06:30 Newscast, October 17th, 2016

Governor John Bel Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry are in court today after the administration sued the AG for blocking state legal contracts with discrimination clauses. Jeremy Alford of Lapoltics.com says it’s very unusual to see statewide elected officials sue one another…:

cut 4 (10) “laws”
At issue are deals with wording to protect members of the LGBT community from workplace discrimination.

Louisiana’s film industry is once again starting to see signs of life. Celtic Media Centre Executive Director Patrick Mulhern says his phone is starting to ring at the Baton Rouge movie studios for the first time in a long time…:
CUT 7 (09) “very soon”

He believes that will happen sooner than later.

Louisiana ranks second in the nation for accidental shootings involving minors, nearly three times more than the national average. That’s according to new data from the Associated Press and USA today. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says what we don’t know is how kids are getting their hands on these weapons…:
cut 10 (09) “like that”
He encourages parents to take guns away from teens who have no business having them.

A drunk 20-year-old who was removed from the LSU/Southern Miss game and taken to the hospital is under arrest for allegedly assaulting three emergency medical service workers. 20-year-old Michael Curry is accused of striking and kicking an EMS worker, and later punching a woman in ER several times in the back of the head – then kicking another trying to help her. Curry was booked on battery charges.

LRN AM Newscall October 17th

Governor John Bel Edwards and AG Jeff Landry are in court today after the governor sued Landry for blocking protections for members of the LGBT community. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Just weeks after flood victims rolled out of what was a shelter at Celtic Studios in Baton Rouge, camera crews could be rolling in. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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New data from the Associated Press and USA Today shows Louisiana has the second highest rate of accidental shootings involving minors. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor John Bel Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry are in court today after the governor sued the AG for blocking state legal contracts that had wording to protect members of the LGBT community from workplace discrimination. Jeremy Alford of Lapoltics.com says it’s very unusual to see statewide elected officials sue another…

cut 4  (10) “laws””

Alford says the Governor is making moves by executive order and expects we’ll continue to see these trends throughout the remainder of his term. He says this could be a tough case for the judge to decide.

Cut 5  (09)  “coming term”

Alford says this feud between Governor Edwards and AG Landry has really been going on since the day the two were sworn into office and expects it will continue…

Cut 6 (10) “2019”

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Lights, camera, action! Those words haven’t been spoken at Celtic Studios in Baton Rouge in over a year, but that could change soon, as Louisiana’s film industry is starting to show signs of life. Executive Director Patrick Mulhearn says calls are starting to come in from companies who want to film in Louisiana. He says it’s encouraging to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

CUT 7 (09)  “very soon”

Louisiana’s film industry has seen a downturn because of a 2015 law that placed a capped on the state’s film tax credit program. But Mulhearn believes film companies now have a better understanding of the credits available. He hopes next year, lawmakers will switch the program from a back end cap to a front end cap.

Cut 8 (10) “business here”

Mulhearn says he met with two different productions on the same day, and he hasn’t done that in over a year. He says it looks like things are looking up for Louisiana’s film industry.

Cut 9 (08)  “than later”

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Louisiana ranks second in the nation for accidental shootings involving minors, nearly three times more than the national average. That’s according to new data from the Associated Press and USA today. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says what we don’t know is how kids are getting their hands on these weapons.

Cut 10 (09) “like that”

Alaska was the only state to top Louisiana on the list. The report found Baton Rouge had more accidental shootings than any other city in the Deep South. Moore says often times parents know or suspect that their child has a gun, but they don’t do anything about it.

cut 11 (10) “frustrating part”

The district attorney says there is no state law on the books to make parents responsible for accidental shootings involving children. Moore says that’s why prosecutors can’t charge parents for criminal negligence in allowing these kids to get ahold of a gun.

cut 12 (07) “had it”

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Voters will have a lot to consider on November 8th. In addition to the federal elections and local races, six constitutional amendments are on the ballot. The Public Affairs Research Council published a guide that explains the proposals to voters. PAR president Robert Travis Scott says three of the amendments will have a big impact on state policy, and one will affect college tuition.

