10:30 Newscast February 25th, 2015

The snow has arrived in north Louisiana and State Police is urging residents to stay home and don’t travel unless absolutely necessary. Trooper Matt Harris says if you do have to drive somewhere today in areas where snow has fallen, then be extremely careful…:
CUT 6 (09) “destination”
Harris says there’s already been dozes of weather related accidents but so far thankfully there have been no major injuries.

National Weather Service Winter Storm Warning extends the entire I-20 corridor. They say snow amounts should range between 1 inch south of the interstate to near 4 inches north of the corridor. The winter precipitation is ongoing and should leave the region late this afternoon or early this evening according to NWS meteorologists.

Today is the deadline for the three physician team to be assembled that will perform the court ordered psychiatric examination of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

Viking Cruises is going to start journeys up the Mississippi River from the Port of New Orleans starting in 2017 if all goes according to plan. Port President Gary LaGrange says the river carries a powerful history…:
CUT 15 (12) “and maybe Asia”

 

09:30 Newscast February 25, 2015

Parishes along the I-20 corridor remain under a winter storm warning today as significant snowfall is expected. Several parishes south of the interstate are under a winter weather advisory, including Franklin, Natchitoches, and LaSalle. Marty Mayeaux, with the National Weather Service, says these areas could also see snow…

cut 9 (04) “north Louisiana”

There are reports of snow and freezing rain in the Shreveport area this morning.

Today is the deadline to name the three physician team that will perform the court ordered psychiatric examination of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson. Legal analyst Tim Meche says when doctors know other doctors are looking over their shoulder, it’s rare for one to diverge from the group…

cut 6 (12) “differing opinions”

The team will consist of one doctor chosen by Benson, one by his former heirs, and one agreed upon by those two doctors.

Viking Cruises announces they’ll begin offering trips along the Mississippi River from the Port of New Orleans. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 3 (31) “reporting”

The Thibodaux Police Department has arrested a woman for allegedly threatening a South Thibodaux Elementary School teacher. They say 32-year-old Floria Ward is the mother of a student placed under in-school suspension. During a confrontation with the child’s teacher at the school, Ward began yelling and cursing and purportedly threatened to beat the teacher up. Ward is charged with assault on a school teacher and disturbing the peace.

08:30 Newscast February 25, 2015

North Louisiana could get multiple inches of snow today. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (26) “reporting”

A winter storm warning remains in effect for parishes along the I-20 corridor and several parishes to the south of the interstate are under a winter weather advisory.

Yesterday, President Obama vetoed the bill authorizing construction of the controversial Keystone XL pipeline. The president, on several occasions, stated that he would veto the bill if it passed both houses of Congress. A two-thirds majority of both the Republican controlled House and Senate is needed to override the veto. It appears an override attempt will fall short.

A plan which would create a uniform policy for Louisiana’s colleges in how they deal with sexual assault claims has been approved by the Board of Regents. Higher education commissioner Joe Wallo says the policy is a process that first starts with evaluating the complaint…

cut 12 (07) “by campus”

He says colleges must work with local law enforcement on response efforts and also ban retaliation against someone who files a sexual misconduct complaint.

Viking Cruises announces they’ll begin offering trips along the Mississippi River from the Port of New Orleans beginning in 2017. The specialty-built riverboats will have a full complement of luxury amenities and host up to 300 passengers. Port of New Orleans President Gary LaGrange says there will be amazing itineraries planned…

cut 14 (07) “that they can reach”

Viking’s new service will result in the creation of 417 new direct jobs for Louisiana-based operations and vessel crews with an average salary of $40,000.

07:30 Newscast February 25, 2015

A winter storm warning remains in effect for parishes along the I-20 corridor as a significant snowfall is expected. Traveling along I-20 has not been easy the last couple of days, and Marty Mayeaux, with the National Weather Service, says the situation will only get worse with more sleet and snow…

cut 8 (08) “still there”

Several parishes to the south of the interstate are under a winter weather advisory. There are reports of snow and freezing rain in northwest Louisiana.

