Category Archives: Newscalls

LRN Newscalls

07.27.18
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LRN PM Newscall July 27th

Entergy customers can look to forward to a lower bill this September.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A Morning Consult poll shows Governor Edward’s approval rating slipped just under 50 percent. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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For the last decade, more than one million Entergy customers throughout the state have been paying charges to cover the cost of repairs to damage from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says he’s got good news for those feeling the pinch on the power bill.

Cut 3 (07) “…rate reduction in September.”

Former Entergy Louisiana customers will see an average monthly reduction of $5.44.  Former Entergy Gulf States will see an average reduction of $3.14 to their bill.  The two companies merged in 2015.  Campbell says it’s welcomed savings at this time of the year.

Cut 4 (06) “…rates go down.”

Campbell says some in the northern portion of the state, who are not typically effected by hurricanes, didn’t understand why they were being hit with the storm fees over the years.

Cut 5 (09) “…for our ice storms.”

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A Morning Consult poll shows Governor John Bel Edwards’ approval rating slipped under 50 percent during the brutal legislative sessions between April and June. Edwards’ has generally maintained one of the highest approval ratings for a Democratic governor, but ULM Political Science Professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says it appears the threats to public services during the sessions took their toll.

 

Cut 6 (10)  “at that.”

Despite the slip in total approval rating, the Governor’s unfavorable rating is still 15 points lower at 35 percent.

Political analysts have noted that average approval ratings for all elected officials tend to take a dive during heated legislative battles like the ones taking place at the capital. Stockley says it’s important to note that the poll may not be giving us the full picture.

Cut 7 (07)  “decline”

But with the legislative session in the rear view mirror and the government fully funded for the year, Stockley says don’t be surprised to see those numbers rebound in the coming months.

Cut 8 (10) “were averted”

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Alexandria is playing host to all nine divisions of the Dixie Girls Softball World Series, which is estimated to bring in over five thousand visitors.  The Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau estimates the week-long event will have quite the economic impact to the area.  CVB Executive Director, Sherry Ellington…

Cut 9 (08)  “so that’s huge.”

Ellington says the community has experience hosting the event.

Cut 10 (05) “largest one so far”

Ellington says the event comes at a great time of the year for the area.

Cut 11 (09) “restaurants and shopping.”

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Five Amite residents are facing federal charges for allegedly torturing a 22-year-old autistic woman, forcing her to eat dog feces and drink her mother’s ashes. But LSU Health Science Center New Orleans Forensic Psychiatrist Graham Spruiell wants to caution the public against assuming the defendants are suffering from mental illness.

Cut 12 (12)   “psychopathic”

Among other alleged crimes, the family allegedly starved her until she did house work, stole over 8 thousand in SSI benefits, beat the victim, and locked her in a six by eight chicken cage.

Authorities say the abuse that began in 2015 when the victim’s mother passed away and her care was transferred over to the defendants. Spruill says it’s a clear case of torture and manipulation, but says the sadistic nature of the actions could indicate something quite dark about the family.

Cut 13 (08) “sadistic behaviors” 

Spruill says he understands the public is having trouble coming to terms with the depravity of the alleged crime, but says there’s just some people on earth who are relatively mentally stable, and just don’t hold human life in high regard.

Cut 14 (11) “disorder”

Raylaine Knope and Terry Knope, and their adult children Bridget lambert, Jody Lambert, and Terry Knope are all facing charges.

07.26.18
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LRN PM Newscall July 26th

The new voice of the Saints is making the transition from the playing field to the press box.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A judge has cleared the way for the removal of a confederate monument that sits outside of the Caddo Parish Courthouse. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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The preparation is underway for the next voice of the Saints as Zach Strief transitions from the playing field to the press box.  Strief, who has no previous broadcasting experience, spent a more than a decade as an offensive tackle with the black and gold.  Strief says he’s been listening to other broadcasters call games, but is hoping to find what makes his play by play unique, in time.

Cut 3 (13) “…have a conversation.”

Strief says his time on the gridiron definitely gives him an advantage but says he still feels he has a long road ahead of him to polish his play by play skills.

Cut 4  (11) “…be a fan really.”

Strief says he looks forward to working with Duece McAllister on commentary and says his hope is that this is something truly special to be shared with the Who Dat Nation.

Cut 5  (12) “…on the field.”

