AM Newscall, May 5th, 2015

Two different tax increases proposed by Plaquemine Representative Karen St. Germain to help fund road projects will be heard in the House Ways and Means Committee today. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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A bill that would use funds from unclaimed gambling winnings to pay for rape victims forensic medical exams clears House appropriations. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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The Baton Rouge Police Department says after their interview Monday with former LSU Tiger La’el Collins, he is still not a suspect in the April 24th murder of Brittany Mills. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 3 (27) “reporting”

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Two different tax increases proposed by Plaquemine Representative Karen St. Germain to help fund road projects will be heard in the House Ways and Means Committee today. President of Louisiana Good Roads and Transportation Association Ken Perret says any effort to increase funding for Louisiana’s roads and bridges is good…

cut 4  (11) “in Louisiana”

The state currently has a $12 billion backlog of road and bridge projects. HB 777 would raise the state’s gas tax dependent on the price at the pump and HB 778 would increase the state’s sales tax by one percent. Revenue from both bills would pay for road and bridge projects. Perret says a first class transportation system is key for the state’s economic growth…

Cut 5  (07)  “products distributed”

Governor Jindal has said he would veto any tax increase that is not accompanied by a tax reduction somewhere else. But Perret sees these measures as an investment that will have a positive return on Louisianians on a daily basis…

Cut 6 (09)  “be upgraded”

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A bill that would use funds from unclaimed gambling winnings to pay for rape victims forensic medical exams clears House appropriations. New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno says under her measure, money from expired winning tickets from casinos and race tracks would go into the crime victim’s reparations fund. Alexandra Stillson is a rape victim.

CUT 7 (11)  “HIV”

Stillson says she was raped by two men who broke into her home while she was watching television. She feels like she relives the traumatic experience every time another bill comes in the mail…:

Cut 8  (08)  “now pay for it” 

Wade Duty, of the Louisiana Casino Association, says while they don’t oppose the bill on its merits, they don’t approve of the funding mechanism. He says winning money is the property of the gaming establishment until the player cashes the ticket…:

Cut 9 (07)  “property”

The bill passed without opposition and now heads to the House floor. Moreno says casinos keep about $1.2 million dollars in gambling money that was never claimed by the player. Duty says this money is not the same as unclaimed property…:

Cut 10 (04) “of the casino”

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The Baton Rouge Police Department says after their interview Monday with former LSU Tiger La’el Collins, he is still not a suspect in the April 24th murder of Brittney Mills. Corporal Don Coppola says Collins is fully cooperating…:

cut 11 (09) “have spoke with”

Cops say Mills was 8 months pregnant when she was gunned down in her home and the baby, Brenton, died a week later. Apparently she and Collins used to have some sort of relationship. Coppola says they may need Collins to stay involved in the investigation…:

cut 12 (07)   “clarification”

Coppola says they are still trying to gather information from people who may know the victim. He says Collins was never considered a suspect…:

Cut 13 (09)  “Brenton Mills”

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A bill that allows for the dispensing of medicinal marijuana to patients who suffer from certain medical conditions makes it off the Senate floor. New Iberia Senator Fred Mills says they’ve been working hard on this legislation to keep everyone happy…:

Cut 14 (06) “law enforcement”

Mills says under the proposed law, medical marijuana could only be prescribed by a doctor for someone clinically diagnosed with glaucoma, spastic quadriplegia (kwod-ruh-plee-jee-uh) or suffering symptoms from chemotherapy cancer treatment. He says it would be grown at only one site in the state and dispensed 10 places in non-smokeable form…:

Cut 15  (07)  “can’t be inhaled”

The vote count was 22-13 and the measure now heads to the House. Medical marijuana has technically been legal in Louisiana since 1991, but there were never rules put in place for ways to get it in the hands of patients. Mills says the bill 24 years ago was left wide open and no limitations were set…:

Cut 16  (12)  “the wild wild west”

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17:30, Legislative Update May 4th, 2015

A bill that would use funds from unclaimed gambling winnings to pay for rape victims forensic medical exams clears House appropriations. New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno says under her measure, money from expired winning tickets from casinos and race tracks would go into the crime victims reparations fund. Alexandra Stillson is a rape victim.
CUT 7 (11) “HIV”
Wade Duty, of the Louisiana Casino Association, says while they don’t oppose the bill on its merits, they don’t approve of the funding mechanism. He says winning money is the property of the gaming establishment until the player cashes the ticket…:
CUT 9 (07) “property”
The bill passed without opposition and now heads to the House floor.

State Treasurer John Kennedy says he’s endorsing David Vitter for Governor because the US Senator respects tax payer dollars and has the ability to take on Louisiana’s fiscal challenges…:
CUT 14 (09) “crisis to crisis”
When asked if Kennedy was going to go after the US Senate seat if Vitter becomes Governor each said they are taking things one election at a time.

