07:30 Newscast, December 5th, 2016

Jury selection begins today in the trial of Cardell Hayes, accused in the shooting death of former Saint Will Smith in April. Selecting the jurors could be somewhat problematic due to the pre-trial publicity regarding Smith’s death. Legal analyst Chick Foret says it’s important to make sure the jury will hear the testimony from the witnesses, the evidence and nothing else…:
cut 11 (10) “Judge Buras”
Hayes is facing second-degree murder charges.

The Louisiana Department of Health reminds the public that December is the start of peak flu season. Dr. Frank Welch with LDH says flu activity has been low so far this year, as only 2 out of every 100 doctor visits in Louisiana have been flu related. He says there are things people can do to avoid getting sick…:

cut 4 (08) “other people”
He says it’s not too late to get a flu shot.

It’s going to be another wet day across Louisiana, and Flash Flood watches are in place for southwest and central Louisiana until 3 this afternoon. The ground is already soaked due to rains over the weekend, and forecasters say an additional 1-2 inches is possible through this afternoon — with higher amounts possible.

The France-Louisiana Cooperation Accord has been extended until 2020 after it was signed by Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

06:45 Sportscast, December 5th, 2016

The Saints appear to be heading towards another losing season as New Orleans played poorly in a 28-13 loss to the Detroit Lions. The Black and Gold committed 10 penalties and Quarterback Drew Brees threw three interceptions. Detroit jumped out to a 10-0 lead, which did not please Coach Sean Payton…:
Cut 16 (16) “lose that battle”
The loss drops New Orleans record to 5-7 as they next head to Tampa.

Payton also addressed the rumors that Brandin Cooks will be in off-season trade talks over the wide receiver’s frustration that he’d not been getting much ball time. Payton says it was a false report and, “garbage.”

In the NBA, the Pelicans fell to Oklahoma City 101-92 Sunday night.

The LSU Tigers will conclude the 2016 season by facing Louisville in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve day in Orlando, Florida. LSU Head Coach Ed Orgeron is proud to represent the Bayou Bengals in the bowl game…:
Cut 19 (18) “at LSU”
It will be an early start on New Year’s eve day as the game will kickoff at 11 AM eastern, 10 AM central time.

Oklahoma will face Auburn in the Sugar Bowl in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 2nd. UL-Lafayette will play in the New Orleans Bowl once again, this year on December 17th against Southern Mississippi. Louisiana Tech accepted a bid to play in the Armed Forces Bowl on December 23rd against No. 25 Navy. Grambling will play North Carolina Central University in the Celebration Bowl December 17th in Atlanta.

 

06:30 Newscast, December 5th, 2016

The jury selection is slated to begin today in the trial of Cardell Hayes, the man accused of killing Former Saints defensive end Will Smith. A judge has determined that the jury will be sequestered for the entire trial. Legal Analyst Chick Foret says it will be hard for potential jurors to leave their families during the holiday season…:
Cut 10 (10) “on Tuesday”
Jurors will not have access to TV’s or telephones during the trial.

A recent poll from Southern Media and Opinion Research finds Governor John Bel Edwards’ approval rating is at 63-percent. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says this is huge for the governor…:
CUT 7 (10) “we had”
33.6 rated Edwards unfavorably and 3.5 percent said they were not sure.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser extends the France-Louisiana Cooperation Accords for four more years. Nungesser says it’s a program that brings French teachers to teach the French history, culture, and language in Louisiana schools…:
Cut 13 (11) “across Louisiana”
The agreement extends the program to until 2020.

The 20th ranked LSU Tigers will get a chance to spend the final week of 2016 in sunny Florida where they’ll play 13th ranked Louisville in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl on December 31st. Kickoff is set for 10am. In the New Orleans Bowl, UL-Lafayette will take on Southern Mississippi on December 17th.

 

LRN AM Newscall December 4th

December marks the peak of flu season, and the Louisiana Department of Health urges the public to get their flu shot. Jeff Palermo has more….

