10:30 LRN Newscast April 6

The House Education Committee is taking up several bills that propose changes to the TOPS scholarship program. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey has a proposal that would raise the GPA requirement to retain the scholarship once a recipient is in college. Ivey says changes like this will keep the program intact for more students in the future…
cut 10 (05) “….pretty quickly”
There’s also a bill that would make the scholarship a loan that students would have to pay back if they drop out or fail classes.

A state senate committee has given approval to banning the sale of aborted fetal tissue. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti says his main emphasis is to make sure people can’t profit from the selling of parts of an aborted fetus…
cut 15 (10) “….that process”
Before heading to the Senate floor, the bill was amended so mothers would not be criminalized for donating stem cells or unbilical cord blood.

A rally in support of legislation to have 17-year-olds charged as juveniles rather than adults takes place on the State Capitol steps today. Meg Garvey with the Youth Justice Coalition says this bill allows 17-year-olds the opportunity to be in a system that’s rehabilities and addresses their needs…
cut 13 (11) “….public safety”
Governor John Bel Edwards is also expected to speak at this rally.

US Representative Ralph Abraham is in Cuba today. Abraham is there to talk about how Lousiaina can be a trade partner with the island country once the trade embargo is lifted…
cut 6 (08) “….the latest”
Abraham says Cuba currently gets its rice from Asia, but Louisiana rice would make for sense for both sides.

16:30 LRN Newcast April 5

A state lawmaker tells higher ed officials not to expect any additional revenue and they need to come up with a plan on how to educate students with exisiting dollars. Covington Representative John Schroeder says after raising hundreds of millions of dollars in the special session, he doesn’t see the legislature passing any more tax increases…
cut 13 (09) “…money coming”
A bill that would allow pets to be buried with their owners failed to get approval from a Senate committee today. Gerald Melancon, with the Louisiana Cemetery Board, says this proposed law would give cemeteries problems, if the owner never wanted to be buried with the pet, but the family wants it to happen…
cut 11 (09) “…that owner”
The author of the bill says he’ll bring the legislation back again next year.

LSU Vice President for Agriculture Bill Richardson says the school is debating whether or not it will grow medical marijuana. Lawmakers gave the ag centers at LSU and Southern the first right of refusal to produce the prescription drug. Richardson says they are considering their options…:
CUT 4 (08) “or out”
He says several bills on medical marijuana in this regular session outline the regulations that could help them make a decision.

Seat belt fines would double on a first offense under a bill that advances out of the House Transportation Committee. New Orleans Rep. Walt Leger says under this legislation, the maximum fine would be 75 dollars. He feels this would help more people buckle up …:
CUT 7 (10) “use a seat belt”
The bill moves to the full House.

LRN PM Newscall April 5

The measure that would allow people to be buried with their pets in cemeteries did not make it out of a Senate Committee today. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A state lawmaker says its time to restructure higher education. Jeff Palemro has the story…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

LSU Vice President for Agriculture Bill Richardson says the school is debating whether or not it will grow medical marijuana. He says several bills in this regular session outline the regulations that could help them make a decision. Richardson says they are still a ways away from offering medical marijuana to the public.

CUT 3 (09)  “years away”

When lawmakers approved legislation last year allowing for the dispensing of medical marijuana, it gave the ag centers at LSU and Southern the first right of refusal to produce the prescription drug. Richardson says they are keeping an eye on the proposed legislation this year and considering their options.

CUT 4 (08)  “or out”

Richardson says growing the prescribed marijuana could cost u to $15 million, and the school doesn’t have that in the budget right now. He says they are looking into third-party investors, but there is a lot of uncertainty about the financial impact.

CUT 5 (08)  “next week”

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A bill has passed out of the House Transportation Committee to increase the penalty for violating the state’s seatbelt law.  New Orleans Rep. Walt Leger says under the proposed law, the fine would double to 50 dollars for the first offense of not wearing a seatbelt. He says the higher the penalty, the better your compliance

CUT 6 (09) “a year”

Leger says under this legislation, the second and third offense would increase to 75 dollars from 50 dollars. He says with this increase we can expect to see increased seatbelt usage and the saving of additional lives each year.

CUT 7 (10) “seatbelt”

The bill now moves to the full House. The legislature has also advanced a bill to the Senate floor that would increase the fines against drivers who are caught texting or using social media while behind the wheel. Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor helped move the bill out of committee.

