6:30 A.M. LRN Newscast 03/23/2018

Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson will be laid to rest today. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

 

35 future State Police cadets will graduate as part of the 97th Louisiana State Police Cadet class today. Sgt. Jared Sandifer says the class was one of the smaller ones in recent memory. They started with 49, but it’s still a very good success rate with 71 percent of the class graduating…

Cut 7 (06)  “Louisiana safe.”

 

Ville Platte Senator Eric LaFleur has filed a bill that would allow 19 and 20- year- olds to purchase alcohol by themselves, if they pass a drinking responsibility class and have their parents’ consent. LaFleur says binge drinking by young adults is a dangerous trend that’s made worse by laws that try, and often fail to bar young people from getting their hands on booze.

Cut 10 (12) “like that.”

The drinking age in most western countries is 18 to 19, and the Ville Platte Democrat says you don’t hear nearly as many stories about binge drinking sessions from those countries as you do from the U.S.

AM Newscall March 23

Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson will be laid to rest today. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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35 future State Police cadets will graduate as part of the 97th Louisiana State Police Cadet class today. Kelley Ray spoke with Sgt. Jared Sandifer.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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A Ville Platte Senator wants to give families of 19 and 20 year olds the ability to let their kids purchase alcohol legally. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson will be laid to rest today. The 90-year-old died last week from flu complications. Saints Administrative Director, Jay Romig, says today will be a celebration of a man who was committed to the community and was proud to be a part of it.

Cut 4  (08) “we’re doing.” 

Romig along with Pelicans General Manager Dell Demps and Head Coach Alvin Gentry will stand behind the casket. Sports stars Drew Brees, Anthony Davis and Coach Sean Payton will serve as honorary pall bearers. He says the service gets underway at noon at St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter….

Cut 5  (08)  “exciting day.”

Benson’s widow, Gayle Benson, has been meeting and greeting well wishers who have come to the public viewing of her late husband. Romig says she is holding up well…

Cut 6 (11) “their respects.”

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35 future State Police cadets will graduate as part of the 97th Louisiana State Police Cadet class today. Sgt. Jared Sandifer says the class was one of the smaller ones in recent memory. They started with 49, but it’s still a very good success rate with 71 percent of the class graduating…

Cut 7 (06)  “Louisiana safe.”

Sandifer says this is the second class they’ve graduated in recent months. But he says they are still hiring and looking ahead to a 98th class in the near future…

Cut 8 (10)  “to us.”

Sandifer says after their graduation today, there will still be much to learn from experienced troopers and the new officers will get hands on training from some of the best…

Cut 9 (11)  “serve safe.”

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Ville Platte Senator Eric LaFleur has filed a bill that would allow 19 and 20- year- olds to purchase alcohol by themselves, if they pass a drinking responsibility class and have their parents’ consent. LaFleur says binge drinking by young adults is a dangerous trend that’s made worse by laws that try, and often fail to bar young people from getting their hands on booze.

Cut 10 (12) “like that.”

The drinking age in most western countries is 18 to 19, and the Ville Platte Democrat says you don’t hear nearly as many stories about binge drinking sessions from those countries as you do from the U.S. He says kids are going to be kids no matter what the law says.

Cut 11 (06) “anywhere else”

LaFleur says current law allows underage adults to consume alcohol, if they’re with a legal guardian. He says his bill is just an obvious extension of that same idea.

Cut 12 (07) “be there”

The Senator says his bill would be a good first step to changing a drinking culture that can destroy young people’s lives. It could receive a hearing next week.

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A heated exchange between legislators took place during a Senate Education Committee meeting. New Orleans Representative Joe Bouie was discussing a bill placing a moratorium on charter schools and what Tulane University research showed.  He said charter schools disciplinary programs are cruel and that many persons aged 16 to 24 are either out of work or not attending a school. Metairie  Senator Conrad Appel became highly offended…

Cut 13 (11)  “this state.”

