11:40 LRN Sportscast January 31st

Former Tulane Head Coach Curtis Johnson is reportedly returning to the Saints to coach wide receivers. Johnson spent this past season with the Chicago Bears. Also, sources say former Redskins special teams assistant Bradford Banta will become the Black and Gold’s new special teams coordinator. Kevin O’dea remains an assistant according to ESPN’s Mike Triplett. The Saints have also hired former 49ers head coach Mike Nolan to coach the Saints linebackers. His father, Dick Nolan, was the head coach of the Saints from 1978-1980.

Cardell Hayes, the man convicted of killing former Saints star Will Smith has had his sentencing delayed until March 27th. Prosecutors believe Hayes should be sentenced to prison for 60 years. He was convicted last month of manslaughter and attempted manslaughter.

ULM men’s basketball finally won its first Sun Belt game last night as the Warhawks defeated Arkansas-Little Rock 68-52. Sam McDaniel led the way with 17 points and 11 rebounds. The Warhawks are now 1-8 in league play.

The Ragin Cajuns fell to 4-5 in conference play as UL Lafayette lost to Arkansas State 88-69. That’s the five straight victory for the Red Wolves who are now tied for first place in the Sun Belt with Georgia Southern.

And in the SWAC…Ervin Mitchell scored 24 points to help Grambling beat Mississippi Valley state 77-74 in overtime.

11:30 Newscast, January 31st, 2017

Although most main stream media outlets have produced critical reports of President Donald Trump’s travel ban, multiple polls released show quite a bit of support for the executive order. LSU Political Communications Chair Martin Johnson says he expected this, especially with Louisianans…:
Cut 3 (09) “the policy”
A survey from the University of Quinnipiac finds between 42 and 48-percent of people support the order.

The man convicted of killing former Saints player Will Smith will learn how much time he’ll spend in jail for the crime on March 27th. A judge in New Orleans today agreed to delay the sentencing. Hayes was convicted on December 11th of manslaughter and attempted manslaughter in connection with the fatal shooting of Smith and the wounding of his wife in an apparent road rage incident.

The National Federation of Independent Business is waiting to see which regulations President Donald Trump has cut in an executive order. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Human trafficking data compiled from the National Human Trafficking Hotline finds Louisiana saw a significant jump in reported cases in 2016. It shows 104 instances of human trafficking were called in to the hotline last year, which included 74 cases of sex trafficking and 21 cases of labor trafficking. In 2015, 75 human trafficking cases were reported according to the data.

 

10:30 LRN Newscast January 31st

Louisiana is looking for private investors to help improve the congestion along the I-10 corridor in the Baton Rouge area. The state has a 13-billion dollar transportation backlog, because of the lack of state dollars. Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says private investment is an innovative way to secure dollars to fund highway construction….
cut 6 (06) “…deliverying today”
Wilson says they’ll spend the next two months talking with firms who might be interested.

President Donald Trump will announce his Supreme Court nomination tonight. The U.S. Senate will then have to confirm the choice, we asked LSU Political Science Professor James Stoner if the 60 votes are there to avoid a filibuster by the Democrats….
cut 12 (07) “…is proposed”
Tulane and ULM graduate William Pryor has been mentioned as someone Mr. Trump will nominate.

A Louisiana small business group organiziation applauds President Donald Trump’s decision to cut federal regulations on small business owners. National Federation of Independent Business State Director Dawn Starns says they are still awaiting more information on this executive order, but they hopes the cost of compliance for small business drops and the complexity of law they are required to follow are simplified….
cut 9 (08) “…first step”
The Louisiana Heath Hospital in St. Tammany Parish announces it will close it’s doors within a month and file for bankruptcy under Chapter 11. The medical facility opened in 2003 and it has 134 beds. The CEO of Louisiana Heart Hospital cites financial challenges.

Cardell Hayes, the man convicted of killing former Saints star Will Smith has had his sentencing delayed until March 27th. Prosecutors believe Hayes should be sentenced to prison for 60 years.

09:30 Newscast, January 31st, 2017

For the first time in the state’s history, Louisiana is willing to partner with private companies in the construction of roads. Don Molino has the story…:
CUT 1 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

The Zachary man suspected of killing his ex-girlfriend’s father and then burning the victim’s house down has been arrested by the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. Officials believe the suspect was upset because he was dumped which could be a motive in the killing. At the end of December, 34 year old James Henry Rivers allegedly broke into the victim’s home, bound him with wire, robbed him of his phone and dog and then caused injuries that killed him. Rivers faces many charges.

President Donald Trump will announce who he plans to nominate for Supreme Court Justice tonight to replace the late Antonin Scalia. One of the reported candidates is William Pryor of Alabama, who is a graduate Tulane and ULM. LSU Political Science Professor James Stoner says he would be an interesting choice because he didn’t go to Yale or Harvard:
cut 11 (12) “or Yale”
Stoner believes the nominee will be a young Republican with a strong conservative voice.

