16:30 Newscast, February 4th, 2016

Governor John Bel Edwards released a column today saying the budget does not need to be fixed by cutting higher ed and healthcare, but Republican House Appropriations Committee Chairman Cameron Henry says he want to look at reducing spending before raising taxes. He thinks Republican lawmakers are willing to work with Governor Edwards, but they need to know what the detailed budget plans are..:
cut 5 (05) “any steps”
He believes legislators will exhaust every measure possible to reduce the size of government before raising taxes.

Three Louisiana regions, New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport-Bossier, are in the Top 10 of the best places to live and work as a moviemaker. Executive Director of Louisiana’s Film Office Chris Stelly says there are many films and show projects going on right now in the state…:
CUT 11 (09) “in Shreveport”
He says the moviemaker.com ranking proves the film industry in Louisiana is alive and well.

The plea deal entered by former Saints star Darren Sharper in New Orleans to charges he drugged and raped women, is imploding according to a legal filing. Sharper pleaded guilty last year and agreed to a nine-year federal prison sentence in a so called “global deal.” Legal Analyst Tim Meche says it looks like the judge isn’t committing to the prison terms. He says this is bad for Sharper who has already admitted to being a serial rapist…:
CUT 8 (09) “good for him”
The joint motion by Sharper’s attorneys and the US Attorney asked the judge to postpone a March 7th trial date.

There were no signs of working smoke alarms in the home fire which investigators say claimed the life of a 6-year-old in Rapides Parish overnight. The State Fire Marshal’s Office says another child, aged 12, suffered significant burns in the blaze. The mother and another child were able to escape.

And today, New Orleans lawyer Caroline Fayard becomes the first Democrat to enter this year’s US Senate Race.

 

LRN Sportscast 16:45 February 4

The 2016 recruiting class is in the books for the LSU Tigers as they signed 19 young men that were ranked as the top 300 players in the country by ESPN. One of those players is Michael Divinity, a linebacker from John Ehret High School in Marrero. Coach Les Miles says Divinity has the physical ability to play right away…
cut 15 (14) “….true freshman”

Matt Viator’s first recruiting class at ULM has a quarterback in it. Viator says he’s glad to have Caleb Evans from Mansfield, Texas, in the program…
cut 30 (13) “…today’s football”

Saints quarterback Drew Brees was making the rounds in San Francisco today, appearing as a guest on a bunch national sport talk shows. Brees says he’s still resting his injured foot, he said there’s been no contract talks between him and the team, and he believes another window of opportunity is just opening for the Saints.

Conference USA released Louisiana Tech’s 2016 football schedule today. The Bulldogs begin league play on September 24th at Middle Tennessee. After that game, they’ll host UTEP and Western Kentucky. Tech’s bye week comes on November 19th, the week before they visit Southern Miss on November 26th.

Louisiana Tech men’s basketball begins a two-game road trip in Texas today as they visit Rice. The Bulldogs have won three in a row. The Ragin Cajuns are at Appalachian State. UL Lafayette has won seven .

In the NBA….the Pelicans are back at the Smoothie King Center to host the Lakers. Kobe Bryant is questionable with a shoulder injury. Tip-off is at 7.

15:30 Newscast, February 4th, 2016

Governor John Bel Edwards says cuts to higher ed and health care are not solutions to the budget crisis. Eric Gill spoke with House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry to see what he thinks..:
CUT 1 (27) “I’m Eric Gill”

New Orleans lawyer Caroline Fayard announces her bid for this year’s US Senate race — becoming the first Democrat to do so. Fayard ran and did not beat Jay Dardenne in the lieutant governor’s election in 2010. Also running for the spot in the November 8th race are Republicans State Treasurer John Kennedy and US Representatives Charles Boustany and John Flemming and retired Air Force Col Rob Maness.

A 6-year-old child died in an overnight fire in Rapides Parish, according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office. They say the Jocelyn Ruiz perished in the Pineville blaze and a 12-year-old suffered significant burns. The mother and another child were not seriously injured. Investigators say there did not appear to be any functional smoke alarms in the home.

