9:30 LRN Newscast October 17

Three first of their kind migraine treatments are now available after testing showed promising results for those who suffer from the crippling headaches. The CGRT-Antagonists are injected, and researchers say they take about a week to kick in. LSU Health New Orleans Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology Amy Voight…
Cut 4 (09) “other problems”
Voight says check with your doctor and your insurance provider about the availabity of the the new drugs that are on the market.

The first legal crop of medical marijuana is expected to be picked this week. G-B Sciences is growing the medicinal marijuana and they say the product could be ready to ship next month. But state regulations make it unclear on when the medical pot will be available to patients. The state department of agriculture still needs to find a third-party to test the product.

The United Cajun Navy is on location in Landhaven and Panama City Florida, sites of mass destruction in the wake of Hurricane Michael. It’s been a week since the storm passed, and officials say it could be months before power and services are restored. United Cajun Navy Founder Todd Terrell says he’s never seen devastation this bad.
Cut 10 (07) “its leveled“
Terrell says one of the biggest challenges has been cell phone service.

The Port Barre High substitute teacher arrested for allegedly having sex with a student in a classroom, while the rest of the school attended a pep rally, has bonded out of the St. Landry Parish Jail. Port Barre Police Chief Deon Boudreaux says 25-year-old Constance Robertson told him that she thought the student was 18…
cut 14 (12) “…juvenile law”
The school system has also fired Robertson.

8:30 LRN Newscast October 17

There are many Louisiana folks assisting with the Hurricane Michael recovery efforts in the Florida panhandle. United Cajun Navy Founder Todd Terrell says Michael caused so much destruction there is very little local infrastructure left. Terrell says the people of the Panhandle are in serious need of assistance.
cut 12 (08) “…pretty rough”
Terrell says if you’d like to help go to the United Cajun Navy Facebook page.

Those who suffer from migraines know how impactful they can be on a person’s daily life, but health professionals say there are three new drugs having great early results. LSU Health New Orleans Assistant professor of Clinical Neurology Amy Voight says the new medication lacks the side effects of previous migraine treatments…
cut 5 (09) “…fatigue”
Ask you doctor about the new migraine medication that’s available.

Another Louisiana teacher has been arrested for having sex with a student. Michael Farrar reports this alleged incident happened in the classroom…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Michael Farrar.”

There’s been a slight decline in the composite average ACT score among Louisiana students. Last year the composite average was 19.5, but this year it is 19.2, which ranks 45th in the country. The U-S average is also down. Louisiana is one of 17 states that require high school seniors to take the college readiness test.

7:30 LRN Newscast October 17

A week ago today, Hurricane Michael made landfall along the Florida Panhandle and United Cajun Navy Founder Todd Terrell says the devastation is unprecedented…
Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle.”

Louisiana bishops are preparing to release the names of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexually abusing minors. New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond says they are reviewing files that date back 50 years to make sure the list is accurate and complete. He says it will be published sooner rather than later.

Good news for migraine suffers. There’s three new drugs on the market that can prevent the horrible headaches. Doctor Amy Voight, with the LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, says it’s an important breakthrough since 20-percent of Americans experience regular migraines…
cut 6 (09) “…should be”
Voight says talk with your doctor about whether these new drugs can help your migraine issues.

The Louisiana Lawsuit Absue Watch says a new study finds the state’s civil justice system costs the economy one-point-one billion dollars every year which results in 15-thousand jobs lost because it encourages frivilous lawsuits. L-L-A-W executive director Lana Venable points to one policy in particular, which requires lawsuits under 50-thousand dollars’ worth of claims must be heard by a judge…
cut 8 (11) “…a jury”

6:45 LRN Sportscast Oct 17

After advancing past the first round of the playoffs last season, the Pelicans begin the long journey tonight of trying to get back to the postseason and advance even further. New Orleans opens the new season against one of the favorites in the Western Conference, the Houston Rockets. Are the Pels ready to make that next step, Coach Alvin Gentry says we’ll have to wait and see
Cut 16 (23) “..to make”
The roster looks different this year. DeMarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo are gone and replacing them are Elfrid Payton and Julius Randle, who will come off the bench tonight.