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The jury selection in the Cardell Hayes case, the man accused of killing former Saints player Will Smith, is scheduled to begin today. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The France-Louisiana Cooperation Accord has been extended until 2020 after it was signed by Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Louisiana Department of Health reminds the public that December is the start of peak flu season. Dr. Frank Welch with LDH says flu activity has been low so far this year, as only 2 out of every 100 doctor visits in Louisiana have been flu related. He says there are things people can do to avoid getting sick.

cut 4  (08) “other people”

Welch says we’re at a higher risk of catching the flu during the holiday season. He says many people think that’s because the weather is cold, but it’s really because people spend time in close quarters at holiday parties and avoiding the cold.

Cut 5  (09)  “those situations”

Welch advises people to clean frequently used surfaces like door knobs when they have people in their homes. He says it’s not too late to get a flu shot, but the shot takes two weeks to take effect. He says even though for most people the flu is a mild inconvenience, it’s important for everyone to get their shot because for some people, the flu can be life threatening.

Cut 6 (10) “you and I”

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A recent poll from Southern Media and Opinion Research finds Governor John Bel Edwards’ approval rating is at 63-percent. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says that’s a big improvement over the governor’s approval rating earlier this year.

CUT 7 (10)  “we had”

A poll from Morning Consult found Edwards’ approval rating was only 45-percent in the spring, while a UNO poll showed 56-percent of respondents approved of his job performance in October. Pinsonat says Edwards’ response to all the floods, tornadoes, and other issues the state has seen this year may have helped boost his numbers.

Cut 8 (09) “8 months”

The poll also found that the state is split on the direction Louisiana is heading. Pinsonat says 41-percent of respondents believe the state is heading in the right direction, while 40-percent say it’s the wrong direction. He says that’s understandable given all the issues Louisiana faces.

Cut 9 (12)  “the state”

The poll shows 42-percent of voters think conditions will improve, while 19-percent say it will get worse.

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The jury selection is expected to begin today in the trial of Cardell Hayes, the man accused of killing Former Saints defensive end Will Smith. A judge has determined that the jury will be sequestered for the entire trial.  Legal Analyst Chick Foret says it will be hard for potential jurors to leave their families during the holiday season.

Cut 10 (10)  “on Tuesday”

Foret says it’s important to make sure the jury will hear the testimony from the witnesses, the evidence and nothing else.

cut 11 (10) “Judge Buras”

Jurors will not have access to TV’s or telephones. But Foret says Judge Camille Buras has promised to move the case along quickly and trial testimony will be heard even on weekends.

cut 12 (08) “this case”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser extends the France-Louisiana Cooperation Accords for four more years.  Nungesser says it’s a program that brings French teachers to teach the French history, culture, and language in Louisiana schools.

Cut 13 (11) “across Louisiana”

The agreement extends the mutual agreement until 2020. Nungesser says this program supports French immersion programs and the Francophone culture. He says learning French opens doors for Louisiana students.

cut 14 (10) “to them”

Nungesser says the first French course in Louisiana was offered in 1969, and the earliest teachers that were sent by France were military personnel. He says French culture is a huge part of Louisiana heritage.

Cut 15 (09) “in Louisiana”

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The Saints appear to be heading towards another losing season as New Orleans played poorly in a 28-13 loss to the Detroit Lions. The Black and Gold committed 10 penalties and Quarterback Drew Brees threw three interceptions. Detroit jumped out to a 10-0 lead, which did not please Coach Sean Payton…

Cut 16 (16) “lose that battle”

The loss drops New Orleans record to 5-7.The Black and Gold are heading towards their fourth losing season in the last five. Payton was frustrated during the post game…

Cut 17 (10)    “poor start “

Payton also denied rumors that the Saints are interested in trading wide receiver Brandin Cooks during the offseason..

Cut 18 (09) “ thanks”

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The LSU Tigers will conclude the 2016 season by facing Louisville in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve day in Orlando, Florida. It will be an early start for the Tigers, as the game will kick-off at 11 AM eastern time. Nonetheless, LSU Head Coach Ed Orgeron is proud to represent the Bayou Bengals in the bowl game…

Cut 19 (18)   “at LSU”

The game will feature LSU’s stingy defense against one of the best players in college football. Louisville Quarterback Lamar Jackson is considered a front-runner to win the Heisman Trophy. Orgeron calls Jackson a dynamic athlete…

cut 20 (11)   “on defense”

 

11:30 Newscast Dec 3

Protests are taking place over the fact that the shooter of former-NFL player Joe McKNight was released after claiming self-defense. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand responds to a report that McKnight was trying to resolve the issue with 54-year-old Ronald Gasser.

