AM Newscall December 12th, 2014

A documentary dubbed the first comprehensive overview of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion and aftermath, will open at the Prytania theater (pre-TAN-ya) in New Orleans today. Michelle Southern reports.

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Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu says goodbye to the Senate. Jeff Palermo has the story…

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The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission announces that DWI patrols will be increased throughout the holiday period as part of their “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Scott Carwile reports…

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The Governor’s and Lt Governor’s races are not the only potential hotly contested statewide races next year. It appears as though the race for Attorney General could also be a barn burner after reports that Treasurer John Kennedy is eyeing the seat. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Kennedy ran for the AG’s office in 1991 and lost so it’s not surprising he’d want to take another shot…:

cut 4  (10)  “for Attorney General”

Pinsonat says Kennedy wouldn’t have a problem raising money and he’s become very popular as state treasurer so his entering the AG’s race would narrow the field big time…:

Cut 5  (11)  “one or two others”

Pinsonat says Kennedy, who has been very vocal and transparent in running the state treasury, has become very popular in Louisiana…:

Cut 6 (13)  “one of the candidates to beat”

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A documentary dubbed the first comprehensive overview of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion and aftermath, will open at the Prytania theater (pre-TAN-ya) in New Orleans today. The film, “The Great Invisible” is directed by Margaret Brown. She says her family has a house on the Alabama coast and they were sending her pictures of the area after the disaster in 2010…:

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Brown says they began filming when the oil came ashore and explored the lives of those in the coastal region who were most immediately affected by the biggest oil-related disaster in the nation’s history:…:

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Brown says many lives in the coastal South are connected to and are reliant upon the oil industry. She says the documentary looks at how all Americans are connected to oil…:

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Democratic US Senator Mary Landrieu gave a farewell speech on the Senate floor yesterday as her third and final term is coming to a close. Landrieu says it’s been a joy to serve in the Senate these last 18 years…

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Landrieu did not say what her future plans hold. The Senator spoke about her achievements while serving as a US Senator, including helping Louisiana receive billions of dollars in federal aid to recover from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

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Landrieu also touted her efforts when it came to promoting the oil and gas industry and adoption awareness. Her Senate farewell was the first time she spoke publiclly since losing to Republican Bill Cassidy in the Senate run-off and the outgoing senator she’s at peace with what happened

cut 12 (11)  “I accept”

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The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission announces that DWI patrols will be increased throughout the holiday period as part of their “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. This is a state and national campaign aimed at keeping impaired drivers off the roadways and reducing deadly crashes. Lt. Col. John Leblanc says December is one of the deadliest months on Louisiana roadways…

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Leblanc says 59 people were killed statewide in fatal accidents in December last year and 11 people were killed in the four days comprising the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. He says alcohol use was a factor in more than half of the fatalities. Leblanc says this holiday season, they’re working with over 60 law enforcement agencies across the state…

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Last year in Louisiana, police made over 21,000 DWI arrests. Leblanc says getting arrested for DWI or worse, causing a tragic accident, is not a Christmas memory anyone wants. He says it’s important to have a plan if you are going to celebrate during the holiday season…

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Five more state champions will be crowned in football this weekend. On Saturday afternoon, the Neville Tigers from Monroe are seeking their 11th state title in school history as they’ll face Warren Easton out of New Orleans on Saturday afternoon. Neville head coach Mickey McCarty says his team is peaking at the right time

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Warren Easton is led by quarterback Deshawn Capers-Smith, who was named Louisiana Football Gatorade Player of the Year. McCarty says his defense will face a big challenge in trying to slow down Capers-Smith

Cut 17  (18)   “our offense”

In the Five-A Championship game on Saturday night, it will be Destrehan versus the defending champs, the Acadiana Wrecking Rams. The Wildcats last won a football title in 2008 and head coach Stephen Robichaux is trying to complete an undefeated championship season in 2014

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Destrehan lost to Acadiana in the semi-finals last year. Robichaux says his team knows what they are up against…

Cut 19 (09)   “face em”

LRN Newscast 16:30 12-11-14

Fourth District Representative John Fleming is saying he wants to succeed Senator David Vitter in the Senate if he wins the Governor’s race. In a written statement, Fleming says his focus IS on the 4th district, but he would be interested. Political analyst Elliot Stonecipher says it’s a little early to start speculating on who will fill Vitter’s Senate seat…
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In a story first reported by LaPolitics.com, Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy may consider a run against Republican incumbent Buddy Caldwell in a race for Attorney General.
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That’s LaPolitics.com Editor Jeremy Alford.