Cut 13 (11) “vote”

Scott says amendment number three would change the state’s corporate tax income structure. He says Louisiana has an upper rate of 8-percent for corporate income taxes, which is relatively high compared to other states in the region. But he says companies are able to take a lot of deductions and exemptions.

cut 14 (11) “for corporations”

Scott says amendment five would create a new state fund, similar to the rainy day fund. He says the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund would trim tax revenue off the top of mineral and corporate taxes during times when they are good, and put that money back to save for when the cycle goes back down.

Cut 15 (12) “for it”

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LSU and Southern Miss were tied at ten at halftime on Saturday night in Death Valley, but the Tigers erupted for four 3rd quarter touchdowns and defeated the Golden Eagles 45-10.  Running back Derrius Guice’s 61 yard touchdown early in the third quarter started a very good second half for the Tigers…

Cut 16  (13)  “second half”

Guice finished with 162 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Danny Etling threw for 3 touchdowns and 276 yards. Etling talked about what Coach Orgeron said at halftime…

Cut 17 (10) “pretty nice”

Etling threw two long touchdown passes in the game, one to DJ Chark and the other to Malachi Dupre. Orgeron liked that LSU was able to hit on a few deep balls…

Cut 18 (11) “stiffer opponents”

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The Saints have a winning streak. New Orleans raced out to a 21-0 lead over the defending NFC championship Carolina Panthers and had to hold for a 41-38 victory. The Saints led by two touchdowns at halftime and Carolina tied it with three touchdowns in the 4th quarter. But rookie Will Lutz kicked a 52-yard field goal with 11 seconds left for the win. Coach Sean Payton on their second consecutive victory

Cut 19 (11)   “do that”

Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 465 yards and four touchdowns, he was also intercepted once. Brandin Cooks had 7 catches for 173 yards and one touchdown. But the 52-yard field goal by Lutz was the difference. Payton is very high on the 22-year-old.

cut 20 (18) ” mental toughness”

10:30 Newscast, October 15th, 2016

The Restore Louisiana Task Force met for the second time Friday and were told that they need to decide quickly how to disperse the $438 million dollars to flood victims. Congressman Garret Graves says the effort to get even more money to Louisiana would be easier if they could tell Congress how the dollars are being spent…:
cut 11 (10) “next request”
Graves says Louisiana’s congressional delegation will seek additional funding from Congress after the November election.

Two kids face over 150 charges each related to grave desecration in Independence in Tangipahoa Parish. President of the Colonial Cemetery Association Vincent Spitale on what was destroyed…:
CUT 12 (10) “cement floor”
The juveniles accused are 12 and 14 years old.

The ACLU of Louisiana is looking into the incident at Caldwell Parish High School where students were apparently strip searched by school officials who were trying to locate stolen money. The organization says that was an invasion of privacy and due process rights of students and that the school should apologize to the 9th graders and uphold the law. The Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident.

Officials announce plans to dispose of volatile explosives at Camp Minden in Webster Parish that led to a bunker exploding in September. Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Chuck Brown says there are three bunkers that contain an unstable compound, and on Monday they plan to open the doors on the first to let the fire out…:
CUT 3 (12) “taking off”
He says they will do the other two on separate dates later in the month.

 

09:30 Newscast, October 15th, 2016

The state already has been told that $438 million dollars in federal flood aid is on its way, and more is sure to be approved in Washington. That’s according to Congressman Garret Graves who said to the Restore Louisiana Task Force it’s important for the state to decide quickly how they’ll allocate the first installment of federal funds…:
Cut 9 (10) “be spent”

The deadline for flood victims to register for the Shelter at Home program has been extended to this upcoming Friday. Residents who are eligible should visit shelterathome.la.gov.

Louisiana officials are urging residents to aggressively protect yourself from mosquitoes as the illnesses certain species’ carry continue to be reported in people. The state Department of Health says there are now 34 confirmed cases of the Zika virus in Louisiana — all travel related. There are 30 cases of West Nile reported this year, none resulting in death.

State leaders are putting together a plan to dispose of over 200-thousand pounds of explosives at Camp Minden that have unstable compounds. Jeff Palermo has more…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A 20-year-old man arrested in the fatal shooting of his mother did it on accident during an argument, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department. Spokesman Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says the 37-year-old mother and her son’s fight turned physical…:
Cut 6 (10) “striking her”
He says Dexter Clay was arrested because the shooting happened during an argument.

