It appears the Louisiana High School Athletics Association has avoided a work stoppage involving its game officials. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

==================

The Smoking Cessation Trust saw its highest monthly enrollment in June with over 2,000 Louisianians signing up for its free smoking cessation program. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

===================

The LHSAA and its officials have reached a tentative agreement that will prevent a work stoppage by referees this fall. Louisiana High School Officials Association President Paul LaRosa says they were able to come to terms after a four hour plus meeting in Baton Rouge on Sunday

CUT 3 (09)  “the meeting”

LaRosa says they are holding off on releasing any details of the agreement to the public, until they can speak with their officials…

CUT 4 (09)  “for them”

Officials threatened to strike and not show up when volleyball and football games started in August, unless they received a pay raise and other stipulations, like improved security at games. LaRosa is not saying publicly whether the agreement struck on Sunday will result in more pay for refs…

CUT 5 (10)  “we did”

============================

The Smoking Cessation Trust saw its highest monthly enrollment in June with over 2,000 Louisianians signing up for its free smoking cessation program. CEO Mike Rogers attributes the jump in soon-to-be ex-smokers, in part, to the state’s 50-cent tax increase for a pack of cigarettes. He says CDC statistics back up this theory…

CUT 6 (12)  “adolescent smokers”

He adds that recent smoking bans enacted in cities across the state, as well as on public college and university campuses, could be another reason for the enrollment increase. The Smoking Cessation Trust was set up in 2012 as the result of a class-action lawsuit against tobacco companies. Rogers says the goal is to help more than 210,000 Louisianians kick the habit…

CUT 7 (06) “program ends”

He says almost 35,000 residents have signed up for the program. To be eligible, you must be a Louisiana resident who began smoking before September 1, 1988. You can find more information at www-dot-smokefreela-dot-org. Rogers says roughly half of the smokers in the state are eligible to get free help…

CUT 8 (04)  “prime targets”

============================

The Baton Rouge Police Department is investigating an apparent murder/suicide which left three dead and one injured in an incident which took place in front of a 1-year-old child. Corporal L’Jean McKneely says they believe 20-year-old Marquiles Whaley is the shooter and he was involved in some sort of argument at the home..:

CUT 9 (10)  “shot himself”

McKneely says Whaley is suspected of shooting his girlfriend, 18-year-old Makayla Jones and her mother, 36-year-old Romander Jones (who survived) and her boyfriend, 38-year-old Shawyn Lollis before turning the gun on himself…:

cut 10 (06) “part of the three” 

McKneely says Romander Jones remains hospitalized but she has been able to talk to investigators…:

cut 11 (08) “as we can”

============================

The Lake Charles Police Department says two officers are on administrative leave after a burglary suspect shot himself inside a squad car. Lt. Kevin Kirkum says 18-year-old Stacy Lamb of Lake Charles was arrested after a burglary attempt at a local business. Kirkam says officers placed Lamb in the back seat of their police unit…

cut 12 (08)  “of the weapon”

He says Lamb shot himself twice in the foot with a department issued weapon that had been left in an equipment bag in the back seat of the police car. Kirkum says detectives are working to determine the intent of the shooting…

cut 13 (08)  “as we speak”

Kirkum says criminal and internal investigations are underway as a result of this incident. The names of the officers involved have not been released citing the ongoing investigation. Kirkum says Lamb was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries…

cut 14 (07) “was arrested for”

============================

The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s office says cops are searching for a woman being held on double homicide charges who escaped from prison over the weekend. Sheriff Doug Anderson says 25-year-old Melissa Hayes, who was arrested in February in Alexandria, busted a lock in the dorm of the Cottonport facility and went into the rec yard…:

cut 15 (11) “down from the fence”

Anderson says they believe Hayes could be in the Alexandria area where she’s from. He says they know she got into a vehicle near the prison at a gas station with a someone who didn’t realize she was an escapee…

cut 16 (11) “in Mansura”

Governor Bobby Jindal ranks 13th in an Iowa poll for the Republican presidential nomination. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Louisiana’s four candidate for governor provide their thoughts on possible changes to the state’s film tax credit program. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m  Scott Carwile”

______________________________________

It’s described by some as the unofficial start to the college football season, SEC Media Days gets underway today in Hoover, Alabama. Jeff Palermo has the story..

