15:30 LRN Newscast april 27th

Republican U-S Senator Bill Cassidy likes what he sees from a proposed tax plan outlined by the White House. It calls for tax cuts for businesses and individuals. There’s concerns it will increase the deficit, but Cassidy says the proposed tax changes would help business owners…
cut 13 (10) “…more money”

Criminal charges are behind former Destrehan teacher Shelley Dufrense, but she still faces a civil lawsuit. Dufrense pleaded guilty to an obscencity charge in St. Charles Parish in 2015 for having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student and legal analyst Tim Meche says that plea deal could hurt her in the civil case…..
cut 10 (10) “…in Jefferson Parish.

Jury deliberations have begun in Bienville Parish in the murder of a Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputy. Andrew Critton is facing life in prison for the death of 69-year-old Sulyn Prince, who prosecutors say was buried in a shallow grave after Critton used a fire extinguisher to bludgeoned her in the head. A second person also faces murder charges in the case and his trial will be held at a later date.

Authorities in Webster Parish have raided three alleged dogfighting rings and rescued over 30 dogs. Anna Ware is with an Altanta based group called Norred and Associates and they investigate animal cruelty cases. She says all of the dogs were living in horrible conditions…:
Cut 8 (08) “logging chain”
Ware says four arrests were made on animal cruelty and other dog fighting related charges.

And the state announces that Louisiana Cat is expanding its New Iberia operations and they plan to add 60 jobs over the next five years.

LRN PM Newscall April 27th

Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies have reportedly arrested four individuals after raiding three alleged dog fighting rings. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The former Destrehan High School teacher accused of having sex with a student still has legal issues as there’s still a civil suit pending against her. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A bill to provide parole eligibility for juveniles convicted of murder has been approved by the state Senate. Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor says his proposal would bring Louisiana in line with a 2012 Supreme Court decision that prohibits juvenile offenders from receiving life sentences without parole. The measure would provide parole eligibility after 25 years for juveniles who received life sentences after June 25, 2012.

Cut 3 (10) “gonna get it”

Claitor’s original bill called for parole eligibility after 30 years, but during the debate it was amended down to 25.

Cut 4  (08) “for consideration”

If enacted, the 14 inmates would be immediately eligible for parole consideration after time served. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says a parole hearing would then determine if that person has at least tried to better themselves or abided by the rules.

Cut 5  (11)  “for parole”

The measure passed on a 22-13 vote and heads to the House.

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Authorities in Webster Parish have raided three alleged dogfighting rings and rescued over 30 dogs. Anna Ware is with an Altanta based group called Norred and Associates and they investigate animal cruelty cases. She says they received a report on their anonymous dogfighting tip line about an operation in North Louisiana so they contacted the Sheriff’s Office to investigate.

Cut 6 (10) “34 dogs”

Deputies originally arrested Randall Tims and Morgan Jones in Dubberly during the first raid, which then led to the arrests of Ketrick Frazier in Minden and Laracco Batton. Ware says the rescued dogs have never seen veterinary care in their lives. She says two animals died due to malnutrition.

Cut 7 (10)  “rabies shots”

Ware says it’s unbelievable that any human could treat an innocent animal like this. She says all of the dogs were living in horrible conditions.

Cut 8 (08) “logging chain”

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The former Destrehan High School teacher who allegedly had sex with a 16-year-old student isn’t out of the woods yet. Shelley Dufrense was found not guilty of carnal knowledge of a juvenile in Jefferson Parish, but the victim’s family has a civil suit pending in St. Charles Parish against the 34-year-old. Legal analyst Tim Meche says Wednesday’s verdict shouldn’t affect the outcome of the civil suit.

Cut 9 (09)  “a deposition”

Dufrense pleaded guilty to an obscenity charge in St. Charles Parish in 2015 and is not required to register as a sex offender. But Meche says that plea deal could hurt her in the civil suit.

Cut 10 (10) “in Jefferson Parish”

Three judges in the 29th Judicial District in St. Charles Parish have recused themselves from the civil suit because one of them is Dufrense’s father. Meche says the not guilty verdict in Jefferson Parish won’t help Dufrense much in the civil suit.

Cut 11 (08) “that much”

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US Senator Bill Cassidy says President Donald Trump’s tax reform plan will simplify the tax code, create jobs and incentivize investment and growth. Cassidy says he likes that Trump is engaged and following through with his campaign promises.

