11:30 Newscast, May 8th, 2017

A bill that requires specific training during driver’s education courses on how motorists should behave during a traffic stop received approval from the House Transportation Committee. Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown is the author of the measure…:
Cut 6 (10) “traffic stop”
The measure now heads to the full House.

A Covington man is behind bars after police say he tried to run over an 8-year-old then rammed a sheriff’s deputy on I-12. Capt. Daniel Seuzeneau with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says they received a 911 call about a domestic dispute between 34-year-old Shawn Porrovecchio and his girlfriend…:
Cut 11 (09) “inside the vehicle”
He says Porrovecchio lead cops on a chase and crashed into a deputy patrol vehicle. He faces many charges including attempted first degree murder.

The regular session ends in one month and Jeff Palermo tells us where legislators are with two big issues…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

FEMA is looking for Louisiana workers to help during disaster response. Supervisor of Human Resources Specialist, Carisa Berkeley says want to hire people with a range of work experience…:
Cut 3 (11) “and response”
Find out more at careers.fema.gov.

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast May 8th

LSU baseball is one game back of the overall SEC lead and in sole position of second place in the West Division after a thrilling seven to six win over South Carolina on Sunday. The Tigers won two of three from the Gamecocks, after losing a one run contest on Friday. Coach Paul Mainieri wasn’t surprised the series tightly played….
cut 17 (18) “….Super Regional”
Antoine Duplantis had five hits yesterday and drove in the game winning run. Greg Deichmann had three hits and tied the game in the ninth with an RBI single.

McNeese State lost its second straight yesterday, falling to Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi five to four. But the Cowboys still have a 2.5 game lead for first place over Sam Houston. Southern Louisiana took two of three from the Bearcats and are three games back of the cowboys.

Grambling State is the champions of the SWAC Western Divsion after sweeping Prairie View this past weekend. The Tigers won 14-1 yesterday and they’ll conclude the regular season on Wednesday at Alabama.

Tough series for the Ragin Cajuns as they lost two of three from Georgia Southern. The Eagles soared past UL Lafayette nine to one. Cajuns senior outfielder Ishmael Edwards is expected to miss some time after fracturing his left thumb while stealing second base on Saturday.

The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport repots Saints starting center Max Unger will reportedly miss at least the first six weeks of the regular season because of a foot injury. How the injury occurred is unknown.

In college football news…Head Coach Ed Orgeron expects 2017 will be the last season for running back Derrius Guice at LSU. Orgeron also anticipates that Tiger pass rusher Arden Key is expected to return to LSU for summer school in June. Key took a leave of absence from the football program in February because of personal reasons.

10:30 LRN Newscast May 8th

Voters would decide whether to eliminate speed and red light enforcement cameras under a bill before the House Transportation Committee this morning. Covington Representative Paul Hollis believes the public doesn’t think these devices are a safety issue — but something else…:
Cut 12 (10) “right”
Similar bills have not fared well in the past.

On the House floor this afternoon, a bill is up for a vote that would prohibit corporal punishment in public schools. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says allowing children to be paddled leaves schools open to lawsuits…
cut 5 (10) “…corporal punishment”
Opponents to Norton’s measure say parents can sign a form to opt their children out of spankings.

The legislative session must end in one month, and lawmakers still have a long way to go. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says legislators are the most productive as they get closer to a deadline…:
Cut 13 (10) “gotten done”
The budget remains the biggest priority and we should learn today or tomorrow what kind of tax changes we’ll be supported by the House Republican leadership.

At this hour, Chris Maggio is being formally introduced as the new president of Northwestern State University. Maggio says his goal is to make sure the Natchitoches campus is warm and inviting, creating the perfect atmosphere for students…
cut 9 (11) “…on campus”
Maggio succeeds Jim Henderson, who was recently named as president of the University of Louisiana System.

09:30 Newscast, May 8th, 2017

We’re nearing the halfway point of the legislative session, and lawmakers still have a long way to go. While the biggest matter is the budget, another key agenda item is criminal justice reform. Political analyst Clancy Dubos expects lawmakers to focus primarily on nonviolent crime during this session. He says it will take the 2018 session to accomplish the goal of overall reform…:
Cut 15 (08) “to tackle”
The session ends June 8th.

Today the full House is scheduled to take up a proposal to ban corporal punishment in public schools. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says asking teachers to spank their students puts an additional strain on the educators…:
Cut 6 (10) “the parent”
She also argues that there is no proof that paddling is an effective form of discipline.

A measure to be heard before the House Transportation Committee today would give residents the chance to vote on removing red light or speed cameras that issue traffic tickets. Covington Representative Paul Hollis says the devices are scams and trample on drivers’ first amendment rights. because motorists don’t get a chance to confront their accuser…:
Cut 11 (10) “a fine”
Local government say they help reduce crashes, especially at intersections.

