16:30 Newscast Oct 18

A Lafayette man is suing the state over a law that makes it harder for immigrants to get married in Louisiana. Managing director of the New Orleans Workers Center for Racial Justice, Audrey Stewart, says Louisiana has a long history of discriminating against immigrants.

Cut 11 (11) “to rights”

Author of the law Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges says she is committed to tweaking the language of the law to ensure equality for everyone.

Voters are overwhelmed by the number of candidates in the US Senate race. Some of the people we talked to struggled to name even one.

Cut 6 (10) “after that no”

A Senate debate airs tonight on LPB.

Following a judge’s ruling that Attorney General Jeff Landry does not have to sign off on contracts that prevent LGBT discrimination, the Governor’s Office issued a statement saying they are reviewing their legal options. Landry believes the executive order banning discrimination in state offices is overreaching.

Cut 5 (10) “respect that”

The Governor’s statement adds the ruling does not impact the executive order.

The 3rd Congressional District race is heating up as candidates are spending big money to compete with big names. UL Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says former-St. Landry parish sheriff’s deputy Capt. Clay Higgins is arguably one of the best known candidates in the race, next to Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle.

Cut 13 (09) “and so on”

15:30 LRN Newscast October 18th

A Lafayette man born in a refugee camp has sued over a 2015 state law that doesn’t allow him to get married, because he doesn’t have a birth certificate. Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges says she authored the legislation to prevent marriage fraud, but an attorney for Victor Vo, Marley Ann Brumme, says Hodges law oversteps the state’s authority…
cut 10 (08) “….with Louisiana”
Vo is 31-years-old and has been a US citizen since he was eight years old. Hodges says she is willing to tweak the wording of the law if necessary.

Shreveport police have identified four suspects, including a seven-year-old girl, who were involved in a break-in at a Judson Elementary School on Monday morning. Detectives say two dozen Ipads were among the items stolen. Authorities have arrested 18-year-old D’Angelo Walker and he’s facing several charges.

Attorney General Jeff Landry reacts to a judge’s ruling in his favor in a lawsuit filed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Emelie Gunn…
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Five of the 24 candidates in the US Senate race will appear in a televised debate tonight on LPB, and it seems as though many Louisianians don’t know much about this election. This woman says she feels most of the November 8th attention is on Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton…:
CUT 8 (09) “some more”

LRN PM Newscall October 18th

Attorney General Jeff Landry reacts to a state judge ruling in his favor in a lawsuit filed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Emelie Gunn…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A Louisiana man is suing the state over a law that prevents him from getting married because he doesn’t have a birth certificate. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry is pleased a Baton Rouge judge has ruled in his favor in a lawsuit filed against him by Governor John Bel Edwards. A judge says Landry does NOT have to sign off on state contracts that contain language to protect against LGBT discrimination in the workplace. Landry says the question of the power of the attorney general has been resolved but…

Cut 3 (09) “to bed”

In April, Governor Edwards issued an executive order that prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity to be included in most state contracts. Landry has since blocked dozens of state contracts, because he says the state legislature on many occasions has refused to protect LGBT individuals from discrimination in state law.

cut 4  (08) “objecting to”

Governor Edwards’ spokesperson Richard Carbo says the governor is reviewing his legal option, but says ruling does not impact the merits of the executive order. But Landry is still concerned the executive order is too overreaching.

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With 24 candidates in the US Senate race, it may come as a surprise that many Louisiana voters struggle to name even one. We asked Louisiana residents if they knew any of the two dozen candidates.

Cut 6 (10) “after that no”

The sidewalk pop quiz comes just ahead of tonight’s first statewide televised debate, which airs at 7pm on LPB. Some respondents were familiar with one candidate, but more for his controversial past than his current campaign.

CUT 7 (07)  “anybody else”

Analysts have said that voters are paying much more attention to what’s happening with presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. This woman says it’s not surprising voters are not tuned into the Senate race.

Cut 8 (09) “some more”

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A Louisiana man is suing over a state law that requires couples seeking marriage licenses to present a birth certificate, which can pose a problem for those born outside the US. 31-year-old Victor Vo of Lafayette has lived in this country since he was 3 months old and became a U.S. citizen when he was eight and recently had his marriage license application rejected by a court clerk. Attorney Marley Ann Brumme is representing Vo and says the law is unconstitutional and discriminatory.

Cut 9 (10)  “born abroad”

Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges wrote the 2015 law in question. She says it’s an effort to prevent marriage fraud. But Brumme says the law is overstepping the state’s authority.

Cut 10 (08) “with Louisiana”

Hodges says no law is perfectly written, and she is committed to tweaking the language if necessary. But managing director of the New Orleans Workers Center for Racial Justice, Audrey Stewart, says Louisiana has a long history of discriminating against immigrants.

cut 11 (11) “to rights”

Hodges says she is working with Attorney General Jeff Landry to ensure that those who are in this country legally are encouraged and able to get married in Louisiana, whether they are native born or legal immigrants.

