LRN PM Newscall June 14th

Members of Louisiana’s Congressional Delegation are reacting to the shooting of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Jefferson Parish. Michelle Southern has that…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Department of Transportation announces plans to widen I-10 from Highland Road to LA 73 in the Baton Rouge area. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A suspect has died as a result of another officer-involved shooting in Baton Rouge. That’s according to State Trooper Bryan Lee, who says Louisiana State Police is investigating the incident. He says the deadly encounter began when Baton Rouge Police conducted a traffic stop just before midnight.

Cut 3 (10) “at the scene”

The suspect has been identified as 35-year-old Jordan Frazier. Lee says investigators are working to establish the timeline of events that led to the death of the suspect.

Cut 4  (08) “BRPD officer”

No officers were injured in the incident. Lee says troopers are gathering witness statements, and the investigation is ongoing.

Cut 5  (09)  “are pending”

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New Orleans Congressman and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise is recovering from a gunshot wound to the hip, as he underwent surgery this morning. Scalise was shot at the practice for the Congressional Baseball Game in Alexandria, Va. US Senator John Kennedy says he wishes he understood why bad things happen to good people. He says he feels sad and mad that something like this happened.

Cut 6 (11) “in America”

The shooter has been identified as 66-year-old James Hodgkinson of Illinois, and it’s been reported he has ties to several anti-Republican online groups. Two police officers and a congressional aide were also wounded in the shooting.

Scalise is being treated at MedStar Washington Hospital. The hospital tweeted that Scalise remains in critical condition. St. Landry Parish Congressman Clay Higgins says he is hopeful his colleague will make a full and speedy recovery.

Cut 7 (10)  “he’ll recover”

President Trump confirmed the suspect has died as a result of his injuries. Higgins says although he would have liked for him to be prosecuted, that’s just fine with him. He is thankful the security detail responded as quickly and effectively as they did.

Cut 8 (11) “as it should be”

Higgins says it’s certainly not business as usual in Washington, as all meetings have been cancelled and everyone is on high alert. Rayville Congressman Ralph Abraham says it’s a sad day in American that we’ve gotten to this point. He says we have to get passed the divisiveness and the hate in this country.

Cut 9 (09)  “for sure”

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President Donald Trump addressed the public after the attack this morning at a baseball practice that left multiple people injured, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, of Jefferson Parish. Among the other injured are two police officers, a staffer, and lobbyist. Trump commended the actions of the officers who stepped in to stop this brutal and deliberate attack.

Cut 10 (10) “wounds”

Scalise was practicing for the annual charity baseball game when a man identified as James Hodgkinson of Illinois, started firing. The Congressman is currently recovering from a successful surgery. Trump says he has offered full and complete support to the Scalise family.

Cut 11 (08) “a fighter”

The President says Hodgkinson has died. Trump also commends the emergency responders from the Alexandria Police Department and Fire and Rescue for rushing to the field. He says we may have our differences but we do well in times of difficulty, to remember we are best when unified.

Cut 12 (11) “entire world”

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The state Department of Transportation announces plans to widen Interstate 10 from four to six lanes in East Baton Rouge and Ascension Parishes. The project also includes the replacement of the LA 42 overpass. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says construction is slated to begin in early 2018.

Cut 13 (07) “each direction”

Wilson says DOTD will widen the bridge over Highland, and they’ll widen the stretch all the way to Highway 73 to allow traffic to pass the busy exit. He says this will help alleviate congestion that happens during morning and afternoon commutes.

Cut 14 (09) “this corridor”

The $72 million project is funded through a combination of state and federal funds. Wilson says they are using repurposed earmarks from the federal FASTLANE grant, along with a state match. He reminds drivers this is a onetime opportunity.

Cut 15 (09) “think they are”

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