1230PM LRN Newscast July 24

A viral video of Becca and Johnathon Campbell, a newlywed couple, has gained achieved social media fame after a sugar-coated sabotage.  The video shows the groom, an Alabama fan, cutting into a Bama themed cake.  Upon removing the slice of cake, he discovered lurking below the icing were the LSU colors of purple and gold.  The couple made an appearance on ESPN Radio in Baton Rouge. The bride explained very few knew of the prank beforehand.

Cut 4  (04) “…knew about it.”

The groom for his part took it pretty well.

In a move that surprised some, following repeatedly denying he would run, the interim Secretary of State, Kyle Ardoin, made a last minute announcement of his inclusion into the special election for the Secretary of State’s office on the final day on qualifying.  Ardoin says he’s already in the position, so he might as well stay.

cut 9 (08)  “…to do that.”

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Eight people have been arrested in relation to a dismembered male body discovered in the woods outside of Walker by Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Deputies. Authorities say the human body parts may be connected to a missing person’s case out of Ascension Parish. Livingston Sheriff Jason Ard says Ard says at this point they’re leaning towards the incident being drug related, as those who allegedly played a part, were found with narcotics, and jackets full of drug related offenses.

Cut 7 (08)  “narcotic background”

Ard says it appears the crime was committed early this month.

And here’s commodities

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri says he has championship caliber personnel heading into the 2019 season. But Mainieri says a key to next year is a healthy shortstop Josh Smith, who missed all but six games of 2018 with a back issue. Mainieri says Smith has yet to resume baseball activities, but he’s feeling good…
cut 30 (20) “…the back”
Mainieri says pitcher Eric Walker is throwing bullpen session and looking good after missing all of 2018 to recover from Tommy John Surgery. The coach says Antoine Duplantis should be back to full speed in a week or two after hurting his shoulder while playing for the USA national team.

At Sun Belt Media Day in New Orleans, first-year UL Lafayette Coach Billy Napier says he’s committed to bringing a winning program to Acadiana after taking over for Mark Hudspeth, who led the Cajuns to a 5-7 record last season….
cut 29 (23) “…about the future”
Napier needs to figure out a starting quarterback. Fall camp will feature a battle between sophomore Levi Lewis and senior Andre Nunez.

ULM’s dual-threat quarterback Caleb Evans is looking to build on a sophomore campaign that saw him rush for 13 touchdowns and throwing for 17 more scores. The Warhawks kick off the season on Thursday August 30th against Southeastern Louisiana.

1130AM LRN Newscast July 24

A viral video has seen Becca and Johnathon Campbell, a newlywed couple, gain a bit of social media fame.  The video shows the groom, an Alabama fan, cutting into a Bama themed cake.  Upon removing the slice of cake, he discovered lurking below the icing were the LSU colors of purple and gold.  The couple made an appearance on ESPN Radio in Baton Rouge.  The bride says prank was orchestrated with the help of her mother.

Cut 3 (11) “…they could do it.”

Eight people have been arrested in relation to a dismembered male body was discovered in the woods outside of Walker by Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Deputies in a case that authorities say may be connected to a missing persons case from Ascension Parish. Livingston Sherriff Jason Ard says details are scarce, but they believe the crime was committed early in the month.

Cut 6 (08)  “at today”

18-year-old La. Tech student Mason Andrews is on his way to becoming the youngest pilot to ever circumnavigate the globe. The young man left Monroe airport on Sunday for the trip. And this isn’t any old road trip, as Andrews won’t be able to sit back and just put his propeller plane on cruise control. Aviation Department Head Jordan Lyons.

Cut 12 (11) “the aircraft”

The Tiger Truck Stop owner at the I-10 Grosse Tete exit has two new animals to replace the 17-year-old tiger that died in October as a result of kidney failure. The Animal Legal Defense Fund has opposed the tiger exhibit at the gas station for many years. And they released a statement that says wild animals of any kind do not belong in captivity, especially in an environment like a truck stop. Owner Mike Sandlin:

Cut 10 (09)   “20 years of age”

930AM LRN Newscast July 24

18-year-old La. Tech student Mason Andrews is on his way to becoming the youngest pilot to ever circumnavigate the globe. The young man left Monroe airport on Sunday for the trip which should take 30 to 40 days. Aviation Department Head Jordan Lyons says it’ll be a taxing trip that will push Andrews physical tolerance.