Cut 12 (09) “American Workers”

Part of the president’s plan would double the exemptions for families and small businesses would receive a tax cut. While there is some concern this tax structure would benefit the wealthy, Cassidy says this incentivizes business owners to put that money back into their company to create better jobs.

Cut 13 (10) “more money”

Cassidy says there hasn’t been a significant tax reform since 1986, with President Ronald Reagan. He says although it took a while to pass, Reagan was thoroughly engaged, just as Trump is.

Cut 14 (08) “he’s engaged”

Cassidy serves as a member of the Senate Finance Committee and will play a role in the passage of any tax reform plan.

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14:30 LRN Newscast April 27th

The former Destrehan High School teacher accused of having sex with a student still has legal issues, as there’s still a civil suit pending against her. Michelle Southern has more…
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

D+ is the grade Louisiana gets on its roads, bridges and drinking water on a report card by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Louisiana’s lowest scores are in drinking water and inland waterways, with D- ratings, while roads, bridges, and coastal waters earned D and D+ scores.

A bill that would provide parole eligibility for juveniles convicted of murder has been approved by the state Senate. Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor says his proposal would bring Louisiana in line with a 2012 Supreme Court decision…:
Cut 3 (10) “gonna get it”
The measure would provide parole eligibility after 25 years for juveniles who received life sentences after June 25, 2012.

Dog fighting raids in Webster Parish has resulted in four arrests according to Norred and Associates, which works to prevent animal abuse cases. Anna Ware is with the Atlanta-based group and she says over 30 dogs were rescued, many of them never had veterinary care and two animals died due to malnutrion…
cut 7 (10) “…rabies shots”

11:40 LRN Sportscast April 27th

Tonight it’s the first round of the NFL safety draft. Former LSU Tiger Jamal Adams will become the highest ever picked safety, if he’s a top four pick. Draft analyst Mike Detillier believes it could happen…
Cut 18 (12) “cover cornerback”

The Saints need pass rushers and cornerbacks to help a defense that’s ranked near the bottom in the NFL over the last three seasons. New Orleans could also possibly draft a quarterback as Drew Brees is 38 and entering the final year of his contract. General Manager Mickey Loomis on the possibility of drafting a Q-B…
Cut 17 (12) “that position”
The first round gets underway at 7 PM.

There’s a sense of urgency with the LSU baseball team as they begin a three-game series at Alabama tonight. The Tigers are 10-8 in league play and in the latest D-1 baseball-dot-com regional projection, they no longer have LSU hosting a regional. Pitcher Alex Lange says it’s time to get a winning streak going….
cut 30 (22) “…now or never”
Alabama is the perfect opponent to start a winning streak, they are 2-16 in the Southeastern Conference. First pitch is at 6:30.

10:30 LRN Newscast April 27th

The House Criminal Justice Committee approves a bill to extend domestic violence protections to sex-same couples. Jody Fortunato with the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office says they are running into problems handling felony domestic abuse charges against same sex couples….
cut 14 (08) “…can’t use it”
The panel also approved a bill that would put couples who are dating under the state’s domestic violence laws.

Revelers from all over the world are in Lafayette as the Festival International de Louisiane kicks off today. Kelly Strenge with the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Bureau says there will be entertainers from as far away as Europe and Africa…:
Cut 4 (07) “entertain you”
Strenge says atendees can even expect to see some big lcoal names, like Marc Broussard.

Two teachers in St. Landry Parish have been arrested for allegedly bullying an 11-year-old student. Emelie Gunn has more…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Three men have been charged on dog fighting charges in Webster Parish and 30 dogs have been rescued. Deputies were tipped off after they received allegations from an Atlanta-based group that investigates such cases. The booking report says many of the dogs were malnourised and several were restrained with heavy logging chains.

17:30 LRN Newscast April 26th ###Legislative Report###

The House Education Committee advances a measure that would ban corporal punishment in public schools. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton who says there is no proof that spanking a student changes behavior…:
CUT 11 (10) “in 2011″
The bill heads to the House floor.

