14:30 Newscast July 4th, 2017

It’s very important to keep safety in mind this 4th of July when it comes to fireworks. Brant Thompson with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says it’s estimated fireworks cause over 18-thousand fires each year in the US, which includes approximately 2-thousand structures and vehicles, resulting in millions of dollars with of damages.
Cut 7 (09) “July 4”

He encourages revelers to take advantage of many organized celebrations throughout the state where fireworks are conducted by professionals.

Watching out for pets this Independence Day is also very significant. Ana Zorrilla with the Louisiana SPCA says dogs are less anxious when tired so she advises pet owners to play fetch before the fireworks begin. She says you can also distract your pet with toys during fireworks.
Cut 4 (10) “fireworks”

 

Secretary of State Tom Schedler is keeping Louisiana voter’s information private even after a request to release the info from the Trump Administration. Schedler received a similar request from the Department of Justice under the Obama Administration. He says he didn’t give out the information then and he won’t do it now.
Cut 11 (08) “never will”
He says the request asks for private information like social security number and mother’s maiden name.
It’s a hot and sticky 4th of July and State Climatologist Barry Kiem warns people to stay hydrated as there is no cloud coverage. He says there is almost no chance of rain and winds are pumping in high humidity levels from the Gulf of Mexico.
Cut 12 (09) “low 100s”

13:30 Newscast July 4,2017

State officials say it’s very important to keep safety measures in mind when setting off fireworks this Fourth of July. Michelle Southern has more…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

A suspect who shot at a sheriff’s deputy in Ouachaita Parish has been taken into custody. The shooting happened at about 4:30 this morning in south Monroe during a traffic stop. A spokesperson with the Sheriff’s Office says the deputy was not hit when two shots were fired. The identity of the suspect has not been released.

 

It’s a hot and sticky Independence Day. State Climatologist Barry Keim advises people to stay cool and drink lots of water. He says there is minimal cloud coverage and no change of rain so outdoor activities won’t be interrupted.
Cut 13 (07) “be minimal”
He says we can expect more hot summer days through the rest of the week.
Secretary of State Tom Schedler says Louisiana voters’ private information will not be released no matter what the Trump administration says. Schedler says he denied the voter information request from the presidential commission on election integrity. He says he received a letter from the commission’s vice chairman requesting the info.
Cut 9 (12) “legislators”

18:30 Newscast July 3

A Baton Rouge man is facing a slew of charges after he slammed into a St. John Parish sheriff’s deputy on I-10. Sheriff Mike Tregre says Sgt. Staty Lewis was assisting a St. Charles Parish deputy with an accident on the side the road.

Cut 3 (10) “in his unit”

29-year-old Davis McGirt was charged with DWI, vehicular negligent injury, and careless operation.

A state transportation worker was killed this morning near New Iberia after he was hit by an 88-year-old driver. State Police Sergeant Jared Sandifer says 63-year-old Paul Featherston was standing behind a dump truck on LA 31.

Cut 13 (11) “as a result”

The driver has been identified as Allen Olivier of St. Martinville.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says if you’re outside for the Fourth of July holiday prepare for dangerous heat levels. Don Molino the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

An officer involved shooting in Ouachita Parish left a suspect with a gunshot wound to the chest. Trooper Michael Reichardt says the incident occurred at a gas station on the corner of US 80.

Cut 9 (07) “shooting there”

 

LRN AM NEWSCALL JULY 4, 2017

State officials say it’s very important to keep safety measures in mind when setting off fireworks this Fourth of July. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Secretary of State Tom Schedler says he will not release the private voter information the Trump Administration requested. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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With lots of fireworks expected this Fourth of July, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals encourages pet parents to keep their fur babies safe and calm. Ana Zorrilla with the Louisiana SPCA says the Fourth of July is one of the busiest days in terms of animals getting lost from their homes. She says that’s why it’s important to make sure all your pets have a collar and ID tag.

Cut 3 (10) “local shelters”

Zorrilla says dogs are less anxious when they’re tired. She advises exercising your dog by playing fetch or going for a walk before the fireworks begin. She says dog owners can also keep their fur baby distracted with toys during the fireworks.

Cut 4  (10) “those fireworks”

Zorrilla says pets should be kept inside during fireworks displays to keep them safe, even if they are usually outside. She says the loud noise of the fireworks often scares or startles pets, and there are ways pet parents can help with that too.

