06:45 Sportscast April 16, 2015

The Pelicans are playoff bound after last night’s 108-103 win over defending NBA Champion San Antonio in front of a sell-out crowd at the Smoothie King Center. Anthony Davis had another monster performance scoring 31 and pulling down 13 rebounds. The Pels make the playoffs for the first time since 2011 as the number eight seed in the Western Conference. The Pelicans begin their first round best-of-seven series against Golden State this Saturday at 2:30. It will be televised on ABC.

The Saints have reportedly signed center Mike Golic Junior, who is the son of ESPN personality Mike Golic. The younger Mike, spent some time with the Saints, last season, but was released after New Orleans acquired Jonathan Goodwin. The Saints are also reportedly talking with free agent defensive lineman Corey Wooton, who had 16 tackles and a sack last season.

LSU Coach Les Miles says quarterbacks Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris will split reps in this Saturday’s spring game.

The top-ranked LSU Tigers scored six runs in the first inning and then cruised to an 11-2 win over Lamar last night at Alex Box Stadium. Left-hander Kyle Bouman picked up the win for LSU in his longest outing of the year. In five innings, Bouman allowed only one run on five hits and struck out three. At the plate, the Tigers pounded the Cardnials with 13 hits including home runs by first-baseman Chris Chinea and shortstop Alex Bregman. LSU is 32-6 as they head to Athens for a three-game SEC series against Georgia beginning Friday. Those games wil be available online only through SEC Network+.

In a battle of a couple of state schools, it was ULM over Northwestern State 5-1. The game was tied at one and the Warhawks broke it open in the bottom of the seventh when shortstop Kodie Tidwell’s two-out triple to right center drove in a pair of runs. ULM reliever Brayden Bouchey picked up the win, while NSU’s Fielding Matkins gets tagged with the loss. The Warhawks will remain at home this weekend hosting Arkansas state for a three-game Sun Belt Conference series. The Demons welcome Central Arkansas Friday for a weekend Southland series in Natchitoches.

06:30 Newscast April 16, 2015

BESE unanimously approves a process that will be used to review the state’s controversial Common Core academic standards. President Chas Roemer says the goal is to improve current standards where necessary instead of rewriting them. He says the key to this process is to make sure they have people who actually use Common Core participating…

cut 7 (10) “for our state”

Roemer says the public will have the opportunity to review and provide input on every standard, and all related meetings will be open to all.

As we look ahead to the 2016 presidential election, how big of a roll will social media play? Both Hillary Clinton and Ted Cruz used Twitter to announce they were running. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says you should expect social media to play a major role…

cut 10 (06) “in the campaign”

He says President Obama showed the importance of social media in his 2008 campaign.

Oceana has filed a lawsuit against the federal government in an attempt to protect sea turtles from shrimp trawl nets. The suit alleges that the Endangered Species Act is being violated as 53,000 endangered sea turtles are allowed to be killed every year in the Southeast Shrimp Trawl Fishery off the Louisiana coast. Oceana Marine Scientist Amanda Keledjian…

cut 13 (11) “throughout the fishery”

A turtle excluder device allows a captured sea turtle to escape when they are caught in a fisherman’s net.

AM Newscall, April 16th, 2015

Governor Bobby Jindal and Dallas-based Monster Moto announce the company will establish a headquarters and manufacturing facility in Ruston. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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BESE unanimously approves a process that will be used to review the state’s controversial Common Core academic standards. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (31) “reporting”

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As we look ahead to the 2016 presidential election, how big of a roll will social media play? Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 3 (29) “reporting”

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Governor Bobby Jindal and Dallas-based Monster Moto announce the company will establish a headquarters and manufacturing facility in Ruston. The project includes a $4 million investment to build a 100,000 square foot facility at the former site of Ruston’s municipal airport. Mayor Ronny Walker says this is a big deal for Ruston…

cut 4  (07)  “to come here

Monster Moto manufactures minibikes, go-carts, and other youth oriented vehicles. Construction on the facility will begin in June and operations are expected to begin by the end of the year. Walker says Monster Moto is a company that really fits in the community…

Cut 5  (07)  “City of Ruston”

Monster Moto’s move will create 287 direct jobs for north Louisiana over the next decade and Louisiana Economic Development predicts an additional 292 new indirect jobs will be created. Hiring will begin in the second half of 2015. Walker says these new jobs are exactly what Ruston needs…

Cut 6 (07)  “here in Ruston”

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BESE unanimously approves a process that will be used to review the state’s controversial Common Core academic standards. President Chas Roemer says the goal is to improve current standards where necessary instead of rewriting them. He says the key to this process is to make sure they have people who actually use Common Core participating…:

CUT 7 (10)  “for our state”

