LRN Newscast 16:30 02-20-15

One-hundred-three million dollars worth of cuts was approved by the Legislative Joint Budget Committee today, but not without concerns and even criticisms being expressed. Commissioner of Administration Kristy Nichols pushed lawmakers to approve the governor’s plan, because if any proposed cuts are restored, it could lead to deeper cuts next fiscal year….
cut 15 (10) “higher education”

Here comes the cold weather. Again. And things could get especially dramatic with the possibility of winter precipitation for central and north Louisiana Sunday night and into Monday…
CUT 4 (07) Q; “gonna be”
That’s National Weather Service Office meteorologist Mario Valverde says there is a chance of snow Monday night for North Louisiana.
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In the Louisiana Governor’s race, the first TV ads started today, and they belong to Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle. LaPolitics-dot-com was the first to reveal the report today, and publisher Jeremy Alford said the Angelle campaign kept things quiet about the media buy of $200 thousand dollars…
CUT 11 (11) Q: ‘was celebrating’
The Angelle campaign line is “workhorse; not a showhorse”

Following some recent bad economic business news for Pineville, there is good news to report, as a firm announces an opening that will create hundreds of jobs in Central Louisiana. The Town Talk is reporting the American Specialty Alloys company will build an aluminum alloy plant that is targeting to begin operations in 2016. That plant will be located on the former site of International Paper on Highway 165.

16:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints coach Sean Payton has told Pro Football Talk that there are no plans to re-work Quarterback Drew Brees’ contract. The 36-year-old Brees will have a 26-million dollar salary cap figure for the 2015 season. Brees has two more years left on his contract.

Former Nicholls State head coach Daryl Daye is the new defensive coordinator for Northwestern State. Daye was the head coach at Missouri Southern the last three seasons and replaces Mike Lucas, who is now at U-L Lafayette.

In the NBA tonight, the Pelicans get back on the court for first time since the all-star break as they visit the Orlando Magic. Anthony Davis is expected to play. You may remember he’s missed the last two games with a shoulder injury. But forward Ryan Anderson is doubtful, because of his on-going elbow injury. Tip-off tonight is at 6:00. The Pelicans enter tonight’s action a game and a half back of Oklahoma City for the final playoff spot.

Nicholls State baseball is now off to a four and one start. The Colonels beat North Florida four to three. Marc Frazier was the winning pitcher as he allowed just one run over six innings. And lead-off man Justin Holt scored twice. Nicholls is playing in the Cox Diamond Invitational in Pensacola.

The LSU men’s basketball team hosts Florida tomorrow at noon. The Fighting Tigers can’t afford any more bad losses at home, if they want to make the NCAA Tournament. The Gators are 13-and-13 on the season.

Louisiana Tech plays its final regular season road game of the year as the Bulldogs visit Old Dominion tomorrow. Tech will try to snap Old Dominion’s 18-game home winning streak. Tip-off is at two P-M.

U-L-M puts its six-game winning streak on the line tomorrow at Arkansas State. The Warhawks are 12-and-3 in the Sun Belt, a game ahead of Georgia Southern in the league standings. U-L Lafayette is 9-and-7 in the Sun Belt and they are at Texas-Arlington tomorrow night.

LRN Newscast 15:30 02-20-15

Today, the legislative budget committee approved a $103 million dollar cut this fiscal year’s budget, but not without many concerns being expressed. Crowley Representative Jack Montoucet, expressed concerns with cuts to the Department of Ag, which could result in fewer food inspectors…
cut 14 (10) “my concern”

Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon is reporting millions of dollars in rebates for homeowners, renters and businesses are going unclaimed. Donelon’s thinks the problem is just knowing about it…
CUT 8 (10) Q: ‘to access’
Donelon says you can also still claim the assessment, if you failed to do so from 2011 to 2014. for more information you can visit the department website.
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the National Weather Service is keeping an eye on the potential for winter precipitation in north Louisiana Sunday night and into Monday…:
CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

The State Bond Commission has given permission to Ragin Cajun Facilities to sell bonds to help upgrade the Cajundome in Lafayette. Officials say those upgrades are expected to cost around $16.7 million dollars. For basketball, the new improvements will increase seating from 11,200 seats up to 12 thousand.

LRN Newscast 14:30 02-20-15

With today’s legislative joint budget committee approval of the $103 million dollar cut to this year’s fiscal budget, there were several complaints being offered about how the governor handled things.
CUT 13 (11) Q: “six months”
That’s Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith.

Meteorologists are keeping an eye on the potential for winter precipitation in north Louisiana Sunday night and into Monday. Mario Valverde with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says that could lead to some problems
CUT 3 (09) “hazardous”
And he says on Monday some parts of the state will be lucky to barely get above freezing.
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Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle is the first 2015 gubernatorial candidate to begin advertising on television. Here’s Michelle Southern with more…;
CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

A new Gallup survey shows Louisiana ranks among the top 5 states in the nation for church attendance. That survey reveals almost half of Louisianians say they attend church regularly. The top three state are Utah, Mississippi, along with Alabama who is tied with Louisiana at 46 percent.

