LRN AM Newscall, March 1, 2016

More potential budget cuts to higher education could mean lower enrollment numbers at LSU. Halen Doughty reports…

CUT 1 (32) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Governor John Bel Edwards announces this week is Severe Weather Awareness Week to get the public to create a game plan for emergencies. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A Baton Rouge lawmaker has filed a bill for the regular session that will prevent new students from participating in the state’s voucher program. Jeff Palermo has more..

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Discussion about deep budget cuts to higher education could mean fewer students at LSU. The TOPS Scholarship Program is only funded at 25% for the next school year. Without TOPS, many students may have to rethink their education plans. LSU President F. King Alexander is concerned about enrollment numbers dropping because of budget concerns in Louisiana.

cut 4  (06)  “other universities”

Alexander stands by comments that LSU football is at risk. He says unless enough revenue is raised, they may have to close summer school and only about half of the athletes will be eligible to play in the fall.  He says unfortunately LSU’s budget problems is impacting recruiting…

Cut 5  (10)  “to LSU”

Alexander says if LSU is expected to win on the football field, they should be expected to win in the classroom too. But he says the university needs the necessary funding to do that. He says LSU ranks 46th in the nation for how much they invest in each student.

Cut 6 (09)  “selling point” 

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Today is Super Tuesday, so will Louisiana’s presidential primary still matter on Saturday, March 5th? Pollster John Couvillon of JMC Analytics says Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton are in a strong position to receive their party’s nomination as people in 12 states will vote today. Couvillon says it’s possible the democratic nomination will be sewn up after tonight.

CUT 7 (06)  “Super Tuesday”

Couvillon says Louisiana will still get attention after Super Tuesday. He says Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio will still be contenders in the race…

Cut 8  (06)  “March 5th”

Couvillion says because of the closed party primary vote in Louisiana, in which Republicans can only vote for Republicans, Trump is not a slam dunk to win Louisiana…

Cut 9 (07)  “Cruz some”

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Governor John Bel Edwards declares this week as Severe Weather Awareness Week in an effort to get families to create a game plan in the event of an emergency. Chris Guilbeau, Deputy Director with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says this comes at a good time as 13 confirmed tornadoes touched down last week…

Cut 10 (10) “their family”

Guilbeau says making a checklist and packing an emergency kit full of supplies like batteries and a flashlight are all parts of creating a game plan. He says always monitor radio and television stations giving current updates and keep an eye out for warnings…

cut 11 (10) “for them”

 Guilbeau says visit get-a-game-plan-dot-org (getagameplan.org) for more tips on how residents can protect themselves during severe weather. He says they’ve also developed a smartphone app, called Alert FM, so people can receive digital alerts.

cut 12 (09) “that app”

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A bill has been filed for the regular session calling for a freeze on the state voucher program, which allows students in public schools with a C, D or F rating to attend private schools at the state’s expense. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith says the program is costing public schools money at a time when the state can’t afford it.

Cut 13 (09)  “ones out”

There are currently just over seven thousand students with vouchers in Louisiana. Smith says legislators need to resolve the budget crisis before expanding the program.

Cut 14 (06)  “new vouchers” 

A recent study by Tulane University shows that students in the voucher program did not perform as well in math. Smith says the program needs to be reevaluated.

Cut 15 (05) “voucher program” 

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The Saints have released Marques Colston their alltime leading receiver. Colston was a consistent performer for the Black and Gold during his 10 seasons in New Orleans. He caught 72 touchdown passes and had over 97-hundred receiving yards. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says it will be difficult for the Saints to replace his production…

Cut 16  (16)  “wide receiver position“

Detillier says Colston goes down as the Saints best receiver in the franchise’s history…

Cut 17 (09)     in the field”

Detillier says Colston will be tough to replace, but he advises against the Saints using an early draft pick to find his replacement…

Cut 18 (13) “than a receiver”

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18:30 LRN Newscast, Feb 29, 2016

Captain Clay Higgins, the man made internationally famous for his “no nonsense” viral Crime Stoppers videos, announces he’s resigning from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says if Higgins cannot agree with his words thoughts and message, then he is correct in resigning his position.

