09:30 Newscast, December 15th, 2017

U.S. Representative Mike Johnson of Shreveport helped to establish a bi-partisan Honor and Civility Caucus to restore trust and confidence in American politics. He says the goal is to hold other lawmakers accountable for their actions and encourage respect in Congress…:
Cut 9 (10) “vice versa”
He says it’s time to change the tone of the way politics is done.

The mother of LSU student Max Gruver, the pledge who died in an apparent hazing incident at a fraternity house, said she believes her son was murdered. Ann Gruver made the comments on Good Morning America Thursday, the same day an East Baton Rouge Parish grand jury began the process of determining whether to charge 10 men in connection with Gruver’s death. Max died with a BAC of .495, an amount of alcohol which is mother believes is not physically possible to consume unless you are forced.

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco will give the Commencement address at UL-Lafayette today. University President Joe Savoie says when Blanco served as governor from 2004 to 2008, she led efforts to improve higher education funding…:
Cut 5 (10) “southern states”
Blanco recently announced she’d been diagnosed with liver cancer, but Savoie says she’s feeling good and ready to go for graduation.

The State Legislative Auditor says they believe former State Police Col Mike Edmonson knew about an expensive side trip some troopers took on their way to a work conference in California. Edmonson retired in March after it was learned several troopers billed taxpayers for sight seeing trip to Las Vegas and Grand Canyon. State Auditor Roger Harris…:
Cut 15 (13) “tour sites”
Edmonson says he plans to respond to the audit by January 15th.

08:30 Newscast, December 15th, 2017

Matters keep looking worse for embattled former State Police Col Mike Edmonson. The state legislative auditor released findings which point to Edmonson possibly misusing power and taxpayer dollars. State Auditor Roger Harris says Edmonson and his family lived in a state owned building without proper authority…:
Cut 14 (12) “of his employment”
Edmonson says he plans to respond to the audit by January 15th.

Governor John Bel Edwards has the created the Governor’s Justice Implementation Oversight Council as a part of the sweeping criminal justice reform effort…:
Cut 10 (12) “as Legislators”
That’s the Governor’s Communications Director Shauna Sanford.

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco will give the Commencement address at UL-Lafayette today….:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

The man who confessed to killing his girlfriend’s convicted molester inside a Zachary trailer, then stuffing his body into a 55-gallon container, was quickly found guilty of second-degree murder Thursday in Baton Rouge. Prosecutors argued that 23-year-old Jace Crehan of Walker should not have taken justice into his own hands in 2015. The girlfriend, Brittany Monk, pleaded guilty to manslaughter earlier this year. She faces up to 40 years behind bars — Crehan life in prison.

07:30 Newscast, December 15th, 2017

A State Legislative Audit into possible misuse of state funds by former Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been released…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco, who recently announced she is battling liver cancer, will give the Commencement today at her alma mater, UL-Lafayette. University President Joe Savoie says he can’t wait to see her speak..:
Cut 6 (10) “to it”

Governor John Bel Edwards has created a council to oversee the state’s new criminal justice reform laws. Shauna Sanford, administration spokesperson, says they want to take a close look to see if the changes are working, and if not they’ll submit proposals as to what should be modified…:
Cut 12 (08) “the council”
A required annual report will be submitted to the Governor starting at the end of 2018.

Republican U.S. Representative Mike Johnson of Shreveport took part in establishing a bi-partisan Honor and Civility Caucus aimed at restoring trust and confidence in American politics. He says it’s time to change the tone on Capitol Hill…:
Cut 7 (11) “an example”
Johnson says the goal of the caucus is to hold other lawmakers accountable for their actions and encourage respect in Congress.

06:45 Sportscast, December 15th, 2017

The 9-and-4 Saints are preparing to host the New York Jets Sunday. New Orleans is in a tie in the NFC South with Carolina after losing last Thursday to Atlanta. Quarterback Drew Brees says the long week has allowed the team to heal and prepare for the final four games of the regular season…:
Cut 16 (11) “some experience”
Saints breakout rookie running back Alvin Kamara said again that he will play on Sunday after suffering a concussion last week. Kick off is set for 12 noon on CBS.

The Jets will be without starting quarterback Josh McCown, who suffered a broken left hand in New York’s shutout loss at Denver last Sunday. But the team says McCown will be coming to New Orleans this weekend, and will serve as a player-coach on the sideline.

The Pelicans travel to Denver to face the Nuggets at 8pm tonight.

It’ll be a busy weekend for the Mercedes Benz Superdome staff, as not only are the Saints playing this weekend, but the R and L Carriers New Orleans Bowl takes place tomorrow with a noon kickoff. Troy, who upset LSU earlier this season 24-21, will take on North Texas in The Big Easy.

