12:30 Newscast, March 15th, 2017

Today, State Police Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson announced his plans to retire March 24. 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 says all things considered, this announcement shouldn’t come as a surprise…:
Cut 9 (11) “make a change”
Edmonson issued a statement saying Governor John Bel Edwards did not ask him to step down.

Anyone who has questions for Governor John Bel Edwards will have the opportunity to speak with him this afternoon during his monthly call in radio show “Ask The Governor.” Edwards will be joined today by the Executive director of the Office of Community Development, Pat Forbes. You can hear the show on certain affiliates of the Louisiana Radio NEtwork beginning at 2pm and the call in number is 1-877-217-5757.

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”
He says it’s too early in the investigation to speculate about what exactly happened.

WBRZ is reporting that a teacher is accused of assaulting a student during school hours in East Feliciana Parish. They say Jaworski White was arrested Tuesday by Clinton Police and charged for allegedly slapping a student.

 

11:30 Newscast, March 15th, 2017

State Police Col Mike Edmonson announces he’s stepping down from his post as Superintendent of State Police. Edmonson says he decided it was in the best interests of the state that he retire on March 24th so that the governor and Louisiana can move forward. LSP has been the subject of controversy over allegations of taxpayer funded vacations and illegal campaign contributions involving the Louisiana State Troopers Association. Governor Edwards says that Edmonson’s retirement is the best approach for the department.

A replacement for the Affordable Care Act is at the forefront of issues in Washington right now, and one of Governor Edwards’ biggest concerns about the plan is that it would mean those covered under Medicaid expansion would lose their health insurance. But Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham of Richland Parish says most of the people on Medicaid work for employers who can’t afford it on their own…:
CUT 25 (11) “with this”

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’s charges include home improvement fraud, felony theft, misapplication of payment, and theft of assets of an aged person.

Rising sea levels are threatening the western side of Louisiana’s coast, according to a Tulane study. Co-author Torbjorn Tornqvist (Tor-bee-on Torn-quist) says they used data from the Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority to determine how fast the sea level is rising…:
Cut 15 (10) “the world”
He hopes officials take note of this issue because something needs to be done.

 

10:30 Newscast March 15

Sources say State Police Col. Mike Edmonson is expected to announce his retirement today, as several investigations into his agency are ongoing. Both the Governor’s Office and the Legislative Auditor are digging into LSP’s travel spending, while federal agents are looking into possible illegal campaign contributions involving the Louisiana State Troopers Association. Edmonson is the longest serving State Police Superintendent, spending 9 years at the helm.

A Tulane study finds the sea level is rising on Louisiana’s western coast four times faster than the global average. Co-author Torbjorn Tornqvist says that’s because sediment accumulation is not keeping up with the rising sea on the west side of Louisiana’s Gulf coast.

Cut 16 (11) “sea level rise”

He says if nothing is done, 60-percent of their sites on the westernmost coast will go underwater.

Healthcare is the big issue in Washington, as House Republicans are working on their plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves hopes to see policies in the bill that keep prescription costs down because right now they’re skyrocketing.

Cut 8 (10) “other countries”

Graves says the individual mandate requiring citizens to purchase insurance will also be removed.

Students in summer classes at Southeastern Louisiana University will enjoy lower tuition and new courses. Director of Marketing and Admissions Mike Rivault says the recommended course load is 15 hours a semester, but many students can’t take on that many classes.

Cut 13 (09) “as possible”

He says the new course offerings include hybrid courses that combine in class and online instruction.

09:30 Newscast, March 15th, 2017

State Police Col Mike Edmonson will reportedly announce his retirement this morning amid a series of probes into the department in recent weeks.

Anyone who has questions for Governor John Bel Edwards will have the opportunity to speak with him this afternoon during his monthly call in radio show “Ask The Governor.” Edwards will be joined today by the Executive director of the Office of Community Development, Pat Forbes.

In Washington, the matter of the Affordable Care Act is the big discussion this week. Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham of Richland Parish says eliminating the individual and employer mandates under Obamacare is also a key goal for the GOP…:
Cut 6 (11) “they can afford”
Democrats argue this would mean the loss of health insurance for millions.

The sea level is rising on Louisiana’s western coast at a rate that’s four times higher than the global average. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Southeastern Louisiana University revamps its offerings for the summer semester by lowering tuition cost and adding high demanded courses. SLU spokesman Mike Rivault says the summer semester will provide the highest education value with the lowest cost of four-year colleges in south Louisiana…:
Cut 14 (10) “another university”

 

08:30 Newscast, March 15th, 2017

The big conversation dominating Washington this week is on healthcare. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says his biggest concern with the current Affordable Care Act is that it’s unaffordable. He says it’s the largest tax increase in US history, and…:
Cut 7 (11) “their doctors”
House and Senate Democrats said Tuesday they would be willing to work on health insurance reform but only if Republicans withdraw a proposal that would repeal Obamacare.

