The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may open the Bonnet Carrie Spillway in St. Charles Parish on Wednesday to relieve pressure on levees from a rising Mississippi River. Connor Ferrill has the story.
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Connor Ferrill”
A 36-year-old New Orleans nurse was shot dead on Bourbon Street in the early Sunday morning hours. Julie Couvillion was an innocent bystander who was struck by bullets originating from a altercation at Willie’s Chicken Shack. NOPD Chief Shaun Ferguson says the shooting began when a security guard attempted to remove an uncooperative patron…
Cut 7 (11) “…the area
A New Orleans Senator has pre-filed a bill for the upcoming session that would exempt feminine products and diapers from the state sales tax. Currently food, residential utilities, and prescription drugs are exempted, and Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says diapers and feminine products are no less mandatory to everyday life for a majority of the population.
Cut 10 (08) “…sales tax.”
Pig guts
Author Archives: LRN News
AM Newscall Feb 25th
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may open the Bonnet Carrie Spillway in St. Charles Parish on Wednesday to relieve pressure on levees from a rising Mississippi River. Connor Ferrill has the story.
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Connor Ferrill”
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Gunfire on Bourbon Street puts several in the hospital and claims the life of a New Orleans Nurse. Matt Doyle has more.
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Should diapers and feminine products be exempted from the state sales tax? Lawmakers will have to answer that question in the upcoming session. Matt Doyle has more.
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may open the Bonnet Carrie Spillway in St. Charles Parish on Wednesday to relieve pressure on the levees along the lower Mississippi River. New Orleans district Corps Spokesperson Ricky Boyett says high water levels have arrived earlier than expected, because of rainfall flowing down from the Midwest…
Boyett says when gates are opened on the Spillway, water from the Mississippi River is diverted into Lake Pontchartrain at 250,000 feet per second…
If the spillway is opened, it would be the third time in four years despite only being activated 13 times since 1931. Boyett says the Corps of Engineers will investigate why we are seeing high Mississippi River levels more often…
If river levels reach 15 feet at the Carrollton Gage in New Orleans, the Corps of Engineers will restrict activity on or around levees.
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A 36-year-old New Orleans nurse was shot dead on Bourbon Street in the early Sunday morning hours. Julie Couvillion was an innocent bystander who was struck by bullets originating from a altercation at Willie’s Chicken Shack. NOPD Chief Shaun Ferguson says the shooting began when a security guard attempted to remove an uncooperative patron…
Willie’s reportedly attempted to remove 37-year-old Louis Barnes for selling drug on the premises.
Barnes, a registered sex offender, is facing Second Degree Murder, and Attempted Second Degree Murder charges for the incident. Ferguson says after Barnes disarmed the security guard, he began firing wantonly…
Barnes served two years in jail for Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile related to a 15 year old in 2015.
Ferguson says they’ve made several arrest and seized seven guns on Bourbon Street since Friday night. He says there’s a cop on every block of the famous street, and is asking the public to leave their pieces at home for Carnival.
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A New Orleans Senator has pre-filed a bill for the upcoming session that would exempt feminine products and diapers from the state sales tax. Currently food, residential utilities, and prescription drugs are exempted, and Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says diapers and feminine products are no less mandatory to everyday life for a majority of the population.
Women’s advocates have long pointed out that women have to pay more for basic expenses, a phenomenon known as the “Pink Tax”. Moller says exempting those items from tax would help close that gap, even if it comes with a price tag and subsequent budget hit.
Advocates says the “Pink Tax” can be demonstrated by comparing the cost of similar goods for men and women, such as deodorant. They’ve noted that the equivalent women’s good tends to be marked up by as much as 13 percent, per NPR.
Last year, legislation promoting equal pay for women failed to cross the finish line in a bitterly divided session, but Moller says this type of legislation is noticeably different, and anyone who votes against it could face a rebuke just half a year later at the ballot box.
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Earl, the llama that was shot three times by its owner last week, continues to recover from his injuries. He was at LSU’s vet clinic, but recently returned to the St. Landry Animal Control facility. Animal Control Director Stacey Alleman McKnight says Earl still has a long way to go.
Cut 13 (09) “…keep him comfortable.”
Bullets are lodged in the animal’s neck, shoulder, and abdomen, causing a fractured rib.
