08:30 Newscast, May 18th, 2016

There are lots of campaign announcements today in Louisiana including Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden who is expected to make it official that he’s running for Cedric Richmond’s 2nd Congressional District seat. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Holden faces a tough challenge against an incumbent…:
CUT 6 (09) “tough race”
Captain Clay Higgins is also expected to announce he’ll run for Congress as well as Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell.

A man who cops say was driving a Lamborghini drunk when he crashed into a New Orleans flood wall, killing a 23-year-old Baton Rouge woman in the front seat, has been charged with vehicular homicide in the incident. 30-year-old Jason Adams is accused of driving 118 miles per hour and having a blood/alcohol level that was over the legal limit when the fatal crash occurred May 4th, claiming the life of Kristi Lirette. Adams posted $75,000 bond.

A recent study finds certain cities in southeast Louisiana are sinking. The research was conducted by LSU, UCLA and NASA. Lead Scientist Dr. Cathleen Jones says Norco and Michoud are sinking at a rate of 2 inches a year, and it’s helpful to know in terms of flood modeling and prevention…:
CUT 8 (10) “focus”

Students and coaches from Plaisance Elementary School in Opelousas have been arrested for alleged questionable disciplinary tactics…:
Cut 3 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

 

07:30 Newscast, May 18th, 2016

Lafayette Deputy Marshall Captain Clay Higgins, made famous by viral “no-nonsense crimestopper videos,” is expected to announce today he’s running for political office. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”
Also today, Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell is also making an announcement today regarding the US Senate race, and Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden is set to make it official he’s running for Congress.

The Blue Lives Matter bill, which would charge people with a hate crime if they enact violence on police, firefighters or EMS, is headed to Governor John Bel Edwards desk. The Senate gave final passage Tuesday on a 33-3 vote.

Two elementary school coaches and three elementary students have been arrested
for allegedly using questionable disciplinary tactics. Major Eddie Thibodaux with St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office says coaches Keidrick Owens and Mona Wilson told three students at Plaisance Elementary School in Opelousas to discipline three other students…:
Cut 13 (09) “those children”
The charges include malfeasance in office, criminal conspiracy, and encouraging or contributing to child delinquency. Three students have been charged with aggravated battery.

A bill that calls on Louisiana to enforce surrogacy contracts was strongly approved by the Senate Tuesday. Currently, a baby born to a surrogate is considered that woman’s child. The proposed law would grant immediate custody of the baby to the genetic parents rather than the surrogate mother. The House has to approve minor changes before the measure heads to the governor’s desk where he says he’ll sign it.

 

06:30 Newscast, May 18th, 2016

Today is a big political day of announcements in Louisiana. Youtube sensation and law enforcement officer, Captain Clay Higgins, is expected to announce tonight he will run for political office. It’s reported the Cajun John Wayne has his eye on Congress and UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross thinks it’ll be the seat being vacated by Senator David Vitter…:
CUT 4 (08) “the Senate”
Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell is also holding a news conference today regardingt he US Senate, and Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden is expected to make it official today he’s running for the 2nd Congressional District seat.

Governor John Bel Edwards second call in show, “Ask the Governor,” will be held today beginning at 2:06 pm. You can hear it on LRN stations statewide and also stream online at louisainaradionetwork.com. This month he will be joined by Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Rebekah Gee to discuss Medicaid expansion and talk with listeners about health and other important issues of concern.

Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Kizzy Payton says the Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, when people can but things like generators without paying sales taxes, is not going to happen at the end of May this year…:
Cut 10 (04) “sales tax”
She says this is one of the result of the previous special session.

A new study by LSU, UCLA and NASA finds New Orleans and surrounding cities are sinking at high rates because of natural and human processes. Lead Scientist Dr. Cathleen Jones says they used hot spot radar to determine which areas were sinking the fastest. She says Norco and Michoud are sinking at a rate of two inches a year…:
CUT 7 (08) “dewatering”
Jones says these new numbers can help with flood modeling and prevention.

 

18:30 LRN Newscast May 17

There have been significant changes to the three different sales tax holidays that Louisiana consumers have enjoyed over the last several years. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Kizzy Payton says the Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, when people can but things like generators without paying sales taxes, usually takes place during the last weekend in May, but not this year.

Cut 10 (04) “sales tax”

She says lawmakers made the decision not to offer these exemptions during the recent special session.

