17:30 LRN Newscast March 2

An income tax bill described as the linchpin towards reaching an overall deal to close a looming a one-billion dollar budget shortfall failed on the House floor this afternoon. Ruston Representative Rob Shadoin asked his colleagues to put aside party politics and vote for the legislation…

Cut 13 (06) “her people”

Failure of this legislation means its likely legislators will not be able to solve the fiscal cliff and  hundreds of millions of dollars in cuts will be needed in state government. That means less money for TOPS, hospitals that depend on state money and higher education. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton…

Cut 14 (09) “back home”

Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh an outspoken critic of higher taxes spoke out against the legislation that failed today. Seabaugh says Louisiana residents are already paying higher taxes, because the federal tax overhaul changed Louisiana’s withholding tables, which means the state is collecting more tax money from its citizens..

Cut 15 (11) “be doing”

The legislation would have increased state revenues by an estimated 79-million dollars. Seabaugh says the measure is bad tax policy….

Cut 16  (11)  “thank you”

Legislators have until March 7th to come up with a solution before the special session ends.

16:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU baseball team is looking for better starting pitching this weekend. They have just one quality start on the year and that was by Zack Hess last Friday. He pitches again tonight against Toledo. On Sunday freshman right-hander AJ Labas will make his first start against Southeastern Louisiana. Labas hasn’t pitched yet after having back surgery in December…
cut 18 (19) “…more flexible”
Tonight’s game against Toledo will begin at 7 PM.

Other games of note…The Ragin Cajuns face Mississippi State in Houston. Louisiana Tech takes on 9th ranked Texas A-and-M in Frisco. McNeese is at home against Texas San Antonio. Tulane faces Cal State Fullerton.

The LSU men’s basketball team will complete the regular season on Saturday when they host Mississppi State. A win for the Tigers and they’ll be seeded anywhere from 9th to 12th in next week’s SEC Tournament. If LSU is seeded 10th or higher they will avoid playing on the first day of the tournament, which is Wednesday. A loss to the Bulldogs and LSU will be seeded 12th.

ULM is seeking a first round bye in the Sun Belt Tournament and to help that cause they need to beat Arkansas State on Saturday.

UL Lafayette has already secured the top seed by winning the Sun Belt. They will try to complete an undefeated season in the Cajundome when they face Arkansas-Little Rock.

Nicholls State and Southeastern Louisiana will battle for the top seed in the Southland Tournament. The two teams meet at 5 PM in Hammond. The Colonels already have clinched a share of the league title, but they lost to the Lions earlier this season.

Grambling State can win a SWAC title on Saturday when they visit Alabama State. The Tigers snapped a two-game losing streak with an 84-74 win in overtime over Alabama A-and-M.

16:30 LRN Newscast March 2

A vote to pass an income tax bill to help bridge a one-billion-dollar budget fell short today getting 50 of the 53 needed yes votes. Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh an outspoken critic of higher taxes rallied against the legislation. Seabaugh says Louisiana residents are already paying higher taxes, because the federal tax overhaul changed Louisiana’s withholding tables, which means the state is collecting more tax money from its citizens

Cut 15 (11) “be doing”

The legislation would have increased state revenues by an estimated 79-million dollars. Seabaugh says the measure is bad tax policy….

Cut 16  (11)  “thank you”

Authorities in Cameron Parish are trying to figure out how a severed human head ended up in a marsh alongside LA Highway 27. Sheriff Ron Johnson says road crews discovered it Thursday afternoon. He’s surprised someone didn’t spot the head sooner…

Cut 10 (10) “Cameron Parish.”

Johnson says the discovery is not believed to be connected to any missing person cases in Cameron Parish.

A new report finds the majority of Louisiana’s young people are un-fit for military service.  The Pentagon says more than 70 percent of Americans aged 17 to 24 cannot join the United States military – 26 million young Americans. The percentage in Louisiana is 75 percent. Admiral David Callahan says there are many reasons.

Cut 3 (:14) “another 3rd.”

