06:30 Newscast September 1, 2015

Voter Registration Week is underway, urging residents with a valid Louisiana driver’s license to register in person or online. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says this week is important because of the upcoming fall elections in Louisiana. He encourages those who are already registered voters to make sure their information is up-to-date…

cut 4 (08) “easier than ever now”

There are a number of ways a person can register: online through geauxvote-dot-com, in person or through the mail.

The old days of renting movies are over as the last Blockbuster store in Louisiana is closing. Owner Billy Mobley says his Opelousas location doesn’t do enough business to justify keeping their doors open. He says before the digital age, business was booming.

cut 10 (10) “closing them”

Mobley says the internet is one of the main culprits, along with social media and satellite TV, for ending video rentals.

LSU releases its plan to bring Mike the Tiger into Tiger Stadium for home games. Spokesperson for the School of Veterinary Medicine Ginger Guttner says although Mike VI didn’t attend any games in the 2014 season, they’re going to try to get him into his trailer for the first three home games.

cut 13 (11) “going to go”

Mike VI has been to 32 out of 52 home games that have taken place since he arrived at LSU in 2007.

AM Newscall September 1 **Corrects number designation on Mike the Tiger”

It’s Voter Registration Week and its designed to get  residents to register, so they can participate in the upcoming elections. Don Molino has the story

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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The last Blockbuster store in Louisiana is closing its doors. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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LSU releases its plans to try to load Mike VI into his trailer for home games. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Voter Registration Week  is underway, urging residents with a valid Louisiana driver’s license to register in person or online. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says this week is important because of the upcoming fall elections in Louisiana. He encourages those who are already registered voters to make sure their information is up-to-date…

cut 4  (08)  “easier than ever now”

There are a number of ways a person can register: online through geauxvote.com, in person or through the mail. Schedler says that those who want to vote in the gubernatorial primary should register soon…

Cut 5  (08)  “Wed., Sept. 23”

Schedler says turnout in the state’s previous elections has been around the 50 to 55 percentage mark. He wants to raise that number to the percentage often seen in presidential elections…

Cut 6 (04)  “voter registration”

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The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s office has made an arrest in connection with the murder of a Stark man. Sheriff Tony Mancuso says 33-year-old Jody Barlow was found dead in a wooded area from gunshot wounds. Mancuso says Zachary Bench has been booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with second degree murder, armed robbery and obstruction of justice.

CUT 7 (11)  “of Vinton”

Mancuso believes the motive of the murder was robbery. He says the investigation found Barlow’s truck, utility vehicle and trailer were missing along with guns, an iPad and other personal items.

Cut 8  (09)  “kill him” 

Mancuso says they discovered Barlow’s truck and other items in the woods completely burned. He says Bench and Barlow did not know each other well.

Cut 9 (06) “can gather”

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The old days of renting movies is over as the last Blockbuster store in Louisiana is closing. Owner Billy Mobley says his Opelousas location doesn’t do enough business to justify keeping their doors open. He says before the digital age, business was booming.

Cut 10 (10) “closing them”

Mobley says the internet is one of the main culprits, along with social media and satellite TV, for ending video rentals. He says many loyal customers are heartbroken over the Blockbuster going out of business and he expects the store will close for good in mid-October.

cut 11 (12) “this year”

Mobley says once the store closes, he’s moving on to the hair salon business. He says they’ll be selling all remaining movies for very low prices until everything goes.

 Cut 12 (09) “for it”

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LSU releases its plan to bring Mike the Tiger into Tiger Stadium for home games. Spokesperson for the School of Veterinary Medicine Ginger Guttner says although Mike VI didn’t attend any games in the 2014 season, they’re going to try to get him into his trailer for the first three home games.

Cut 13 (11)  “going to go”

Mike VI has been to 32 out of 52 home games that have taken place since he arrived at LSU in 2007. She says they aren’t sure what keeps him from attending games, but they keep careful records of which games he goes to and what the weather was like. Guttner says LSU has tried various things to get Mike to go.

Cut 14 (10) “with him”

Guttner says if he doesn’t load after the first three games, they will reassess the situation. She says although everyone wants to see Mike on the field, it’s an honor and a privilege to have a live tiger on campus.

