LRN AM Newscall ***Sportscuts added***

A measure to be heard before the House Ways and Means Committee would place a flat corporate income tax of 2-percent on the profits of businesses. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (26) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Civil rights activists say protests can be expected if the Department of Justice chooses not to file charges against the Baton Rouge police officers who fatally shot Alton Sterling. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Today the budget for next fiscal year is expected to move out of the House Appropriations Committee. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A measure gaining popularity with lawmakers that will be heard in the House Way and Means Committee today would place a flat corporate income tax from 1 to 2 –percent on the profits a business makes. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard says his bill would generate an estimated 200 million dollars in tax revenue.

Cut 4  (07) “for business”

Havard says the bill would eliminate exemptions and the franchise tax. He says this plan is the farthest thing away from Governor John Bel Edwards’ proposed gross receipts tax, which was pulled due to a major lack of support but he has received positive feedback on his measure.

Cut 5  (10)  “fiscal note”

Business groups like LABI are not supportive, because corporate loopholes will be closed. But Havard says companies or businesses will not have to pay this tax, if they don’t  make a profit.

Cut 6 (09) “your profit”

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The Capitol City is anxiously awaiting a decision from the Department of Justice on whether or not civil rights charges will be handed down against the Baton Rouge police officers involved in last summer’s fatal shooting of Alton Sterling. Former Metro Council member John Delgado says he’s heard the DOJ should announce its decision by Tuesday.

Cut 7 (09)  “civil rights violation”

The Mayor’s Office says speculation that a decision could be made this week is just that. After last July’s fatal incident outside a Baton Rouge convenience store, protestors called for justice. A week after the incident, a Missouri man attacked law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge, killing three and wounding three more. Delgado hopes we don’t see that kind of tragedy again.

Cut 8 (10) “that are the problem”

But President of the Baton Rouge Chapter of the NAACP, Mike McClanahan says without justice, there can be no peace. He expects if DOJ does not bring forth charges, there will be protests and rallies around the city.

Cut 9 (07)  “change happen”

McClanahan doesn’t believe relations have improved between law enforcement and the public since the shooting. He says groups are planning to march if the DOJ doesn’t charge the officers responsible for Sterling’s death, and some are calling for an economic boycott.

Cut 10 (09) “their checkbook”

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President Donald Trump has reached 100 days in office, but what does that mean for Louisiana? ULM political science professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says Mr. Trump’s first 100 days in office have been turbulent and unorthodox. He says there’s been very little direct policy change at the federal level under the new administration.

Cut 11 (07) “100 days”

But Mr. Trump has won the support of Louisiana’s congressional delegation, business leaders, and officials from the oil and gas industry. Stockley says the president hasn’t really done anything at this point to help or hurt them one way or the other.

Cut 12 (11) “reason not to”

Stockley says it’s not surprising policy changes have not yet been made because the federal process takes a while.

Cut 13 (10) “to take time”

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The House Appropriations Committee is expected to approve a spending plan for the next fiscal year today. Chairman Cameron Henry of Metairie says they plan to hold back about 2 percent of the revenue forecast by the Revenue Estimating Conference. He says the REC is usually wrong, and withholding this money could prevent midyear cuts.

Cut 14 (09) “have shortfalls”

Under the governor’s proposed budget, TOPS was only funded at 70 percent for the next fiscal year. Henry says it’s his intention to fully fund the taxpayer funded scholarship program.

Cut 15 (11) “the process”

Henry says that means lawmakers will have to find $81 million from somewhere else to fund the program. He says a lot of legislators feel plenty of agencies have funds to spare. He says some agencies, like the Louisiana Department of Health gain money throughout the year.

Cut 16 (09) “billion dollars”

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The Saints selected five players on defense and two offense with their seven picks in the 2017 NFL draft. The franchise believes they found a lock down cornerback for the next decade with their first round pick of Marshon Lattimore of Ohio State. But Coach Sean Payton says Lattimore will have to earn his spot on the field…

Cut 17 (22)  “outside corner”

Despite recently signing Adrian Peterson, the Saints still drafted a running back in the third round, running back Alvin Kamara.  Payton believes Kamara can coexist on a roster featuring Mark Ingram and A-P….