Two Alabama football players have been arrested in Monroe after they were found smoking weed in a vehicle at Forsythe Park with two guns in the car, one of which was stolen. Cam Robinson played at West Monroe High School and has started at Alabama at left tackle the last two seasons. Hottie Jones, a former Neville Tiger, has been a backup safety for the Tide. KTVE sports director Gene Ponti says this arrest took everyone by surprise because the boys have never been trouble makers.

cut 10 (07)  “any sense”

Two elementary school coaches and three elementary students have been arrested after participating in extreme disciplinary tactics. Major Eddie Thibodaux with St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office says coaches Keidrick Owens and Mona Wilson told three students at Plaisance Elementary School in Opelousas to discipline three other students.

Cut 13 (09)  “those children”

Thibodaux says all of the children involved are between 11 to 14-years-old.

An elderly couple was stabbed by a 17-year-old in the driveway of their home in Calcasieu Parish. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso says 69-year-old Robert Anderson is deceased, and his wife 57-year-old Rita Anderson is in critical condition at a local hospital. Mancuso says Antonieo Smith of Sulphur attacked the couple as they were coming home. Mancuso says Smith knew the Andersons.

cut 12 (06) “one point”

17:30 LRN newscast May 17 ***Legislative Report***

Spirited debate took place in a Senate committee over the sanctuary city bill that would punish cities who refuse to enforce the federal immigration law. Attorney General Jeff Landry explains why this legislation is needed…:
CUT 7 (08) “for terrorists”
But Senators expressed concern that the proposal would give Landry too much power. If the attorney general determined a jurisdiction operated as a sanctuary city, the state could then prohibit that city or parish from borrowing money for large construction projects. The legislation has already been approved by the House, and a vote by the Senate Judiciary A committee is expected next week.

A house-approved abortion bill has also stalled in a senate committee. This legislation would prohibit abortions if the parents learn that the fetus has a genetic abnormality. Members of the Senate health committee expressed concerns over whether this proposed law violates the constitution.

Students in public and charter schools would be required to learn cursive under a measure nearing final legislative approval. Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater says there are plenty of things that are written in cursive:
CUT 5 (09) “understand that”
The Senate-approved measure won unanimous approval in the House Education Committee and heads to the House floor.

The legislature approves a bill stating local police officers can’t ticket children for operating a lemonade stand in their neighborhood. Michelle Southern reports…:
voicer 2 (25) “…I’m Michelle Southern’

16:30 LRN Newscast May 17th

A Senate committee has postponed a vote for at least one week on a bill that would punish cities who adopt policies that don’t enforce federal immigration laws without a court order. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny expressed concerns about the Attorney General having sole power over determining who is a so-called sanctuary city…:
CUT 6 (09) “does it”
Under the legislation, jurisdictions labeled as sanctuary cities could be prohibited from borrowing dollars for large construction projects. The measure has already won approval in the House.

Lawmakers want it to be a requirement that public and charter school students learn cursive. Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater is all for it…
CUT 4 (08) “as well”
The Senate-approved measure cleared the House Education Committee and heads to the House floor.

State Police have made an arrest in connection with that body found in the median on Interstate 10 in Ascension Parish. Twenty-five-year-old Brodnick Whittington of St. James was taken into custody and charged with felony hit and run. Authorities believe Whittington’s vehicle struck 35-year-old Jenise Williams of Harvey on Saturday night.

Two former Louisiana prep stars and current Crimson Tide football players were arrested in Monroe on gun and drug charges. Jeff Palermo has more…
voicer 1 (28) “….I’m Jeff Palermo”

15:30 LRN Newscast May 17th

Monroe Police say two Alabama football players were arrested in Forsythe Park with marijuana and guns in their vehicle, one of the weapons was allegedly stolen. Cameron Robinson and Hootie Jones were taken into custody this morning. KTVE-TV sports director Gene Ponti…
cut 11 (07) “….take place’
Both Robinson and Jones were high school football stars in the area.

A Senate committee has delayed a vote on the so-called Sanctuary Cities Bill, which would penalize jurisdictions that do not follow federal immigration law without a court order. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny has concerns….
cut 8 (07) “….on them”
Martiny says the Attorney General would have a lot of power in determing which locations are a Sanctuary City and those cities could be prohibited from borrowing money for large construction projects.

A 17-year-old Sulphur teen is behind bars for a fatal stabbing that occurred outside the home of the victims. 69-year-old Robert Anderson was killed and his 57-year-old wife is said to be in critical condition. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso…
cut 14 (08) “…truly is’
Mancuso says Antonieo Smith was inside the Anderson’s home before he stabbed the victims. And the sheriff says Smith knew the Andersons.

