LRN PM Newscall October 31

The suspect in the high profile Grambling State University double murder has hired a defense team to argue his innocence. Michelle Southern reports:

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The police chief in Shreveport is on paid administrative leave after he fired his gun at an armed robbery suspect. Emelie Gunn has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A woman was arrested after allegedly using pepper spray one several people inside a Chuck E Cheeses restaurant in Metarie.  Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lt. Jason Rivarde says they were called to the scene and arrested Katarian Marshall of New Orleans after an apparent argument…

Cut 3 (07) “the woman.”

Rivarde says Marshall hit children and adults with the pepper spray.  Five adults and two children were treated at the scene…

Cut 4  (06) “by paramedics.” 

Marshall is charged with disturbing the peace by fighting.  She was released on a 250-dollar bond.

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Baton Rouge Police are investigating a crash off Airline Highway, which left two people dead including a toddler. Sgt. Don Coppola says witnesses told detectives they saw the driver of a 2009 Mustang driving erratically and crossing over the median multiple times before hitting an 18-wheeler head on.

Cut 5  (11)  “his injuries”

A 19-year-old male was a passenger in the vehicle and was transported to the hospital with moderate injuries. Coppola says the driver was identified as 23-year-old Wallacea Swazer of Baton Rouge and two year-old Carter Northern.

Cut 6 (06)  “the crash”

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The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office says two men, one of them armed with a handgun, stopped a school bus because they felt the bus driver was speeding. Lt. Col. Ward Webb says the bus was traveling down the road with students on board yesterday afternoon when 58-year-old Clifton Hamby and 60-year-old Kerry LaSaicherre(Les-sha-share) refused to let the driver pass.

Cut 7 (10) “with speeding”

Webb says after producing a copy of the ordnance, an altercation apparently ensued and the bus driver drove away and called police. He says it’s always the best to call police if faced with a similar matter.

Cut 8 (11) “the peace”

Webb says one of the men was opening carrying a handgun on his waist when the incident occurred.

Cut 9 (10)     “is legal” 

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The suspect in the high profile Grambling State University double murder has hired a defense team to argue his innocence. Attorneys Ronald Haley and Dedrick (Deed-Rick) Moore would not reveal 19-year-old Jaylin Wayne’s side of the story, but said the focus should switch to the environment at Grambling. Moore says there is a culture of gun violence on campus:

Cut 10 (08) “continue to take place”

Cops had said the incident in which Earl Andrews, another GSU student, and Monquiarious Caldwell were killed, was the result of a personal fued and isolated. Haley says there was yet another shooting on campus just this past weekend, and they feel more light should be shed on a bigger problem at Grambling. He says school officials aren’t saying everything…:

Cut 11 (11) “3.6 GPA”

Wayne was arrested on first-degree murder charges. GSU President Rick Gallot said it became clear early on that this was not some random act of violence…:

Cut 12 (07) “who knew one another”

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State Police is reminding those out of the street for trick or treating or attending Halloween parties that this holiday is more dangerous for drunk driving than New Years. Trooper Melissa Matey says last New Year’s Eve there was 7 deaths in Louisiana and five were alcohol related.

Cut 13 (09)  “to alcohol”

The U.S. Department of Transportation says deaths from impaired driving make up half the all traffic fatalities between 2011 and 2015 on Halloween. Matey encourages people to make smart decisions before heading out to parties tonight.

Cut 14 (10)   to drink”

A report from the Centers for Disease Control finds children are four times more likely to be hit by a vehicle on Halloween than any other night of the year. Matey also adds it’s illegal for sex offenders to participate in any Halloween events where children may be present. She says L-S-P will be out in full force tonight.

Cut 15 (09) “the wheel”

PM Newscall, October 30th, 2017

Governor John Bel Edwards is in Puerto Rico to help with Hurricane Maria recovery efforts. Don Molino has more.

Cut 1 (26) “I’m Don Molino”

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New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson is doing “very well” after being hospitalized overnight. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is in Puerto Rico today along with leaders of the Louisiana National Guard and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness to observe and give support to the island nation as it recovers from Hurricane Maria.  The governor’s spokesperson Shauna Sanford says Louisiana understands the immense recovery effort Puerto Rico is undergoing…

Cut 3 (10) “leading in.”

Shortly after the storm, Louisiana launched a donation drive for Puerto Rico and Sanford says the state has sent approximately 100 pallets worth of essential items from diapers to non-perishable formula to help in the recovery efforts…

Cut 4  (09) “those goods.” 

