12:30 Newscast, July 31st, 2015

Over 260 bills passed in this year’s legislative session become law on August 1st. Jeff Palermo looks at two of the new laws…:
CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

The State Department of Education has revoked the licenses of two day care centers in Louisiana. Our Blessings Christian Daycare Learning Center in Baton Rouge was inspected after a complaint was lodged with the department that a child was left at a restaurant during a field trip in May and didn’t report the incident to authorities or parents. The Storybook Daycare and Discovery Zone in Bossier City also had its license revoked.

Lake Charles Police announce that they have solved an aggravated rape case from October of 1999. Deputy Chief of Police, Mark Kraus, says the seven month investigation culminated in an arrest warrant for 45-year-old Austin Mott. Kraus says advances in technology led to them getting a DNA match from the physical evidence…:
CUT 7 (07) “against a child”
In the 1999 incident, the victim was severely beaten and sexually assaulted while jogging at the Lake Charles Civic Center. He says this is part of their re-opening of several cold cases they are working hard to solve.

Gas prices continue their rapid decline. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular in Louisiana is $2.41 which is 6 cents lower than last week.

 

11:40 LRN sportscast

Former Saints linebacker Junior Galette has signed a one-year deal with the Washington Redskins. Galette was cut a week ago today by the Black and Gold, because of several off the field incidents. Galette recorded 10 sacks for New Orleans last year and is said to be grateful for another opportunity. The Saints visit the Redskins on November 15th.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is entering his 15th season in the NFL. The 36-year-old says he’s excited about another camp beginning….
cut 17 (14) “…full again”
Brees also says he hasn’t heard any of the talk that suggests that his best days on the football field are behind him.

Saints wide receiver Marques Colston was back on the practice field today after spending the first day of camp on the physically unable to perform list.

LSU baseball has added 16 new players to its roster. Many of them will get a chance to play right away, because the Tigers are returning only one position player from a season ago. Coach Paul Mainieri also says they would also like to develop a third and fourth starting pitcher. Mainieri says having only two starters to count on the last couple of years, hurt them in the postseason….
cut 19 (15) “…we can”
Mainieri says starting pitcher Austin Bain had surgery on his shoulder and he’ll miss fall practice. He says left-hander Jake Latz is making progress after missing all of last year with arm trouble.

Today is the Major League Baseball trade deadline. Former LSU Tiger Jacoby Jones was sent from the Pirates organiziation to the Tigers minor league system in a deal that resulted in Pittsburgh acquiring reliver Joakim Soria.

11:30 Newscast, July 31st, 2015

One of the 260 new laws going into effect tomorrow which were approved in the last legislative session doubles littering fines across the state. Fines for simple littering will go from $75 to $150 and up to $1000 for subsequent offenses. Susan Russell, Executive Director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful, says they support anything that increases the litter enforcement effort…:
CUT 5 (06) “in our state”
Improper disposal of items like furniture and appliances could end up costing offenders $10,000 under the new law.

State Police say a 15-year-old was arrested Thursday afternoon after leading authorities on a high-speed chase in Rapides Parish while driving a stolen car. Cops learned a 2015 Chrysler 200 was stolen in Avoyelles Parish and were able to locate it less than an hour later. The juvenile responded by fleeing reaching speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. He was apprehended and charged with unauthorized use of a movable, speeding, aggravated flight from an officer, no driver’s license, and resisting arrest.

Eight Louisiana schools are ranked in Forbes’ 2015 list of America’s Top Colleges. Tulane got the state’s highest ranking at number 134. LSU, Louisiana Tech, Centenary College, Loyola-New Orleans, UL-Lafayette, UNO and Southeastern Louisiana also made the list. The report ranks the top 650 public and private higher education institutions in the country.

It’s not too late for the Who Dat nation to head to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia where the Saints are holding training camp. Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau Spokesperson Kristi Godby says in small town West Virginia, they don’t have an NFL team so they’re welcoming the Saints with open arms for a second straight year.
Cut 10 (11) “New Orleans”
She says feel free to escape the heat and head to watch the Saints practice in their crisp West Virginia air.

 

10:30 Newscast, July 31st, 2015

Over 260 bills passed in this year’s legislative session become law tomorrow. It will now be illegal to post or share nude images of someone on the internet without their consent. Kenner Representative Julie Stokes brought the bill and says “revenge porn” has destroyed lives…:
CUT 3 (07) “that they’re used”
Violators could face up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Motorists heading west out of Baton Rouge should expect more delays this weekend. DOTD says starting at 8pm, one lane near Grosse Tete will be closed for repair. The lane reopens Monday. Spokesman Rodney Mallett says the public can stay up to date on all roadwork by visiting their website…:
CUT 9 (06) “ahead of him”
He advises drivers to use detours to avoid the heavy delays.

