1830 Newscast May 22

A Mississippi lawmaker has apologized for saying on Facebook that Louisiana leaders should be lynched for taking down confederate monuments. It remains to be seen where the statues will go, but it’s possible they could leave the state. Courtney Carter with News Mississippi says there’s been talk of rehoming them at the Beauvoir estate there.

Cut 11 (08) “put there”

The estate is already home to many confederate-era memorials.

A Sunday morning crash in Kentwood left two teens dead. Police Chief Michael Kazerooni says 18-year-old Ashley Moreau overcorrected on the road and slid into a tree.

Cut 8 (10) “injuries”

Her passenger, 18-year-old John Moore, was also killed in the crash.

Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle has been chosen to head the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement in the Trump Administration. UL-Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says this will give Angelle national name recognition after a disappointing loss in the gubernatorial and congressional elections.

Cut 14 (10) “to him”

Angelle will have to resign from the PSC, as he begins his new position on Tuesday.

It’s been reported that Vice President Mike Pence will visit Baton Rouge on Wednesday. The visit comes just as President Donald Trump releases the proposed budget. The Vice President is expected to meet with business leaders in a so-called listening session. A location for the event has not yet been released.

 

LRN AM NEWSCALL MAY 23, 2017

Today the House is expected to take up a proposal to raise the minimum GPA requirement for TOPS. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has launched a Horse Tourism initiative to attract visitors to go to the state’s racetracks and horse shows. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana State Police officials say a proposed budget cut to the agency is coming at a bad time. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Lawmakers in the House are expected to take up a proposal today that would raise the minimum GPA requirement for TOPS. The measure by Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil increases the requirement from a 2.5 to a 2.75. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this would knock out about 30 percent of the students currently eligible for the scholarship.

Cut 4  (09) “lot of kids”

Pinsonat says it doesn’t seem like a big jump, but it is for many students, especially those who attend underperforming schools. That’s why he doesn’t expect lawmakers to approve the measure.

Cut 5  (09)  “hell no”

The governor also opposes the bill. Foil has said upping the GPA requirement would save around $12 million, which has been a big issue as lawmakers struggle to fully fund the taxpayer-funded program. Pinsonat says while lawmakers struggle to fully fund TOPS, many of them will say raising the GPA requirement isn’t the answer.

Cut 6 (11) “to do that”

The measure passed out of the House Education Committee on a 9-3 vote.

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has launched a new Horse Tourism Initiative to bring visitors to Louisiana racetracks, campgrounds, therapeutic riding centers and state parks. Nungesser says Texas and Mississippi have great horse shows, but Louisiana is also home to some of the finest equestrian services in the country.

Cut 7 (11)  “a priority”

Nungesser says the Louisiana is one of the top three horse producing states in the country. He plans to put a statewide circuit together to bring national and international horse competitions to the state’s world class facilities.

Cut 8 (09) “the state”

Nungesser says visitors embrace the communities where horse shows are held and he says the horse industry remains a top ten Louisiana agriculture business, which generates more than two-billion dollars a year.

Cut 9 (09)  “with that”

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Louisiana State Police has serious concerns over the budget that has been approved by the House. The governor recommended a five-million dollar cut to State Police, but the House’s spending plan calls for an overall reduction of $23 million from the current fiscal year. Maj. Doug Cain says this could lead to fewer troopers.

Cut 10 (12) “next year”

Cain says LSP would also have to look at reducing the increased force in New Orleans’ French Quarter to ensure there are enough troopers in every parish. He adds that 60 percent of LSP’s vehicle fleet is due for replacement, because they have more than 100,000 miles on their odometer.

Cut 11 (10) “new vehicle”

Cain says since they can’t reduce the number of troopers on Louisiana’s highways, they would turn to equipment to make the cuts. That includes a plan to provide body cameras to all troopers in the state.

Cut 12 (08) “funding issues”

Cain says its State Police’s hope the Senate will fund their agency to the level that the governor recommended.

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A bill to stabilize the state’s film tax credit program is heading to the House floor and it has the support of the tourism industry and small businesses. Jo Banner with River Parishes Tourist Commission says the film industry has a tremendous economic impact for her parishes. She says local businesses see a 30 percent hike in their bottom line when productions film in the area.

