06:30 Newscast, August 4th, 2017

Today and tomorrow, Louisianans will be able to purchase school supplies and other items at a reduced state sales tax rate of 3-percent, compared to the normal 5-percent. National Federation of Independent Business State Director Dawn Starns says it was more beneficial for retailers when the law allowed for tax free weekend…:
Cut 4 (10) “discount”
She says they hope legislators will one day change it back.

A federal lawsuit filed in Baton Rouge alleges two Orleans Parish inmates were kept in jail for five months after their sentences were served. Attorney Emily Washington with the Macarthur Justice Center says they’re seeking restitution…:
Cut 9 (08) “in custody”
She says Jessie Crittindon and Leon Burse were eligible for release in August 2016, but they stayed in the River Bend Detention Center in Lake Providence until January 2017.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is not pleased that crawfish have been found in one of their lakes and a retention pond. Jeff Palmero has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

 

18:30 Newscast August 3

Parents shopping for back to school supplies can save a few dollars in a variety of ways this weekend. Byron Henderson with the state Department of Revenue says not only will customers save two percent on the sales tax of their purchase this Friday and Saturday, they can also keep their receipts for later savings on school supplies.

Cut 11 (12) “home schools”

Today the body of a 7-year-old boy was found in Shreveport, after he was swept away in a storm drain on Tuesday. Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tyler expressed sorrow for Daysean Combest’s mother Mary Edmond.

Cut 13 (09) “love and support”

The little boy was last seen playing near a ditch just before heavy rains began.

Could you survive in the woods of Belize Naked and Afraid? A West Monroe man did just that, as he’ll appear on tonight’s episode of the Discovery Channel show. Some contestants in the 21 day challenge are survivalist experts with years of training, but not Dustin Campbell.

Cut 4 (10) “I went”

Campbell is the second Ouachita Parish man to take part the challenge.

Community members are weighing in on plans to replace the Calcasieu River Bridge at a public meeting at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Deidra Druilhet with DOTD says the construction would extend from the I-10/I-210 interchange on the west side of the river to the interchange on the east side.

Cut (09) “enhance safety”

 

 

LRN AM NEWSCALL AUGUST 3, 2017

The Nation Federation of Independent Business isn’t pleased with the sales tax discount weekend.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A federal lawsuit alleges two Orleans Parish inmates were held in jail for five months after completing their sentences, and they are seeking restitution. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is not pleased that crawfish have been found in one of their lakes and a retention pond. Jeff Palmero has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Today and tomorrow, Louisianans will be able to purchase school supplies and other items at a reduced state sales tax rate of 3-percent, compared to the normal 5-percent. National Federation of Independent Business State Director Dawn Starns says she hopes small businesses will see an increase in business but it was more beneficial for retailers when the law allowed for tax free weekend.

Cut 4  (10) “discount”

Starns says it’s difficult for retailers to get the message out to shoppers about the discount. She says they are disappointed to see what this holiday has become as it was so successful in the past.

Cut 5  (10)  “from taxes”

Starns says some small businesses are promoting this weekend the best they can. She says they hope legislators will one day change it back so consumers can have a couple of days to purchase items tax free.

Cut 6 (08) “the consumer”

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A federal lawsuit filed in Baton Rouge alleges two Orleans Parish inmates were kept in jail for five months after their sentences were served. Attorney Emily Washington with the Macarthur Justice Center says Jessie Crittindon and Leon Burse were eligible for release in August 2016, but they stayed in the River Bend Detention Center in Lake Providence until January 2017.

Cut 7 (09)  “five months”

The suit alleges constitutional and state law violations were made against the two inmates. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, the East Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the state Department of Corrections are named in the suit. Washington says officials knew these men were supposed to be released, but they took no action to do so.

Cut 8 (11) “did nothing”

This was both men’s first criminal conviction, and both of them are fathers. Washington says they’re seeking restitution for the inmates and a declaration from the court that what these agencies did was against the law.

Cut 9 (08)  “in custody”

ECPSO says they are reviewing the suit. An attorney for OPSO says they will vigorously defend this matter. DOC has not issued a comment.

