LRN AM Newscall March 22, 2016

Louisiana has begun handing out disaster food assistance for residents impacted by extreme flooding. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Gas prices are going up in Louisiana as refineries shut down for annual maintenance. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

According to a recent LSU poll, Louisiana voters are split on whether or not they want their elected officials to compromise. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The state has started handing out disaster food aid to families who have been impacted by the flooding. Deputy Assistant Secretary with the Department of Children and Family Services Sammy Guillory says the number of those applying has been pretty steady in the Covington area but not so much in north Louisiana, where it’s rare for the state to provide disaster food stamps.

cut 4  (11)  “hurricanes”

Guillory recommends pre-registering for food assistance if you live in one of the 23 parishes that have been declared a federal disaster. He says the amount of aid you receive isn’t a set amount.

Cut 5  (07)  “from there”

The food aid benefit cards are being distributed at 25 sites in parishes impacted by the floods. Guillory says flood victims that have a last name with E through K and have been approved, can get their emergency benefit card today. He encourages all people who want to apply to apply.

Cut 6 (09)  “HELP-U” _________________________________________________________

Louisiana voters are split over whether or not elected officials should compromise, according to a new LSU survey. Doctor Michael Henderson, director of the LSU Public Policy Research Lab, says 55-percent of Democrats would like their representatives to compromise, while 52% of Republicans want their elected officials to stand their ground. Henderson says this does not bode well for getting things done in the legislature.

CUT 7 (09)  “have become”

Henderson says with a Democratic governor and a Republican legislature, it’s likely state politicians will have a hard time coming to agreements. He says we’re starting to see Washington-style politics here in Louisiana.

Cut 8  (10)  “by the wayside “

About 87% of Louisiana Republicans have an unfavorable opinion of the Democratic Party in Louisiana, while 67% of Democrats in Louisiana have a negative opinion of the Republican Party. Henderson says this could be why the two parties are having a hard time compromising.

Cut 9 (10)  “be able to”

______________________________________

Gas prices are climbing in Louisiana. The average price for a gallon of gas in the state has surpassed $1.80. AAA Spokesperson Don Redman says those prices could continue to go up for a couple more months.

Cut 10 (06) “a gallon”

Redman says the transition from winter-grade to summer-grade gas means refineries have to shut down for a while. He says that, coupled with more people out on the road, keeps gas prices higher.

cut 11 (10) “prices up”

Redman says we should see a decline in gas prices by the time summer arrives.

cut 12 (09) “fairly soon”_________________________________________________________

The governor’s top budget advisor told the House Appropriations Committee despite the additional one-point-two billion dollars in taxes raised, some government agencies are looking at a 30-percent cut in state funding. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says painful cuts will need to occur for the fiscal year that starts July 1st…

Cut 13 (07)  “throughout the state”

Dardenne says more details will be released in a couple of weeks. He says with the revenue raised during the special session they’ve been able to avoid the worst case scenario, but delivery of services around the state will still be impacted…

Cut 14 (09)  “government level” 

Meanwhile, the House Appropriations Committee will begin budget hearings this week, without a proposed spending plan from the governor. Dardenne urges legislators to do what they can, until the administration plugs in the 750-million dollar deficit into the budget…

Cut 15 (09) “2016 year”

  _____________________________________

NBA superstar Pelicans center Anthony Davis says he’s been playing with a torn labrum in his shoulder for three years and will take the rest of the season off due to surgery. This also means he won’t go to the summer Olympics in Rio de Janerio, Brazil. Davis says he isn’t looking forward to being off the court but something needs to be done.

Cut 16  (10)  “next season”

Davis is also suffering from a knee injury. Davis says when you want to play, you find ways but it’s time to permanently fix the problem. He says the main reason he’s getting his shoulder fixed is because he was already getting surgery on his knee.

Cut 17 (14) “the way”

Davis says he’ll be out four to five months after surgery.  He says the hardest thing about taking this time off is he’ll miss representing his country in the Olympics.

Cut 18 (16) “the floor”

 

18:30 Newscast March 21,2016

Only 51% of LSU Health New Orleans medical graduate are staying in Louisiana for their residencies. Dr. Steve Nelson, Dean of the School of Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans, blames talk of budget cuts for the lower number. But, he says it is positive to see 50% of LSU Health New Orleans graduates are entering primary care in Louisiana.

Cut 11 (08) “the state”

Forty percent of LSU Health Shreveport grads and only 10% of Tulane grads will take residencies in Louisiana.

Two of the three people struck by lightening at a music festival in Lafource parish have been treated and released. The third person, 28-year-old Jaqui Stavis and her black lab, were killed when the bolt of lightening struck the concert goers. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Louisiana is the second most lightening prone state in the country.

