AM Newscall, April 7th, 2015

Republican US Senator David Vitter begins to unveil his plan on leading Louisiana into the future as governor. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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The state Department of Education says Louisiana’s four-year high school graduation rate was at a record high in 2014 and increased for the fourth straight year. Scott Carwile reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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The Louisiana Film Entertainment Association says a study they commissioned found that movies made here created up to $4 billion dollars in economic output in 2013. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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Funeral services will be held today for Loreauvile Mayor Albert Broussard. Broussard was killed in a car crash Friday night. New Iberia State Representative Taylor Barras (BAR-ra) says it’s a sad day for the small, tight-knit community…

cut 4  (10)  “the village forward”

Services are scheduled for 1PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Loreauville. Broussard is survived by his fiancee, a son, and two daughters. Barras says Broussard loved Loreauville and loved serving his community…

Cut 5  (09)  “the same time”

Broussard served as Alderman for 24 years and was serving his third term as mayor at the time of his death. He was also a 1st Lieutenant in the Louisiana National Guard. Barras says Broussard’s death is a loss that will be felt beyond Loreauville…

Cut 6 (07)  “miss him greatly”

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Republican US Senator David Vitter begins to unveil his plan on leading Louisiana into the future as governor. Vitter calls the plan “Together, Louisiana Strong”. He has released the first two chapters; one dealing with staying in touch with Louisiana citizens while governor and the second focusing on stabilizing the budget through spending and tax reform…

CUT 7 (09)  “crisis level”

Vitter says he would immediately call a special legislative session to deal exclusively with the budget crisis, if elected. Two big concerns among residents are roads and education. He says specific chapters on each will be released in the coming weeks. Vitter says one of the key areas of focus in that special session would be to protect and enhance the Transportation Trust Fund…

Cut 8  (05)  “roads and bridges” 

Vitter calls this a blueprint for building a brighter future for all Louisianians. You can get more information at DavidVitter-dot-com. Vitter’s education plan includes getting Louisiana out of Common Core and enhancing technical and skills training for high school students…

Cut 9 (09)  “a four-year degree”

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The state Department of Education says Louisiana’s four-year high school graduation rate was at a record high in 2014 and increased for the fourth straight year. Superintendent John White says about 75% of students who entered 9th grade, graduated in 2014 which is a 1.1% increase over the prior year…:

Cut 10 (07) “four years ago”

White says this increase is a great sign for our state and a true testament to the hard work and devotion of teachers, principals and families. He says in the class of 2014, nearly 1600 more students graduated than did in the class of 2013 and nearly 3,440 more students than in 2011…:

cut 11 (09) “annually”

White says of the nearly 1600 additional students graduating in 2014, more than 1200 are of a minority racial group and more than 1230 are from low income homes…:

cut 12 (09)  “backgrounds”

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The Louisiana Film Entertainment Association says a study they commissioned found that movies made here created up to $4 billion dollars in economic output in 2013. HR&A Advisors Partner Shuprotim Bhaumik (Shoe-pro-teem Bah-Mick) says over 33,000 jobs and over $1.2 billion in personal income can be attributed to the state’s film tax credits. He also says the movie industry attracts tourists…:

Cut 13 (09)  “induced tourists”

Bhaumik says based on a survey of nearly 1400 recent visitors to Louisiana, 14.5% said they were spurred to visit Louisiana because of a television show or movie that was filmed here…:

Cut 14 (08) “activities”

Changes to the state’s film tax credit program have already been proposed for the upcoming legislative session. Those include capping the program and making administrative changes to help prevent fraud. LFEA executive director David Tatman says the economic impact of the incentives are felt throughout the entire state of Louisiana…:

Cut 15  (10)  “healthy industry”

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LSU’s Austin Bain has been named SEC Co-Freshman of the week. Bain was outstanding out of the pen on Saturday as he pitched 6.2 shutout innings, allowing just three hits and a career-high nine strikeouts in a win over Alabama. Coach Paul Mainieri has announced Bain will start Sunday’s game against Auburn and the former Dutchtown star is looking forward to the opportunity…

Cut 16  (07)  “that I have”

LSU hosts UNO tonight. Senior catcher Kade Scivicque likes the qualities that Bain brings to the mound….