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Crawfish have been found in Michigan and that state’s Department of Natural Resources is not happy. They say the red swamp crayfish damage earthen structures and compete aggressively for food and habitat, disrupting the food chain for many species in the water. LSU AgCenter Aquaculture Specialist Greg Lutz says while crawfish are well adapted to our geography…

Cut 10 (08) “introduced”

Red swamp crayfish are a prohibited species in Michigan. Lutz says their DNR is probably concerned about the white spot syndrome, which is a viral disease seen in Louisiana crawfish ponds.

Cut 11 (10) “like Michigan”

Crawfish are extremely fertile and can lay up to 600 eggs at a time and reproduce twice a year. Lutz says that means, there could be the chance of a Red Swamp Crayfish population becoming established in Michigan.

Cut 12 (11) “in Louisiana”

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Researchers say bold new approaches need to be taken to shrink the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. Eugene Turner co-authored a report on the oxygen-deprived area that cannot support marine life. He says a lot of nitrate is coming down the Mississippi River from agricultural land use. By reducing the amount of nitrate, they could shrink the dead zone. One way to do that would be to plant perennial crops like wheat in farms that runoff into the Mississippi.

Cut 13 (09) “as well”

Turner says farmers could even make some money by selling the wheat. Other methods include altering fertilizer application rates and improving nutrient management. He says the amount of nitrates coming down the river is directly proportional to the size of the dead zone.

Cut 14 (08) “proportional response”

To shrink the dead zone from the size of New Jersey down to the size of Delaware would require a 59 percent reduction in the amount of nitrogen runoff. Turner says it will take policy changes on the state, local, and federal level to make that happen.

Cut 15 (08) “nitrogen released”

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After missing all of last season while recovering from his third torn ACL injury, Saints edge rusher Hau’oli Kikaha (ha-OH-lee key-KAH-hah) is ready to make a big impact on the Black and Gold defense.  He’s battling with veteran Alex Okafor for starting weak side defensive end. Kikaha says he’s making progress…

Cut 16 (20)  “we’re advancing”

Starting left guard Andrus Peat is entering his third season. Peat says he’s trying to help out first round pick Ryan Ramczyk, who could be the starting left tackle for the injured Terron Armstead…

Cut 17 (15) “that aspect

Five-foot-seven Tommylee Lewis is fighting for a roster spot. The second-year wide receiver from Northern Illinois caught seven passes last year. Lewis is also hoping to become the team’s primary punt returner…

Cut 18 (14 “great competition” 

17:30 Newscast Aug 2

On Friday and Saturday customers can save two percent on the state sales tax during the annual sales tax holiday. Byron Henderson with the state department of revenue says the savings will apply to the first $25-hundred of the purchase price of each eligible items.

Cut 10 (12) “state sales tax”

The tax break does not apply to meals at restaurants, services, or vehicles.

A West Monroe man appears on tonight’s episode of Naked and Afraid after spending time in the Belize wilderness with no clothes, food, or water. Dustin Campbell says until now, he never swam with a crocodile or tried the bizarre foods the Belize forest had to offer.

Cut 5 (10) “they’re nasty”

The episode airs tonight on Discovery Channel.

The dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is the biggest one ever measured…

Cut 23 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

US Senator John Kennedy sent a letter to East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston-Broome about misuse of federal dollars. Kennedy says the BRAVE funds are meant to reduce crime and support police, but instead they’re going to people like Arthur Silky Slim Reed, who recently said justice was served when a gunman killed three police officers. A spokeswoman for Mayor’s Office said the mayor received the letter and “will be in communication with the senator.”

16:30 LRN Newscast August 3rd

Parents stocking up on back-to-school supplies can save a few dollars this weekend because of a partial sales tax holiday. Byron Henderson with the state Department of Revenue says most purchases are only subject to three percent of the state sales tax on Friday and Saturday….:
Cut 9 (10) “school supplies”
The state Department of Transportation hosts a public meeting tonight at the Lake Charles Civic Center to discuss proposals to replace the 66-year-old Calcasieu River Bridge. DOTD spokesperson Deidra Druilhet says at this time there is no money available for a new bridge, but that hasn’t stopped them from developing plans for a new one with today’s standards…
Cut 7 (10) “shoulders”
The body of 7-year-old Daysean Combest was found today after he was swept away in a storm drain Tuesday afternoon during a heavy rain storm. Shreveport Fire Chief Scott Wolverton says railroad contractors called firefighters around 7:30 this morning…:
CUT 12 (07) “railroad trestle”
He says that’s where the body was recovered by the Caddo Parish Coroner.

