11:40 Sportscast, March 3rd, 2017

No. 2 LSU faces No. 1 TCU tonight in the Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic at Minute Maid Park in Houston. Tomorrow the Tigers play Baylor, and Sunday Texas Tech. Coach Paul Mainieri says he wants his team to embrace this challenge…:
Cut 17 (20) “to LSU”
All games will be televised on FOX Sports Southwest.

Also today, UL-Lafayette hosts it’s first home game of the season in the newly renovated venue now known as M.L. “Tigue” Moore Field at Russo Park. The Cajuns play host to Southern Mississippi for a three-game series, but the stadium isn’t entirely finished. School officials say a new stadium club, new suites and a new upper concourse “will not be accessible” until the stadium is completed.

It appears as though the Saints may be exploring trade offers for wide receiver Brandin Cooks. It’s reported that the Titans and Philadelphia are in the mix. Cooks has been vocal about his frustration with his role with the Saints; which also includes Michael Thomas and Willie Snead. Coach Sean Payton didn’t deny talks Thursday saying that whenever a team calls they listen to what they have to say.

College hoops, UNO fell to conference foe Southeastern last night 63-58, but since Northwestern State beat Stephen F Austin, 72-67, the Privateers are in sole possession of first place in the league standings. The Lions clinched their fifth straight trip to the Southland Conference Tournament with the win. The Demons stay alive and could get a berth if they win tomorrow against Central Arkansas.
New Orleans will have a chance to win the Southland title outright when the Privateers travel to face Nicholls State on Saturday. Last night the Colonels fell to Lamar, 87-75. A win over UNO would put the Colonels into the tournament.

In the Sun Belt, UL-Lafayette picked up a 94-84 overtime victory over Texas State — a fifth straight win for the Ragin Cajuns. ULM fell to the top ranked team in the league, UT Arlington, 72-57.

In the NBA, the Pelicans host the top team in the Southwestern Division, San Antonio. New Orleans only victory since the All-Star break was without their new player, DeMarcus Cousins. Tipoff tonight is 8:30.

 

11:30 Newscast, March 3rd, 2017

A former-Neville high school choir teacher is facing additional counts amid allegations he was involved in inappropriate relationships with students. 25-year-old Christian Amos was arrested for allegedly giving pot to students and possibly enticing them to have sex with him. BESE Representative Gary Jones says if convicted, Amos will likely never teach again…:
Cut 3 (09) “suspended”
At least five victims have come forward with claims that Amos provided them with weed at his apartment and requested sexual acts.

A rally to show support for President Donald Trump will take place tomorrow at the State Capitol. Leader of Gator PAC Col. Rob Maness encourages attendees to wear their “Make America Great Again” attire…:
Cut 25 (07) “supporting America”
Similar rallies have taken place throughout the week, leading up to this event.

More low income parents who have students attending failing schools are using another option other than taxpayer funded vouchers to send their child to a private school..:
CUT (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Over one thousand archers from 45 Louisiana schools will compete in the 2017 Archery in Louisiana Schools State Tournament tomorrow in Shreveport. The students will be competing for a 20-thousand dollar scholarship and the chance to go on to the national tournament. Jan McGovern is with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries:
Cut 6 (08) “as needed”

 

10:30 Newscast March 3,2017

A Spirit of America Rally to show support for President Donald Trump will be held on the steps of the State Capitol at 1 p.m. tomorrow. Similar events have taken place throughout the week, leading up to this rally. Leader of Gator PAC Col. Rob Maness says Trump supporters will speak before what they hope to be a large crowd.
Cut 4 (09) “to speak”
Tickets are not required to attend.

A program that covers most of the cost of private and charter school tuition for low income students is growing rapidly, giving students zoned for failing schools an option other than taxpayer funded vouchers. The tuition donation rebate program was established in a bill by River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot. Talbot says there are several programs that administer the scholarship…
Cut 15 (10) “accepting vouchers”

 

The third annual Louisiana Winter Beer Festival is tomorrow in Lake Charles. Co-chair and co-found of the festival Nick Vallaume says what makes this special is their big focus on Louisiana breweries. He says over 125 beers are on the menu from about 45 different breweries this year.

Cut 11 (09) “hot blooded”
Tickets are 50 dollars per person and are available on la-winter-beer-fest-dot-com (lawinterbeerfest.com).