Authorities are taking a look at an Iberia Parish railroad where five people died after getting stuck on the tracks in their vehicle. The Department of Transportation and Development says they are working to determine if additional traffic measures are needed. Spokesman Rodney Mallett says it’s a tragedy when an accident with a train occurs. He reminds drivers to always look out and listen when coming close to a train track…:
cut 13 (10) “be aware”
He says their study involves observing traffic volumes, the speed of vehicles crossing the tracks and additional reports.

 

14:30 Newscast, February 4th, 2016

Governor John Bel Edwards says cuts to higher ed and health care are not solutions to the budget crisis, but Republican House Appropriations Committee Chairman Cameron Henry says he’s more interested in where they can trim the fat, before raising taxes. He believes lawmakers will look at ways the state can reduce spending first…:
CUT 3 (06) “than we make”
Henry says nobody likes budget cuts, but unfortunately they are necessary.

New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport-Bossier are in the top 10 best places to live and work as a movie maker in 2016. That’s according to rankings on moviemaker.com. Executive Director of Louisiana’s Film Office Chris Stelly says these cities have great infrastructure and staging facilities…:
CUT 10 (11) “very easy”

The two men accused in the kidnapping and murder of a Baton Rouge couple have been indicted on two counts each of first degree murder. District Attorney Hillar Moore says the death penalty is now on the table. 42-year-old Ernesto Alonso and 48-year-old Frank Garcia allegedly robbed 71-year-old Denis Duplantier and his 70-year-old white Suzy, before taking them from their home and killing them in October of last year, according to authorities.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation is surveying an Iberia Parish railroad crossing where five people died right before Christmas. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says gates were put up over 10 years ago and a “do not stop on tracks” sign is in place. He sys they are working to learn if additional traffic enhancements are needed…:
cut 12 (11) “these routes”
Mallett says on average there has been one crash per year at this railroad crossing intersection for the last four years.

 

LRN PM Newscall February 4th

Governor John Bel Edwards says cuts to higher ed and health care are not solutions to the budget crisis. Eric Gill spoke with House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry to see what he thinks…

CUT 1 (27)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

Three Louisiana cities have been ranked in the top 10 for best places to live and work for filmmakers in 2016. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Governor John Bel Edwards released a column today saying cuts to higher ed and health care are not solutions to the budget crisis, but Republican House Appropriations Committee Chairman Cameron Henry says he’s more interested in where they can make cuts before raising taxes. Henry believes legislators will look at cuts first and do what they can to reduce the size of government…

CUT 3 (06)  “than we make”

Higher education leaders say the state’s colleges and universities can’t afford any more budget cuts. Henry says nobody likes budget cuts, but unfortunately they are necessary…

CUT 4 (11)  “looking at”

He believes legislators will exhaust every measure possible to reduce the size of government before raising taxes. Henry thinks Republican lawmakers are willing to work with Governor Edwards, but they are waiting on detailed budget plans…

CUT 5 (05)  “any steps”

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

The plea deal entered by former Saints star Darren Sharper in New Orleans to charges he drugged and raped women, is imploding according to a legal filing this week. Sharper pleaded guilty last year and agreed to a nine-year federal prison sentence in a so called “global deal” to resolve all allegations in multiple states. Legal Analyst Tim Meche is not surprised this isn’t working out…:

CUT 6 (10) “firmed up”

Meche says, even though a written ruling has not been issued, the new filing suggests the judge in New Orleans wouldn’t accept the deal. He says this is not good news for Sharper as he’s already admitted to being a serial rapist in multiple jurisdictions…:

CUT 7 (10) “thought he would get”

The joint motion by Sharper’s attorneys and the US Attorney asked the judge to postpone a March 7th trial date. Meche says it looks like Judge Jane Triche Milazzo isn’t committing to the prison terms which means lawyers have to start over and come up with a sentence she’ll accept while preparing for trial. He says Sharper is in a precarious situation…:

CUT 8 (09) “good for him”

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

Three Louisiana cities are in the Top 10 of the best places to live and work as a moviemaker in 2016. New Orleans ranks number two, Baton Rouge comes in at number three and Shreveport-Bossier is ranked ninth. Executive Director of Louisiana’s Film Office Chris Stelly says there was concern with recent changes to film tax credit program this industry would go downhill but that’s not the case…

CUT 9 (10)  “for you”

Stelly says it’s a testament to how these cities have welcomed the film industry. He says New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport-Bossier all have great infrastructure and staging facilities to invite filming into their cities.

cut 10 (11)  “very easy”

Stelly says Louisiana is currently booming with lots of different film projects. He says we have a variety of television shows and movies being filmed in the state.

Cut 11 (09) “in Shreveport”

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

The Louisiana Department of Transportation is surveying an Iberia Parish railroad crossing where five people died right before Christmas. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says gates were installed over 10 years ago and a “do not stop on tracks” sign has been installed. He says they’ll see if any additional safety features can be added at this intersection and others in Iberia Parish.

cut 12 (11) “these routes”

Mallett says it’s a tragedy when an accident with a train occurs. He reminds drivers to always look out and listen when coming close to a train track…

cut 13 (10)  “be aware”

Mallett says on average there has been one crash per year at this railroad crossing intersection for the last four years. He says their study involves observing traffic volumes, the speed of vehicles crossing the tracks and additional reports.

cut 14 (10)  “features here”

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

13:30 Newscast February 4, 2016

Governor John Bel Edwards released a column today saying cuts to higher ed and health care are not solutions to the budget crisis; however, Republican House Appropriations Committee Chairman Cameron Henry says he’s more interested in where they can make cuts before raising taxes. Henry thinks Republican lawmakers are willing to work with Governor Edwards, but they need to know what the detailed budget plans are…

cut 5 (05) “any steps”

He believes legislators will exhaust every measure possible to reduce the size of government before raising taxes.

According to a legal filing this week, the plea deal entered by former Saints star Darren Sharper in New Orleans to charges he drugged and raped women, is imploding. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says the new filing suggests the judge in New Orleans wouldn’t accept the so called “global deal”. He says this is not good news for Sharper as he’s already admitted to being a serial rapist in multiple jurisdictions…

cut 7 (10) “thought he would get”

Governor John Bel Edwards announces he’s dropping the lawsuit filed by the Jindal Administration to end Common Core. Edwards says, since the process to develop and implement Louisiana’s own education standards is nearing completion, the case, which is pending on appeal before the US 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, uses money, time, and resources that do not benefit students. He says his administration will not continue to waste taxpayer money on lawyers and lawsuits.

Three Louisiana cities have been ranked in the top 10 for best places to live and work for filmmakers in 2016…

cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

12:30 Newscast, February 4th, 2016

Governor John Bel Edwards released a column today outlining why he feels cuts to higher ed and healthcare are not the answer to the budget woes. But Republican House Appropriations Committee Chairman Cameron Henry says, in the face of the $750 million dollar shortfall, nobody likes cuts but unfortunately they’re necessary…:
CUT 4 (11) “looking at”
He believes legislators will look at cuts first and do what they can to reduce the size of government.

Authorities are taking a look at an Iberia Parish railroad where five people died after getting stuck on the tracks in their vehicle. The Department of Transportation and Development says the study will last a couple of months and they hope determine if additional measures need to be taken at the crossing. Trains have reportedly crashed into vehicles at that spot at least once a year for the last four years.