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Authorities have come to a conclusion on how 69-year-old Terry Angelle of Galliano died after he was discovered with his hands and feet bound together with rope in a bayou on Sunday. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Brennan Matherne says investigators have determined the death was self-inflicted.

Cut 6 (10)  “…party was involved.”

Matherne says foul play is not suspected, as he was not robbed.

Cut 7 (03)  “…cash on him.”

Matherne says through interviews with family, investigators learned Angelle had a history of depression.

Cut 8 (08) “…respond to treatment.”

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The US House has passed the National Defense Authorization Act which provides the largest pay raise for troops in nine years. Congressman Ralph Abraham says the pay raises doesn’t just help soldiers, but communities that house military bases too

cut 9 (07)  “dollars.”

The legislation also contains 295-million dollars to update B-52 bombers, which frequently take off at Barksdale Air force Base. There’s also 12-million dollars for a new entrance to Barksdale, so a nuclear weapons storage facility can be built there.  Abraham says the nuclear upgrade is desperately needed for the base.

Cut 10 (10) “no sense”

And for those concerned about nukes being housed in their neck of the woods…

Cut 11 (07) “gunna happen.”

The NDAA also includes 39 million dollars for new alert facilities at the Belle Chase Naval Air Station.

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A federal judge’s ruling allows for the removal of a confederate monument in front of the Caddo Parish courthouse. Judge Robert James dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Daughters of the Confederacy, who said the parish couldn’t remove the monument because it sat on private property. Caddo Parish Commissioner Steven Jackson says it’s a step forward for the community.

Cut 12 (09)   “be equal.”

The monument was erected in 1903, and the commission voted 7-5 in October of 2017 for its removal, deciding it would be better placed in a museum or memorial site.

Jackson says placing the monument in front of a courthouse was highly inappropriate because of the effect it could have had on the proceedings taking place inside court of law.

Cut 13 (11) “the jury” 

The judge also rejected the Daughter’s claim that the commission had violated their free speech and equal protection rights during the proceedings. Jackson says the President of the United Daughters of The Confederacy were given an opportunity to speak in front of the commission, and that their organizations rights were never jeopardized.

Cut 14 (10) “not true”

The Daughters claimed that the land the monument was placed on over a century ago was private land reserved for the monument in a Caddo Parish Police Jury meeting, and the parish did not have the right to remove it.

07.24.18
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LRN PM Newscall July 24th

Eight people have been arrested in connection to a dismembered male body found in the woods outside of Walker. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry continues to press the Edwards administration that more can be done to execute death row inmates. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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A viral video of Becca and Johnathon Campbell, a newlywed couple, has gained achieved social media fame after a sugar-coated sabotage.  The video shows the groom, an Alabama fan, cutting into a Bama themed cake.  Upon removing the slice of cake, he discovered lurking below the icing were the LSU colors of purple and gold.  The couple made an appearance on ESPN Radio in Baton Rouge.  The bride says the prank was orchestrated with her mother’s help.

 

Cut 3 (11) “…they could do it.”

The bride explained very few knew of the prank beforehand.

Cut 4  (04) “…knew about it.”

The groom is in good spirits about the prank.  He says the video was first shared on Facebook, and soon the calls came rolling in.

Cut 5  (10) “…going on and on and on.”

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Eight people are under arrest in relation to a dismembered male body discovered in the woods outside of Walker. Authorities say the human body parts may be connected to a missing persons case out of Ascension Parish. Livingston Sheriff Jason Ard says details are scarce, but they believe the crime was committed early in the month.

Cut 6 (08)  “at today”

Ard says at this point they’re leaning towards the incident being drug related, as those who allegedly played a part, were found with narcotics, and jackets full of drug related offenses.

Cut 7 (08)  “narcotic background”

Ard says they’ are assembling the facts, starting with the coroner who is analyzing the body for clues on what went down.

Cut 8 (06) “as well”

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In a move that blindsided many, following repeatedly denying he would run, the interim Secretary of State, Kyle Ardoin, made a last minute announcement of his inclusion into the special election for the Secretary of State’s office on the final day on qualifying.  Ardoin says he’s already in the position, so he might as well stay.

cut 9 (08)  “…to do that.”

Ardoin claims he never purposely misled anyone about his intentions with the November special election.

Cut 10 (07) “anticipating doing it.”