Cut 18 (23)    “those guys” 

The Saints had a big need to draft a pass rusher and they waited until the sixth round to take one, defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad. The 6-3, 253-pounder had his issues at Miami. He was suspended for a fight during spring practice and later kicked off the team after allegedly receiving improper benefits from a car rental company. Payton says Muhammad has made some mistakes, but he’s been a good teammate…

Cut 19 (13)   “if he fell”

1030 Newscast April 29

You might not know it, but today is Election Day in Louisiana. Voters in 46 parishes will be deciding on vacancies in the state House, the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal and the Lake Charles Mayor’s office. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says there is also a big Senate race.

Cut 10 (08) “it touches”

To find out if there’s an election in your parish, check the Geaux Vote app.

The National Weather Service is calling for an enhanced risk of severe weather this weekend in northwest Louisiana with the potential for large hail, strong winds, and isolated tornadoes. Forecaster CS Ross says heavy rainfall is also possible.

Cut 9 (09) “four inches”
Forecasters say the system will make its way to the eastern side of the state after midnight.

A proposal heading to the Senate floor would require universities to make an action plan to prevent unplanned pregnancies. New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop spent decades working in higher ed and says just two percent of teen mothers complete college by age 30.

Cut 4 (09) “is pregnant”

Governor Edwards was on hand for the groundbreaking of DHL and Graphic Packaging International’s new folding carton operation and logistic center that will be built in Monroe. Edwards says GPI will continue to employ 800 workers at their mill in West Monroe and will move their folding cartons operation to the new Monroe facility.

Cut 14 (11) “new projects”

930 Newscast April 29

Congressman Cedric Richmond doesn’t think the Department of Justice is taking the Alton Sterling investigation seriously enough. That’s what Richmond says in a letter to US Attorney General Jeff Sessions, as rumors circulate a decision could be made by Tuesday. He says DOJ’s failure to communicate with the community could increase tensions between law enforcement and the public.

Governor Edwards alongside with DHL and Graphic Packaging International announced folding carton operation and logistic center will be built in Monroe…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Universities would be required to make an action plan to prevent unplanned teen pregnancies, under a proposal heading to the Senate floor. New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop spent decades working in higher education and says he’s talked with many young women who dropped out of school for so-called medical reasons.

Cut 3 (09) “happens a lot”

But Bishop says he’s never heard of a young man who dropped out because his girlfriend was pregnant.

There’s an enhanced risk for severe weather in northwest Louisiana today and tonight. That’s according to CS Ross with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, who says a cold front will bring the potential for severe weather.

Cut 8 (08) “or two”

Forecasters say system will shift to the eastern side of the state after midnight.

830 Newscast April 29

Congressman Cedric Richmond has sent a letter to US Attorney General Jeff Sessions in light of rumors the Department of Justice will make a decision on the Alton Sterling case by Tuesday. Richmond says DOJ’s failure to communicate with the public has created angst in the community, as some groups are already preparing for protests if DOJ does not bring forth charges against the Baton Rouge police officers responsible for Sterling’s death.

Today is Election Day in 46 parishes. But Secretary of State Tom Schedler says he’s not expecting a good turnout. He says the early voting turnout was a dismal 14 percent.

Cut 12 (11) “17-18 percent”

To find out if there’s an election in your area, check the Geaux Vote app.

A bill heading to the Senate floor would require Louisiana universities to make an action plan to prevent unplanned pregnancies. New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop says pregnancy prevention should be taught along with time management and money skills because if young people knew better, they would do better.

Cut 5 (08) “very difficult”

The proposal was approved by the Senate Education Committee.

Graphic Packaging International and DHL broke ground on a new folding carton plant outside of Monroe. Governor John Bel Edwards was on hand for the groundbreaking and says this expansion will create jobs in north Louisiana.

Cut 15 (10) “be created”

The new facility will be six times the size of the Mercedes Benz Superdome.