More 20-thousand taxpayers in Louisiana are due a refund from the federal government and time is running out to claim them. I-R-S spokesperson Bill Brunson says these people haven’t received their refund, because they didn’t file a 2013 federal income tax return. He says citizens due this cash must file the necessary paperwork by April 18.
Cut 7 (11) “general fund”

09:30 Newscast, March 3rd, 2017

A Spirit of America Rally will be held on the steps of the State Capitol tomorrow to show support for President Donald Trump. Leader of Gator PAC Col. Rob Maness says it’s time for the country, regardless of political party, to come together to support President Trump…:
Cut 6 (04) “about unity”
The free event begins at at 1:00 p.m.

A program that covers most of the cost of private and charter school tuition for low income students is growing rapidly, giving students zoned for failing schools an option other than taxpayer funded vouchers. The tuition donation rebate program was established in a bill by River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot…:
Cut 14 (08) “of dollars”
Talbot says the way it is set up, local schools do not lose state funding and companies who donate receive rebates, so they lose very little as well.

The third annual Louisiana Winter Beer Festival takes place tomorrow in Lake Charles. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A former choir director at Neville High School in Monroe is facing additional charges related to his arrest on allegations of sexual misconduct with students and providing his victims with marijuana. BESE member Gary Jones says they will attempt to have 25-year-old Christian Amos’ teaching license revoked if he is convicted.

 

08:30 Newscast, March 3rd, 2017

A rally to show support for President Donald Trump will take place tomorrow at the State Capitol. Leader of Gator PAC Col. Rob Maness encourages attendees to wear their “Make America Great Again” attire…:
Cut 5 (07) “supporting America”
Similar rallies have taken place throughout the week, leading up to this event.

You probably don’t want Uncle Sam to keep the money he owes you but you’d be surprised at how much cash is on the table. In Louisiana, people who didn’t properly file tax returns in 2013 could be owed more than $21 million in unclaimed refunds. IRS spokesperson Bill Brunson says they will help you:
Cut 8 (08) “no charge”
To find out if you filed your 2013 taxes, call the IRS hotline at 800-829-1040.

The former teacher from Neville High School accused of inappropriate behavior with students and distribution of drugs has had more charges added to his booking. 25-year-old Christian Amos allegedly gave pot to students and may have tried to entice them into sexual relationships. BESE says this will result in the suspect’s teaching license being revoked.

The third annual Louisiana Winter Beer Festival takes place tomorrow in Lake Charles at the Historic Calcasieu Marine National Bank building. Co-chair and co-founder of the Festival Nick Villaume says they chose Lake Charles to host the event to show off the culture and history of the city….:
Cut 10 (10) “as well”
Tickets are available on la-winter-beer-fest-dot-com.

LSU gets a chance to face some of the best teams from the Big 12 this weekend when they compete in the Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic at Minute Maid Park. Tonight, LSU faces top ranked TCU, on Saturday it’s undefeated Baylor and Sunday its 21st ranked Texas Tech.

 

07:30 Newscast, March 3rd, 2017

A Spirit of America Rally will take place Saturday on the steps of the State Capitol to support President Trump. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Governor John Bel Edwards is the latest to say that Congressman Cedric Richmond should apologize for making a controversial, what some say is sexist, comment about White House aid Kellyanne Conway. The New Orleans US Rep said she looked “kind of familiar” in a kneeling position. A spokesman for the governor says Richmond needs to admit the comment was off color.

A program that covers most of the cost of private and charter school tuition for low income students is growing rapidly, giving students zoned for failing schools an option other than taxpayer funded vouchers. The tuition donation rebate program was established in a bill by River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot:
Cut 13 (08) “a fact”
The money to support this tuition program comes from corporations and private donors, with parents covering the remaining costs.

The IRS says unclaimed federal income tax refunds totaling more than $1 billion may be waiting for an estimated 1 million taxpayers who did not file a 2013 federal income tax return. In Louisiana, $21.2 million may be available to an estimated 20,300 taxpayers. I-R-S spokesperson Bill Brunson…:
Cut 9 (10) “timely manner”
To find out if you filed your 2013 taxes, call the IRS hotline at 800-829-1040.