The House appropriations committee approves a plan that would allow the state to draw down federal money that can be used to expand Medicaid coverage. House speaker Chuck Kleckley says it would save $200 million for the state’s budget and is real money that can be put in the general fund…:
CUT 4 (07) “in Louisiana”
Since this measure is a concurrent resolution, Governor Jindal cannot veto the legislation, but it does need a two-thirds vote of both houses for passage.

 

LRN Newscast 16:30

Former LSU offensive lineman La’el Collins met with Baton Rouge Police Detectives today as part of an investigation into the April 24th shooting death of a pregnant woman -with whom he had a previous relationship. Collins’ attorney, Jim Boren, says he cooperated fully…
CUT 6 (07) “they wanted”
29 year old Britany Mills, and ultimately her 8 month old baby died as a result of the shooting.

State Treasurer John Kennedy announces he’s endorsing US Senator David Vitter for Governor. Kennedy says, besides being able to tackle Louisiana’s money challenges…:
cut 12 (11) “21st century”
There has been some speculation – after Kennedy announced he would be seeking re-election for State Treasurer – that he might be interested in Vitter’s Senate seat.
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The House Appropriations Committee approves a plan that would allow the state to draw down federal money that can be used to expand Medicaid coverage. House speaker Chuck Kleckley says the plan involves hospitals putting their monies together so the state can be help provide health care to low income people, while saving the state about $200 million…
CUT 3 (07) “federal dollars”
Governor Bobby Jindal opposes Medicaid expansion, calling it a bad deal for the state.

Baker Police arrested a mother of three for allegedly leaving her three children inside a vehicle for up to 45 minutes, while she reportedly went inside a store. Chief Mike Knaps says witnesses saw the three kids; ranging in age from 7 years down to 4 months, and called police…
CUT 11 (08) Q: “of that vehicle”
Thirty-two year old Tesha Thomas faces 3 counts of child desertion charges.

LRN Sportscast 16:45 May 4

Baton Rouge Police say after meeting with former LSU offensive lineman La’el Collins, he is still not a suspect in the murder of Brittney Mills and her infant child, Brenton Mills. Brittney was fatally shot on April 24th, while eight months pregnant, and then her baby died a week later after she was able to give birth.

Collins attorney, Jim Boren, says the Baton Rouge native is cooperating with the investigation and ready to get his NFL career started…
cut 8 (08) “…next step”
Boren would not say whether or not Collins submitted to a paternity test, as it’s been reported that Collins and Mills were romantically involved.

Collins continues to be without a team after last week’s NFL draft. Meanwhile, the Saints have signed 13 undrafted free agents. After not drafting a wide receiver, they signed two of them today, Malcolme Kennedy of Texas A-and-M and R-J Harris of New Hampshire.

In the 2015 draft, the Saints used six of their nine draft picks to select players on the defensive side of the ball. Head Coach Sean Payton hopes all of them can contribute in some way…
cut 18 (17) “….the draft”

In other NFL news, former Louisiana Tech standout Houston Bates has accepted a minicamp invite from the Houston Texans and Washington Redskins. Former Grambling quarterback DJ Williams will get a tryout with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

At the softball Fast Pitch 56 tournament this past weekend, Sam Houston was the winner in Class 5A, North DeSoto won the 4A title, John Curtis was the Three-A champ and it’s the Patriots fourth consecutive championship. Menard won Two-A by beating Winnfield and Central Catholic is the one-A champion.

LRN Newscast 15:30 05-04-15

Former LSU offensive lineman La’el Collins and his attorney met with police detectives as part of an investigation into the shooting death of a pregnant woman, with whom Collins reportedly had a previous relationship. According to BRPD, the meeting took place around 10:30 and he cooperated fully, and police say he is still NOT considered a suspect in the death of Brittany Mills and ultimately her baby…
CUT 7 (09) “lady’s murder”
That’s Collins attorney Jim Boren.

An accidental shooting in a Shreveport hotel has claimed the life of a four-year old boy. Shreveport Police Cpl. Marcus Hines Hines says it appears Cameron Morris was shot accidentally by another very young juvenile in the hotel room. .
cut 16 (05) “ten-years-old”
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The official endorsement came today, as State Treasurer John Kennedy announces he’s endorsing US Senator David Vitter for Governor. Kennedy says it was an easy call for him….
CUT 14 (09) Q: ‘crisis to crisis’
Kennedy has previously announced he’ll be seeking re-election in the fall.

