Louisiana Radio Network, I’m Kelley Ray

Secretary of State Tom Schedler faces accusations of sexual harrassment. A lawsuit filed in state court in Baton Rouge alleges that Schedler sent a female state worker love letters, made sexual advancements and gave her unwanted gifts, including sex tapes. Defense attorney Jill Craft says her client was punished after she rebuffed his repeated advances…
cut 14 (09) “…a relationship”
Schedler was elected in 2011 as the state’s elections chief. In a statement, the 68-year-old says he believes in a safe workplace, free from harassment.

Gridlock continued at the Capitol today as state lawmakers did not move any closer to closing a nearly one-billion dollar budget deficit that’s caused by expiring sales taxes. Medicaid reform bills that House Republican leaders are pushing failed to get out of a committe today. Legislation that would raise revenues are also not moving.

An LSU study paid for by the waterway and shipyard industries found that the downturn in oil prices resulted in a loss of 21-thousand jobs and 1.4 billion dollars in wages from 2014-2016. LSU economist Stephen Barnes says marine industries and shipyards help a wide range of Louisiana businesses…
cut 8 (12) “…pretty far”
The closure of the Avondale Shipyards in Jefferson Parish resulted in five-thousand lost jobs.

Flood watches and warnings are posted in north and central Louisaina, while south Louisiana is dealing with record heat. State Climatologist Barry Keim says strong thunderstorms are expected to redevelop over the northern parishes tonight…
cut 3 (08) “…flooding issues”
There’s a slight chance for severe weather in north Louisiana on Saturday

Secretary of State Tom Schedler is facing allegations of sexual harassment from his former Executive Secretary Dawn Ross. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”.

It’s day four of the special session and there’s been very little progress towards solving a looming one-billion dollar budget deficit. Medicaid reform bills touted by Republican leadership to reduce state spending failed to make it out of a House committee today. Tax bills are also not moving.

A high school student was arrested and two other elementary school students have been suspended from their respective schools in LaFourche Parish for alleged threats. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne says a 15-year-old male threatened to kill South Lafourche High School teacher. Meanwhile, a 12-year-old from Larose-Cut Off Middle School and an eight-year-old at Lockport Lower Elementary school told others about their intent to bring a gun to school….
cut 11 (05) “…completely separate”

A report commissioned by the waterways and shipyard industries says the state has lost thousands of jobs and over a billion dollars in wages from 2014-2016. The LSU study concludes the state’s economic impact loss was six billion dollars and more should be done at the State Capitol to keep the waterways and shipbuilders a float….
cut 7 (09) “…full steam”
That’s LSU Professor Stephen Barnes.

Louisiana Radio Network, I’m Kelley Ray…

A female state worker has filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Secretary of State Tom Schedler. Dawn Ross claims the unwanted advancements and harrassment dates back to 2007 and her attorney Jill Craft says the suit is an effort to stop the unwanted gifts…
cut 12 (11) “…that will chage”
Schedler has issued a statement that says he believes in a safe workplace, free from harassment.

Flash flood watches and warnings are posted across north and central Louisiana, while south Louisiana continues to deal with record breaking heat. State Climatologist Barry Keim says as a front moves through the state and mixes in with the warmer unstable air, as it could bring some stormy weather…
Cut 5 (08) “north Louisiana.”
Louisiana sees a break from the stormy weather on Monday before another front brings good changes of rain Tuesday and Wednesday.

State Police say they encourage citizens to report suspicious activity, but they ask the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media because it creates chaos and panic.
cut 16 (05) “…to Louisiana”
Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says if you do see a threat and if it’s viewed as an imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1.

A report commissioned by the waterways and shipyard industries says the state has lost thousands of jobs and over a billion dollars in wages from 2014-2016. LSU’S economic policy and research department conducted the study and concluded the industry took a downturn when the price of oil dropped. But LSU economist Stephen Barnes says there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Cut 6 (12) “down turn”
The study concludes the state’s economic impact loss was six billion dollars.

A state employee has filed a lawsuit against Secretary of State Tom Schedler, claiming the elected official has sexually harassed her for years. Dawn Ross, who works at the Secretary of State’s office, accuses Schedler of making unwanted sexual advances, keeping watch of her home and then punishing her for rebuffing his advances.

Schedler is separated from his wife. The longtime public official says he takes any allegation of sexual harassment very seriously and can assure the public that he believes in a safe workplace, free from harassment.

Another high school student was arrested for making an alleged threat. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne says a 15-year-old male threatened to kill a South Lafourche High School teacher…
Cut 9 (11) “in Thibodaux.”
Two other students in LaFourche have been suspended from school for telling others they planned on bringing a gun to school.

State Police Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says they encourage citizens to report suspicious activity, but they ask the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media because it creates chaos and panic…
Cut 14 (10) “that information.” (2X)
Dwight says if you do see a threat and if it’s viewed as an imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1. If there is more investigation needed, other agencies will step in.

Flood watches and warnings are posted across north and central Louisiana as more heavy rainfall is expected to for this area. Meanwhile, State Climatologist Barry Keim says the heat continues in South Louisiana. Some areas are breaking records…
Cut 4 (09) “Baton Rouge.”
Keim says there’s the possibility we can see severe weather in north Louisiana on Saturday.

