08:30 Newscast, December 12th, 2017

Governor John Bel Edwards signed into law last summer some enhancements to the state’s film tax incentive program, and as a result six projects are expected to shoot next year in Louisiana. Pre-production on a Tom Hanks World War Two era film began in Baton Rouge yesterday. Louisiana Economic Development’s Don Pierson applauds the changes to the movie tax program…:
Cut 16 (12) “we’re strong”
Crews are expected to film aboard the U-S-S Kidd on the Mississippi River and other Baton Rouge locations next March.

Three former NFL players with connections to New Orleans are among those suspended from the NFL Network amid accusations of inappropriate sexual behavior. CBS News reports that NFL Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk, Super Bowl champions Heath Evans and Ike Taylor are accused of harassing a former wardrobe stylist at the network.

An anonymous donor gave an astonishing one-million-dollar gift to the University of Louisiana at Monroe…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

A Bossier Parish teacher has been arrested for allegedly stealing prescription drugs from a co-worker. Lt. Bill Davis with the Sheriff’s Office says 39-year-old Robyn Edmonds of Princeton Elementary School is in big trouble…:
Cut 13 (09) “substance”
Bossier Parish School officials say Edmonds has been placed on leave.

07:30 Newscast, December 12th, 2017

Democrat Justin Dewitt of Baton Rouge has announced he plans to run against Republican Congressman Garret Graves next year. Dewitt was born in Sulphur, is a Zachary High grad and openly gay. But says he’s not running for office on the platform that he’s a gay candidate…:
Cut 6 (11) “the job”
Dewitt says he’s running because he feels Graves does not represent the interests of the 6th Congressional District.

Two time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks is coming to Baton Rouge early next year to star in a World War Two era film entitled “Greyhound”. Louisiana Economic Development’s Don Pierson says it’s great that Governor Edwards signed into law last summer several enhancements to Louisiana’s film incentive program…:
Cut 17 (11) “Baton Rouge”
Six projects altogether are expected to shoot in 2018 in Louisiana.

A 32-year-old Louisiana man faces five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to using President Trump’s social security number to try and access his tax returns…:
Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

An anonymous donor gave one-million-dollars to the University of Louisiana at Monroe, as part of the SOAR Capital Campaign to support the School of Education at ULM. Development Officer of the fundraising effort Morgan Patrick says their goal is 54-million-dollars…:
cut 7 (07) “audience clapping”

06:45 Sportscast, December 12th, 2017

Saints star rookie running back Alvin Kamara is still progressing through the NFL’s concussion protocol, but it’s reported that he expects to play Sunday against the New York Jets. A Saints spokesman said Kamara still has to clear certain benchmarks before being allowed to play.

Meanwhile on Monday Night Football, it’s clear the Patriots are struggling without suspended star tight end Rob Gronkowski, as New England Quarterback Tom Brady was intercepted by the Dolphins twice; and the underdog Miami went on to beat the Pats 27-20. Gronk is punished for one game for a late hit on former LSU, now-Bills cornerback Tre-Davious White last weekend. The Patriots can still put themselves in prime position for a top seed in the AFC playoffs with a win on the road against the Steelers.

The LSU football team begins practice today for the Citrus Bowl against Notre Dame on New Years Day. It’s the first of 15 workouts before the game in Florida.

SMU will reportedly hire former Louisiana Tech Coach Sonny Dykes as its new head coach. A news conference is slated for today.

Last night the Pelicans went toe-to-toe in the game, but couldn’t hang on against one of the best team’s in the NBA. The Rockets rallied for the 130-123 victory over New Orleans and Houston has now won 10 straight. But the 14-14 Pels had one of its most explosive outings of the year, even without star forward Anthony Davis. They’ll face Milwaukee tomorrow.

Former Calvary Baptist star Shea Patterson has decided he’ll play at Michigan next season. Because of the NCAA sanctions that have hit Ole Miss, Patterson will be able to play for the Wolverines in 2018. In seven games for the Rebels in 2017, Patterson threw for 2,259 yards and 17 touchdowns. Michigan needs a QB, they went through three this season.