Three Louisiana cities are in the Top 10 of the best places to live and work as a movie maker in 2016. New Orleans ranks number two, Baton Rouge comes in at number three and Shreveport-Bossier is ranked ninth. Executive Director of Louisiana’s Film Office Chris Stelly says there was concern with recent changes to film tax credit program this industry would go downhill but that’s not the case…:
CUT 9 (10) “for you”

 

11:40 LRN sportscast February 4th

LSU’s 2016 football recruiting class just missed out on being ranked number one in the country. According to ESPN, it’s the 3rd best class, with Florida State coming in first and Alabama second. Coach Les Miles says whether it’s number one or third, they filled some holes on their roster…
cut 13 (10) “…getting rankings”
LSU also finished with the third best recruiting class according to 24-7 sports. They had Alabama number one followed by Florida State.

The Ragin Cajuns signed 22 players, six of them are considered three-star prospects by 24-7 sports. UL Lafayette also signed five players out of junior college. Highlighting that group of players is cornerback Artez Williams and safety Denarius Howard from Mississippi Delta Community College.

Louisiana Tech’s recruiting class contains some beef on the defensive line. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz….
cut 30 (23) “…immediate impacts”
Baker is from Livonia High School, while Mason played at McComb High School in Mississippi.

Louisiana Tech men’s basketball begins a two-game road trip in Texas today as they visit Rice. The Bulldogs have won three in a row. The Ragin Cajuns are at Appalachian State. UL Lafayette has won seven straight.

In the NBA….the Pelicans lost to San Antonio 110-97 last night. Tonight, the Pels are back at the Smoothie King Center to host the Lakers. Kobe Bryant is questionable with a shoulder injury. Tip-off is at 7 PM.

11:30 Newscast, February 4th, 2016

Governor John Bel Edwards says cuts to higher ed and health care are not solutions to the budget crisis. Eric Gill spoke with House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry to see what he thinks…:
CUT 1 (27) “I’m Eric Gill”

Edwards is traveling for events throughout North Louisiana today to discuss the impact of potential budget cuts on higher ed institutions. His stops include Grambling State, Louisiana Tech and the Monroe Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting.

The plea deal entered by former Saints star Darren Sharper in New Orleans to charges he drugged and raped women, is imploding according to a legal filing this week. Sharper pleaded guilty last year and agreed to a nine-year federal prison sentence in a so called “global deal” to resolve all allegations in multiple states. Legal Analyst Tim Meche is not surprised.
CUT 6 (10) “firmed up”
He says, even though a written ruling has not been issued, the new filing suggests the judge in New Orleans wouldn’t accept the deal.

A Covington man is under arrest on stalking charges for allegedly walking into a business on three separate occasions and committing lewd acts in front of an employee — putting her in fear for her safety, according to Police Chief Tim Lentz. He said Frederick Mayeaux was identified by the victim in a photo lineup and was subsequently charged with misdemeanor stalking.

10:30 Newscast, February 4th, 2016

Governor John Bel Edwards released a column today saying cuts to higher ed and health care are not solutions to the budget crisis, but Republican House Appropriations Committee Chairman Cameron Henry says he’s more interested in where they can make cuts before raising taxes. He believes legislators will look at ways to reduce spending first…:
CUT 3 (06) “than we make”
He believes legislators will exhaust every measure possible to reduce the size of government before raising taxes.

Governor John Bel Edwards announces he’s dropping the lawsuit filed by the Jindal Administration to end Common Core. Edwards says the case, which is pending on appeal before the US 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, uses money, time and resources that do not benefit students — especially since the process to develop and implement Louisiana’s own education standards is nearing completion. He says his administration will not continue to waste taxpayer money on lawyers and lawsuits.

The state department of revenue says their systems are not impacted by the system outage the Internal Revenue Service is experiencing. The IRS is dealing with a hardware failure which is affecting a number of their federal tax processing systems. LDR says Louisiana taxpayers can continue to prepare and file their state returns as they normally would.

Federal money received as part of a nationwide disaster resiliency competition will be used to move Native Americans living in Isle de Jean (zhan) Charles in Terrebonne Parish to safer ground. Eric Gill reports…
CUT 1 (27) “I’m Eric Gill”