06:30 Newscast, February 17th, 2016

A new poll shows that a vast majority of Louisiana residents do not support increasing taxes to help state government solve its huge budget deficit this fiscal year. Southern Media and Opinion Research surveyed 500 likely voters and 72% of them said “no” to raising taxes and fees. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says that’s because state government has lost credibility with the people of Louisiana….:
CUT 7 (04) “properly”
Today at the Capitol, measures proposed by the governor’s office to raise taxes on things like tobacco, alcohol, Internet sales and car rentals will get their first hearing.

Governor John Bel Edwards will meet with Vice President Joe Biden today at the Port of New Orleans. The Vice President is on a three state tour and this morning’s discussion with Edwards will include transportation and development projects and the accomplishments of the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Grant program in the region.

A Lake Charles native has invented the first re-hydrating mouth guard. Emelie Gunn has more on the hands free system…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The LSU men’s basketball team faces one of the hottest teams in the Southeastern Conference tonight as the Tigers host Alabama. Tip-off is at 8pm.

 

 

LRN AM Newscall February 17, 2016

A Lake Charles native has invented the first re-hydrating mouth guard. Emelie Gunn has more on the hands free system…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A new poll from Southern Media and Opinion Research shows a majority of Louisiana residents are not in favor of raising taxes to solve the state’s budget deficit. Halen Doughty has the story….

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Legislators have started proposing bills for the regular legislative session, one of which aims to keep citizens safe at movie theaters. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Lake Charles man has developed a new way of keeping athletes hydrated during a game. Joseph Tucker created the Hydra-Guard, which is the first re-hydrating mouth guard in the world. Tucker says the mouth guard will be released online February 25thand you can fill up the hands free system with water or your favorite sports drink.

cut 4  (10)  “the court”

Tucker says the mouth-guard is pressurized so the athlete just push their tongue against the roof of their mouth to release the liquid and can be refilled quickly. He says the pouch holding the liquid is sealed to the mouth-guard by a mechanical and chemical bond so it won’t get in the way while playing the game.

Cut 5  (08)  “breathability”

The mouth guard will retail for $34.99. Tucker says it holds just enough liquid to prevent athletes from getting dry mouth while playing. He anticipates the Hydra-Guard to be a big hit in Louisiana especially with our intense heat.

Cut 6 (09)  “healthy” 

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A new poll shows that a vast majority of Louisiana residents do not support increasing taxes to help state government solve its huge budget deficit this fiscal year. Southern Media and Opinion Research surveyed 500 likely voters and 72% of them said “no” to raising taxes and fees. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says that’s because state government has lost credibility with the people of Louisiana.

CUT 7 (04)  “properly”

Pinsonat says his poll also shows 61% of the voters say the state government is spending too much money. He says the results from survey could make it tough for the governor to push for higher taxes…

Cut 8  (06)  “revenue problem”

The survey asked votes their opinions on certain taxes and a majority of people oppose raising income and state sales taxes, but Pinsonat says over 60% are in favor of increasing taxes on cigarettes and alcohol.

Cut 9 (04)  “sin tax”

Pinsonat says “sin taxes” are the easiest to pass, but he is unsure whether they would generate enough revenue. He says the public is wary of raising taxes on businesses because of concern about the economy. 54% of people say the state budget can be balanced without raising taxes.

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Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton has proposed a bill for the regular session that would require metal detectors to be installed at movie theaters. This would prevent people from bringing weapons into theaters.

Cut 10 (07) “a weapon”

The bill comes as a response to the deadly shootings that occur at movie theaters around the country, including one in Lafayette last year. Norton says lawmakers need to keep Louisiana residents safe.

cut 11 (05) “are safe”

Under Norton’s proposed bill, movie theaters would face fines for not having metal detectors. Movie theaters across the country have been hesitant to install metal detectors because of costs. Norton says the added safety measure is well worth the price of protecting a person’s life.

cut 12 (07) “or safer”

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The House Ways and Means Committee will hear testimony today for tax increases on tobacco, alcohol, Internet sales and car rentals. Jeremy Alford, publisher of la-politics.com, says that legislators will not be voting on these proposed taxes yet.

