AM Newscall March 23

Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson will be laid to rest today. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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35 future State Police cadets will graduate as part of the 97th Louisiana State Police Cadet class today. Kelley Ray spoke with Sgt. Jared Sandifer.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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A Ville Platte Senator wants to give families of 19 and 20 year olds the ability to let their kids purchase alcohol legally. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson will be laid to rest today. The 90-year-old died last week from flu complications. Saints Administrative Director, Jay Romig, says today will be a celebration of a man who was committed to the community and was proud to be a part of it.

Cut 4  (08) “we’re doing.” 

Romig along with Pelicans General Manager Dell Demps and Head Coach Alvin Gentry will stand behind the casket. Sports stars Drew Brees, Anthony Davis and Coach Sean Payton will serve as honorary pall bearers. He says the service gets underway at noon at St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter….

Cut 5  (08)  “exciting day.”

Benson’s widow, Gayle Benson, has been meeting and greeting well wishers who have come to the public viewing of her late husband. Romig says she is holding up well…

Cut 6 (11) “their respects.”

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35 future State Police cadets will graduate as part of the 97th Louisiana State Police Cadet class today. Sgt. Jared Sandifer says the class was one of the smaller ones in recent memory. They started with 49, but it’s still a very good success rate with 71 percent of the class graduating…

Cut 7 (06)  “Louisiana safe.”

Sandifer says this is the second class they’ve graduated in recent months. But he says they are still hiring and looking ahead to a 98th class in the near future…

Cut 8 (10)  “to us.”

Sandifer says after their graduation today, there will still be much to learn from experienced troopers and the new officers will get hands on training from some of the best…

Cut 9 (11)  “serve safe.”

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Ville Platte Senator Eric LaFleur has filed a bill that would allow 19 and 20- year- olds to purchase alcohol by themselves, if they pass a drinking responsibility class and have their parents’ consent. LaFleur says binge drinking by young adults is a dangerous trend that’s made worse by laws that try, and often fail to bar young people from getting their hands on booze.

Cut 10 (12) “like that.”

The drinking age in most western countries is 18 to 19, and the Ville Platte Democrat says you don’t hear nearly as many stories about binge drinking sessions from those countries as you do from the U.S. He says kids are going to be kids no matter what the law says.

Cut 11 (06) “anywhere else”

LaFleur says current law allows underage adults to consume alcohol, if they’re with a legal guardian. He says his bill is just an obvious extension of that same idea.

Cut 12 (07) “be there”

The Senator says his bill would be a good first step to changing a drinking culture that can destroy young people’s lives. It could receive a hearing next week.

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A heated exchange between legislators took place during a Senate Education Committee meeting. New Orleans Representative Joe Bouie was discussing a bill placing a moratorium on charter schools and what Tulane University research showed.  He said charter schools disciplinary programs are cruel and that many persons aged 16 to 24 are either out of work or not attending a school. Metairie  Senator Conrad Appel became highly offended…

Cut 13 (11)  “this state.”

After calling for an audit of these charter schools, Senator Conrad Appel went on a tirade telling Bouie he was trying to make this a racial issue…

Cut 14 (14) “I said.”

Appel said don’t blame the lack of supervision in charter schools in New Orleans. He told Bouie the fact is the economy is not good in the Crescent City…

Cut 15 (09) “of work.”

The bill to place a moratorium on charter schools never came up for a vote.

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The 15th ranked LSU baseball team makes its first true road trip of the season when they begin a three-game series against fifth ranked Vanderbilt tonight. Senior Beau Jordan knows for the freshmen this will be a new experience…

Cut 16 (19) “baseball game”

LSU is seeking its first series victory in Nashville since 2005. Mainieri admits they’ve had trouble beating the Commodores at their park, but overall his teams usually play well away from Alex Box….

Cut 17 (18) “some success”

LSU took two of three from Missouri to open up SEC play, while Vandy swept Texas A-and-M. Mainieri says this weekend will be a good test for this team…

Cut 18 (10)  “anybody’s attention”

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Two weeks in and LSU is no closer to finding their starting quarterback than when Spring practice began, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Tight end Foster Moreau says the three quarterbacks in contention all bring something different, and effective, to the table.

Cut 19 (13) “9 route” 

Moreau says despite the intense competition, the three are all getting along well, and spirits are high at practice. The reason one guy hasn’t jumped to the front is because they’re all playing at such a high level.

Cut 20 (12) “a competition”

 

18:30 LRN Newscast March 22

A 14-year-old girl from Jonesville faces a charge of terrorizing after she allegedly left a threatening note at Block High School in Catahoula Parish.  State Police Trooper Scott Moreau

Cut 9 (11) “last night.”

