AM Newscall, April 24th, 2015

The 2015 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival gets underway today. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s “Buckle Up in Your Truck” campaign runs through April 30. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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A bill by Gonzales state Representative Eddie Lambert would set a limit on the size of live crawfish that would be sold to people or restaurants. Scott Carwile reports…

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The 2015 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival gets underway today. The lineup this first weekend includes headliners Keith Urban tonight, The Who tomorrow and Sunday it’s Jimmy Buffett on the Acura Stage. Festival producer Quint Davis says he’s excited about the music as usual, but he knows festers can’t get enough of the delicious Louisiana food…:

cut 4  (09) “when it’s open”

Other huge artists performing this weekend are Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, Pitbull, Irma Thomas, Ryan Adams, John Legend, Wilco, Jimmy Cliff, Wayne Toups and more. Davis says festival also offers gourmet food in a field on a paper plate for $10 and under…:

Cut 5  (09)  “andouille gumbo”

There are chances for rain in the forecast for New Orleans mostly today and tomorrow, but Davis says that doesn’t stop the good times from rolling. He says last year’s Jazzfest was attend by over 400,000 people…:

Cut 6 (11)  “than last year”

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The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission begins their “Buckle Up in Your Truck” campaign today in an effort to get more pickup drivers to use their seat belts. Executive Director Lt. Col. John LeBlanc says even though Louisiana’s seat belt compliance rate rose to a record 84-percent in 2014, pickup truck drivers lag behind…

CUT 7 (06)  “been the lowest”

LeBlanc says less than 79-percent of pickup truck drivers are using seat belts, which is the lowest rate for all vehicles. He says because of a pickup’s tendency to roll over, it’s especially important for people to be restrained inside a truck…

Cut 8  (10)  “compliance rate up” 

The campaign runs through April 30. LeBlanc says you can expect to see increased patrols to make sure you are buckled up, no matter what kind of vehicle you’re in. He says buckling up in a front seat passenger car is the best way to reduce your risk to fatal injury…

Cut 9 (09)  “to buckle up”

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A bill by Gonzales state Representative Eddie Lambert would set a limit on the size of live crawfish that would be sold to people or restaurants. The measure would make it illegal for vendors, farmers, and harvesters to sell crawfish that are smaller than three and a half inches for people to eat. Lambert says he’s heard complaints about small crawfish from both wholesalers and consumers…

Cut 10 (10) “you can’t tell”

There would be an allowance of up to five percent of undersized crawfish in each sack. He says crawfish is a multi-million dollar industry that basically has no standards. Lambert says for the crawfish meat industry, these undersized crawfish are just not economically viable…

cut 11 (05) “180 crawfish”

He says this would damage the crawfish meat industry. First offense punishment would be a fine of up to $350 with possible jail time of up to 60 days. The bill will be heard in the House Natural Resources Committee. Lambert says one problem with crawfish is that they are difficult to grade…

cut 12 (10)   “live animals”

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The Department of Health and Hospitals is issuing early reminders about the importance of taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family from West Nile. They believe this will be a big mosquito season because of all the rain we’ve gotten in April. DHH State Epidemiologist Raoult Ratard says get rid of all standing water…:

Cut 13 (12)  “to reach”

Ratard says standing water serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes that may be infected with West Nile. He says the virus typically doesn’t pop up in humans until July, but it’s good to start preparing your home now…:

Cut 14 (06) “keep the door closed”

In 2014, Louisiana reported 61 cases of West Nile and Ratard says residents who are at least 65 years old are at higher risk for complications but everyone is at risk for infection. He says when you’re outside, make sure you wear mosquito repellent containing DEET…:

Cut 15  (05)  “not on my skin”

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17:30 Legislative Report April 23, 2015

The full House and Senate did not meet Thursday but the candidates for governor appeared at a forum to give their ideas on how to address the budget shortfall. Republican Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says one short term fix for the budget crisis is for legislators to increase the cigarette tax…

cut 13 (10) “find some money”

Democratic Amite state Representative John Bel Edwards says Louisiana should reduce or eliminate tax credits that aren’t producing a the desired benefit. Edwards says tax credits are tax expenditures…

cut 14 (10) “review these things”

Republicans Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says he would redo the state’s tax code and US Senator David Vitter says he would immediately call a special legislative session to address the budget. The forum was put on by the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana.