The Board of Regents approved a plan which would create a uniform policy for Louisiana’s colleges in how they deal with sexual assault claims. Higher education commissioner Joe Wallo says they are all about letting the students know leaders are there to help and to listen…

cut 11 (08) “be recourse”

He says higher ed institutions have to develop a protocol to follow when someone comes forward with a sexual assault allegation.

The three physician team that will perform the court ordered psychiatric examination of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson must be assembled today. Legal analyst Tim Meche says says these examinations are meant to determine whether Benson is capable of making reasonable decisions concerning his care of his person and his property…

cut 5 (12) “he trusts”

The physician team must report their findings by March 13.

Viking Cruises announces they’ll begin offering trips along the Mississippi River from the Port of New Orleans. The plan is to have the operation going by 2017. Port of New Orleans President Gary LaGrange:

cut 13 (11) “our restaurants”

The move means hundreds of jobs and a boost to the state’s tourism industry according to Governor Bobby Jindal.

06:45 Sportscast February 25, 2015

LSU basketball took care of business last night by easily beating Auburn 84-61. It was the Tigers 20th win of the year and Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says it was important for them to avoid another bad loss to Auburn as they look to lock-up an at-large berth in the upcoming NCAA Tournament…

cut 16 (12) “resume killers”

LSU got another big game last night from Jarell Martin, who scored 25 points. LSU’s next game is Saturday at home against Ole Miss.

McNeese State shot 52.5-percent from the field last night as they defeated Central Arkansas 77-60 in Southland Conference basketball action. The Cowboys were lead by Keelan Garrett, who knocked down five 3-pointers on his way to a game high 25 points. McNeese stands with a 5-10 conference record and will next host Nicholls State Saturday afternoon.

Today is the deadline for the three physician team to be assembled that will perform the court ordered psychiatric examination of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson in the legal fight involving his former heirs. Legal analyst Tim Meche says doctors will first sit down with Benson and ask him questions to test his memory…

cut 4 (10) “ruled that out”

He says these examinations are meant to determine whether Benson is capable of making reasonable decisions concerning his care of his person and his property. The physician team has until March 13 to report their findings.

In college baseball yesterday, it took 17 innings to decide it, but McNeese State edged UL-Lafayette 5-4 at Tigue Moore Field in Lafayette. Tyler Day picked up the win for the Cowboys and credit Austin Briggs with the save. Logan Stoelke takes the loss for the Cajuns. A total of 15 pitchers were used in the game.

06:30 Newscast February 25, 2015

The parishes along the Louisiana-Arkansas border are under a winter storm warning today as a significant snowfall is expected. Marty Mayeaux, with the National Weather Service, says they are expecting more than a light dusting…

cut 7 (09) “we can expect”

Several parishes along I-20 and to the south of the interstate are under a winter weather advisory.

Today is the deadline for the three physician team to be assembled that will perform the court ordered psychiatric examination of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson in the legal fight involving his former heirs. Legal analyst Tim Meche says doctors will first sit down with Benson and ask him questions to test his memory…

cut 4 (10) “ruled that out”

The physician team has until March 13 to report their findings.

The Board of Regents approved a plan which would create a uniform policy for Louisiana’s colleges in how they deal with sexual assault claims. Higher education commissioner Joe Wallo says higher ed institutions have to develop a protocol to follow when someone comes forward with a sexual assault allegation…

cut 10 (08) “fair treatment”

Wallo says all of their campuses are engaging in some type of education and prevention programs with their students when it comes to sexual assault, but they wanted to work to create a common expectation.

