LRN AM Newscall January 10 ***Revised Version***

The Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus has requested the Board of Ethics reconsider its recent decision to no longer allow campaign funds to be spent on childcare.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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Louisiana receives a one-point-two million dollar federal grant that will go towards helping child victims of human trafficking. Kevin Barnhart has more..

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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President Trump will be visiting the Crescent City on Monday. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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After the Board of Ethics vote to no longer allow campaign funds to be used for childcare for campaign events and activities, the Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus has requested the board to reconsider the decision.  Caucus Chair Sen. Beth Mizell…

Cut 4 (09) “…the first place.” 

Mizell says Morgan Lamandre, a Democrat candidate running for a Baton Rouge area House seat, had been advised by the Board that she could be penalized if she dipped into the campaign fund to pay for a babysitter while attending campaign fundraisers, forums, and other stops.

Cut 5 (09) “…was a problem.”

Mizell says candidates may not have the financial means to cover the cost of child care for the time it takes to run a campaign.

Cut 6 (10) “…run their campaign.”

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The Pelican Institute is asking lawmakers to back their revenue neutral tax plan that they say would slash corporate and upper-income tax levels by eliminating the myriad tax exemptions and deductions that have built up in the Louisiana constitution over the decades. Senior Fellow Chris Jacobs calls for eliminating refunds for businesses like job incentive, inventory tax credits, and others…

Cut 7 (08) “…percent”

Jacobs says you could get a flatter income tax rate if you eliminated things like the federal income tax deduction, historic preservation credits, and other itemized refunds and returns and you could…

Cut 8 (10) “…can get.”

It’s a sweeping plan that would simplify most of the state’s business and personal income filing, something that Jacobs says would reduce overhead for Louisiana businesses. But, to pull it off, you would need to rewrite the state constitution, and idea that’s gaining momentum…

Cut 9 (09) “…our constitution.″

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Louisiana has received a one-point-two million dollar federal grant that will go towards improving the outcomes for child victims of human trafficking. Governor John Edwards says the money is needed, because a report released last February found 681 adults and juveniles identified as victims of human trafficking in 2017…

Cut 10 (07)   “…going forward”

Louisiana is one of seven states since 2015 to receive this type of funding, which will be used on a project known as the Louisiana Child Trafficking Collaborative. First Lady Donna Edwards has attempted to raise awareness about human trafficking and says this is an issue that everyone needs to be concerned about

Cut 11 (12) “…make a difference.”

In 2016, Shared Hope International ranked Louisiana number one in the nation for its anti-trafficking laws. Edwards says the state is making progress in trying to stop modern-day slavery, which is why the Department of Justice trusts Louisiana with this federal grant

Cut 12 (12)   “…country.”

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President Donald Trump will be in New Orleans Monday for the National Farm Bureau Convention. It’s the second time the President has accepted the invitation to speak at the annual convention. Historically it’s a faction that’s backed the President, but ULM Poli Sci Professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says the trade war could mean a chillier reception than his last appearance.

Cut 13 (09) “…of Louisiana.”

it’s the President’s first appearance since a campaign rally in March of 2016.

Unless there’s a drastic change in negotiations between House Democrats and the President, the government will still likely be shut down. Stockley says if the President is looking for good press at a tough time, this might not be the best bet.

Cut 14 (11) “…appearances.”

Every year the President and Vice President are invited to speak at the convention. 

New Orleans was one of the few Louisiana cities to not vote for the President, and Stockley says there’s a chance a large, heated crowd is there to welcome the President to the Crescent City.

Cut 15 (10) “…a positive.”

The Farm Bureau Convention runs from Friday through Wednesday.

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The Sean Payton era Saints are an undefeated 5-0 at home for the playoffs, and fans and the players are getting hyped for the Sunday dome showdown with the reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles. Payton says quarterback Drew Brees lives for playing on the biggest stages.

Cut 16 (15)  “…make him special.”

Brees is 7-6 for his career in the playoffs, averaging 323 passing yards and over two touchdowns per game.

But Dome Field Advantage hasn’t always been a thing. The Black and Gold were 1-3 at home before the arrival of Payton and Brees. Payton says it takes a special combination of a great team and a motivated fan base to build the special kind of environment that exists in New Orleans right now.

 cut 17 (20)   “…your football team.” 

The Saints have a worst in league 1-5 record since 2006 in road playoff games.

The Saints rolled at home this year in the regular season, going 6-2, one of those wins being a 48-7 trashing of the Carson Wentz lead Eagles. Philly’s former starter tossed 3 picks, and their defense rolled over in the route, but Payton says they aren’t letting that game get to their head.

