6:30 LRN Newscast February 7

Republican U.S. Senator John Kennedy has joined Democratic Senator Tom Carper of Delaware in introducing the Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act. Kennedy says in 2015, the Social Security Administration made nearly ten-billion-dollars in improper payments…
Cut 4 (12) “dead people.”
Kennedy says he and his colleagues are confident this bill will pass.

A cold front is crossing the state bringing some heavy rain with it. State Climatologist Barry Keim says temperatures will drop once the front moves through….
cut 10 (07) “…northern parishes”
We’ll dry out tomorrow, but rain is in the forecast for the Mardi Gras weekend.

It’s national signing day and the LSU football program is hoping to receive a signed national letter of intent from the top cornerback in the country, Patrick Surtain Junior of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Shea Dixon of Geaux 24-7 sports is optimistic Surtain will sign with the Tigers over Alabama…
cut 17 (15) “….Bama’s won”
Surtain makes his decision known this morning.

A plane traveling from Slidell to Patterson had to make an emergency landing in the Atchafalaya River, because the aircraft began to run low on fuel. The U-S Coast Guard rescued the four people aboard the plane. One person suffered a minor arm injury.

AM Newscall February 7

Senator John Kennedy has introduced the Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act.   Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

______________________________________

It could end up being a soggy Mardi Gras celebration this weekend.  Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

________________________________________

A Baton Rouge lawmaker has filed a bill for the regular session that would require state agencies to post all expenditures online. Michael Farrar has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

____________________________________________

U.S. Republican Senator John Kennedy has joined Democratic Senator Tom Carper of Delaware in introducing the Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act.  Kennedy says in 2015, the Social Security Administration made nearly ten-billion-dollars in improper payments…

Cut 4  (12) “dead people.” 

After contacting the Social Security Administration as to why they couldn’t share their dead person’s database with the Treasury Department, Kennedy was told they didn’t have the legal authority to do so.  Kennedy says this bill will allow them to trade that information, stopping the waste of billions of dollars…

Cut 5  (09)  “of why.”

Kennedy says he and his colleagues are very confident this bill will pass.  After it becomes law, he says he will lead the effort in making those who work in the Social Security Administration and the Treasury Department are held accountable…

Cut 6 (09)  “their job.”

____________________________________________

Topcashback.com surveyed thousands of adults asking their opinion on Valentine’s Day gifts that may have some of you scrambling for the receipts. Chief Communications Officer Natasha Rachel Smith says according to their results, materialistic gifts are out, and quality time is in.

Cut 7 (10)  “use once”

According to the survey, both men and women are not interested in finding lingerie in their Valentine’s Day gift bag. Smith says the frilly undergarments might be a bit passé.

Cut 8 (10) “item now”

48 percent of women said they would not be happy if their partner gave them a valentine’s card full of cash. Smith says a wad of Washingtons is a lazy gift.

Cut 9 (10)  “into that.”

__________________________________________

It’s going to be an upside down day with weather in the Bayou State.   It’s a type of day that occurs once in a while when a cold weather front moves through.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says many areas in south Louisiana will see their high temperatures early…

Cut 10 (07) “northern parishes.”

After some wet weather today, a dry day is on tap for Thursday.  Then Keim says another front is moving in just in time to put a damper on Mardi Gras weekend…

Cut 11 (11) “both days.”

The Endymion parade in New Orleans and the Isis parade in Metairie are scheduled for Saturday afternoon and evening. Keim says rain looks like a sure bet on Saturday across most of the state…

Cut 12 (08) “your ponchos.”

Temperatures are expected to be mild for those parades.

________________________________________________________

 

Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey is proposing legislation for the regular session that would require state agencies to publish all of their expenditures online for the public. The measure would create a “Louisiana Checkbook” that Ivey says it’s all about transparency.

Cut 13 (11)  “transactional level.”

The proposal seeks to replicate Ohiocheckbook.com, where all Ohio state expenditures are logged, and available to view using a user-friendly interface.

Ivey says an online checkbook would provide citizens with the ability to keep a close eye on every single transaction the state makes.

Cut 14 (11) “be able to”

Fiscal cliff negotiations have centered on potential cuts to state funding, and Ivey says creating the checkbook would allow legislators to take a scalpel to budget.