Could you survive in the forests of Belize “Naked and Afraid?” Halen Doughty has more from the West Monroe man who did just that…
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

15:30 Newscast Aug 3

There are multiple ways for consumers to save a few dollars during the sales tax holiday this weekend. Byron Henderson with the state Department of Revenue says not only will customers save two percent on the sales tax of their purchase, they can also keep their receipts for later savings on school supplies.

Cut 11 (12) “home schools”

Today officials found the body of a 7-year-old boy who was swept away in a storm drain in Shreveport on Tuesday. Daysean Combest was last seen playing near a ditch just before heavy rains began. Shreveport Mayor Ollie Taylor says this is every parent’s worst nightmare.

Cut 14 (10) “and support”

A California man who was speeding down I-12 is behind bars after police discovered two pounds of marijuana hidden in cereal boxes. 23-year-old Donald Roots-Scott of Sacremento reportedly told police his license was expired and he had pot in the vehicle. He is charged with possession with intent to distribute, expired license, and speeding.

A West Monroe man lived ‘Naked and Afraid’ in Belize, and his experience will air tonight on the Discovery Channel show. The show thrusts two strangers into the wilderness with no clothes, no food, and no water for 21 days. Dustin Campbell says bugs never bit so hard and nights have never been so long.

Cut 3 (11) “how you feel”

Campbell says you’ll have to watch the episode tonight at 8 to find out if he made it through the whole 21 day challenge.

LRN PM Newscall August 3rd

Could you survive in the forests of Belize “Naked and Afraid?” Halen Doughty has more from the West Monroe man who did just that…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Shreveport officials made a heartbreaking announcement about the 7-year-old who was swept away in a storm drain. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A West Monroe man survived in the wilderness of Belize completely naked. Dustin Campbell will appear on tonight’s episode of “Naked and Afraid” on Discovery Channel. He says it was a challenge completing the stretch without clothes. He says bugs never bit so hard and nights have never been so long.

Cut 3 (11) “how you feel”

The show thrusts two strangers into the wild with no clothes, no food, and no water for 21 days. The team has to survive with only one survivalist tool each and their wits. Some participants are expert survivalists with years of training, but Campbell says he’s just a good ole boy who lives in the woods.

Cut 4  (10) “I went”

Campbell is the second Ouachita Parish man to complete the challenge, after Jeremy McCaa appeared twice on the show last year. But he says he’d never swam with a crocodile before or tried some of the bizarre foods the Belize forest had to offer.

Cut 5  (10)  “they’re nasty”

Campbell says you’ll have to watch the episode tonight at 8 p.m. to see if he made it through the whole 21 day challenge.

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The state Department of Transportation will host a public meeting tonight at the Lake Charles Civic Center to discuss replacing the Calcasieu River Bridge. Deidra Druilhet with DOTD says the purpose of the open-forum is to give the community a chance to see the future plans and receive feedback. She says the construction would extend from the I-10/I-210 interchange on the west side river to the interchange on the east side.

Cut 6 (09) “enhance safety”

Druilhet says the 66 year old bridge is eligible to be on the National Registration of Historic Places and they hope to get feedback from the public on this, as well. She says at this time there is no money available for a new bridge, but it’s time to build a new one with today’s standards.

Cut 7 (10)  “shoulders”

The meeting is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Contraband Room. Druilhet says the proposed project would improve connectivity, congestion and bridge deficiencies.

Cut 8 (09) “the roads”

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Parents stocking up on back-to-school supplies can save a few dollars this weekend during the annual sales tax holiday. Byron Henderson with the state Department of Revenue says most purchases are only subject to three percent of the state sales tax this Friday and Saturday. He says that’s a significant savings over the usual five percent rate.

Cut 9 (10)  “school supplies”

Henderson says the tax break does not apply to vehicle purchases, food in restaurants, or taxable services. He says for items that are eligible, the two percent savings applies to the first $2,500 of the purchase price of each item.

Cut 10 (12) “state sales tax”

Henderson says not only can customers realize savings on the front end, there are dollars to be saved on the back end as well. He says parents should keep their receipts for any back-to-school purchases including supplies, uniforms, and equipment that’s required by the school.

