10:30 LRN Newscast April 5

Today a senate committee will hear a proposal by Metairie Senator Conrad Appeal that would allow people to have their pets buried next to them in cemeteries. Haley Doughty has more…
voicer 2 (31) “….reporting”

And in House Transportation, the panel has approved a bill that would double the fine to 50-dollars for not wearing a seat belt. State Police spokesperson, Sergeant Nick Manale, says not wearing a seatbelt can turn a fender bender into a fatal accident…
cut 6 (07) “….laws of physics”

Five more parishes have been added to the exisiting federal disaster declaration in Louisiana as result of last month’s historic flooding. The five parishes added are Catahoula, East Carroll, Franklin, Lincoln and St. Helena Parishes. These parishes are now eligible for government assistance to help those impacted by the flooding.

An entrepenuer from Louisiana has created a Seafood Locator App. Sheldon Williams says once you launch the app, you can see 15 affiliate seafood shops and see what their prices are for boiled crawfish, shrimp, crabs, raw oysters and more…
cut 14 (13) “…all on the app”
Williams says the app works well for those living in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, but they are looking to expand it to other areas like in Lafayette and Thibodaux.

LRN Sportscast 16:45 April 4th

LSU quarterback Brandon Harris completed 16 of 20 passes for 246 yards in a full-scale scrimmage in Tiger Stadium on Saturday. Coach Les Miles says fellow quarterbacks Danny Etling and Justin McMilan also performed well…
cut 18 (12) “…today”
Etling was 14-of-18 for 220 yards while McMilan was 11-of-14 for 226 yards. Miles added that Harris and Etling both took snaps with the number one offense.

Former LSU star Shaquille O’ Neal has been elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame. After a stellar career in Baton Rouge, Shaq went on to win four NBA titles and he appaeared in 15 NBA All-Star games. O’Neal scored over 28-thousand points during his 20-year NBA career.

LSU Coach Paul Mainieri says relief pitcher Alden Cartwright will undergo an MRI after having to leave Sunday’s victory over Auburn. Cartwright through only a handful of pitches, until he felt something pop. The Tigers host Southern tomorrow night and Colfax native Jesse Stallings will start on the mound.

Southeastern Louisiana first baseman Jameson Fisher has been named Southland Hitter of the week. Fisher was retired just three times in 21 plate appearances as he helped the Lions score 73 runs in five games. Fisher is now hitting .521 on the season. S-L-U Head Coach Matt Riser says the Zachary is having an impressive season after redshirting last year, because of an injury…
cut 30 (17) “…little bit”
The Lions are at Tulane tomorrow night.

16:30 Newscast April 4

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser told a House budget committee he could close several state parks, museums and historic sites if his agency is forced to take up to a 30-percent reduction in state financing. Nungesser says he’s looking at looking at ways to reduce state costs to keep these sites open…
cut 15 (10) “….save money”
Nungesser he’s also looking into private-public partnerships as well.

A man and a woman were fatally shot in their Kenner apartment early this morning. Three children were also in the home, but they were not hurt. Lt. Brian McGregor with the Kenner Police Department says the discovery was made after one of the children went to a neighbor’s house…:
CUT 3 (07) “were notified”
He says a 10 year old boy, two year old and infant were inside the house, but unharmed. The incident is being treated as a double homicide.

Cops say it was a trio of children who robbed a pizza delivery driver at gunpoint in Houma. Captain Dawn Foret, with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, says a 12 and 13 year old were arrested for armed robbery, and a 17 year old suspect, Leroy Miles, is at large….:
CUT 7 (10) “his vehicle”
She says anyone with information on the whereabouts of Miles is urged to contact Crimestoppers.

Tragedy occurred during a triathlon at Sam Houston Jones State Park. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Kim Myers says 25-year-old Taurean Blake of Sulphur drowned during the swimming portion of the event….
cut 12 (10) “…continued CPR”
Witnesses say they saw Blake starting to struggle after he swam for about 100 yards.

15:30 LRN Newscast april 4

Budget cuts are putting Louisiana’s state parks and historic sites at risk of closing, according to Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. Halen Doughty has more…
voicer 2 (31) “….I’m Halen Doughty”

A federal judge in New Orleans approves a 20-billion dollar settlement that BP will have to pay for its role in the 2010 oil spill. The oil giant will pay five-point-five billion dollars in civil Clean Water Act penalties and Louisiana is one of five states that will also be compensated.

