06:30 Newscast January 15, 2015

According to the Violence Policy Center, Louisiana has the fifth highest black homicide victimization rate in the nation. The study details homicide rates for 2012. VPC executive director, Josh Sugarmann, says this is the ninth year they’ve conducted this report and Louisiana’s black homicide rate far outpaces the national average…

cut 4 (08) “per 100,000″ (2x)
There were 384 black homicide victims in Louisiana in 2012.

A BYU and Cornell University study shows that kids are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables if they are served lunch at school after recess. The study, done in Utah, showed that feeding kids after recess prompted 45-percent more kids to eat fruits and vegetables. Pennington Biomedical Research Center dietician Catherine Champagne says this study presents an option that should be explored…

cut 7 (07) “were hungrier”

The Vermilionville Historic Village in Lafayette is hosting a big fundraiser tonight to help pay for Grammy nominated local artists trip to attend Music’s Biggest Night in Los Angeles. Spokeswoman Erin Segura says all proceeds from, “Gateway to the Grammys” will go directly towards travel expenses for Grammy nominated musicians The Magnolia Sisters, Jo-El Sonnier and Bonsoir, Catin…

cut 13 (12) “the Grammys”

The show is from 7pm-11pm. Doors open at 6:30 and tickets are just $15 per person.

**Please use this AM Newscall** January 15th, 2015

According to the Violence Policy Center, Louisiana has the fifth highest black homicide victimization rate in the nation. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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A BYU and Cornell University study shows that kids are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables if they are served lunch at school after recess.  Eric Gill has more…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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The current Louisiana statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is now below $1.95 and the American Automobile Association says they didn’t see this coming.

Cut 3 (29) “reporting”

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According to the Violence Policy Center, Louisiana has the fifth highest black homicide victimization rate in the nation. The study details homicide rates for 2012. VPC executive director, Josh Sugarmann, says this is the ninth year they’ve conducted this report and Louisiana’s black homicide rate far outpaces the national average…

cut 4  (08)  “per 100,000” (2x)

Louisiana’s black homicide rate is 25.75 per 100,000, much higher than the national average of 18.03. There were 384 black homicide victims in Louisiana in 2012. Sugarmann says, in black homicides where the weapon used could be identified, one weapon stood out far above all others…

Cut 5  (09)   “were handguns”

Louisiana’s black homicide rate is more than five times the overall homicide rate nationwide. Sugarmann says the average age of a black homicide victim in Louisiana is 29-years-old. He says what’s striking about homicide, in general, is that the victims are usually male…

Cut 6 (09)  “were female”

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A BYU and Cornell University study shows that kids are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables if they are served lunch at school after recess. The study, done in Utah, showed that feeding kids after recess prompted 45-percent more kids to eat fruits and vegetables. Pennington Biomedical Research Center dietician Catherine Champagne (shom-pine) says this study presents an option that should be explored…

CUT 7 (07)  “were hungrier”

The study also shows that waiting until after recess to feed kids lunch increases fruit and veggie consumption by 54-percent per child. Champagne says this method of feeding students after recess certainly goes against the grain…

Cut 8 (07)  “excess calories” 

The authors of the study feel that students are not only hungrier after recess, but they feel less rushed to finish lunch in order to maximize playtime. Champagne thinks this study will influence others around the country…

Cut 9 (04)  “state as well”

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The current Louisiana statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is now below $1.95 and the American Automobile Association says they didn’t see this coming. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says they predicted the bottom price at the pump would be at or slightly above $2.00 a gallon…:

Cut 10 (13) “for the consumer” 

Redman says this all has to do with the state of crude oil which is now selling for about $45.00 a barrel. He says that’s down over $60 since just July…:

cut 11 (08) “prices down”

Redman says in addition to supply being up, there is also a weakened demand particularly in Asia — but also in Europe which still hasn’t pulled out of its recession. He says historically though when refineries make the switch-over to summer blend gasoline, you can expect the price to start going back up…:

cut 12 (08)  “are currently”

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The Vermilionville Historic Village in Lafayette is hosting a big fundraiser tonight to help pay for Grammy nominated local artists trip to attend Music’s Biggest Night in Los Angeles. Spokeswoman Erin Segura says all proceeds from, “Gateway to the Grammys” will go directly towards travel expenses for Grammy nominated musicians The Magnolia Sisters, Jo-El Sonnier and Bonsoir, Catin: (bon-swan) (ka-tain)

Cut 13 (12)  “the Grammys”

