LRN AM Newscall August 1st

The “Blue Lives Matter” law goes into effect today. Jeff Palermo reports attacks on law enforcement can now be considered a hate crime…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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UL-Lafayette professor Dr. Heather Stone is working to archive the history of a disappearing Terrebonne Parish island before it’s gone. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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LaFourche Parish Sheriff deputies believe a mother fatally shot her young daughter and then turned the gun on herself. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The “Blue Lives Matter” law goes into effect today in Louisiana, and Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says his bill is now more important than ever after the attacks on police officers in Baton Rouge and Dallas. Harris says crimes committed against first responders, because of the uniforms they wear are now classified as hate crimes, as a result of this new law.

cut 4  (09)  “100 percent”

After the fatal shooting of two police officers and one sheriff’s deputy in Baton Rouge, there were social media threats made against law enforcement in Caddo and St. Charles parishes. Harris says this law applies to those criminal acts as well.

Cut 5  (10)  “their family”

Harris says because of this new law, people who target police officers and first responders will spend more time behind bars.

Cut 6 (07) “in Louisiana”

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A Terrebonne Parish island is disappearing, and one UL-Lafayette professor is working to preserve its history before it’s gone. Dr. Heather Stone says Isle de Jean Charles is home to the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw tribe of Native Americans. She says many tribe members have had to leave the island because the road that connects it to the coast floods often, making it impossible to get to the mainland.

CUT 7 (08)  “a choice”

In 1955, Isle de Jean Charles was about 22,000 acres and home to hundreds of people, but today it has shrunk to about 320 acres because of coastal erosion. The roughly 70 people who still live on the island will eventually relocate, thanks to a $48 million federal grant. Stone says she is passionate about preserving the tribe’s heritage because she understands having a connection to a place.

Cut 8  (07)  “personal experience”

Stone says the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw tribe came to the island when they fled the Trail of Tears. She says the people have been so helpful she doesn’t feel like she is writing their story, but more that they are writing it together.

Cut 9 (12)  “their history”

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Louisiana is ready for the possibility of local transmission of the Zika Virus. There are four confirmed cases of Zika in Florida in people who did not travel out of the country or have contact with someone who did. State Health Officer Dr. Frank Welch says Louisiana has been preparing since January…

Cut 10 (11) “local transmission”

Welch says Zika is such a mild illness in the vast majority of people that four out of five people who get the virus don’t even know they have it. He says those who do notice may confuse the illness with hay fever.

cut 11 (07) “goes away”

Welch says the biggest risk is when a pregnant woman contracts Zika because while the mother could experience no symptoms, the fetus is developing severe birth defects. He says there are ways for the public to help reduce local transmission by keeping the mosquito population down.

cut 12 (11) “in Louisiana”

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A 26-year-old mother and her five-year-old daughter were found shot to death in a residence in Thibodaux. LaFourche Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Brennan Matherne says investigators believe the mother, Nakesha Carrere shot Abigail Creamer and then turned the gun on herself…

Cut 13 (07) “enter the residence”

Matherne says investigators are still processing the evidence, but they are confident this was a murder-suicide…

cut 14 (08)  “the scene”

Matherne says Creamer’s father discovered the horiffic scene and called 9-1-1 just before noon on Sunday….

Cut 15 (07) “to the head”

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Through the first few days of training camp, Saints rookie wide receiver Mike Thomas has made several impressive catches. Coach Sean Payton likes Thomas’ passion and that he continues to make a play or two every day. Thomas says he wants to gain his teammates’ confidence that he can make the difficult catch..

