LRN AM Newscall March 8

Flash flood warnings are in effect across much of Louisiana today as a severe weather system moves through the gulf south. Don Molino reports…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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Higher Ed Commissioner Joseph Rallo says budget concerns are leading to lower enrollment at Louisiana colleges next school year. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Army Corps of Engineers is keeping a close eye on the Mississippi River levees south of Baton Rouge. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Make sure you have your umbrella handy the rest of the week, as several inches of rain is expected to fall across the Bayou State over the next several days. State climatologist Barry Keim says flash flooding is possible…

cut 4  (09)  “imagine that”

Keim says a cold front is slowly moving over the gulf south and this storm is expected to wreak havoc over the South….

Cut 5  (10)  “and tornadoes”

Keim says the storm will get ramped up tomorrow and into Thursday and advises people to be prepared. He says this storm will hit Louisiana in waves.

Cut 6 (08)  “next day” 

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With only two days left in the special legislative session, Higher Education Commissioner Joseph Rallo is concerned about the possibility of universities cancelling classes and professors receiving furlough notices…

CUT 7 (10)  “to be doing”

The legislature is trying to come up with a funding plan that will prevent significant cuts to higher ed and health care. Rallo says the talk of more budget cuts is already having an impact, as professors are leaving Louisiana universities, and prospective educators are deciding not to come to the state. He says if lawmakers fail to find funds, big cuts are coming…

Cut 8  (09)  “in TOPS”

Rallo says as it stands now TOPS is facing an 80-percent reduction in funding next fiscal year, which means that the number of eligible students in Louisiana would drop from 45-thousand to 9-thousand for the fall semester, and the minimum ACT score required for the scholarship could be raised from a 20 to a 27. He says budget concerns are also affecting enrollment numbers at LSU.

Cut 9 (08)  “out there”

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The Mississippi River is rising in South Louisiana again which will lead to twice a week checks of the levees. Ricky Boyett with the Army Corps of Engineers, says they are preparing for the water to rise even more.

Cut 10 (10) “a week”

Boyett says the heavy rains this week should not affect the water levels too much. He says the elevated waters are not uncommon for this time of year.

cut 11 (07) “high water season”

In January, high water led to the opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway for about three weeks. Boyett says at this time they don’t anticipate opening the flood control structure for this high water event….

cut 12 (10) “Bonnet Carre”

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Spring football is underway for the LSU Tigers. After finishing the last two seasons ranked out of the top 100 in passing offense, Coach Les Miles says the passing game will be a point of emphasis leading up to the Spring game on April 16th

Cut 13 (15)  “team better”

Miles says it’s also an important time for the defense as that side of the football is learning a new system taught by 1st year defensive coordinator Dave Aranda….

Cut 14 (20)  “opponents formations” 

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LSU freshman forward Ben Simmons says he’s not upset that he will not be eligible for the Wooden AWard, which is considered the top individual award a college basketball player could receive. Simmons reportedly can’t win the award because of academics. The soon to be NBA player says he’s not losing sleep over the situation

Cut 15 (12) “players regardless” 

Simmons is expected to enter the NBA draft once LSU’s season is concluded. The potential number one pick says his focus is on this weekend’s SEC Tournament…

Cut 16  (11)  “the team“

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Lawmakers worked deep into the night on coming together on a plan to prevent big cuts to health care and colleges. The House approved a bill that reduces tax cuts businesses receive for utility costs and their equipment purchases. A three-year sunset was put on Monroe Representative Jay Morris’ legislation…

Cut 17 (10)   on it”

The bill  is expected to generate about 20-million dollars for this year’s budget and 110-million for next year’s.  Republican Metairie lawmaker Cameron Henry told reporters there was no need to pass additional revenue raising measures, which frustrates Democrats, like New Orleans Representative Walt Leger…

Cut 18 (10) “its needed”

At six o’ clock last night, Governor John Bel Edwards sent a “48-hour warning notice” reminding lawmakers of what could happen if the legislature fails to approve other revenue generating bills….

Cut 19 (09) “of government”

 

18:30 LRN Newscast March 7, 2016

The clock is ticking on lawmakers who are trying to come up with a funding plan to close huge budget deficits this fiscal year and next. Governor John Bel Edwards says unfortunately tax increases are necessary to stabilize the state’s budget and avoid deep cuts to higher ed and health care…
cut 8 (11) “….in our history”
Edwards says he wants to see businesses share in the increased tax burden.

