LRN AM Newscall April 29th ###Corrected Version###

A Vermilion parish teacher is behind bars for three counts of rape. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says priority number one for him right now is stabilizing the budget, because we must focus on moving Louisiana forward. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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According to a poll paid for by the Louisiana Cannabis Association, 72-percent of Louisiana voters are in favor of legalizing medical marijuana as a treatment for more diseases. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A Vermilion parish teacher is facing rape charges. Lt. David Hardy with the Abbeville Police Department says James Harber has been charged with two counts of second-degree rape and one count of first-degree rape. He says a search of Harber’s home indicates that more charges could be coming.

cut 4  (08)  “child pornography”

Police have shared their evidence with the Sheriff’s Office as well as the US Attorney’s office, in the hopes that they would seek an indictment. Hardy says child pornography was found on Harber’s home computer. He says they learned of the rape charges after interviewing the victims that were in the explicit pictures on Harber’s computer.

Cut 5  (07)  “Mr. Harber”

A Lafayette TV station reports that Harber was a 7th grade teacher a J.H. Williams Middle School. Hardy says it is not clear if the victims attended the school where Harber taught, but he did know his victims.

Cut 6 (11)  “residence”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says priority number one for him right now is stabilizing the budget, because we must focus on moving Louisiana forward. He says the vision that he put forth when he was running for governor has not changed, but they have to work on filling the $600 million dollar gap for next fiscal year…:

CUT 7 (09)  “to do” 

Edwards says there are many policy related issues that are going to be on the back burner until we can deal with the present crisis…:

Cut 8  (09)  “and do that” 

Edwards says he remains very optimistic about his administration and the state as a whole. He says he doesn’t see any way they could avoid a second special session, but before he makes the call he’s going to wait for recommendations from a panel assigned to review the state budget…:

Cut 9 (09)  “the short term”

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A poll paid for by the Louisiana Cannabis Association finds that 72-percent of Louisiana voters support legalizing medical marijuana as a treatment for more diseases. Jesse McCormick is glad to see a majority of voters support the use of medical cannabis to help relieve pain for people who suffer from different diseases, like cancer and HIV

Cut 10 (07) “understand”

McCormick says 24 other states have already legalized medical cannabis. He says a majority of respondents are also in favor of taxing the prescription drug.

cut 11 (08) “eye-opening”

The telephone survey was conducted by Louisiana polling firm JMC Analytics and Polling. They surveyed six-hundred registered voters. McCormick says he understands that plenty of people will always oppose the legalization, but he hopes that this poll encourages more lawmakers to vote in favor of the legalization.

cut 12 (08) “huge win”

Legislators have been conflicted on whether or not to expand the list of diseases for which medical cannabis can be prescribed.

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The House has approved two more pro-life measures. One of the bills, authored by Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds, prohibits women from getting abortions just because a child will have a genetic disorder. Edmonds says his son was born with a disorder, and if he’d taken medical advice, he wouldn’t have his grandchildren today.

Cut 13 (10)  “blessed with”

Edmonds says life is hard, and women shouldn’t be able to abort their babies just because it would be easier.

cut 14 (06)  “no meaning”

Edmond’s bill passed 75-1. Another proposal by Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson would outlaw a procedure commonly used in second trimester abortions. Johnson calls these “dismemberment” abortions and says every year more than a thousand unborn children are aborted through this “barbaric” process.

Cut 15 (08) “ripped off”

Johnson’s bill was approved unanimously. Opponents of the measure say outlawing this procedure would force women to undergo invasive, unnecessary procedures or lose access to abortion services entirely. Both measure now head to the Senate.

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Tonight is rounds two and three of the NFL draft, and several former LSU Tigers are expected to be selected. NFL draft analyst Mike Detillier believes linebacker Deion Jones will go early in round two.

Cut 16  (13)  “in reverse”

Detillier also believes defensive back Jalen Mills will go in the second round, as well.

Cut 17 (18) “at DBU”

Detillier also believes four year starter Vadal Alexander will be a third round pick and could be a productive offensive guard in the NFL.

Cut 18 (21) “NFL”

18:30 LRN Newscast April 28

Governor Edwards pushed back today against a special interest group that’s airing an attack ad claiming he broke promises about keeping the voucher program. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (24)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The FBI has created a dedicated tip line to gather information about a boy who went missing from his front porch 15 years ago. People can call 1-800-CALL-FBI with any information they have about Wesley Morgan. The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for any information that leads to Morgan’s location.