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Starting today, the eastbound side of the Mississippi River Bridge in Natchez, Mississippi and Vidalia will see lane closures for the placement of concrete barriers. State Department of Transportation Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says starting on July 20th, the westbound side of the bridge will be closed for seven weeks.

cut 4  (06)  “the bridge”
Mallet warns drivers to anticipate delays. He says to be patient while going through this traffic.

Cut 5  (05)  “accordingly”

Mallet says during this seven week period, no vehicles wider than 14 feet will be allowed to cross the bridge.

Cut 6 (04)  “the bridge”

______________________________________

A republican presidential nomination poll conducted by KBUR/WAA in Iowa, places Governor Bobby Jindal in 13th with 2 percent from likely caucus goers . Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker leads with 18 percent. Robin Johnson ,with KBUR, says because he just announced a couple of weeks ago, it’s a little early to judge Jindal’s polling records at this point.

CUT 7 (07)  “primary”

The Iowa caucuses on February 1st are the first of the contests for the 2016 Presidential election. Johnson says there is a lot of pressure on candidates now and Jindal needs to do something big to get more name recognition to place in the top 10 for the August debates.

Cut 8  (08)  “candidates” 

Johnson says with so many candidates competing for so much of the vote, Jindal could be fighting for the evangelical vote. He says Jindal is having some success in Iowa but time is ticking.

Cut 9 (11)  “had anticipated”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association will ask the next governor to make changes to the state’s film tax credit program, after lawmakers placed a 180-million dollar cap on credits redeemed in a fiscal year. Lt. Governor and republican gubernatorial candidate Jay Dardenne says the cap was set too low

Cut 10 (06) “cameras rolling”

The lone democrat in the race, Amite representative John Bel Edwards, says he supports a cap on this program in the range of 180-million dollars

cut 11 (09)  “entire year”

Republican Senator David Vitter says he doesn’t agree with what the legislature did, when it capped the amount of film tax credits redeemed, instead of issued. He says it creates too much uncertainty and he plans to address this issue during a special session after he’s sworn in

cut 12 (10) “very inviting”

If elected governor, Republican Public Service Commission member Scott Angelle says plans to examine all of the tax credits on the books to determine if they creating jobs and growing our economy…

Cut 13 (07)  “reconsideration”

______________________________________

SEC football media days get underway today in Hoover, Alabama, which is the unofficial start to the college football season. Hundreds of reporters attend this event to hear from SEC coaches and players. Braden Gall, with Athlon Sports, says new SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, who replaced Mike Slive, kicks off the festivities by speaking with the media…

Cut 14 (10) “they happened”

Gall says the handling of discipline when players get in trouble off the field will likely be a topic Sankey gets into. LSU football coach Les Miles and three of his players will go before the large contingent of media on Thursday. Leonard Fournette will be there and Gall says the running back will find out what its like to be a star football player in the SEC

Cut 15  (12)  “totally different”

This week the SEC will release who the media thinks will play in the conference title game. Alabama and Auburn are the favorites in the west. Gall says LSU will get some consideration

Cut 16  (07)  “so loaded”

The Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association drops plans to file a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a new law that capped the film tax credit program. Michelle Southern has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

==================

A new poll on the governor’s race shows Republican David Vitter and Democrat John Bel Edwards in a statistical tie. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

===================

An automated telephone survey conducted by Mississippi-based Triumph Campaigns finds Republican US Senator David Vitter and Democratic State representative John Bel Edwards neck and neck in the governor’s race. Vitter received 31-percent of the vote, while Edwards had 30-percent in a poll of 16-hundred voters. Jeremy Alford of la-politics-dot-com says this poll resembles previous surveys…

CUT 3 (06)  “for a runoff”

The automated poll did not reach cell phone users and it did not ask voters who they would vote for in a run-off. Republican PSC member Scott Angelle garnered 14-percent in this poll, while GOP Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne had 11-percent. Alford says it appears Angelle’s TV commercials are working, because he previously polled in the single digits

CUT 4 (06)  “to folks”

The gubernatorial primary is set for October 24th. Alford says a lot can still change as the candidates have yet to do anything to get the voters’ attention….

