AM Newscall July 27,2015

The Lafayette theater shooting is sparking arguments over gun control once again and whether more laws are needed to prevent such tragedies. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (32) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Should TOPS students continue to have their tuition fully paid for by the state is an issue the next governor will have to address. Scott Carwile has more from the candidates on this topic…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

______________________________________

Attorney General Buddy Caldwell wants to address mental health issues after the Lafayette theater shooting. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The Lafayette theater shooting is sparking arguments over gun control once again and whether more laws are needed to prevent such tragedies. Violence Policy Center Executive Director Josh Sugarman says we need stronger gun laws so that Americans can feel safe going about their daily lives. He says the entire gun industry needs serious reform…:

cut 4  (05)  “shootings like this”

Sugarman says in 2013, Louisiana’s per capita firearm homicide rate was the first in the nation, and it ranked second in the rate of overall gun death according to the CDC. He says the all too often unacknowledged fact is that gun violence takes a heavy toll on the state…:

Cut 5  (06)  “manifestation of it”

59-year-old John Houser opened fire on a theater full of people last week and two women died while several others were injured. Wade Duty with the Louisiana Gun Association says piling on additional gun laws would not have altered this man’s behavior…:

Cut 6 (09)  “the mentally ill”

Duty says the best immediate response to a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. He says the Lafayette Police Department did an amazing job responding to the scene very quickly, but cops aren’t there when a shooting takes place…:

CUT 7 (09)  “in your kitchen”

______________________________________

In Louisiana Radio Network’s ongoing gubernatorial Q&A we asked the major candidates about the TOPS scholarship program. We posed the question, if elected, what changes would you propose to ensure TOPS can remain a successful program? Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says reasonable reform is needed to preserve the program and the bill passed by the legislature this year is a responsible way to do that…

Cut 8  (09)  “tuition goes up” 

State Representative John Bel Edwards says it may be necessary to control the costs of the program by de-linking the program from automatic tuition increases…

Cut 9 (10) “program, itself”

Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says, if elected, he would work with legislators to find innovative ways to sustain the program. Angelle says he would propose a budget that fully funds scholarships…

Cut 10 (10) “our tax dollars”

______________________________________

Louisiana Attorney General Bubby Caldwell wants to assemble a team of health professionals to help identify unstable and violent persons and communicate that information with law enforcement. Caldwell says he’s tired of seeing mass shootings like the one that happened Thursday night in Lafayette.

cut 11 (11) “safe havens.”  

Caldwell says we need to start pulling our resources together. He says we need to learn from these tragedies and then find a solution.

cut 12 (11) “can learn”

There’s evidence the Lafayette movie theater gunman John Houser suffered from mental issues. Caldwell says he is going to take action and doesn’t understand why it’s taken so long to confront these problems.

Cut 13 (06)  “efficiently”

______________________________________

An online retailer says 70′s clothes are a popular trend for back to school shopping. Louisiana ranked 13th nationally in purchases from this era. Fashion expert at Zulily, Shawn Anderson, says students are loving the look of floral casual dresses, rompers and chevron print dresses.

Cut 14 (11) “the 70′s”

Anderson says the musical festival vibe is coming back in style. She says Louisiana kids also gravitated toward fashion from the 80′s.

Cut 15  (09)  “in Louisiana”

Anderson says the state is up to date on the fashions and right up there with the trends. She says more and more young people are sporting the retro look with styles from past decades.

Cut 16  (08)  “go forward”

______________________________________

College football analyst Phil Steele believes the LSU Tigers will be one the surprise teams in the upcoming season. Steele says LSU’s defense will be fast and one of the best in the country and he likes the offensive line…

Cut 17 (12) ” the job” 

Steele says quarterback is the biggest question mark on LSU’s team. But he anticipates that sophomore Brandon Harris will win the job and perform well…

Cut 18 (09) “national title contender”

But Steele is predicting that Alabama will win the SEC west. He likes the Crimson Tide’s defense

Cut 19 (18) “going to emerge”

______________________________________

 ***Affiliates: Please note this is David Vitter’s response to the Governor Q&A.***

US Senator David Vitter says he would support whatever is necessary to keep the popular TOPS Scholarship program viable and sustained for the future…:

Cut 20 (07)  “Louisiana”

10:30 AM Newscall July 25,2015

Police are still searching for the motive of gunman John Houser in the Lafayette theater shooting. Eric Gill reports…
Cut 1 (29) ” I’m Eric Gill.”

A single vehicle crash killed a child that wasn’t properly restrained in a car seat in Rapides Parish. 31-year-old Marquita Batiste of Alexandria overturned her SUV after she tried to pass a vehicle while entering a curve on Highway 498. 4-year-old Amaria Lachney was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at a local hosptial . Bastiste is charged with reckless operation of a vehicle, negligent homicide, negligent injuring, no seat belt, and no child restraint.

