08:30 LRN Newscast April 28

A Louisiana woman, who moved to Colorado so her daughter can receive medical marijuana to treat her epilepsy, tells legislators her child is doing much better since starting her cannabis medication. Michelle Hall of Vernon Parish says by no means does her daughter get “high” off the medication…
cut 7 (05) “….pissed off”
Lawmakers are conflicted over how many different illnesses should be allowed to use medical marijuana once it becomes available in Louisiana.

Today is a big day in the Will Smith homicide case. The man accused of fatally shooting the former Saints star, Cardale Hayes, has a preliminary hearing scheduled at 10 AM. But the hearing may not take place, if the district attorney can get a grand jury to indict Hayes. If no indictment, then the hearing will determine if there’s enough evidence to keep Hayes behind bars until a trial.

Latest campaign finance numbers regarding Louisiana’s US Senate race shows Republican candidates Charles Boustany, John Fleming and John Kennedy out raising the major the democrats in the race, Foster Campbell and Caroline Fayard. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the Democrats will continue to lag behind….
cut 5 (05) “….statewide”
Cross says US Representative Charles Boustany is in the best position to raise a lot of dough, because he’s a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

The Louisiana Senate has passed a bill that would require public schools to teach cursive. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti supports the measure, because important documents like the US Consitution and the Magna Carter were written in cursive…
cut 12 (07) “…says cursive”
The measure is heading to the House for more discussion.

07:30 LRN Newscast April 28

Cursive writing would be required to be taught in public schools based on legislation that was unanimously approved by the Louisiana Senate. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti says former president Abraham Lincoln didn’t use his iPad or Siri to write the Gettysburg Address, he used a quill pen to write out the famous speech…
cut 11 (05) “….quill pen”
The measure heads to the full House for more discussion.

The Louisiana House voted 85-7 in favor of a bill that would prohibit any organization that performs abortions from receiving state dollars. There’s a concern over whether the proposal is constitutional. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle went back and forth with the bill’s author, Frank Hoffman…
cut 15 (11) “…you guess not”
The legislation heads to the Senate and it has the support of Governor Edwards.

A Louisiana mother of a young girl with epilepsy urges legislators to expand medical marijuana access so she can move back. Halen Doughty reports the family currently lives in Colorado….
voicer 1 (31) “….I’m Halen Doughty”

The man accused of killing former Saints defensive end Will Smith has a hearing scheduled at 10 AM this morning. The hearing could be cancelled if the District Attorney gets a grand jury to indict Cardell Hayes. If the hearing goes on, then witnesses to the shooting will testify to see if there’s evidence for probable cause to keep Hayes in jail. .

06:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints hold the 12th overall pick in round one of tonight’s NFL draft. Barring any trades, New Orleans will make five more selections on Friday and Saturday. When asked about his team’s draftboard based on the depth of certain positions in this draft class, Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis says it varies,…
cut 16 (18) “….for every team”
The Saints are expected to select more defensive players, because the team finished 31st in total yards given up in the NFL last season.

Round one of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans gets underway this morning at TPC Louisiana in Avondale. The 156-man field features three of the world’s top 10 players, Jason Day, Rickie Fowler and Justin Rose.

The LSU baseball Tigers begin a three-game series against Ole Miss at Swayze Field in Oxford. Before leaving for Ole Miss, Coach Paul Mainieri addressed the comments he made following last Saturday’s loss, where he blamed first baseman Greg Deichmann, because he didn’t keep his foot on the bag on a putout. The coach says he was transparent about his disappointment, but it wasn’t meant to signal out Deichmann…
cut 19 (21) “….of baseball”
Manieri says Deichmann might not start at first base tonight, because he’s mired in a 1-for-16 hitting slump.

Last night, Louisiana Tech doubled up UL Lafayette six to three. The win gives the Bulldogs a sweep in the season series over the Cajuns. And Northwestern State blanked Mississippi Valley State 10-0.

LRN Newscast 06:30 April 28

The Louisiana House approves a bill to prohibit organizations that perform abortions, like Planned Parenthood, from receiving public funding. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman is author of the legislation….
cut 13 (10) “….other purposes”
The measure heads to the Senate after it passed on an 85-7 vote, despite concerns this legislation is not constitutional.

A bill that would require cursive to be taught in public schools was unanimously approved by the Louisiana Senate. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti spoke in favor of the measure, because many historic documents were written in cursive. He says our children need to be able to read and write in script, not just from their iPads or iPhones…
cut 10 (05) “…to paper”
The measure heads to the House floor for more discussion.

Access to medical marijuana has been a big topic in this legislative session. Michelle Hall of Vernon Parish urged a House committee to make the drug accessible for her daughter, who has epilepsy…
cut 8 (06) “….my family”
Hall says they’ve moved to Colorado so her daughter can use medical cannabis and it’s improved her life. It’s unclear if the Louisiana House will go along with a proposal that would make medical marijuana available for more illnesses.

A preliminary court hearing takes place today for Cardell Hayes, the accused killer of former Saints defensive captain Will Smith. The hearing will determine if there’s enough evidence to hold a defendant until a trial. A grand jury has reportedly met on the case, if they indict Hayes, than today’s hearing will be cancelled.