Cut 13 (07) “our churches”

Banner says the more tourists they have coming to the area, the more jobs that are being created. She says media coverage of movie productions in the River Parishes equates to advertising for the area that the Tourist Commission afford.

Cut 14 (10) “Tourist Commission”

Gabriel Markel with Markel Lumber in New Orleans says his family’s business has been around for more than 90 years.  He says the film industry has been a huge benefit to his business, as he supplies materials for sets. He adds that he also gets his supplies from other Louisiana companies.

Cut 15 (09) “these guys”

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The LSU baseball team is in Hoover, Alabama preparing for the SEC Tournament. The Tigers will play tomorrow against the winner of today’s game between Missouri and Texas A&M. The Tigers are co-champs of the SEC Regular season, but shortstop Kramer Robertson says there’s still a lot to play for…

Cut 16 (19)       “do it again “

LSU heads into tournament play winners in 11 of its last 12 conference games. Robertson says the hot bats they are swinging have been a big factor in their success…

Cut 17 (15)  “since then”

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Louisiana Tech is the 5th seed in the Conference USA Tournament and they’ll face Charlotte on Wednesday night at MGM Park in Biloxi. Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs says winning this tournament will not be easy…

Cut 18 (15)    “the bus”   

The Diamond Dogs are 36-18 and they need a good showing in order to make back-to-back NCAA Tournament trips for the first time in program history since 1986 and 1987. Burroughs says they can remove all doubt if they win the tournament

Cut 19 (16)   “through Sunday”

The Diamond Dogs are coming off a disappointing series loss to Middle Tennessee. But Burroughs says a new season begins tomorrow…

Cut 20 (24)   “new season now”

13:30 Newscast, May 22nd, 2017

Several inches of rain has already fallen the last couple of days on the bottom half of the state, and more is on the way. Additional totals of 4 to 7 inches are expected, though locally higher amounts will be possible. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we could also see rising rivers resulting in more localized flooding in some areas…:
Cut 5 (08) “river systems”
There is a Flash Flood Watch in effect through tomorrow.

A Mississippi lawmaker called for Louisiana leaders to be lynched after four confederate monuments were taken down in New Orleans. State Representative Karl Oliver also said in the Facebook post that the statues were removed in a “Nazi-ish fashion.” Courtney Carter with News Mississippi says state Republicans do not condone the public post…:
Cut 10 (07) “his remarks”
Oliver has since apologized for the post, saying his choice of words was horribly wrong.

Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle has been named the director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says this is the perfect job for Angelle…:
Cut 13 (08) “this position”
BSEE strives for the safe and responsible production of energy and watches over the oil and gas industry.

Two Lafourche Parish teens were killed in a single vehicle crash in Kraemer over the weekend, according to State Police. Trooper Jesse LaGrange says 19-year-old Jaydon Labat (la-bot) was likely speeding and drunk when he crashed into a utility poll and died along with another occupant, 18-year-old Candace Reulet (Ru-lay)…:
Cut 7 (09) “the wheel”
Two teenagers also died in a Kentwood crash over the weekend where speed is the main factor, according to police.

 

 

12:30 Newscast, May 22nd, 2017

The bottom half of the state is in for a soaking today and tomorrow and flash flooding is a major concern. State climatologist Barry Keim says the area is already wet because of all the rain over the weekend, and the now the chances are higher across the southeastern part of the state…:
Cut 4 (08) “some problems”
Jackson, Lake Charles, and Covington all saw more than 4 inches of rainfall over the weekend.

Two teens are dead and another critically injured after a crash in Kentwood on Sunday morning. Kentwood Police Chief Michael Kazerooni says 18-year-old Ashley Moreau was driving down Line Creek Road when she over-corrected and her car slid and crashed into a tree…:
Cut 8 (10) “injuries”
18-year-old John Moore was the front seat passenger and also killed in the crash.

The warmer than average winter has hurt this season’s peach crop:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has issued a statement in response to his meeting with Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser to discuss the future of the four Confederate monuments the city removed. It said Nungesser wanted the statues to run a process of his own, but that the city already had an operation planned to get formal ideas and welcomed the state’s input.

 

11:30 Newscast, May 22nd, 2017

Following a weekend of heavy rainfall, the southern half of Louisiana is in for more wet weather today and tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front is slowly creeping across the state, bringing with it more rain…:
Cut 3 (11) “in particular”
He says with the area already heavily saturated, flash flooding could be a serious problem and there is a Flash Flood Watch in effect through at least tomorrow.