 

Parts of Ouachita parish are still underwater, as the Monroe area received over two feet of rain in the recent flooding event. Halen Doughty has more…
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Mike Steele, with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says flood victims can receive assistance from various agencies at the disaster recovery centers in Monroe, Bossier City and Slidell. But he reminds residents you don’t have to visit one of these centers to register for financial assistance…
cut 5 (09) “…assistance”

17:30 LRN Newscast ###Legislative Report###

The governor’s top budget advisor told the House Appropriations Committee despite the additional one-point-two billion dollars in taxes raised, some government agencies are looking at a 30-percent cut in state funding. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says painful cuts will need to occur for the fiscal year that starts July 1st…
cut 13 (07) “…throughout the state”
Dardenne says more details will be released later this week.

A senate commitee began an extensive review today of the various tax exemptions, rebates and refunds Louisiana gives to individuals and businesses. Chairman JP Morrell of New Orleans…
cut 30 (09) “…of it”
Louisiana has over 400 different tax breaks, costing the state over 8-billion dollars in revenue.

Louisiana voters are split over whether or not elected officials should compromise, according to a new LSU survey. Doctor Michael Henderson, director of the LSU Public Policy Research Lab, says 55-percent of Democrats would like their representatives to compromise, while 52% of Republicans want their elected officials to stand their ground. Henderson says this does not bode well for getting things done in the legislature.
CUT 27 (09) “have become”
Henderson says with a Democratic governor and a Republican legislature, it’s likely state politicians will have a hard time coming to agreements. He says we’re starting to see Washington-style politics here in Louisiana.
Cut 8 (10) “by the wayside “

16:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU’s Ben Simmons has told Head Coach Johnny Jones he is forgoing his remaining college eligibility and he’ll enter the NBA Draft. Simmons will most likely be the number one overall pick in June. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says statistically, Simmons had one of the best seasons in college basketball history, but he was not able to lead the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament…:
cut 15 (09) ” he would”
Coach Jones says Simmons brought a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm to the team and did an outstanding job of making those around him better.

Pelicans star Anthony Davis told reporters he’s facing four to five months away from the basketball court as he’ll need surgery on his knee and shoulder. A-D says he’s been playing with a torn labrum since his rookie year.

The LSU and UL Lafayette baseball teams will face off against each other tomorrow in the Wally Pontiff Classic, which will be played in Metaire. The Tigers avoided a sweep to Alabama, by scoring six runs in the eighth inning to beat the Crimson Tide seven to five. Kramer Robertson drove in the eventual game winning run by lifting a shallow pop fly to right field, which the outfielder lost in the sun. Kramer says the Tigers will take the big break…
cut 18 (03) “…going forward”
UL Lafayette is also coming off a weekend series loss as they dropped two of three to Little Rock.

Cowboys senior right-hander Kaleb Fontenot has been named Southland Pitcher of the Week. Fontenot pitched a complete game shuout on Friday as McNeese blanked Incarnate Word four to nothing. Fontenot struck out seven on the night.

Southeastern Louisiana is in first place in the Southland after sweeping Abilene Christian. The Lions are 6-0 in league play. Two games ahead of UNO who is 4-2.

16:30 LRN Newscast

Fewer LSU Health New Orleans medical graduate are taking residencies in Louisiana. Dr. Steve Nelson, Dean of the School of Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans, says that drop is due to Louisiana’s budget concerns. He says 70% of Louisiana doctors trained at an LSU facility, so losing those doctors could be detrimental to the state’s healthcare system.

cut 10 (11)  “come back”

Nelson says fortunately 50% of LSU Health New Orleans graduates are entering primary care in Louisiana.

Two more Disaster Recovery Centers opened today, one in Monroe and the other in Slidell. Mike Steele, with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Preparedness, says the first center opened up last week in Bossier City and Steele says more centers should open soon.

CUT 4 (05)  “working towards now”

Two giraffes at the Baton Rouge Zoo died over the weekend, and workers are heartbroken. Sam Winslow, the zoo’s general curator, says one of the giraffes, a 24-year-old named Hope, was receiving treatment for a chronic illness. He says when severe storms moved in, they were forced to put her into a stall with a male she’s normally not with…:

cut 12 (07) “happened so quick”

Winslow says Hope’s condition worsened and she had to be euthanized.

