LRN AM Newscall Feb 20

A couple of interstate projects are slated for Lake Charles.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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North Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham told the Baton Rouge Press Club he has yet to decide on whether he’ll run for governor in 2019, but he sounded like a candidate. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the legislature on the first day of the special session.  Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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The State Transportation Department will begin work on the I-10 bridge in Lake Charles on March 3rd. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says they will replace the expansion joints on the bridge, initially closing one eastbound lane. Mallett says this work is part of a large scale job they plan to perform…

Cut 4  (10) “be redecked.” 

Officials hope to minimize the amount of accidents during the work on the I-10 bridge in Lake Charles.  Mallett says it’s important that drivers pay attention while driving in the work zone to avoid adding delays…

Cut 5  (08)  “further delays.”

There are a few options for drivers to circumvent I-10 if they want to avoid the extra congestion…

Cut 6 (10)  “some point.”

The project is expected to be completed in four to six months.

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North Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham made no bones about his intentions to take a hard look at running for Governor. On the day when Governor John Bel Edwards took center stage at the capitol and opened the special legislative session, Abraham took a swipe at his potential opponent while speaking to the Baton Rouge Press club.

Cut 7 (09)  “lack of trust”

Abraham says Edwards position on how to pull the state out of the billion dollar deficit is proof positive Edwards is not being truthful.

Cut 8 (11) “with that”

Abraham says in the days of lightning fast social media Louisiana voters are less likely to consider where a candidate is from and more likely to hear his message.

Cut 9 (08 )  “with us”

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Three teens were arrested in connection with two alleged social media threats made against Tangipahoa Parish Schools. Sheriff Daniel Edwards says a 17-year-old female and a minor are charged in spreading a post that said, “Don’t go to school Monday.  A school shooting is going to happen and they are warning everyone.” Edwards says that resulted in his deputies sweeping the school before allowing students on campus…

Cut 10 (08) “the night.”

Edwards says 18-year-old Troy Webber of Amite was arrested in separate incident after he allegedly threatening to shoot students and teachers at school Monday…

Cut 11 (13) “as well.”

Edwards says the important message in all this is for parents to be watchful as to what their kids talk about and pass out on social media…

Cut 12 (10) “Sheriff’s Office.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the legislature, calling on the state’s governing body to put party politics aside to fix the impending fiscal cliff that triggers July 1st after a series of sales taxes expire. If no deal is struck, TOPS, higher Ed, and healthcare would see massive cuts. Edwards says it’s time to put party aside for the future of the state.

Cut 13 (11)  “with me”

The governor called on lawmakers to adopt his plan that would reduce the state sales tax, and replace the funds by widening the tax base, removing certain business sales tax exemptions, and compressing income tax brackets. Edwards says funding popular state programs should be every legislator’s objective.

Cut 14 (13) “critical priorities”

Because the fiscal cliff is a revenue issue, it must be addressed in a special session. Edwards says putting a deal off until a possible June special session would have major repercussions for the 2018-2019 college academic year.

Cut 15 (10) “next fall.”

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Will Wade’s LSU men’s basketball team is close to completing an astonishing turn around less than a year after the Tigers bottomed out at 10-21 last year. A win tonight versus Vanderbilt would give LSU 16 victories and guarantee a winning record for this season.

Cut 16 (15) “months ago.”

The Bayou Bengals have won four straight league games at home after winning only 2 total league games last year. Wade says a big part of the turnaround is due to his team locking down the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

Cut 17 (19) “playing well.”

With a successful regular season almost in the books, many are wondering whether or not the Tigers will make this year’s NCAA tournament. Wade, who led VCU to the tournament as head coach, says this LSU team is more focused on building momentum than looking ahead to a possible selection.

Cut 18 (17) “this week”