1830 Newscast April 12

The group Truth in Politics seeks to tell Louisiana residents the truth about Governor John Bel Edwards’s tax plan. Executive Director Kelli Bottger says they are launching a digital ad campaign to keep lawmakers from raising taxes on businesses.

Cut 6 (11) “really want”

The Governor’s Office referred to TIP has a deep-pocketed special interest group.

The Louisiana Budget Project has also studied Governor Edwards’ tax plan and determined 95 percent of Louisiana taxpayers would receive a tax cut. Executive Director Jan Moller says only the top five-percent of wage earners would pay higher taxes.

Cut 12 (12) “next year” 2x

The Louisiana Budget Project is a left leaning non-profit.

College Choice ranks Louisiana Tech University’s elementary education program fourth in the nation and first in the state. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has written a letter to President Trump asking him to protect Louisiana’s confederate monuments. The letter comes after the New Orleans City Council voted to remove the monuments in place around the city. Nungesser says the memorials have been in place for a hundred years, and if you try to erase history, it has a habit of repeating itself.

LRN AM NEWSCALL APRIL 12

Waitr, the food delivery app, has expanded their ordering options to web browsers and restaurants are already benefiting. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Higher Education leaders plead with legislators not to cut state funding to Louisiana colleges. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Shreveport lawmaker is trying to tackle bullying in Louisiana with a bill to be heard in the Senate education committee. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The on-demand food delivery app, Waitr, recently added a web ordering option and restaurants are already benefiting. Chief Marketing Officer for Waitr, Sonny Mayugba (My-ou-ba), says they received feedback from consumers and restaurants urging the company to develop Waitr-app-dot-com (waitrapp.com). He expects more restaurants will bring their businesses to the company.

Cut 4  (10) “business”

Waitr is currently available in the majority of the Bayou State, except for Alexandria, which is expected to be on board soon. Mayugba says the majority of people still browse the internet on the computer, not purely on mobile apps. He says their mission is to help restaurants feature their great food to a bigger market.

Cut 5  (10)  “ordering online”

Waitr was founded in Lake Charles in 2015 and over 2-thousand restaurants partner with the company. Mayugba says Waitr is a great platform for a customer but…

Cut 6 (09) “the consumers”

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ULM researchers are working to develop treatments for cancer and Alzheimer’s from a compound found in extra virgin olive oil. Dr. Amal Kaddoumi’s research focuses on Alzheimer’s, and Dr. Khalid El Sayed is researching cancer. El Sayed (El-sigh-ed) says in some early trials this compound actually worked better than chemo. Kaddoumi says she is also seeing good results from the initial tests.

Cut 7 (08)  “one mechanism”

Kaddoumi (Kuh-doo-me) says the compound oleocanthal (oh-lee-oh-can-thal) is effective at removing a particular protein that inhabits brain function. The research is funded through a $200-thousand grant from the state Board of Regents. She says with initial tests completed, the next step is testing on human patients.

Cut 8 (05) “clinical trial”

Kaddoumi says they believe this compound could one day be used to treat and even prevent Alzheimer’s and different types of cancer. El Sayed says with this grant, they hope to launch a ULM food or drink product that could help prevent these diseases.

Cut 9 (11)  “prevention”

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Higher education leaders made their case during a legislative budget hearing to not cut state funding to public colleges. Governor John Bel Edwards proposed budget  calls for a 17-million dollar reduction in funding for campuses. Louisiana Community and Technical College President Monty Sullivan says their institutions can’t keep doing more with less….

Cut 10 (07) “to happen”

Since 2008, Louisiana has reduced state funding to its public colleges by 700-million dollars. President F King Alexander says the LSU School system is looking at its 17th cut in nine-and-a-half years…

Cut 11 (10) “student spending”

Alexander says despite their money troubles, LSU ranks 24th among flagship institutions for its graduation rate. TOPS is also not fully funded in the governor’s proposed budget. Alexander says students are accepting scholarships to out of state schools as a result…

Cut 12 (12) “of TOPS”

The hearing on finances for higher ed went on for hours, but it’s too early in the session to tell if legislators can spend more on Louisiana colleges.

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A north Louisiana lawmaker seeks to end bullying in Louisiana schools with a comprehensive bill waiting to be heard in this legislative session. Shreveport senator and attorney John Milkovich says his bill requires that instances of bullying be reported to law enforcement within 24 hours.

