13:30 Newscast, March 1st, 2017

Louisiana’s Republican delegation approves of President Donald Trump’s message to Congress last night but Democrats are still skeptical…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A man is dead following an officer involved shooting in Houma on Tuesday night. State Trooper Jesse Lagrange says the Houma Police Department was involved in an incident with a barricaded subject..:
Cut 10 (07) “the shooting”
He says no other details are being released while the investigation is ongoing.

Grambling President Rick Gallo is back from his trip to Washington where he met with President Donald Trump on the administration’s commitment to making historically black colleges and universities a priority. Gallo says, from a funding standpoint, it makes a huge difference when the White House has promised to be involved…:
CUT 14 (09) “we’re encouraged”
HBCU Presidents are calling for $25 billion dollars for infrastructure, college readiness, financial aid and other priorities.

With today marking the start of Lent, it’s a big time time of the year for the state’s seafood industry. Chairman of the state’s seafood promotion and marketing board, Chalin DeLaune, says there’s a good supply of crawfish and oysters, but shrimp production is down in this state….
cut 26 (10) “…as well”

 

12:30 Newscast, March 1st, 2017

Louisiana’s Republican delegation believes President Donald Trump sent the right message in last night’s address in front of Congress. Mr. Trump laid out his plans to overhaul the nation’s healthcare system, increase military spending and create jobs. Congressman Ralph Abraham of Richland Parish says this should ease the minds of skeptics..:
Cut 6 (10) “picture”
But the Louisiana Democratic Party says they still don’t believe that President Trump will truly make America great again.

Making the rounds on a social media is a claim by Saints running back Mark Ingram that he and several other New Orleans’ players were turned away from a club in London for being, “too urban.” Ingram said they had reservations, but the establishment issued a statement saying they would never dismiss anyone based on race, however they’re an exclusive members club where entry is not guaranteed to anyone.

An escaped work release inmate is once again behind bars after a high speed chase in Webster Parish that ended with a vehicle going airborne. Webster Sheriff Gary Sexton says they caught up with the suspect and set up a road block to try to stop him from racing down the road…:
Cut 3 (12) “sitting in the car”
18-year-old Kevonte Austin faces numerous charges including attempted murder for allegedly trying to run over a deputy. No one was injured in the incident, and the entire thing was captured on video that is quickly going viral.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, former LSU running back Leonard Fournette weighed in at 240 pounds. During his time at LSU, Fournette’s listed weight was 235 pounds. He’ll run the 40 and perform in other skill drills on Friday.

 

11:30 Newscast, March 1st, 2017

There’s been another call for State Police Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson to resign. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The man accused of driving drunk when he plowed through a crowd of parade goers during Endymion in New Orleans has had his bail quadrupled. 25-year-old Neilson Rizzuto had 22 additional counts stacked onto his booking including 10 new aggravated charges based on how severe the victims’ injuries were. Total bail went from $125,000 to $545,000.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the case of a man who died in a house fire in St. Mary Parish on Mardi Gras Day. They say initial indications are that the deadly blaze was caused by an electrical wall outlet in the wood-framed home, and claimed the life of 79-year-old Lionel Bonin Jr. The victim’s wife told investigators that her husband saved her first, then ran back into the residence.

The Texas agriculture commissioner has approved a poison that farmers and ranchers can use to kill destructive feral hogs, so when will Louisiana get on board? Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says Kaput Feral Hog Lure could become available here in a month or two, but it will only be sold to those individuals who receive proper training…:
Cut 14 (09) “this product”
It’s estimated there are 500-thousand feral hogs in Louisiana and they are known for destroying fields and pastures.

 

18:30 Newscast Feb 28

US News and World Report’s ranks Louisiana dead last on the new best state’s ranking. Analyst Lindsey Cook says Louisiana did poorly in the areas of economy, government, crime and opportunity. She says education is also a big category and the Bayou State came in 46th.

Cut 10 (09) “ranks 44”

The accused drunk driver in the Endymion parade crash is facing 22 more counts of negligent vehicular injury. Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says that number could still go up because the victim count is up to 32.

Cut 15 (11) “his life”

Neilson Rizzuto was originally booked on only four charges.

A North Louisiana state House candidate is coming under fire over a blackface photo. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputy who was injured in an ambush on police says he remembers the attack. That’s according to Deputy Nick Tullier’s father, who said in a Facebook post that Tullier feels like he’s getting better. According to the post, Tullier remembers the attack and told therapists that he saw God after being shot.

LRN AM NEWSCALL MARCH 1

The Lenten season is now underway and many people will be eager to get their share of seafood. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn” 

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There’s been another call for State Police Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson to resign. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Will Louisiana be the next state to get on board with a poison to control the feral hog population, after Texas recently approved it. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Bankrate.com ranks Louisiana the fourth worst state for first time home buyers. Analyst Claes Bell says one reason for the low ranking is the tightness of the housing market. He says there are fewer homes on the market in Louisiana because construction isn’t keeping up with demand.

