12:30 Newscast August 15, 2014

According to the Federal Elections Commission, G-O-P Congressman and US Senate candidate Bill Cassidy has more campaign cash available than Democratic incumbent Mary Landrieu. From July 1st to August 2nd, Cassidy raised 629-thousand dollars. That’s 53-thousand dollars more than what Landrieu collected. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says it will be interesting to see how the Landrieu campaign reacts

cut 4 (10) “walk in the park”

Cassidy’s war chest is at 5-point-6 million dollars , while Landrieu is at 5-point-5 million.

New Orleans Police has two men in custody they believe are responsible for last weekends drive-by shooting in the Lower Ninth Ward that left two dead and five wounded. 20-year-old Blair Taylor, the accused shooter, and 25-year-old Jeffery Rivers, the accused accomplice, were arrested yesterday by NOPD with assistance from Louisiana State Police.

LSU is currently involved in research focusing on cars that will have the ability to communicate with each other. The technology is similar to Wi-Fi and will allow cars to collect and exchange traffic information with each other. Engineering Professor Sheriff (sha-REEF) Ishak (EYE-shack) says this will improve road safety…

cut 6 (09) “entire network”

Ishak says this technology will also have the ability to reduce delays and cut down on car pollution.

The Saints return to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome to take on the Tennessee Titans in NFL preseason action tonight. Saints radio color analyst Hokie Gajan says during these preseason games, you want to see those guys on the bubble continue to improve…

cut 18 (05) “the performance”

Kickoff is scheduled for seven o’clock.

11:40 Sportscast LRN August 15

Football returns to the Mercedes Benz Superdome tonight as the New Orleans Saints host the Tennessee Titans in preseason action. Quarterback Drew Brees is not expected to play in tonight’s game, as he continues to nurse an oblique injury. That means we’ll see more of both Luke McCown and Ryan Griffin. After last week’s game, there has been some talk as to which will be Brees’ backup for the season. Saints Radio Color analyst Hokie Gajan has his thoughts…
cut 17 (10) “…the other night”
Former LSU Tiger Zach Mettenberger is expected to get some playing time for the Titans tonight. Mettenberger was four for seven for 87 yards in a win over the Packers last week. The game was played in the rain and Metteberger had one interception and one fumble. Kick-off tonight inside the Dome is at seven P-M.

Fall camp wraps up tomorrow for LSU with a scrimmage. There’s plenty of position battles that have to be sorted out. Quarterback is the big one as sophomore Anthony Jennings and freshman Brandon Harris have competing against each other since last spring. There’s also a bunch of young wide receivers pushing for playing time.

Louisiana Tech will have an open practice tonight at Independence Stadium in Shreveport this afternoon. Bulldog players and coaches will be available for autographs after today’s practice. Tech will also hold a tailgating kickoff even tomorrow in Ruston at the Argent Pavilion. Players and coaches will be available for autographs at six o’ clock.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the NFL has suspended former LSU Tiger and Kansas City Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe for one game for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. That means he won’t play in the regular season opener against Tennessee. Bowe was arrested last fall for possession fo marijuan and he missed four games in 2009 for violating the league’s PED policy.

11:30 Newscast August 15, 2014

According to the Federal Elections Commission, Republican US Senate candidate Bill Cassidy has more campaign cash available than democratic incumbent Mary Landrieu. Cassidy’s war chest is at 5-point-6 million, while Landrieu is at 5-point-5 million. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says it’s a significant accomplishment for Cassidy…

cut 3 (10) “milestone”

Tea party candidate Rob Maness has only 200-thousand dollars on hand.

The conservative group, Keep Louisiana Working, has filed a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission against Senator Mary Landrieu for using Senate money to pay for two chartered flights that were used to take her to campaign events. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says in a situation like this, it’s not unusual for outside groups to get involved…

cut 12 (08) “to look bad”

The Landrieu campaign says they have reimbursed the Senate for the flights.

Today begins the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign across the country, with hundreds of law enforcement agencies participating here in Louisiana. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, 28 people are killed every day as a result of drunk driving. Executive Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Lt. Co. John Leblanc says that along with the human cost, a DUI can cost you thousands of dollars…

cut 9 (13) “losing your job”

Leblanc says alcohol is a factor in as many as 40-percent of all fatal crashes. The campaign ends September 1st.