Sanford says the governor is wanting to provide insight for Puerto Rico’s leaders to help make their recovery quick and efficient…

Cut 5  (09)  “recovery effort.”

The governor will return to Louisiana Tuesday.

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Two out of state residents were killed in an overnight crash involving four 18-wheelers on Interstate 10 in West Baton Rouge Parish. State Police Trooper Bryan Lee says there was congestion on I-10 Eastbound between Gross Tete and the Lobdell exit from a previous wreck, when an 18-wheeler didn’t notice other vehicles had slowed down

Cut 6 (09)  “their injuries”

The wreck led to the closure of I-10 Eastbound near the Mississippi River Bridge. Lee says the pile-up could have been avoided if the now deceased driver saw that traffic was coming to a stop…

Cut 7 (06) “of them”

Lee says the fatal wreck occurred at two o’clock this morning. He says the traffic was heavy at that time, because a car went off the road…

Cut 8 (07) “caused congestion”

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An investigative audit accuses three former cashiers at Grambling State University improperly added over 164-thousand-dollars to G-Flex accounts that were used by 35 students and two of the former cashiers. State Auditor, Roger Harris says the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office was notified by the school in February once they discovered a problem…

Cut 9 (10)     “of money” 

Such a use of public money for personal benefit may violate both state and federal laws. The G-Flex accounts can be used to buy text books, meals and snacks.  Harris says even though the money has been paid back through Grambling’s general fund, the school wants to recover those funds…

Cut 10 (10) “wrong doing.”

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Former LSU star Alex Bregman is receiving a lot of praise for his base hit to score the winning run in a crazy 13-12 win for the Astros over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 of the World series. During the game, Houston trailed by four runs and then three runs, but kept battling back. Bregman on his team’s fight…

Cut 11 (10) “champions” 

Houston can win its first World Series in franchise history tomorrow night in L-A. Bregman has delivered several big hits and has made some terrific plays in the field during the postseason. His manager, A-J Hinch, is not surprised the 23-year-old is coming up big…

Cut 12 (11) “biggest moments”

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The big game of the year has arrived,  as 19th ranked LSU visits top ranked Alabama this Saturday. The Bayou Bengals are looking for their first win over the Crimson Tide since 2011, but Bama is a three touchdown favorite. LSU Coach Ed Orgeron spoke today about the key to beating the defending SEC champs…

Cut 13 (08)  “very tough”

Alabama got after LSU Quarterback Danny Etling last season. He was sacked five times and threw for just 92 yards. Etling was also intercepted once. Orgeron on what he wants to see from his senior signal caller…

Cut 14 (10)   protect him”

Orgeron says this game will come down to whoever executes the best….

Cut 15 (11) “game goes”

LRN AM Newscall October 30

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning reminds the public to watch out for potential fire hazards while dressing up and decorating for Halloween. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Hundreds of non-violent inmates at parish jails are set to be released later this week as part of the state’s criminal justice reform effort. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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There is a new material being developed in Louisiana that can keep homes drier when flooded.

Cut 3   (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”  

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Halloween is a time for celebration, but State Fire Marshal Butch Browning reminds the public some costumes and decorations are highly flammable. Browning says costumes should have a fire retardant coating, so they don’t easily burn. He also says nearly half of all home fires during Halloween are a result of decorations too close to a heat source.

Cut 4  (11) “your home “

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there are over 10-thousand fires in American each year in the days leading up to and following Halloween. Browning says when cooking outside, make sure to keep grills and fire pits away from the home and wooden decks.

Cut 5  (08)  “messages”

Browning says fire around Halloween results in about 25 deaths and 125 injuries. He says jack-o-lanterns, paper spiders and dried cornstalks are very common decorations but are highly flammable.

Cut 6 (10) “be controlled”

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Changes have been made to Mega Millions. It will result in larger multi-state jackpot prizes, but the price of a ticket has increased from one to two dollars. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says the higher ticket price will mean the starting jackpot starts at 40 million, instead of 15 million dollars.  Chopin says the odds of winning of the jackpot will increase, but other enhancements to the game will lead to more winners for the smaller prizes.

Cut 7 (05)  “more millionaires”

Chopin says they anticipate the average jackpot to be 371-million dollars…

Cut 8 (11) “jackpots”

Chopin says the first drawing for the revised Mega Millions game is tomorrow night. She says they know larger jackpots will lead to more players for Mega Millions.

Cut 9 (07)  “similar”

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Prison reform measures go into effect Wednesday when some 14-hundred non-violent offenders will be released as a result of changes to the state’s sentencing laws.  It’s an effort led by Governor John Bel Edwards to lower the state’s incarceration rate which is considered the highest in the world.  State Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says most of these prisoners set free this week were nearing their release…

Cut 10 (07)  “get out.”