 

06:45 Sportscast, March 3rd, 2017

LSU gets a chance to face some of the best teams from the Big 12 this weekend when they compete in the Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic at Minute Maid Park. Tonight, LSU faces top ranked TCU, Saturday undefeated Baylor and Sunday 21st ranked Texas Tech. Tigers Coach Paul Mainieri says this weekend will continue the process of building a championship-caliber team..:
Cut 16 (20) “ball clubs”
All three games will be played at the home of the Houston Astros.

More on the diamond, last night Nicholls State fell to West Virginia 8-1 in Thibodaux.

In the NBA, the Pelicans host the top team in the Southwestern Division, San Antonio. New Orleans only victory since the All-Star break was without their new player, DeMarcus Cousins. Tipoff tonight is 8:30.

Saints Coach Sean Payton addressed trade rumors involving wide receiver Brandin Cooks Thursday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. In an interview with NewOrleansSaints.com, Payton said he wouldn’t say Cooks is on the trade block, but that the Saints are always open to offers for any player. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen says the Eagles and Titans are two teams with the most interest in the former first round draft pick.

College hoops, UNO fell to conference foe Southeastern last night 63-58, but since Northwestern State beat Stephen F Austin, 72-67, the Privateers are in sole possession of first place in the league standings. The Lions clinched their fifth straight trip to the Southland Conference Tournament with the win. The Demons stay alive and could get a berth if they win tomorrow against Central Arkansas.
New Orleans will have a chance to win the Southland title outright when the Privateers travel to face Nicholls State on Saturday. Last night the Colonels fell to Lamar, 87-75. A win over UNO would put the Colonels into the tournament.

In the Sun Belt, UL-Lafayette picked up a 94-84 overtime victory over Texas State — a fifth straight win for the Ragin Cajuns. ULM fell to the top ranked team in the league, UT Arlington, 72-57.

 

06:30 Newscast, March 3rd, 2017

A Spirit of America Rally will be held on the steps of the State Capitol tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. to show support for President Donald Trump. Leader of Gator PAC Col. Rob Maness says Trump supporters will address what they hope will be a large gathering..:
Cut 4 (09) “to speak”
Similar rallies have taken place throughout the week, leading up to this event.

Over 20-thousand Louisiana taxpayers are due a refund from the federal government and time is running out to claim them. I-R-S spokesperson Bill Brunson says these individuals have not received their refund, because they didn’t file a 2013 federal income tax return. He says citizens due this cash must file the necessary paperwork by April 18:
Cut 7 (11) “general fund”
Brunson says the median potential refund is $763.

More low income parents who have students attending failing schools are using another option other than taxpayer funded vouchers to send their child to a private school…:
CUT 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Governor John Bel Edwards says “without question” Congressman Cedric Richmond should apologize for comments Richmond made about a member of President Donald Trump’s staff. The New Orleans US Representative said Kellyanne Conway “looked familiar” in a position where she was seen in kneeling on a sofa in the Oval Office. Richmond has said the “joke” was taken out of context.

 

LRN AM Newscall March 3rd

A Spirit of America Rally will take place Saturday on the steps of the State Capitol to support President Trump. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn” 

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The third annual Louisiana Winter Beer Festival takes place tomorrow in Lake Charles. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

More low income parents who have students attending failing schools are using another option other than taxpayer funded vouchers to send their child to a private school. Halen Doughty has more on the state’s growing tuition donation rebate program…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

A Spirit of America Rally will be held on the steps of the State Capitol tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. to show support for President Donald Trump. Similar rallies have taken place throughout the week, leading up to this event. Leader of Gator PAC Col. Rob Maness says Trump supporters will address what they hope will be a large gathering…

Cut 4  (09) “to speak”

Tickets are not required to attend. Maness encourages everyone to wear their “Make America Great Again” attire.

Cut 5  (07)  “supporting America”

For more information visit Tea-Party-of-Louisiana-dot-net (teapartyoflouisiana.net). Maness says it’s time for the country, regardless of political party, to come together to support President Trump.

Cut 6 (04) “about unity”

______________________________________

Over 20-thousand Louisiana taxpayers are due a refund from the federal government and time is running out to claim them. I-R-S spokesperson Bill Brunson says these individuals have not received their refund, because they didn’t file a 2013 federal income tax return. He says citizens due this cash must file the necessary paperwork by April 18.