Roemer says the public will have the opportunity to review and provide input on every standard, and all related meetings will be open to all. He says this is not about being pro or anti-Common Core, it’s about finding out what should be expected of children who are learning…:

Cut 8  (09)  “in mathematics” 

Roemer says at least half of the 26-member Standards Committee will be made up of current Louisiana, district and school-based educators. He says they will be looking line-by-line at the standards to make sure they are appropriate or if some can be improved. Louisiana Association of Educators President Debbie Meaux says they would like to see a majority of the committee staffed by classroom teachers…:

Cut 9 (09)  “in education”

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As we look ahead to the 2016 presidential election, how big of a roll will social media play? Both Hillary Clinton and Ted Cruz used Twitter to announce they were running and Senator Marco Rubio’s announcement was shared thousands of times on Facebook. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says you should expect social media to play a major role…

Cut 10 (06) “in the campaign”

He says President Obama showed the importance of social media in his 2008 campaign. Cross thinks social media works better in targeting people better than just about any other approach…

cut 11 (07) “using this method”

Cross says social media is great to get out positive feel-good messages, but it’s also effective in spreading negative messages as well. He says you’ll see a combination of both as the presidential race gets going…

cut 12 (08)   “bad messages”

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Oceana has filed a lawsuit against the federal government in an attempt to protect sea turtles from shrimp trawl nets. The suit alleges that the Endangered Species ACt is being violated as 53,000 endangered sea turtles are allowed to be killed every year in the Southeast Shrimp Trawl Fishery off the Louisiana coast. Oceana Marine Scientist Amanda Keledjian (Ka-Led-Jee-In)…:

Cut 13 (11)  “throughout the fishery”

A turtle excluder device allows a captured sea turtle to escape when they are caught in a fisherman’s net. Keledjian says they want the enforcement and strengthening of the use of these devices which she says are 97% effective…:

Cut 14 (09) “these devices”

Keledjian says only 1 percent of the Southeast shrimp trawl fishery’s fleet is monitored for sea turtle by catch in recent years. She says they are named as one of the most wasteful — throwing out almost two-thirds of what they catch and killing tens of thousands of sea turtles every year…:

Cut 15  (08)  “we’re doing this”

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LRN Newscast 16:30 04-15-15

There was a large gathering of over 100 college students gathered on the steps of the state capitol today to rally against proposed budget cuts to public universities. Those students were joined by a handful of lawmakers who support their efforts, like Winnfield Senator Gerald Long, whose district includes Northwestern State and LSU-Alexandria…
CUT 14 (09) Q: “failed you”
Nearly all of the state’s colleges were represented.

A Pro-Common Core organization called Alliance For Better Classrooms used a visual aid to lawmakers today in the form of mythical beast. Pink and white stuffed unicorns were distributed to show lawmakers that fear about Common Core is not reality either. The attention getter was made in the middle of a very hotly contested issue for this session.
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Natchitoches Police say the assistant principal at Frankie Ray Jackson Senior Technical Center is under arrest for allegedly paddling a teacher. Captain Chris Payne says they got the complaint in February that a female teacher at the school had a battery committed upon her…:
CUT 6 (07) “Vogel”
The 64 year-old administrator was arrested on simple battery and released on $303 dollar bond.

A transgender Lake Charles man has filed a federal sex discrimination lawsuit against his former employer. 21-year-old Tristan Broussard alleges he was fired from Tower Loan last year when it was discovered he used to be a woman…
CUT 3 (10) “sex discrimination”
That’s one of Broussard’s attorneys, Amy Whelan (WAY-lan).

LRN Sportscast 16:45 April 15

It’s been a long time since a more meaningful NBA game has been played in New Orleans. A win tonight for the Pelicans and they are in the Western Conference playoffs. But they’ll have to beat the defending NBA champs. The Spurs also have something to play for as they can still get the two-seed.

If the Pelicans lose tonight, they’ll have to hope that Minnesota upsets Oklahoma City, because a Thunder victory and a New Orleans loss, puts O-K-C into the playoffs and not the Pels. New Orleans Coach Monty Williams believes his team can handle the pressure…
cut 18 (16) “…handle this”
Tip-off tonight is at 7 PM. The game is a sell out and fans have been encouraged to wear red. If the Pelicans get into the playoffs, they’ll begin a series at Golden State this weekend.

The LSU baseball team closes out a six-game homestand tonight against Lamar. Looking ahead to the weekend, the Tigers will visit Georgia and freshman pitcher Alex Lange says he’ll be able to pitch after after missing last weekend’s start, because of arm tightness.

Also tonight…Northwestern State is at ULM. The Demons shutout the Warhawks seven to nothing earlier this season. ULM leads the all-time series 108 to 107.