PM Newscall March 2

A report says 75 percent of Louisiana’s young people are un-fit to serve in the military. Jim Shannon has the reaction from a retired Louisiana Marine General.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

______________________________________

Authorities are investigating the finding of a severed head in Cameron Parish.   Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

_________________________________________________

A new report finds the majority of Louisiana’s young people are un-fit for military service.  The Pentagon reports that more than 70 percent of Americans aged 17 to 24 cannot join the United States military – 26 million young Americans for various reasons. The percentage in Louisiana is 75 percent. Admiral David Callahan says there are many reasons.

Cut 3 (:14) “another 3rd.”

Callahan says the problems in Louisiana are not any different from young people around the country.

Cut 4  (09) “from qualifying.” 

With 75 percent of Louisiana kids in-eligible to serve,  the former chief of the Marine’s Paris island training facility Major General Ron Richard, from here, says it’s time for people to wake up and pay more attention to our youth.

Cut 5  (09 ) “test of time.”

_________________________________________________________

Authorities are on the lookout for a man involved in the murder of a 29-year-old man from New Iberia. Iberia Sheriff Louis Ackal says Courtland Hall was shot and killed by 26-year-old Akeam Daniels. Daniels remains on the run.  He is described as a black male, five-foot-ten, 155-pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Ackal says it was a crime of passion…

Cut 6 (11)  “month old.”

That prompted an AMBER Alert, which was later canceled. Ackal says two-month-old Amari Daniels was found late last night abandoned in the car the father was last seen driving…

Cut 7 (09)  “the child.”

Ackal thinks someone may be harboring Daniels and knows where he is hiding, but are too scared to come forward…

Cut 8 (07) “neon lights.”

Daniels is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. If anyone knows where he is, Ackal says to contact his Sheriff’s Office at 337-369-3711 or Iberia Crime Stoppers at 337-364-TIPS.

_________________________________________________________

A road crew in Cameron Parish made a grizzly discovery. A severed human head was found inside of a bag alongside Louisiana Highway 27. Sheriff Ron Johnson says it appears the head has been there quite a while, with no other evidence at the scene.  Johnson says the coroner is trying to determine the age and sex…

Cut 9 (11) “a picture.”

It’s unknown at this time when the bag and head were dumped in the area. Johnson says he’s surprised someone didn’t see it sooner, even though it was in a marshy area…

Cut 10 (10) “Cameron Parish.”

Johnson says the discovery is believed to not be connected to any missing person cases in Cameron Parish, as the last case dates back to the 1980’s.

______________________________________________________

February’s rainfall in North Louisiana set a record going back to the 1870’s. Shreveport National Weather Service forecaster Matthew Duplantis says it’s no wonder the lakes, rivers and creeks are at or above flood stage…

Cut 11 (10) “zero inches.”

Duplantis says there’s so much water now in the area, experts are concerned the over saturated ground won’t be able to handle any more. He says the rivers won’t have enough of a break before getting into the time of year when the most rain typically falls…

Cut 12 (06) “active weather.”

Flood warnings remain in effect for the Mississippi, Ouachita and Red Rivers until further notice.

_________________________________________________________

An income tax bill described as the linchpin towards towards reaching an overall deal towards closing a looming a one-billion dollar budget shortfall failed on the House floor this afternoon. Ruston Representative Rob Shadoin asked his colleagues to put aside party politics and vote for the legislation…

Cut 13 (06) “her people”

Failure of this legislation means its likely legislators will not be able to solve the fiscal cliff and  hundreds of millions of dollars in cuts will be needed in state government. That means less money for TOPS,  hospitals that depend on state money and higher education. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton…

Cut 14 (09) “back home”

Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh an outspoken critic of higher taxes spoke out against the legislation. Seabaugh says Louisiana residents are already paying higher taxes, because the federal tax overhaul changed Louisiana’s witholding tables, which means the state is collecting more tax money from its citizens

Cut 15 (11) “be doing”

The legislation would have increased state revenues by an estimated 79-million dollars. Seabaugh says the measure is bad tax policy….