A Tulane study indicates rising sea levels are threatening the western side of Louisiana’s coast, and if something isn’t done more than 60 percent of the sites they track will go under water. Co-author Torbjorn Tornqvist (Tor-bee-on Torn-quist) says significant coastal restoration is the only hope, but…:
CUT 17 (11) “in the future”

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s office says three people are dead in a quadruple shooting incident in Metairie that sent another woman to the hospital. They say deputies arrived to find two males deceased in the kitchen of a residence and an additional female pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.

Charges are expected to be filed against a Westminster Christian Academy student who hung a noose at the school’s baseball field. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

 

 

07:30 Newscast, March 15th, 2017

Plans to replace the Affordable Care Act are dominating conversations in Washington. Jeff Palermo has more on the proposal…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Today Governor John Bel Edwards is schedule to cut the ribbon for the McKay Automotive Training Center at Baton Rouge Community College. Then he will appear on his monthly call in radio show, “Ask The Governor” beginning at 2pm. Edwards will be joined in studio today by special guest Pat Forbes, executive director of the Office of Community Development.

Arrests are anticipated in the case of a Westminster Christian Academy student who hung a noose at the school’s baseball field. St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says three white boys and three black boys, all teammates, got into a huge argument…:
CUT 10 (09) “we are today”
He says the only 18 year old in the group is accused of fashioning the noose which is a felony. But right now both victims and suspects are refusing to speak without attorneys.

Southeastern Louisiana University revamps its offerings for the summer semester by lowering tuition cost and adding high demanded courses. Director of Marketing and Admissions Mike Rivault says they wanted to have a wider variety of classes available for current students and students home for the summer from other universities…:
Cut 12 (10) “have risen”
For more information visit southeastern.edu/summersmart.

 

06:45 Sportscast, March 15th, 2017

Last night the UNO men’s basketball team dropped a heartbreaker in the NCAA First Four, as the Privateers were edged by Mount St. Mary’s, 67-66. In the defeat, New Orleans concludes this memorable season 20-12 overall. UNO still gets to boast being the only team invited to the Big Dance from Louisiana this season, winning the regular-season Southland title and being the first Privateer team to punch the ticket to the NCAA Tournament since 1996.

The installation of a new offense is underway at the LSU football practice field. Quarterback Danny Etling and the Tigers had their second session of the spring Tuesday and the starting signal caller says he has good feel for the basics of offensive coordinator Matt Canada…:
Cut 18 (16) “go a long”

In the NBA, the Pelicans put together an incredible performance last night when they downed the Trail Blazers 100-77 inside the Smoothie King Center. This time the combination of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins was finally noticeable The Pels will look to keep this momentum going as they travel to Miami for a 6:30pm tip-off tonight.

In the NFL, the Saints have signed Alex Okafor, offering the Cardinals pass rush a one year deal worth up to $3 million dollars. He’s reuniting with New Orleans safety Kenny Vaccaro as the two were captains together at Texas.

The Chiefs have signed former LSU defensive tackle Bennie Logan to a one year contract, according to sources. Logan made 24 tackles and had 2 and a half sacks last season with Philadelphia.

In college baseball, Louisiana College and LSU had a rare meeting in the makeup game the Tigers couldn’t play against San Diego a couple of weeks ago due to lightning. It was pitching domination that lead LSU to a 13-0 victory over the Wildcats. Nicholls State was shutout by Ole Miss 5-0. McNeese State fell to Houston 6-5. Southeastern hammered South Alabama 12-4. Louisiana Tech dominated Grambling, 15-1.

 

06:30 Newscast, March 15th, 2017

Healthcare is the big issue in Washington this week. Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham of Richland Parish feels federal lawmakers are heading in the right direction of repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act….:
Cut 4 (11) “fix it”
But Democrats feel the GOP plan would cause millions of people to lose coverage, and older Americans see their premiums skyrocket.

Rising sea levels are threatening the western side of Louisiana’s coast, according to a Tulane study. Co-author Torbjorn Tornqvist (Tor-bee-on Torn-quist) says they used data from the Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority to determine how fast the sea level is rising…:
Cut 15 (10) “the world”
He says if nothing is done, more than 60-percent of the sites they track in the westernmost coast will go under water.

Three people are dead after a quadruple shooting in Metairie that also sent one person to the hospital, according to cops. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s office says the woman survivor called 911 reporting she had been shot in the head. When deputies arrived on the scene they found two males and a female dead on the scene.

Arrests are anticipated in the case of a Westminster Christian Academy student who hung a noose at the school’s baseball field. St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says three black boys were arguing with three white boys at the ball field last week when things escalated…:
Cut 9 (10) “a felony”
Guidroz says fashioning a hangman’s noose is a felony that carries a penalty of a $5-thousand fine and at least a year in jail.

 

18:30 Newscast March 14

Governor John Bel Edwards has sent a letter to federal leaders urging them to keep Medicaid expansion, as discussions are ongoing about plans to repeal and replace Obamacare. The governor’s spokesperson Richard Carbo says their biggest concern is that the thousands of Louisianans who gained coverage will lose it.

Cut 14 (11) “healthcare”

The Legislative Auditor has launched an investigation into Louisiana State Police’s travel spending. The probe comes amid inquiries by LSP and the Governor’s Office after four troopers made taxpayer funded side trips on their way to a training conference in California. Despite rumors he would step down, State Police Col. Mike Edmonson is still the superintendent of LSP.

