07:30 LRN Newscast August 15th

South Louisiana continues to deal with an unprecedented flooding event. Governor John Bel Edwards says state and local agencies have rescued over 20-thousand people from flood-watered homes. He says many of these individuals never anticipated flood waters inundating their subdivision…
cut 8 (18) “…evacuate”
10-thousand people had to spend last night in a shelter.

I-12 remains closed in both directions between Airline Highway in Baton Rouge and I-55 in Hammond. I-10 East and West is closed between I-49 Lafayette and US 165 near Lake Charles. L-S-P says there are over 280 state roads closed this morning.

The Baton Rouge area has received much of the national headlines in this historic flooding event. But the director of the governor’s office of homeland security and emergency preparedness director Jim Waskom says the Acadiana region also has hundreds of homes flooded…
cut 11 (15) “…impacted”
Governor Edwards will spend the day touring the flood damagem in Lafayette, Abbeville and New Iberia, where nearly two feet of rain fell over the weekend.

It appears rushing flood waters claimed the life of a woman who had her vehicle swept away in the area of Hineston in Rapides Parish. The vehicle was traveling on Big Creek Road when rising water pushed the car into a ditch. The driver drowned, but a child in her vehicle was rescued after two females saw the freightened child clinging to a tree.

06:45 LRN Sportscast August 15th

Over 20-thousand people have been rescued as a result of the historic flooding across south Louisiana. One of those individuals is the former voice of the LSU Tigers, Jim Hawthorne. Him and his wife, Carol, had to be rescued from their submerged home that had over a foot of water in it. Hawthorne says water started pouring into his home on Saturday and he wasn’t rescued until yesterday.

It’s now time for our Olympic update, which is brought to you by…LUBA Workers Comp….delivering genuine dependability.

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt won a gold medal for a third straight time in the 100-meters. Gymnast Simone Biles won her third gold medal in Rio as she won the woman’s vault. The US men’s basketball team only won by three points as they defeated France 100-97. The Americans begin quarterfinal play on Wednesday. And Former LSU Tiger Slyvia Folwes had 13 points in a 105-62 win over China. The US begins quarterfinal play on Tuesday against Japan.

The Saints continue training camp in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. 2015 fifth round pick Tyeler Davison has had a good camp. The former Fresno State standout has replaced for the time being, John Jenkins, for that starting nose tackle position. Davison started five games for the Black and Gold last year. New Orleans next preseason game is Saturday night in Houston.

Former Louisiana Tech standout IK Enemkpali is out for the season. The Bills linebacker tore his ACL.

ULM returns to the practice fields today after a scrimmage on Saturday night. Sophomore quarterback Garrett Smith led the first-team offense on a 70-yard touchdown drive. Senior Tyler Cain finished the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run.

Jalen Nixon had the lone touchdown on a 10-yard run in the Ragin Cajuns scrimmage on Sunday.

Louisiana Tech defensive coordinator Blake Barker says he likes the depth on defense after one week of practice.

06:30 LRN Newscast August 15th

Thousands of people are away from their flooded homes across south Louisiana this morning. Governor John Bel Edwards says high waters have inundated neighborhoods from Tangiaphoa Parish to the Acadiana area…
cut 7 (10) “…to get in”
Edwards says over 20-thousand people had to be rescued, along with hundreds of pets and over 10-thousand people are in shelters. The death toll from this record-setting flooding has grown to six.

Authorities in Tangipahoa Parish confirm two bodies were found in floodwaters there. The body of an unidentified man was located near the Village of Tangipahoa and then last night the body of a woman was pulled from floodwaters off of Highway 442 in Tangipahoa.

Tangipahoa Parish is one of four parishes declared as a federal disaster area. The other three are St. Helena, East Baton Rouge and Livingston. Residents can register damage at disasterassistance-dot-gov or at 1800-621-3362.

Those with flood damaged homes will have the opportunity later this week to survey the damage. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon….
cut 14 (07) “…to do so”
Donelon says you can document your losses with pictures and keep your receipts, even for purchases made to minimize the damage to your home.

Portions of the interstate in south Louisiana remain closed this morning. That includes I-12 between Airline Highway in Baton Rouge and I-55 in Hammond. According to DOTD, a section of I-12 near Covington is also blocked by flood waters. Sections of I-10 are also closed between Lafayette and Jennings.