After calling for an audit of these charter schools, Senator Conrad Appel went on a tirade telling Bouie he was trying to make this a racial issue…

Cut 14 (14) “I said.”

Appel said don’t blame the lack of supervision in charter schools in New Orleans. He told Bouie the fact is the economy is not good in the Crescent City…

Cut 15 (09) “of work.”

The bill to place a moratorium on charter schools never came up for a vote.

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The 15th ranked LSU baseball team makes its first true road trip of the season when they begin a three-game series against fifth ranked Vanderbilt tonight. Senior Beau Jordan knows for the freshmen this will be a new experience…

Cut 16 (19) “baseball game”

LSU is seeking its first series victory in Nashville since 2005. Mainieri admits they’ve had trouble beating the Commodores at their park, but overall his teams usually play well away from Alex Box….

Cut 17 (18) “some success”

LSU took two of three from Missouri to open up SEC play, while Vandy swept Texas A-and-M. Mainieri says this weekend will be a good test for this team…

Cut 18 (10)  “anybody’s attention”

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Two weeks in and LSU is no closer to finding their starting quarterback than when Spring practice began, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Tight end Foster Moreau says the three quarterbacks in contention all bring something different, and effective, to the table.

Cut 19 (13) “9 route” 

Moreau says despite the intense competition, the three are all getting along well, and spirits are high at practice. The reason one guy hasn’t jumped to the front is because they’re all playing at such a high level.

Cut 20 (12) “a competition”

 

18:30 LRN Newscast March 22

A 14-year-old girl from Jonesville faces a charge of terrorizing after she allegedly left a threatening note at Block High School in Catahoula Parish.  State Police Trooper Scott Moreau

Cut 9 (11) “last night.”

KNOE-TV reports the teenager left a note with a list of names and that something would happen during a scheduled assembly at 12:30.

Baton Rouge police have arrested 49 year old Eric Augustus on 1st degree murder charges of his girlfriend Lovie Variste age 76. Augustus had been living with Variste at the time of her death. Police spokesman Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says Augustus was told to kill his girlfriend.

Cut 3 (09) “to kill”

Police say Augustus then allegedly went after her.

One New Orleans Democrat wants to make sure a lucky streak doesn’t get you tossed out of casinos. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A 2 year old Shih tzu was found lying in a flower bed in St. Charles Parish suffering from chemical burns to his body. The dog was unable to open its eyes and faces a long, slow and painful recovery. PETA spokesperson Kearney Whelan Robinson says they are offering a 5,000-dollar reward…

Cut 11 (09) “gets hurt.”

 

Legislative Report LRN March 22

Another gaming bill found its way into committee today, but unlike the last few, it may not be a favorite of the Casino industry. New Orleans Representative Walt Leger says he’s heard one too many stories about gamblers who got just a little too hot for gaming venues to handle.

His bill would prevent casinos from kicking you out just because you’re a good card player, or just a lucky guy on a roll. The Democrat says it’s not right.

21

And a Ville Platte Senator is calling on the legislature to support his bill that would allow adults over 19 to purchase booze if they pass a drinking responsibility class and have their parents’ consent. LaFleur says our current laws promote dangerous binge drinking

Cut 10 (12) “like that.”

The Senate Education Committee approved a bill requiring public schools to display “In God We Trust” in their buildings and instruct the students on what the motto means. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says many kids are not taught proper morals, values, and beliefs by their parents, so public schools should fill that void.

Cut 15 (09) “at home”

A bill that would have instituted a moratorium on charter schools led to a heated exchange in committee today. New Orleans Representative Joe Bouie was referencing a Tulane study indicating a disproportionate treatment of black and white charter students, when Metairie Senator Conrad Appel lashed out

Cut 13 (11)  “this state.”

The bill never ended up coming up for a vote.

11:30 A.M. LRN Newscast 03/22/2018

Baton Rouge police have arrested 49 year old Eric Augustus on 1st degree murder charges of his girlfriend Lovie Variste age 76. Augustus had been living with Variste at the time of her death. Police spokesman Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says Augustus was told to kill his girlfriend.

