08:30 LRN Newscast March 16th

With the legislative session approaching, lawmakers are working on a bill that would raise the state’s gasoline tax for the first time in 30 years. Democratic Representative Sam Jones of Franklin says he would like to see a proposed gas tax increase go before the voters this fall, but the discussion continues over how many additional tax cents the tax hike should go.
Cut 13 (09) “talked about”
Some of the worst traffic congestion in the country is in the Capital City. That’s why Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter supports a higher gas tax…
cut 16 (10) “…we may have”
Officials say every penny the gasoline tax goes up, an additional 30-million dollars can be spent on transportation needs.

Former legislator Elbert Guillory will lead an outreach effort to bring more minorities to the GOP. Guillory became the first black Republican state senator in 2013 when he switched from the Democratic Party. He says his hope is to convince African-American voters the Republican Party has their interest in mind.
Cut 7 (10) “do better”
Louisiana Republican Party Chairman Roger Villere says Guillory can help the GOP reach one-million registered voters in the state.

It’s the first full day of the NCAA Tournament and workers could be districted by March madness. Office Team District president Brandi Britton says employers should capitalize on major sporting events to bring employees together and have more fun at work…
cut 6 (09) “…expectations are”
Britton says their survey shows 66-percent of employees feel that celebrating sporting events can boost their overall hapiness at work.

07:30 LRN Newscast March 16th

State lawmakers are putting together a bill for the regular session that would increase the state’s gasoline tax for the first time in decades. Halen Doughty has more…
Voicer3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

A study from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission finds the state’s seat belt usage rate is at an all-time high of 88-percent. That’s nearly a two-percent point increase over the previous year. The report shows the increase is mostly attributable to more minority drivers and passengers buckling up.

Governor Edwards must find a new leader for State Police. Colonel Mike Edmonson’s last day as superintendent is March 24th as he is retiring with the department under fire for a travel scandal. Edwards says Edmonson also oversees the Office of Motor Vehicles, the Fire Marshal’s office, and highway safety…
cut 12 (11) “…law enforcement community”

Workplace productivity might be down today, because it’s the first full day of the NCAA Men’s basketball tournament. Office Team District President Brandi Britton says employers who incorporate fun activities surrounding March Madness can promote healthy mix of work and play, but managers still need to be organzied about it…
cut 5 (10) “…after work”

06:45 LRN Sportscast March 16th

It was a late night at Alex Box Stadium and a good night for the UNO Privateers who beat LSU for a second time this season. The Privateers pushed across three runs in the 15th inning to beat the Tigers seven to four. It’s the longest game in the history of new Alex Box Stadium and it’s the first time since 2008 UNO has won two games in a same season over LSU.

Louisiana Tech and the Cajuns also played deep into the night and it was the Bulldogs who pulled out a six to five win over nationally ranked UL Lafayette in 13 innings. Chase Lunceford drove home the winning run with a two-out walk-off single in front of the largest crowd in Louisiana Tech baseball history.

Tulane and Nicholls State also played extra innings and it was the Green Wave knocking off the Colonels three to two in ten innings.

ULM stranded nine runners on base and the Warhawks were blanked by Jackson State two to nothing.

Patriots restricted free agent cornerback Malcolm Butler is set to meet with the Saints today at their headquarters in Metairie. There’s been a lot of talk that New Orleans would like to acquire the 27-year-old who intercepted four passes last season. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Butler would be a good fit on the Black and Gold…
Cut 17 (13) “the Texans”
The Saints have an estimated 12.5 million dollars left in salary cap space and they have to sign their draft picks.

LSU starting cornerback Donte Jackson is not only participating in spring football, but he also plans to run for the Tigers track team this spring as well. Jackson ran the 60-meter dash during the indoor track season and finished 17th nationally.

The Monroe News-Star reports Louisiana Tech football coach Skip Holtz could receive a contract extension soon. And Holtz is not in a hurry to name J’Mar Smith his starting quarterback next season.

06:30 LRN Newscast March 16th

Governor Edwards believes State Police Superintendent Colonel Mike Edmonson’s retirement is the best approach for the department. The governor accepted Edmonson’s retirement yesterday as the L-S-P has been the center for controversy because of travel scandal involving four troopers. Edwards says he and the Colonel discussed the issue for the past few days…
cut 10 (08) “….to retire”
Edmonson’s last day is March 24th.

Lawmakers are discussing legislation that would raise the state’s gasoline tax 17-cents per gallon, which would generate over 500-million dollars that can be used to improve roads. Franklin Representative Sam Jones would like to see the issue go to the voters this fall, because there are unmet transportation needs around the state…
cut 14 (11) “…to be addressed”
A gasoline tax will be discussed more in the upcoming session.

