10:30 LRN Newscast

The House Criminal Justice Committee has approved a bill that would result in law enforcement charging women with murder if they terminate an abortion. The proposed law also says any judge that attempts to overrule or void the proposed law shall be subject to impeachment or removal. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala says the bill is probably unconstitutional, but it’s not the legislature’s responsibility to determine constitutionality…
Cut 7 (08) “…the courts”
The measure faces more discussion on the House floor.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser who oversees tourism in this state says the state attracted 41-million visitors last year. In 2019 the state had 53-million visitors and Nungesser would like to see visitors top 50-million again…
cut 9 (06) “….to do that”
Spring festivals are reporting huge crowds and today begins the second weekend of Jazz Fest.

The “Honey Badger” has come home. Tyrann Mathieu is officially a New Orleans Saint and he couldn’t be happier. David Grubb has more.
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

Sad news to report today, Nick Tullier has passed away. He was the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Deputy that was shot multiple times in 2016 during an ambush that killed three other law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge. Tullier’s family confirmed his death with a post on Facebook that says “God has gained his best angel this morning.

LRN PM Newscall May 4

Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval is having a hard time connecting with his House members on a bill to prohibit drivers from handling a cell phone. Michelle Southern has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

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Hurricane season is less than a month away, and the Governor says there’s no time to waste in getting prepared. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (35)…I’m David Grubb.”  

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A bill banning a driver from handling a cell phone while driving failed to pass in the Louisiana House. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s legislation faced opposition from Amite Representative Robby Carter, who says not everyone drives a car with Bluetooth technology, but Huval says there are inexpensive accessories available that allow for hands-free cell phone use…

Cut 3 (11) “…your hands”

Huval says banning handheld cell phone use will cut down on distracted driving crashes. But Plaquemine Representative and Attorney Chad Brown is concerned this proposed law could lead to illegal searches…

Cut 4  (09) “..thank you”

Brown also questioned the enforcement of the proposed law. He says it would be difficult for an officer to determine if a person is holding their cellphone or some other object…

Cut 5  (12) “…phone charger”

The vote was 48-46 for the bill, but it needs 53 to pass.

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As part of National Hurricane Preparedness Week, Governor John Bel Edwards, his staff, and several other officials held a press conference to signal the state’s ramp up with hurricane season less than a month away.

Cut 6  (12) “…natural disasters.” 

Edwards stressed that while state agencies will do everything that they can to ensure that strong response plans are in place, what Louisianans do is even more important to successfully navigate hurricane season.

Cut 7 (12) “…natural disaster.” 

The governor says one of the lessons learned from Hurricanes Laura and Ida over the past two years, is just how quickly storms are forming and intensifying, and that time is no longer a luxury that the state has.

Cut 8 (08) “…the new normal.” 

For help in putting your plan together and up-to-date information throughout hurricane season, visit getagameplan.org.

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A bill to prohibit transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports in Louisiana cleared another legislative hurdle. Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed this measure last year, but Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says the public overwhelming supports her legislation

Cut 9 (11) “…biological females.”

Mizell’s measure has been approved by the Senate and today passed out of the House Education Committee on a seven to one vote. One of the governor’s arguments is that the bill is in search of a problem that doesn’t exist in Louisiana. Peyton Rose Michelle with Louisiana Trans Advocates agrees…

Cut 10 (09) “…need attention”

In support of the proposal, the panel heard from retired women’s soccer player Anne Metz, who said her career ended when she was blindsided during a game by a biological male who self-identified as a female.

Cut 11 (11)  “…my head.”  (2x)

Metz says she has been diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. The bill heads to the House floor for final legislative passage.