In college baseball action tonight….LSU hosts Lamar. The Tigers are 31-and-6 on the season, while the Cardinals are just 17 and 18. Also, ULM hosts Northwestern State. Last night, Southeastern Louisiana ended the Ragin Cajuns six game winning streak by beating UL Lafayette five to three.

The Saints have reportedly signed center Mike Golic Junior, who is the son of ESPN personality Mike Golic. The younger Mike, spent some time with the Saints, last season, but was released after New Orleans acquired Jonathan Goodwin. And the Saints are reportedly talking with free agent defensive lineman Corey Wooton, who had 16 tackles and a sack last season.

LSU Coach Les Miles says quarterbacks Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris will split reps in this Saturday’s spring game.

LSU offensive tackle La’el Collins will be one of 26 players to attend the NFL draft in two weeks.

LRN Newscast 15:30 04-15-15

Over 100 college students gathered on the steps of the state capitol today to rally against proposed budget cuts to higher education.…
CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

Republican Senator David Vitter is holding a gubenatorial campaign fundraising event tonight in New Orleans, and is a very recognizeable name scheduled to show up on stage with him. Florida Governor-a potential presidential candidate-has announced his endorsement of Vitter. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie have also announced their support.
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The ACLU of Louisiana is calling on the candidates for Governor to address the state’s massive incarceration problem. Executive Director Marjorie Esman says the all of the gubernatorial candidates are talking about more about fixing the state’s budget problem, and overlooking a serious crisis…:
CUT 9 (06) “in the world”
She says she’s hopes the subject will be addressed.

A federal sex discrimination lawsuit has been filed by a transgender Lake Charles man against his former employer. Twenty-one-year-old Tristan Broussard alleges he was fired from Tower Loan last year when it was discovered he used to be a woman. Attorney Amy Whelan (WAY-lan), says they are open to settling, and turning this into a positve…
CUT 5 (11) Q: “What they did”
A Tower Loan spokesman says they do not comment on personnel issues or issues involving pending litigation.

LRN Newscast 14:30 04-15-15

Higher ed faces huge budget cuts due to a $1.6 billion budget shortfall for the legislative session, and dozens of students are speaking out at the state capital. Jesse Elliot of LSU-Alexandria says funding for higher education has been on the chopping block for the last eight years and the state must establish stable funding for colleges and universities…
cut 13 (11) “eight years ago”
Another student called it “theft of the future”

Monster Moto, which is a motorcycle assembly company has announced they will be construct a new facility in Ruston, that will build go-carts and minibikes. They also announced the relocation of their corporate offices from Dallas to Ruston, as well.
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The ACLU is letting their voices be heard about the state’s massive incarceration rate, and how important that is to discuss in the upcoming governor’s race…
CUT 11 (10) Q; ‘not the last”
That’s ACLU Executive Director Marjorie Esman, who says Louisiana wastes millions in tax dollars paying for inmates who pose little to no threat to our society and believes small offenses would be better addressed by other means.

Natchitoches Police say the assistant principal at Frankie Ray Jackson Senior Technical Center is under arrest for allegedly paddling a teacher. Captain Chris Payne says they got the complaint in February regarding a female teacher at the school, that lead to the arrest of 64-year-old Hugo Vogel of Goldonna. Captain Chris Payne says the are looking for any additional information in the case…
CUT 8 (04) Q: ‘kept confidential”

LRN PM Newscall April 15

A transgender Lake Charles man has filed a federal sex discrimination lawsuit against his former employer, Tower Loan. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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Over 100 college students gathered on the steps of the state capitol today to rally against proposed budget cuts to higher education. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

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A transgender Lake Charles man has filed a federal sex discrimination lawsuit against his former employer. 21-year-old Tristan Broussard alleges he was fired from Tower Loan last year when it was discovered he used to be a woman. One of Broussard’s attorneys, Amy Whelan (WAY-lan), says federal law prohibits employers discriminating against employees based on sex…

CUT 3 (10)  “sex discrimination”

The suit alleges that during a review of Broussard’s employment paperwork, it was noticed that his driver’s licence listed his sex as female. After the company’s vice president found out, Whelan says Broussard was pulled into a meeting…

CUT 4 (10)  “would be fired”

A Tower Loan spokesman says they do not comment on personnel issues or issues involving pending litigation. Whelan says they are open to talk with Tower Loan to settle this case and turn this into a success story…

CUT 5 (11)  “what they did”

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The Natchitoches Police Department says the assistant principal at Frankie Ray Jackson Senior Technical Center is under arrest for allegedly paddling a teacher. Captain Chris Payne says they got the complaint in February that a female teacher at the school had a battery committed upon her…:

CUT 6 (07)  “Vogel”