In college hoops, LSU forward Duop Reath was named the Southeastern Conference player of the week Monday after pouring in a career high 30 points in the Tigers win over UNC Wilmington on Sunday.

Tonight on the hardwood, ULM hosts Grambling. Southeastern travels to face Central Florida, and Louisiana Tech welcomes in-state rival UL-Lafayette.

06:30 Newscast, December 12th, 2017

A 32-year-old Louisiana man faces up to five years in prison after pleading guilty to using President Donald Trump’s social security number to try and obtain a copy of the president’s federal tax information. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says Jordan Hamlett of Lafayette will likely get probation or very little time….:
Cut 10 (10) “returns contain”
Hamlett made six separate attempts to obtain the federal tax information from IRS servers, but he was unsuccessful.

Two time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks is coming to Baton Rouge early next year to star in a World War Two era film entitled “Greyhound.” Louisiana Economic Development’s Don Pierson says it will employ over 250 persons in Baton Rouge…:
Cut 15 (09) “for sure”

Democrat Justin Dewitt plans to run against Republican incumbent Garret Graves for Louisiana’s 6th district U.S. Representative seat…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Totals are in for last week’s historic snow event and Kentwood saw the most with 6 and a half inches.

AM Newscall December 12

Democrat Justin Dewitt plans to run against Republican incumbent Garret Graves for Louisiana’s 6th district U.S. Representative seat. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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An anonymous donor gave an astonishing one-million-dollar gift to the University of Louisiana at Monroe.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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A 32-year-old Lafayette man faces five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to using President Trump’s social security number to try and access his tax returns. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3  (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Democrat Justin Dewitt of Baton Rouge has announced he plans to run against Republican Congressman Garret Graves next year. Dewitt was born in Sulphur and moved to Zachary, where he graduated from Zachary High School. He says he’s running because Graves does not represent the interests of the 6th Congressional District.

Cut 4  (11) “the works”

As a victim on last year’s historic flood, he says he plans to seriously address flood control. Dewitt says he’s only accepting individual contributions for his campaign.

Cut 5  (10)  “I’m against”

Dewitt currently works as a land surveyor and is openly gay. He says he’s not running for office on the platform that he’s a gay candidate.

Cut 6 (11) “the job” 

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An anonymous donor gave one-million-dollars to the University of Louisiana at Monroe.   It was given as part of the SOAR Capital Campaign to support the School of Education at ULM.  Development Officer of the fund raising effort Morgan Patrick says the donation gets them closer to their 54-million-dollar goal…

Cut 7 (07) audience clapping. 

Dr. Eric Pani, Vice President of Academic Affairs is awed that the donation was given by a retired teacher in the Monroe area who is also a ULM alum.  It will help with students who want to attend the university to become an educator…

Cut 8 (13) “or write.”

ULM President Dr. Nick Bruno says it’s amazing that someone in their community would want to invest so much into young persons and their futures…

Cut 9 (13)  “our children.”

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A 32-year-old Lafayette man faces up to five years in prison after pleading guilty to using President Donald Trump’s social security number to try and obtain a copy of the president’s federal tax information. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says Jordan Hamlett will likely get probation or very little time. He says no harm was done by Hamlett’s actions.

Cut 10 (10)  “returns contain”

Meche says if this case were taken to trial, he believes the jury would’ve taken sympathy on Hamlett. He says everyone is curious to see what the President’s taxes look like.

Cut 11 (10) “him guilty”

Meche says even though Hamlett did use President Trump’s social security number, which is private, he was only trying to do what the public has been asking for.

Cut 12 (12) “to do”

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A Bossier Parish teacher has been arrested after allegedly stealing prescription drugs from a fellow teacher. Lt. Bill Davis with the Sheriff’s Office says before school started a Princeton Elementary School, 39-year-old Robyn Edmonds stole medication from her colleague’s purse.

Cut 13 (09) “substance.”

