LRN PM Newscall November 7

Attorney General Jeff Landry is tackling the opioid crisis saying he knows why there is a problem in Louisiana. Michelle Southern has that…:

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office is urging the community to come forward with any info into the death of a Gonzales man found dead on the street. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to come forward with any information about the death of 44-year-old Brian Tumas who was found dead on the street where he lived. Sheriff Jeff Wiley says Tumas suffered significant trauma, was transported to a local hospital and died about 12 hours later.

Cut 3 (11) “his body”

But Wiley does say they are not ruling out any scenario. He says one theory is he was walking to his car on a foggy morning and was hit by a vehicle but there is some confusion because not much is known about Tumas’ life.

Cut 4  (11) “schedules” 

Wiley says police responded to the scene at around 4:45 am on Friday morning. He says Tumas lived with his parents in the senior citizen area of Pelican Point in Gonzales.

Cut 5  (09)  “about it.”

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State Attorney General Jeff Landry has announced a drug prescription takeback box is now available 24 hours a day at the Baton Rouge Police Department.  In making the announcement, Landry addressed the drug problem taxing the state.  He says statistics show the problem may be related to recent Medicaid expansion, which made Louisiana the 31st state to do so in 2016…

Cut 6 (10)  “Medicaid expansion.”

He says once Medicaid expansion was approved, it opened the door to allow many more opioids to become available to anyone who wants them…

Cut 7 (09) “for free.”

Landry hopes to be able to expand the prescription drug take back boxes to more places across the state.  They have placed a few others along the northshore of Lake Pontchartrain and the Shreveport area.  He says by teaming up with other law enforcement partners they are looking to take the program statewide …

Cut 8 (09) “the website.”

That website address is end-the-epidemic-l-a-dot-org.  There are currently 41 boxes in 32 parishes.  The Governor’s Communications Director Richard Carbo disagrees with Landry’s findings and says 14,000 people have already taken advantage of substance abuse treatment under Medicaid expansion…

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Louisiana’s Superintendent of Education John White released the annual school performance scores for the 2016-2017 year. White says the scores have remained steady for the third consecutive year. He says Louisiana fourth graders are showing the most improvement in reading and math.

Cut 9 (06)  “progress”

White also adds the percent of students scoring Mastery and above on LEAP English language arts and math tests has increased 13 percent since 2013. He says these are extremely important results that show our improvements as a state.

Cut 10 (09) “ever before”

This is the last year public schools with be graded on the state’s curve transition policy. White says unfortunately, 272 schools statewide received D of F grades for three straight years or saw high school graduation rates less than 67-percent. He says all improvements starts with an awareness of where there have been successes and challenges.

Cut 11 (10) “education”

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The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office says this morning’s deadly shooting in Central was the result of a domestic murder suicide. EBRSO spokeswoman Casey Hicks…:

Cut 12 (06) “on himself”

The victim is identified as 24-year-old Alyssa Kanouse. The ex-boyfriend as 31-year-old Larry Warino Jr of Lafayette. Hicks says Kanouse was found dead inside a silver sedan, and Warino was found dead in a white one..:

Cut 13 (05)  “suicide”

Warino is listed as a legislative aide for Lafayette Representative Stuart Bishop of Lafayette. Hicks says it’s unfortunate to see an increase in domestic incidents like this which result in the loss of life…:

Cut 14 (08)  “report it”

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11:40 LRN Sportscast November 7

LSU will play Arkansas this Saturday after losing to Alabama by two touchdowns last weekend. But Head Coach Ed Orgeron says he doesn’t see a wide talent gap between the Tigers and Tide…
Cut 17 (14) “see it”
In years past, LSU did not play well after the Alabama game. Orgeron expects his team will bounce back and give a great performance against Arkansas.

If Louisiana Tech wants to go to a bowl game, they’ll need to win two of their final three games. The Bulldogs are 4-and-5 on the season and they’ll host Lane Kiffen and the Florida Atlantic Owls this Saturday. F-A-U is 6-and-3, 5-and-0 against CUSA opponents.

Ragin Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth says freshman Levi Lewis will start at quarterback this Saturday against Ole Miss.

Tampa Bay receiver Mike Evans has been suspended for his cheap shot on Saints corner back Marshon Lattimore. Also, Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston, who didn’t finish the game in the Saints loss, will be shut down for a couple of weeks because of an injured throwing shoulder. New Orleans visits Buffalo this Sunday. The Black and Gold enter the second half of the season ranked 9th in scoring defense and 15th in total defense, a big change over what it has been in recent years.

Three Louisiana schools remain ranked in the Top 25 of the FCS Coaches Poll. Grambling is number 11 with a record of 8-and-1. Nicholls is ranked 17th and McNeese is ranked 18th. The Cowboys are off this Saturday, Nicholls is at Stephen F Austin and Grambling visits Alabama State.

And the final high school football polls are out. The number one ranked teams are West Monroe, Karr, De La Salle, Notre Dame and Logansport. The playoffs begin this weekend.

