16:30 LRN Newscast February 16th

Embattled Napoleonville Senator Troy Brown said today in a press conference that it is with great sadness that he submits his resignation. He says for as long as he could remember, he desired to serve his district and the people of Louisiana….
cut 14 (08) “….Louisiana Senate”
Brown was facing an expulsion hearing on Monday for two recent domestic abuse convictions.

Governor Edwards campaign says the Democrat already has 3.2 million dollars in the bank for his re-election efforts in 2019. Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry could be his toughest opposition and he has 544-thousand on hand based on campaign finance reports. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says if Landry officially enters the race, his fundraising will rise quickly…
cut 5 (11) “….sitting governor”

Desoto Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle believes the victims of yesterday’s helicopter crash at Wallace Lake are from Texas, Terry and Pam Bailey…
cut 16 (06) “….are missing”
No word on cause of the crash. The chopper left Shreveport and it was headed to Center, Texas.

Former LSU star running back Leonard Fournette is now partnering with New Orleans based Life10 Electrolyte water. Michelle Southern has more on his endorsement….
Voicer 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

14:30 LRN Newscast February 16th

Baton Rouge lawmakers are looking to offer a constitutional amendment that would ask the public if they would be willing to pay an additional 23-cents in gas taxes to fund major highway projects. Representative Steve Carter says the additional revenues from the tax could pay for a new Mississippi River bridge and the widening of I-10….
cut 14 (08) “….we need em bad”
The constitutional amendment would be considered in the regular session that begins in April.

Louisiana State Police is ramping up enforcement in New Orleans for the Carnival season and this weekend’s NBA All-Star Game. Trooper Melissa Matey says they’ll have an additional 165 troopers in the Crescent City…:
Cut 6 (10) “the past”
She says they rely also heavily on the public and encourages folks to let an officer know if you see something suspicious.

DeSoto Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle says crews have recovered two bodies from the site of a helicopter crash at Wallace Lake. He says the FAA and other agencies are investigating the circumstances of the crash itself, while his deputies are working on recovering pieces of the chopper. He says the biggest challenge is getting to the crash site.
Cut 15 (09) “build roads in here”
The victims are believed to be a married couple from Center, Texas.

Former LSU star running back Leonard Fournette is the pitch man for the Life 10 Electroylyte beverage, which is based out of New Orleans. Fournette is represented by the sports agency Roc Nation and its President of Branding Michael Yormark says Fournette has great potential to be a terrific spokesperson for the sports drink…
cut 11 (09) “…very engaging”

LRN PM Newscall February 16th

The campaign for Governor John Bel Edwards’ re-election announces he raised $3.6 million in 2016. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Former LSU star running back Leonard Fournette is now partnering with New Orleans based Life10 Electrolyte water. Michelle Southern has more on his endorsement….

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor John Bel Edwards re-election campaign announces he raised $3.6 million in campaign funds during his first year in office. According to finance reports, the governor ended 2016 with $3.2 million on hand. UL-Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says it’s an impressive haul for Edwards’ first year.

Cut 3 (12) “in 2019”

Despite budget problems, floods and civil unrest from a police shooting, the governor has maintained a high approval rating. Cross says being well liked helps while raising money.

cut 4  (08) “everybody’s friend”

Edwards’ could face Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry in his 2019 re-election bid. Landry’s campaign finance reports show he’s raised just under $900-thousand with $544-thousand on hand. Cross says as soon as Landry officially enters the race, his fundraising will rise quickly.

Cut 5  (11)  “sitting governor”

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Louisiana State Police is ramping up enforcement in New Orleans for 2017 Carnival season and this weekend’s NBA All-Star Game. Trooper Melissa Matey says LSP will send 165 troopers to the Crescent City. She says plain clothes troopers will also be along parade routes looking for individuals with illegal weapons.

Cut 6 (10) “the past”

Matey says law enforcement relies heavily on information from the public. She advises parade goers and those celebrating during Mardi Gras or attending All-Star festivities, to come forward and say something to police if you see suspicious activity.

CUT 7 (10)  “know”

Matey says it’s a good idea to keep important information and valuables in your front pocket while walking in the French Quarter to deter pickpockets. She also says avoiding excessive alcohol intake is always a good idea…

Cut 8 (09) “safe decisions”

_________________________________________________________

Former LSU star running back Leonard Fournette has signed an endorsement-partnership deal with New Orleans based Life10 Electrolyte beverage. Fournette is represented by sports agency Roc Nation and its President of Branding Michael Yormark says Fournette is excited to support a local product he believes in…

Cut 9 (08)  “post workout”

Yorkmark says through the partnership, Fournette owns a small part of the company. He says the all-star athlete could’ve gone with the Gatorades of the world but chose a local brand to promote.