LSU’s Ben Simmons has told ESPN he is entering his name into the NBA Draft and he’ll hire an agent soon. Simmons will mostly likely be the number one overall pick in June. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says statistically, Simmons had one of the best seasons in college basketball history, but he was not able to lead the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament…

cut 15 (09) ” he would” 

15:30 LRN Newscast March 21

Fewer Louisiana medical school graduates are choosing to stay in the state for their residencies, according to Dr. Steve Nelson, Dean of the School of Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has more…
voicer 2 (30) “….I’m Jeff Palermo”

State lawmakers are still waiting to hear from the Edwards administration about an additional 70-million dollars in cuts to this fiscal year’s budget. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says he’ll be able to provide that information later this week, but he says it appears most agencies will receive painful cuts of about 30-percent.

Two more Disaster Recovery Centers opened today in Louisiana, one in Monroe and the other in Slidell. Mike Steele, with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says flood survivors can find personnel from all of the agencies involved in disaster recovery at these centers…:
CUT 3 (06) “assisting people”
He says these centers are open from 8 to 6 Monday through Saturday, and noon to five on Sunday.

The general curator of the Baton Rouge zoo, Sam Winslow, admits they are taking criticism after two of their giraffes died over the weekend. They had to put two giraffes in the same stall as severe weather rolled in on Friday. Winslow says ne of the giraffes was already dealing with a chronic condition that worsened and the one that was sick knocked the other one down resulting in her death.
cut 14 (10) “…like that”
The two giraffes that died were 30 and 24 years old.

14:30 LRN Newscast March 21

Two more disaster recovery centers opened today, one in Slidell and the other in Monroe. Mike Steele, with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says flood victims can receive assistance from various agencies at these locations. He says you don’t have to visit one of these centers to register for financial assistance…
cut 5 (09) “…assistance”
Steele says a disaster recovery center was also opened in Bossier Parish last week.

There is still extensive flooding in the Monroe area. Neal Brown, director of the Ouachita Parish Homeland Security, says some neighborhoods will see high water for another few days. He is glad to see volunteers coming together to help flood victims…
cut 8 (11) “…greatly appreciated”

Officials at the Baton Rouge zoo are mourning over the loss of two of their giraffes. The 30 and 24-year-old giraffes were in the same stall when severe weather rolled in and one of the animals knocked the other one down, which caused injuries that led to her death. The zoo’s general curator, Sam Winslow, says they had to euthanize the other girafee because his chronic illness, which they have been treating for a long time, worsened after the event…

cut 13 (06) “…discouraging”

It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that basketball star Ben Simmons has played his final game at LSU. Simmons has told ESPN he’s turning pro. Despite failing to lead the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament, he’s expected to be the number one pick. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says it remains to be seen if it was a positive that Simmons even played for the Tigers…
cut 16 (12) “…bad thing”
Simmons averaged 19 points, 12 rebounds and five assists last season.

13:30 Newscast, March 21st, 2016

Only 51% of LSU Health New Orleans medical graduates are staying in Louisiana for their residencies. Dr. Steve Nelson, Dean of the School of Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans, says that’s a significant drop from previous years…:
CUT 9 (09) “62%”
Nelson says the drop in grads staying in the state is due to Louisiana’s budget concerns.

Two giraffes at the Baton Rouge Zoo died over the weekend, and workers are heartbroken. Sam Winslow, the zoo’s general curator, says one of the giraffes, a 24-year-old named Hope, was receiving treatment for a chronic illness Friday. He says then severe storms moved in and they were forced to put another female into a stall with a male she’s normally not with…:
CUT 12 (07) “happened so quick”
He says that female died from her injuries in the fall and staff decided to euthanize Hope Saturday when her condition worsened.

Residents in Ouachita Parish are still dealing with high water in many areas. Neal Brown, Director of Ouachita Parish Homeland Security, says his biggest concern is the high water putting pressure on levees around neighborhoods that were not meant to hold that much water for so long. He says when the water does start to drain, it could be bad for nearby parishes…:
CUT 7 (07) “hit them”
Those in Louisiana who flooded are asked to report their damage online at emergency-dot-la-dot-gov.

LSU’s Ben Simmons tells ESPN he is entering his name into the NBA Draft. Simmons will most likely be the number one overall pick in June. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says statistically, Simmons had one of the best seasons in college basketball history, but he was not able to lead the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament…:
cut 15 (09) ” he would”
Simmons said he plans to hire an agent soon.