Police in Kenner say a 63-year-old man from Metairie died when he was crushed by a dump truck bed he was working under. They say Albert Brooks was working for Bennet Trucking and the truck supports gave way when he was between the bed and frame. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

A rare blue moon will light up the sky tonight. But Emelie Gunn reports on what you can expect to see…:
CUT 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

 

09:30 Newscast July 31, 2015

Police have released 911 calls from the night of the Lafayette theater shooting. Cops believe 59-year-old John Houser began to leave with the crowd rushing out of the theater, but turned around when he saw officers had already arrived and turned the gun on himself…

cut 15 (15) “right at people”

Houser killed two women and injured 9 others during the shooting at the Grand 16 movie theater.

Tonight, the night sky will light up with what’s known as a blue moon. LSU Astronomy Professor Brad Schaeffer says there’s an urban myth that strange things happen during a full or blue moon which studies have debunked…

cut 6 (07) “full moon”

A blue moon is the second full moon in a calendar month.

DOTD warns drivers of heavy delays tonight due to a lane closure on I-10 west between Baton Rouge and Lafayette.Scott Carwile has more…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

The Shreveport Fire Department says a house fire in west Shreveport has claimed the life of a toddler. They say the 18-month-old boy’s father tried to rescue the child, but was unable to reach him as flames spread through the house. The man was able to remove two other children from the blaze. Firefighters found the little boy and he was rushed to a local hospital where he later died. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

08:30 Newscast July 31, 2015

Cops have released 911 calls from the Lafayette Theater shooting the night of July 23rd. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 3 (32) “I’m Michelle Southern”

A Rapides Parish Sheriff’s deputy is under arrest accused of sex charges against a minor. State Police arrested 25-year-old John Roy Griffith of Pineville for one count of indecent behavior with a juvenile and one count of computer sex solicitation. Griffith worked as a Communications Officer and there is no initial indication that Griffith conducted this behavior while on the job. Specifics of the charges have not been released.

The State Department of Transportation is warning motorists heading west on Interstate 10, west of Baton Rouge that they could encounter heavy delays this weekend. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says starting at 8 p.m. tonight, one lane near exit 139 will be closed for repair.

cut 7 (10) “some time”

Mallett says the lane will reopen on Monday, August 3rd at 6 a.m.

If you want to head to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia to attend Saints training camp, Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau Spokesperson Kristi Godby says it’s not too late. In fact, she says there’s a local airport which puts you 10 minutes away from the Saints location…

cut 12 (09) “get here”

If you’re looking to hit the road, White Sulphur Springs is about a 13 hour drive from New Orleans.

07:30 Newscast July 31, 2015

Authorities have released 911 calls from the night of the deadly Lafayette movie theater shooting. 59-year-old John Houser opened fire and killed two women and injured 9 others at the Grand 16. Police say Houser wasn’t in the theater long before he stood up and began methodically firing shots at people…

cut 14 (12) “by the Corner Bar”

Authorities say Houser suffered from a series of extreme mental problems and had even been committed by his family in 2008.

The State Department of Transportation says motorists should expect heavy delays this weekend on I-10 West, west of Baton Rouge. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says one lane near exit 139 will be closed for repair beginning tonight. He advises drivers to take any detour they can to stay out of the expected congestion…

cut 8 (11) “US 190″

A blue moon will be visible in the night sky tonight. LSU Astronomy Professor Brad Schaeffer says there’s really no scientific reason why it’s called a blue moon other than it’s the second full moon of the month…

cut 5 (10) “for anybody”

Unfortunately, Schaeffer says the moon will not look blue in color.

It’s not too late for the Who Dat nation to head to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia to check out Saints training camp. Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau Spokesperson Kristi Godby says fans that come to the Greenbrier will finally be able to escape the extreme southern heat…

cut 11 (11) “or not”

Godby says the Patriots will be making a special appearance toward the end of training camp to have a scrimmage against the Saints.

06:45 Sportscast July 31, 2015

Saints quarterback Drew Brees is set to begin his 15th season in the NFL. There are some who say the 36-year-old’s best days are behind him, but Brees doesn’t pay attention to any of that talk…

cut 16 (14) “this season”

Training camp is once again in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia and Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau Spokesperson Kristi Godby says it’s not too late fans to come and check it out. She says they do have a local airport which puts you 10 minutes away from the Saints training camp location…

cut 12 (09) “get here”

The drive to White Sulphur Springs is 13 hours from New Orleans.

LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri has finalized his incoming freshman class. Many of them will get a chance to play since the Tigers have to replace their entire infield and only one starting outfielder is back and that’s Jake Fraley. Mainieri says two kids from Lafayette Parish, Antoine Duplantis and Brennan Breaux could get a chance to start in the outfield

cut 18 (19) “this class “

Mainieri says as he gets ready for fall practice to begin in September, one thing they would like to do is develop a third and fourth starting pitcher.

UL-Lafayette star softball catcher Lexie Elkins is named the 2014-15 female winner of the James J. Corbett Award. The award is handed out annually to the state’s top male and female amateur athletes. Elkins’ school record and nation’s best 32 home runs helped the Cajuns softball team make it the super regionals for a third year in a row.

06:30 Newscast July 31, 2015

In addition to the chilling surveillance footage from just moments before the deadly Lafayette movie theater shooting, cops have also released 911 calls from the night of July 23rd. 59-year-old John Houser opened fire during the film around 7:28pm. Two women died and 9 others were injured at the Grand 16…

cut 13 (11) “older man”

The two women killed in the shooting are identified as 21-year-old Mayci Breaux and 33-year-old Jillian Johnson.