Cut 3 (09) “to kill”

Augustus is being held without a bond. Police say the victim died yesterday afternoon of blunt trauma to the head.

The first woman will be inducted into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction as 96-year-old Margie Jenkins will receive that honor tonight in  a ceremony hosted by the Louisiana Radio Network. Governor John Bel Edwards says the Jenkins Farm and Nursery in Amite has been a staple in Tangipahoa Parish since the 60’s….

Cut 6 (09)  “recognizing her”

 

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A 14-year-old girl from Jonesville faces a charge of terrorizing after she allegedly left a threatening note at Block High School in Catahoula Parish.  State Police Trooper Scott Moreau

Cut 9 (11) “last night.”

KNOE-TV reports the teenager left a note with a list of names and that something would happen during a scheduled assembly at 12:30. The school was evacuated when the note was found

Senator Dan Claitor’s bill that would make it a crime to generate wakes that damage property while driving a vehicle through flooded streets has passed through committee and is on its way to the Senate floor Claitor was questioned about whether the driver’s intent should matter, but the Senator says it’s just like reckless drivers behind the wheel of a car.

Cut 11 (08) “the road”

1030 LRN Newscast March 22

Louisiana State Penitentiary investigators arrested four Angola prison officers, as part of an effort to crack down against contraband smuggling and inappropriate behavior with inmates. DOC spokesman Ken Pastorick says it’s sad these employees ended up on the wrong side of the law…

Cut 9 (08)  “them fired.”

A fifth officer was fired after she became aggressive with investigators while being questioned and another was placed on administrative leave.

Senator Dan Claitor has presented a bill making it a crime to generate wakes that damage property while driving a car through a flooded area. He says drivers of jacked up trucks should take note…

Cut 10 (06) “people’s homes.”

Drivers could be assessed a 175 dollar fine and up to 30 days in jail for a first time offense.

Governor John Bel Edwards indicates he would likely sign legislation that prohibits an abortion after 15 weeks from the start of pregnancy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Population growth in the city of New Orleans has slowed to a trickle according to a report citing new census data. According to the Advocate, more people moved out of New Orleans than moved in – a first since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. But the city’s population increased by 271 people in 2017 due to new births and immigration from other countries.

9:30 A.M. LRN Newscast 03/22/2018

Louisiana State Penitentiary investigators arrested four female Angola prison officers, as part of an effort to crack down against drug smuggling and inappropriate behavior with inmates. Department of Corrections Spokesman Ken Pastorick says investigators discovered drugs and a large amount of cash in one employee’s vehicle, while another admitted to having sex with an inmate. He says the actions of the four female prison guards arrested do not represent the rest of the Department’s employees…

Cut 8 (09)  “at risk.”

Senator Dan Claitor’s bill that would make it a crime to generate wakes that damage property while driving a vehicle through flooded streets has passed through committee and is on its way to the Senate floor. Claitor was questioned about whether the driver’s intent should matter, but the Senator says it’s just like reckless drivers behind the wheel of a car.

Cut 11 (08) “the road”

 

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Governor John Bel Edwards says if a bill banning abortion after 15 weeks ends up on his desk he’ll likely sign it. Edwards made the comments during his monthly call-in radio show, “Ask the Governor”….

Cut 13 (08)  “my desk.”

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant just signed a 15-week abortion ban and a similar bill is waiting to be discussed in the Louisiana Senate. Meanwhile A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction against Mississippi’s 15-week ban, which means it can’t go into effect yet.

The Center for Reproductive Rights plans to lobby against the Louisiana Senate bill calling for a ban on abortions after 15 weeks. State legislative counsel Shivana Jorawar says

predicts legal challenges, if the governor signs a similar law…

Cut 16 (09) “deserve that”

A 14 year old female student was arrested yesterday in Jonesville and charged with terrorizing block high school. The Catahoula parish sheriff’s office partnered with state police to investigate and make the arrest. The investigation is continuing…the students name has not been released.