 

Of the nine victims injured in the theater shooting, 5 were treated at Lafayette General. Two have been released and the other three patients are said to be in stable condition. Doctor Foster Kordische says the majority of the victims sustained extremity wounds.
Cut 18 (12) “…lower extremities.”

The Louisiana Democratic Party’s Jefferson Jackson dinner is tonight in at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. Party Spokesperson Beau Tidwell says big name democrats like Bernie Sanders and John Bel Edwards will make an appearance. Tidwell says former Senator Mary Landrieu will be honored.
Cut 4 (11) “…the dinner.
There are currently no democrats serving in statewide office.

9:30 Newscast July 25,2015

Cops have learned that the Lafayette Theater Shooter, John Houser, is known to have suffered from serious bi-polar disorder. He fatally shot two people, injured nine others then killed himself Thursday. Lafayette Police Chief Jim Craft says Houser bought the .40 caliber handgun in the town he’s from, Phenix, Alabama..:
CUT 2 (06) “was legal”
One of the women who died, Jillian Johnson was an influential artist in the community and owner of Red Arrow Workshop. Lafayette General Medical Center president David Callecod says the other victim, Macyi Breaux was set to begin radiology school at the hospital in the coming days.
Cut 17 (09) “…for our staff.”

Governor Bobby Jindal has ordered all flags be flown at half staff to honor the victims.
The two teachers, Jena Meaux and Ali Martin, named heroes by Governor Jindal were shot while putting their lives on the line to save others. A former student of both teachers, Sydney Lancon says their actions come as no surprise and Meaux always showed how much she cared.
Cut 15 (08) “…somebody.”

The Louisiana Democratic Party’s Jefferson-Jackson dinner takes place tonight in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has more….
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

8:30 Newscast July 25,2015

Cops are continuing their investigation into why John “Rusty” Houser would have opened fire during a movie at a Lafayette theater which claimed the lives of two women and injured nine. The shooter then turned the gun on himself. Governor Bobby Jindal describes his tour of the theater after it happened…:
CUT 1 (10) “soft drink”
Several people who knew Houser say he’d been suffering from severe mental health problems for decades.

One of the women who died, Mayci Breaux, was a student at LSU Eunice and had plans to attend radiology school. The other woman, Jillian Johnson was said to be a creative spirit and excellent artist. Lafayette Mayor Joey Durel…
Cut 11 (11) “…tragedy.”

Governor Bobby Jindal named two teachers, Jena Meaux and Ali Martin, of Iberia Parish, heroes in their efforts to save others in the theater shooting. Both women were shot. One teacher jumped infront of a bullet to save her friend, while the other pulled the fire alarm. A GoFundMe page was set up by friend, Cammie Maturin, (mah-tran) to assisit with the medical costs. Maturin says the donations are now over 21-thousand dollars.
Cut 13 (10) “…going to need.”

The Louisiana Democratic Party hosts its biggest fundraiser of the year tonight at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. Party spokesperson Beau Tidwell says Presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders will be at The Jefferson-Jackson Dinner as well as other big names…:
CUT 3 (11) “governor”
The fundraiser is expected to bring together more than 1,000 contributors and supporters of the Democratic party.

LRN Newscast 17:30 July 24

Authorities are continuing their efforts to learn more about Lafayette theater shooter John Houser. Eric Gill reports…
voicer 1 (29) “….I’m Eric Gill”

Lafayette Police Chief Jim Craft says Houser used a high point .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun that was purchased legally at a pawn shop in Phenix, Alabama. Houser bought the gun in 2014. Authorities say 15 shell casings were recovered from the theater in various areas.

Nine people are still recovering from gun shot wounds they suffered on Thursday night when a lone gunman opened fire inside a Lafayette movie theater. Five of the victims were rushed to Lafayette General Medical Hospital. Two of them have been released and three others are listed in stable condition. Doctor Foster Kordische says most of the patients at their hospital suffered from extremity wounds…
cut 18 (12) “…lower extremities”
Two of the victims are Iberia parish teachers, Jena Meaux and Ali Martin. They’ve been called heroes, because Martin is the one who pulled a fire alarm during the shooting to alert authorites. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with their hospitals costs. Their friend Cammie Maturin is the one who set it up…
cut 13 (10) “…going to need”

LRN Sportscast 16:45 July 24

The Saints have reportedly released their top pass rusher Junior Galette, apparently after the result of his recent off the field incidents. Galette has 22 sacks over the last two seasons and signed a lucrative four-year deal last September. Galette was arrested on domestic violence charges in January, but the criminal charges were dropped. A Youtube video also recently surfaced that purportedly showed Galette swinging a belt at people during a brawl on a beach in Florida. He’s also been recovering from a torn pectoral muscle. By releasing Galette, the Saints may have rid themselves of a potential cancer in the locker room, but his contract will also cause salary cap problems over the next couple of seasons.