Cut 16  (17)  “be that person”

Thomas is a six-foot-three, 212 pounds and the Saints selected him with the 47th overall pick. Payton says they don’t want the former Ohio State star to just be a pass catcher, they also hope he can develop into an outstanding blocker…

Cut 17 (17)  “good in that area”

Payton is also pleased with what he’s seen from last year’s third round pick, cornerback PJ Williams. The former Florida State star missed all of last season with a hamstring injury, but Payton says he’s looked good this year in training camp…

Cut 18 (19) “little faster”

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11:30 Newscast July 30,2016

One in three students who thought they would receive a voucher to attend a private school are now on a waiting list because the state cut the voucher program by 2.5 million dollars because of Louisiana’s massive budget deficit. President of the Louisiana Federation for Children says this is devastating to these families but she’s hopeful legislators can resolve this issue soon because this is a huge problem.
CUT 8 (09) “through this”

Today’s Powerball jackpot has reached 478 million dollars with a cash value of 330.6 million. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says these jackpots just keep getting bigger and bigger. She says this is Powerball’s 5th largest prize.
cut 14 (08) “2012″

 

State Police are investigating a two vehicle crash in Folsom that left one man dead. 29-year-old Edward Lemoine Jr of Madisonville, was pulled over by a police officer after driving the wrong way down a one way street. Lemoine initially complied with the officer but then decided the flee the scene. Lemoine crossed into the opposite lane and hit a dump truck head on. He was not restrained and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the dump truck suffered minor injuries.

The biggest event in Grand Isle, the International Tarpon Rodeo is in full swing. Event Spokesperson Heather Martin says there will be live bands playing tonight in addition to fishing. She says every registered fisherman is entered to win a 20 foot boat and huge crowds are drawn in every year…
cut 10 (03) “daily”

The fishing rodeo began in 1928 and is informally referred to as the Mardi Gras of Grand Isle.

10:30 Newscast July 30,2016

Over 400 students who thought they would received a voucher to attend a private school are now on a waiting list. President of the Louisiana Federation for Children Ann Duplessis says these kids could be forced to go to some of the state’s worst schools. She says now siblings could be split up and won’t be attending the same school.
CUT 7 (10) “disruption”

The Louisiana Lottery is calling 2016 the year of the jackpot as today’s Powerball prize is 478 million dollars. Spokesperson Kim Chopin says the cash value of the jackpot is 330.6 million dollars. She says the giant jackpots are happening more after Powerball underwent a matrix change to correspond with the increase in players.
Cut 13 (10) “million”

 

Two more people have been arrested in connection with a 4-month-old who was found dead of alcohol poisoning in Lake Charles. Halen Doughty has more…
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

A bear at the Baton Rouge Zoo has been diagnosed with cancer after zoo officials noticed a growth in his mouth. Plato, a 22-year-old, spectacled bear has a tumor on his lower jaw. The biopsy results should be available next week and will determine what treatment Plato will undergo. He is one of only 47 spectacled bears in North Americans zoos.

9:30 Newscast July 30,2016

One in three kids who applied for a voucher are now on a waiting list because the program was significantly cut during the legislative session. Michelle Southern has more…
CUT 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office discovered a body on Hwy 90 near the Rigolets. Authorities say the body is badly decomposed and appears to be a male around 5 foot 10 with a scar from an open hear surgery but age and race have not been determined. The death has been ruled a homicide and the Sheriff’s office is asking for the public’s help with identifying the body.
The father of a 4-month-old baby who was found dead at his Lake Charles home has been arrested, and an additional person has been booked in connection with the incident. The mother, 25-year-old Courtney Moore, was arrested shortly after the warrant was obtained. Police Chief Don Dixon says they were called to investigate a death at an apartment complex two weeks ago.
CUT 3 (07) “face down”

The Baton Rouge Police Department is investigating a to vehicle fiery crash on I-110 that left one person dead. The status of anyone else involved in unknown and the interstate was shut down for a few afters following the incident. Authorities says the investigation is on-going.

After three officers have been laid to rest following the attack on police in Baton Rouge, one deputy remains in the hospital in critical condition. Cpl. Nick Tullier was shot in the head and torso. He underwent surgery yesterday to attempt to close an abdominal incision.