Former state lawmaker Elbert Guillory has been picked to lead an effort by the Republican Party to attract more minority voters to the G-O-P. Guillory, who is black, believes the Democratic Party is not addressing important issues facing blacks and hispanics, like jobs and crime
cut 8 (08) “…today”
Guillory switched from the democratic party to the republican party in 2013.

Former Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany has a new job. The Republican doctor has joined the Capitol Counsel Washington D-C lobbying firm, which focuses on health care, tax and trade issues.

17:30 LRN Newscast March 15th

After spending nine years as the leader of State Police, Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson announces he’ll retire from his post on March 24th. The agency has been the center of controversy regarding questionable travel by four state troopers. Edmonson says he loves his job, but stepping down will bring normalcy back to the department…:
Cut 9 (10) “any distractions”
Edmonson says he will work with Governor John Bel Edwards and his successor to make the transition as seamless as possible.

A 33-year-old New Iberia man has pleaded guilty to sending threatening letters to government offices, including one that was sent to Governor John Bel Edwards. Prosecutors say Kyle Dore put white powder in several of the letters and implied the sustance was toxic, but tests showed it wasn’t. He’ll be sentenced on June 9th.

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating a quadruple homicide at an apartment complex in Metairie. Emelie Gunn has more…
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Another contractor has been arrested for defrauding flood victims. Baton Rouge Police Sergeant Don Coppola says one of the victims was 70-years-old…
cut 4 (11) “….to rebuild”
Andrew Darian is facing several charges including home improvement fraud.

16:45 LRN sportscast March 15th

The LSU players are using spring football to learn a new offense under offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Quarterback Danny Elting says Canada preaches a quick tempo, getting everyone involved and motion….
cut 20 (15) “…to do”
In scheduling news, LSU added Utah State to its nonconference schedule in 2019. Northwestern State, Georgia Southern and a road game at Texas are the other nonconference games for the 2019 season.

Nicholls State released its football schedule for the 2016 today. The Colonels open the season on Thursday, August 31st at home against McNeese State. The rest of the home schedule includes Prairie View A-and-M, Northwestern State, Abilene Christian and Houston Baptist.

After beating Portland by 23 points last night, New Orleans is in Miami tonight to take on the Heat. The Pelicans held the Trail Blazers to 77 points, which is a season low for Portland and an opponent of New Orleans.

UNO Travin Thibodeaux has issued an apology for putting his hands around the neck of his teammate Christavious Gill on the sidelines during last night’s loss in the NCAA Tournament. The two had to be separated by teammates and coaches. Thibodeaux says he let his emtoions get the best of him. Thibodeaux did not play in the rest of the game after the heated exchange with Gill.

Tonight at Alex Box Stadium, LSU hosts UNO. The Privateers beat LSU in New Orleans on February 21st. The Privateers have lost seven of their last eleven, while the Tigers have won four in a row.

Elsewhere…Nicholls hosts Tulane, Jackson State is at ULM and there’s a big game in Ruston as the 14th ranked Ragin Cajuns visit Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs beat the Cajuns twice last season.

16:30 LRN Newscast March 15th

Today, State Police Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson announced his plans to retire March 24th. LSP is under investigation by multiple agencies after four troopers made taxpayer funded overnight stops in Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon while attending a training conference in San Diego. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says this announcement shouldn’t come as a surprise…:
Cut 11 (11) “make a change”
Edmonson says he decided to step down so the agency can return to normalcy.

Former Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany has a new job. The Republican doctor has joined the Capitol Counsel Washington D-C lobbying firm, which focuses on health care, tax and trade issues. The 61-year served in the U.S. House of Representative for 12 years and had an unsuccessful run for U-S Senate last year.

Jefferson Parish authorities found four people dead at an apartment complex in Metairie early this morning. Sheriff Newell Normand says originally they were investigating a triple homicide, but they found another body in an apartment where the door was open……:
CUT 7 (07) “original scene”
The four fatal victims range in ages from 40-to-61-years-old. One of the victims is a female. It remains a very active investigation.

Baton Rouge Police have arrested a contractor from Denham Springs who allegedly took deposits and payments from two homeowners but never completed the work. 48-year-old Andrew Darian faces several charges. Baton Rouge Police Sergeant Don Coppola…
cut 5 (10) “…help you out”

15:30 LRN Newscast March 15th

Colonel Mike Edmonson has stepped down as superintendent of State Police. Edmonson has led state police for two governors, but he leaves as multipe investigations are ongoing into a travel scandal involving four state troopers. Edmonson says he wouldn’t have done anything differently….
cut 10 (12) “…move forward”
Over a dozen members of State Police have also been subpoenaed as part of a federal investigation into illegal campaign contributions involving the Louisiana State Troopers Association and its executive director. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says Edmonson’s retirement is the best move for everyone..
cut 12 (11) “…that organization”
Edmonson’s last day is March 24th.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu is no longer pushing a proposal to have all bars in the city close their doors at 3AM every day. French Quarter Business League President Alex Fein says they were concern that proposal would negatively affect businesses…
cut 1 4 (09) “….we’re changing”

Jefferson Parish authorities found four people dead at an apartment complex in Metairie early this morning. Sheriff Newell Normand says when authorities arrived they found three people deceased and a woman shot in the face, who was transported to a local hospital. He says as deputies were canvasing the scene, a nearby apartment had an open door…:
Cut 6 (10) “of age”
Authorities say that man died of multiple stab wounds.