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The U.S. Supreme Court seems poised to overturn the landmark Roe versus Wade case based on an opinion draft leaked to the media.  Louisiana Coalition for Reproductive Freedom coordinator Jessica Frankel says the nation’s highest court is going against popular opinion…

Cut 12 (10) “.is okay”  

A recent LSU poll found that 49-percent of Louisiana residents thought abortion should be illegal, while 46-percent say it should be legal. Frankel says for women considering an abortion, the three licensed clinics in the state are still open

Cut 13 (11) “…in Louisiana”

Senator Bill Cassidy a pro-life politician had this to say about the possible overturning of Roe versus Wade

Cut 14 (04)  “…I support”

Cassidy is concerned the draft opinion was released to the Politico. He says the person responsible for the leak must be found and held accountable

Cut 15 (07) “…institutions of government” 

1:30 LRN Newscast

The House Education Committee approved a Senate-backed measure that prohibits transgender athletes from competing on girls’ sports teams. The panel heard testimony from retired women’s soccer player Anne Metz, who said her career ended when she was blindsided during a game by a biological male who self-identified as a female…
cut 11 (11) “…my head” (2x)
The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act just needs full House approval and then it goes to the governor, where could it be vetoed again.

A bill to prohibit handheld cell phones while driving failed to gain passage in the House. Plaquemine Representative and Attorney Chad Brown is concerned Mike Huval’s proposed law could lead to illegal searches…
Cut 4 (09) “..thank you”
The bill failed to pass by five votes.

The U.S. Supreme Court seems poised to overturn the landmark Roe versus Wade case based on an opinion draft leaked to the media. Louisiana Coalition for Reproductive Freedom coordinator Jessica Frankel says the nation’s highest court is going against popular opinion across the country…
cut 12 (10) “…abortion is okay”
A recent LSU poll found 49-percent of Louisiana residents thought abortion should be illegal, while 46-percent say it should be legal.

It’s hurricane preparedness week and state officials are encouraging residents to get prepared now even though the season does not officially begin until June 1st. Governor Edwards says one of the lessons learned from Hurricanes Laura and Ida is that storms are intensifying faster…
cut 8 (08) “…new normal”

11:30 LRN Newscast

A recent surge in sextortion of children cases has the FBI on alert. David Grubb has more…
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.”

State Police have changed the status of the case of Ella Goodie, the 33-year-old ride share driver from Lafayette Parish who vanished in March. It’s now a homicide investigation instead of a missing person case. Goodie’s vehicle was found in Missouri and Brandon Francisco has been named a person of interest.

The major national news story is the draft opinion indicating the US Supreme Court might be poised to overturn Roe v Wade would immediately make abortions illegal in Louisiana. Tulane University law professor Keith Werhan (pronounced “WER-han”) says having a justice’s draft opinion leaked to the press is rare and the Supreme Court will not take it lightly…:
Cut 13 (08) “a vigorous one”

A bill banning handheld cell phone use while driving failed to get approval in the Louisiana House. During the debate, Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s legislation faced opposition from Amite Representative Robby Carter, who says not everyone drives a car with Bluetooth technology, but Huval says there are inexpensive accessories available that allow for hands-free cell phone use…
Cut 3 (11) “…your hands”
Huval says banning hand held cell phone use will cut down on distracted driving crashes.

10:30 LRN Newscast May 4

The House Education Committee has voted against a bill that would prohibit teachers from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity in front of the entire classroom. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton says her bill isn’t intended to hurt or discriminate against anyone, but to assure children are not exposed to inappropriate adult topics…
cut 10 (07) “….instruction time”
The panel heard from numerous opponents, including this parent of two children in the East Baton Rouge school system…
cut 25 (10) “…discriminatory”
The House committee agreed and voted against it on a vote of seven to four.

Today the House Education Committee debates a bill that bans transgender women from participating in female sports.

The FBI says there’s been an increase in sextortion schemes targeting children in Monroe, Shreveport, and Alexandria. FBI spokesperson Connor Hagan says the predators are engaging in sexual activity over video chat. He says the juvenile believes the questionable content will be deleted, but the predator than threatens to post the videos on social media pages, unless they receive money…
cut 5 (08) “….for financial gain”
If you know someone who may be a victim, contact the FBI.

