11:40 LRN sportscast Feb 25

Two big upsets in college baseball last night as a pair of teams ranked in the top ten go down in defeat. Fifth ranked LSU blew an eight-run lead and lost to Lamar 12-11. Third baseman O’Neal Lochridge blasted a three-run homer in an eight-run second inning for the Tigers, but LSU’s pitching staff couldn’t hold the lead. They walked eight batters and hit four others. Rough outing for Riley Smith as he allowed seven runs in 1.2 innings.

In Ruston, Louisiana Tech defeated sixth ranked UL Lafayette six to two. The Bulldogs scored four runs in the fifth inning. Raphael Gladu and Marshall Boggs each drove in two runs and Tyler Clancy struck out a career-high nine hitters to earn the victory on the mound.

In other action….Sacramento State doubled up Northwestern State four to two, Alabama crushed Nicholls State 13-1, Southeastern Louisiana thumped Alcorn State 15 to 3 and Tulane blanked Alabama A-and-M seven to nothing.

The Pelicans host Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Smoothie King Center. Durant is averaging almost 28 points a game, while Westbrook is averaging 24 points and 10 assists a contest. New Orleans has won eight of its last eleven home games. Tip-off is at 7:00.

10:30 LRN Newscast Feb 25

The House convenes at this hour as they will vote on a variety of bills that would raise taxes. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says the House is reluctant to raise taxes, so there’s a lot of negotiating behind the scenes…
cut 6 (09) “….their caucus”
The big tax proposal on the agenda is a penny increase to the four-cent sales tax, which would raise an estimated 220-million dollars by June 30th and help fill a 900-million dollar shortfall.

The chairman of the House Republican Legislative Delegation, Lance Harris of Alexandria, says they’ve sent a list of proposals to the governor’s office for long-term changes to how the state spends its money. Harris says some of their proposals can be addressed in the upcoming regular legislative session, while others will have to wait for next year’s fiscal session…
cut 12 (05) “….couple of years”
Harris says they are also pushing for any tax increases approved in the special session to be removed once the budget is stabilized.

Cleco’s proposed sale to a foreign private investment firm has been rejected by the Public Service Commission. . Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says the sale would have been good for their customers…
cut 15 (06) “….it’s stakeholders”
So what’s next for the Pineville-based utility company. Cahill says they are reviewing their options.

ExxonMobil has invested 13-million dollars to help a college readiness program that’s already been successful in several Louisiana high schools…
cut 9 (08) “….18 schools”
That’s Matthew Randazzo with the National and Science Initiative College Readiness Program, who says these dollars will get more students involved in Advanced Placement courses and improve student performance in math, science and English.

The St. James Parish coroner has identified the two victims who were killed when a tornado hit an RV park in St. James Parish. They are 59-year-old Eugene Swann of Alabama and 51-year-old Scott Ellis of North Carolina. Officials many residents of the RV park were contractors working at chemical plants.

 

09:30 Newscast, February 25th, 2016

Republicans in the House sent a letter to Governor John Bel Edwards outlining long-term changes they want made in the state’s budget, so they don’t have to keep battling deficits like we’re seeing now. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris oversaw the writing of the letter says these changes might lead Republican House members to approve the governor’s proposed tax increases…:
cut 11 (10) “revenue options”
He says they are interested in pension reform, capital outlay reform and tax reform.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu released documents Wednesday indicating three Confederate monuments in the city could come down by the summer. He is formally seeking bids to remove the statues after the previous contractor quit the deal in the face of death threats. The City Council voted in December to allow four of the Confederate monuments to come down. Bidders have until March 29th to submit proposals.

The National Math and Science Initiative College Readiness Program received a $13 million investment from ExxonMobil. Halen Doughty has the story…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

In Baton Rouge Wednesdy, the Public Service Commission did not approve the sale of Cleco to Macquarie Infrastructure. Regulators said the deal was not in the best interest of those who’s homes and businesses in central Louisaiana are powered by Cleco. Commissioner Foster Cambell…:
CUT 14 (06) “to do”
Cleco says they are still exploring options.