64-year-old Hugo Vogel of Goldonna was arrested this week for simple battery and was later released on $303 bond. Motive for the alleged battery is unclear. Payne says the investigation was eventually turned over to the department…:

CUT 7 (08)  “Goldonna, Louisiana

Payne says if anyone has additional information about this alleged battery or knows further details they are urged to contact authorities..:

CUT 8 (04)  “kept confidential”

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The ACLU of Louisiana is calling on the candidates for Governor to address the state’s massive incarceration problem. Executive Director Marjorie Esman says we are the world’s incarceration leader, jailing more people per capita than any place on earth. She says the gubernatorial candidates are talking about fixes for the state’s budget and overlooking a serious crisis…:

CUT 9 (06)  “in the world”

Esman says when we’re facing massive cuts to higher education, hospitals and infrastructure, the conversation needs to get started about how we can get some of that money back. She says this puts us in a terrible position of being the world’s largest incarcerator…:

cut 10 (10) “huge amoutn of money”

Esman says Louisiana wastes millions in tax dollars paying for inmates who pose little to no threat to our society and believes small offenses would be better addressed through alternatives to incarceration. She says she’s not sure why the candidates have so far not addressed this issue and hopes that now that they’ve asked them to they will…:

cut 11 (10)  “not the last”

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Over 100 college students gathered on the steps of the state capitol today to rally against proposed budget cuts to pubilc universities. Nearly all of Louisiana’s colleges were represented and many held up signs that said “No Funding, No Future”. UNO student David Teagle says these cuts equate to the theft of the future of Louisiana…

cut 12 (12)  “currently go to”

Higher ed faces huge budget cuts due to a $1.6 billion budget shortfall. Jesse Elliot, a student at LSU-Alexandria says funding for higher education has been on the chopping block for the last eight years and the state must establish stable funding for colleges and universities. He says the effects of more budget cuts reaches far beyond the schools…

cut 13 (11)  “eight years ago”

Students were joined by a handful of lawmakers who support their efforts. Winnfield Senator Gerald Long, whose district includes Northwestern State and LSU-Alexandria, feels it’s the legislature’s responsibility to enact positive ways to fund higher ed…

cut 14 (09) “failed you”

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13:30 Newscast, April 15th, 2015

About 100 college students gathered on the steps of the state capitol today to rally against proposed budget cuts to public universities. nearly all of Louisiana’s colleges were represented and many held up signs that said “No Funding No Future.” David Teagle, with UNO, says these cuts equate to the theft to the future of Louisiana…:
CUT 12 (12) “currently go to”
Higher ed faces huge budget cuts due to a $1.6 billion dollar budget shortfall.

Today is tax day and if you haven’t filed yet officials with the IRS are sending out reminders that you have to at least file electronically by midnight. They say if you need an extension you can get one for 6 months but taxes owed from 2014 are absolutely due today. You can get tips and also FAQs online at IRS.gov.

An assistant principal in Natchitoches Parish is under arrest after accusations surfaced he paddled a teacher on her backside. Captain Chris Payne says they got the complaint in February and after an investigation it was determined that 64-year-old Hugo Vogel of Goldonna had paddled a teacher at Jackson Senior Technical Center…:
CUT 7 (08) “Goldonna, Louisiana”
Vogel was booked for simple battery and was later released on $303 bond.

The ACLU of Louisiana is calling on the candidates for Governor to address the state’s massive incarceration problem. Executive Director Marjorie Esman says we are the world’s incarceration leader, jailing more people per capita than any place on earth. She says this puts us in a terrible position of being the world’s largest incarcerator…:
CUT 10 (10) “huge amount of money”

 

12:30 Newscast, April 15th, 2015

The ACLU of Louisiana is calling on the candidates for Governor to address the state’s massive incarceration problem. Executive Director Marjorie Esman says we are the world’s incarceration leader, jailing more people per capita than any place on earth. She says the gubernatorial candidates are talking about fixes for the state’s budget and overlooking a serious crisis…:
CUT 9 (06) “in the world”
Esman says Louisiana wastes millions in tax dollars paying for inmates who pose little to no threat to our society and the candidates should be addressing that.

Sinkholes will now be recognized as threats in the state’s updated hazard mitigation plan. Louisiana is working on the five year plan which must be in place to receive federal money after natural and man made disasters. This is the first time the state is going to map salt domes and their surrounding 1 mil radius in each parish. Authorities believe a failed salt dome caused a nearly 30 acre sinkhole in Assumption Parish in 2012.

A transgender Lake Charles man has filed a federal sex discrimination lawsuit against his former employer, Tower Loan. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

Governor Bobby Jindal is in Ruston where he’ll be making an economic development announcement this afternoon.