 

Discussion about deep budget cuts to higher education could mean fewer students at LSU. The TOPS Scholarship Program is only funded at 25% for the next school year. Without TOPS, many students may have to rethink their education plans. LSU President F. King Alexander stands by comments that LSU football is at risk. He says unless enough revenue is raised, they may have to close summer school and only about half of the athletes will be eligible to play in the fall.  He says unfortunately LSU’s budget problems is impacting recruiting…

Cut 6 (10)  “to LSU”

 

This flu season got off to a slow start, but doctors say it may start to ramp up soon. Influenza expert Dr. Frank Welch with the State Office of Public Health Welch says this year the flu vaccine is very well matched to the virus, making it more effective, and flu shots are the best way to avoid getting sick.

CUT 5 (04)  “to get it”

Welch says most insurance covers flu shots and people without insurance should call a public health unit. He also advises people to wash their hands, stay home if they’re sick and avoid sick people.

Former state lawmaker and ex Klu Klux Klansman David Duke is part of the storyline in the Republican presidential race. Duke supports Donald Trump and Trump’s opponents are bashing him for declining to disavow Duke’s endorsement during a CNN interview. Duke says political observers said his support of Trump would hurt the republican front-runner for the republican nomination, but that hasn’t been the case at all…

cut 14 (09)  “combined”

 

17:30 LRN Legislative Report

The House postponed votes until tomorrow on bills that would raise taxes on alcohol and cigarettes. House Speaker Taylor Barras says they are waiting to see what the Senate will do with a House-approved measure that calls for 106-million dollars in cuts to the current fiscal year…
cut 30 (15) “….is complete”
The special session ends on March 9th and the House and Senate are far part when it comes to a plan on how to deal with a 900-million dollar budget deficit.

And LSU President F King Alexander stands behind comments that proposed cuts to higher education could keep the LSU football team off the field next fall…
cut 24 (08) “….eligible”

State agencies are describing what the potential impacts will be if the legislature approves the House’s plan to cut 106-million dollars from the current fiscal year’s budget. Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Rebekah Gee says they would have to lay-off restaurant inspectors, which is a serious public health risk…
cut 7 (08) “….get an inspection”
The Department of Education says if the House’s budget cutting plan goes through, they won’t be able to give out standardized tests this spring and payments for voucher will stop before the end of the school year. House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says he’s open to reducing the size of the cut the department of education could receive…
cut 29 (17) “…we can”

16:45 LRN Sportscast Feb 29

The Saints made it official today by releasing their all-time leader in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns, Marques Colston. The man nicknamed as “Quiet Storm” had his contract terminated with the designation “failed physical.” Colston has been a steady performer for the Black and Gold the last decade, as he caught over seven-hundred passes for 97-hundred yards and 72 touchdowns. But was never named to a Pro Bowl team.

In other Saints news….ESPN is reproting free-agent linebacker James Laurinatis will meet wtih the Black and Gold tomorrow.

LSU President F. King Alexander stands by his comments that Fighting Tigers football is at risk, unless the state comes up with the necessary funding to prevent huge budget cuts….
cut 24 (08) “…eligible”
Alexander says the talk of budget cuts is impacting recruiting.

The LSU baseball Tigers remain ranked in the top ten in the major college baseball polls, despite losing two games last week. The Bayou Bengals won easily yesterday as they defeated Sacramento State 11 to 1. The winning pitcher was John Valek, who allowed one run in seven inngs and struck out six. Coach Paul Mainieri says Valek was the story of the game, by throwing strikes and keeping Sac State’s hitters off balance…
cut 18 (20) “…the game”
The Tigers return to action on Wednesday when they visit Nicholls State.

UL Lafayette lost three games last week and they fell nine spots in the Perfect Game poll to 17. Baseball America has the Cajuns ranked 16th.

16:30 LRN Newscast, Feb 29, 2016

State Senators are hearing about the potential impacts if they approve a House bill that cuts an additional 106-million dollars from this fiscal year’s budget. Superintendent of Education John White says they would have to close early childhood programs, send voucher students back to public schools and cancel standardized testing, which led to this question by Senator Wesley Bishop

CUT 6 (08) “yes sir”

 

David Duke, a former state lawmaker and ex Klu Klux Klansman, is part of the storyline in the Republican presidential race. Duke supports Donald Trump, and Trump’s opponents are bashing him for declining to disavow Duke’s endorsement during a CNN interview. Duke says the media is making a big deal out of this because of his connection with the KKK, a group that he says he left in the 1970s.

cut 12 (07) “with the Klan”

Trump blames a bad ear piece and says he couldn’t hear the question well when asked about Duke’s endorsement by CNN.

