10:30 Newscast April 27

The House Criminal Justice Committee is hearing legislation this morning that would require movie theathers to install metal detectors. Last summer a gunman walked into a Lafayette movie theater and killed two people and injured nine. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says nothing changes until you put something in place….
cut 5 (10) “….an effort”

A national report says Louisiana is not ready to handle a major health crisis. State Department of Health and Hospitals spokesperson Bob Johannessen says the report is a bit misleading. He says for instance, Louisiana gets penalized for using state agencies to man emergency shelters, while other states hire private contractors….
cut 9 (10) “….of work”

State Police have arrested an Amite man after he allegedly struck a bicyclist near Hammond and then fled the scene. The man on the bicycle ended up dying. Trooper Dustin Dwight says 32-year-old Brandon Fowler was taken into custody yesterday afternoon and he says Fowler’s Chevy pick-up has damage on the passenger side as the head light is busted out…
cut 16 (11) “…a bicycle”
The victim is 30-years-old and from Hammond.

State Police have issued a Level II Endangered Missing Child Advisory seeking 12-year-old Jalon Bradley who they say was taken from Mamou High School by his non-custodial mother and is believed to be in imminent danger. The woman is 34-year-old Elaine Freeman, a black female possibly driving a white SUV.

A severe thunderstorm watch is up until 3 PM for much of the southern half of the state and parishes along the Mississippi delta.

09:30 Newscast, April 27th, 2016

State legislators are dealing with the repercussions of a Supreme Court ruling that says juveniles cannot be sentenced to life in prison without the chance for parole. But opponents, like this family member of victims who were murdered by a 15-year-old, don’t want to ever see killers go free…:
CUT 12 (09) “kill someone”
But authors of the legislation say the Supreme Court has dictated to us that we have to do something. The bill was approved by a Senate committee.

The FBI has reopened the case of a Louisiana boy who has been missing for 15 years. Investigators say 2-year-old Wesley Morgan of Clinton disappeared in 2001, and they’re trying to raise awareness to hopefully located him. Digital billboards will be put up throughout Louisiana and parts of Mississippi. Investigators said new technology and additional resources will help in trying to solve the case.

This year’s National Health Security Preparedness Index finds Louisiana is the least prepared state to respond to a major health emergency. Bob Johannessen with the Department of Health and Hospitals says different measures were asked to determine preparedness, like if Louisiana uses an electronic surveillance system to monitor diseases and report it and the answer was yes…:
Cut 8 (09) “is yes”
Johannessen says this report also shows we have poor access to healthcare in Louisiana.

State Police say a 52-year-old woman lost her life in an Iberia Parish crash, and impairment is suspected to be a factor. They say the victim’s vehicle crossed a center line in a roadway, lost control and overturned. Troopers located the woman a few feet from the SUV, and she was pronounced dead on the scene. Investigators believe the driver was impaired at the time of the crash.

A strong line of storms is moving through the state and thunderstorm watches and warnings are posted in many parishes.

 

08:30 Newscast, April 27th, 2016

The Supreme Court has ruled that juvenile offenders cannot be sentenced to life without the chance for parole, and Louisiana lawmakers are trying to figure out the implications of that ruling. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

A cold case to recover a child who went missing 15 years ago in Clinton, Louisiana is being re-investigated by the FBI’s Child Abduction Rapid Deployment Team. Officials say they are looking in to the 2001 disappearance of Wesley Dale Morgan once again because of technology that is available now.

A bill that would require movie theaters to install metal detectors is scheduled to be heard in the House Criminal Justice committee today. Shreveport Rep. Barbara Norton wants to ensure movie goers are safe. Norton says she’s received many positive phone calls supporting this proposal…:
cut 4 (10) “done something”
She says the price of getting a metal detector is far less than someone losing their life.

Almost the entire state is under a severe thunderstorm watch until this afternoon, while parishes in southwest and central Louisiana are under severe thunderstorm warning. The National Weather Service says these intense storms could produce tornadoes and widespread wind damage.

A 32-year-old Amite man has been arrested in the fatal hit and run of a bicyclist Tuesday morning. State Police Trooper Dustin Dwight says they were able to locate Brandon Fowler yesterday afternoon…:
CUT 15 (09) “the story”
The bicyclist is 30-year-old Anand Asi.