Cut 13 (10) “it’s real”

The bill also gives teachers the power take all steps necessary to prevent bullying and keep students safe, including using physical force. Milkovich says this would prevent teachers from being suspended for breaking up fights.

Cut 14 (12) “right thing”

Milkovich says students need a safe place to learn. He says that’s why his bill allows teachers to do whatever it takes to keep children safe on school campuses, even if that means taking a bully out of class.

Cut 15 (09) “police involved”

The bill will first be heard by the Senate education committee. A hearing date has not been scheduled.

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LSU returns to SEC play tonight as the Tigers host Ole Miss for the start of a three-game series. Who will start at first base? Regular starter Jake Slaughter has been struggling with the bat, so Coach Paul Mainieri might turn to Nick Coomes, who got the start there on Tuesday night and had two hits…

Cut 16 (17) “first base”

LSU has struggled to score runs lately, but Coomes has been able to supply some offense. In limited action this year, he’s hitting .364. The Baton Rouge native says he’s being an aggressive at the plate…

Cut 17 (12)  “staying aggressive”

Coomes says if he starts at first base tonight, he’ll be ready….

Cut 18 (09)    to me“

17:30 LRN Legislative Report

Higher education leaders made their case during a legislative budget hearing to not cut state funding to public colleges. Governor John Bel Edwards proposed budget calls for a 17-million dollar reduction in funding for campuses. Louisiana Community and Technical College President Monty Sullivan says their institutions can’t keep doing more with less….
cut 10 (07) “…to happen”

Since 2008, Louisiana has reduced state funding to its public colleges by 700-million dollars. President F King Alexander says the LSU School system is looking at its 17th cut in nine-and-a-half years…
cut 11 (10) “….student spent”
But Alexander says despite their money troubles, LSU ranks 24th among flagship insitutions for its graduation rate.
The Louisiana Budget Project studied Governor John Bel Edwards’ tax plan and determines 95-percent of Louisianans would receive a tax cut. But many legislators are skeptical and they are concerned about placing an additional tax on companies. Jan Moller with the Louisiana Budget Project says a lot of steps must occur before the tax reform package is approved….
cut 14 (11) “…can happen”
Truth in Politics is a new political group created to tell Louisiana residents the truth about Governor John Bel Edwards’s tax plan. TIP Executive Director Kelli Bottger say stheir biggest concern with Edwards’ proposal is higher taxes on businesses and they will used targeted ads to alert voters..
cut 7 (10) “…we receive”

1630 Newscast April 12

A new political group is launching an ad campaign and they say they’ll get the truth out about Gov. Edwards’ tax plan. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A Baton Rouge contractor has been indicted on 51 counts of fraud, theft and other charges in Livingston Parish today, shortly after pleading not guilty to 84 counts of contractor fraud in Ascension Parish. The judge ordered 39-year-old Matthew Morris to be held without bail. The charges come after Morris allegedly defrauded nearly 30 flood victims after the August flood.

Southeastern Louisiana University has received the largest single donation in its history. Mike Rivault with SLU says Seth Ryan, a 1953 grad, donated $10 million to go towards scholarships for women majoring in STEM programs. He says in his honor, the university is going to rename the Biology Building on campus after Ryan’s wife.

Cut 11 (10) “receive scholarships”

He says Ryan wanted to provide opportunities for women because his wife was not able to attend college.

College Choice ranks Louisiana Tech’s elementary education program as the fourth best in the country. College of Education Dean Dr. Don Schillinger says if they can produce better teachers, it will have a lasting impact on elementary education in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (09) “of that”

He’s hopeful this ranking will attract more student to LA Tech.

15:30 LRN Newscast April 12th

The Louisiana Budget Project, says based on their research, 95-percent of Louisiana tax filers will pay less in taxes if Governor John Bel Edwards tax plan is adopted. L-B-P executive director Jan Moeller says the largest tax cut would go to those individuals earning between 36-and-56-thousand dollars a year…
cut 13 (10) “…gross receipts tax”
The governor’s tax plan also calls for the lowering of the sales tax rate, but taxing certain services that are not currently taxed. There’s also the proposed gross receipts tax, which would impact many businesses.

 

The man who New Orleans police say was behind the wheel when he plowed into a crowd of Mardi Gras parade goers pleaded not guilty in court today. 25-year-old Nielson Rizzuto is facing multiple counts for the February 25th incident.