A mother and father were shot and killed in their Kenner apartment while their kids were inside. A 10-year-old, 2 year old and infant were unharmed. Kenner Police Lt. Brian McGregor says the couple was shot many times in their bedroom…:
CUT 4 (04) “at this time”
He says a vehicle was seen fleeing the scene this morning. A motive for the murders is unknown.

A man was shot by an off-duty State Police detective after allegedly breaking into his unmarked police car early Sunday in Ascension Parish. Sheriff Jeff Wiley says a neighbor alerted the cop around 430am that his police unit was being burglarized, so he armed himself, went outside and caught the man in the act…:
CUT 8 (06) “prepared to use it”
He says the off-duty detective shot the alleged thief as the suspect reached for a gun. The burglar survived and will be arrested when released from the hospital.

14:30 LRN Newscast April 4th

A federal judge in New Orleans has given his final approval to a 20-billion dollar settlement that ends litigation over the 2010 BP Oil Spill. BP will pay 5-point-5 billion dollars in civil Clean Water Act penalties. The five Gulf states impacted by the spill will also be compensated.

Kenner police are investigating a double murder that took place at a home with three young children inside. Michelle Southern has the story…
voicer 2 (27) “…reporting”

A state police trooper is on paid administrative leave after he shot a suspected theif, who was allegedly attempting to break into his unmarked patrol car. The incident happened early Sunday morning in Ascension Parish. Sheriff Jeff Wiley says the incident is under investigation…
cut 10 (09) “…as yet complete”
Wiley says the off-duty trooper and the suspect were scuffling when the police man used his weapon.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says he would be forced to close state parks and historic sites if his office takes a 30-percent cut in state funding. Leesvile Representative James Armes is not happy to hear this. He says tourism can’t take anymore cuts…
cut 16 (10) “….million dollars”
The governor’s proposed budget for next fiscal year will be released Friday.

LRN PM Newscall Monday April 4

Kenner police are investigating a double murder that took place at a home with three young children inside. Michelle Southern has the story…

CUT 1 (27)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Budget cuts are putting Louisiana’s state parks and historic sites at risk, according to Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A man and a woman were fatally shot in their Kenner home early this morning. Three children were also in the home, but they were not hurt. Lt. Brian McGregor with the Kenner Police Department says the discovery was made after one of the children went to a neighbor’s house.

CUT 3 (07)  “were notified”

Police say the couple was shot multiple times in their bed, where an infant girl was also sleeping. A 2-year-old boy and a 10-year old boy were also in the home. McGregor says none of the shots were self-inflicted….

CUT 4 (04)  “at this time”

McGregor says the children will be placed with family members through Child Protective Services. He says there were no signs of forced entry, but a vehicle was seen fleeing the scene this morning.

CUT 5 (07)  “at this time”

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Police have arrested a 12-year-old and 13-year-old in connection with the armed robbery of a pizza delivery driver in Houma. Authorities are also looking for a third suspect, 17-year-old Leroy Miles. Captain Dawn Foret with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office says the three adolescents robbed the delivery driver in the apartment complex where they live.

CUT 6 (08) “rob him”

Foret says the two juveniles have been arrested for armed robbery, and Miles is wanted for theft of a motor vehicle and armed robbery. She says unfortunately they see kids of all ages commit crimes.

CUT 7 (10) “his vehicle”

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A man was shot by an off-duty State Police detective after allegedly breaking into his unmarked police unit early Sunday in Ascension Parish. Sheriff Jeff Wiley says a neighbor alerted the cop around 430am that his police unit was being burglarized, so he armed himself, went outside and caught the man in the act…:

CUT 8 (06) “prepared to use it”

Wiley says the alleged thief and the officer got into a tussle which is when the suspect reached for his gun. He says the off-duty detective then shot the man with a shotgun in close proximity…:

CUT 9 (10) “Ascension Parish Jail”

Wiley says the thief had several stolen items in his possession and deputies also recovered a handgun believed to be owned by the suspect. He says the incident is under investigation…:

cut 10 (09)  “as yet complete”

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Authorities say a Sulphur man participating in a triathlon drowned in the Calcasieu River. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Kim Myers says this was a sanctioned triathlon at the Sam Houston State Park where lifeguards, Marines, and spotters in kayaks were on hand. Myers says 25-year-old Taurean Blake swam about 100 yards out when he started to struggle and a Marine jumped in to help.