10:30 LRN Newscast November 7

Performance scores for public schools will be released today. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says this will be the last year that schools will be graded on a curve…
cut 13 (10) “…letter grades”
Erwin says starting with this school year, schools are being asked to produce more students who are achieving above basic to receive a higher score.

The state department of education has launched a new website today to help parents decide what public schools in there area is best for their child. Director of Family and Education Communications Annie Morrison says parents can compare schools and child care centers and do customizable searches…
cut 6 (11) “…those options”
The website is Louisiana-schools-dot-net.

Gas prices are about 20 cents higher than they were a year ago, because of higher demand. But Kelley Ray reports the price at the pump may come down soon…
voicer 3 (30) “….I”m Kelley Ray”

In St. Tammany Parish, the Pearl River Police Department is asking parents to check their child’s trick or treat candy after a needle was found in a piece of candy that was given out on Halloween. Pearl River police say they are taking this incident very seriously and investigating what they are calling a horrific act.

16:30 LRN Newscast November 6

Many are in disbelief over the shooting rampage at a Texas church that killed 26 people. In 2010, a law was passed in Louisiana that allowed concealed handgun permit holders to bring a gun inside a church as long as the church leadership was fine with it. Former state representative Henry Burns wrote the law and says it also requires the individuals bringing a gun inside a church to receive eight hours of specialized training…
cut 10 (10) “…people participated”

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron reitiered today that Danny Etling will remain the Tigers starting quarterback, despite a poor performance against Alabama. But Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran anticipates Coach O will give freshman Myles Brennan some snaps as well…
cut 7 (10) “…for now”

Early voting is underway for the November 18th election but Secretary of State Tom Schedler doesn’t expect a big turnout. Schedler blames the turbulence in Washington D.C. as the main driving force behind voter apathy….
Cut 4 (10) “on down.”
Early voting remains open until Saturday with the exception of Friday for the observance of Veteran’s Day.

Zeus Rescues in New Orleans is looking for homes for over 60 dogs and cats that were rescued from Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Zeus Director Michelle Ingram says the former owners of the pets sent background information to help the new owners get to know their adopted pet…
cut 13 (10) “…easy transition”

16:45 LRN Sportscast November 6

The Saints dominated Tampa Bay 30-10 yesterday to remain in first place in the NFC South. New Orleans defense continues to play well, the running game keeps producing and on special teams, the Black and Gold blocked a punt that resulted in a touchdown.

A strange play occurred when TommyLee Lewis laid down in the end zone during a kickoff in the hopes the Buccaneers kick-off team would not see him. The play didn’t work at all and New Orleans was forced to start a drive deep in their own territory. Head Coach Sean Payton says they’ll probably not try that again…
cut 17 (23) “..was a dud”
The NFL announced today that Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans has been suspended for one for his blind side hit on Saints rookie cornberback Marshon Lattimore.

After a tough loss to Alabama, the LSU football team is moving on to Arkansas. The Tigers were three touchdown underdogs to the Crimson Tide, but lost by two touchdowns. But Head Coach Ed Orgeron says he does not believe in moral victories…
cut 19 (10) “….we’re coming”
Orgeron reitiered today that Danny Etling will remain the Tigers starting quarterback, despite a poor performance against Alabama. But Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran anticipates Coach O will also give freshman Myles Brennan some snaps as well…
cut 7 (10) “…for now”

ULM sophomore quarterback Caleb Evans was named Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week. Evans accounted for 403 yards of total offensive and five touchdowns in the Warhawks 52-45 win over Appalachian State.

11:30 LRN Newscast November 6

The first two days of early voting for the November 18 election shows numbers remain dismal with just under 26-thousand voters participating. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says even though they are getting the word out to encourage voters, not many took the advice…
Cut 3 (07) “voters behind.”
Early voting remains open until Saturday with the exception of Friday for the observance of Veteran’s Day.

The 97th cadet class has begun training at the State Police Training Academy in Baton Rouge. Trooper Jared Sandifer says 47 men and women started their intense training yesterday, while the 96th cadet class is entering its 11th week of training….
cut 15 (07) “….can be”
After graduation, troopers will participate in a 10-14 week field training program before beginning their new careers.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and 10 Louisiana chefs are in New York City to prepare the Bayou State’s world-class food and give the Big Apple a taste of what we have to offer. Nungesser says they hope to woo people with our culture and encourage them to take their next vacation to Louisiana.
Cut 10 (08) “to do”
Chefs like Cory Bahr, Bonnie Breaux and Jay Ducote are joining the Lt. governor on this trip.

After the loss to Alabama, is it time to let true freshman Myles Brennan take over as LSU’s starting quarterback? Head Coach Ed Orgeron has said Danny Etling will remain the starter and Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says that’s the right calll…
cut 6 (09) “…quarterback play”
LSU’s final three regular season games are against Arkansas, Tennessee and Texas A-and-M.