President Trump has ordered a controversial travel ban to seven Middle Eastern countries. Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins says under the 8-year Obama administration, the threat of radical Islamic terror was ignored…:
Cut 15 (09) “called for”
The Archdiocese of New Orleans has publicly stated the travel ban goes against Catholic principles.

 

08:30 Newscast, January 31st, 2017

President Donald Trump announces tonight who he will nominate to replace the late Supreme Court Justice, Antonin Scalia. Jeff Palermo has more.:
Cut 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The big national news story is Mr. Trump’s controversial travel ban to several Middle Eastern Countries. Louisiana Republican Congressman Clay Higgins says many are overreacting to something imposed to keep Americans safe…:
CUT 13 (10) “decisions”
The president has removed the acting attorney general for refusing to defend the travel order in court.

Human trafficking data compiled from the National Human Trafficking Hotline finds Louisiana saw a significant jump in cases in 2016. It shows 104 instances of human trafficking were reported to the hotline last year, which included 74 cases of sex trafficking and 21 cases of labor trafficking. In 2015, 75 human trafficking cases were reported according to the data.

The National Federation of Independent Business is thrilled about President Trump’s executive order that reduces regulations on small businesses. State Director Dawn Starns says they are still learning exactly what will be included in this order because the Obama administration placed so many restrictions on small businesses…:
Cut 8 (10) “regulation”
The NFIB says the president’s order is a good first step on the long road toward eliminating ball-and-chain regulations so small businesses can create jobs and expand the economy.

 

07:30 Newscast, January 31st, 2017

President Donald Trump is receiving backlash for imposing a travel ban to seven Middle Eastern countries. Louisiana Republican Congressman Clay Higgins says it’s necessary to take a temporary pause in immigration from these countries while we ramp up our vetting process…:
cut 14 (09) “very reasonable”
On this matter the big news nationally is that Mr. Trump fired acting attorney general Sally Yates for saying she’d refuse to defend the travel ban in court.

The I-10 corridor in the Baton Rouge area has been pegged as one of the biggest travel problems in the state, and for the first time in Louisiana’s history DOTD plans to ask for private donor help. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says public-private construction partnerships like this attract companies who are part of the global market…:
Cut 5 (04) “major interchanges”
Wilson says private investment is an innovative way in getting the cash necessary to fund construction.

President Trump has signed an executive order to reduce regulations on small businesses. National Federation of Independent Business’ State Director Dawn Starns says this order can only help business owners run and grow their businesses…:
CUT 7 (11) “its neck”
Mr. Trump said earlier Monday that he wants to eliminate “a little more than 75 percent” of the regulations now on the books.

The President will tonight announce who he plans to nominate for Supreme Court Justice to replace the late Antonin Scalia. LSU Political Science Professor James Stoner expects Mr. Trump will appoint a strong Republican voice to sit on the nation’s highest court for at least the next couple of decades…:
Cut 10 (10) “record”
One of the reported candidates is William Pryor of Alabama, who is a graduate Tulane and ULM.

 

 

06:45 Sportscast, January 31st, 2017

According to reports, Saints Coach Sean Payton his hired former 49ers coach Mike Nolan to be New Orleans’ new linebackers coach. Nolan’s father was head coach of the Saints from 1978-1980. He compiled an 18-37 record while with San Francisco from 2005-2008. Nolan’s last job before entering the NFL was LSU linebackers coach from 1985-86.

Former Tulane coach Curtis Johnson is leaving the Chicago Cubs as wide receivers coach, according to sources. He is reportedly weighing another option in the NFL. He was hired by the Bears last season after four seasons as head coach for The Wave.

In recruiting news, tomorrow is national signing day and Louisiana Tech landed a big commitment as Thibodaux cornerback Amik Robertson announced that he plans to sign with the Bulldogs. Neville defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis will announce his school of choice this afternoon. LSU, Alabama and TCU have been recruiting the four-star prospect.

In college hoops, the ULM men’s basketball team used a red hot shooting second half in route to its first Sun Belt Conference victory of the season with a 68-52 win over the visiting Little Rock Trojans on Monday night.

UL-Lafayette was defeated by Arkansas State in conference action, 88-69 in the Cajundome. Louisiana will return to action on Saturday when it visits Georgia State.

Grambling won for the 8th time in nine games at home in a wild game against Mississippi Valley State in overtime, 77-74.

Today Tulane will take on Temple at home.

Tomorrow night a struggling LSU Tigers team will take on South Carolina. The Gamecocks are 7-1 in the SEC and are one of the top defensive teams nationally.

In the NBA the Pelicans get back on the road today to face the Raptors in Toronto to begin a three game road trip.

In the SWAC, Southern Senior outfielder Dondraya Harris was named the preseason conference player of the year Monday.

