12:30 Newscast, December 15th, 2017

U.S. Senator John Kennedy is featured in a viral video that shows him stumping one of President Trump’s nominees for a federal judgeship..:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

If you don’t have health insurance, you have until just before 11 tonight to sign up on the federal exchange, or face paying a penalty. State Director of Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana Brian Burton says there are some 66-thousand Louisianians who qualify through the Affordable Care Act, but don’t use it…:
Cut 4 (09) “the assistance”
The website is healthcare.gov.

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco spoke at the 2017 commencement of her alma mater, UL-Lafayette, Friday morning. Earlier this week, Blanco announced
a rare form of eye cancer she faced six years ago had returned and spread to her liver. She addressed her diagnoses as she spoke to UL-Lafayette grads.:
CUT 15 (08) “but I’m hoping not”
Blanco, who served as governor during Hurricane Katrina, urged graduates to persevere in even the face of seemingly hopeless adversity.

In its latest update on influenza activity, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies seven states reporting widespread flu activity, including Louisiana.

11:40 LRN Sportscast December 15

Arizona State offensive coordinator Bill Napier will reportedly be the new head coach at UL Lafayette. Napier also coached at Alabama and Clemson assistant. Napier was A-S-U’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach this season and the Sun Devils finished with a 7-and-5 record and averaged 31 points a game. He’s 38-years-old.

LSU offensive line coach Jeff Grimes will remain with the Tigers through the bowl game, even though he’s been announced as the new offensive coordinator at BYU. LSU is done with bowl practices and edge rusher Arden Key and inside linebacker Donnie Alexander did not practice.

Grambling State will play North Carolina A-and-T in tomorrow’s Celebration Bowl in Atlanta. Both teams feature outstanding quarterbacks, Devante KIncade for the Tigers and Lamar Raynard for A-and-T. The two have combined for 47 touchdown passes and eight interceptions.

On Sunday it’s the Saints versus the Jets. More than likely, New Orleans running back Mark Ingram will cross the one-thousand yard mark in rushing. Quarterback Drew Brees says Ingram is a leader that all players want to rally around…
cut 17 (20) “…more positive”
Fellow Saints running back Alvin Kamara is expected to play this Sunday after suffering a concussion in the loss to the Falcons.

Tonight in the NBA, the Pelicans begin a four-game road trip in Denver. The Nuggets are the best offensive rebounding team in the NBA, while the Pelicans are second in the league in assists.

Tomorrow in college hoops…LSU hosts Stephen F Austin, Louisiana Tech is at Texas and Southeastern Louisiana hosts Grambling.

11:30 Newscast, December 15th, 2017

Today is the deadline to sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. You’ll have until 10:59pm tonight to get enrolled, or face a penalty if you’re not insured. State Director of Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana Brian Burton says premiums have increased, but the government subsides are also up…:
Cut 3 (07) “buying power”
You can enroll online at health care dot gov.

UL-Lafayette alum and former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco is at this hour speaking at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Fall 2017 Commencement ceremony. UL-Lafayette President Joe Savoie says the plans for Blanco to give the address were made before she announced she was fighting liver cancer…:
Cut 25 (06) “do it”
He says Blanco will also receive an honorary doctorate.

U.S. Senator John Kennedy is making headlines today after questioning one of President Donald Trump’s nominees for a federal judgeship in Washington D.C. Matthew Spencer Peterson struggles to answer Kennedy’s tough questions while before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Here’s a snippet…:
Cut 6 (09) “okay”
Kennedy says Trump’s advisers were wrong by allowing him to nominate Peterson. He says if Peterson became a federal district court judge…:
Cut 9 (12) “the toughest”
The exchange between Kennedy went viral after another member of the committee tweeted out the video calling the terms Petersen struggled with “basic questions of law.”

10:30 LRN Newscast December 15

A State Legislative Audit into possible misuse of state funds by former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been released.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo .”