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In the race for the 3rd Congressional District, it appears as though it’s GOP Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle’s race to lose, as he’s raised more than rest of the field combined. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says this goes along with how the race has been from the very beginning…:

cut 12 (08) “and money”

Third Quarter Federal Elections Commission records show Angelle has over $1 million dollars in receipts through the third quarter, followed by little known Gus Rantz with more $620,000. Cross says Clay Higgins, a former police captain with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, is arguably the second best-known candidate in the race….:

Cut 13 (09) “and so on”

Cross says also worth mentioning for a potential runoff spot is Democrat Larry Rader because many people in the district would never vote Republican. He says there’s also a former state Representative who is a favorite in the district’s western region…:

cut 14 (10) “constituency”

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14:30 LRN Newscast October 18th

A Louisiana man is suing the state over a law that prevents him from getting married because he doesn’t have a birth certificate. Michelle Southern has more…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

A Monroe television station is reporting that the principal and a teacher at Caldwell Parish High School have been suspended and placed on administrative leave. The sheriff’s office has been investigating complaints that students were stripped searched as school officials looked a missing 42 dollars.

Attorney General Jeff Landry is glad a state district judge ruled in his favor in a lawsuit that was filed by Governor John Bel Edwards. The judge says Landry does not have to sign off on state contracts that contain wording that protects LGBT individualists. Landry says he’s following the will of the legislature, because they have never passed a law that protects this group of citizens…
cut 4 (08) “…objecting to’
The governor’s office says Edwards is exploring other legal options.

In the third district Congressional race, Republican Scott Angelle has raised more money than the entire field combined. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor says it’s been Angelle’s race to lose from the beginning…
cut 12 (08) “…and money”
Early voting for this race and others on the November 8th ballot begins a week from today.

13:30 Newscast, October 18th, 2016

A Louisiana man is suing over a state law that requires couples seeking marriage licenses to present a birth certificate, which can pose a problem for those born outside the US. 31-year-old Victor Vo of Lafayette is a US citizen but doesn’t have a birth certificate because he was born in refugee camp. Marley Ann Brumme is representing Vo…:
Cut 9 (10) “born abroad”
The author of the law, Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges, says she’s more than willing to tweaking the language.

There are 24 candidates in the November 8th US Senate race, but few voters are engaged. We spoke with this woman who is familiar with at least one of the contenders because of his controversial past…:
CUT 7 (07) “anybody else”
5 of the 24 candidates are set to debate on LBP tonight.

Attorney General Jeff Landry says he’s glad a judged ruled that the AG has discretion over state contracts in a lawsuit filed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Landry wasn’t signing off on matters that contained language protecting LGBT workers from discrimination, despite Edwards’ executive order. The AG says there is still something unresolved…:
Cut 3 (09) “to bed”
The governor is exploring other legal options.

A 14-year-old boy fighting a liver disease was made an honorary Saint today during an appearance on Good Morning America. Jarrius Robertson is a big fan of the Saints and Coach Sean Payton personally invited Jarrius and his Dad to travel with the team to Sunday’s game at Kansas City. Payton said Jarrius’ job would be to take care of social media and all media during the game.

 

12:30 Newscast, October 18th, 2016

Attorney General Jeff Landry reacts to a state judge ruling in his favor in a lawsuit filed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Emelie Gunn…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A man from Louisiana is suing to strike down a state law blocking people from getting married if they don’t have a birth certificate. Victor Anh Vo feels the law violates the constitution by denying some immigrants the fundamental right to a legal marriage. The 31 year old is a US citizen but never got a birth certificate because he was born in a refugee camp.

5 of the 24 candidates in the US Senate race will appear in the first statewide televised debate tonight on LPB, and it seems as though many Louisianians don’t know or care about this election. This woman says she feels most of the November 8th attention is on Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton…:
CUT 8 (09) “some more”
Some of the residents we spoke with couldn’t even name one of the two dozen contenders in the US Senate race.

In your feel good story of the day, New Orleans coach Sean Payton surprised a 14-year-old super-fan battling a chronic illness with a contract to become a Saints player. On Good Morning America, Payton told Jarrius Robertson that he was coming to Kansas City with the team this weekend and handling all media.

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast October 18th

LSU expects star running back Leonard Fournette to play this Saturday against Ole Miss. Last year, the Rebels beat the Tigers 38-17. Coach Ed Orgeron says he has not forgotten that humbling loss in Oxford…
cut 17 (21) “….fix this week”
Orgeron is not happy with how the team played last week in the first half against Ole Miss.