The night sky will light up tonight with what’s known as a blue moon. LSU Astronomy Professor Brad Schaeffer says the moon will not look blue, but it’s referred as a “blue moon” because it’s the second time in a calendar month that there’s been a full moon…

cut 4 (06) “doesn’t matter”

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the phenomenon only occurs once every three years.

It’s not too late for the Who Dat nation to head to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia where the Saints are holding training camp. Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau Spokesperson Kristi Godby says in small town West Virginia, they don’t have an NFL team so they’re welcoming the Saints with open arms for a second straight year…

cut 10 (11) “New Orleans”

Godby says last year they received many Louisiana visitors and expect to see more this year as training camp continues through August 20th.

AM Newscall July 31,2015

A rare blue moon will light up the sky tonight. Emelie Gunn has more on why it’s not what’s expected…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

DOTD warns drivers of heavy delays tonight due to a lane closure on I-10 west between Baton Rouge and Lafayette.Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

______________________________________

Cops have released 911 calls from the Lafayette Theater shooting the night of July 23rd. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

The night sky will light up tonight with what’s known as a blue moon. LSU Astronomy Professor Brad Schaeffer says the moon will not look blue, but it’s referred as a “blue moon” because it’s the second time in a calendar month that there’s been a full moon….

cut 4  (06)  “doesn’t matter”

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the phenomenon only occurs once every three years. Schaeffer says there’s really no scientific reason why it’s called a blue moon other than it’s the second full moon of the month

Cut 5  (10)  “for anybody”

Schaeffer says there is a common urban myth that strange things happen during a full or blue  moon which studies have now debunked.

Cut 6 (07)  “full moon”

______________________________________

The State Department of Transportation is warning motorists who are heading west on Interstate 10, west of Baton Rouge that they could encounter heavy delays this weekend. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says starting at 8 p.m. tonight, one lane near exit 139 will be closed for repair.

CUT 7 (10)  “some time”
Mallett says the lane will reopen on Monday, August 3rd at 6 a.m. He advises drivers to take any detour they can to stay out of the expected congestion.

Cut 8  (11)  “US 190” 

Mallett says with construction taking place in Iberville Parish and in the Slidell area on I-10, they’ve advised truckers or those traveling across country to use I-20. He says the public can stay up to date on all roadwork by using their website.

Cut 9 (06) “ahead of time”

______________________________________

It’s not too late for the Who Dat nation to head to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia where the Saints are holding training camp. Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau Spokesperson Kristi Godby says in small town West Virginia, they don’t have an NFL team so they’re welcoming the Saints with open arms for a second straight year.

Cut 10 (11) “New Orleans”

Godby says last year they received many Louisiana visitors and expect to see more this year as training camp continues through August 20th. She says fans that come to the Greenbrier will finally be able to escape the extreme southern heat.

cut 11 (11) “or not” 

Godby says the Patriots will be making a special appearance toward the end of training camp to have a scrimmage against the Saints. The drive to White Sulphur Springs is 13 hours from New Orleans. She says they do have a local airport which puts you 10 minutes away from the Saints training camp location.

cut 12 (09) “get here”

______________________________________

In addition to the chilling surveillance footage from just moments before the deadly Lafayette movie theater shooting, cops have also released 911 calls from the night of July 23rd. 59-year-old John Houser opened fire during the film around 7:28pm. Two women died and 9 others were injured at the Grand 16..:

Cut 13 (11)  “older man”

The two women killed in the shooting are identified as 21-year-old Mayci Breaux and 33-year-old Jillian Johnson. Cops say Houser wasn’t in the theater long before he stood up and began methodically firing shots at people…:

Cut 14 (12) “by the Corner Bar”

Authorities say Houser suffered from a series of extreme mental problems and had even been committed by his family in 2008. Cops believe Houser began to leave with the crowd rushing out, but turned around when he saw officers had already arrived, then turned the gun on himself…:

Cut 15  (15)  “right at people”

________________________________

Saints quarterback Drew Brees is set to begin his 15th season in the NFL. There are some who say the 36-year-old’s best days are behind him, but Brees doesn’t pay attention to any of that talk…

Cut 16  (14)  “this season”

Even though training camp is a grind, especially for older players. Brees says he comes into camp excited…

Cut 17 (14) ” fun again” 

____________________________________________________

LSU Coach Paul Mainieri has finalized his incoming freshman class. Many of them will get a chance to play since the Tigers have to replace their entire infield and only one starting outfielder is back and that’s Jake Fraley. Mainieri says two kids from Lafayette Parish, Antoine Duplantis and Brennan Breaux could get a chance to start in the outfield

Cut 18 (19) “this class “

Mainieri says as he gets ready for fall practice to begin in September, one thing they would like to do is develop a third and fourth starters. He says having only two starters to count on the last couple of years has hurt them in the postseason…

Cut 19 (15) “we can”

Mainieri says several of his returning pitchers are performing well in summer ball…

Cut 20 (15)  “up there”