Cut 7 (11)  “general fund”

Brunson says the median potential refund is $763. He says it can be hard for people to get their W-2 or 1099 from three years ago because the taxpayer may not have the same employer. But he says the IRS can help with that.

Cut 8 (08) “no charge”

Brunson says people can request a Wage and Income transcript at IRS.gov. The IRS estimates more than $21 million in unclaimed refunds may be available to Louisiana taxpayers. Brunson says unfortunately, the IRS deals with this every year.

Cut 9 (10)  “timely manner”

To find out if you filed your 2013 taxes, call the IRS hotline at 800-829-1040.

_________________________________________________________

The third annual Louisiana Winter Beer Festival takes place tomorrow in Lake Charles at the Historic Calcasieu Marine National Bank building. Co-chair and co-founder of the Festival Nick Villaume says they chose Lake Charles to host the event to show off the culture and history of the city. He says they’ve created a world class festival that can stand up to one in a major market.

Cut 10 (10) “as well”

Tickets are 50 dollars per person and are available on la-winter-beer-fest-dot-com (lawinterbeerfest.com). Villaume says what makes the Winter Beer Festival special is their big focus on Louisiana breweries. He says over 125 beers are on the menu from about 45 different breweries this year.

Cut 11 (09) “hot blooded”

Villaume says Crying Eagle Brewery is hosting a Louisiana Brewers Ball tonight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. He says they’re also introducing another Louisiana beer at the festival.

Cut 12 (06) “s well”

_________________________________________________________

A program that covers most of the cost of private and charter school tuition for low income students is growing rapidly, giving students zoned for failing schools an option other than taxpayer funded vouchers. The tuition donation rebate program was established in a bill by River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot. He says this program puts students on a path to success.

Cut 13 (08) “a fact”

The money to support this tuition program comes from corporations and private donors and it helps pay for a significant portion of a child’s tuition, with parents covering the remaining costs. Talbot says the way it is set up, local schools do not lose state funding and companies who donate receive rebates, so they lose very little as well. He says it’s a win-win for the students and the state.

Cut 14 (08) “of dollars”

When the tuition donation rebate program began in 2014, only 63 students received scholarships, and now over 16-hundred students are attending private schools on scholarships from the program. Talbot expects it to grow even more in the coming years. He says Arete Scholars Louisiana and ACE Scholarships Louisiana administer the scholarships, and parents pick the school.

Cut 15 (10) “accepting vouchers”

______________________________________________________

LSU gets a chance to face some of the best teams from the Big 12 this weekend when they compete in the Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic at Minute Maid Park. Tonight, LSU faces top ranked TCU, on Saturday it’s undefeated Baylor and Sunday its 21st ranked Texas Tech. Tigers Coach Paul Mainieri says this weekend will continue the process of building a championship-caliber team

Cut 16 (20) “ball clubs”

All three games will be played at the home of the Houston Astros. Mainieri says he wants his team to embrace this challenge…

Cut 17 (20)  “to LSU”

Shortstop Kramer Robertson played in this event in 2015 and the Tigers won all three games, beating Houston, Baylor and Nebraska. Big crowds are expected this weekend and Robertson says at least they know what it’s like to play in front of several thousand fans

Cut 18 (16) “like that”

 

17:30 LRN Newscast March 2nd

Governor Edwards and the Louisiana Republican Party is asking Congressman Cedric Richmond to apologize after making an offensive comment about Kellyanne Conway’s sitting position in a viral picture. Emelie Gunn has more…
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The Calcaiseu Parish Sheriff’s Office says two people from Leesville are under arrest for allegedly leaving their 2 year old child in a vehicle alone while they went into a casino and gambled. The 23-year-old mother and 30-year-old father were booked with child desertion.

Sad story, out of Livingston Parish. A Denham Springs teen died after being hit by a vehicle on his way to school. Police Chief Shannon Womack…:
Cut 3 (06) “pickup truck”
The family has identified the victim’s name as Bryce Edling. The driver has not been cited.

President Donald Trump has signed Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham’s bill that provides gun rights for certain disabled individuals who receive Social Security. It ends a regulation implemented by the Obama administration that required the Social Security Administration to automatically report any beneficiary who receives assistance managing their finances due to a mental disability. Abraham on his legislation..
cut 12 (12) “…gun rights”