17:30 Newscast, January 10th, 2018

The elementary school teacher who was arrested after speaking out against the Vermilion Parish superintendent’s raise has released a video statement. Deyshia Hargrave says by being asked to leave, the school board is attempting to silence an issue that effects the entire community…:
Cut 25 (14) “system even”
On his monthly call-in radio show Wednesday, Governor John Bel Edwards said he did not see that Hargrave did or said anything that warranted that type of action against her.

Steve Ensminger has been named Matt Canada’s replacement as LSU offensive coordinator. The Baton Rouge Advocate obtained the separation agreement between LSU and Canada which state’s the former OC’s $1.7 million dollar settlement would be voided of he interferes with the football program. In other Tiger news, Derrius Guice announced today he’d be entering the NFL Draft.

US Senator John Kennedy says he’s considering a run for governor in 2019, as the GOP in Louisiana hopes to keep Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards from the post for a second term. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says this is a very conservative state, so you can expect plenty of Republican candidates to line up for next year’s election…:
CUT 10 (09) “David Vitter”
Other Republican names that have been mentioned include US Congressman Ralph Abraham, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and Attorney General Jeff Landry.

A woman in Ouachita Parish has died as the result of a pit bull mauling. Sheriff’s Office spokesman Glen Springfield says EMS tried to save the severely injured woman, but there was nothing they could do…:
Cut 8 (04) “was fatal”
The incident happened at a West Monroe area pet boarding facility.

*Update* 16:45 Sportscast, January 10th, 2018

LSU has officially hired Matt Canada’s replacement. The Tigers have promoted Steve Ensminger to the position of offensive coordinator. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says this isn’t really a surprise…:
CUT 26 (10) “replacing him with”
Ensminger played quarterback for the Tigers from 1976-79 and played in three bowl games at LSU.

Tigers running back Derrius Guice has declared for the NFL draft, as expected. He announced on social media that he has decided to forgo his senior season, becoming the 5th tiger to do so. Guice will finish his LSU career as the school’s single-season record holder for career yards-per-carry.

Golden Eagles quarterback Andre Sale is leaving Tennessee Tech and transferring to LSU. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

The LSU men’s basketball team visits Arkansas tonight looking to keep the momentum going after a thrilling win over Texas A-and-M on Saturday. The Tigers have won two straight on the road, but Coach Will Wade says they will have to step up their game to get a win in Fayetteville…:
Cut 18 (13) “dunking everything”
The Tigers were picked to finish in last place in the SEC. But so far they are exceeding expectations.

The Saints and Vikings are set to meet for a second time this season on Sunday when they meet in the N-F-C playoffs. It sure feels like that first meeting was played during a different season, considering how much the personnel has changed for both teams. Case Keenum has taken over as Minnesota’s quarterback, while the Saints didn’t have left tackle Terron Armstead or center Max Unger. Both players are healthy now, but left guard Andrus Peat will not play after breaking his fibula last week.

16:30 Newscast, January 10th, 2018

The middle school English teacher from Abbeville who was arrested after speaking out against a pay raise for the Vermilion School Superintendent has released a video statement. Deyshia Hargrave says she does not regret her line of questioning at the school board meeting Monday and she is outraged about being removed and arrested. But Vermilion Parish School Board President Anthony Fontana compared Hargrave’s actions to a child in a classroom:
Cut 3 (07) “any help”
Hargrave says she is not granting local media interviews at this time until she appears on a major network program tomorrow morning. This incident is getting attention throughout the world.

LSU has officially hired Matt Canada’s replacement. The Tigers have promoted Steve Ensminger to the position of offensive coordinator.  Ensminger played quarterback for the Tigers from 1976-79 and played in three bowl games at LSU.

The U-S Supreme Court is set to rule this year on New Jersey’s challenge to the ban on sports betting. If overturned, a report says that Louisiana could be one of 18 states to file legislation to regulate sports betting. Chris Grove with Eilers & Krejcik Gaming says his firm analyzed the different gaming players in Louisiana:
Cut 13 (09) “in 2018″
He says legalizing betting in Louisiana would be a huge benefit to the budget.

