15:30 Newscast October 26,2016

A poll from Southern Media and Opinion Research finds Republican John Kennedy is still leading in the U.S. Senate race with 22-percent and Democrat Foster Campbell came in right behind Kennedy with 16-percent. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says the number of undecided voters for the senate seat is 15-percent, down from the last poll.
Cut 13 (07) “into the runoff”

Early voting for the November 8th election has just started and it’s already breaking records for voter turnout. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says the 2012 election set voting records in the state but yesterday’s turnout topped that.
Cut 6 (08) “in 12”

Early voting runs until November 1st, except for Sunday.

 

A Baton Rouge man has been arrested after setting his wife on fire in September. Sgt. Don Coppola with the Baton Rouge Police Department says 28-year-old John Harleaux got into an argument with his wife and evaded police since the dispute. He says thanks to tips from Crime Stoppers they were able to locate Harleaux and he was booked in the parish prison.
Cut 5 (05) “by burning”

The victim suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns to her arms, shoulder, and back.

A two-day meeting discussing the importance of coastal restoration in Louisiana has now wrapped up. Governor John Bel Edwards says it would help if Congress allows Louisiana to reinvest 100 million dollars in annual payments for the levee system constructed after Hurricane Katrina. He says it’s important to protect this asset which taxpayers have invested in.
Cut 11 (09) “gonna perform”

14:30 Newscast October 26,2016

It’s already a record breaking year in terms of voter turnout and early voting has just begun. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says lines are shorter today for early voting and expects about a 10 to 15 minute wait time. He says there was a brief issue in Jefferson Parish yesterday when a fiber optic line went out between the registrar of voters and the satellite office.
Cut 7 (07) “clear sailing”

Schedler also tells concerned voters that the election is in no way rigged.

State Officials have finished a 2-day meeting discussing the importance of coastal restoration in Louisiana before it’s too late. The master plan for restoration needs to be immediately revised and Governor John Bel Edwards thinks the cost of this plan will go up substantially. Officials believe they will have at least 10.7 billion dollars for the first 15 years of the 50 year plan.
Cut 10 (10) “in 2017”

 

The latest Southern Media and Opinion Research poll shows Republican John Kennedy leading the field in the US Senate race, followed by Democrat Foster Campbell…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man wanted for the shooting death of his ex-wife outside of her home in Hammond. 53-year-old Jerry Williams, Jr. faces multiple charges including Second Degree Murder and a Protection order violation. 50-year-old Linda Williams was pronounced dead at the scene after a neighbor called authorities reporting she saw the woman lying lifeless in the yard and saw Jerry William’s red mustang leaving the scene.

LRN PM Newscall October 26th

The first day of early voting broke records for voter turnout in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The latest Southern Media and Opinion Research poll shows Republican John Kennedy leading the field in the US Senate race, followed by Democrat Foster Campbell…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A Baton Rouge man who set his wife on fire in September is finally behind bars. Sgt. Don Coppola with the Baton Rouge Police Department says 28-year-old John Harleaux got into an argument with his wife on September 24th. He says things turned violent when the woman called for her mother to come pick her up.

Cut 3 (10) “to ignite”

Coppola hates that someone would think of doing this to anyone, much less to their own spouse. He says the woman was seriously injured.

cut 4  (07) “his actions”

Coppola says Harleaux evaded police officers since the dispute. He says thanks to a tip from Crime Stoppers, they were able to locate the suspect yesterday. He says Harleaux was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

Cut 5  (05)  “by burning”

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Early voting has only just begun, and it’s already a record breaking year for turnout. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says the 2012 election set voting records in Louisiana, but the turnout yesterday even topped that.

Cut 6 (08) “in ’12”

Schedler says lines are shorter today for early voting, and he expects wait times to be around 10 to 15 minutes. He says yesterday there was one issue briefly in Jefferson Parish when a fiber optic line went out between the registrar of voters and the satellite office.

CUT 7 (07)  “clear sailing”

Schedler says his office is getting record calls from voters concerned the election is rigged. He blames the campaign rhetoric for these outrageous claims that have caught fire nationwide on both ends of the political spectrum.

Cut 8 (10) “about it”

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State officials have wrapped up a two-day meeting discussing the importance of restoring Louisiana’s coast before it’s too late. Val Marmillion with America’s WETLAND Foundation says Louisiana could lose a third of its coast in the next 50 years. He says the five year revision of the coastal restoration plan will be released in January.

Cut 9 (11)  “into implementation”

The master plan for coastal restoration needs to be revised immediately, and Governor John Bel Edwards believes the cost of this plan will go up significantly. Officials believe they will have at least $10.7 billion for the first 15 years of the 50 year plan. 

Cut 10 (10) “in 2017”

About $7 billion of the cost will be covered by the Deepwater Horizon settlement from BP. Edwards says it will also help tremendously if Congress allows Louisiana to reinvest its $100 million annual payments for the levee system that was constructed after Hurricane Katrina. He says it’s important to protect that asset that taxpayers have already invested in.

cut 11 (09) “gonna perform”

Another round table on coastal restoration will be held December 7.

