11:30AM LRN Newscast April 4

The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival is expecting 30 to 35 thousand people to attend this weekend’s massive festival just outside Lafayette. Festival Spokesperson Angelique Bernard says an unbelievable amount of mudbugs will be consumed over the three days.

Cut 6 (05)  “peeled crawfish”

The food options are extensive, with everything from crawfish burritos to spinach bread bowls, and over 30 zydeco bands are expected to play throughout the festival that starts today.

The chemical fire has been distinguished at Flowchem in Duson and evacuated residents were allowed back into their homes Friday morning. The massive blaze shutdown I-10 on Thursday, but it’s has since re-opened. State Police spokesperson Brooks David says investigators still don’t know what caused the blaze

.Cut 9 (10) “go from there”

A bill barring drivers from touching their cellphones while on the road narrowly escaped the House and is on its way to the Senate. The anti-distracted driving legislation was inspired by the uptick in distracted driving road deaths in recent years. Bill sponsor Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says the legislation is about protecting the next generation of drivers.

Cut 13 (06)  “distracted drivers” 

Slidell Representative Kevin Pearson says the legislation is about a driving culture change. Now-a-days he doesn’t fire up his car without buckling up, but that didn’t always used to be the case.

But the bill wasn’t without opposition. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says living 250 miles away from the capital means she has to spend hours of her day on the road getting work done.

Cut 15 (12) “on me”

The bill passed with 53 votes.

10:30 LRN Newscast April 4

Louisiana has been given full control of Red Snapper waters from the feds for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist Harry Blanchet says that’s great news for bayou sportsmen.

Cut 3, 7 seconds, offshore waters

This year’s season will kick off Friday, May 25th, with a total allocation of 743,000 pounds allowed to be harvested

The “Adoption Option” bill that would require abortion clinics to provide information about the adoption process to women seeking abortions is nearing final passage. Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Ben Clapper says too many women are choosing abortion

Cut 6 (10) “of adoption”

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu is set to end his second term Monday after 8 years in charge of the Crescent City. Landrieu guided the city through a tumultuous post Katrina recovery period, but political analyst Clancy DuBos says nationally he’ll be most remembered for his part in the removal of the confederate monuments to Robert E Lee, Jefferson Davis, and PT Beauregard.

Cut 7 (08)  “for that”

A bill barring drivers from touching their cellphones while on the road narrowly escaped the House and is on its way to the Senate. The anti-distracted driving legislation was inspired by the uptick in distracted driving road deaths in recent years. Slidell Representative Kevin Pearson says the legislation is about a driving culture change. Now-a-days he doesn’t fire up his car without buckling up, but that didn’t always used to be the case.

Cut 14 (10) “done it”

09:30 LRN Newscast May 4

Mitch Landrieu’s eight-year run as the mayor of New Orleans is coming to an end as his second term finishes on Monday with the swearing in of LaToya Cantrell. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos when Landrieu was sworn-in, the Katrina recovery was slow and the city’s finances were a mess…
cut 9 (12) “…politice recruiting”
Dubos says New Orleans violent crime rate remains too high.

The state legislature is close to approving legislation that would make more information available about putting a child up for adoption for women who are seeking to have an abortion. Ben Clapper is the executive director of the Louisiana Right to Life…
cut 5 (07) “…of adoption”
There will be a new website called adoption-option-dot-la-dot-gov.

A 62-year-old Hammond man faces a vehicular negligent homicide charge, plus a host of other charges for a fatal wreck on I-12 that killed a one-month old child and injured four others. Don Molino has the story…
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

Residents that were forced to evacuate yesterday as a result of a massive chemical fire at Flowchem in Duson are allowed to return home this morning. The state department of environmental quality is available to provide an air quality check for those who request one for their home. The blaze also shut down on I-10, but the interstate has since been reopened.

8:30 LRN Newscast May 4th

Mitch Landrieu is in his final few days as Mayor of New Orleans. Landrieu was sworn in eight years ago as the city was still trying to rebound from Hurricane Katrina. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says Landrieu did well in moving the recovery along, but the failure of the Sewage and Water Board will weigh on his legacy as it led to flooding that could have been avoided…
cut 8 (10) “…his watch”

State Police say 62-year-old Erroll Nugent was impaired when he attempted a U-Turn on I-12 through the grassy median. Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says when Nugent re-entered the interstate, an 18-wheeler hit his vehicle and the impact killed a one-month old child in his car…
cut 11 (09) “…around”
Nugent has been charged with vehicular negligent homicide.

Legislation is one step away from the governor’s desk that would require abortion clinics to provide additional information to women seeking their services. Michael Farrar has more.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

The Louisiana House approves legislation that prohibits the use of your hand-held cell phone while driving. Supporters say it will minimize distractions while behind the wheel and Slidell Representative Kevin Pearson says it’s about a driving culture change…
cut 14 (10) “…done it”

7:30 LRN Newscast May 4th

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s two term run ends Monday and Matt Doyle looks back at his administration…
Voicer 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

Still no word on what caused a massive chemical plant fire in Duson that led to an evacuation of homes and businesses one mile around FlowChem Technologies. No injuries reported and those evacuated are allowed back in their home this morning. They can request the department of environmental quality to conduct an air quality check of their home.

