18:30 Newscast Dec 29

Louisiana ranks third for police officers killed in line of duty in 2016. That’s according to President of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Craig Floyd. He blames a growing disrespect for the rule of law for the increase in officer deaths. He says police are visible, vulnerable symbols of law and authority.

Cut 4 (08) “the enemy”

Floyd says too often, the service and sacrifice of police officers is taken for granted.

District 8 ADA Tony Clayton believes the sad case about a mother dumping her baby in a trash can at a New Roads Walmart exposes a problem with Louisiana law. He says Louisiana should factor in the mental state of the defendant.

Cut 12 (08) “you’re doing”

34-year-old Kyandrea Thomas is charged with attempted second degree murder.

An infant was killed and another injured in a drunk driving accident in Alexandria. Police say two other children were also injured in the two vehicle crash. 25-year-old Keaton Spurlin was reportedly driving while impaired when he crashed into the back of 44-year-old Thaddyeus Dixon’s vehicle. Spurlin is charged with a DWI, negiligent injury, and careless operation, and police say more charges are pending.

In the wake of Debbie Reynolds death just one day after her daughter, Carrie Fisher, passed away, doctors say you really can die from a broken heart. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Michelle Southern”

LRN AM NEWSCALL DEC 30

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is urging drivers to be extra careful on the roads over the New Year’s holiday weekend. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says they are thrilled to kick off 2017 with New Orleans being showcased in Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. Don Molino reports…:

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Don Molino”

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2016 was a tough year for Louisiana. Halen Doughty has more on this year’s biggest stories…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission wants to remind motorists to be extra careful while driving over the New Year’s holiday weekend. Executive Director Dr. Katara Williams says often times when New Year’s falls on a weekend, it can result in more crashes than during the week. She hopes people are more cautious of their actions while ringing in 2017.

cut 4  (10) “drink responsibly”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Research Group found during the 2015 New Year’s holiday 341 people were hurt in car crashes in the state and 44 of those injuries were alcohol related. Williams says it’s easy to avoid drinking and driving if you plan ahead.

Cut 5  (09)  “roadway”

Williams suggests taking an Uber or calling a cab to secure a safe ride home. She says they’re thinking of the safety of not only the driver but the passengers and everyone else on Louisiana’s roadways.

Cut 6 (09) “they’re drinking”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says they are thrilled to kick off 2017 by nationally showcasing our amazing culture through New Orleans during this year’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” It’s the first time the production will do a Central Time Zone Countdown. He says it’s a great holiday to show people how much fun we have in Louisiana…:

CUT 7 (09)  “tourism industry”

New Orleans will be a part of the largest celebration of the year airing at 7pm our time on ABC, and feature Lucy Hale of Pretty Little Liars hosting in the Big Easy. Ryan Seacrest will lead the traditional countdown to midnight live from New York. Nungesser says the state has a three year commitment from Dick Clark Productions…:

Cut 8 (10) “around the state”

New Orleans officials announced safety measures they are taking this weekend including declaring Bourbon Street a pedestrian roadway only. Nungesser says, going into 2017, he’s very proud to see people working together throughout Louisiana to attract visitors and make things safer…:

Cut 9 (08)  “leaders”

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More than one hundred Princess Leias will march through New Orleans Friday in honor of the late Carrie Fisher. Elizabeth Pearce is a member of the Leijorettes, a Princess Leia themed dance line that’s part of the Krewe of Chewbacchus. Pearce says the Princess of Alderaan was a role model to her and the rest of the dancers.

