08:30 Newscast, December 2nd, 2016

New Orleans Police say they have caught a suspect in the shooting that left one person dead and injured nine others on Bourbon Street last weekend. 20-year-old Jordan Clay was taken into custody in St. Martin Parish on a warrant out of New Orleans for second degree murder. Officials say a second shooter remains at large. A news conference is scheduled for 9:45 a.m.

Vice President-elect Mike Pence will be in New Orleans tomorrow hosting a rally to get voters out to the poll for the December 10th runoff. Emelie Gunn has more:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Former prep football star and NFL player Joe McKnight was killed Thursday afternoon in what the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is calling a road rage incident. He starred at John Curtis and his coach there JT Curtis says McKnight’s death is a senseless tragedy…:
Cut 18 (10) “ turned violent”
Sheriff Newell Normand has identified the shooter as 54-year-old Ronald Gasser.

The 2nd annual Alex Winter Fête is underway in Alexandria. The three day festival drew almost 30-thousand people in its inaugural year. Director of Community Services, Daniel Williams, says this year will be bigger and better than last year…
cut 14 (10) “food vendors”
He says one of the most fun events of the weekend is the Ugly Sweater 5k which takes place tomorrow morning.

 

07:30 Newscast, December 2nd, 2016

Early voting ends tomorrow and we’ve seen lower than expected voter turnout. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A new poll from Southern Media and Opinion Research finds Republican John Kennedy still has a strong lead over Democrat Foster Campbell in the US Senate race. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says the results are not surprising…:
cut 11 (09) “to 38”
He says it is unlikely Campbell will make a late charge as just under 10-percent of voters are undecided.

There’s been a tragedy in Jefferson Parish that’s claimed the life of a popular former NFL player from Louisiana. 28-year-old Joe McKnight, who played for John Curtis High School and was one of the best in the country, was killed in an apparent road rage incident. His former high school coach, J-T Curtis…:
CUT 19 (12) “affiliated with”
54-year-old Ronald Gasser is identified as the shooter.

Vice President-elect Mike Pence will attend a rally at the Lakefront Airport in support of US Senate candidate John Kennedy tomorrow after attending private fundraisers in New Orleans for the State Treasurer. Louisiana Republican Party Chairman Roger Villere says Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and Attorney General Jeff Landry will also attend the rally..:
Cut 6 (11) “coming up”
The Democratic Party of Louisiana is still confident in their candidate, Foster Campbell.

 

06:45 Sportscast, December 2nd, 2016

The Baton Rouge Advocate is reporting LSU head football coach Ed Orgeron will be paid a lump sum of $675,000 for serving as Tigers interim coach. They previously reported that as the permanent LSU coach, Coach “O” will make about $3.5 million per year under a five-year contract.

Today in the Dome, it’s the state select state championships. It all starts at 10 AM, as Southern Lab looks to repeat against Ascension Episcopal who is making its first appearance. in the division two game, St. Thomas More looks for its first state title against defending champ Parkview. Scotlandville also looks for its first state championship against Evangel.

Tonight in the NBA, the Pelicans will take on the Clippers in the Smoothie King Center. It’s the first of three matchups between Los Angeles and New Orleans during this month. Clippers coach Doc Rivers was fined $15,000 by the NBA for verbally abusing a game official and refusing to leave the court after his ejection in their loss to Brooklyn on Tuesday.

College hoops, Last night in the newly renovated Cajun Dome, UL-Lafayette trounced in-state rival Nicholls 101-69.

This weekend the NFL is allowing players across the league to wear cleats supporting their foundations or charity of their choice. In the game Sunday against Detroit, twenty Saints players will be wearing unique cleats that will likely be auctioned off to the public at some point to help support their charity.

The football world is mourning the death of Joe McKnight, who was fatally shot in what authorities believe was a road rage incident in Jefferson Parish. McKnight was one of the top high school football players in the country coming out of John Curtis High School in 2006. His former head coach, J-T Curtis, says McKnight’s death is a senseless tragedy…:
Cut 18 (10) “ turned violent”
Sheriff Newell Normand has identified the shooter as 54-year-old Ronald Gasser..