CUT 5 (10)  “this race”

============================

The Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association announces they will not move forward with a lawsuit challenging the law recently passed that caps the state’s film tax credit program. L-F-E-A President Will French says a constitutional challenge is not needed, because they are pleased with how the Jindal administration is interpreting the new law

CUT 6 (05)  “doing that”

French says instead of engaging in a legal battle, they believe their efforts are better served working with state agencies to make sure the film industry can still thrive…

CUT 7 (08) “new law”

French says there are several problems with the legislation that reformed the motion picture incentive program. He says they hope to fix those glitches when a new governor is sworn in

CUT 8 (10)  “endorse it”

============================

Louisiana State Police is alerting motorists to expect delays when traveling between Lafayette and Baton Rouge on Interstate 10 this weekend. Heavy backups are anticipated as a result of lane closures on the Mississippi River bridge. Trooper Bryan Lee says construction will begin at 8 o’clock tonight.

CUT 9 (11)  “afternoon (2x)”

I-10 westbound at Grosse Tete will remain closed until 6:00 am Monday morning. Lee advises drivers to take an alternate route rather than sitting in traffic.

cut 10 (07) “Baton Rouge” 

Lee says the lane closures are for road improvement work. He says construction crews will be present, so drive with caution…

cut 11 (11) “distractions”

============================

The Department of Children and Family Services is implementing  policy changes after a 15-year-old Baton Rouge boy was found in a home weighing just 47 pounds and with insect bites.  DCFS Secretary Suzy Sonnier says children who are not able to speak and live in terrible conditions will now be assessed by a group of medical professionals.

cut 12 (12)  “the child”

Sonnier says this is an important step to prevent similar situations  from happening again. She says they’re still investigating this child’s living conditions and is hopeful this change will help decide if DCFS needs to take on additional policies to improve the process of future investigations.

cut 13 (09)  “themselves”

Sonnier says adding medical experts to case examinations can determine allegations of abuse and neglect and better decide what actions to take during a follow up with a special needs child.

cut 14 (07) “do that”

============================

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush is scheduled to visit the Ruston area on Saturday. Scott Carwile has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

______________________________________

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne is hopeful the Miss USA Pageant will still be a success even after the Donald Trump controversy. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 2 (28) “I’m  Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The Louisiana High School Officials Association executive committee meets on Sunday as referees plan to strike over pay and other work conditions. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Republican presidential contender Jeb Bush is scheduled to visit the Ruston area this weekend for a fundraiser, hosted by Bush-family supporter James Davison. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says this visit is not surpsising to him, as many candidates are using this time to travel the nation to receive endorsements and financial backing…

cut 4  (09)  “in Louisiana”

Stockley says Bush’s visit means that Governor Bobby Jindal does not hold the support of many Louisiana residents, including prominent Republican supporters…

Cut 5  (09)  “positive thing”

Because of his family name and finanical strengths, Stockey considers the former Florida governor to be one of the top Republican candidates for the 2016 presidential election…

Cut 6 (05)  “reflects that”

______________________________________

Despite all the controversy surrounding Donald Trump, his Miss USA pageant goes on as scheduled this Sunday night in Baton Rouge. It won’t be shown on NBC as previously scheduled but it will be shown on the Reelz network and locally in Baton Rouge. Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says the ladies are still enjoying their time in the Capitol City and around Louisiana.

CUT 7 (07)  “in Baton Rouge”

When NBC announced it will no longer air the Miss USA pageant because of Trump’s comments about Mexican immigrants, many people were disappointed, including Dardenne. He says the state planned on paying the pageant 50-thousand dollars for the national TV exposure and it’s unclear if they will still make that payment…

Cut 8  (05)  “completed” 

Dardenne says the 51 contestants are focused on their performance in the pageant and are putting the controversy behind them.

Cut 9 (11)  “Sunday night”

______________________________________

Country music superstar Garth Brooks and wife Trisha Yearwood arrive today to start the first of four World Tour shows in New Orleans this weekend. New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesperson Kristian Sonnier says this tour should bring in large numbers of  visitors in what is typically a slow month for tourism in the city…

Cut 10 (03) “here in town”

Sonnier says Garth Brooks’ concerts will likely draw in visitors from the surrounding states with many choosing to extend their stay. He says there’s other events in the Big Easy that will add to the big weekend…

cut 11 (10)  “tales of the cocktails”

Brooks announced his New Orleans shows back in May, exciting Louisiana residents as he appears for the first time in the state in nearly two decades…

cut 12 (07) “gone anywhere”

______________________________________

The executive committee of the Louisiana High School Officials Association meets on Sunday as referees plan to strike, jeopardizing the upcoming high school football and volleyball seasons. The association’s president Paul LaRosa says officials are looking for a pay increase, but that’s not the only reason why they are upset

