LRN AM Newscall October 1

The dusky gopher frog will have it’s day in front of the US Supreme Court today as a St. Tammany man challenges the scope of the Endangered Species Act. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Board of Regents has made the decision to perform an audit on universities, looking at admission policies.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Governor Edwards is on the west coast with a delegation aimed at promoting Louisiana’s film tax credit to big studios in California.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Today the U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments in the case of a St. Tammany man who is protesting the U-S Fish and Wildlife Service designation that a portion of his land is off limits for unfettered development due to its importance to the endangered dusky gopher frog. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says it’s a ruling that could restrict the scope of the Endangered Species Act.

Cut 4 (09) “…species.”

Edward Poitevent, the land owner, argues that because the land is not habitable for the frog in its current form, it should not be classified as critical habitat. The agency argues in the near the future the land may be necessary for the frogs survival. Ciolino says Poitevent is arguing the land restrictions are an overreach.

Cut 5 (12)  “…land use.” 

The land is just across the border from where the frogs currently live in Mississippi.

Traditionally these arguments are an uphill battle as the courts tend to defer to the scientific and administrative claims of governmental agencies when it comes to established law. But this time Ciolino says the nature of the challenge could give the plaintiff a shot at a favorable ruling.

Cut 6 (08) “…means.”

Poitevent, owns tens of thousands of acres in the area, 1,600 of which has been designated as critical habitat.

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Senator John Kennedy says unless an FBI investigation uncovers any concerning new material about allegations of sexual assault against Judge Brett Kavanaugh, he expects a final confirmation vote for his lifetime appointment to the US Supreme Court to be held later this week. The Senator says as of now, he knows where he stands…

Cut 7 (06) “…produces”

Kennedy says both Kavanauagh and his accuser, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, appeared credible during their Thursday appearances before the judicial committee. Kennedy says it’s likely that neither of the two is lying.

Cut 8 (11) “…be certain.”

While he expressed sympathy for Ford, despite his support for Kavanuagh, he didn’t hold back when asked about comments made by Democrats that Republcians are dismissing the severity of the alleged crimes.

Cut 9 (11) “… with that.”

The confirmation looked set for a likely, but tight party line passage through the full Senate until Arizona Senator Jeff Flake expressed reservations about voting before the FBI had looked into the matter.

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The Board of Regents has made the decision to perform an audit on universities, looking at admission policies.  Universities will begin submitting data in January and a report is expected to be complete in May or June.  Higher Education commissioner Kim Reed says the questions they are ultimately hoping to answer from the report are clear.

Cut 10 (05)   “…in Louisiana.“
Of the 200-thousand students enrolled in the public institutions in the state last year, about a thousand were admitted by exception.  Reed says among the goals with the report is to make sure that students are getting to enroll into schools where they can be most academically successful.

Cut 11 (07)   “…are the students.”
Reed says it is step one in a broader conversation as to around compliance with admission standards.

Cut 12 (08)   “…success in Louisiana.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is in California to promote Louisiana as a prime location for television and film production.  A delegation from Louisiana is meeting with executives from Netflix, Hulu, HBO and Walt Disney Studios just to name a few. Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment Chris Stelly say they will promote the state’s revised film tax incentives.

Cut 13 (08)   “…to do business.“

The legislature made changes to the state’s film tax credit program in 2017.  Stelly says with this trip they are highlighting the benefits of those changes.

Cut 14 (08)   “…they may have.”

Stelly says with the trip, they are highlighting that Louisiana has strengths in more than just being a location for filming, but for post production and other aspects of the business.

Cut 15 (10)   “…all of their business.”

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The Saints won their third straight on Sunday with a 33-18 victory over the New York Giants. Running back Alvin Kamara had a career-best performance, as he rushed for 134 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught five passes for 47 yards. His 49-yard TD run late in the 4th quarter put the game away. Coach Sean Payton…

Cut 16 (15) “.. week of preparation” 

The Saints defense held the Giants to 299 yards of offense and had three sacks and two forced fumbles in the road win. Payton liked what he saw from that group…

Cut 17 (14)  “our favor” 

The win moves the Saints into first place in the NFC South with a 3-1 record. New Orleans will host the Washington Redskins next Monday night.

