02.06.15
by

14:30 Newscast February 6th, 2015

There’s a 103-million dollar revenue shortfall for this fiscal year, and the Jindal administration is proposing 61-million dollars in cuts to various state agencies and using 43-million in stopgap funds.  Commissioner of Administration Kristy Nichols says the joint legislative committee on the budget will have the chance to approve the governor’s revised budget plan  February 20th….
cut 13 (09)  “FY-16”
Saturday’s Powerball Jackpot rises to a whopping $380 million, and that’s the 6th largest in history…
CUT 4 (12)  Q: “in 1995”
That’s Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kimberly Chopin.
————————————
Louisiana gas prices are up again, with an average price reported at $2.01.  Even though the prices should continue to rise through the spring, AAA Fuel analyst Don Redmon says we should remain below $3.00 a gallon…
CUT 10 (11)  Q: “kind of prices”
With Mardi Gras season underway now, the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control wants to remind everyone to have a safe, fun Mardi Gras season.  A major part of that safety focus is ATC compliance checks of businesses along parade routes to make sure sales of alcohol and tobacco are not being made to minors…
CUT 7 (10)  Q: ‘purchase alcohol’
That’s ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert.
02.06.15
by

PM Newscall February 6th, 2015

Mardi Gras season kicks into full swing this weekend and Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control agents will hit the streets to curb businesses from selling alcohol and tobacco to underage persons.  Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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According to the American Automobile Association, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana has climbed back to over $2.00 a gallon.  Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

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“Powerball-mania” continues to grow as Saturday’s jackpot rises to a whopping $380 million.  Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says this is the sixth largest jackpot in Powerball history.  She says the jackpot could increase even more based on ticket sales…

CUT 3 (11)  “of the draw”

She says the largest Powerball jackpot, $590 million, happened in May of 2013. Chopin says it’s been a while since Louisiana has had a jackpot winner and some “Mardi Gras Mojo” would definitely be appreciated…

CUT 4 (12)  “in 1995”

Saturday’s jackpot has a cash value of $256.8 million. Chopin says it only takes one ticket to win, so please play responsibly. She reminds players that you can become a “Powerball Millionaire” without hitting the jackpot…

CUT 5 (11)  “last three years”

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Mardi Gras season kicks into full swing this weekend with parades scheduled all across Louisiana and Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control agents will hit the streets to curb businesses from selling alcohol and tobacco to underage persons.  Commissioner Troy Hebert says his office understands that alcohol and Mardi Gras go hand-in-hand…

CUT 6 (1o)  “our mission”

Hebert says part of their mission is to ensure that everyone has a safe, fun Mardi Gras season.  He says agents will concentrate on keeping alcohol and tobacco products out of the hands of underage persons.  Hebert says during the Mardi Gras season, ATC really steps up their compliance checks of businesses along parade routes statewide…

CUT 7 (10)  “purchase alcohol”

Hebert says ATC issued 69 citations last Mardi Gras to businesses selling alcohol and tobacco to underage persons.  He says statistically they have seen a decrease in sales to minors and hopes that trend continues this year.  Hebert says it’s important that employees selling alcohol know how to quickly identify whether a person is underage…

CUT 8 (11)  “sell to them”

===================

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana has climbed back to over $2.00 a gallon.  According to the American Automobile Association, the average price for a gallon of regular in the Bayou State is $2.01.  AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says it was expected that fuel prices would increase as we head into spring…

CUT 9 (10)  “they go down”

Redman says the price of gas has increased about 10-percent over the last two weeks.  He says you can expect to find the price at the pump continue to rise in the coming months.  But Redman says the US Department of Energy is forecasting that gas prices will remain below $3.00 a gallon…

cut 10 (11)  “kind of prices”

Redman says we’re paying more than a dollar a gallon less than we did just a year ago.  He says gas prices will probably average between $2.50 to $2.75 a gallon for much of 2015…

cut 11 (07) “a gallon”

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The Jindal administration proposes 61-million dollars in cuts to various state agencies and using 43-million dollars in stopgap funds to fill a 103-million dollar revenue shortfall for this fiscal year.  Commissioner of Administration Kristy Nichols says the cuts will eliminate certain state contracts, plus museums and state parks will be impacted…

cut 12 (11)  “this point”

Nichols says the joint legislative committee on the budget will have its opportunity to approve the governor’s revised budget plan at their meeting on February 20th….

cut 13 (09)  “FY-16”