LSU will resume practice for the Citrus Bowl on Monday, and once again during Thursday workouts The Tigers were without edge rusher Arden Key who continues to battle injuries. Coach Ed Orgeron says Key is questionable for the New Years Day contest against Notre Dame.

Mississippi State officially announced former UL-Lafayette coach Mark Hudspeth as the Bulldogs’ associate head coach and tight ends coach.

In college hoops last night, Southeastern Louisiana got back to its winning ways with a 106-77 victory over Southern-New Orleans. SLU hosts Grambling tomorrow. McNeese State fell to North Carolina Central, 77-71. The Cowboys are at Pittsburgh tomorrow. Southern defeated Florida A&M 68-50. Also Saturday LSU hosts Stephen F Austin, Louisiana Tech plays at Texas. Nicholls State hosts Culver-Stockton, and UL-Lafayette hosts UNO.

06:30 Newscast, December 15th, 2017

The state legislative auditor releases findings that point to possible misuse of state dollars and abuse of power by the former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson. During a meeting of the legislative audit advisory council, an auditor who worked on the report gave an example of how Edmonson allegedly used public resources to run errands for his family…:
Cut 13 (10) “state vehicle”
Edmonson says he plans to respond to the audit by January 15th.

UL-Lafayette alum and former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco will be guest speaker today at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Fall 2017 Commencement ceremony. UL-Lafayette President Joe Savoie says the plans for Blanco to give the address were made before she announced she was fighting liver cancer…:
Cut 4 (06) “do it”
He says Blanco will also receive an honorary doctorate.

Republican Congressman Mike Johnson has helped to create a caucus dedicated to restoring civility in American politics. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Four Covington High School students have been arrested following a fight on a school bus that occurred as school was letting out Thursday.

AM Newscall, December 15th, 2017

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco will give the Commencement address at UL-Lafayette today. Kelley Ray reports the governor is known as a friend to education…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

______________________________________

Republican Congressman Mike Johnson along with Democratic Congressman Charlie Crist of Florida have created a caucus dedicated to restoring civility in American politics. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________________

A State Legislative Audit into possible misuse of state funds by former Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been released.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo .”

____________________________________________________

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco will give the Commencement address at UL-Lafayette today.   Blanco announced last week she is fighting liver cancer.  University President Joe Savoie says the plans for her to speak today were made before her latest diagnosis…

Cut 4  (06) “do it.” 

Blanco served as Governor from 2004 to 2008 and Savoie says Blanco led efforts to improve higher education funding…

Cut 5  (10)  “southern states.”

Savoie says Blanco has not only been a great political leader, but is a great person and looks forward to seeing her values shine through in the speech…

Cut 6 (10)  “to it.”

Her husband Raymond served many roles at UL-Lafayette during his 46 years with the university.

________________________________________________________

Republican U.S. Representative Mike Johnson along with Democratic Florida Representative Charlie Crist have established a bi-partisan Honor and Civility Caucus to restore trust and confidence in American politics. Johnson, who represents the northwestern parishes of Louisiana, says it’s time to change the tone of the way politics is done.

Cut 7 (11)  “an example”

Johnson authored the “Commitment to Civility” that’s been signed by over 120 bi-partisan members of Congress to commit to setting an example of personal integrity and mutual respect. He says it’s sad that an issue has to be made about this topic to remind people to be polite.

Cut 8 (09) “pretty simple”

Johnson says the goal of the caucus is to hold other lawmakers responsible for their actions and encourage respect in Congress.

Cut 9 (10)  “vice versa.”

________________________________________________________

Through an Executive Order, Governor John Bel Edwards has the created the Governor’s Justice Implementation Oversight Council as a part of the sweeping criminal justice reform effort.  The Governor’s Communications Director Shauna Sanford says a variety of backgrounds will serve on the panel…

A main aspect of the reform effort is the lowering of the state’s incarceration rate, which the Governor’s office says will save the state 78-million-dollars over ten years.  The money will be reinvested for programs designed to rehabilitate former inmates into becoming productive citizens.  Sanford says the council will make sure the money is being used as promised and the information will be transparent…

They won’t be directly changing laws, but will meet quarterly to see if the reform is working.  If it isn’t, Sanford says they will be able to make informed recommendations on what changes are needed…

Cut 12 (08) “the council.”

A required annual report will be submitted to the Governor starting at the end of 2018.

_________________________________________________________

The state legislative auditor releases findings that point to possible misuse of state dollars and abuse of power by the former Superintendent of State Police Mike Edmonson. During a meeting of the legislative audit advisory council, an auditor who worked on the report gave an example of how Edmonson allegedly used public resources to run errands for his family…

Cut 13 (10)  “state vehicle”

Governor John Bel Edwards calls the report’s findings troubling. The report also details improper use of New Orleans hotel rooms during Mardi Gras. State Auditor Roger Harris says Edmonson and his family lived in a state owned building without proper authority….