Ardoin claims that the decision came after much encouragement from friends and family.

Cut 11 (04) “go for it.”

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The exchange on capital punishment between Gov. John Bel Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry continues to escalate.  The last execution in Louisiana took place in 2010, when the drugs for a lethal injection were last available. Solictor General for the AG’s office, Liz Murrill, says they still believe the governor can do more to get executions scheduled

Cut 12 (11)   “…where he stands.”

Murrill says the AG’s office is aware of the hurdles that need to be crossed in order to get the state back into the execution business.

Cut 13 (06) “…we can too.” 

Murrill says it’s up to legislators to figure out exactly what all methods should be included in the expansion of execution methods, but suggests lethal gas should definitely be up for consideration.

Cut 14 (09) “at least do that.”

The governor’s office has pointed out that Landry hasn’t offered a single bill dealing with capital punishment since he took office in 2016.

07.23.18
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LRN PM Newscall July 23

Natchitoches Police announce the arrest of a woman connected to the burning death of a six-month-old child. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Sales tax holidays have been suspended as a result of the tax deal cut in the last special session. Jeff Palermo has more

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards sent a letter to President Donald Trump imploring the Commander in Chief to consider the effects a trade war with China will have on the Louisiana economy. Edwards cited a report from Forbes that highlighted Louisiana as most at risk for damage from the tariffs. Edwards says it’s not a hostile letter, but a reminder about the dangers of a trade war.

 

Cut 3 (09) “than later.”

Edwards highlighted the threat to Louisiana’s shipping and agriculture sectors, but says it’s not just those two areas that could see a big hit from escalating tensions with China.

Cut 4  (10) “or so.”

The governor didn’t call for an end to American tariffs, or for the Administration to back away from their demands for a more equitable trade deal with the Asian power. He sympathizes with the effort, but says he just wants to see things wrapped up as quickly as possible.

Cut 5  (12) “the duration”

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We’ll have one more day of oppressive heat then Louisiana gets a slight break from this record heat wave. State Climatologist Barry Keim says heat indices will be around 110-degrees today, but the wind will shift to the north after today

Cut 6 (09)  “heat index”

The National Weather Service says the high temperature in Shreveport yesterday was 108-degrees, which is a record for Shreveport for any day in July. Keim says we’ll see temperatures close to 100-degrees this week, but the humidity level will drop after today…

Cut 7 (07)  “two to three days”

Keim says it will be hot today, but less humid air is on the way,…

Cut 8 (10) “humidity levels”

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The state’s sales tax holidays have been suspended as a result of the tax deal cut in the last special session. The general sales tax holiday in August, hurricane preparedness holiday in May, and the “Second Amendment” tax holiday have been put on hold for the next seven years. Director of Special Projects at the Tax Foundation Nicole Kaeding says despite their popularity, the holidays don’t spur additional economic activity.

 

cut 9 (07)  “political gimmick”

With the average back to school shopping spree costing about 650 dollars, a 4.45 percent state sales tax break would amount to nearly 29 dollars saved.

Kaeding says research shows shoppers are actually getting less savings than they might think. She says for the few days that sales tax holidays are in effect, retailers increase the cost on items to cash in on the perceived savings.

Cut 10 (08) “their prices”

Kaeding says sales tax holidays are not the same as real sales tax reform, but having them around doesn’t really lead to a major dip in state revenue.

Cut 11 (10) “or locality”

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The body of a Galliano man was found floating in Bayou Lafourche Sunday afternoon, bound in rope, with his bike on the dock that leads into the water. 69-year-old Terry Angelle was discovered floating in the water by a concerned citizen. Lafourche Parish Sherriff’s spokesperson Lt. Brennan Matherne says they are investigating it as a suspicious death.

Cut 12 (09)   “to it”

But Matherne cautioned that despite the rope ties, there is some evidence that the death may not have been the result of foul play.

Cut 13 (13) “his person” 

A local firefighter responded to the call, and jumped into the bayou in an attempt to save Angelle, only to discover the body was visibly decomposing. Matherne says the firefighter brought the body back to shore, and an autopsy is  underway.