LRN PM Newscall March 15th

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office found four shot to death and one injured this morning at an apartment complex in Metairie. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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State Police Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson announces his plans to retire March 24 amid ongoing investigations into his agency. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A Denham Springs contractor has been arrested after allegedly defrauding two Baton Rouge flood victims. BRPD Sgt. Don Coppola says 48-year-old Andrew Darian contacted two female victims, one of whom was 70-years-old, about doing work on their homes.

Cut 3 (12) “from them”

Coppola says Darian would even change his number after getting the money. He says unfortunately, we’ve seen similar cases of fraud by supposed contractors since the August flood. He says this adds an extra burden on the victims.

cut 4  (11) “to rebuild”

Coppola says Darian is charged with home improvement fraud, felony theft, misapplication of payment, and theft of assets of an aged person. He says it’s unclear if Darian has any other victims, but if you have been a victim of contractor fraud you should  contact authorities.

Cut 5  (10)  “help you out”

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Jefferson Parish authorities found four people dead at an apartment complex in Metairie early this morning. Sheriff Newell Normand says when authorities arrived they found three people dead and a woman shot in the face, who was transported to a local hospital. He says as deputies were canvasing the scene, a nearby apartment had an open door…

Cut 6 (10) “of age”

Normand says they are working to identify the four victims. He says originally they were investigating a triple homicide and finding another body turns back the clock on the investigation.

CUT 7 (07)  “original scene”

Normand says three men and one woman were pronounced dead at the scene and the injured female is reported to be in stable condition. He says it’s too early in the investigation to speculate about what exactly happened.

Cut 8 (06) “information”

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After spending nine years as the leader of State Police, Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson announces his plans to retire March 24th. The agency has been the center of controversy regarding questionable travel by four state troopers. Edmonson says he loves his job, but stepping down brings a sense of normalcy to the department.

Cut 9 (10)  “any distractions”

Edmonson says he will work with Governor John Bel Edwards and his successor to make the transition as seamless as possible. He says he wouldn’t have done anything differently because problems are always going to arise.

Cut 10 (12) “move forward”

LSP is under investigation by multiple agencies after four troopers made taxpayer funded overnight stops in Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon while heading to a training conference in San Diego. Political analyst Clancy Dubos the announcement shouldn’t come as a surprise.

cut 11 (11) “make a change”

Over a dozen members of State Police have also been subpoenaed as part of federal investigation into illegal campaign contributions involving the Louisiana State Troopers Association and its executive director. Dubos says Edmonson retirement is the best move for everyone involved.

cut 12 (11) “that organization”

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New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has decided not to go forward with his previous suggestion to close the doors of all bars in the Crescent City at 3 a.m. in an effort to increase safety. French Quarter Business League President Alex Fein says they’ve been against the idea from the get go and are glad that proposition has been taken off the table.

Cut 13 (09) “their mind”

Fein says especially on Bourbon Street, a lot of bars are open past 3 a.m. and there was a concern it could negatively affect businesses. But he says their biggest problem with the proposed change was they didn’t want the world seeing the city in a different light…

cut 14 (09) “we’re changing”

Landrieu still plans on using 40 million dollars to tighten security in the city. Fein says they are encouraged by other recommendations the mayor has to make New Orleans a safer place.

Cut 15 (10) “come visit” 

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14:30 LRN Newscast March 15th

State Police Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson announces his plans to retire March 24 amid controversy. Michelle Southern has more…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Four people were found shot to death inside an apartment complex in Metairie and another woman was taken to the hospital after she was shot in the face. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand says they are still trying to figure out what happened…
cut 8 (06) “….information”
Authorities have been on the scene since a 9-1-1 call at 3:30 this morning.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has scraped the proposal to have all bars in the city close their doors at 3 AM. French Quarter Business League President Alex Fein is glad to hear that and they remain pleased with the other safety measures that will be implemented that’s part of a 40-million dollar security plan…
cut 15 (10) “…come visit”

Another contractor has been arrested for derfrauding flood victims. Baton Rouge Police Sergeant Don Coppola says one of the victims in this case was 70-years-old…
cut 4 (11) “….to rebuild”
Darian is facing several charges including home improvement fraud.