08:30 Newscast, October 15th, 2016

The Restore Louisiana Task Force met Friday and Congressman Garret Graves urged members to move quickly on the federal aid flood aid package. Don Molino has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

The former assistant principal in Baton Rouge who is accused in the death of a pregnant woman has bonded out of jail. 39-year-old Robert Marks pleaded not guilty in court on October 11th, and bond was set at $500,000. Marks allegedly shot 40-year-old Lyntell Washington and was arraigned on charges of second degree murder and first degree feticide.

The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an 87-year-old man who was found with several gunshot wounds in his own driveway in Houma. They say they are looking into the incident as a homicide and anyone with information on the murder of Anthony Dale Lirette is urged to contact authorities.

Louisiana Environmental Quality Secretary Chuck Brown says three bunkers at Camp Minden in Webster Parish contain chemical compounds that are becoming volatile. Brown says on Monday, a robot will open the doors of one of the bunkers to let the fire out…
cut 5 (10) “….plan in place”
Brown says if all goes well early Monday morning, then they’ll do the other two bunkers later in October.

LSU will be without one of their starting safeties in Saturday night’s game against Southern Miss. Head Coach Ed Orgeron says senior Rickey Jefferson suffered a serious leg injury in practice this week…:
Cut 15 (08) “unfortunate”

 

18:30 Newscast Oct 14

After receiving 438-million dollars in federal flood recovery dollars from Congress, US Representative Garret Graves of Baton Rouge told a flood recovery task force that they’ll seek more aid in December. Graves says the Comite River Diversion Project and other flood mitigation plans will be at the top of their funding request.

Cut 10 (10) “and businesses”

Graves says they’ll also seek funding for impacted homeowners.

A 20-year-old Baton Rouge man has been charged with negligent homicide in the shooting death of his mother. Cpl. L’Jean McKneely says the 37-year-old mother and her son, Dexter Clay Jr, were involved in a physical argument.

Cut 6 (10) “striking her”

McKneely says Dexter Clay has been cooperative with detectives.

Following an explosion at Camp Minden in September, a plan has put into place to dispose over 200-thousand pounds of explosives that contain an unstable chemical compound. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

An 87-year-old man was fatally shot in his front yard in Terrebonne parish. Authorities say Anthony Dale Lirette was found Friday morning in his driveway, dead from multiple gunshot wounds. Anyone with any information is urged to contact the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, as the investigation is ongoing.

17:30 Newscast Oct 14

At the second meeting of the Restore Louisiana Task Force, Republican Baton Rouge Congressman Garrett Graves says they will seek more federal assistance in December, but it’s important for the state to decide quickly how they’ll allocate the first installment of federal funds.

Cut 9 (10) “be spent”

The state has received $438 million so far.

Baton Rouge police say a 20-year-old man accidentally shot and killed his mother during an argument. Cpl. L’Jean McKneely says when authorities arrived at the scene, Dexter Clay Jr. was applying pressure to the wound on his mother. He says Clay fully cooperated with police…

Cut 7 (07) “negligent homicide”

Melissa Clay was taken to a local hospital where she later died.

A 12-year-old and a 14-year-old have been arrested for vandalizing over 50 graves and smashing urns in a cemetery in Tangipahoa parish. President of Colonial Cemetery Association Vincent Spitale this is upsetting for the families because they have to go through the grieving process again. He says there was a lot of destruction in the Independence Cemetery.

Cut 12 (10) “cement floor”

Camp Minden officials plan to burn off volatile explosives in an effort to prevent any more spontaneous explosions. The Louisiana National Guard has been burning off M6 propellant in contained burning chambers. DEQ Secretary Chuck Brown says nearly 200-thousand pounds of CBI will be destroyed, as well as 40-thousand pounds of M6 propellant.

Cut 4 (09) “ignitor”

16:30 LRN Newscast October 14th

At the second meeting of the Restore Louisiana Task Force, Congressman Garret Graves urges members to move quickly as more federal aid is coming. Don Molino has more…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

The Louisiana Department of Health has been able to confirm 30 cases of the West Nile Virus that’s four more cases than what the state agency reported towards the end of September. Seventeen cases are the more serious form of the disease that can impact your brain and nervous system. Last year, there were 56 cases of West Nile.

