*CORRECTION* PM Newscall August 28, 2014

Chlorine levels have been increased in the water system in St. John the Baptist Parish after testing discovered a deadly brain-eating amoeba in the drinking water. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

===================

Disturbing accusations are coming out about a Baton Rouge TV personality who was shot dead yesterday by his producer who then turned the gun on himself. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (36) “reporting”

===================

Officials in St. John the Baptist Parish are increasing the chlorine levels in their water system after test results confirmed the presence of a deadly brain-eating amoeba. State health officer, Doctor Jimmy Guidry, says the department of health and hospitals has issued an emergency order to perform a chlorine burn throughout the water system to kill the amoeba…

CUT 3 (10) “the nose”

This brain-eating amoeba was previously detected in St. Bernard and DeSoto parishes and its killed three people in Louisiana since 2011, and in all three cases, it was from tap water getting up the victims’ nose. Guidry says Louisiana is the only state in the nation that’s conducting tests for amoebas….

CUT 4 (06)  “they need”

Guidry says they’ve learned the deadly amoeba can get into a water system when the weather is hot and there’s not enough chlorine to burn it off….
(Officials add the water is safe to drink and to cook with, but the public should avoid tap water going up their nose.)

CUT 5 (08) “per liter”

=====================

Troubling allegations are coming out about a Baton Rouge TV personality who was fatally shot yesterday allegedly by his producer who then turned the gun on himself. The news of Scott Rogers death shocked people who admired him. But this morning on The Jim Engster Show, nameless victims came forward and claimed Rogers had been physically and sexually abusing them since they were children…:

CUT 6 (10)  “when I was *sigh* 13”

A second victim claimed he contacted federal authorities to tell his story in America when he learned Rogers adopted two young children. Rogers had been the subject of a federal grand jury and was being investigated for allegedly lying on citizenship documents about prior arrests. The anonymous man described Rogers as a master manipulator monster…:

CUT 7 (09) “that you could imagine”

Rogers was reportedly booked on child molestation charges in the UK, but never disclosed that information when he came to America which is why the feds were asking questions. Victim #2 said Rogers fostered and adopted the children he abused and tortured…:(The alleged gunman, Mathew Hodgkins, is in critical condition.)

CUT 8 (10) “very violent”

=============================================

An investigation is underway into a fatal shooting involving a Livingston Parish Sheriff’s deputy. Sheriff Jason Ard says his deputies encountered a suicidal man at a home in the Albany area yesterday and lethal force was required…

CUT 9 (09)  “our deputies”

Ard says 48-year-old Freddie Leblanc was armed when deputies responded to a call of an attempted suicide. The sheriff says despite repeated demands, the subject refused to drop his weapon and Leblanc eventually pointed his gun at the officers

CUT 10 (05) “by the deputies”

The Livingston Parish Coroner’s office pronounced Leblanc dead the scene. Ard says State Police is assisting in the investigation

CUT 11 (10) “right now”

___________________________________________________

The family of a 22-year-old New Iberia man who sustained a fatal gunshot wound while in police custody is asking the US Justice Department to investigate the circumstances of his death. The Iberia Parish coroner has ruled Victor White III’s death to be a suicide. But Monroe lawyer Carol Powell-Lexing says how could White shoot himself while he’s handcuffed

CUT 12 (08) “front chest”

Powell-Lexing has been hired by White’s family to represent them. White says people who knew White are skeptical that he decided to end his life after he was arrested on drug charges

CUT 13 (08) “or anything”

The shooting happened in March and a full summary of the autopsy was released this week by the Iberia Parish coroner. State Police’s investigation is still ongoing, but Powell-Lexing says an independent autopsy is likely needed…

cut 14 (07) “….autopsy went”

AM Newscall August 28, 2014

The American Automobile Association says more people are traveling for the Labor Day Holiday than since the recession. Scott Carwile has that…:

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

Louisiana Public Broadcasting will air a special tonight about the life of LSU’s Leonard Fournette, one of the nation’s most heavily recruited football prospects out of St. Aug. Jeff Palermo has that.:

Cut 2 Audio (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says tourism is encouraging for 2014 following last year’s record setting year. Eric Gill has more…

Cut 3 Audio  (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

The American Automobile Association says more people are traveling for the Labor Day Holiday than since the recession. AAA spokesman Don Redman says 34.7 million people are projected to journey 50 miles or more from home this holiday weekend…:

Cut 4  (10)  “great recession”

Redman says nearly 86 percent of travelers will celebrate the holiday with a final summer road trip. The Labor Day Holiday travel period is defined as Thursday August 28th to Monday September 1st. Redman says another significant bullet point from the 2014 Labor Day Travel Forecast is that more people are using the credit cards for the trip…:

Cut 5  (08)  “start assuming debt”

Redman says automobile travel will increase by 1.4 percent this year with 29.7 million travelers hitting the road. He says another boost to the travelers confidence is likely related to the low price at the pump…:

Cut 6 (06)  “this time last year”

______________________________________

Louisiana Public Broadcasting will air a special tonight about the life of LSU’s Leonard Fournette, one of the nation’s most heavily recruited football prospects out of St. Aug. “Road to Stardom: The Leonard Fournette Story” is produced and directed by Kenny Chenier (Shin-Yay). He says the program documents Fournette’s early days growing up in the 7th Ward of New Orleans…:

CUT 7 (15) “football game”

Chenier says it’s very obvious to most people what Fournette is capable of on the football field, but the Tiger running back is so much more — inside and out…:

CUT 8 (10)   “that I’ve ever seen”

LSU Coach Les Miles has used Michael Jordan’s name when describing Fournette’s desire to be great. Chenier says they interview Miles in the documentary and also LSU recruiting coordinator and running back coach Frank Wilson…:

CUT 9 (08)  “and the person”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals allocates 18-million dollars to a Baton Rouge Hospital to keep its emergency room open.  Baton Rouge General decided to close their Mid-City ER because they were losing money providing health care to an increasing number of uninsured patients.  But DHH Chief of Staff Calder Lynch says this commitment should meet the ER’s needs for the current fiscal year…

cut 10 (08)  “maintain that facility”

Baton Rouge General says the increase in uninsured patients is due, in part, to the closure of LSU’s Earl K. Long Medical Center.  Democratic legislators said earlier this year that the Mid-City emergency room would close due to Governor Jindal and Republican leaders blocking Medicaid expansion.  Lynch says this is not the case…

cut 11 (10)  “wasn’t that solution” 

Lynch says the funding comes from both state and federal sources and should not effect any other hospitals in the state.  Lynch says the DHH needs to find a sustainable solution to help emergency rooms across the state…

cut 12 (10) “for individuals”

__________________________________________

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says tourism is encouraging for 2014 following last year’s record setting year. Over 27 million people visited Louisiana in 2013, a nearly 4-percent increase from 2012. Dardenne says international travel to Louisiana was up 18-percent last year, which is the largest percentage increase in the country…

Cut 13 (10)  “of the state”

Domestic and international visitors spent nearly 11-billion dollars in the state last year. Dardenne says there are no hard numbers available for 2014, as of yet. But he says the LouisianaTravel-dot-com website and their social media activity has been ranked number four among all tourism sites in the US…

Cut 14 (11)  “in the nation”

The top three leisure travel activities for Louisiana domestic travelers are visiting friends and relatives, shopping, and fine dining. Dardenne says his office will continue to work on enticing people to come visit the Bayou State. He says an upcoming article in the next issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine will help…

Cut 15  (09)   “in Louisiana”

__________________________________________

The ULM Warhawks kick-off their 2014 season tonight hosting Wake Forest in a nationally televised game on ESPNU. Head coach Todd Berry says this is a rare opportunity for the Warhawks to play in front of the home fans early in the season. Berry is hopeful tonight’s crowd is rowdy…

Cut 16  (12)   “going on”

During “Camo Out Night” at Malone Stadium, Duck Dynasty star Willie Robertson will toss the coin and a segment of the show will be filmed. Pete Thomas will start at quarterback for the Warhawks. Thomas transferred from North Carolina State where he started six games last season. Although he’s working with a different system, Berry says Thomas is comfortable with the offense…

Cut 17  (20)   “situation that we’re in”

Kick-off is scheduled for 6PM. Wake Forest comes to Monroe with a new coach, a true freshman quarterback, and new starters at several key positions. Berry says with a wide variety of unknowns about the Demon Deacons, the Warhawks are focused on being ready for anything…

Cut 18 (21)  “team to adjust”

Updated PM LRN Newscall Wednesday August 27

###Changes have been made to the story out of Natchitoches Central High. We now

know the identity of the suspect.####

More details are coming out about the death of a Natchitoches Central High student, who passed away from injuries he sustained during a fight at school. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

===================

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says they have some serious problems with a swamp tour operation out of Hammond. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

===================

Natchitoches Central High Principal Bill Gordy says it was a random act of violence that led to the death of 18-year-old Johnquaries Smith. Smith died yesterday from the head injury he sustained during a fight with another student at school. Gordy says the two students had no interaction prior to their altercation…:

CUT 3 (07) “hit him”

The 16-year-old who punched Smith has been charged with manslaughter. He’s been identified as Timothy Ray Robinson and prosecutors reportedly plan to try him as an adult. Gordy says they don’t know much about him, because he just started at N-C-H-S…

CUT 4 (03)  “much background”

Gordy describes Smith as a nice young man, who he spoke to frequently….

