LRN PM Newscall January 16

Legislation to require each public school classroom to display “In God, We Trust” in Louisiana has been filed for the regular session in April. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

LSU’s spring semester began on a somber note as a student was killed in a traffic accident near the campus early Sunday morning. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

A new study from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy indicates if Louisiana updates its building energy codes, energy use in new buildings could be cut by as much as 20% in residential and 32 percent in commercial structures. Mike Waite, is a senior manager with ACEEE…

Cut 3 (08) “…electric grid.” 

Waite says the benefits of the new building energy codes are immediate. He says Louisiana is still operating under 2009 national guidelines that are updated every three years, which means Louisiana is four versions behind.

Cut 4 (12)  “…of this year.” 

The annual savings on energy costs for the average Louisiana home built under the newest guidelines, Waite says is significant.

Cut 5 (07) “…in utility bills.”

ACEEE says Louisiana is among the top ten states that would see the biggest impact upon the adoption of the newest building codes.

_______________________________________________

Among the bills filed for the upcoming legislative session in April is one requiring every public school classroom and even postsecondary institutions, to display the national motto “In God We Trust,” Haughton Representative Dodie Horton authored the bill.

Cut 6 (11)  “…must trust in God.” 

Horton says the current law requires it to be displayed in each building but when she asked her grandchildren if they’ve ever seen such a sign, they said they haven’t. Horton says the bill merely amends a current law.

Cut 7 (10)  “…every school.” 

The bill also does not require public funds to purchase the displays. Horton says she did not want to burden the schools with an unfunded mandate.

Cut 8 (07)  “..these posters.” 

Horton expects the legislation will reach the governor’s desk for signature.

___________________________________________

A statue of LSU legend Seimone Augustus shooting a basketball was unveiled in front of a large crowd outside of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Sunday. Augustus is considered the greatest women’s basketball player ever from Louisiana and is humbled by the honor…

Cut 9 (12) “…for everyone.” 

Augustus led LSU to three straight final four appearances from 2004 to 2006 and was the consensus national player of the year her final two seasons. The legend of Augustus grew before she arrived at LSU, after standout seasons at Capitol High School in Baton Rouge. Associate Head Coach Bob Starkey was on LSU’s staff when Augustus signed…

Cut 10 (09) “…it’s true.” 

Augustus is the first female athlete with a statue on LSU’s campus…

Cut 11 (09)  “…proof of that.”

_________________________________________________________

Today is Martin Luther King Junior Day, which is a National Day of Service. Volunteers around the state this week are packing together 200-thousand meals for food banks statewide. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is a co-sponsor . CEO Michael Tipton says food insecurity is a critical issue in Louisiana

Cut 12 (12) “…important issue”

A food packing event will take place tomorrow in New Orleans. On Wednesday, Monroe and Thibodaux. Lafayette and Lake Charles and Thursday. Entergy is part of this effort. Spokesperson Jody Montelaro says food banks need the help after the holidays…

Cut 13 (12) “…holiday season” 

Montelaro says it makes the heart feel good to help out people who struggle to find quality meals every day…

Cut 14 (06)   “…feel great”