Segura says the Recording Academy announced its nominations for the 57th Grammy awards two weeks ago and the three Cajun groups were nominated for the Best Regional Roots Album Grammy. She says tonight’s event is an opportunity for the community to come together and show their Louisiana love for these three deserving acts…:

Cut 14 (07)  “themselves”

The three Cajun artists will be showcasing their talent at the Vermilionville’s Performance Center from 7pm-11pm. Doors open at 6:30 and tickets are just $15 per person. Segura says they really hope Louisiana takes home this Grammy…:

Cut 15  (13)  “our culture”

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New LSU football coaches are fired up for their opportunities to coach the Tigers back to an SEC championship. New LSU defensive coordinator Kevin Steele will have the difficult assignment of developing schemes to slow down the spread offenses in the league. Steele will have some points of emphasis once he begins to game plan…

Cut 16  (17)  “big play”  

Joining Steele is a Louisiana native Ed Orgeron, who will coach the defensive line. Orgeron has had several coaching stops since he graduated from Northwestern State University since 1984.  Coach “O” says he didn’t need much convincing when Les Miles called him late Tuesday afternoon…

Cut 17 (16)  “get here”

Orgeron has been named recruiter of the year multiple times during his career by various media outlets. But the South LaFourche grad says recruiting is only half the battle when it comes to putting together a great defense

Cut 18 (21) “great players’

 

17:30 Newscast January 14th, 2015

A Bastrop mother is facing criminal charges in the death of her two children in a house fire Monday. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says 21-year-old Ciarria Johnson is charged with two counts of negligent homicide. Browning says the investigation is ongoing, but one thing is for sure: the two children were left unattended in the home for hours before the fire broke out…
cut 4 (12) “closer to noon-time”
4-year-old Tashae Johnson and her 3-year-old brother Clifton were killed in the fire after being left unattended in the home.

The National Weather Service Office in Shreveport says they have received reports of some light snow in parts of Notheast Louisiana this morning. According to authorities, it was just a light dusting with no major impacts. Expect a warmer day tomorrow, but rain is in the forecast for South Louisiana.

A new study shows that less than half of Louisiana families earn enough money to cover basic costs. The report, by Loyola University’s Jesuit Social Research Institute, finds 52-percent of families with children are not making enough money to live, what they call, “a modest, dignified life.” Economic policy specialist Ali Bustamante (bOOs”tä-män’te), who led the study, says employers should consider increasing compensation…:
CUT 12 (12) “dignified lives”
He also thinks raising the minimum wage and expanding Medicaid would help.

Gas prices continue their steady decline. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is now $1.94 according to the American Automobile Association. That’s down a staggering 45 cents from this time last month.

 

LRN Newscast 16:30 January 14, 2015

A Minden state lawmaker didn’t get the answers he was looking for in a meeting with the Environmental Protection Agency concerning the potential health effects of the disposal of 15-million pounds of M-6 propellant at Camp Minden. Representative Gene Reynolds is pushing for an incinerator burn, but E-P-A continues to say an open tray burn is best…
CUT 9 (09) “the air”

A new study by Loyola University’s Jesuit Social Research Institute, finds over half of Louisiana families with children are not making enough money to live, what they call, “a modest, dignified life.” That study recommends payraises, increasing the minimum wage, and expanding Medicaid…
CUT 14 (07) Q: ‘in Louisiana”
That’s Economic Policy specialist and study lead Ali Bustamante (bOOs”tä-män’te)
=========================
The Alexandria Zoo is under fire from an animal rights group after two endangered primates froze to death last week. Eric Gill reports…
CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

There were several reports of light snow falling in portions of Northeast Louisiana this morning. The National Weather Service reports it was nothing more than a light dusting, and it caused no major problems. It will be warmer tomorrow, but in South Louisiana, there’s rain in the forecast.

06:45 Sportscast January 14, 2015

LSU has added one of the top recruiters in the country to its football staff. Louisiana native Ed Orgeron was named the Tigers new defensive line coach today and he replaces Brick Haley, who is being reassigned within the LSU athletic department. Orgeron’s last coaching stop was at U-S-C, where he was the recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach for the Trojans for four years.

Football analyst Mike Detillier says not only will Orgeron be asked to recruit, but he’ll also need to do a better job of developing an under performing defensive line…
cut 18 (15) “…defensive lineman”
LSU introduced Orgeron and new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele during a four P-M press conference.

Former Haughton high star and Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott has announced that he will return for his senior season. Prescott finished eighth in the Heisman balloting this past season, throwing for 3,449 yards and 27 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. LSU begins conference play in Starkville against Prescott and the Bulldogs on September 12th.

