11:30 Newscast, December 12th, 2017

There’s been some buzz of late about the possibility of Congressman Ralph Abraham of Richland Parish running for governor in 2019. He would join other potential GOP candidates going up against Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards such as US Senator John Kennedy, AG Jeff Landry and Congressman Garret Graves. Abraham says they are considering the option…:
CUT 9 (07) “look at it closely”

A coalition of student groups called Renew LSU is pushing for university leaders to rename two prominent buildings on campus, Murphy J. Foster Hall and the John M. Parker Coliseum. The group’s spokesperson Savanah Dickinson with says former Governor Murphy Foster created voter registration requirements that disenfranchised a majority of Louisiana in the 1890s…:
Cut 3 (10) “lynch mob”
It’s expected Renew LSU will hear LSU’s thoughts in the spring.

A 32-year-old Louisiana man faces up to five years in prison after pleading guilty to using President Donald Trump’s social security number to try and obtain a copy of the president’s federal tax information. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says Jordan Hamlett of Lafayette will likely get probation or very little time….:
Cut 10 (10) “returns contain”
Hamlett made six separate attempts to obtain the federal tax information from IRS servers, but he was unsuccessful.

Two time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks is coming to Baton Rouge early next year to star in a World War Two era film entitled “Greyhound.” Louisiana Economic Development’s Don Pierson says it will employ over 250 persons in Baton Rouge…:
Cut 15 (09) “for sure”

10:30 LRN Newscast December 12

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco is feeling better after getting her first treatment for liver cancer.  The family released a statement that says quote, ”She is beginning to feel stronger after recovering from her first treatment in Philadelphia. She believes the extraordinary out pouring of prayer has much to do with her progress.”

A 32-year-old Lafayette man faces five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to using President Trump’s social security number to try and access his tax returns. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3  (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Democrat Justin Dewitt of Baton Rouge has announced he plans to run against Republican Congressman Garret Graves next year. As a victim on last year’s historic flood, he says he plans to seriously address flood control. Dewitt says he’s only accepting individual contributions for his campaign.

Cut 5  (10)  “I’m against”

Dewitt was born in Sulphur and moved to Zachary, where he graduated from Zachary High School.

An anonymous donor gave one-million-dollars to the University of Louisiana at Monroe to support the School of Education.  ULM President Dr. Nick Bruno says it’s amazing that someone in their community would want to invest so much into young persons and their futures…

Cut 9 (13)  “our children.”

09:30 Newscast, December 12th, 2017

Democrat Justin Dewitt of Baton Rouge has announced he plans to run against Republican Congressman Garret Graves next year. Dewitt, who is openly gay, says he’s running because he feels Graves does not represent the interests of the 6th Congressional District…:
Cut 4 (11) “the works”
He says he’s not running for office on the platform that he’s a gay candidate.

Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco is beginning to feel stronger after recovering from her first cancer treatment in Philadelphia, according to her family. Blanco’s alma mater, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, announced Monday the former governor will be the guest speaker at Friday’s Fall 2017 Commencement ceremony. On Sunday, Blanco announced the return of a rare form of eye cancer she faced six years ago, had invaded her liver.

A 32-year-old Louisiana man pleads guilty to using President Donald Trump’s social security number to try and obtain tax returns. Jordan Hamlett of Lafayette faces up to five years in prison. Legal Analyst Tim Meche feels if this case were taken to trial the jury would’ve taken sympathy on Hamlett.
Cut 11 (10) “him guilty”
Meche says Hamlett will likely get probation or very little time.

A Bossier Parish teacher has been arrested after allegedly stealing prescription drugs from a fellow teacher. Lt. Bill Davis with the Sheriff’s Office says the accusations against 39-year-old Robyn Edmonds of Princeton Elementary School are a shame…:
Cut 14 (08) “sad day”
Edmonds is charged with simple theft and possession of a Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance.