LRN AM Newscall August 15th

###Soundbites and copy should be up to date now.####

 

Today marks the beginning of what forecasters call the heart of hurricane season. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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After heavy rains and flooding in much of southern Louisiana, many people will have to file claims on their flood insurance policies. Don Molino has more on what to do when making a claim…

Cut 2 (25) “I’m Don Molino”

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South Louisiana is grappling with one of the most catastrophic flood events in the state’s history, and the situation is ongoing. Michelle Southern reports from her flooded Denham Springs neighborhood.

Cut 3 (38) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Today we enter what forecasters say is the heart of hurricane season. State climatologist Barry Keim says this period runs from about mid-August until early October. He says this period is when most of the worst hurricanes have hit Louisiana.

cut 4  (10)  “week period”

Keim says Louisiana has had three years of relatively slow hurricane seasons. He says that could mean we are due for another major storm.

Cut 5  (08)  “we’ll see”

Keim says conditions over the Gulf are right to produce some strong storms. He says that’s why the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration upped their forecast for this year’s hurricane season.

Cut 6 (10) “major hurricanes”

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South Louisiana is grappling with one of the most catastrophic flood events in the state’s history, and the situation is ongoing. The Bayou State has dealt with a few significant weather events this year, but this one is shattering records beyond measure. Governor John Bel Edwards says, because residents did not anticipate their homes flooding..the search and rescue operations have been inundated..

CUT4 7 (10)  “to get in”

Edwards says more than 20,000 people have been rescued and hundreds of pets. The governor says this event is as unprecedented as it comes…:

Cut 8 (18) “evacuate” 

Many have said that one of the greatest challenges of this situation, is how unpredictable the weather and the water has been. Edwards says volunteers and first responders have been working around the clock to make these rescues, and many others are stepping up as well…:

Cut 9 (16)  “remain patient”

The great flood of 2016 wiped out places that had never seen water before. Interstate 12 is closed between Baton Rouge and Hammond. State Police Col Mike Edmonson says officers were with people who got stranded on the interstate, but many refused to leave their cars. He says troopers tried to reach people to bring them food and water, but it’s been a major challenge…:

Cut 10 (26) “we’re dealing with”

As of Sunday night, six people had reportedly been confirmed dead from being washed away by the raging waters and strong current. GOHSEP Director Col. James Waskom says this rescue effort is not limited to Baton Rouge, Livingston, St. Helena and Tangipahoa…:

cut 11 (15) “impacted”

Louisiana National Guard Major General Glenn Curtis says this has been a life and death operation. He says about 1700 guardsmen are mobilized in the affected area across south Louisiana…:

cut 12 (18) “is required”

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The massive flooding across south Louisiana, will force many people to file flood insurance claims. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the first thing people need to do is contact their agent. But he says there are other ways to prepare to make a claim.

Cut 13 (08) “repair cost”

Donelon says people should also do what they can to minimize the damage to their home.

cut 14 (07)  “to do so”

Donelon says if there are any costs associated with minimizing the damage to their homes, people need to save those receipts as well.

Cut 15 (06) “insurance policies”

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17:30 LRN Newscast August 8th

The state Department of Education announces a record number of high school students have achieved AP college credits this year. Emelie Gunn has more…
voicer 2 (26) “…I’m Emelie Gunn”

A federal judge in Baton Rouge heard testimony today that the state of department of corrections has come up with a cost-effective way to keep death row inmates cool during hot summer days at Angola. According to the Associated Press, death row inmates have been moved to new cells, where cool air has been piped in from a vent. Hot conditions at Angola’s Death Row have been litigated for over three years now.

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says there’s a good chance the state will end up with a deficit for the fiscal year that ended on June 30th. Dardenne says they are still waiting for all of the numbers to come in, so it’s hard to say how much that deficit will be. But he says a member of the Revenue Estimating Conference has an idea…
cut 14 (09) “was seeing”
The deficit will be addressed by lawmakers in 2017.

Jury selection began today in Lake Charles in the case of a 76-year-old man, who is accused of killing his wife in 1962. Mississippi native Felix Vail has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Mary Horton Vail. Legal analyst Tim Meche says it’s difficult to try a case after such a long time:
CUT 3 (10) “of cases”
The investigation was reopened after a Mississippi newspaper featured a series about the victim.

16:45 LRN Sportscast August 8th

24-7 sports is reporting 340-pound defensive tackle Travonte Valentine is back with the LSU Tigers and he’ll be able to play this fall. Valentine was kicked off the team 13 months ago, because of violating team rules. He’s considered the number one junior college defensive tackle in this year’s recruiting class.