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State Education Superintendent John White is reporting only 44-percent of public high school seniors are filling out paperwork to receive federal financial aid to attend college or a technical training school. He says this is leaving millions on the table, especially in certain income brackets…
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White says he’ll talk with schools about how to improve the application numbers.

Next year, there will be two warnings issued for storms from the National Hurricane Center for the upcoming hurricane season. Besides the wind warnings, they will also be issuing a separate storm surge warning, since surges do the most damage to life and property…
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That’s Storm Surge Specialist, Jamie Rhome.

LRN Newscast 15:30 12-11-14

In a story first reported by LaPolitics.com, Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy may consider a run against Republican incumbent Buddy Caldwell in a race for Attorney General. Editor Jeremy Alford says Caldwell could be in trouble…
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He says the wild-card in the race is former Republican congressman Jeff Landy, who has already announced he’s running.

If Senator David Vitter wins the governor’s race, 4th District Representative John Fleming says he would be interested in running for that seat in the Senate. Right now, Political analyst Elliot Stonecipher says there are too many things up in the air to make any kind of prediction about an appointment…
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The National Hurricane Center will begin issuing separate storm surge warnings with next year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season. Eric Gill reports…
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The Department of Children and Family Services is giving the public a heads up about a phone scam to obtain credit card information. So far, callers in the Lafayette area have been told they can get a free Walmart rebate card at their food stamp office, once they process a payment for $1.95 to receive it. D-C-F-S says they never do offers like this.

LRN Newscast 14:30 12-11-14

So far, Republican Senator David Vitter is still the front-runner for the Louisiana governor’s race, and if he wins, there will be a replacement appointed by the governor to finish out his term. Political Analyst Elliott Stonecypher says-as we get deeper into the governor’s race – the entire picture will become more clear, however…
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It’s being reported that Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy may consider a run against Republican incumbent Buddy Caldwell in a race for Attorney General. LApolitics.com editor Jeremy Alford says not only is Kennedy thinking about running, but he’s actively been seeking advice from donors…:
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Alford expects Kennedy will be reporting next year that he has $3.5 million dollars in the bank.

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State Superintendent of Education John White says about 44 percent of high school seniors are leaving millions of federal financial aid dollars on the table by not filling not the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form.
CUT 13 (11) Q: “FASA form”
He says if a household income is $40 thousand dollars or lower, there is about a 90% acceptance rate for aid.

For next year’s hurricane season, the National Hurrican Center will have separate storm surge warnings that will accompany wind speed warnings, since storm surge if often cited as the biggest threat to life and property…
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That’s Storm Surge Specialist Jamie Rhome, who says storm surge often strikes a different times and places than the heavier winds.

13:30 Newscast December 11th, 2014

Louisiana is below the national average when it comes to percentage of public high school seniors who fill out paperwork to receive financial aid to attend college or a technical school. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
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Angola warden Burl Cain says he’s thinking about running for governor. He says the thought of running for governor first came up a year ago, when he performed well in a poll on the 2015 governor’s race. — but he’s not sure when he’d make a final decision.

If Senator David Vitter is elected governor next year, 4th District Representative John Fleming wants to succeed him in the Senate. In a written statement, Fleming says his focus is on his district, but he would be interested in running for the seat Vitter would vacate. Political analyst Elliot Stonecipher says it’s a little early to start speculating on would take Vitter’s place…:
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Fleming has stated that he’s receiving a lot of encouragement to consider a Senate run in 2016.

In a story first reported by LaPolitics.com, Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy may consider a run against Republican incumbent Buddy Caldwell in a race for Attorney General. Editor Jeremy Alford says not only is Kennedy thinking about running for AG, but he’s actively been seeking advice from donors…:
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12:30 Newscast December 11th, 2014

State education Superintendent John White is concerned only 44 percent of public high school seniors fill out the paperwork required to receive federal financial aid to attend college or a technical training school. White says Louisiana students are missing out on millions of dollars in federal assistance…:
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White says all high school seniors should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to see if they’re eligible for Pell grants and other types of aid.

Two students at the Ascension Parish Alternative School in Darrow have been arrested, in separate incidents, accused of battery on school officials. The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office says both incidents occurred during arguments over school policy. Both students are charged with battery of a teacher.

In a story first reported by LaPolitics.com, Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy may consider a run against Republican incumbent Buddy Caldwell in a race for Attorney General. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Kennedy ran for the AG’s office in 1991 and lost so this is a job he’s always wanted…:
CUT 9 (10) “attorney general”
Pinsonat says Kennedy wouldn’t have a problem raising money and he’s become very popular as state treasurer so his entering the AG’s race would narrow the field.