08:30 Newscast, December 12th, 2017

Governor John Bel Edwards signed into law last summer some enhancements to the state’s film tax incentive program, and as a result six projects are expected to shoot next year in Louisiana. Pre-production on a Tom Hanks World War Two era film began in Baton Rouge yesterday. Louisiana Economic Development’s Don Pierson applauds the changes to the movie tax program…:
Cut 16 (12) “we’re strong”
Crews are expected to film aboard the U-S-S Kidd on the Mississippi River and other Baton Rouge locations next March.

Three former NFL players with connections to New Orleans are among those suspended from the NFL Network amid accusations of inappropriate sexual behavior. CBS News reports that NFL Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk, Super Bowl champions Heath Evans and Ike Taylor are accused of harassing a former wardrobe stylist at the network.

An anonymous donor gave an astonishing one-million-dollar gift to the University of Louisiana at Monroe…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

A Bossier Parish teacher has been arrested for allegedly stealing prescription drugs from a co-worker. Lt. Bill Davis with the Sheriff’s Office says 39-year-old Robyn Edmonds of Princeton Elementary School is in big trouble…:
Cut 13 (09) “substance”
Bossier Parish School officials say Edmonds has been placed on leave.

07:30 Newscast, December 12th, 2017

Democrat Justin Dewitt of Baton Rouge has announced he plans to run against Republican Congressman Garret Graves next year. Dewitt was born in Sulphur, is a Zachary High grad and openly gay. But says he’s not running for office on the platform that he’s a gay candidate…:
Cut 6 (11) “the job”
Dewitt says he’s running because he feels Graves does not represent the interests of the 6th Congressional District.

Two time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks is coming to Baton Rouge early next year to star in a World War Two era film entitled “Greyhound”. Louisiana Economic Development’s Don Pierson says it’s great that Governor Edwards signed into law last summer several enhancements to Louisiana’s film incentive program…:
Cut 17 (11) “Baton Rouge”
Six projects altogether are expected to shoot in 2018 in Louisiana.

A 32-year-old Louisiana man faces five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to using President Trump’s social security number to try and access his tax returns…:
Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

An anonymous donor gave one-million-dollars to the University of Louisiana at Monroe, as part of the SOAR Capital Campaign to support the School of Education at ULM. Development Officer of the fundraising effort Morgan Patrick says their goal is 54-million-dollars…:
cut 7 (07) “audience clapping”

06:45 Sportscast, December 12th, 2017

Saints star rookie running back Alvin Kamara is still progressing through the NFL’s concussion protocol, but it’s reported that he expects to play Sunday against the New York Jets. A Saints spokesman said Kamara still has to clear certain benchmarks before being allowed to play.

Meanwhile on Monday Night Football, it’s clear the Patriots are struggling without suspended star tight end Rob Gronkowski, as New England Quarterback Tom Brady was intercepted by the Dolphins twice; and the underdog Miami went on to beat the Pats 27-20. Gronk is punished for one game for a late hit on former LSU, now-Bills cornerback Tre-Davious White last weekend. The Patriots can still put themselves in prime position for a top seed in the AFC playoffs with a win on the road against the Steelers.

The LSU football team begins practice today for the Citrus Bowl against Notre Dame on New Years Day. It’s the first of 15 workouts before the game in Florida.

SMU will reportedly hire former Louisiana Tech Coach Sonny Dykes as its new head coach. A news conference is slated for today.

Last night the Pelicans went toe-to-toe in the game, but couldn’t hang on against one of the best team’s in the NBA. The Rockets rallied for the 130-123 victory over New Orleans and Houston has now won 10 straight. But the 14-14 Pels had one of its most explosive outings of the year, even without star forward Anthony Davis. They’ll face Milwaukee tomorrow.

Former Calvary Baptist star Shea Patterson has decided he’ll play at Michigan next season. Because of the NCAA sanctions that have hit Ole Miss, Patterson will be able to play for the Wolverines in 2018. In seven games for the Rebels in 2017, Patterson threw for 2,259 yards and 17 touchdowns. Michigan needs a QB, they went through three this season.