Cut 18 (14)   “…tremendous challenge” 

The Eagles are now led at QB by backup Nick Foles.

5:30 PM newscast

President Trump is coming to the Bayou state as he will speak at the National Farm Bureau Convention in New Orleans on Monday.  The President has previously visited New Orleans for a rally in March of 2016.  The announcement is celebrated by the Attorney General Jeff Landry.
A State GOP operative says the party is seriously considering backing just one candidate in the governor’s race for the October open primary…

Cut 2 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”  

 

Louisiana’s House Republican delegation supports President Trump’s effort to secure billions of dollars for wall at the U-S Mexico border. Mr. Trump calls it a security crisis, however top congressional Democrats say the president is providing misinformation. Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise says if Democrats want to claim they support border security, they should be willing to negotiate…

Cut 13 (12) “…the table”

Detectives with the Bossier City Police Department’s Juvenile unit arrested a daycare worker following an investigation into a report of cruelty to a juvenile.  On January 7, personnel from Epic Learning Center notified the parent of a toddler and the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services that an accident occurred at their facility.  The parent then contacted the police.  Detectives says it appeared an employee shook the toddler, then  slung the child to the floor.  The child suffered a bloody nose and busted lip.

4:30 PM Newscast

Educators are keeping their finger on the pulse of sports betting in Louisiana after Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s open to dedicating any revenue from the additional gaming to better preparing children for kindergarten.  While he expects the gains to be modest, Edwards says the sports betting is also an important aspect in making sure the state doesn’t see a decline in gaming revenue.

Cut 4 (11) “…our best interest.″

After a 2015 GOP gubernatorial blood bath that saw the ascendance of The South’s only Democratic governor, Louisiana Republican operative Scott Wilfong, on Talk Louisiana, said the party is taking a hard look in 2019 at throwing their weight behind just one candidate before the October open primary. Wilfong says the party will be discussing that question, and soon.

Cut 6 (06) “…ultimately”

An Acadiana restauranteur and chef has died following a plane crash while on a hunting trip in California.  Lionel Robin is fondly remembered in his community and his food crawfish etouffee was once featured on the Food Network.   Henderson Mayor Sherbin Collette says he has known Robin is whole life.

Cut 9 (08) “…would help them.″

Robin had owned and operated Robin’s Restaurant in Hersonville for about four decades, but had recently been working as the hospitality chef for Tabasco Pepper Sauce.

Louisiana’s House Republican delegation supports President Trump’s effort to secure billions of dollars for wall at the U-S Mexico border. Mr. Trump calls it a security crisis, however top congressional Democrats say the president is providing misinformation. Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise says Democrats are in denial

Cut 12 (12)   “…southern border” 

4:45 LRN Sportscast January 9

Sunday it will be the Saints and Eagles in the Superdome in an NFC Divisional round playoff game. When these two teams met in November, it was all Black and Gold as New Orleans pounded the Eagles 48-7. Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 363 yards and four touchdowns. Philadelphia defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was asked about their plans on slowing down Brees…
cut 17 (20) “….one thing”
Sean Payton and Brees have not lost a home playoff game. But Eagles quarterback Nick Foles has the highest passer rating in playoff history among quarterbacks who have made at least 150 attempts. Brees is fifth on that list. Kick-off is at 3:40.

The LSU men’s basketball team started SEC play with a victory last night, beating Alabama 88-79. Tremont Waters led the way with 19 points and seven assists. Coach Will Wade says it was a good performance from his sophomore point guard…
cut 20 (17) “…rock and roll”
LSU is at Arkansas on Saturday.

Tonight, Nicholls hosts one of the top teams in the Southland as the Colonels take on Stephen F Austin. McNeese also has a tough assignment tonight as the Cowboys host Abilene Christian. The Wildcats are 12-and-3 overall. Northwestern State will host Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi.

The Pelicans shoot for their third straight win tonight as they face the Cavs at the Smoothie King Center. There’s a chance Nikola Mirotic will play tonight after missing the last 12 games with an ankle injury.

330PM LRN News

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s open to dedicating revenue from sports betting to early childhood education.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A day care worker has been arrested in Bossier City and charged with cruelty to a juvenile. Parents of a toddler enrolled at the Epic Learning Center were called on January 7th and informed of an incident that had occurred on the premises, and which point the parents called Bossier Police. Investigators say 61-year-old Patricia Newsome picked up the toddler, shook the kid, and then threw it to the floor. She’s been booked into Bossier City Jail.

