11:30 LRN Newscast May 26th

An insurance fraud investigation in the Acadiana area has led to over a dozen arrests. State Police Trooper Brooks David says last July they received complaints about 16 individuals who were filing false insurance claims…
cut 6 (08) “…of claims”
David says all 16 individuals were involved in a number of ficticious crashes.

Louisiana consumers will not have to pay the full five-percent state sales tax on Saturday and Sunday for purchasing emergency prepardeness supplies. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says the sales tax discount helps familes prepare for the hurricane season…
cut 4 (11) “…a storm”
To find out more go to the Department of Revenue’s website.

Louisiana Economic Development, along with several partners, has created a business startup program for military veterans. LED Secretary Don Pierson says the idea for the Louisiana Veteran Entrepreneurship Program came after hearing LSU helped disabled veterans in a similar way…
cut 11 (11) “…small businesses”
Pierson says those who participate in the program will take classes at LSU and they hope to enroll about 100 veterans in the first year.

State Police is asking motorists to buckle up, lay off the gas pedal and do not drink and drive this holiday weekend. Trooper Dustin Dwight…
cut 9 (08) “….preventable car crashes”
Dwight reminds residents that everyone inside a vehicle needs to be buckled up.

11:40 LRN Sportscast May 26th

The LSU baseball team faced the SEC Pitcher of the Year last night, but it didn’t matter. The red-hot Tigers scored five runs in the 2nd inning and five more in the 5th inning off of Sean Hjelle and ended up run ruling Kentucky 10-0 in seven innings. LSU shortstop Kramer Robertson completed the scoring with this three run blast….
cut 30 (14) “…10-nothing Tigers”
That’s Chris Blair on the LSU Sports Radio Network. Alex Lange was also sensational as he pitched seven shutout innings, allowed six hits and struck out seven. He moved past Ben McDonald to number two on LSU’s all-time strike out list. The Tigers are off today and they’ll play either South Carolina or Kentucky tomorrow at noon.

UL Lafayette finally gets a chance to play in the Sun Belt Tournament tonight. Heavy rain in Georgia has pushed back the start of the tournament and it’s now single elimination. The Cajuns who are on the bubble to make the NCAA Tournament, can win three straight games this weekend to receive an automatic bid. UL Lafayette faces Georgia Southern tonight.

In the Southland Tournament…UNO, Southeastern and McNeese are all battling to avoid elimination today.

Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas had an impressive rookie campaign, 92 catches for 1,137 yards and nine touchdowns. All three numbers broke Saints rookie records. Following an OTA session, Thomas said he can still take his game to another level….
cut 17 (13) “….stuff like that”
Thomas says he’s also added 10 pounds.

1030 Newscast May 26

A proposal to increase the state’s gasoline tax by 17 cents a gallon could undergo changes to get the necessary support from lawmakers. Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter says similar legislation has failed in the past, but lawmakers need to come together to support this measure.

Cut 14 (11) “have you”

Possible changes include lowering the hike or having it go up over time.

A sales tax discount is available for hurricane preparedness items this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, residents can purchase flashlights, batteries, portable generators and other emergency supplies at a reduced sales tax rate. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson…

Cut 3 (08) “sales tax”

A bill is heading to the Senate floor that would protect students with disabilities from corporal punishment in schools. Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil says he was surprised to learn schools were spanking these kids at all.

Cut 9 (09) “can’t help themselves”

The measure has already been approved by the House and the Senate Education Committee.

According to AAA, this Memorial Day travel period is at its highest level since 2005. Spokesman Don Redman says they project nearly 40 million Americans will take travel this weekend. He says that’s a million more than last year thanks to an improving economy…:

Cut 4 (08) “those numbers upward”

Redman says 88% of travelers are driving to their destinations this year.

09:30 LRN Newscast May 26th

The number of travelers for this Memorial Day weekend is expected to be the largest since 2005. AAA forecast calls for over 39-million Americans to travel 50 miles or more and spokesperson Don Redman says 88-percent of those travelers will drive to their destination…
cut 5 (05) “….a lot of people”
And Redman says expect to pay $2.15 a gallon for regular gasoline, which is a nickel higher than last year.

Students with disabilities would be protected from corporal punishment in public schools under a proposal heading to the Senate floor. Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil says his bill would prohibit school employees from spanking students with developmental disabilities.
Cut 7 (08) “not corporal punishment”
The House approved bill heads to the Senate floor.

Security will be ramped up for this weekend’s Bayou Country Superfest in New Orleans, because of the terrorist attack at a Manchester concert. Halen Doughty has more…
Voicer 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Consumers will receive a sales tax discount this weekend on purchases for hurricane preparedness items. So instead of paying a five-percent sales tax when buying flashlights, batteries, portable generators and other emergency supplies, residents would be hit with a three-percent sales tax on these items. The tax holiday starts Saturday and ends on Sunday.

08:30 LRN Newscast May 26th

Just over 39-million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more during this Memorial Day weekend. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says that’s the most since 2005. He says travel for the unofficial kick-off to this summer holiday has been growing since the Great Recession…
cut 6 (08) “….for the Holiday”
The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.15, a nickel more than last year.