Cut 11 (09) “of fatigue” 

Southeast Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise is set to seek his 6th term in office as representative of Louisiana’s 1st district. Democrat Lee Ann Dugas of Kenner, who’s running against the Congressman, says she’s concerned about positions Scalise has adopted, such as support for the trade dispute with China. The disabled Gulf War Vet, who’s run for the seat three times before, says she would stand up to the President’s push for more tariffs.

Cut 7 (11) “soy beans”

The Tiger Truck Stop on I-10 in Iberville has a new cast of animals after their famous, or infamous tiger passed away in October. Michael Farrar…

Cut 2 (31) ”I’m Michael Farrar” 

The final tab for the three special sessions this year is in, clocking at 1.5 million dollars. That’s due to the 42,921 dollars per day that the additional House and Senate gatherings cost taxpayers. 60 percent of the cost came from mileage reimbursements to legislators, as well as per-day pay for the lawmakers. The special sessions, called by the governor to address the fiscal cliff, ran for 36 days this year.

8:30 LRN Newscast July 24th

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise is expected to be elected to a sixth term as Congressman of Louisiana’s 1st District. There are five long shot challengers on the November 6th ballot, including Covington Democrat Jim Francis, who says Scalise has been negligent on gun control…
cut 5 (10) “…the schools”
Scalise has millions of dollars in his campaign war chest, but he’s expected to use that money to help vulnerable Republican House members in other parts of the country.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund objects to a camel taking the place of a deceased tiger at the Tiger Truck Stop along Interstate 10 in Iberville Parish. The A-L-D-F says wild animals do not belong in captivity, especially near gas fumes. But Tiger Truck Stop owner Mike Sandlin says he’s had tigers live past 20 years under his care…
cut 10 (09) “….20 years of age’

Louisiana Tech student Mason Andrews is trying to become the youngest solo pilot to fly around the world. The 18-year-old expects his journey will take 30 to 40 days to complete and La Tech Aviation Department Head Jordan Lyons says Andrews has been trained how to bail, if the worst happens…
cut 13 (08) “….survival school”
Andrews will spend 15 hours over the water when he flies from Japan to Alaska. He departed from Monroe on Sunday.

State Police has arrested five people for allegedly staging a two vehicle crash near Ville Platte in an effort to receive insurance claims for damaged property and fake bodily injuries. Master Trooper Brooks David says staging crashes is unfortunately a crime they see too often…
cut 16 (09) “…your money”
The five people arrested are from the Acadiana area and range in ages from 24 to 66 years old.

7:30 LRN Newscast July 24th

Jefferson Parish Republican Steve Scalise is looking to remain the US Rep for Louisiana’s 1st Congressional district. Matt Doyle reports Scalise faces five challengers on the November sixth ballot
Cut 1 (31) I’m Matt Doyle“

Livingston Parish deputies arrested eight individuals after a body of a dimembered man was found in the woods. Authorities say the victim is from Gonzales and had not been seen by family members since July 2nd. Sheriff Jason Ard calls it a bizarre case and they are still trying to figure out what took place.

State Police arrest five people for allegedly trying to stage a car crash involving two vehicles in Evangeline Parish. Master Trooper Brooks David says the subjects attempted to cash in on insurance claims for damage to vehicles and bodily injuries…
cut 15 (05) “…right away”
The five adults have been charged with insurance fraud and two of the subjects were also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile for having children involved in the staged crash.

18-year-old Louisiana Tech student Mason Andrews is attempting to become the youngest person to fly solo around the globe. La Tech aviation department head Jordan Lyons says Andrews will have to be alert at all times…
cut 12 (11) “…the aircraft”
Andrews left Monroe on Sunday and the trip should take 30 to 40 days.