Cut 10 (08) “the vision”

Life10 Electrolyte water is filled with calcium, potassium, magnesium, chloride and sodium. Yorkmark says Fournette has great potential to be a wonderful brand ambassador.

cut 11 (09) “very engaging”

_________________________________________________________

Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter says letting the public decide whether to increase the gas tax to raise funds for traffic relief projects would be one option. He says a 23 cent tax is a possible solution in coming up with the $700 million; and leaders in the Capitol City are looking at what that money could go to…:

cut 12 (08) “needed”

Carter says they can either bring the measure to raise the gas tax out right to lawmakers, or put it to a vote of the people. He says asking a Republican dominated legislature would likely push back against such a bill…:

Cut 13 (10) “vote of the people“

Carter says these types of proposals would have to be brought during the regular session that begins in April. He says the Baton Rouge delegation wants to see most of that money go to projects including a new Mississippi River Bridge and the widening of I-10…:

cut 14 (08) “we need em bad”

________________________________________________________

DeSoto Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle says crews have recovered two bodies from the site of a helicopter crash at Wallace Lake. He says the FAA and other agencies are investigating the circumstances of the crash itself, while DPSO is working the recovery. He says the biggest challenge is getting to the crash site.

Cut 15 (09) “build roads in here”

Arbuckle says it took over two hours to get to the helicopter yesterday, but they hope to finish the recovery by later today. He says the helicopter belongs to Terry and Pam Bailey of Center, Texas, which is just across the state line from Desoto Parish.

Cut 16  (06)  “are missing”

It’s believed the Baileys were travelling from Shreveport Downtown Airport to Center when the helicopter went down, possibly hitting several trees as there was reportedly a small fire when crews arrived at the scene.

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10:30 LRN Newscast February 16th

Two budget plans are heading to the House floor that call for more cuts than what the governor has proposed. Covington Representative John Schroder is one of several Republican lawmakers who oppose using 119-million dollars from the state’s savings account to fix a 304-million dollar budget deficit…
cut 15 (09) “…the money”
A vote on these budget proposals will occur on Friday.

Governor John Bel Edwards announces his support for the construction of the Bayou Bridge Pipeline, which would stretch across 11 parishes from Calcasieu to St. James…:
Cut 7 (10) “as well”
Edwards made the comments during his monthly call in radio show.

The National Safety Council finds motor vehicle deaths in 2016 rose 6-percent nationally from last year, and in Louisiana they’ve increased by five-percent since 2014. Ken Kolosh (Koe-lahsh) with the NSC says they blame distracted driving for the increase…
Cut 10 (10) “the concern”

The United Healthcare Community Plan of Louisiana says its 50-thousand dollar grant to the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana has been very beneficial to teen mothers in the area as it helped them stay in school and receive parenting classes. Allison Young is the CEO at United Healthcare….
cut 6 (09) “…in the nation”
Young says birth outcomes also improved for teen mothers in the program.

18:30 LRN Newscast February 15th

The first hearing on the expulsion of state Senator Troy Brown was held today. Michelle Southern reports…:
Voicer 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The House Appropriations Committee approved legislation today that takes only $74 million from the rainy day fund, instead of the $119 million the governor recommended to fix a 304-million dollar shortfall. The budget plan that’s now heading to the House floor calls for cuts to prisons, colleges, and public schools, areas the governor is seeking to protect.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds through a survey that millenials, 19 to 24-year-olds are more dangerous drivers than teenagers. Local AAA spokesperson Don Redman says millenials are more likely to send a text message while driving, speed and run a red light…
ut 15 (09) “…could’ve stopped”

Thanks to an animal rescue group in New Orleans 39 pit bulls in Opelousas were not put to death today, because Tia Torres of Pit Bulls and Parolees have stepped forward to provide the resources to keep the animals alive. Stacey Alleman with St. Landry Parish Animal Control says they put out a plea for help on social media and it’s been successful…
cut 5 (11) “…of Facebook”

17:30 LRN Newscast February 15th

We’re three days into the budget cutting special session and Governor John Bel Edwards says there hasn’t been much movement…
cut 30 (17) “…budget deficit”

Republican chairman of the House budget committee Cameron Henry says during negotitations they continue to propose deeper cuts to the Louisiana Department of Health which could be done without impacting patients, but he says the governor doesn’t see it that way…
cut 8 (09) “…financially disasterous”
The budget committee has approved Henry’s bill that would use 74-million dollars from the rainy day fund, which would lead to cuts to colleges, public schools and prisons, areas the governor wanted protected.

The first hearing on state Senator Troy Brown’s expulsion from the Upper Chamber has taken place. Resolutions have been filed seeking to reprimand Brown for his domestic violence convictions. The Napoleonville lawmaker’s lawyer, Jill Craft, requested subpoenas of lawmakers’ texts and emails…:
CUT 9 (10) “constitution provides”
Craft is trying to stop a legislative hearing on the matter saying it would violate Brown’s right to due process. But state Senator JP Morrell says members of the Senate make their own rules…:
CUT 12 (07) “unbecoming a Senator”
Nearly all of Craft’s requests were rejected. The hearing on the expulsion proposal is slated for Monday.

16:30 LRN Newscast February 15th

The first hearing on the expulsion of state Senator Troy Brown was held today. Some Senators want Brown gone due to two domestic violence convictions. His attorney Jill Craft is fighting this effort and on the senate floor reminded other Senators they are trying to dismiss a lawmaker over misdemeanors, but Senator Karen Peterson responded…
cut 11 (11) “all here”
The next hearing is Monday.