Cut 17 (11)  “to play”

Bain will take Jake Godfrey’s spot in the weekend rotation. The freshman from Illinois has struggled in his last two outings and Mainieri plans to start him on Wednesday against Northwestern State. Mainieri says Godfrey is having trouble locating his breaking ball in the strike zone and opposing hitters are sitting on his fastball

Cut 18 (16) ” bigger times’

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The Pelicans, who are fighting to get into the NBA Playoffs, will host Golden State tonight. The Warriors have the best record in the NBA and they are led by MVP candidate Stephen Curry. Pelicans guard Norris Cole on trying to slow down Curry

Cut 19 (13)  “as possible “

New Orleans has lost 11 straight games to Golden State. The Pels enter tonight’s action a half game back of Oklahoma City for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Coach Monty Williams has told his team not to worry about O-K-C…

Cut 20 (15)  “as well”

 

17:30 Newscast, April 6th, 2015

On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Governor Bobby Jindal discussed the religious freedom bills debates that has created some controversy in the past weeks. Jindal says forcing businesses to participate in a same-sex wedding ceremony, when they have a religious objection, is a Constitutional issue…
CUT 5 (06) “their religious beliefs”
Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson has already filed a religious freedom bill for our state.

Even though it’s been common knowledge that Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne is running for governor, he made it official today. He says Louisiana is in horrible financial shape right now and he plans to go to work on budget matters from day one…:
CUT 13 (09) “to celebrate”
Dardenne says his office will work to end the practice of using one-time money to pay for ongoing expenses.

According to the United States Public Interest Research Group, federal data from 2014 indicates that over 1,800 bridges in Louisiana need repairs. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

There’s somebody on Craigslist who is selling what appears to be an authentic 2009 Saints Superbowl ring. The ad says the ring is currently owned by a former Saints player and is in perfect condition — but it does not say who is selling the jewelry other than it’s location being in Atlanta, Georgia. Asking price is $45,000.

 

LRN Newscast 16:30 04-06-15

On NBC’s Meet The Press Sunday, Governor Bobby Jindal was asked some questions about the religious freedom debate that’s created a national controversy in the past couple of weeks. The Louisiana bill from Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson, would permit private businesses to deny the same benefits to same-sex couples as other married couples based on a religious objection. Jindal says the question is about religious liberty…
CUT 4 (11) “held beliefs”

Facing charges that he drugged women in order to rape them, former New Orleans Saints star Darren Sharper entered a plea of not guilty today in US District court in New Orleans. In reality, it’s just a formality, since a magistrate judge cannot accept a guilty plea for a felony. Sharper has a multi-state pleas deal in the works for his crimes.
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Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne officially kicked off his campaign for Governor today. In his announcement, Dardenne said he’s already logged thousands of Louisiana miles in his current job, which he says will continue for his new one…:
cut 12 (08) “and Shreveport”
Dardenne says he’d work out of an existing state office in each location so it wouldn’t cost any more money.

A Louisiana State Trooper has been injured in a drunk driving stop in East Baton Rouge Parish on I-12 Sunday morning. The unidentified trooper was taking care of one drunk driving crash, when he was hit by another drunk driver, 24 year-old Magen Hall of Zachary. Trooper Dustin Dwight says these cases are unacceptable…
CUT 11 (10) Q: “Megen”

LRN Sportscast 16:45 April 6

Former NFL star and Saints safety Darren Sharper entered a not guilty plea this afternoon in US District Court in New Orleans. Sharper faces federal charges that he drugged women to rape them. It’s expected Sharper will issue a guilty plea at a later date. He’ll also appear in state court tomorrow on similiar charges. Sharper has already pleaded guility or no contest on related charges in three other state and faces a nine-year prison sentence.