07:30 Newscast, April 27th, 2016

Legislation being considered in the state could mean certain juveniles who were sentenced to life without parole would be given hearings and a chance to be released. It’s the result of a Supreme Court ruling. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says they have to do something because of the high court’s ruling…:
CUT 13 (10) “remedy is”
Nathan Allbritton of Natchitoches Parish spoke in opposition as his wife and son were murdered by a 15-year-old…:
CUT 11 (09) “of em”
In order to qualify for release, juveniles would have to have a good behavioral record and take part in educational programs, under the proposal.

A squall line is moving into Louisiana from Texas causing the National Weather Service to issue severe thunderstorm watches and warnings. The system is currently at the state line and it’s moving through the state today.

A bill to require movie theaters to use metal detectors will be heard in a House committee today. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 1 (24) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Louisiana is the least prepared state to respond to a major health emergency, according to the latest National Health Security Preparedness Index. Bob Johannessen with the Department of Health and Hospitals says the survey is somewhat misleading. But he says some aspects used to determine this ranking are true…:
CUT 7 (10) “an issue”

The State House voted 53-39 for the Ban the Box bill which would require state agencies to remove the requirement that applicants disclose criminal history.

 

06:45 Sportscast, April 27th, 2016

Tulane once again got the best of LSU as they pick up a 4-1 win Tuesday night in New Orleans in front of a sold out crowd. Tulane right-hander JP France limited No. 8 LSU to one run through over 7 innings to lead No. 20 Tulane to the victory. LSU opens a three-game SEC series Thursday against Ole Miss.

No. 14 UL-Lafayette fell 7-2 to nationally ranked Southern Miss on the road. The Ragin Cajuns returns to action tonight as Louisiana Tech comes to Lafayette.

Stephen F Austin scored all of its runs in the 7th and 8th innings to get by ULM 6-2 last night.

McNeese State scored four runs in the top of the 7th but were unable to hold off Louisiana Tech with three runs in the bottom of the frame that led to a 9-7 win over the Cowboys.

UNO pounded Southeastern as the Privateers pick up a season high 25 hits on their way to a 23-3 victory in 7 innings against the Jags.

Northwestern State beat Mississippi Valley 10-7. They’ll play again today.

Former Louisiana Tech star Vernon Butler is in Chicago as he is one of 25 players that is attending the NFL draft after receiving a personal invitation from Commissioner Roger Goodell. Butler is confident he’ll hear his name called when the first round takes place tomorrow night…:
Cut 17 (07) “….true really”
He says he would love to be taken by the Saints, who have the 12th overall pick.

The NFL Network reports the Saints talked about trading some of their draft picks to acquire the number one overall pick, so they can select a quarterback. ESPN says that’s not true, but the team is interested in drafting a QB.

In men’s basketball, LSU guard Antonio Blakeney’s name showed up on a list of players who filed early for the NBA draft. Blakeney announced last week that he would return to school for his sophomore season, which coach Johnny Jones confirmed Tuesday.

Richie Riley was introduced as the new men’s basketball coach at Nicholls. The 33-year-old is the 11th head coach in Colonel men’s basketball history.

 

06:30 Newscast, April 27th, 2016

Louisiana is the least prepared state when it comes to a major health emergency. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

State Police have issued a Level II Endangered Missing Child Advisory seeking 12-year-old Jalon Bradley who they say was taken from Mamou High School by his non-custodial mother and is believed to be in imminent danger. The woman is 34-year-old Elaine Freeman, a 34-year-old black female possibly driving a white SUV.

An Amite man has been arrested following a fatal hit and run near Hammond early Tuesday morning. State Police Trooper Dustin Dwight says 32-year old Brandon Fowler hit 30-year-old bicyclist Anand Asi of Hammond with his truck in Tangipahoa Parish…:
cut 14 (09) “the scene”
Fowler was taken into custody and booked with felony hit and run and illegal passing of a bicycle. More charges will be referred to the DA’s office.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for most of west Louisiana through noon today. Threats include strong wings, hail, heavy rain, localized flash flooding and possibly isolated tornadoes. The system is moving across the state throughout Wednesday.