CUT 5 (09) “Johnquaries”

=====================

There are many questions surrounding the case of the handcuffed New Iberia man who is said to have fatally shot himself  in the back of a police car. The Iberia Parish Coroner ruled Victor White III shot himself in the chest. UL-Lafayette Anthropology Professor Maranda Kles is a former Florida homicide investigator. She says, while rare, a handcuffed suicide is possible…:

CUT 6 (09)  “very twisted around”

Other experts have speculated cops missed the gun during a search of White which is why it was in the car with the man in custody. Kles says coroners rule deaths like this as suicides when there was clear intention a person wanted to end their life on purpose…:

CUT 7 (08) “rule this way”

The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office and State Police have not released many other details during the ongoing investigation into White’s death. Kles says we do know White was intoxicated at the time of his arrest and tested positive for marijuana:

CUT 8 (07) “thought process”

=============================================

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says they have some serious problems with a swamp tour operation in Hammond. PETA’s Brittany Peet says they received complaints from a visitor to Harvey Kliebert’s Turtle & Alligator Farm & Tours. She says the animals there are living in deplorable conditions…:

CUT 9 (10)  “and for space”

Peet says reptiles are rarely seen suffering in the wild but when they are held in captivity it can take years for them to die from stress, malnutrition and infection. She also says they have a problem with Kliebert putting their employees at risk…:

(Kliebert’s has yet to respond to our request for comment. )

CUT 10 (12) “for these tours”

Peet says they’ve filed a complaint with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration to investigate reports of employees being required to taunt the animals. She says they’ve also filed a complaint with Child Protective Services regarding the manager’s 6-year-old son who is allowed to wrangle alligators…:

CUT 11 (12) “reckless conduct

___________________________________________________

Governor Jindal has filed a lawsuit against the federal government alleging  the Obama administration violated the Constitution by using federal grant money to force states to adopt the Common Core education standards. Jindal says Common Core is the latest effort by the feds to have Washington D-C in control of everything

CUT 12 (04) “our schools”

The audio is from a recent PSA from the governor, calling for the public’s help in his effort to stop Common Core. Jindal says the Constitution and federal laws leave it up to the states to control education content, but through Common Core the federal government can dictate curriculum….

CUT 13 (07) “health care”

Jindal, a one-time supporter of Common Core, has taken steps this year to keep the new math and english standards out of Louisiana. US Education Secretary Arne Duncan has said Jindal’s actions are about politics, not education. Jindal says Common Core has turned into a scheme by the federal government to nationalize curriculum

cut 14 (02) “….our schools”

PM LRN Newscall August 27th

More details are coming out about the death of a Natchitoches Central High student, who passed away from injuries he sustained during a fight at school. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

===================

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says they have some serious problems with a swamp tour operation out of Hammond. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

===================

Natchitoches Central High Principal Bill Gordy says it was a random act of violence that led to the death of 18-year-old Johnquaries Smith. Smith died yesterday from the head injury he sustained during a fight with another student at school. Gordy says the two students had no interaction prior to their altercation…:

CUT 3 (07) “hit him”

The 16-year-old who punched Smith has been charged with manslaughter. His name will not be released, because he is a juvenile and Gordy says they don’t know much about him, because he just started at N-C-H-S…

CUT 4 (10) “or an adult”

Gordy describes Smith as a nice young man, who he spoke to frequently….

CUT 5 (09) “Johnquaries”

=====================

There are many questions surrounding the case of the handcuffed New Iberia man who is said to have fatally shot himself  in the back of a police car. The Iberia Parish Coroner ruled Victor White III shot himself in the chest. UL-Lafayette Anthropology Professor Maranda Kles is a former Florida homicide investigator. She says, while rare, a handcuffed suicide is possible…:

CUT 6 (09)  “very twisted around”

Other experts have speculated cops missed the gun during a search of White which is why it was in the car with the man in custody. Kles says coroners rule deaths like this as suicides when there was clear intention a person wanted to end their life on purpose…:

CUT 7 (08) “rule this way”

The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office and State Police have not released many other details during the ongoing investigation into White’s death. Kles says we do know White was intoxicated at the time of his arrest and tested positive for marijuana:

CUT 8 (07) “thought process”