Fox 8 New Orleans is reporting that Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has already met with Mayor Mitch Landrieu this morning to discuss the future of the Confederate monuments that were taken down, and that it was disappointing. Nungesser was seeking an agreement with Landrieu to allow the state office of tourism to take ownership of the statues, but according to the report Nungesser indicated there was no commitment made by the city during the meeting.

A lawmaker from Mississippi is facing backlash over a post he made on social media about the removal of the Confederate monuments in New Orleans. State Representative Karl Oliver said Louisiana leaders should be lynched for removing the statues in a “Nazi-ish fashion” and that he would do everything within his power to make sure Mississippi does not follow suit.

Two Lafourche Parish teens were killed in a single vehicle crash in Kraemer over the weekend, according to State Police. Trooper Jesse LaGrange says 19-year-old Jaydon Labat (la-bot) was driving down LA 307 at a high rate of speed when he ran off the road and hit a utility pole. He says 18-year-old Candace Reulet (Ru-lay) was also in the vehicle..:
Cut 6 (10) “a result”
He says impairment and speed are considered factors in the wreck.

 

1030 Newscast May 22

All four Confederate monuments in New Orleans have been removed, but where do they go from here? Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is hoping Mayor Mitch Landrieu will let the Office of Tourism take ownership of the statues. Nungesser is currently meeting with the mayor, in what he calls a fight for Louisiana’s history and culture.

Cut 7 (11) “that era”

Nungesser is optimistic Landrieu will hand over the statues.

A suspect is dead following an officer involved shooting in Sabine Parish. Police say 24-year-old Ricco Holden got into an altercation with a Converse police officer who was responding to a disturbance. The suspect managed to get into the officer’s patrol car, where he was fatally shot. State Police say their investigation into the incident is ongoing.

A bill to be heard in the House Ways and Means Committee today could help Louisiana’s film industry rebound. The proposal would stabilize the state’s film tax credit program, and it even reserves 10 percent of the credits for Louisiana filmmakers. Celtic Studios Executive Director, Patrick Mulhearn says this could help keep the talented people in our state here.

Cut 15 (09) “New York”

This year’s peach harvest is struggling. That’s according to owner of Mitcham Farms in Ruston, Joe Mitcham, who says a fungus in the soil is slowing taking out his orchard, and he is down to only 10 percent of the crop he started with.

Cut 12 (10) “winter months”

Mitcham says the warm winter also took a toll on his orchard.

09:30 Newscast, May 22nd, 2017

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is hoping his office can take ownership of the four confederate monuments that were taken down in New Orleans. He says it’s a sad day for Louisiana because we didn’t need this right now:
Cut 8 (09) “to happen”
He says he’s meeting with New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu today to try and come to an agreement on what to do with the monuments.

A measure that would remove the back-end cap on the film tax credit program in Louisiana and put it on the front-end is slated to be heard today in the House Ways and Means Committee. Executive director of Celtic Studios in Baton Rouge, Patrick Mulhearn, says the film industry has a huge economic impact for the state. He says that’s evidenced by the show NCIS: New Orleans, which never left despite the uncertainty in the tax credit program…:
Cut 14 (09) “for tourism”

The Click It or Ticket campaign beings in Louisiana today and runs through Memorial Day. State Police Sgt. Jared Sandifer says your chances of being killed or injured in a crash are reduced if you buckle up…:
Cut 5 (06) “that car”
He says more law enforcement officers will be out this week making sure everyone is properly restrained.

The warmer than average winter has hurt this season’s peach crop. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

 

 

08:30 Newscast, May 22nd, 2017

Industry leaders are hopeful Louisiana’s movie business could rebound if the legislature approves proposed changes to the film tax credit program.
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

State Police is investigating a Sabine Parish officer involved shooting in which a man from Zwolle was killed. They say the incident happened in Converse south of Shreveport when a cop from the small western Louisiana town got into an altercation with 24-year-old Ricco Holden as he was trying to get into the police unit. Holden was then shot and died at the scene. More on this as it develops.

Now that four Confederate monuments in New Orleans have been removed, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is hoping the city will let the office of tourism decide what to do next. Nungesser is disappointed monuments to Louisiana’s history have been taken down, and he suspects the memorials to the confederate leaders won’t be the last to be removed…:
Cut 9 (10) “with slaves”
It’s unclear where the statues will go, but they could be re-homed in state parks or possibly a new museum.

