AM LRN Newscall for January 26

The Revenue Estimating Conference meets today and will determine the budget shortfall the state is facing this fiscal year and next. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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It appears that state Treasurer John Kennedy is testing the waters for a few races in this year’s upcoming elections. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (28) “reporting”

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The trial for a man accused of tying up and abandoning a baby pit-bull in October 2013 begins in Caddo District Court today, and there are plenty of angry citizens expected to be in attendance. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (32) “reporting”

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The Revenue Estimating Conference meets today  to determine the budget shortfall the state faces this fiscal year and next. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says it’s likely mid-year cuts will be needed to offset the deficit. He says a big reason for the shortfall, lower than expected oil prices…:

cut 4  (10)  “less revenue”

Erwin says it’s hard to predict how much will be cut this fiscal year. He says we already had a projected shortfall of $1.4 billion for next fiscal year but more than likely that will grow as oil prices keep plummeting…:

Cut 5  (10)  “major part of those cuts”

Erwin says the falling oil prices aren’t the only reason we’re in this situation but the structure of the budget has never really been repaired since 2008-2009. He says we’ve just been borrowing money from ourselves over and over and then that ran out…:

Cut 6 (07)  “for state government”

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It appears state Treasurer John Kennedy is testing the waters for a few races in this year’s upcoming election. It’s reported Kennedy has hired Virginia-based North Star Opinion Research to poll the races for governor, attorney general, and if there was a special US Senate election in 2016. Kennedy says, at this time, he’s keeping his options open…

CUT 7 (09)  “best contribute”

The survey shows the Treasurer topping a possible attorney general’s race and the leading Republican in a US Senate race should David Vitter become governor. Kennedy says he’s had a number of different groups talk to him about serving in a different capacity…

Cut 8 (10)  “made one, yet” 

The poll shows Kennedy coming in third in the governor’s race behind Vitter and Democrat John Bel Edwards. He says he enjoys being state Treasurer and this doesn’t mean he will not run for re-election. Kennedy says he’s trying to weigh the advice he’s been given and think things through. He says he’ll make a decision about his political future soon…

Cut 9 (11)  “work through”

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The trial for a man accused of tying up and abandoning a baby pit-bull in October 2013 begins in Caddo District Court today, and there are plenty of angry citizens expected to be in attendance. The dog is now known as Braveheart and he is owned by Bo Spataro who says 32-year-old Gabriel Lee, charged with cruelty to an animal, has shown zero remorse…:

Cut 10 (10)  “it’s just a dog” 

According to authorities, when he was 4 months old, Braveheart was found chained inside a storage unit in Shreveport and it was believed he’d been there for several days as he was barely alive. Spataro says they are hoping Lee gets the maximum sentence allowed…:

cut 11 (08) “or ever again”

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office issued a release reminding those who plan to come to the trial no public demonstrations are allowed in or near the Courthouse. They say signs, buttons or t-shirts addressing the case are prohibited. Spataro says nothing like that is planned and they are asking that anyone who attend be a silent voice for Braveheart in court:

cut 12 (08)  “gone to waste”

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Senate President John Alario plans to meet with Governor Jindal this week to discuss ways to reduce a potential budget cut of up to $380 million dollars to Louisiana’s public colleges. He says that kind of cut would completely devastate higher education not only to the universities but to the children who are seeking it…:

Cut 13 (08)  “shutting down”

Alario says he’s also heard that LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is in danger if this type of cut comes down. He says they need to put their heads together and try to figure out how to fix this problem..:

Cut 14 (04)  “table”

Alario says one of the items of discussion that’s on the table is trying to increase revenue…:

Cut 15  (07)  “tougher job”

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LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri says sophomore left-hander Jared Poche will start opening day on February 13th against Kansas, but he’s not sure on what the rest of his starting rotation will look like. Mainieri says he has several freshmen to choose from and the situation will play itself out during the non-conference portion of the schedule