Louisiana’s weather is very two-faced right now. Flash Flood Watches and Warnings are in effect for much of North Louisiana due to a stalled out front, while South Louisiana is seeing record breaking heat. State Climatologist Barry Keim says residents of North Louisiana should watch the weather closely over the next several days…
Cut 3 (08) “flooding issue.”

State Police encourages citizens to report suspicious activity, but they ask the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media because it creates chaos and panic. Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says citizens are more scared than usual right now and are reporting suspicious activity quicker…
Cut 15 (09) “in Florida.”
Dwight says if you do see a threat and if it’s viewed as an imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1. If there is more investigation needed, other agencies will step in.

A House committee is meeting at the Capitol to discuss legislation that would reform the state’s Medicaid program. One of the bills would require Medicaid patients to pay a copay if they use an emergency room for non-emergency treatment. Supporters say the bill is an attempt to stop Medicaid patients from using the ER for a common cold or minor medical issues. Opposition comes from Haley Sauicer (So-shea)…
Cut 11 (09) “on Medicaid.”

There’s no public discussion today on any tax reform legislation. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says there’s not agreement on bills to raise revenues to address a one-billion dollar budget deficit..
cut 8 (08) “…simple mater”

The NFL Network reports the Saints and Drew Brees’ representatives will meet during the scouting combine, which begins next week in Indianapolis. Brees is set to become a free agent next month when the new league year begins. The 39-year-old Brees says he wants to finish his career with the Black and Gold and General Manager Mickey Loomis has said he does not expect any issues in re-signing the future Hall of Famer.

Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson is in a New Orleans hospital fighting off the flu bug. The 90-year-old is said to be resting comfortably.

It was a slow start for the LSU baseball team last night as they fell behind 3-0 to UNO, but the Tigers quickly rallied and cruised to a 14-6 victory over the Privateers. Antoine Duplantis and Daniel Cabrera each drove in two runs and scored twice. LSU hosts Texas tomorrow.

Elsewhere, Southeastern Louisiana upended the Cajuns 5-2. Senior catcher Daniel Wasinger broke a 2-2 tie with a two-run home run in the 6th inning.
____________________________________________________________
Nicholls State improved to 13-2 in the Southland last night with a convincing 96-79 win over McNeese State in Lake Charles. Roddy Peters had 24 points and 10 assists for the first place Colonels. Senior Lafayette Rutledge had a huge game as he knocked down 11 3-pointers and finished with 34 points.

Sam Houston State beat UNO 57-54. The Privateers fell to 11-5 in the Southland. Northwestern State won its first league game as the Demons defeated Incarnate Word 66-54. Ishmael Lane had 22 points and 11 rebounds.

And 13th ranked Witchita State defeated Tulane 93-86.

Tonight the Ragin Cajuns can clinch at least a share of the Sun Belt title with a win over Troy. ULM seeks its fifth straight win as they visit South Alabama. Both teams are 7-7 in league play.

And Louisiana Tech begins a three-game road trip to close out the regular season by visiting U-TEP. Tip off in El Paso is 8 PM.

The Florida school shooting that left 16 children and one adult dead has sparked a new push for gun control legislation. Matt Doyle has Governor Edwards’ thoughts on gun control.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

______________________________________

A House committee is expected today to hear Representative Jack McFarland’s legislation that would require Medicaid patients to pay a copay at an E-R for non-emergency treatment.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

_______________________________________

State Police is asking the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

____________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards addresses the issue of gun control during his monthly call-in radio show. Edwards says in the wake of the latest mass shooting in Florida, he’s calling for a more robust background check system for firearm purchases.

Cut 4  (11) “the people” 

Edwards says he would like to see a purchasing ban for those on the No-Fly list, and firearm bans for those who commit violent crimes, and have a history of mental illness.

Edwards also came out against aftermarket additions that alter the capabilities of legally purchased automatic rifles.

Cut 5  (08)  “to people”

Florida shooter Nickolas Cruz was 18-years-old when he lawfully purchased ten rifles from South Florida dealers. Edwards says legislators may need to look at increasing the legal purchasing age for such weapons.

Cut 6 (11)  “should consider.”

____________________________________________

The special session grounded to a halt yesterday after a vote on a tax reform bill that would have kept a quarter of the one penny sales tax intact, and remove some of the special sales tax exemptions for specific industries was postponed indefinitely. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it was the bill with the most momentum, and its failure could tank the entire session.

Cut 7 (09)  “measures again”

The tax bill would have plugged 300-million-dollars of the one billion dollar looming budget gap.

Lawmakers were optimistic heading into the capitol Monday, but Alford says the political realities of an impending election and a bitter partisan divide didn’t take long to grind the session to a halt.

Cut 8 (08) “simple matter”

Alford says if the session burns out without a solution, the legislature’s failure to work together to find a deal could become campaign talking point for Edwards’ 2019 re-election campaign.

Cut 9 (12)  “with it”

_________________________________________________________

A House committee is expected today to hear Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland’s legislation that would require Medicaid patients to pay a copay if they use an emergency room for non-emergency treatment.  McFarland says the bill is an attempt to stop Medicaid patients from using the ER for a common cold or minor medical issues…

Cut 10 (09) “emergency room.”

The New Orleans Democratic Socialists of America Health Care Chairman Haley Sauicer (So-shea) says Medicaid recipients don’t abuse the system in receiving care…

Cut 11 (09) “on Medicaid.”