Cut 15 (09) “to us”

The bill was filed as HB 50

_________________________________________________________

Today marks National Signing Day, but it’s not like how it used to be. LSU signed 21 players during the first ever December signing period and they will likely sign four more players today to complete the 2018 recruiting class. Geaux 24-7 recruiting analyst Shea Dixon says Scotlandville safety Kelvin Joseph is expected to sign with the Tigers and Dixon also anticipates Rummel wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase will do the same…

Cut 16 (15) “pick LSU”   

LSU is also hoping to sign the number one cornerback in the country Patrick Surtain Junior of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dixon says he’s optimistic Surtain will sign with the Tigers over Alabama…

Cut 17 (15) “Bama’s won”

LSU is also recruiting cornerback Mario Goodrich from Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Dixon says Surtain is ranked higher on the recruiting boards, but Goodrich would be a good get for the Tigers…

Cut 18 (12) “in a program”

 

__________________________________________

 

18:30 LRN Newscast February 6

Several state senators are urging Governor John Bel Edwards to call a special session this month to fix a one-billion dollar revenue shortfall for next fiscal year. Edwards is waiting on House Republicans to get behind tax bills to make up the shortfall. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says legislators need to agree on a plan at the State Capitol…

Cut 3 (11) “of happening.”

Workers are seeing a difference in their paychecks. The federal tax reform bill has kicked in, giving the average worker an additional one-point-six-percent more in take home pay. But not everyone is seeing the increase just yet.  Co-owner of Metairie based Crescent Payroll Solutions Sanders Offner says some of the income tax bracket changes are just getting to some employers…

Cut 8 (10) “in January.”

Investors are jittery after the largest one day point drop in the history of Dow Jones. Matt Doyle gets advice from a pair of financial advisers…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

Search crews recovered the body of a St. Martinville man from Bayou Amy this morning in St. Martin Parish.  LDWF enforcement agents and the St. Martin and Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Offices recovered the body of 54-year-old Richard Pellerin. Officials were notified about a capsized vessel found in the Bayou.  Upon recovery there was no personal flotation device found on the body.

17:30 LRN Newscast February 6

We’ll find out this week whether there will be a special session to address the looming one billion dollar shortfall. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office says a student at Barbe High School brought a weapon to school today.  The 15-year-old boy brought the firearm that belonged to a sheriff’s deputy, identified as a family member.  The weapon was taken without the deputy’s knowledge.   The juvenile was arrested and the sheriff’s office is conducting an internal investigation in reference to the firearm.

Workers are seeing a difference in their paychecks. The federal tax reform bill has kicked in, giving the average worker, according to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center, an additional one-point-six-percent more in take home pay. Co-owner of Metairie based Crescent Payroll Solutions Sanders Offner says…

Cut 7 (10)  “their paychecks.”

A Krewe of Oshun horse rider was given a citation for animal cruelty after they were filmed abusing their horse Friday during the uptown Mardi Gras New Orleans parade. SPCA Communications Director Alicia Haefele says the video was a disturbing example of animal abuse.

Cut 13 (11) “off screen.”

The horse is in good condition and is being transferred to SPCA control.

16:45 LRN Sportscast Feb 6

LSU announced its Spring Football game will be played on Saturday, April 21st at 5 PM in Tiger Stadium. The SEC Network will televise the game. Spring practice will begin on March 11th as the Tigers will learn a new offense and we can expect a quarterback battle between Myles Brennan, Lowell Narcisse and Justin McMillan.

Ten former LSU players have been invited to participate in the 2018 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Quarterback Danny Etling got an invite, but defensive linemen Greg Gilmore and Christian LaCouture did not, despite participating in last month’s Senior Bowl.

The Saints have released defensive tackle Nick Fairly after not playing in 2017 because of a heart condition. After a standout 2016 campaign, Fairly signed a four-year, 28-million dollar contract. But after not playing a down in 2017, it remains to be seen how much of that money he’ll receive.

The LSU men’s basketball team left for Gainesville today where they’ll play Florida tomorrow night at 5:30 PM. The Tigers are coming off a 94-86 win over Arkansas. Freshman Point guard Tremont Waters led the way with 27 points and 11 assists. Waters has struggled in several SEC games, but he’s not worried about the past
cut 27 (13) “…next game”
LSU is 4-6 in the SEC and in a five-way tie for eighth place. Florida is 6-4.

The Pelicans have fallen to 8th place in the Western Conference Standings after losing to the Utah Jazz 133 to 109 last night. New Orleans is 1-4 since All-Star DeMarcus Cousins went down with a season-ending injury. The Pelicans host the Pacers tomorrow night.