=============================================

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says they have some serious problems with a swamp tour operation in Hammond. PETA’s Brittany Peet says they received complaints from a visitor to Harvey Kliebert’s Turtle & Alligator Farm & Tours. She says the animals there are living in deplorable conditions…:

CUT 9 (10)  “and for space”

Peet says reptiles are rarely seen suffering in the wild but when they are held in captivity it can take years for them to die from stress, malnutrition and infection. She also says they have a problem with Kliebert putting their employees at risk…:

(Kliebert’s has yet to respond to our request for comment. )

CUT 10 (12) “for these tours”

Peet says they’ve filed a complaint with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration to investigate reports of employees being required to taunt the animals. She says they’ve also filed a complaint with Child Protective Services regarding the manager’s 6-year-old son who is allowed to wrangle alligators…:

CUT 11 (12) “reckless conduct”

___________________________________________________

Governor Jindal has filed a lawsuit against the federal government alleging  the Obama administration violated the Constitution by using federal grant money to force states to adopt the Common Core education standards. Jindal says Common Core is the latest effort by the feds to have Washington D-C in control of everything

CUT 12 (04) “our schools”

The audio is from a recent PSA from the governor, calling for the public’s help in his effort to stop Common Core. Jindal says the Constitution and federal laws leave it up to the states to control education content, but through Common Core the federal government can dictate curriculum….

CUT 13 (07) “health care”

Jindal, a one-time supporter of Common Core, has taken steps this year to keep the new math and english standards out of Louisiana. US Education Secretary Arne Duncan has said Jindal’s actions are about politics, not education. Jindal says Common Core has turned into a scheme by the federal government to nationalize curriculum

cut 14 (02) “….our schools”

AM Newscall August 27, 2014

The American Heart Association has released a statement saying the use of electronic cigarettes may help some people quit smoking. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Department of Children and Family Services says they’ve collected more than $2 million dollars in casino winnings from deadbeat parents. Jeff Palermo has that…:

Cut 2 Audio (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

An 18-year-old Natchitoches Central High School student has died as a result of injuries sustained after an altercation with another student during school. Eric Gill has the story…

Cut 3 Audio  (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

The American Heart Association has released a statement saying the use of electronic cigarettes may help some people quit smoking. The recommendation is for the use of e-cigarettes as a last resort with several notes of caution. Associate Dean for Research at LSU, Dr. Ed Trapido, says he’ll go along with that for now…

Cut 4  (09)  “that statement”

The recommendation was written by a group of scientists, physicians, and researchers after studying the latest information available on e-cigarettes. It’s emphasized that e-cigarettes should be used as a last resort to help quit smoking. Trapido says there are several proven cessation methods that one should try first…

Cut 5  (13)  “cigarette dependence”

The group’s statement admits that much more research needs to be done as there is a lack of knowledge on the long-term health impact of e-cigarettes. Although he agrees with the AHA statement, Trapido says there is concern in the public health community…

Cut 6 (08)  “evidence to that”

______________________________________

The Department of Children and Family Services says they’ve collected more than $2 million dollars in casino winnings from parents who owe back child support. Deputy Assistant Secretary Lisa Andry says this is a huge milestone for the Casino Intercept Program which launched in September 2011…:

CUT 7 (10) “good thing”

Andry says each collection made, whether large or small, is proof that this program is an essential tool for collecting what is owed to Louisiana’s children…:

CUT 8 (06)   “very long time”

Andry says a total of 2 million fifty two thousand dollars was taken from 1,526 non-custodial parents who owed back child support. She says when someone wins over 1200, the casino has to cross check the winner with people who owe money in the DCFS database…:

CUT 9 (05)  “at that time”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Attorney General’s office says a Marrero woman faces more than 200 years in prison on charges related to child sex trafficking. 38-year-old Candice Caulfield was arrested on several charges including trafficking of children for sexual purposes and enticing persons into prostitution. Spokesman David Ferris says the AG’s office is hub for the Internet Crimes Against Children’s Taskforce…

cut 10 (11)  “trafficking, as well”

The investigation into Caulfield began after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Ferris says “NiCMEC” is kind of the 9-1-1 for the internet…

cut 11 (09)  “to NiCMEC” 

Caulfield, who also goes by the alias Candye Perrin, was booked into the Jefferson Parish Prison. Ferris says when most people think of human trafficking, they think of it only happening in a third-world country outside of the United States. He says the reality is that it’s also happening right underneath our noses…

cut 12 (11) “advantage of them”

__________________________________________

The 18-year-old Natchitoches Central High School student who was involved in an altercation with another student at school has died as a result of injuries he sustained. Johnquaries (john-kware-e-us) Smith passed away Tuesday morning. Natchitoches Police Captain Brad Walker says the incident happened Monday afternoon…

Cut 13 (08)  “him his life”

He says Smith was punched by a 16-year-old male and hit his head on the concrete suffering injuries which ultimately cost him his life. Walker says rumors that this was a gang fight are not true. In fact, he says it wasn’t a fight at all…

Cut 14 (07)  “of course, was not”

He says they’ve classified the incident as a battery that has unfortunately turned into a homicide. Walker says the suspect was originally booked into the Ware Detention Center on second degree battery charges…(The suspect will now be charged with manslaughter in this case.)