 

It’s been a quiet flu season in Louisiana, but doctors say it may start to ramp up soon. Influenza expert Dr. Frank Welch with the State Office of Public Health, says the number of flu cases are starting to rise across the country….

CUT 3 (05)  “we’re next”

Welch advises people to wash their hands, stay home if they’re sick, avoid sick people and most importantly get a flu shot.

 

Captain Clay Higgins, the man made internationally famous for his “no nonsense” viral Crime Stoppers videos, announces he’s resigning from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. Higgins had come under fire by groups stating he shouldn’t be calling black suspects, animals. Higgins said in a news conference that he refuses to respond to such critics…:

CUT 9 (09) “make a profit” 

15:30 Newscast February 29,2016

Captain Clay Higgins, known for his viral Crime Stoppers videos, has announced today that he’s resigning from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. Higgins has been under attack by groups stating he shouldn’t be calling black suspects, animals. Higgins said if he would’ve continued to wear the badge, he would’ve violated the principles it represents.

Cut 11 (07) “…my post.”

Ex Klu Kluz Klansman and former state lawmaker David Duke is part of the storyline in the Republican presidential race. Duke supports Donald Trump and Trump’s opponents are criticizing him for declining to reject Duke’s endorsement during a CNN interview. Duke says political observers said his support of Trump would hurt the republican front-runner, but that isn’t the case.

Cut 14 (09) “combined.”

 

After Louisiana’s mild start to this flu season, experts say it may start to pick up soon. Halen Doughty reports.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty.”

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says State Treasurer John Kennedy can save the state almost 294-thousand dollars a year, if he moved some of his employees to a state-owned building. Kennedy’s office disagrees at the savings number that Dardenne has come up with, but if it saves the state at least one dollar and if there’s room for employees, they’ll move to the state owned building.

 

14:30 LRN Newscast Feb 29

Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump blames a bad ear piece as why he couldn’t hear a question during a CNN interview when asked about the support he’s received from former KKK leader David Duke . The billionaire businessman said he knows nothing about Duke or white supremacists. Duke says he is no longer a white supremacist, so Trump doesn’t have to answer the question…
cut 13 (10) “….or something”
Duke says political oberservers said his support of Trump would hurt the real estate mogul, but tha’s not the case at all.

State Treasurer John Kennedy says he’s willing to move 44 of his employees to a state-owned building if there’s enough space for them. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the move would save the state nearly 294-thousand dollars annually. Kennedy doubts it would save the state that much, but even if it saves one dollar, he says he’ll do it.

Captain Clay Higgins, the man made famous for his “no nonsense” viral Crime Stoppers videos, announces he’s resigning from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office. Michelle Southern reports…
voicer 2 (30) “….I’m Michelle Southern”

Flu bug expert, Doctor Frank Welch, with the state office of public health, predicts an increase in flu cases. Welch says surrounding states are reporting an uptick in influenza and it’s only a matter of time before it reaches Louisiana. He says take steps to prevent getting the flu…
cut 5 (04) “…to get it”
He also advises people to wash their hands, stay home if ill and avoid sick people.

PM Newscall, February 29th, 2016

After Louisiana’s mild start to this flu season, experts say it may start to pick up soon. Halen Doughty reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Captain Clay Higgins, the man made internationally famous for his “no nonsense” viral Crime Stoppers videos, announces he’s resigning from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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It’s been a quiet flu season in Louisiana, but doctors say it may start to ramp up soon. Influenza expert Dr. Frank Welch with the State Office of Public Health, says the number of flu cases are starting to rise across the country….

CUT 3 (05)  “we’re next”

Welch says this year the flu vaccine is very well matched to the virus, making it more effective. But he says a flu strain that created a lot of problems a few years ago is back…

CUT 4 (11)  “its ugly head”

Welch says the flu vaccine also protects against  the H1N1 virus, and flu shots are the best way to avoid getting sick.

CUT 5 (04)  “to get it”

Welch says most insurance covers flu shots and people without insurance should call a public health unit. He also advises people to wash their hands, stay home if they’re sick and avoid sick people.

