17:30 LRN Newscast Oct 21

An arrest has been made in connection with the murder of an elderly Baton Rouge couple who was found strangled to death at a truck stop in Hammond. Emelie Gunn has more…
cut 2 (31) “….reporting’

A federal judge has issued her final ruling in Governor Bobby Jindal’s lawsuit that takes aim at the Common Core education standards. Judge Shelly Dick is refusing to hear the governor’s claim that the US Department of Education was illegally coercing states to use the standards. The governor plans to appeal.

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles has sent out over one million letters to residents and former residents, warning them that a collections agency might be used to collect fines for allowing their auto insurance lapse. Some are calling this a money grab for a state that’s having budget issues. State Police Lt JB Slaton says that’s unfortunate…
cut 5 (08) “….legislative session”
A law was passed earlier this year that allows the OMV to collect money through the Office of Debt Recovery.

Vice President Joe Biden announced today that he will not seek the Democratic Presidental Nomation. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan…
cut 11 (07) “…Democratic nomination”
Biden says its too late for him to mount a credible campaign for the job. That means the Democratic primary is now a two-percent race between Clinton and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.

16:30 LRN Newscast Oct 21

One person has been arrested in the double murder and abduction of an elderly Baton Rouge couple. The victims, Denis and Suzanne Duplantier, were found strangled to death in their vehicle at a truck stop in Hammond. Baton Rouge Police Chief Carl Dabadie says 42-year-old Ernesto Alonso was arrested in Miami, Florida on several charges…:
CUT 6 (10) “been recovered”
Authorities say Alonso did odd jobs around the couple’s home. The arrest warrant says that a large amount of cash was missing from the victims’ home and that they were beaten.

The final gubernatorial debate before the October 24th primary is tonight on the LSU campus. Editor of the LSU school newspaper, the Reveille, Fernanda Zamudio-Suarez says the two Republicans dominating the student crowd are David Vitter and Jay Dardenne…
cut 14 (09) “….Lt. Governor”
And Dardenne is a former student body president at LSU.

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles has mailed 1.2 million letters to drivers with lapsed insurance warning them that a collection agency could be used if they don’t pay their fines. Eric Gill reports…
voicer 1 (28) “…I’m Eric Gill”

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain says one of their K-9’s, “Thor” is recovering from surgery today after he was stabbed by a burglary suspect. His doctors say Thor lost a lot of blood and it’s too soon to say whether he’ll be able to return to full time duty. Thor and deputies were chasing after two suspects in the Mandeville area yesterday. One of the suspects was shot and killed by police after he stabbed Thor.

15:30 Newscast, October 21st, 2015

The Baton Rouge Police Department has arrested a 42-year-old man in connection with the murder of a Baton Rouge couple found dead at a truck stop in Hammond. Authorities say Denis and Suzanne Duplantier had been kidnapped and strangled. Police Spokesperson Lt. Johnny Dunham says they are unsure where the murders took place and are searching for others who could be involved…:
CUT 8 (09) “accomplices”
There’s a report out indicating a large amount of money had been taken from the Duplantier’s home. Ernesto Alonso is charged with two counts each of first degree murder and second degree kidnapping.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says the K-9 who was stabbed during a robbery is out of surgery and is expected to recover. They say they are not sure if Thor will be able to return to duty, but they are taking it day by day. Officials say the suspected robber was shot and killed by deputies when he began stabbing Thor with a 4-6 inch switch blade.

Vice President Joe Biden announced today that he will not seek the Democratic presidential nomination. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Democrats, especially Hillary Clinton, are breathing easier now that Biden has decided not to run…:
CUT 10 (09) “the presidency”
In his announcement, Biden said he didn’t think there was sufficient time to mount a winning campaign.

Tonight at LSU in Baton Rouge, three candidates for governor will take part in a debate. Republicans Scott Angelle and Jay Dardenne and Democrat John Bel Edwards will participate. LSU Reveille Editor Fernanda Zamudio-Suarez says even though the campus is Republican leaning, some are throwing their support behind Edwards…:
cut 13 (06) “him with that”
She says Dardenne has a slight home field advantage on campus as he is a former student body president at LSU.

 

14:30 Newscast, October 21st, 2015

Baton Rouge Police announce the arrest of a man accused in the strangling death of a couple from Baton Rouge whose bodies were found in Hammond. 42-year-old Ernesto Alonso was apprehended in Miami, Florida on two counts each of first degree murder and second degree kidnapping in the deaths of Denis and Suzanne Duplantier. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore…:
CUT 7 (09) “in this parish”
Officials also believe Alonso had an accomplice who remains at large.