The viral video of LSU defensive end Breiden Fehoko performing a haka dance with his dad and brother prior to the game against Georgia has created a big stir on social media. the video is worth seeing….
cut 19 (14) “…about ti”
Fehoko says the chant during the haka comes from the Maori culture and back then they used it to prepare a warrior to go to war.

The Saints are back at practice today to get ready for Sunday’s game in Baltimore against the Ravens. Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco is averaging 298 yards through the air, which is a career high and the Ravens defense is allowing 271 yards a game, which leads the NFL. Kick-off is at 3:05.

6:30 LRN Newscast Oct 17

During a pep rally at Port Barre High School in St. Landry Parish a substitute teacher allegedly had sex with a 16-year-old student in a classroom. Port Barre Police Chief Deon Boudreaux says they have evidence the two had sex, because the student video taped the incident…
cut 13 (09) “….that day”
25-year-old Constance Robertson of Washington has been charged with Felony Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile and the school system she’s no longer a substitute teacher in St. Landry.

A week ago today, Hurricane Michael made landfall along the Florida panhandle causing extensive damage along the coast. United Cajun Navey Founder Todd Terrell has been assisting with recovery efforts and says the damage he’s seen is worse than Hurricane Katrina…
cut 11 (08) “….outside world”
Terrell says the Cajun Navy is taking donations to assist Floridians suffering from a lack of supplies.

A study claims Louisiana is bleeding jobs and cash due to the state’s worst in the nation TORT policy, that fosters what advocates say is an environment of frequently frivolous lawsuits. Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch Executive Director Lana Venable says the study was conducted by a Texas group who compared our state’s policies to Ohio’s and their formula showed…
Cut 7 (11) “…justice system.”
The Perryman Group for Citizens against Lawsuit Abuse says TORT policies cost Louisiana 1.1 billion in direct costs, and 141-million in combine state and local tax revenue.

AM Newscall LRN October 17

Researchers say they made a breakthrough with a migraine treatment designed specifically to treat the disabling headaches. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Matt Doyle 

__________________________________

 United Cajun Navy Founder Tod Terrell says the devastation in the Panhandle from Hurricane Michael is unprecedented.  Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle.” 

__________________________________

Another Louisiana teacher has been arrested for having sex with a student. Michael Farrar reports this alleged incident happened in the classroom…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Michael Farrar.”

_________________________________________

Three first of their kind migraine treatments are now available after testing showed promising results for those who suffer from the crippling headaches. The CGRT-Antagonists are injected, and researchers say they take about a week to kick in. LSU Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology Amy Voight…

Cut 4 (09) “other problems”…

Amovig (Amuh-vig), Ajovy,(A-joe-vee) and Emgality(em-gal-ity) are available to the public for two month trial periods, regardless of insurance status, after which Voight says you may need to discuss coverage with your insurance.

Headache specialists associated with the trial say they’re excited about the medication, because it lacks the side effect profiles of current migraine treatments. Voight says previously migraine suffers could ditch the pain, at the expense of packing on the pounds.

Cut 5 (09) “fatigue” 

The shots are estimated to be effective for about three months at a time.

Studies indicate as many as 20 percent of Americans may suffer from migraines, and Voight says they’re doing important work that could make a huge different in the lives of millions.

Cut 6 (09)“should be”

The researchers say the only side effect detected was mild constipation.

_________________________

A study claims Louisiana is bleeding jobs and cash due to the state’s worst in the nation TORT policy, that fosters what advocates say is an environment of frequently frivolous lawsuits. Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch Executive Director Lana Venable says the study was conducted by a Texas group who compared our state’s policies to Ohio’s and their formula showed…

Cut 7 (11) “…justice system.”

The Perryman Group for Citizens against Lawsuit Abuse says TORT policies cost Louisiana 1.1 billion in direct costs, and 140.7 million in combine state and local tax revenue.

Venable says a lot of the problems center on state civil court laws. She says of particular note is the policy that all lawsuits under 50,000 dollars’ worth of claims must been seen in front of a judge.

Cut 8 (11) “…a jury”

She says the next highest state is Maryland at 15,000, and 36 states do not have any threshold.

Venable noted beyond just macro-economic effects, TORT policy can have a month to month impact on the average Louisianan, and used the state’s sky high auto insurance premiums as an example.

Cut 9 (09) “…the country.”