CUT 8 (10) “the distraction”

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The measure that would allow people to be buried with their pets in cemeteries did not make it out of a Senate Committee today. Gerald Melancon, with the Louisiana Cemetery Association, says the language in the bill that says pets would be in different sections needs clarification. He says cemeteries already have spots sold with the promise there would only be human remains there…:

CUT 9 (10) “this section”

It’s Metairie Senator Conrad Appel’s bill and he says it states folks who would want to be buried with their pets would have to buy a spot in another section, and do it in advance…:

cut 10 (08)  “goldfish section”

Melancon believes this law would give cemeteries problems if the owner never said he wanted to be buried with the pet, but the family wants it to happen..:

Cut 11 (09) “that owner”

But Appel says there is plenty of language in the bill that gives cemeteries the power to figure out how they want to do this, and also the right to refuse burying pets…:

cut 12 (08) “the cemetery”

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A state lawmaker tells higher education officials not to expect any additional revenue and they need to come up with a plan on how to educate our future workforce with existing dollars. Covington Representative John Schroeder says after raising hundreds of millions of dollars in the special session, he doesn’t see legislature any more tax increases…

Cut 13 (09)  “money coming”

Schroeder says higher education should restructure itself based on the dollars that are available now…

cut 14 (07)  “down the road”

Public colleges and universities have been on the receiving end of multiple budget cuts over the last several years. Lake Charles Representative and former Board of Regents member  Mark Abraham says if the legislature wants bold ideas from higher education officials, universities will need money to get it done…

cut 15 (09) “stay in mediocrity ” 

10:30 LRN Newscast April 5

Today a senate committee will hear a proposal by Metairie Senator Conrad Appeal that would allow people to have their pets buried next to them in cemeteries. Haley Doughty has more…
voicer 2 (31) “….reporting”

And in House Transportation, the panel has approved a bill that would double the fine to 50-dollars for not wearing a seat belt. State Police spokesperson, Sergeant Nick Manale, says not wearing a seatbelt can turn a fender bender into a fatal accident…
cut 6 (07) “….laws of physics”

Five more parishes have been added to the exisiting federal disaster declaration in Louisiana as result of last month’s historic flooding. The five parishes added are Catahoula, East Carroll, Franklin, Lincoln and St. Helena Parishes. These parishes are now eligible for government assistance to help those impacted by the flooding.

An entrepenuer from Louisiana has created a Seafood Locator App. Sheldon Williams says once you launch the app, you can see 15 affiliate seafood shops and see what their prices are for boiled crawfish, shrimp, crabs, raw oysters and more…
cut 14 (13) “…all on the app”
Williams says the app works well for those living in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, but they are looking to expand it to other areas like in Lafayette and Thibodaux.

LRN Sportscast 16:45 April 4th

LSU quarterback Brandon Harris completed 16 of 20 passes for 246 yards in a full-scale scrimmage in Tiger Stadium on Saturday. Coach Les Miles says fellow quarterbacks Danny Etling and Justin McMilan also performed well…
cut 18 (12) “…today”
Etling was 14-of-18 for 220 yards while McMilan was 11-of-14 for 226 yards. Miles added that Harris and Etling both took snaps with the number one offense.

Former LSU star Shaquille O’ Neal has been elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame. After a stellar career in Baton Rouge, Shaq went on to win four NBA titles and he appaeared in 15 NBA All-Star games. O’Neal scored over 28-thousand points during his 20-year NBA career.

LSU Coach Paul Mainieri says relief pitcher Alden Cartwright will undergo an MRI after having to leave Sunday’s victory over Auburn. Cartwright through only a handful of pitches, until he felt something pop. The Tigers host Southern tomorrow night and Colfax native Jesse Stallings will start on the mound.

Southeastern Louisiana first baseman Jameson Fisher has been named Southland Hitter of the week. Fisher was retired just three times in 21 plate appearances as he helped the Lions score 73 runs in five games. Fisher is now hitting .521 on the season. S-L-U Head Coach Matt Riser says the Zachary is having an impressive season after redshirting last year, because of an injury…
cut 30 (17) “…little bit”
The Lions are at Tulane tomorrow night.

