15:30 LRN Newscast April 13, 2016

The attorney for the family of Will Smith said the former Saints star was shot 8 times and the lawyer for the accused shooter is spreading lies about what happened. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed an executive order that bans discrimination against members of the LGBT community who work for the state, or who receive state services or benefits. Gender-identity is also included, making this the first order protecting transgender individuals in the state.

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved a bill to allow for the sale of raw milk. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says drinking raw milk is dangerous because milk contains bacteria that are killed through pasteurization. But Sierra Majors of Melville says raw milk is perfectly safe.

CUT 6 (06) “the market”

The bill now heads to the Senate floor.

The House Criminal Justice Committee shot down a proposed constitutional amendment to allow non-felons carry concealed weapons without a permit. Author of the legislation, Baton Rouge Rep. Barry Ivey, tried to make the case that the bill would not put guns in the hands of dangerous criminals. He says most of these same arguments were made before Louisiana passed the open carry law.

Cut 11 (09) “that’s nationally”

14:30 LRN Newscast April 13

The lawyer for former Saints defensive end Will Smith says the ex football player was not holding a gun, when he was fatally shot after his vehicle was hit from behind. Peter Thomson held a 25 minute press conference today talking about what happened Saturday night…
cut 14 (09) “….a firearm”
The man accused of killing Smith says he was not the aggressor in this situation.

A House committee shot down a proposal that would allow gun owners to carry concealed firearms without a permit. A volunteer with the Louisana Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, spoke out against the legislation…
cut 10 (10) “…daily basis”
The House Criminal Justice Committee unanimously rejected the proposal.

Governor John Bel Edwards signs an executive order that protects state employees and employees of state contractors from discrimation based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. Matthew Patterson with Equality Louisiana says this is the first order signed by a Louisiana governor that protects transgender individuals…
cut 16 (09) “….included here”

The Senate has approved a bill to increase the fine for texting or using social media while driving from $175 to $500 for the first offense. The fine goes up to $1,000 for subsequent offenses. Baton Rouge Senator Yvonne Colomb says there will not be a fine for voice texting….
cut 3 (06) “…the wheel” (2x)
The bill heads to the House for more discussion.

LRN PM Newscall April 13

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved a measure to allow for the sale of raw, unpasteurized milk. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

The attorney for the family of Will Smith said the former Saints star was shot 8 times and the lawyer for the accused shooter is spreading lies about what happened. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

The Senate has approved a bill to increase the fine for texting or using social media while driving from $175 to $500 for the first offense. The fine goes up to $1,000 for subsequent offenses. Baton Rouge Senator Yvonne Colomb says there will not be a fine for voice texting.

CUT 3 (06)  “the wheel”  (2x)

West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth says he’s concerned about minors because sometimes a fine is not enough to get their attention. He added an amendment to the bill to increase the penalties for minors.

CUT 4 (06)  “60 days”

The bill now heads to the House for more debate.

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

A bill to allow for the sale of raw, unpasteurized milk gets the approval of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee on a three to two vote. Sierra Majors of Melville says people should have the right to choose if they want to drink raw milk. She says many of our parents enjoyed raw milk their whole lives.

CUT 5 (06)  “first place”

Majors says consuming raw milk is not dangerous. She says every year about four people die in Louisiana from eating raw oysters, but that has never happened with raw milk.

CUT 6 (06) “the market”

But Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says according to the Center for Disease Control, from 1993 to 2006, there were 202 people hospitalized and two deaths due to raw milk consumption. He says drinking raw milk is not safe.

CUT 7 (09) “pasteurized milk”

Strain says the bacteria in milk can cause a wide range of diseases. He says those bacteria need to be killed before the milk is consumed.

CUT 8 (10) “salmonella”

The bill now heads to the Senate floor.