Cut 13 (08)  “trying to fix”

LaRosa says they want signed contracts with individual schools that stipulate referee pay and other conditions, including security at games. He says refs are tired of promises of more pay, which is why a work stoppage maybe necessary…

Cut 14 (09) “our officials”

LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine schools can not legally enter into a contract with officials and he’s asking for more time to discuss this issue with high school principals and superintendents…

Cut 15  (10)  “on this”

Bonine says he’ll attend the officials association executive committee meeting on Sunday. He hopes something can be worked out to prevent a ref work stoppage, because student-athletes shouldn’t have to worry about whether they’ll play games this year…

Cut 16  (05)  “the way”

An online portal set up by the Department of Education is accepting public comments about Common Core. Emelie Gunn spoke with a state lawmaker about the review process…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

==================

The Army announce 388 soldiers will be cut from Fort Polk. Jeff Palermo has more on how people feel about this…

CUT 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

===================

The State Department of Education has set up an online portal to accept comments from the public about Common Core. This is part of the extensive review process of the controversial English and math standards. Lake Charles Rep. Brett Geymann helped set up this public comment period…

CUT 3 (10)  “development”

Geymann says the comments made on the online portal will be reviewed next month by 101 educators and other experts who have been charged to provide BESE with possible changes to Common Core….

CUT 4 (11)  “moving forward”

As part of the review process, Geymann says the new governor, legislature and BESE will  have a say on what changes could be made. He say to provide public comments visit louisiana.statestandards.com.

CUT 5 (10)  “their opinion”

============================

The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office says a man shot and killed his 7-year-old daughter, then turned the gun on himself in an apparent murder/suicide. Sheriff Doug Anderson says they got a 911 call around 8:50pm Wednesday evening in reference to two bodies laying in a field in the Vick area…:

CUT 6 (08)  “shot to death”

Anderson says they determined that 28-year-old Ryan Recktenwald killed his young daughter and then killed himself. He says they have no idea what caused this man to do such a thing…:

CUT 7 (09) “only 7-years-old”

Anderson says the call came from from the residence next to the field where Recktenwald and his daughter lived with his ex-girlfriend. He says investigators interviewed people that knew the father…:

CUT 8 (10)  “last week or so”

============================

The Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s office says a man has died after he tried to steal copper from a utility pole. Chris Ivey, commands the sheriff’s office criminal investigations division, says 51-year-old Jesse Jones III of Reeves was electrocuted while trying to yank down copper wire from pols near U-S Highway 165…

CUT 9 (09)  “your heart”

Jones was pronounced dead at a Lake Charles hospital and three others were arrested on theft charges. Ivey says Entergy officials report the four men performed 10-thousand dollars in damages to eight power lines

cut 10 (07) “of utilities” 

Ivey says three men who were also involved in stealing of the copper wire, were the ones that alerted the authorities about the electrocution…

cut 11 (10) “the ground”

============================

The US Army has announced a soldier reduction of 388 at Fort Polk. It’s part of a troop reduction of 40-thousand that’s impacting Army bases across the country. Fort Polk Progress Chairman Michael Reese is glad the Army spared major cuts to the Vernon Parish military base…

cut 12 (10)  “6,500″

Reese says the Joint Readiness Training Center on the base will not be touched by the reduction. He says their main concern was cuts to the depolyable combat brigade, which also will not lose any soldiers.

cut 13 (08)  “that value”

Reese says their main focus now is to prevent future reductions. He says Louisiana delegates are paving the way nationally to stop the Army from making any more cuts.

cut 14 (11) “of service”

============================

An official announcement is expected later today, but Fort Polk is expected to lose 350 soldiers as part of the US Army’s effort to reduce troop numbers by 40-thousand. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The Lafayette Parish District Attorney says an appeal is coming over the length of sentence Seth Fontenot received in the shooting death of a 15-year-old. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m  Scott Carwile”

______________________________________

Anti-abortion advocates gather in New Orleans for a three-day convention that begins today. Emelie Gunn has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The National Right to Life convention begins a three day conference in New Orleans today that will feature Republican presidential hopefuls including Governor Bobby Jindal who will make an appearance tonight. Ben Clapper, Executive Director of Louisiana Right to Life says tomorrow there will be a forum with some big names.

cut 4  (07)  “presidential candidates”

Rick Perry and Rick Santorum will also be at the forum. Clapper says The Duck Dynasty family will join the conference for a prayer breakfast on Saturday.  He says delegates from all 50 states come together to celebrate a festival of life and feature speakers to educate individuals of the Right to Life movement.