The final televised debate among gubernatorial candidates will be held tonight on the LSU campus. Republicans Scott Angelle and Jay Dardenne as well as Democrat John Bel Edwards will participate. LSU Reveille Editor Fernanda Zamudio-Suarez says students’ attitude about Saturday’s election pretty much reflects the rest of the state…:
cut 12 (07) “on campus”
The debate begins at 7pm.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s office says the K-9 Thor who was attacked and stabbed during a pursuit of a burglary suspect, had surgery today and is doing well. Sheriff Jack Strain says the outpouring of support for Thor has been coming from all over the world on the K-9’s picture on the department’s Facebook page. Deputies shot the suspect dead when he began stabbing the K-9 and the matter is under investigation.

State Police says the Office of Motor Vehicles has sent out over a million letters to drivers who have not renewed their car insurance indicating that they will be turned into collections if they don’t pay the $525 fine. State Police Lt. A new law allows the office to send such solicitations. JB Slaton says it’s a good idea to have your documents in order…:
CUT 4 (10) “proper documentation”
He says these fines have been piling up over the past several years, but it wasn’t until recently the office had the means to collect them.

 

**CORRECTION** 13:30 Newscast, October 21st, 2015

**Affiliates please note that David Vitter will NOT be at tonight’s debate. We apologize for the error.**

An arrest has been made in connection with the murder of an elderly Baton Rouge couple who was found strangled to death at truck stop in Hammond. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Three candidates for governor are set to appear tonight in a debate on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge at 7pm. Republicans Scott Angelle, Jay Dardenne, and Democrat John Bel Edwards are slated to be there. You can watch it in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette and Shreveport.

A US judge has issued a final ruling on Governor Bobby Jindal’s lawsuit against Common Core. The ruling was that there is no evidence to support Jindal’s claim that feds were forcing states to adopt the standards.

Vice President Joe Biden ended months of speculation today by announcing he will not seek the Democratic presidential nomination. In his announcement, Biden said he didn’t think there was sufficient time to mount a winning campaign. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says this is great news for Hillary Clinton…:
CUT 9 (07) “looks like”
National polls showed Biden consistently polling with at least 10-percent support among Democratic voters.

Saints linebackers and assistant head coach of the New Orleans Saints Joe Vitt will be listed as doubtful on the injury report after he tore his Achilles and broke his wrist, while chasing down car burglars in his Old Metairie neighborhood. Saints Coach Sean Payton says Vitt, who has a torn Achilles and broken wrist, has not missed a day of work because of it. The Black and Gold take on the Colts Sunday at noon.

13:30 Newscast, October 21st, 2015

An arrest has been made in connection with the murder of an elderly Baton Rouge couple who was found strangled to death at truck stop in Hammond. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The four candidates for governor are set to appear tonight in a debate on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge at 7pm. Republicans Scott Angelle, Jay Dardenne, David Vitter and Democrat John Bel Edwards are all slated to be there. You can watch it in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette and Shreveport.

A US judge has issued a final ruling on Governor Bobby Jindal’s lawsuit against Common Core. The ruling was that there is no evidence to support Jindal’s claim that feds were forcing states to adopt the standards.

Vice President Joe Biden ended months of speculation today by announcing he will not seek the Democratic presidential nomination. In his announcement, Biden said he didn’t think there was sufficient time to mount a winning campaign. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says this is great news for Hillary Clinton…:
CUT 9 (07) “looks like”
National polls showed Biden consistently polling with at least 10-percent support among Democratic voters.

Saints linebackers and assistant head coach of the New Orleans Saints Joe Vitt will be listed as doubtful on the injury report after he tore his Achilles and broke his wrist, while chasing down car burglars in his Old Metairie neighborhood. Saints Coach Sean Payton says Vitt, who has a torn Achilles and broken wrist, has not missed a day of work because of it. The Black and Gold take on the Colts Sunday at noon.

 

12:30 Newscast, October 21st, 2015

An arrest has been made in connection with the double murder and abduction of a Baton Rouge couple authorities announce. The victims, Denis and Suzanne Duplantier, were found strangled to death in their vehicle at a truck stop in Hammond. Baton Rouge Police Chief Carl Dabadie says 42-year-old Ernesto Alonso was arrested in Miami, Florida on two counts each of first degree murder and second degree kidnapping…:
CUT 1 (06) “recovered”
He says Alonso did odd jobs around the couple’s home and the DA’s office believes that robbery was the motive in this horrific crime.