Dr. Chris Maggio has been appointed the new president of Northwestern State University by the UL-System Board of Supervisors. He says the plan is to continue to prioritize higher education given the uncertainty in the legislature…:
Cut 8 (09) “education”
The appointment is effective May 12.

 

08:30 Newscast, May 8th, 2017

The legislative session has reached its halfway mark, and there is still plenty of work to be done, particularly on the budget. The House has sent next fiscal year’s spending plan over to the Senate for approval. It appropriates 97.5 percent of the revenues that the State Treasury will make available. The governor says this will lead to difficult cuts, and Political analyst Clancy Dubos expects the Senate will add revenue…:
Cut 14 (08) “own ideas”
Another key agenda item is criminal justice reform.

The search has resumed for a 14-year-old who reportedly went under when his boat capsized around 7pm Saturday on Black Bayou, according to the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office. There were three other teens on the vessel at the time and all were spilled into the lake — none wearing a life jacket. The friends couldn’t rescue the missing boy. Today is day three of the search.

A bill that would give residents the chance to vote on whether to remove traffic enforcement cameras will be heard before the House Transportation Committee…:
Cut 3 (25) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors names Dr. Chris Maggio the new president of Northwestern State. Maggio says he’s honored and humbled to accept the position as he’s been with the school for 29 years…:
Cut 7 (11) “forward”

 

07:30 Newscast, May 8th, 2017

The legislative session must end in one month, and lawmakers still have a long way to go. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says legislators are the most productive as they get closer to a deadline…:
Cut 13 (10) “gotten done”
The budget remains the biggest priority.

The big protesting story over the weekend was not in Baton Rouge over the Alton Sterling shooting, but instead hundreds faced off in New Orleans on both sides of the highly charged Confederate monument matter. It took place at Lee Circle and NOPD says other than three arrests, the dueling demonstration remained peaceful.

In the Capitol City, one arrest was made of man who brought a gun to a protest outside BRPD headquarters Saturday afternoon. Cops say 30-year-old Paul Richey of Denham Springs was walking on private property without permission and was within 1000 feet of two schools with the firearm. Baton Rouge protests were non-violent.

The House takes up a bill today that would ban corporal punishment in Louisiana schools….:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Voters would get to decide whether to eliminate speed and red light enforcement cameras under a bill before the House Transportation Committee today. Covington Representative Paul Hollis believes the public doesn’t think these devices are a safety issue — but something else…:
Cut 12 (10) “right”

 

06:45 Sportscast cont’d, May 8th, 2017

Left this story off the text by mistake:

LSU Head Coach Ed Orgeron says linebacker Arden Key is expected to return in June. The All American pass rusher left the program this spring for personal reasons, but Coach “O” said they are targeting a date for Key to come back at the start of summer school.

06:45 Sportscast, May 8th, 2017

Lafayette native Antoine Duplantis’ fifth hit of the game sent home the winning run yesterday as the Tigers were victorious in a wild contest versus South Carolina. The score was 7-6 in ten innings. Duplantis had four singles and one double as the Tigers had 17 hits. Coach Paul Mainieri says great things happen when Duplantis is feeling good at the plate..:
Cut 16 (14) “big way”
LSU lost Friday, but came back to win on Saturday and Sunday to take the series against the Gamecocks.

UL-Lafayette fell 9-1 in the rubber game against Georgia Southern on Sunday, as the Cajuns drop back to back series’ for the first time since 2015.

Also in Sun Belt action, ULM left four runners on base over the opening three innings on Sunday, and Coastal Carolina handed the Warhawks an 8-1 loss.

Louisiana Tech dropped the finale to FIU, 6-3 Sunday, but still took the series on the road in Miami. The Bulldogs will still sit in fifth place in the Conference USA standings.

McNeese State fell 5-4 in Lake Charles against Texas A&M Corpus Christi, as the Cowboys dropped their first home Southland series of the season. The Pokes still have a one-game lead over Sam Houston State in the loss column atop the league standings.

Meanwhile, Southeastern dropped the series finale 10-3 to the Bearkats Sunday dropping the Lions to third place in Southland standings.

Stephen F Austin fell 3-1 on Sunday to Nicholls State. The Colonels are now in a three-way tie for seventh with Lamar and New Orleans. UNO lost to Houston Baptist 4-1 yesterday. Tulane was hammered 11-1 by Central Florida. Northwestern State dominated Incarnate Word 11-1.

Louisiana Tech has had another quarterback decide to leave the program. Backup Jack Abraham announced on Twitter that he’s transferring from the Bulldogs to continue his education and play football. QB Price Wilson left in April. Abraham and Wilson had been competing for the No. 2 spot behind starter J’Mar Smith.

