08:30 Newscast April 29, 2015

A senate committee approves legislation that would give domestic abuse victims the ability to break a lease or get their abuser out of a home without penalty from their landlord. Scott Carwile has the story….

cut 3 (31) “reporting”

The National Weather Service has confirmed that five tornadoes touched down in south Louisiana during Monday’s storms. They have determined that tornadoes hit Kenner, Pierre Part, Napoleonville, Chackbay, and Bayou Gauche in St. Charles Parish. At the peak of the storms, Entergy reported approximately 176,000 customers were without power. As of this morning, less than 30,000 customers remain without service.

A case challenging the constitutionality of the use of midazolam in Oklahoma’s lethal injection protocol will be heard in the US Supreme Court today. There are questions about midazolam, which is also part of Louisiana’s lethal injection protocol, and its effectiveness as a sedative. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says it will be interesting to see what the Supreme Court will do…

cut 6 (09) “from this case”

This lawsuit was filed after four apparently botched executions that made national headlines last year.

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office says one is under arrest and they are looking for 10 others as part of a million dollar theft scam involving Comcast Cable customers. Spokeswoman Cindy Chadwick says the victims in this case have seen their credit reports ruined by this scam because their social security numbers were tied to fake accounts that weren’t being paid…

cut 12 (09) “investigation”

She says the now former Comcast employee under arrest is charged with 107 counts of identity theft.

07:30 Newscast April 29, 2015

The granddaughter of Saints owner Tom Benson made an appearance at the state capitol Tuesday in support of the state’s film tax program. Rita Benson Leblanc says it’s paramount Louisiana differentiate itself when attracting major events. She says the state’s film tax program helps major events like the Super Bowl with their visual and media elements…

cut 8 (09) “networks themselves”

The bill was amended to put a $200 million dollar cap on the program and other cap bills were also approved in committee.

Legislation that would allow a domestic abuse victim to immediately move out an apartment or rented home without facing a penalty for violating the lease was approved by a senate committee. Cashuana Hill, executive director of the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Center, says this legislation is needed, because there are numerous cases where a domestic abuse victim is evicted from their home, because the apartment complex has a policy against domestic violence…

cut 14 (05) “for that abuse”

The bill will now be heard on the Senate floor.
The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office says one person is under arrest and they are looking for 10 others as part of a million dollar theft scam involving Comcast Cable customers. Spokeswoman Cindy Chadwick says the scheme involved out of state cable contractors who would use real Comcast customers information to open up fake accounts in order to get commission…

cut 10 (09) “they would make a commission”

Chadwick says the now former Comcast employee involved in this scheme is in jail and booked with 107 counts of identity theft and one count of criminal conspiracy.

The US Supreme Court begins hearing a case today challenging the constitutionality of Oklahoma’s lethal injection procedure. The case wants to end the use of midazolam as a sedative in Oklahoma’s lethal injection protocol. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says protocols changed when the makers of sodium thiopental and pentobarbital refused to sell to states that use it for corporal punishment…

cut 4 (08) “in the alternative”

There are questions in midazolam’s effectiveness as a sedative.

06:45 Sportscast April 28, 2015

In college baseball yesterday, the number one ranked LSU Tigers put together a couple of three run innings to take a 6-1 win over Alcorn State at Alex Box Stadium. Seven LSU pitchers combined to strike out twelve Braves and hold them to only two hits on the night. The Tigers travel to Starkville, Mississippi to face Mississippi State in a three-game Southeastern Conference series beginning tomorrow. First pitch Thursday is at 6:30PM and it will be televised on ESPNU.

Senior Tyler Wilson hit a two strike, two out, walk off home run in the bottom of the tenth inning to lift Tulane to a 5-4 win over Southeastern Louisiana last night at Turchin Stadium. The win gives the Green Wave their first series sweep of the Lions since 2012. Tulane also defeated Southeastern back in February and March. The Green Wave improves to 28-16 and will host Houston in a three game series beginning Friday. Southeastern looks to bounce back when they host Lamar for a three game Southland Conference series this weekend.

