6:30PM LRN Newscast April 27

The woman who has accused Secretary of State Tom Schedler of sexual harassment is speaking out, exclusively to the Louisiana Radio Network. Dawn Ross, who is a longtime employee of the Secretary of State’s office, says she was the recipient of unwanted sexually charged emails, gifts and advances by Schedler since 2007. Ross says Schedler also stalked her and would show up unannounced in public settings. She says the Secretary of State even bought a townhome in the same complex as her…

Cut 8 (:15) “back there”

Schedler has described the relationship as consensual.

US Senator John Kennedy says it saddens him, but he believes Secretary of State Tom Schedler should resign. When the accusations first surfaced, Kennedy said he’s withholding judgement, but his views have changed.

The Senate passed a proposal that will allow school employees to pray with students during the class hours. Before joining in the group prayers, students would have to have a signed request form signed by their parents. The bill’s sponsor, Bossier Senator Ryan Gatti, says it’s a response to recent legal actions taken against his parish. Gatti says prayer is allowed in many other state institutions, such as the legislature, and as such should not be restricted in schools. He anticipates his bill will receive approval in the House…

Cut 5  (08) “we pray”

The Louisiana Red Cross is joining a national push to install hundreds of thousands of smoke detectors in homes around the country. “Sound the Alarm” will see Red Cross volunteers visiting homes to install alarms, and educate families on fire safety. Greater New York Regional CEO Josh Lockwood says its been a wildly successful program so far.

Cut 10 (07) “since 2014″