If you go on Craigslist, you’ll find someone is selling a 2009 Saints Super Bowl ring for 45-thousand dollars. It’s unclear who is selling the ring. The ad says “Don’t let this unique opportunity to own a piece of Saints history pass you by.

The Pelicans will host the Golden State Warriors tomorrow night. With six games left, New Orleans finds itself a half game back of Oklahoma City for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. O-K-C hosts San Antonio tomorrow.

LSU right-hander Austin Bain has been SEC co-freshman of the week as he shares the award with Vanderbilt pitcher Kyle Wright. Bain came out of the bullpen on Saturday pitched a career-high 6.2 shutout innings, allowing three hits, no runs and struck out a career-high nine. Bain’s performance helped the Tigers complete a sweep of Alabama and today Coach Paul Mainieri named Bain the starting pitcher for this Sunday’s game against Auburn. Bain says he won’t change his approach…
cut 30 (08) “…every other week”
And because of that sweep over Alabama, LSU is once again ranked as the number one team in the country by Perfect Game.

In the Southland Conference…Northwestern State’s Adam Oller has been named Pitcher of the Week. Oller tossed a complete game and tied a career-high with nine strikeouts in the Demons win over Southeastern Louisiana on Thursday.

And Nicholls second baseman Tanner Vandevere was named as the Southland Hitter of the Week as he had five hits, five RBI and five runs scored to help the Colonels put together a five-game winning streak.

LRN Newscast 15:30 04-06-15

Governor Bobby Jindal made an appearance on NBC’s Meet The Press to talk about the religious freedom debate that’s created a national controversy. When asked, Jindal says this issue is about business owners that don’t want to have to choose between their religious beliefs and being able to operate their businesses…
CUT 3 (09) “those ceremonies”

It’s official, Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne is running for governor, as he announced today. In the campaign playing field, Dardenne has significantly less campaign cash on hand than fellow Republican front-runner US Senator David Vitter. But he says he’s OK with that…
CUT 14 (08) Q: ‘the best idea’
He says the first thing to tackle is to fix the huge state budget shortfall .
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According to the US Public Interest Research Group, federal data from 2014 indicates that over 1,800 bridges in Louisiana need repairs. The Federal Highway Administration lists these bridges in Louisiana as “structurally deficient”. Louisiana Department of Transportation spokesman Rodney Mallett says motorists should not be frightened by this designation…
CUT 6 (07) “for repairs”

State Police say one of their troopers was injured in a crash involving a drunk driver Sunday morning while investigating another DWI related accident in East Baton Rouge Parish. Trooper Dustin Dwight says the unidentified trooper had the first DWI suspect inside his vehicle parked on the side of I-12 and was finishing up the paperwork for that accident report…:
CUT 9 (06) “back of him”
That car was driven by 24-year-old Magen Hall of Zachary.

LRN Newscast 14:30 04-06-15

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne officially kicked off his campaign for Governor today…:
CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

The man who founded the Catholic Diocese of Shreveport has passed away. Seventy-three year-old Bishop William Friend passed away at his home in Coral Springs, Florida. Friend founded the Shreveport Diosese in 1989 under Pope John Paull II, and remained bishop until his retirement, logging 47 years of active priesthood.
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On NBC’s “Meet the Press” yesterday, Governor Bobby Jindal discussed the Religious Freedom bills debates that has created some controversy in the past weeks. Jindal says forcing businesses to participate in a same-sex wedding ceremony, when they have a religious objection, is a Constitutional issue…
CUT 5 (06) “their religious beliefs”
Here in Louisiana, Bossier City Respresentative Mike Johnson has already filed a religious freedom bill for our state.