Cut 4  (10) “first time buyers”

Bell says first time buyers in a tight housing market have a hard time competing for a home that has multiple offers, because they tend to put less money down. He adds that a big issue for first time buyers is the inability to get a loan. He says Louisiana’s high unemployment rate could be a factor for lenders.

Cut 5  (09)  “in the area”

Bell says going to a local lender instead of a national bank could give first time buyers a better shot at getting financed. He says young buyers also might not have as much credit as older buyers, and that coupled with a small down payment could make it more difficult to get a home loan.

Cut 6 (09) “as well”

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It’s Ash Wednesday and that means the start of the Lenten season, so many people will be lining up to get their share of seafood over the next 40 days. Chairman of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board Chalin (Shal-in) DeLaune (De-lawn) says the supply of Louisiana oysters and crawfish is excellent.

Cut 7 (09)  “crawfish season”

But DeLaune says unfortunately the crab harvest is struggling in Louisiana, as there is a 30 day closure on commercial crabbing.

Cut 8 (09) “a way”

DeLaune also says shrimp is on the downside in the Bayou State this season, as the size of the prawns are relatively small. He says the size is perfect for a soup or gumbo but not so much for a boil or to fry.

Cut 9 (10)  “as well”

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Another person is calling for State Police Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson to resign. Lloyd Grafton has recently resigned from the State Police Commission, and in his resignation letter to Governor John Bel Edwards, Grafton says Edmonson does whatever he chooses to do. He says when the commission approved a pay raise for LSP, they believed it would go to the troopers on the ground. But he says instead some of the highest ranking officials received $40-thousand pay increases.

Cut 10 (09) “management people”

In the letter, Grafton says Edmonson has no credibility when it comes to the truth and lavish spending. He says that is evidenced by the recent travel scandal where four troopers made stops in Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon on their way to a training conference.

Cut 11 (11) “at all”

Grafton says LSP would be better off under new leadership, and US Senator John Kennedy has also called for Edmonson’s resignation. But Edmonson says he is not affiliated with the Louisiana State Police Commission.

Cut 12 (08) “state police”

An investigation into the travel incident is being conducted out of the Governor’s Office, and LSP is conducting their own internal investigation. Edmonson says they are going to get to the bottom of what happened, and then it’s time to move on.

Cut 13 (09) “moving forward”

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The Texas agriculture commissioner has approved a poison that farmers and ranchers can use to kill destructive feral hogs, so when will Louisiana get on board? Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says Kaput Feral Hog Lure could become available here in a month or two, but it will only be sold to those individuals who receive proper training.

Cut 14 (09) “this product”

Strain once you complete training, you can get an endorsement needed to buy Kaput. He says they’ll keep records of who is purchasing it to make sure it’s being used properly. He says the pigs will have to be fed corn for a few weeks to get them to come in to the feeder.

Cut 15 (08) “burying them”

It’s estimated there are 500-thousand feral hogs in Louisiana and they are known for destroying fields and pastures. Strain says they hope to have the product registry open in about a week and the state will do everything it can to make sure it is used as safely as possible. He says Kaput is 98 to 99-percent effective.

Cut 16 (08) “of regiments”

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The Pelicans will look for their first win with All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins in the starting line-up tonight when New Orleans hosts Detroit. Despite all the buzz the trade created, New Orleans is 0-3 since acquiring Cousins from the Sacramento Kings. Head Coach Alvin Gentry is optimistic the victories will come soon…

Cut 17 (15)  “what happens”

Cousins also feels good about the future of his new team, but it will take time…

Cut 18 (15) “starts clicking”

Both Cousins and fellow All-Star Anthony Davis are putting up good individual numbers in the three games they’ve played with each other. But the dynamic duo is not getting much help. Cousins says he’s spoken with A-D about how to get their teammates going

Cut 19 (19)   “of time”

17:30 Newscast Feb 28

No one knows what to expect from President Donald Trump’s address to Congress tonight. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says generally presidents deliver well thought out, rehearsed speech, but Mr. Trump is anything but predictable.

Cut 5 (07) “will do”

Hogan says it’s unclear if Mr. Trump will offer an olive branch to ease tensions, or go in for the attack.

A 15-year-old photo of Robbie Gatti wearing black face in a Halloween costume has surfaced, and it’s causing problems for his campaign for the district 8 seat vacated by Mike Johnson. LSU Shreveport political science professor Jeffery Sadow says 15 years ago, Gatti likely didn’t expect social media to blow up.

Cut 14 (10) “these days”

The accused driver in the Endymion crash is now facing an additional 22 counts of negligent vehicular injury. Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino expects 25-year-old Neilson Rizzuto to be sentenced to at least 10 years behind bars.

