LRN AM Newscall December 31

Today is University of Louisiana System President Sandra Woodley’s last day on the job. Don Molino reports…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

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The drop in oil prices continues to lead to job losses in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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LSU is searching for a new defensive coordinator after Kevin Steele leaves the Tigers to become the new D-C at Auburn. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Today is University of Louisiana System President Sandra Woodley’s last day on the job. Woodley announced her resignation last month. She says one of the things she’s most proud of is working with partners to flip the narrative about higher education in the legislature where it’s no longer viewed as an expense but an investment…

cut 4  (09)  “in Louisiana”

Former Louisiana Tech President Dan Reneau will serve as interim system president until a permanent replacement is found. Woodley feels she’s made a difference in higher education during her three years as UL System President…

Cut 5  (09)  “retention rates”

She will stay on in an advisory capacity until March 15th. Woodley says she will look back on her time as UL System President with fondness. As far as her future plans go, Woodley is remaining mum on that…

Cut 6 (08)  “will be”

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Tonight is New Year’s Eve and many will ring in the new year by shooting off fireworks. Deputy Chief with the State Fire Marshal’s office, Brent Thompson, has some tips to stay safe tonight….

CUT 7 (08)  “your hand”

Thompson says to exercise extreme caution when handling fireworks. He says to never give children fireworks, even if you think they are small and harmless.

Cut 8  (07)  “millisecond”

Thompson says make sure to only purchase fireworks from a licensed distributor, never online. He also advises people to never experiment with homemade fireworks.

Cut 9 (05)  “in jail”

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LSU has to find a new defensive coordinator. After guiding the Tigers defense for one season, Steele has left Baton Rouge to become the new defensive coordinator at Auburn. Football analyst Mike Detillier is shocked another SEC school would be interested in Steele after LSU’s defense took a step back from what it was under previous defensive coordinator John Chavis

Cut 10 (10) “in the season” 

It’s the second straight year LSU will have to find a new defensive coordinator. The list of candidates last year recently became public and  Detillier believes head coach Les Miles will go back to that list

cut 11 (11) “at LSU”

Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, Georgia Tech’s Ted Roof, Penn State’s Bob Shoop, and Oklahoma’s Mike Stoops are some of the individuals Miles spoke with last year. Miles also has the option to promote defensive line coach Ed Orgeron, but Detillier doesn’t see that happening

Cut 12 (05) “the family”

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A 52-year-old Boyce man is in jail on a three-million dollar bond after he allegedly held a gun to a woman’s head and repeatedly raped her.  Lt. Tommy Carnline, with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office, says Jeffery Ducote Sr knocked on the door at the victim’s home, held a brief conversation with the woman, and then brandished a handgun to get inside her house…

Cut 13 (09)  “terrible act”

Carnline says Ducote told his victim that he was looking for a person who used to live there. He says evidence found in the home helped detectives develop Ducote as a suspect…

Cut 14 (06) “so quickly”

Ducote faces four counts of first-degree rape plus other charges. Carnline says after the sexual assault, the victim fled her home and told authorities what happened to her

Cut 15  (11) “that time”

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The Saints final regular season game is this Sunday as the Black and Gold visit Atlanta. New Orleans will look to end the season on a two-game losing streak, but that won’t be good enough to avoid a second straight losing streak. Quarterback Drew Brees says despite missing the playoffs again, he feels good about the future because of the character and leadership that’s on the team

Cut 16  (15)  “move forward”

But will Brees be a part of the Saints future? The future Hall of Famer is entering the final year of his contract, but Brees laughs at any of the reports that suggest he might not be back next year…

Cut 17 (19) “I chuckle”

Some young wide receivers have emerged this year. Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead have combined to catch 145 passes and 12 touchdowns. Brees says the future is bright for the Saints

Cut 18 (19) “a time”

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LRN Newscast 17:30 December 30

The imminent threat of flooding along the Mississippi and Red Rivers has led to Governor Bobby Jindal declaring a state of emergency. The action paves the way for the state to prepare for the potential of flooding along those two rivers because, high crests are projected as a result of recent storms across the south and middle United States.

The state’s fiscal situation is worse than previously thought, according to Jay Dardenne, who is the budget architect for Governor-elect John Bel Edwards. Dardenne says the revenue shortfall for this fiscal year has grown to 750-million dollars, thanks to a drop in oil prices and a slump in corporate income and sales taxes…
cut 12 (08) “calendar year”
Dardenne projects the budget shortfall for next fiscal year at 1-point-9 billion dollars, and everything is on the table to address this situation, including higher taxes.

