AM Newscall October 1, 2014

A state judge has ruled a Metairie man, who spent 17 years in prison for an attempted rape he did not commit, is entitled to up to $330,000 in compensation. Scott Carwile has the story…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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According to a LSU Public Policy Research Lab survey, Republican voters in Louisiana are following the election more closely and are more committed to casting ballots than Democratic voters. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (31) “reporting”

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According a recent Public Policy Poll, support for marijuana reform continues to grow in Louisiana. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (32) “reporting”

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A state judge has ruled a Metairie man, who spent 17 years in prison for an attempted rape he did not commit, is entitled to up to $330,000 in compensation.  40-year-old Nathan Brown was released from prison in June after DNA tests proved his innocence.  Innocence Project New Orleans attorney Kristin Wenstrom says Brown is not immediately eligible for the entire sum…

Cut 4  (11)  “was in prison”

State law caps compensation for wrongful imprisonment at $250,000 regardless of how long the person was incarcerated.  Brown is entitled to petition the court for an additional $80,000 for loss of life opportunities.  Wenstrom says that additional money can be for medical expenses, education, and job training…

Cut 5  (12)  “wait for months”

Wenstrom says this money doesn’t make up for 17 years of wrongful incarceration, but it will help Brown restart his life…

Cut 6 (10)  “foundation whatsoever”

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Public Service Commission member Foster Campbell says many Entergy Customers will soon receive a small refund after they were victorious in a fight to expose inflated bills. Campbell says the typical residential customer is in line for a one-time refund of $8. He says they brought the suit against Entergy after finding some red flags in their billing process…:

CUT 7 (08)  “a refund”

Campbell says the refund on a typical Gulf States residential customer bill will be about $15. He says they are voting on the refund at the PSC meeting today…:

Cut 8 (11)   “immediately”

Campbell says it’s the job of the PSC to make sure utility companies like Entergy are doing everything they can to keep bills accurate and not overcharge customers…:

Cut 9 (12)  “we’re gonna get it back” 

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According to a recent survey, Republican voters in Louisiana are following the election more closely and are more committed to casting ballots than Democratic voters. The results are part of LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab’s 2014 Election Report. Research Director, Dr. Michael Henderson, says the report shows Republicans, statewide, are more enthusiastic about the November elections…

Cut 10 (13)  “vote and turnout”

The survey shows 60-percent of Republicans surveyed are closely following the candidates and campaigns, compared to 41-percent of Democrats. The survey polled over 1,000 Louisiana adults. Henderson thinks the lack of enthusiasm among Democrats could hurt Senator Mary Landrieu…

cut 11 (07)  “to show up”

However, he says black Democrats in the Baton Rouge area are particularly engaged. The report shows an amazing 87-percent say they intend to vote in November. Henderson says that’s likely due to the 6th District Congressional race, in part, because it’s an open seat…

cut 12 (13)  “Democratic voters”

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According a recent Public Policy Poll, support for marijuana reform continues to grow in Louisiana. The survey done last week of a sampling of registered voters here found that 78% oppose sentences of longer than 6 months for pot possession — up from 59% last year. Louisiana American Civil Liberties Union Executive Dir Marjorie Esman

Cut 13 (08)  “possessing marijuana”

According to the results, 71% oppose life sentences for marijuana possession up from 65% last year. Esman says 2/3 of those surveyed also acknowledged they knew someone who has been in possession of marijuana…:

Cut 14 (10)  “that they know someone”

The survey also shows that 68% of people support letting certain seriously ill patients use medical marijuana with a doctor’s prescription — up 3% from last year. Esman believes the numbers are rising because people are starting to realize Louisiana is so out of sync with the rest of the country on this issue…:

Cut 15  (11)   “thinking about it now

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U-L Lafayette will look to snap a three game losing streak on Saturday when they return to Cajun Field to host Georgia State. It’s the Sun Belt opener for the Cajuns who haven’t won since beating Southern in the season opener. Coach Mark Hudspeth hopes the adversity his team has faced in September will help them in conference play

Cut 16  (22)   “somebody else”

The Cajuns beat Georgia State 35-21 last season. The Panthers were winless last season, but Hudspeth says they have a much better team this year

Cut 17  (16)   “ahead of us”

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True freshmen wearing purple and gold will play big roles in Saturday’s SEC tilt between 15th ranked LSU and fifth ranked Auburn. Wide receiver Malachi Dupre was playing for John Curtis High School last season, but is not surprised by the increased playing time as the season goes on

Cut 18 (11)  “to that statement”

In his last two games, Dupre has caught seven passes, three of them have been for touchdowns. The six-foot-three wideout from New Orleans believes he’s getting better every week

cut 19 (13)  “team win”