________________________________________________

The latest Southern Media and Opinion Research poll shows Republican John Kennedy continuing to lead the field in the US Senate race with 22%, followed by Democrat Foster Campbell at 16%. Rounding out the top five are Republican Charles Boustany with 14%, then Democrat Caroline Fayard at 12%, and GOP candidate John Fleming at 9%. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat..:

cut 12 (07) “amount of time”

The same poll also found that the State Treasurer received the highest “positive” job performance rating among the five elected officials tested with Governor John Bel Edwards coming in second. Pinsonat says the number of undecided in this round for the seat being vacated by David Vitter is 15% which is down considerably from the last survey….:

Cut 13 (07) “into the runoff”

Pinsonat says of those voters who have not selected a candidate in this race yet, 12% are white and 22% are black. He says that means it appears as though Campbell will be getting most of those votes…:

cut 14 (06) “make the runoff”

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13:30 Newscast, October 26th, 2016

The latest Southern Media and Opinion Research poll shows Republican John Kennedy continuing to lead the field in the US Senate race with 22%, followed by Democrat Foster Campbell at 16%. Rounding out the top five are Republican Charles Boustany with 14%, then Democrat Caroline Fayard at 12%, and GOP candidate John Fleming at 9%. Pollster Bernie Pinsont..:
CUT 12 (07) “amount of time”
He says 15% polled undecided which is down considerably from the last survey.

Lots of voters are engaged in this race now as the first day of early voting brought out Louisianians in record numbers. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says wants to set the record straight on people concerned the election is rigged…:
CUT 8 (10) “about it”
He says 87,000 people voted yesterday, more than double from 2012.

State officials have wrapped up a two-day meeting discussing the importance of restoring Louisiana’s coast before it’s too late. Val Marmillion with America’s WETLAND Foundation says Louisiana could lose a third of its coast in the next 50 years. He says the five year revision of the coastal restoration plan will be released in January…:
Cut 9 (11) “into implementation”
Another round table on coastal restoration will be held December 7.

Two former high ranking officials at Angola are expected to turn themselves in today amid allegations they stole at least $160,000 dollars from a fund intended to benefit employees at the Louisiana State Penitentiary. Col. Shirley Whittington and former Lt. Col. Deborah Leonard, are each wanted on warrants of felony theft over $25,000. Authorities say most of the stolen money was used to buy personal items on Amazon.

 

12:30 Newscast, October 26th, 2016

The first day of early voting broke records for voter turnout in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has more…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A shooting in Terrebonne Parish left a 17-year-old dead and two women injured, allegedly at the hands of one of the victim’s ex-boyfriend who remains at large. The Sheriff’s Office says an arrest warrant has been issued for 34-year-old Rhubin Scott Jr. on one count of second degree murder and two counts of attempted second degree murder. The say the shooting took place at the home of a family member of Scott’s ex girlfriend. The investigation is ongoing.

The Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center is making donations to community groups assisting with flood relief efforts in south Louisiana. Executive Director Cashauna Hill says $200-thousand dollars from their Baton Rouge Revitalization Fund will be distributed among faith-based and nonprofit organizations…:
Cut 10 (09) “to recovery”
Hill says organizations in the greater Baton Rouge area will receive a portion of these grants.

A Baton Rouge high school student is facing felony sex charges for allegedly recording his 14-year old girlfriend performing a sex act on him in a classroom at McKinley High School. 18-year-old Jonathon Moss is in jail on pornography involving juveniles and carnal knowledge of a juvenile charges.

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast October 26th

It’s been a month and a day since Ed Orgeron took over as LSU’s head football coach. He’s getting his team ready to play top ranked Alabama on November 5th. Orgeron spoke before the Greater New Orleans Quarterback Club and says the Tigers have enough depth to go toe-to-toe with the unbeaten Crimson Tide.

ULM Football coach Matt Viator plans to start redshirt freshman Will Collins at quarterback again this Saturday at Arkansas State. Collins failed to complete a pass in seven attempts in the loss to New Mexico. Caleb Evans played much better as he was 12 of 15 for 120 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

Southeastern Louisiana Coach Ron Roberts is not sure if Quarterback Justin Alo will play this Saturday against 18th ranked Central Arkansas. If he can’t play, D’Shai Landor will start for a second straight week. The Lions are on a three-game winning streak heading into Saturday’s big home game.

The Saints returned to practice today to get ready for Sunday’s home game against Seattle. The Seahawks have one of the best pass defenses in the league, which should make for an interesting match-up as they go up against Drew Brees. Seattle has struggled to run the football as they miss the retired Marshawn Lynch.

A new regular season starts tonight for the Pelicans. The Pels Anthony Davis is set to begin his fifth season in the NBA. He’ll be joined this year by first round pick Buddy Hield, who was selected sixth overall in last June’s NBA draft. Davis says Hield will face an adjustment period…
cut 17 (19) “….different environment”
The Pelicans face the Denver Nuggets tonight. Tip-off is just after 7:00 at the Smoothie King Center.