 

08:30 Newscast, February 25th, 2016

The long talked about tax measures will be heard for the first time on the House floor today. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says House Republicans want the administration to commit to long term budget reform, before taxes are raised, and for good reason…:
Cut 5 (10) “revenue side”
It takes 70 votes for a bill that raises taxes to pass the House and advance to the Senate.

AP courses will soon be expanded in Louisiana after ExxonMobil put up 13 million dollars for the National Math and Science Initiative College Readiness Program. NMSI CEO Matthew Randazzo says the investment will allow them to support educators with the tools they need to effective AP teachers. He says students benefit from high school AP courses…:
Cut 8 (07) “from college”

Cops are investigating a rare possible homicide in Point Coupee Parish where a man was found dead in a vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head. Investigations say foul play is suspected. The State Police Crime Lab is processing the scene.

The Public Service Commission rejects Cleco’s attempt to sell the Pineville-based utility company to a private investment group. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A judge in New Orleans appeals court said Wednesday that Louisiana can enforce the law that requires abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, which opponents argued would force the closure of clinics.

07:30 Newscast, February 25th, 2016

The House of Representatives votes today on several different tax proposals that the governor is pushing as a way to solve the state’s budget crisis. Up for consideration, is an increase to the state’s sales tax, higher cigarette and alcohol taxes and fewer tax exemptions for businesses. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos…:
cut 4 (10) “they want”
There are just 14 days left in the special session.

The National Weather Service confirmed that at least eight tornadoes hit Louisiana during the destructive weather system on Tuesday. They say four of those were classified as EF-2, including the one that blew through Convent, destroying an RV park while killing two people, and injuring 30. EF2 twisters pack winds of up to 135 miles per hour. The other EF2 tornadoes hit Livingston, Paincourtville (PAN’-koor-vil), and LaPlace. The four others were in Lacombe, Kenner, Montpelier and Prairieville.

The Public Service Commission has rejected Cleco’s attempt to sell the utility company for 5-billion dollars to a foreign investment group. The deal was rejected on a 3-2 vote. Commissioner Foster Campbell voted against the sale…:
Cut 13 (06) “public monopoly”
Cleco says they are disappointed in the decision and they are reviewing their future options.

Republican State Representatives sent Governor John Bel Edwards a list of long-term changes they want in the state government as they try to negotiate the administration’s proposed tax increases aimed at fixing the budget deficit. Legislators are interested in reforms in pensions, capital outlay, and taxes. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris, who oversaw preparation of the letter, says legislators don’t want to keep having to deal with midyear deficits…:
Cut 10 (05) “year out”
The letter also asks that any tax increases approved during the special session end once revenue from long term reform is collected.

 

06:45 Sportscast, February 25th, 2016

LSU baseball had a tough loss on the road last night to Lamar, after getting out to a big lead. The Tigers fell to the persistent Cardinals 12-11. Lamar improves to 5-0 on the year, and it was the first loss of the season for LSU. The tigers erupted for eight runs on six hits in the second inning to take an 8-0 lead. But Lamar continued to rally to eventually lock the victory. LSU will play host to Sacramento State at 7 p.m. CT Friday in Game 1 of a three-game series in Alex Box Stadium.

New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson has once again been ruled mentally competent to handle his affairs, after a Louisiana appeals court upheld a civil judge’s ruling. Benson removed his heirs from ownership positions of the NFL and NBA clubs, naming his wife the primary successor. They argued their father wasn’t competent to make call, but the judges disagreed. Benson released a statement that said he hopes one day soon all of his estranged heirs ungratefulness will end.

In college hoops, Tulane falls to East Carolina in New Orleans last night 79-73. In Hammond, Southeastern picked up the win over UNO, 93-81. JaMichael Hawkins hit six 3 pointers and scored 29 points to lead the Lions. Today ULM travels to face South Alabama. UL-Lafayette is at Troy. and Louisiana Tech hosts North Texas.