LRN PM Newscall for February 20th

Meteorologists are keeping an eye on the potential for winter precipitation in north Louisiana Sunday night and into Monday. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle is the first 2015 gubernatorial candidate to begin advertising on television. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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Meteorologists are keeping an eye on the potential for winter precipitation in north Louisiana Sunday night and into Monday. Mario Valverde with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says cold is expected along with rain…:

CUT 3 (09)  “hazardous”

Valverde says it’s going to be cold and it’s going to be wet and nothing good comes from everything freezing up. He says this precipitation is likely to continue into Monday with many areas struggling to get much above freezing during the day down into central Louisiana…:

CUT 4 (07)  “gonna be”

So what about the white stuff? Valvdere says there is a better chance for snow on Monday night as the cold air builds deeper…:

CUT 5 (10)  “the air gets”

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon encourages taxpayers to file for an insurance rebate available to any person who pays for a homeowners, renters or business property insurance policy. Donelon says eligible taxpayers should check the box on their returns for the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Assessment rebate

CUT 6 (12)  “tax return”

Donelon says unfortunately millions of dollars in rebates connected to this assessment are unclaimed every year. He says you can also still claim the assessment, if you failed to do so from 2011 to 2014…

CUT 7 (10)  “refund for”

Donelon says if you have questions, go to the insurance department’s website or call 1-800-259-5300. He says over 300-million dollars from 2006 through 2010 expired and never claimed…

CUT 8 (10)  “to access”

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Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle is the first 2015 gubernatorial candidate to begin advertising on television. LaPolitics.com was the first to deliver the report about the ads and publisher Jeremy Alford says (today) Friday is the first day Angelle’s spots starting airing as part of the $200,000 buy…:

CUT 9 (09)  “damaged”

Alford says there are three commercials in rotation feature Angelle’s “Workhorse Not a Showhorse” line and in one of the ads he speaks in Cajun French…:

cut 10 (09)  “the spicket has been opened”

Alford says now we can expect to see gubernatorial ads non-stop between now and the fall — not only from candidates but also from super PACS. He says the Angelle campaign wanted to keep the buy extremely quiet because they wanted to be the first on the air…:

cut 11 (11)  “was celebrating”

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The legislature’s joint budget committee approved a 103-million dollar cut to this fiscal year’s budget. But there were several complaints on how the cuts were handed down. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith expressed her frustration that the governor’s office only received a ten-thousand dollar cut in funding

cut 12 (06)  “by example”

Smith says a leader should lead by example during tough budget times and could do so by working without pay

cut 13 (11)  “six months”

Crowley Representative Jack Montoucet, who is also an alligator meat processor, expressed concerns with the cuts to the department of ag, which he says will result in fewer food inspectors…

cut 14 (10)  “my concern”

Commissioner of Administration Kristy Nichols pushed lawmakers to approve the governor’s plan, because if any proposed cuts are re-stored, it it will lead to deeper cuts next fiscal year….

cut 15 (10) “higher education”

13:30 Newscast February 20th, 2015

The Legislative Budget Committee has been discussing the Jindal’s Admintrations plan to cut $103 million dollars from this fiscal year’s budget. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith expressed her frustration that the governor’s office only received a ten-thousand dollar cut in funding…:
CUT 12 (06) “by example”
Smith suggested Jindal should work without pay.

Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle is the first 2015 gubernatorial candidate to begin advertising on television. Jeremy Alford of LaPolitics.com says there are three commercials in rotation feature Angelle’s “Workhorse Not a Showhorse” line and in one of the ads he speaks in Cajun French…:
CUT 10 (09) “the spicket has been opened”
He says you can expect non-stop ads now through the fall.

North Louisiana is bracing for another winter weather event but the National Weather Service in Shreveport says this late-weekend freeze potential could be the worst of the season. Meteorologist Mario Valverde says cold air is going to be combined with some precipitation late Sunday night into Monday. As for snow he says there is a better chance for the white stuff on Monday night as the cold air builds deeper…:
CUT 5 (10) “the air gets”

The University of Louisiana System hopes it will name a new president at Grambling State in June. The Grambling presidential search committee is expected to meet next week and approve the timeline. Officials originally planned to name a new president in April, but concerns over deep cuts in state funding to Grambling has hampered search efforts.

 

12:30 Newscast February 20th, 2015

Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle is the first 2015 gubernatorial candidate to begin advertising on television. LaPolitics.com was the first to deliver the report about the ads and publisher Jeremy Alford says (today) Friday is the first day Angelle’s spots starting airing as part of the $200,000 buy…:
CUT 9 (08) “very quietly”
He says they put this together in secret during Mardi Gras while everyone else was out celebrating. Alford says now you can expect the ads to be non-stop through the fall.