Safety Jamal Adams, running back Leonard Fournette and quarterback Brandon Harris are three other true freshman who will see significant playing time Saturday. Harris will make his first start and Dupre says Harris will be handle the big stage

Cut 20 (12) ” is presented”

17:30 Newscast September 30, 2014

A state judge has ruled a Metairie man, who spent 17 years in prison for an attempted rape he did not commit, is entitled to up to $330,000 in compensation. Innocence Project attorney Kristin Wenstrom says 40-year-old Nathan Brown is not immediately eligible for the entire sum…

Cut 26 (11) “was in prison”

Brown is entitled to petition the court for an additional $80,000 for loss of life opportunities.

The state’s annual survey of seat-belt use found that a record 84% of Louisiana motorists are buckling up in 2014. LA Highway Safety Commission Executive Director John LeBlanc says this proves that we’re on the right track in increasing seat-belt use…

cut 7 (11) “below the state level”

He says state law says everyone in your car needs to be restrained and it’s one of the best ways to protect lives.

The Baton Rouge Police Department says the daughter and granddaughter of an elderly woman who was found dead in her wheelchair Monday are under arrest for cruelty to the infirm. Corporal Don Copolla says the victim’s daughter and granddaughter both admitted to being the main caregivers of the deceased and being aware of her condition but not seeking medical attention. He says the suspects could face additional charges…

cut 11 (08) “a murder charge“

53-year-old Joleslie Looney and 17-year-old Lauren Looney were booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

Bergeron’s Restaurant in Port Allen is getting national attention for a sign informing customers packing heat they get a 10 percent discount. Owner Kevin Cox says he originally offered law enforcement officers a discount for eating there…

cut 12 (12) “in the program”

Cox said the support he’s been getting from people all over the country has been phenomenal.

LRN Newscast 16:30 09-30-14

The Baton Rouge Police Department says the daughter and granddaughter of an elderly woman who was found dead Monday are under arrest for cruelty to the infirm. Corporal Don Copolla says officers were called to a residence where they discovered 82-year-old Bessie Looney dead and unclothed in her wheelchair…:

CUT 9 (05) “total disgust”

Coppola says there could be other charges added.

 

The state’s annual survey of seat-belt use found that Louisiana motorists are buckling up at record high rates in 2014. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says over 84% of drivers and front-seat passengers were buckled up, which is up 1.6 percentage points from last year…:

CUT 6 (09) “information campaign”

That’s LA Highway Safety Commission Executive Dir. John LeBlanc.

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A restaurant in Port Allen is getting national attention for a sign, informing customers packing heat they’ll get a 10 percent discount. Michelle Southern has more.

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

There’s another Louisiana opinion poll out, but this time it’s not about politics; it’s about pot, and the punishments for possession. The survey from Public Policy Polling says that marijuana reform support is growing, with 59% of those surveyed say first time offenders should not have to go to jail.

LRN 16:45 Sportscast Sept 30

LSU freshman quarterback Brandon Harris will make his first collegiate start at Auburn this Saturday and a raucous crowd is expected for this SEC West clash. Coach Les Miles expects Harris and the rest of the team to handle the hostile environment well….
cut 17 (11) “…will get that”
Auburn had three starters who left last Saturday’s game against Louisiana Tech because of injuries. Coach Gus Malzhan says linebackers Kris Frost and Cassanova McKinzy and right tackle Patrick Miller listed as day-to-day and he’s hopeful they’ll be able to play Saturday against LSU.

Louisiana Tech hosts UTEP this Saturday in a Conference USA matchup. The Bulldogs lead the all-time series over the Miners seven-two-and-one. Tech beat them last year in a close affair, 38-35.

ULM looks to improve to 3-and-0 in the Sun Belt on Saturday when they visit Arkansas State. Warhawks Coach Todd Berry has never beaten the Red Wolves in four tries.

The Ragin Cajuns football team is coming off a bye week and it’s allowed the team to get healthy. It looks like top wide receiver Jamal Robinson will be able to play this Saturday against Georgia State. Coach Mark Hudspeth says Robinson gives opposing defenses something to think about….
cut 30 (16) “….at Boise”
The Cajuns are looking to snap a three-game losing streak.

McNeese State says for the first time since 2010 there’s an increase in football season ticket sales. The Cowboys near upset of Nebraska helped give them an extra bump in ticket sales. McNeese will begin Southland play this Saturday when they host winless Nicholls State.