Two people have finally been indicted for murder in the case of Jaren Lockhart, the Bourbon Street stripper who was murdered and her body parts washed ashore along Mississippi beaches in 2012. Prosecutors say Margaret Sanchez and Terry Speaks committed the brutal homicide.

10:30 Newscast August 15, 2014

A Common Core lawsuit brought against BESE and the Department of Education will be heard in court today. Matthew Doyle spoke to legal analyst Tim Meche…

cut 1 (29) “reporting”

Senator Mary Landrieu is facing accusations that she used Senate money to pay for chartered flights to attend campaign events. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan doesn’t see this as a big campaign issue…

cut 10 (09) “appears to be”

Landrieu’s campaign says they will reimburse the Senate for both flights in question.

The Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control announce that they issued nearly 900 citations to Louisiana establishments for selling alcohol and tobacco to minors as a result of their 2014 Summer Crackdown operation. Commissioner Troy Hebert says in most cases it’s the clerk, not the business owner, illegally selling to minors. He says it’s easy to tell if someone is a minor in Louisiana since their driver’s licence is printed vertically…

cut 14 (10) “certainly unacceptable”

He says they conducted 6,500 compliance checks during their summer crackdown with about 14 percent of businesses being cited.

Governor Bobby Jindal has appointed former Congressman Jim McCrery of Shreveport to the LSU Board of Supervisors. McCrery left Congress in 2009. Jindal worked as a summer intern for McCrery when he was a student at Brown University. McCrery replaces Shreveport doctor John George who resigned.

LRN Newscast 09:30 August 15

Senator Mary Landrieu has been facing criticsm this week after CNN uncovered that the three-term senator had her senate office billed for two chartered flights that were campaign related. Landrieu’s office says the senator’s campaign will reimburse the senate for those flights. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Landrieu’s opponents are playing a potentially dangerous game bringing up this issue…
cut 11 (09) “….sorts of things”

A Baton Rouge judge will hear arguments today over a Common Core lawsuit filed by a group of lawmakers who oppose the controversial educational standards. Legal analyst Tim Meche says with no resolution in sight, legal fees will rise and schools will be kept in limbo…
cut 6 (10) “….we have to pay’

Today begins the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. With alcohol being a factor in as many as 40 percent of all fatal vehicular crashes, cops are keen to get out and lock up drunk drivers. Executive Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Lt. Col. John Leblanc says drunk driving has become too prevalent on state roads.
CUT 7 (08) “From the road”
Leblanc’s agency will provide federal funds to law enforcement agencies around the state, to give them the resources needed to blanket the roads during one of the peak times of the year for impaired driving.

Ascension parish authorities are expected to release the identity today of a badly beaten body that was found on a levee near Donaldsonville yesterday afternoon. Sheriff Jeff Wiley says the body of a young black male has been exposed to the elements for some time, making it difficult to determine the victim’s identity.

LRN 8:30 Newscast August 15

US Senator Mary Landrieu is facing criticism for having her senate office pay for two chartered flights, when in both cases, the plane was used to take her to campaign events. The conservative group, Keep Louisiana Working, has filed a formal complaint with the Federal election Commission. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says in a situation like this, it’s not unusual for outside groups to get involved…
cut 12 (08) “….to look bad’
Landrieu’s office says the Senator’s campaign has reimbursed the Senate for the flight costs.

Governor Bobby Jindal has appointed a former Congressman to the LSU Board of Supervisors. Jim McCrery of Shreveport served in Louisiana’s Congressional delegation for more than two decades. Jindal worked as a summer intern for McCrery back in the day. McCrery takes the place of Shreveport doctor John George, who resigned.

Starting today, cops across the state ramp up patrols to keep drunk drivers off the road. Scott Carwile has more…
cut 2 (29) “….reporting”

The Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control say they issued nearly 900 citiations this summer to businesses across the state that sold either alcohol or tobacco to minors. A-T-C Commissioner Troy Hebert says they conducted 65-hundred compliance checks during their summer crackdown…
cut 13 (06) “….actually sold”
Hebert says in most cases it’s the clerk at the register, not the business owner, who are illegally selling to minors.