The flu is hitting Louisiana hard this year.  Health officials say there are numerous reports of widespread flu activity.  There is concern that this flu season will be a rough one since more than 90 percent of flu specimens tested nationwide are type A.  Hospitalizations and deaths are higher when type A is dominant…

Republican U.S. Representative Mike Johnson along with Democratic Florida Representative Charlie Crist have established a bi-partisan Honor and Civility Caucus to restore trust and confidence in American politics. Johnson, who represents the northwestern parishes of Louisiana it’s sad that an issue has to be made about this topic to remind people to be polite.

Cut 8 (09) “pretty simple”

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco will give the Commencement address at UL-Lafayette at 11am.   Blanco announced last week she is fighting liver cancer.  University President Joe Savoie (Savv-wah) says the plans for her to speak today were made before her latest diagnosis…

Cut 4  (06) “do it.” 

Blanco served as Governor from 2004 to 2008.  Savoie says she is a perfect fit for the speech as she led efforts to improve higher education funding during her term as governor.

09:30 Newscast, December 15th, 2017

U.S. Representative Mike Johnson of Shreveport helped to establish a bi-partisan Honor and Civility Caucus to restore trust and confidence in American politics. He says the goal is to hold other lawmakers accountable for their actions and encourage respect in Congress…:
Cut 9 (10) “vice versa”
He says it’s time to change the tone of the way politics is done.

The mother of LSU student Max Gruver, the pledge who died in an apparent hazing incident at a fraternity house, said she believes her son was murdered. Ann Gruver made the comments on Good Morning America Thursday, the same day an East Baton Rouge Parish grand jury began the process of determining whether to charge 10 men in connection with Gruver’s death. Max died with a BAC of .495, an amount of alcohol which is mother believes is not physically possible to consume unless you are forced.

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco will give the Commencement address at UL-Lafayette today. University President Joe Savoie says when Blanco served as governor from 2004 to 2008, she led efforts to improve higher education funding…:
Cut 5 (10) “southern states”
Blanco recently announced she’d been diagnosed with liver cancer, but Savoie says she’s feeling good and ready to go for graduation.

The State Legislative Auditor says they believe former State Police Col Mike Edmonson knew about an expensive side trip some troopers took on their way to a work conference in California. Edmonson retired in March after it was learned several troopers billed taxpayers for sight seeing trip to Las Vegas and Grand Canyon. State Auditor Roger Harris…:
Cut 15 (13) “tour sites”
Edmonson says he plans to respond to the audit by January 15th.

08:30 Newscast, December 15th, 2017

Matters keep looking worse for embattled former State Police Col Mike Edmonson. The state legislative auditor released findings which point to Edmonson possibly misusing power and taxpayer dollars. State Auditor Roger Harris says Edmonson and his family lived in a state owned building without proper authority…:
Cut 14 (12) “of his employment”
Edmonson says he plans to respond to the audit by January 15th.

Governor John Bel Edwards has the created the Governor’s Justice Implementation Oversight Council as a part of the sweeping criminal justice reform effort…:
Cut 10 (12) “as Legislators”
That’s the Governor’s Communications Director Shauna Sanford.

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco will give the Commencement address at UL-Lafayette today….:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

The man who confessed to killing his girlfriend’s convicted molester inside a Zachary trailer, then stuffing his body into a 55-gallon container, was quickly found guilty of second-degree murder Thursday in Baton Rouge. Prosecutors argued that 23-year-old Jace Crehan of Walker should not have taken justice into his own hands in 2015. The girlfriend, Brittany Monk, pleaded guilty to manslaughter earlier this year. She faces up to 40 years behind bars — Crehan life in prison.