 

06:30 Newscast, January 31st, 2017

For the first time in the state’s history, Louisiana’s transportation department is looking to see if a private company wants to help pay for highway projects to alleviate congestion along the I-10 corridor in the Baton Rouge area. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says investors have until March 31st to submit their proposals…:
cut 4 (11) “want to do”
Wilson says private firms that step up to the plate and help finance highway improvements would receive long-term financial contributions from the state.

A man from Zachary is under arrest for allegedly breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s house, robbing and murdering her father before setting the house on fire — according to the East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff’s Office. State Police identified the victim as 54-year-old David Allen. 34-year-old James Rivers faces a host of charges in the December 2016 incident, including first degree murder, second degree robbery, false imprisonment and simple Arson.

The National Federation of Independent Business is waiting to see which regulations President Donald Trump has cut in an executive order. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Today Governor John Bel Edwards will speak at an economic development announcement with Entergy in St. Charles Parish. The news conference in Montz begins at 1:30pm.

 

AM Newscall January 31,2017

For the first time in the state’s history, Louisiana is willing to partner with  private companies in the construction of roads. Don Molino has the story…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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The National Federation of Independent Business is waiting to see which regulations President Donald Trump has cut in an executive order. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

President Donald Trump announces tonight who he will nominate to replace the late Supreme Court Justice, Antonin Scalia. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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For the first time in the state’s history, Louisiana’s transportation department is looking to see if a private company wants to help pay for highway projects to alleviate congestion along the I-10 corridor in the Baton Rouge area. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says investors have until March 31st to submit their proposals

cut 4  (11) “want to do”

Wilson says private firms that step up to the plate and help finance highway improvements would receive long-term financial contributions from the state. He says public-private construction partnerships like this, attract companies who are part of the global market…

Cut 5  (04)  “major interchanges”

Louisiana has a 13-billion dollar transportation backlog and there’s not enough state dollars to address road and bridge repairs. But Wilson says private investment is an innovative way in getting the cash necessary to fund construction that can enhance traffic flow on I-10…

Cut 6 (06) “deliverying today”

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President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to reduce regulations on small businesses and the National Federation of Independent Business is eagerly awaiting to see which restrictions are cut. State Director Dawn Starns says this order can only help business owners run and grow their businesses.

CUT 7 (11)  “its neck”

Starns says they are still learning about which exact regulations Trump reduced because the Obama administration placed so many restrictions on small businesses.

Cut 8 (10) “regulation”

Starns says she ultimately hopes the cost of compliance for small business drops and the complexity of laws they are required to follow are simplified.

Cut 9 (08)  “first step”

________________________________________

President Donald Trump will announce who he plans to nominate for Supreme Court Justice tonight to replace the late Antonin Scalia. LSU Political Science Professor James Stoner expects Trump will appoint someone who will have a strong Republican voice on the nation’s highest court for at least the next couple of decades.

Cut 10 (10) “record”

One of the reported candidates is William Pryor of Alabama, who is a graduate Tulane and ULM. Stoner says he would be an interesting choice because he didn’t go to Yale or Harvard.

cut 11 (12) “or Yale”

Whoever Trump nominates, it will take 51 votes in the Senate to confirm. But it takes 60 votes to bring the nominee up for a vote on the floor. But Stoner expects the Senate will eventually go along with the president’s selection.

cut 12 (07) “is proposed”

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President Donald Trump is receiving backlash for imposing a travel ban to seven Middle Eastern countries. But Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins supports the president’s executive order. Higgins says there has been too much overreaction to something that was imposed to keep the country safe.

Cut 13 (10) “decisions”

Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, U.S. Representative Cedric Richmond, says this executive order is immoral, unjust, and counterproductive. But Higgins says it’s necessary to take a temporary pause in immigration from these countries while we ramp up our vetting process.

cut 14 (09) “very reasonable”

The Archdiocese of New Orleans has publicly stated the travel ban goes against Catholic principles. Higgins does acknowledge there was some initial misinterpretation of the executive order. He says for the last eight years, under the Obama administration, the threat of radical Islamic terror was ignored.

Cut 15 (09) “called for”

18:30 LRN Newscast January 30th

President Trump’s travel ban is widely supported by members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation. Emelie Gunn has more…
Voicer 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A second person has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder of an off-duty Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s deputy. Prosecutors say 21-year-old Baylon Taylor was one of two men involved in the fatal shooting of Allen Bares who confronted Quintylan Richard and Taylor about a residential burglary in June of 2014.

With a 304 million dollar budget deficit and a special session coming up next month, does that mean more cuts to healthcare services? Angela Lorio, co-founder of Trach Mommas of Louisiana, hopes families of elderly and disabled people are prioritized as they are stressed enough
CUT 7 (09) “unconscionable”
She says tapping into the rainy day fund is a no-brainer.

The state health Department and the Louisiana Restaurant Association have teamed up to encourage dining establishments to offer more healthy dishes. Well-ahead Louisiana director Melissa Martin says this inititive includes healthier children’s menus…
cut 10 (10) “…fried meats available.
Visit Well ahead Louisiana’s website for more information.