14:30 LRN Newscast May 3rd

A Senate-approved measure is heading to the House that expands the number of diseases that could be treated with medical marijuana once it becomes available in Louisiana. Dr. Will Hall with the Louisiana Baptist Office of Public Policy raised concerns about putting medical marijuana in the hands of more and more people…
cut 15 (05) “…promote expansion”
Supporters say medical marijuana can help hundreds of people who suffer from various disorders.

A measure that prohibits the sale or donation of fetal tissue is moving closer to final legislative passage. It was approved by a House committee today. The measure is by Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti…
cut 12 (09) “…criminal law”
The bill is the result of videos which purportedly showed Planned Parenthood representatives talking about the sale of aborted fetal parts.

A House committee approves legislation that would give domestic violence victims a chance to get an expedited or temporary permit to carry a gun. Wade Duty with the Louisiana Shooting Association says it’s very hard to get into a class and a woman could be killed waiting to take a training course…
cut 9 (10) “…this bill”
The measure now heads to the full House.

The House has approved a measure that would require students to take a wellness exam before they enter kindergarten or the sixth grade. The vote was 59-37 in favor. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee opposed the legislation. She says the health exam is unnecessary and could be costly, especially if the child has government health care….
cut 6 (10) “….not necessary”
But supporters say the measure could improve children’s health.

LRN PM Newscall May 3rd

Legislation to allow victims of domestic violence with a protective order to carry a concealed handgun with an expedited and temporary permit now moves to the full House. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A bill to expand the list of diseases for which doctors can prescribe medical marijuana barely made it out of the House Health and Welfare Committee. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Public school students could start getting lessons in personal finance management, if a bill by Minden Representative Gene Reynolds gains more approval in the legislature. The measure has been approved in the House Education Committee with no objection. Reynolds says this proposal would not create a financial literacy course. He says teachers could add finance lessons to the regular curriculum.

CUT 3 (07)  “whole idea”

Reynolds says students in every grade can learn something about money. He says even in kindergarten, you learn to count pennies, which he says could be considered financial literacy. He says many schools are already teaching students about finance management.

CUT 4 (06)  “special projects”

The bill now moves to the House floor.

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Another proposal aimed at public schools by New Orleans Representative Walt Leger would require students to have wellness exams before entering kindergarten and sixth grade. Leger says this just ensures that any health issue that a student may have can be caught early.

CUT 5 (07)  “and otherwise”

But Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says this could cost the state more money, because kids who use government healthcare would be required to get medically unnecessary exams at the state’s expense.

CUT 6 (10) “not necessary”

Leger says parents would be able to opt out of getting the exams, like they can with vaccines. He says these exams would benefit all students who get them, even if they are healthy.

CUT 7 (09) “evaluated”

The measure passed on a 59-37 vote and moves to the Senate.

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A bill to allow victims of domestic violence who have been issued a protective order to carry a concealed handgun with an expedited and temporary permit passed out of the House Criminal Justice committee. Author of the legislation, Denham Springs Rep. Valerie Hodges, says according to the FBI, a woman is battered every 15 seconds. She says she is committed to protecting victims of domestic violence.

CUT 8 (10) “Trade Center”

Hodges says this is a very real problem and right now it takes six to eight weeks to obtain a permit. Wade Duty with the Louisiana Shooting Association says it’s very hard to get into a class and a woman could be killed waiting to take a training course.

CUT 9 (10) “this bill”

The measure now heads to the full House. The NRA supports expediting the process for obtaining concealed carry permit. Hodges says daughters, sisters, and mothers are being murdered at the hands of former loved ones and wants to give them a chance.

cut 10 (08)  “the attack”

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Buying, selling, transporting, or donating fetal tissue from an abortion could earn someone a bed behind bars for at least 10 years, under a proposal by Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti. The bill has been approved by the Senate, as well as a House committee. Gatti says people should not benefit in any way from induced abortions.

Cut 11 (07) “be sold”

Gatti says this bill does not apply to donating fetal tissue for stem cell research or umbilical cord blood. He says he put every word that could possibly be used for this act, to make sure that everyone involved can be prosecuted.

cut 12 (09) “criminal law”

The measure passed the House Health and Welfare committee without opposition and now heads to the full House.

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A bill that expands the number of diseases for which medical marijuana can be prescribed was narrowly approved by the House Health and Welfare Committee today.  St. Martin Parish Senator Fred Mills is the author of the legislation and says he’s encountered many individuals who say medical cannabis can help their child cope with numerous diseases.