Cut 14 (10) “the dock”

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07.21.18
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LRN AM Newscall July 23

A new study from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center finds that fitness themed video games can improve health in children with obesity. Kevin Barnhart has more…

Cut 1 (29)  I’m Kevin Barnhart“

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Louisiana’s first ever openly gay congressional candidate, Justin DeWitt, is one of three challengers to U.S. Representative Garrett Graves in the November 6th election. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (32) ”I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Third district Congressman Clay Higgins has drawn six challengers as he seeks re-election to a second term. Jeff Palermo has a look at Higgins’ opponents…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A new study from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center shows video games that require physical activity can improve health in children with obesity.  The study involved 46 children. Lead researcher Dr. Amanda Staiano explains the results.

Cut 4  (10) “physical activity”

The children received an Xbox 360, Kinect, and four fitness-themed games. They were asked to complete three one-hour gaming sessions each week and had access to a fitness coach. Staiano says after six months the children reduced their body mass index by about three-percent and reduced their cholesterol by seven percentiles.  

Cut 5  (08)  “we found”

Staiano says there is much to take away from the results of this study, but you’ve got to find out what grabs a child’s attention.

Cut 6 (09) “physical activity”

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Louisiana is ranked among the five most vulnerable states in a report regarding weak voting security released by Democrats on the U. S. House Administration Committee. The study says paperless voting machines are dangerous, but Interim Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the Democrats’ claims don’t hold water…

Cut 7 (11) “…zero problems”

Ardoin says the Secretary of State’s office takes painstaking measures to keep election ballots accurate…

Cut 8 (10)  “…the machine”

The Democrats on the House Administration Committee also say the state lacks post-election audits.  The Secretary of State’s office is seeking funding to replace their 10,000 paperless voting machines. But Ardoin says Louisiana’s current election system is safe.

Cut 9 (07)  “…secure about this”

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Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garrett Graves faces three challengers in the November midterm election. Graves is seeking a third term in the 6th district, after previously working in state government. One of Graves’s challengers, political newcomer Democrat Justin DeWitt, had harsh words for the Representative.

Cut 10 (13)   “career politician.”

DeWitt, possibly Louisiana’s first ever openly gay congressional candidate also accused Graves of using “gay innuendo” in mailers and online to attack a previous opponent, Paul Dietzel, in 2014. Graves says the accusation is “ridiculous”.

DeWitt also accuses the Congressman of being out of touch with the district, and a “corporate sellout” who’s owned by big business. Graves says when you look at his voting record, you’ll see the attacks are baseless.

Cut 11 (12) “hold water” 

Graves touted his record of recent accomplishments, including his roles in helping the state receive a 1.4 billion dollar flood protection grant from the feds, as well as recent legislation increasing the share of revenue the state receives from offshore activities…

Cut 12 (11) “but decades.”

Graves other two challengers are Devin Graham, an Independent from Gonzales and Democrat Andie Saizon. The software developer says she’s entering the race with a focus on healthcare. Saizon says she was inspired to jump into the race after a meeting with Graves where she says he explained why he voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Cut 13 (12)  “Medicare For All” 

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Five men and one woman have signed up to challenge Acadiana Congressman Clay Higgins on the November sixth ballot. Lafayette attorney Josh Guillory is the lone Republican challenger. Guillory says Higgins has voted three times to raise our debt

Cut 14 (11) “founders”

Higgins, who lives in Port Barre, is seeking a second term as the House Representative for Louisiana’s 3rd Congressional district. Guillory says the biggest difference between himself and Higgins is that he lives in the district…

Cut 15 (13) “Higgins”

Four Democrats have signed up to challenge Higgins. Rob Anderson, Larry Rader, Verone Thomas and Lafayette attorney Mimi Methvin. Methvin says Higgins and the Trump administration have not followed through on their 2016 campaign promises

Higgins did not qualify in person as he was in Washington DC last week passing a House resolution expressing support for U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Methvin says there is not an immigration crisis as Republicans like to portray…
07.20.18
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LRN PM Newscall July 20th

Media that cover the SEC predict LSU will finish fifth in the SEC West. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The last two major candidates for Secretary of State have entered the race. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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LSU is picked to finish fifth in the SEC West, according to journalists who attended the SEC Football Media Days. Alabama is once again the favorite in the West followed by Auburn, Mississippi State and  Texas A-and-M. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says fifth place is even lower than he projected….

 

Cut 3 (:13) “…Jimbo Fisher’s first year.”

It’s the lowest LSU has been picked since the 1990s. Moran says LSU’s difficult schedule is contributing the low expectations…

Cut 4  (14) “…under Dan Mullen.”