LRN 07:30 Newscast

A lawsuit filed by 17 lawmakers who claim the department of education and BESE did not follow the state’s laws when it adopted Common Core will be heard in a Baton Rouge courtroom today. This is one of two Common Core-related suits that are moving through the legal system. Legal analyst Tim Meche says people are trying to bring their politics into the courtroom.
Cut 4 (07) “on others”
Meche says thecase needs an authoritative judge who will demand a ettlement be reached without court intevention.

Senator Mary Landrieu is facing accusations that she used Senate money to pay for chartered flights to attend campaign events. Her two Republican opponents in the upcoming Senate race have criticized Landrieu on this issue in recent days. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan doesn’t see this as a big campaign issue…
cut 10 (09) “appears to be”
Landrieu’s campaign says they will reimburse the Senate for both flights that have been questioned.

The Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control announce they’ve issued nearly 900 citations to Louisiana businesses for selling alcohol and tobacco to minors as a result of their Summer Crackdown operation. Eric Gill has more…
Cut 3 Audio (32) “reporting”

Two people have finally been indicted for murder in the case of a Bourbon Street stripper, who was murdered and her body parts washed ashore along Mississippi beaches. It was 2012 when Jaren Lockhart’s killed. Prosecutors say Margaret Sanchez and Terry Speaks committed the brutal homicide.

LRNsportscast 06:45 August 15

The Saints return to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome tonight to take on the Tennessee Titans in NFL preseason action. Saints color commentator Hokie Gajan says he’s keeping his eye on the running game and the defense. Gajan hopes the running game has another strong showing like they had last week against the Rams…
Cut 16 (13) “that he did”
Quarterback Drew Brees is not expected to play in tonight’s game, as he continues to nurse an oblique injury. That means plenty of snaps for Luke McCown and Ryan Griffin, who are battling to be Brees’ primary back-up.

Another position battle to watch tonight is at center. Jonathan Goodwin and Tim Lelito have been battling it out since the start of training camp. Kicker Shayne Graham also needs a good game today after missing a 33-yard extra point last week.

Ragin Cajuns quarterback Terrance Broadway is on the 2014 Manning Award Watch List. The list features 32 of the top quarterbacks heading into the college football season. Broadway threw for 24-hundred yards and 19 touchdowns last season.

The LSU Tigers are scheduled to have two practices today and then hold a scrimmage tomorrow at 10:45 AM. Louisiana Tech will have an open practice and meet-n-greet with the fans at Independence Stadium today. Practice is scheduled to start at 3:15.

LRN Newscast 06:30 August 15

A hearing is set for today in Baton Rouge over a lawsuit filed by a group of lawmakers who oppose Common Core. These legislators claim the department of education and BESE violated state law when Common Core was adopted. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says with a case as controversial as Common Core, an authoritative magistrate is needed…
cut 5 (07) “….we have that”
There’s also a pro Common Core lawsuit against Governor Jindal for his actions against the education standards.

The Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control say they’ve issued nearly 900 citations this summer to Louisiana retailers who sold alcohol or tobacco to minors. …
cut 15 (08) “….this from happening’
That’s A-T-C Commissioner Troy Hebert, who says fines start at 500-dollars for those who sell alcohol or tobacco to underage individuals.

Starting today law enforcement around the state will provide extra patrols in an attempt to crack down on drinking and driving. “The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign ends September first. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director, Colonel John Leblanc, says studies indicate campaigns like this save lives…
cut 8 (12) “….saving lives”
Leblanc says alcohol is a factor in as many as 40-percent of all fatal crashes.

University of Louisiana System President Sandra Woodley says the timeline on when they hope to have a new president in place at Grambling State has been extended into the spring.