6:45 LRN Sportscast July 24th

LSU’s Paul Mainieri believes he has a championship-caliber baseball team heading into the 2019 season. Mainieri gave up an update on his team with an hour long press conference. The coach says right-hander Zack Hess is ready to become one of the top pitchers in the country after a successful stint with the USA Collegiate National team….
cut 30 (14) “….next June”
Mainieri says pitcher Eric Walker is set to return next season after missing 2018, as he recovered from Tommy John Surgery.

The Tigers will open the 2019 campaign by hosting ULM. But LSU will not play Tulane. Mainieri says he’s treating the Green Wave like the other in-state schools, which means only making trips to Tulane every five or six years, if they play at Alex Box every season. But Tulane declined a trip to Baton Rouge in 2019.

ULM returns 17 starters for the 2018 season, a big reason why the Warhawks are picked to finish second in the Sun Belt West division. Coach Matt Viator says he’s looking for more consistency from his veteran group…
cut 29 (22) “…learning that”
Viator says the ceiling is really high for his quarterback Caleb Evans, who rushed for 13 touchdowns and threw for 2,868 yards and 17 TDS as a sophomore last year.

UL Lafayette have two quarterbacks battling for its starting spot, sophomore Levi Lewis and senior Andre Nunez. Coach Billy Napier says both guys go into camp with a chance at grabbing the starter’s role.

6:30 LRN Newscast July 24th

Jefferson Parish Congressman Steve Scalise is set to seek his 6th term in office as representative of Louisiana’s 1st district. The House Majority Whip says he’s worked hard to get some big wins recently in the areas of flood protection and coastal restoration.
Cut 4 (12) “coastal restoration”
Five opponents have signed up to challenge Scalise on the November 6th ballot. They say Scalise is no longer in touch with his district.

The Tiger Truck Stop owner at the I-10 Grosse Tete exit has two new animals to replace the 17-year-old tiger that died in October from kidney failure. Mike Sandlin says state law prohibits him from getting another tiger, so he now has a camel and a coati (Khu-wha-tee), which is a raccoon, for visitors to see
Cut 8 (08) “…people”
Sandlin says he wants to obtain enough animals to create a petting zoo. But animal activists say a gas station is no place to have wild animals.

An 18-year-old Louisiana Tech student is on his way to becoming the youngest solo pilot to ever fly around the globe. Matt Doyle has the story.
Voicer 3 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle

Less humid today, but it will still be hot with highs in the low to mid 90s.

AM Newscall July 24

Congressman Steve Scalise is looking to hold onto his Southeast Louisiana seat for the 6th time running. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  I’m Matt Doyle“

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The famous, or infamous Tiger Truck Stop on I-10 in Iberville has a new cast of animals after their tiger passed away in October. Michael Farrar…

Cut 2 (31) ”I’m Michael Farrar” 

__________________________________

an 18-year-old La. Tech student is on his way to becoming the youngest pilot to ever fly around the globe. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

Southeast Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise is set to seek his 6th term in office as representative of Louisiana’s 1st district. He’s regarded as one of the most influential members of Congress, and is the Republican Majority Whip. Scalise says he’s worked hard to get some big wins recently in the areas of flood protection and coastal restoration.

Cut 4  (12) “coastal restoration”

But one of Scalise’s challengers, Democrat Jim Francis of Covington, says the Congressman’s substantial national profile has put him out of touch with the district he represents. Francis, an IT director at a Covington Lab, says Scalise has been negligent on gun control, and says he supports moderate gun reforms.

Cut 5  (10)  “the schools”

Francis, who supports giving Medicare to all Americans, says he’s been particularly concerned with the Congressman’s positions on healthcare. Francis says despite its popularity, Scalise still voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which would have hurt his constituents.

Cut 6 (08) “pay less”

Democrat Lee Ann Dugas of Kenner says she’s concerned that positions Scalise has adopted, such as support for the trade dispute with China. The disabled Gulf War Vet, who’s run for the seat three times before, says she would stand up to the President’s push for more tariffs.

