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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11:40 LRN Sportscast April 26th

Tulane sent 11 batters to the plate in the seventh inning and scored five runs for a come from behind 9-6 win over LSU. Freshman right-hander Zach Hess was tagged with his first loss of the season, as he retired just one of the seven batters he faced. The Green Wave have now four straight games in the series.

The 20th ranked Ragin Cajuns won their ninth straight last night as Louisiana downed Texas eight to one. The Cajuns scored six runs in the second inning to make the game a laugher. Junior Evan Guillory tossed six scoreless innings for the win. Joe Robbins hit his fifth home run and drove in four runs.

Northwestern State walloped Mississippi Valley State 11 to 1. Spencer Goodwin was four for six, including two bunt singles. Those two teams play again tonight.

Southeastern Louisiana scored three touchdowns and defeated Alcorn State 21-3. Ryan Byers and Carson Crites homered for the Lions.

Saints running back Mark Ingram has no issues with the signing of Adrian Peterson to a two-year contract. Ingram says he’s been sharing carries with as many three other running backs since New Orleans drafted him. Coach Sean Payton told the new Orleans Times-Picayune that A-P’s role will be very clear and defined and he’ll be a good complement to Ingram.

The NFL draft is tomorrow and Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis says his goal is to draft seven starters. New Orleans has seven picks, including two in the first round.

Over 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 items from a room in Huger Hall…
Cut 3 (10) “students were”
Coach Hudspeth says they do not condone this behavior.

11:30 LRN Newscast April 26th

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.

Governor Edwards remains hopeful a budget plan can be approved to address the loss of one-point-three billion dollars in temporary taxes that expire next year. Edwards says there are still multiple tax bills waiting to be discussed…:
Cut 13 (08) “task force report”

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.

13 UL Lafayette football players are going through a learning experience after they 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.

10:30 LRN Newscast April 26th

After the governor’s proposed commercial activity tax was tabled for the session, Governor John Bel Edwards says it’s time for GOP leaders to propose their own plan.
Voicer 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 5 PM for northwest Louisiana. Strong thunderstorms are expected during the afternoon hours across north Louisiana, with damaging winds, large hail and possibly tornado. There’s a slight to marginal risk of severe weather for south Louisiana.

The House rejects a bill to shorten the waiting period for a divorce for parents with minor children. The proposal by Homer Representative Patrick Jefferson would reduce the waiting period from one year to six months. Livingston Representative Sherman Mack didn’t like the measure…:
Cut 10 (10) “worth saving”
The legislation failed on a 52-44 vote.

Coming up for discussion today in the House Education committee is a bill that would prohibit the use of tobacco products anywhere on public or a private school campus. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman says the use of smoking cessation products would still be allowed under the measure….
cut 9 (09) “….be allowed”
Louisiana made it illegal to smoke in schools in the 90s, but this legislation will expand on that law.

17:30 LRN Legislative report

The governor’s proposal to impose a new tax on business sales has been pulled. John Bel Edwards touted the measure as a way to stablize Louisiana’s budget, especially since one-point-three billion dollars in temporary taxes expire in mid-2018. Edwards says since the Republicans didn’t like his plan, he’s waiting for House GOP leaders to unveil their own proposal…
cut 14 (06) “…to say no”
House republican leaders favor budget cutting over additional taxes.

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says she will continue to move forward with her bill to require state legislative approval before Confederate monuments are removed, even though New Orleans officials have started the process in the Crescent City….
cut 12 (10) “…find objectionable”
Mizell says it’s unclear when the Senate Governmental Affairs committee will hear her bill.

The bill to do away with the death penalty in Louisiana advanced out of a Senate Committee by a vote of 6-1. Michelle Southern reports..:
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The full House rejects a bill that would cut in half the wait time for couples with minor children to get divorced. Supporters say the measure would be better for children if their bickering parents can divorce after six months from filing. But opponents say the one-year wait time can help prevent a divorce and lead to reconcilation between the parents.