Bossier Parish School officials say Edmonds has been placed on leave. Davis says the other teacher had a legal prescription for the medication. He says anytime an educator is arrested for something like this, it typically makes news because it’s such an anomaly.

Cut 14 (08) “sad day”

Edmonds is charged with simple theft and possession of a Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance.

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Two time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks is coming to Baton Rouge early next year to star in a World War Two era film entitled “Greyhound”.  Louisiana Economic Development’s Don Pierson says it will employ over 250 persons in Baton Rouge…

Cut 15 (09) “for sure.”

Pre production started this week and crews are expected to film aboard the U-S-S Kidd on the Mississippi River and other Baton Rouge locations next March.  Pierson says filming in Louisiana has seen a downturn in recent years, but remains confident the Governor’s tax incentives will bring more filmmakers to Louisiana…

Cut 16  (12)  “we’re strong.”

Governor Edwards signed into law last summer several enhancements to Louisiana’s film incentive program providing a five percent tax credit for any films produced outside of New Orleans.  Pierson says this movie production is just the beginning of great incentives for Hollywood to consider Louisiana…

Cut 17  (11)  “Baton Rouge.”

Six projects altogether are expected to shoot in 2018 in Louisiana.

18:30 LRN Newscast December 11

Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco is battling an incurable form of liver cancer. It traveled from her eye after she was diagnosed in 2011 with ocular melanoma, a dangerous and rare cancer. Chief of Surgical Oncology at LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Adam Riker says the key is to get Blanco’s immune system strong to slow the cancer growth…:

Cut 3 (10) “tumor cells”

The New Iberia native served as Louisiana’s first female governor from 2004 to 2008, and was criticized for her handling of Hurricane Katrina. But UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says that has been muted after looking back at the magnitude of the storm.:

Cut 5 (06) “for them”

Blanco is 74.

Gas prices in Louisiana are on a steady downward trend, as the current statewide average of $2.26 is 4 cents lower on the week. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says they expect gasoline demand to weaken throughout the winter, which translates to better prices at the pump…:

Cut 7 (05)  “Christmas Holidays”

Prices could slip to below 2.00 a gallon to start 2018.

Totals are in for Friday’s historic snow event and Kentwood saw the most in the state with 6 and a half inches. That’s according to Shawn O’Neil with the National Weather Service in Slidell says this is the first measurable snow for south Louisiana since December of 2008.

Cut 15 (09) “snow event”

Baton Rouge saw three and a half inches of snow and areas of Lake Pontchartrain even saw some of the white stuff.

17:30 LRN Newscast December 11

Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco has announced she is fighting an incurable form of liver cancer.  This comes after a diagnosis in 2011 of a rare form of ocular melanoma which was found in her eyes.   Chief of Surgical Oncology at LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Adam Riker says if one treatment doesn’t work, there are several therapies that can tried in mainstream and experimental medicine…

Cut 4  (12) “these days.” 

The 74-year-old served as Louisiana’s first female governor from 2004 to 2008.  UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Blanco changed the face of politics in Louisiana becoming a trailblazer for females in public office…

Cut 6 (09)  “her legacy.”

Authorities in St. Landry Parish are investigating the finding of a 21-year-old woman’s body from Shreveport in Lake Dubisson (Doo-ba-san). Sheriff Bobby Guidroz (Gee-dro) says the body was found this morning.  A search started Sunday after a fisherman reeled in an unusual item from the lake…

Cut 10 (11) “identify her.”

Police say she disappeared from an Alexandria motel.

Gas prices in Louisiana are on a steady downward trend, as the current statewide average of $2.26 is 4 cents lower on the week.  AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says prices will fall further after the holidays with January and February as one of the best times of the year at the pump…:

Cut 8 (08) “right now”

16:45 LRN Sportscast December 11

NOLA.com reports Saints running back Alvin Kamara remains in concussion protocol, but expects to play this Sunday against the New York Jets. A Saints spokesperson says there are benchmarks that Kamara will have to pass before he’s allowed to play.