Cut 7 (11) “soy beans”

Scalise is also being challenged by Democrat Tammy Savoie, as well as Independent Ferd Jones and Libertarian Howard Kearney.

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The Tiger Truck Stop owner at the I-10 Grosse Tete exit has two new animals to replace the 17-year-old tiger that died in October as a result of kidney failure. Mike Sandlin says state law prohibits him from getting another tiger, so he now has a camel and a coati (Khu-wha-tee), which is a type of raccoon, for visitors to see

Cut 8 (08)  “…people”

Sandlin says it’s still his hope to have another Tiger at the truck stop, but state law prohibits residents from owning large and exotic cats. So he’s  hoping to acquire enough animals to create a petting zoo…

Cut 9 (12)  “…cat or two”

The Animal Legal Defense Fund has opposed the tiger exhibit at the gas station for many years. And they released a statement that says wild animals of any kind do not belong in captivity, especially in an environment like a truck stop. But Sandlin says he’s had tigers that lived past 20 years old under his care…

Cut 10 (09)   “20 years of age”

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18-year-old La. Tech student Mason Andrews is on his way to becoming the youngest pilot to ever circumnavigate the globe. The young man left Monroe airport on Sunday for the trip which should take 30 to 40 days. Aviation Department Head Jordan Lyons says it’ll be a taxing trip that will push Andrews physical tolerance.

Cut 11 (09) “of fatigue” 

Andrews is taking a path with over 14 stops that will lead him over the Atlantic to Paris, then down through the South pacific, and up to Alaska until he pilots his way back home.

And this isn’t any old road trip, as Andrews won’t be able to sit back and just put his propeller plane on cruise control. Lyons says he’ll have to be alert at all times throughout the trip.

Cut 12 (11) “the aircraft”

Lyons says every possible preparation has been made, from patience checks to flight simulators. If the worst does happen and Andrews has to bail, Lyons says the teen has been trained on how to handle it.

Cut 13 (08)  “survival school” 

Andrews is flying to raise awareness of Louisiana MedCamps

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Five people have been arrested for insurance fraud related to an alleged staged crash in Evangeline Parish in 2015. Authorities say the crash was staged to facilitate a fraudulent insurance claim for property and bodily harm. State Police Spokesperson Master Trooper Brooks David says the crash included minors.

Cut 14 (10) “to 15”

David says the lengthy investigation revealed that all of the participants knew each other, and that the action was premeditated.

Cut 15 (13) “right away”

David encourage the public to report any cases of insurance fraud they witness. He says every time a fraudulent claim is filed, it compounds the state’s already sky high insurance rate problem.

17:30 LRN Newscast

A Natchitoches woman has been charged in the burning death of a six-month old child, who was set on fire last week. 25-year-old Felicia Marie-Nicole Smith has been charged with one count of first-degree murder for the death of Levi Cole Ellerbe. Authorities say she is not the child’s mother. and they say the investigation continues.

The LaFourche Parish Sheriff’s office is investigating how 69-year-old Terry Angelle ended up bound in rope and floating in Bayou LaFourche on Sunday. Lt. Brennan Matherne says at this point his death has been classified as suspicious…
cut 13 (13) “…his person”
Matherne says they believe Angelle was in the bayou for several days.

The intense heat wave we’ve been experiencing will come to an end, but it will remain hot. State Climatologist Barry Keim says heat indices should be lower the rest of the week, as the wind will start blowing out of the north…
Cut 8 (10) “humidity levels”

The state’s sales tax holidays have been suspended until 2025 as a result of legislation approved in the last special session. For instance, we usually have a sales tax holiday for back to school shopping during the first weekend in August, but that’s not happening this year. The Tax Foundation’s Nicole Kaeding says sales tax holidays usually don’t produce cost savings for consumers, because retailers increase prices on those items and they don’t lead to a major dip in state revenue.
Cut 11 (10) “or locality”