State Police say a 35-year-old man from Hineston was killed late last night in Vernon Parish. They say Gregory Smith was traveling on roadway when he lost control, drove off the side and collided with a large tree. Smith was not wearing a seat belt and died at the scene.

This tax filing season Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is encouraging taxpayers to file for an insurance rebate available to any person who pays for a homeowners, renters or business property insurance policy. He says unfortunately millions of dollars in rebates connected to this assessment are unclaimed every year and you can also still claim it, if you failed to do so from 2011 to 2014…:
CUT 7 (10) “refund for”
Donelon says if you have questions, go to the insurance department’s website or call 1-800-259-5300.

We continue to see gas prices steadily rise. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is $2.12 which is 22 cents higher than this time last month.

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast February 20

Because of the likelihood of rain on Sunday, several college baseball teams are playing a doubleheader today. The second ranked Tigers will play two games against Boston College. After losing to Nicholls State on Wednesday, coach Paul Mainieri has decided to move Alex Bregman from the number two hole to number three.

Louisiana Tech’s home opener is today. The bulldogs will play a doubleheader against Arkansas Pine-Bluff at 3 PM. U-L Monroe will also play two games against Stephen F Austin, and the Ragin Cajuns will play a single game tonight against Stony Brook and then two games tomorrow against the Seawolves.

It was a chaotic day in the NBA yesterday because of the trade deadline. The Pelicans were involved in a couple of deals and it results in them adding a piece to their backcourt. Miami’s Norris Cole is now a Pelican. He’s averaged six points a game during his four-year career. New Orleans is at Orlando tonight.

Saints coach Sean Payton has told Pro Football Talk that there are no plans to re-work Quarterback Drew Brees’ contract. The 36-year-old Brees will have a 26-million dollar salary cap figure for the 2015 season. Brees has two more years left on his contract.

Former Nicholls State head coach Daryl Daye is the new defensive coordinator for Northwestern State. Daye was the head coach at Missouri Southern the last three seasons and replaces Mike Lucas, who is now at U-L Lafayette.

Louisiana Tech men’s basketball won in overtime on the road last night beating Charlotte 83 to 82 in overtime. A Kenneth Smith layup sent the game into overtime and the Bulldogs Alex Hamilton scored 29 points.

Shawn Long had 17 points and seven rebounds as the Ragin Cajuns defeated Texas State 64-42.

The LSU men’s basketball team is back in action tomorrow at twelve o’ clock as they host Florida.

10:30 Newscast February 20th, 2015

Meteorologists are keeping an eye on the potential for winter precipitation in north Louisiana Sunday night and into Monday. Mario Valverde with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says cold is expected along with rain…:
CUT 3 (09) “hazardous”
He says this precipitation is likely to continue into Monday with many areas struggling to get much above freezing during the day down into central Louisiana.

Former Governor Edwin Edwards sys he’s gotten the go-ahead to take his real estate license test. He says this is something he’s wanted to do since he got out of prison…:
CUT 11 (11) “back burner”
Edwards says there is a major industrial boom coming along the I-10, I-12 corridors with developing communities from Lake Charles to Slidell and he’d like to take advantage of the opportunity to be involved in real estate.

A Kenner woman has filed a civil lawsuit against Saints linebacker Junior Gallette, claiming he was physically and emotionally abusive to her during their 2-year relationship. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

The Cajundome in Lafayette has gotten final approval from the State Bond Commission to begin renovations. Officials say the construction project, including the addition of lower-level seating inside, will cost about $16.7 million dollars. The roofing will be re-done and there were be major work done to bathrooms and concession stands.

 

09:30 LRN Newscast Feb 20

Former Governor Edwin Edwards plans to seek his real estate license. Michelle Southern reports…
cut 3 (30) “…reporting’

The University of Louisiana System hopes it will name a new president at Grambling State in June. The Grambling presidential search committee is expected to meet next week and approve the timeline. Officials originally planned to name a new president in April, but concerns over deep cuts in state funding to Grambling has hampered search efforts.

The former pastor of President Barack Obama, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, told a large audience at Southern University that black people should look for assistance from the chuch and not government…
cut 15 (12) “…mass incarceration”
Wright was Barack Obama’s minister until 2008 when controversial comments surfaced from a sermon he gave in 2003.

The Saints Junior Galette faces a civil suit in which a 22-year-old woman claims the linebacker physically and emotionally abused her over a two year period. This woman was involved in an incident that led to a misdemeanor battery charge against Galette earlier this year. But the criminal charge has been dropped. Legal analyst Doug Sunseri says the civil suit will allow for an examination of the facts…
cut 8 (09) “….domestic abuse”