17:30 LRN Newscast ###Legislative Report###

A House approved bill is heading to the Senate floor that would extend the wait time for a woman seeking an abortion from 24 hours to 72. Michelle Southern has more….
voicer 1 (26) “….I’m Michelle Southern”

And the full House supports legislation that would prohibit the state from allocating Medicaid dollars to any organiziation that performs abortions. This bill would impact Planned Parenthood, who has indicated they plan on performing abortions at its new facility in New Orleans.

The House Criminal Justice Committee shot down a proposal to require movie theaters to install metal dectectors. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala voted against it…
cut 8 (07) “….do anything”
The author of the legislation, Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton, was not happy after the vote came down.
cut 7 (07) “…our children”
Last summer a gunman walked into a Lafayette movie theater and killed two people and injured several more.

A bill to require cursive to be taught in public elementary schools passes through the full Senate. Bossier City Sen. Ryan Gatti spoke in favor of the legislation and says many historic documents were written in cursive. He says our children need to be able to read and write in script, not just from their iPads or iPhones.
Cut 30 (05) “to paper”
The vote was 37 to nothingand it heads to the House for more discussion.

16:45 LRN Sportscast April 27

The NFL draft begins tomorrow and Saints fans are wondering if the Black and Gold will draft a quarterback. General Manager Mickey Lommis discussed the team’s interest in a QB when he met with reporters today…
cut 30 (13) “….every year”
Quarterback Drew Brees told the Associated Press that if the Saints see a potential franchise quarterback in this draft than by all means take him. But Brees also says he sees himself playing for many years to come.

New Orleans has the number 12 pick in the draft and they need help on the defensive line. Former Louisiana Tech star Vernon Butler says he would love to be taken by the Saints….
cut 19 (10) “….on Sundays”
Butler says he’s had individual work outs for Carolina, Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Seattle.

LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri says his comments following Saturday night’s loss to Mississippi State were not intended to throw first baseman Greg Deichmann under the bus. Mainieri said following the 2-1 defeat that the Tigers lost the game because Deichmann wasn’t able to keep his foot on the bag on a throw from shortstop Kramer Robertson. Instead of the runner being called out, he was called safe and later came around to score. Before his team left for Oxford, Mississppi. Mainieri explained his controversial comments that were made over the weekend…
cut 29 (15) “….of a game”
Mainieri and the Tigers head to Ole Miss after losing to Tulane 4-1 last night.

In action today….Northwestern State blanked Mississippi Valley State 10-0 in eight innings as the Demons complete a two-game sweep of the Delta Devils.

Tonight….UL Lafayette hosts Louisiana Tech.

14:30 LRN Newscast April 27

A state Senate Committee approves a bill to extend the waiting period for an abortion from 24 to 72 hours. Michelle Southern has more…
voicer 1 (26) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

The House Criminal Justice Committee shot down a proposal to require movie theaters to install metal dectectors. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala voted against it…
cut 8 (07) “….do anything”
Last summer a gunman walked into a Lafayette movie theater and killed two people and injured several more.

The FBI is once again investigating the disappearance of a two-year-old boy from his East Feliciana Parish home 15 years ago. Billboards featuring what Wesley Morgan might look like today are popping up . Former WAFB reporter Avery Davidson covered Wesley’s disapearance 15 years ago…
cut 14 (08) “….Wesley Dale”
The FBI is offering up to a 10-thousand dollar reward for information that leads to Wesley’s location.

Louisiana Humane Society Executive Director Jeff Dorson says they have evidence that a dog was beaten and then burned in a fire pit at New Orleans City Park. . He says they are also asking the public to keep the memory of the City Park Dog in their hearts….
cut 5 (07) “…short life”
Dorson says they’ve issued a city-wide animal abuse alert, as they look those responsible.

LRN PM Newscall April 27

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved a bill to extend the waiting period for an abortion from 24 to 72 hours. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 1 (26)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

================

The FBI is reopening the 15-year-old case of a little boy who went missing from his front porch in Clinton. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (26)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

===================

A horrifying display of animal abuse is breaking hearts across the state. A small dog was brutally beaten and thrown into a fire in New Orleans’ City Park. That’s according to Jeff Dorson, Executive Director of the Louisiana Humane Society, who says this is one of the most tragic cases of abuse he’s ever seen. He says the dog was beaten around the head, the muzzle and the jaw.

CUT 3 (11)  “the pit”

The unnamed dog is being affectionately referred to as the City Park Dog. Dorson says they are still trying to find the people responsible for this gruesome crime, because they are clearly dangerous.

CUT 4 (06)  “of time”

Dorson says the Humane Society is asking people to be vigilant for signs of animal abuse. He says the society has issued the first ever city-wide animal abuse alert in the hopes of bringing those responsible to justice. Until then, he’s asking the public to keep the memory of the City Park Dog in their hearts.

CUT 5 (07)  “short life”

====================================================

A bill that would require movie theaters to use metal detectors was defeated in a House committee today. Prairieville Rep. Tony Bacala says this legislation creates a false sense of security. He says if someone wants to shoot up a movie theater, the first person to be killed is the 18-year-old minimum wage worker manning the metal detector.