Governor Bobby Jindal has an op-ed piece in the New York Times that explains his support for the religious liberty bill that will be debated in the Louisiana legislature. U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says there are some in Louisiana that will applaud the governor’s stance against gay marriage and for religious liberty, but others would rather see him devote more time to state specific issues…

cut 8 (09) “at home”

Jindal also says in the op-ed column that he continues to have the view that marriage is between one man and one woman.

A bill by Gonzales state Representative Eddie Lambert would make it illegal for vendors, farmers, and harvesters to sell crawfish that are smaller than three and a half inches for people to eat. Lambert says he’s heard complaints about small crawfish from both wholesalers and consumers…

cut 26 (10) “you can’t tell”

He says crawfish is a multi-million dollar industry that basically has no standards.

16:45 Sportscast April 23, 2015

The two top teams in college baseball are set to play each other tonight at Alex Box Stadium as the number one ranked LSU Tigers host second ranked Texas A-and-M. The Aggies have the lowest team ERA in the SEC and they’ve hit the most home runs in the league. Coach Paul Mainieri says A&M also has several veteran players…
cut 19 (14) “…very good team’
First pitch tonight is at 6:30 and tonight’s game can be seen on ESPN 2.

The Smoothie King Center will be rocking tonight as the Pelicans host Golden State for game three of their best of seven playoff series. The Warriors won the first two games, but New Orleans will have the home court advantage this time around. Tip-off is at 8:30 and you can watch on TNT. It’s the first playoff game in New Orleans since 2011.

At the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, Boo Weekley is your clubhouse leader as first round play continues at the TPC Louisiana in suburban New Orleans. Weekley shot an eight-under par 64 and leads Canadian David Hearn, who shot a 65.

LSU basketball has received a signed national letter of intent from six-foot-four shooting guard Antonio Blakeney. The five-star guard from Orlando is ranked as the nation’s 14th best prospect according to ESPN.

Louisiana Tech football has announced the south end zone club seats are sold out for the upcoming season. The club level has 302 seats and it features all-inclusive dining, cushioned chairs and a five-thousand square foot lounge space.

And Major League Baseball legend Hank Aaron will receive an honorary degree at Grambling State University’s spring commencement on May 8th. Aaron is being rewarded by Grambling for his contributions to professional baseball and substantial charitable efforts. Aaron hit 715 home runs during his Hall of Fame career.

LRN Newscast 16:30 04-23-15

Today, federal prosecutors announced corruption charges against former St. Tammany and Washington Parish District Attorney Walter Reed. The grand jury indictment comes after months of investigation, during which Reed announced he would not run for re-election. Reports linked him to allegations of misusing his authority.

In an op-ed piece found in today’s New York Times, Governor Jindal says he’s not backing down from supporting the Religious Liberty Bill…
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A lot of heavy damage in Northeast Louisiana yesterday, as a result of some very heavy storms…
CUT 3 (11) Q: “not livable”
That’s Ouachita Parish Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Executive Director Neal Brown.

A Lafayette Parish City-Parish Parks and Rec altercation between two coaches has resulted in a female coach being sucker punched in the face by a male coach. Youngsville Police Chief Rickey Boudreaux says the man broke her nose in three places…
CUT 11 (07) Q: “pretty good”
Boudreaux says the suspect in this case is a complete low life and the sports organization indicates there is no place for violence in youth recreation sports. No arrests have been made as of yet.

LRN Newscast 15:30 04-23-15

Yesterday’s heavy storms that moved through Northeast Louisiana have many areas in recovery mode today. Executive Director of Ouachita Parish Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Neal Brown there were no reports of funnel clouds but high winds downed power lines, trees and blocked roads…:
CUT 5 (12) Q: ‘Sterlington area’
Sterlington Middle sustained roof damage and classes were cancelled for today but they hope to open back up tomorrow.

Governor Bobby Jindal has an op-ed piece in today’s New York Times that explains his support for the religious liberty bill that will be debated in the Louisiana legislature. Some companies are concerned about the legislation, but there are some Louisianaians that support the governor’s stance. Still, there are many who wish that Jindal would spend more time addressing specific state issues.
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A male youth softball coach is facing charges for allegedly sucker punching an opposing female softball coach and breaking her nose in three places. Youngsville Police Department Chief Rickey Boudreaux says just because it was a highly contested game between two teams with the Lafayette City-Parish Parks and Recreation, that’s no excuse for this coach’s actions…
CUT 10 (08) Q: “youth softball game”

Increasing the cigarette tax would be the short-term fix for helping the Louisiana budget crises, according to gubenatorial candidate and Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne, speaking at candidate forum in Baton Rouge today.
CUT 13 (10) Q: “find some money”
Dardenne took a shot at front-runner David Vitter, saying people need to be elected-quote- whose actions you can be proud of; not those to become feedstock for late-night TV.