Authorities say Earl was shot by his owner, 67 year old Madeline Bourgeois of Opelousas ,after she says her pet llama attacked her. McKnight says it appears Earl is of good temperament.
Cut 14 (10) “…he’s done that.”
McKnight says they have seen people reach out in concern for Earl, adding any sort of monetary contributions would certainly help with the financial burden of Earl’s care.
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With four more regular season games left, 13th ranked LSU is in a three-way tie for first place in the Southeastern Conference after the Tigers thrilling 82-80 overtime win over 5th ranked Tennessee on Saturday. Starting point guard Tremont Waters missed the game, because of an illness, but Javonte Smart and Skylar Mays combined for 52 points, Smart had 29. Coach Will Wade says Smart was phenomenal
Tennessee and Kentucky are the other two teams tied with LSU for first place. The Vols and Wildcats will play each other on Saturday, while the Tigers will play three teams down the stretch that have a losing record in conference play. Wade says his team has played well in big games, but have struggled against teams down in the standings
LSU beat the 5th ranked Volunteers without Waters and their best pro prospect, Naz Reid, finished with just one points. But Wade has belief in the rest of the team…
5:30 PM Newscast
Thanks to a computer upgrade, the Louisiana Health Department has notified 37-thousand Medicaid recipients they may no longer be eligible for the taxpayer funded program, because they make too much money. Matt Doyle has more.
Thursday was the deadline for the owner of a million dollar Powerball ticket to claim their prize. The ticket was sold in New Orleans for the August 25th drawing. Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says the excitement around the lottery headquarters was high as the staff waited to see if anyone would show up in time to claim the prize.
Cut 14 (06) “…it’s surprising.”
The Edwards administration has presented state lawmakers with a proposed 30-billion dollar spending plan for next fiscal year that would give teachers a pay raise and increase funding for education and health care. But Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says funding remains uncertain, because an official forecast that shows increased revenues coming into the state has yet to be adopted
An agreement to begin construction on a $760 million flood protection project estimated to benefit more than 60,000 people in river parish region has been signed. Congressman Garret Graves says for 45 years the state has been attempting to gain the funding for the project and says construction should begin later this year.
4:30 PM Newscast
An agreement to begin construction on a $760 million flood protection project estimated to benefit more than 60,000 people in river parish region has been signed. Communities on the west shore of Lake Pontchartrain saw extensive flooding during Hurricane Isaac in 2012. Congressman Graves says it’s estimated this massive flood control project can reduce annual damaged from flooding by 865-million dollars over the next 50 years….
Cut 4 (12) “…of the interstate″
Thursday was the deadline for the owner of a million dollar Powerball ticket to claim their prize. The ticket was sold in New Orleans for the August 25th drawing. So did someone show up at Louisiana Lottery headquarters to claim the prize? Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison has the answer.
Cut 12 (05) “…claim the prize.”
The prize money will now go into the unclaimed prize fund.
Thousands of Medicaid patients have been told they are no longer eligible for the program after a new computer system showed they no longer meet the income requirements for the government health insurance. Louisiana Health Secretary Rebekah Gee says the new system of checks will make it easier for prospective Medicaid recipients to figure out whether or not they qualify.
The Edwards administration has presented state lawmakers with a proposed 30-billion dollar spending plan for next fiscal year that would give teachers a pay raise and increase funding for education and health care. Republican House Speaker Taylor Barras has blocked efforts to raise the income forecast, in an effort to gather more information. But Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says eventually state lawmakers will need an official forecast in order to make decisions on funding…
3:30 PM Newscast
Thousands of Medicaid patients have been told that they are no longer eligible for the program after a new computer system showed they no longer met the income requirements for the government health insurance. Department of Health Secretary Rebekah Gee says the new program automatically confirms your wages and income with Workforce Development and others…
Cut 6 (10) …information
A $760 million flood protection project estimated to benefit more than 60,000 people in river parish region is being signed today. Congressman Garret Graves say the west shore of Lake Pontchartrain is at increased risk of tropical storm surge flooding due to loss of wetlands and sea level rise.
Cut 3 (10) “…the last several years.”