Moran says LSU’s biggest question marks are at quarterback and wide receiver, but the defense could be one of the best in the SEC…

Cut 5  (10) “in skilled positions”

Linebacker Devin White and cornerback Greedy Williams are first-team all SEC preseason selections.

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The last two major candidates for the Secretary of State’s special election in November have qualified to run for the positioned vacated by Tom Schedler after sexual harassment allegations led to his resignation. Representatives Rick Edmonds and Julie Stokes are now in the special election race. Stokes, a Kenner Republican, says her top priority would be election security.

Cut 6 (13)  “the state.”

Secretary of State is responsible for state elections, along with new business registration.

Edmonds, a Baton Rouge Republican, also led with election security as the biggest issue take on if he were to be elected. He says one way he’d address potential vulnerabilities in the election system would be by purchasing the best, most secure voting machines money can buy.

Cut 7 (08)  “best protection.”

Democrat Renee Fontenot Free and former Republican state legislator A.G. Crowe joined the race earlier this week.

The office became available after former Secretary of State Tom Schedler resigned in the wake of sexual harassment and stalking allegations involving his former secretary. The high profile resignation lead to calls for an overhaul of state sexual harassment policies. Stokes says if elected, she won’t let that kind of behavior happen on her watch.

Cut 8 (11) “fellow personel”

While primarily considered an elections office, the Secretary of State’s office is responsible for helping new businesses get their paperwork to get started. Edmonds says if elected, he’d work with the department to do more to facilitate business growth in the state.

cut 9 (11)  “with mayors”

Today is the last day to qualify for November elections.

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A cadet with LDWF has died at Ochsner Medical Center in Baton Rouge, a day after being rushed to the facility.  LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says 38-year-old Immanuel Washington of Youngsville collapsed following a 2.5 mile run as part of physical training.

Cut 10 (09) “…CPR immediately.”

Einck says Washington had vital signs when EMTs arrived.

Cut 11 (10) “…passed away yesterday.”

Einck says Washington, who is a former Youngsville police officer, had been training to be an LDWF enforcement officer for a little less than a month.

Cut 12 (09)   “…with his family.”

Washington leaves behind a wife and two small children.

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state hit an employment record for the month of June. L-W-C Secretary Ava Dejoie says the state added nearly 37-thousand jobs from June 2017 to bring the total number of jobs to 2,036,316…

Cut 13 (10) “…as well” 

Dejoie says manufacturing is another sector of our economy that’s doing very well…

Cut 14 (10) “…out that survey”

Every metro area in Louisiana reported a gain in jobs over the year, except Lafayette, which has lost 700 jobs since June 2017. But Dejoie says Lafayette had added 200 over the last month

Cut 15 (09) “to work”

07.19.18
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LRN PM Newscall July 19th

North Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham has been tagged to help negotiate the differences between the Senate and House’s farm bill. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana homeowners who suffered flood damage in 2016 have until tomorrow to fill out the Restore Louisiana Survey. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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North Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham has been named to the conference committee that will try to resolve differences in the Senate and House’s Farm Bill. The Farm Bill sets agriculture policy for the next five years, and also houses the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Abraham says he’s looking for big changes to the food stamp program.

 

Cut 3 (07) “to work.”

Abraham says he’ll be pushing the conference committee, made up of select House Representatives and Senators, to adopt a program he’s pushing that would facilitate educational and vocational training for SNAP beneficiaries.

Cut 4  (11) “for that.”

Farm Bill discussions are hitting just as the Chinese trade war ramps up, with the eastern power targeting US agricultural products in response to the Trump Administration’s initial round of tariffs. Abraham says while that trade war heats up, he wants to make sure Louisiana growers are protected.

Cut 5  (10) “these tariffs”

The current Farm Bill expires at the end of September.

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Practitioners who use the hair-removal technique known as eyebrow threading no longer need 750 hours in order to work in Louisiana. Institute of Justice attorney Renee Flaherty says the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology has a new policy that doesn’t require expensive training.

Cut 6 (10)  “…with the state.”

Flaherty says the Institute for Justice filed a lawsuit against the State Board of Cosmetology on behalf of two eyebrow threaders in order to change the previous mandate for 750 hours of training, which is not needed to be an eyebrow threader.

Cut 7 (10)  “…simply don’t do.”