 

LRN AM Newscall April 27, 2016

 

A bill to require movie theaters to use metal detectors will be heard in a House committee today. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (24) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana is the least prepared state when it comes to a major health emergency. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The Supreme Court has ruled that juvenile offenders cannot be sentenced to life without the chance for parole, and Louisiana lawmakers are trying to figure out the implications of that ruling. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A bill that would require movie theaters to install metal detectors is scheduled to be heard in the House Criminal Justice committee today. Shreveport Rep. Barbara Norton wants to ensure movie goers are safe. Norton says she’s received many positive phone calls supporting this proposal.

cut 4  (10)  “done something”

Last summer a gunman walked into a Lafayette movie theater and killed two people and injured nine. Norton says nothing changes until you put something in place.

Cut 5  (10)  “an effort”

Norton says when a tragedy hits in your backyard, like the Lafayette Theater shooting, it makes you think something like this could happen anywhere. She says it would not cost theater operators a lot of money to install a detector or use a metal detecting wand.

Cut 6 (07)  “feels safe”

___________________________________________________

This year’s National Health Security Preparedness Index finds Louisiana is the least prepared state to respond to a major health emergency. The state scores 5.6 out of 10 on the index. Bob Johannessen with the Department of Health and Hospitals says the survey is somewhat misleading. But he says some aspects used to determine this ranking are true.

CUT 7 (10)  “an issue” 

Johannessen says emergency preparedness in the state has greatly improved since Hurricane Katrina. He says different measures were asked to determine preparedness, like if Louisiana uses an electronic surveillance system to monitor diseases and reported and the answer was yes.

Cut 8  (09)  “is yes” 

Johannessen says this report does show that we have access to care issues and there are more areas than not in Louisiana that have health care shortages. He also says the report penalizes Louisiana for using state agencies to man emergency shelters when other states can hire private contractors.

Cut 9 (10)  “of work”

___________________________________________________

State legislators are dealing with the repercussions of a Supreme Court ruling that says juveniles cannot be sentenced to life in prison without the chance for parole. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny’s would ensure that underage criminals with life sentences would become eligible for parole after 35 years behind bars. But Nathan Allbritton of Natchitoches Parish doesn’t think they should ever get parole. His wife and son were murdered by a 15-year-old, and he spoke in opposition to the bill.

Cut 10 (12) “him apart”

Allbritton says if dangerous criminals are released from jail, other people will get hurt. He says it’s important that these juveniles realize that actions have consequences, because it’s not a game.

cut 11 (09) “of em”

Allbritton’s niece, Andrea Pickett, also testified against the bill. She says not all of these cases are kids making bad judgement calls.

cut 12 (09) “kill someone”

Martiny’s bill also mandates that the juvenile maintain a good behavioral record and participate in educational programs to qualify. He says the purpose of the bill is not to get criminals out of jail, but lawmakers have to do something because of the court ruling.

Cut 13 (10)  “remedy is”

______________________________________________________

An Amite man has been arrested following a fatal hit and run on highway 443 near Hammond early Tuesday morning. State Police Trooper Dustin Dwight says 32-year old Brandon Fowler hit 30-year-old bicyclist Anand Asi of Hammond with his truck.

cut 14 (09)  “the scene”

Dwight says there were witnesses of the incident, but initially troopers did not have much information to go on. He says through the help of witnesses, other agencies, and local media, they were able to locate Fowler on Tuesday afternoon.

Cut 15 (09) “the story”

Asi was reportedly wearing an approved helmet and had both front and rear lamps on his bike. Dwight says Fowler’s Chevy pick-up damage has damage on the passenger side as the head light is busted out.

Cut 16  (11)  “a bicycle”

Troopers are reminding motorists that passing vehicles are required to allow at least three feet when passing a bicycle travelling in the same direction.

________________________________________________

Former Louisiana Tech star Vernon Butler is in Chicago as he is one of 25 players that is attending the NFL draft after receiving a personal invitation from commissioner Roger Goodell. Butler is confident he’ll hear his name called when the first round takes place tomorrow night….

Cut 17 (07) “….true really”

Butler was a standout player on Louisiana Tech’s defensive line the last two seasons as he recorded over 100 tackles, nearly two dozen tackles for a loss and four sacks. NFL draft analyst Mike Detillier believes Butler will go late in the first round. Butler says he’s anxious to find out who he’ll play for…

Cut 18 (08) “get better”

Butler says he’s had individual work outs for Carolina, Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Seattle. He would love to be taken by the Saints, who have the 12th overall pick….

Cut 19 (10) “on Sundays”

18:30 LRN Newscast April 26

Louisiana lawmakers are working to regulate drones. Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor has legislation that prevents people from using drones for stalking, voyeurism, and other crimes. He says his proposals are intended to protect people from people, as well as the government.