Moving closer to final legislative passage is a bill that would prohibit corporal punishment in public schools involving children with disabiltiies. Representative Franklin Foil says his bill clearly defines what constitutes corporal punishment….
cut 8 (10) “…of a kid”
The House approved measure is heading to the Senate floor.

Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter is looking at ways on how he can get the necessary 70 votes in the House to pass a proposed 17-cent gasoline tax increase. Carter says he may lower the tax hike, but have it increase over time…
cut 15 (10) “…of time”
Carter says he plans to bring the bill up for a vote on Wednesday.

It’s Bayou Country Superfest weekend, but at a different venue this year. The three-day music festival was moved from Tiger Stadium to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Producer Quint Davis says they’ve made the show even bigger and better for the new locale…
cut 11 (11) “…the weekend”
And expect increased security in light of the terrorist attack in Manchester.

07:30 LRN Newscast May 26th

AAA projects the number of expected travelers for this Memorial Day weekend will be the highest it’s been since 2005. Michelle Southern reports.:

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

You can anticipate a bunch of LSU baseball fans heading to Hoover, Alabama this weekend. The Tigers won their ninth straight last night by blasting Kentucky 10-0 in seven innings. LSU’s next game is Saturday in the semifinals of the SEC Tournament.

Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter is planning for the House to vote next week on his proposal to hike the state’s gasoline tax by an additional 17-cents per gallon. Carter says similar legislation has been shot down in the past, but lawmakers need to come together to vote for this measure….
cut 14 (11) “….have you”
Carter says he is considering lowering the proposed tax, but is concerned they won’t have enough money to fund major projects.

The Senate Education committee has approved a bill that prohibits the use of corporal punishment with students who have disabilities. Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil, was surprised to learn that some schools spank children with disabilities….
cut 9 (09) “…can’t help themselves”
The bill has been approved by the House and is awaiting Senate approval.

06:45 LRN Sportscast May 26th

LSU scored five runs against the Southeastern Conference pitcher of the year in the 2nd inning and never looked back as the Fighting Tigers advanced to the semifinals of the SEC Tournament by run ruling Kentucky 10-0 in seven innings. Kramer Robertson had a three-run home run and had 4 RBI on the night. Kentucky’s Sean Hjelle gave up all 10 runs. Alex Lange pitched seven shutout innings and struck out seven. The Tigers are off today and they’ll play Saturday at noon versus the winner of today’s game between South Carolina and Kentucky.

Elsewhere, Louisiana Tech is two and bar-b-que from the Conference USA Tournament. Southern Miss beat the Bulldogs five to two. Tech will now wait and see if they get an invite to the NCAA Tournament. They have an RPI of 43.
And UL-Lafayette finally begins play in the Sun Belt Tournament in Statesboro, Georgia. The rain is all gone and the Cajuns will face Georgia Southern tonight.
The top two seeds in the Southland Tournament suffered losses yesterday in Sugar Land, Texas. McNeese gave up five runs in the 5th inning and lost 5-3 to Central Arkansas. The Cowboys will face Houston Baptist at noon today.
At 9 AM, it’s Southeastern Louisiana versus UNO. The Lions lost to Sam Houston State eight to four. S-L-U scored four runs in the first inning and that was it. The Privateers kept their season alive with a 4-3 10-inning victory.

Saints Coach Sean Payton is glad the NFL relaxed its touchdown celebration rules. The league announced that after a touchdown is scored, players can use the football as a prop, celebrate as a group or even do snow angels. Payton says it’s good for the fans, the players and the referees
Cut 16 (20)  “be good”

06:30 LRN Newscast May 26th

This Memorial Day weekend will see its highest number of travelers since 2005, according to AAA. Spokesman Don Redman says they project nearly 40 million Americans are taking to the roads, skies, rails and water, which is a million more than last year. Redman credits an improving economy…:
Cut 4 (08) “…those numbers upwards”
The author of a bill to raise the state’s gasoline tax by 17-cents continues to work on the legislation so it can receive the 70 votes necessary to get approval from the House. Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter says he is looking at a variety of options, like lowering the proposed increase. But he says not everyone is pleased with that…
Cut 13 (09) “…Baton Rouge”
Carter will bring the bill up for a vote next Wednesday.

Concertgoers at this weekend’s Bayou Country Superfest in New Orleans can expect even more security after the terrorist attack at a concert in Manchester. Producer Quint Davis says safety is always the number one concern, and everyone should feel comfortable attending the event.
Cut 10 (10) “…pretty much alwqays”
Davis says this is the 9th annual B-C-S, but it’s the festival’s first time in the Superdome.
Last night the LSU baseball team run-ruled Kentucky beating the Wildcats 10-0 in 7 innings to advance to the SEC tournament semi-finals. The Tigers next game is at noon on Saturday

AM Newscall May 26,2017

The 2017 Memorial Day travel period, which began Thursday, is at its highest level since 2005, according to AAA. Michelle Southern reports.:

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Security will be ramped up for this weekend’s Bayou Country Superfest in New Orleans, after there was an attack at a Manchester concert. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Author of the bill to raise the state’s gas tax by 17-cents is working to ensure it will receive House approval. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

