LRN AM Newscall Monday March 28

The Public Service Commission holds a special meeting today on the sale of the Cleco  to a foreign investment group. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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It was a common belief that vipers, which are venomous snakes like cottonmouths, had the fastest strike, but new research from UL-Lafayette suggests that isn’t true. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (24) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A proposed bill would establish the process by which pharmacies go about selling medical marijuana, including a 5-thousand dollar application fee. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Public Service Commission is expected to meet today for a special hearing on the sale of Pineville-based CLECO to Macquarie Infrastructure. The PSC rejected the proposal last month, and since then two sides have revised terms they say would further benefit the utility company’s employees and customers. PSC member Foster Campbell says “real” money from the sale should go to customers..

cut 4  (06)  “not enough”

CLECO says during the last meeting with the sale was turned down, inaccurate statements were made that they hope to clear up today. Commissioner Lambert Boissiere says, no matter what the new proposal entails, they all want to see rate reductions for CLECO customers…:

Cut 5  (04)  “anyone else”

CLECO and Macquarie have offered additional commitments including 100 million dollars of immediate rate relief for customers, and a 15 million dollar contribution to economic development in Louisiana. Commissioner Clyde C. Holloway says they want to know where all this money is coming from…:

Cut 6 (10)  “with money” 

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Vipers, which are venomous snakes like rattlesnakes and cottonmouths, were thought to have the quickest strike, but researchers at UL-Lafayette say that’s not the case. Doctoral student David Penning says their study shows that all snakes can strike quickly.

CUT 7 (09)  “snake world”

Penning says to observe snakes striking they filmed them with cameras capable of capturing high-speed action. He says they noticed that nonvenomous Texas rat snakes struck with the same velocity and acceleration as vipers.

Cut 8  (06)  “as vipers”

Penning says it takes a snake 70 milliseconds to strike, and it takes a human 200 milliseconds just to blink. He says what people can take away from this study is that they should not try to grab a venomous snake before it strikes.

Cut 9 (10)  “animals alone”

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It appears pharmacies who want to sell medical marijuana in the state will have to jump through a lot of hoops. Based on a bill moving through the legislature, an application fee of $5-thousand would be needed to cover inspections, background checks and paperwork. And Ville Platte Representative and pharmacist Harvey LeBas says federal law prohibits the sale of medical marijuana in the same facility where other prescriptions are sold.

Cut 10 (07) “Medical marijuana”

LeBas says once medical marijuana is available, it will only be sold at ten different locations around the state. He says there are still a lot of unknowns surrounding the issue.

cut 11 (09) “start somewhere”

LeBas says this situation will not be like what’s happening in Colorado. These dispensaries will only offer medications derived from the plant for medical uses, not the actual plant itself. He says this will be quite an investment for pharmacies, between the application fee and opening a new facility.

cut 12 (07) “to be seen”

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Legislative hearings begin today on the state’s spending plan for the fiscal year that starts July 1st. Over the course of the next two months, legislators will have to pass a budget that will contain 750-million dollars in cuts from the previous year. Governor John Bel Edwards says since he’s been in office, 170-million dollars in budget cuts have been put in place…

Cut 13 (07)  “about to do”

Edwards says despite the recent cuts to state funding and revenue increases, legislators will have to make some more difficult cuts, because of the large shortfall they are still facing…

Cut 14 (11)  “750-million dollars” 

By law, legislators must approve a balanced budget. Edwards predicts legislators will find out during this regular session that state government can’t sustain anymore deep cuts

Cut 15 (07) “more revenue”

LRN Legislative Update March 28, 2016

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s concerned about the future of TOPS. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Legislative hearings begin today on the state’s spending plan for the fiscal year that starts July 1st. Over the course of the next two months, legislators will have to pass a budget that will contain 750-million dollars in cuts from the previous year. Edwards says since he’s been in office, 170-million dollars in budget cuts have been put in place…

Cut 13 (07)  “about to do”

Edwards says despite the recent cuts to state funding and revenue increases, legislators will have to make some more difficult cuts, because of the large shortfall they are still facing

It appears pharmacies who want to sell medical marijuana in the state will have to jump through a lot of hoops. Based on a bill moving through the legislature, an application fee of $5-thousand would be needed to cover inspections, background checks and paperwork. And Ville Platte Representative and pharmacist Harvey LeBas says federal law prohibits the sale of medical marijuana in the same facility where other prescriptions are sold.