In college baseball news…Ragin Cajuns third baseman-slash-designated hitter Tyler Girouard has decided to return for his senior season. Girouard started at third base in 2013 and hit a career-high .360. He was used as a D-H last year, because of a stress fracture and persistent knee pain and hit .324. At one time, injuries were thought to keep him from playing this year, but Girouard says he’s healthy enough to give it go this year.

In basketball….LSU is at Ole Miss tonight for a six P-M tip. Both teams are one-and-one in league play. Tulane travels to Central Florida. The Pelicans will battle the Pistons. Detroit has won nine of its last ten, while New Orleans will be without Jrue Holiday, who is out with an ankle injury. Tip-off is at 6:30.

LRN Newscast 15:30 January 14, 2015

The mother of the two siblings killed in a house fire in Bastrop Monday, now faces criminal charges in the death of 4-year-old Tashae Johnson and her 3-year-old brother Clifton. They were killed in the fire after being left home alone. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says 21-year-old Ciarria Johnson is charged with two counts of negligent homicide…
CUT 3 (06) “in Shreveport”

The Alexandria Zoo facing fire from PETA after two endangered primates froze to death last week. A zoo employee left three cotton-top tamarins out in the cold, resulting in the death of two of the monkeys. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals spokesperson, Brittany Peete…
CUT 6 (10) “January night”
The zoo reports that employee has resigned.

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The Enviromental Protection Agency says the M-6 propellant being stored at Camp Minden in Webster Parish is breaking down, and they’re recommending an open burn to get rid of it. Minden Representative Gene Reynolds says he’s not so comfortable with the EPA moving so fast…
CUT 11 (11) Q: “on it”
Reynolds says the state should have more of a say in the matter, since the state owns the explosives. He recommends an incenarator burn.

LSU has added one of the top recruiters in the country to the football staff. Louisiana native and former USC Trojan Defensive line coach Ed Orgeron has been signed for the same coaching position for the LSU Tigers. Orgeron will replace Brick Haley, who is being reassigned within the LSU Athletic Department.

LRN Newscast 14:30 January 14, 2015

The Alexandria Zoo is is facing some heat from PETA after two endangered primates froze to death last week. The zoo employee who left three cotton-top tamarins out in the cold has resigned….
CUT 8 (10) Q: “caring for animals”
That’s PETA spokesperson, Brittany Peete.

If you find yourself struggling to make ends meet, you’re not alone. A report from Loyola University’s Jesuit Social Research Institute, finds 52-percent of families with children in the state are not making enough money to live-quote “a modest, dignified life.” Their recommendations?
CUT 13 (12) Q: ‘earned income tax credit’
That’s Economic policy specialist Ali Bustamante (bOOs”tä-män’te), who led the Loyola study.
———————————————
According to State Representative Gene Reynolds, a closed-door meeting with the E-P-A did not produce an agreement over the disposal of 15-million pounds of M-6 propellant stored in Webster Parish…
CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

The National Weather Service Office in Shreveport says they have received reports of some light snow in parts of Notheast Louisiana this morning. According to authorities, it was just a light dusting with no major impacts. Expect a warmer day tomorrow, but rain is in the forecast for South Louisiana.

13:30 Newscast January 14th, 2015

A new study shows that less than half of Louisiana families earn enough money to cover basic costs. The report, by Loyola University’s Jesuit Social Research Institute, finds 52-percent of families with children are not making enough money to live, what they call, “a modest, dignified life.” Economic policy specialist Ali Bustamante (bOOs”tä-män’te), who led the study, says employers should consider increasing compensation…:
CUT 12 (12) “dignified lives”
He also thinks raising the minimum wage and expanding Medicaid would also help.

Gas prices continue their steady decline. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is now $1.94 according to the American Automobile Association. That’s down a staggering 45 cents from this time last month.

The Alexandria Zoo is under fire from an animal rights group after two endangered primates froze to death last week.
CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

A state lawmaker concerned about potential health effects of an open tray burn of 15-million pounds of M-6 propellant in Webster Parish is not satisfied with the EPA’s response when they met. Minden Representative Gene Reynolds says no burn should happen until they are assured unhealthy material doesn’t go into the air:
CUT 10 (05) “your house”
The EPA say the propellants at Camp Minden are deteriorating and an open burn is the safest and fastest way to get rid of it.