Cut 13 (09)  “back yard”

When the legislature approved the legal dispensing of medical marijuana last year, they only allowed three different diseases to receive the medication. Katie Corkern says her son, who has uncontrollable seizures, could benefit from medical marijuana and doesn’t understand why lawmakers would oppose a bill that could help her child.

cut 14 (12)  “was seizing”

Dr. Will Hall with the Louisiana Baptist Office of Public Policy spoke out against the bill. He says this proposal would put medical marijuana in the hands of more and more people without prescriptions.

cut 15 (05) “promote expansion”

Pete Adams, Executive Director of the Louisiana DA’s Association, also opposes the measure because he says medical cannabis has not been proven to help with these illnesses. He says this bill is a gateway to total legalization.

cut 16 (11) “of marijuana”

The bill passed on an 8-6 vote and moves to the full House for more debate.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU’s 2017 recruiting class now features two quarterbacks. The Tigers have received a verbal commitment from St. James signal caller Lowell Narcisse, who is rated as a four-star prospect. Narcisse was once an Auburn commitment and has received offers from several schools, including Alabama and Clemson. Narcisse only appeared in four games last season, because of a torn ACL. The other 2017 QB commitment is Myles Brennan from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

Longtime Franklinton High School football coach Shane Smith has been added to Southeastern Lousiiana’s staff. Smith led the Demons to seven district titles and a state championship in 2010. He ‘ll coach the wide receivers at SLU.

LSU football has the sixth toughest football schedule in 2016 based on ESPN’s Football Power Index. Southern Cal has the toughest, followed by Ole Miss who has the second toughest. Alabama has the fifth toughest schedule.

Louisiana Tech is losing an assistant men’s basketball coach. Corey Barker, who is a Houston native, has been hired by TCU. Former Louisiana tech star Paul Millsap had 17 points and 13 rebounds last night, but his Atlanta Hawks lost to Cleveland 104-93 in Game one of their best seven series. Former LSU star Ben Simmons was sitting courtside for that game.

LSU baseball has fallen five spots to number 13 in the Baseball America’s poll. Tulane is ranked 20th for a second week in a row.

The LHSAA says high schools can’t appeal a ruling that eliminated several schools from the baseball playoffs. Some teams were unable to complete its best of three series by a Sunday deadline, because of all of the rain. So the school that had a 1-0 lead in the best of three series advanced and the other team was ousted from the postseason. The LHSAA says the ruling, which was approved by member principals, is cut and dry and there’s no room for interpertation.

10:30 LRN Newscast May 3rd

A bill that puts new cost controls on TOPS heads to the governor’s desk. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry says the taxpayer funded scholarship program costs the state nearly 300-million dollars…
cut 16 (08) “…the future”
Under the measure, the legislature would pay the full amount of TOPS scholarships next school year, but that might not be the case in future years, if tuition rises.

A new website has been created for those working poor who will be eligible for Medicaid now that the state is expanding the government financed health insurance program. The site is healthy-dot-la-dot-gov.
cut 10 (09) “….your providers”
That’s Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Doctor Rebekah Gee, who estimates 375-thousand people will get insurance from the expansion.

A proposal to raise the age of adult prosecution by one year to 18-year-olds heads to the House after it received strong support on the Senate floor. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell, says 17-year-old offenders of minor crimes would have a better chance at succeeding at life, if they went through the juvenile court system instead of the adult…
cut 12 (11) “…adult facility”
The measure has the support of Governor Edwards.

A Slidell man faces numerous charges after authorities say he intentionally struck a school crossing guard with his vehicle. Slidell Police say 33-year-old Francis Gras got into a verbal alteraction with the crossing guard and then witnesses say Gras placed his vehicle in reverese, squealed his tires, then accelerated forward, intentionally striking the crossing guard, who is expected to make a full recovery.

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

Louisiana Senate has approved legislation that would send 17-year-old non-violent offenders through the juvenile court system, instead of adult court. The measure was approved on a 33-4 vote. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says 17-year-olds who are convicted crimes would be better off if they didn’t go to an adult jail…
jp 1 and cut 30 (08) “…hardened criminal”
The bill, which is supported by Governor Edwards, heads to the House for more discussion.

One of the governor’s main bills for the session, raising the minimum wage is having a difficult time gaining approval in the Senate…
cut 1 (07) “…that bill”
The measure barely got past the Senate Labor committee, but it’s been stuck in the Senate Finance committee, because it will result in pay raises for the state’s lowest paid workers.