LSU has lost its defensive coordinator to Auburn. After spending just one season in Baton Rouge, Kevin Steele is bolting the Tigers for the same job at Auburn. Steele guided an LSU defense that allowed 347 yards a game this year, which is ranked as the 27th best mark in the country.

Total employment in Louisiana declined by more than 30-thousand from November 2014 to 15. The Louisiana Workforce Commission says low oil prices have led to thousands of jobs lost in Lafyaettee and the Houma-Thibodaux areas.

State Police says an Independence Police Officer is under arrest accused of using his position to steal money from non-English speaking Hispanic males during traffic stops. Spokesman Dustin Dwight says 25-year-old Laquinton Banks was arrested for three felony charges, theft, malfeasance in office and a hate crime…
cut 10 (06) “hate crime”
Dwight says Banks stole 16-hundred dollars during four separate traffic stops.

16:45 LRN Sportscast December 30

LSU needs to find another defensive coordinator.Kevin Steele has left LSU after one season as the Tigers D-C and he’s taking the same job at Auburn. This past season, LSU’s defense had its ups and downs, but played well last night in a 56-27 win over Texas Tech. Coach Les Miles is impressed with what Steele did as LSU’s defense produced six sacks…
cut 5 (08) “…certain things”
Steele takes over for Will Muschamp, who left Auburn after one season to become the head coach at South Carolina.

Auburn played Memphis today in the Birmingham Bowl and won easily 31-10.

Doug Atkins, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and a member of that first Saints team in 1967, has passed away at the age of 85. Atkins died of natural causes. The six-foot-eight defensive lineman played for the Black and Gold from 1967-69.

This Sunday the Saints face the Atlanta Falcons in the regular season finale. Quarterback Drew Brees says he’s amused by the reports that this could be his last game in a Saints uniform…
cut 30 (20) “…right here”
Brees is also disappointed over the possiblity that the Chargers will leave for Los Angeles. Brees started his pro career in a San Diego uniform.

The LSU men’s basketball team was looking for some momentum heading into 2016, but they didn’t get it as they lost to Wake Forest 77-71. Ben Simmons had a double-double as he scored 21 points and had 12 rebounds. But the Tigers turned the ball over 17 times.

In action tonight…Southeastern Louisiana is at Jackson State.

16:30 LRN Newscast December 30

According to Jay Dardenne, the budget architect for Governor-elect John Bel Edwards, Louisiana’s revenue shortfall for this fiscal year has grown to $750 million, while next year’s budget is a projected $1.9 billion short. He says the state’s fiscal outlook is more dire than they thought and hard work is needed to resolve it…
cut 13 (12) “year to year”
A special legislative session is expected in February to address the state’s budget problems.

The imminent threat of flooding along the Mississippi and Red Rivers has led to Governor Bobby Jindal issuing a state of emergency. Flood warnings have been posted along those two rivers as it’s projected they’ll crest above flood stage in many areas next month. The Bonnet Carre Spillway in southeast Louisiana could be opened for the first time since 2011.

An Independence Police Officer is now behind bars after he allegedly used his position to steal currency from non-English speaking Hispanic males during traffic stops. State Police spokesperson Dustin Dwight says 25-year-old Laquinton Banks is facing several charges
cut 9 (10) “of impairment”
Banks served on the Independence Police Department for five months prior to his arrest.

The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office has charged a Labadieville teenager with negligent homicide in an accidental shooting death. Sheriff Mike Waguespak says 18-year-old Jamal Starks and several friends were playing with a handgun when it discharged, shooting 17-year-old Dronald Washington in the head. Waguespack says they originally investigated the incident as a self-inflicted shooting…
cut 6 (10) “next to him”
Bail for Starks has been set at $125,000.

15:30 LRN Newscast December 30

There were 30-thousand fewer people working in Louisiana last month compared to the previous November. That’s according to the Louisiana Workforce Commission who says depressed oil prices are the reason for the job losses.

There’s also bad news about the state’s budget situation. Jay Dardenne, who is the state’s next Commissioner of Administration, says after examing the state’s finances, the budget shortfall for this fiscal year is 750-million dollars and one-point-nine billion dollars next fiscal year. Dardenne says tax increases could be needed, but they’ve yet come up with a budget plan to propose to lawmakers…
cut 14 (05) “….answers today”
Dardenne says a drop in oil prices and a slump in collections from sales and corporate income taxes have caused the budget holes to become larger.

LSU needs a new defensive coordinator again. Kevin Steele is leaving the Tigers for the same job at Auburn.