Cut 16  (11)  “thank you”

 

_____________________________________

15:30 LRN Newscast March 2

An income tax bill described as the linchpin towards reaching an overall deal towards closing a looming a one-billion dollar budget shortfall failed on the House floor this afternoon. Ruston Representative Rob Shadoin asked his colleagues to put aside party politics and vote for the legislation…

Cut 13 (06) “her people”

Failure of this legislation means its likely legislators will not be able to solve the fiscal cliff and hundreds of millions of dollars in cuts will be needed in state government. That means less money for TOPS,  hospitals that depend on state money and higher education. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton…

Cut 14 (09) “back home”

The bill needed 53 yes votes to pass. It only got 50.

Authorities are investigating the finding of a severed head in Cameron Parish.   Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

A Monroe woman who pleaded guilty to attempted first degree murder of Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Agent Tyler Wheeler was sentenced to a total of 120 years in prison. 32-year-old Amethyst Baird Rathore shot Wheeler during a traffic stop in Morehouse Parish last year leaving him for dead.   Rathore entered the guilty plea last October…

14:30 LRN Newscast March 2

Authorities are on the lookout for a man involved in the murder of a 29-year-old man from New Iberia. Iberia Sheriff Louis Ackal says Courtland Hall was shot and killed by 26-year-old Akeam Daniels. Daniels remains on the run.  He is a black male, five-foot-ten, 155-pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. An earlier AMBER Alert was canceled after two-month-old Amari Daniels was found late last night abandoned in the car the father was last seen driving. Sheriff Ackal…

Cut 7 (07)  “the child.”

At this hour the Louisiana House is debating tax bills that would help bridge a one-billion-dollar budget gap. House Speaker Taylor Barras promised yesterday that the entire schedule of items will be considered this afternoon, including numerous amendments. A sales tax bill that would generate 300-million dollars annually was soundly defeated on Wednesday.

A report says 75 percent of Louisiana’s young people are un-fit to serve in the military. Jim Shannon has the reaction from a retired Louisiana Marine General.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

February’s rainfall in North Louisiana set a record going back to the 1870’s. Shreveport National Weather Service forecaster Matthew Duplantis says it’s no wonder the lakes, rivers and creeks are at or above flood stage…

Cut 11 (10) “zero inches.”

13:30 LRN Newscast March 2nd

A new report shows 75-percent of the state’s young adults are unable to join the military because of a number of factors. Retired Admiral David Callahan.
Cut 3 (:14) “another 3rd.”
Callahan says this is a national security issue and the best way to address this problem is to properly fund early child care and education.

The search continues for 26-year-old Akeam Daniels, who is accused of fatally shooting the boyfriend of his daughter’s mother. Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal says it was a crime of passion…
Cut 6 (11) “month old.”
That prompted an AMBER alert, but the two month-old was found safe in the suspect’s abandoned car.

The House has begun discussions on a key piece of legislation that’s needed in order to raise revenue to close a one billion dollar budget deficit. If the legislature can not pass any tax bills to replace expiring sales taxes, significant cuts will occur to next fiscal year’s budget. House Speaker Taylor Barras is optimistic…
cut 15 (04) “…work to do”

Authorities are investigating the finding of a severed head in Cameron Parish. Jeff Palermo has more…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

11:40 LRN Sportscast March 2

LSU is back on the baseball diamond tonight as they host Toledo at 7 PM at Alex Box Stadium. Designated hitter Beau Jordan is swinging a hot bat as he’s hitting .400 with a couple of home runs. Coach Paul Mainieri says the key with Beau is that he doesn’t become pull happy….
cut 17 (13) “…easier out”
Zack Hess will start on the mound tonight and freshman right-hander A-J Labas will make his first start of the season on Sunday.