Cut 16 (07) “is significant”

Ciolino says Rizzuto can also expect a host of civil suits to be filed by the victims.

This Mardi Gras could be the warmest ever on record. Phil Grigsby with the National Weather Service says the weather today has been perfect for parade watching.

Cut 8 (08) “above that”

Grigsby says the current record was set back in 1917 at 83 degrees, and the coldest Fat Tuesday reached 30 degrees in 1899.

15:30 Newscast February 28,2017

US News and World Report’s finds Louisiana comes in dead last on the new best state’s ranking. Analyst Lindsey Cook says Louisiana did poorly in the areas of economy, government, crime and opportunity. She says education is also a big category and the Bayou State came in 46th.
Cut 10 (09) “ranks 44”

The 25-year-old accused drunk driver in the Endymion parade crash is looking at more charges and the victim count is rising. Neilson Rizzuto is charged with 22 additional counts of negligent vehicular injury. Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says that number could rise again as the victim count is up to 32.
Cut 15 (11) “his life”

 
A North Louisiana state House candidate is coming under fire over a blackface photo. Michelle Southern reports…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents arrested a man on charges of trafficking children for sex after fishing from an unregistered boat. LDWF says 26-year-old Jean Luc Williams of New Orleans was stopped to be checked for boating regulations and authorities discovered the boat was not registered and Williams had not completed the boating education class. Williams had a warrant for his arrest from Orleans Parish.

13:30 Newscast, February 28th, 2017

Us News & World Report’s list of best states ranks Louisiana dead last in the nation. Halen Doughty has more…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Tonight President Donald Trump will speak before a joint session of Congress, and it’s not know what we could expect him to say. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan Mr. Trump is anything but predictable…:
CUT 5 (07) “will go”
Hogan says healthcare will be a big topic, as will the budget.

A picture has surfaced of a white candidate for the state legislature wearing blackface as part of a Tiger Woods costume. Robert Gatti, a Republican running for Congressman Mike Johnson’s open seat, said it’s a 15 year old photo he had no idea was offensive. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says this won’t help Gatti’s campaign..:
cut 12 (11) “judgement”
Gatti apologized and said he feels his opponents are behind the leak.

Laissez les bons temps rouler! It’s Mardi Gras and celebrations are taking place today throughout the state. More and more people are visiting Louisiana every year to celebrate Fat Tuesday, according to a study from WalletHub. Analyst Jill Gonzales says New Orleans is slammed right now…:
Cut 14 (10) “city’s population”

 

12:30 Newscast, February 28th, 2017

Louisiana came in dead last on Us News & World Report’s new best states ranking. Analyst Lindsey Cook says Louisiana ranks near or at the bottom for the economy, government, crime, and opportunity. She says healthcare was one of their biggest weighted categories, and in that Louisiana did poorly across the board…:
Cut 9 (10) “32″
Cook says Louisiana was also knocked down on the list for its high incarceration and crime rates.

It’s Mardi Gras and this one could be the warmest on record. Phil Grigsby with the National Weather Service in New Orleans says these temperatures are far better for parades than a cold Fat Tuesday
CUT 8 (08) “well above that”
He says the current Mardi Gras record was set back in 1917 at 83 degrees.

Robbie Gattie, a candidate for the Bossier City area House seat vacated when Mike Johnson left for Congress, is coming under fire over a picture of him in blackface. The Republican told KEEL in Shreveport today that it was taken 15 years ago at a church costume party where he dressed as Tiger Woods, and he had no idea it was offensive…:
CUT 25 (05) “I mean never”
Gatti also issued an apology on the show, and said he felt his opponents were behind the leak. The special election is March 25.

 

11:30 Newscast, February 28th, 2017

Tonight President Donald Trump will address a joint session of Congress, so what can we expect? LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says this address will be unlike any we’ve seen in a while, as a Republican president will go before a GOP dominated Congress. But he says that doesn’t mean either chamber will fully support the President’s proposals…:
Cut 3 (07) “Obamacare”
The address will be Mr. Trump’s biggest national audience since his swearing-in ceremony.

Mardi Gras 2017 could go down as the warmest Fat Tuesday on record in Louisiana. Phil Grigsby with the National Weather Service in New Orleans says temperatures could surpass the record of 83 degrees set in 1917…:
Cut 6 (09) “of year”
He says the coldest Mardi Gras on record was set at 30 degrees back in 1899.

It looks like there’s no shortage of crawfish for today’s Mardi Gras celebrations and the upcoming Lenten season. Jeff Palermo has more.:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

About 1.4 million people visit New Orleans during the Mardi Gras season, which is more than 4 times the city’s population according to a study from WalletHub. Analyst Jill Gonzales says that means big bucks for The Crescent City’s economy…:
Cut 15 (07) “to add up”
She says last Mardi Gras almost 150,000 people flew to New Orleans.