LRN PM Newscall March 21

Parts of Ouachita parish are still underwater, as the Monroe area received over two feet of rain in the recent flooding event. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Fewer Louisiana medical school graduates are choosing to stay in the state for their residencies, according to Dr. Steve Nelson, Dean of the School of Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Two more Disaster Recovery Centers opened today, one in Monroe and the other in Slidell. Mike Steele, with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says at these centers, flood survivors can find personnel from all of the agencies involved in disaster recovery, as well as small business administrators with information about low-interest loans…

CUT 3 (06)  “assisting people”

Steele says the volunteer groups will be able to help people with their immediate needs, like clean up. He says these centers will be open from 8 to 6 Monday through Saturday, and noon to five on Sunday. The first one opened up last week in Bossier City and Steele says more centers should open soon.

CUT 4 (05)  “working towards now”

Steele says people can still report their damage online at emergency-dot-la-dot-gov. He says people do not have to go to one of these centers to register for federal aid.

CUT 5 (09)  “assistance”

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

Two weeks after Louisiana’s major flooding event, much of Ouachita parish is still underwater. Neal Brown, Director of Ouachita Parish Homeland Security, says rivers and bayous throughout the parish are still cresting, which means the water has nowhere to go right now.

CUT 6 (08) “the parish”

Brown says his biggest concern is the high water putting pressure on levees around neighborhoods that were not meant to hold that much water for so long. He says when the water does start to drain, it could be bad for nearby parishes.

CUT 7 (07) “hit them”

Brown says people are coming together and across the country to help. He says seeing volunteers in the area helps keep people in high spirits.

CUT 8 (11) “greatly appreciated”

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

Only 51% of LSU Health New Orleans medical graduate are staying in Louisiana for their residencies. Dr. Steve Nelson, Dean of the School of Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans, says that’s a significant drop from previous years.

CUT 9 (09) “62%”

Nelson says the drop in grads staying in the state is due to Louisiana’s budget concerns. He says 70% of Louisiana doctors trained at an LSU facility, so losing those doctors could be detrimental to the state’s healthcare system.

cut 10 (11)  “come back”

Nelson says a lack of doctors will make it harder for people, especially since the governor is looking at expanding the state’s Medicaid program. Forty percent of LSU Health Shreveport grads and only 10% of Tulane grads will take residencies in Louisiana. Nelson says 50% of LSU Health New Orleans graduates are entering primary care in Louisiana, which is a good thing.

Cut 11 (08) “the state”

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

Two giraffes at the Baton Rouge Zoo died over the weekend, and workers are heartbroken. Sam Winslow, the zoo’s general curator, says one of the giraffes, a 24-year-old named Hope, was receiving treatment for a chronic illness. He says when severe storms moved in, they were forced to put another female into a stall with a male she’s normally not with…:

cut 12 (07) “happened so quick”

The 30-year-old female giraffe named Mopani was knocked over by a male giraffe named Roan which caused injuries that led to her death. Winslow says Hope’s condition worsened and she had to be euthanized. He says it’s hard enough losing one animal to an illness you’ve been working so long to treat…:

Cut 13 (06)  “discouraging”

Winslow said Roan and Mopani generally got along fine and their keepers would never put them together if they thought there was a chance of conflict. He says they’ve been criticized for moving Mopani, but she needed shelter from the thunderstorm…

cut 14 (10)  “like that”

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

LSU’s Ben Simmons has told ESPN he is entering his name into the NBA Draft and he’ll hire an agent soon. Simmons will mostly likely be the number one overall pick in June. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says statistically, Simmons had one of the best seasons in college basketball history, but he was not able to lead the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament…

cut 15 (09) ” he would” 

Simmons averaged 19 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in his only season in a Tigers uniform. But since LSU missed the NCAA Tournament, many fans wonder if it was worth having a one-and-done player. Worsham says it remains to be seen if it was a good thing that Simmons played for the Tigers…

cut 16 (12) “bad thing”

12:30 Newscast, March 21st, 2016

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says disaster centers are open today to assist flood victims in Monroe and Slidell. Spokesman Mike Steele says the first center opened up last week in Bossier City and more disaster centers should open soon…:
CUT 4 (05) “working towards now”
Steele says people can still report their damage online at emergency-dot-la-dot-gov.

New Iberia Senator Fred Mills, who successfully passed a medical marijuana bill last year, says he would like to expand the number of illnesses the legislation covers in the current session. He says this new bill includes cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis and several other chronic conditions…:
Cut 14 (11) “will be successful”
Mills says you still can’t get medical marijuana in Louisiana as the agencies involved are still trying to figure out a mechanism to make it available.

Parts of Ouachita parish are still underwater, as the Monroe area received over two feet of rain in the recent flooding event. Halen Doughty has more..:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

ESPN is reporting that Saints cornerback Damian Swann was arrested on reckless driving and speeding charges in Athens, Georgia. It says cops found Swann going 100 miles per hour in a 65.