Cut 10 (11) “a blaster”

Pearce says you don’t have to look like Leia Organa to be a Leijorette, you just have to embody her spirit. She says no two dancers look exactly alike because a lot of their props and costumes are homemade. But she says they all wear in the classic white dress with side buns.

cut 11 (11) “dance team motion”

Pearce says the Krewe of Chewbacchus will begin lining up at 3 pm just outside the French Quarter. She says people can still join the memorial parade. She says they are also raising money to cover the cost of the parade.

cut 12 (10) “collecting donations”

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2016 will go down in history as one of the most tragic, eventful years in recent memory. This year we saw everything from bizarre elections to tragic attacks to natural disasters. In Baton Rouge, few stories will top the shooting death of Alton Sterling outside of a convenience store. Protests erupted after the black man was killed during a confrontation with white police officers. Baton Rouge NAACP President Michael McClanahan said after the shooting that someone should lose their job over Sterling’s death.

Cut 13 (07) “the guts”

Seven days after Sterling’s death, a man from Kansas City shot and killed three officers in Baton Rouge and wounded three more in an ambush on cops. Governor John Bel Edwards spoke about the deaths of Matthew Gerald, Brad Garafola, and Montrell Jackson.

cut 14 (10) “everyday hero”

Of course you can’t talk about 2016 in Louisiana without mentioning the floods. After north Louisiana was hit with an unprecedented flood in March, south Louisiana was devastated by another historic flood in August. East Feliciana Parish OEP Deputy Director Jim Parker said they were doing everything they can to keep people safe as the flood waters rose.

Cut 15 (08) “sandbags fast”

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LSU and Louisville kickoff tomorrow at 10am in the Camping World Stadium. Tigers’ sideline reporter Gordy Rush says obviously the key in this Citrus Bowl contest is for LSU to stop the Heisman trophy winner Lamar Jackson. Rush says the D has to blitz and bring a lot of pressure to the QB like other teams that have beaten the Cardinals have been able to do.:

Cut 16 (07) “operate”

The game, which is the first-ever meeting between the teams in football, will be televised on ABC. Louisville comes into this matchup ranked No. 12 in the FBS in total defense, but Rush doesn’t think this is a team that LSU won’t be able to run the ball against…:

Cut 17 (12)    “who’s an edge rusher”

This will be Steve Ensminger’s final game in the interim offensive coordinator role as Matt Canada takes over the job on New Year’s Day. Rush says the obvious difference you saw with LSU’s offense under Ensminger’s leadership is that he forced defenses to protect the whole field…:

Cut 18 (20) “first and second down”

17:30 Newscast Dec 29

Nine Louisiana police officers were killed in the line of duty this year, ranking the state third in the nation for officer deaths. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Some Baton Rouge residents were not happy with the way Police Chief Carl Dabadie responded to Alton Sterling’s death, including Mayor-president elect Sharon Weston Broome. Broome says she’s taking the first steps to find a replacement for Dabadie when she takes office. Broome says she wil search far and wide to find a new chief of police.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture says a barn at the New Orleans Fair Grounds Racetrack is under quarantine for a case of Equine Herpesvirus. Ag Commissioner Mike He says this virus is highly contagious and there is no vaccine to prevent it.

Cut 6 (06) “highly infectious”

Strain says one horse at the location developed the neurological disease and was humanely euthanized by a veterinarian.

An 18-year-old has been arrested in Washington Parish in connection with the vandalizing and theft from Louisiana National Guard members. Franklinton Police Major Justin Brown says they pegged Evantrell Tennessee with the help of DNA.

Cut 14 (09) “his arrest”

Tennessee faces several charges including two dozen counts each of felony theft and criminal damage.

16:45 Sportscast, December 29th, 2016

Steve Ensminger spoke to reporters in Orlando today for the first time as LSU’s interim offensive coordinator just days before his last game in the role. The Tigers are preparing to take on Louisville in the Citrus Bowl Saturday. Ensminger said he believes Coach O is the right man to be LSU’s head coach, and that Matt Canada is the right replacement as OC. He said he knew Orgeron would have to make a splashy hire in Canada and that it was never a job he intended to interview.