8:30 Newscast July 30,2016

Kids are getting ready for the new school year as the summer is wrapping up, but one in three students who expected to receive a voucher to attend a private school are now on a waiting list. President of the Louisiana Federation for Children Ann Duplessis says this isn’t fair or right for the families who need the program. She says more than 400 young people who anticipated being placed in a private school have now been told a week before school starts, they don’t have a spot.
CUT 6 (09) “before school”

Today’s Powerball jackpot has soared to 478 million dollars with a cash value of 330.6 million. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says it doesn’t matter how large the jackpot grows, the odds of winning are always the same…
cut 12 (10) “in 25

 

Drug arrests in Baton Rouge have significantly dropped since the officer involved shooting of Alton Sterling. Crime analyst Jeff Asher says they saw similar patterns in other cities that had police shootings, like Ferguson, Chicago, and Baltimore.
cut 15 (09) “narcotics arrests”

Asher says the homicide rate also increased during the same time period, which raises the question as to what will happen in Baton Rouge.

The International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo is in full swing. Event spokesperson Heather Martin says plenty of fisherman have already started reeling them in, but expects even more people to come out today for the final event.
Cut 11 (09) “out there”

Martin says live bands will be performing tonight.

18:30 LRN Newscast July 29

The new school year is just around the corner, and hundreds of students who attend private schools with vouchers are on a waiting list to receive their vouchers. President of the Louisiana Federation for Children, Ann Duplesiss says we now have situations where siblings are split up and won’t be attending the same school.

Cut 7 (10) “disruption”

Duplesiss says these students could be forced to go to some of the worst schools in the state.

Drug arrests in Baton Rouge are down substantially since the fatal officer-involved shooting of Alton Sterling. Crime analyst Jeff Asher says they saw similar occurrences in other cities that had police shootings, like Ferguson, Chicago, and Baltimore.

cut 15 (09) “narcotics arrests”

Authorities have arrested the father of a 4-month-old who was found dead in a Lake Charles home and another person has been books in connection with the incident. Police Chief Don Dixon says 40-year-old Larry Champ and 25-year-old Courtney Moore each face charges of 2nd Degree Murder. Dixon says disturbing toxicology results came back from the child’s autopsy.
CUT 4 (06) “alcohol content”

23-year-old Danielle Allen was booked with Accessory after the fact.

Grand Isle’s biggest event of the year, the International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, is underway. The massive fishing festival draws thousands of people every year. Event spokesperson, Heather Martin says on the first day of the 88th annual rodeo, a man from Houma caught a 167 pound fish that took him 45 minutes to reel in.

CUT 9 (03) “pretty big”

The fishing rodeo began in 1928 and is informally referred to as the Mardi Gras of Grand Isle.

17:30 LRN Newscast July 29

As the new school year is right around the corner, about one in three students who thought they would receive a voucher to attend a private school are now on a waiting list, after lawmakers made cut the state’s voucher program. President of the Louisiana Federation for Children, Ann Duplessis, says hopefully legislators fix this soon.
CUT 8 (09) “through this”
Duplessis says these students could be forced to go to some of the worst schools.

Drug arrests have plummeted in Baton Rouge following the death of Alton Sterling. Crime analyst Jeff Asher says dealing with protests is a plausible explanation for the initial drop in narcotics enforcement, but it doesn’t explain why that drug arrest rate has stayed down.

cut 17 (09) “on there”

Police have located and arrested the father of a 4-month-old baby who was found dead at home in Lake Charles, and an additional person has been booked in connection with the incident. The mother, 25-year-old Courtney Moore, was arrested at home shortly after the warrant was obtained. Police Chief Don Dixon says they received a call to investigate a death at an apartment complex two weeks ago.

CUT 3 (07)  “face down”

40-year-old Larry Champ and Moore each face charges of 2nd Degree Murder. 23-year-old Danielle Allen was booked with Accessory after the fact.