After a 2015 GOP gubernatorial blood bath that saw the ascendance of The South’s only Democratic governor, Louisiana Republican operative Scott Wilfong, on Talk Louisiana, said the party is taking a hard look in 2019 at throwing their weight behind just one candidate before the October open primary. Wilfong says potential candidates will be given an opportunity to build support and compete for the Louisiana GOP’s backing, and he hopes that once a frontrunner becomes clear, the other competitors will bow out gracefully.

Cut 8 (09) “…get out”

The only two Republicans in the race so far are Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone, and Congressman Ralph Abraham.

An Acadian restauranteur and chef has died following a plane crash while on a hunting trip in California. Robin had owned and operated Robin’s Restaurant in Hersonville for about four decades, but had recently been working as the hospitality chef for Tabasco Pepper Sauce. Henderson Mayor Sherbin Collette.

Cut 10 (09) “…he wouldn’t miss.”

230PM LRN News

Educators are keeping their finger on the pulse of sports betting in Louisiana after Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s open to dedicating any revenue from the additional gaming to better preparing children for kindergarten.  Edwards says if the state really wants to make a difference in the lives of children, more needs to be done about early childhood education.

Cut 3 (08) “…kindergarten any longer.”

Louisiana Republican operative Scott Wilfong, on Talk Louisiana, said the party is taking a hard look in 2019 at throwing their weight behind just one candidate before the October open primary. Louisiana operates a “jungle” primary, and GOP state leaders have requested closed primaries where each party sends their winning candidate to a general election, but Wilfong says that’s yet to materialize.

Cut 7 (11) “one candidate”

The only two Republicans in the race so far are Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone, and Congressman Ralph Abraham.

An Acadian restauranteur and chef has died following a plane crash while on a hunting trip in California.  Lionel Robin is fondly remembered in his community and his food crawfish etouffee was once featured on the Food Network. Henderson Mayor Sherbin Collette says Robin was a happy guy and his crawfish etouffee was so popular, he canned the dish and it was distributed around the country.

Cut 11 (11) “…food was fantastic.”

Louisiana’s House Republican delegation supports President Trump’s effort to secure billions of dollars for wall at the U-S Mexico border. Congressman Steve Scalise says Democrats are refusing to negotiate a deal for border security.

Cut 13 (12) “…the table”

Governor Edwards says the barrier could be upgraded, but this debate shouldn’t result in a government shutdown.

LRN PM Newscall January 9

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s open to dedicating revenue from sports betting to early childhood education.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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 A State GOP operative says the party is seriously considering backing just one candidate in the governor’s race for the October open primary…

Cut 2 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”  

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Educators are keeping their finger on the pulse of sports betting in Louisiana after Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s open to dedicating any revenue from the additional gaming to better preparing children for kindergarten.  Edwards says if the state really wants to make a difference in the lives of children, more needs to be done about early childhood education.

Cut 3 (08) “…kindergarten any longer.”

While he expects the gains to be modest, Edwards says the sports betting is also an important aspect in making sure the state doesn’t see a decline in gaming revenue.

Cut 4 (11) “…our best interest.″

Edwards says the extra gaming revenue could go towards early childhood programs and it will be up for discussion when the legislature meets in April…

Cut 5 (12) “…to have.”

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After a 2015 GOP gubernatorial blood bath that saw the ascendance of The South’s only Democratic governor, Louisiana Republican operative Scott Wilfong, on Talk Louisiana, said the party is taking a hard look in 2019 at throwing their weight behind just one candidate before the October open primary. Wilfong says the party will be discussing that question, and soon.

Cut 6 (06) “…ultimately”

Louisiana operates a “jungle” primary where candidates from all parties are pitted against one and other, with the top two making the run-off. GOP state leaders have requested closed primaries where each party sends their winning candidate to a general election, but Wilfong says that’s yet to materialize.

Cut 7 (11) “one candidate”

Wilfong says potential candidates will be given an opportunity to build support and compete for the Louisiana GOP’s backing, and he hopes that once a frontrunner becomes clear, the other competitors will bow out gracefully.

Cut 8 (09) “…get out”

The only two Republicans in the race so far are Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone, and Congressman Ralph Abraham.

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An Acadian restauranteur and chef has died following a plane crash while on a hunting trip in California.  Lionel Robin is fondly remembered in his community and his food crawfish etouffee was once featured on the Food Network.   Henderson Mayor Sherbin Collette says he has known Robin is whole life.