Updated AM Newscall for Feb 24 as sports has been added

Today is the deadline for the three physician team to be assembled that will perform the court ordered psychiatric examination of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

North Louisiana could get multiple inches of snow today. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (26) “reporting”

______________________________________

Viking Cruises announces they’ll begin offering trips along the Mississippi River from the Port of New Orleans. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

Today is the deadline for the three physician team to be assembled that will perform the court ordered psychiatric examination of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson in the legal fight involving his former heirs. Legal analyst Tim Meche says doctors will first sit down with Benson and ask him questions to test his memory…

cut 4  (10)  “ruled that out”

Meche says there will be no neurological testing on Benson. The physician team has until March 13 to report their findings. He says these examinations are meant to determine whether Benson is capable of making reasonable decisions concerning his care of his person and his property…

Cut 5  (12)  “he trusts”

He says the tests will consist of a series of questions and a free-flowing interview. The physician team will consist of one doctor chosen by Benson, one by his former heirs, and one agreed upon by those two doctors. Meche says when doctors know other doctors are looking over their shoulder, it’s rare for one to diverge from the group…

Cut 6 (12)  “differing opinions”

______________________________________

The parishes along the Louisiana-Arkansas border are under a winter storm warning today as a significant snowfall is expected. Marty Mayeaux, with the National Weather Service, says they are expecting more than a light dusting…

CUT 7 (09)  “we can expect”

Traveling along I-20 has not been easy the last couple of days, and Mayeaux says the situation will only get worse with more sleet and snow

Cut 8  (08)  “still there” 

Several parishes along I-20 and to the south of the interstate are under a winter weather advisory. Natchitoches,  Lincoln, Ouachita, Grant, Franklin and La Salle are included in this advisory.  Mayeaux says these areas could also see snow…

Cut 9 (04)  “north Louisiana”

______________________________________

The Board of Regents approved a plan which would create a uniform policy for Louisiana’s colleges in how they deal with sexual assault claims. Higher education commissioner Joe Wallo says higher ed institutions have to develop a protocol to follow when someone comes forward with a sexual assault allegation…:

Cut 10 (08) “fair treatment”

Wallo says all of their campuses are engaging in some type of education and prevention programs with their students when it comes to sexual assault, but they wanted to work to create a common expectation. He says they are all about letting the students know leaders are there to help and to listen…:

cut 11 (08) “be recourse”

Wallo says colleges must work with local law enforcement on response efforts and also ban retaliation against someone who files a sexual misconduct complaint. He says the policy is a process that first starts with the evaluating the complaint…:

cut 12 (07)  “by campus”

______________________________________

Viking Cruises announces they’ll begin offering trips along the Mississippi River from the Port of New Orleans. The plan is to have the operation going by 2017 when two boats launch per year taking passengers on a journey upriver from The Big Easy to stops in Louisiana, Memphis, Tennessee, Minnesota and more. Port of New Orleans President Gary LaGrange:

Cut 13 (11)  “our restaurants”

The move means hundreds of jobs and a boost to the state’s tourism industry according to Governor Bobby Jindal. The specialty-built riverboats will have a full complement of luxury amenities and host up to 300 passengers. LaGrange says there will be amazing itineraries planned…:

Cut 14 (07) “that they can reach”

Viking’s new service will result in the creation of 417 new direct jobs for Louisiana-based operations and vessel crews with an average salary of $40,000. LaGrange says Viking’s cruises are renowned for their locally oriented educational and entertainment programs. He says the folklore will bring a lot to heart as the Mississippi River has a powerful history…:

Cut 15  (12)  “and maybe Asia”

______________________________________

LSU basketball took care of business last night by easily beating Auburn 84-61. It was the Tigers 20th win of the year and Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says it was important for them to avoid another bad loss to Auburn as they look to lock-up an at-large berth into the NCAA Tournament

Cut 16  (12)  “resume killers”

LSU got another big game last night from Jarell Martin, who scored 25 points. Worsham says has been attacking the rim more lately

Cut 17 (11)  “closer to the rim”

LSU’s next game is Saturday at home against Ole Miss. The Tigers beat the Rebels on their home floor earlier this season and Worsham says it will not be easy to sweep the season series

Cut 18 (20) “tournament’

17:30 Newscast February 24th, 2015

The parishes along the Louisiana-Arkansas border are under a winter storm warning thru most of tomorrow as a significant snowfall is expected. Marty Mayeaux, with the National Weather Service, says they are expecting more than a light dusting…:
CUT 7 (09) “we can expect”
Several parishes along I-20 and to the south of the interstate are under a winter weather advisory. Mayeaux says the road conditions along I-20 will be even worse that it has been the last couple of days.

The statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has reached $2.15 cents, a two cent jump from the day before. American Automobile Association fuel analyst Don Redman says gas prices have been on the rise for a month and it’s not a surprise…:
CUT 6 (08) “spring time”
The statewide average a month ago was a $1.88.

The Board of Regents approved a plan which would create a uniform policy for Louisiana’s colleges in how they deal with sexual assault claims. Higher education commissioner Joe Wallo says higher ed institutions have to develop a protocol to follow when someone comes forward with a sexual assault allegation…:
CUT 10 (08) “fair treatment”
Wallo says colleges must work with local law enforcement on response efforts and also ban retaliation against someone who files a sexual misconduct complaint.

Viking Cruises announces a major venture to begin offering trips along the Mississippi River from the Port of New Orleans. The plan is to have the operation going by 2017 when two boats launch per year which take passengers on a journey upriver from The Big Easy to St. James, East Baton Rouge, West Feliciana Parish and on up to Memphis, Tennessee and Minnesota. The move means hundreds of jobs and a boost to the state’s tourism industry according to Governor Bobby Jindal.

 

16:45 LRN Sportscast Feb 24

The LSU men’s basketball team looks for a much needed win tonight against Auburn. The Bayou Bengals lost to Auburn on a February fifth and another loss to Bruce Pearl’s team will not help their chances in getting into the NCAA Tournament.

Tonight on the baseball diamond, Ragin Cajuns Coach Tony Robichaux goes for career win number one-thousand as the UL Lafayette baseball team hosts McNeese State. Robichaux coached and played at McNeese, so you can expect the emotions will be riding high.

Weather has postponed the U-L-M-Southern Miss game today. Louisiana Tech’s match-up with ULM tomorrow has also been postponed, while the LSU-Southeastern Louisiana contest is still on for tomorrow night.

The brackets are out for the upcoming high school basketball playoffs. The top seeds from Class C, all the way to Class 5A are Atlanta, Florien, Madison Prep, Riverside Academy, University High in Baton Rouge, Salmen and Natchitoches Central, who won the Five-A title last year.

LSU cornerback Jalen Collins ran a 4.48 at the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. NFL Draft analyst Mike Detillier says with that speed, Collins could be a first round pick on April 30th….
cut 30 (12) “…long arms”
Detillier also expects LSU offensive lineman La’el Collins will be a top 15 pick in the first round as well. The Saints have the 13th pick and Detillier says if Collins is still around, the black and gold could possibly select him.

Southeastern Louisiana has named Blake Williams as its new defensive coordinator, he’s the son of former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Blake Williams has plenty of coaching experience in the NFL and served as St. Louis de facto defensive coordinator in the 2012 season, when his father was suspended for his role in the “Bountygate” scandal.

16:30 Newscast February 24th, 2015

A winter storm warning is in effect for parishes in Louisiana along the Arkansas border until 6pm Wednesday. The National Weather Service in Shreveport says snow accumulations could be as much as 4 inches. Winter weather advisories are also posted throughout the I-20 corridor to central Louisiana.

Gas prices keep going up as analysts projected as the statewide average is 2 cents higher than the day before at $2.15 a gallon. Don Redman with the American Automobile Association says we pay more at the pump when refineries make the switch from the winter blend of gasoline to the summer blend. He says union strikes at two Louisiana refineries are also factoring into the price, but it shouldn’t lead to large increases…:
CUT 8 (07) “this spring”
The statewide average a month ago was a $1.88.

The four candidates for governor were in Shreveport for a forum today and Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne was the only candidate to come out in support of Common Core. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Dardenne’s stance on Common Core is not something that he took lightly..:
CUT 14 (09) “might occur”
Dardenne said, “Now is not the time for Louisiana to retreat.”

A Campti man was busted by ATC agents accused of operating an illegal bar out of his home. ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert says 42-year-old Robert Williams was caught selling beer and mixed drinks to people in his house. He says this type of illegal bar is called a good house..:
CUT 11 (07) “can go”
Williams faces two charges of operating without alcohol permits.