Caddo Parrish Sheriff Steve Prator was critical of the reform effort.  Prator said he learned of one man that was arrested 52 times under 34 different names would be released this week.  LeBlanc says Prator was using bad information and the sheriff has realized his error…

Cut 11 (07) “justice reform.”

Lowering the incarceration rate is estimated to save the state 262-million-dollars over ten years, most of the savings will go towards rehabilitation programs…

Cut 12 (06) “these guys.”

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Whether we like it or not, flooding is a disaster that happens in Louisiana.   An LSU AgCenter building science instructor has found an effective way to repair flooded homes at a quicker pace.  Bill Robinson calls it wet-proofing by using glass faced drywall.  He says it’s easy to dry out these walls if they get damaged…

Cut 13 (10) “it’s done.”

There are some downsides.  The first question that comes up is the cost.  There is about a 25 percent increase in construction costs, but Robinson says the long term benefits are worth it…

Cut 14 (07) “me later.”

The paperless drywall is being used as an experiment at Louisiana House on LSU’s campus and is also being installed in the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans 12 years after Hurricane Katrina.  He says he is finding those homeowners are willing to upgrade to his method once they see the benefits…

Cut 15 (11) “do it.”

Robinson has posted some of his instructional videos on You Tube and hopes to further his findings by meeting with West Monroe officials this week.

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The Saints are on a five game winning streak after beating the Chicago Bears 20-12. New Orleans did a lot of things well, the defense gave up just one touchdown, quarterback Drew Brees threw for 299 yards, Will Lutz kicked two field goals and running back Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara each had rushing touchdowns. But Ingram also fumbled twice in the 4th quarter, which almost led to a come from behind win for the Bears…

Cut 16  (19)  “my coaches”

Brees it’s encouraging the Saints are winning football games, even though they have yet to play their best football…

Cut 17 (11)  “come together”

The Saints are now 5-2 and host 2-5 Tampa Bay this Sunday. New Orleans is in first place in the NFC South a half-a-game ahead of Carolina. Brees says they have to keep their foot on the gas, because they have lofty goals to accomplish this season…

Cut 18 (22) “on that ” 

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Louisiana Tech snapped a two-game losing streak by beating Rice 42-28. The game was tied at 28 late in the fourth quarter, but the Bulldogs mounted a 11-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a two-yard touchdown run by Boston Scott. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz…

Cut 19 (11) finished the game“

Quarterback J’Mar Smith bounced back from a bad performance in a loss to Southern Miss. Smith threw for 237 yards and a touchdown and also big-time nine-yard run on the game winning drive. Holtz on the play of signal caller…

cut 20 (23)  “successful quarterback” 

LRN PM Newscall October 27

A survey from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission finds pickup truck drivers still aren’t buckling up as much as those in other vehicles. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office says they arrested a suspect in Grambling State University’s deadly shooting…

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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Some of the coldest air we’ve seen in some time is descending on Louisiana.  A cold front is moving through which will drop temperatures to near freezing in some northern areas.  Heavy rain is possible with the cold front, which state climatologist Barry Keim says could affect some high school games…

Cut 3 (08) “like a rock.”

This will be just the start of what is to be a very cold weekend.  Keim says the cold Canadian air will affect the entire state…

Cut 4  (08) “the 40s.” 

Keim says to expect sub normal temperatures for Halloween trick or treating…

Cut 5  (08)  “work week.”

The last time temperatures were this cold were in north Louisiana was in mid-March.

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A survey from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission finds Louisianans are buckling up but drivers and passengers in pickup trucks are not doing so as often. Executive Director Dr. Katara Williams says the seat belt usage rate has consistently increased annually in the Bayou State since 2009. But she says many residents in our state drive trucks, so we must convince them to buckle up.

Cut 6 (11)  “truck drivers”

Drivers in Lake Charles and New Orleans had the highest overall seat belt usage rates at 92-percent and 90-percent. Williams says drivers and riders in pickup trucks buckle up at a rate of 82-percent compared to cars which is 89-percent.

Cut 7 (10) “the highway”

Alexandria and Baton Rouge drivers and passengers had the lowest rates when it comes to wearing seat belts at nearly 83-percent and 85-percent. Williams says there is an upward trend across the state with more African American drivers and passengers wearing their seat belts. She says in 2015, there was a 10-percent gap between black and white drivers who buckled up.