LRN Newscast 14:30 04-23-15

In today’s New York Times, Governor Bobby Jindal’s has an open-ed piece that explains his support for the Religious Liberty Bill that will be debated in the Louisiana legislature. The governor is also standing firm in the definition of marriage as a union between man and woman. U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Jindal is trying to differentiate himself…
CUT 7 (09) Q: “dramatic ways”

In Baton Rouge, all four candidates for governor participated in a candidate forum today. Republican Senator David Vitter appeared via recorded video from Washington, saying if elected, he would immediately call a special legislative session focused on spending and tax reform…
cut 15 (09) “on the table”
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Strong storms moved through northeast Louisiana on Wednesday causing widespread damage throughout the region…
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Tragic story out of Washington Parish, as a two-old boy that was reported missing yesterday evening by his grandmother, drowned in a backwater area of the Pearl River. Washington Parish Sheriff’s deputies found the child face down in a swampy area, and resuscitation efforts proved unsuccesful. The 2 year-old’s family was in the process of moving to the area from Arkansas.

 

PM LRN Newscall April 23rd

Strong storms moved through northeast Louisiana on Wednesday causing widespread damage throughout the region. Michelle Southern reports.

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In an op-ed piece found in today’s New York Times, Governor Jindal says he’s not backing down from supporting a controversial religious liberty bill. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (28) “reporting”

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Many areas in northeast Louisiana are in recovery mode today after strong storms moved through the region Wednesday. Authorities say homes and businesses were damaged by heavy winds and at least three people were injured. Executive Director of Ouachita Parish Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Neal Brown…:

CUT 3 (11)  “not livable”

Brown says the storm produced straight line winds and hail and got worse as it moved through the Sterlington area and into Union, Richland and Morehouse parishes…:

CUT 4 (12)  “alot of hail”

Entergy reported thousands of customers were without power most of the morning and into the afternoon. Brown says Sterlington Middle sustained roof damage and classes were cancelled for today but they hope to open back up tomorrow. He says there were no reports of funnel clouds but high winds downed power lines, trees and blocked roads…:

CUT 5 (12)  “Sterlington area”

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Governor Bobby Jindal has an op-ed piece in today’s New York Times that explains his support for the religious liberty bill that will be debated in the Louisiana legislature. Some companies are concerned about the legislation. But U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Jindal lets the world know their opinions won’t deter him…

CUT 6 (09)  “a gauntlet”

Jindal also says in the op-ed column that he continues to have the view a marriage is between one man and one woman. Cross says it appears the governor is once again trying to raise his profile in a crowded republican presidential field…

CUT 7 (09) “dramatic ways”

Cross says there are some in Louisiana that will applaud the governor’s stance against gay marriage and religious liberty, but others would rather see him devote more time to state specific issues…

CUT 8 (09)  “at home”

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The Youngsville Police Department says a male youth softball coach is facing charges for allegedly punching an opposing female softball coach and breaking her nose. Chief Rickey Boudreaux says it was a highly contested game between two teams with the Lafayette City-Parish Parks and Recreation. He says after it was over words were allegedly exchanged then three players jumped on an opposing player…:

CUT 9 (11)  “in three places”

Boudreaux says the suspect in this case is a complete low life and the sports organization indicates there is no place for violence in youth recreation sports. He says the players and the coach in this case let their emotions rise above common sense…:

cut 10 (08) “youth softball game”

Boudreaux says since the victim’s nose was broken in multiple places she will have to see a specialist to repair the injury..:

cut 11 (07)  “pretty good”

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At a gubernatorial candidate forum in Baton Rouge today, all four candidates were asked what should be done about the state’s current fiscal crisis. Legislators are currently working to resolve a $1.6 billion dollar budget deficit for next fiscal year. Republican Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says the state’s tax code is outdated and needs to be totally redone…

cut 12 (11)  “people of Louisiana”

The forum was put on by the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana. Republican Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says one short term fix for the budget crisis is for legislators to increase the cigarette tax…

cut 13 (10)  “find some money”