Back to college baseball, Tulane shutout Alabama A&M last night 7-0. In Ruston, Louisiana Tech got the in-state rivalry win over UL-Lafayette 6-2. Southeastern had no problem against Alcorn State, picking up the 15-3 victory. UNO drops to Southern Miss 7-4. Nicholls State was clobbered by Alabama, 13-1. Northwestern State fell to Sacramento State 4-2. Southern baseball’s home opener against Jackson State was called off due to a wet outfield.

The Saints have reportedly cut cornerback Brandon Browner. He’d hinted on social media on February 5th that he’d be saying goodbye to New Orleans, and now it seems like the Saints will make the official announcement next week.

In the NBA, The Pelicans host the Kevin Durrant and the OKlahoma City Thunder. Tipoff is 7pm.

 

06:30 Newscast, February 25th, 2016

Today the Louisiana House of Representatives will vote on multiple tax proposals that Governor John Bel Edwards is pushing to solve the state’s massive budget deficit. Emelie Gunn has more…:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Freshman Baton Rouge Representative Ronnie Edwards lost her life Wednesday after a more than two year battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. House Speaker Taylor Barras confirmed the news to the full House at the State Capitol yesterday afternoon. Governor John Bel Edwards said even though Rep Ronnie Edwards’ time was short in the legislature, it was a dream come true for her and a testament to her tireless effort to improve her community. She was 63.

ExxonMobil invests $13 million into the National Math and Science Initiative College Readiness Program. NMSI CEO Matthew Randazzo says the College Readiness Program is focused on driving student achievement around rigorous college-level courses and advanced placement. He says students will have access to more AP courses and fee waivers for the AP tests…:
CUT 7 (09) “excited about”
Four schools in Louisiana already benefit from this program, including Bossier and Parkway High Schools.

On a three-to-two vote the Public Service Commission rejects Cleco’s attempt to sell the Pineville-based utility company to a private investment group. International investors were looking to buy Cleco for nearly five billion dollars.

LRN AM Newscall February 24, 2016

Today the Louisiana House of Representatives will vote on multiple tax proposals that Governor John Bel Edwards is pushing to solve the state’s massive budget deficit. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The National Math and Science Initiative College Readiness Program received a $13 million investment from ExxonMobil. Halen Doughty has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

The Public Service Commission rejects Cleco’s attempt to sell the Pineville-based utility company to a private investment group. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The House of Representatives votes today on several different tax proposals that the governor is pushing for as a way to solve the state’s budget crisis. Up for consideration, is an increase to the state’s sales tax, higher cigarette and alcohol taxes and fewer tax exemptions for businesses. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says negotiations have been ongoing on which tax bills will pass…

cut 4  (10)  “they want”

It takes 70 votes for a bill that raises taxes to pass the House and advance to the Senate. Dubos says House Republicans want the governor to commit to long term budget reform, before taxes are raised. And he says they have a good point…

Cut 5  (10)  “revenue side”

There are 14 days left in the special session and whatever tax bills clean the House, still need to be debated in the Senate. Dubos says the House seems more reluctant to raise taxes than the Senate so there is a lot more negotiating to do….

Cut 6 (09)  “their caucus” 

_________________________________________________________

ExxonMobil invests $13 million into the National Math and Science Initiative College Readiness Program. NMSI CEO Matthew Randazzo says the College Readiness Program is focused on driving student achievement around rigorous college-level courses and advanced placement. He says students will have access to more AP courses and fee waivers for the AP tests.

CUT 7 (09)  “excited about”

Randazzo says the investment will allow NMSI to support educators with the tools they need to be better AP teachers. He says students benefit from high school AP courses…

Cut 8  (07)  “from college”

Four schools in Louisiana already benefit from this program, including Bossier and Parkway High Schools. Last year, students from Parkway and Bossier saw a 215% increase in qualifying math, science and English AP exam scores. Randazzo says this investment will allow NMSI to impact additional schools

Cut 9 (08)  “18 schools”

______________________________________

Republican State Representatives sent Governor John Bel Edwards a list of long-term changes they want in the state government as they try to negotiate the governor’s proposed tax increases aimed at fixing the budget deficit. Legislators are interested in pension reform, capital outlay reform and tax reform. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris, who oversaw preparation of the letter, says legislators don’t want to keep having to deal with midyear deficits.