As for the game, LSU sideline reporter Gordy Rush says obviously the key in the contest is for the Tigers to stop the Heisman trophy winner Lamar Jackson. He says the key is to blitz and bring a lot of pressure to the QB like other teams that have been the Cardinals have been able to do.:
CUT 1 (07) “operate”
Kickoff Saturday is 10am.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees says the team isn’t getting down about not making the playoffs once again this season. A victory for New Orleans in Atlanta this Sunday against the Falcons would mean they would avoid a third straight 7-and-9 season and Brees says finishing 500 is a big deal:
CUT 17 (12) “want to go”
The Saints are 7-3 in the Georgia Dome since Brees and Coach Sean Payton arrived in 2006. Kickoff Sunday is 3:25.

The Pelicans had a thrilling victory last night as they surged past the Clippers 102-98, highlighted by a 20 point performance by star Anthony Davis who had a soaring one handed alley oop dunk during a critical fourth-quarter charge. The Pels face the Knicks tomorrow at home.

College hoops, tonight Vanderbilt is in Baton Rouge to face LSU for an 8pm tip off in the PMAC.

 

16:30 Newscast Dec 29

Louisiana saw the third most police officers killed in the line of duty this year, with 9 total officer deaths. That’s according to President of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Craig Floyd, who says nationwide, 135 police officers were killed this year.

Cut 3 (12) “ambush attacks”

One of those attacks occurred in Baton Rouge on July 17 when a man from St. Louis gunned down 6 officers in the wake of Alton Sterling’s death.

East Baton Rouge Mayor president elect Sharon Weston Broome was not happy with police chief Carl Dabadie’s response to Sterling’s death, which is why she’s launched a search to replace Dabadie when she takes office. Broome said in a news conference that she had positive and progressive conversations with Dabadie about the future role of the chief, but she says she wants to find an innovative chief who will build community policing into the department.

After Debbie Reynolds died just one day after her daughter Carrie Fisher passed away, doctors say you really can die from a broken heart. LSU Health cardiologist Dr. Frank Smart says for some, there’s a lot of pressure to remain calm and collected during stressful times, which can increase the risk for a heart attack.

Cut 10 (11) for people”

He says it’s best for people to try to cope with grief in their own ways.

With a mother behind bars for leaving her baby in a trashcan, some say Louisiana law should better protect the mentally ill. District 8 ADA Tony Clayton says it’s concerning that 34-year-old Kyandrea Thomas might not get air treatment under the circumstances.

Cut 11 (10) “with that”

 

15:30 Newscast December 29,2016

In the wake of Debbie Reynolds death just one day after her daughter, Carrie Fisher, passed away, doctors say you really can die from a broken heart. Michelle Southern has more…
Cut 2 (26) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The 36-year-old son of Avoyelles Parish DA Charles Riddle III has been arrested for allegedly possessing counterfeit money and trashing a hotel room. The Advocate reports John Riddle was addressed by his father in an emotional social media post stating that his office was an alleged target and that he made the complaint. DA Riddle says his office would be recused from prosecuting any cased filed against his son.

 

Assistant District Attorney Tony Clayton believes the case of Kyandrea Thomas dumping her baby in a Walmart garbage can shows a real problem with state law. Clayton says it’s time to approach mental disabilities differently because many people in the state are affected. He says he will bring this change before the legislature in the next session but until then….
Cut 13 (05) “fixes it”

Currently, Insanity can only be a defense in Louisiana if the individual is believed to not understand the difference between right and wrong while committing the crime.

Washington Parish authorities have arrested an 18-year-old for allegedly vandalizing and stealing from Louisiana National Guard members. Franklinton Police Major Justin Brown says Evantrell Tennessee is accused of trashing and robbing several soldiers’ vehicles while the troops were training. He believes there are more people involved…
Cut 15 (10) “…Tennessee.”