Cut 13 (10) “Mr. Gasser”

Two arrests have been made in the case of the Bourbon Street shooting that left Demontris Toliver dead and 9 others injured. NOPD Chief Michael Harrison says 20-year-olds Jordan Clay and Kavon Manuel of Lafayette have been charged with 2nd degree murder. He says a multi-agency investigation led to the suspects’ arrest.

Cut 3 (12) “federal partners”

The suspects also face 9 counts of attempted murder.

Three DOW Chemical plant employees who were being monitored after a chemical leak have been released, after a chlorine leak was reported yesterday afternoon. Three employees were reportedly observed at the Plaquemine facility’s onsite health services center, and 16 others drove themselves to local hospitals. All non-essential employees were evacuated after the small chlorine leak reportedly happened when the plant lost power. The leak has since been stopped.

The Edwards’ family is getting in the holiday spirit as they will spend their first Christmas in the Governor’s Mansion. The family was displaced during the August flooding but are now settling back into life in the mansion. First Lady Donna Edwards has been revamping the mansion since moving back into the home.

Cut 6 (08) “with that”

The basement took on 7 feet of water during the August flood.

10:30 Newscast Dec 3

Multiple protests are taking place over the fact that 54-year-old Ronald Gasser was released after admitting to shooting former-NFL player Joe McKnight. In a news conference, Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand warned against spreading rumors.

Cut 12 (09) “be believed”

Normand said Gasser did not stand over McKnight as reports have stated and there was no video.

A second arrest has been made in the case of the Bourbon Street shooting that left one dead and 9 injured. NOPD Chief Michael Harrison says 20-year-olds Jordan Clay and Kavon Manuel have been charged with 2nd degree murder.

Cut 5 (11) “shootout followed”

Clay and Manuel also face 9 counts of attempted murder.

The Edwards’ family is getting in the holiday spirit as they will spend their first Christmas in the Governor’s Mansion. First Lady Donna Edwards says they’ve revamped the backyard since moving back in after the home flooded.

Cut 7 (05) “looks beautiful”
The basement of the mansion took on 7 feet of water during the August flood.

Wet weather is in the forecast for much of Louisiana. State climatologist Barry Keim says the front that crossed the state earlier this week has turned around back towards the state. He says severe weather threats are minimal with this front, and temperatures will remain mild.

Cut 11 (10) “the temperature”

The Natchitoches Christmas Festival and Parade have been cancelled because of the weather, but the fireworks display is still scheduled for 6pm today.

9:30 Newscast Dec 3

A second suspect in the fatal shooting on Bourbon Street last weekend has been arrested. New Orleans Police Chief Michael Harrison said 20-year-old Kavon Manuel was arrested hours after 20-year-old Jordan Clay was taken into custody.

Cut 4 (08) “weekend festivities”
Both men face one count of 2nd degree murder.

Protests are erupting after the shooter of former-NFL star Joe McKnight was released from police custody. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand says 54-year-old Ronald Gasser admitted to shooting McKnight, but has not been charged pending the outcome of the investigation.

Cut 14 (10) “external force”

Gasser was reportedly involved in another road rage incident at the same intersection in Terrytown in 2006, but the misdemeanor charge was dropped.

Three DOW Chemical plant employees who were being monitored after a chemical leak have been released. A chlorine leak was reported yesterday afternoon at the Plaquemine facility, prompting evacuation of all non-essential employees. The company reports three employees were observed at their onsite health services center, while 16 others drove themselves to area hospitals for evaluation. The small chlorine leak reportedly happened when the plant lost power, and the leak has since been stopped.

Louisiana is in for a wet weekend as the cold front that passed us earlier in the week is turning back toward the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we have about three to four wet days in front of us. He says northern parishes can expect to see anywhere from five to seven inches of rain.