US Senator John Kennedy says he’s considering a run for governor in 2019, as the GOP in Louisiana hopes to keep Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards from the post for a second term. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Edwards is going to be a tough candidate to beat.:
Cut 12 (09) “he’s raised”
Other GOP names include US Congressmen Ralph Abraham and Steve Scalise, and Attorney General Jeff Landry.

15:30 LRN Newscast January 10

A Vermilion Parish school teacher who was arrested after being asked to leave a school board meeting returned to the classroom today.  Deyshia Hargrave was arrested after voicing her opposition to the superintendent’s raise.  After she left, she was pinned to the floor and handcuffed.  There is some question as to the status of the Marshal that handcuffed her.  Board President Anthony Fontana says the Marshal remains in good standing with the school…

CUT 6 (08) “keep order.”

A pit bull fatally wounded a woman at a West Monroe area pet boarding house last night. Ouachita Parish Sheriffs spokesperson Glen Springfield says deputies arrived at the Happy Hounds Hotel and found Laura Ray had been severely injured…

cut 7 (07)  “the location”

The pit bull is being held by animal control officials.

More Republican names are coming to the forefront to make a run at the Governor’s office in 2019.  U.S. Congressman Ralph Abraham, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and Attorney General Jeff Landry have been mentioned.  ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says they’ll have the task of convincing people that Governor Edwards isn’t as conservative as he maintains:

Cut 11 (09) “organization”

Louisiana’s legislative session begins in March, but there has not been any indication that lawmakers plan to file a bill to legalize sports betting in the state. Chris Grove from Eilers and Krejcik Gaming says it appears Legislators are waiting for one of the three possible Supreme Court outcomes from on a New Jersey challenge to allow sports betting …

Cut 14 (13) “is unconstitional”

13:30 Newscast, January 10th, 2018

US Senator John Kennedy says he’s considering a run for governor in 2019, as the GOP in Louisiana hopes to keep Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards from the post for a second term. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Edwards is going to be a tough candidate to beat.:
Cut 12 (09) “he’s raised”
Other GOP names include US Congressmen Ralph Abraham and Steve Scalise, and Attorney General Jeff Landry.

The U-S Supreme Court is set to rule this year on New Jersey’s challenge to the ban on sports betting. If overturned, a report says that Louisiana could be one of 18 states to file legislation to regulate sports betting. Chris Grove with Eilers & Krejcik Gaming says his firm analyzed the different gaming players in Louisiana:
Cut 13 (09) “in 2018″
He says legalizing betting in Louisiana would be a huge benefit to the budget.

Vermilion Parish School Board President Anthony Fontana does not regret the arrest of an English teacher at a school board meeting this week. Deyshia Hargrave was taken away in handcuffs after questioning the superintendent’s pay raise. Board member Laura LeBeouf says what happened is typical…:
Cut 4 (08) “board room”
The Abbeville City Attorney has said he will not press charges against Hargrave.

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Gene Reynolds says Republican legislators showed up empty-handed this week during a budget meeting that also included the governor’s office. Reynolds says the Democratic caucus is looking at several different proposals to address long term budget deficits, but they are not sure what GOP legislators will support…
cut 26 (11) “…of time”
But Republicans want to see what the Governor proposes.

12:30 Newscast, January 10th, 2018

US Senator John Kennedy says he’s considering a run for governor in 2019, as the GOP in Louisiana hopes to keep Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards from the post for a second term. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says this is a very conservative state, so you can expect plenty of Republican candidates to line up for next year’s election…:
CUT 10 (09) “David Vitter”
Other Republican names that have been mentioned include US Congressman Ralph Abraham, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and Attorney General Jeff Landry.

A woman in Ouachita Parish has died as the result of a pit bull mauling. Sheriff’s Office spokesman Glen Springfield says EMS tried to save the severely injured woman, but there was nothing they could do…:
Cut 8 (04) “was fatal”
The incident happened at a West Monroe area pet boarding facility.