Another measure heading to the House floor would limit first-time opioid prescriptions to a 7-day supply…
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

A bill that would ban so-called sanctuary city policies barely passed out the House Criminal Justice Committee. Chairman Sherman Mack broke a 7-7 tie by casting the final “yes” vote. Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges says her measure isn’t about discrimination, but putting America first. She says she raised her children in Mexico for 18 years…
Cut 13 (11) “of law”
The legislation targets New Orleans, because it’s police force has a policy that prohibits officers from questioning the immigration status of individuals who commit or report a crime. Researcher with the Jesuit Social Research Institute at Loyola University Sue Weishar….
Cut 16 (06) “public trust”
A lengthy debate on the House floor on this issue is expected as early as next week.

16:45 LRn Sportscast

LSU Head Football Coach Ed Orgeron announced today that offensive lineman Adrian Magee of Franklinton has been indefinitely suspended for a violation of team rules. A police report shows Magee was arrested earlier this month for felony burglary. He also allegedly stole cash, an X-Box, apparel, but later returned some of the items.

13 UL Lafayette football players were arrested for allegedly breaking into a dorm room and stealing several items totaling 24-hundred dollars. Lt. Billy Abrams with campus police says the student-athletes are charged with conspiracy to commit felony theft…
cut 4 (08) “…that were stolen”
Football Coach Mark Hudspeth has suspended the 13 players from the team indefinitely. He apologized for the players actions and said they expect a higher standard from their student-athletes.

Tonight’s contest between nationally ranked baseball teams in Lafayette has been postponed to May 10th as a result of impending weather. UL Lafayette and McNeese State were scheduled to play tonight at Russo Park.

Earlier today it was Northwestern State over Mississippi Valley State 14-0. The Demons beat the Delta Devils by a combined score of 25-1 over two days.

Tonight, Nicholls is at Southern.

LSU left today for Tuscaloosa. The Tigers begin a three-game series at Alabama tomorrow night. The Bayou Bengals lost to Tulane last night nine to six. That’s four straight wins for the Green Wave in the series. The latest NCAA Tournament projection by D-1 baseball, does not have LSU hosting a regional, instead going to West Virginia.

In NFL news…former saints guard Jahri Evans has reportedly signed with the Green Bay Packers. The 33-year-old played his previous eleven seasons in New Orleans.

16:30 LRN Newscast

Not guilty is the verdict in the case of a former Destrehan high school teacher who allegedly had sex with a teen student in Jefferson Parish. One of the allegations claimed that Shelley Dufrense had a three some with a 16-year-old football player in 2014. The judge who handed down the verdict said Dufrense’s behavior was shameful, but the teen’s testimony was not believable. Dufrense previously pleaded guilty to an obscenity charge in St. Charles Parish.

On a six-to-five vote in a House committee, a bill to ban corporal punishment in Louisiana schools advanced to the House floor. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says it shouldn’t be up to educators to punish kids by paddling them….
cut 12 (10) “….their responsiblity”
Corporal punishment is currently allowed in just over half of Louisiana’s school districts.

The House Health and Welfare Committee advances a bill that would limit first-time opioid prescriptions in Louisiana, in the hopes of addressing a growing opioid epidemic. Former Assistant Secretary of Health, Dr. Karen DeSalvo says 90 people die a day nationwide from opioid overdoses.
Cut 8 (11) “in 2014 alone”
The proposal by New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno would limit first-time opioid prescriptions to a 7-day supply.

The House Education committee passed a bill that would require public schools to teach litter prevention and awareness to students from kindergarten to fifth grade. Executive director of the Louisiana School Board Association Scott Richard says they suppport efforts to prevent littering, but…
cut 7 (08) “…and make”
The measure heads to the House floor for more discussion.

14:30 LRN Newscast April 26th

In a bit of a surprise development in the House Education committee, a bill to ban corporal punishment in Louisiana public schools barely advanced to the House floor on a six to five vote. Based on testimony, corporal punishment is allowed in 38 of the state’s 69 school districts.

 

Also heading to the House floor, is a measure that would limit first-time opioid prescriptions to a seven-day supply. Michelle Southern has more…
voicer 1 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

 

A bill that targets New Orleans for its so-called sanctuary city policy received approval from the House Criminal Justice Committee. The NOPD prohibits officers from questioning the immigration status of individuals who commit or report a crime. Attorney General Jeff Landry says this policy puts New Orleans at risk of losing federal dollars…
cut 15 (08) “…funding”
New Orleans officials dispute the sanctuary city claim and say they follow all federal laws when it comes to immigration.