09:30 LRN Newscast November 6

The House GOP tax plan promises to lower taxes for most Americans and also simplify the tax code so that many individuals will be able to file their own taxes on a postcard. Brandon Legarde is a member of the Louisiana CPA Society and he imagines tax preparers will still be needed…
cut 6 (04) “…us busy”
There is some concern the House GOP tax proporsal will not pass the Senate.

47 men and women have reported to the State Police Training Academy to begin several weeks of grueling training to become a State Trooper. Sergeant Jared Sandifer says they’ll join the 96th cadet class, who is in its 11th week of training. Sandifer says they’ll soon add dozens of new troopers to the force….
cut 14 (11) “…much better”
And State Police is accepting applications for the next cadet class.

According to Triple-A, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has increased four cents in the last week to $2.26. We are also paying about 30-cents more for gasoline than we did at this time last year.

State Farm is reminding drivers to be extra cautious of deer crossing the road, as it’s getting darker earlier. Emelie Gunn has more…
Voicer 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The Saints have won six in a row. They defeated Tampa Bay 30-10 yesterday. Up next is a trip to Buffalo to face the Bills this Sunday.

08:30 LRN Newscast November 6

There’s been a lot of talk, but how will the GOP tax reform plan affect you? Kelley Ray sheds some light…
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

Bastrop Police are seeking the public’s help in the death of a five-year-old girl. Authorities say the homicide occurred Saturday morning. And Ascension Parish authorities also need the community’s assistance to help solve the murder of a 44-year-old man, who was found lying in the street not far from his home in the affluent neighborhood of Pelican Point.

For the first time since 2005, two state police cadet classes are running simultaneously. The 97th cadet class, which includes 49 individuals, began training yesterday. And the 96th class is entering their 11th week of training. Sgt. Jared Sandifer says both classes are going through an intense training program…
Cut 13 (08) “those lines.”
And State Police is accepting applications for the next cadet class.

With the changing of the clocks this past weekend, more individuals will be driving home when the sun goes down. State Farm spokesperson Kip Diggs says be on the lookout for deer on rural roads and if you feel a collision with a deer is inevitable, do not swerve away. He says vehicles are deisgned to take an impact like this…
cut 8 (10) “…a ditch”

07:30 LRN Newscast

So what do local tax preparers have to say about how the GOP tax plan will affect our pocketbooks? Among the changes, the plan eliminates the ability to deduct state income tax, which is between two and six percent in Louisiana. Brandon Legarde with the Society of Louisiana CPA’s says that one change impacts everyone…
Cut 4 (08) “on that.”
Legarde says even with the promise of being able to file your taxes on a postcard, the simplicity of the tax code remains to be seen.

The 97th cadet class has begun training at the State Police Training Academy in Baton Rouge. Trooper Jared Sandifer says 47 men and women started their intense training yesterday, while the 96th cadet class is entering its 11th week of training….
cut 15 (07) “….can be”
After graduation, troopers will participate in a 10-14 week field training program before beginning their new careers.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and 10 chefs are in New York City to promote Louisiana cuisine. Nungesser says during the three-day visit to the Big Apple the Louisiana chefs will be able to meet with writers, producers and editors who cover in food and travel….
cut 12 (10) “…their hometown”
The participating chefs are from Monroe, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, New Orleans and several places in between.

It will get dark earlier today, since we moved the clocks back one hour. State Farm spokesperson Kip Diggs says be on the look out for deer along rural roads on you way home today….
cut 7 (09) “…they have”
State Farm finds the odds Louisiana drivers will hit a deer is down at 1 in 332, lower than the national average.

06:45 LRN Sportscast November 6

The Saints won their sixth straight on Sunday as they dominated Tampa Bay 30-10. A blocked punt that went for a touchdown in the 1st quarter gave New Orleans a 9-0 lead and they never looked back. Rookie Alvin Kamara had a touchdown rushing and receiving and Ted Ginn Junior caught a 36-yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees. The Saints Q-B says they did a lot of things well…
Cut 16 (20) “football games.”
Carolina also won yesterday as they defeated Falcons 20-17. So New Orleans continues to lead the Panthers by a half game for first place in the NFC South. New Orleans is at Buffalo this Sunday. The Bills are 5-3 on the season.

LSU ougained Alabama on Saturday night but still lost to the Crimson Tide 24-10 in Tuscaloosa. Tigers Head Coach Ed Orgeron says Alabama’s ability to make the big play was the difference…
Cut 18 (17) “ball in the end zone”
Orgeron said after the game that Danny Etling will remain the starting quarterback, even though he struggled on Saturday night completing just 12 of 26 passes for 137 yards and an interception.

It was a great college debut for freshman Ragin Cajuns quarterback Levi Lewis who threw two touchdown passes and also rushed for 129 yards in a 19-14 win over South Alabama.

ULM’s Caleb Evans threw for 356 yards and three touchdowns in the Warhawks 52-45 win versus Appalachian State.