Cut 10 (07) “Medical marijuana”

LeBas says once medical marijuana is available, it will only be sold at ten different locations around the state. He says there are still a lot of unknowns surrounding the issue.

11:30 LRN Newscast March 26, 2016

Governor John Bel Edwards says because of a 750-million dollar shortfall for next fiscal year’s budget, changes to the TOPS scholarship program as we know it are likely coming. The governor says in these tough budget times, many government services and programs will unfortunately suffer…

Cut 13 (07)  “at risk”

Edwards says the cost of TOPS is expected to rise as colleges and universities hike tuition costs.

The Louisiana Attorney General’s office is warning flood victims or those donating to charities that there are fraudulent people looking to make a quick buck. Spokesperson Ruth Wisher says they’re encouraging flood victims looking for home repair to get at least itemized, detailed bids from licensed contractors. She says if they are unlicensed that should be viewed as a red flag.

CUT 7 (10) “never hurt”

There’s another election coming up and early voting for the April election begins today. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (27)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

A Shreveport bishop says he will camp out in a tent sealed off by a stone for three days in honor of the Easter holiday. Bishop Ricky Moore will lie on a blue cot for 36 hours as part of his church’s Easter celebration. Moore’s so-called resurrection will occur at 3 am Sunday. Moore will reportedly spend his time in the tent praying and fasting.

10:30 LRN Newscast March 26, 2016

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s concerned about the the future of TOPS. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Plans to remove four confederate monuments in New Orleans will be put on hold until all appeals are heard. A three judge panel of the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals is preventing Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s administration from removing the monuments until the court hears appeals from the statue’s supporters. In December the New Orleans City Council voted 6-1 to remove the monuments.

Early voting for the April 9 municipal election begins today. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says there was a 30 percent turnout in the March Presidential primary, and this ballot will not generate as much buzz, but people still need to know it’s important to vote…:

CUT 5 (10)  “than 30%”

The early voting period runs through Saturday April 2nd.

Flood victims and those looking to donate to charity should be wary of fraudulent people looking to make a quick buck, according to the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. Spokesperson Ruth Wisher says FEMA will never call asking for financial account information and they always carry identification badges. She says don’t hesitate to call the Attorney General’s Office to ensure a contractor or charity is legitimate.

CUT 8 (10) “double check”

9:30 LRN Newscast March 26, 2016

Changes to the TOPS Scholarship Program are likely coming because of a massive budget shortfall for next fiscal year, according to Governor John Bel Edwards.  Edwards says because lawmakers are not able to raise additional revenues in this regular session, some tough cuts are needed…

cut 12 (09) “of those”

Edwards says the cost of the TOPS program is expected to rise as colleges and universities hike tuition costs.

Early voting for the April 9 Municipal Election begins today. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says says items on the ballot include local tax renewals, or runoffs if there were municipal elections in March to fill city council or mayoral seats…:

CUT 4 (11)  “April”

The Louisiana Attorney General’s office is warning flood victims or those donating to charities that some fraudulent people are looking to make a quick buck. Spokesperson Ruth Wisher says educate yourself before you donate to a charity or hire a contractor.  She says never donate to a charity that asks for cash or wire transfers and doesn’t provide proof your contribution is tax deductible.

CUT 6 (10) “.com”

A few years ago, Louisiana was ranked in the top ten nationally in tuberculosis rates, but the state Department of Health and Hospitals announces Louisiana’s case rate has fallen 43-percent since 2010.  DHH Tuberculosis controller Michael Lacassagne says the potentially fatal bacterial infections can be both prevented and cured with proper treatment and the state has taken steps to do that

CUT 9 (07) “for us”

8:30 LRN Newscast, March 26, 2016

Governor John Bel Edwards says changes to the TOPS scholarship program as we know it are likely coming, because of a 750-million dollar shortfall for next fiscal year’s budget. The governor says in these tough budget times, many government services and programs will unfortunately suffer…

Cut 13 (07)  “at risk”

Edwards says the cost of the TOPS scholarship program is 300-million dollars this fiscal year and the price tag is expected to rise as colleges and universities hike tuition costs.