 

06:30 Newscast, December 2nd, 2016

Family, friends and fans are in shock with grief over the death of former NFL and John Curtis High School player Joe McKnight who was shot in an apparent Jefferson Parish road rage incident. His former high school coach, J-T Curtis, is devastated by the slaying of the 28-year-old…:
cut 17 (08) “just tragic”
Sheriff Newell Normand has identified the shooter as 54-year-old Ronald Gasser.

Early voting ends tomorrow and turnout has been lower than expected. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says we’re seeing about 22-thousand voters at the polls a day during this early voting week, down 10-thousand a day from the primary. He things could pick up…:
Cut 8 (10) “voter turnout”
Early voting polls are open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Vice President-elect Mike Pence will be in New Orleans tomorrow hosting a get-out-the vote rally in support of US Senate candidate John Kennedy. Louisiana Republican Party Chairman Roger Villere says voters need to be reminded that there is still a ballot to be cast…:
cut 4 (08) “important election”
Louisiana Democratic Party executive director Stephen Handwerk believes Pence’s appearance is just for show. He says Republicans were very quick to condemn Kennedy when he was a registered Democrat…:
Cut 5 (04) “best hope”
Pence will headline the GOP event at Lakefront Airport at 1 p.m.

 

LRN AM NEWSCALL DEC 1

Vice President-elect Mike Pence will be in New Orleans tomorrow hosting a rally to get voters out to the poll for the December 10th runoff. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Early voting ends tomorrow and we’ve seen lower than expected voter turnout. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Just a week before the US Senate runoff, a Southern Media and Opinion Research poll finds Republican John Kennedy has a 14 point lead over Democrat Foster Campbell. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Vice President-elect Mike Pence will be in New Orleans tomorrow hosting a get-out-the vote rally to spotlight the U.S. Senate race. Louisiana Republican Party Chairman Roger Villere says Pence will voters to head to the polls on December 10th and cast their ballot for Republican Treasurer John Kennedy.

cut 4  (08) “important election”

Louisiana Democratic Party executive director Stephen Handwerk believes Pence’s appearance is just for show. He says Republicans were very quick to condemn Kennedy when he was a registered Democrat…

Cut 5  (04)  “best hope”

Villere says the Vice President-elect will also meet with elected officials, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and Attorney General Jeff Landry to discuss the needs of Louisiana…

Cut 6 (11) “coming up”

Handwerk says Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Foster Campbell has made a career out of fighting for Louisiana families and he wants to take it to the next level as senator. He says Campbell’s message is resonating with voters.

CUT 7 (09)  “the primary”

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Early voting ends tomorrow and turnout has been lower than expected. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says we’re seeing about 22-thousand voters at the polls a day during this early voting week, down 10-thousand a day from the primary. He says that doesn’t mean things can’t pick up today and tomorrow…

Cut 8 (10) “voter turnout”

The November 8th Presidential election had a voter turnout of 68-percent. Schedler says we’re seeing a more vigorous turnout on the Republican side than the Democratic side. He also says there’s been a bigger male turnout than female, which isn’t typical.

Cut 9 (10)  “optimistic”

Schedler says we’re seeing predominately chronic voters getting out to early vote. He says one reason for the low turnout is that voters are tired after the grueling November 8th election.

Cut 10 (10)  “percent less”

For early voting the polls are open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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A new poll from Southern Media and Opinion Research finds Republican John Kennedy still has a strong lead over Democrat Foster Campbell in the US Senate race. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says the results are not surprising.

cut 11 (09) “to 38”

Kennedy leads Campbell 52 to 38-percent just over a week before the December 10th runoff. Voters are split about Campbell, according to the poll of 500 likely Louisiana voters, as 46-percent view him favorably and 45-percent unfavorably. Pinsonat says it is unlikely Campbell will make a late charge as just under 10-percent of voters are undecided.

cut 12 (09) “and Republicans”

The poll finds 58-percent of respondents have a favorable view of Kennedy, while only 35-percent have unfavorable views of the State Treasurer. Pinsonat says Kennedy has been very popular statewide for the past several years, because he’s been a vocal critic of government spending.