__________________________________

The 2017 Memorial Day travel period, which began Thursday, is at its highest level since 2005, according to AAA. Spokesman Don Redman says they project 39.9 million Americans are taking to the roads, skies, rails and water this weekend, which is a million more than last year. He says it’s attributed to an improving economy…:

Cut 4  (08) “those numbers upwards”

Redman says 88% of travelers are driving to their destinations this year, which is an increase of 2.4% from 2016. He says today is one of the busiest days…:

Cut 5  (05)  “a lot of people”

Redman says it’s been 12 years since this many people decided not to stay home for the unofficial kick-off to summer holiday. He says it’s been steadily increasing since then…:

Cut 6 (08) “for the Holiday”

________________________________________________________

Students with disabilities would be protected from corporal punishment in public schools under a proposal heading to the Senate floor. Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil says his bill would prohibit school employees from spanking students with developmental disabilities.

Cut 7 (08)  “not corporal punishment”

Foil’s bill has already been approved by the House and received the backing of the Senate Education Committee on Thursday. An amendment has been added to the proposal to also include students ADHD. Foil says his legislation also defines what constitutes corporal punishment.

Cut 8 (10) “of a kid”

Foil says the Governor’s Office asked him to carry the measure as part of their education package. He says he was surprised to learn schools were spanking children with disabilities at all.

Cut 9 (09)  “can’t help themselves”

____________________________________________________________

Concertgoers at this weekend’s Bayou Country Superfest can expect even more security after the attack at a concert in Manchester. Producer Quint Davis says safety is always the number one concern, and everyone should feel comfortable attending the event.

Cut 10 (10) “pretty much always”

Davis says this is the 9th annual B-C-S, but it’s the festival’s first time in the Superdome. He says the three-day festival had to be moved, as the event’s usual venue, Tiger Stadium, is undergoing renovations. He says they’ve made the show even bigger and better for the new locale.

Cut 11 (11) “the weekend”

Davis says they’re thrilled that it won’t be hot or rain inside the new venue. He notes the indoor arena gives them a chance to go all out with the production this year to go along with the superstar performances. He says there’s lots of big name acts, and there’s sure to be something for everyone.

Cut 12 (09) “it’s big”

Davis says it’s the first time Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert will share the stage since there separation, even if it is on different nights.

____________________________________________________________

The author of a bill to raise the state’s gasoline tax by 17-cents continues to work on the legislation so it can receive the 70 votes necessary to get approval from the House. Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter says he is looking at a variety of options, like lowering the proposed increase. But he says not everyone is pleased with that…

Cut 13 (09) “Baton Rouge”

Many Louisianans are worried the revenue generated from the proposed tax increase would not go to improving roads or new infrastructure projects. Carter says similar legislation has been shut down in the past but lawmakers need to come together to vote for the measure.

Cut 14 (11) “have you”

Carter says there has also been discussion of having the tax increase over time.

Cut 15 (10) “of time”

____________________________________________________________

Saints Coach Sean Payton is glad to see that the NFL has relaxed its rules when it comes to touchdown celebrations. The league has announced that after a touchdown is scored, players can use the football as a prop, celebrate as a group or even do snow angels. Payton says it’s good for the fans, the players and the referees

Cut 16 (20)  “be good”

Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas led the team last season with nine touchdown catches during his rookie campaign. Thomas had 112 catches for 1,137 yards, but he says there’s plenty of room for improvement….

Cut 17 (13)  “stuff like that”

Former first round pick Sheldon Rankins is also entering his second season in the NFL. The 23-year-old says the defensive tackles on this team can be a big strength..

Cut 18 (25)    “of everyone”  

18:30 Newscast May 25,2017

Lawmakers and the governor are expecting another special legislative session is needed to solve the state’s 1.3 billion dollar fiscal cliff. Democrats are blocking the financing bill for construction in an effort to push Republicans to develop a budget balancing plan rather than going to a special session. Erwin says this kind of move is part of the political process.
Cut 13 (11) “ill will”

We can expect an above average hurricane season this year, according to NOAA’s forecast. They’re predicting 11 to 17 named storms with 5 to 9 of them becoming hurricanes. Acting administrator Ben Friedman says when an El Nino is nonexistent, conditions are more conducive for tropical development.
Cut 7 (10) “same region”

According to the forecast, 2 to 4 hurricanes will be category 3 or stronger.

 
The man accused of killing former NFL player Joe McKnight in an apparent road-rage incident was involved in a similar heated exchange while driving 10 years ago, and a judge said that can be used in court. But Legal analyst Tim Meche says the ruling to allow this as evidence is wide open for reversal on appeal. He says Ronald Gasser’s defense could even use it to their advantage…:
Cut 4 (11) “weak case”

A trial date has not yet been set.

The House rejects a proposal to prohibit children under 12 from using machine guns. River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot asked why the bill only included automatic weapons. He says any gun can be dangerous in the hands of an unsupervised child…:
Cut 11 (09) “fully automatic weapon”

But supporters argued it would protect children. The bill was killed on 21-59 vote.