 

13 UL Lafayette football players were arrested for allegedly breaking into a dorm room and stealing several items totaling 24-hundred dollars. Lt. Billy Abrams with campus police says the student-athletes are charged with conspiracy to commit felony theft…
cut 4 (08) “…that were stolen”
Football Coach Mark Hudspeth has suspended the 13 players from the team indefinitely.

LRN PM Newscall April 26th

A measure is heading to the House floor that would limit first-time opioid prescriptions to a 7-day supply. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The House Education Committee advances a measure that would ban corporal punishment of any kind in public schools. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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More than a dozen UL-Lafayette football players have been suspended indefinitely from the team after allegedly robbing a dorm room on campus. Lt. Billy Abrams with the UL-Lafayette Police Department says 13 football players stole several items from a room in Huger Hall.

Cut 3 (10) “students were”

Abrams says at this time, police are unsure what led the football players to commit this crime. He says all of the students are charged with conspiracy to commit felony theft.

Cut 4  (08) “that were stolen”

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A bill to require public schools to teach litter prevention and awareness to students from kindergarten to fifth grade passed out of the House Education Committee. Executive Director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful Susan Russell says educating young children on litter will help them become good environmental stewards.

Cut 5  (06)  “Louisiana”

The proposed law would require litter instruction be integrated into the existing science curriculum. Russell says it’s no secret Louisiana has a huge litter problem. She says the purpose of educating young students is to prepare them for tomorrow’s world.

Cut 6 (06) “about it”

Executive Director of the Louisiana School Boards Association Scott Richard also spoke before the committee. He says while they support the efforts to ensure the state is not at the top of the list for littering, it’s important to point out…

Cut 7 (08)  “and make”

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The House Health and Welfare Committee advances a bill that would limit first-time opioid prescriptions in Louisiana, in the hopes of addressing a growing opioid epidemic. Former Assistant Secretary of Health, Dr. Karen DeSalvo says 90 people die a day nationwide from opioid overdoses.

Cut 8 (11) “in 2014 alone”

The proposal by New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno would limit first-time opioid prescriptions to a 7-day supply. The measure also requires doctors to tell their patients about the risks involved with taking pain pills. DeSalvo says this allows for an open dialogue between patients and their doctors.

Cut 9 (11)  “treatment and recovery”

The bill allows patients to request pharmacists not fill the entire quantity of opioid prescription if they don’t need it. DeSalvo says this will limit the number of extra pain pills people have in their medicine cabinets, which keeps them away from friends and family. She says this can prevent other people from getting addicted to painkillers.

Cut 10 (09) “using opioids”

The measure now heads to the House floor for more discussion.

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The House Education Committee advances a measure that would ban corporal punishment of any kind in public schools. House Bill 497 is by Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton who says there is no proof that spanking a student has actually worked at changing behavior…:

Cut 11 (10) “in 2011”

On a 6-5 vote, the measure now heads to the House floor. Norton said, in addition to corporal punishment possibly opening up to door to lawsuits, it shouldn’t be up to educators to punish kids by paddling them…:

Cut 12 (10) “their responsibility”

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A bill that would ban so-called sanctuary city policies barely passed out the House Criminal Justice Committee. Chairman Sherman Mack broke a 7-7 tie by casting the final “yes” vote. Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges says her measure isn’t about discrimination, but putting America first. She says she raised her children in Mexico for 18 years…

Cut 13 (11) “of law”

But Baton Rouge native Melissa Yarborough spoke in opposition. Yarborough says this measure states that communities are better off without illegal aliens. She says her life was flipped upside down when her fiancé was deported.

Cut 14 (11) “our community”

Attorney General Jeff Landry says this legislation will ensure that no jurisdiction in the state will attempt to invite illegal immigrants. He says the bill does not say Louisiana doesn’t support immigrants, but there is a rule of law to follow.

Cut 15 (08) “funding”

The legislation targets New Orleans, because it’s police force has a policy that prohibits officers from questioning the immigration status of individuals who commit or report a crime. Researcher with the Jesuit Social Research Institute at Loyola University Sue Weishar….

Cut 16  (06)  “public trust”

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