07:30 Newscast, December 15th, 2017

A State Legislative Audit into possible misuse of state funds by former Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been released…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco, who recently announced she is battling liver cancer, will give the Commencement today at her alma mater, UL-Lafayette. University President Joe Savoie says he can’t wait to see her speak..:
Cut 6 (10) “to it”

Governor John Bel Edwards has created a council to oversee the state’s new criminal justice reform laws. Shauna Sanford, administration spokesperson, says they want to take a close look to see if the changes are working, and if not they’ll submit proposals as to what should be modified…:
Cut 12 (08) “the council”
A required annual report will be submitted to the Governor starting at the end of 2018.

Republican U.S. Representative Mike Johnson of Shreveport took part in establishing a bi-partisan Honor and Civility Caucus aimed at restoring trust and confidence in American politics. He says it’s time to change the tone on Capitol Hill…:
Cut 7 (11) “an example”
Johnson says the goal of the caucus is to hold other lawmakers accountable for their actions and encourage respect in Congress.

06:45 Sportscast, December 15th, 2017

The 9-and-4 Saints are preparing to host the New York Jets Sunday. New Orleans is in a tie in the NFC South with Carolina after losing last Thursday to Atlanta. Quarterback Drew Brees says the long week has allowed the team to heal and prepare for the final four games of the regular season…:
Cut 16 (11) “some experience”
Saints breakout rookie running back Alvin Kamara said again that he will play on Sunday after suffering a concussion last week. Kick off is set for 12 noon on CBS.

The Jets will be without starting quarterback Josh McCown, who suffered a broken left hand in New York’s shutout loss at Denver last Sunday. But the team says McCown will be coming to New Orleans this weekend, and will serve as a player-coach on the sideline.

The Pelicans travel to Denver to face the Nuggets at 8pm tonight.

It’ll be a busy weekend for the Mercedes Benz Superdome staff, as not only are the Saints playing this weekend, but the R and L Carriers New Orleans Bowl takes place tomorrow with a noon kickoff. Troy, who upset LSU earlier this season 24-21, will take on North Texas in The Big Easy.

LSU will resume practice for the Citrus Bowl on Monday, and once again during Thursday workouts The Tigers were without edge rusher Arden Key who continues to battle injuries. Coach Ed Orgeron says Key is questionable for the New Years Day contest against Notre Dame.

Mississippi State officially announced former UL-Lafayette coach Mark Hudspeth as the Bulldogs’ associate head coach and tight ends coach.

In college hoops last night, Southeastern Louisiana got back to its winning ways with a 106-77 victory over Southern-New Orleans. SLU hosts Grambling tomorrow. McNeese State fell to North Carolina Central, 77-71. The Cowboys are at Pittsburgh tomorrow. Southern defeated Florida A&M 68-50. Also Saturday LSU hosts Stephen F Austin, Louisiana Tech plays at Texas. Nicholls State hosts Culver-Stockton, and UL-Lafayette hosts UNO.

06:30 Newscast, December 15th, 2017

The state legislative auditor releases findings that point to possible misuse of state dollars and abuse of power by the former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson. During a meeting of the legislative audit advisory council, an auditor who worked on the report gave an example of how Edmonson allegedly used public resources to run errands for his family…:
Cut 13 (10) “state vehicle”
Edmonson says he plans to respond to the audit by January 15th.

UL-Lafayette alum and former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco will be guest speaker today at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Fall 2017 Commencement ceremony. UL-Lafayette President Joe Savoie says the plans for Blanco to give the address were made before she announced she was fighting liver cancer…:
Cut 4 (06) “do it”
He says Blanco will also receive an honorary doctorate.

Republican Congressman Mike Johnson has helped to create a caucus dedicated to restoring civility in American politics. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Four Covington High School students have been arrested following a fight on a school bus that occurred as school was letting out Thursday.

AM Newscall, December 15th, 2017

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco will give the Commencement address at UL-Lafayette today. Kelley Ray reports the governor is known as a friend to education…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Republican Congressman Mike Johnson along with Democratic Congressman Charlie Crist of Florida have created a caucus dedicated to restoring civility in American politics. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A State Legislative Audit into possible misuse of state funds by former Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been released.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo .”