Renee believes the Board is doing the right thing and she says this will allow hundreds of threaders and their clients to practice the ancient grooming technique.

Cut 8 (10) “…back to work.”

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Louisiana’s Republican Congressional Delegation is lashing out against US Senate Democrats who blocked a House resolution from Congressman Clay Higgins that endorses the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, or ICE. Higgins says the movement to abolish ICE endangers national security and threatens ICE agents.

cut 9 (09)  “American citizens”

ICE has become a controversial agency in recent months, as the agency that has been tasked with carrying out the Trump Administration’s immigration policies such as family separations and detainment of asylum seekers.

Congressman Steve Scalise praised ICE agents for their work tracking down and deporting tens of thousands of undocumented immigrants from American communities.

Cut 10 (07) “our country”

But Immigrant advocates say ICE is being used to terrorize immigrants in Louisiana who are not a threat to public safety and who moved to the state years ago to help rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. Congress of Day Laborers Organizer Rachel Taber says the mass marches against the agency last month show its time for a change.

Cut 11 (12) “of immigrants.”

Higgins’ resolution passed the House 244-35. A similar resolution that would denounce those who call for the agencies abolishment has been brought in the Senate by John Kennedy.

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Friday is the deadline for Louisiana homeowners who had flood damage in 2016 to fill out a survey to participate in the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program. The governor’s Communications Director Shauna Sanford says 52,500 homeowners have completed the survey that can result in federal assistance for home repairs…

Cut 12 (09)   “…over the phone”

Sanford believes those that have not yet completed the survey are hesitant to do so, due to receiving other forms of government assistance.

Cut 13 (11) “…from the Restore.” 

Many recipients for SBA loans have not been able to access money from the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program. But Sanford says Congress could make changes to the guidelines, making more flood victims eligible for additional federal assistance…

Cut 14 (10) “…out that survey”

Eligible homeowners have been offered grant awards totaling 348-million dollars through the Restore Homeowner Assistance Program. The survey can be found at restore.la.gov or call 1-866-735-2001.

07.18.18
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LRN PM Newscall July 18

A recent request for a change of venue in a court case involving a gun charge is getting plenty of attention, but not because of the nature of the crime.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The Louisiana Health Department reports the first six human cases of the West Nile Virus has been detected. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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A six-month-old baby in Natchitoches is dead after a kidnapping that ended with authorities finding the child covered in severe burns. Last night Natchitoches Police responded to a call from a mother who said her child had been stolen after a home invasion at her residence in Mayberry Trailer Park. Captain Christopher Payne says the mother was blindsided.

 

Cut 3 (09) “mace.”

Payne says after the home invaders knocked at the door and maced the mother who answered, the mother momentarily retreated while the attackers entered her home.

Cut 4  (06) “baby missing.”

Natchitoches Police, Sheriff’s deputies, State Police, and Northwestern State Police scoured the area for the child. An hour after police responded to the mother’s initial call, Payne says they got a second call from someone reporting that a barn had caught fire about three miles north of the trailer park.

Cut 5  (09) “its body.”

The baby was transported to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, where he was airlifted to University Health, where he later died.

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Can a black person get a fair trial in a courthouse with a confederate statue in front of it?  Attorney Niles Haymer says he doesn’t believe so.  Haymer has a black client currently facing a gun charge, but has requested a change of venue from the East Feliciana courthouse.  He says his client is intimidated by a thirty-foot soldier at the entrance of the building.

Cut 6 (07)  “…at the courthouse.”

Haymer says it’s a very controversial and divisive issue and that the statue is a political statement.

Cut 7 (08)  “…make political statements.”

Haymer says the issue of confederate symbolism at courthouses is a widespread issue around the state.

Cut 8 (12) “…at our courthouse.”

Twentieth Judicial District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla has responded saying the presence of the statue outside of the 1800s era courthouse is no reason to change the location of the trial.

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The Louisiana Health Department announces six people have been diagnosed with the West Nile virus. It’s the first human cases of 2018. Assistant State Health Officer, Doctor Parham Jaberi, says the public should take the necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites

cut 9 (12)  “we can”

Jaberi says 80-percent of people who get West Nile are unaware they have the virus, as they are asymptomatic. But he says in this latest report, three of the cases are the more serious form of the disease

Cut 10 (12) “…the hospital”

The three cases of Neuroinvasive Disease were found in DeSoto, St. Tammany, and Tangipahoa Parishes. Jaberi says they are not surprised to see their first human cases of West Nile..