Cut 8 (11) “buckling up”

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National Prescription Drug Takeback day is Saturday.  State Police are helping bring awareness to the potential for medication abuse by offering a way to get rid of unused prescriptions.  A Journal of the American Medical Association study recently revealed 42 percent of prescribed medicine for post surgical pain was not used and 67 percent of patients had leftover medicine. State Police Trooper Bryan Lee says these drugs are commonly taken from people they know…

Cut 9 (07)     “family members.” 

900-thousand pounds worth of prescription drugs were turned in during last year’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.  Lee says the number could go higher if others become aware of the kinds of prescriptions they forgot about…

Cut 10 (07) “not using.”

The Centers for Disease Control say over 33-thousand people died in 2015 from overdoses on opioids.  Even if you can’t participate Saturday, Lee says there are locations available any time…

Cut 11 (11) “off locations.” 

All nine State Police Troops will participate Saturday from 10am to 2pm.  The service is free and anonymous.

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The 14th annual Louisiana Book Festival is tomorrow in Baton Rouge. The event brings in about 30-thousand people to the State Library and State Capital. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser expects a great crowd, despite the projected cool temperatures. He says the free festival has music along with great books.

Cut 12 (11) “landscape”

The festival features over 250 authors and panelists. Nungesser says it’s a festival like no other and well worth the drive to Baton Rouge. He says they just challenged the state’s high school students to redesign the Louisiana Seafood logo.

Cut 13 (09)  “that day”

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A federal judge agrees with Alton Sterling protesters in a class action lawsuit against Baton Rouge law enforcement agencies. A hearing was held Friday morning involving about 80 protesters who were arrested last year. The ACLU of Louisiana filed a similar lawsuit but one that did not seek damages. Executive Director Marjorie Esman applauds the ruling…:

Cut 14 (06) “victims”

The plaintiffs will receive a combined total of about $136,000, which amounts to individual payments ranging from $500-$1000. Esman says she hopes law enforcement in Baton Rouge has learned a lesson…:

Cut 15 (04) “why they are protesting”

LRN PM Newscall October 26th

Someone in Eunice bought a Powerball ticket last night that’s worth 191 million dollars. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The 111th State Fair of Louisiana begins a 14-day run in Shreveport today, with shows, rides and livestock. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A 191 million dollar Powerball jackpot ticket was sold last night at a gas station in Eunice. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says the last time the Bayou State saw a Powerball jackpot winner was in May of 2013. She says the previous Powerball jackpot record was 97-million dollars in 2008.

Cut 3 (06) “about it”

Chopin says if the winner decides to take the cash value of the jackpot, they will receive 119-million dollars. She says the lucky winner has 180 days from the drawing to claim their prize, but they should take their time before coming forward.

Cut 4  (11) “tax perspective” 

Chopin says the winning ticket was sold at Brownie’s on West Maple Ave. She says the Louisiana Lottery gives the store a bonus for selling jackpot winning tickets.

Cut 5  (10)  “calculated”

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The 111th State Fair of Louisiana starts a 14-day run in Shreveport today with shows, rides and livestock.  Fair president and general manager Chris Giordano says there’s also a lot of food vendors, with a few putting a special focus on a particular fan favorite…

Cut 6 (09)  “with bacon.”

A special tribute band will perform this weekend during their Southern Soul series.  Giordano says some musical greats will be impersonated by Bobby Miller Sunday…

Cut 7 (09) “video wall.”

The fair has expanded their entertainment venue this year.  Giordano says the fair not only has the state’s largest horse and livestock shows, they are adding exotic animals for entertainment…

Cut 8 (08) “this year.”

All entertainment is included in the price of gate admission for ten-dollars.  Carnival ride armbands are sold separately at 30-dollars.  The fair will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

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Authorities say the man who murdered a woman whose body was found in Pineville last week, is also the person that allegedly killed two people, who were burned in a ditch on Old Boyce Highway that same morning. Rapides Sheriff William Hilton says Matthew Sonnier now faces three counts of first-degree murder…

Cut 9 (12)     serious case” 

The bodies in the ditch have been identified as Kendrick Horn and Jeremy Norris, both men were in Alexandria. Hilton says they also arrested Sonnier’s sister, Ebony Sonnier and she’s facing charges that could result in the death penalty for the murder of the two men found in the burned out ditch…

Cut 10 (10) “criminal conspiracy”

Pineville Police have upgraded the murder charge of Matthew Sonnier to first-degree murder and his sister is also facing the same charge for the stabbing death of Latish White. Pineville Police Chief Don Weatherford…

Cut 11 (08) “to live” 

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Good news for Louisiana’s tourism industry. Nearly 25 percent of the new jobs in the state were related to tourism.  Over six-thousand new travel related jobs were created in the last 12 months, based on data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says not only is the industry creating jobs, but it’s bringing in a large portion of the state’s tax revenue…

Cut 12 (10) “on investment.”