Nichols says the mid-year cuts they propose will not lead to significant lay-offs in state government, critical health services for patients will be maintained and there are no cuts to higher ed. But she says significant cuts to public colleges and health care are on the table for next fiscal year….

cut 14 (10)  “legislative session”

 

 

02.06.15
by

13:30 Newscast February 6th, 2015

According to the American Automobile Association, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana has climbed back to over $2.00 a gallon. Eric Gill has more…:
CUT 2 (29) “reporting”
State Police have released more details in the shootout involving an off-duty Livingston Parish Deputy which left the other man dead. They say the deceased, Sidney Averett, was shot three times but the fatal wound — the coroner determined, was self-inflicted. LSP believes the off-duty deputy is the boyfriend of Averett’s estranged wife and the incident occurred when Averett broke into the home of the off-duty deputy.
The Jindal Administration proposes 61-million dollars in cuts to various state agencies and using 43 million dollars in stopgap funds to fill a 103 million dollar revenue shortfall for this fiscal year. Commissioner of Administration Kristy Nichols says the cuts will eliminate certain state contracts plus museums and state parks will be impacted…:
CUT 12 (11) “this point”
Nichols says the joint legislative committee on the budget will have its opportunity to approve the governor’s revised budget plan at their meeting on February 20th.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office say a 39-year-old Natalbany woman died in a house fire last night when she couldn’t escape the blaze. They say four other people got out through windows around 2am but the victim, Yolanda Dyson, was trapped. Investigators believe a space heater started the blaze at the Tangipahoa Parish  residence.
02.06.15
by

12:30 Newscast February 6th, 2015

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana has climbed back to over $2.00 a gallon.  According to the American Automobile Association, the average price for a gallon of regular in the Bayou State is $2.01.  AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says it was expected that fuel prices would increase as we head into spring…:

CUT 9 (10) “they go down”

He says gas prices will probably average between $2.50 to $2.75 a gallon for much of 2015.

The Louisiana Lottery says the Powerball jackpot is now up to $380 million dollars for tomorrow night’s drawing. Spokeswoman Kimberly Chopin says it’s been a while since Louisiana has had a jackpot winner and some “Mardi Gras Mojo” would definitely be appreciated…:

CUT 4 (12) “in 1995”

Mardi Gras season kicks into full swing this weekend and Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control agents will hit the streets to curb businesses from selling alcohol and tobacco to underage persons.  Eric Gill reports…:

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

The Louisiana Department of Revenue says they’ve discovered several  attempts to file fraudulent income tax returns for the 2014 filing season through the Turbo Tax software. LDR has flagged over 2,000 so far.

02.06.15
by

11:40 Sportscast February 6th, 2015

Tough losses for LSU and Louisiana Tech on the hardwood last night. The Fighting Tigers began a three-game homestand by losing to one of the worst teams in the SEC. Auburn’s KT Harrell scored 28 points to lead the War Eagles to an 81-77 win over the Bayou Bengals.

 

UAB went on a 19-4 run in the second half to open up a close game and eventually win 80-60 over Louisiana tech. The Bulldogs scored just six points in the final 13 minutes and fall to 8-and-2 in Conference USA, a game back of first place Western Kentucky.

 

In the Sun Belt, ULM is a half game back of Georgia Southern after beating Arkansas Little Rock 77-61 for their third straight win. The Warhawks are at Georgia Southerntomorrow night. U-L Lafayette defeated Appalachian State 81 to 66. Hayward Register scored a career-high 20 points as he cashed in with six three-pointers.

 

LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri has announced that freshman infielder Greg Diechman will miss the next four to six weeks because of a stress fracture in his foot. Deichman has been working at second and third base during preseason workouts.

 

NFL analyst Mike Detillier says A big story to watch for the Saints this offseason will be whether the team restructures quarterback Drew Brees’ contract. Brees is set to make almost 19-million dollars in 2015. Detillier says the Saints could decide to add a year or two to his contract in order to free up some salary cap space for this season…

cut 18 (17) “…the field”

 

In the NBA tonight, the Pelicans are at the Thunder. New Orleans lost to Oklahoma City on Wednesday night in the Smoothie King Center.