Cut 13 (04)  “eventually vote”

Legislators will begin voting on these tax proposals, after they hear from supporters and opponents of each of the proposed taxes. Alford says Republicans have been hesitant about raising taxes, but it might be something they have to consider.

Cut 14 (05)  “be created” 

Legislators will examine carefully the fiscal notes for each proposal, which detail how much money each measure would raise. Alford says passing any of the proposed bills will take compromise from both sides.

Cut 15 (05) “to move” 

The committee will reportedly not hear corporate and personal income tax bills until next week.

18:30 LRN Newscast

One month into office and Governor John Bel Edwards approval rating is  below 50-percent. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A Natchitoches man has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the state’s nearly $1 billion budget deficit. Eric Boleyn’s online donation page reads “Help Louisiana, Need $900 million.” The description explains that any donations will be put towards the crippling budget deficit the state is facing. The page has been shared by thousands of people and has brought in a total of $40 in the past four days.

Today is the third day of the special session that’s attempting to resolve the state’s $957 million deficit for this fiscal year. Barry Erwin, Head of the Council for a Better Louisiana, says lawmakers will make cuts to the budget in addition to generating new revenues. He says some revenue raising measures they are considering will not provide immediate solutions.

CUT 5 (07)  “years ago”

Erwin says legislators will be looking for both short-term and long-term solutions.

Former Saints safety Darren Sharper is facing charges for allegedly drugging and raping multiple women. Sharper has received a new plea hearing set for Thursday. Legal analyst Tim Meche says Sharper could possibly plead guilty without the guaranteed sentence he was hoping to get, or he could go to trial. Meche says things could get far worse for Sharper.

Cut 11 (09) “behavior”

Sharper’s new trial date is set for May 16th.

17:30 LRN Newscast Feb 16

It’s day three of the special session aimed at trying to resolve the state’s 850 to 950-million dollar shortfall for this fiscal year. Halen Doughty has an update…
voicer 1 (30) “…I’m Halen Doughty”

A proposal to use 128-million dollars in rainy day funds to fill the massive budget hole for this fiscal year was approved by the Senate finance committee. The panel also decided to redirect 200-million dollars in Gulf oil spill recovery money. Both bills head to the full senate for more discussion.

The House appropriations committee heard testimony today about the impact of proposed cuts to health care. Covington Representative John Schroeder was upset to hear about plans to close a pediatric health care program that helps several disabled children…
cut 30 (14) “…done our job”
Chief financial officer for DHH, Jeff Reynolds, says costs have escalated because the program has been abused by health care providers.

An independent poll from Southern Media and Opinion Research puts Governor John Bel Edwards approval rating at 42-percent. 25-percent disapprove of the governor’s first month in office, while 34-percent are undecided. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat…
cut 7 (12) “….difficult time”

16:45 LRN Sportscast Feb 16

Wide receiver Trey Quinn has announced on social media that he is transferring from LSU. Quinn was highly recruited coming out of Barbe High School after he set a national high school receiving record as he had 6,566 yards. Quinn started several games his freshman season at LSU, but only caught 17 passes. Last year, he only grabbed five passes. He will reportedly not be allowed to transfer to another SEC school.

And it’s also being reported that former Holy Cross wide receiver Kevin Spears will also transfer from LSU. Spears is apparently hoping to sign with an FCS program.

A couple of other Tiger notes, LSU has received 20-thousand tickets to sell for the season opener against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field. Prices range from 91-dollars to 118-dollars. LSU’s spring game is April 16th and the first spring practice is March 7th.

A couple of former Saints were released today. The Chicago Bears said goodbye to offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod, while the Lions cut running back Joicque Bell.

16:30 LRN Newscast

A new poll conducted by Southern Media and Opinion Research shows Governor John Bel Edward has an approval rating of 42-percent. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says to make matters worse for Governor Edwards, the statewide elected official with the highest approval rating is Treasurer John Kennedy, who is arguing against the tax increases that the governor is pushing for…

CUT 8 (10) “reduce spending”

Pinsonat says 25-percent respondents disapprove of Edwards performance so far.

It’s day three of the special session that’s attempting to resolve the state’s budget deficit. Barry Erwin, Head of the Council for a Better Louisiana, says this session may only provide short-term solutions for this fiscal year, which ends June 30. Erwin says the budget has been in trouble for several years and lawmakers should have addressed it sooner.