After a devastating hamstring injury in the loss to Ole Miss last November, senior wide receiver Travin Dural is back healthy. Dural says it took eight months to recover, but he feels good as the team started full squad workouts today….
cut 18 (17) “…feels like”
One other LSU note…one of the top defensive backs in the country has committeed to the Tigers. Jacoby Stevens from Tennessee, also had offers from Alabama, Clemson and Notre Dame.

Louisiana Tech’s first practice of fall camp is this afternoon. Bulldogs coach Skip Holtz says his team faces several challenges, especially with the schedule…
cut 30 (18) “…open date”
Holtz has also announced that senior quarterback Ryan Higgins will not start the season opener against Arkansas after gettting arrested on a DWI charge.

In NFL news…former Saints wide receiver Lance Moore announced his retirement after a 10-year career. The 32-year-old caught 389 passes during his eight years in New Orleans.

The Saints have released veteran wide receiver Hakeem Nicks and activated left tackle Terron Armstead from the physically unable to perform list. New Orleans begins joint practices with the New England Patriots tomorrow.

15:30 LRN Newscasts August 8th

Just over 85-hundred high school students achieved college credit by passing Advancement Placement exams in 2016. State education superintendent John White says that’s an 11-percent increase over last year…
cut 10 (11) “…similiar things”
White says Livingston, St. Bernard and Terrebonne have improved the most in the last four years when it comes to the number of students achieving college credit through A-P exams.

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says there’s a good chance the state will end up with a deficit for the fiscal year that ended on June 30th. Dardenne says they are still waiting for all of the numbers to come in, so it’s hard to say how much that deficit will be. But he says a member of the Revenue Estimating Conference has an idea…
cut 14 (09) “was seeing”
The deficit will be addressed by lawmakers in 2017.

Jury selection is underway in Lake Charles for a case that’s over 50 years old. Mary Horton Vail drowned in the Calcasieu River in 1962 and prosecutors believe they have enough evidence to convict Mississippi native and her former husband, Felix Vail, with her death. Legal analyst Tim Meche says it’s cases like this that make him wish it was legal to broadcast court proceedings on TV in Louisiana….
cut 5 (07) “…fascinating case”
Felix Vail has said the charges against him are fabricated.

A low pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico near Florida has the potential to bring heavy rains to southeast Louisiana later this week. Michael Hill with the National Weather Service in Slidell says the heavy rains should begin on Wednesday and flash flooding is possible…
cut 8 (06) “…of waves”
A heat advisory for north Louisiana was cancelled earlier today as a result of morning cloud cover and rainfall last night.

LRN PM Newscall August 8th

Jury selection is underway for a murder trial in which the alleged crime  took place over 50 years ago in Lake Charles. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The state Department of Education announces a record number high school students have achieved AP college credits this year. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (26)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A 76-year-old man accused of killing his wife over 50 years ago in southwest Louisiana will finally stand trial. Jury selection is underway in Calcasieu Parish as Mississippi native Felix Vail is charged with 2nd degree murder for allegedly killing his 22-year-old wife, Mary Horton Vail, in 1962. Legal analyst Tim Meche says it’s difficult to try a case after such a long time, because evidence deteriorates and there’s no DNA.

CUT 3 (10)  “of cases”

The investigation in Mary Horton Vail’s death was reopened after a Mississippi newspaper featured a series about the victim, as well as the disappearances of two other women who were close to Felix Vail in 1973 and 1984. Meche says those incidents could be discussed in the courtroom, if the judge decides it’s relevant.

CUT 4 (07)  “of evidence”

Vail was arrested after his wife’s death in the 1960s, but the jury declined to indict because the death was ruled accidental. Meche says it’s cases like this that make him wish it was legal to broadcast court proceedings on TV in Louisiana.

CUT 5 (07)  “fascinating case”

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A low pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico near the Florida coast could bring heavy rains to southeast Louisiana by the end of the week. Michael Hill with the National Weather Service in Slidell says the system is not a tropical disturbance yet, but it will push some rain into Louisiana.

CUT 6 (08) “entire week”

Hill says the New Orleans metro area and surrounding parishes will be the hardest hit by the rains. He says we’ll likely see scattered showers today and tomorrow, but he says it should start to ramp up by the middle of the week.