____________________

The United Cajun Navy is on location in Landhaven and Panama City Florida, sites of mass destruction in the wake of Hurricane Michael. It’s been a week since the storm passed, and official say it could be months before power and services are restored. United Cajun Navy Founder Todd Terrell says he’s never seen devastation this bad before.

Cut 10 (07)   “its leveled“

The storm came ashore as nearly a Category Five.

Communications have been sporadic in the disaster zone, and teams in the area have expressed difficulty coordinating relief efforts. Terrell says most cell service is spotty, at best.

Cut 11 (08)   “…outside world”

The United Cajun Navy Founder says unlike past storms, Michael flattened so much territory that there is very little local infrastructure left, and even fewer surrounding communities capable of lending a helping hand to survivors. Terrell says the people of the Panhandle are in serious need of assistance.

Cut 12 (10)   “pretty rough”

Terrell says the Cajun Navy is taking donations to assist Floridians suffering from a lack of supplies.

___________________

During a pep rally at Port Barre High School in St. Landry Parish a subsitute teacher allegedly had sex with a 16-year-old student in a classroom. Port Barre Police Chief Deon Boudreaux says they have evidence the two had sex, because the student video taped the incident

Cut 13 (09)   “…that day.”

25-year-old Constance Robertson of Washington has been charged with Felony Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile and the school system has removed her from working as a subsitute teacher in St. Landry. Boudreaux says Washington told him that she thought the student was 18-years-old…

Cut 14 (12)   “…juvenile law.”

Boudreaux says school administors learned the student showed the video of him having sex with the teacher to other students, which is how the police got involved…

Cut 15 (09)   “…one time.”

_______________________________________________________

After advancing past the first round of the playoffs last season, the Pelicans begin the long journey tonight of trying to get back to the postseason and advance even further. New Orleans opens the new season against one of the favorites in the Western Conference, the Houston Rockets. Are the Pels ready to make that next step, Coach Alvin Gentry says we’ll have to wait and see

Cut 16 (23) “..to make”

Gentry likes the idea of beginning the season against one of the Association’s best teams…

Cut 17 (11)  “also”

___________________________________

The video of LSU defensive end Breiden Fehoko and his dad performing a haka dance prior to the Tigers win over Georgia on Saturday has gone viral and it’s hard not to get fired up after watching it. The Hawaii native talked about the ritual’s origins with the media this week…

Cut 18 (15) “…to go” 

The haka was first performed in New Zealand and it has spread to Polynesian cultures.  Fehoko, His dad and Fehoko’s brother broke out in the haka dance after he came down from victory hill, prior to going into the locker room to get ready for the game. The video is worth seeing

Cut 19 (14) “..about it” 

Fehoko says the chant during the haka comes from the Maori culture and back then they used it to prepare a warrior to go to war. He says his teammates now want to learn the haka dance, but it takes time

Cut 20 (15) “ancestors” 

5:30 pm Newscast Oct 16, 2018

Leaders in Louisiana dioceses announced today that they will release the names of clergy who were credibly accused of sexual abuse.

New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond said in a statement on Tuesday that they will publish the names.

The Diocese of Lafayette, the Diocese of Shreveport, and the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux all said they intend to publish lists of credibly accused clergy.

No firm date for the release of the names has been set.

25 thousand vehicles used to drive over the Mississippi river on the Sunshine Bridge every day in Ascension parish.

But damage from a crane that was on a barge that slammed into the structure has the bridge off line until a contractor can make extensive repairs.

Donaldsonville Mayor Leroy Sullivan says the bridge’s closure will affect local businesses and challenges for emergency vehicles trying to respond to a call for help.

Cut 4 (12) “…counts″

More Louisiana emergency response officials are going to aid areas of Florida recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Michael.

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says his team, and GOHSEP train year round to respond to disasters in Louisiana. Their unique level of experience has made Bayou State emergency response officials valuable members of nationwide responses to disaster.

Cut 7 (10) “…other nations”

Alcohol sales on Sundays in Ouachita Parish are now perfectly legal for those 21 or older.

The Ouchita Police voted to allow it in un-incorporated areas of the parish.

Jury President Scotty Robinson says they heard from business owners who supporting it because they cannot compete with stores in Monroe, Sterlington and Richwood, where you can already buy alcohol on Sundays…

Cut 11 (03) “…leveled out”
The police jury vote passed the issue 4 to 2.