The Federal Highway Administration is showing a list of over 1,800 bridges in Louisiana are reportedly “structurally deficient”, as the state faces a $12 billion backlog in delayed road and bridge maintenance projects. DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallet…
CUT 8 (09) Q; “address those”
This could take some time, given the state budget crisis.

13:30 Newscast, April 6th, 2015

Governor Bobby Jindal was on NBC’s Meet the Press and spoke about the religious freedom debate that’s created a national controversy in recent weeks. Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson has filed a religious freedom bill in Louisiana. Jindal says there used to be a bi-partisan consensus in the US about religious liberty…:
CUT 4 (11) “held beliefs”
Jindal says he supports the defense of religious liberty.

Shreveport Police are looking for a 19-year-old man accused of firing a gun into a crowd gathered at a park, killing a 13-year-old boy. Witnesses told authorities that Antonious Cawthorne was asked to leave the park after pulling a gun during an argument. They say, as he was driving off, he stopped and fired into the crowd. Keandre Broadway was shot and died later at a local hospital. Cawthorne is wanted for second degree murder.

A US public interest research group says there are over 1800 bridges in Louisiana that need repairs. They are listed as being “structurally deficient” but Department of Transportation spokesman Rodney Mallett says that doesn’t mean bridges across the state have been neglected…:
CUT 7 (10) “replacement projects”
He says a “structurally deficient” designation doesn’t mean a bridge is unsafe it means it has at least one component that needs repair or replacement.

Even though it’s been common knowledge that Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne is running for governor, he made it official today. He says Louisiana is in horrible financial shape right now and he plans to go to work on budget matters from day one…:
CUT 13 (09) “to celebrate”
Dardenne says his office will work to end the practice of using one-time money to pay for ongoing expenses.

 

LRN PM Newscall

According to the United States Public Interest Research Group, federal data from 2014 indicates that over 1,800 bridges in Louisiana need repairs. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne officially kicked off his campaign for Governor today. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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Governor Bobby Jindal made an appearance on NBC’s Meet The Press to talk about the religious freedom debate that’s created a national controversy. Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson has filed a religious freedom bill in Louisiana. Jindal says this issue is about business owners that don’t want to have to choose between their religious beliefs and being able to operate their businesses…

CUT 3 (09)  “those ceremonies”

Johnson’s proposed bill would permit private businesses to deny the same benefits to same-sex couples as other married couples based on a religious objection. Jindal says there used to be a bi-partisan consensus in the US about religious liberty…

CUT 4 (11)  “held beliefs”

The governor said that he has not read Johnson’s bill but supports the defense of religious liberty. Jindal says forcing businesses to participate in a same-sex wedding ceremony, when they have a religious objection, is a Constitutional issue…

CUT 5 (06)  “their religious beliefs”

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According to the United States Public Interest Research Group, federal data from 2014 indicates that over 1,800 bridges in Louisiana need repairs. The Federal Highway Administration lists 1,837 bridges in Louisiana as “structurally deficient”. Louisiana Department of Transportation spokesman Rodney Mallett says motorists should not be frightened by this designation…

CUT 6 (07)  “for repairs”

A “structurally deficient” designation doesn’t mean a bridge is unsafe. It means the bridge has at least one component that needs repair or replacement. Mallet admits that DOTD has prioritized interstate improvements in recent years, but that doesn’t mean bridges across the state have been neglected…

CUT 7 (10)  “replacement projects”

The state faces a $12 billion backlog in delayed road and bridge maintenance projects. Mallett says, with the current financial problems facing the state, it all comes down to money…

CUT 8 (09)  “address those”

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State police say one of their troopers was injured in a crash involving a drunk driver Sunday morning while investigating another DWI related accident in East Baton Rouge Parish. Trooper Dustin Dwight says the unidentified trooper had the first DWI suspect inside his vehicle parked on the side of I-12 and was finishing up the paperwork for that accident report…:

CUT 9 (06)  “back of him”