Baton Rouge Representative Ted James was unable to get enough votes from the House Commerce Committee to advance a measure that would allow law enforcement to unlock a homicide victims’ phone, if they were able to get a court order. James called the bill the “Brittney Mills Act.” She was murdered over a year ago and her case is still unsolved. Shreveport representative Thomas Carmody voted against it after hearing concerns this legislation could risk consumer protection…
cut 20 (12) “…is doable”
James might bring the bill up for another vote.

The full house has given final legislative passage to a bill is that would lock the value of the TOPS scholarship at its current price and it would not go up automatically, even if tuition rises. That means TOPS students would be forced to pay a portion of their tuition, if it goes up. Governor Edwards is expected to sign it.

16:30 LRN Newscast May 2nd

Louisiana’s high school graduation rate has reached an all-time high. Don Molino reports…
voicer 1 (31) “…reporting”

Roy King, the former director of the LSU Golden Band from Tiger Land, has filed a lawsuit seeking monetary damages from LSU for his recent dismissal by the university. LSU has not commented on King’s firing, but his attorney says it came at the end of a witch hunt conducted by jealous colleagues.

Officials across the Northshore announce the start of “Operation Angel” – a program whereby a person addicted to drugs can walk into a police station and ask for help instead of being charged with a crime. Covington Police Chief Tim Lentz says it’s time law enforcement changes the way they do business…:
CUT 12 (08) “not a crime”
He says the only requirement of Operation Angel is that an addict ask for help and want to change their life.

Cleco utility customers can expect a $475 credit on their bills beginning in July, as a result of the Pineville-based company’s sale to foreign investors. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says the Louisiana Public Service Commission created this credit as a part of their transaction…:
CUT 6 (06) “from Cleco”
Cahill says the credit will be applied until it runs out.

16:45 LRN Sportscast May 2nd

Four-star quarterback prospect Lowell Narcisse announced on Twitter that he has committed to play college football at LSU. In the 2017 recruiting class, Narcisse is rated as the top dual-threat QB in the country and listed as one of the best players overall by ESPN. The St. James star originally committed to Auburn, but decommitted in January. Narcisse suffered two injuries last year and only played in three games during his junior season.

One of the Saints five draft picks is a running back. New Orleans selected Daniel Lasco in the seventh round. Lasco played for Sonny Dykes at California and New Orleans General Manager Mickey Loomis believes Lacsco could be a good special teams performer…
cut 18 (18) “…as a running back”

After several long rain delays, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans finally crowned a winner today as Brian Stuard beat Jamie Lovemark on the second hole of a playoff. It’s Stuard’s first win on the PGA Tour. Stuard didn’t record a single bogey during the tournament, which was shortened to 54 holes because of all of the rain.

The LSU Tigers are falling in the major college baseball polls after dropping two of three from Ole Miss. Baseball America has the Tigers ranked 13th, D-1 Baseball has the Bayou Bengals ranked 17th. LSU doesn’t play again until Friday, because of finals week. The Tigers will host Arkansas this weekend.

Elsewhere…UL Lafayette is in second place in the Sun Belt after taking two of three from UT-Arlington. Tulane is also in second place in the American Athletic Association. Louisiana Tech is in fifth place in Conference USA, after winning two of three from Texas-San Antonio. Southeastern swept Houston Baptist and is still in first place in the Southland. and Grambling leads the western division of the SWAC.

15:30 LRN Newscast May 2nd

Louisiana’s high school graduation rate has hit an all-time high as 78-percent of the Class of 2015 received their diplomas. Louisiana still lags behind the national graduation rate which was 82-percent in 2014. But State Superintendent of Education John White says the state’s graduation rate is rising faster than the nation’s…
cut 11 (06) “…significant gains”
White is also pleased to see the graduation rate for African-American students has increased 12.5 percent since 2010.

St. Tammany law enforcement announced a new way of dealing with drug addicts. Covington Police Chief Tim Lentz if a drug addict turns in their drugs or drug parphernalia they will help that person get treatment…
cut 14 (10) “…in jail”
Lentz says law enforcement is calling it Operation Angel. Several law agencies in St. Tammany are participating.

Good news for Cleco customers. They will see a 475-dollar credit on their bill in July as a result of the Pineville-based utility company’s sale to a group of foregin investors. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill…
cut 8 (03) “….customers’
Cahill says the credit will be applied until it runs out, meaning some customers will not have to pay a utility bill for a couple of months.