4:30 pm Newscast Oct 16, 2018

It will be weeks, not days before the Sunshine Bridge at Donaldsonville will be re-opened to commuters. Don Molino has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

Leaders in Louisiana dioceses are announcing that they will release the names of clergy who were credibly accused of sexual abuse.

New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond said in a statement on Tuesday that they will publish the names after clergy files are examined very carefully.

The Diocese of Lafayette, the Diocese of Shreveport, and the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux all said they intend to publish lists of credibly accused clergy.

No firm date for the release of the names has been set.

Alcohol sales on Sundays can now be made in Ouachita parish. A 4 to 2 vote by the Ouachita Police Jury legalized Sunday alcohol sales at grocery stores and gas stations in un-incorporated area of the parish.

Religious leaders argued that alcohol should not be sold on Sunday, because it’s the Lord’s Day. Others raised concerns that it will lead to more alcohol abuse.

But Jury President Scotty Robinson says most people who buy alcohol, drink responsibly….

Cut 10 (08) “…drunkard”

A multi-million dollar prize is attracting interest and ticket sales for the Mega Millions jackpot worth 667 million in annuity payments.

But if a winning ticket holder wants it all at once… the cash payout is worth 372 million after taxes are taken out.

Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison wants to remind folks that the lotto does provide a good deal of funding to state education coffers, so if you don’t win the big prize, there’s still something to be happy about.

Cut 14 (07) “education.”

3:30 pm Newscast Oct 16, 2018

The closure of the Sunshine Bridge in Donaldsonville is not only complicating personal commuters.

Donaldsonville Mayor Leroy Sullivan says the loss of the bridge’s usage is also impacting local businesses and it will cause problems for emergency vehicles trying to respond to a call for help…

Cut 4 (12) “…counts″

Authorities predict it will be months before a contractor is able to complete repairs the Sunshine Bridge so that it can be reopened to traffic.

Tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot will be the most ever for the multi-state lottery game.

A winner could claim a straight cash option of 372 million or annuity payouts of 667-million dollars over years.

It’s built up to that near record breaking jackpot in roughly only three months.

Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says last time around someone on the west coast had the winning ticket.

Cut 13 (08) “…could hit.”

Despite objections from religious leaders, the Ouachita Policy Jury approves alcohol sales on Sundays in unincorporated areas of the parish. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Friday is the deadline for Louisiana homeowners with damage from the 2016 floods to complete a survey for homeowner aid through a financed grant program from the federal government.

The survey is the first step to be considered for assistance through the Restore Louisiana program. The survey can be found online at ‘Restore (dot) L-A (dot) G-O-V.

The survey deadline was extended by Governor John Bel Edwards after congressional adjustments to the federal disaster rules.

2:30 LRN Newscast October 16

State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says they have identified a contractor to make the repairs to the Sunshine Bridge at Donaldsonville, but it’s not an easy fix, which is why officials say it will be weeks before vehicles can use the bridge. Donaldsonville Mayor Leroy Sullivan says from what he’s been told by DOTD officials, the structure took a huge hit from a barge crane last Friday…
Cut 5 (09) “…very serious”

It’s a very serious situation in the Florida panhandle as thousands of residents are trying to get back on their feet after Hurricane Michael delivered a harsh blow to that region. A lack of gasoline is one of the main issues. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain has sent one of his employees to Tallahassee to assist with fuel operations…
cut 8 (10) “….standby”

Tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot is the third largest in US lottery history and the most ever for the multi-state lottery game. The payout is 667-million dollars, or over 372 million, if you take the straight cash option. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison credits changes made to the Mega Millions game last October for the huge jackpot…
Cut 12 (10) “…as well.”
Powerball’s jackpot for tomorrow night is 345-million dollars.

Many gas stations and grocery stores in Ouachita Parish are applauding the police jury’s decision to allow Sunday alcohol sales in unincorporated areas of Ouachita Parish. Police jury president Scotty Robison says they heard from business owners who support Sunday alcohol sales, because they can not compete with stores in Monroe, Sterlington and Richwood, where you can already buy alcohol on Sundays…
cut 11 (03) “…leveled out”
The new ordinance is effective immediately.