The Vermilion Parish School Board is under scrutiny after a teacher was removed and arrested from a meeting…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

11:30 Newscast, January 10th, 2018

The leader of the state Democratic Caucus is frustrated GOP lawmakers are not presenting ideas on how to solve a looming one-billion dollar budget deficit:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

A pit bull fatally wounded a woman at a Ouachita Parish pet boarding house. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Glen Springfield says they responded to the Happy Hounds Hotel in Brownsville regarding the incident…:
cut 7 (07) “the location”
The woman identified by the media as Laura Ray, later died.

No regrets from Vermilion Parish School Board President Anthony Fontana over the arrest of a teacher during a meeting this week. Deyshia Hargrave got international attention over the incident caught on video in which she questioned the superintendent’s pay raise. As for the status of the Abbeville Marshal that handcuffed her, Fontana says the man remains in good standing..:
Cut 6 (08) “keep order”
The ACLU of Louisiana condemned Hargrave’s arrest.

Congressman Steve Scalise undergoes another surgery today as he continues his long recovery from a gunshot wound he suffered when a gunman opened fire on him and other lawmakers in June. Scalise says today’s surgery has been planed for more than a month…
cut 25 (08) “…excited about”

AM Newscall January 10

U-S Senator John Kennedy has come out against a bill that would incentive better reporting to federal background programs. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

______________________________________

The leader of the legislative Democratic Caucus is frustrated Republican legislators are not presenting ideas on how to solve a looming one-billion dollar budget deficit.  Kelley Ray has more

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

______________________________________________

A teacher’s union group and civil liberties organization are not happy about the arrest of a south Louisiana teacher during a school board meeting.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

___________________________________________________

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise undergoes another surgery today as he continues his recovery from a gunshot sustained while practicing for a charity baseball game. The bullet struck several of the Congressman’s internal organs.  LSU Health Level One Trauma Center’s Medical Director Dr. John Hunt says it’s common for shooting victims with serious injuries to undergo another surgery…

Cut 4  (08) “cleaned up.” 

Hunt says the quick attention Scalise immediately received after the shooting more than likely saved his life…

Cut 5  (07)  “he had.”

Scalise mentioned the surgery in a press conference on Tuesday.  He says he’s looking forward to getting back to work on Capitol Hill and getting business done in the session that started this week…

Cut 6 (08)  “excited about.”

_________________________________________________

U-S Senator John Kennedy opposes a bipartisan bill designed to improve the national background check database. The legislation would penalize federal workers who fail to report relevant records to the database, and provide incentives to states that increase reporting levels. Kennedy says we don’t need legislation asking federal workers to do their job…

Cut 7 (06)  “idiot control.”

States and federal agencies are required to report background information on people that would make them ineligible to purchase a firearm. Kennedy says he supports a database of criminal offenses, but he opposes legislation that asks government workers to do their jobs…

Cut 8 (06) “gets fired”

The bill was proposed as a fix to the NICS database that in theory should prevent those with criminal backgrounds, certain mental illnesses, dishonorable discharges, and other restrictions from purchasing firearms. Kennedy says he would prefer legislation that would fire federal employees who fail to report the proper records into the Background Check system…

Cut 9 (10)  “your bonuses.”

___________________________________________________

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Gene Reynolds says he and fellow Democrats came away frustrated after meeting with the GOP on how to prevent falling off a fiscal cliff when one-billion-dollars in revenue comes off the books June 30th.  Reynolds says the Republicans haven’t presented a plan to help balance next fiscal year’s budget…

Cut 10 (07) “we need.”

Reynolds says Democrats have some solutions they are willing to share across the aisle that include taxing utilities to adjusting the states’ income tax brackets, but says there won’t be any negotiations until they know a solid GOP plan is in place…

Cut 11 (11) “of time.”

Governor John Bel Edwards is saying he will present a budget no later than January 19th, whether or not the one-billion-dollar shortfall is accounted for.  Republican House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says Democrats are going about this all wrong and is disappointed in the way Edwards and his party are discussing ways to tackle the budget…

Cut 12 (12) “same way.”