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

A proposed constitutional amendment to allow non-felons to carry concealed hand guns without a permit was shot down by the House Criminal Justice committee. Victoria Joy with Louisiana Violence Reduction Coalition says this bill could allow dangerous people to carry loaded, hidden weapons in public with no safety training. She says it would also let people with a dangerous arrest record or violent misdemeanors conceal a gun.

CUT 9 (10) “do so”

A volunteer with the Louisiana Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America says when she was only 13 years old she was a victim of gun violence, when she was kidnapped, raped, and then shot in the head. She says this bill will remove our safeguards and put the safety of all citizens at risk.

cut 10 (10)  “daily basis”

Author of the legislation, Baton Rouge Rep. Barry Ivey, tried to make the case that the bill would not put guns in the hands of dangerous criminals. He says most of these same arguments were made before Louisiana passed the open carry law.

Cut 11 (09) “that’s nationally”

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

The attorney for the family of Will Smith said the former Saints player was shot 8 times in the back, Smith’s wife Racquel was hit twice and that the shooting was intentional. Peter Thomson says he wants to clear up lies being spread by the defense lawyer of Cardell Hayes. Thomson says there was no hit and ru n on Magazine Street as Hayes is claiming…:

cut 12 (07) “to that car”

Thomson says the Hummer later violently rammed the back of Smith’s car, and that’s when he and the suspect got into an altercation. Thomson says Racquel and another woman went to diffuse the situation and walk Smith back to their vehicle…and that’s when the suspect shot Smith’s wife in both legs…:

Cut 13 (11)  “8 times”

Thomson says after the killer shot Smith, he showed no remorse and actually stood over Smith’s dead body and kept yelling. Thomson also says there was no fender bender before the altercation, but that the Hummer slammed hard intentionally into the back of Smith’s vehicle. As to the subject of the gun that was in Smith’s vehicle, Thomson says it was never removed from the car…:

cut 14 (09)  “a firearm”

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

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed an executive order that bans discrimination against members of the LGBT community who work for the state, or who receive state services or benefits. Matthew Patterson with Equality Louisiana says it’s a great day, and a historic day, for Louisiana.

cut 15 (06) “this minute” 

Similar orders were signed by former Democratic governors Edwin Edwards and Kathleen Blanco, but those orders were specific to sexual orientation. Patterson says this new order also includes gender-identity, making this the first order protecting transgender individuals in the state.

cut 16 (09) “included here”

13:30 Newscast, April 13th, 2016

The lawyer for the family of Will Smith, Peter Thomson, says the defense attorney in the murder case of the former Saints player is not being truthful about the facts. Thomson says there was no hit and run. He says the Hummer rammed the back of Smith’s vehicle when the two men got into an altercation. He says Smith was walking back to his vehicle:
CUT 13 (11) “8 times”
He says Raqucel Smith was also shot in both legs. Cardell Hayes is charged with second degree murder.

Another person has died as a result of the truck and lawnmower collision in Rayne. Cops say a vehicle hit the lawnmower that was carrying a person on the hood and pulling a wheelchair from behind. The driver of the mower died on scene. The latest victim is 17-year-old Joshua James Bourque. There is no indication of whether or not someone will be charged in the incident.

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved a measure to allow for the sale of raw, unpasteurized milk. Halen Doughty has more…:
CUT 1 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed an executive order that bans discrimination against members of the LGBT community who work for the state, or who receive state services or benefits. Matthew Patterson with Equality Louisiana says it’s a great day, and a historic day, for Louisiana…:
cut 15 (06) “this minute”

 

12:30 Newscast, April 13th, 2016

The attorney for the family of Will Smith said the former Saints player was shot 8 times in the back, Smith’s wife Racquel was hit twice and that the shooting was intentional. Peter Thomson says he wants to clear up lies being spread by the defense lawyer of Cardell Hayes. Thomson says there was no hit and run. He says the Hummer suddenly stopped in the road forcing Smith to slam on his breaks
CUT 12 (08) “they continued”
Thomson says the Hummer later violently rammed the back of Smith’s car, the two got into an altercation and that’s when Smith was shot 8 times in the back.