A mother of 3 is under arrest for child desertion after allegedly leaving her three children inside a vehicle with the windows rolled up for up to 45 minutes in Baker. Baker Police Chief Mike Knaps says 32 year-old Tesha Thomas went inside a store to get what she described as a quick stop to get a couple of things. Witnesses saw the 3 kids -aged 7 years; 20 months and four months- inside the car, and called police…
CUT 10 (05) Q: “child desertion”

LRN Newscast 14:30 05-04-15

State Treasurer John Kennedy endorsed fellow Republican and US Senator David Vitter for governor today. It raises speculation that Vitter will appoint Kennedy to his senate seat, if elected as governor. But Vitter says they have not talked about any other election….
cut 13 (09) “….being presumptuous”
Kennedy says Vitter is the best candidate in the race to get a handle on the state’s fiscal situation and improve roads and the health care system.

Baton Rouge Police met with former LSU star La’ell Collins as part of an investigation into the shooting death of a pregnant woman on April 24th. It’s been reported Collins and Brittany Mills had a romantic relationship. His attorney, Jim Boren says, Collins is cooperating with the investigation and ready to get his NFL career started…
CUT 8 (08) “next step”
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The House appropriations committee approves a plan that would allow the state to draw down federal money that can be used to expand Medicaid coverage.…
CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

Authorities in St. Tammany Parish are investigating a case of a deceased baby in a trash compactor at a Slidell apart complex. Slidell Police report the discovery took place around 9:15 this morning at Canterbury House Apartments. The St. Tammany Parish Coroner is working with Police to determine the cause of death and the age of the baby. The investigation is continues.

13:30 Newscast, May 4th, 2015

Former LSU offensive tackle La’el Collins met with Baton Rouge police detectives today. Jeff Palermo has more on what happened…:
CUT 2 (28) “reporting”

The Slidell Police Department is investigating the death of a baby who was found inside a trash compactor at an apartment complex. Cops say a maintenance employee made the discovery this morning. Age of the child and cause of death have not yet been determined by the St. Tammany Parish Coroner and the investigation is ongoing.

Shreveport Police are investigating a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a four-year-old boy. Cpl. Marcus Hines says officers were called to a hotel room and and found the boy, identified as Cameron Morris, suffering from a single gunshot wound to the head…:
CUT 15 (10) “that hotel room”
Hines says the other child was 6 and they are working to determine who was responsible for watching the children.

The House appropriations committee approves a plan that would allow the state to draw down federal money that can be used to expand Medicaid coverage. House speaker Chuck Kleckley says it would save $200 million for the state’s budget and is real money that can be put in the general fund…:
CUT 4 (07) “in Louisiana”
Since this measure is a concurrent resolution, Governor Jindal cannot veto the legislation, but it does need a two-thirds vote of both houses for passage.

 

LRN PM Newscall May 4th

The House appropriations committee approves a plan that would allow the state to draw down federal money that can be used to expand Medicaid coverage. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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Former LSU offensive tackle La’el Collins met with Baton Rouge police detectives today. Jeff Palermo has more on what happened…

CUT 2 (28) “reporting”

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The House appropriations committee approves a plan that would allow the state to draw down federal money that can be used to expand Medicaid coverage. House speaker Chuck Kleckley says the plan involves hospitals putting their financial resources together so the state can draw down federal dollars that can be used to provide health care to low income individuals…

CUT 3 (07)  “federal dollars”

Governor Bobby Jindal opposes Medicaid expansion, calling it a bad deal for the state. But Kleckley says this plan could save up to $200 million for the state’s budget. He says this is real money that can be put in the general fund…

CUT 4 (07)  “in Louisiana”

Since this measure is a concurrent resolution, Governor Jindal cannot veto the legislation, but it does need a two-thirds vote of both houses for passage. Kleckley says this measure would set up a mechanism for our next governor to pull from Medicaid expansion money next year…

CUT 5 (09)  “and use it”

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Former LSU offensive lineman La’el Collins met with Baton Rouge police detectives today as part of an investigation into the shooting death of a pregnant woman on April 24th. Collins wore a blue suit for his meeting with investigators and his attorney, Jim Boren, says the All-SEC player cooperated fully…

CUT 6 (07)  “they wanted”

Collins meeting with detectives lasted about an hour and a half. Boren says his client is still NOT a suspect in Brittany Mills’ homicide…

CUT 7 (09)  “lady’s murder”

It’s been reported Collins and Mills had a romantic relationship. Boren would not say whether Collins took a paternity test to confirm whether it was his child that died a week after the shooting. But Boren says the Baton Rouge native is cooperating with the investigation and ready to get his NFL career started…

CUT 8 (08)  “that shortcoming”

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Baker Police arrested a 32-year-old mother of three for allegedly leaving her three children inside a vehicle for up to 45 minutes. Chief Mike Knaps says a witness arrived at a store at the same time as Tesha Thomas and noticed that Thomas left her three children in the car. He says 30 to 45 minutes later, the witness saw the kids still in the car and called police…