Nungesser says this is one industry that has huge growth potential in all corners of Louisiana…

Cut 13 (12)  “their communities.”

Nungesser says tourism is ripe for employee growth and promotion within already established business.  He has talked with several who have moved up the chain…

Cut 14 (09) “them grow.”

The expanding tourism market has helped to decrease the state’s unemployment rate to 5-point-1-percent in September, a full percent lower from the same month in 2016.

LRN PM Newscall October 24

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Kenner Representative Julie Stokes speaks out about her current battle with the disease. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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George Strait will headline Bayou Country Superfest in 2018. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The National Retail Federation expects Halloween spending to reach a record 9.1 billion dollars this year. Ana Serafin Smith with the NRF says people are expected to spend more than ever this year on pet costumes for their cats and dogs. She says the number one outfit  for furry friends is a pumpkin.

Cut 3 (10) “consecutively grow”

Over half of Louisianans will be passing out candy or trick-or-treating this Halloween according to a survey by offers.com. Smith says consumers are expected to spend on average $86 on candy, decorations and costumes, up from 83-dollars  last Halloween. She says adults will spend 46-dollars on costumes alone.

Cut 4  (07) “or pets” 

Louisianans favorite candy this year is Reese’s, according to offers.com. Smith says the biggest costumes for children are action super heroes for boys and princesses for girls, followed by animals like cats, dogs, and monkeys. She says parents are also following these trends.

Cut 5  (07)  “costumes”

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Most LSU fans will root for the Houston Astros in the World Series, which starts tonight in Los Angeles. The Stros starting third baseman is former LSU standout Alex Bregman. Bregman recently said LSU prepared him for this moment, something LSU baseball coach Paul Maineri says doesn’t surprise him…

Cut 6 (08)  “the greatest.”

Bregman played at shortstop for the Tigers, but changed positions after joining the Astros in 2016.  Maineri says Bregman is so talented, he could play any position…

Cut 7 (12) “work ethic.”

The Tigers coach says he has stayed in close contact with Bregman, especially during this post-season.  Maineri always assures him he is a great baseball player…

Cut 8 (11) “every day..”

Bregman batted .284 this year with 19 home runs, hitting two more round trippers in the post season. _________________________________________________________

Kenner Representative Julie Stokes says her treatment for breast cancer is going well as she goes through 5-months of chemotherapy treatment, which forced her to drop out of the race for State Treasurer. Stokes says she is now in her second round of treatment, which is more intense, but the results so far are positive.

Cut 9 (08) “big deal” 

Stokes receives treatment at the Oschner Cancer Institute. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Stokes says this is a great opportunity to share her story about the disease. The business woman, mother and legislator says didn’t take her lump all that seriously when she first discovered it, because she had no history of breast cancer and she was in the middle of the busy legislative session.

Cut 10 (11) “for me”

One in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer. Stokes says even if you think it’s nothing, get checked, because she’s fighting for her life right now. She says she was extremely nervous to try new types of drugs to treat her cancer.

Cut 11 (10) “my life” 

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The lineup for the 2018 Bayou Country Superfest has been announced, and the big name next Memorial Day weekend is none other than George Strait. The show will be May 27th inside the Mercedes Benz Superdome. BCS Producer Quint Davis says it’s huge that they were able to get The King of Country:

Cut 12 (10) “Germany”

Strait will be the headliner that Sunday night after country music fans hear from Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves, and Midland. The BCS weekend kicks off Friday, May 25th with a new tradition, a huge fireworks show on the Mississippi River. A free concert will be held the next day at Champions Square. Davis on the decision to put all the big acts in one night…:

Cut 13 (10)  “last year”

Tickets go on sale November 2nd at 10am at BayouCountrySuperfest.com. Bayou Country Superfest is Strait’s only scheduled festival appearance of the year. BCS drew about 60,000 fans over three days in 2017, and Davis says next year they wanted to have a packed house on one special night..:

Cut 14 (09) “where it will grow”

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Natchitoches Police arrest two men in connection with Sunday’s shooting that wounded a five-year-old and three-year-old child. Police spokesperson Kelly Parks says both men are in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center….

Cut 15 (13) “first-degree murder”

Authorities have not said what led to the shooting. Parks says multiple subjects were shooting at each other in the area of Reba Street on Sunday afternoon…

Cut 16  (09)  “to the hospital”

The two little girls shot have been released from the hospital and they are expected to fully recover.