Cut 16  (11)  “puzzle together”

LSU is expected to be young on mound this season, but Mainieri has confidence he’ll strong staff by the end of the season, because of pitching coach Alan Dunn…

Cut 17 (20)  “special”

Poche was a weekend starter last season and a Freshman All-American. The former Lutcher standout is one of eight returning pitchers and he likes what he sees from the young arms that have joined the team

Cut 18 (13) “to college’

LRN Newscast 10:30 January 24, 2015

Protesters are stationed outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for the Global Prayer Rally which just started at 10 am. The American Family Association, known for its opposition of gay rights, is putting on the event for the national day of prayer. Spokesman Doug Stringer says he’s aware of the protests…
cut 12 (09) “not about them”
Meanwhile, Peter Jenkins from “Organize, Reflect, Act”, says they’re not against a prayer rally; they just oppose the American Family Association.

The lawsuit filed by the daughter and grandkids of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson, after he announced he is leaving the teams to his wife Gayle, is a hot topic. Many people are pointing to the big money…
CUT 11 (05) Q: “at stake here”
That’s LSU Health Sciences Center clinical psychologist Dr. Michelle Moore .
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Multiple sources have reported that employees of General Electric’s plant in Pineville have been told that the facility is closing with the manufacturing jobs transferring to Jacksonville, Florida. It’s been rough on Pineville in the past few years, as several facilities have closed…
CUT 8 (10) Q: ‘pretty soon’
That’s Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields, who says they haven’t gotten any official word from GE.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has issued several citations on a group of people for allegedly hunting ducks illegally over a sewer plant in Rayne in Acadia Parish, and leaving many of the ducks in the sewage pond…
CUT 5 (08) Q: “after you do shoot em”
That’s LDWF spokesman Adam Einck.

LRN Newscast 09:30 January 24, 2015

Getting underway today, there’s a Global prayer rally at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, and protestors will be out in force against the American Family Association, who is putting on the event. Peter Jenkins is the organizer of “Organize, Reflect, Act,” says the sponsoring group has a history of making anti-gay remarks, but he points out it’s not just about a protest…
CUT 15 (07) Q: “in the communities”

Spokesman Doug Stringer calls the rally a call to prayer for a nation in crisis. Governor Bobby Jindal is scheduled to be one of many participants praying at the 6-hour event. Although hundreds of protesters are expected, Stringer says they won’t be distracted…
cut 13 (11) “of our nation”
The rally ends this afternoon at 4pm.
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The Tom Benson family feud was a hot topic yesterday for the board that oversees the Superdome and Smoothie King Center. Even though Saints and Pelicans officials say the day to day operations will not change, the family situation has…
CUT 1 (32) Q: “reporting”

Tonight the Mystic Krewe of Louisianians will be hosting their annual Mardi Gras ball in Washington DC. La-Politics-dot-com’s Jerermy Alford says it will be a “who’s who” of Louisiana Politics, including all of the candidates for Louisiana governor.

LRN Newscast 08:30 January 24, 2015

Protesters have gathered together outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center today for the Global Prayer Rally…
CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

Cold temperatures in North and Central Louisiana caused some problems out on the road overnight and this morning. State Police Troop E, which covers Central Louisiana, are investigating several crashes because of icy conditions and freezing fog. Tonight will still be chilly, but dry.
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New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson’s family dirty laundry is being aired after the announcement he’s leaving the franchises to his wife Gayle, instead of the kids. The former heirs are suing, saying that Benson is incapacitated…
CUT 9 (11) “over time”
That’s LSU Health Sciences Center Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michelle Moore who adds money is a big part of it.

After some tips and surveillance, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has issued several citations on a group of people for allegedly hunting ducks illegally over a sewer plant in Acadia Parish…
CUT 3 (10) “left the scene”
That’s LDWF spokesman Adam Einck.