KNOE-TV reports the teenager left a note with a list of names and that something would happen during a scheduled assembly at 12:30.

Baton Rouge police have arrested 49 year old Eric Augustus on 1st degree murder charges of his girlfriend Lovie Variste age 76. Augustus had been living with Variste at the time of her death. Police spokesman Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says Augustus was told to kill his girlfriend.

Cut 3 (09) “to kill”

Police say Augustus then allegedly went after her.

One New Orleans Democrat wants to make sure a lucky streak doesn’t get you tossed out of casinos. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A 2 year old Shih tzu was found lying in a flower bed in St. Charles Parish suffering from chemical burns to his body. The dog was unable to open its eyes and faces a long, slow and painful recovery. PETA spokesperson Kearney Whelan Robinson says they are offering a 5,000-dollar reward…

Cut 11 (09) “gets hurt.”

 

Legislative Report LRN March 22

Another gaming bill found its way into committee today, but unlike the last few, it may not be a favorite of the Casino industry. New Orleans Representative Walt Leger says he’s heard one too many stories about gamblers who got just a little too hot for gaming venues to handle.

His bill would prevent casinos from kicking you out just because you’re a good card player, or just a lucky guy on a roll. The Democrat says it’s not right.

21

And a Ville Platte Senator is calling on the legislature to support his bill that would allow adults over 19 to purchase booze if they pass a drinking responsibility class and have their parents’ consent. LaFleur says our current laws promote dangerous binge drinking

Cut 10 (12) “like that.”

The Senate Education Committee approved a bill requiring public schools to display “In God We Trust” in their buildings and instruct the students on what the motto means. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says many kids are not taught proper morals, values, and beliefs by their parents, so public schools should fill that void.

Cut 15 (09) “at home”

A bill that would have instituted a moratorium on charter schools led to a heated exchange in committee today. New Orleans Representative Joe Bouie was referencing a Tulane study indicating a disproportionate treatment of black and white charter students, when Metairie Senator Conrad Appel lashed out

Cut 13 (11)  “this state.”

The bill never ended up coming up for a vote.

4:45 LRN Sportscast March 22nd

Funeral services will conclude tomorrow for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson, who died a week ago today at the age of 90 from a bout with the flu. Many are wondering what the future holds for the two professional sports franchises. Saints and Pels president Dennis Lauscha says it will be business as usual and that means Gayle Benson attending next week’s NFL owners meeting in Orlando….
cut 19 (11) “…will do”
Lauscha says he can’t imagine an attempt by Gayle to move the teams out of New Orleans.

The Pelicans will try to accomplish a rare feat in the NBA tonight and that is win three games in three consecutive nights. New Orleans beat Dallas on Tuesday and held on to beat Indiana 96-92 last night. Tonight, New Orleans hosts the 31-and-39 Lakers.

The 15th ranked LSU baseball team left for Nashville today where they visit 5th ranked Vanderbilt. Last night, the Tigers rallied back from an early 4-0 deficit to beat Tulane 10-4. It was the Bayou Bengals first win over the Green Wave since 2015. Freshman left fielder Daniel Cabrera produced his first career four-hit night on the college level and Zach Watson had three hits for a third consecutive night.

Louisiana Tech beat ULM 6-1 last night and the Bulldogs face UAB starting tomorrow night for a three-game series. Tech has won 12 of its last 14 games and they are 3-0 in Conference USA Play.

ULM begins a series against Arkansas State at Warhawk Field tomorrow. ULM has lost six of its last seven.

The Ragin Cajuns beat McNeese five to two yesterday. UL Lafayette now gets ready for its Sun Belt opener against Troy. The Cowboys will head to Thibodaux to face Nicholls.

4:30 LRN Newscast

A brutal murder in Baton Rouge has one man behind bars today. Jim Shannon reports
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

Alexandria Police arrested a woman who ran out of a vehicle naked after allegedly running a red light. Authorities say when the car stopped in a parking lot, an eight-year-old child ran out of the front seat chasing the woman. Officers were able to get to the woman, before she was fully inside her apartment and Tami Collins was arrested on numerous charges.

A 14-year-old girl from Jonesville is the latest teenager facing a charge of terrorizing for an alleged threat she made at a local school. Block High School in Catahoula Parish was evacuated Wednesday when the note was found and State Trooper Scott Moreau says detectives quickly responded…
cut 10 (08) “…terrorizing’
KNOE-TV reports the teenager left a kill list of names and that something would happen during a scheduled assembly at 12:30.