In college hoops, LSU forward Duop Reath was named the Southeastern Conference player of the week Monday after pouring in a career high 30 points in the Tigers win over UNC Wilmington on Sunday.

Tonight on the hardwood, ULM hosts Grambling. Southeastern travels to face Central Florida, and Louisiana Tech welcomes in-state rival UL-Lafayette.

06:30 Newscast, December 12th, 2017

A 32-year-old Louisiana man faces up to five years in prison after pleading guilty to using President Donald Trump’s social security number to try and obtain a copy of the president’s federal tax information. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says Jordan Hamlett of Lafayette will likely get probation or very little time….:
Cut 10 (10) “returns contain”
Hamlett made six separate attempts to obtain the federal tax information from IRS servers, but he was unsuccessful.

Two time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks is coming to Baton Rouge early next year to star in a World War Two era film entitled “Greyhound.” Louisiana Economic Development’s Don Pierson says it will employ over 250 persons in Baton Rouge…:
Cut 15 (09) “for sure”

Democrat Justin Dewitt plans to run against Republican incumbent Garret Graves for Louisiana’s 6th district U.S. Representative seat…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Totals are in for last week’s historic snow event and Kentwood saw the most with 6 and a half inches.

AM Newscall December 12

Democrat Justin Dewitt plans to run against Republican incumbent Garret Graves for Louisiana’s 6th district U.S. Representative seat. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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An anonymous donor gave an astonishing one-million-dollar gift to the University of Louisiana at Monroe.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

______________________________________

A 32-year-old Lafayette man faces five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to using President Trump’s social security number to try and access his tax returns. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3  (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

________________________________________________________

Democrat Justin Dewitt of Baton Rouge has announced he plans to run against Republican Congressman Garret Graves next year. Dewitt was born in Sulphur and moved to Zachary, where he graduated from Zachary High School. He says he’s running because Graves does not represent the interests of the 6th Congressional District.

Cut 4  (11) “the works”

As a victim on last year’s historic flood, he says he plans to seriously address flood control. Dewitt says he’s only accepting individual contributions for his campaign.

Cut 5  (10)  “I’m against”

Dewitt currently works as a land surveyor and is openly gay. He says he’s not running for office on the platform that he’s a gay candidate.

Cut 6 (11) “the job” 

________________________________________________________

An anonymous donor gave one-million-dollars to the University of Louisiana at Monroe.   It was given as part of the SOAR Capital Campaign to support the School of Education at ULM.  Development Officer of the fund raising effort Morgan Patrick says the donation gets them closer to their 54-million-dollar goal…

Cut 7 (07) audience clapping. 

Dr. Eric Pani, Vice President of Academic Affairs is awed that the donation was given by a retired teacher in the Monroe area who is also a ULM alum.  It will help with students who want to attend the university to become an educator…

Cut 8 (13) “or write.”

ULM President Dr. Nick Bruno says it’s amazing that someone in their community would want to invest so much into young persons and their futures…

Cut 9 (13)  “our children.”

________________________________________________________

A 32-year-old Lafayette man faces up to five years in prison after pleading guilty to using President Donald Trump’s social security number to try and obtain a copy of the president’s federal tax information. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says Jordan Hamlett will likely get probation or very little time. He says no harm was done by Hamlett’s actions.

Cut 10 (10)  “returns contain”

Meche says if this case were taken to trial, he believes the jury would’ve taken sympathy on Hamlett. He says everyone is curious to see what the President’s taxes look like.

Cut 11 (10) “him guilty”

Meche says even though Hamlett did use President Trump’s social security number, which is private, he was only trying to do what the public has been asking for.

Cut 12 (12) “to do”

________________________________________

A Bossier Parish teacher has been arrested after allegedly stealing prescription drugs from a fellow teacher. Lt. Bill Davis with the Sheriff’s Office says before school started a Princeton Elementary School, 39-year-old Robyn Edmonds stole medication from her colleague’s purse.