LRN Sportscast 07:30 January 24, 2015

Saints and Pelicans Owner Tom Benson says he feels great, just like a 50-year-old. Benson made those comments to a television reporter who was standing outside of the Saints facility waiting for him to arrive yesterday. His daughter, Renee Benson, and two of his granddaugthers have filed a lawsuit against him in an attempt to stop a succession plan that will give control of the two teams to his wife Gayle.

Benson’s New Orleans Pelicans got a road win against the Minnesota Timberwolves last night 92 to 84. Tyreke Evans and Eric Gordon combined for 37 points; and Anthony Davis had 21 in the win. The Pels are now a game above .500 at 22 and 21

In college hoops today…the LSU Tigers are seeking their second straight win as they visit Vanderbilt at 5 PM. Louisiana Tech is at Rice, U-L-M hosts Georgia Southern, the Cajuns are at Georgia State and Northwestern State hosts McNeese.
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College baseball teams have begun full squad practices as they get ready for the 2015 season. This year the NCAA will use a new baseball that has lower seems, in the hopes it leads to more home runs. Coach Paul Mainieri says it does appear that these new baseballs will go farther…
cut 30 (10) “…same hitters”
LSU goes into the season seeking its 17th trip to the College World Series.

In college football…LSU’s new defensive line coach Ed Orgeron’s has a contract for two years, with an annual salary of 450-thousand dollars. The LSU Board of Supervisors is expected to approve it at their next meeting.

Sunday is the N-F-L Pro bowl. Saints tight end Jimmy Graham says if he catches a touchdown, he’ll bring back his post-TD celebration by dunking the football through the goal posts.

17:30 Newscast January 23, 2015

Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson’s dirty laundry is being aired to fans as a day after he announces he’s decided to leave the franchises to his wife instead of his kids, the former heirs sue claiming it was a decision made out of incompetence. Dr. Michelle Moore is a clinical psychologist at the LSU Health Sciences Center. She says this family battle can be repaired with simple open communication among members…:
CUT 10 (09) “ugly words”
Benson says he intends to fight the suit every step of the way.

Governor Bobby Jindal announces the appointment of Chip Kline as the Chair of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. He will replace Jerome Zeringue who recently resigned. Kline currently serves as the Deputy Director for Coastal Activities in the Governor’s office.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has issued several citations on a group of people for allegedly hunting ducks illegally over a sewer plant in Acadia Parish. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck says it appears those committing violations were going to the Rayne sewer plant because they just wanted to hunt…:
CUT 4 (08) “any kind of way”
He says there were a number of violations that took place in this case but the biggest was wanton waste which means you don’t retrieve game that you harvest.

Multiple sources have reported that employees of General Electric’s plant in Pineville have been told that the facility is closing with the manufacturing jobs transferring to Jacksonville, Florida. The valve plant employs about 300 people. Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields says they haven’t gotten any official report from GE…:
CUT 6 (08) “flowed from”
Pineville has seen several facilities close in recent years, including Cotton Brothers Bakery and International Paper.

 

LRN Sportscast 16:45 January 23

Saints and Pelicans Owner Tom Benson said today that he feels great, just like a 50-year-old. Benson made those comments to a television reporter who was standing outside of the Saints facility waiting for him to arrive this morning. His daughter, Renee Benson, and two of his granddaugthers have filed a lawsuit against him in an attempt to stop a succession plan that will give control of the two teams to his wife Gayle.

Benson’s Pelicans are in Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves tonight. New Orleans seeking to win back-to-back games for the first time in over a month. Tip off tonight is at 7:00.

In college hoops on Saturday…the LSU Tigers are seeking their second straight win as they visit Vanderbilt at 5 PM. Louisiana Tech is at Rice, U-L-M hosts Georgia Southern, the Cajuns are at Georgia State and Northwestern State hosts McNeese State.