14:30 Newscast, December 29th, 2016

Louisiana ranks third for police officers killed in line of duty in 2016. That’s according to President of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Craig Floyd. He says too often the service of officers is taken for granted which is why they are opening the National Law Enforcement Museum in 2018…:
Cut 5 (10) “been told”
He says nationwide, 135 police officers were killed this year.

State Police have made an arrest in a deadly pedestrian hit and run incident that happened on December 20th in Livingston Parish. The crash claimed the life of 36-year-old Corey Peeples of Denham Springs. Troopers said an investigation lead them to 49-year-old Debra Ridges who they believe hit Peeples as he was walking, then fled. Bridges is charged with hit and run and obstruction.

Assistant District Attorney Tony Clayton believes the sad case about a mother dumping her baby in a trash can at a New Roads Walmart exposes an actual problem with Louisiana law. He says Louisiana should factor in the mental state of the defendant…:
CUT 12 (08) “you’re doing”
34-year-old Kyandrea Thomas is charged with attempted second degree murder.

Authorities in Washington Parish arrest an 18-year-old accused of vandalizing and stealing from Louisiana National Guard members. Major Justin Brown with the Franklinton Police Department says the suspect is identified as Evantrell Tennessee who they pegged with the help of DNA:
cut 14 (09) “his arrest”
Brown says Tennessee is accused of trashing and robbing several soldiers’ vehicles while the troops were training, and they believe he had help.

 

 

PM Newscall, December 29th, 2016

Nine Louisiana police officers were killed in the line of duty this year, ranking the state third in the nation for officer deaths. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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In the wake of Debbie Reynolds death just one day after her daughter, Carrie Fisher, passed away, doctors say you really can die from a broken heart. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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It’s been a tough year for Louisiana law enforcement, as Louisiana was third in the nation for officers killed in the line of duty. That’s according to President of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Craig Floyd, who says nationwide, 135 police officers were killed this year. He says firearms-related fatalities were the leading cause of on duty deaths.

Cut 3 (12) “ambush attacks”

One of those attacks occurred on July 17 in Baton Rouge when a gunman killed three officers and wounded three others. A total of 9 Louisiana police officers were killed in 2015. Floyd blames a growing disrespect for the rule of law for the increase in officer deaths. He says police are visible, vulnerable symbols of law and authority.

cut 4  (08) “the enemy”

Floyd says too often, the service and sacrifice of police officers is taken for granted. He says we need more education about the role of law enforcement in our society. He says that’s why they are opening the National Law Enforcement Museum in 2018, to tell the story of law enforcement.

Cut 5  (10)  “been told”

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A barn at the New Orleans Fair Grounds Racetrack is under quarantine for a case of Equine Herpesvirus, according to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says one horse at the location developed the neurological disease and was humanely euthanized by a veterinarian. He says this virus is highly contagious and there is no vaccine to prevent it.

Cut 6 (06)”highly infectious”

Some symptoms of Equine Herpesvirus are fever, limb swelling, nasal discharge and inability to rise. Strain says the disease is spread from close horse to horse contact, as well as, contaminated equipment, clothing, hands and through the air. He says the horses in quarantine will be closely monitored.

CUT 7 (09)  “the signs” 

The disease is not transmissible to humans.

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Many are asking if you really can die from a broken heart, following the death of movie star Debbie Reynolds, just one day after her daughter, Carrie Fisher. Cardiologist Dr. Frank Smart with LSU Health New Orleans says broken heart syndrome is more common than you might think. He says the emotion that goes with losing someone causes the body to produce a lot of adrenaline.

Cut 8 (12) “blocked arteries”

Smart says medicine doesn’t entirely understand how grief and hope affect people’s lives, but doctors can prescribe preventative treatments.

Cut 9 (10)  “for life”

Smart says for some, there’s a lot of pressure to remain calm and collected during stressful times, which can increase the risk for a heart attack. He says it’s best for people to try to cope with grief in their own ways.