CUT 7 (07) “entire day”

Hill says the heavy rains should begin on Wednesday and flash flooding is possible…

CUT 8 (06) “of waves”

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A record number of Louisiana high school students earned advanced placement college credits in 2016. State  Education Superintendent John White says they’ve been working hard to raise expectations when it comes to academics. He says these scores prove that while we have a ways to go, students are just as smart and capable as any in the country.

CUT 9 (11) “108-percent”

White says 845 more A.P. tests were passed this year in Louisiana compared to 2015.

cut 10 (11)  “similar things”

White says these improvements show when opportunities are given to students to show their potential, they rise to the challenge and do great. He says students in Louisiana also earned record numbers of college credits by taking the College-Level Examination Program.

Cut 11 (08) “were taken”

White says over the last 4 years, Livingston Parish is the most improved parish when it comes to students receiving college credits on their AP tests. St. Bernard Parish is second and Terrebonne is third.

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There was a bizarre incident on I-10 this morning near LaPlace, as a small plane had to make an emergency landing in the median. That’s according to Melissa Matey with State Police. She says the aircraft had some mechanical failures…:

cut 12 (09) “St. James line”

Matey says State Police was able to tow the plane off the scene. She says it was smart of the pilot to do some quick thinking…:

Cut 13 (03)  “no injuries”

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Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says there’s a good chance the state will end up with a deficit for the fiscal year that ended on June 30th. Dardenne says they are still waiting for all of the numbers to come in, so it’s hard to say how much that deficit will be. But he says a member of the Revenue Estimating Conference has an idea.

cut 14 (09)  “was seeing”

Dardenne says this means that lawmakers will once again have an immediate budget problem to deal with when they convene for the fiscal session in 2017. He says his office and the governor have advised state agencies to spend their money wisely in preparation for potential cuts in the future.

cut 15 (11) “from 16″

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14:30 LRN Newscast August 8th

A record number of Louisiana high school students earned advanced placement college credits in 2016. State Education Superintendent John White says they’ve been working hard to raise expectations when it comes to academics. He says these scores prove that while we have a ways to go, students are just as smart and capable as any in the country….
cut 9 (11) “…108-percent”
White says over the last 4 years, Livingston Parish is the most improved parish when it comes to students receiving college credits on their AP tests.

A small plane had to make an emergency landing in the median of Interstate ten near LaPlace. State Police Trooper Melissa Matey says the pilot experienced mechanical difficulties and had to make an emergency landing….
cut 13 (03) “…no injuries”
The interstate remained opened, despite the unusual scene of a small plane in the median.

Jury selection is underway in Calcasieu Parish for a trial in which the murder took place over 50 years ago. The investigation in Mary Horton Vail’s death was reopened after a Mississippi newspaper featured a series about the victim, as well as the disappearances of two other women who were close to her former husband Felix Vail. Legal analyst Tim Meche says those incidents could be discussed in the courtroom, if the judge decides it’s relevant….
cut 4 (07) “…of evidence”
Meche says it’s trials like this, in which he wishes cameras were allowed in the court room.

A low pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico near the Florida coast could bring heavy rains to southeast Louisiana by the end of the week. ichael Hill with the National Weather Service in Slidell says the heavy rains should begin on Wednesday and flash flooding is possible…
cut 8 (06) “….of waves”
Meanwhile, in north Louisiana, a heat advisory that was in effect, was cancelled earlier today.

11:30 LRN Newscast August 8th

Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s lead in the polls is growing over Republican Donald Trump, so could that affect the U.S. Senate race in Louisiana? UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross doesn’t think so, mainly because there are many highly qualified GOP candidates on the ballot…:
Cut 10 (07) “this state”

A low pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico near the Florida coast could bring heavy rains to southeast Louisiana by the end of the week. Michael Hill with the National Weather Service in Slidell says the system is not a tropical disturbance yet, but it will push some rain into Louisiana.
CUT 6 (08) “entire week”
Hill says the New Orleans metro area and surrounding parishes will be the hardest hit by the rains.

Americans are expected to buy more bottled water than soda for the first time ever this year. Emelie Gunn has more…
voicer 1 (28) “…I’m Emelie Gunn”

Former Four-term Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards turned 89-years-old on Sunday. Edwards says he spends much of his time raising his three-year-old son Eli and has some advice for young fathers…
cut 13 ( 11) “…should have”
The Cajun Prince says he hopes to live to 100.