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Louisiana Tech had a huge road win on Saturday as the Bulldogs went into Denton and defeated North Texas 29-27. After falling behind 21-6 after one quarter, Tech scored 20 points in the second quarter to take a 26-21 lead and ended up winning 29-27. Jaylon Ferguson was one of the stars of the game with four sacks. Head Coach Skip Holtz

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LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow led a balanced attack on Saturday night as the 5th ranked Fighting Tigers defeated Ole Miss 45-16. Burrow was 18-of-25 with three touchdowns. He also rushed for a team-best 96 yards and another score. Burrow says the undefeated Tigers can still play at another level…

Cut 19 (14) “..to be fun” 

LSU led 28-6 at halftime, but one again had a sluggish 3rd quarter, before finally pulling away and winning by 29 points. Up next for LSU its 22nd ranked Florida. Coach Head Ed Orgeron on the state of his team five weeks into the season…

Cut 20 (15) “for that challenge” 

10:30 LRN Newscast September 29

Baton Rouge Police announce the arrest of 20-year-old Dyteon Simpson of Baker in the fatal shooting of LSU basketball player Wayde Sims. Police Chief Murphy Paul says DNA evidence led them to Simpson, who admitted to authorities that he shot Sims.

Paul says Sims stepped into a fight to defend a friend that was being punched on the ground. Authorities say Simpson was doing the punching and when Sims stepped in that’s when Simpson fired the weapon.

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says they had a lot of help from the public….
cut 30 (14) “…very quickly”
Simpson was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison and charged with second-degree murder. His case will be brought before a grand jury soon.

Senator John Kennedy says unless an FBI investigation uncovers any concerning new material about allegations of sexual assault against Judge Brett Kavanaugh, he expects a final confirmation vote for his lifetime appointment to the US Supreme Court to be held later next week. The Senator says as of now, he knows where he stands…
Cut 7 (06) “…produces”
Senator Bill Cassidy has also indicated he will vote for Kavanaugh’s confirmation. Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Karen Carter Peterson says she believes Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s allegations, and says the two senators support for the judge sends the wrong message to assault survivors.
Cut 23, 13 seconds, is wrong.

9:30 LRN Newscast September 29

Senator John Kennedy says after a day of testimony, he believes Judge Brett Kavanaugh did not sexually assault Dr. Christine Blasey Ford….
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

But before a vote is taken in the Senate on Kavanaugh’s confirmation, the F-B-I will have a chance to look into Ford’s allegations she was sexually assaulted by Kavanaugh when the two were teens.

Baton Rouge Police say they’ll have an update at 10 AM on the murder of LSU basketball player Wayde Sims. We’ll have more in our next newscast.

Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch says there’s been a 36-percent increase from 2011 to 2016 in lawsuits claiming businesses are violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. Kevin Barnhart has more.
Voicer 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A 14-year-old in Jefferson Davis Parish has been charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and criminal damage to property after he allegedly shot a calf. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain…
cut 15 (09) “…butchered or slaughtered”

8:30 LRN Newscast September 29

Louisiana’s John Kennedy was one of the 11 Republican Senators to advance a confirmation vote for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh to the full Senate. Kennedy says he’s disgusted by what he calls political theatre that was on display during the hearings, and is ready to move on to a final confirmation vote.
Cut 11 (10) “…irreparably”
The vote was 11-10 along party lines. But before a full Senate vote happens, the FBI will investigate the claim made by Doctor Christine Blasey Ford that Kavanaugh tried to rape her in high school. Louisiana Democratic Party Chairperson Karen Carter Peterson…
cut 19 (15) “…this committee

LSU’s Will Wade says it’s a coach’s worst nightmare as he spoke hours after the shooting death of junior forward Wayde Sims. The 20-year-old Baton Rouge native was killed after an altercation broke out near the Southern University campus early Friday morning. Wade says when he received the phone call he rushed to the hospital…
cut 8 (14) “….the toughest”
The search continues for the gunman who killed Sims.

