AM Newscall January 29,2016

Another candidate has entered the race for US Senate, but this one will run as an Independent. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Skimming devices, which document credit card numbers, keep popping up on gasoline pumps throughout the state. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Researchers from Tulane University have developed a non-addictive pain killer as an alternative to morphine. Emelie Gunn has more on the new drug…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Ex-state legislator and former Alcohol and Tobacco Commissioner Troy Hebert announces he’s running for the US Senate. Hebert served as A-T-C commissioner for five years, until he resigned at the end of 2015. The former lawmaker from Jeanerette says he’s now ready to serve the state of Louisiana in Washington…

cut 4  (12)  “people are ready”

When Hebert was elected as a state representative in 1995, he was a democrat, but towards the end of his legislative career he was an Independent. Hebert plans to run for Senate as an Independent….

Cut 5  (09)  “politics that we have”

A television station reported earlier this week that Hebert is being investigated by the FBI for allegedly receiving sexual favors from a New Orleans woman who was having trouble with their liquor license. Hebert says those accusations are completely false…

Cut 6 (12)  “U.S. senator” 

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The Department of Transportation is alerting drivers of a single lane closure beginning today on eastbound I-10 in West Baton Rouge Parish just before the Mississippi River Bridge. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says construction is necessary to maintain the integrity of our roadway. But he says they tried to schedule the road work during times with the least amount of traffic.

CUT 7 (07)  “at six”

Mallett says the left lane closure begins at the foot of the new bridge. He advises motorists to seek alternate routes to avoid backups on I-10.

Cut 8  (10)  “the bridge”

Mallett says the construction is to patch and pave the road starting at I-10 at LA 1. He says visit 511-LA-dot-org (511la.org) for current traffic updates.

Cut 9 (09)  “alternative route”

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Skimming devices, which document credit card numbers, are continuing to pop up on gasoline pumps throughout the state. Department of Ag & Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says their inspectors recently located three in Ascension Parish and two in Baton Rouge. He says since June 2015, a total of 25 skimming devices have been discovered in 12 Louisiana parishes…:

Cut 10 (04) “numbers”

Strain says that crooks are getting smarter and smarter with the skimming devices to make it easier to access consumer’s personal information…:

cut 11 (07) “to look for them”

Strain says they encourage people to constantly check their bank statements and file a report if they notice anything out of the ordinary. He says if you are using a card at a gas pump, run it as a credit, not a debit…:

cut 12 (10) “you can see them”

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Tulane University and Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System researchers say they have created a painkiller that’s just as strong as morphine but non-addictive. Lead Investigator Dr. James Zadina says tests performed on animals lead them to the conclusion that this could be a non-addictive alternative to morphine…

Cut 13 (11)  “liked it”

Zadina says they used compounds from the brain rather than from the opium plant to create the endomorphin drug. He says human clinical trials are set to begin within the next couple of years…

Cut 14 (11) “focus”

Zadina says this drug could help people in pain who lack adequate treatment without the threat of addiction or serious side-effects. He says in recent years, we’ve seen an increase in overdose deaths from opioid uses…

Cut 15  (06) “some extent”

17:30 Newscast, January 28th, 2016

Health officials say while the Zika (ZEEKA) virus is a threat, it’s not a cause for alarm in Louisiana, just yet. The relatively new mosquito-borne virus has been linked to birth defects in pregnant women. Dr. Joseph Bocchini (bow-cheeny), infectious disease expert at LSU Health Shreveport, says the Zika virus could lead to congenital infection in pregnant women…:
CUT 6 (08) “and development”
He says, as of now, there is no spread of the virus in the United States.

Ex-state legislator and former Alcohol and Tobacco Commissioner Troy Hebert announces he’s running for the US Senate. When Hebert was elected as a state representative in 1995, he was a democrat, but towards the end of his legislative career he was an Independent. He says this time he plans to run for Senate as an Independent. Hebert denies reports that he got sexual favors from a woman having trouble with her liquor license.

The alleged child predator who was a popular Monroe television host in the 70s, claims he is not the “Mr. Wonder” that authorities have been looking for. The man identified as Frank Selas was arrested in San Diego for allegedly sexually abusing children during a Louisiana camping trip in 1979. Deputy US Marshal Steve Jurman, based in San Diego, says it’s mind blowing the access to kids this man had since 1985 in California…:
CUT 9 (08) “cub scouts”
They are worried their could be victims in San Diego they are asking to come forward.

The LHSAA’s annual convention wraps up tomorrow and there are some big votes on the agenda for principals. One proposal would create select- non-select playoffs in basketball, softball and baseball. There’s also a proposal to return the football playoffs back to a five-class system, there’s also a proposal to have metro and rural divisions for the football postseason.

