LRN AM Newscall April 19

A bill that would allow voters to decide on term limits for assessors is moving forward. David Grubb has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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A Senate committee today will discuss a proposed bill to end the death penalty in Louisiana. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Volunteers are showing their Love for the Boot this week and picking up trash in an effort to Keep Louisiana Beautiful.  Brooke Thorington has the dirt.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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New Orleans representative Mandie Landry says that tax assessors should be held to the same standard as the state’s legislators when it comes to term limits and her House Bill 288 would allow voters to decide if the state’s constitution should be amended to make that happen. Landry says it may be controversial, but it is necessary.

Cut 4 (12)  “…encourages and requires turnover.”

Landry says that Louisiana voters have shown overwhelming support for term limits in the past and that her bill leaves the decision in their hands.

Cut 5 (10) “…to them first.”

Attorney Brian Eddington spoke against the bill on behalf of the Louisiana Assessor’s Association, saying that the loss of institutional knowledge would outweigh any gains made in fairness and ultimately hurt taxpayers.

Cut 6 (13)  “…and repeatability.”

The measure passed House Ways and Means by a 7-6 vote.

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A bill that would end the death penalty in Louisiana is scheduled for discussion in a Senate Judiciary Committee today. Outspoken death penalty opponent and author of “Dead Man Walking”, Sister Helen Prejean (PRAY-zhon) says it’s time to do it because Louisiana hasn’t actually executed anyone in many years…:

Cut 7 (10) “…system in place.”

In 2010, Livingston Parish resident Gerald Bordelon became the last man executed in Louisiana, after he waived any and all appeals and ASKED to be put to death. Monroe Democrat Senator Katrina Jackson’s bill would simply end the practice. Prejean says public opinion on executions has changed and continues to turn…:

Cut 8 (13)  “…and he won!”

The bill also requires that state dollars saved by having no executions and no death row expenses be given to childhood education and literacy programs. Proponents of the death penalty argue that the punishment gives closure to families of murder victims. Prejean disagrees…:

Cut 9 (13)  “…for this so-called justice.”

If it reaches final passage, Senator Jackson’s SB294 would end executions for any person convicted after August 1, 2022, of 1st-degree murder, 1st-degree rape, or treason.

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It’s Love the Boot Week in Louisiana and Keep Louisiana Beautiful is kicking off its largest litter removal l effort with more than 250 cleanup and beautification events. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says with more than twice the number of volunteers this year and says there’s plenty of trash for them to tackle.

Cut 10 (11) “…state up.”

Volunteers are picking up trash across 52 parishes this week and Dawn Cantrell with Keep Louisiana Beautiful says they pick up tons of plastic, like bags, takeout containers, and eating utensils. She says they’ve even picked up roofing shingles and tarps that weren’t disposed of properly.

Cut  11 (06)  “…imagine.”  

Because litter has become an ongoing issue a task force is looking at ways to reduce trash to help beautify the state year-round.

Vice-Chair of Keep Louisiana Beautiful Courtney Hornsby says while they’ve been able to pick up plenty of trash, she wants to know why individuals continue to litter.

Cut 12 (06) “…preventable.” 

Love the Boot Week events continue through Saturday. For more information visit KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org.

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After two loose dogs mauled another dog and dragged it to their owner’s home, it led authorities to the home and arrest of 24-year-old Derrick Johnson of Greenwood. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Bia Rolan says it happened Friday evening after the owner of the dog that was attacked called them and while waiting for Johnson to return home…

Cut 13 (10) “…a gun.”

The marijuana smell from his car and a visible gun then prompted authorities to run his record. Rolan says Johnson’s prior convictions then allowed officers to secure a search warrant for the home.

Cut 14 (12)  “…$61,000.”

Rolan says if it wasn’t for Johnson’s dogs he would still be on the streets.

Cut 15 (08)  “…on there.”

Johnson was arrested for possession with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and dog at large charges.

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Midway through the season, the UL Ragin Cajuns are in a three-way tie for fourth place in the tough Sunbelt Conference, trailing Texas State by three games. Coach Matt Deggs’ team is finding its stride, having won six of its last seven ball games. Deggs says the Cajuns are primed to make a run in the second half of the conference schedule.

Cut 16 (17)  “…trip to Atlanta.”

The UL Ragin Cajuns take on LSU tonight in the annual Wally Pontiff Jr. Classic. UL returns to The Box for the first time since 2015. The Cajuns have had some good success against the Tigers of late, taking three of the last four matchups between the two programs. Deggs knows it won’t be easy slowing down the LSU offense, but he likes his club’s chances.

Cut 17 (17) “ …a good ball game.” 

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After dropping three straight to Arkansas in Fayetteville, LSU finds itself dropping in the standings. The Tigers sit fifth in the SEC West and Jay Johnson says his team has to start doing the little things to give itself any chance of competing with the big boys.

Cut 18 (20) “ …come out” 

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Former New Orleans Hornet dominated the Pelicans down the stretch in their game one loss to the Phoenix Suns. Coach Willie Green says there are things that he and his players can do to try to slow down the future Hall of Famer, but he is who he is.

Cut 19 (18) _“…what he does.” 

Game two of the best of seven series is Wednesday night in Phoenix.