Three game scheduled for last night were postponed. Louisiana Tech versus Stephen F. Austin and McNeese State at Southern will be played today. UL-Lafayette at Nicholls State has been pushed back to May 12th.

Baton Rouge police say their detectives want to speak with former LSU Tiger La’el Collins about the shooting death of a pregnant woman in the capitol city. 29-year-old Brittney Mills was gunned down at her home last Friday. Corporal Don Coppola says Collins is not considered a suspect in her murder, but they know he had a relationship with the woman…

cut 16 (08) “this crime”

Coppola would not go any further about the type of relationship Collins and Mills had. He says it will be a few days before they can talk to Collins, who is in Chicago for the NFL Draft.

Pelicans head coach Monty Williams met with the media to wrap up the season yesterday. Williams said he’s proud of this team exceeded which expectations by making the playoffs. The coach did not want discuss whether or not he deserves a contract extension.

06:30 Newscast April 29, 2015

A senate committee approves legislation that would allow a domestic abuse victim to immediately move out an apartment or rented home without facing a penalty for violating the lease. Baton Rouge Senator Sharon Weston Broome says her legislation also has a provision in cases where the victim doesn’t want to leave the home…

cut 13 (10)  “is evicted”

The measure now heads to the Senate floor.

Rita Benson Leblanc made an appearance at the state capitol Tuesday in support of the state’s film tax program. During testimony, LeBlanc identified herself as a former sports executive who said the film tax credit program helped New Orleans get the Super Bowl in 2013…

cut 7 (11)  “in that”

The bill was amended to put a $200 million dollar cap on the program and it now heads to the House floor.

The US Supreme Court begins hearing a case today challenging the constitutionality of Oklahoma’s lethal injection procedure. The case argues to end the use of midazolam as a sedative in Oklahoma’s lethal injection protocol. Midazolam, which is also part of Louisiana’s protocol, is an anti-anxiety drug that has no pain relieving properties and there are questions in its effectiveness as a sedative. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says this case raises the issue of whether midazolam does what states claim that it does…

cut 5  (11)  “of serious pain”

This lawsuit was filed after four apparently botched executions that made national headlines last year.

AM Newscall, April 29th, 2015

The US Supreme Court begins hearing a case today challenging the constitutionality of Oklahoma’s lethal injection procedure. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office says one person is under arrest and they are looking for 10 others as part of a million dollar theft scam involving Comcast Cable customers. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

A senate committee approves legislation that would give domestic abuse victims the ability to break a lease or get their abuser out of a home without penalty from their landlord. Scott Carwile has the story….

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

The US Supreme Court begins hearing a case today challenging the constitutionality of Oklahoma’s lethal injection procedure. The case argues to end the use of midazolam as a sedative in Oklahoma’s lethal injection protocol. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says protocols changed when the makers of sodium thiopental and pentobarbital refused to sell to states that use it for corporal punishment…

cut 4  (08) “in the alternative”

Midazolam, which is also part of Louisiana’s lethal injection protocol, is an anti-anxiety drug that has no pain relieving properties and there are questions in its effectiveness as a sedative. This lawsuit was filed after four apparently botched executions that made national headlines last year. Ciolino says this case raises the issue of whether Midazolam does what states claim that it does…

Cut 5  (11)  “of serious pain”

The Supreme Court has ruled that a method of execution would violate the Constitution’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment if it presents a substantial, intolerable risk of serious pain and there are less painful alternatives available. Ciolino says it will be interesting to see what the Supreme Court will do…

Cut 6 (09)  “from this case”

______________________________________

The granddaughter of Saints owner Tom Benson made an appearance at the state capitol Tuesday. Rita Benson Leblanc spoke in support of the state’s film tax program. During testimony, LeBlanc identified herself as a former sports executive who said the film tax credit program helped New Orleans get the Super Bowl in 2013…:

CUT 7 (11)  “in that”

LeBlanc says cities compete against each other and it’s paramount Louisiana differentiate itself  when attracting major events. She says the state’s film tax program helps major events like the Super Bowl with their visual and media elements…:

Cut 8  (09)  “networks themselves” 

LeBlanc says remaining competitive in the film industry requires tax credits. She says it’s amazing that Louisiana is #1 in making movies and we should strive to stay that way…:(The bill was amended to put a $200 million dollar cap on the program and advanced out of committee without objection and now heads to the House floor. Other cap bills were also approved in committee.)

Cut 9 (09)  “of America”

______________________________________

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office says one person is under arrest and they are looking for 10 others as part of a million dollar theft scam involving Comcast Cable customers. Spokeswoman Cindy Chadwick says the scheme involved out of state cable contractors who would use real Comcast customers information to open up fake accounts in order to get commission

Cut 10 (09) “they would make a commission”

Chadwick says financial loss in commissions, equipment and services to Comcast and victims was well over $1.2 million dollars. She says one of the suspects worked for Comcast directly and had an agreement with the contractors that she would provide identities of legitimate customers:

cut 11 (13) “customers”

Chadwick says the now former Comcast employee involved in this scheme is in jail and booked with 107 counts of identity theft and one count of criminal conspiracy. The information was used by the contractors to open 3,630 fake Comcast accounts in Caddo Parish. Chadwick says the victims in this case have seen their credit reports ruined by this scam because their social security numbers were tied to fake accounts that weren’t being paid…:

cut 12 (09)   “investigation”

______________________________________

A senate committee approves legislation that would allow a domestic abuse victim to immediately move out an apartment or rented home without facing a penalty for violating the lease. Baton Rouge Senator Sharon Weston Broome says her legislation also has a provision in cases where the victim doesn’t want to leave the home…

Cut 13 (10)  “is evicted”

Cashuana Hill, executive director of the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Center, says this legislation is needed, because there are numerous cases where a domestic abuse victim is evicted from their home, because the apartment complex has a policy against domestic violence…

Cut 14 (05) “for that abuse”

The legislation heads to the Senate floor, but the Apartment Association of Louisiana lobbied against the bill. Jennifer Ansardi says domestic violence cases are sometimes he-said versus she-said incidents and landlords are not trained to be a judge and jury

Cut 15  (07)  “handle this”

______________________________

Baton Rouge police say their detectives want to speak with former LSU Tiger La’el Collins about the shooting death of a pregnant woman in the capitol city. 29-year-old Brittney Mills was gunned down at her home last Friday. Corporal Don Coppola says Collins is not considered a suspect in her murder, but they know he had a relationship with the woman…

Cut 16  (08)  “this crime”

Coppola would not go any further about the type of relationship Collins and Mills had. He says as part of their investigation into Mills’ murder, they believe Collins may know why someone would want to shoot her…

Cut 17 (10)  “Ms Mills killer”

Coppola says it will be a few days before they can talk to Collins, who is expected to be selected in the NFL’s first round on Thursday night….

Cut 18 (11) ” may have’

 

LRN Newscast 16:30 04-28-15

During the intense south Louisiana storms yesterday, there were reports of tornadoes in the Kenner, Belle Chasse and Labadieville areas, with wind gusts in excess of 100 mph. Thousands were left without power, but Entergy Spokesman Will Johnson says – with the better weather conditions-crews are making progress…
CUT 4 (08) “as we can” (2X)
He says about 90 percent of customers should have the lights on by tonight.