CUT 9 (07)  “kids crying”

The children, ages 7-years, 20-months, and 4-months, were left in the vehicle with no air conditioning and the windows rolled up. Knaps says, after officers contacted Thomas inside the store and she told them she only went in to pick up a couple of things. He says Thomas was taken into custody after calling another family member to pick up the kids…

cut 10 (05) “child desertion”

He says when officers found the children, the 4-month-old was screaming and its diaper was soaked. Thomas faces three counts of child desertion. Knaps says it is never safe to leave children unattended in a vehicle…

cut 11 (08)  “of that vehicle”

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State Treasurer John Kennedy announces he’s endorsing US Senator David Vitter for Governor. Kennedy outlined key issues he felt would best be addressed by Vitter…:

cut 12 (11)  “21st century”

Kennedy has previously announced he’ll be seeking re-election in the fall and some speculate he’ll be going after the Senate seat should Vitter become Governor. But Vitter says they have not talked about any other election…:

cut 13 (09)  “being presumptuous”

Kenndy says Vitter respects tax payer dollars and has the ability to take on Louisiana’s fiscal challenges…:

cut 14 (09) “crisis to crisis”

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Shreveport Police are investigating a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a four-year-old boy. Cpl. Marcus Hines says officers were called to a hotel room and and found the boy, identified as Cameron Morris, suffering from a single gunshot wound to the head…

cut 15 (10) “that hotel room”

Hines says it appears Morris was shot accidentally by another juvenile in the hotel room. He says adults were present and detectives are working to determine who was responsible for the children at the time of the shooting. No charges have been filed at this time. Hines says the alleged shooter in this incident is very young…

cut 16 (05) “ten-years-old”

12:30 Newscast, May 4th, 2015

Former LSU offensive lineman La’el Collins met with Baton Rouge police detectives today as part of an investigation into the shooting death of a pregnant woman on April 24th. Collins wore a blue suit for his meeting with investigators and his attorney, Jim Boren, says the all-SEC player cooperated fully…:
CUT 6 (07) “they wanted”
Boren is confident the police and the DA’s office will find that Collins had nothing to do with Mills’ murder.

State Treasurer John Kennedy announces he’s endorsing US Senator David Vitter for Governor. Kennedy outlined key issues he felt would best be addressed by Vitter…:
CUT 12 (11) “21st century”
When asked if Kennedy plans to go after the US Senate seat should Vitter win the Governor’s race each said they are taking things one election at a time.

Baker Police charge a 32-year-old mother of three for allegedly leaving her children inside a vehicle for up to 45 minutes. Chief Mike Knaps says a witness arrived at a store at the same time as Tesha Thomas and noticed that Thomas left her young kids in the car. He says 30 to 45 minutes later, the witness saw the children still in the car and called police…:
CUT 9 (07) “kids crying”
Thomas faces three counts of child desertion.

Shreveport police say a 4 year old child was fatally shot in the head by a 6 year old child at a hotel Sunday evening. They say it appears to be an accident but an investigation is ongoing to determine who was responsible for watching the children at the time of the shooting.

 

11:40 Sportscast, May 4th, 2015

Former LSU Tiger La’el Collins meets with the Baton Rouge police department today about the shooting death of a pregnant woman that also claimed the life of her one-week old child. Collins was not drafted, because of a concern he may have something to do with this fatal shooting. If cleared, Collins will likely be sought after by every team.

The Saints first pick in the 5th round is a player most football fans never heard of. Linebacker Davis Tull from Tennessee-Chattanooga, who is a three-time Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Payton says they had a high grade on Tull and they were forunate to get him in the 5th round…
cut 17 (16) “…the nickel”
The Saints used six of their nine draft picks on defensive players.

LSU baseball team took two of three from Mississippi State this past weekend and they trail Vanderbilt by a half game for first place in the league’s overall standings. The Tigers are tied with Texas A-and-m at 16-and-7 for first place in the SEC West, but LSU owns the tie breaker. The Tigers do not play again until Friday against Missouri.

The Ragin Cajuns dropped two out of three to Appalachian State and find themselves two and a half games back of South Alabama for first place in the league. U-L Lafayette will host the Jaguars this weekend.

ULM took two of three from Troy, Louisiana Tech won its first Conference USA series by taking two of three from Texas San Antonio. Tyler Clancy threw five shutout innings in a three to one win yesterday.

Southeastern Louisiana completed a sweep of Lamar by beating the Cardinals six to nothing. S-L-U has now won 11 straight Southland games and they have a 3-and-half game lead over Northwestern State. The Cowboys are also playing well as they’ve won five in a row, and Nicholls State has won four straight as they defeated Houston Baptist seven to two yesterday.