Cut 15  (07)   “with manslaughter”

__________________________________________

The Saints roster now stands at 75 after cutting eight players yesterday. The most high profile cut was linebacker Victor Butler. The former Dallas Cowboy was signed in 2013 by the Saints to be a starter, but he never played because of two separate injuries. Coach Sean Payton says its an unfortunate situation

Cut 16  (14)   “foot forward”

The Saints final preseason game is Thursday night at home against Baltimore. Several jobs are on the line, including at kicker, where Derek Dimke and Shayne Graham have been battling. Payton says it’s a tough choice, because both are good enough to kick in the NFL…

Cut 17  (15)   “made a decision”

There’s also been a position battle for starting center between Jonathan Goodwin and Tim Lelito. Based on playing time in the last preseason game, it appears Goodwin will be the starting center, but Payton is not ready to make that announcement

Cut 18 (16)  “position flexibility”

PM LRN Newscall August 26

According to the personal finance magazine Kiplinger, Louisiana is the third most tax friendly state in the nation. Michelle Southern has that…:

CUT 1 (34) “reporting”

===================

The Slidell Police Department says a man who was desperate to pay his probation fees allegedly robbed a woman and baby of a diaper bag. Michelle Southern has that…:

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

===================

According to the personal finance magazine Kiplinger, Louisiana is the third most tax friendly state in the nation. Senior Associate Editor Sandy Block says their rankings were based on rates for income, sales and gas taxes. She says a big boost for Louisiana is the fact that we have the lowest property taxes in the nation…:

CUT 3 (08) “in Louisiana”

Block says property in Louisiana is assessed at 10 percent of its fair market value. She also says our gas tax is well below average at 20 cents a gallon. Block says as a result, Louisiana is a very tax friendly place for retirees…:

CUT 4 (09) “those counts too”

Block says the most tax friendly state is Delaware followed by Wyoming, then Mississippi and Alabama are ranked just below Louisiana. She says they have a tax map tool on their website, kiplinger.com, to help people make the most financially sound decision when considering a move to another state…:

CUT 5 (06) “and local taxes”

=====================

The Houma Police Department is the latest law enforcement agency in Louisiana that will use body cameras. Chief Todd Duplantis says the Terrebonne Parish Council has purchased 84 cameras that will be equipped to an officers’ uniform. He says it should be a great benefit to their department

CUT 6 (11)  “from officers”

Duplantis says with the body cameras, any interaction between a police officer and the public will be videoed, which should lead to a reduction in citizen and use of force complaints

CUT 7 (08) “what happened”

Duplantis says the video will also help prosecutors when a criminal case goes before a judge or jury

CUT 8 (10) “..what happened”

=============================================

A disorganized area of thunderstorms in the northern Gulf of Mexico has the attention of the National Hurricane Center. Donald Jones, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says the weak cluster of thunderstorm activity is associated with a weak frontal boundary

CUT 9 (11)  “minimal”

Jones says there’s a low chance this disturbed area will grow into a tropical storm, but it will produce showers and thunderstorms for areas in south Louisiana…

CUT 10 (06) “for the weekend”

Jones says it’s unlikely we’ll see a tropical storm develop from this area of thunderstorms

CUT 11 (03) “five days

___________________________________

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is the father of a new baby girl. Brees says his wife Brittany gave birth their fourth child and their first girl last night. He says mom and child are doing just fine…

CUT 12 (10) “for ever”

The family’s first girl will be little sister to brothers Baylen, Bowen, and Callen. Brees says the entire family is excited…

CUT 13 (13) “got their wish”

Brees is holding off on announcing the girl’s name until its on the birth certificate. And he believes this will be the last addition to their immediate family

cut 14 (10) “(laughter)”

AM Newscall August 26, 2014

The ACLU of Louisiana says South Plaquemines High School administrators are violating the constitutional right of a student who they’ve suspended for having religiously mandated dreadlocks. Michelle Southern has that…:

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

Council for A Better Louisiana is partnering with Louisiana Public Broadcasting to present a US Senate debate on October 14th.  Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 2 Audio (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

A fight at Natchitoches Central High School sends an 18-year-old student to the hospital with serious injuries and leads to the arrest of another student. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 3 Audio  (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

The ACLU of Louisiana has sent a letter to the Plaquemines Parish School Board and South Plaquemines High School administrators regarding a student who has been suspected because of his hairstyle. The student is Rastafari and ACLU-LA Executive Director Marjorie Esman says his long dreadlocks are religiously mandated…:

Cut 4  (12)  “with his religious faith”

Esman says the student is not new to the school but last year his parents were unaware of the right he has to keep his hair the way his religion mandates…:

Cut 5  (12)  “right now”

Esman says they are seeking an expedited hearing before the full school board very quickly with the expectation that they will do the right thing…:(Calls to the school board were not returned.)

Cut 6 (05)  “with his religious faith”

______________________________________

State Representative Jeff Thompson of Bossier City will leave the state legislature to become a district judge. Thompson qualified unopposed to fill the judgeship left vacant by the retiring Ford Stinson. He says his time in the State House was a great opportunity to help craft some meaningful legislation for the state…

CUT 7 (08) “January the first”

Thompson will preside in the 26th Judicial District Court of Bossier and Webster Parishes in northwestern Louisiana. He will be sworn in on January 1st. Thompson says a unique opportunity presented itself this year with two judges in the district retiring…

CUT 8 (12)   “to serve here”

During his time in the legislature, Thompson was a proponent for Second Amendment rights. He founded the gun rights group, Defend Louisiana. Thompson is confident the state legislature will continue to defend the right to bear arms…

CUT 9 (11)  “our own families”

______________________________________

The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 20-year-old LaPlace man on charges of aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, and armed robbery. Captain Pat Yoes says the victim was walking in New Orleans when a vehicle stopped beside her and two subjects exited the vehicle…

cut 10 (10)  “she was raped”

Yoes says the subjects took the victim from there to St. John Parish and into St. Charles Parish, where she was raped. The victim was dropped off in Kenner where she flagged down someone to notify the Sheriff’s Office. Yoes says it took investigators a little time to figure out where the incident occurred…

cut 11 (09)  “in the investigation” 

He says the victim was able to pick out Kevin Allen in a photographic lineup. The subjects also allegedly robbed the victim. Yoes says Allen was arrested by the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office…(Yoes says the investigation is continuing and additional arrests are expected.)

cut 12 (08) “additional arrests”

__________________________________________

Council for A Better Louisiana is partnering with Louisiana Public Broadcasting to present a US Senate debate on October 14th. Incumbent Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu and Republican challengers Bill Cassidy and Rob Maness will all participate. CABL President Barry Erwin says this race is hugely important for the state…

Cut 13 (09)  “candidates stand”

The debate will take place at Centenary College in Shreveport beginning at 7PM. It will be broadcast statewide on LPB television stations. Erwin says there are still working on the format of the debate, but there shouldn’t be a shortage of topics…

Cut 14 (13)  “affect us here”

Erwin says there are several pressing issues important to the state tied to this election. He says it’s important nationally because, potentially, the balance of power in the Senate could be determined by the outcome. Erwin says, obviously, there is a lot riding on Louisiana’s US Senate race…

Cut 15  (10)   “and TV ads”

__________________________________________

13th ranked LSU is just four days away from the season opener against number 14 Wisconsin and it remains a mystery to the public who will be the starting quarterback for the Tigers. Coach Les Miles is staying tight lipped, but he says Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris will get a chance to play against the Badgers…

Cut 16  (17)   “play two”

Miles says how Jennings and Harris perform during the games will determine how long they go with a two quarterback system….

Cut 17  (17)   “not occurred”

Miles doesn’t anticipate the battle for starting quarterback to be a distraction for his team…

Cut 18 (11)  “tough defense”

LRN PM Newscall August 25

The Cajun spice “Slap Ya Mama” has been told by the NFL they can’t have virtual on-field ads during game telecasts anymore citing the fact it may send the wrong message. Michelle Southern has that…:

CUT 1 (34) “reporting”

===================

The Iberia Parish Coroner says the Iberia Parish man who died while he was in handcuffs was not killed by police. Michelle Southern has that…:

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

===================

The Lafayette Police Department says a man is dead after he allegedly broke into a home. Spokeswoman Nicole Benoit says they were called by the shooter himself around 11 last night…:

CUT 3 (06) “of the residence”

Benoit says when officers arrived, they located the shooter who made the 9-1-1 call and said he saw an unknown person entering his home from across the street…:

CUT 4 (09) “two shots at him”

Benoit says the alleged burglar then exited the home and then the homeowner fired two more shots…:(Benoit says anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact authorities.)

