LRN PM Newscall April 14

Legislation to increase awareness and require screenings of postpartum depression passes in the Louisiana House. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A proposal to double speeding fines on the 18-mile Atchafalaya Basin Bridge received Senate committee approval today. Jeff Palermo reports cameras could be used to catch speeders…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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In Lafayette, a 13-year-old female is fighting for her life after being shot last night and authorities say the suspect, 18-year-old Trevon Bonner, was killed hours later after an exchange of gunfire with police at his home. Lafayette Police Sgt. Robin Green says a neighbor of the female victim heard the original gunshots.

Cut 3 (06) “…called 911.”

She is listed in critical condition at a local hospital and State Police are investigating the officer-involved shooting of the suspect Bonner.

State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says when Lafayette Police tried to serve a high-risk arrest warrant for attempted second-degree murder on the suspect, Bonner remained inside his residence and officers tried to negotiate with him to surrender.

Cut 4  (07) “…his injuries.”

As to what motived the original shooting that remains under investigation.

Gossen says state police are overseeing the investigation of the use of force and reviewing body camera footage involving the SWAT team and the exchange of gunfire with Bonner.

Cut 5  (08) “…into the home.”

Lafayette Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them.

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A bill to require healthcare providers to offer postnatal care and to screen patients for signs of postpartum depression passes unanimously in the Louisiana House. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis’ says House Bill 784 was written with input from a task force studying maternal mental health.

Cut 6  (10) “…our children.” 

Robin Gruenfeld with the New Orleans March of Dimes says the bill is about preventing infant and maternal mortality, and that postpartum depression is more common than you think.

Cut 7 (10) “…both parents.” 

Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley shared with lawmakers how postpartum depression impacted his wife and that it eventually led to her suicide. He says postpartum depression impacts women from all walks of life.

Cut 8 (08) “…existence is.” 

The bill now advances to Senate Health and Welfare.

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The Senate Transportation Committee approves a bill that would double the fine for a speeding ticket on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, which means the penalty would be 350-dollars. Senate President Page Cortez says speeding is a major issue on the bridge that connects Lafayette and Baton Rouge

Cut 9 (12) “…standing still”

The legislation would also double the fine for truckers who use the left lane to travel, instead of using it as a passing lane.

The measure also gives the state the ability to issue speeding tickets with the use of cameras. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson…

Cut 10 (09)  “…you down.”

The proposal also calls for more signage, informing motorists of the speed limit and limited use of the left-hand lane by truckers. Cortez says driver behavior needs to change wrecks, injuries, and deaths on the bridge have more than doubled during the past decade…

Cut 11 (06)  “…correct lane.”  

Under the proposed law, drivers would receive a couple of warnings before they are issued a speeding ticket.

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A 1-12 start. No Zion Williamson all season long. And still, the New Orleans Pelicans are just one win from making the playoffs after beating the San Antonio Spurs last night, 113-103. Brandon Ingram was riding high after the win…

Cut 12 (10) “…it’s a blessing.” 

CJ McCollum did his part, scoring a game-high 32 points for the Pelicans. Since his arrival, he has embraced his role as a veteran leader and has embraced the city of New Orleans. He told fans last night that this is just the beginning.

Cut 13 (12) “…in our future.”

First-year head coach Willie Green has been the one constant for the Pelicans this season as the team climbed out of the cellar and back into contention. Green says the team showed how much it’s grown with last night’s performance.

Cut 14 (12)  “…for our program.”

The Pelicans face the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night with the winner taking on top-seeded Phoenix in the Western Conference Playoffs.