11:30 Newscast, October 26th, 2016

Early voting has only just begun, and it’s already a record breaking year for turnout. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says the 2012 election set voting records in Louisiana, but the turnout yesterday even topped that:
Cut 6 (08) “in ’12”
The early voting period for the November 8th election runs through Tuesday, with the exception of Sunday.

A man wanted by the Baton Rouge Police Department for allegedly setting a woman on fire with hairspray and a flame is now in custody, according to authorities. They say 28 year old John Harleaux is booked on one count of domestic abuse battery by burning, which is a felony. BRPD Sgt. Don Coppola says the woman was badly injured in the September incident…:
cut 4 (07) “his actions”
He says thanks to Crimestoppers they were able to put Harleaux behind bars Tuesday.

The National Flood Insurance Program says they’ve been able to close out 48 percent of the over 29,000 claims submitted three months after historic flooding. Spokesman Wayne Berggren (Berg-gren) says flood victims have received over one billion dollars in payments. He says an event like this should serve as a reminder about the importance of being insured…:
CUT 9 (10) “disaster”
For more information about flood insurance, homeowners can visit flood-smart-dot-gov (floodsmart.gov).

The Ponchatoula man accused of murdering his ex-wife at her Hammond home turned himself in last night according to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office. Jerry Williams Jr is accused of shooting 50-year-old Linda Williams in the head. He was charged with second-degree murder, convicted felon in possession of a firearm and a protection order violation.

 

10:30 LRN Newscast October 26th

A Baton Rouge man who set his wife on fire in September is finally behind bars. Sgt. Don Coppola with the Baton Rouge Police Department says 28-year-old John Harleaux got into an argument with his wife on September 24th. He says things turned violent when the woman called for her mother to come pick her up….
cut 3 (10) “…to ignite”
The woman suffered second and third degree burns to her arm, shoulder and back.

Two drug suspects that have the names Monroe Myers and Winter Flowers are off the streets after they were arrested on drug and gun charges. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s office Captain Daniel Seuzeneua says when deputies pulled their vehicle over, they discovered a sawed off shotgun that was made to look like a toy guy…
cut 15 (09) “…they belong”
The gun was wrapped in the popular children’s character “The Mininions” duct tape.

The Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center is providing over 200-thousand dollars in grant money for non-profit and faith-based groups who are assisting individuals trying to recover from the August flood. Executive Director Cashauna Hill says the groups will then use the funds at their discretion to assist flood victims in any way they need…
cut 11 (11) “….management services”

LSU Heath New Orleans researchers are offering free well water tests to Louisiana homeowners impacted by the August flooding. Professor Adrienne Katner says 150 test kits will be handed out Thursday and Friday at two churches in French Settlement…
cut 6 (10) “….through 20th”
Any homeowner with a private well in the flood-area is eligible.

09:30 Newscast, October 26th, 2016

Flood victims in Louisiana have received over a billion dollars in flood insurance payments in less than three months. That’s according to Wayne Berggren (Berg-gren) with the National Flood Insurance Program. He expects when all claims are reviewed, flood victims will have received a little over two billion dollars…:
CUT 8 (10) “final estimates”
For more information about flood insurance, homeowners can visit flood-smart-dot-gov (floodsmart.gov).

Two former high ranking employees at Angola are slated to turn themselves in today on warrants accusing them of stealing at least $160,000 from funds meant to benefit employees of the prison. An audit found that one of the woman spent nearly $70,000 in personal purchases including on items from Amazon and Paypal. Former Col. Shirley Whittington and her alleged co-conspirator, Deborah Leonard are charged with felony theft over $25,000,

A traffic stop in Covington led to disturbing discoveries and two arrests. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center is making donations to community groups assisting with flood relief efforts in south Louisiana. Executive Director Cashauna Hill says they’re thrilled to be able to help people and extremely grateful for the work these organizations have been doing since the flood in August…:
cut 12 (10) “necessary work”
She says $200-thousand dollars from their Baton Rouge Revitalization Fund will be distributed among faith-based and nonprofit organizations.

 

08:30 Newscast, October 26th, 2016

The Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center announces a $200-thousand donation to Baton Rouge groups assisting with flood relief efforts. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

A man wanted by the Baton Rouge Police Department for allegedly setting a woman on fire with hairspray and a flame is now in custody, according to authorities. They say 28 year old John Harleaux is booked on one count of domestic abuse battery by burning, which is a felony. Investigators report the woman suffered second and third degree burns on her left arm, shoulder and back.

LSU Health New Orleans is offering free well water testing in areas affected by the historic flooding in August. Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Adrienne Katner says a contaminated well can be cleaned through shock chlorination. She says bad water has been a concern to flood affected residents…:
Cut 5 (10) “their well”
Katner says their free well water testing program will start in Livingston Parish, but they’ll also visit other affected parishes over the next several months.

Attorney General Jeff Landry says he wants to fight for the state’s law that mandates strippers be at least 21 to work as an exotic dancer. Three unidentified strippers filed suit, and the AG said as Louisiana’s chief legal officer, he should defend the constitutionality of statutes passed by the Legislature. ATC is the agency set to enforce the Louisiana law that said a stripper has to be 21 years old.