Cut 5  (06)  “our country”

Clapper says their mission is to restore the culture of life in America by bringing an end to abortion and all action to destroy innocent life.

Cut 6 (06)  “the impotent”

______________________________________

An official announcement from the US Army is expected today, but 5th District US Representative Ralph Abraham has learned Fort Polk will lose 358 soldiers from its Vernon Parish military base, as part of a plan to cut 40-thousand troops nationwide. Abraham says Fort Polk should add soldiers, not lose them, because of the growing threat from ISIS and countries like Iran and North Korea…

CUT 7 (10)  “defies logic”

Abraham says Fort Polk did not get hit as hard as others, as one base will lose three-thousand troops, but the loss of one soldier is tough to take…

Cut 8  (09)  “adding troops” 

Fort Polk has 81-hundred troops stationed at its base and it’s located in the district of U-S Representative John Fleming. The republican from Minden says Fort Polk and the surrounding area has worked hard to stave off any troop reductions

Cut 9 (11)  “dollars in”

______________________________________

The Lafayette Parish District Attorney will seek through an appeal to have 21-year-old Seth Fontenot spend more than 13 months in prison for the shooting death of a 15-year-old. Fontentot , who was convicted on manslaughter and two counts of aggravated battery, was sentenced to three years in prison, but most of the sentence was suspended. Lafayette D-A Keith Stutes says they will argue to the appeals court that none of his sentence should be suspended

Cut 10 (09) “at all”

Fontenot shot at a moving truck in 2012. One of the bullets killed Austin Rivault and two other teens were also wounded. Austin’s father asked the judge during the sentencing hearing for the maximum 40-year sentence. Stutes agrees the final sentence handed down was light…

cut 11 (09)  “higher sentence”

Fontenot has admitting to shooting at the truck that had three teens inside, but he says he did so, because he thought they were breaking into his vehicle. Stutes says they will file a write with the Third Circuit Court of Appeal challenging the sentence

cut 12 (08) “will be”

______________________________________

The University of Louisiana System has approved tuition and fee increases at their four-year universities. The highest increase is at UL Lafayette, 20-percent, while Nicholls State’s tuition hike is less than two percent . U-L System President Doctor Sandra Woodley says before tuition hikes were approved, they looked at how many students at a particular school received the TOPS scholarship, plus other factors…

Cut 13 (10)  “to the state”

Woodley says UL Lafayette’s was allowed to raise its tuition by 20-percent, because of the GRAD Act legislation approved in 2010, which gave campuses more autonomy if it met certain goals. She says the school’s 2014-15 tuition was also well below the Southern Regional Average

Cut 14 (10) “others had”

Woodley says Nicholls State and Grambling are the only schools in the system that will not see a tuition hike of 10-percent or more. She says Nicholls is struggling with its enrollment and there was a concern not to price out prospective students…

Cut 15  (10)  “increase”

The FBI is searching for more victims in Louisiana in a nationwide “sextortion” case. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

==================

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals rules in favor of Angola in a case dealing with air conditioning on death row. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

===================

State Police release the sketch of a person wanted in the injuring of a Trooper during a traffic stop in Rapides Parish on June 30th. Authorities say during the stop, the Trooper and driver engaged in an altercation and the officer was struck in the head with an unknown object by a passenger in the vehicle. L-S-P spokesperson Scott Moreau says based on a police composite sketch, the driver is a medium skin-toned black male

CUT 3 (10)  “dark brown”

Moreau says their suspect was last seen in an older model, mid 1980s, Chevrolet Caprice, with the square-style front and back….

CUT 4 (10)  “wheel cover”

Moreau says the Trooper and the suspects also exchanged gunfire during the altercation. No one was shot. He says anyone with information on the whereabouts of the individuals in that vehicle are encouraged to call State Police. He hopes the police sketch will result in new leads…

CUT 5 (07)  “complexion”

============================

The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office arrests the former Evergreen Police Chief for the murder of his wife four months ago. Sheriff Doug Anderson says they got a 911 call on March 21st of this year from Charles Mayeaux Jr. advising that his house was on fire…:

CUT 6 (09)  “in the house”

Anderson says detectives felt the circumstances surrounding the death of Shelly Mayeaux inside the charred home were suspicious…:(Mayeaux was charged with one count of second degree murder and one count of aggravated arson.)

