06.28.18
by

Afternoon Newscall

US Transportation Secretary, Elaine Chao, will be paying a visit to the bayou state in response to an invitation from US Senator Bill Cassidy. Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A criminal justice watchdog is raising concerns about the practice of jails recording phone conversations between attorneys and their clients. Matt Doyle has the story

Cut 2 (31) “I’m  Matt Doyle” 

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After an invite from US Senator Bill Cassidy,  US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao will be taking a trip to the Bayou State on official business. She’ll be visiting to assess infrastructure needs, including ports.  Cassidy says he hopes to showcase Louisiana’s widespread need for new construction and repair projects.

Cut 3 (07) “…that she’s coming.”

Cassidy says part of the problem with louisiana’s persistent infrastructure crisis is due to the burdensome permitting requirements. He says having Chao take a first hand look at the problem will expidite the process of getting old and new projects approved.

Cut 4  (09) “…perhaps better funded.”

With five of the top 20 ports in the country in Louisiana, Cassidy believes Chao will see the vulnerabilities, as well as potential opportunity for substantial growth that would come from bolstering the Pelican State’s infrastructure.

Cut 5  (05) “…for the whole nation.”

Chao’s visit is planned for August.

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A civil rights advocacy group is raising concerns about the practice of jails eavesdropping on attorney-client phone calls made from inside of the facilities. Court Watch NOLA presented their findings to the New Orleans City Council, and says the practice is done in prisons across the state. Executive Director Simone Lavine says recording those conversations is not constitutional.

 

Cut 6 (11)  “…over 350 years.”

Lavine says fears of surveillance are having a chilling effect on defendant’s openness with their defenders, specifically in Orleans Parish, which she says has the worst rate of wrongful convictions in the nation.

Cut 7 (11)  “…attorneys the truth.”

She says the act is leading to more innocent people ending up in jail, and that those conversations aren’t just being stored, their often being actively used against people in court.

 

cut 8 (08) “…in their criminal cases.”

 

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A child was returned to his family after an Amber Alert was issued for 9-month-old Liam Allen who was abducted last night after 43-year-old Terry Doehling stole a vehicle he was sleeping in. Doehling drove the vehicle from Jeanerette to New Orleans allegedly unaware that the child was in the vehicle. Louisiana State Police Spokesperson Trooper Melissa Matey has more…

cut 9 (10)  “…is in custody.”

Matey says state troopers were able to positively identify Doehling once he arrived in the New Orleans area.

Cut 10 (09) “…locate him.”

Matey celebrates this as another success for the Amber Alert system which combines the public’s eye with law enforcement.

Cut 11 (11) “…matching that description.”

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A former Louisiana Senator is now throwing his name in the hat for another elected position.  A.G. Crowe, a Republican of Pearl River, has announced his candidacy for Secretary of State in the fall election.  Crowe says he’s entering the race with an extensive business background and that one of his first concerns is bringing in technology from the private sector, to bring the office up to date.

Cut 12 (08)   “…state of Louisiana”

When it comes to the topic of low voter turnout, Crowe says he will run a positive campaign as he believes that the negativity in elections results in people avoiding the polls.

Cut 13 (10) “…that in Louisiana.” 

The office has faced challenges with the previous administration being plagued with sexual harassment controversy.  Crowe says he’s taken preventative measures to combat that type of activity during his time as a legislature.

Cut 14 (09)  “…of potential activity.”

The election takes place this November.