A Triple-A Foundation for Traffic Safety study finds millennials, 19-to-24-year-olds, is the most reckless age group behind the wheel, because they are more likely to speed, text and drive and run a red light. Spokesperson Don Redman says the survey shows older drivers are reckless too…
cut 14 (08)”…behaviors”

Thirty-nine pit bulls were scheduled to be euthanized today in Opelousas, but that will not happen because of an animal rescue group out of New Orleans….
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Bossier City Police are investigating an anti-muslim flier that was pasted onto a sign in front of a mosque. Spokesperson Mark Natale says it reads “Imagine a Muslim-free America. A second flier stuck to a brick sign said “What made American great: Blood and Soil.” Authorities believe the signs are from a white nationalist group called American Vanguard.

16:45 LRN Sportscast February 15th

LSU announced today star outside linebacker and defensive end Arden Key is taking a leave from football for personal reasons. In a statement, Head Coach Ed Orgeron says he fully supports Key in his decision and they look forward to welcoming him back at the appropriate time. No further comments were made. Key had 12 sacks last season and could be a first round pick next year.

The New Orleans Advocate says there’s mutual interest for defensive tackle Nick Fairley to return to the Saints. Fairley signed a one-year deal with New Orleans last year and played well in 2016 and recorded 6.5 sacks. Fairley would likely seek a multi-year contract that could pay him around 10-million dollars a year.

The Pelicans play their final game before the All-Star break tonight as they visit Memphis. With a win, New Orleans can finish this road trip with a 3-1 record. Tip-off is at seven o’ clock.

The LSU men’s basketball team lost its 12th straight game last night as the Tigers were outscored 39-10 in the final ten minutes and were defeated by the Ole Miss Rebels 96-76. Antonio Blakeny led LSU with 29 points, but did not take a single shot in the final 7:03 of the game.

For the second straight week and the sixth time this season, Louisiana Tech’s Erik McCree has been named as the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Men’s Basketball Player of the Week. Tomorrow night the Bulldogs host Florida Atlantic. Tech is seeking its fifth straight win and they are in second place in the CUSA standings, two games back of first place.

We’re two days away from opening day and there’s more bad injury news for the LSU baseball team. Coach Paul Mainieri says he’s not expecting senior catcher Jordan Romero to be available for this weekend, because of a sprained ankle. And a Monroe TV station is reporting that senior Warhawk outfielder Cade Stone will miss the 2017 season because of an ACL injury. Stone hit .230 last year with two home runs and 21 RBI.

15:30 LRN Newscast February 15th

It was tense on the Senate floor today at the first hearing to expel state senator Troy Brown from office because of two separate convictions regarding domestic violence. Brown’s attorney, Jill Craft, says the Senate is trying to remove a legislator based on their assessment of a misdemeanor, but Senator Dan Claitor says that’s not what this is about…
cut 10 (10) “….go about it”
A vote on expulsion is scheduled for Monday.

The debate continues at the state capitol on whether or not to tap into the rainy day fund to address a $304 million midyear budget deficit. House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry opposes that plan and continues to push for reductions in state spending…:
Cut 6 (09) “they held back”
Governor John Bel Edwards said on his monthly call-in radio show that the session is NOT off to a robust start.

AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds through a survey that millenials, 19 to 24-year-olds are more dangerous drivers than teenagers. Local AAA spokesperson Don Redman says their survey found that millenials are more likely to send a text message while driving, exceed the speed limit by 10 to 15 miles per hour and run a red light…
cut 15 (09) “…could’ve stopped”

Thanks to an animal rescue group in New Orleans 39 pit bulls in Opelousas were not put to death today, because Tia Torres of Pit Bulls and Parolees have stepped forward to provide the resources to keep the animals alive. Stacey Alleman with St. Landry Parish Animal Control says they put out a plea for help on social media and it’s been successful…
cut 5 (11) “…of Facebook”

14:30 LRN Newscast February 15th

The first hearing on the expulsion of state Senator Troy Brown was held today. Michelle Southern reports…:
Voicer 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

A former St. John Parish sheriff’s deputy will spend 10 years in prison for spreading HIV to two juveniles. Prosecutors say 33-year-old Barlon Cammon transmitted the virus during multiple encounters, with 15 and 16-year-old boys. Cammon was not a deputy at the time and he’ll have to register as a sex offender upon his release.

The House Appropriations Committee is meeting to discuss how to address the state’s 304-million dollar budget shortfall. Republican chairman Cameron Henry says during negotitations they continue to propose deeper cuts to the Louisiana Department of Health that could be done without impacting patients, but he says the governor doesn’t see it that way…
cut 8 (09) “…financially disasterous”
The special session to deal with the budget deficit must end next Wednesday.

Thanks to support from a New Orleans animal rescue group, 39 pit bulls at the St. Landry Parish Animal Control will not have to be put down. Stacey Alleman says Tia Torees of Pit Bulls and Parolees is providing the resources…
cut 4 (10) “…the longevity”
Alleman says the national Human Society has stepped as well.