CUT 4 (08)  “started happening”

Former Saints safety Darren Sharper has received a new plea hearing set for Thursday, as he faces charges where he allegedly drugged and raped multiple women. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the original agreement Sharper accepted isn’t likely to be accepted by the two female Louisiana judges he’s in front of now, US District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo and state District Judge Karen Herman.

CUT 9 (11)  “longer sentence”

The new trial date is set for May 16th.

A reward is now being offered for information about a birdhouse stolen from a residence in Lafourche Parish. Sergeant Brennan Matherne says regardless of the severity of the crime, he hopes this shows the public that anytime anything is stolen from your property, you should let authorities know about it…:

cut 13 (08)  “involved in”

The alleged incident took place the morning of February 8th in Gray.

15:30 Newscast February 16,2016

One month into office and Governor John Bel Edwards approval rating is below 50-percent. Jeff Palermo has the story…
CUT 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

It’s the third day of the special session that’s trying to fix the state’s 957 million dollar budget deficit. President of the Council for a Better Louisiana Barry Erwin says legislators will be searching for both short long-term solutions….:
CUT 3 (05) “of time”

The session must end by March 9th.

 

Former Saints safety Darren Sharper has received a new plea hearing set for Thursday, as he faces charges where he allegedly drugged and raped multiple women. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the original agreement Sharper accepted isn’t likely to be accepted by the two female Louisiana judges he’s in front of now. Meche says Sharper’s attorneys didn’t realize who they were up against…
cut 10 (08) “jurisdiction”

The new trial date is set for May 16th.

A reward is being offered for information about whomever stole a birdhouse from a residence in Lafourche Parish. Sergeant Brennan Matherne says surveillance video shows an unknown female exit a vehicle from the passenger’s side, walk onto the victim’s property and take the birdhouse. He says this might not seem like a big deal…:
cut 12 (10) “stole something”

LRN PM Newscall Feb 16

It’s day three of the special session aimed at trying to resolve the state’s $957 million shortfall for the fiscal year that ends June 30th. Halen Doughty has an update…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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One month into office and Governor John Bel Edwards approval rating is  below 50-percent. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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It’s day three of the special session that’s attempting to resolve the state’s $957 million deficit. Barry Erwin, Head of the Council for a Better Louisiana, says legislators will be looking for both short-term and long-term solutions. Erwin says he is unsure if lawmakers will be able to completely fix the budget problems in only three weeks.

CUT 3 (05)  “of time”

Erwin says this session may only provide short-term solutions for this fiscal year, which ends June 30. He says legislators know that some money will be coming in from BP and the rainy day fund, but it may not be enough. Erwin says the budget has been in trouble for several years and lawmakers should have addressed it sooner.

CUT 4 (08)  “started happening”

Erwin says lawmakers will make cuts to the budget in addition to generating new revenues. He says some revenue raising measures they are considering will not provide immediate solutions.

CUT 5 (07)  “years ago”

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A new poll gives Governor John Bel Edwards an approval rating of 42-percent. The survey was conducted by Southern Media and Opinion Research. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says he hasn’t seen an approval rating that low for a new governor, since Edwin Edwards last term which started in 1992…

CUT 6 (06) “50s or 60s”

The survey was conducted earlier this month and paid for by subscribers. Pinsonat says 25-percent respondents disapprove of Edwards performance so far, while 34-percent are undecided

CUT 7 (12) “difficult time”

Pinsonat says to make matters worse for Governor Edwards, the statewide elected official with the highest approval rating is Treasurer John Kennedy, who is arguing against the tax increases that the governor is pushing for…

CUT 8 (10) “reduce spending”

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Former Saints safety Darren Sharper has received a new plea hearing set for Thursday, as he faces charges where he allegedly drugged and raped multiple women. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the original agreement Sharper accepted isn’t likely to be accepted by the two female Louisiana judges he’s in front of now, US District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo and state District Judge Karen Herman.