Dwight says both the trooper and the first DWI offender were inside the fully marked Tahoe when it was hit and suffered minor to moderate injuries. He says the vehicle which slammed into the back of the cop car was driven by 24-year-old Magen Hall of Zachary…:

cut 10 (09) “minor injuries”

Dwight says it’s a shame that the trooper was taking care of one drunk driving crash then he was hit by another drunk driver. He says they investigated several DWI crashes over the Easter weekend which is unacceptable…:

cut 11 (10)  “for Megen”

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Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne officially kicked off his campaign for Governor today. In his announcement, Dardenne said he’s traveled thousands of miles across Louisiana in his current job which is what he plans to do if he’s elected to be the next leader of the state…:

cut 12 (08)  “and Shreveport”

Dardenne says he’d work out of an existing state office in each location so it wouldn’t cost any more money. He says Louisiana is in horrible financial shape right now and he plans to go to work on budget matters from day one…:

cut 13 (09)  “to celebrate”

Dardenne says his office will work to create stability in the state’s budget and end the practice of using one-time money to pay for ongoing expenses. He says higher education will be a top priority and it will be funded as such. Dardenne says it’s okay that he doesn’t have the most cash to run his campaign…:

cut 14 (08) “the best idea”

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12:30 Newscast, April 6th, 2015

State Police say a trooper’s vehicle was hit by a drunk driver on the side of the interstate in East Baton Rouge Parish Easter morning while he was investigating another DWI crash. Trooper Dustin Dwight says the vehicle that slammed into the back of the cop car was driven by 24-year-old Magen Hall of Zachary…:
CUT 10 (09) “minor injuries”
Dwight says both the trooper and the first DWI offender were inside the fully marked Tahoe when it was hit.

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne officially kicked off his campaign for Governor today. In his announcement, Dardenne said he’s traveled thousands of miles across Louisiana in his current job which is what he plans to do if he’s elected to be the next leader of the state…:
CUT 12 (08) “and Shreveport”
Dardenne says he’d work out of an existing state office in each location.

According to the United States Public Interest Research Group, federal data from 2014 indicates that over 1,800 bridges in Louisiana need repairs. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

Gas prices continue slowly going down as we get further into spring. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is $2.19.

11:30 Newscast April 6th, 2015

Governor Bobby Jindal made an appearance on NBC’s Meet The Press to talk about the religious freedom debate that’s created a national controversy in recent weeks. Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson has filed a religious freedom bill in Louisiana. Jindal says this issue is about business owners that don’t want to have to choose between their religious beliefs and being able to operate their businesses…:
CUT 3 (09) “those ceremonies”
Johnson’s proposed bill would permit private businesses to deny the same benefits to same-sex couples as other married couples based on a religious objection.

A 54-year-old man from Baton Rouge is booked with attempted murder charges after allegedly trying to set his ex girlfriend’s home on fire in Baker while she was inside. Cops say the woman reported 54-year-old Leper Lewis was angry because the couple had recently broken up. Lewis is charged with attempted first degree murder and attempted aggravated arson.

State police say one of their troopers was injured in a crash involving a drunk driver Sunday morning while investigating another DWI related accident in East Baton Rouge Parish. Trooper Dustin Dwight says the unidentified trooper had the first DWI suspect inside his vehicle parked on the side of I-12 and was finishing up the paperwork for that accident report…:
CUT 9 (06) “back of him”
That driver is 24-year-old Megan Hall of Zachary and Dwight says her BAC was nearly twice the legal limit. The first DWI suspect and the trooper suffered minor to moderate injuries.

According to the United States Public Interest Research Group, federal data from 2014 indicates that over 1,800 bridges in Louisiana need repairs. The Federal Highway Administration labels those bridges as “structurally deficient”. Louisiana Department of Transportation spokesman Rodney Mallett says motorists should not be frightened by this designation…:
CUT 6 (07) “for repairs”