 

06:30 Newscast, May 8th, 2017

The regular session ends in one month and Jeff Palermo tells us where legislators are with two big issues…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Hundreds of protesters on both sides of the Confederate monument removal issue faced off in front of the memorial honoring Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee in New Orleans on Sunday afternoon. NOPD says three people were arrested on charges of disturbing the peace, but for the most part officers were able to safely protect the demonstrators and protect citizens’ right to assemble and protest.

Today the full House is scheduled to take up a proposal to ban corporal punishment in public schools. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says children need a safe haven at school….:
Cut 4 (09) “abused”
Corporal punishment is allowed in 38 of Louisiana’s 69 school districts.

A measure to be heard before the House Transportation Committee today would give residents the chance to vote on removing red light or speed cameras that issue traffic tickets. Covington Representative Paul Hollis says enforcement cameras are money grabs for local government….:
Cut 10 (09) “to stop”
He also believes traffic cameras trample on drivers’ first amendment rights.

 

LRN AM Newscall May 7th

e House takes up a bill today that would ban corporal punishment in Louisiana schools. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

The regular session ends in one month and Jeff Palermo tells us where legislators are with two big issues….

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

A bill that would give residents the chance to vote on if they want to remove traffic enforcement cameras will be heard before the House Transportation Committee. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (25) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

__________________________________

Today the full House is scheduled to take up a proposal to ban corporal punishment in public schools. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says 19 other states have similar laws on the books. She says children need a safe haven at school.

Cut 4  (09) “abused”

Norton says currently 12 lawsuits are pending around the country stemming from spankings in schools. She says one of pending suits is in the Bayou State and allowing children to be paddled only leaves cash-strapped public schools open to more litigation from angry parents.

Cut 5  (10)  “corporal punishment”

The measure was narrowly approved by the House Education Committee on a 6 to 5 vote. Corporal punishment is allowed in 38 of Louisiana’s 69 school districts. Norton says asking teachers to spank their students also puts an additional strain on the educators.

Cut 6 (10) “the parent”

Opponents to the bill say parents can opt their children out of spankings by signing a form.

______________________________________

The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors has just named Dr. Chris Maggio the new president of Northwestern State University. Maggio says he’s honored and humbled to accept the position and has been with the university for 29 years.

Cut 7 (11)  “forward”

Maggio succeeds Dr. Jim Henderson who recently became president of the University of Louisiana System. Maggio plans to continue to prioritize higher education given the uncertainty in the legislature.

Cut 8 (09) “education”

Maggio says their world class faculty and academic programing draws in students from all over. He says their Natchitoches campus is warm and inviting, creating the perfect atmosphere for students.

Cut 9 (11)  “on campus”

_________________________________________________________

A measure to be heard before the House Transportation Committee today would give residents the chance to vote on removing red light or speed cameras that issue traffic tickets. Covington Representative Paul Hollis says enforcement cameras are money grabs for local government.

Cut 10 (09) “to stop”

Hollis says traffic cameras are scams and trample on drivers’ first amendment rights. He says motorists don’t get a chance to confront their accuser.

Cut 11 (10) “a fine”

Over the years lawmakers have brought up various bills to try to regulate traffic cameras and stop cites from installing them, but they have not fared well in the legislature. Local government say they help reduce crashes, especially at intersections. Hollis says he’s confident that given the opportunity, voters will support removing all traffic enforcement cameras.

Cut 12 (10) “right”

_________________________________________________________

We’re nearing the halfway point of the legislative session, and the legislature still has a long way to go. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says lawmakers tend to be most productive as they get closer to a deadline. The session ends June 8th and Dubos says most of the work will likely get done in the final two weeks.

Cut 13 (10) “gotten done”

The budget remains the biggest priority. The House has sent next fiscal year’s spending plan over to the Senate for approval. It appropriates 97.5 percent of the revenues that the State Treasury will make available. The governor says this will lead to difficult cuts, so Dubos expects the Senate will add money to the budget bill.

Cut 14 (08) “own ideas”

Another key agenda item is criminal justice reform. Dubos expects lawmakers to focus primarily on nonviolent crime during this session. He says it will take the 2018 session to accomplish the goal of overall reform.

Cut 15 (08) “to tackle”

_________________________________________________________

Lafayette native Antoine Duplantis’ fifth hit of the game sent home the winning run yesterday as the Tigers won a wild contest versus South Carolina, seven to six in ten innings. Duplantis had four singles and one double as the Tigers had 17 hits. Coach Paul Mainieri says when Duplantis is feeling good at the plate, he’s hard to get out…

Cut 16 (14) “big way”

LSU lost 3-2 on Friday, but came back to win on Saturday and Sunday to take the series against the Gamecocks and stay within one game back of the conference leaders Florida and Mississippi State. Mainieri wasn’t surprised the series against South Carolina was tightly played…

Cut 17 (18)  “Super Regional”

Greg Deichmann had three hits on Sunday and drove in two runs, including the game tying run in the 9th inning….

Cut 18 (17)    “the weekend”