16:30 Newscast April 4

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser told a House budget committee he could close several state parks, museums and historic sites if his agency is forced to take up to a 30-percent reduction in state financing. Nungesser says he’s looking at looking at ways to reduce state costs to keep these sites open…
cut 15 (10) “….save money”
Nungesser he’s also looking into private-public partnerships as well.

A man and a woman were fatally shot in their Kenner apartment early this morning. Three children were also in the home, but they were not hurt. Lt. Brian McGregor with the Kenner Police Department says the discovery was made after one of the children went to a neighbor’s house…:
CUT 3 (07) “were notified”
He says a 10 year old boy, two year old and infant were inside the house, but unharmed. The incident is being treated as a double homicide.

Cops say it was a trio of children who robbed a pizza delivery driver at gunpoint in Houma. Captain Dawn Foret, with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, says a 12 and 13 year old were arrested for armed robbery, and a 17 year old suspect, Leroy Miles, is at large….:
CUT 7 (10) “his vehicle”
She says anyone with information on the whereabouts of Miles is urged to contact Crimestoppers.

Tragedy occurred during a triathlon at Sam Houston Jones State Park. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Kim Myers says 25-year-old Taurean Blake of Sulphur drowned during the swimming portion of the event….
cut 12 (10) “…continued CPR”
Witnesses say they saw Blake starting to struggle after he swam for about 100 yards.

15:30 LRN Newscast april 4

Budget cuts are putting Louisiana’s state parks and historic sites at risk of closing, according to Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. Halen Doughty has more…
voicer 2 (31) “….I’m Halen Doughty”

A federal judge in New Orleans approves a 20-billion dollar settlement that BP will have to pay for its role in the 2010 oil spill. The oil giant will pay five-point-five billion dollars in civil Clean Water Act penalties and Louisiana is one of five states that will also be compensated.

A mother and father were shot and killed in their Kenner apartment while their kids were inside. A 10-year-old, 2 year old and infant were unharmed. Kenner Police Lt. Brian McGregor says the couple was shot many times in their bedroom…:
CUT 4 (04) “at this time”
He says a vehicle was seen fleeing the scene this morning. A motive for the murders is unknown.

A man was shot by an off-duty State Police detective after allegedly breaking into his unmarked police car early Sunday in Ascension Parish. Sheriff Jeff Wiley says a neighbor alerted the cop around 430am that his police unit was being burglarized, so he armed himself, went outside and caught the man in the act…:
CUT 8 (06) “prepared to use it”
He says the off-duty detective shot the alleged thief as the suspect reached for a gun. The burglar survived and will be arrested when released from the hospital.

14:30 LRN Newscast April 4th

A federal judge in New Orleans has given his final approval to a 20-billion dollar settlement that ends litigation over the 2010 BP Oil Spill. BP will pay 5-point-5 billion dollars in civil Clean Water Act penalties. The five Gulf states impacted by the spill will also be compensated.

Kenner police are investigating a double murder that took place at a home with three young children inside. Michelle Southern has the story…
voicer 2 (27) “…reporting”

A state police trooper is on paid administrative leave after he shot a suspected theif, who was allegedly attempting to break into his unmarked patrol car. The incident happened early Sunday morning in Ascension Parish. Sheriff Jeff Wiley says the incident is under investigation…
cut 10 (09) “…as yet complete”
Wiley says the off-duty trooper and the suspect were scuffling when the police man used his weapon.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says he would be forced to close state parks and historic sites if his office takes a 30-percent cut in state funding. Leesvile Representative James Armes is not happy to hear this. He says tourism can’t take anymore cuts…
cut 16 (10) “….million dollars”
The governor’s proposed budget for next fiscal year will be released Friday.

LRN PM Newscall Monday April 4

Kenner police are investigating a double murder that took place at a home with three young children inside. Michelle Southern has the story…

CUT 1 (27)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Budget cuts are putting Louisiana’s state parks and historic sites at risk, according to Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

A man and a woman were fatally shot in their Kenner home early this morning. Three children were also in the home, but they were not hurt. Lt. Brian McGregor with the Kenner Police Department says the discovery was made after one of the children went to a neighbor’s house.

CUT 3 (07)  “were notified”

Police say the couple was shot multiple times in their bed, where an infant girl was also sleeping. A 2-year-old boy and a 10-year old boy were also in the home. McGregor says none of the shots were self-inflicted….