Cut 9 (08) “…would help them.″

Robin had owned and operated Robin’s Restaurant in Hersonville for about four decades, but had recently been working as the hospitality chef for Tabasco Pepper Sauce.  Collette says Robin had a passion for hunting.

Cut 10 (09) “…he wouldn’t miss.”

Collette says Robin was a happy guy and his crawfish etouffee was so popular, he canned the dish and it was distributed around the country.

Cut 11 (11) “…food was fantastic.”

Robin was 70 years old.

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Louisiana’s House Republican delegation supports President Trump’s effort to secure billions of dollars for wall at the U-S Mexico border. Mr. Trump calls it a security crisis, however top congressional Democrats say the president is providing misinformation. Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise says Democrats are in denial

Cut 12 (12)   “…southern border” 

Scalise says if Democrats want to claim they support border security, they should be willing to negotiate…

Cut 13 (12) “…the table”

Governor Edwards says he’s not sure what the President is calling for, because there’s a physical barrier in many places along the border. He says the barrier could be upgraded, but this debate shouldn’t result in a government shutdown.

1:30 LRN Newscast January 9

Louisiana’s House Republican delegation supports President Trump’s effort to secure billions of dollars for wall at the U-S Mexico border. Mr. Trump calls it a security crisis, however top congressional Democrats say the president is providing misinformation. Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise says Democrats are in denial…
cut 12 (12) “…southern border”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he would support legislation that would legalize sports betting at the state’s casinos. Edwards says the extra gaming revenue could go towards early childhood programs…
cut 5 (12) “…to have”
Legalizing Sports betting is expected to be one of the major bills in the regular sessing that begins in April.

A State GOP operative says the party is seriously considering backing just one candidate in the governor’s race for the October primary…
Cut 2 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”

The story of how former LSU offensive lineman Matt Branch lost his left leg in a hunting accident in Mississippi is making national headlines. Branch’s friend says a dog trying to sit near a loaded shotgun on a pickup truck bed, pulled the trigger and a bullet struck Branch in his left hip. Branch, who played for the Tigers from 2008 to 2011, is expected to recover.

1230PM LRN News

Educators are keeping their finger on the pulse of sports betting in Louisiana after Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s open to dedicating any revenue from the additional gaming to better preparing children for kindergarten. While he expects the gains to be modest, Edwards says the sports betting is also an important aspect in making sure the state doesn’t see a decline in gaming revenue.

Cut 4 (11) “…our best interest.″

Edwards says the legislature has commissioned a study on sports betting to inform their decision moving forward.

An Acadian restauranteur and chef has died following a plane crash while on a hunting trip in California.  Lionel Robin is fondly remembered in his community and his food crawfish etouffee was once featured on the Food Network.   Henderson Mayor Sherbin Collette says he has known Robin is whole life.

Cut 9 (08) “…would help them.″

USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue spoke with the press in an effort to answer questions of how the food stamps program will be impacted by the government shutdown.  In an effort to extinguish as much confusion and anxiety as possible, Perdue says soon the department will be reaching out to states to instruct them to request early issuance of February SNAP benefits. Perdue says SNAP benefits should be okay through February, which he says he’s hopeful should give ample time to resolve the issues with the government shutdown.

Cut 14 (11) “…able to sign.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Both the Saints and Eagles return to the practice field as they get ready for their NFC divisional matchup on Sunday in the Superdome. A big key in Philadelphia’s upset win over the Bears in the wild card round was the play of the Eagles offensive line, which shut down one of the best defensive players in the game, Khalil Mack. Philly offensive coordinator Mike Groh says after putting Chicago to bed he believes his guys can match up against the Saints best pass rusher Cam Jordan…
cut 18 (19) “….make it”

Saints NFC South Rival, Tampa Bay, has found a new head coach. Bruce Arians is coming out of retirement to coach Jameis Winston and the Bucs.

LSU tipped off SEC play with an 88-79 win over Alabama last night. Tremont Waters led the way with 19 points and seven assists and Javonte Smart came off the bench to score 15 points. Coach Will Wade liked what Smart brought to the game….
cut 20 (16) “…of the season”
Kavell Bigby-Williams also played well as he had 14 points and 13 rebounds, plus five blocked shots. The Tigers are at Arkansas on Saturday.

Details have emerged regarding the duck hunting accident in Mississippi that resulted in the amputation of former LSU offensive lineman Matt Branch’s leg. The Clarion Ledger reports Branch left his loaded shotgun in the bed of his pickup truck and a dog jumped onto the truck bed, accidentally pulling the trigger. Branch was shot in the left thigh and is expected to recover. He played for the Tigers from 2008 to 2011.