Cut 13 (09) “a Republican”

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The 2nd annual Alex Winter Fêteis underway in Alexandria. The three day festival drew almost 30-thousand people in its inaugural year. Director of Community Services, Daniel Williams, says this year will be bigger and better than last year.

cut 14 (10) “food vendors”

Williams says they have a Polar Express train for kids, as well as their Indie Market, which features unique arts and crafts. He says there’s stilt walkers, fire breathers, face painting, and even Santa will be there. He says they’ve also beefed up their attractions from last year.

Cut 15 (08) “holiday market”

A firework show will take place tonight at 9:00. Williams says they’ve expanded their ice skating rink to include a kids section, in an effort to cut back on wait times to skate. He says one of the most fun events of the weekend is the Ugly Sweater 5k.

Cut 16 (10) “at 8″

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The football world is mourning the death of Joe McKnight, who was fatally shot in what authorities believe was a road rage incident in Jefferson Parish. McKnight was one of the top high school football players in the country coming out of John Curtis High School in 2006. His former high school coach, J-T Curtis, is devastated by the slaying of the 28-year-old…

Cut 17 (08)    “just tragic “

McKnight played at USC and was drafted by the New York Jets and also played for the Kansas City Chiefs. He spent this past season in the Canadian Football League. Curtis says McKnight’s death is a senseless tragedy…

Cut 18 (10) “ turned violent”

Jefferson Parish sheriff deputies received a call Thursday afternoon about a shooting in Terrytown. First responders found McKnight lying on the ground next to his car suffering from a gunshot wound. Sheriff Newell Normand has identified the shooter as 54-year-old Ronald Gasser. Curtis says McKnight will be remembered as a good person…

Cut 19 (12)   “affiliated with”

18:30 Newscast Dec 1

The football world is mourning the death of Joe McKnight, who was fatally shot in what authorities believe was a road rage incident in Jefferson Parish. McKnight was one of the top high school football players in the country coming out of John Curtis High School in 2006. His former head coach, J-T Curtis, is devastated by the slaying of the 28-year-old.

Cut 17 (08) “just tragic”

McKnight played at USC and was drafted by the New York Jets and also played for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Medicaid expansion enrollment has surpassed the 351-thousand mark, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says Medicaid expansion should lead to better health outcomes for working citizens who were previously uninsured.

Cut 7 (09) “healthcare”
Bayou Country Superfest has announced the lineup for next year’s festival, which includes headliners Blake Shelton and his ex-wife Miranda Lambert. Producer Quint Davis says it will be interesting to see how the two megastars interact.

Cut 13 (08) “about that”

Other headliners include Thomas Rhett, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, and Hank Williams Jr.

The Cajundome officially reopens tonight with a brand new look, after a 22-million dollar renovation. Cajundome Director Greg Davis says the new improvements will help with getting big name acts.

Cut 10 (11) “live entertainment”

Tonight the Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball team will take on Nicholls State.

17:30 Newscast Dec 1

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand confirms former-NFL star Joe McKnight was killed this afternoon. The former-New York Jets and Kansas City Chief running back was reportedly shot after a road rage incident turned violent in Terrytown.  Normand says the shooter has been identified as 54-year-old Ronald Gasser, who turned his gun and himself into authorities.

More the 351-thousand Louisianans are now enrolled in Medicaid as part of the expanded healthcare program, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A bill that seeks to reform mental healthcare has passed the US House. Senator Bill Cassidy coauthored the legislation and says there are three times more mentally ill individuals in jails than in hospitals.

Cut 4 (10) “often end”

Cassidy says on average people with mental illness die 20 years younger than those without it.

Bayou Country Superfest has announced next year’s lineup, which features Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Thomas Rhett, and Hank Williams Jr. Producer Quint Davis says BCS is all new again because it’s coming to New Orleans for the first time.