CUT 6 (10) “to react”

Author of the legislation, Shreveport Rep. Barbara Norton, says this bill is about protecting the lives of our loved ones. She was upset that many of her colleagues voted against the measure.

CUT 7 (07) “our children”

The vote was 6-5 against the legislation. Bacala says the people who would work these metal detectors are not trained law enforcement officers and probably work the concession stand the day before.

CUT 8 (07) “do anything”

===================================================

A bill to extend the waiting period for getting an abortion to 72 hours has been approved by the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. Sancha Smith, the State Director for Concerned Women for America, spoke in favor of the measure and sharing her experience getting an abortion at 16-years-old.

CUT 9 (11) “better decision”

Smith says women need more time to consider all of their options, before making this decision.

cut 10 (07) “a life”

Angela Adkins with the Louisiana Organization for Women opposes the bill. She shared stories of women who died or suffered complications from illegal abortions and attempts to self-abort, because of restrictions to abortions.

Cut 11 (09) “more desperate”

Amy Irvin of the New Orleans Abortion Fund also spoke in opposition. She says although the waiting period is currently 24 hours, women can take as much time as they need after the consultation before having the procedure.

cut 12 (09) “the clinic”

The measure passed on a five to two vote and heads to the Senate floor.

===================================================

The FBI is reopening the case of a 2-year-old that went missing in Clinton 15 years ago. Avery Davidson is a former WAFB reporter who covered Wesley Morgan’s disappearance in 2001. Davidson says the child was playing on the front porch when his mother went inside and came back outside to find the little boy was gone. He says there was a huge search after his disappearance…

Cut 13 (10)  “he was”

Davidson spoke with Sheriff Bunch a few years ago and Bunch still believes the mother had something to do with the boy’s disappearance even though nothing ever turned up during the investigation. He says there must be a reason the FBI has reopened the case and released an age progression picture of Wesley Morgan.

cut 14 (08)  “Wesley Dale”

The FBI is offering up to a $10,000 reward for information that leads to Morgan’s location. Davidson says everyone is eager to find out what happened to Wesley Dale Morgan…

cut 15 (10) “15 years” 

===================================================

11:40 LRN Sportscast April 27

The only college football player from Louisiana that’s expected to be selected in tomorrow night’s first round of the NFL draft is former Bulldogs star Vernon Butler. Butler was a standout player on Louisiana Tech’s defensive line the last two seasons as he recorded over 100 tackles, nearly two dozen tackles for a loss and four sacks. NFL draft analyst Mike Detillier believes Butler will go late in the first round. Butler says he’s anxious to find out who he’ll play for…
cut 18 (08) “…get better”
Butler says he’s had individual work outs for Carolina, Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Seattle.

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis spoke with reporters and denied an NFL Network report that said the Black and Gold tried to move up to get the number one pick so they can select a quarterback.

For the second time this season, Tulane starting pitcher JP France handcuffed LSU hitters and for the second time this year the Green Wave defeated the Tigers. France allowed one run on six hits and struck out six in 7.1 as the Greenies upended LSU four to one.

Elsewhere…Southern Miss scored five runs in the fifth inning and defeated UL Lafayette seven to two, Northwestern State rallied from a six-run deficit to beat Mississippi Valley 10-7. Stephen F Austin knocked off ULM 6-2. Louisiana Tech outscored McNeese 9-7. Sean Ullrich drove in three runs, including the game winner. And Alcorn defeated Grambling 11-8.

The first round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans tees off tomorrow at the TPC Louisiana in suburban New Orleans. There are five former LSU Tigers in the field, two of the them are in the same threesome. Smylie Kaufman and David Toms will be joined by Charley Hoffman. when they tee off at 12:40 tomorrow.

10:30 Newscast April 27

The House Criminal Justice Committee is hearing legislation this morning that would require movie theathers to install metal detectors. Last summer a gunman walked into a Lafayette movie theater and killed two people and injured nine. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says nothing changes until you put something in place….
cut 5 (10) “….an effort”

A national report says Louisiana is not ready to handle a major health crisis. State Department of Health and Hospitals spokesperson Bob Johannessen says the report is a bit misleading. He says for instance, Louisiana gets penalized for using state agencies to man emergency shelters, while other states hire private contractors….
cut 9 (10) “….of work”

State Police have arrested an Amite man after he allegedly struck a bicyclist near Hammond and then fled the scene. The man on the bicycle ended up dying. Trooper Dustin Dwight says 32-year-old Brandon Fowler was taken into custody yesterday afternoon and he says Fowler’s Chevy pick-up has damage on the passenger side as the head light is busted out…
cut 16 (11) “…a bicycle”
The victim is 30-years-old and from Hammond.

State Police have issued a Level II Endangered Missing Child Advisory seeking 12-year-old Jalon Bradley who they say was taken from Mamou High School by his non-custodial mother and is believed to be in imminent danger. The woman is 34-year-old Elaine Freeman, a black female possibly driving a white SUV.

A severe thunderstorm watch is up until 3 PM for much of the southern half of the state and parishes along the Mississippi delta.