The lawyer for the former head of State Police, Kevin Reeves, says the legislative committee investigating the fatal 2019 arrest of Ronald Green has what they need from his client. Houma Representative Tanner Magge believes Reeves is acting in contempt for refusing to provide a particular journal entry. But Lewis Unglesby says what Magee is looking for is not relevant…:
cut 15 (08) “interested in”

LRN AM Newscall May 4

A recent surge in sextortion of children cases has the FBI on alert. David Grubb has more…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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A House committee rejects a bill that’s been called Louisiana’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Attorney Lewis Unglesby says it’s an unreasonable response for state lawmakers to hold former State Police leader Kevin Reeves in contempt for not handing over certain information from his personal journals. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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The FBI is warning parents of a rise in sextortion schemes targeting children in the Monroe, Alexandria, and Shreveport areas. The crime-fighting agency says it has received several reports of predators posing as children and coercing minors into sending them sexually explicit materials for the purpose of extorting money from them. Spokesperson Connor Hagan says prevention begins with a clear warning…

Cut 4 (11)  “…that they are.”

Hagan says an underage person should never send intimate or explicit photos or videos over the internet. He pointed out that many kids believe that using certain apps delete questionable content after a view and they are protected. Unfortunately, they are not.

Cut 5 (11) “…for financial gain.”

One of the barriers to identifying and catching predators is the embarrassment that the victims feel. Hagan offers advice to parents or guardians when dealing with a child who comes forward.

Cut 6 (12)  “…contact the FBI.”

If you know someone who may be a victim of sextortion, contact FBI New Orleans at 504-816-3000 and do not delete anything that could potentially be used as evidence.

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The House Education committee rejects a bill prohibiting teachers from discussing gender identity or sexual orientation in classrooms. A similar bill recently passed in Florida is dubbed by opponents as the “Don’t Say Gay Bill”. Bossier Parish Republican Dodie Horton says her bill is  straightforward…:

Cut 7 (12) “…state standard-slash-curriculum.”

Under Horton’s HB 837, teachers would not be allowed to discuss the topics of gender preference or sexual orientation with kids in grades K though 8. The bill drew opposition from several witnesses, like Brenna Wells, with the LSU School of Social Work and LGBTQ Studies, who feels the bill is mean-spirited…:

Cut 8 (12)  “…and their future.”

Committee member and New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says the language of Horton’s bill is “too broad” and does not need to be part of state statutes…:

Cut 9 (09)  “…cannot support this bill.”

Horton says her bill isn’t intended to hurt or discriminate against anyone, but to assure children aren’t exposed to inappropriate adult topics…:

Cut 10 (07) “…instructional time.”

After hours of discussion, the committee voted 7-to-4 to reject the bill; ending its progress for the session.

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The emergence of a leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion indicating the 1973 Roe v. Wade abortion rights decision might soon be overturned has implications for Louisiana. Abortions would be illegal, under a 2006 “trigger bill”; written to kick in if the Justices ever took that action. Tulane University law professor Keith Werhan (pronounced “WER-han”) says Justice Alito’s draft has preliminary support with conservative colleagues on the High Court, but it’s not yet a “done deal”…:

Cut  11 (11)  “…gonna want that.”  

Chief Justice John Roberts has confirmed the leaked draft IS authentic, and Werhan feels – if there are enough voted to reverse Roe V. Wade – that will eventually happen. He says the High court rarely goes back and overrules its own precedents. He says they more often seek to narrow precedent rulings, or revise them in some way..:

Cut 12 (08) “…opinion was drafted.” 

Werhan says having a justice’s draft opinion leaked to the press is rare and the Supreme Court will not take lightly…:

Cut 13 (08) “…a vigorous one.”

If the High court reverses Roe v. Wade, abortions would become illegal in Louisiana immediately.

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The lawyer for former State Police Colonel Kevin Reeves says a legislative committee investigating the fatal arrest of Ronald Greene has the information they need from the journals kept by Reeves. Houma Representative Tanner Magee has threatened to charge Reeves with contempt, but attorney Lewis Unglesby says that is an unreasonable response

Cut 14 (10)  “…confusion there”

Magee met with Unglesby on Monday to make copies of pages in the journal pertaining to anything written about the Greene case. Magee believes Reeves is acting in contempt for refusing to provide an entry dated June 17th, 2020 that mentioned the governor by name and police brutality. But Unglesby says it’s just a random discussion on police brutality

Cut 15 (08)  “…interested in.”

Unglesby says anything in the journals kept by Reeves pertaining to the Greene case has been given to lawmakers

Cut 16 (11)  “…the committee.”