The reward is now up to 50-thousand dollars for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the person who killed Josh Woodruff in a hit and run in the early morning hours of January 1, 2016 at the intersection of Decatur and Dumaine Streets in New Orleans. Woodruff’s family believes someone saw something as the hit and run driver dragged Woodruff’s body for six miles.

7:30 LRN Sportscast September 29

5th ranked LSU looks to stay undefeated on the season tonight as the Bayou Bengals host the Ole Miss Rebels for an 8:15 kick-off. Running back Nick Brossette is fired up about the match-up…
cut 30 (06) “…thsi weekend”
Coach Ed Orgeron wants to see a more explosive offense tonight as the Tigers come into the game ranked dead last in total offense in the SEC.

Elsewhere today….the Ragin Cajuns visits top ranked Alabama. ULM is at Georgia State. Nicholls hosts Lamar. The Colonels have won seven straight home conference games. Grambling faces Prairie View. Both teams are 1-0 in the SWAC. McNeese hosts Stephen F Austin. The Cowboys lead the Southland in scoring defense. Louisiana Tech is at undefeated North Texas and Southeastern Louisiana hosts Northwestern State. The Lions have won six straight over the Demons. And Last night Tulane opened Conference USA play with a 40-24 win over Memphis.

The grieving process continues today for the LSU basketball team as they try to overcome the loss of forward Wayde Sims, who was fatally shot early Friday morning near the Southern University campus. Coach Will Wade says everybody loved Sims…
cut 6 (11) “….be around”
Baton Rouge police continue to search for the person who shot Sims. There is video evidence of a fight that took place at the time of the shooting.

The Saints visit the New York Giants tomorrow. Quarterback Drew Brees weighed in this week on the controversy surrounding the roughing the passer penalties that have been thrown this season…
cut 18 (17) “….not appropriate”
Kick-off is at 3:25.

5:30 PM Newscast

Senator John Kennedy says after a day of testimony, he believes Judge Brett Kavanaugh did not sexually assault Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

The floor vote may be delayed if an FBI investigation into the allegations is authorized.

A Jefferson Davis Parish teenager is accused of shooting and killing a calf in the Iowa (Eye-oh-way) community.  Following an anonymous tip, investigators gathered sufficient evidence and charged a 14-year-old with criminal damage to property.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the teen’s legal issues don’t end there.

Cut 13 (05) “…cruelty to animals.”

LSU men’s basketball player Wayde Sims was fatally shot during the overnight hours near the Southern University campus. Baton Rouge Police Sergeant Don Coppola says an intense investigation is ongoing and it’s a sad for the capitol city…

Cut 3 (06) “…act of violence.” 

LSU basketball Coach Will Wade calls Wayde Sims an unbelievable person during a tearful press conference, just hours after learning the 20-year-old Baton Rouge native was killed in a shooting.  Wade says everybody on the team loved Sims…

Cut 6 (11) “…be around.”

Sims was a junior on the team. He played in 32 games last season and started 10 of them. He won three state championships at University High and was named the Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year in the 2014-15. His father, Wayne Sims, played for Dale Brown at LSU from 1987-91.

4:45 LRN Sportscast September 28

It’s a difficult day on the LSU campus as basketball player Wayde Sims was killed in a fatal shooting during the overnight hours near the Southern University campus. Jeff Palermo has reaction from the Tigers head coach…
voicer 1 (30) “….I’m Jeff Palermo reporting”

Sims was set to begin his junior season on a team that has hopes of making the NCAA Tournament.
Meanwhile, Baton Rouge Police are talking with witnesses and looking at cell phone video to determine who shot Sims. He was just 20-years-old.

It will be a late night in Tiger Stadium tomorrow as 5th ranked LSU hosts Ole Miss. The game is slated for an 8:15 PM kick-off. Coach Ed Orgeron knows Tiger Nation will be loud at kick-off, but it will up to the team to keep them in the game…
cut 20 (15) “…something else”
Expect to see some points in this game as Ole Miss can throw it around, but they are not good on defense.

Drew Brees says he’s looking forward to playing a pair of New Orleans boys in Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. on Sunday as the Saints visit the Giants in New Jersey. Drew has gotten to know the two, which he says can occasionally lead to some funny moments…
Cut 16 (14) “.. 52 49
Kick-off on Sunday is at 3:25.