Cut 5  (10)  “certainly help”

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Many Americans cannot imagine the Fourth of July without fireworks, but state officials say it’s very important to keep safety measures in mind when setting off the colorful and loud pyrotechnics. Brant Thompson with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says the gravity of exercising care while using fireworks cannot be over stated…:

Cut 6 (10) “property damage”

Thompson says it’s estimated that fireworks cause over 18,000 fires each year in America, which includes approximately 2,000 structures and vehicles, resulting in millions of dollars in damages…:

Cut 7 (09)  “July 4″

Thompson says they encourage revelers to take advantage of the many organized celebrations throughout Louisiana where the fireworks displays are conducted by professional pyrotechnic operators. He says those that do put on a private show should be sober, wearing safety goggles and have a hose or bucket of water nearby…:

Cut 8 (10) “ignite fireworks”

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Louisiana voters’ private information will not be released, no matter what the Trump Administration says. That’s according to Secretary of State Tom Schedler, who says he denied the voter information request from the Presidential Commission on Election Integrity. He says he received a letter from the commission’s vice chairman, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, requesting public information.

Cut 9 (09)  “public information”

Schedler says in reality, private information, like social security number, mother’s maiden name, and date of birth was requested. Louisiana’s public voter list only includes name, address, party affiliation and voter history. Schedler says he will not release any confidential information on Louisiana voters.

Cut 10 (12) “from me”

Schedler received a similar request from the Department of Justice under the Obama Administration. He says he did not release the information then, and he’s not releasing it now either.

Cut 11 (08) “never will”

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If you like hot and sticky weather, then you’ll enjoy this Independence Day. State Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s almost no chance of rain today and winds are pumping in high humidity levels from the Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 12 (09) “low 100s”

Keim says it will be a hot, muggy summer day. He advises people to stay cool and drink plenty of water. He says since there’s minimal cloud coverage and no chance of rain, outdoor Fourth of July festivities should not be interrupted, unless you need to head inside for a break from the hot weather.

Cut 13 (07) “be minimal”

Keim says as we get closer to the middle of July, we’re moving into the hottest part of the year. So you can expect more hot summer days through the rest of the week.

Cut 14 (08) “typical summer”

17:30 Newscast July 3

A road construction worker has died after being hit by a vehicle while working on LA 31 in New Iberia. State Police Sgt. Jared Sandifer says the investigation is ongoing to determine if charges should be filed against the driver, 88-year-old Allen Oliver of St. Martinsville.

Cut 15 (10) “every year”

The DOTD worker has been identified as 63-year-old Paul Featherson.

State Police are investigating an officer involved shooting in Ouachita Parish that left a suspect seriously wounded. Trooper Michael Reichardt says deputies were responding to a disturbance when the shooting occurred.

Cut 10 (07) “the first place”

He says investigators are still collecting video surveillance and witness testimony.

The National Weather Service is calling for heat indices of 100 plus degrees for the Fourth of July holiday. Mike Steele with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says people should be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion, like sweating, dizziness or a racing heartbeat.

Cut 6 (09) “problems develop”

Steele advises people to stay cool and drink plenty of water.

Sgt. Staty Lewis with the St. John Parish Sheriff’s office is lucky to be alive after he was hit by a drunk driver. Sheriff Mike Tregre says 29-year-old Davis McGirt of Baton Rouge was travelling at high speeds when he slammed into the police unit.

Cut 5 (08) “of impact”

McGirt is charged with DWI, vehicular negligent injury, and careless operation. Lewis was assisting with an accident on the side of I-10 when he was hit.

13:30 Newscast July 3

A St. John Parish sheriff’s deputy is lucky to be alive after he was struck by a possible drunk driver on Interstate 10 this morning. Sheriff Mike Tregre says his Sgt. Staty Lewis was assisting a St. Charles Parish deputy with an accident on the side of I-10.

Cut 3 (10) “in his unit”

Lewis was airlifted to an area hospital and treated for head, neck, and back injuries.

An officer involved shooting in Ouachita Parish left one suspect wounded. State Trooper Michael Reichardt says deputies were called to a convenience store on Highway 594 around 10:30 Sunday morning.

Cut 10 (07) “the first place”

The suspect was taken to the hospital and treated for serious injuries.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says if you’re outside for the Fourth of July holiday prepare for dangerous heat levels. Don Molino the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

Public school students will learn to write cursive this year, as a law by Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell has gone into effect. Mizell pushed the bill through last year because she was worried kids won’t be able to sign their names or read cursive writing. The requirement was delayed until this year to give schools time to prepare.

09:30 Newscast, July 3rd, 2017

U.S. Senator John Kennedy is among 10 Senate Republicans calling for the cancellation of the August recess in order to address issues that demand immediate attention. Kennedy says changes are still being made to the Senate health care reform bill and he’s waiting to see if the final product is better than Obamacare…:
Cut 11 (08) “for it”
He says now is not the time to be taking a vacation with so much work to be done.

Farmers and ranchers who were impacted by last year’s floods could be eligible for recovery grants. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the state has $10 million to help affected farmers…:
CUT 14 (10) “accepting applications”
He says to qualify, you must have had at least $10,000 in uninsured losses.