CUT 9 (11)  “longer sentence”

The new trial date is set for May 16th. Meche says Sharper’s attorneys believed the Louisiana judges would go along with the nine year prison deal. He says they didn’t realize who they were up against…

cut 10 (08)  “jurisdiction”

Meche says Sharper could possibly plead guilty without a guaranteed sentence that he was hoping to get or go to trial. He says things could get far worse for Sharper.

Cut 11 (09) “behavior”

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A reward is now being offered for information about whomever stole a birdhouse from a residence in Lafourche Parish. Sergeant Brennan Matherne says they have surveillance video which shows an unknown female exit a vehicle from the passenger’s side, walk onto the victim’s property and remove the birdhouse. He says this may not seem like a big deal…:

cut 12 (10) “stole something”

The alleged incident took place the morning of February 8th in Gray. Matherne says regardless of the severity of the crime, they hope this shows the public that anytime anything is stolen from your property, you should let authorities know about it…:

cut 13 (08)  “involved in”

The victim described the birdhouse as having a bronze colored “church-style” design with a decorative metal roof and white post. He says if you know something about this incident, please contact authorities…:

cut 14 (10)  “Bayou Region”

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14:30 LRN Newscast

A new poll gives Governor John Bel Edwards an approval rating of 42-percent. The survey was conducted by Southern Media and Opinion Research. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says he hasn’t seen an approval rating that low for a new governor, since Edwin Edwards last term which started in 1992…

CUT 6 (06) “50s or 60s”

Pinsonat says 25-percent respondents disapprove of Edwards performance so far, while 34-percent are undecided. The survey was conducted earlier this month and paid for by subscribers.

It’s day three of the special session that’s attempting to resolve the state’s $957 million deficit. Head of the Council for a Better Louisiana, Barry Erwin says lawmakers will make cuts to the budget in addition to generating new revenues. He says some revenue raising measures they are considering will not provide immediate solutions.

CUT 5 (07)  “years ago”

Erwin says he is unsure if lawmakers will be able to completely fix the budget problems in only three weeks.

Former Saints safety Darren Sharper has received a new plea hearing set for Thursday, as he faces charges for allegedly drugging and raping multiple women. Legal analyst Tim Meche says Sharper already plead guilty in other jurisdictions. Meche says Sharper could plead guilty without a guaranteed sentence that he was hoping to get or go to trial. He says things could get far worse for Sharper.

Cut 11 (09) “behavior”

The new trial date is set for May 16th.

A reward is now being offered for information about whomever stole a birdhouse from a residence in Lafourche Parish. The victim described the birdhouse as having a bronze colored “church-style” design with a decorative metal roof and white post. Sergeant Brennan Matherne says if you know something about this incident, please contact authorities…:

cut 14 (10)  “Bayou Region”

 

13:30 LRN Newscast

Today is the third day of the special session to address the state’s $957 million deficit. Head of the Council for a Better Louisiana Barry Erwin says this session may only provide short-term solutions for this fiscal year, which ends June 30. Erwin says the budget has been in trouble for several years and lawmakers should have addressed it sooner.

CUT 4 (08)  “started happening”

Erwin says legislators know some money will be coming in from BP and the rainy day fund, but it may not be enough.

Parents may not be able to count on the TOPS scholarship in the future.
The state funded scholarship program has run into funding troubles as part of the budget crisis. Certified financial planner Anne Osestriecher says people should prepare for having to pay their own tuition…:
cut 30 (05) “can have”
She encourages parents to research scholarships as many go unclaimed every year because students don’t apply for them.

Former Saints safety Darren Sharper faces charges for allegedly drugging and raping multiple women. Sharper has received a new plea hearing set for Thursday. Legal analyst Tim Meche says Sharper already plead guilty in other jurisdictions. He says the agreement Sharper accepted isn’t likely to be accepted by the two female Louisiana judges he’s in front of now, US District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo and state District Judge Karen Herman.

CUT 9 (11)  “longer sentence”

The new trial date is set for May 16th.

A reward is being offered for information about a birdhouse stolen from a residence in Lafourche Parish. Sergeant Brennan Matherne says a surveillance video shows an unknown female exiting a vehicle from the passenger’s side, walking onto the victim’s property and removing the birdhouse.Matherne says regardless of the severity of the crime, he hope this shows the public that if anything is stolen from your property, you should let authorities know…:

cut 13 (08)  “involved in”