The Louisiana House has passed legislation that says drivers are not allowed to handle their cell phone while behind the wheel. It passed on a 53-34 vote. State Representative Barbara Norton voted no. The Shreveport Democrat says she conducts work on her phone during her 250-mile drive to the capitol….
cut 15 (12) “….on me”
More debate will take place in the Senate.

A one-month old child was killed in a wreck involving an 18-wheeler on I-12 near Covington. Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says 62-year-old Erroll Nugent attempted a U-Turn through a grassy median when he truck upon re-entering the interstate. Nugent now faces numerous charges…
cut 12 (10) “….consequences”
Nugent and four others were injured.

06:30 LRN Newscast May 4th

A bill barring drivers from touching their cellphones while on the road narrowly escaped the House and is on its way to the Senate. The legislation is inspired by the uptick in distracted driving road deaths in recent years. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval…
Cut 13 (06) “distracted drivers”
The measure received 53 “yes” votes which is the minimum number required for passage.

State Police charge a Hammond man with vehicular negligent homicide as result of a crash on I-12 near Covington that killed a one-month old child. Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says 62-year-old Erroll Nugent missed his exit to Highway 190 and instead of turning around at the next exit, he tried a U-Turn through the grassy median…
Cut 10 (07) “rear of his vehicle”
One-month old Bryce Martin from Hammond was killed.

The “Adoption Option” bill that would require abortion clinics to provide information about the adoption process to women seeking abortions is nearing final passage. The legislation also mandates the creation of a state website with information about adoption. Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Ben Clapper says he hopes it will result in fewer abortions.
Cut 4 (09) “as well”
The bill has received little opposition in the legislature.

Acadia Parish residents near Chem-Flo in Duson are being allowed back in their home this morning following a massive fire at the facility. No injuries reported, as officials say Xylene was among the chemicals that contributed to the huge blaze. The state Department of Environmental Quality is providing air quality checks of homes if evacuated residents ask for it.

AM Newscall LRN April 4

Legislation is one step away from the governor’s desk that would require abortion clinics to provide additional information to women seeking their services. Michael Farrar has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

______________________________________

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu two term run ends Monday and Matt Doyle looks back at his administration…

Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

A 62-year-old Hammond man faces a vehicular negligent homicide charge, plus a host of other charges for a fatal wreck on I-12 that killed a one-month old child and injured four others. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

____________________________________________

The “Adoption Option” bill that would require abortion clinics to provide information about the adoption process to women seeking abortions is nearing final passage. The legislation would also mandate the creation of a state website with information about adoption. Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Ben Clapper says he hopes it will result in fewer abortions.

Cut 4  (09) “as well” 

Clapper says women need to be made more aware before committing to an abortion about the financial and institutional support available for women who put their children up for adoption.

Cut 5  (07)  “of adoption”

Clapper says right now, too many women are ignoring the benefits of adoption, and choosing abortion instead.

Cut 6 (10) “of adoption”

The bill has received little opposition in the legislature.

___________________________________

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu is set to end his second term Monday after 8 years in charge of the Crescent City. Landrieu guided the city through a tumultuous post Katrina recovery period, but political analyst Clancy DuBos says nationally he’ll be most remembered for his part in the removal of the confederate monuments to Robert E Lee, Jefferson Davis, and PT Beauregard.

Cut 7 (08)  “for that”

Despite reports indicating he would be interested, Landrieu says he does not currently plan on running for president in 2020.

New Orleans has suffered frequent, and often crippling floods from routine rainstorms during the latter half of Landrieu’s stewardship. DuBos says the failure of the Sewage and Water Board will weigh on his legacy.

Cut 8 (10)  “his watch”

The city’s finances were a wreck after the now imprisoned former Mayor Ray Nagin’s tenure. DuBos says Landrieu was able to address that problem, but it came at a cost.

Cut 9 (12)  “police recruiting”

Mayor-Elect Latoya Cantrell will replace Landrieu.

_____________________________________

State Police charge a Hammond man with vehicular negligent homicide as result of a crash on I-12 near Covington that killed a one-month old child. Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says 62-year-old Erroll Nugent missed his exit to Highway 190 and instead of turning around at the next exit, he tried a U-Turn through the grassy  median…

Cut 10 (07) “rear of his vehicle”

Dwight says one-month old Bryce Martin from Hammond was killed in the impact with the 18-wheeler. Nugent and three others in his vehicle were injured. He says Troopers suspected Nugent was impaired

Cut 11 (09) “around”

Dwight says the one-month-old victim was also not properly restrained. He says Nugent faces numerous charges

Cut 12 (10) “consequences”

__________________________________________

A bill barring drivers from touching their cellphones while on the road narrowly escaped the House and is on its way to the Senate. The anti-distracted driving legislation was inspired by the uptick in distracted driving road deaths in recent years. Bill sponsor Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says the legislation is about protecting the next generation of drivers.