CUT 5 (12) “at this time”

=====================

The popular Louisiana spice “Slap Ya Mama” has been told by the NFL they can’t have virtual on-field ads during game telecasts anymore citing the fact it may send the wrong message. Cox Media sent a message to the Cajun spice company and said the matter was over domestic violence issues the NFL is facing. Jack Walker’s mother owns “Slap Ya Mama”…:

CUT 6 (13)  “and enjoying life”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a release that ALL virtual ads on the field will not be allowed during game telecasts saying some of the products and messages aren’t consistent with league standards. Walker says this would have been the third year they’ve run the same ad with Cox during Saints games…:

CUT 7 (09) “pull that spot”

Walker says they have never had a problem with anyone associating the name of their brand with any type of domestic violence…:

CUT 8 (06) “in the south”

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The Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff’s office says they’ve arrested a 21-year-old Jennings man on many charges for allegedly breaking in to a family member’s home and assaulting her in front of her two young kids. Spokesman Chris Ivey says the victim identified the suspect as 21-year-old Sebastion Hanks…:

CUT 9 (08)  “her two children)”

Ivey says Hanks allegedly kicked in the door of the victim and began beating her up in the presence of her children who were home at the time. He says Hanks was booked into the Jefferson Davis Parish jail..:

CUT 10 (10) “of a witness”

Ivey says Hanks was related to the victim…:

CUT 11 (09) “between the two

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A new panel called the Transportation Funding Task Force plans to meet next month and discuss ways the state can put more towards a better road and bridge system in Louisiana. Ken Perret is the president of the Louisiana Good Roads Association and he says this group will come up with ideas that can be voted on by the state legislature next year

CUT 12 (10) “short term”

Perret hopes state leaders will be willing to do something, because the public outcry about road conditions keeps getting louder

CUT 13 (07) “additional funding”

There’s a reported 12-billion dollar backlog of road and bridge needs. Motorists currently pay 38-cents per gallon of gasoline in taxes, with most of that money going towards road improvements. But Perret says the state needs another revenue source

cut 14 (11) “in their vehicle”

AM LRN Newscall August 25th

Louisiana’s US Senate race shaping up to be a big race. Eric Gill has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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The 66th Primetime Emmy Awards will air tonight on NBC and there are five Louisiana-made series and miniseries that are all in the running for some really nice honors. Michelle Southern has that…:

Cut 2 Audio (33) “reporting”

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A pro choice organization files a lawsuit to prevent an anti-abortion law from going into effect. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 Audio  (31) “reporting”

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With election qualifying behind us, all eyes are turned toward November 4th. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat sees several races destined for a runoff election in December. In the US Senate race, Pinsonat says the picture is pretty clear…

Cut 4  (12)  “right now”

Pinsonat says a December runoff between Democratic incumbent Mary Landrieu and Republican Bill Cassidy could determine control of the US Senate. He says the waters are a little cloudy when it comes to the 6th Congressional District race. Most pundits believe Edwin Edwards is a shoe-in for a December runoff. Pinsonat says beyond that, this race is really a toss up…

Cut 5  (11)  “that dominate”

Pinsonat thinks the 5th Congressional District election is wide open. He says incumbent Vance McAllister has lost a lot of his base and popularity due to the infamous kissing scandal earlier this year. Pinsonat says that plus the fact that he has some well funded challengers, makes this race difficult to call…

Cut 6 (07)  “polls come out”

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The 66th Primetime Emmy Awards will air tonight on NBC and there are five Louisiana-made series and miniseries that are all in the running for some really nice honors. Louisiana Entertainment Executive Director Chris Stelly…:

CUT 7 (11) “coming our way”

Stelly says True Detective, Bonnie & Clyde, American Horror Story and Treme all had stellar story lines and Louisiana provided a perfect backdrop. He says of course with Top Chef New Orleans it’s all about our famous food but all these shows have that one thing in common…:

CUT 8 (10)   “really well”

Stelly says we’ll find out tonight if Matthew McConaughey will pick up the best actor emmy for his role in True Detective the way he did for Dallas Buyers Club which was also filmed in Louisiana…:

CUT 9 (07)  “Mr. McConaughey”

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A state law requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at a local hospital goes into a effect next Monday, but the Center for Reproductive Rights has filed  lawsuit in federal court challenging the law. An attorney for the center, Julie Rikelman, says the courts have blocked similar laws around the country…

cut 10 (11)  “in Louisiana”