A Senate committee has approved the bill to prevent members of the LGBT community from being fired or turned down for jobs because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter authored the legislation. He says we need to protect people from discrimination.

Cut 13 (07)  “recourse”

The measure passed on a 4-2 vote and now heads to the Senate floor for more debate.

Two people are dead following a shootout in Calcasieu parish. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso says officers met Cody McAdams in a field, while he was attempting to kidnap his estranged wife Brandy and their 5-year-old child. Mancuso says McAdams fired several shots at the deputies before the officers returned fire, then he shot and killed Brandy before turning his gun on himself. The young girl is unharmed. Mancuso says Brandy had filed several domestic violence charges against McAdams.

17:30 Legislative Update, April 28th, 2016

A bill to prevent members of the LGBT community from being fired because of their sexual orientation or gender identity has won the approval of a Senate committee. Halen Doughty has more…:
CUT 2 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The Louisiana House unanimously passed a bill that would outlaw a procedure commonly used in second-trimester abortions. Supporters call the method a “dismemberment” abortion. But those who oppose say restricting abortions further is a detriment to women’s health. The measure now heads to the Senate after a lower chamber 83-0 vote.

Governor John Bel Edwards says priority number one for him right now is stabilizing the budget, because we must focus on moving Louisiana forward. He says there are many policy related issues that are going to be on the back burner until we can deal with the present crisis — the $600 million dollar budget shortfall…:
Cut 8 (09) “and do that”
He says he doesn’t see any way they could avoid a second special session.

A poll paid for by the Louisiana Cannabis Association finds that 72-percent of Louisiana voters support legislation which legalizes medical marijuana as a treatment for more diseases. Jesse McCormick is glad to see a majority of voters support the use of medical cannabis to help relieve pain for people who suffer from different diseases, like cancer and HIV…:
Cut 10 (07) “understand”
A Senate approved bill expanding diseases the medical marijuana law would cover is awaiting hearing in the lower chamber.

 

16:30 Newscast, April 28th, 2016

The man who allegedly shot former Saints player Will Smith has been indicted on charges of murder and attempted murder. Cardell Hayes pleaded not guilty and his bond is 1.75 million dollars. His attorney said in court today that the prosecution is trying to jam an indictment down. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the DA is just going through the procedure according to the law….:
CUT 5 (09) “of Louisiana”
Hayes was also indicted on charges of aggravated assault and aggravated damage to property to go along with the murder and attempted murder charge.

A measure that would prevent businesses from firing a person based on their sexual orientation was approved by a Senate committee today. But Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns voted against the proposal. He says it could pose problems for business owners…:
cut 15 (12) “of that”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he never said he planned to take vouchers from students who currently have them, as pro voucher groups claim. He says many areas of the state have to take cuts in order to fill a shortfall. Baton Rouge mother Pamela Gauthier says her son Joseph has Down syndrome and struggled in public school because teachers didn’t have adequate resources. But she says thanks to the voucher program, Joseph is now excelling at a private school…:
cut 12 (09) “Fs and Ds”
Edwards is not happy about special interests falsely calling him a liar.

A measure that would prohibit commonly used second trimester abortions received support from the full House today. The bill’s author claims the procedure is a “dismemberment abortion” and should not be allowed because of its torturous nature. Opponents say that description is misleading. The vote was 83-0 and now heads to the Senate.

 

16:45 LRN Sportscast April 28

The first round of the NFL draft is tonight. The Saints have the 12th pick. Many mock drafts have New Orleans selecting Louisville defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. But there are some draft experts, believe New Orleans will select Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch with the 12th pick. Drew Brees told nola-dot-com that he doubts New Orleans will use its first round pick on a quarterback.

The alleged shooter of the former Saints player Will Smith has been indicted on charges of second degree murder and attempted murder. Legal analyst Tim Meche says it looks like the Orleans Parish District Attorney is handling the case against Cardell Hayes cautiously…:
CUT 3 (12) “cautiously”
After the indictment, Hayes plead not guilty to four charges. His bond has been set at 1.75 million dollars.

The LSU baseball Tigers begin a three game series at Ole Miss tonight. The Bayou Bengals are 27-14 overall, 10-8 in the SEC and coming off a disappointing loss to Tulane. In fact the Tigers have lost three of their last four games, but Coach Paul Mainieri is still optimistic about his team’s potential…
cut 18 (15) “…great baseball”
LSU enters the game in a three-way tie for second place in the SEC West. Ole Miss and Mississippi State also are 10-8 in the league, while the Aggies lead the SEC West with a 12-6 mark.