 

Louisiana Tech’s elementary education program ranks fourth in the nation and first in the state, according to College Choice. College of Education Dean, Dr. Don Schillinger says Tech students are placed in schools in August and stay with a teaching mentor until graduation day…
cut 3 (10) “…student achievement”

 
Southeastern Louisiana University receives a $10 million bequest, the largest single donation in its history. School spokesperson Mike Rivault says Seth Ryan, a 1953 graduate, became an anonymous donor 15 years ago. He says Ryan donated much of his estate to the university when he passed away several weeks ago.
Cut 9 (10) “would be for”
Rivault says the donation will help pay for scholarships for females to attend school.

LRN PM Newscall April 12th

College Choice ranks Louisiana Tech University’s elementary education program fourth in the nation and first in the state. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A new political group is launching an ad campaign and they say they’ll get the truth out about Gov. Edwards’ tax plan. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana Tech University’s elementary education program ranks fourth in the nation and first in the state, according to College Choice. College of Education Dean, Dr. Don Schillinger says Tech students complete a full year of student teaching. He says their students are placed in schools in August and stay with a teaching mentor until graduation day.

Cut 3 (10) “student achievement”

Schillinger says they are proud of this ranking and if they are able to produce better teachers it will have a lasting impression on elementary education in this state.

Cut 4  (09) “of that”

Schillinger is hopeful this ranking will attract more students, even from other states, to LA Tech. He says they’re also trying to recruit future teachers from rural areas and get them to return home, rather than staying in larger urban areas.

Cut 5  (09)  “they need”

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Truth in Politics is a new political group created to tell Louisiana residents the truth about Governor John Bel Edwards’s tax plan. TIP Executive Director Kelli Bottger says they are launching a digital ad campaign to prevent the legislature from passing the governor’s proposals to raise taxes on businesses.

Cut 6 (11) “really want”

Governor Edwards’ tax plan calls for a new tax on big businesses, lowering income taxes on individuals and broadening the state’s sales tax, but lowering the overall rate. Bottger says their biggest concern is with Edwards’ proposal to raise taxes on businesses and they will use targeted ads to alert voters.

Cut 7 (10)  “we receive”

Governor Edwards’ communications director Richard Carbo referred to TIP has a deep-pocketed special interest group. Bottger says they are not offering an alternative tax plan, their goal is simply to tell the truth about the governor’s proposal to raise taxes on the rich and businesses….

Cut 8 (09) “higher taxes”

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Southeastern Louisiana University receives a $10 million bequest, the largest single donation in its history. S-L-U spokesperson Mike Rivault says Seth Ryan, a Class of 1953 graduate, became an anonymous donor 15 years ago. He says Ryan donated much of his estate to the university when he passed away several weeks ago.

Cut 9 (10)  “would be for”

Rivault says those scholarships will be primarily for STEM programs, which includes science, technology, engineering, and math. Southeastern’s student population is over 60% female, but women only account for 15% of STEM majors. He says with this generous donation, SLU should be able to award up to 600 scholarships every year.

Cut 10 (11) “or not”

Rivault says while Ryan wanted to remain anonymous in life, he said the university could note that the posthumous gift came from him. He says in his honor, the university is going to rename the Biology Building on campus after Ryan’s wife.

Cut 11 (10) “receive scholarships”

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The Louisiana Budget Project has studied Governor John Bel Edwards’ tax plan and has determined 95-percent of Louisianans would receive a tax cut. LBP Executive Director Jan Moller says the top five-percent of wage earners would pay higher taxes…

Cut 12 (12) “next year” (2x)

The Louisiana Budget Project is a left leaning non-profit. The governor’s tax plan also calls for the lowering of the sales tax rate, but taxing certain services that are not currently taxed. There’s also the proposed gross receipts tax, which would impact many businesses. Moller says the largest effective tax cut would go to those individuals earning between 36-and-56-thousand dollars a year…

Cut 13 (10) “gross receipts tax”

Many legislators are skeptical of the governor’s plan and they are concerned about placing an additional tax on companies. Moller says a lot of steps must be taken in order for the governor’s reform package to be approved.

Cut 14 (11) “can happen”

 

14:30 LRN Newscast April 12th

The Louisiana Budget Project has studied Governor John Bel Edwards’ tax plan and has determined 95-percent of Louisianans would receive a tax cut. LBP Executive Director Jan Moller says the top five-percent of wage earners would pay higher taxes…
cut 12 (12) “…next year” (2x)
.