Cut 13 (09) “substance.”

Bossier Parish School officials say Edmonds has been placed on leave. Davis says the other teacher had a legal prescription for the medication. He says anytime an educator is arrested for something like this, it typically makes news because it’s such an anomaly.

Cut 14 (08) “sad day”

Edmonds is charged with simple theft and possession of a Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance.

__________________________________________________________-

Two time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks is coming to Baton Rouge early next year to star in a World War Two era film entitled “Greyhound”.  Louisiana Economic Development’s Don Pierson says it will employ over 250 persons in Baton Rouge…

Cut 15 (09) “for sure.”

Pre production started this week and crews are expected to film aboard the U-S-S Kidd on the Mississippi River and other Baton Rouge locations next March.  Pierson says filming in Louisiana has seen a downturn in recent years, but remains confident the Governor’s tax incentives will bring more filmmakers to Louisiana…

Cut 16  (12)  “we’re strong.”

Governor Edwards signed into law last summer several enhancements to Louisiana’s film incentive program providing a five percent tax credit for any films produced outside of New Orleans.  Pierson says this movie production is just the beginning of great incentives for Hollywood to consider Louisiana…

Cut 17  (11)  “Baton Rouge.”

Six projects altogether are expected to shoot in 2018 in Louisiana.

18:30 LRN Newscast December 11

Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco is battling an incurable form of liver cancer. It traveled from her eye after she was diagnosed in 2011 with ocular melanoma, a dangerous and rare cancer. Chief of Surgical Oncology at LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Adam Riker says the key is to get Blanco’s immune system strong to slow the cancer growth…:

Cut 3 (10) “tumor cells”

The New Iberia native served as Louisiana’s first female governor from 2004 to 2008, and was criticized for her handling of Hurricane Katrina. But UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says that has been muted after looking back at the magnitude of the storm.:

Cut 5 (06) “for them”

Blanco is 74.

Gas prices in Louisiana are on a steady downward trend, as the current statewide average of $2.26 is 4 cents lower on the week. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says they expect gasoline demand to weaken throughout the winter, which translates to better prices at the pump…:

Cut 7 (05)  “Christmas Holidays”

Prices could slip to below 2.00 a gallon to start 2018.

Totals are in for Friday’s historic snow event and Kentwood saw the most in the state with 6 and a half inches. That’s according to Shawn O’Neil with the National Weather Service in Slidell says this is the first measurable snow for south Louisiana since December of 2008.

Cut 15 (09) “snow event”

Baton Rouge saw three and a half inches of snow and areas of Lake Pontchartrain even saw some of the white stuff.

17:30 LRN Newscast December 11

Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco has announced she is fighting an incurable form of liver cancer.  This comes after a diagnosis in 2011 of a rare form of ocular melanoma which was found in her eyes.   Chief of Surgical Oncology at LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Adam Riker says if one treatment doesn’t work, there are several therapies that can tried in mainstream and experimental medicine…

Cut 4  (12) “these days.” 

The 74-year-old served as Louisiana’s first female governor from 2004 to 2008.  UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Blanco changed the face of politics in Louisiana becoming a trailblazer for females in public office…

Cut 6 (09)  “her legacy.”

Authorities in St. Landry Parish are investigating the finding of a 21-year-old woman’s body from Shreveport in Lake Dubisson (Doo-ba-san). Sheriff Bobby Guidroz (Gee-dro) says the body was found this morning.  A search started Sunday after a fisherman reeled in an unusual item from the lake…

Cut 10 (11) “identify her.”

Police say she disappeared from an Alexandria motel.

Gas prices in Louisiana are on a steady downward trend, as the current statewide average of $2.26 is 4 cents lower on the week.  AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says prices will fall further after the holidays with January and February as one of the best times of the year at the pump…:

Cut 8 (08) “right now”