A Buffalo television station is reporting that the Bills will likely let offensive line coach Aaron Kromer go. The former Saints assistant was arrested earlier this month after he allegedly punched a minor in the face during a dispute over beach chairs.

Some of the top high school football prospects in the country are at LSU’s elite camp this weekend. Bayou-Bengals-dot-com publisher Derek Ponamsky says this camp gives the coaches a chance to evaluate blue-chippers up close…
cut 30 (13) “…LSU does”
Felipe Franks one of the top quarterbacks in the country, who is already committed to LSU, is at the camp.

Notre Dame of Crowley Football Coach Lewis Cook has presented a proposal to end the public-private split of the high school football playoffs. Cook’s idea would separate the playoffs between metro and rural areas and have divisions based on enrollment. Cook says the proposal is receiving positive reviews.

LRN Newscast 16:30 07-24-15

Authorities are continuing their efforts to learn more about Lafayette theater shooter John Houser. They say Houser, from Phenix City, Alabama, fatally shot two and wounded nine others last night in a movie theater before turning the gun on himself. Lafayette Police Chief Jim Craft says Houser’s criminal history is dated…
CUT 6 (09) “maybe longer”

The two fatalities were identified as 21-year-old Mayci Breaux of Franklin and 33-year old Jillian Johnson of Lafayette. Breaux worked a clothing boutique, while Johnson operated Red Arrow Workshop. Governor Bobby Jindal says the city and Louisiana will gather their strength….
CUT 10 (07) Q: “good people’
———————————
A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with the medical costs of two teachers in last night’s deadly movie theater shooting in Lafayette. Both Jena Meaux and Ali Martin from Iberia Parish, were both shot by John Houser, yet were able to pull the fire alarm. Sydney Lancon (lahn sahn) is a former student of both teachers, and she’s not surprised by Martin’s actions…
CUT 16 (08) Q: “at all”

There are currently no Democrats serving in state-wide offices, and the Louisiana Democratic Party is making a big push to change that for the fall election season with the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner fundraiser tomorrow night in New Orleans…
CUT 5 (10) Q: “in Louisiana”
That’s Louisiana Democratic Party spokesperson Beau Tidwell. More than one thousand people are expected to attend.

LRN Newscast 15:30 07-24-15

Governor Bobby Jindal named two teachers as heroes after their actions during the Lafayette Grand movie theater deadly shooting last night. Jena Meaux and Ali Martin, of Iberia Parish, were both shot; and one was able to pull the fire alarm. A GoFundMe page to offset medical costs for the two was set by Cammie Maturin (mah trahn), who is a friend…
CUT 14 (08) Q: “down the road”

As far as the shooter, authorities in Russell County Alabama are trying to connect the dots for a shooting motive for 59 year-old John Houser, who lived in Phenix City. Sheriff Heath Taylor says they served a protective order against him requested by his family, because of some extreme, erratic behavior…
CUT 7 (07) Q: “his background”
Taylor adds Houser was denied a pistol permit in 2006.
=======================
The two fatality victims at the deadly movie theater shooting last night in Lafayette are identified as 21 year-old Mayci Breaux of Franklin and 33 year-old Jillian Johnson of Lafayette, who-according to her husband on their Facebook page-was an exceptional artist and musician. Mourning the loses is very tough for Lafayette Mayor Joey Durel…
CUT 11 (11) Q : “tragedy”
Authorities are still trying to find a motive for John Houser’s rampage.

Tomorrow night, the Louisiana Democratic Party hosts its biggest fundraiser of the year at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. The Jefferson-Jackson Dinner is expected to bring together more than 1,000 contributors and supporters of the Democratic party, and they are expecting presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders, along with a video address from Hillary Clinton.

LRN Newscast 14:30 07-24-15

Two Iberia Parish teachers have been hailed as heroes during last night’s deadly shooting in a Lafayette movie theater (that killed 3 and injured nine). Authorities say Jena Meux and Ali Martin were both shot by John Houser, with one able to pull the fire alarm to alert authorites. Sydney Lancon (lanh saw) was a former student of both teachers, saying she wasn’t surprised to hear about Meaux’s actions….
CUT 15 (08) Q: “somebody”

One of the fatalities-21 year-old Mayci Breaux of Franklin – was scheduled to begin radiology school at Lafayette General in a few days. The Medical Center director is David Callicod…
CUT 17 (09) Q: “for our staff”
The other fatality is 33 year-old Jillian Johnson of Lafayette.
————————————
Authorities are still trying to put the pieces together on why John Houser would open fire in a movie theatre in Lafayette. Russell County Alabama Sheriff Heath Taylor is trying to determine a motive on their end, since Houser was from there….
CUT 8 (08) Q: ‘interaction with him’

The Louisiana Democratic Party hosts its biggest fundraiser of the year on Saturday night at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. Party spokesperson Beau Tidwell says Presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders will be there as well as recognition for 3-term Senator Mary Landrieu…
CUT 4 (11) Q: “the dinner”
Tidwell says there will be a video address from Hillary Clinton.