16:45 LRN Sportscast January 28

Game five of the Pelicans current seven-game homestand is tonight as New Orleans hosts Sacramento. Anthony Davis is listed as doubtful for tonight’s game, with concussion like symptoms. Tyreke Evans is also questionable because of knee tendinitis. The Kings will not have Rudy Gay, because of an eye injury. Tip-off is at 7 PM.

ULM, UL Lafayette and Louisiana Tech are also home tonight. The Warhawks face Texas Arlington, who is in second place in league play. The Cajuns take on Texas State, who they have never lost to. And Louisiana Tech faces Texas San-Antonio, who has struggled this season as they are 4-16 on the season.

The LSU Tigers are getting ready to host number one ranked Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon. The Bayou Bengals are coming off an 89-85 win over Georgia on Tuesday night and they have an overall record of 13-7. A win over the Sooners would really boost LSU’s NCAA Tournament hopes.

The LHSAA’s annual convention wraps up tomorrow and there are some big votes on the agenda for principals. One proposal would create select- non-select playoffs in basketball, softball and baseball. There’s also a proposal to return the football playoffs back to a five-class system, there’s also a proposal to have metro and rural divisions for the football postseason.

LSU linebacker Ronnie Feist is transferring Texas-San Antonio and he’ll play for new head coach Frank Wilson, who is LSU’s former recruiting coordinator and running backs coach. Feist made the announcement on Instagram. The Edgard native played in 15 games during four years in Baton Rouge and registered only five tackles.

In other SEC football news…Missouri has dismissed quarterback Maty Mauk from the team. Mauk has battled substance abuse during his time in Columbia. With him as a starting quarterback, Missouri is 17-5 and they were 2-6 in the eight games he missed in 2015. LSU is set to host Missouri on October 1st.

16:30 Newscast, January 28th, 2016

The Louisiana Supreme Court overturns a constitutional amendment that prohibits convicted felons from running for political office. In their ruling, the Court says what residents voted on in 1997 did not match what the legislature did. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the justices put a lot of thought into this opinion…:
CUT 3 (10) “the right way”
He believes lawmakers will likely bring this issue up to voters again.

Louisiana fell two spots to No. 42 on the annual State of American Well-Being rankings by Gallup-Healthways. To come up with the list, states are evaluated on purpose, social support, financial security, community pride and physical activity. Based on interviews with 177,281 Americans, Louisiana scored highest in the purpose category — which rates how much residents are motivated to achieve their goals.

Officials in San Diego say the community is troubled that accused child predator, known as Mr. Wonder in Louisiana, has been living in their area for so long. Frank Selas was arrested in California for allegedly sexually abusing children during a Louisiana camping trip in 1979. Deputy US Marshal Steve Jurman, based in San Diego, says a lot of people are talking about this in California…:
Cut 11 (08) “off the radar”
Jurman says Selas was involved in a shocking number activities involving children.

An 89-year-old New Orleans man who went into a war zone at 17 and missed out on a typical high school experience, has finally received his diploma. Richard Totorico, with Trace Senior Living Community, says Michael Decker’s fellow residents surprised him with the sense of a real graduation:
CUT 14 (10) “for him”

 

15:30 Newscast, January 28th, 2016

Health officials say while the Zika virus is a threat, it’s not a cause for alarm in Louisiana, just yet. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Eric Gill”

Louisianians are starting to get on board with getting insurance through the federal marketplace. There are 198,551 registered now, an increase of about 12,000 from last year’s total. The final deadline for individuals to enroll in an Affordable Care Act plan is Sunday.

Alleged child predator and former Monroe TV kids host says he’s not “Mr. Wonder.” 76-year-old Frank Selas was arrested this week in San Diego on a 37-year-old cold case where he’s accused of sexually abusing children on a camping trip in Louisiana. Deputy US Marshal Steve Jurman, based in San Diego, says it’s not uncommon for suspects to contest identity, but they have pictures where the two look exactly alike, and Selas also told cops he changed his name and social security number…:
cut 10 (06) “identity goes”
An identity hearing is scheduled for February 11th.

An 89-year-old New Orleans man who left high school to join the military and fight in World War II has finally received his high school diploma. Trace Senior Living Community Executive Director Richard Totorico says Michael Decker hasn’t taken his Letterman’s jacket off since it was presented to him by surprise….:
cut 13 (09) “the trace”

 

LRN PM Newscall January 28

Health officials say while the Zika virus is a threat, it’s not a cause for alarm in Louisiana, just yet. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Authorities are wondering if the former Monroe TV personality known as “Mr Wonder” is involved in any child sexual abuse cases in California. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (27)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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The Louisiana Supreme Court overturns a constitutional amendment that prohibits convicted felons from running for political office. In their ruling, the Court says what residents voted on in 1997 did not match what was enacted by the state legislature. Legal analyst Tim Meche says this was a very considered opinion by the justices…