430PM LRN News

The LSU basketball team is trying to come to grips with the murder of Wayde Sims. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

And “Drag Queen Story Time”, and event oringally scheduled to take place at the Lafayette Public Library has seen such high demand that the event sponsors and hosts say they’re going to have to move it to a bigger venue. The new location will at South Louisiana Community College, where a UL-Lafayette fraternity will dress in drag and read stories to kids about accepting their LGBT classmates. The event is still planned for October 6th.

Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination vote to the US Supreme Court advanced to the full Senate, but it will be delayed a week while Republicans whip for votes, and the FBI investigates the allegations.  Senator John Kennedy says he supports the judge and is disgusted by what he calls political theatre that was on display during the hearings, and is ready to move on to a final confirmation vote.

Cut 11 (10)“…irreparably.”

The delay comes as Arizona Senator Jeff Flake expressed concerns about giving the judge his final vote, a vote that would likely be needed for Kavanaugh to be appointed, amidst requests for an FBI investigation.

But Louisiana Democratic Party Chairperson Karen Carter Peterson says Kennedy and Cassidy’s support for the judge sends a terrible message to sexual assault survivors in Louisiana.

Cut 12 (13)   “…is wrong” 

Senator Bill Cassidy expressed his support for the judge on twitter, calling for a final confirmation vote to be held without delay.

3:30 PM Newscast

Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination vote to the US Supreme Court advanced to the full Senate, but may be delayed a week if an FBI investigation is authorized. Senator John Kennedy says after hearing from both Judge Kavanaugh and the woman who accused him of sexual assault, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, he’s decided to support the judge’s nomination.

cut 9 (12) “…was involved”

Senator Bill Cassidy expressed his support for the Kavanaugh on Twitter, calling for a final confirmation vote without further delays.

But Louisiana Democratic Party Chairperson Karen Carter Peterson says Kennedy was wrong to distrust Ford’s allegations. Peterson says Ford had nothing to gain from the allegations, and she believes her.

Cut 10 (12) “…a nominee”

 

LSU men’s basketball player Wayde Sims was fatally shot during the overnight hours near the Southern University campus. Baton Rouge Police Sergeant Don Coppola says they are talking with witnesses and examining cell phone video of the shooting. He says they are asking for the public’s help in identifying an individual seen wearing red pants with a white strip down the leg and a gray shirt…

Cut 4 (07) “…man’s death”

A Jefferson Davis Parish teenager is accused of shooting and killing a calf in the Iowa (Eye-oh-way) community.  Following an anonymous tip, investigators gathered sufficient evidence and charged a 14-year-old with criminal damage to property.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the extent of teen’s punishment isn’t clear quite yet, but he will have to fork over money to the farmer.

Cut 14 (08) “…juvenile court system.”

2:30 LRn Newscast Sept 28

Louisiana’s John Kennedy was one of the 11 Republican Senators to advance a confirmation vote for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh to the full Senate. Kennedy says he’s disgusted by what he calls political theatre that was on display during the hearings, and is ready to move on to a final confirmation vote.
Cut 11 (10) “…irreparably”
The vote was 11-10 along party lines. But Arizona Republican Senator Jeff Flake recommended a one-week delay on a Senate vote, so the FBI can investigate whether Doctor Christine Blasey Ford’s allegations that Kavanaugh tried to rape her in high school are true.

Demand is so high for the “Drag Queen Story Time” event that the Lafayette Public Library has decided to move the October sixth event to South Louisiana Community college. A fraternity on the UL-Lafayette campus will dress up in drag and read to stories to children that day.

LSU men’s basketball player Wayde Sims was fatally shot during the overnight hours near the Southern University campus. A video released by the Baton Rouge Police department shows a large group of individuals fighting in the street. Baton Rouge Police Sergeant Don Coppola says there are a lot of unanswered questions…
Cut 5 (12) “…possibilty.”
LSU basketball Coach Will Wade calls Sims an unbelievable person during a tearful press conference, just hours after learning the 20-year-old Baton Rouge native was killed. Wade says Sims was well loved…
Cut 6 (11) “…be around.”
Today was supposed to be the first day of practice for the new season.