In other action….Louisiana Tech who is 5-4, will face ninth ranked Texas A-and-M in Frisco, Texas. The Ragin Cajuns are in Houston and they’ll face Mississippi State in Minute Maid Park. Coach Tony Robichaux will serve the second game of his two-game suspension for excessive aruging with umps last Sunday. And Nicholls State is other in Pensacola, where they’ll play Ohio State this afternoon.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Saints are meeting with Drew Brees’ agent. Head Coach Sean Payton said at the draft combine that he expects talks will go smoothly on a new contract. Also, multiple reports say the Saints will not re-sign safety Kenny Vaccaro.

Ragin Cajuns basketball won their school-record 26th game last night as UL Lafayette defeated Arkansas State 85-74. Frank Bartely surpassed one-thousand points for his career as the BYU transfer had a team-high 18 points.

With one game left in the regular season, ULM put itself in position to secure a first round bye in next week’s Sun Belt Tournament. It wasn’t a pretty game, but the Warhawks held off Little Rock 48-44. Travis Munnings had 21 points to lead the way.

Grambling State can win a SWAC title on Saturday when they visit Alabama State. The Tigers snapped a two-game losing streak with an 84-74 win in overtime over Alabama A-and-M. Ivy Smith Junior had a career-high 32 points.

LRN 11:30 A.M. Newscast 03/02/2018

A new report just released finds the majority of Louisiana’s young people are un-fit for military service.  The Pentagon reports that more than 70 percent of Americans aged 17 to 24 cannot join the United States military – 26 million young Americans for various reasons.

Officials say the problems in Louisiana are not any different from young people around the country.

With 75 percent of Louisiana kids in-eligible to serve,  the former chief of the Marine’s Paris island training facility Major General Ron Richard, from here, says it’s time for people to wake up and pay more attention to our youth.

Cut 5  (09 ) “test of time.”

We will find out Sunday if two movies filmed in Louisiana will win an Oscar.  Mudbound was filmed in New Orleans and rural St. James Parish, while Logan was filmed in several locations including Amite, Ferriday, Hammond and New Orleans. Louisiana Entertainment Executive Director Chris Stelly says these projects had far reaching impacts in the state’s economy…

Cut 10 (09) “59-million-dollars.”

Police are on the lookout for a man involved in the murder of a 29-year-old man in New Iberia. Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal says they are seeking 26-year-old Akeam Daniels. Daniels is described as a black male, five-foot-ten-inches-tall, weighing 155-pounds with black hair and brown eyes.

That prompted an AMBER Alert, which was later canceled. Ackal says two-month-old Amari Daniels was found late last night abandoned in the car the father was last seen driving…

Cut 7 (07)  “the child.”

The suspect is believed to be in a brown honda accord.

The House is set to try again today on passing tax proposals that will go towards closing a one-billion dollar budget deficit. A sales tax bill that would generate 300-million dollars anually was soundly defeated on Wednesday, but House Speaker Taylor Barras says that measure is still a critical part of addressing the fiscal cliff…

 

 

10:30 LRN Newscast March 2nd

The House is in session this morning for a critical day of votes on tax bills that would help close a looming one billion dollar budget deficit…
cut 14 (10) “….the Senate”
That’s House Speaker Taylor Barras who expressed some optimism last night that tax negoitiations were progressing.

Police are on the lookout for a man involved in the murder of a 29-year-old man in New Iberia. Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal says they are seeking 26-year-old Akeam Daniels. Daniels is described as a black male, five-foot-ten-inches-tall, weighing 155-pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Ackal says it was a crime of passion…
Cut 6 (11) “month old.”
That prompted an AMBER alert, but the two year-old was found safe in the suspect’s abandoned car.

There is a Louisiana connection with today’s funeral for evangelist Billy Graham. Michael Farrar has the story.
Cut 1 (28) “I’m Michael Farrar.”

If you are heading through Lake Charles this weekend, be aware that a four-month construction project to repair joints on the I-10 Lake Charles bridge will begin and the inside eastbound lane will be closed. State Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett…
cut 9 (10) “…that bridge”
The construction zone will be from Opelousas Street to the Calcasieu River Bridge.