A proposed constitutional amendment to allow non-felons to carry concealed hand guns without a permit was shot down by the House Criminal Justice committee. Victoria Joy with the Louisiana Violence Reduction Coalition says this measure could allow dangerous people to carry loaded, hidden weapons in public with no safety training…:
CUT 9 (03) “dangerous bill”

A bill that would allow the sale of raw, unpasteurized milk barely advances in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. Sierra Majors of Melville says people should have the right to choose if they want to drink raw milk. She says many of our parents enjoyed raw milk their whole lives…:
CUT 5 (06) “first place”
But Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says drinking raw milk is not safe..:
CUT 7 (09) “pasteurized milk”
The vote moves to the Senate floor on a 3-2 vote.

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast April 13

After getting shutout seven to nothing last night by McNeese, the LSU baseball team will try again tonight against Grambling. The Tigers were held to two hits as McNeese pitcher Austin Sanders held LSU to just one hit in six innings to improve his record to 3-2. Cowboys first baseman Connor Crane hit his sixth home run of the season and drove in two runs.

UL Lafayette crushed Tulane nine to two. Joe Robbins and Brian Mills combined to drive in seven runs as the Cajuns improved to 22-11 on the season. UL Lafayette’s game at UNO tonight has been postponed because of rain and it has been rescheduled for May 17th.

Also last night, South Alabama edged Southeastern Louisiana two to one, Arkansas defeated ULM 3-1.

It’s being reported that ESPN’s College Gameday will be at LSU’s season opener in Green Bay at Lambeau Field against the Wisconsin Badgers.

The Pelicans close out the regular season tonight in Minnesota. It’s been reported former McNeese star and Detroit Pistons player and executive Joe Dumars could be hired to replace Pelicans GM Dell Demps and current Milwaukee Bucks general Manager John Hammond will also be added to the Pelicans front office staff. But Jake Madison, with Bourbon Street Shots, doesn’t see that happening…
cut 17 (11) “…this year”
New Orleans is 30-51 on the year.

Louisiana Tech’s Vernon Butler has been invited to attend the NFL draft. He’s the only college player from Louisiana who will be in Chicago to hear his name called. The defensive lineman is expected to be a late first round or second round pick.

Former Zurich champions Vijah Singh and KJ Choi have committed to play in the tournament this year which will take place April 28th to May 1st.

11:30 Newscast, April 13th, 2016

The attorney for the family of Will Smith is expected to make a statement at this hour. The former Saints player was gunned down and the man New Orleans cops say is the shooter, Cardell Hayes, is essentially claiming it was self defense. Legal analyst Chick Foret says the dynamic of the case could change now that cops revealed a loaded 9mm was located in Smith’s vehicle…:
CUT 10 (06) “at best”
Surveillance video also shows that a hit and run that took place prior to the shooting appears to be Smith rear-ending Hayes before driving off.

Lawmakers want to crack down on texting while driving and the Senate sent a bill to the lower chamber that would increase the fine for a first offense to $500. The penalty goes up to $1000 for other offenses. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth changed the bill with an amendment aimed at making the penalty stiff enough to get minors’ attention…:
CUT 4 (06) “60 days”

Rayne Police say a second person has died as a result from injuries sustained in a incident where a truck crashed into a lawnmower occupied by three people – the driver, someone on the hood of the tractor and a man in a wheelchair being pulled from behind. They say the driver died at the scene Sunday evening — 41-year-old Wilbert Bourque of Rayne. The second victim is 19-year-old Joshua James Bourque. They have not said whether anyone would be cited in the incident.