The first woman will be inducted into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction as 96-year-old Margie Jenkins receives that honor tonight during a ceremony hosted by the Louisiana Radio Network. Governor John Bel Edwards says Ms Margie remains very busy at the Jenkins Farm and Nursery in Amite….
Cut 7 (08) “works hard”
Jenkins is recognized nationwide as one of the most knowledgeable experts on the cultivation of rare, unusual and native landscaping plants.

3:30 LRN Newscast March 22nd

The first woman will be inducted into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction as 96-year-old Margie Jenkins will receive that honor tonight in a ceremony hosted by the Louisiana Radio Network. Governor John Bel Edwards says the Jenkins Farm and Nursery in Amite has been a staple in Tangipahoa Parish since the 60’s….
Cut 6 (09) “recognizing her”
Sugarcane farmer Pete Lanaux from Edgard will be inducted posthumously.

Baton Rouge Police have charged a 49-year-old man with first-degree murder for allegedly beating to death his 76-year-old girlfriend. Sergeant L’ Jean Mckneely says Eric Augustus admitted to detectives he was told to kill his elderly friend after smoking mojo…
cut 5 (09) “…he was having”
Augustus is being held without a bond.

One New Orleans Democrat wants to make sure a lucky streak doesn’t get you tossed out of a casino. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Senate Education approved a bill that requires public schools to display “In God We Trust” and instruct students what the slogan means. Baton Rouge Democrat Regina Barrow says her measure was inspired by a meeting with the governor, where they discussed how to best prepare children for the adult world…
cut 14 (07) “….prayer breakfast”

2:30 LRN Newscast March 22nd

The Senate Education Committee approved a bill requiring public schools to display “In God We Trust” in their buildings and instruct the students on what the motto means. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says many kids are not taught proper morals, values, and beliefs by their parents, so public schools should fill that void.
Cut 15 (09) “at home”
There was very little discussion on the measure and it now moves to the Senate floor.

PETA is offering a five-thousand dollar reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a person who poured chemicals on a dog, leaving it with burn injuries. The two-year-old Shih Tzu was found in a flower bed by a resident of St. Charles Parish. PETA spokesperson Kearney Whelan Robinson says this case of animal abuse is very concerning…
cut 12 (09) “….the FBI”
A 14-year-old girl from Jonesville is the latest teenager facing a charge of terrorizing for an alleged threat she made at a local school. Block High School in Catahoula Parish was evacuated Wednesday when the note was found and State Trooper Scott Moreau says detectives quickly responded…
cut 10 (08) “…terrorizing’
KNOE-TV reports the teenager left a kill list of names and that something would happen during a scheduled assembly at 12:30.

Baton Rouge authorities arrested 49-year-old Eric Augustus for allegedly killing his 76-year-old girlfriend. Sergeant L’Jean McKneely says Augustus admitted to investigators he smoked some mojo and then god told him to kill Lovie Variste, his live-in girlfriend…
cut 4 (07) “….the home”
McKneely says Augustus was very remorseful after he came down from his high.

LRN PM Newscall March 22nd

A brutal murder in Baton Rouge has one man behind bars today. Jim Shannon reports

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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One New Orleans Democrat wants to make sure a lucky streak doesn’t get you tossed out of casinos. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Baton Rouge police have arrested 49 year old Eric Augustus on 1st degree murder charges of his girlfriend Lovie Variste age 76. Augustus had been living with Variste at the time of her death. Police spokesman Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says Augustus was told to kill his girlfriend.

Cut 3 (09) “to kill”

Police say Augustus then allegedly went after her.

Cut 4 (07) “the home”

Strangely enough it was Augustus that ultimately called for help.

Cut 5  (09) “was having”.

Augustus is being held without a bond. Police say the victim died yesterday afternoon of blunt trauma to the head.

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The first woman will be inducted into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction as 96-year-old Margie Jenkins will receive that honor tonight in  a ceremony hosted by the Louisiana Radio Network. Governor John Bel Edwards says the Jenkins Farm and Nursery in Amite has been a staple in Tangipahoa Parish since 1960….

Cut 6 (09)  “recognizing her”

Jenkins career in agriculture spans 80 years. She and her late husband, Bryant, moved to Tangipahoa Parish in 1951 and planted a small watermelon field. The following year the couple started a dairy farm and they also had success in the timber industry. Edwards says Ms Margie remains very busy to this day….