Henry says he is sick and tired of Edwards casting all the blame on the GOP and not including his own party in helping to share the burden of coming up with a solution.  Henry is hopeful Edwards will share the specifics of his plan at the Legislative Budget Meeting January 19th…

Cut 13 (09)  “can read.”

_________________________________________________

State Police are warning motorists driving newer cars that their bright headlights, could increase the risk of accidents. Trooper Glen Younger says there’s one innovation in particular which is getting drivers into trouble.

Cut 14 (07) “biggest problems.”

Younger says the LED headlights are a particular problem, and emphasized the need to keep your distance while driving in bad weather with your brights on…

Cut 15 (09) “fog lights on.”

Many new cars come equipped with sensors that will automatically turn headlights on and off, but Younger says you still need to check your headlights when the weather clears up. He says sometimes motorists don’t realize that their brights are on, and that’s getting people tickets…

Cut 16 (09)  “headlights on”

_________________________________________

The LSU men’s basketball team visits Arkansas tonight looking to keep the momentum going after a thrilling win over Texas A-and-M on Saturday. Freshman point guard Tremont Waters hit two long-range three-pointers in the final 12 seconds to give LSU a 69-68 win over the Aggies. Head Coach Will Wade says they can count on Waters to make the big plays….

Cut 17 (17) often than not”

LSU has won two straight on the road, but Wade says the Tigers will have to step up their game to get a win in Fayetteville…

Cut 18 (13) “dunking everything”

LSU was picked to finish in last place in the SEC. But so far they are exceeding expectations. Thanks to Waters dramatic shot on Saturday, LSU already owns a victory over a ranked team on the road. Wade hopes his team can build off that special moment….

Cut 19 (17)   “for us”

 

18:30 LRN Newscast January 9

A Monroe Police officer who died while on duty early Sunday morning apparently shot himself before crashing The Monroe News Star says it’s unknown if 26-year-old Officer Chris Beaudion accidentally shot himself or committed suicide.  State Police are investigating the wreck off Winnsboro Road while the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the cause of death.

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index is at an all time high heading into 2018. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “Matt Doyle”

One teenager is dead and two adults are wounded after an apparent home invasion in Tallulah. 17-year-old Robert Taylor, was found deceased after Madison Parish deputies arrived on the scene Sunday night. 21-year-old Corey McGowan was injured and taken into custody last night. Sheriff’s investigator Brandon Wiltcher says the shootout began after Taylor and McGowan knocked at the homeowner’s door.

Cut 12 (10) “had weapons”

McGowan is facing several charges including attempted first degree murder.

After failing last year to raise Louisiana’s gas tax for road improvements, Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter has a different idea this year by planning to file a constitutional amendment that would allow a region of the state to decide if they want a higher gas tax for their area. Carter says there’s not enough support for a statewide gas tax increase…

Cut 3 (07) “any help.”

16:30 LRN Newscast January 9

Congressman Steve Scalise of Metairie says the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is already having a positive impact on families. Scalise lists over 100 businesses on his House Majority Whip website that have given bonuses, pay raises or made new investments as a result of the federal tax overhaul. Scalise says local businesses in southeast Louisiana are following suit….

Cut 14 (12) “bonuses”

NFIB Index of Small Business Optimism is at an all-time high as we enter 2018. A sharp rise in optimism was logged after the 2016 election, and Louisiana NFIB Director Dawn Starns says a lot of that has to do with the Trump administration’s promise of regulatory rollback and tax cuts…

Cut 6 (07)  “in 2017”

One teenager is dead and two adults are wounded after an apparent home invasion in Tallulah. 17-year-old Robert Taylor, was found and 21-year-old Corey McGowan was injured and taken into custody last night. Madison Parish Sheriff’s Investigator Brandon Wiltcher says after the homeowner opened the door, the suspects allegedly forced their way into the house…

Cut 13 (11)  “three men.”

McGowan is being held without bond and faces charges including attempted first degree murder.

After failing last year to raise Louisiana’s gas tax for road improvements, Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter has a different idea this year in dividing up regions in which voters locally would approve fuel tax increases.  Carter says this plan makes sense since not all roads and bridges across Louisiana need maintenance…

Cut 4  (08) “to vote.”