16:45 LRN Sportscast April 25th

The Saints have made it official as the NFL franchise has announced the signing of future Hall of Fame running back Adrian Peterson to a two-year contract. The 10-year vet has rushed for nearly 12-thousand yards, but only appeared in three games last season because of a knee injury. Sideline reporter on the Saints Radio Network, Kristian Garic, says despite the signing of A-P, New Orleans will likely draft a running back later this week…
cut 20 (13) “…would be”
The Pelicans say Baton Rouge, St. Tammany, Shreveport, Mobile, Pensacola and Jackson, Mississippi have all expressed interest in becoming the home for the NBA franchise’s D-League team, starting with the 2018-19 season. The six locations now have until June 7th to submit a complete and comprehensive proposal to the Pelicans.

LSU Baseball continues its seven game road trip tonight as they visit Tulane. Coach Paul Mainieri knew this would be a difficult part of their schedule…
cut 17 (19) “…nothing’s easy”
LSU is 4-7 on the road this year, while Tulane is looking for its fourth straight win over the Tigers.

UL Lafayette has won eight straight and the 20th ranked Cajuns willt ake on Texas in Sugar Land, Texas. The Longhorns have won five in a row. Also tonight, Southeastern hosts Alcorn State and Northwestern State takes on Mississippi Valley State.

16:30 LRN Newscast April 25th

Governor John Bel Edwards effort to place a new tax on business sales has been tabled for the session. Edwards says the legislation would get businesses to pay their fair share in taxes and it would help stablize the budget. But business groups said the proposal would keep companies from growing and hurt economic development efforts. The governor says he’s now looking to House Republican leadership to come up with its own budget plan.

A state lawmaker plans to move forward with her legislation designed to protect Confederate monuments, even though the process of removing them has begun in New Orleans. The Liberty Place monument was taken down early Monday morning. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell opposes what Mayor Mitch Landrieu is doing….:
Cut 10 (10) “where we are today”
She says it’s unclear when her bill will get a hearing.

On a 6 to 1 vote, a Senate Judiciary committee approves a proposal to abolish the death penalty in Louisiana. Bishop Shelton Fabre of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux says taking a life should be left to a higher power…:
Cut 3 (10) “gift from God”
There was emotional testimony from opponents to the bill. Christie Battaglia’s father is on death row in Texas for killing her two sisters and told state lawmakers it’s a bad idea to get rid of the death penalty….
cut 6 (10) “….living in fear”
The measure now heads to the Senate floor for more debate.

The Saints and 32-year-old Adrian Peterson agree to a two-year contract. Coach Sean Payton believes the future Hall-of-Fame running back will be an excellent fit in the locker room and on the field.

15:30 LRN Newscast April 25th

Governor John Bel Edwards’ business tax plan fails to receive support from the House Ways and Means Committee and the legislative sponsor has decided to pull the legislation from further consideration. Franklin Representative Sam Jones.
Cut 13 (09) “do it”
Governor Edwards said a short time ago that House leadership needs to develop its own plan to address a looming revenue shortfall.

A bill to ban the death penalty in Louisiana cleared its first legislative hurdle today as it was approved on a six-to-one vote by a Senate committee. Religious leaders came to the capitol to testify in favor. Reverend Leo Cyrus says the death penalty doesn’t provide closure for the victims….
cut 4 (08) ‘…seek healing”
The measure heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says she would still like for the legislature to pass her bill that requires legislative approval before local governments can remove monuments. Mizell says it’s in response to the taking down of Confederate-era statues in New Orleans…
cut 11 (11) “…or not”
Mizell had a similar bill last year, but it died in committee.

Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso says three suspects, with criminal records, tied up an 83-year-old man in his home in Starks for seven hours and stole his guns, cell phone and wallet. Mancuso believes these indiviuduals stalked and took advantage of this elderly man..
cut 9 (09) “…as that”
Mancuso says two of the suspects are in custody, the search is on for 43-year-old Michael Helmer.