Cut 11 (11) “eventually did”

Myers says they pulled Blake out of the water and revived him. She says a lifeguard also tried to swim out to Blake, as well as one of the kayaks. She says they made every effort to help Blake.

cut 12 (10) “continued CPR”

Myers says after Blake was revived, he was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

Cut 13 (07)  “the drowning”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser told lawmakers today that further budget cuts to the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism could force him to close several state parks and historic sites. He says with all the money problems Louisiana is facing, the state needs tourism dollars.

cut 14 (10)  “the tracks”

Nungesser says they are looking into private-public partnerships, naming rights, increasing fees, and even using prison workers to save money. He says they are open to any suggestions.

cut 15 (10) “save money” 

Leesville Representative James Armes voiced his concerns for our parks and historic sites, saying all the budget cuts put them at risk. He says lawmakers have cut the budget as much as they can, but tourism can’t take any more cuts.

cut 16 (10) “million dollars”

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11:40 LRN Sportscast April 4

Former LSU basketball star Shaquille O’ Neal has been elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame. Shaq’s star-studded class also features Allen Iverson, Yao Ming, current Michigan State Coach Tom Izzo and four-time WNBA champion Sheryl Swoopes. After a record setting career at LSU, Shaq went on to win four NBA titles and one regular season MVP award and he was named to the All-Star game 15 times.

Tim Frazier had 19 points and 13 assists as he helped the Pelicans beat Brooklyn 106-87. New Orleans is at Philadelphia tomorrow night.

A big performance from LSU relief pitcher Parker Bugg helped the Tigers beat Auburn 10-5 on Sunday for the Tigers first SEC series victory of the season. Bugg threw 3.2 innings of scoreless of baseball and got out of a bases loaded jam in the sixth inning with a strikeout.

Former North Webster High standout Devin White was one of the top running backs in high school football in the state last year, but he’s now working on the defensive side of the ball for the Tigers. Coach Les Miles says White had an impressive scrimmage on Saturday…
cut 17 (10) “…in tackles”
Miles says sophomore defensive end Arden Key, also had a good scrimmage as he had six tackles and one sack.

Louisiana Tech has to replace eight starters from last year’s defense. Bulldogs coach Skip Holtz likes what he’s seen from potential new starters on the D-line…
cut 30 (12) “…right place”
In a scrimmage on Saturday, safety Theron Williams had an interception return for a touchdown.

16:45 LRN Sportscast April 1st

No LSU baseball game tonight, because of lots of rain in Auburn. The series will now start tomorrow at 1 PM with a doubleheader. ULM and South Alabama are also postponing their series opener to Saturday. The two teams will be play a doubleheader at 4 PM.

The start of Southeastern’s series with Nicholls is also in jeopardy because of rain. The Lions are seeking their 15th straight victory. Coach Matt Riser says his team is motivated to reach the NCAA Tournament after missing it last year…
cut 20 (18) “….ballclub”
The Colonels enter the series with an 11-15 record, two and seven in the Southland Conference. First pitch is at 7 PM.

LSU guard Antonio Blakeney will put his name into the NBA draft. But Blakeney does not plan on hiring an agent, which would allow him to return for his sophomore season . For Blakeney to come back to LSU, he’ll have to remove his name from the draft, shortly after the NBA combine in mid-May.

The Saints will reportedly meet with running back Tim Hightower soon and discuss a return to the Black and Gold. The 29-year-old played in eight games for New Orleans last season and rushed for 375 yards and four touchdowns.

Former LSU running back Stevan Ridley announced on Instagram that he has signed to play with the Detroit Lions. The Natchez, Mississippi, native rushed for just 90 yards in eight games last season with the Jets after tearing his ACL the year before.

On twitter, UL Lafayette Coach Mark Hudspeth showed off some new helmets that has a black colored crawfish on a red helmet. It looks really good, but it is apparently an April Fool’s joke.