Cut 11 (10) “…surveillance.”

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The Secretary of State’s race is officially on as qualifying is underway. Democrat Renee Fontenot Free, the director of the Public Protection Division in the state A-G-‘s office, and Republican former state legislator A.G. Crowe joined the race today. Crowe says if elected, he would focus on upgrading the office’s technology, to better protect election privacy and integrity.

Cut 12 (10)   “highest level”

Crowe says he plans on running a clean campaign, and rejecting the common political impulse to attack his rivals in the race.

Cut 13 (10) “my opponets” 

Fontenot Free says if elected, along with maintaining a non-partisan approach, she would focus on the state’s sagging level of voter participation, specifically in state and local elections.

Cut 14 (10) “about it”

Political analysts consider the Secretary of State’s race to be one of the more difficult offices to obtain, due to its lower profile and lack of abundant money that’s usually available in more partisan legislative races. Free says she won’t be relying on big money backing to push her over the finish line.

Cut 15 (08) “warchest”

The election is November 6th.

07.17.18
by

LRN PM Newscall July 17th

Baton Rouge  Republican Congressman Garrett Graves is coming out against the President’s comments yesterday that Russia did not interfere with the 2016 election. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans gave an update today on how a jaguar got out of his enclosure on Sunday and killed nine animals.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves says he’s not exactly happy some of the comments made by President Trump in Finland. Mr. Trump told reporters he believes Vladmir Putin’s assurances that Russia did not attempt to interfere with the 2016 election. Graves, breaking with most national Republicans, says it was a poor choice of words on President’s behalf.

Cut 3 (08) “best interest.”

US intelligence services claim Russian social media bots attempted to manipulate voters into opposing Hillary Clinton, created and purchased negative social media ads targeting Clinton, and that Russian hackers broke into the DNC and leaked inside information about the Democratic Party’s efforts to Wikileaks.

Graves says Trump has been an incredible president with a remarkable record of accomplishments in his first two years, but that doesn’t mean he gets a free pass on everything.

Cut 4  (11) “with Russia.”

Many Democrats and a few Republicans are outraged about the comments. While most elected officials have shied away from the word, some prominent anti-Trump commentators have started tossing around the word traitor in relation to the President’s actions. Graves says that’s out of line.

Cut 5  (06) “clairification.”

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Two years ago today in Baton Rouge, a lone gunman opened fire on law enforcement in an ambush that would kill three officers and injured three others. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says it goes down as one of the worst days in Louisiana’s history

Cut 6 (12)  “…law enforcement.”

Officer Matthew Gerald, Corporal Montrell Jackson and Deputy Brad Garafola died that day, while Corporal Nick Tullier continues his difficult recovery at a Houston hospital. Gautreaux provided an update on Tullier’s progress.

Cut 7 (10)  “…make a full recovery.”

The experience, two years later, is one that Gautreaux says is still fresh in the minds of local law enforcement to this day.

Cut 8 (09) “…never leave us.”

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Louisiana has seen an uptick in productions around the state for television shows and motion pictures.  Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment, Chris Stelly credits a 2017 reform in the state’s incentive program for making Louisiana one of the most in demand locations.

cut 9 (05)  “in the world”

The program is capped at a budget of $150 million per fiscal year, but in return, Stelly says it’s a rewarding experience for the communities involved.

Cut 10 (06) “…hiring our neighbors.”

Currently, five television shows being filmed in communities around the state.  Stelly estimates that the economic impact is in the billions, but says a true metric is being studied right now with more official results available in in early 2019.

Cut 11 (09) “…throughout the state.”

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The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans says the jaguar that got loose on Sunday and killed nine other animals most likely bit through a stainless steel cable barrier near the roof of his enclosure. Zoo Director Kyle Burks says the big cat then pushed through an eight-by-ten inch hole in the roof and got out. Burks says the enclosure is inspected on a regular basis.

Cut 12 (12)   “to that”

Burks says the enclosure will receive a new material stronger than the current steel used for the roof.

Cut 13 (08) “…with smaller openings” 

Burks says the jaguar will not be euthanized and they are not sure how long he was out of his enclosure.