Cut 15  (10)  “his care”

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Former Florida Quarterback Jeff Driskel is set to make his first start for Louisiana Tech on Saturday when the Bulldogs host Southern University. Last season, Tech was upset by Northwestern State in the season opener. Driskel says the team hasn’t forgotten and they’ll be ready for the Jaguars

Cut 16  (17)  “this week”

Driskel has been on the Louisiana Tech campus for several months after a four-year run at Florida, where he didn’t live up to expectations. Driskel says he’s now looking forward to leading the Bulldogs offense…

Cut 17 (18) “here to play” 

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A brief medical scare involving LSU coach Les Miles will not keep the Tigers from focusing in on their season opening opponent McNeese State. After going to the hospital during the day, because he was under the weather, Miles was back with the team at practice that afternoon. Junior defensive tackle Christian LaCouture (Lock-uh-chur) says their attention is on the Cowboys

Cut 18 (14) “we’ll be okay”

Senior right tackle Vadal Alexander says he’s been telling some of the young guys what to expect when they play their first game in Tiger Stadium…

Cut 19 (17) “always done”

LRN Newscast 17:30 August 31

According to BankRate.com, absurdly high insurance premiums is one reason Louisiana is the worst state for drivers. The website’s research and statistics analyst Chris Kahn says the reason premiums are so high could be due to a couple of different things…
cut 28 (12) “really high”
Bankrate ranked all 50 states according to the amount of fatal crashes, car thefts, commute times, gas prices, and insurance premiums.

LSU Coach Les Miles was taken to the hospital today, because he wasn’t feeling very well. But Miles was back at the team’s operations building later in the afternoon. The coach joked with reporters that he O-D’ed on coffee. The 14th ranked Tigers are getting ready to host McNeese State in the season opener on Saturday.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office says a 2-year-old girl was killed and her mother injured in a house fire in Monroe. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says little Kataleya Williams and her mother were inside the home when the fire broke out Sunday afternoon…
cut 9 (09) “in the fire”
Browning says they believe the fire was caused by a pot left unattended on the stove.

Three people have been arrested in Ascension Parish after allegedly striking moving vehicles with full one-gallon water jugs. Sheriff’s Office Lt. Col. Bobby Webre says no one was seriously injured, but vehicles were damaged. Webre says the suspects would throw the water jugs from a moving vehicle, which made the situation even more dangerous…
cut 4 (09) “the impact”
The three people arrested ranged from age 17 to 19-years old.

LRN Newscast 16:30 08-31-15

DOTD has the first of three public meetings tonight about proposed improvements to the I-10 corridor…
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The accidental shooting of a brother has apparently resulted in a shooting suicide of another brother just outside Opelousas. A witness inside the room told deputies that 27 year-old Joshua Miller from New Roads was horseplaying with a gun, pointing it at 25 year-old Jeremiah Miller from Ventress; pulling the trigger. Once the older brother realized what he did, he turned the gun on himself.
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At the beginning of the school year, West Monroe High School principal Shelby Ainsworth and school officials told students they could not fly the Confederate flag from their vehicles during “The Rebels'” football games and other school events. The confiscations began Friday night…
CUT 13 (07) Q: “Confederate flag”
After a mass shooting in South Carolina, he says the entire nation has put restrictions on the Confederate flag.

The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office says three people have been arrested after allegedly striking moving vehicles with full one-gallon water jugs. Lt. Col. Bobby Webre says their investigation led to the arrest of 19-year-old Chance Lambert, 18-year-old Layne Goodman, and 17-year-old James McCormack…
CUT 3 (09) “could have happened”

LRN Newscast 15:30 08-31-15

LSU Head coach Les Miles WAS scheduled to talk with the media at his weekly “Lunch With Les” gathering today, but things did not go as planned. After about a 40 minute delay, LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva announced that Miles was “under the weather” and was taken to the hospital on a “precautionary” basis. Alleva says Miles is fine and would be available after the team’s practice today. LSU kicks off the season Saturday in Tiger Stadium against McNeese.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation will hold the first of three public meetings about proposed improvements to the I-10 Corridor in Baton Rouge. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says they will go over the results of the survey presented to residents earlier this year…
CUT 6 (10) “in Baton Rouge”
The meeting at the Baton Rouge River Center starts tonight at 6pm.
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Authorities say a 2-year-old girl was killed and her mother injured in a house fire in Monroe yesterday. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the body of little Kataleya Williams was found under a table in the living room, apparently attempting to hide from the blaze. Browning says they don’t believe there were working smoke alarms inside…
Cut 11 (07) “thing to happen”

The alcohol license for the Wet & Wild Saloon in Houma has been suspended by the State Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, following the discovery of drug and prostitution activity at the establishment. ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert says the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office discovered some rather disturbing video evidence…..
CUT 16 (10) Q: “health and safety”
The owners-Lance and Rachel Smiley-were arrested on numerous charges.