Cut 11 (12) “and home schools”

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Shreveport Fire Chief Scott Wolverton held a news conference today to discuss how they located the body of 7-year-old Daysean Combest who was swept away in a storm drain Tuesday afternoon. He says railroad contractors called firefighters around 7:30 this morning…:

Cut 12 (07) “railroad trestle”

Wolverton says the body was recovered by the Caddo Parish Coroner and will be sent in for an autopsy. Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tyler was also present for the announcement, and expressed sorrow for the child’s mother, Mary Edmond…:

Cut 13 (09) “love and support”

Daysean was last seen playing near a ditch not far from the Louisiana State Fair Grounds, just before heavy rains lashed the city. Hundreds of workers and volunteers took part in the search that included helicopters, boats and K9s. Tyler says this is every parents worst nightmare…:

Cut 14 (10) “and support”

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14:30 LRN Newscast August 3

Tonight at the Lake Charles Civic Center a public meeting will take place to look proposals for a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge..
cut 8 (09) “…on the roads”
That’s Department of transportation spokesperson Deidra Durilhet who says there’s currently no funding for a new bridge.

Tonight on the Discovery Channel you can watch a West Monroe man attempt to survive in the wilderness of Belize for 21 days with only one survivalist tool. Dustin Campbell says he swam with a crocodile and attempted to keep his stomach full with what the jungle offered…
cut 5 (10) “….they’re nasty”
The reality television show is called “Naked and Afraid” and it can be seen at 8 PM on the Discovery Channel.

Shreveport officials made a heartbreaking announcement about the 7-year-old who was swept away in a storm drain. Michelle Southern reports…:
voicer 2 (28) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

Four teenagers connected to the shooting death of a 61-year-old Walker man are in the Livingston Parish jail today after they were arrested in Texas. Rick McBride was fatally shot in his home when two individuals attempted to steal money and guns from him on July 23rd. A fifth person and possible gunman was also arrested in late July.

13:30 Newscast, August 3rd, 2017

Shreveport officials made a heartbreaking announcement about the 7-year-old who was swept away in a storm drain. They say Daysean Combest’s body was located this morning, in a deep pool near a railroad about 2 miles from where he was swept away. Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tyler expressed sorrow for the child’s mother, Mary Edmond…:
Cut 13 (09) “love and support”

It’s back to school time and the annual sales tax holiday weekend kicks off tomorrow. Byron Henderson with the state Department of Revenue says for items that are eligible, the two percent savings applies to the first $2,500 of the purchase price of each item…:
Cut 10 (12) “state sales tax”
The tax break does not apply to vehicle purchases, food in restaurants, or taxable services.

The state Department of Transportation will host a public meeting tonight at the Lake Charles Civic Center to discuss replacing the Calcasieu River Bridge. Deidra Druilhet with DOTD says at this time there is no money available for a new bridge, but it’s time to build a new one with today’s standards…:
Cut 7 (10) “shoulders”
The meeting is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A West Monroe man survived in the wilderness of Belize completely naked. Dustin Campbell will appear on tonight’s episode of “Naked and Afraid” on Discovery Channel. He says he is NO survivalist like others who appear on the show…:
Cut 4 (10) “I went”
Campbell says you’ll have to watch the episode tonight at 8 p.m.

 

12:30 Newscast, August 3rd, 2017

Parents stocking up on back-to-school supplies can save a few dollars this weekend during the annual sales tax holiday. Byron Henderson with the state Department of Revenue says most purchases are only subject to three percent of the state sales tax this Friday and Saturday….:
Cut 9 (10) “school supplies”

Could you survive in the forests of Belize “Naked and Afraid?” Halen Doughty has more from the West Monroe man who did just that…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The state Department of Transportation will host a public meeting tonight at the Lake Charles Civic Center to discuss replacing the Calcasieu River Bridge. Deidra Druilhet with DOTD says the purpose of the open-forum is to give the community a chance to see the future plans and receive feedback. She says the construction would extend from the I-10/I-210 interchange on the west side river to the interchange on the east side…:
Cut 6 (09) “enhance safety”
The meeting is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Officials in Shreveport say the body of missing seven-year-old Daysean Combest has been found. He’s been missing for three days. His mother says Daysean was in a drainage ditch during a heavy rainstorm and he was swept away.