Cut 7 (08)  “works hard”

Jenkins is recognized nationwide as one of the most knowledgeable experts on the cultivation of rare, unusual and native landscaping plants. She has spoke across the country on the topic. Edwards says it’s a long overdue honor for Ms. Margie…

Cut 8 (09) “over the years”

New Orleans native Pete Lanaux will also be inducted posthumously. He’s known as one of the state’s most successful sugarcane growers, farming on 900 acres in St. John the Baptist Parish.

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A 14-year-old girl from Jonesville faces a charge of terrorizing after she allegedly left a threatening note at Block High School in Catahoula Parish.  State Police Trooper Scott Moreau

Cut 9 (11) “last night.”

KNOE-TV reports the teenager left a note with a list of names and that something would happen during a scheduled assembly at 12:30. The school was evacuated when the note was found and Moreau says their detectives quickly responded…

Cut 10 (08) “terrorizing”

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A 2 year old Shih tzu was found lying in a flower bed in St. Charles Parish suffering from chemical burns to his body. The dog was unable to open its eyes and faces a long, slow and painful recovery. PETA spokesperson Kearney Whelan Robinson says they are offering a 5,000-dollar reward for information that leads to an arrest…

Cut 11 (09) “gets hurt.”

Robinson says this person may be a violent person to begin with and more than just animals may be at risk while the offender remains on the loose…

Cut 12 (09)   “the FBI.”

Anyone with information is urged to call the Metairie Humane Shelter or their nearest law enforcement agency.

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A bill requiring the motto “In God We Trust” to be displayed in public schools passed the Senate Education Committee. The legislation by Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow mirrors efforts in several other southern states to have the motto displayed prominently inpublic schools. Barrow says young people are suffering from a lack of proper values.

Cut 13 (07) “school system”

Barrow says the legislation was inspired by a meeting with the governor, where the talk turned to how to best prepare children for the adult world.

Cut 14 (07) “prayer breakfast”

Barrow says many kids are not taught proper morals, values, and beliefs by their parents, so public schools should fill that void.

Cut 15 (09) “at home”

The bill also says students should be instructed on what “In God Trust” means, but no clarification was provided on what the content of that instruction would be.

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1:30 LRN Newscast March 22nd

A brutal murder in Baton Rouge has one man behind bars today. Jim Shannon reports
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

A 2 year old Shih tzu was found lying in a flower bed in St. Charles Parish suffering from chemical burns to his body. PETA spokesperson Kearney Whelan Robinson says they are offering a 5,000-dollar reward for information that leads to an arrest…
Cut 11 (09) “gets hurt.”

A bill requiring the motto “In God We Trust” to be displayed in public schools passed the Senate Education Committee. The legislation by Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow mirrors efforts in several other southern states to have the motto displayed prominently in gathering spaces at public schools. Barrow says young people are suffering from a lack of proper values.
Cut 13 (12) “90 percent”
The bill also says students should be instructed on what “In God Trust” means.

96-year-old Margie Jenkins of Amite will be inducted into the Louisiana Agricutlure Hall of Distinction tonight. Jenkins is recognized nationwide as one of the most knowledgeable experts on the cultivation of rare, unusual and native landscaping plants. Governor Edwards says it’s a long overdue honor for Ms Margie….
cut 8 (09) “…over the years”

12:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards says if a bill banning abortion after 15 weeks ends up on his desk he’ll likely sign it. Edwards made the comments during his monthly call-in radio show, “Ask the Governor.” The Center for Reproductive Rights plans to lobby against the Louisiana Senate bill…
cut 16 (09) “…deserve that”
That’s State legislative counsel Shivana Jorawar.

Baton Rouge Police has arrested a 49-year-old man on first-degree murder for allegedly beating to death his 76-year-old girlfriend. Sergeant L’ Jean Mckneely says Eric Augustus admitted to detectives he was told to kill his elderly friend after smoking mojo…
cut 5 (09) “…he was having”
Augustus is being held without a bond.

The first woman will be inducted into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction as 96-year-old Margie Jenkins receives that honor tonight during a ceremony hosted by the Louisiana Radio Network. Jenkins career in agriculture spans 80 years. Governor John Bel Edwards says Ms Margie remains very busy at the Jenkins Farm and Nursery in Amite….
Cut 7 (08) “works hard”
Jenkins is recognized nationwide as one of the most knowledgeable experts on the cultivation of rare, unusual and native landscaping plants.

New Orleans native Pete Lanaux will also be inducted posthumously. He’s known as one of the state’s most successful sugarcane growers, farming on 900 acres in St. John the Baptist Parish.