 

PM Newscall January 14th, 2015

The Alexandria Zoo is under fire from an animal rights group after two endangered primates froze to death last week. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

==================

State Representative Gene Reynolds says a closed door meeting with the E-P-A did not produce an agreement over the disposal of 15-million pounds of M-6 propellant stored in Webster Parish. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

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The mother of the two siblings killed in a house fire in Bastrop Monday, now faces criminal charges in their death. 4-year-old Tashae Johnson and her 3-year-old brother Clifton were killed in the fire after being left unattended in the home. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says 21-year-old Ciarria Johnson is charged with two counts of negligent homicide…

CUT 3 (06)  “in Shreveport”

Browning says Johnson is being treated for medical issues unrelated to the fire. He says once she’s released from medical care, the warrant will be executed. Browning says the investigation is ongoing, but one thing is for sure: the two children were left unattended in the home for hours before the fire broke out…

CUT 4 (12)  “closer to noon-time”

Browning says Johnson told authorities she left the home at 1PM to have her hair styled. The fire broke out around 3:30PM. He says investigators are still trying to determine the precise cause of the fire. But Browning says they believe the fire originated at a gas space heater inside the home…

CUT 5 (07)  “started the fire”

===================

The Alexandria Zoo is under fire from an animal rights group after two endangered primates froze to death last week. A zoo employee left three cotton-top tamarins out in the cold, resulting in the death of two of the monkeys. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals spokesperson, Brittany Peete…

CUT 6 (10)  “January night”

In a statement, the Alexandria Zoo says this incident appears to be a result of human error and not a system failure. Peete says PETA is requesting the USDA to investigate the zoo…

CUT 7 (10)  “veterinary care”

PETA wants the zoo to be held accountable for any possible violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Zoo officials say the employee in question, who was initially placed on administrative leave, has resigned. Peete says PETA is pleased about this news…

CUT 8 (10) “caring for animals”

===================

A state lawmaker concerned about potential health effects of an open tray burn of 15-million pounds of M-6 propellant in Webster Parish did not get the answers he was seeking in a closed door meeting with the Environmental Protection Agency. Minden Representative Gene Reynolds is pushing for an incinerator burn, but E-P-A continues to say an open tray burn is safe and easy

CUT 9 (09)  “the air”

Despite the meeting, the E-P-A still plans on doing a trial burn, but Reynolds says one should not occur until they receive assurance that unhealthy material doesn’t go into the air…

cut 10 (05)  “your house”

The EPA say the propellants at Camp Minden are deteriorating and an open burn is the safest and fastest way to get rid of it. But Reynolds says the state owns the explosives, so they should have the final say on the method of disposal…

cut 11 (11)  “on it”

===================

A new study shows that less than half of Louisiana families earn enough money to cover basic costs. The report, by Loyola University’s Jesuit Social Research Institute, finds 52-percent of families with children not making enough money to live, what they call, “a modest, dignified life.” Economic policy specialist Ali Bustamante (bOOs”tä-män’te), who led the study, says employers should consider increasing compensation…:

cut 12 (12)  “dignified lives”

According to their findings, the average Louisiana couple with one child accrues expenses adding up to 55-thousand dollars a year, but most people make far less. Bustamante says they use parameters such as housing, transportation, childcare, healthcare, and taxes. He says another of their recommendations is to increase the minimum wage…:

cut 13 (12)  “earned income tax credit”

He says they also think expanding Medicaid would be a huge help…:

cut 14 (07)  “in Louisiana”

===================

 

 

12:30 Newscast January 14, 2015

The mother of the two siblings killed in a house fire in Bastrop Monday, now faces negligent homicide charges in their deaths. 4-year-old Tashae Johnson and her 3-year-old brother Clifton were killed in the fire after being left unattended in the home by 21-year-old Ciarria Johnson. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says they believe the fire originated at a gas space heater inside the home…

cut 5 (07) “started the fire”

He says the two children were left alone in the home for hours before the fire broke out.

The Alexandria Zoo is under fire from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals after two endangered primates froze to death last week. A zoo employee left three cotton-top tamarins out in the cold, resulting in the death of two of the monkeys. Spokesperson, Brittany Peet says PETA is requesting the USDA to investigate the zoo…

cut 7 (10) “veterinary care”

Zoo officials say the employee in question, who was initially placed on administrative leave, has resigned.

A state lawmaker did not get the answers he was seeking in a closed door meeting with the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the potential health effects of an open tray burn of 15-million pounds of M-6 propellant in Webster Parish. The EPA say the propellants at Camp Minden are deteriorating and an open burn is the safest and fastest way to get rid of it. But Minden Representative Gene Reynolds says the state owns the explosives, so they should have the final say on the method of disposal…

cut 11 (11) “on it”

Despite the meeting, the E-P-A still plans on doing a trial burn.