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State Senators are hearing about the potential impacts if they approve a House bill that cuts an additional 106-million dollars from this fiscal year’s budget. Superintendent of Education John White says they would have to close early childhood programs, send voucher students back to public schools and cancel standardized testing. That led to this question by Senator Wesley Bishop

CUT 6 (08) “yes sir”

Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Rebekah Gee says they would have to lay-off restaurant inspectors, which is a serious public health risk…

CUT 7 (08) “get an inspection”

Louisiana National Guard Major General Glenn Curtis says the House bill has them taking a cut of 564-thousand thousand dollars. Curtis says he would have to close nine armories, which will impact how they respond to emergencies like flooding…

CUT 8 (06) “first guys out”

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Captain Clay Higgins, the man made internationally famous for his “no nonsense” viral Crime Stoppers videos, announces he’s resigning from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. Higgins had come under fire by groups stating he shouldn’t be calling black suspects, animals. Higgins said in a news conference that he refuses to respond to such critics…:

CUT 9 (09) “make a profit” 

After the latest controversial Higgins’ video seeking to locate wanted members of the Gremlins Gang, Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said he was going to more closely monitor the language used. Higgins says Guidroz is a good man who he admires and respects…:

cut 10 (08)  “I just can’t”

The Gremlins Gang video, which compiled millions of views, was criticized by the ACLU of Louisiana and civil rights activist Rev Raymond Brown who said it was a slap in the face to our criminal justice system. Higgins said if he would have continued to wear the St. Landry badge, he would have violated the principles that it represents…:

Cut 11 (07) “my post”

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Former state lawmaker and ex Klu Klux Klansman David Duke is part of the storyline in the Republican presidential race. Duke supports Donald Trump and Trump’s opponents are bashing him for declining to disavow Duke’s endorsement during a CNN interview. Duke says the media is making a big deal out of this, because of his connection with the KKK, a group that he says he left in the 1970s

cut 12 (07) “with the Klan”

Trump blames a bad ear piece and couldn’t hear the question well when asked about Duke’s endorsement by CNN. The billionaire businessman only said he knows nothing about Duke or white supremacists. Duke says he is no longer a white supremacist, so Trump doesn’t have to answer the question

cut 13 (10)  “or something”

Duke says political oberservers said his support of Trump would hurt the republican front-runner for the republican nomination, but that hasn’t been the case at all…

cut 14 (09)  “combined”

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13:30 Newscast, February 29th, 2016

After coming under fire for the viral Crime Stoppers video on the Gremlins Gang, Captain Clay Higgins announces his resignation from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said he was going to more closely monitor the language used in such videos, and Higgins says his sheriff is a good man who he admires and respects…:
cut 10 (08) “I just can’t”
Activists called the videos a slap in the face to the criminal justice system because of Higgins’ intimidating delivery.

Former state lawmaker and ex KKK member David Duke is part of the story line in the Republican presidential race. Duke supports Donald Trump and Trump’s opponents are bashing him for declining to disavow Duke’s endorsement during a CNN interview. Duke says the media is making a big deal out of this, because of his connection with the KKK, a group that he says he left in the 1970s…:
cut 12 (07) “with the Klan”

Lawmakers are hearing from agencies who say the cuts the House is proposing in a spending bill now in the hands of the Senate would devastate their departments. Louisiana National Guard Major General Glenn Curtis says the House bill has them taking a cut of 564-thousand thousand dollars. Curtis says he would have to close nine armories, which will impact how they respond to emergencies like flooding…:
CUT 8 (06) “first guys out”
Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Rebekah Gee says they would have to lay-off restaurant inspectors, which is a serious public health risk.

Funeral arrangements for Baton Rouge State Representative Ronnie Edwards have been announced. Services for the two-term Baton Rouge Metro Council member will be held at the Living Faith Christian Center on Friday with a viewing from 8-10, then burial immediately following the service at the Heavenly Gates Mausoluem. Edwards passed away Wednesday at the age of 63 after a two-year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.

 

12:30 Newscast, February 29th, 2016

Captain Clay Higgins, the man made internationally famous for his “no nonsense” viral Crime Stoppers videos, announces he’s resigning from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. Higgins had come under fire by groups stating he shouldn’t be calling black suspects, animals. Higgins said in a news conference that he refuses to respond to such critics…:
CUT 9 (09) “make a profit”
Higgins says he has many other law enforcement job offers.

State Senators are hearing about the potential impacts if they approve a House bill that cuts an additional 106-million dollars from this fiscal year’s budget. Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Rebekah Gee says they would have to lay-off restaurant inspectors, which is a serious public health risk…:
CUT 7 (08) “get an inspection”
Education Superintendent John White says the cuts would shutter most of the agency.

After Louisiana’s mild start to this flu season, experts say it may start to pick up soon. Halen Doughty reports…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”