Cut 12 (10) “country music”

The three day festival was moved to the Superdome because of renovations to Tiger Stadium.

16:45 LRN Sportscast December 1st

The father of Five-star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa told S-E-C Country that his son remains fully committed to Alabama, even though he’s received an offer from LSU. And Tua’s dad says there are no plans for his son to visit LSU. And according to the story, the Tagovailoa family called LSU four-star QB commitment Myles Brennan and told him to give Lane Kiffen a shot, if he ends up coaching at LSU.

Louisiana Tech is getting ready for Saturday’s Conference USA title game against Western Kentucky. The Bulldogs are coming off a 39-24 loss to Southern Miss. Tech Head Coach Skip Holtz hopes a tough defeat to the Golden Eagles will pay dividends this Saturday….
cut 20 (17) “….last week”
Kick-off on Saturday is at 11 o’ clock from Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Two very good quarterbacks will face each other on Sunday when Drew Brees and the Saints host Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions. Stafford might be having his best season of his eight-year NFL career. He’s thrown for 28-hundred yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions. Payton says Stafford is doing a good job in spreading the ball around…
cut 18 (20) “…come then”

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand says former prep football star and NFL player Joe McKnight was killed this afternoon in what authorities are calling a road rage incident in Terrytown. The 28-year-old played in the Canadian Football League this past season. He starred at John Curtis and later USC.

16:30 LRN Newscast December 1st

Medicaid enrollment has surpassed the 351,000 mark under the expansion of the program, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Secretary Rebekah Gee says the Medicaid expansion should lead to better health outcomes for working citizens who were previously uninsured..
CUT 7 (09) “healthcare”
Gee says they are still unclear with will happen with the expanded Medicaid program when President-elect Trump takes office.

Bayou Country Superfest announced its 2017 lineup today with big names like Brooks and Dunn and Hank Williams Jr. It’s the Memorial Day weekend concert’s first time to be held in the Superdome and BCS Producer Quint Davis expects tourism in New Orleans to be a major boost from the shows..:
CUT 14 (09) “holiday weekend”
Tickets go on sale in one week.

A bill co-authored by US Senator Bill Cassidy that seeks to reform mental healthcare has passed the US House and could receive Senate approval next week. He says the bill should foster more mental health professionals, as well as create more outpatient treatment settings…:
Cut 3 (11) “behavioral healthcare”
Cassidy says this legislation is two years in the making, with the goal of making sure patients are not denied care.

Democratic Congressman Cedric Richmond, who represents New Orleans and parts of the Baton Rouge area, has been elected chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. Richmond was just elected to a fourth term and he will take over for US Representative G-K Butterfield of North Carolina.

And we are getting reports out of New Orleans that former prep football star and NFL player Joe McKnight was killed in Jefferson Parish in what authorities are calling a road rage incident in Terrytown.

15:30 Newscast Dec 1

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, more than 86-hundred Louisiana residents are receiving care for chronic conditions under the Medicaid expansion. LDH Secretary Rebekah Gee says many people are now getting the preventative care they need.

Cut 6 (10) “breast cancer”

More than 350-thouasnd people have enrolled in the expanded Medicaid program.

US Senator Bill Cassidy’s mental healthcare reform bill has passed the US House. Cassidy says the bill establishes a grant program focused on early intervention for children who demonstrate signs of mental illness.

Cut 5 (09) “early age”

The bill also provides for suicide prevention and substance abuse programs.

Bayou Country Superfest has announced the lineup for next year’s festival, including headliners Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert. Producer Quint Davis says it will be interesting to see how the two megastars interact, since the two divorced last year.

Cut 13 (08) “about that”

Other headliners include Thomas Rhett, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, and Hank Williams Jr.

The Cajundome is officially reopened after completing a $22-million renovation. Director Greg Davis believes Ragin’ Cajun fans will be impressed with the updates.

Cut 9 (10) “basketball court”

UL-Lafayette will face Nicholls State tonight on the court.