Cut 10 (11) “for people”

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Assistant District Attorney Tony Clayton believes the sad case about a mother dumping her baby in a trash can at a New Roads Walmart exposes an actual problem with Louisiana law. 34-year-old Kyandrea Thomas is charged with attempted second degree murder. Clayton says it’s concerning that this unstable woman may not get fair treatment under the circumstances…

cut 11 (10) “with that”

Insanity can only be a defense in Louisiana if the individual is believed to not understand the difference between right and wrong while committing the crime. Clayton says other states factor in metal state of the defendant but that’s not the case in Louisiana.

cut 12 (08) “you’re doing”

Clayton says it’s time to approach mental disabilities differently because many people in the state are affected. He says he will bring this change before the legislature in the next session but until then….

Cut 13 (05) “fixes it”

_________________________________________________________

Authorities in Washington Parish arrest an 18-year-old accused of vandalizing and stealing from Louisiana National Guard members. Major Justin Brown with the Franklinton Police Department says the suspect is identified as Evantrell Tennessee who they pegged with the help of DNA:

cut 14 (09) “his arrest”

Brown says Tennessee is accused of trashing and robbing several soldiers’ vehicles while the troops were training. He believes there are more people involved in this crime…:

Cut 15 (10) “Tennessee”

Tennessee faces several charges including two dozen counts each of felony theft and criminal damage. His bond is set at $207,000.

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13:30 Newscast, December 29th, 2016

Nine Louisiana police officers were killed in the line of duty this year, ranking the state third in the nation for officer deaths. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Authorities in Franklinton arrest a 17-year-old accused of vandalizing and stealing from Louisiana National Guard members. They believe the suspect, Evantrell Tennessee, was at least one person who trashed and robbed several soldiers vehicles while the troops were training. Tennessee faces two dozen counts each of felony theft and criminal damage.

Did Carrie Fisher’s mother, movie star Debbie Reynolds, die of a broken heart the day after her daughter died? Doctors say it’s very possible. Cardiologist Dr. Frank Smart with LSU Health New Orleans says medicine doesn’t entirely understand how grief and hope affect people’s lives, but doctors can prescribe preventative treatments…:
Cut 9 (10) “for life”
He says they can’t say for sure that the feelings of loss directly cause heart problems.

The Louisiana Department of Ag has confirmed a case of the Equine Herpes Virus in a horse at the the New Orleans Fair Grounds Racetrack. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says one horse at the location who tested positive had to be put down. He says the disease is spread from close horse to horse contact, and they are watching the animals closely..;
CUT 7 (09) “the signs”
The disease is not transmissible to humans.

 

12:30 Newscast, December 29th, 2016

Many are asking if you really can die of a broken heart, following the death of movie star Debbie Reynolds, just one day after her daughter Carrie Fisher. Cardiologist Dr. Frank Smart with LSU Health New Orleans says Broken Heart Syndrome is real, and quite common. He says the emotion that goes with losing someone causes the body to produce a lot of adrenaline…:
CUT 8 (12) “blocked arteries”
He says medicine doesn’t entirely understand how grief and hope affect people’s lives, by doctors can prescribe preventative treatments.

Franklinton police announce the arrest of a 17-year-old who they say vandalized 2 dozen vehicles belong to Louisiana National Guard members and stealing valuables inside. They say Evantrell Tennessee faces a number of charges including 24 counts of felony criminal damage to property.

Assistant District Attorney Tony Clayton believes the sad case about a mother dumping her baby in a trash can at a New Roads Walmart exposes an actual problem with Louisiana law. 34-year-old Kyandrea Thomas is charged with attempted second degree murder. Clayton says it’s concerning that this unstable woman may not get fair treatment under the circumstances…:
cut 11 (10) “with that”
He says only legislators could change this law but for now the mother’s charges are left up to a grand jury.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the recent picture that purported a second cougar had been spotted in the state is not real. They said the picture circling claiming the animal had been in Tangipahoa Parish ended up being a photoshopped hoax.