The Louisiana Attorney General’s office is warning flood victims or those donating to charities that there are fraudulent people looking to make a quick buck. Spokesperson Ruth Wisher says they’re encouraging flood victims looking for home repair to get at least itemized, detailed bids from licensed contractors. She says if they are unlicensed that should be viewed as a red flag.

CUT 7 (10) “never hurt”

Many Louisiana residents probably do not know this, but there is an election coming up. And early voting for the April 9th Municipal Election begins today. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says there are 41 parishes statewide holding elections…:

CUT 3 (07)  “g-e-a-u-x”

The early voting period runs through Saturday April 2nd, but polls are closed Easter Sunday.

A few years ago, Louisiana was ranked in the top ten nationally in tuberculosis rates, but the state Department of Health and Hospitals announces Louisiana’s case rate has fallen 43-percent since 2010.  DHH Tuberculosis controller Michael Lacassagne says Louisiana is the first state to adopt a statewide blood test for the detection of tuberculosis.

Cut 11 (09) “of cases”

15:30 Newscast March 25,2016

Governor John Bel Edwards says changes in TOPS as we know it are likely coming because of next year’s 750 million dollar deficit. Edwards says the program costs 300-million dollars this fiscal year and the price tag is expected to rise as colleges and universities hike tuition costs. The governor says in these tough budget times, many government services and programs will unfortunately suffer…
Cut 13 (07) “at risk”

Many Louisiana residents don’t know but there is another election coming up April 9th. Early voting for this municipal election starts Saturday morning. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says there was a 30 percent turnout in the March Presidential primary, and this ballot likely won’t generate as much buzz, but people still need to vote.
CUT 5 (10) “than 30%”

 

The State Department of Health and Hospitals announces Louisiana’s tuberculosis case rate has fallen 43-percent since 2010. DHH Tuberculosis controller Michael Lacassagne attributes the drop to a new blood testing procedure to improve the diagnosis and a new therapy to prevent the progression of the tuberculosis. He says to keep the number down, they focus on high risk populations, like those with HIV or born outside of the country…
cut 10 (10) “that group”

The Louisiana Attorney General’s office is cautioning flood victims that there are fraudulent people looking to make a quick buck. Spokesperson Ruth Wisher says FEMA won’t ever call you asking for financial account information and they always carry identification badges. She says don’t hesitate to call the AG’s office to ensure a contractor legitimate.
CUT 8 (10) “double check”

14:30 Newscast March 25,2016

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s concerned about the the future of TOPS. Jeff Palermo has the story…
CUT 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A Pastor in Shreveport has sealed himself in a coffin until the morning of Easter Sunday. Sunrise Baptist Church Bishop Ricky Moore says he wants to get people’s attention and the lord give him a sign to do something extreme. While in the locked in the coffin, Moore will be fasting, as well, as praying. He says if people want answers to their questions about his time sealed inside the casket, they’ll have to come a visit themselves.

 

Early voting for the April th Municipal Election beings Saturday and Secretary of State Tom Schedler says 41 parishes statewide are holding elections. Schedler says items on the ballot include local tax renewals, or runoffs if there were municipal elections in March to fill city council or mayoral seats…:
CUT 4 (11) “April”

The Louisiana Attorney General’s office is warning flood victims or those donating to charities that there are fraudulent people looking to make a quick buck. Spokesperson Ruth Wisher says educate yourself before you donate to a charity or hire a contractor. She says they’re encouraging flood victims looking for home repair to get at least itemized, detailed bids from licensed contractors.
CUT 7 (10) “never hurt”

LRN PM Newscall March 25

There’s another election coming up and early voting for the April election begins Saturday morning. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (27)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s concerned about the the future of  TOPS. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Many Louisiana residents probably do not know this, but there is an coming up. And early voting for the April 9th Municipal Election begins Saturday morning. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says there are 41 parishes statewide holding elections…:

CUT 3 (07)  “g-e-a-u-x”