CUT 3 (10)  “the right way”

Voters approved the amendment barring convicted felons from seeking office for 15 years after the end of their sentence. However, the ballot version omitted an exemption passed by the legislature for those only sentenced to probation. Meche says this is an example of inexcusable sloppiness in the state legislature…

CUT 4 (06)  “foul up occurred”

He believes lawmakers will likely bring this issue up to voters again, based on the Louisiana Supreme Court’s ruling. Meche says the Court’s message to the state legislature is very clear…

CUT 5 (07)  “the right way”

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Health officials say while the Zika virus is a threat, it’s not a cause for alarm in Louisiana, just yet. The relatively new mosquito-borne virus has been linked to birth defects in pregnant women. Dr. Joseph Bocchini, infectious disease expert at LSU Health Shreveport, says the Zika virus could lead to congenital infection in pregnant women…

CUT 6 (08) “and development”

The Zika virus has been associated with babies being born with underdeveloped brains and small skulls in Brazil. Bocchini says, as of now, there is no spread of the virus in the United States. There is one confirmed case of the Zika virus in Arkansas, but Bocchini says that should not raise concern…

CUT 7 (08) “is spreading”

Bocchini says it’s recommended that women who are pregnant, or planning to be pregnant, avoid travel to the Caribbean and South America where the virus is circulating. Bocchini says there will be a greater threat in Louisiana when the weather gets warmer and mosquitoes become more active…

CUT 8 (06) “or summer”

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The alleged child predator who was a popular Monroe television host in the 70s, claims he is not the “Mr. Wonder” that authorities have been looking for. The man identified as Frank Selas was arrested in San Diego for allegedly sexually abusing children during a Louisiana camping trip in 1979. Deputy US Marshal Steve Jurman, based in San Diego, says it’s mind blowing the access to kids this man had since 1985 in California…:

CUT 9 (08)  “cub scouts”

Jurman says the suspect also lists on his website that he is a former PTA president at an elementary school, youth soccer and basketball coach, and that he taught Sunday school. Jurman says it’s not uncommon for suspects to contest identity in an extradition hearing, but they have pictures where the two look exactly alike, and Selas also told cops he changed his name and social security number…:

cut 10 (06)  “identity goes”

An identity hearing is scheduled for February 11th, where the man’s attorneys are expected to argue their client is not the person named on the warrant. Jurman says, not only is this a big story in Louisiana, it’s also what a lot of people are talking about in California…:

Cut 11 (08) “off the radar”

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An 89-year-old New Orleans man who left high school to join the military and fight in World War II has finally received his high school diploma. Trace Senior Living Community Executive Director Richard Totorico says Michael Decker is a resident at his facility and was so surprised to finally graduate and receive a letterman’s jacket…

cut 12 (10) “as well”

Totorico says Decker thought he was going to a doctor’s appointment and was welcomed a group of people celebrating his accomplishment. He says Decker hasn’t taken his letterman’s jacket off since it was presented to him.

cut 13 (09)  “the trace”

Totorico says all the residents at the senior living community knew about the surprise and were so excited for Decker. He says Decker went into a war zone at 17 and missed out on a typical high school experience…

cut 14 (10)  “for him”

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14:30 LRN Newscast January 28

The Louisiana Supreme Court has overturned a constitutional amendment that bans convicted felons for running for a state office. The state’s highest court ruled the language on the ballot did not match what was enacted by the state legislature in 1997. Legal analyst Tim Meche…
cut 5 (07) “…right way”

Authorities are wondering if the former Monroe TV personality known as “Mr Wonder” is involved in any child sexual abuse cases in California. Eric Gill has more…
voicer 2 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

The World Health Organization says the Zika virus is now spreading explosively in the Americas. There have been no reported cases in Louisiana as LSU Health shreveport infectious disease expert, Doctor Joseph Bocchini says mosquitoes are spreading the virus in the Caribbean and South America. He says there will be a greater threat in Louisiana when the weather gets warmer and mosquitoes are more active…
cut 8 (06) “….or summer’
Bocchini says pregnant should avoid travel to South America or the Caribbean.

An 89-year-old New Orleans man who left high school to join the military and fight in World War Two has finally received his high school diploma. Trace Senior Living Community Executive Director Richard Totorico says they surprised Michael Decker with a diploma and letterman’s jacket…
cut 12 (10) “…as well”
Totorico says Decker has not taken his letterman’s jacket off since it was presented to him.

13:30 Newscast January 28, 2016

The Louisiana Supreme Court throws out a constitutional amendment that prohibits convicted felons from running for political office for 15 years after the end of their sentence. Voters approved the 1997 amendment, but the ballot version omitted an exemption passed by the legislature. Meche says this is an example of inexcusable sloppiness in the state legislature…

cut 4 (06) “foul up occurred”

Meche says lawmakers will likely bring this issue up with voters again.