The US Supreme Court has overturned the conviction of Michael Wearry, who was sentenced to death in the killing of a 16-year-old pizza delivery driver whose body was found near Hammond in 1998. The nation’s highest court said prosecutors failed to disclose evidence that could have helped his defense. District Attorney Scott Perrilloux says they plan to re-try Weary…
cut 14 (07) “…we can”

Several flash flood watches are already posted, set to go in effect tomorrow as a large weather system is expected to dump several inches of rain in Louisiana. Brandi Hughes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, says the rains won’t stop until this weekend…

cut 5 (06) “….heavy rain”

Hughes says the heaviest rain should arrive in Louisiana on Wednesday.

Louisiana native Peyton Manning tearfully announced today that, after 18 years in the NFL, he’s decided to hang up his cleats. Nelson Stewart, Manning’s high school teammate and current head coach at Isidore Newman, says Manning helped evolve the NFL into the passing league it’s become…:

cut 10 (11) “for so long”
In his retirement speech, Manning said he wants to thank the people of New Orleans and south Louisiana because they support their own team, but they also support their own.

17:30 LRN Newscast March 7th ##Legislative Report###

Lawmakers have until Wednesday night to close a massive budget shortfall. Jeff Palermo gets an update from the governor….
voicer 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The chairman of the House Approrpriations Committee, Cameron Henry, told nola-dot-com that there’s no reason for any more tax bills to be passed by the House. The republican from Jefferson Parish says the House has already approved enough legislation to address the 900-million dollar deficit this current budget year.

The legislature is trying to come up with a funding plan that will prevent significant cuts to public colleges. Higher ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says the talk of budget cuts is already having an impact, as professors are leaving Louisiana universities, and prospective educators are deciding to go elsewhere. He says if lawmakers fail to find funds, big cuts are coming…
cut 28 (09) “…in TOPS”
Higher ed leaders have been seen at the Capitol speaking with legislators.

Colfax Representative Terry Brown has filed legislation for the regular session that would require the governor to look over Louisiana’s contracts with the Saints and Pelicans and allow him to renegotiate to reduce state subsidies. Brown says in these tough budget times, state-funding for professional sports teams should be reduced…:
cut 30 (10) “water districts”
Brown says since 2002 the Saints and Pelicans have received about 369 million dollars from the state.

16:30 LRN Newscast March 7

The special session called to address the state’s budget crisis must end on Wednesday. Higher cigarette and alcohol taxes have advanced, and there are also measures on the table to raise the state sales tax. Governor John Bel Edwards is hopeful that the House approves legislation today that will call for businesses paying higher taxes…:
CUT 7 (07) “greater extent”
It’s estimated that lawmakers are about 150 to 200 million dollars short of what is needed to fill the budget hole for the fiscal year that ends June 30th.

Louisiana is bracing for a wet work week, with the rain arriving tomorrow. Brandi Hughes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, says northwestern Louisiana may see up to 10 inches of rain. She says a low pressure system will push a lot of moisture into the state…:
CUT 4 (04) “as well”
The heaviest rain is expected to move into the area Wednesday and hang around until Friday.

The nation’s high court has overturned a 2002 conviction of a Louisiana death row inmate accused in the death of a 16-year-old pizza delivery driver whose body was found near Hammond in 1998. The nation’s highest court said prosecutors didn’t turn over evidence in the case that would undermine the conviction of Michael Weary. District Attorney Scott Perrilloux says they plan to re-try Weary…:
cut 12 (10) “…at this point”
Perilloux added that the victim’s mother is disappointed with today’s ruling.

New Orleans native Peyton Manning announced his retirement today after 18 seasons in the NFL and two Super Bowl championships. Nelson Stewart, Manning’s high school teammate and current head coach at Isidore Newman, says Manning’s Super Bowl 50 victory is a fitting way to end his football career…:
CUT 9 (05) “Hall of Fame career”
Manning holds over 20 NFL records.

16:45 LRN Sportscast March 7

Spring football is underway for the LSU Tigers as the first of 14 practices got underway today leading up to the Spring game on April 16th. The Tigers need to find two new starting offensive tackles. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says soon to be sophomore Toby Weathersby has a chance at one of those spots…
cut 15 (15) “…a starter’

It’s conference tournament week in college basketball…LSU plays Friday afternoon in the quarterfinals of the SEC tourney. In the Sun Belt…UL Lafayette is the four seed, while ULM is a two-seed and will not play until Saturday in the semifinals of the Sun Belt Tourney. Louisiana Tech plays Thursday afternoon as they are in the quarterfinals of the Conference USA Tournament as a four-seed.

New Orleans native Peyton Manning gave a tearful goodbye to the NFL today. He announced his retirment after 18 seasons in professional football and two Super Bowl championships. Manning’s former high school teammate and current coach at Isidore Newman, Nelson Stewart, says he hops Manning remains involved in the NFL in some way, like ownership or broadcasting…
cut 11 (10) “…for him”
Manning is the only quarterback in NFL history to win Super Bowl titles with two different teams.