The US Department of Labor has provided Louisiana with a $1.7 million disaster assistance grant to create temporary jobs in the state to assist with cleanup efforts. Halen Doughty has more..:
CUT 1 (27) “I’m Halen Doughty”

 

 

10:30 LRN Newscast April 13

A bill that would require businesses to pay men and women the same for similar work passed in the Senate with a 28-10 vote. Businesses groups oppose the bill, saying it could result in unnecessary litigation. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says he worked with business lobbyists to address those concerns…:
Cut 15 (06) “lawsuits”
The measure heads to the House, where it faces an uncertain fate.

The annual debate is underway in a Senate committee over whether raw milk should be sold in Louisiana. This bill has not been able to pass in previous years, because of safety issues. But Audry Salvador of Sulphur says the safety concerns have been exaggerated by the opposition…
cut 6 (10) “….the lies”
Supporters also say Louisiana is one of just eight states that make it illegal.

Legislation is heading to the Senate floor that give motorcyclists 21 and over the option of wearing a helmet. Currently, all motorcycle riders must wear a helmet. Randy Postlewait with a motorcycle group says motorcyclists should make the decision regarding helmets, not the government…
cut 8 (11) “…protected citizens”
Governor John Bel Edwards says he does not support this legislation.

The Senate has approved a bill to increase the fine for texting or using social media while driving from $175 to $500 for the first offense. The fine goes up to $1,000 for subsequent offenses. Baton Rouge Senator Yvonne Colomb says there will not be a fine for voice texting….
cut 3 (06) “…the wheel” (2x)
The bill also calls for the suspension of a minor’s driver license if they are convicted two or more times for this offense.

09:30 Newscast, April 13th, 2016

New information could change the whole dynamic of the Will Smith murder case. Police say a loaded 9mm gun was found in the former-Saints defensive end’s vehicle. Legal analyst Chick Foret says the perspective on the charges against Cardell Hayes may continue to change as more evidence comes to light…:
CUT 12 (07) “to be determined”
And now it’s reported that a passenger in Hayes’ vehicle claims that Hayes was protecting the two because Smith had a gun and was going to shoot it.

The equal pay bill cleared the Senate Tuesday and now heads to the House. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says women make 65 cents for every dollar a man doing similar work makes, and he quoted former President Dwight Eisenhower when making the case that men and women should receive equal pay for equal work…:
Cut 14 (08) “simple justice”
The measure passed on a 28-10 vote.

A bill to give motorcycle operators 21 and older the choice to wear a helmet is on its way to the full House. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The first hatching of a whooping crane chick in Louisiana in more than 75 years occurred this week in Jefferson Parish and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says this is a major milestone. They say the baby chick represents another step forward in the whooping crane program to reintroduce the birds back into the state at the White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area in Vermilion Parish.

 

08:30 Newscast, April 13th, 2016

New Orleans Police released new information in the Will Smith murder, including that they found a weapon in the former Saints’ defensive end’s vehicle. Cardell Hayes is accused of shooting and killing Smith. Legal analyst Chick Foret says the fact that a loaded 9mm was found in Smith’s vehicle, should help Hayes’ defense, but many questions remain…:
CUT 11 (10) “on the seat”
The Saints are holding an open casket visitation for guests wishing to pay their final respects to Smith on Friday from 2-7 at the team’s indoor practice facility in Metairie.

Strong storms are moving through south Louisiana as a cold front pushes through, causing the closure of some schools and several morning commute delays. Forecasters say the rain will continue through the afternoon, and Thursday looks to be a wet day too. Lots of lightning is reported with this system, as well as high winds and hail in some areas.

The US Department of Labor has provided Louisiana with a $1.7 million disaster assistance grant to create temporary jobs in the state to assist with cleanup efforts. Halen Doughty has more…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Got milk? Raw milk that is. A measure that would make it legal for farmers to sell milk straight from their cows is up for debate today in the Senate Health and Welfare committee. Audry Salvador is a mother from Sulphur and strong supporter of legalizing the sale of raw milk. She says everything farmers use in its production is totally clean..:
cut 4 (05) “raw milk”
Opponents say this is a food safety issue.