Grand Isle’s biggest event of the year, the International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, is underway. Event spokesperson, Heather Martin says plenty of fisherman have already started reeling them in, but she expects even more to come out for the final day of the event on Saturday.

Cut 11 (09) “out there”

16:45 Sportscast July 29,2016

After two days of non-padded practices to begin training camp, the Saints will put the pads on Saturday. For quarterback Drew Brees this is his 16th training camp as he enters the final year of his 5-year contract. The 37-year-old believes he can play past the age of 40….
cut 18 (18) “…from now”

Brees has a new receiver to throw to in camp. The Black and Gold has signed veteran wideout Hakeem (hah-KEEM) Nicks. The 28-year-old had one-thousand yard receiving seasons in 2010 and 2011, but only caught seven passes last year.

Meanwhile, rookie wide receiver Michael Thomas has shown the ability to make spectacular catches during the first couple days of camp.

 
The family of LSU kicker Colby Delahoussaye released a statement today thanking fans for the outpouring of support he’s received since he was injured in a fatal car wreck. His family also says Delahoussaye is in good hands with treatment to his injuries and he’s making progress. The family also asks the public to pray for the two people who died in last Sunday’s crash.

Ragin Cajuns football announces they’ll begin fall camp on Wednesday and the team’s first practice is Thursday. Coach Mark Hudspeth is set to begin his sixth season in Lafayette.

LSU will hold it’s fan and media day on August 14th. It will begin at five o’ clock at the Maravich Center, the basketball practice facility and the Maddox Field House.

American Athletic Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco says they are preparing to lose some schools to the Big 12, who is looking to expand. There’s already speculation that if a couple of schools leave the AAC, the league will look to take Louisiana Tech out of Conference USA.

16:30 LRN Newscast July 29

With the voucher program being cut during the legislative session, 1/3 of kids who applied are now on a waiting list. Michelle Southern has more on what this means…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

US Attorney General Loretta Lynch met with law enforcement first responders in Baton Rouge today, saying her office will offer support and training as the responders move forward. She would not, however, release any more information about the shooting death of Alton Sterling after her roundtable discussion with state and local justice officials.

Like other cities that have had police shootings, Baton Rouge has seen a drop in drug arrests following the death of Alton Sterling. Crime analyst Jeff Asher says the homicide rate also increased in other cities after a police shooting, which raises the question as to what will happen in Baton Rouge. He says this could just be a natural response to dealing with protests.

cut 16 (09) “the protests”

Asher says dealing with protests is a plausible explanation for the initial drop in narcotics enforcement

Saturday’s Powerball jackpot has jumped up to 478 million dollars. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says these jackpots just keep getting bigger and bigger. She says this is Powerball’s 5th largest prize.

cut 14 (08)  “2012″

Chopin says the cash value is 330.6 million dollars.

15:30 Newscast July 29,2016

With the new school year starting in next week, nearly 1 in 3 students who believed they would receive a voucher are now on a waiting list to attend a private school. President of the Louisiana Federation for Children. Ann Duplessis says these students might now be forced to go to some of the state’s worst schools. She says over 400 young people who anticipated being placed in a private school have now been told they won’t have a spot.
Cut 6 (09) “before school”

Saturday’s Powerball jackpot has jumped up 478 million dollars. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says the cash value is 330.6 million dollars. She says the big jackpots are happening more often after Powerball underwent a matrix change to correspond with the increase in player population.
Cut 13 (10) “million”

 

Two more arrests have been made in the case of a 4-month-old baby who was found dead of alcohol poisoning in his home in Lake Charles. Halen Doughty has more…
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo is now underway. Event spokesperson, Heather Martin says the fishing rodeo began in 1928 and is informally referred to as the Mardi Gras of Grand Isle. She says the event draws huge crowds every year.
Cut 10 (03) daily”

Martin says in addition to the fishing, there will be live bands tonight and Saturday night as well.