Despite winning all four of its games last week, LSU fell three spots in the USA Today Coaches Poll to number eight. The Ragin Cajuns tumbled 11 spots to 24th.

Louisiana Tech shortstop Chandler Hall has been named Hitter of the Week in Conference USA. The junior was 7-of-15 at the plate last week with a home run and six RBIs. The Bulldogs are at LSU tomorrow night.

15:30 LRN Newscast March 7

With the special session set to end Wednesday night, lawmakers are scrambling to come up with a plan to address the state’s large budget deficit. There’s talk about increasing Louisiana’s four-cent sales tax by as much two-cents, but Governor John Bel Edwards says the tax burden should be spread out, impacting businesses too…:
CUT 6 (10) “as a whole”
Edwards does remain hopeful the House will send over some additional tax bills to the Senate by the end of today.

Expect a wet week in Louisiana as forecasters expect a system to move in that will soak The Bayou State. Brandi Hughes with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says the rain will move in tomorrow afternoon…:
CUT 3 (06) “work week”
A flash flood watch has been issued for 23 parishes, mostly on the western side of the state.

The US Supreme Court has reversed a 2002 murder conviction of a Louisiana death row inmate. Michael Weary was sentenced to die in the murder of a 16-year-old pizza delivery driver, whose body was found near Hammond in 1998. According to the ruling, prosecutors didn’t disclose evidence that could have helped Weary’s defense. District Attorney Scott Perrilloux says they never had some of the evidence referred to in today’s ruling…
cut 13 (07) “….physcially do not”
Perrilloux says they plan to re-try Weary as soon as possible.

New Orleans native Peyton Manning gave an emotional goodbye today as he retired from professional football. His high school teammate and current head coach at Isidore Newman High School, Nelson Stewart, says he hopes Manning can continue to be a part of the NFL, like as an owner or broadcaster…
cut 11 (10) “…for him”
Manning is a five-time NFL MVP and two Super Bowl titles with two different teams.

14:30 LRN Newscast March 7

The clock is ticking on lawmakers who are trying to come up with a funding plan to close huge budget deficits this fiscal year and next. Governor John Bel Edwards says unfortunately tax increases are necessary to stablize the state’s budget and avoid deep cuts to higher ed and health care…
cut 8 (11) “….in our history”
Edwards says he wants to see businesses share in the increased tax burden.

The US Supreme Court has overturned the conviction of Michael Wearry, who was sentenced to death in the killing of a 16-year-old pizza delivery driver whose body was found near Hammond in 1998. The nation’s highest court said prosecutors failed to disclose evidence that could have helped his defense. District Attorney Scott Perrilloux says they plan to re-try Weary…
cut 14 (07) “…we can”

New Orleans native Peyton Manning announced his retirement from the NFL today. Halen Doughty has local reaction…
voicer 2 (30) “…reproting”

Several flash flood watches are already posted, set to go in effect tomorrow as a large weather system is expected to dump several inches of rain in Louisiana. Brandi Hughes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, says the rains won’t stop until this weekend…
cut 5 (06) “….heavy rain”

LRN PM Newscall Monday, March 7

Lawmakers have until Wednesday night to close a massive budget shortfall. Jeff Palermo gets an update from the governor….

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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New Orleans native Peyton Manning announced his retirement from pro football today. Halen Doughty has local action…..

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A lot of rain will hit Louisiana this week. A flash flood watch has been issued for 23 parishes, mostly on the western side of the state. Brandi Hughes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, says heavy rain will move in tomorrow afternoon.

CUT 3 (06)  “work week”

Hughes says northwestern Louisiana may see up to 10 inches of rain. She says a low pressure system will push a lot of moisture into the state.

CUT 4 (04)  “as well”

Hughes says the rains are not likely to stop until this weekend.

CUT 5 (06)  “heavy rain”

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With the special session set to end Wednesday night, lawmakers are scrambling to come up with a plan to address the state’s large budget deficit. There’s talk about increasing the state’s four-cent sales tax by as much two-cents, but Governor John Bel Edwards says the tax burden should be spread out, impacting businesses too…

CUT 6 (10) “as a whole”

It’s estimated that lawmakers are about 150 to 200 million dollars short of what is needed to fill the budget hole for the fiscal year that ends June 30th. Edwards is hoping the House can approve legislation that will call businesses paying higher taxes….

CUT 7 (07) “greater extent”

The legislature has already agreed to raise the tax on a pack of cigarettes by 22-cents and they are close to approving legislation that would raise taxes on alcohol and the House and Senate have agreed on measures that adds another penny to the states four-cent sales tax. Edwards says the tax increases are necessary to stabilize the state’s budget and avoid deep cuts to higher ed and health care…

CUT 8 (11) “in our history”

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New Orleans native Peyton Manning announced his retirement today after 18 seasons in the NFL and two Super Bowl championships. Nelson Stewart, Manning’s high school teammate and current head coach at Isidore Newman, says Manning’s Super Bowl 50 victory is a fitting way to end his NFL career.