The Edwards administration has presented state lawmakers with a proposed 30-billion dollar spending plan for next fiscal year that would give teachers a pay raise and increase funding for education and health care. State economists project higher tax collections than previously estimated, but Republican House Speaker Taylor Barras has blocked efforts to raise the income forecast. Barras says the economy is volatile and the Revenue Estimating Conference has been wrong before, so why not wait…
Cut 10 (05)“…smaller and smaller”
Thursday was the deadline for the owner of a million dollar Powerball ticket to claim their prize. The ticket was sold in New Orleans for the August 25th drawing. So did someone show up at Louisiana Lottery headquarters to claim the prize? Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison has the answer.
230PM LRN News EDIT
The Edwards administration has presented state lawmakers with a proposed 30-billion dollar spending plan for next fiscal year that would give teachers a pay raise and increase funding for education and health care. But Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says funding remains uncertain, because an official forecast that shows increased revenues coming into the state has yet to be adopted.
Republican House Speaker Taylor Barras has blocked efforts to raise the income forecast.
Nobody came in to claim a million dollar winning lottery ticket that was sold in New Orleans for the August 25th drawing. Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says the excitement around the lottery headquarters was high as the staff waited to see if anyone would show up in time to claim the prize that now has been put back into the unclaimed prize fund that pays off scratch offs and player promotions.
Cut 14 (06) “…it’s surprising.”
Thousands of Medicaid patients have been told they are no longer eligible for the program after a new computer system showed they no longer meet the income requirements for the government health insurance. Louisiana Health Secretary Rebekah Gee says most of those who no longer qualify are still considered low-wage and income workers, and may qualify for Obamacare subsidies.
Gee says the usual turnover for Medicaid is 18,000 people a month, and after running the entire database, this month was 37,000.
An agreement to begin construction on a $760 million flood protection project estimated to benefit more than 60,000 people in river parish region has been signed. Congressman Garret Graves
1230PM LRN News
Thousands of Medicaid patients have been told that they are no longer eligible for the program after a new computer system showed they no longer met the income requirements for the government health insurance. Department of Health Secretary Rebekah Gee says the new program automatically confirms your wages and income with Workforce Development and others…
Cut 6, 10 seconds, information
A $760 million flood protection project in the river parish region is being signed today. The area saw extensive flooding during Hurricane Isaac in 2012. Congressman Garret Graves.
Cut 4 (12) “…of the interstate″
it is estimated that over the next 50 years, annual damages from flooding can be reduced by $865 million.
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Those looking to catch Mardi Gras beads this weekend also need to prepare to catch some rain drops. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”
1130AM LRN News
A $760 million flood protection project estimated to benefit more than 60,000 people in river parish region is being signed today. Congressman Garret Graves say the west shore of Lake Pontchartrain is at increased risk of tropical storm surge flooding due to loss of wetlands and sea level rise.
Cut 3 (10) “…the last several years.”
The 32-year-old mother of an Acadiana High student was arrested for posting a video on social media of two children fighting at the school. There’s a 1st amendment concern that’s been brought up, along with other questions as to whether or not Maegan Adkins-Barras qualifies to be charged with Unlawful Posting of Criminal Activity for Notoriety and Publicity. Defense attorney Franz Borghardt says considering how much publicity the case has received, if the Scott Police Department is found to have acted in error, they could be facing a hefty lawsuit.
Those looking to let the good times roll this weekend need to roll out of the house with a rain jacket. State Climatologist Barry Keim says weather across the state will be wet for those on the prowl for beads. Keim says don’t let the threat of rain slow down your festivities as it’ll likely just be subtle showers.
Keim says there is a marginal to slight risk for severe weather this weekend.
Shreveport Mardi Gras kicks off this weekend with the Krewe of Centaur on Saturday, and teh Krewe of Barkus and Meoux on Sunday. Folks may be surprised to find out that Shreveport historically has had a vibrant Mardi Gras scene. Shreveport/Bossier Visitor and Conventions Bureau Public Relations Manager Chris Jay says old photo books show substantial parades rolling over 100 years ago, but…
10:30 AM Newscast
The 32-year-old mother of an Acadiana High student was arrested for posting a video on social media of two children fighting at the school. Defense attorney Franz Borghardt says charging Maegan Adkins-Barras with Unlawful Posting of Criminal Activity for Notoriety and Publicity will likely lead to a legal morass for the Scott Police Department.
Police have not said whether one of the two children from the video is related to Adkins-Barras.