Cut 14 (07) “…forward from there.”

07.10.18
by

LRN PM Newscall July 10th

Louisiana’s US Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy say they like the President’s pick for the soon to be vacant seat on the US Supreme Court. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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LEAP Test results for 2017-2018 are in. Jeff Palermo has the results.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Louisiana’s Republicans US Senators are impressed with President Donald Trump’s nomination for the US Supreme Court. DC-based federal appeals court Judge Brett Kavanaugh is widely considered a consistently conservative jurist. Senator Bill Cassidy says the Senate will review his record, then vote on his confirmation….

 

Cut 3 (10) “as written”

According to Politico, Kavanaugh’s has ruled against labor unions and workers’ rights in employment disputes, against regulatory agencies policies, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Agency and the EPA, for immigration restrictions, and called the Net Neutrality “Unlawful”.

Cassidy says he’s been impressed with the Kavanaugh’s track record on past decisions, and compared his approach to the President’s first nominee, conservative US Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch.

Cut 4  (10) “I like most.”

Senator John Kennedy says Kavanaugh has a good resume and a positive judicial history, but he’s holding his final judgement until he gets a chance to question the nominee in congress.

Cut 5  (11) “my job”

Kavanaugh has not specifically stated where he stands on abortion in Roe vs. Wade, but recently dissented in a case involving allowing an immigrant minor to obtain an abortion while she was being detained by the state.

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This year’s LEAP Test results are in, and average scores are up one percent over the 2016-2017 school year. The percentage of students in the 3rd through 8th grade who scored mastery level or above on the test sits at 34 percent. Only 21 percent of African American students scored mastery level or above, and Superintendent of Education John White says this needs to be a major focus going forward.

 

Cut 6 (07)  “not closing.”

26 percent of economically disadvantaged students scored mastery level or above, along with 11 percent of students with disabilities.

BESE plans on addressing the massive gap in performance between the general student population and at-risk populations by identifying those schools with, particularly troubling achievement gaps. White says this will target schools across the state.

Cut 7 (11)  “disadvantaged students.”

43 percent of students showed mastery in English Language Arts and Literacy, 32 percent in Mathematics, and 27 percent in Social Studies. Both ELA and Social Studies saw increases this year, but Mathematics growth remained stagnant. White says that’s due to the state’s personelle problems.

 

cut 8 (10) “in mathematics.”

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A 3 AM traffic stop today in Baton Rouge resulted in gunfire involving a Louisiana State Police trooper. Troop A spokesperson Bryan Lee says the Trooper pulled over the vehicle on Perkins Road when during the course of the traffic stop, a passenger in the vehicle became noncompliant.

 

cut 9 (03)  “…firing their weapon.”

Lee says the trooper only sustained minor injuries in the altercation, but the passenger was hit by the gunfire and taken to a local hospital.

Cut 10 (05) “…for injuries there.”

Lee says detectives from the State Police Bureau of Investigations are looking into why the stop escalated to the point that it did.

Cut 11 (07) “…everything took place.”

 

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A 75 year old Boyce resident now has a nice stack of cash after claiming a lottery ticket matching all five numbers with the Poweball’s June 23rd drawing. Even though he didn’t get the correct Powerball number, Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison say it was enough to give Glenn Feazell quite the surprise the next morning.

Cut 12 (10)   “…seeing things correctly.”

Annison says it’s always an exciting scene when winners show up to claim the larger prizes at the lottery office, continuing on to say the man already has plans for the money.

Cut 13 (06) “…a new vehicle with it.” 

Annison says this serves as a reminder that luck could be in anyone’s favor with the drawings.

Cut 14 (04) “…one ticket to win.”

With all five white balls matching, it was enough to land Feazell $1 million, which is $710k after taxes.

 

A Point Coupee Parish man is ordered to pay $10,250 in civil restitution after being found guilty of killing a Louisiana black bear. 30-year-old Robert Kimble of Lettsworth shot and killed the female bear on Yancy Wildlife Management Area in Concordia Parish last November. General Counsel of Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Yolanda Martin…

Cut 15 (08) “a closed season”

According to the LDWF investigation, the bear was found dead after a mortality signal was received from the bear’s radio collar. Martin says Kimble admitted to shooting the bear.

Cut 16  (08) “with the agency”

Martin says Kimble’s hunting and fishing licenses are revoked until he pays the restitution.