi says they took the guns away from the student in the photo, but no charges have been filed.

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over law enforcement campaign is underway. Doctor Katara Williams with the Lousiaina Highway Safety Commission says grant money is used so more law enforcement can be on the roads to conduct D-W-I checkpoints….
cut 14 (11) “…our roadways’

13:30 LRN Newscast December 14

A grand jury began hearing evidence today in the suspected hazing death of 18-year-old Maxwell Gruver. He’s the LSU freshman who based on toxicology reports drank himself to death in September at the Phil Delta Theta house. Ten fraternity members face a charge of hazing and one of them has also been charged with negligent homicide. Loyola Univeristy Law Professor Dane Ciolino on why the District Attorney assembled a grand jury…
cut 4 (10) “…that decision”

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Katara Williams says there are ways to celebrate the holidays responsibly.
Cut 12 (10) “and celebrate

The Iberville Parish Sheriff’s office has confiscated an eighth-grader’s guns as a result of a threatening Instagram post. Sheriff Brett Stassi says the student admits to taking the picture, but did not write the text that had parents and law enforcement concerned. Stassi says the Math, Science and Arts Academy campus was open today, once they realized there was not a threat…
cut 8 (09) “…the school”
Stassi says this appears to be a prank that went awry.

Today is the last day to ship those Christmas packages using the U-S Post Office’s Ground service, if you want that present to get their by December 25th. U-S Poastal Service spokesperson Twana Barber says when you ship your gift, make sure it is sturdy…
cut 11 (12) “…doing so”