The first round of the Zurich Classic has been suspended as a result of inclement weather. Brian Stuard is the leader at eight-under par through 17 holes. Retief Goosen is seven-under through 14 holes. A host of golfers are tied for third at four-under par, including the number one player in the world Jason Day.

15:30 Newscast, April 28th, 2016

Cardell Hayes was indicted today on charges of murder for former Saints player Will Smith, and attempted murder of Smith’s wife. Legal analyst Tim Meche says he’s not surprised the D-A’s office was able to get an indictment, before the defense was able to call witnesses to the stand during today’s preliminary hearing…:
CUT 4 (10) “the witnesses”.
After the indictment, Hayes plead not guilty to four charges. His bond has been set at 1.75 million dollars.

The FBI has created a devoted phone line for tips about the newly reopened missing child case of Wesley Dale Morgan of Clinton who was last seen in 2001. Authorities report the phone has not stopped ringing with tips so a dedicated line has been created for anyone who may know where Wesley Morgan is. The number is 1- (800) CALL-FBI.

You couldn’t hire or fire someone based on their sexual orientation under a bill that was approved in a Senate committee today. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter says discrimination is still alive, and lawmakers need to do what they can to protect people from that in the workplace…:
cut 14 (09) “whatever reason”
Opponents are worried this would hurt businesses.

The Louisiana Federation for Children held a news conference today featuring parents whose children benefit from the student voucher program. New Orleans single mother Corrine Celestine is upset over the proposed cuts…:
Cut 11 (08) “next generation”
But Governor John Bel Edwards says, despite ads running to the contrary, every student who currently has a voucher will get to keep it…but several areas of the state have to be cut to help fill next fiscal year’s shortfall.

 

LRN PM Newscall April 28

Governor Edwards pushed back today against a special interest group that’s airing an attack ad claiming he broke promises about keeping the voucher program. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (24)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A bill to prevent members of the LGBT from not being hired or being fired because of their sexual orientation or gender identity has won the approval of a Senate committee. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The alleged shooter of the former Saints player Will Smith has been indicted on charges of second degree murder and attempted murder. Legal analyst Tim Meche says it looks like the Orleans Parish District Attorney is handling the case against Cardell Hayes cautiously.

CUT 3 (12)  “cautiously”

The indictment came down during the middle of a preliminary hearing that was called to establish probable cause against Hayes. Meche says he’s not surprised the D-A’s office was able to get an indictment, before the defense was able to call witnesses to the stand during today’s preliminary hearing…

CUT 4 (10)  “the witnesses”

Hayes’ Attorney John Fuller said in court today that the prosecution is trying to jam an indictment down. Meche says the DA is just going through the procedure according to the law.

CUT 5 (09)  “of Louisiana”

After the indictment, Hayes plead not guilty to four charges. Hayes was also indicted on charges of aggravated assault and aggravated damage to property to go along with the murder and attempted murder charge. His bond has been set at 1.75 million dollars and a motion date has been set for June 3rd.

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Two people are dead after a shootout involving a police officer in the small southwest Louisiana town of Carlyss. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso says his officers were responding to a 911 call for an armed robbery when they got another call from a man saying people were running through his field close to the location of the burglary. Mancuso says deputies met the individuals in the field.

CUT 6 (08) “drops”

Mancuso says the suspect fired several shots at the deputies before the officers returned fire. The sheriff says the suspect either died from a gunshot wound from one of his deputies or he killed himself. He says when police approached the suspect, they found another victim.

CUT 7 (09) “investigating”

Mancuso says there was also a female child in the field, and she is unharmed. He says two investigations are ongoing.

CUT 8 (09) “shooting”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says the special interest group that’s running attack ads accusing him of breaking his promise about keeping existing school vouchers is not telling the truth. He told reporters Thursday that no student currently receiving a voucher, would lose it…:

CUT 9 (08) “receive them”

Edwards says he’s been told by the Department of Education that there is no plan to take a voucher away from a student, and that he is disingenuously being called a liar. He told a pro-voucher man at the news conference that he never said he was going to zero out funding for vouchers…:

cut 10 (10) “not gonna find it”

Edwards says there are cuts coming to several areas of the state due to the shortfall, and the voucher special interests are upset they aren’t getting preferential treatment. Before the governor spoke, the Louisiana Federation for Children held a press conference featuring parents whose children benefit from the voucher program. New Orleans single mother Corrine Celestine is upset over the proposed cuts.