An Independence Police Officer has been arrested for stealing money from non-English speaking men during traffic stops. Emelie Gunn has more…
voicer 1 (27) “…reporting”

A Labadieville teenager is charged with negligent homicide in an accidental shooting death. Assumption Parish Sheriff Mike Waguespak says 18-year-old Jamal Starks was playing with a gun when it went off, striking 17-year-old Dronald Washington in the head. Waguespack says it is now up to a grand jury to determine how they will move forward with this case…
cut 7 (05) “all around”
Waguespack says this is a prime example of why no one should ever play with guns.

14:30 Newscast December 30, 2015

According to Jay Dardenne, the budget architect for Governor-elect John Bel Edwards, Louisiana’s revenue shortfall for this fiscal year has grown to $750 million, while next year’s budget is a projected $1.9 billion short. He says the state’s fiscal outlook is more dire than they thought and hard work is needed to resolve it…

cut 13 (12) “year to year”

Edwards plans to call a special legislative session to address the state’s budget problems.

Louisianians will still be able to use their valid state driver’s licence to fly commercially Friday, even though the state has yet to to comply with the federal Real ID law. Many are confused that the identification requirement would kick in for Louisiana January 1st, but the state received a yearlong extension to comply with Real ID Act in October. Without that extension, Louisiana resident would have needed a passport to fly domestically in the new year.

An Independence Police Officer is now behind bars after he allegedly used his position to steal currency from non-English speaking Hispanic males during traffic stops. State Police spokesperson Dustin Dwight says 25-year-old Laquinton Banks was arrested on felony charges of theft, malfeasance in office, and a hate crime. Dwight urges any other victims out there to contact Louisiana State Police…

cut 11 (08) “any allegation”

He says the investigation is on-going.

One question following LSU’s 56-27 win over Texas Tech in the Texas Bowl is, will Kevin Steele return as LSU’s defensive coordinator in 2016? There are reports he may take the same job at Auburn. Coach Les Miles is impressed with what Steele did last night as LSU’s defense produced six sacks…

cut 5 (08) “certain things”

It’s also being reported that LSU is working to keep Steele in Baton Rouge.

13:30 Newscast December 30, 2015

Louisiana’s budget problems are worse than previously thought. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A Monroe man is under arrest after a hate crime sent one man to the hospital. The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office says 23-year-old Tarus Williams went into a Richwood store and began harassing a store employee with racial slurs. When the employee attempted to get the suspect to leave the store, Williams smashed a glass bottle on his head. The victim was treated at a local hospital. Williams is charged with a hate crime and second degree battery.

Assumption Parish Sheriff Mike Waguespak says 18-year-old Jamal Starks is charged with negligent homicide in an accidental shooting death earlier this month. Waguespack says Starks was playing with a handgun when it accidentally discharged, shooting 17-year-old Dronald Washington in the head. He says this is a prime example of why no one should ever play with guns…

cut 8 (06) “killed his friend”

Bail for Starks has been set at $125,000.

State Police says an Independence Police Officer is under arrest accused of using his position to steal money from non-English speaking Hispanic males during traffic stops. Spokesman Dustin Dwight says 25-year-old Laquinton Banks was arrested for three felony charges, theft, malfeasance in office and a hate crime…

cut 10 (06) “hate crime”

Dwight says the investigation is on-going.

LRN PM Newscall December 30

An Independence Police Officer has been arrested for stealing money from non-English speaking men during traffic stops. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (27)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana’s budget problems are worse than previously thought. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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LSU running back Leonard Fournette put on an impressive performance in the Tigers 56-27 win over Texas Tech in the Texas Bowl. The sophomore from New Orleans rushed for 212 yards and scored five touchdowns. Coach Les Miles is not surprised by Fournette’s showing

CUT 3 (10)  “special back”

Fournette finished 47 yards away from eclipsing 2,000 rushing yards on the season. The win gives LSU a 9-3 record for 2015. Miles hopes the victory over the Red Raiders is the sign of things to come in 2016

CUT 4 (12)  “bountiful way”

Will Kevin Steele return as LSU’s defensive coordinator in 2016. There’s reports he may take the same job at Auburn. It’s also being reported that LSU is working to keep Steele in Baton Rouge. Miles is impressed with what Steele did last night as LSU’s defense produced six sacks

CUT 5 (08)  “certain things”

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The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office has charged a Labadieville teenager with negligent homicide in an accidental shooting death. Sheriff Mike Waguespak says 18-year-old Jamal Starks and several friends were playing with a handgun when it discharged, shooting 17-year-old Dronald Washington in the head. Waguespack says they originally investigated the incident as a self-inflicted shooting…

CUT 6 (10) “next to him”