A new political group called Truth in Politics is launching a digital ad campign to argue against the governor’s plan. TIP executive director Kelli Bottger says they are not offering an alternative tax plan, their goal is simply to tell the truth about the governor’s proposal to raise taxes on the rich and businesses…
cut 8 (09) “…higher taxes”
College Choice ranks Louisiana Tech University’s elementary education program fourth in the nation and first in the state. Michelle Southern has more…
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Three finalists have been named to become the next president at McNeese State. Two of them currently work for the school, Jeanne Daboval and Daryl Burckel.

And Southeastern Louisiana has received a 10-million dollar donation from a 1953 graduate that will pay for scholarships for women who want to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

13:30 Newscast, April 12th, 2017

A new political group is launching an ad campaign to get the word out about what they say is the truth out about Gov. Edwards’ tax plan. Jeff Palermo has more.:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Southeastern Louisiana University receives a $10 million bequest, the largest single donation in its history. S-L-U spokesperson Mike Rivault now the university should be able to award up to 600 scholarships every year…:
Cut 10 (11) “or not”
The donor is the late Seth Ryan, a Class of 1953 graduate.

After a closure in Bossier City, Louisiana is now down to three abortion clinics in the state. They are located in Shreveport, New Orleans and Baton Rouge. New Orleans Abortion Fund Executive Director Amy Irvin says one less clinic in the state is not good…:
Cut 5 (10) “for women”
The Louisiana Right to Life is pleased to hear there is one less facility in Louisiana destroying the lives of innocent unborn babies.

Louisiana’s top highway safety official says distracted driving is becoming a “dangerous epidemic” in the state and will only get better when those behind the wheel modify their behaviors. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Katara Williams is reminding drivers to stay attentive to what is happening on the road, as April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. According to LHSC, 192 people were killed in Louisiana from 2011 to 2015 because of some distraction.

 

12:30 Newscast, April 12th, 2017

A new group called Truth in Politics has launched a campaign which targets Governor John Bel Edwards’ tax plan. Executive Director Kelli Bottger says the aim with this six-figure digital ad run is convince constituents to contact lawmakers and ask them to reject the governor’s tax proposals…:
Cut 6 (11) “really want”
Governor Edwards’ communications director Richard Carbo referred to TIP as a deep-pocketed special interest group.

Louisiana Tech’s elementary education program has been ranked number 1 in the state, and No. 4 in the nation by College Choice’s 35 Best Elementary Education Degrees for 2017. Dr. Don Schillinger is the Dean and he says they are proud of this ranking, because producing better teachers has a lasting impression on elementary education…:
Cut 4 (09) “of that”

The feud continues between Governor John Bel Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry. The AG’s office has filed a lawsuit against the governor saying the state doesn’t have the right to withhold an escrow account containing settlement money it claims is for the Department of Justice’s use….:
Cut 25 (06) “this office”
The governor says that the money that is coming from 2014 pharmaceutical settlement and belongs to the state, not the DOJ.

A 71-year-old man from Baker is under arrest amid allegations he locked his 13-year-old son in a horse trailer overnight as punishment. The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office says Douglas O’Neal told authorities that whipping the victim was no longer working so he decided to put the teen in the trailer with manure inside.

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast April 12th

Former Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and the Saints are reportedly talking about a contract. Peterson visited with the Saints yesterday. He reportedly did not workout for team officials, like he did when he visited New England. The 32-year-old has played in 20 games over the last three seasons because of injuries.

New LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade will reportedly hire Wichita State assistant Greg Heiar. The 41-year-old has been the top assistant for the Shockers since 2011. Wichita State has made seven straight NCAA Tournaments.

As expected, LSU’s top scorer from last season has entered the NBA draft. Antonio Blakeney averaged 17 points a game and shot 46-from the field as a sophomore.

But the Tigers are expected to sign four-star prospect Mayan Kiir, who is six-foot-10, 220 pounds. He originally signed at VCU, but received his release from his signed letter of intent when Wade took the job at LSU.

The LSU baseball team held on for a three-to-two victory over the Cajuns for its third straight win. The Tigers scored all of their runs in the fourth inning, highlighted by a two-run single by Kramer Robertson. The Cajuns scored two in the fifth, but the Tigers preserved the lead the rest of the way. Zack Hess struck out four in an inning and two thirds.

Elsewhere….Louisiana Tech and ULM’s game was suspended by rain in the fifth inning with the Bulldogs leading four to one. A potential make-up date has not been announced. Tulane hit four home runs in a nine to three win over Nicholls and Lamar outslugged Grambling 11 to 2.

Last night the Pelicans lost to the Lakers 108-96. The regular season comes to an end tonight against Portland.