Not everyone is happy about the three bills to cap the tax credits for the Louisiana film industry that was approved by House Ways and Means Committee. Supporters of the tax credit, like Will French with the Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association, say they won’t take the cap lying down…
CUT 9 (10) Q: ‘not productive’
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The Springfield Police Chief accused of conspiring to to hide a woman’s DWI citation has agreed to a plea of guilty today to a single count of criminal mischief. Attorney General Buddy Caldwell says Chief James Jones is required to resign immediately, and receive a six-month suspended sentence with one year of probation.

In the latest campaign finance numbers for Louisiana’s governor’s race, US Senator David Vitter has $4.2 million cash on hand, more than the other three candidates combined.
CUT 2 (28) “reporting”

LRN Newscast 15:30 04-28-15

Entergy is reporting about 90% of customers should have power restored by tonight, following the strong storms that blasted South Louisiana Monday and damaged the power grid. Entergy spokesman Will Johnson says they have made progress since the storm…:
CUT 3 (09) “yesterday’s storm”
He adds nearly all customers should have electricity restored by Wednesday.

The woman allegedly shot in the head by her ex-boyfriend in St. Tammany Parish is going to survive. She was able to driver herself to the hospital after being shot, and Sheriff Jack Strain says-after reports of the man’s truck being seen in the area, officers were able to find and arrest 56 year-old Ronald Brown of Pearl River…
CUT 14 (09) Q: ‘armed suspect’
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Three bills to place a cap on the Louisiana film industry, has passed through the House Ways and Means Committee. Many lawmakers have expressed-with big cuts facing education and health care-it was time for the cap, which could run anywhere from 150 to 223 million dollars a year. But, Will French, president of the Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association, says the cap is not the answer.
CUT 8 (11) “2016″
He says the Louisiana film industry employs thousands.

A Prairieville man remains missing following the sinking of a 12 foot flat-bottomed boat in Bayou Manchac about 3 miles upstream from the Amite River. LDWF enforcement and Ascension Parish Deputies searched overnight, and continue the search for 24 year-old Allen Fitzgerald of Prairieville.

LRN Newscast 14:30 04-28-15

About 2,000 workers have been assembled by Entergy to help restore power as quickly as possible, following the severe storms across South Louisiana yesterday. Enteregy Spokesman Will Johnson says it could take a little longer for customers where damage is more severe…
CUT 5 (08) “those numbers down”
Johnson adds most Louisiana customers should have power back by Tuesday night.

The House Ways and Means Committee approves three different bills that would cap the state’s film tax credit program. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris, says when the credits began in 2002, it was based on the understanding that the industry would be self-sufficient…
CUT 7 (10) Q; ‘and parties’
Some supporters of the credit say that a cap on the program will chase away future TV and film production.
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According to the latest campaign finance numbers, gubenatorial candidate Republican Senator David Vitter has $4.2 million cash on hand, and that’s more than the other three candidates combined. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says money talks in political races…
CUT 11 (10) Q: “almost always wins”

In St. Tammany Parish, authorities say the woman who was shot in the head allegedly by her ex-boyfriend–then drove herself to the hospital–is going to survive. Sheriff Jack Strain says she’s in the lucky-to-be-alive department…
CUT 15 (08) Q: ‘in my book’
56-year-old Ronald Brown of Pearl River is being held without bond in the St. Tammany Parish Jail.

PM Newscall, April 28th, 2015

Entergy says about 90% of customers should have power restored by tonight and nearly all customers should have electricity restored by Wednesday after terrible south Louisiana storms Monday. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (26) “reporting”

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In the latest campaign finance numbers for Louisiana’s governor’s race, US Senator David Vitter has $4.2 million cash on hand, more than the other three candidates combined. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (28) “reporting”

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Entergy says about 90% of customers should have power restored by tonight and nearly all customers should have electricity restored by Wednesday. Horrible storms blew through south Louisiana Monday and caused damage to the company power grid. Entergy spokesman Will John says they have made progress since the weather calmed down…:

CUT 3 (09)  “yesterday’s storm”