730 Newscast April 29

The Saints drafted four players on Friday night, three on defense and one on offense. The lone player on offense is Tennessee running back Alvin Kamara, who can run and catch the ball out of the backfield.

New Orleans waited until their last pick of the night to select a pass rusher, Florida Atlantic defensive end Trey Henderickson, who had 29 sacks during his career with the Owls.

The Black and Gold also selected Florida linebacker Alex Anzalone, who analysts say can rush the passer and cover.

In the 2nd round, New Orleans took safety Marcus Williams, who had 10 interceptions over his last two seasons at Utah.

Other notable picks…LSU linebacker Duke Riley went to the Atlanta Falcons, former LSU linebacker Kendell Beckwith went to Tampa Bay, Seattle selected former tigers center Ethan Pocic (Poe-sick), and former La Tech receiver Carlos Henderson was drafted by Denver.

The LSU Tigers clinched a series victory over Alabama with a 7-4 win over the Crimson Tide. Greg Deichmann (Dike-men) had a career-high four hits and drove in two runs. Jared Poche (Poe-shea) pitched well enough to earn his 34th career victory. The Bayou Bengals go for the sweep at 2 PM today.

The Ragin Cajuns nine-game winning streak ended with a 5-4 loss to Texas-Arlington. Nick Lee suffered the loss as he gave up four runs.

ULM edged Georgia State four to three. Louisiana Tech rallied from a 3-0 deficit to beat Western Kentucky six to five.

In the Southland, McNeese lost a wild game to sam Houston State as the Bearkats edged the Cowboys 10-9. Sam Houston scored two runs in the 9th inning to win the game.

Southeastern Louisiana slammed Stephen F Austin 11-5, Lamar nipped Nicholls 7-5 and Northwestern State split a double header with Houston Baptist. The Demons won the nightcap 9-3 as Cade Jones hit for the cycle.

1830 Newscast April 28

A measure heading to the Senate floor would require higher ed institutions to put together an action plan for preventing unplanned pregnancies. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

A Lake Charles man has been arrested after allegedly sending nude photos to news reporters. Police say 38-year-old Clint Ashworth is charged with two felony counts of cyberstalking. Employees at TV stations in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles reportedly received the photos in Facebook messages.

Governor John Bel Edwards along with DHL and Graphic Packaging International broke ground on a 1.27 million-square-foot folding carton plant and logistics center outside of Monroe. The expansion is estimated to be about 274 million dollars.

Cut 13 (10) “logistics center”

The project will create 93 new direct jobs and 74 indirect jobs.

Saturday is Election Day in 46 Louisiana parishes. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says there are many local tax propositions to be decided throughout the state. He says if you aren’t sure if there’s an election in your area Saturday, check out the GeauxVote app.

Cut 11 (07) “early voting”

1730 Newscast April 28

Governor John Bel Edwards was on hand for the groundbreaking on Graphic Packaging International’s new folding carton plant in Monroe. Edwards says this expansion will create more jobs throughout north Louisiana.

Cut 15 (10) “be created”

The facility will be six times the size of the Mercedes Benz Superdome.

The Senate Education committee approves a proposal that would require universities to make an action plan to prevent unplanned pregnancies. New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop spent decades working in higher ed, and he says only 40 percent of teen mothers finish high school, and just two percent complete college by age 30.

Cut 4 (09) “is pregnant”
The proposal now heads to the full Senate.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a body was found in a burning car in DeSoto Parish. The victim has been identified as Kelly Jo Brunettin of Frierson. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says her vehicle was the only one at the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

Cut 7(10) “is involved”
He says the discovery was made around 2 a.m. this morning on Interstate 49.

The Storm Prediction Center is calling for an enhanced risk of severe weather for northwest Louisiana tomorrow. C.S. Ross with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says a cold front will bring the potential for severe weather as early as Saturday afternoon.

Cut 8 (09) “or two”
Forecasters say the severe weather threat will shift to the eastern side of the state after midnight on Saturday.