The Jets are coming off a 23-0 loss to Denver and Quarterback Josh McCown is not expected to play, after breaking his left hand in a loss to the Broncos. Bryce Petty would be the next man up for the Jets.

The team with the best record in the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles, have lost their quarterback for the season. Carson Wentz tore his ACL in yesterday’s wild 43-35 win over the Los Angeles Rams. Nick Foles will be the guy the rest of the way for the 11-and-2 Eagles.

Former Louisiana Tech football coach Sonny Dykes has reportedly been hired as the head coach at SMU. Dykes went 22-15 in his three seasons in Ruston and led the Bulldogs to the Western Athletic Conference championship in 2011. SMU and Louisiana Tech will meet next week in the Fort Worth Bowl.

The Pelicans rallied to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 131-124 yesterday New Orleans faces the team with the best record in the NBA tonight, the Houston Rockets. The Rockets are 10-0 on the season when Chris Paul is in the lineup. Expect a lot of points in this game, Houston is averaging 114 a game, while New Orleans is averaging 109 points.

In college hoops, Duop Reath scored a career-high 30-points as LSU defeated UNC-Wilmington 97-84. LSU is now 5-and-2 on the season they’ll host Houston on Wednesday night.

Tomorrow night, Louisiana Tech hosts UL Lafayette. Both teams are 7-and-2. the Cajuns have won seven of their last eight and they’ll bring a four-game winning streak to Ruston. UL Lafayette is averaging 91 points a game, while the Bulldogs are averaging 93 points in their last three games.

16:30 Newscast December 11,2017

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco announces she’s fighting an incurable form of liver cancer. Kelley Ray reports on how doctors feel about her prognosis…
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

Baker Police say a woman left an autistic child in a vehicle in 35-degree weather while she went to play bingo. Authorities responded to a call from witnesses that the non-verbal child had been in the car for almost two hours. 53-year-old Leslie Domengeaux told police she was only in the bingo hall for 20 minutes. She faces multiple charges including cruelty to juveniles.

 

Kentwood saw the most snow in the state on Friday with six and a half inches, according to the National Weather Service. Shawn O’Neil with the NWS says the moisture stayed a little longer than originally anticipated creating all the snow flurries. He says most areas below Lake Pontchartrain saw at least a small amount of snow but the majority fell within the Florida Parishes.
Cut 14 (09) “inch range”

Baton Rouge saw 3.5 inches and Donaldsonville saw five inches.

The St. Landry Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 21-year-old whose body was found by a fisherman in Lake Dubisson. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says the woman’s purse was found and shows a Shreveport address but they believe she was visiting friends in Alexandria. Family members notified deputies she was abducted while there. Guidroz says deputies are hoping to finds a lead to identify a suspect.
Cut 11 (06) “killed her.”

15:30 LRN Newscast December 11

Many are praying for former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco, who says she is in a battle for her life as she’s receiving treatement in Philadelphia for liver cancer. Blance was elected as the state’s first female governor and served from 2004 to 2008. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross….
cut 6 (09) “…her legacy”
Female mayors are currently serving in Shreveport and Baton Rouge and New Orleans just elected its first woman mayor.

Authorities are trying to determine who dumped a Shreveport woman’s body into a south Louisiana lake. St. Landry Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says a search and rescue team found the deceased 21-year-old in Lake Dubuisson. Guidroz says they are looking at surveillance cameras, but it doesn’t give a clear picture…
cut 12 (08) “…the distance”
Alexandria Police say they received a tip about a missing woman from a hotel on Sunday.

A 32-year-old Lafayette man faces up to five years in prison after he admitted to using Donald Trump’s social security number in an effort to get the president’s federal tax information. Court documents say Jordan Hamlett was unsuccessful. He’ll be sentenced at a later time. Some have criticzed Mr. Trump for failing to release his tax returns, like every other president has done since Jimmy Carter.

Gas prices in Louisiana are on a steady downward trend. Michelle Southern reports…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”