CUT 7 (10) “aggravated arson”

Anderson says in addition to the murder and arson charges, they also booked Mayeaux with six counts of malfeasance in office and six counts of theft…:

CUT 8 (09)  “gas purchase records”

============================

Officials with the FBI are looking for known victims in Louisiana of a nationwide “sextortion” case in which a man is accused of tricking underage girls into performing sex acts on camera. Authorities says 31-year-old Lucas Michael Chansler of Florida had hundreds of victims across the country including several in Louisiana. FBI New Orleans Special Agent Mike Anderson says the work is just beginning on identifying his victims.

CUT 9 (11)  “the FBI”

Chansler admitted he used social networking sites to pretend he was a teenage boy and talked to girls who ranged from ages 13 to 18. He had over 80,000 photos and videos in his possession. Anderson says Chansler has been sentenced to 105 years in federal prison and is a convicted online predator.

cut 10 (10) “recruit others” 

If you believe you were a victim or you may know a victim contact the FBI. Anderson says in any child pornography case they want victims to come forward and hopefully lead them find more suspects involved….

cut 11 (11) “them help”

============================

The mother of a Baton Rouge teenager was arrested today after officers found her son severely malnourished. 49-year-old Rose Holland is charged with 2nd degree cruelty to a juvenile and also faces drug charges. Cpl. Don Coppola says Baton Rouge police officers discovered the child when responding to a noise complaint.

cut 12 (11)  “over him”

Coppola says  the child was immediately transported to the hospital with large bed sores and small bug bites all over his body. He says it is unknown if he had any other medical conditions.

cut 13 (07)  “local hospital”

Holland and her friend, Cathy Fort, were found sitting in a car outside the house and were then booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Coppola says Fort also faces charges of possession of crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

cut 14 (09) “drug paraphernalia”

============================

***Affiliates, please note below that the political consultant in cuts 13-15 is John Couvillon, not Courville. The audio in Voicer 3 has also been updated on our website to reflect the change. Thank you.***

The Lafayette man convicted in the 2013 death of 15-year-old Austin Rivault and the injuring of two other teens is scheduled to be sentenced this morning. Scott Carwile reports.

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Scott Carwile”

______________________________________

Minden Republican Congressman John Fleming says he had a strong second quarter in terms of fundraising. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo “

______________________________________

Candidates are gearing up for this fall’s election season as there are many seats open in both the Senate and House due to term limits. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

The Lafayette man convicted in the 2013 death of 15-year-old Austin Rivault is scheduled to be sentenced this morning. 21-year-old Seth Fontenot was found guilty of one count of manslaughter, avoiding a life sentence had he been convicted as charged of first degree murder. He still faces up to 40-years, but legal analyst Tim Meche doesn’t think Fontenot will get the maximum…:

cut 4  (07)  “to the judge”

In the incident where Fontenot contends he was shooting at what he thought were people breaking into his truck, he also injured two other teenagers. The defense attorney said his client never denied shooting the teens, but claims he was aiming at the truck, not the people in the vehicle. Meche says the punishment is all up to Judge Edward Rubin..:

Cut 5  (11)  “the sentence”

Rivault lived down the street from Fontenot and was a freshman at St. Thomas More Catholic School when he was killed. There was a pre-sentence investigation where lawyers give the judge letters and interviews from people those representing victims and also those who know the convicted individual…:

Cut 6 (07)  “is relevant”

______________________________________

Louisiana hunters are now allowed to carry any firearm of their choice during bow hunting season. In the past, hunters were only allowed to carry a 22 caliber pistol loaded with rat shot that could only kill small pests. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward  says he believes this law will be beneficial to keeping hunters safe from more aggressive animals…

CUT 7 (12)  “gun with me”

Some opponents of the law say this law gives hunters the freedom to use a gun to hunt game during bow hunting season. Ward says those who want to use their gun for hunting during bow season will do so regardless, but the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries can easily detect the illegal activity…

Cut 8  (06)  “not a bow shot” 

Senator Ward says although there were concerns initially about the bill, the responses have been positive now that it has been signed into law…

Cut 9 (05)  “no negative feedback”

______________________________________

A former Iberville Parish teacher has been indicted on 37 criminal counts as a result of accusations he had sex with his former students. Keavin Keith, who recently was named teacher of the year at MSA-West Academy, is free on bond. A teacher, who wishes to stay anonymous, that formerly worked with Keith commented to LRN on his indictment….