College baseball teams have begun full squad practices as they get ready for the 2015 season. This year the NCAA will use a new baseball that has lower seems, in the hopes it leads to more home runs. Coach Paul Mainieri says it does appear that these new baseballs will go farther…
cut 30 (10) “…same hitters”
LSU heads into the season seeking its 17th trip to the College World Series.

In college football…LSU’s new defensive line coach Ed Orgeron’s contract is two years, with an annual salary of 450-thousand dollars. The LSU Board of Supervisors is expected to approve it at their next meeting.

Sunday is the N-F-L Pro bowl. Saints tight end Jimmy Graham says if he catches a touchdown, he’ll bring back his post-TD celebration by dunking the football through the goal posts.

LRN Newscast 16:30 January 23, 2015

Protests outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center are planned for tomorrow’s Global Prayer Rally…
CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

The band director of Scotlandville Magnet High School accused of raping one of his students, has been fired following his arrest on Thursday. The East Baton Rouge Parish School System confirmed the firing of Robert Lewis this afternoon, who faces charges of forcible rape and prohibited sexual conduct between educator and student.
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New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson’s dirty laundry is being aired after the announcement he’s leaving the franchises to his wife Gayle, instead of the kids. The former heirs are suing…
CUT 9 (11) “over time”
That’s LSU Health Sciences Center Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michelle Moore who adds money is a big part of it.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has issued several citations on a group of people for allegedly hunting ducks illegally over a sewer plant in Acadia Parish…
CUT 3 (10) “left the scene”
That’s LDWF spokesman Adam Einck, who says a total of 89 ducks were seized, and 72 coots.

LRN Newscast 15:30 January 23, 2015

Protests are planned outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center tomorrow for the Global Prayer Rally. The American Family Association, known for its opposition of gay rights, is putting on the event for the national day of prayer. Spokesman Doug Stringer says he knows there will be protestors out there…
cut 12 (09) “not about them”
Meanwhile, Peter Jenkins from “Organize, Reflect, Act”, says they’re not against a prayer rally; rather, they oppose the American Family Association.

A lawsuit was filed yesterday by the daughter and grandkids of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson, after he announced he is leaving the teams to his wife. The family suit claims Gayle Benson is a gold digger. Many people are pointing to the big money here…
CUT 11 (05) Q: “at stake here”
That’s LSU Health Sciences Center clinical psychologist Dr. Michelle Moore .
—————————-
Multiple sources have reported that employees of General Electric’s plant in Pineville have been told that the facility is closing with the manufacturing jobs transferring to Jacksonville, Florida. It’s been rough on Pineville in the past few years, as several facilities have closed…
CUT 8 (10) Q: ‘pretty soon’
That’s Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields, who says they haven’t gotten any official word from GE.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has issued several citations on a group of people for allegedly hunting ducks illegally over a sewer plant in Acadia Parish, and leaving many of the ducks in the sewage pond…
CUT 5 (08) Q: “after you do shoot em”
That’s LDWF spokesman Adam Einck who says the penalty is up to a $950 fine and up to 3 months in jail.

LRN Newscast 14:30 January 23, 2015

The Tom Benson family situation that’s being aired out to the public is getting so heated that there may not be much room for repair….
CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

A Lake Charles man who was seriously injured in an auto crash in Baton Rouge has died. Twenty-two year-old Ryan Scott Earhart died yesterday in the hospital, and it believed that synthetic Marijuana usage could have been a factor in the crash.
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Tomorrow is the Global prayer rally at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, and the protestors will be out in force against the American Family Association, who is putting on the event. Peter Jenkins is the organizer of “Organize, Reflect, Act,” says the sponsoring group has a history of making anti-gay remarks, but he says it’s not just about a protest…
CUT 15 (07) Q: “in the communities”

Spokesman Doug Stringer calls the rally a call to prayer for a nation in crisis. Governor Bobby Jindal is scheduled to be one of many participants praying at the 6-hour event. Although hundreds of protesters are expected, Stringer says that will not distract them from their mission…
cut 13 (11) “of our nation”