Cut 14 (12) “of his employment.”

Edmonson says he plans to respond to the audit by January 15th and believes Louisiana residents will not prematurely reach conclusions until all facts are presented. He retired in March after it was learned several troopers billed taxpayers for sight seeing trip to Las Vegas and Grand Canyon. Harris says they believe Edmonson knew about the expensive side trip…

Cut 15 (13) “tour sites”

________________________________________________________________

The 9-and-4 Saints are preparing to host the New York Jets Sunday. New Orleans is in a tie in the NFC South with Carolina after losing last Thursday to Atlanta.  Quarterback Drew Brees says the long week has allowed the team to heal and prepare for the final four games of the regular season…

Cut 16  (11)  “some experience.”

More than likely, running back Mark Ingram will cross the one-thousand yard mark in rushing, matching his 2016 effort of over one-thousand yards.  Brees says Ingram is a leader that all players want to rally around…

Cut 17 (20) “more positive.”

Brees was critical of the NFL following last week’s loss to the Falcons, but says he realizes that as a leader, he needs to focus on the next challenge in the New York Jets Sunday and be fully prepared…

Cut 18 (17) “from example.”

Kick off is set for 12 noon on CBS.

______________________________________________________________

AM Newscall December 15

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco will give the Commencement address at UL-Lafayette today. Kelley Ray reports the governor is known as a friend to education…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

______________________________________

Republican Congressman Mike Johnson along with Democratic Congressman Charlie Crist of Florida have created a caucus dedicated to restoring civility in American politics. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________________

A State Legislative Audit into possible misuse of state funds by former Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been released.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo .”

____________________________________________________

Former Governor and University of Southwestern Louisiana graduate Kathleen Blanco will give the Commencement address at UL-Lafayette today.   Blanco announced last week she is fighting liver cancer.  University President Joe Savoie says the plans for her to speak today were made before her latest diagnosis…

Cut 4  (06) “do it.” 

Blanco served as Governor from 2004 to 2008 and Savoie says Blanco led efforts to improve higher education funding…

Cut 5  (10)  “southern states.”

Savoie says Blanco has not only been a great political leader, but is a great person and looks forward to seeing her values shine through in the speech…

Cut 6 (10)  “to it.”

Her husband Raymond served many roles at UL-Lafayette during his 46 years with the university.

________________________________________________________

Republican U.S. Representative Mike Johnson along with Democratic Florida Representative Charlie Crist have established a bi-partisan Honor and Civility Caucus to restore trust and confidence in American politics. Johnson, who represents the northwestern parishes of Louisiana, says it’s time to change the tone of the way politics is done.

Cut 7 (11)  “an example”

Johnson authored the “Commitment to Civility” that’s been signed by over 120 bi-partisan members of Congress to commit to setting an example of personal integrity and mutual respect. He says it’s sad that an issue has to be made about this topic to remind people to be polite.

Cut 8 (09) “pretty simple”

Johnson says the goal of the caucus is to hold other lawmakers responsible for their actions and encourage respect in Congress.

Cut 9 (10)  “vice versa.”

________________________________________________________

Through an Executive Order, Governor John Bel Edwards has the created the Governor’s Justice Implementation Oversight Council as a part of the sweeping criminal justice reform effort.  The Governor’s Communications Director Shauna Sanford says a variety of backgrounds will serve on the panel…

Cut 10 (12) “as Legislators.”

A main aspect of the reform effort is the lowering of the state’s incarceration rate, which the Governor’s office says will save the state 78-million-dollars over ten years.  The money will be reinvested for programs designed to rehabilitate former inmates into becoming productive citizens.  Sanford says the council will make sure the money is being used as promised and the information will be transparent…

Cut 11 (11) “the reforms.”

They won’t be directly changing laws, but will meet quarterly to see if the reform is working.  If it isn’t, Sanford says they will be able to make informed recommendations on what changes are needed…

Cut 12 (08) “the council.”

A required annual report will be submitted to the Governor starting at the end of 2018.

_________________________________________________________

The state legislative auditor releases findings that point to possible misuse of state dollars and abuse of power by the former Superintendent of State Police Mike Edmonson. During a meeting of the legislative audit advisory council, an auditor who worked on the report gave an example of how Edmonson allegedly used public resources to run errands for his family…

Cut 13 (10)  “state vehicle”

Governor John Bel Edwards calls the report’s findings troubling. The report also details improper use of New Orleans hotel rooms during Mardi Gras. State Auditor Roger Harris says Edmonson and his family lived in a state owned building without proper authority….

Cut 14 (12) “of his employment.”