CUT 9 (05) “Hall of Fame career” 

The five time NFL MVP is the only quarterback to win Super Bowl titles with two different teams, one with the Indianapolis Colts and the other with the Denver Broncos. Stewart says Manning helped evolve the NFL into the passing league it’s become.

cut 10 (11)  “for so long”

Manning holds over 20 NFL records, including career passing yards and passing touchdowns, most game-winning drives and most comeback wins. Stewart says he hopes to see Manning continue in the NFL in some way, like ownership or broadcasting.

Cut 11 (10) “for him”

Manning was a Super Bowl MVP, a seven-time first-team All-Pro, and a 14-time Pro Bowl selection. His teams made the playoffs in 15 of the 18 seasons he played.

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The nation’s high court has overturned a 2002 conviction of a Louisiana death row inmate accused in the death of a 16-year-old pizza delivery driver whose body was found near Hammond in 1998. They said prosecutors didn’t turn over evidence in the case that would undermine the conviction of Michael Weary. District Attorney Scott Perrilloux says they plan to re-try Weary…:

cut 12 (10) “at this point”

The justices Monday said prosecutors should have turned over information casting doubt on the credibility of a person that testified against Weary. But Perrilloux says they didn’t have some of the evidence referred to in today’s ruling…:

Cut 13 (07)  “physically do not”

Officials say Eric Walber was beaten to death and run over when he was found lying face down on the side of a gravel road in a rural area of Tangipahoa Parish. Perrilloux says the victim’s mother is disappointed, but ready to to move on with prosecutors to get this back to trial…:

cut 14 (07)  “we can”

13:30 Newscast, March 7th, 2016

Lawmakers have until Wednesday night to close a massive budget shortfall. Jeff Palermo gets an update from the governor…:
CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Saying the state did not disclose evidence that could have helped his case, the Louisiana Supreme Court overturns a 2002 murder conviction of a death row inmate. Michael Wearry was found guilty of the murder of a 16-year-old pizza delivery driver in Baton Rouge in 1998, but the justices Monday said prosecutors should have turned over information casting doubt on the credibility of a person that testified against him.

Louisiana native Peyton Manning tearfully announced today that, after 18 years in the NFL, he’s decided to hang up his cleats. Nelson Stewart, Manning’s high school teammate and current head coach at Isidore Newman, says Manning helped evolve the NFL into the passing league it’s become…:
cut 10 (11) “for so long”
In his retirement speech, Manning said he wants to thank the people of New Orleans and south Louisiana because they support their own team, but they also support their own.

The famous Acadiana Billy’s Boudin & Cracklins establishment in Scott has been ordered by the US Department of Labor to pay back wages to employees who were never paid for overtime, according to officials. They found the food spot used cash payments and duplicate books to avoid having to pay its workers overtime. As a result of the investigation, the enterprise is paying $112,724 in back wages.

 

12:30 Newscast, March 7th, 2016

The special session called to address the state’s budget crisis must end on Wednesday. Higher cigarette and alcohol taxes have advanced, and there are also measures on the table to raise the state sales tax. Governor John Bel Edwards is hopeful that the House approves legislation today that will call for businesses paying higher taxes…:
CUT 7 (07) “greater extent”
It’s estimated that lawmakers are about 150 to 200 million dollars short of what is needed to fill the budget hole for the fiscal year that ends June 30th.

New Orleans native Peyton Manning is announcing his retirement today after 18 seasons in the NFL and two Super Bowl championships. Nelson Stewart, Manning’s high school teammate and current head coach at Isidore Newman, says Manning’s Super Bowl 50 victory is a fitting way to end his NFL career…:
CUT 9 (05) “Hall of Fame career”
Manning holds over 20 NFL records, including career passing yards and passing touchdowns, most game-winning drives and most comeback wins.

Louisiana is bracing for a wet work week as the national weather service says another storm system is headed this way, expected to arrive tomorrow. Brandi Hughes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, says northwestern Louisiana may see up to 10 inches of rain. She says a low pressure system will push a lot of moisture into the state…:
CUT 4 (04) “as well”
A flash flood watch has been issued for 23 parishes, mostly on the western side of the state. The Storm Prediction Center has placed a portion of south LA under a “marginal risk” for severe weather tomorrow, and slight risk on Wednesday.

The state’s high court has overturned a 2002 conviction of a Louisiana death row inmate accused in the death of a 16-year-old pizza delivery driver near Baton Rouge. They said prosecutors didn’t turn over evidence in the case that would undermine the conviction of Michael Weary.