There were reports of tornadoes in Kenner, Belle Chasse and Labadieville areas and wind gusts in excess of 100 mph. Johnson says he’s optimistic, with the current weather conditions, that crews can make even more headway…

CUT 4 (08)  “as we can” 2X

Entergy has assembled a storm team of about 2,000 to restore power in Louisiana safely and as quickly as possible. Johnson says it could take a little longer for customers where damage is more severe…

CUT 5 (08)  “those numbers down”

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The House Ways and Means Committee approves three different bills that would cap the state’s film tax credit program anywhere from 150 to 223 million dollars a year. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris authors one of the bills, he says with the state facing big cuts to higher ed and health care, it’s time to put restraints on a program that costs the state 256-million dollars this year…

CUT 6 (06)  “do it now”

Harris says when Louisiana’s film tax incentive program started in 2002, it was intended to build an industry that one day would self support itself…

CUT 7 (10) “and parties”

Will French, president of the Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association, opposed Harris’ legislation. He says the film industry employs thousands and scaling back the program will not help the state’s budget crisis…

CUT 8 (11)  “2016″

Supporters of the film tax credit program are concerned that a cap on the program will chase away future TV and film production. French told lawmakers during testimony that they could anticipate a significant lobbying effort against this type of legislation…

CUT 9 (10)  “not productive”

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In the latest campaign finance numbers for Louisiana’s governor’s race, US Senator David Vitter has $4.2 million cash on hand, more than the other three candidates combined. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says this has to be disappointing to Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne, Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle, and State Representative John Bel Edwards…

cut 10 (10) “dose of reality”

Dardenne announces $1.8 million in cash on hand while Angelle has $1.2 million and Edwards reports $894,000. Cross believes money will have a big impact in this race…

cut 11 (10)  “almost always wins”

Cross says, with all other factors being equal, more money is better. He says you can expect this 2:1 ratio in cash on hand in Vitter’s favor to continue throughout the campaign. Cross says the other candidates in this race are facing an uphill battle when it comes to fundraising…

cut 12 (08)  “to bring in”

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Authorities in St. Tammany Parish say the woman who was shot in the head allegedly by her ex-boyfriend then drove herself to the hospital is going to survive. Sheriff Jack Strain says they believe 56-year-old Ronald Brown of Pearl River broke into victim’s home and waited for her to arrive…:

cut 13 (12)  “in the head”

Strain says once the woman arrived for treatment the hospital was placed on lock-down as they believe the suspect’s vehicle was seen in the area. He says they were able to locate Brown a short time later and he was taken into custody without incident…:

cut 14 (09) “armed suspect”

Strain says Brown is currently in the St. Tammany Parish Jail and is being held without bond at this time. He believes the woman had something on her side in this tragic incident…:

cut 15 (08) “in my book”

 

13:30 Newscast, April 28th, 2015

The House Ways and Means Committee approves three different bills that would cap the state’s film tax credit program anywhere from 150 to 223 million dollars a year. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris, who authors one of the bills, says with state facing big budget cuts to higher ed and health care, it’s time to put restraints on a program that costs the state 256 million dollars this year…:
CUT 6 (06) “do it now”
The measures now head to the House floor.

In the latest campaign finance numbers for Louisiana’s governor’s race, US Senator David Vitter has $4.2 million cash on hand, more than the other three candidates combined. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the other candidates have a long way to go.
CUT 12 (08) “to bring in”

Entergy crews are working to restore power to customers after yesterday’s violent storms that ripped through south Louisiana. Eric Gill has more…:
CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

Entergy says about 90 percent of Louisiana customers should have power restored by tonight. The National Weather Service reported its survey crew did confirm that one tornado hit near Pierre Part and another near Napoleonville in Assumption Parish.

The American Red Cross says Monday’s bad storms should remind us to be prepared for anything and they have a brand new app that does just that. They say the free Red Cross Emergency App provides instant access to weather and emergency alerts and life saving information.