LRN PM Newscall October 23

A second bacterial strain may have made more people sick after eating jambalaya at a charity event in Caldwell Parish last week.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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Famed New Orleans Chef John Besh steps down from the restaurant company he founded amid a sexual harassment investigation. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Point Coupee Parish is drying out after recording a foot of rain yesterday. The heavy rainfall caused flooding due to already over saturated waterways and levees.  Sheriff Bud Torres says as waters continued to rise, about 50 people in the New Roads area were displaced – some for the second time in just over a year…

Cut 3 (10) “sub divisions.”

The heavy rain caused travel issues on Sunday.  Sheriff Torres says one main bridge on Highway 413 has been shut down indefinitely…

Cut 4  (11) “and water” 

Sheriff Torres says Parish leaders are working on a solution that will protect residents in some troublesome neighborhoods, but it involves relocation…

Cut 5  (07)  “that community”

Flood damage is also reported in East Feliciana Parish where 20 boat rescues were conducted where about six inches of rain fell.

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Singer and former child actor Corey Feldman was charged with weed possession in the northeast Louisiana town of Mangham . Feldman and members of his crew, who were also charged, were in town for a gig in Monroe. Mangham Police Chief Perry Fleming says cops pulled over an RV driven by Feldman Saturday…:

Cut 6 (10)  “possession of marijuana”

Because the charges weren’t felonies, the celebrity was able to pay the $640 fine rather than posting bond. Feldman sent out a Tweet regarding the incident and said someone he was with had a prescription for medical marijuana out of California, but there no “street drugs” in the vehicle. Fleming says it was a minor incident..:

Cut 7 (03) “he’s done”

Feldman called the traffic stop “a bit of a shakedown” and claimed the officers asked for pictures and autographs afterwards.

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A second bacteria has been identified in connection with a salmonella outbreak in Caldwell Parish.  Public Officer of Health for Central Louisiana Dr. David Holcombe says both bacteria’s added to the severity of symptoms people got after eating jambalaya at a charity softball game last week…

Cut 8 (12) “so severe.”

Holcombe says testing is underway to determine which foods were contaminated, which is a complex process due to the amount and type of food that was prepared…

Cut 9 (09) “all uncommon” 

Over 300 ate the contaminated food. 149 were diagnosed with gastrointestinal illness, 37 of whom were admitted to the hospital.  Dr. Holcombe says they are still determining if a fatality is connected to the outbreak…

Cut 10 (09) “the autospy.”

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Gas prices are on a slow decline, but motorists are still paying more than they did at this time last year. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says the statewide average price for regular gasoline is $2.22….

Cut 11 (07) “march down” 

A year ago the statewide average was $2.09. Redman says expect gas prices to decline towards that figure as the weeks go by…

Cut 12 (10) “$2.10 a gallon” 

Nationally, the average price at the pump has fallen for 15 of the last 20 days. Redman says OPEC meets next month and if they decide to cut back on oil production, it could cause gas prices to drop in the United States

Cut 13 (13)  “considerably cheaper”

LRN AM Newscall October 23

The National Young Driver Survey shows the number of teens involved in fatal car crashes has dropped 53-percent in Louisiana over the last 10 years. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Republican state Treasurer candidate says he wants to look out for Louisiana, but he needs the voters to get out on November 18. Kelley Ray has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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Louisiana’s Republican congressional delegation says its goal is to pass a tax reform bill this year that will lead to lower taxes. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3   (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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This past weekend’s cold front has brought even cooler temperatures to Louisiana.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says it really feels like fall today…

Cut 4  (09) “beautiful day.”

Keim says this is just the start to what will be a relief from the above normal temperatures we saw last week…

Cut 5  (13)  “the 70s.”

Keim says we will run a little cooler than normal for this time of year, but it will warm up in time for the weekend. Keim says once we turn the corner we will go into a warming trend with temperatures climbing back above normal by the end of the week.

Cut 6 (10) “our tigers”

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The number of teens involved in fatal car crashes went down 53-percent in Louisiana over a ten-year period from 2005 to 2015. That’s according to the National Young Driver Survey. State Farm spokesperson Kip Diggs says car crashes are the number one killer of teenagers. He says the biggest contributing factor to the decrease is graduated driver’s licensing laws.

Cut 7 (10)  “to 18”

Diggs says the roads aren’t as dangerous because kids have more restrictions like cell phone and nighttime driving restrictions. He says this has led to parents being more involved in the driving process.