Peaches could be hard to come by this year. Joe Mitcham of Mitcham Farms in Ruston says Louisiana had a warm winter and without enough chill hours, the leaves don’t fill out on the peach trees which causes the fruit to shed. He says a fungus in the soil is also killing many of his peach trees…:
Cut 11 (10) “to grow”
With a poor harvest, Mitcham expects a high demand in peaches and peach products and short supply.

 

07:30 Newscast, May 22nd, 2017

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is hoping his office can take ownership of the four confederate monuments that were removed in New Orleans. He says he’s meeting with Mayor Mitch Landrieu today to try and come to an agreement. He says this is a fight for Louisiana’s history…:
Cut 7 (11) “that era”
He suspects the memorials to the confederate leaders won’t be the last to be removed.

The movie industry in Louisiana could soon see a boost under a bill before the House Ways and Means committee today that would put a front-end cap on the film tax credit program. The measure would also reserve 10 percent of the available credits for Louisiana filmmakers. Executive director of Celtic Studios in Baton Rouge, Patrick Mulhearn, says we keep the talented people in our state here…:
Cut 15 (09) “New York”

The National Weather Service predicts heavy rainfall for most of the bottom half of the state through Tuesday night, and issued a flash flood watch effective through tonight and into Tuesday evening. Possible impacts of severe weather include strong thunderstorms, frequent lightning, damaging winds, and localized flash flooding. Motorists should use caution on roads and standing water should be avoided.

Motorists will notice a stronger police presence on the road this week as Click It or Ticket begins. State Police Sgt. Jared Sandifer says even though this campaign only runs through Memorial Day weekend, drivers and passengers must buckle up every time they get into a vehicle…:
Cut 6 (08) “at all times”
He says your chances of being killed or sustaining bodily injury are greatly reduced if you buckle up.

There were no big winners in Saturday nigh’ s Powerball drawing and the jackpot is getting big. Wednesday’s drawing will be for $250 million dollars with a cash value of 154.8 million.

 

06:45 Sportscast, May 22nd, 2017

There are seven teams from Louisiana competing in conference tournaments this week. Highlighting the group is the LSU Tigers, who will be the #2 seed in the SEC Tournament and they’ll play on Wednesday at around 1 PM.

There are three Louisiana schools that will compete in the Southland Tournament in Sugar Land, Texas. 2nd seeded Southeastern Louisiana will face 7th seeded UNO at noon on Wednesday. Top-seeded McNeese State will play Lamar. The Cowboys and Lions have a high enough RPI that they could make the NCAA Tournament, without winning the Southland tournament championship and receiving an automatic bid.

Louisiana Tech and UL Lafayette probably need to win a couple more games to make sure they get an invite. The Bulldogs will play Charlotte on Wednesday night in Biloxi. Charlotte won two of three from Tech earlier this season and the Diamond Dogs are coming off a disappointing series loss to Middle Tennessee.

The Cajuns are the four-seed in the Sun Belt Tourney. UL-Lafayette will play Georgia Southern on Wednesday night. The Eagles defeated the Cajuns in a series in Lafayette two weeks ago.

Tulane is the 5th seed in the American Athletic Conference. They’ll play South Florida in the championship opener on Tuesday afternoon in Clearwater, Florida.

Nicholls State University pitcher Cole Stapler was named the Southland Conference Pitcher of the Week Sunday. The Prairieville native concluded his senior campaign in style, recording his first career shutout Thursday against the University of Central Arkansas.

In softball, No. 18 LSU defeated No. 14 UL-Lafayette early this morning, forcing a Game 7 to determine the champion of the Baton Rouge Regional. The Tigers will be the home team in today’s game, and the Ragin’ Cajuns will be the visitor.

Louisiana Tech took No. 1 ranked Minnesota into extra innings before the Gophers went on to defeat the Lady Techsters in the Tuscaloosa Regional.

Bruce Peddie will no longer be the head coach for ULM baseball. The Warhawks finishing a program worst 12-43, including 6-24 in the Sun Belt and ending the year on a 13 game losing streak. The announcement comes just days after ULM President Nick Bruno announced that athletic director Brian Wickstrom would also not be returning next year.