Cut 10 (07) “at fault”

The teacher, who worked with Keith, says she heard rumors around Plaquemine that one of the victim’s mother was aware of the situation long before it was ever reported to police.

cut 11 (12)  “real truth”

A paternity test conducted by the State Police Crime Lab determined that Keith fathered a child with one of his victims. She says she worked with him for many years and would’ve never expected Keith to do anything like this.

cut 12 (07) “very involved”

______________________________________

There’s a lot of attention on the fall statewide elections, but there’s also plenty of political activity involving legislative races. On the Senate side, nine seats open, seven because of term limits. And on the House side, there’s at least 19 open seats, 14 are the result of term limits. Political analyst and pollster John Couvillon says the jockeying for these open seats is well underway, even though qualifying for these races are two months away…

Cut 13 (05)  “wasting their time”

Couvillon says many candidates use this time to speak one-on-one with residents and fundraise. He says there is a varying degree of ways candidates may choose to campaign and how much money they may need to run…

Cut 14 (12) “know your legislator”

Couvillon says some candidates, especially those who are seeking political office for the first time,  have mailed flyers to residents letting voters know who they are and that kind of  traditional campaigning should pick up…

Cut 15  (08)  “a lot of money”

______________________________________

The Lafayette man convicted in the 2013 death of 15-year-old Austin Rivault and the injuring of two other teens is scheduled to be sentenced this morning. Scott Carwile reports.

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Scott Carwile”

______________________________________

Minden Republican Congressman John Fleming says he had a strong second quarter in terms of fundraising. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo “

______________________________________

Candidates are gearing up for this fall’s election season as there are many seats open in both the Senate and House due to term limits. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The Lafayette man convicted in the 2013 death of 15-year-old Austin Rivault is scheduled to be sentenced this morning. 21-year-old Seth Fontenot was found guilty of one count of manslaughter, avoiding a life sentence had he been convicted as charged of first degree murder. He still faces up to 40-years, but legal analyst Tim Meche doesn’t think Fontenot will get the maximum…:

cut 4  (07)  “to the judge”

In the incident where Fontenot contends he was shooting at what he thought were people breaking into his truck, he also injured two other teenagers. The defense attorney said his client never denied shooting the teens, but claims he was aiming at the truck, not the people in the vehicle. Meche says the punishment is all up to Judge Edward Rubin..:

Cut 5  (11)  “the sentence”

Rivault lived down the street from Fontenot and was a freshman at St. Thomas More Catholic School when he was killed. There was a pre-sentence investigation where lawyers give the judge letters and interviews from people those representing victims and also those who know the convicted individual…:

Cut 6 (07)  “is relevant”

______________________________________

Louisiana hunters are now allowed to carry any firearm of their choice during bow hunting season. In the past, hunters were only allowed to carry a 22 caliber pistol loaded with rat shot that could only kill small pests. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward  says he believes this law will be beneficial to keeping hunters safe from more aggressive animals…

CUT 7 (12)  “gun with me”

Some opponents of the law say this law gives hunters the freedom to use a gun to hunt game during bow hunting season. Ward says those who want to use their gun for hunting during bow season will do so regardless, but the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries can easily detect the illegal activity…

Cut 8  (06)  “not a bow shot” 

Senator Ward says although there were concerns initially about the bill, the responses have been positive now that it has been signed into law…

Cut 9 (05)  “no negative feedback”

______________________________________

A former Iberville Parish teacher has been indicted on 37 criminal counts as a result of accusations he had sex with his former students. Keavin Keith, who recently was named teacher of the year at MSA-West Academy, is free on bond. A teacher, who wishes to stay anonymous, that formerly worked with Keith commented to LRN on his indictment….