Cut 10 (05) “year out”

Harris says legislators realize there are structural problems with the way Louisiana conducts its fiscal business. He says these changes might lead Republican House members to approve the governor’s proposed tax increases.

cut 11 (10) “revenue options”

Harris says these and other ideas should get Louisiana to a position where it is not dealing with serious budget issues every year. He says that while some of their proposals will be addressed immediately, many of them will have to wait until next year’s fiscal session.

cut 12 (05) “couple of years”

The letter also asks that any tax increases approved during the special session end once revenue from long term reform is collected. The governor’s office did not have an immediate response to the letter.

_________________________________________________________

The Public Service Commission has rejected Cleco’s attempt to sell the utility company for 5-billion dollars to a foreign investment group. The deal was rejected by a 3-2 vote. Commissioner Foster Campbell voted against the sale. He says we need stronger regulations on monopolies, not weaker regulations.

Cut 13 (06)  “public monopoly”

Campbell says the sale would have led to less control over a company that has 286-thousand customers throughout Louisiana who depend on Cleco for power. Campbell says the citizens of Louisiana are better off because the deal did not pass.

Cut 14 (06)  “to do” 

Cleco representative Jennifer Cahill says Cleco is disappointed with the PSC’s decision not to allow the transaction.

Cut 15 (06) “its stakeholders” 

Cahill says the sale would have been in the best interest of the customers. She says Cleco will review its options regarding this decision.

18:30 LRN Newscast Feb 24

About two-thousand students rallied at the state Capitol today to protest cuts to higher education. Michelle southern reports…
voicer 2 (30) “….I’m Michelle Southern”

On a three-to-two vote the Public Service Commission rejects Cleco’s attempt to sell the Pineville-based utility company to a private investment group. International investors were looking to buy Cleco for nearly five billion dollars. Cleco says they are disappointed in today’s decision and they are reviewing their future options.

Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency in seven parishes as a result of Tuesday’s severe weather. Halen Doughty reports…
voicer 1 (30) “….I’m Halen Doughty”

Funerals were held today for two DeQuincy High School seniors that were killed in a two vehicle crash on LA 27 on Sunday. Lauren Leblanc was 17 years-old and Charlee Smith was 18-years-old. KPLC-TV is reporting residents of DeQuincy raised 27-thousand dollars to help pay for the teenagers funerals.

16:45 LRN Sportscast Feb 24

An appeals court has upheld a New Orleans judge’s ruling that says Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson is mentally competent to run both professional franchises. Benson’s daughter Renee Benson and grandchildren Rita and Ryan Leblanc have argued that the 88-year-old Benson is not competent to make big business decisions. It’s unclear if Benson’s estranged heirs will file appeal as they fight to gain ownership of the teams after Mr. Benson passes away. Benson released a statement that said he hopes one day soon all of their ungratefulness will end and he can continue to enjoy his work with the Saints and Pelicans.

The 5th ranked LSU baseball team is in Beaumont tonight to take on the Lamar Cardinals. Both teams are undefeated on the season. Austin Bain will start on the mound for the Tigers. It’s his first start since offseason shoulder surgery. In Ruston, Louisiana Tech takes on sixth ranked UL Lafayette in the Bulldogs home opener.

The Saints will reportedly officially cut ties with cornerback Brandon Browner on March ninth. Browner has already hinted that he would be done in New Orleans after one season, when he sent out a couple of tweets saying goodbye to the Who Dat Nation. Browner had a rough 2015 as he was the victim of several big plays and called for his fair share of penalties.

According to WBRZ-TV injured Southern football player Devon Gales will return to Baton Rouge in the next few days. Gales has been rehabbing in Atlanta since fracturing his neck in several places in the Jaguars game against Georgia on September 26th. Gales underwent several surgeries to get to this point. He’s still in a wheel chair, but doctors are impressed with the progress he’s made.

In college basketball…the LSU Tigers losing streak as hit three games after losing by 20 points to Arkansas last night. The Bayou Bengals are 16-and-12 and out of the picture when it comes to reaching the NCAA Tournament.