The early voting period runs through Saturday April 2nd, but polls are closed Easter Sunday. Schedler says items on the ballot include local tax renewals, or runoffs if there were municipal elections in March to fill city council or mayoral seats…:

CUT 4 (11)  “April”

Schedler says there was a 30 percent turnout in the March Presidential primary, and this ballot will not generate as much buzz, but people still need to know it’s important to vote…:

CUT 5 (10)  “than 30%”

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The Louisiana Attorney General’s office is warning flood victims or those donating to charities that there are fraudulent people looking to make a quick buck. Spokesperson Ruth Wisher says educate yourself before you donate to a charity or hire a contractor.  She says never donate to a charity that asks for cash or wire transfers and doesn’t provide proof your contribution is tax deductible.

CUT 6 (10) “.com”

Wisher says they’re encouraging flood victims looking for home repair to get at least itemized, detailed bids from licensed contractors. She says if they are unlicensed that should be viewed as a red flag.

CUT 7 (10) “never hurt”

Wisher says FEMA will never call asking for financial account information and they always carry identification badges. She says don’t hesitate to call the Attorney General’s Office to ensure a contractor or charity is legitimate.

CUT 8 (10) “double check”

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

A few years ago, Louisiana was ranked in the top ten nationally in tuberculosis rates, but the state Department of Health and Hospitals announces Louisiana’s case rate has fallen 43-percent since 2010.  DHH Tuberculosis controller Michael Lacassagne says the potentially fatal bacterial infections can be both prevented and cured with proper treatment and the state has taken steps to do that

CUT 9 (07) “for us”

Lacassagne attributes the decrease to a new blood testing procedure to improve the diagnosis and a new therapy to prevent the progression of the tuberculosis. He says to keep the number down, they focus on high risk populations, like those with HIV or born outside of the country…

cut 10 (10)  “that group”

Lacassagne says Louisiana is the first state to adopt a statewide blood test for the detection of tuberculosis.

Cut 11 (09) “of cases”

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

Governor John Bel Edwards says changes to the TOPS scholarship program as we know it are likely coming, because of a 750-million dollar shortfall for next fiscal year’s budget. Edwards says because lawmakers are not able to raise additional revenues in this regular session, some tough cuts are needed…

cut 12 (09) “of those”

Edwards says the cost of the TOPS scholarship program is 300-million dollars this fiscal year and the price tag is expected to rise as colleges and universities hike tuition costs. The governor says in these tough budget times, many government services and programs will unfortunately suffer…

Cut 13 (07)  “at risk”

If no legislation comes out of this session that changes the TOPS program, Edwards says there are policies already in place spelling out who would  receive the scholarship, if the state can’t afford the program under the current eligibility requirements…

cut 14 (12)  “financial need”

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13:30 Newscast March 25,2016

Governor John Bel Edwards says we will likely see changes to the TOPS scholarship program as we know it coming soon, because of next year’s 750-million dollar shortfall. Edwards says because lawmakers are not able to raise additional revenues in this regular session, some tough cuts are needed…
cut 12 (09) “of those”

Edwards says the cost of the TOPS scholarship program is 300-million dollars this fiscal year.

Many Louisianans probably don’t know there is another election coming up on April 9th. Early voting for this Municipal Election starts on Saturday morning. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says 41 parishes statewide holding elections…:
CUT 3 (07) “g-e-a-u-x”

The early voting period runs through Saturday April 2nd, but polls are closed Easter Sunday.

 
The Office of the Attorney General wants to remind flood victims or those donating to charities of fraud schemes. Attorney General Jeff Landry’s Press Secretary Ruth Wisher says they’re encouraging people to educate themselves of fake charities, rental properties, and scamming contractors. She says never donate to a charity that asks for cash or wire transfers and doesn’t provide proof your contribution is tax deductible.
Cut 6 (10) “…com.”

A few years ago, Louisiana was ranked in the top ten nationally in tuberculosis rates, but the state Department of Health and Hospitals announces the state’s case rate has fallen 43-percent since 2010. DHH Tuberculosis controller Michael Lacassagne says the potentially fatal bacterial infections can be prevented and cured with proper treatment and the state has taken steps to do that.
CUT 9 (07) “for us”