AM Newscall August 15, 2014

A Common Core lawsuit brought against BESE and the Department of Education will be heard in court today. Matthew Doyle spoke to Legal Analyst Tim Meche…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

Starting today, cops across the state ramp up patrols to keep drunk drivers off the road. Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 2 Audio (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control announce that they’ve issued nearly 900 citations to Louisiana establishments for selling alcohol and tobacco to minors as a result of their 2014 Summer Crackdown operation. Eric Gill has more…

Cut 3 Audio  (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

A lawsuit filed by 17 lawmakers who claim the department of education and BESE did not follow the state’s laws when it adopted Common Core will be heard in a Baton Rouge courtroom today. This is one of two Common Core-related suits that are moving through the legal system. Legal analyst Tim Meche says people are trying to bring their politics into the courtroom.

Cut 4  (07)  “on others”

Judges have a range of options at their disposal to deal with feuding political factions, including arbitration. Meche says with a case as controversial as Common Core, an authoritative magistrate is needed…

Cut 5  (07) “we have that”

There’s also a pro Common Core lawsuit against Governor Jindal for his actions against the education standards. It will have a full hearing on Monday. Meche says until there’s a resolution legal fees will rise and schools will be kept in limbo.

Cut 6 (10)  “we have to pay”

______________________________________

Today begins the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign across the country, with hundreds of  law enforcement agencies participating here in Louisiana. With alcohol being a factor in as many as 40 percent of all fatal vehicular crashes, cops are keen to get out and lock up drunk drivers. Executive Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Lt. Col. John Leblanc says drunk driving has become too prevalent on state roads.

CUT 7 (08) “From the road”

The campaign ends September 1st.The effort approves more overtime for police, to give them the resources needed to blanket the roads during one of the peak times of the year for impaired driving. Leblanc says studies have indicated that this campaign saves lives.

CUT 8 (12)   “saving lives”

According to the National Highway Safety Administration, everyday 28 people are killed as a result of drunk driving. Leblanc says that along with the human cost, a DUI can cost you thousands of dollars.

CUT 9 (13)  “Losing your job”

______________________________________

Senator Mary Landrieu is facing accusations that she used Senate money to pay for chartered flights to attend campaign events. Her two Republican opponents in the upcoming Senate race have criticized Landrieu on this issue in recent days. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan doesn’t see this as a big campaign issue…

cut 10 (09)  “appears to be”

The Landrieu campaign office says her Senate office was incorrectly billed for one of the the flights. The campaign says they will reimburse the Senate for both flights that have been questioned. Hogan says Landrieu’s opponents are playing a potentially dangerous game bringing up this issue…

cut 11 (09)  “sorts of things” 

The conservative group Keep Louisiana Working has filed a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission against the Senator over this issue. Hogan says, in a situation like this, it’s not unusual for outside groups to get involved…

cut 12 (08) “to look bad”

______________________________________

The Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control announce that they’ve issued nearly 900 citations to Louisiana establishments for selling alcohol and tobacco to minors as a result of their 2014 Summer Crackdown operation. ATC says, during the summer months, statistics show an increase in teen drinking. Commissioner Troy Hebert says this is the second year in a row that his office has performed a summer operation…

Cut 13 (06)  “actually sold”

ATC says they performed over 6,500 compliance checks during the operation. Hebert says about 14 percent of businesses were cited. He says in most cases it’s the clerk, not the business owner, illegally selling to minors. Hebert says it’s really easy to tell if someone is a minor in Louisiana since their driver’s licenses are printed vertically…

Cut 14 (10)  “certainly unacceptable”

Hebert says fines start at $500 and he’s fined businesses as much as $25,000 for repeat offenses. He says there was no particular region of the state that had a significantly higher percentage of citations than any other…

Cut 15  (08)   “this from happening”

______________________________________

The Saints return to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome tonight to take on the Tennessee Titans in NFL preseason action. Saints color commentator Hokie Gajan says he’s keeping his eye on the running game and the defense. Gajan hopes the running game has another strong showing like they had last week against the Rams…

Cut 16  (13)   “that he did”

Quarterback Drew Brees is not expected to play in tonight’s game, as he continues to nurse an oblique injury. That means we’ll see more of both Luke McCown and Ryan Griffin. After last week’s game, there has been some talk as to which will be Brees’ backup for the season. Gajan has an opinion on that…

Cut 17  (10)   “the other night”

Gajan says during these preseason games, coaches are looking to find the best 53 players to make the team. He says you want to see those guys on the bubble continue to improve…

Cut 18 (05)  “the performance”