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Former Governor Kathleen Blanco will give the Commencement address at UL-Lafayette today.   Blanco announced last week she is fighting liver cancer.  University President Joe Savoie says the plans for her to speak today were made before her latest diagnosis…

Cut 4  (06) “do it.” 

Blanco served as Governor from 2004 to 2008 and Savoie says Blanco led efforts to improve higher education funding…

Cut 5  (10)  “southern states.”

Savoie says Blanco has not only been a great political leader, but is a great person and looks forward to seeing her values shine through in the speech…

Cut 6 (10)  “to it.”

Her husband Raymond served many roles at UL-Lafayette during his 46 years with the university.

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Republican U.S. Representative Mike Johnson along with Democratic Florida Representative Charlie Crist have established a bi-partisan Honor and Civility Caucus to restore trust and confidence in American politics. Johnson, who represents the northwestern parishes of Louisiana, says it’s time to change the tone of the way politics is done.

Cut 7 (11)  “an example”

Johnson authored the “Commitment to Civility” that’s been signed by over 120 bi-partisan members of Congress to commit to setting an example of personal integrity and mutual respect. He says it’s sad that an issue has to be made about this topic to remind people to be polite.

Cut 8 (09) “pretty simple”

Johnson says the goal of the caucus is to hold other lawmakers responsible for their actions and encourage respect in Congress.

Cut 9 (10)  “vice versa.”

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Through an Executive Order, Governor John Bel Edwards has the created the Governor’s Justice Implementation Oversight Council as a part of the sweeping criminal justice reform effort.  The Governor’s Communications Director Shauna Sanford says a variety of backgrounds will serve on the panel…

A main aspect of the reform effort is the lowering of the state’s incarceration rate, which the Governor’s office says will save the state 78-million-dollars over ten years.  The money will be reinvested for programs designed to rehabilitate former inmates into becoming productive citizens.  Sanford says the council will make sure the money is being used as promised and the information will be transparent…

They won’t be directly changing laws, but will meet quarterly to see if the reform is working.  If it isn’t, Sanford says they will be able to make informed recommendations on what changes are needed…

Cut 12 (08) “the council.”

A required annual report will be submitted to the Governor starting at the end of 2018.

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The state legislative auditor releases findings that point to possible misuse of state dollars and abuse of power by the former Superintendent of State Police Mike Edmonson. During a meeting of the legislative audit advisory council, an auditor who worked on the report gave an example of how Edmonson allegedly used public resources to run errands for his family…

Cut 13 (10)  “state vehicle”

Governor John Bel Edwards calls the report’s findings troubling. The report also details improper use of New Orleans hotel rooms during Mardi Gras. State Auditor Roger Harris says Edmonson and his family lived in a state owned building without proper authority….

Cut 14 (12) “of his employment.”

Edmonson says he plans to respond to the audit by January 15th and believes Louisiana residents will not prematurely reach conclusions until all facts are presented. He retired in March after it was learned several troopers billed taxpayers for sight seeing trip to Las Vegas and Grand Canyon. Harris says they believe Edmonson knew about the expensive side trip…

Cut 15 (13) “tour sites”

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The 9-and-4 Saints are preparing to host the New York Jets Sunday. New Orleans is in a tie in the NFC South with Carolina after losing last Thursday to Atlanta.  Quarterback Drew Brees says the long week has allowed the team to heal and prepare for the final four games of the regular season…

Cut 16  (11)  “some experience.”

More than likely, running back Mark Ingram will cross the one-thousand yard mark in rushing, matching his 2016 effort of over one-thousand yards.  Brees says Ingram is a leader that all players want to rally around…

Cut 17 (20) “more positive.”

Brees was critical of the NFL following last week’s loss to the Falcons, but says he realizes that as a leader, he needs to focus on the next challenge in the New York Jets Sunday and be fully prepared…

Cut 18 (17) “from example.”

Kick off is set for 12 noon on CBS.

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