Democratic Amite state Representative John Bel Edwards says Louisiana should reduce or eliminate tax credits that aren’t producing a the desired benefit. Edwards says tax credits are tax expenditures…

cut 14 (10) “review these things”

Republican US Senator David Vitter appeared by recorded video as he is in Washington, DC for a Senate vote. He says, if elected, he would immediately call a special legislative session focused on spending and tax reform and nothing would be off limits…

cut 15 (09) “on the table”

13:30 Newscast, April 23rd, 2015

At a gubernatorial candidate forum in Baton Rouge today, the four candidates were asked what should be done about the state’s current fiscal crisis. Legislators are working to resolve a $1.6 billion dollar budget deficit. Republican Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says the state’s tax code is outdated and needs to be totally redone…:
CUT 12 (11) “people of Louisiana”
Democratic Amite state Representative John Bel Edwards says the answer is reducing or eliminating tax credits that aren’t working…:
CUT 14 (10) “review these things”
Senator David Vitter says if elected he’s going to call a special session focused on spending and tax reform and Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne supports the cigarette tax increase.

The Youngsville Police Department says a male youth softball coach is facing charges for allegedly punching an opposing female softball coach and breaking her nose. Chief Rickey Boudreaux says a fight broke out with the players and when the female coach tried to break it up, the opposing male coach sucker punched her and her nose broke in three places…:
CUT 10 (08) “youth softball game”
Boudreaux says they will arrest the coach and probably others as well.

The New Orleans District Attorney has dropped Louisiana gun charges against wealthy New York real estate heir Robert Durst. Legal analysts say this is not a big break for Durst because the federal court charges are still on. The federal charge of felon in possession of a firearm carries a penalty of up to 10 years. Prosecutors say Durst killed a friend as police were preparing to interview her about the disappearance of Durst’s wife in New York decades earlier.

 

12:30 Newscast, April 23rd, 2015

In an op-ed piece found in today’s New York Times, Governor Jindal says he’s not backing down from supporting a controversial religious liberty bill. Jeff Palermo has more…:
CUT 2 (28) “reporting”

The credit rating agency Moody’s Investors Services lowered LSU’s credit outlook from positive to stable. State Treasurer John Kennedy says this move reflects the years of cuts and tuition hikes statewide, but says action by the legislature could stabilize higher ed and turn things around. The Jindal Administration says “corporate welfare” needs to be cut so dollars can be invested in higher ed.

Northeast Louisiana is recovering from a strong storm that ripped through the region on Wednesday. Executive Director of Ouachita Parish Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Neal Brown says straight line winds and hail and got worse as it moved through the Sterlington area and into Union, Richland and Morehouse parishes…:
CUT 4 (12) “a lot of hail”
He says some homes were destroyed and at least three people were injured.

Gas prices keep going up. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is $2.28 up a penny from the day before and 8 cents higher than last week.

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast April 23

The first NBA playoff game since 2011 will be played in New Orleans tonight as the Pelicans host the Golden State Warriors at the Smoothie King Center. The Pels find themselves down two games to none, but they hope that the home crowd will provide them the lift needed to get a win against the top-seeded Warriors. Tip-off is at 8:30.

The number one ranked LSU baseball team will host second ranked Texas A-and-M tonight to begin a much anticipated three game series with the Aggies. Jared Poche will start on the mound for the Tigers. Coach Paul Mainieri says he went with Poche instead of freshman phenom Alex Lange, because Lange has recent arm trouble and Poche has more experience…
cut 18 (10) “….for game one”
Texas A-and-M will start Grayson Long, who is 8-and-0 with a 2.73 ERA.

In college baseball last night…the Ragin Cajuns rallied back from a four-run deficit to beat Southern five to four. U-L Lafayette scored all of its runs in the fifth inning. The Cajuns have won 10 of their last 12 as they begin a three-game series with U-T Arlington on Friday.

Louisiana Tech has swept its season series with U-L-M by beating the Warhawks five to four. Taylor Love blasted a three-run homer in the seventh as the Bulldogs are now 19-and-19 on the season. The Warhawks fall to 20-and-21.

Louisiana Tech has announced the south end zone club seats are sold out for the upcoming season. The club level has 302 seats and it features all-inclusive dining, cushioned chairs and a five-thousand square foot lounge space.

The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is underway at the TPC Louisiana in suburban New Orleans. Former LSU Tigers David Toms and John Peterson begin their rounds this afternoon.