Health officials say there’s no cause for alarm about the Zika virus in Louisiana, as of now. The virus has been associated with babies being born with serious birth defects in Brazil. There is one confirmed case of the Zika virus in Arkansas, but infectious disease expert at LSU Health Shreveport, Dr. Joseph Bocchini, says that should not raise concern…

cut 7 (08) “is spreading”

Bocchini says, as of now, there is no spread of the virus in the United States.

The alleged child predator who was a popular north Louisiana television host in the 70s, claims he is not the “Mr. Wonder” that authorities have been seeking for 37 years. Officials in San Diego identify the man as Frank Selas, who is accused of engaging in sex acts with children during a camping trip in 1979. Deputy US Marshal Steve Jurman, who is based in San Diego, says it’s disturbing to know how much access to children Selas had in California…

cut 9 (08) “cub scounts”

Jurman says there is concern that there could be more victims in San Diego.

A Livingston Parish Sheriff’s deputy is under arrest accused of beating an inmate. They say 35-year-old Karleen Leglue grabbed inmate 41-year-old Londi Lafleur, who was handcuffed, and slammed her body into a concrete wall. The impact caused a large knot on the left side of Lafleur’s face. Leglue is charged with second degree battery and malfeasance in office. Leglue was also terminated from her position with the sheriff’s office.

12:30 Newscast, January 28th, 2016

Health officials say while the Zika (ZEEKA) virus is a threat, it’s not a cause for alarm in Louisiana, just yet. The relatively new mosquito-borne virus has been linked to birth defects in pregnant women. Dr. Joseph Bocchini (bow-cheeny), infectious disease expert at LSU Health Shreveport, says the Zika virus could lead to congenital infection in pregnant women…:
CUT 6 (08) “and development”
He says, as of now, there is no spread of the virus in the United States.

The alleged child predator who was a popular north Louisiana television host in the 70s, claims he is not the “Mr. Wonder” that authorities have been seeking for 37 years. Officials in Sandiego had taken into custody a man they identify as Frank Selas III — who is accused of engaging in sex acts with children during a camping trip in 1979. An identity hearing is scheduled for February 11th.

A Monroe man has been sentenced to life in prison after shooting a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Agent. 29-year-old Luke Jarrod Hust was convicted of two counts of attempted first degree murder. LDWF Spokesperson Adam Einck says last May Hust shot Sgt. Scott Bullitt during a basic vehicle stop after suspecting drugs or alcohol…:
Cut 10 (10) “that night”
He says they’re very happy that the judge and the prosecutors were able to get Hust locked up for the maximum time possible.

It’s day two of the LHSAA’s annual convention and there are big votes on the agenda tomorrow regarding the split football championships. There’s also a proposal to go back to a five-class system, another proposal to split playoff teams into metro and rural divisions and there’s also a proposal that would only have Classes 1A through 3A with a split playoff format.

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast January 28

It’s day two of the LHSAA’s annual convention and there are big votes on the agenda tomorrow regarding the split football championships. There’s also a proposal to go back to a five-class system, another proposal to split playoff teams into metro and rural divisions and there’s also a proposal that would only have Classes 1A through 3A with a split playoff format. If none of those proposals pass, then the LHSAA will keep its playoff system that’s been in place since 2013 for at least one more year.

In the NBA, the Pelicans host the Sacramento Kings tonight. Anthony Davis is doubtful after suffering a concussion in Monday’s loss to Houston. Tyreke Evans is questionable with right knee tendinitis. The Pels are 0-5 this season without Davis.

And the Lakers have announced plans to build a statue of Shaquille O’ Neal outside of the Stapes Center, where L-A plays its home games. Shaq won three NBA championships with the Lakers.

ULM looks to stay undefeated at home tonight as they host UT Arlington. The Warhawks are 4-4 in the league, while the Mavs are 5-2 in the Sun Belt and they have some impressive non-conference wins over Ohio State and Memphis.

Also tonight, the Ragin Cajuns take on Texas State. UL Lafayette is on a four-game winning streak and they are also undefeated at home. Plus the Cajuns have never lost to Texas State in their six previous meetings.

And Louisiana Tech plays its first home game in nearly three weeks as the Bulldogs host Texas San Antonio. Tech enters this game in fifth place in the Conference USA standings, while the Roadrunners are tied for 11th.

In Sunday’s NFL Pro Bowl, Saints defensive end Cam Jordan will play on Jerry Rice’s team. That team will also feature former LSU Tigers Odell Beckham Junior and Jarvis Landry, while former Saints players, Darren Sproles and Malcolm Jenkins, will play on a team coached by Michael Irvin.