16:45 LRN Sportscast April 28th

After drafting a cornerback and offensive tackle in the first round, the Saints have three more draft picks today. Picks 10 and 12 in the second round and pick 39 from the third round. Selecting a pass-rusher remains a top priority and it remains to be seend if New Orleans will take a quarterback. The second round begins at 6 PM.

Former LSU running back Leonard Fournette, was taken with the fourth overall pick, and visited with his new team today the Jacksonville Jaguars. He’ll wear number 27 for the Jags. Two picks after Fournette was taken, the New York Jets selected Jamal Adams. And Adams met with the New York media today.

Tre’Davious White was drafted by the Bills and he talked about how he shared a bed with his brother while growing up in Shreveport…
cut 30 (05) “…time soon”
White had 34 pass breakups during his LSU career.

The LSU Tigers go for the series victory against Alabama tonight. The Bayou Bengals beat Alabama last night eight to two as Alex Lange struck out 10 for a victory on the mound. Tonight, senior lefty Jared Poche gets the start for the Tigers. He’s 6-3 with a 3.28 ERA. The Crimson Tide will send senior Nick Eicholtz to the hill. He’s been hit around this season as his ERA is 5.49.

UL Lafayette begins a big series tonight in Texas as the Cajuns visit UT-Arlington. The Ragin Cajuns are looking to extend their nine game winning and their small lead for first place in the Sun Belt West Division. The Mavericks are right behind the Cajuns in the standings and they’ve won five in a row.

27th ranked McNeese State also begins a big series in Texas against Sam Houston State. These are two of the top teams in the Southland. The Cowboys have a 3.5 game lead in the conference standings over the Bearkats. McNeese is trying to win its first league title since 2000.

16:30 LRN Newscast April 28th

Governor Edwards alongside with DHL and Graphic Packaging International announced 274-million dollar folding carton operation and logistic center will be built in Monroe. Emelie Gunn has more…
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Curt Eysink, the executive director of the Louisiana Workforce Commission from 2009 to 2016 has passed away at the age of 54. Eysink was in intensive care this week after he lost consciousness while driving to New Orleans. Doctors believed it was a heart issue and he died today, after suffering a stroke during treatment.

Universities would be required to implement an action plan to address unplanned teen pregnancies under a proposal approved by the Senate Education Committee. New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop spent decades working in higher education and says many young women dropped out of school for so-called medical reasons…:
Cut 3 (09) “happens a lot”
SB 106 now heads to the full Senate.

Many voters aren’t aware, but tomorrow is an election day in Louisiana for 46 parishes. Voters will be deciding on vacancies in the state House, the the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal and the Lake Charles Mayor’s office. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says there is also a big state Senate race:
CUT 10 (08) “it touches”
He says if you aren’t sure there’s an election in your area tomorrow, check out the GeauxVote app.

15:30 Newscast April 28,2017

The Senate Education Committee approved a proposal that would require universities to create action plans to prevent unplanned pregnancies. Author of the measure, New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop, says pregnancy prevention is something that should be taught along with time management and study habits. He is confident if young people knew better, they would do better.
Cut 5 (08) “very difficult”
The proposal now heads to the full Senate.

Tomorrow is Election Day in 46 Louisiana parishes. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says along with a big state senate race, there are also many local propositions of tax renewals or new taxes to be decided throughout the state. He says if you aren’t sure if there’s an election in your area Saturday, check out the GeauxVote app…:
Cut 11 (07) “early voting”

 

Governor Edwards alongside DHL and Graphic Packaging International announced a 1.27 million squarefoot carton operation and logistic center will be built in Monroe. Edwards says GPI will continue to employ 800 workers at their mill in West Monore and will move their folding cartons operation to the new Monroe facility.
Cut 14 (11) “new projects”

The State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating a burning car in DeSoto Parish where the body of a woman was found inside. Fire Marshal Butch Browning says they responded to a call from the Sheriff’s Office at 2 a.m. reporting a vehicle fire on Interstate 49 near Stonewall…:
Cut 6 (06) “the road”
The victim has been identified as Kelly Jo Brunettin of Frierson.