8:30 A.M. LRN Newscast 03/22/2018

Now that the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans are no longer owned by the late Tom Benson, what will happen to the teams? Kelley Ray says they’re staying.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

 

The Trump administration billed Wednesday’s offshore oil lease sale in the Gulf of the Mexico as the biggest in U.S. history.  It resulted in 33 companies making 125-million dollars in bids on 148 offshore tracts. That’s a small increase from a lease sale in August. Tulane Energy Institute’s Eric Smith…

says Wednesday’s lease sale was a small step towards ramping up production in the Gulf of Mexico, but oil production is still way down from where it was four years ago.

Cut 6 (10) “serious drop.”

 

Governor John Bel Edwards says if a bill banning abortion after 15 weeks ends up on his desk he’ll likely sign it. Edwards made the comments during his monthly call-in radio show, “Ask the Governor”….

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant just signed a 15-week abortion ban and a similar bill is waiting to be discussed in the Louisiana Senate. Edwards says his pro-life stance results in him backing legislation that’s supported by conservatives and that same belief also has him backing issues supported by liberals…

Cut 14 (08) “pro life”

 

The Center for Reproductive Rights plans to lobby against the Senate bill calling for a ban on abortions after 15 weeks. State legislative counsel Shivana Jorawar says politicians shouldn’t be making important health decisions for women…

Cut 15 (06) “own health”

7:30 A.M. LRN Newscast 03/22/2018

A bill that would penalize drivers who push wakes into people’s homes during a flood has advanced to the Senate floor. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

 

The Trump administration is touting the results of an oil and gas bid that sold what amounts to roughly one percent of the space on the Gulf of Mexico water bottom for natural resource exploitation. 33 companies made 124.8 million dollars in bids Wednesday on 148 offshore tracts. Tulane Energy Institute Associate Director Eric Smith It’s the first sale since 1983, he says the sale could be a boost to companies involved in offshore drilling.

Cut 5  (09)  “little bit”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says if a bill to ban abortion after 15 weeks ends up on his desk he’ll likely sign it. Edwards made the comments during his monthly call-in radio show, “Ask the Governor”….

Cut 13 (08)  “my desk.”

A team official says the Saints and Pelicans are committed to Louisiana and the city of New Orleans. Since Tom Benson’s death, there have been questions surrounding the fate of both teams in one of the smallest sports markets in the country. Saints and Pels President Dennis Lauscha says the late Tom Benson and now Gayle Benson have been pleased with the support fans have given both teams since owning the Saints starting in 1985 and the Pels in 2013…

Cut 18 (17)  “basketball court.”

6:30 A.M. LRN Newscast 03/22/2018

Governor John Bel Edwards indicates he would likely sign legislation that prohibits an abortion after 15 weeks from the start of pregnancy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

 

The Trump administration is touting the results of an oil and gas bid that sold what amounts to roughly one percent of the space on the Gulf of Mexico water bottom for natural resource exploitation. 33 companies made 124.8 million dollars in bids Wednesday on 148 offshore tracts. Tulane Energy Institute Associate Director Eric Smith says the results are promising start for a potential expansion of gulf drilling, but not the slam dunk it’s been billed as.

Cut 4  (05) “high bids” 

 

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Louisiana State Penitentiary investigators arrested four Angola prison officers, as they part of an effort to crack down against contraband smuggling and inappropriate behavior with inmates. Department of Corrections Spokesman Ken Pastorick…

Cut 7 (08)  “offender’s relatives.”

Senator Dan Claitor’s bill that would make it a crime to generate wakes that damage property while driving a vehicle through flooded streets has passed through committee and is on its way to the Senate floor. The Baton Rouge Republican says he was moved to write the bill, after hearing horror stories from his constituents about reckless drivers during the 2016 floods.

Cut 10 (08) “to save.”