Edmonson says he plans to respond to the audit by January 15th and believes Louisiana residents will not prematurely reach conclusions until all facts are presented. He retired in March after it was learned several troopers billed taxpayers for sight seeing trip to Las Vegas and Grand Canyon. Harris says they believe Edmonson knew about the expensive side trip…

Cut 15 (13) “tour sites”

________________________________________________________________

The 9-and-4 Saints are preparing to host the New York Jets Sunday. New Orleans is in a tie in the NFC South with Carolina after losing last Thursday to Atlanta.  Quarterback Drew Brees says the long week has allowed the team to heal and prepare for the final four games of the regular season…

Cut 16  (11)  “some experience.”

More than likely, running back Mark Ingram will cross the one-thousand yard mark in rushing, matching his 2016 effort of over one-thousand yards.  Brees says Ingram is a leader that all players want to rally around…

Cut 17 (20) “more positive.”

Brees was critical of the NFL following last week’s loss to the Falcons, but says he realizes that as a leader, he needs to focus on the next challenge in the New York Jets Sunday and be fully prepared…

Cut 18 (17) “from example.”

Kick off is set for 12 noon on CBS.

18:30 LRN Newscast December 14

A State Legislative Audit into possible misuse of state funds by former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been released.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo .”

Governor John Bel Edwards says the report uncovered some troubling findings and serious problems with past abuses of power by the former Superintendent Edmonson.  Edwards did praise current superintendent Kevin Reeves as he has already taken significant steps to restore the public’s trust and accountability…

A grand jury met for the first time to determine if 10 LSU fraternity members should be charged in connection with Maxwell Gruver’s suspected hazing death. Gruver’s mother, Rae Ann, spoke on ABC’s Good Morning America today saying the Phi Delta Theta brothers should be charged with murder. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says he suspects East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore chose to call a grand jury because…

Cut 4  (10) “that decision.” 

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway for the holiday season. Executive Director Katara Williams says law enforcement officers will be cracking down on drunk driving. She says they want Louisianans to celebrate the holidays responsibly.

Cut 12 (10) “and celebrate.”

17:30 LRN Newscast December 14

The state legislative auditor releases findings that point to possible misuse of state dollars and abuse of power by the former Superintendent of State Police Mike Edmonson. During a meeting of the legislative audit advisory council, an auditor who worked on the report gave an example of how Edmonson allegedly used public resources to run errands for his family…

Cut 13 (10)  “state vehicle”

Edmonson says he plans to respond to the audit by January 15th and believes Louisiana residents will not prematurely reach conclusions until all facts are presented.

A man has been found guilty of killing a man sexually assaulted his then girlfriend.  21-year-old Jace Crehan killed and stuffed 47-year-old Robert Noce Jr. of Zachary in a barrel.  Noce pled no contest to the claims before his death.  Crehan faces sentencing Jan 18th.

A grand jury began meeting today to look at the evidence collected in the suspected hazing death of LSU freshman Maxwell Gruver who died from alcohol poisioning. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says prosecutors may use a grand jury to get more information on a case….

cut 5 (07) “…of something”

Ten frat members are facing a charge of hazing and one of the accused is also charged with negligent homicide.

The Iberville Parish Sheriff’s office has confiscated an eighth-grader’s guns as a result of a threatening Instagram post. Sheriff Brett Stassi says the student admits to taking the picture, but did not write the text that had parents and law enforcement concerned. Stassi says the Math, Science and Arts Academy campus was open today, once they realized there was not a threat…

cut 8 (09) “…the school”

Stassi says this appears to be a prank that went awry.

16:30 LRN Newscast December 14-CORRECTED

The Legislative Audit investigating former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been released.  Governor Edwards says it’s uncovered some troubling findings and serious problems with past abuses of power, but praised Superintendent Kevin Reeves since he has already taken significant steps to resolve public trust and accountability.

A grand jury began hearing evidence today in the suspected hazing death of 18-year-old Maxwell Gruver. He’s the LSU freshman who based on toxicology reports drank himself to death in September at the Phi Delta Theta house. Ten fraternity members face a charge of hazing and one of them has also been charged with negligent homicide. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino on why the District Attorney assembled a grand jury.

cut 4 (10) “…that decision”

The Legislative Audit investigating former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been released.  Governor Edwards says it’s uncovered some troubling findings and serious problems with past abuses of power, but praised Superintendent Kevin Reeves since he has already taken significant steps to resolve public trust and accountability.

The state’s Highway Safety Commission’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign has started and will continue through the remainder of the holiday season.  Executive Director Katara Williams says there is a big problem with drinking and driving all times of the year, not just during the holidays.  More than 330 were killed in 2016 as a result of someone getting behind the wheel impaired.

Cut 13 (06)  “drunk driver”

The U-S Post office says time is running out to make sure your holiday gifts get to your loved ones on time.  Spokesperson Twana Barber says all first class mail needs to be at the Post Office by December 19th, priority mail December 20th and December 22nd for Priority Mail express. She says make sure the name and address of where the gift is going can be clearly seen…

Cut 10 (10) “those labels”