Cut 13 (06)  “distracted drivers” 

Slidell Representative Kevin Pearson says the legislation is about a driving culture change. Now-a-days he doesn’t fire up his car without buckling up, but that didn’t always used to be the case.

Cut 14 (10) “done it”

But the bill wasn’t without opposition. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says living 250 miles away from the capital means she has to spend hours of her day on the road getting work done.

Cut 15 (12) “on me”

The bill passed with 53 votes.

_________________________________________

The LSU baseball team can turn its season around, if they can take this weekend’s series versus fourth ranked Arkansas. Coach Paul Mainieri’s team is in a slump, while the Razorbacks are one of the top teams in a loaded SEC

Cut 16 (15) “pitching great”

The Tigers have won 12 of their last 13 SEC regular-season series versus Arkansas. That includes the Rally Possum game two years ago in Baton Rouge. Mainieri says he can’t explain LSU’s success against the Hogs, considering the number of great players that came through the Razorback program

Cut 17 (19)  “overcome that”

_____________________________

The Pelicans take on the Warriors at home for game three of the series tonight, looking to grab their first win against the playoff dubs. They’ve lost their first two games of the series by an average of 14 points, after beating the Golden State in their last regular season matchup. Head Coach Alvin Gentry says this isn’t the same team they faced in April.

Cut 18 (15)  “right now”  

The Warriors have taken an alarming lead in the amount of free throws earned in the series, but Gentry says that’s not going to discourage the Pels from continuing to pound the ball inside.

Cut 19 (15) “do it” 

It’s a matchup between two of the fastest, most up tempo teams in the league, and some fans are getting worried that it’s impossible to beat Golden State at their own game. Gentry says no matter what, New Orleans isn’t changing what’s gotten them this far.

Cut 20 (18) “the league”

The game tips off at 7.

_______________________________________________

 

Legislative Report April 3

A bill barring drivers from touching their cellphones while on the road narrowly escaped the House and is on its way to the Senate. But the bill wasn’t without opposition. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says living 250 miles away from the capital means she has to spend hours of her day on the road getting work done.

Cut 15 (12) “on me”

Students who had the GPA, but were a few points shy of qualifying for TOPS in high school could get another shot at the scholarship under a bill that is almost to the governor’s desk. The legislation would allow students who scored 17, 18, or 19 on the ACT, but have a 3.2 GPA after two years in college to collect TOPS for their last two years. The bill’s sponsor, New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop:

Cut 10 (11) “particular day”

Legislation is one step away from the governor’s desk that would require abortion clinics to provide additional information to women seeking their services. Michael Farrar has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

The top aide to Secretary of State Tom Schedler denies knowing about sexual harassment allegations against his boss until a lawsuit detailing the accusations was made public. Kyle Ardoin says the accuser never came to him with any problems. Ardoin is set to take over the office when Schedler’s resignation takes effect Tuesday.

4:30PM LRN Newscast April 3

Louisiana now meets the highest standard of air quality according to EPA standards. Governor John Bel Edwards says the success is the result of notable increases in air quality in the Baton Rouge area parishes. DEQ Environmental Scientist Vivian Aucoin says its great news for quality of life in the Bayou State.

Cut 11 (08) “have done”

The state legislature is interested in setting up a task force to study daylight saving time versus standard time, but Covington Representative Mark Wright says  studies have shown turning the clock back an hour creates problems

Cut 4 (:10) “an uptick”

Wright has a resolution calling for a task force that will report back its findings to the legislature next year.

State Fire Marshal investigators believe a charging cell phone could be responsible for a blaze that injured a one-year-old child. Michael Farrar has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

The mother of a Claiborne Parish boy who disappeared a month ago has been arrested on charges unrelated to the child’s disappearance. Shelia Phillips is being held in jail while search teams continue to comb the area around her house where she says her 4-year-old son, Rondreiz Phillips, dispeared. Shelia was arrested on a drug charge. Her husband, Demarcus Gilbert, was arrested for stealing scrap metal two weeks ago.

3:30PM LRN Newscast May 3

Louisiana now meets the highest standard of air quality according to EPA standards. Ozone is formed in the atmosphere when nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds interact with sunlight, and can be exacerbated from human activity. DEQ Environmental Scientist Vivian Aucoin says this makes ozone control a tough task.

Cut 12 (11)   “emitting ozone”

The State Fire Marshal’s office believes a cell phone is responsible for a fire that injured a one-year-old child in Jeanerette. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says a 14-year-old resident told detectives he was sleeping in a room with his little sister, when he awoke to use the bathroom, he smelled smoke and saw the mattress on fire

Cut 5  (09) “electrical outlet”

Detectives learned it was an I Phone 6 that caught fire.

A bill is nearing final passage that would allow students who missed out on TOPS in high school a second chance after two years in college. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) I’m Jeff Palermo”

The state legislature is interested in setting up a task force to study daylight saving time versus standard time. Covington Representative Mark Wright says he gets asked about moving the clocks back an hour every fall all the time

Cut 3 (06) “taxes”