Cut 10 (07) “at fault”

The teacher, who worked with Keith, says she heard rumors around Plaquemine that one of the victim’s mother was aware of the situation long before it was ever reported to police.

cut 11 (12)  “real truth”

A paternity test conducted by the State Police Crime Lab determined that Keith fathered a child with one of his victims. She says she worked with him for many years and would’ve never expected Keith to do anything like this.

cut 12 (07) “very involved”

______________________________________

There’s a lot of attention on the fall statewide elections, but there’s also plenty of political activity involving legislative races. On the Senate side, nine seats open, seven because of term limits. And on the House side, there’s at least 19 open seats, 14 are the result of term limits. Political analyst and pollster John Courville says the jockeying for these open seats is well underway, even though qualifying for these races are two months away…

Cut 13 (05)  “wasting their time”

Courville says many candidates use this time to speak one-on-one with residents and fundraise. He says there is a varying degree of ways candidates may choose to campaign and how much money they may need to run…

Cut 14 (12) “know your legislator”

Courville says some candidates, especially those who are seeking political office for the first time,  have mailed flyers to residents letting voters know who they are and that kind of  traditional campaigning should pick up…

Cut 15  (08)  “a lot of money”

The anti-tax organization, Americans for Prosperity, is running a radio ad that lets listeners know where they can go to find out of if their legislator voted to increase taxes in the recently completed legislative session. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

==================

The New Orleans Police officer who originally arrested the man accused of killing Officer Daryle Holloway last month has has been arrested. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

===================

An anti-tax organization is airing a radio ad that shines the spotlight on state lawmakers who voted to increase taxes and fees 700-million dollars in the last legislative session. The Louisiana chapter for Americans for Prosperity paid for the 30-second spot and its director Phillip Joffrion says it’s designed to educate voters

CUT 3 (06)  “across the state”

Several lawmakers who voted for the tax increases on businesses and individuals are up for re-election this fall or running for another public office. Joffrion says instead of solving budget problems, these legislators turned to short-term fixes…

CUT 4 (10)  “these situations”

Legislators who supported the tax increases say it was needed to prevent large cuts to colleges and public health care services. Joffrion says their website directs residents to louisiana-scorecard-dot-com to see if their legislator voted for 700-million tax increases

CUT 5 (10)  “tax reform”

============================

The New Orleans Police Department has made another arrest in connection with the shooting death of Officer Daryle Holloway last month, and this time, it’s another cop. Travis Boys was initially arrested by Officer Wardell Johnson before the suspect is alleged to have shot and killed Holloway in a squad car while handcuffed. NOPD Chief Michael Harrison:

CUT 6 (07)  “as evidence”

Johnson is charged with obstruction, malfeasance and theft and is on emergency suspension. Harrison says they believe Johnson also took bullets from the scene and then lied about it when questioned. He says this is disgusting, sloppy police work, with a clear intent to cover it up:

CUT 7 (08) “share that sentiment”

The judge has set Johnson’s bond at 30-thousand dollars. Harrison says they still do not know exactly how Boys gained a weapon that was used in the fatal shooting. He says at this point, they don’t believe Johnson knew Boys, but there is body camera evidence showing the officer gave a careless patdown..:

CUT 8 (10)  “after an arrest”

============================

The mother of a two year old child, who died after falling out of the window of a moving vehicle in Acadia Parish, was arrested this morning. State Police Trooper Brooks David says 32-year-old Amber Watson of Church Point was booked on charges of child desertion and no child restraint.

CUT 9 (07)  “to that”

Watson’s bond is set at 25-hundred dollars. David says the charge of child desertion comes from Watson putting her child in an unsafe position where he could not take care of himself. He says the toddler, Mitchell Watson, climbed from the backseat of the car into the passenger seat and fell out the front window.

cut 10 (09) “going on” 

The two year old child died on June 23^rd from injuries sustained from the fall. David says it’s important for parents to always be watching and pull over if necessary to ensure the child is safe at all times.

cut 11 (11) “around us”

============================

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon warns residents that the top two months for vehicle thefts are July and August. Donelon says motorists should keep this in mind when leaving your vehicle unoccupied. He believes car thefts are more common during the  summertime because…

cut 12 (05)  “school students”

The state’s national ranking for stolen vehicles went from 18th in 2007 to 24th in 2013, but auto theft is still a serious problem in Louisiana. Donelon says this is considered a gateway offense for youth around the country and the state Department of Insurance is doing everything they can to combat this all too common crime.

cut 13 (11)  “vehicles”

Donelon advises drivers not to leave their windows down even in the southern Louisiana heat, especially with valuables in sight. He says following simple steps like taking your  keys out of the ignition and parking in well lit areas can protect you from car theft.

cut 14 (09) “auto theft”

============================