02.06.15
by

11:30 Newscast February 6th, 2015

Mardi Gras season kicks into full swing this weekend with parades scheduled all across Louisiana. Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control agents will be on the the streets as usual to curb businesses from selling alcohol and tobacco to underage persons. ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert says his office understands that alcohol and Mardi Gras go hand-in-hand…
CUT 6 (10) “our mission”
He says statistically they have seen a decrease in sales to minors and hopes that trend continues this year.
As of today according to the American Automobile Association, gas prices are now above $2.00 again. AAA says the current statewide average for a gallon of regular is $2.01 and that’s up almost 15 cents from this time last week.
The state fire Marshal’s office believes a space heater is what caused a fire than claimed the life of one person in Tangipahoa Parish this morning. They say a 39-year-old woman perished in the blaze in the residence between Albany and Hammond around 2am. There were several others in the home who were able to escape through windows.
The Council for a Better Louisiana strongly objects to students opting out from taking the standardized assessments that’s tied to the Common Core education standards. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
CUT 1 (31) “reporting”
02.06.15
by

10:30 Newscast February 6th, 2015

Even though some families are writing opt-out letters indicating their child won’t be taking the assessment test associated with Common Core, many are saying that is not a good idea. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says it only hurts the kids by not letting them take an exam that determines student progress…:
CUT 16 (10) “is performing”
But Common Core opponents say this is a new way they are seeking to upend the state’s use of the education standards.
“Powerball-mania” continues to grow with tomorrow’s worth an estimated $360 million. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says this is the seventh largest jackpot in Powerball history and there’s a good chance it will go up today…:
CUT 3 (07) “a new jackpot”
Saturday’s jackpot has a cash value of $250.5 million.
The nation’s second largest health insurer is the latest to get hit by hackers and some Louisianians could be affected. At risk, the personal information of 80 million customers and employees of Anthem. 130,000 people in Louisiana have coverage under Amerigroup. That plan was breached and so was Unicare.
The City of Pineville is gearing up for their first Mardi Gras parade tonight. Scott Carwile reports…:
CUT 2 (30) “reporting”
02.06.15
by

09:30 Newscast February 6th, 2015

The Council for a Better Louisiana doesn’t understand why parents would opt their kids out of taking the assessment tests that are part of the Common Core education standards.  So far a handful of parents have told local school systems their children will not take the tests, which will be given next month.  Former teacher and Common Core critic, Lee Barrios, backs Governor Jindal, who is calling on BESE to provide an alternate test…

cut 15 (09)  “instruction”

CABL President Barry Erwin says by allowing a child to opt out from taking an exam, it only hurts the student.

The city of Pineville is making final preparations for its first Mardi Gras.  The “Light the Night” parade will roll at 5:30.  Mayor Clarence Fields’ Chief of Staff, Rich Dupree, says they expect a great turnout…

cut 12 (12)  “at that parade”

Eleven floats and several marching bands will roll down Main Street tonight.

Crowley Police have arrested the man wanted in a Thursday morning deadly shooting.  They say 24-year-old Darius Thomas is accused of killing 24-year-old Daniel Tezeno when Tezeno tried to escape the vehicle they were riding in after Thomas attempted to rob him.  According to family members, Thomas and Tezeno were first cousins.  Thomas is charged with first degree murder.

There will be plenty for Louisiana to be rooting for this Sunday during the 57th annual Grammy Awards.  Michelle Southern reports…

cut 3 (30)  “reporting”

02.05.15
by

AM Newscall February 6th, 2015

The Council for a Better Louisiana strongly objects to students opting out from taking the standardized assessments that’s tied to the Common Core education standards. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

The City of Pineville is gearing up for their first Mardi Gras parade tonight. Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

There will be plenty for Louisiana to be rooting for this Sunday during the 57th annual Grammy awards ceremony. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

There will be plenty for Louisiana to be rooting for this Sunday during the 57th annual Grammy awards ceremony. There are at least a dozen locals who are nominated or who have ties to nominations on Music’s Biggest Night. Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne will be hosting the “Only in Louisiana” luncheon in Los Angeles tomorrow to honor the Bayou State and its nominees

cut 4  (10)  “Louisiana food”

There are several acts scheduled to perform including the Louisiana Grammy nominated Ledisi, Magnolia Sisters, Jo-El Sonnier and Bonsior Catin. Dardenne says Louisiana has had at least one Grammy nominee every year since the inception of the awards show except for 1960 and 1970…:

Cut 5  (09)  “world of music”

The Grammy music awards ceremony will broadcast on CBS at 7pm on Sunday. Dardenne says when they mingle with people from the music industry on Grammy weekend they also use the opportunity to get the world out that Louisiana is a great place to visit…:

Cut 6 (04)  “musicians”

______________________________________

There’s been a surprise development in the ongoing Benson family feud as a judge in Texas has apparently decided to place a trust set up for Tom’s daughter Renee into the hands of the former San Antonio mayor, Phil Hardberger, and an attorney. Judge Tom Rickhoff is expected to make the official order on Monday. Legal analyst Tim Meche says this is a huge victory for Renee…:

CUT 7 (11)  “of her benefit”

Meche says now it’ll be up to Hardberger to make the decision on what will happen to some of Benson’s properties and it’s assumed that he won’t do what Tom Benson wanted…:

Cut 8  (10)  “rest of the businesses” 

Meche says Tom wanted Renee fired from various boards of companies owned by the trust, but now that probably won’t happen. He says the fact that Benson didn’t take the stand in the Texas hearing likely hurt his case…:

Cut 9 (09)  “Tom Benson”

______________________________________

The City of Pineville is gearing up for their first Mardi Gras parade. Eleven floats and several marching bands will make their way down Main Street tonight. Mayor Clarence Field’s Chief of Staff, Rich Dupree, says this is something the citizens of Pineville have been wanting for many years and things fell into place for the city to put on their own parade this year…

Cut 10 (09)  “more memorable” 

Dupree says their sister city, Alexandria, has put on Mardi Gras parades for more than 20 years and many Krewe members in those parades are from Pineville. He says there are a couple of distinctions that will make Pineville’s parade stand out. First of all this will be one of the few night parades in central Louisiana…

cut 11 (10) “Taste of Mardi Gras”

Secondly, the parade will cross the Jackson Street bridge into Alexandria and end in time for the “Taste of Mardi Gras” event. The “Light the Night” parade will roll at 5:30PM. Dupree says they expect a great turnout for Pineville’s inaugural Mardi Gras celebration…

cut 12 (12)  “at that parade”

______________________________________

The Council for a Better Louisiana says it doesn’t make sense for kids to opt out from taking the assessment tests that are part of the Common Core education standards. CABL president Barry Erwin says the tests measure a student’s progress and that’s important considering the state spends over three billion dollars on public schools..

Cut 13 (08)  “kids are doing”

But retired St. Tammany parish teacher and Common Core critic, Lee Barrios, says parents are frustrated with how and what their children are being taught because of the new education standards and opting out is there only option

Cut 14 (10)  “only control”

So far a handful of parents have told their local school systems their children will not take the Common Core test, which will be given next month. Barrios backs Governor Jindal, who is calling on BESE to provide an alternate test….

Cut 15  (09)  “instruction”

But Erwin says it only hurts the child, by allowing him or her to opt out from taking an exam that helps determine student progress…

Cut 16  (10)  “is performing”

 

 

02.05.15
by

17:30 Newscast February 5, 2015

In an effort to reduce employee payroll in the face of budget cuts, Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain is offering employees an early retirement incentive rather than lay off employees. This early retirement incentive is an effort to comply with budget cuts required to balance the state budget. Strain says his department has already seen two mid-year budget cuts…

CUT 12 (06) “second cut”

Strain says a third budget cut is making the early retirement offers necessary.

With 10 days before open enrollment ends, nearly 150,000 Louisianians have signed up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services. Billy Justice, with Vantage HealthPlan in Monroe, says almost all of the carriers increased their premiums this year and the biggest challenge facing returning consumers is going back to recalculate their subsidy…

cut 4 (08) “paying each month”

Justice encourages people who are in need of health insurance to check out the marketplace.

Noranda Alumina in St. James Parish is asking the state department of environmental quality for permission to release mercury into the air, after learning they may have been doing so without a permit since they began operations in 1959. D-E-Q spokesperson Greg Langley says the refinery could be fined for releasing mercury without a permit…

cut 9 (09) “near future”

He says Norando didn’t know they were releasing mercury into the air so now they are seeking a permit so they can operate legally.

Abita Brewing Co. in Abita Springs has fired back at Budweiser’s Super Bowl commercial which essentially says craft beer is for snobs. The Budweiser commercial says “let them sip their pumpkin peach ale” and Abita President David Blossman responded to that with a video on YouTube bragging about making just such a beer once on a small scale…

cut 7 (09) “to point that out”

Blossman says Abita is proud to fuss over their beer which is a huge part of the culture in Louisiana.