AM Newscall April 25,2017

A bill that would get rid of the death penalty in Louisiana goes before a Senate Committee today. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

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Country music superstar Hunter Hayes of Breaux Bridge is getting behind an effort that connects service dogs with veterans. Michelle Southern reports…:

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Governor Edwards is set to release a TV ad aimed at building support for his tax reform plan. Emelie Gunn has more…

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A bill that would eliminate the death penalty in Louisiana goes before a Senate Committee today. Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor says this would end the death penalty for first degree murder and rape offenses committed after July 31st. He says given the state’s massive budget problems, this punishment makes no fiscal sense.

Cut 4  (08) “death row”

The former prosecutor says he used to be in support of the death penalty, but his views have shifted because of moral and religious beliefs. Claitor, who is Catholic, says we should promote life, not snuff it out.

Cut 5  (10)  “any safer”

The measure would not affect individuals currently on death row. Claitor says other states that don’t have the death penalty, have a lower homicide rate. He says Louisiana does not get a return on the dollars by killing prisoners convicted of murder.

Cut 6 (08) “the drugs”

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Country music sensation and Breaux Bridge native Hunter Hayes is taking time out of his busy schedule to help connect veterans with the healing power of dogs, through the Heartgardians Sweepstakes. Hayes says he decided to get behind the effort when he found out about the Warrior Canine Connection program….:

Cut 7 (09)  “as a companion”

Heartgardians is a consumer sweepstakes that gives people nationwide the opportunity to nominate a US Service Member or Veteran to win a trip to Nashville, and a year’s supply of Heartgard Plus. Hayes says you can enter by using the hashtags #NominateAVeteran on Twitter or Instagram..:

Cut 8 (09) “Warrior Canine Connection”

Hayes says, as a huge pet lover since his days growing up in Acadiana, he wants to help get the word out about a dog’s profound ability to help heal a heart, and the importance of keeping our furry friends protected from heartworm disease. He encourages his friends in Louisiana to take part, and promises he’ll be visiting soon…:

Cut 9 (08)  “you guys”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is not happy the Liberty Place monument in New Orleans was taken down under the cover of night. The monument commemorated a group of white supremacists who fought against the racially integrated police force in 1874. Nungesser says the monuments should stay in place because they’re part of Louisiana’s history.

Cut 10 (10) “it stop”

The New Orleans City Council voted to remove four confederate-era monuments, including statues of Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis, and P.G.T. Beauregard. Nungesser says he’s doing everything he can to make sure the rest of the city’s monuments remain in place.

Cut 11 (11) “to stand on”

Nungesser suspects the removal of the monuments, which have been there for a hundred years, is a political move by Democratic Mayor Mitch Landrieu, who’s been pushing to take them down since 2015. But he says there are monuments all over the world commemorating darker parts of history

Cut 12 (09) “take em down”

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It’s expected a 30 second commercial from Governor John Bel Edwards will hit the airwaves this week, promoting his budget plan. The governor is pushing a proposal to place a new tax on businesses while reducing individual income taxes. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he doesn’t have much support from legislators.

Cut 13 (10) “this ad”

The governor is recommending this tax plan as a way to offset 1.3 billion dollars in temporary sales taxes that are set to expire next year. Pinsonat says Republicans are not overly concerned with the higher sales taxes but Edwards is looking out for his low income supporters.

Cut 14 (10) “businesses”

The PAC, Rebuild Louisiana, is paying for the ad. Pinsonat says the goal of Edwards’ ad is to blame the Republicans for the state’s failing tax plan.

Cut 15 (11) “help him”

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After a tough weekend in Lexington, LSU is back on the road tonight to face in-state foe Tulane. The Green Wave have won three straight over the Tigers, including a seven to six decision in Baton Rouge last month. Coach Paul Mainieri says beating a rival is not the main motivation…

Cut 16 (19) “good ball”

LSU is 4-7 on the road this year and they are in the middle of a seven-game road trip. Mainieri knew this would be a difficult part of their schedule…

Cut 17 (19)  “nothing’s easy”

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There are reports the Saints and future Hall of Fame running back Adrian Peterson are moving closer to agreeing on a three-million dollar contract. Sideline reporter on the Saints Radio Network Kristian Garic says it would be a smart and bold move if the Black and Gold can get this deal done…

Cut 18 (21)    “run the football” 

Peterson is 32-years-old and played in just three games last season, because of a knee injury. Garic believes A-P has one more good year left…

Cut 19 (14)   “take you”

Garic says if the Saints sign Peterson, they’ll probably still draft a running back later this week…

Cut 20 (13)   “would be”