ULM Redshirt freshman Will Collins will start at quarterback this Saturday for the Warhawks against New Mexico. Coach Matt Viator likes how the team rallied around Collins, who replaced the injured Garrett Smith….
cut 30 (06) “…the game’
Collins threw two touchdown passes in the win against Texas State.

Louisiana Tech running back Jaqwis Dancy will miss the rest of the season, because he has cancer. Dancy is scheduled to begin treatment this week at St. Jude’s Research Hospital in Memphis as he’s been diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says they’ll wear a special decal on their helmet in honor of Dancy…
cut 20 (21) “…love em”
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a treatable cancer.

A 14-year-old boy fighting a liver disease was made an honorary Saint today during an appearance on Good Morning America. Jarrius Robertson is a big fan of the Saints and Coach Sean Payton personally invited Jarrius and his Dad to travel with the team to Sunday’s game at Kansas City.

11:30 Newscast, October 18th, 2016

Attorney General Jeff Landry is pleased a judge has ruled in his favor in the suit filed by Governor John Bel Edwards. The decision states Landry does not have to sign off on state contracts that contain workplace LGBT anti-discrimination clauses. Landry says this executive order by Edwards is too overreaching…:
CUT 5 (10) “respect that”
The governor’s spokesperson Richard Carbo says the ruling does not impact the merits of the executive order.

With 24 candidates in the US Senate race, it may come as a surprise that many Louisiana voters struggle to name even one. We asked Louisiana residents if they knew any of the two dozen candidates…:
Cut 6 (10) “after that no”
The US Senate debate airs tonight on LBP beginning at 7pm.

A survey of 800 likely Louisiana voters finds the margin between Presidential candidates Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton is shrinking. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

FEMA has extended the program for flood survivors that allows them to stay in participating hotels temporarily if they can not return home. The Transitional Sheltering Assistance checkout date is now Friday November 18th. Officials said in the TSA program, there are currently 2,426 households checked into 261 hotels in 9 states.

 

10:30 LRN Newscast October 18th

A statewide poll on the presidential race here in Louisiana finds Republican Donald Trump’s lead over Democrat Hillary Clinton has shrunk. The JMC Analytics Survey had Trump with a 15-percentage point lead in July and now it’s seven. Pollster John Couvillon says the groping allegations against the billionaire affected this survey….
cut 11 (10) “….allegations”

Tonight is a televised US Senate debate on Louisiana Public Broadcasting. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it’s likely only one democrat will make the run-off, so expect Democrats Foster Campbell and Caroline Fayard to attack each other…
cut 9 (11) “….each other”
The debate begins at 7 PM.

A Baton Rouge judge has ruled in favor of Attorney General Jeff Landry for his refusal to sign state contracts that protect against LGBT discrimination, in spite of an executive order signed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Political analyst Clancy Dubos…:
Cut 13 (10) “any contract”
The Governor’s Office says they are reviewing other legal options.

The finance website Value Penguin ranks I-10 and I-20 as the fourth and eighth most dangerous highways in the country respectively. Research analyst Craig Casazza says the purpose of the report is to raise awareness about the dangerous conditions along these highways…
cut 6 (08) “….policy changes”
The report found that Louisiana has the third most fatal stretch of I-10, with a fatality rate of nearly 55 deadly accidents per 100 miles.

09:30 Newscast, October 18th, 2016

A new presidential survey in Louisiana shows Republican Donald Trump is losing some support in the Bayou State. Democrat Hillary Clinton polled with JMC Analytics at 38 percent, while Trump had 45 percent. The margin has closed by 8 points since the last survey. Pollster John Couvillion says Trump is polling strong in rural areas…:
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Couvillon still believes Trump will win Louisiana by a high single digit margin.

In a lawsuit filed by Governor John Bel Edwards, a judge ruled in favor of Attorney General Jeff Landry for his refusal to sign state contracts that protect against LGBT discrimination. Political analyst Clancy Dubos believes Landry is politically motivated in this fight…:
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The governor is looking into other legal options.

Two interstate highways that stretch across Louisiana are ranked among the most dangerous roads in the country, according to a new report from the finance website ValuePenguin. Interstates 10 and 20 came in at numbers four and 8 respectively on the list. Research analyst Craig Casazza says I-20 came in as the fifth darkest and eighth most dangerous highway with a fatality rate of 43 fatal crashes per 100 miles…:
Cut 5 (08) “looked at”
He said I-10 ranked poorly in darkness and also drunk driving incidents.

US Senate candidate Troy Hebert, who was not successful in his lawsuit seeking to be a part of tonight’s televised debate, has made a video in response where he essentially mocks LBP, CABLE and the five candidates who were invited to participate. In his suit Hebert argued, among other things, that it wasn’t fair only the wealthiest candidates were included. The YouTube video response, which includes Hebert dressing up as the candidates, is called, “The 2016 Who is a Millionaire US Senate Debate.”