16:30 LRN Newscast February 6

A group of 14 bipartisan senators have sent a letter to Governor Edwards urging him to call a special session this month, so legislators can solve the billion dollar shortfall the state faces on July 1st. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says solving the fiscal cliff now will make it easier for legislators to pass a budget in June…

cut 4 (08) “….long way”

Governor Edwards is reportley going to make a call for a special session by Friday.

President Trump has asked Congress to pass a one-point-five-trillion-dollar infrastructure funding bill. But will Louisiana see any of those dollars? State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says Louisiana doesn’t have enough transportation money to match what the federal government might be willing to offer…
Cut 30 (09) “those dollars.”

Investors are breathing a little easier as the Dow Jones Industrial Average rebounded 587 points today.  Financial analyst Andy Anderson says don’t panic at the volatility of the stock market.  Just look at how your portfolio has performed in the past…

Cut 11 (09) “the trend.” (2X)

A Krewe of Oshun horse rider was given a citation for animal cruelty after they were filmed abusing their horse Friday during the uptown Mardi Gras New Orleans parade.  The video spread quickly across social media, helping lead officials to the rider. SPCA Communications Director Alicia Haefele says the video is spurring a conversation about animal treatment during carnival season.

Cut 14 (12) “the past.”

15:30 LRN Newscast Feb 6

With a one billion dollar state budget gap looming, Governor John Bel Edwards has a self imposed Friday deadline on whether he will call for a Legislative special session before the regular session starts on March 12th. Edwards says he’s still waiting on House leadership to support some revenue generating proposals, before he asks legislators to come to Baton Rouge for a special session…
Cut 6: “It just seems… …produce results” (:07)
The state will suffer a loss of a billion dollars of tax revenue when temporary taxes expire on July 1st. A possible start day for a February special session is February 19th.

Monday’s drop of over 11-hundred points of the Dow Jones Industrial average was the biggest one day point decline . Financial analyst Fred Dent says it’s not a time to panic, but a time for investors to reevaluate the market…
Cut 10 (11) “whole year.”

Some workers have more take-home pay as a result of the federal tax reform bill approved by Congress. Sanders Offner owns Crescent Payroll Solutions owner Sander Offner in Metairie says his clients have been asking why their employees are making more money. He says once their client is aware of the tax changes, everyone is happy…
Cut 9 (08) “in itself.”
He says those who didn’t see bigger checks in January because of the tax changes, can make note of that when they file their taxes next year.

A Krewe of Oshun horse rider was given a citation for animal cruelty after he war filmed abusing a horse during the uptown New Orleans parade on Friday. Louisiana SPCA spokesperson Alicia Haefele has recommendations for good Samaritarians looking to stop animal abuse…
Cut 15 (12) “every parade.”
The captain of the horse riding group says the rider will not be permitted to ride with the group again.

14:30 LRN Newscast February 6

Governor Edwards says Friday is the deadline for a decision on whether a special session will be called to address a one-billion dollar shortfall. Edwards is talking with House Speaker Taylor Barras about what tax proposals GOP legislators would support. Port Allen Republican Rick Ward is one of several senators urging the governor to call a special session and give legislators a broad list of options to work with…
cut 5 (09) “…fall apart”

A Krewe of Oshun horse rider was given a citation for animal cruelty after they were filmed abusing their horse Friday during the uptown New Orleans parade. Louisiana SPCA spokesperson Alicia Haefele says the video was a disturbing example of animal abuse.
Cut 13 (11) “off screen.”
The horse is in good condition and is being transferred to SPCA control.

Investors are jittery after the largest one day point drop in the history of Dow Jones. Matt Doyle gets advice from a pair of financial advisers…
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

Have you seen higher take home pay because of the federal tax reform legislation. Co-owner of Metairie-based Crescent Payroll Solutions Sanders Offner says the income tax braket changes are just to some employers…
cut 8 (10) “…In January”

LRN PM Newscall February 6

We’ll find out this week whether there will be a special session to address the looming one billion dollar shortfall. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________

Investors are jittery after the largest one day point drop in the history of Dow Jones. Matt Doyle gets advice from a pair of financial advisers…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

_________________________________________________

Several state senators are urging Governor John Bel Edwards to call a special session this month to fix a one-billion dollar revenue shortfall for next fiscal year. Edwards is waiting on House Republicans to get behind tax bills to make up the shortfall. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says for legislators to agree on a plan, they need to be at the State Capitol…

Cut 3 (11) “of happening.”