He says their investigation determined that Starks was handling the gun when it went off, striking Washington. Waguespack says it is now up to a grand jury to determine how they will move forward with this case…

CUT 7 (05) “all around” 

Bail for Starks has been set at $125,000. Waguespack says this is a prime example of why no one should ever play with guns…

CUT 8 (06) “killed his friend”

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An Independence Police Officer is now behind bars after he allegedly used his position to steal currency from non-English speaking Hispanic males during traffic stops. State Police spokesperson Dustin Dwight says 25-year-old Laquinton Banks is facing several charges

CUT 9 (08)  “1,600 dollars”

Banks served on the Independence Police Department for five months prior to his arrest. Dwight says Banks was arrested for three felony charges, theft, malfeasance in office and a hate crime.

cut 10 (06)  “hate crime”

Dwight says the investigation is on-going and urges any other victims out there to contact Louisiana State Police.

Cut 11 (08) “any allegation”

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The state’s fiscal situation is worse than previously thought. Jay Dardenne, who is the budget architect for Governor-elect John Bel Edwards, says the revenue shortfall for this fiscal year has grown to 750-million dollars, thanks to a drop in oil prices and a slump in collections from sales taxes and corporate income taxes

cut 12 (08) “calendar year”

Dardenne says these factors push the state’s budget shortfall for next fiscal year an additional 600-million dollars to 1-point-9 billion dollars. Dardenne says the state’s fiscal outlook is more dire than they thought and hard work is needed to resolve…

cut 13 (12)  “year to year”

Edwards plans to call a special session after he’s sworn in on January 11th to address the state’s budget problems. Dardenne says tax increases could be needed, but they’ve yet come up with a plan to propose to lawmakers

cut 14 (05)  “answers today” 

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12:30 Newscast December 30, 2015

The state’s fiscal situation is worse than previously thought, according to Jay Dardenne, who is the budget architect for Governor-elect John Bel Edwards. Dardenne says the revenue shortfall for this fiscal year has grown to 750-million dollars, thanks to a drop in oil prices and a slump in corporate income taxes…

cut 12 (08) “calendar year”

Dardenne projects the budget shortfall for next fiscal year at 1-point-9 billion dollars, and everything is on the table to address this situation, including higher taxes.

A Labadieville teenager is charged with negligent homicide in an accidental shooting death. Assumption Parish Sheriff Mike Waguespak says their investigation determined that 18-year-old Jamal Starks was playing with a gun when it went off, striking 17-year-old Dronald Washington in the head. Waguespack says it is now up to a grand jury to determine how they will move forward with this case…

cut 7 (05) “all around”

Waguespack says this is a prime example of why no one should ever play with guns.

LSU running back Leonard Fournette rushed for 212 yards and scored five touchdowns in the Tigers 56-27 win over Texas Tech in last night’s Texas Bowl. Coach Les Miles hopes this victory over the Red Raiders is the sign of things to come in 2016…

cut 4 (12) “bountiful way”

The win gives LSU a 9-3 record for 2015.

Governor Bobby Jindal has issued a state of emergency due to the imminent threat of flooding along the Mississippi and Red Rivers. Heavy rainfall over the last 30 days has led to rapidly rising river levels on both waterways.

11:30 Newscast December 30, 2015

The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office has charged a Labadieville teenager with negligent homicide in an accidental shooting death. Sheriff Mike Waguespak says 18-year-old Jamal Starks and several friends were playing with a handgun when it discharged, shooting 17-year-old Dronald Washington in the head. Waguespack says they originally investigated the incident as a self-inflicted shooting…

cut 6 (10) “next to him”

Bail for Starks has been set at $125,000.

An Independence Police Officer is now behind bars after he allegedly used his position to steal currency from non-English speaking Hispanic males during traffic stops. State Police spokesperson Dustin Dwight says 25-year-old Laquinton Banks is facing several charges

cut 9 (10) “of impairment”

Banks served on the Independence Police Department for five months prior to his arrest.

A report by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund shows Louisiana had more law enforcement officers shot and killed in the line of duty this year than any other state in the nation. Chairman Craig Floyd says five officers were shot and murdered while on the job in 2015….

cut 10 (10) “officer died”

A total of 9 officers died in the line of duty this year, triple the number from 2014.

LSU running back Leonard Fournette put on an impressive performance in the Tigers 56-27 win over Texas Tech in the Texas Bowl. The sophomore from New Orleans rushed for 212 yards and scored five touchdowns. Coach Les Miles is not surprised by Fournette’s showing…

cut 3 (10) “special back”

Fournette finished 47 yards away from eclipsing 2,000 rushing yards on the season.