Cut 8 (10) “the phone”

Diggs says with the improvements with seat belts and vehicles, he expects this number of fatal crashes with drivers of all ages to go down. He says it all starts with adding more steps before teens can get a driver’s license.

Cut 9 (09)  “the road”

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The two candidates in the State Treasurer’s runoff face the challenge of getting people out to vote in the November 18 election. Former state representative John Schroder is up against Democrat Derrick Edwards. Schroder knows another low turnout election is coming.

Cut 10 (13)  “attracted to.”

Just over 13 percent of registered voters participated in the October 14th election. Schroder says if elected, he’ll push for smaller state government.

Cut 11 (12) “public trust.”

The former Covington Representative served the last ten years in the state legislature. He says in that time, the financial scene has changed and could necessitate differences in the way the Treasurer’s office dictates future budgets and how revenues are generated.

Cut 12 (09) “more taxes”

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The Louisiana Republican congressional delegation believes tax reform legislation can be passed this year. U.S. Senator John Kennedy says a bill has yet to be drafted, but he supports an across the board personal income tax cut, starting with the middle class…

Cut 13 (11) “go up.”  (2x)

Congressman Clay Higgins from St. Landry Parish says Republicans are also pushing to simplify the tax code, so that most taxpayers can file their taxes on one sheet of paper…

Cut 14 (07) “very simply.”

Will there be a roadblock put up by Democrats?  Senior Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says President Trump has indicated he is willing to make some concessions to see this tax proposal become reality…

Cut 15 (10) “class families.”

Cassidy says no matter how the tax reform package passes, getting it done quick is of up most importance to Republicans…

Cut 16  (08)     “tax planning.”

The first step was taken last week when Senate Republicans passed a four-trillion-dollar budget plan, which cuts spending over the next decade by five-trillion-dollars.

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LSU’s Derrius Guice is the first running back in the SEC history to rush for over 250 yards in three different games. Guice had 276 yards and one touchdown in Saturday’s 40-24 victory over Ole Miss. Head Coach Ed Orgeron say he was anticipating a big game from his superstar back…

Cut 17 (15)  “we did”

The victory moved LSU’s record to 6-2, 3-1 in the SEC. They get a week off before they play top ranked Alabama in Tuscaloosa on November 4th. Orgeron says his guys will be ready… 

Cut 18 (19) “ready to go” 

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The Saints overcame a few 1st half mistakes to win their fourth straight a 26-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers. New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees bounced back from two first half interceptions and ended up throwing for 331 yards. Mark Ingram rushed for 105 yards and a score. Head Coach Sean Payton is glad they pulled out the victory despite the early turnovers…

Cut 19 (10) significant“

The Saints have won four straight and they’ve moved to the top of the standings in the NFC South, with a winnable game coming up this Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Payton on the position of his team…

cut 20 (16)  “this game” 

 

LRN PM Newscall October 20

Caddo Parish Commissioners vote to remove a Confederate monument and not all are happy.  Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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It was a violent night in Baton Rouge as a 56-year-old woman was fatally shot while stopped at an intersection and a 17-year-old was found shot to death in a park. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Eight people were arrested in Acadiana on multiple charges of Medicaid welfare fraud. Attorney General Jeff Landry says there is a tremendous amount of abuse in Louisiana and his office will continue to fight to root out welfare fraud. He says Louisiana spends 14 billion dollars a year under the Medicaid expansion.

Cut 3 (10) “are spending”

The individuals arrested were allegedly submitting time sheets and service logs for Medicaid services while working other jobs. Landry says we need to save these taxpayer dollars for services Louisiana needs, like new roads and higher education.

Cut 4  (11) “run efficiently” 

Landry says Medicaid fraud occurs when providers use the Medicaid program to obtain money they are not entitled to. He encourages residents to report Medicaid fraud or abuse to his office.

Cut 5  (10)  “6885”

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The Caddo Parish Commission has voted seven to five to remove a Confederate monument that has stood in front of the courthouse for 111 years.  Commissioner Louis Johnson voted in favor of removal.  Johnson says he cast his vote based on his constituent’s feelings…

Cut 6 (12)  “to represent.”

A motion was made to put the issue up for a public vote, but that recommendation was voted down.  Gulf Coast Patriot Network’s Rex Dukes is upset the public is not being allowed to make the decision on keeping or removing the statue…

Cut 7 (08) “the council.” 

Dukes claims the Parish Council forced the vote through, not taking into account how others living outside of Shreveport felt about the issue.  He says the majority no longer rules…

Cut 8 (07) “way anymore.”