LRN Newscast 15:30 09-30-14

With a US Senate Candidate Forum tonight in Kenner without Republican Bill Cassidy in attendance, that could help his two main opponents who WILL be there–Senator Mary Landrieu and Republican candidate Rob Maness…

CUT 5 (06) Q: “could be the difference”

That’s Political Analyst Clancy Dubos.

 

Baton Rouge police have a daughter and granddaughter in jail following the shocking discovery of a dead and unclothed elderly woman in a wheelchair inside her home. Cpl. Don Coppola says the current charge against the caregivers- her daughter, 53 year-old Joleslie Looney and her granddaughter, 17 year-old Lauren Looney – is cruelty to the infirm…
CUT 11 (08) Q: “a murder charge”
The victim is 82 year-old Bessie Looney.

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The state’s annual survey of seat-belt use reveals record-high compliance rates. Michelle Southern reports

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

Ever since Bergeron’s Restaurant in Port Allen began offering a 10 percent discount for any customer carrying a gun, business is booming. The owner, Kevin Cox, says it’s all about supporting the Constitution…

CUT 14 (08) Q: “a little louder”

Cox says he hasn’t heard a single negative comment.

LRN Newscast 14:30 09-30-14

Two out of three leading candidates in the Senate race will be in Kenner for a forum tonight. Senator Mary Landrieu and Republican candidate Rob Maness will be there, but no Congressman Bill Cassidy.

CUT 3 (08) “make a difference”

That’s Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says not attending could hurt Cassidy.
A disturbing case of cruelty to the infirm in Baton Rouge, as BRPD discovers 82 year Bessie Looney in her residence dead and unclothed in her wheelchair…

CUT 10 (07) Q: “had occupied”

That’s BRPD Cpl Don Copola who says police arrested her daughter; 53 year-old Joleslie Looney and her granddaughter; 17 year Lauren Looney who were serving as caregivers.
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If you’re packing heat, you can get a 10% discount at a South Louisiana restaurant. Bergeron’s in Port Allen has a sign that reads, “Thank you for carrying your gun today, 10% Discount.” The owner Kevin Cox says the support is overwhelming…:

CUT 13 (12) “for doing that”

As you might imagine, this policy has has gotten a lot of national attention.
A Lafayette financial planner who defrauded residents of over $6 million dollars in an investment scam is going to jail for 10 and half years. U S District Judge Richard Haik (hike) gave that term to forty six year-old Richard Boswell, along with requiring him to pay $6.3 million to his victims, many of whom lost their life savings.

PM Newscall September 30, 2014

The state’s annual survey of seat-belt use found that Louisiana motorists are buckling up at record high rates in 2014. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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A restaurant in Port Allen is getting national attention for a sign hanging up informing customers packing heat they get a 10 percent discount. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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A US Senate candidate forum takes place tonight in Kenner. Senator Mary Landrieu and republican candidate Rob Maness are expected to attend, but Congressman Bill Cassidy will reportedly not be there. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says forums like this and televised debates do matter for undecided voters

CUT 3 (08) “make a difference”

Dubos says candidates usually play it safe during debates and forums like tonight, but an election can be lost if a candidate commits a costly flub…

CUT 4 (11)  “make a difference”

Cassidy has been criticized for only participating in two televised debates and skipping out on many forums like tonight. Dubos says that could come back to hurt Cassidy….

CUT 5 (06) “could be the difference “

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The state’s annual survey of seat-belt use found that Louisiana motorists are buckling up at record high rates in 2014. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says over 84% of drivers and front-seat passengers were buckled up in 2014 which is up 1.6 percentage points from last year. LA Highway Safety Commission Executive Dir. John LeBlanc:

CUT 6 (09)  “information campaign”

LeBlanc says this survey proves that we are on the right track in the work that’s being done to save lives by increasing seat-belt use.

CUT 7 (11) “below the state level”

LeBlanc attributes much of the recent years’ improvements in seat-belt use to Click It or Ticket, a nationwide enforcement and public information campaign. He says state law says everyone in your car needs to be restrained and it’s one of the best ways to protect lives…:

CUT 8 (08) “remain safe”

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The Baton Rouge Police Department says the daughter and granddaughter of an elderly woman who was found dead Monday are under arrest for cruelty to the infirm. Corporal Don Copolla says officers were called to a residence where they discovered 82-year-old Bessie Looney dead and unclothed in her wheelchair…:

CUT 9 (05)  “total disgust”

Copolla says the victim was severely malnourished and had severely infected bed sores all over her body. He also says the condition of the residence was deplorable…:

CUT 10 (07)  “had occupied”

Coppola says detectives detained the victim’s daughter, 53-year-old Joleslie Looney, and her 17-year-old granddaughter, Lauren Looney. He says both admitted to being the main caregivers of the deceased and being aware of her condition but not seeking medical attention. Coppola says the suspects could face additional charges…:

CUT 11 (08) “a murder charge

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A restaurant in Port Allen is getting national attention for a sign hanging up informing customers packing heat they get a 10 percent discount. The owner of Bergeron’s Restaurant, Kevin Cox, says he originally had a sign posted offering law enforcement officers a discount for eating there…:

CUT 12 (12) “in the program”

The sign says, “Thank you for carrying your gun today, 10% Discount.” Cox said the support he’s been hearing from people all over the country has been phenomenal…:

CUT 13 (12) “for doing that”

Cox says he’s always felt that his establishment is safer when people bring their guns inside. He says they’ve been so busy since word of the promotion got out that parking at his Highway 415 West Baton Rouge location has been a problem. Cox says he hasn’t heard a single negative thing about his gun toting discount program…:

cut 14 (08) “a little louder”

13:30 Newscast September 30, 2014

A US Senate candidate forum takes place tonight in Kenner. Senator Mary Landrieu and Republican candidate Rob Maness are expected to attend, but Congressman Bill Cassidy will reportedly not be there. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says candidates usually play it safe during debates and forums like tonight, but an election can be lost if a candidate commits a costly flub…

cut 4 (11) “make a difference”

Dubos says Cassidy’s non-participation could come back to hurt him.

The Baton Rouge Police Department says the daughter and granddaughter of an elderly woman who was found dead Monday are under arrest for cruelty to the infirm. Corporal Don Copolla says officers were called to a residence where they discovered 82-year-old Bessie Looney dead and unclothed in her wheelchair…:

cut 9 (05) “total disgust”

53-year-old Joleslie Looney and 17-year-old Lauren Looney were booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

The state’s annual survey of seat-belt use found that a record high 84% of Louisiana motorists are buckling up in 2014. LA Highway Safety Commission Executive Director John LeBlanc says state law states that everyone in your car needs to be restrained and it’s one of the best ways to protect lives…

cut 8 (08) “remain safe”

LeBlanc attributes much of the recent years’ improvements in seat-belt use to the nationwide Click It or Ticket campaign.

A Port Allen restaurant is getting national attention for a sign informing customers packing heat they get a 10 percent discount. The owner of Bergeron’s Restaurant, Kevin Cox, says he originally had a sign posted offering law enforcement officers a discount for eating there…

cut 12 (12) “in the program”

Cox said the support he’s been getting from people all over the country has been phenomenal.

12:30 Newscast September 30, 2014

The state’s annual survey of seat-belt use found that 84% of Louisiana motorists are buckling up in 2014, which is a record high. LA Highway Safety Commission Executive Director John LeBlanc says this survey proves that we are on the right track in the work that’s being done to save lives by increasing seat-belt use…

cut 7 (11) “below the state level”

He says state law says everyone in your car needs to be restrained and it’s one of the best ways to protect lives.

A US Senate candidate forum takes place tonight in Kenner. Senator Mary Landrieu and Republican candidate Rob Maness are expected to attend, but Congressman Bill Cassidy will reportedly not be there. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says that could come back to hurt Cassidy….

cut 5 (06) “could be the difference “

Cassidy has been criticized for only participating in two televised debates and skipping out on many forums like tonight.

The Baton Rouge Police Department says the daughter and granddaughter of an elderly woman who was found dead Monday are under arrest for cruelty to the infirm. Corporal Don Copolla says the victim, 82-year-old Bessie Looney, was severely malnourished and had severely infected bed sores all over her body. He says the victim’s daughter and granddaughter both admitted to being the main caregivers of the deceased and being aware of her condition but not seeking medical attention. He says the suspects could face additional charges…

cut 11 (08) “a murder charge“

53-year-old Joleslie Looney and 17-year-old Lauren Looney were booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

A Bossier City man convicted last month of stabbing his mother to death in 2011, was formally sentenced today to life in prison. Christopher Holder will spend the rest of his life behind bars with no chance of parole.

11:40 LRN sportscast

There are many issues plaguing the 1-and-3 Saints as they prepare for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay. A negative six turnover ratio jumps off the page when you look at the team’s statistics. The Saints are also allowing nearly 400 yards a game and 27 points a contest.

New Orleans defense has only sacked the quarterback five times this year. Coach Sean Payton says stopping opposing offenses from running the football and making them throw more can help improve their sack totals…
cut 19 (09) “….more challenge defensively”

In other NFL news…former LSU standout and Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne will miss the rest of the season after tearing the patellar tendon in his left knee. And former Tiger and Colts strong safety LaRon Landry has been suspended four games for violating the league’s performance enhancing policy.