LRN Sportscast 16:45 August 31

LSU Football Coach Les Miles had to be taken to the hospital this morning. Athletic Director Joe Alleva made a statement for reporters who were expecting to hear from Miles about the season opener at his 12:30 press conference…
cut 30 (11) ‘…precautionary basis”
Miles returned to LSU’s football operations building this afternoon and told reporters he may have O-D on coffee, but he is fine.

The Tigers are getting ready to host McNeese State this Saturday. In years past, LSU has opened the season with a big-name opponent. But LSU associate athletics director Verge Ausberry says they didn’t want to do that this year, because they’ll face Mississippi State and Auburn in weeks two and three…
cut 18 (05) “…big opponents”

Seventh-round draft pick Marcus Murphy made a strong impression on Saints Coach Sean Payton in yesterday’s 27-13 loss to Houston in preseason game number three. Murphy had 43 yards rushing on eight carrie, had three receptions for 67 yards and also had some nice returns in the kicking game. Here’s what Payton had to say about the former Missouri star…
cut 29 (19) “…quick to accelerate”
The Saints will wrap up the preseason on Thursday at Green Bay.

Former Louisiana Tech standout Josh Scobee has been traded by Jacksonville to Pittsburgh. Scobee is the Jaguars all-time leading scorer. The Steelers need a kicker as both Shaun Suisham and Garrett Hartley both went down with injuries.

LRN Newscast 14:30 08-31-15

LSU Football Coach Les Miles was not able to attend his first lunch press conference of the season today, having to go to the hospital…
cut 30 (11) Q: “precautionary basis”
That’s LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva. Miles told reporters he was fine, and would be back for afternoon practice.

Tonight, it’s the first of three public meetings about proposed improvements to the I-10 Corridor in Baton Rouge. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says prelimary plans will be presented, along with hearing public input before they proceed…
CUT 8 (08) Q: “corridor”
The meeting will be held at the Baton Rouge River Center is tonight at 6pm.
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After West Monroe High School leaders confiscated Confederate flags from student’s vehicles Friday, principal Shelby Ainsworth says he hopes students understand the new policy…
CUT 2 (28) “I’m Eric Gill “

The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office says a New Roads man committed suicide after accidentally killing his brother. A witness told investigators that 27 year-old Joshua Miller was playing with a handgun when he pointed it at his brother; 25 year-old Jeremiah Miller, and pulled the trigger. Authorities say it does not appear to been an intentional act for Joshua to kill Jeremiah.

LRN PM Newscall August 31

Louisiana DOTD will hold the first of three public meetings tonight at 6 about proposed improvements to the I-10 Corridor which runs through Baton Rouge. I’m Jeff Palermo

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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After West Monroe High School leaders confiscated Confederate flags from student’s vehicles Friday, principal Shelby Ainsworth says he hopes students understand the new policy. I’m Eric Gill

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill “

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The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office says three people have been arrested after allegedly striking moving vehicles with full one-gallon water jugs. Lt. Col. Bobby Webre says their investigation led to the arrest of 19-year-old Chance Lambert, 18-year-old Layne Goodman, and 17-year-old James McCormack…

CUT 3 (09)  “could have happened”

He says no one was seriously injured in the incidents, but vehicles were damaged. Webre says the suspects would throw the water jugs from a moving vehicle, which made the situation even more dangerous…

CUT 4 (09)  “the impact”

It is reported that Lambert is a volunteer firefighter with the Galvez-Lake Volunteer Fire Department. The suspects are being charged with felony aggravated criminal damage to property…

CUT 5 (04) “adults, in this”

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation will hold the first of three public meetings about proposed improvements to the I-10 Corridor in the capital city beginning tonight at 6 p.m. at the Baton Rouge River Center. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says the meeting will go over the results of the survey presented to residents earlier this year…

CUT 6 (10) “in Baton Rouge”

Mallett says many of the survey response suggestions included building a new bridge or adding lanes to the corridor. He says there are those who are hesitant about the benefits of any traffic flow improvements because of the possible cost to the Baton Rouge community…

CUT 7 (09)  “traffic flow”

These public meetings are a part of a requirement by law that the department receive public input before moving forward with any plans. Mallett says each meeting will be the same with the presentation, so people only need come to one. After the presentation of preliminary plans, the public will be able to give its input before DOTD moves forward with a feasibility study…