Speaking of 2015 elections, Angola warden Burl Cain says he’s thinking about running for governor. The 72-year-old says he’s run Louisiana State Penitentiary for 20 years and he’s humbled that people want him to run the state.

11:30 Newscast December 11th, 2014

The National Hurricane Center will begin issuing separate storm surge warnings with next year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season. Eric Gill reports…:
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Deputies say two students from Ascension Parish Alternative School were arrested on Wednesday in separate incidents involving a battery on educators. They say a 16-year-old was arrested for allegedly kicking and punching an administrator and a 19-year-old, Tyrone Pitts, was arrested accused of beating up his teacher. They were both booked with battery of a teacher.

Southwest Louisiana got some good news yesterday as Venture Global LNG announces plans to build a $4 billion dollar processing complex and export terminal at Calcasieu Pass in Cameron Parish. Construction is expected to begin at the 203 acre site in the third quarter of 2016 is set to start operating by late 2019. LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says the economy in Louisiana is looking brighter than ever…:
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Officials say this facility will put Cameron Parish at the forefront of liquefied natural gas trade.

Alexandria State Representative Herbert Dixon has resigned his seat. The Democrat’s resignation is effective immediately. Dixon was first elected to the Louisiana House in 2007. Louisiana Speaker of the House, Chuck Kleckley, has set a special election date of February 21st to fill Dixon’s seat.

10:30 Newscast December 11th, 2014

The National Hurricane Center will begin issuing separate storm surge warnings with next year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season. Storm surge is often cited as the greatest threat to life and property from a tropical cyclone. Storm Surge Specialist, Jamie Rhome, says this has been many years in the making…:
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He says the watches and warnings will highlight life threatening conditions.

Angola warden Burl Cain says he’s thinking about running for governor. The 72-year-old republican says he’s receiving encouragement to run and he’s weighing his options…:
Cut 10 (10) “how this goes”
Cain says he’s humbled that there are people who want him to run the state, after serving as the warden of the Louisiana State Penitentiary for 20 years.

As Christmas approaches, many people struggle with keeping their Christmas trees fresh. Scott Carwile reports…:
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Gas dropped another two cents last night. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is $2.44 over 10 cents less than this time last week according to the American Automobile Association.

09:30 Newscast December 11, 2014

Burl Cain, warden of the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, says he’s considering running for governor. Jeff Palermo has more…

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Alexandria State Representative Herbert Dixon has resigned his seat. The Democrat’s resignation is effective immediately. Dixon was first elected to the Louisiana House in 2007. Louisiana Speaker of the House, Chuck Kleckley, has set a special election date of February 21st to fill Dixon’s seat.

It’s another major economic boost for Southwest Louisiana as Venture Global announces plans to build a $4 billion dollar LNG processing complex and export terminal at Calcasieu Pass. Officials say this facility will put Cameron Parish at the forefront of liquefied natural gas trade. LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says this is great news for everyone in the state…

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Construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2016.

Christmas is two weeks away and many people are struggling to keep their Christmas trees fresh. LSU AgCenter Forestry Specialist, Don Reed, says hydration is the key. Many people like to throw in different additives, like bleach and corn syrup, to the water they use thinking it will help in prolonging the vibrancy of their Christmas trees. Reed says they’ve found that no additives are necessary…

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Reed says to keep your tree away from heat sources, as that will cause your tree to dry out prematurely.

08:30 Newscast December 11, 2014

Southwest Louisiana is getting an additional major economic boost as another LNG company announces plans to build a $4 billion dollar processing complex and export terminal. Michelle Southern reports…

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Two students at the Ascension Parish Alternative School in Darrow have been arrested, in separate incidents, accused of battery on school officials. The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office says both incidents occurred during arguments over school policy. Both students are charged with battery of a teacher.

Angola warden Burl Cain says he’s thinking about running for governor. The 72-year-old Republican says he’s humbled that there are people who want him to run the state, after serving as the warden of the Louisiana State Penitentiary for 20 years. He’s says he’ll think and pray about it, but he’s not sure when he’ll make a final decision…

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Cain says the thought first came after he performed well in a poll on the 2015 governor’s race.

The Department of Children and Family Services says residents should be aware of a possible phone scam that could lead to a breach of your credit card. DCFS Executive Council Charlie Dirks says a caller reportedly tells the listener that they’ll get a $100 Wal Mart gift card at their local food stamp office if they provide a credit card number for a $1.95 charge. He says if you get a call like this you should let someone know…

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Dirks says they never participate in giveaways.