Those looking to let the good times roll this weekend need to roll out of the house with a rain jacket. State Climatologist Barry Keim says weather across the state will be wet for those on the prowl for beads.
Cut 10 (12) “…around South Louisiana.”
South Louisiana isn’t the only place to load up on beads this weekend…
Entergy Louisiana has gotten the green light from the Public Service Commission for a 20-year agreement to buy the output of a 50-megawatt solar power plant that is soon to be built by a subsidiary of Eagle Solar Group. Entergy spokesperson Lee Sabatini says construction on the land near Port Allen is expected to begin in mid-2019, with completion in 2020.
AM Newscall LRN
South Louisiana isn’t the only place to load up on beads this weekend…
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Those looking to catch Mardi Gras beads this weekend also need to prepare to catch some rain drops. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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A 32-year-old Lafayette Parish mom has been charged with an obscure crime for posting a video to social media showing two kids fighting at the school her son attends. Matt Doyle has more.
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Entergy Louisiana has gotten the green light from the Public Service Commission for a 20-year agreement to buy the output of a 50-megawatt solar power plant that is soon to be built by a subsidiary of Eagle Solar Group. Entergy spokesperson Lee Sabatini says it’s one of the largest solar facilities planned for the state.
Cut 4 (07) “…to our customers.”
Sabatini says construction on the land near Port Allen is expected to begin in mid-2019, with completion in 2020.
Sabatini says the agreement is part of the company’s commitment to bringing green, reliable energy to customers.
Cut 6 (12) “…from this power plant.”
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Shreveport Mardi Gras kicks off this weekend with the Krewe of Centaur on Saturday, and teh Krewe of Barkus and Meoux on Sunday. Shreveport/Bossier Visitor and Conventions Bureau Public Relations Manager Chris Jay says the Saturday celebration starts at 430 PM, and features 45 floats rolling down Clyde Fant Parkway…
Jay says the pet parade the next day also is no joke either, with average attendance around 10,000 people.
Folks may be surprised to find out that Shreveport historically has had a vibrant Mardi Gras scene. Jay says old photo books show substantial parades rolling over 100 years ago, but…
Records of American “Mardi Gras” celebrations date back to the early 1700s, but the first parade to feature the ubiquitous “throws” is dated to 1870.
If you’re looking to visit Shreveport and don’t have friends or family to catch the fun with, Jay recommends visiting the Mardi Gras Bash tent, where out of towners can meet and greet for a full day of fun…
The next weekend features a packed schedule as well, with parades on March 2nd and 3rd.
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Those looking to let the good times roll this weekend need to roll out of the house with a rain jacket. State Climatologist Barry Keim says weather across the state will be wet for those on the prowl for beads.
Cut 10 (12) “…around South Louisiana.”
Keim says there is a marginal to slight risk for severe weather this weekend in the form of thunderstorms, which could bring tornados, hail, and high winds, but says the main concern is rain.
Cut 11 (09) “…stunningly beautiful.”
Keim says don’t let the threat of rain slow down your festivities as it’ll likely just be subtle showers.
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The 32-year-old mother of an Acadiana High student was arrested for posting a video on social media of two children fighting at the school. Defense attorney Franz Borghardt says charging Maegan Adkins-Barras with Unlawful Posting of Criminal Activity for Notoriety and Publicity will likely lead to a legal morass for the Scott Police Department.
Police have not said whether one of the two children from the video is related to Adkins-Barras.
Borghardt says the law itself is new, and has not had it’s constitutionality challenged. He says he has some serious questions as to whether or the charge violates 1st amendment rights to free speech.
The two students involved in the fight are also facing criminal charges.
The defense attorney says considering how much publicity the case has received, if the Scott Police Department is found to have acted in error, they could be facing a hefty lawsuit.
Adkins-Barras bonded out of jail Wednesday.
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The top ranked LSU baseball begins a three-game series tonight against Bryant, a school located in Rhode Island that plays in the Northeast Conference. Zack Hess will start tonight for the Tigers. He got hit around last week on opening night, but Coach Paul Mainieri is expecting a better performance from his staff ace
Starting shortstop Josh Smith is off to a good start. After missing most of last season with a back injury, Smith 10-of-16 at the plate through four games. The Baton Rouge product says his plan at the plate is working so far….
Smith took a pitch to the mouth in Tuesday’s win over Southeastern Louisiana. But he’s ok…