14:30 LRN Newscast April 1st

With all the new sales tax laws going into effect today, compliance could be a problem. Jeff Palermo has more…
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Much of southeast Louisiana remains under a flash flood watch through tonight. Meanwhile, in north Louisiana, bayous and rivers are still very high. Jason Hansford with the National Weather Service says dry weather is needed
cut 10 (06) “…next week”

The search continues for a Slidell man who has fled his residence after human remains and animal bones were found inside his home. Slidell Police Sergeant Daniel Seuzeneau says they do not believe that the human bones found inside the house are related to a homicide…
cut 4 (09) “….very bizarre”
Seuzeneau says they are looking for Joshua Roques. He’s six-foot-six, driving a 2004 Infinity.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says there’s been a spike in the number of train-versus car fatal accidents. Spokesperson Mark Lamber says sometimes, motorists get impatient and drive around the railroad crossing arms…
cut 13 (08) “….can’t win”
Lamber says there’s been seven train-versus car fatalities in the last three months.

LRN PM Newscall april 1st

Slidell police are searching for a wanted man after a search of his home found human remains and animal bones in a makeshift altar. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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With all the new sales tax laws going into effect today, compliance could be a problem. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Police are searching for a man in the New Orleans area after a search warrant led to a gruesome discovery of human remains and animal bones in a Slidell home. Sgt. Daniel Seuzeneau with the Slidell Police Department says 31-year-old Joshua Roques’ home contained ritualistic items unlike anything he’s ever seen.

CUT 3 (12)  “animal bones”

Seuzeneau says the makeshift altar was surrounded by ritualistic materials, candles, and blood. But he says they do not think the human bones are related to a homicide.

CUT 4 (09)  “very bizarre”

Seuzeneau says Roques is wanted on multiple charges, including cremating human remains, unlawful disposal of remains, opening graves, mutilating human remains, and possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia. He says they believe Roques maybe trying to flee the state, as he is originally from California.

CUT 5 (09)  “Louisiana plates”

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Compliance could be a problem for businesses and vendors as new sales tax laws go into effect today. That’s according to Jason Decuir, an attorney with Ryan’s tax service. Decuir says the numerous sales tax exemptions that have been temporarily removed are causing headaches for those who are in charge of collecting taxes.

CUT 6 (10) “how long”

Decuir says some businesses will find it difficult to collect the right amount of tax. For instance, sales of Girl Scout cookies is subject to a tax, as well as, admission to various museums and the selling of newspapers at a grocery store. He says Louisiana already has a sales tax system that ranks the worst in the country.

CUT 7 (06) “to navigate”

Decuir says if vendors don’t collect the right amount of taxes, it will cause problems with the state trying to solve the budget deficit. He says this is difficult for some businesses, because many haven’t had to collect sales taxes on certain items before.

CUT 8 (09) “of tax”

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Monroe and Shreveport broke records for rainfall totals during the month on March. Shreveport received 12.8 inches, which is the highest amount since 1945 and Monroe set a record with 24.4 inches of rain. Jason Hansford with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says much of this rain fell during the span of a few days.

CUT 9 (10) “day record”

Hansford says historic amounts of rain fell in north Louisiana during the month of March. He says there are many bayous and rivers still at flood stage and the recent rainfall isn’t helping, but…

cut 10 (06)  “next week”

Hansford says it’ll be tough to beat the rainfall amounts north Louisiana saw during March 2016. He says we likely won’t see these levels again during our lifetime.

Cut 11 (09) “to go”

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Seven Louisianans have died in crashes between cars and trains within the last three months. These tragedies have prompted the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission to urge motorists to always obey alerts at railroad crossings. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says for the entire year of 2014, there were seven train related deaths so this increase is alarming…

cut 12 (10) “as well”

Lambert says train related crashes are tragic accidents that we see far too often. He says sometimes, motorists get impatient and drive around the railroad crossing arms.

Cut 13 (08)  “can’t win”

Lambert says when you see train tracks, even if they don’t have crossing arms or lights, always think a train is coming. Also, he says don’t get too close to the tracks when you’ve stopped.

cut 14 (07)  “the tracks”

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