Cut 11 (08) “next generation”

Baton Rouge mother Pamela Gauthier says her son Joseph has Down syndrome and struggled in public school because teachers didn’t have adequate resources. But she says thanks to the voucher program, Joseph is now excelling at a private school that teachers developmentally disabled children.

cut 12 (09) “Fs and Ds”

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A Senate committee has approved the bill to prevent members of the LGBT community from being fired or turned down for jobs because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter authored the legislation. He says we need to protect people from discrimination.

Cut 13 (07)  “recourse”

Carter says discrimination is still alive, and lawmakers need to do what they can to protect people from that in the workplace.

cut 14 (09)  “whatever reason”

Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns voted against the proposal. He says it could pose problems for business owners

cut 15 (12) “of that”

The measure passed on a 4-2 vote and now heads to the Senate floor for more debate.

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14:30 Newscast, April 28th, 2016

The alleged shooter of the former Saints player Will Smith has been indicted on charges of second degree murder and attempted murder. Legal analyst Tim Meche says it looks like the Orleans Parish District Attorney is handling the case against Cardell Hayes cautiously…:
CUT 3 (12) “cautiously”
The indictment came down during the middle of a preliminary hearing that was called to establish probable cause against Hayes.

A poll commissioned by the Louisiana Cannabis Association reveals 72 percent of Louisiana voters are in favor of the medical marijuana legislation. Just 13 percent surveyed by JMC Enterprises opposed patients’ usage of medical marijuana. A bill to extend use of medical marijuana to those with serious medical conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, seizure disorders and epilepsy passed through the Louisiana State Senate.

Governor Edwards pushed back today against a special interest group that’s airing an attack ad claiming he broke promises about keeping the voucher program. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 1 (24) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Two people are dead in an officer involved shooting which occurred in the Calcasieu Parish town of Carlyss. Sheriff Tony Mancuso says a woman was found dead and a man died while exchanging gunfire with deputies, but it is unclear if the male was hit by deputies or if he killed himself. He says they believe the man killed the woman…:
CUT 8 (09) “shooting”

 

13:30 Newscast, April 28th, 2016

Reports out of New Orleans say Cardell Hayes has been indicted for the murder of former New Orleans Saints player Will Smith, and also for the attempted murder of Smith’s wife.

A bill to prevent members of the LGBT from not being hired or being fired because of their sexual orientation has won the approval of a Senate committee. Halen Doughty has more…:
CUT 2 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

State Police is once again looking for a vehicle involved in a hit and run with a cyclist. This time in Assumption Parish they believe a white Ford Super Duty hit the person on a bike, then fled the scene in Paincourtville last night.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he never said he was going to take school vouchers away from students who already receive them, as certain special interest groups are claiming. He challenged a pro-voucher man at a news conference…:
cut 10 (10) “not gonna find it”
Edwards says part of his budget cut plan for next fiscal year includes trimming each voucher so that all recipients could keep them.

The recreational red snapper season in Gulf federal waters will only last 9 days this year, from June 1 through June 9. US Representative Garret Graves of Baton Rouge says he’s not happy about this and when he was a kid, you could go fishing with parents and grandparents year-round…:
CUT 5 (05) “federal waters”
Graves says he doesn’t want to rely on bureaucrats in Washington to tell us when and where we can fish.

 

13:30 Newscast, April 28th, 2016

A Senate committee has approved the bill to prevent members of the LGBT community from being fired or turned down for jobs because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter says we need to protect people from discrimination…:
Cut 13 (07) “recourse”
But opponents say this could pose problems for business owners in the state.

Governor John Bel Edwards says the special interest group that’s running attack ads accusing him of breaking his promise about keeping existing school vouchers is not telling the truth. He told reporters Thursday that no student currently receiving a voucher, would lost it…:
CUT 9 (08) “receive them”
Edwards says he’s been told by the Department of Education that there is no plan to take a voucher away from a student, and that he is disingenuously being called a liar.

Two people are dead after a shootout involving a police officer in the small southwest Louisiana town of Carlyss. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso says his officers were responding to a 911 call for an armed robbery when they got another call from a man saying people were running through his field close to the location of the burglary. Mancuso says deputies met the individuals in the field…:
CUT 6 (08) “drops”
The sheriff says the suspect either died from a gunshot wound from one of his deputies or he killed himself.

KATC is reporting that a Vermilion Parish teacher is behind bars accused of rape. They say James Harber, a 7th grade teacher at JH Williams Middle School, was booked by Abbeville Police with two counts of second-degree rape and one count of first-degree rape.