Cut 9 (10) “a problem”
Keim says the state could use this wet weather after the drought we’ve seen across the state.

8:30 Newscast Dec 3

Police say a second suspect in the deadly Bourbon Street shooting has been arrested. NOPD says 20-year-old Kavon Manuel was arrested at his home in Lafayette on Friday. Manuel and the other alleged shooter, 20-year-old Jordan Clay, face one charge of 2nd degree murder, as well as 9 counts of attempted murder, according to NOPD.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand urges people not to rush to judgment in the fatal shooting of former NFL player Joe McKnight. Emelie Gunn reports…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The First Family of Louisiana is getting ready to spend their first Christmas in the Governor’s Mansion. First Lady Donna Edwards says she worked closely with other former First Ladies to spruce up the Mansion.

Cut 8 (10) “this process”

The family was displaced during the August flooding but are now settling back into life in the mansion.

Wet weather is in the forecast for much of the state over the next few days. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we could really use the rain after the drought conditions we’ve seen across the state.

Cut 10 (08) “the rain”

Keim says northern parishes can expect five to seven inches of rainfall.

7:30 Sportscast Dec 3

Four state champs were crowned in high school football yesterday. In Division Four, Southern Lab won its second straight title beating Ascension Episcopal. In Division Three, Riverside won its first title by defeating parish rival St. Charles Catholic.

In Division Two, St. Thomas More Coach Jim Hightower finally won that elusive state title as the Cougars crushed Parkview Baptist. And In Division One, Evangel won its first state title since 2010 by beating Scotlandville.

In the non-select semifinals in One-A…Haynesville over Oak Grove and they’ll face Logansport in the title game. In Two-A Madison Prep we’ll face Sterlington who snuck past Many 40-37. Three-A, it will be Lutcher versus Amite after those two teams won last night, Karr and Neville will have a rematch for the 4A title and in Five-A West Monroe will head to the dome to play Landry-Walker on Saturday night.

The man who has admitted to fatally shooting former John Curtis star and NFL player Joe McKnight is a free man, but Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand says 54-year-old Ronald Glasser could still face charges. Normand says they are still trying to flesh out the details, as they have received different witness accounts. And we’ve learned Gasser had another road rage incident at the same intersection in February 2006, but charges against him were dropped.

Three college football games involving Louisiana teams today, Louisiana Tech takes on Western Kentucky in the Conference USA title game. A high scoring game is expected in this one after the Bulldogs beat the Hilltoppers 55-52 in October.

Grambling looks to beat Alcorn State for a second time this season in the SWAC title game in Houston and UL-Lafayette looks to become bowl eligible with a win over ULM.

Tomorrow it’s the Saints and Lions in the Dome. New Orleans running back Mark Ingram is questionable with a toe injury.

18:30 Newscast Dec 2

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand held a news conference today to update the case of the death of former NFL player Joe McKnight during an apparent road rage incident. Multiple protests are taking place over the fact that the shooter, 54-year-old Ronald Gasser, was released claiming self-defense. Normand warned against spreading rumors.

Cut 12 (09) “be believed”

Normand said Gasser did not stand over McKnight as reports have stated and there was no video.

An arrest has been made in the case of the Bourbon Street shooting that left one dead and 9 injured. NOPD Chief Michael Harrison says 20-year-old Jordan Clay of Lafayette has been charged with 2nd degree murder. He says they are still searching for another suspect and a motive.

Cut 5 (11) “shootout followed”

The Edwards’ family is getting in the holiday spirit as they will spend their first Christmas in the Governor’s Mansion. First Lady Donna Edwards says they’ve revamped the backyard since moving back in after the home flooded.

Cut 7 (05) “looks beautiful”
Edwards says after taking on about 7 feet of water in the basement she hopes displaying Louisiana’s French heritage will raise money for the Mansion.

Wet weather is in the forecast for much of Louisiana. State climatologist Barry Keim says the front that crossed the state earlier this week has turned around back towards the state. He says severe weather threats are minimal with this front, and temperatures will remain mild.

Cut 11 (10) “the temperature”

Keim says we can expect three or four days of wet weather.