Public and charter school students could be required to learn cursive writing, as a bill to mandate script is moving through the legislature without much opposition. Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater says kids need to learn to cursive, so they can read historic documents…:
CUT 3 (10) “education”
The bill, which has passed the Senate, heads to the House floor.

14:30 Newscall, May 17th, 2016

A 17-year-old Sulphur teen allegedly stabbed an elderly couple in their driveway, killing the man and critically injuring his wife. Calcaiseu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso says 69-year-old Robert Anderson died as a result of the stabbing, and 57-year-old Rita Anderson is in critical condition. He believes Antonieo Smith of Sulphur also robbed and vandalized Anderson’s home…:
CUT 13 (12) “stabbing them”
He says Smith knew the Andersons somehow. He is being held on several charges including murder and attempted murder with $2 million dollars bond.

A measure headed to the desk of Governor John Bel Edwards would ban the ticketing of lemonade stands set up in neighborhoods. The bill exempts minors who make less than $500 year from a law requiring businesses to pay an occupational license tax. The new law goes into effect in August.

Two Alabama football players have been arrested in Monroe on gun and drug charges. Police say Cam Robinson and Hootie Jones were found smoking weed in a vehicle at Forsythe Park, and officers also discovered two guns in the car as well, one of which was stolen. KTVE-TV Sports Director Gene Ponti says they picked a bad location to for this, because police frequently survey the area:
CUT 9 (11) “the morning”
The two northeast Louisiana football stars were booked on the drugs and weapons charges.

Two coaches and three students from Plaisance Elementary School have been arrested for “questionable disciplinary actions” against three students, according to St. Landry Parish sheriff’s deputies. They say PE teachers Kendrick Owens and Mona Wilson are accused instructing three older students to take at least three younger students into the back of the locker room and whip the younger students with belts.

 

13:30 Newscast, May 17th, 2016

Two Crimson Tide football players have been arrested in Monroe on gun and drug charges. Jeff Palermo has more…:
CUT 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Spirited debate took place in a Senate committee today over the sanctuary cities bill that would punish cities who refuse to enforce the federal immigration law. Attorney General Jeff Landry explains why this legislation is needed…:
CUT 7 (08) “for terrorists”
The committee will continue debate on this bill next week.

Kids in public and charter schools would be required to learn cursive under a measure that is nearing final legislative approval. Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater says there are plenty of things that are written in cursive:
CUT 5 (09) “understand that”
The Senate-approved measure won unanimous approval in the House Education Committee and now heads to the House floor.

A measure headed to the desk of Governor John Bel Edwards would ban the ticketing of lemonade stands set up in neighborhoods. The bill exempts minors who make less than $500 year from a law requiring businesses to pay an occupational license tax. The new law goes into effect in August.

A teen from Sulfur is in jail on 2 million dollars bond for allegedly stabbing a man to death and injuring his wife after he broke into their home. Antonieo Smith is accused of fatally stabbing 69-year-old Robert Anderson, and injuring 57-year-old Rita Anderson of Sulphur. His charges include murder and attempted murder.

 

12:30 Newscast, May 17th, 2016

Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban has issued a statement in response to the two Crimson Tide football players who were arrested in Monroe overnight. Saban said they are aware of the situation and are in the process of gathering facts. Hootie Jones and Cam Robinson were booked overnight on weapons and drug charges. KTVE-TV Sports Director Gene Ponti says this incident was shocking:
CUT 10 (07) “any sense”
Robinson played at West Monroe and Jones at Neville.

A measure that would punish cities that adopt sanctuary policies that don’t enforce federal immigration laws was heard today in a Senate committee. The vote was delayed one week. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny expressed concerns about the Attorney General having sole power over determining who is considered a sanctuary city…:
CUT 6 (09) “does it”
The measure has already won approval in the House.

Lawmakers want it to be a requirement that kids in public and charter schools learn cursive. Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater says a signature is still required on legal documents, and without cursive writing, kids wouldn’t be able to sign their name. He doesn’t think it would interfere with the rest of the curriculum…:
CUT 4 (08) “as well”
The Senate-approved measure won unanimous approval in the House Education Committee and now heads to the House floor.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s office has charged a 17-year-old with murder in the stabbing death of a 69-year-old man. Sheriff Tony Mancuso says this was a burglary that turned violent. He is also booked with attempted murder in the injuring of the victim’s wife.