CUT 8 (08)  “in the corridor”

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The State Fire Marshal’s Office says a 2-year-old girl was killed and her mother injured in a house fire in Monroe. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says little Kataleya Williams and her mother were inside the home when the fire broke out Sunday afternoon…

CUT 9 (09)  “in the fire”

He says burglar bars on the home hampered escape efforts. Neighbors and firefighters were able to remove them, allowing the mother to escape. Browning says they believe the fire was caused by a pot left unattended on the stove…

cut 10 (07)  “significant fire”

Authorities say the body of Williams was found under a table in the living room of the home in an apparent attempt to hide from the blaze. Browning says they don’t believe there were working smoke alarms in the home. He says this is just a sad situation…

Cut 11 (07)  “thing to happen”

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After confiscating Confederate flags on Friday, West Monroe High School principal Shelby Ainsworth says he hopes people will understand the school’s new policy. The Ouachita Parish school’s mascot is the Rebels. He says after a mass shooting in South Carolina, the entire nation has put restrictions on the Confederate flag, and this is just a continuation of those efforts.

cut 12 (06)  “country’s officials”

At the beginning of the school year, Ainsworth says he and school officials told students they could not fly the Confederate flag from their vehicles. Ainsworth says this past Friday he announced this policy would be enacted during football games and other school events as well. Although some thought the school would not allow students to wear Rebel themed attired, Ainsworth says that was not the case

cut 13 (07)  “Confederate flag”

Ainsworth says the school has designed its own West Monroe rebels flag in recent years, and the school supports students flying that as well as the American flag. He says students may wear rebel or Confederate flag clothing, and the policy only applies to flying the flag on campus.

cut 14 (05)  “in general”

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The state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control has suspended the alcohol license for the Wet & Wild Saloon in Houma after drug and prostitution activity was discovered there. ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office uncovered some disturbing video evidence against the establishment…

cut 15 (09) “this place” 

ATC cited the business for numerous violations including allowing entertainers to engage in lewd and immoral acts and improperly allowing employees to solicit drinks from patrons for a fee. TPSO has arrested the owners, Lance and Rachel Smiley, on numerous charges. Hebert says this type of activity is something his office will not tolerate…

cut 16 (10) “health and safety” 

13:30 Newscast August 31, 2015

The state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control has suspended the alcohol license for the Wet & Wild Saloon in Houma after drugs and prostitution were discovered there. ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office uncovered some disturbing video evidence against the establishment…

cut 15 (09) “this place”

TPSO has arrested the owners, Lance and Rachel Smiley, on numerous charges.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office says a house fire in Monroe has killed a 2-year-old girl and injured her mother. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says they believe the fire was caused by a pot left unattended on the stove…

cut 10 (07) “significant fire”

Authorities say the body of little Kataleya Williams was found under a table in the living room of the home in an apparent attempt to hide from the blaze.

After confiscating Confederate flags Friday, West Monroe High School principal Shelby Ainsworth says he hopes people will understand the school’s new policy. The Ouachita Parish school’s mascot is the Rebels. He says after the tragedy in South Carolina, the entire nation has put restrictions on the Confederate flag, and this is just a continuation of those efforts…

cut 12 (06) “country’s officials”

He says students are still allowed to wear Rebel themed attire.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation will hold the first of three public meetings tonight about proposed improvements to the I-10 Corridor in Baton Rouge. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says some are hesitant about the benefits of any traffic flow improvements because of the possible cost to the Baton Rouge community…

cut 7 (09) “traffic flow”

These public meetings are a part of a requirement by law that the department receive public input before moving forward with any plans.

12:30 Newscast August 31, 2015

The State Fire Marshal’s Office says a 2-year-old girl was killed and her mother injured in a house fire in Monroe. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says little Kataleya Williams and her mother were inside the home when the fire broke out Sunday afternoon…

cut 9 (09) “in the fire”

Browning says they believe the fire was caused by a pot left unattended on the stove.

The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office says 19-year-old Chance Lambert, 18-year-old Layne Goodman, and 17-year-old James McCormack have been arrested after allegedly striking moving vehicles with full one-gallon water jugs. Lt. Col. Bobby Webre says are being charged with felony aggravated criminal damage to property…

cut 5 (04) “adults, in this”

He says no one was seriously injured in the incidents, but vehicles were damaged.

Louisiana DOTD will hold the first of three public meetings tonight at 6 about proposed improvements to the I-10 Corridor which runs through Baton Rouge. Jeff Palermo reports…

cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”