Dukes says a federal lawsuit has been filed to stop the removal of the monument, something Johnson and the full council expects.  Johnson says he can’t control what the courts will do…

Cut 9 (09) “and integrity” 

The lawsuit was filed by the Shreveport Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, which owns the monument and they claim the statute is on private property.

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The Saints are looking for their first four game winning streak since 2013 when they visit the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. New Orleans finished with a winning record that year and quarterback Drew Brees says it remains to be seen if this team will playoffs

Cut 10 (11) “right direction.”

The Saints have forced nine turnovers during the three-game winning streak and New Orleans has found a running game, rushing for 193 yards in last week’s win over Detroit. Brees says the team is heading in the right direction….

Cut 11 (11) “bit more” 

LSU goes after its third striaght victory on Saturday when they visit Ole Miss. The Tigers rallied from 20 points down to beat Auburn 27-23 last week. Head Coach Ed Orgeron says they can’t afford to fall behind early to the Rebels in Oxford…

Cut 12 (10) “start fast” 

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A Prairieville man has been arrested in connection to the fatal shooting of one man and critically injuring another on Wednesday in Ascension Parish. Chief Deputy Bobby Webre says detectives arrested 46-year-old David Foreman Jr. last night. He says more arrests are possible.

Cut 13 (10)  “violent act”

61-year-old Byron Hayes was found dead at a Prairieville home and 70-year-old Douglas Tillotson is currently in critical condition following the shooting. Webre says there is a possibility the shooting was drug related.

Cut 14 (10) “wasn’t good”

Foreman faces multiple charges including first degree murder, attempted first degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Webre says Foreman may face more charges and they are still activing investigating.

Cut 15 (10) “people involved”

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PM Newscall October 19,2017

There are 49 confirmed cases and 31 people have been hospitalized as a result of a salmonella outbreak in Caldwell Parish. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A warmer and drier winter is predicted for Louisiana. Jeff Palermo spoke with a local weather expert…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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State health officials suspect Jambalaya as the cause of an outbreak of Salmonella poisoning in Caldwell Parish.  Dr. David Holcombe with the State Office of Public Health says there are 49 confirmed cases of a gastrointestinal illness with 31 people hospitalized. He says salmonella is associated with chicken and eggs.

Cut 3 (11) “cooked product”

Holcombe says they know that 300 plates of Jambalaya were served at a softball charity event over the weekend. He says one person who showed symptoms associated with Salmonella poisoning died but it is still unclear if that is what caused his death.

Cut 4  (11) “seven days” 

Holcombe says very rarely will salmonella travel into the blood causing sepsis and eventually death. He also notes salmonella is difficult to spread from person to person.

Cut 5  (07)  “do fine”

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Pineville Police have made an arrest in the stabbing death of 42-year-old Latish White. A passerby found her body near the Pineville Expressway early Wednesday morning.  Deputy Police Chief Darrell Basco says they learned 29-year-old Matthew Sonnier of Pineville was responsible for her death and arrested him in Alexandria…

Cut 6 (11)  “apprehended him.”

Basco says Sonnier was a known acquaintance of White and the two were together at the time of her death…

Cut 7 (12) “the intersecton.” 

It has been a quiet year for the Pineville Police Department.  Basco says he is glad his department worked quickly to apprehend Sonnier…

Cut 8 (06) “24 hours.”

Sonnier is charged with second degree murder and aggravated flight from an officer.  He is in the Rapides Parish Detention Center without bond.

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NOAA released their winter outlook today and it says La Nina will dictate a warmer and drier winter in Louisiana for a second year in a row. Wetter-than-average conditions are expected across the northern United States. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s a similar weather pattern we saw in 2011…

Cut 9 (12)      “drought here” 

Keim says the last few weeks of dry and warm weather are a precursor of this coming winter according to NOAA.

Cut 10 (11) “bode well.”

Does this mean there won’t be cold snaps to affect Louisiana?  Keim says don’t put the coats away.

Cut 11 (09) “or there.” 

The winter forecast will be revised by NOAA in Mid-November.

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Dr. Craig Greene will be sworn in next week as the Public Service Commissioner who will represent the Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Houma areas. Greene, who has never held political office before, explained why he ran for the position.

Cut 12 (10) “problem solving” 

Greene expects the biggest problem he will face as a public service commissioner is getting energy at the cheapest rate possible. He says the best way to solve these problems is to ask the question, how do we learn from our mistakes?

Cut 13 (11)  “done wrong”

Greene says he supports clean energy initiatives to produce electricity, but understands the use of wind energy might not be the best option in Louisiana.

Cut 14 (10) “needs met”