Public school students will be required to learn cursive writing this year, as a 2016 bill by Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell went into effect on July 1. She says she’s visited about 15 schools since passing the legislation last year, and she’s thrilled these kids are excited about being able to sign their names…:
Cut 5 (10) “a signature”
The law took a year to take affect so teachers would have time incorporating cursive into their lesson plans.

A Baton Rouge woman is facing several charges after she allegedly stabbed her brother, then attacked an EMS worker and a sheriff’s deputy. The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office reported 26-year-old Tiah Bradley, of Baton Rouge, got into a fight with her brother in which they punched each other in the face a few times. According to court documents, Bradley punched an EMS worker in the face while she was being treated. She was booked on charges of attempted second-degree murder, battery of emergency room personnel/emergency services and battery of a police officer.

 

08:30 Newscast, July 3rd, 2017

38,000 state employees will see a pay raise in the fiscal year that began Saturday, but not until 2018. A 2% pay hike was approved in this year’s legislative session. State civil service director Byron Decoteau says prison guards and probation officers are among the state workers that will see an even higher pay on January 2…:
Cut 8 (04) “modest increase”
Decoteau says raises help combat a high turnover rate in state government, which is more costly than the increases.

By third grade, public school students will be taught cursive writing under a 2016 approved law now in effect. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says her bill did not outline how long teachers should spend on the matter. She says she wanted to leave that up to the school districts and the teachers…:
Cut 6 (10) “the curriculum”
She says the kids she’s spoken with are excited about learning how to write in cursive.

Louisiana farmers and ranchers impacted by the 2016 floods are eligible for recovery grants. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 3 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The Ponchatoula Police Department say a 2 year old was found in a pool unresponsive Saturday, and is in critical condition. They said in a statement that the incident is tragic and being handled with great care. First responders were able to restore the child’s heartbeat, but the toddler is still fighting for life.

 

07:30 Newscast, July 3rd, 2017

Public school students in Louisiana will learn cursive writing, thanks to a new law now in effect by Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell…:
cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Plaquemine police say two people are under arrest on principle to second degree murder charges in connection to the overdose death of a 21-year-old man during a house party that got out of hand. 20-year old Michael Moore Jr. and 19-year old Georgette Centeio, both from Baton Rouge, allegedly left Andrew Lee Blanchard in a bathtub after he’d passed out, and located him the dead the next morning. Cops say they were found to be in possession of marijuana, cocaine, and heroin.

U.S. Senator John Kennedy is among 10 Senate Republicans calling for the cancellation of the August recess in order to address issues that demand immediate attention. Kennedy says the current Senate calendar shows only 33 potential working days remaining before the end of the fiscal year and they’ve yet to approve meaningful reforms…:
Cut 10 (10) “infrastructure bill”
He says there is too much to be done to take a vacation right now.

Farmers and ranchers who were impacted by last year’s floods could be eligible for recovery grants. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the state has $10 million to help affected farmers. He says it is part of the $1.6 billion Congress appropriated for flood recovery…:
Cut 13 (07) “the flooding”
Strain says those eligible must have had at least $10,000 in uninsured losses.

 

06:45 Sportscat, July 3rd, 2017

The Pelicans have re-signed free-agent guard Jrue Holiday to a five-year, 126-million dollar contract. Pelicans insider and Bourbon Streets Shots writer Jake Madison says it was a signing that had to happen for the Pels to compete in the difficult Western Conference…:
Cut 16 (19) “the West”
Holiday’s return gives the Pelicans three star players along with big men Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins.

Former Louisiana Tech star forward Paul Millsap has reportedly agreed to a three-year, $90 million dollar contract with the Denver Nuggets. The four-time All-Star has career averages of 14.2 points and 7.5 assists.

LSU’s switch-hitting superstar catcher, Michael Papierski, will reportedly sign with the Houston Astros today. The move will reunite Papierski with fellow LSU alumni, Alex Bregman.

Also in ‘Stros news, Houston rookie pitcher David Paulino has been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for an anabolic steroid.

Former LSU star Kevin Gausman allowed just two singles in seven innings to Tampa Bay in the Orioles 7-1 win Sunday. He had a rough start to the MLB season, but in his last two starts, Gausman has pitched 12.1 scoreless innings and gave up just six hits.

LSU and Louisiana Tech led the way on the All-Louisiana baseball team with three players selected on the first team and four players named to the first and second teams. The Tigers’ first-team selections were Alex Lange, Greg Deichmann and shortstop Kramer Robertson. Tech’s first-team selections were pitcher Nate Harris, catcher Brent Diaz and outfielder Raphael Gladu.