Ward is one of 14 Senators to sign a letter urging the governor to hold a special session after the Mardi Gras holiday. Ward says now is the time to address the loss of a billion dollars in temporary taxes on July 1st, so legislators know how much money they have available for next fiscal year’s budget…

Cut 4  (08) “long way” 

Ward says senators are also asking the governor to make the special session agenda as broad as possible…

Cut 5  (09)  “fall apart”

Edwards says he’ll need to issue a call for a special session by Friday in order for it to start and finish before the regular session begins March 12th. Edwards says he’s still waiting on House leadership to support some revenue generating proposals, before he asks legislators to come to Baton Rouge for a special session…

Cut 6 (07)  “produce results”

It’s been a reported a possible start date for the special session is February 19th.

________________________________________________________

Workers are seeing a difference in their paychecks. The federal tax reform bill has kicked in, giving the average worker, according to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center, an additional one-point-six-percent more in take home pay. Co-owner of Metairie based Crescent Payroll Solutions Sanders Offner says…

Cut 7 (10)  “their paychecks.”

But not everyone is seeing the increase just yet.  Offner says some of the income tax bracket changes are just getting to some employers…

Cut 8 (10) “in January.”

Offner’s phones have been off the hook with their clients calling asking why their employees are making more money.  He says once their client is aware of the tax changes, everyone becomes happy…

Cut 9 (08) “in itself.”

He adds that any who didn’t get the tax incentives on their January checks can make the proper adjustments on their tax forms next year.

_________________________________________________________

Investors are concerned with the recent drop in the Stock Market.  Monday’s drop of 1,175 points of the Dow Jones Industrial average was the biggest one day point decline and percentage wise the largest loss in six years. Financial analyst Fred Dent says it’s not a time to panic, but a time for investors to reevaluate the market…

Cut 10 (11) “whole year.”

Was this drop predicted and is there a way to see into the future if stocks are heading into a bear market?  Andy Anderson says ignore what some television analysts are saying and look at how your portfolio has performed in the past…

Cut 11 (09) “the trend.” (2X)

Anderson says if you find yourself concerned about your portfolio, don’t sell out.  He says it’s a good time to talk with a financial adviser…

Cut 12 (10) “rich quick.”

_________________________________________________

A Krewe of Oshun horse rider was given a citation for animal cruelty after they were filmed abusing their horse Friday during the uptown New Orleans parade. SPCA Communications Director Alicia Haefele says the video was a disturbing example of animal abuse.

Cut 13 (11) “off screen.”

The horse is in good condition and is being transferred to SPCA control.

The video spread quickly across social media, and the SPCA was able to discover the rider’s identity after contacting the different riding Krewes. Haefele says the video is spurring a conversation about animal treatment during carnival season.

Cut 14 (12) “the past.”

Haefele has some recommendations for good Samaritans looking to stop animal abuse.

Cut 15 (12) “every parade.”

She says only film the incident if you can remain safe while doing so.

1:30PM LRN Newscast February 6

Louisiana Radio Network News, I’m Matt Doyle

We’ll find out this week whether there will be a special session to address the looming one billion dollar shortfall. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A Tuesday vigil is being held for the two students who were killed, and the other two who were injured after an alleged drunk driver slammed his truck into their vehicle while driving the wrong direction on US 167 on Sunday. The victims were all North Vermillion High School students. 20-year-old Tyler Meaux, the truck’s driver, suffered minor injuries.

Investors are concerned with the recent drop in the Stock Market.  Monday’s drop of 1,175 points of the Dow Jones Industrial average was the biggest one day point decline and percentage wise the largest loss in six years. Financial analyst Fred Dent says it’s not a time to panic, but a time for investors to reevaluate the market. He says it’s a good time to talk with a financial advise.

Cut 12 (10) “rich quick.”

Peninsula Pacific confirmed that they are considering moving the Bossier based Diamond Jack Casino to Tangipahoa Parish, pending further analysis and legislative approval. Reports indicate that Peninsula is considering placing the casino along the Tangipahoa River, near the Robert exit on I-12. Manager Brent Stevens says the Parish would be a great location for a new casino.

Cut 15 (09) “exciting place”

Louisiana Radio Network