LRN PM Newscall July 24

Authorities are continuing their efforts to learn more about Lafayette theater shooter John Houser. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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

The Louisiana Democratic Party’s biggest fundraiser of the year takes place this Saturday night in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

The Louisiana Democratic Party hosts its biggest fundraiser of the year on Saturday night at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. The Jefferson-Jackson Dinner is expected to bring together more than 1,000 contributors and supporters of the Democratic party. Party spokesperson Beau Tidwell says Presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders will be there as well as other big names.

CUT 3 (11)  “governor”

Tidwell says the event will include video addresses from Hillary Clinton, who is the front-runner to receive the Democratic presidential nomination. He says former three-term Senator Mary Landrieu will also be honored at the dinner.

CUT 4 (11)  “the dinner”

There are currently no democrats serving in a statewide office. Tidwell says democrats are making a big push to have more representation in Louisiana. He says they use this event as a way to kick start the fall election season.

CUT 5 (10) “in Louisiana”

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

Authorities are continuing their efforts to learn more about Lafayette theater shooter John Houser. They say Houser, from Phenix City, Alabama, fatally shot two and wounded nine others last night in a movie theater before turning the gun on himself. Lafayette Police Chief Jim Craft says Houser’s criminal history is dated…

CUT 6 (09)  “maybe longer”

Russell County Alabama Sheriff Heath Taylor says Houser was arrested about 25 years ago for arson in Georgia. Court documents from 2008 show that Houser’s family asked for a temporary protective order against the man because he exhibited extreme erratic behavior. Taylor believes Houser suffered from psychological problems for years…

CUT 7 (07) “his background”

Taylor says their last involvement with Houser was when his department evicted him from his home in 2013 or 2014. Authorities have yet to determine a motive for the shooting. Craft says they will continue to search for answers…

CUT 8 (08)  “interaction with him”

Internet postings reportedly belonging to Houser say he’s a fan of Adolf Hitler and “The United States is a financially failing filth farm.” Taylor says Houser was denied a pistol permit in 2006. He believes a couple of factors led to that denial…

CUT 9 (10)  “as well”

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

The two victims who were shot and killed in the Lafayette theater shooting Thursday night are identified as 21-year-old Mayci Breaux of Franklin and 33-year old Jillian Johnson of Lafayette. Governor Bobby Jindal says the city and Louisiana will get through this horrific loss:

cut 10 (07) “good people”

Breaux worked at a clothing boutique in Hub City called coco eros who posted on their Facebook Page the victim was a huge Ragin Cajuns fan and amazing woman. Johnson operated the Red Arrow Workshop and a post on their Facebook page is by her husband who says his wife was an exceptional artist, musician, and entrepreneur. Lafayette Mayor Joey Durel…:

cut 11 (11) “tragedy”

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

Governor Bobby Jindal named two teachers heroes after their actions during the Lafayette Grand movie theater shooting last night. Jena Meaux and Ali Martin, of Iberia Parish, were both shot by John Houser. One teacher jumped in front of a bullet, which could’ve hit her friend in the head. Jindal says these women risked their lives to save others.

cut 12 (09)  “other lives”

A GoFundMe page was set up immediately by a friend, Cammie Maturin (mah-tran) to help with the cost of medical bills for Meaux and Martin…

cut 13 (10)  “going to need”

Maturin says these two teachers would go over and beyond to protect anybody and their actions last night come as no surprise. She says this campaign is a way to help these two women get on with their lives…

cut 14 (08)  “down the road “

Sydney Lancon was taught by both Meaux and Martin at Jeanerette Senior High School. She says their heroic actions in the tragedy come as no surprise as Meaux has always shown how much she cared for people around her.

cut 15 (08) “somebody” 

Lancon says Martin was a smart and loving woman. She says Martin was very involved with her students and wanted them to succeed.

cut 16 (08) “at all” 

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

Lafayette General Medical Center president David Callecod says one of the fatal victims, 21-year-old Mayci Breaux, was scheduled to begin radiology school at their hospital in a few days…

cut 17 (09) “for our staff”

A total of five patients from the theater shooting were sent to Lafayette General. Two of them were released and three others are listed in “stable” condition. Doctor Foster Kordische says most of the patients at their hospital suffered from extremity wounds…

Cut 18 (12) “lower extremities”