Rikelman says the law, which was passed by the legislature earlier this year, will close all five of the state’s five abortion clinics. She says one of their arguments against the law is that the state didn’t give abortion doctors enough time to obtain the prvileges

cut 11 (08)  “be considered” 

But Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Ben Clapper disagrees and says abortion doctors had enough time to get admitting privileges

cut 12 (10) “local hospital”

Clapper says Louisiana has the right to close a loophole in the current law, which allows for abortion facilities to operate at a lower standard, compared to other surgical facilities…

Cut 13 (08)  “more effective”

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The Saints look like they are ready for the regular season based on their performance on Saturday night as they defeated the Colts 23-17. Quarterback Drew Brees, who has been nursing an oblique injury, appeared in his first preseason game and threw for 128 yards and two touchdowns…

Cut 14 (16)  “as expected”

Brees’ two touchdown passes went to Austin Johnson and Marques Colston. Tight end Jimmy Graham had two catches for 49 yards and likes that the offense already seems to be in a rhythem despite Brees’ injury

Cut 15  (20)   “nothing but good”

Game week has arrived for the 13th ranked Tigers as they’ll leave later this week for Houston where they’ll play 14th ranked Wisconsin on Saturday night. Senior linebacker DJ Welter says the intensity at practice has been picking up as they get closer to gameday

Cut 16  (11)   “gameday”

Running back Terrence Magee says they are expecting a crazy atmosphere in Houston…

Cut 17  (17)   “be fun”

PM Newscall August 22, 2014

As he promised, Congressman Vance McAllister has officially joined the race once again for the 5th District seat on the final day of qualifying. Don Molino reports:

CUT 1 (34) “reporting”

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Retired air force colonel and tea party candidate Rob Maness officially joined the US Senate race today. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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Today is the final day to qualify for the November 4th election and first in line was 5th Congressional District Rep. Vance McAllister. The Congressman came under fire earlier this year for being caught on tape kissing a married woman at his office and Governor Bobby Jindal called for his resignation. McAllister says the Governor should be more worried about serving the state…:

CUT 3 (12) “willing to eat me”

McAllister shrugged off the fact that Jindal and the Louisiana GOP don’t support him. He says God has given him a second chance with his family and he hopes voters will continue to support him because he knows more about values now than every before…:

CUT 4 (05) “almost lose em”

Mangham physician Dr. Ralph Abraham says he entered the 5th Congressional District race because he’s concerned about the future…:

CUT 5 (07) “have to correct”

Abraham says it’s time to change the politics in Washington as right now Republicans and Democrats are so intent on destroying each other, that they are actually destroying this country…:

CUT 6 (11)  “that Congress is in”

====================

On the final day to qualify for the US Senate race, republican and retired air force colonel, Rob Maness, signed up at the Secretary of State’s office so his name will appear on the November fourth ballot. Maness on why he got into the race…

CUT 7 (09) “worried about his country”

Democratic incumbent senator Mary Landrieu and republican Baton Rouge Congressman Bill Cassidy qualified for the US Senate race on Wednesday. But Maness says Louisiana voters are looking for someone who is not a Washington D-C politician…

CUT 8 (10) “sets me apart”

Polls show Maness is an underdog in the race for US Senate, but he had a group of vocal supporters with him when he qualified in Baton Rouge today…

CUT 9 (10)  “…..(cheering)”

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Get ready for the hottest weekend of the year. State Climatologist Barry Keim says there is a large ridge of high pressure setting up across the central United States which is limiting thunderstorm activity, and driving up the temperatures…:

CUT 10 (09) “of Louisiana”

Keim says high temps through the weekend will be in the upper 90’s and triple digits in some cases…:

CUT 11 (09) “early next week

Keim says there is only going to be a modest breakdown in this hot pattern at the start of next week, but it’s still going to be extremely stuffy. He says the humidity will also be high which drives the heat index up…:

CUT 12 (09) “of Louisiana”

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The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s office says a months long investigation has resulted in the arrests of people allegedly involved with a prostitution operation being run out of an Asian massage parlor. Spokesman Matt Vezinot says they got a tip that people were getting sex for cash at this location when the sting operation began…:

CUT 13 (13) “we learned”

Vezinot says they made three arrests in Lake Charles and also had warrants for people in Lafayette and Bossier City who were connected to the crimes. He says the investigation began 10 months ago when they started sending undercover cops to the business…:

cut 14 (08) “they provide”

The charges of the accused include 10 counts of promoting prostitution, pandering and prostitution by massage. Vezniot says more arrests are expected to be made…:

cut 15 (06) “something else”