A flash flood watch for the southern half of the state is set to expire at 7 PM tonight. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 5 (08) “…go away”
Keim says rain moves out of the state after today and we are looking a dry week.

14:30 LRN Newscast May 2nd

State Superintendent of Education John White says the state’s graduation rate has hit an all-time high of 78-percent. White says this class has benefited from policy changes made by BESE in 2012 and many in this class also participated in education classes prior to kindergarten…
cut 10 (07) “…LA 4”
Louisiana’s high school graduation rate still trails the nation’s which is at 82-pecent.

We’re seeing more heavy rainfall across Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says isolated areas could see another three inches of rainfall, which could produce street flooding
cut 4 (09) “….that in use”
Keim says the rain moves out of the state tomorrow and we have a dry week in front of us.

Officials in St. Tammany announce the start of a program that would let drug addicts turn in their drugs to police and get help instead of being arrested. Michelle Southern reports…
voicer 2 (28) “….reporting”

The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s office says they’ve made an arrest in the death of a 16-year-old Kenner girl who was found dead in a ditch in St. Rose. The man arrested is Daniel Beckley and he’s been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Jorian White. Beckley is the longtime boyfriend of the victim’s mother. Investigators say Beckley was the last known adult to see White alive.

LRN PM Newscall May 2nd

Louisiana’s high school graduation rate has reached an all-time high. Don Molino reports…:

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Don Molino”

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Officials in St. Tammany announce the start of a program that would let drug addicts turn in their drugs to police and get help instead of being arrested. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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South Louisiana is under flash flood watch until seven o’ clock tonight. State Climatologist Barry Keim says much of the state is already water logged after severe storms dumped several inches of rain along the I-10 corridor…

CUT 3 (08)  “been hammered”

Keim says the heavy rainfall is the result of a slow moving cold front that could produce in excess of three inches of rain in isolated areas…

CUT 4 (09)  “that in use”

Keim says the heavy rainfall is expected to move out of the state tomorrow, but until then, we have another afternoon where the umbrella will be needed…

CUT 5 (08)  “g0 away”

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Cleco utility customers can expect a $475 credit on their bills beginning in July, as a result of the Pineville-based company’s sale to foreign investors. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says the Louisiana Public Service Commission created this credit as a part of their transaction.

CUT 6 (06) “from Cleco”

Cahill says the credit will be applied until it runs out, meaning some customers will not have to pay a utility bill for a couple of months.

CUT 7 (09) “fifth month”

Cahill says the deal, which closed on April 13, will benefit both residents and businesses.

CUT 8 (03) “customers”

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Louisiana’s high school graduation rate is at an all-time high, as 78-percent of the Class of 2015 received their diplomas. State Education Superintendent John White, says that’s almost a 3-percent increase over the previous year, which is the second largest annual gain in 10 years. He believes more students are graduating, because educators raised the bar.

CUT 9 (09) “high expectation”

White says this achievement continues a trend since 2012 when BESE implemented policy changes that includes the start of the Jump Start program which prepares students for technical careers and the expansion of the Advanced Placement program. He says this graduating class also participated in education classes prior to kindergarten.

cut 10 (07)  “LA 4”

White says Louisiana is also the most improved state in the country on ACT test scores, and the second most improved in the number of graduates achieving an Advanced Placement college credit. Louisiana still lags behind the national graduation rate which was 82-percent in 2014. But White says the state’s graduation rate is rising faster than the nation’s.

Cut 11 (06) “significant gains”

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Officials in St. Tammany Parish announced today the beginning of “Operation Angel” – a program whereby a person addicted to drugs can walk into a police station and ask for help instead of being charged with a crime. Covington Police Chief Tim Lentz says it’s time law enforcement changes the way they do business…:

cut 12 (08) “not a crime”

Lentz says this program would provide addicts with the help they need, without fear of being arrested. He says chemically dependent people would need to surrender any drugs they have, then they’ll be escorted by an “angel” to walk them through the recovery process at Giving Hope Retreat in Lacombe…:

Cut 13 (07)  “a week”

Agencies participating include the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Slidell Police, Mandeville Police, Madisonville Police, Folsom Police and Pearl River Police. Lentz says the only requirement is that an addict must want to change their life. He encourages those suffering from addiction in St. Tammany Parish communities to go to your police department of sheriff’s office, and ask for help…:

cut 14 (10)  “in jail”

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