The investigation into the body which was found at a Sugartown residence inside a burned out truck continues according to the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office. They say when authorities responded this morning, they found the vehicle on fire in the backyard. The body is being sent to the Calcasieu Coroner’s Office and officials say it’s too early to tell if foul play is a factor.

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles has mailed 1.2 million letters to drivers with lapsed insurance warning them that a collections agency could be used if they don’t pay their fines. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 1 (28) “I’m Eric Gill”

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says later this afternoon they will give an update on the condition of the K-9 who was stabbed during a robbery. Deputies shot the suspect dead as he began stabbing the K-9 Thor.

 

11:30 Newscast, October 21st, 2015

Baton Rouge Police Chief Carl Dabadie announces an arrest has been made in connection with the murder of a Baton Rouge couple whose bodies were dumped at a truck stop in Hammond. He says last night, in a joint effort between Baton Rouge Police, Hammond Police, the DA’s office and Louisiana State Police — flew to Miami, Florida…:
CUT 1 (09) “kidnapping”
He says they are currently in the process of questioning the suspect because it is believed he had an accomplice. Authorities say Denis and Suzanne Duplantier were kidnapped and strangled to death. They indicated at this point it appears that robbery was the motive in the killings.

A body was found in a truck that was on fire at a residence in Sugartown Wednesday according to the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office. Detectives are on the scene, but it is too early to say whether or not foul play was a factor.

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles has mailed 1.2 million letters to drivers with lapsed insurance warning them that a collections agency could be used if their fines of up to $525 go unpaid. A new law allows the office to send solicitations in an effort to collect money through the Office of Debt Recover. State Police spokesman JB Slaton says these letters are just a first step…:
CUT 3 (06) “Debt Recovery”

The American Cancer Society says its okay for women to wait until they are 45 to get a mammogram. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

 

10:30 Newscast, October 21st , 2015

The latest job report for Louisiana shows continuous growth in the state overall, but major losses continue in the oil and gas industries. Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Director Curt Eysink says despite over the year gains from September last year to 2015, the mining and logging sector, which includes oil and gas, lost 1200 jobs in last month and 8,800 over the 12 month period. He says two of the bright spots on the report include Baton Rouge and Lake Charles with both areas setting growth records…:
Cut 6 (09) “the whole state”

More information is coming out about the murder of a Baton Rouge couple whose dead bodies were found in their vehicle at a Hammond truck stop. The victims are Denis and Suzanne Duplantier (DOO PLON SHAY), and are both in their 70s, according to authorities. Cops in Hammond say it is believed the two were kidnapped, strangled and left at the truck stop. This is a developing story.

State Police says the Office of Motor Vehicles has sent over one million letters to motorists who have let their car insurance lapse, warning them they will be turned into a collection agency if they don’t pay the $525 fine. Louisiana is out to get nearly $445 million dollars in debts that have not been paid. There are some who assert this is a money grab by the state. But State Police has reportedly indicated that this is an honest effort to recoup what is owed to Louisiana.

With Halloween right around the corner, many of people are flocking to get the best costume. Emelie Gunn has more on what’s hot this year…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

 

09:30 Newscast October 21, 2015

The American Cancer Society says its okay for women to wait until they are 45 to get a mammogram. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles has mailed 1.2 million letters to drivers with lapsed insurance. The letters warn drivers a collections agency could be used if their fines of up to $525 go unpaid. A new law allows the office to send solicitations in an effort to collect money through the Office of Debt Recovery. It’s reported that the state hopes to collect $444 million in outstanding debts. Critics claim this is a money grab by the state.

Baton Rouge authorities are working a case where a 15-year-old girl spent a night alone in a wooded area bound and gagged. Corporal L’ Jean McKneely says the girl left her home with an unknown male on Monday, but they’re not sure if that person is responsible. He says the girl was left in a helpless situation Monday night and then found by a passer-by on Tuesday…

cut 16 (06) “of the day”

He says they know more than one person is responsible for this crime.

With Halloween just ten days away, many are running to stores to try and get the best costume for the holiday. Danielle Hebert, with Party City in Slidell, says says many people don’t seem too interested in pop culture costumes like Donald Trump this Halloween. But, she says with the newest Star Wars moving coming out soon, outfits are going quick…

cut 8 (10) “age group”

She says women are leaning toward the scary side for a costume this Halloween.