CUT 3 (10)  “search warrant”

One of Claitor’s measures would prevent people from using drones for stalking, harassment or assault, and that bill is scheduled to be hear in a Senate committee.

Legislation dealing with police body cameras and what footage should be exempted from public record laws has been approved by a Senate committee. New Orleans Senator J.P Morrell says it causes a lot of financial strain on police departments to save these body cam videos for three years, which is currently required by law.

cut 16 (07) “really comprehend”

The Houston-based Union Tank Car Company said it expects to lay off about 224 employees at its Alexandria facility beginning June 24th. Jim Clinton is the CEO of the Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance. He says they’ve known for some time that this cutback was coming…:

CUT 9 (07) “related commodities”

UTLX said they will continue to employ about 350 people.

An ad released today by the Louisiana Federation for Children features parents accusing Governor John Bel Edwards of breaking campaign promises by cutting the state’s voucher program. LFC President Ann Duplessis says cutting the voucher program will not save the state any money….

cut 14 (08)  “impacted”

The governor responded, saying every student who is currently receiving a scholarship will continue to get one.

17:30 LRN Newscast April 26

A pro-voucher group, the Louisiana Federation for Children, releases an ad today that features parents accusing Governor John Bel Edwards of breaking campaign promises by cutting the Louisiana Scholarship Program. LFC President Ann Duplessis says fewer children will receive vouchers to attend private or parochial schools.

cut 12 (08) “children’s future”

The governor has responded by saying the L-F-C’s accusations are blatantly false.

Metairie Senator Danny Martiny proposed a bill to ensure that underage criminals with life sentences become eligible for parole after 35 years. But Nathan Allbritton doesn’t think they should ever get parole because his wife and son were murdered by a juvenile. Allbritton says it’s important that these criminals realize that actions have consequences.

cut 23 (09) “of em”

A Senate committee has approved legislation that deals with police body camera footage and how much of it can be made available to the public. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says there needs to be some privacy safeguards but…

cut 15 (11) “…real transparency”
The legislation requires a court order for video that might violate a “reasonable expectation of privacy.”

Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor proposed a bill that prevents people from using drones for stalking, voyeurism, and other crimes. Claitor has proposed similar legislation before, but lawmakers were more hesitant because drones were not as popular a few years ago. He says technology is advancing, and regulation of drones is needed to keep up with the times.

CUT 4 (07)  “your house”

The measure is scheduled to be heard in a Senate committee.

16:45 LRN Sportscast April 26

The NFL Network reports the Saints talked about trading some of their draft picks to acquire the number one overall pick, so they can select a quarterback. Mike Triplett with ESPN says those discussions never occurred, but the team is interested in drafting a QB as 37-year-old Drew Brees is entering the final year of his contract.

LSU and Tulane renew its rivalry on the baseball diamond when the two ranked teams meet at sold-out Turchin Stadium. The Green Wave is looking to sweep the season series as Tulane beat the Tigers 7-1 earlier this season at Alex Box Stadium.

UL Lafayette announced that it has added Houston to this year’s schedule. The Cajuns will travel down I-10 to play the Cougars on May 11th at 5 PM. Tonight, the Cajuns have another tough road midweek game as they visit Southern Miss.

Elsewhere tonight….ULM is at Stephen F Austin, Grambling hosts Alcorn and Northwestern State begins a two-game series against Mississippi Valley State.

Richie Riley was introduced as the new men’s basketball coach at Nicholls. The 33-year-old is the 11th head coach in Colonel men’s basketball hsitory. Riley was an assistant at Clemson the last two seasons. He’s also served as an assistant at UAB, Eastern Kentucky and Coastal Carolina. Riley played his college basketball at Eastern Kentucky.

The Pelicans television ratings on Fox Sports New Orleans dropped 32-percent from the previous season. That’s the fifth biggest drop in the league according to reasearch done by the Sports Business Journal. After making the playoffs in the 2014-15 season, New Orleans finished 22 games under five-hundred last season.

In the NBA playoffs…the Clippers have announced former Hornet Chris Paul is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery to fix his broken hand. Paul’s teammate Blake Griffin is out for the playoffs with an injured left quad.

Former Louisiana Tech star, Paul Millsap, and the Atlanta Hawks face the Boston Celtics tonight. That series is tied at two games a piece.