Officials announce plans to dispose volatile explosives at Camp Minden in Webster Parish that led to a bunker exploding in September. Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Chuck Brown says there are three bunkers that contain Clean Burning Ignitor, which is becoming more unstable. He says on Monday they will open the doors of one of the bunkers and let the fire out.
cut 3 (12) “…taking off”
Brown says if it goes well Monday, they’ll burn the other two bunkers later this month.

A 14-year-old and 12-year-old have been arrested for damaging grave sites at a cemetery in Independence. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s office says the juveniles also dumped seven urns contiaining human ashes. Vincent Spitale, president of the Colonial Cemetery Association, says family members of those whose graves were damaged came to see the destruction…
cut 14 (07) “….this time”
The juvenile offenders are facing multiple charges.

16:45 LRN Sportscast October 14th

Saturday night’s game against Southern Miss will be the last non-conference game of the year for the Tigers. That’s because LSU is no longer playing South Alabama on November 19th. Florida has replaced the Jaguars on the schedule and Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says Athletic director Joe Alleva should get credit for getting the Florida game played in Tiger Stadium…
cut 18 (11) “…for him”
LSU will travel to Florida in 2017 and 2018.

LSU will be without one of their starting safeties in Saturday night’s game against Southern Miss. Head Coach Ed Orgeron says senior Rickey Jefferson suffered a serious leg injury in practice this week….
Cut 15 (14) “I know that”
Junior John Battle will take Jefferson’s spot in the starting line-up.

Three Saints players have been ruled out for Sunday’s game against Carolina, offensive tackle Terron Armstead, cornerback Delvin Breaux and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe. Defensive end Paul Kruger, tight end Josh Hill, guard Senio Kelemete and linebacker James Laurinaits are questionable.

Carolina Quarterback Cam Newton is also listed questionable in the injury report. But Panthers Head Coach Ron Rivera says he expects Newton to play “barring a setback” after he missed last Monday night’s loss to Tampa Bay, because of a concussion. Rivera also believes running back Jonathan Stewart will play after missing the last three games with a hamstring injury.

It’s homecoming on the ULM campus this weekend and the Warhawks will host Texas State on Saturday night at Malone Stadium. ULM goes into the game ranked last in the country in rush defense, allowing nearly 300 yards a game on the ground.

Louisiana Tech has had trouble stopping other teams’ passing attacks. The Bulldogs are at UMASS on Saturday. Massachusetts is averaging just over 300 yards of total offense a game.

15:30 Newscast October 14,2016

The Restore Louisiana Task Force is discussing how to spend the 438-million dollars the state has received so far from the federal government. Baton Rouge Congressman Garrett Graves says the task force needs to develop specific areas that need disaster funding, like home repair and mental health. He says it will be easier to get federal dollars approved if Congress understands where it will go.
Cut 11 (10) “next request”

A 12-year-old and a 14-year-old have been arrested for vandalizing more than 50 graves and smashing urns in an Independence Cemetery. President of the Colonial Cemetery Association Vincent Spitale says all the name plates were broken and the doors will have to be replaced. He says he wishes he could understand why the teens did a heinous act like this…
Cut 13 (03) “from it”

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office has charged the teens with multiple counts of criminal damage to property, desecration of a grave and simple burglary.

 
LSU will have to play without one of their starting safeties tomorrow when the Tigers take on Southern Miss. Head Coach Ed Orgeron says senior Rickey Jefferson suffered a major leg injury and junior John Battle will take is spot. Coach O says the who team is ready to play after an unexpected week off and the death of school’s live mascot.
Cut 16 (12) “Saturday night.”

The Louisiana Department of Health announces there are now 34 confirmed cases of Zika in the state. All of the cases so far are travel related. There have been no reported cases of the virus being locally transmitted. L-D-H also confirms there have been 20 cases of West Nile virus. 17 of those cases were neuroinvasive, 10 were fever, and three were asymptomatic. There have been no deaths linked to West Nile in Louisiana in 2016.