Cut 6 (10) “State Police”

Louisiana is now seeing a cluster of mumps cases with students at LSU. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The investigation is ongoing into what may have caused the fire that destroyed the home of Tyler Perry’s father. Authorities say Emmitt Perry reported hearing popping sounds coming from the attic at his home in St. Helena Parish before the fire broke out. The Sheriff’s Office says crews had to let the fire burn itself out because there was nothing they could do.

LRN AM NEWSCALL MARCH 15

Plans to replace the Affordable Care Act are dominating conversations in Washington. Jeff Palermo has more on the proposal…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Charges are expected to be filed against a Westminster Christian Academy student who hung a noose at the school’s baseball field. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The sea level is rising on Louisiana’s western coast at a rate that’s four times higher than the global average. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Healthcare is the big issue in Washington. Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham of Richland Parish says federal lawmakers are heading in the right direction of repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act. He says they can’t leave Obamacare as it is because it’s driving up premiums and people are losing coverage.

Cut 4  (11) “fix it”

One of Governor John Bel Edwards’ biggest concerns with the replacement plan is losing Medicaid expansion. Abraham says most of the people on Medicaid are working people whose employers don’t offer insurance and who can’t afford it on their own. He says boosting the economy would resolve this.

Cut 5  (11)  “go with this”

Abraham says the bill is still in its early form with a long way to go, but he’s certain about some changes that are coming. He says rolling back the taxes created under Obamacare will be one of those changes. He says eliminating the individual and employer mandates is also a key goal for the GOP.

Cut 6 (11) “they can afford”

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Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says his biggest concern with the current Affordable Care Act is that it’s unaffordable. He says it’s the largest tax increase in US history. He says another issue is the limited access to physicians.

Cut 7 (11)  “their doctors”

Graves says in the House replacement bill, the individual mandate will be removed, and citizens will no longer be fined for not having coverage. He says he also hopes to see policies that prevent medication costs from skyrocketing. He says after Obamacare, some companies increased the cost of their drugs by 100%.

Cut 8 (10) “other countries”

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Arrests are anticipated in the case of a Westminster Christian Academy student who hung a noose at the school’s baseball field. St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says three black boys were arguing with three white boys at the ball field last week when things escalated.

Cut 9 (10)  “a felony”

Both the victims and the suspect are refusing to speak without attorneys. Guidroz says the noose was hung on the batting cage at the field. He says all 6 of the boys are friends who play on the same baseball team, and the argument just got out of hand.

Cut 10 (09) “we are today”

Guidroz says fashioning a hangman’s noose is a felony that carries a penalty of a $5-thousand fine and at least a year in jail. He anticipates an arrest will be made soon, but he says they don’t want to hinder anyone’s future.

Cut 11 (11) “educational climb”

The school issued a statement saying it in no way condones the use of such racially insensitive language, behavior, or symbolism.

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Southeastern Louisiana University revamps its offerings for the summer semester by lowering tuition cost and adding high demanded courses. Director of Marketing and Admissions Mike Rivault says they wanted to have a wider variety of classes available for current students and students home for the summer from other universities.

Cut 12 (10) “have risen”

Rivault says the new course offerings include hybrid courses, which combine face-to-face and online instruction. He says the recommended course load for a student is 15 hours a semester and 30 hours a year but many students can’t…

Cut 13 (09) “as possible”

Rivault says with an anticipated net cost of less than 900-dollars for three-credit hour course, Southeastern’s summer semester will provide the highest education value with the lowest cost of four-year colleges in south Louisiana…

Cut 14 (10) “another university”

For more information visit southeastern.edu/summersmart.

_________________________________________________________

Rising sea levels are threatening the western side of Louisiana’s coast, according to a Tulane study. Co-author Torbjorn Tornqvist (Tor-bee-on Torn-quist) says they used data from the Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority to determine how fast the sea level is rising.

Cut 15 (10) “the world”

Tornqvist says the reason the rate is so high in Louisiana is the coast is sinking. He says in some parts of the Mississippi River delta, sediment accumulation keeps up with the rising sea. But he says accretion is not occurring as quickly on the west side of the coast.

Cut 16 (11) “sea level rise”

Tornqvist says if nothing is done, more than 60-percent of the sites they track in the westernmost coast will go under water. He says significant coastal restoration is the only hope. But he says even those efforts might not be enough.

Cut 17 (11)  “in the future”

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The installation of a new offense is underway at LSU. Quarterback Danny Etling and the Tigers had their second practice of the spring yesterday and the starting signal caller says he has good feel for the basics of offensive coordinator’s Matt Canada’s offense

Cut 18 (16) “go a long”

The transfer from Purdue has been in several different offenses during his career and says Canada’s offense is easier to learn, because there is a system behind it.  Etling also calls the Tigers new O-C a good teacher…

Cut 19 (13)   “good relationship”

Etling says Canada preaches a quick tempo on offense and getting everyone involved…

Cut 20 (15)   “excited to do”