CUT 4 (04)  “at this time”

McGregor says the children will be placed with family members through Child Protective Services. He says there were no signs of forced entry, but a vehicle was seen fleeing the scene this morning.

CUT 5 (07)  “at this time”

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Police have arrested a 12-year-old and 13-year-old in connection with the armed robbery of a pizza delivery driver in Houma. Authorities are also looking for a third suspect, 17-year-old Leroy Miles. Captain Dawn Foret with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office says the three adolescents robbed the delivery driver in the apartment complex where they live.

CUT 6 (08) “rob him”

Foret says the two juveniles have been arrested for armed robbery, and Miles is wanted for theft of a motor vehicle and armed robbery. She says unfortunately they see kids of all ages commit crimes.

CUT 7 (10) “his vehicle”

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

A man was shot by an off-duty State Police detective after allegedly breaking into his unmarked police unit early Sunday in Ascension Parish. Sheriff Jeff Wiley says a neighbor alerted the cop around 430am that his police unit was being burglarized, so he armed himself, went outside and caught the man in the act…:

CUT 8 (06) “prepared to use it”

Wiley says the alleged thief and the officer got into a tussle which is when the suspect reached for his gun. He says the off-duty detective then shot the man with a shotgun in close proximity…:

CUT 9 (10) “Ascension Parish Jail”

Wiley says the thief had several stolen items in his possession and deputies also recovered a handgun believed to be owned by the suspect. He says the incident is under investigation…:

cut 10 (09)  “as yet complete”

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Authorities say a Sulphur man participating in a triathlon drowned in the Calcasieu River. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Kim Myers says this was a sanctioned triathlon at the Sam Houston State Park where lifeguards, Marines, and spotters in kayaks were on hand. Myers says 25-year-old Taurean Blake swam about 100 yards out when he started to struggle and a Marine jumped in to help.

Cut 11 (11) “eventually did”

Myers says they pulled Blake out of the water and revived him. She says a lifeguard also tried to swim out to Blake, as well as one of the kayaks. She says they made every effort to help Blake.

cut 12 (10) “continued CPR”

Myers says after Blake was revived, he was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

Cut 13 (07)  “the drowning”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser told lawmakers today that further budget cuts to the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism could force him to close several state parks and historic sites. He says with all the money problems Louisiana is facing, the state needs tourism dollars.

cut 14 (10)  “the tracks”

Nungesser says they are looking into private-public partnerships, naming rights, increasing fees, and even using prison workers to save money. He says they are open to any suggestions.

cut 15 (10) “save money” 

Leesville Representative James Armes voiced his concerns for our parks and historic sites, saying all the budget cuts put them at risk. He says lawmakers have cut the budget as much as they can, but tourism can’t take any more cuts.

cut 16 (10) “million dollars”

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

11:40 LRN Sportscast April 4

Former LSU basketball star Shaquille O’ Neal has been elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame. Shaq’s star-studded class also features Allen Iverson, Yao Ming, current Michigan State Coach Tom Izzo and four-time WNBA champion Sheryl Swoopes. After a record setting career at LSU, Shaq went on to win four NBA titles and one regular season MVP award and he was named to the All-Star game 15 times.

Tim Frazier had 19 points and 13 assists as he helped the Pelicans beat Brooklyn 106-87. New Orleans is at Philadelphia tomorrow night.

A big performance from LSU relief pitcher Parker Bugg helped the Tigers beat Auburn 10-5 on Sunday for the Tigers first SEC series victory of the season. Bugg threw 3.2 innings of scoreless of baseball and got out of a bases loaded jam in the sixth inning with a strikeout.

Former North Webster High standout Devin White was one of the top running backs in high school football in the state last year, but he’s now working on the defensive side of the ball for the Tigers. Coach Les Miles says White had an impressive scrimmage on Saturday…
cut 17 (10) “…in tackles”
Miles says sophomore defensive end Arden Key, also had a good scrimmage as he had six tackles and one sack.

Louisiana Tech has to replace eight starters from last year’s defense. Bulldogs coach Skip Holtz likes what he’s seen from potential new starters on the D-line…
cut 30 (12) “…right place”
In a scrimmage on Saturday, safety Theron Williams had an interception return for a touchdown.