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The homecoming of former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu has electrified New Orleans Saints fans, but perhaps no place is more proud of the “Honey Badger” than St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, where Mathieu’s athletic career began. School CEO Aulston Taylor says it’s been a long time coming, but it’s great to see a Purple Knight back in the Black and Gold.

Cut 17 (20) “ …coming back.” 

Mathieu wasn’t a superstar prospect coming out of St. Aug. and was overlooked by many of the top programs in the country. Taylor says his journey and perseverance serve as an example to the young men who walk the school’s halls today.

Cut 18 (21) “ …someone did that.” 

Community service has been a major part of Mathieu’s career, and he was nominated by the Kansas City Chiefs for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award last season, an honor that went to another former Tiger, Andrew Whitworth. Taylor believes that Mathieu will make a difference in his native New Orleans as well, just as he was taught at St. Augustine years ago.

Cut 19 (20) _“…young men.” 

5:30 LRN Newscast Legislative Report

After a lengthy debate, the House Education Committee voted against a bill that would have prohibited teachers from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity in front of the entire classroom. The measure died on a four to seven vote, New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman voted against it…
cut 9 (10) “…cannot support this bill”

Lawmakers are working on legislation to incentivize retired teachers to come back to the classroom to help address a teacher shortage…
cut 4 (10) “….get it”
Currently, retired teachers can return to the classroom and collect 25-percent of their final average compensation. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds’ bill boosts that percentage up to 50-percent. It has been approved by the House.

The lawyer for former State Police Colonel Kevin Reeves says a legislative committee investigating the fatal arrest of Ronald Greene has the information they need from the journals kept by Reeves. Houma Representative Tanner Magee has threatened to charge Reeves with contempt, but attorney Lewis Unglesby says that would be an unreasonable response…
cut 14 (10) “…confusion there’
Magee met with Unglesby on Monday to make copies of pages in the journal pertaining to anything written about the Greene case. Magee believes Reeves is acting in contempt for refusing to provide an entry dated June 17th, 2020 that mentioned the governor by name and police brutality…
cut 11 (12) “….contempt charges”
Unglesby says anything in the journals kept by Reeves pertaining to the Greene case has been given to lawmakers

LRN PM Newscall May 3

The Louisiana House approves a bill that expands the state’s medical-marijuana program. Michelle Southern has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

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Based on a draft opinion from the Supreme Court, abortions in Louisiana could soon be illegal in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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The Louisiana House unanimously backs legislation that would allow some retired teachers to return to work, while still receiving their full retirement benefits. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds on why this bill is needed…

Cut 3 (04) “…door step”

Edmonds is the sponsor of the legislation and the state department of education has expressed concern about not having enough qualified teachers…

Cut 4  (10) “..get it”

Currently, retired teachers can return to the classroom and collect 25-percent of their final average compensation. Edmonds boosts that percentage up to 50-percent. He was asked why not move the percentage higher…

Cut 5  (09) “…we can pass”

Edmonds bill heads to the Senate for further consideration. The Senate has already passed its own bill to bring back retired teachers.

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The Louisiana House overwhelming approves a bill to expand the medical marijuana program. There are currently nine licensed medical marijuana pharmacies in Louisiana and Houma Representative Tanner Magee’s measure awards a tenth license and allows licensee holders to open multiple pharmacies…

Cut 6  (10) “…who are closer” 

A big complaint from medical marijuana patients is access with only nine pharmacies that dispense the drug. Gretna Representative Joe Marino added an amendment to the bill that allows a medical marijuana license holder to open another location if they have 25-hundred patients…

Cut 7 (12) “…locations.” 

The bill also allows home delivery.

Magee says the legislation also shifts regulatory authority from the department of agriculture to the department of health

Cut 8 (10) “…products.” 

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The bipartisan committee investigating the circumstances of and events following the deadly arrest of Black motorist Ronald Greene is set to hold the former head of the Louisiana State Police, Kevin Reeves, in contempt for his refusal to turn over documents that could shed additional light on the actions of LSP. Here’s the committee chair, Representative Tanner Magee…

Cut 9 (12) “…the subpoena.”

Magee says he arranged to meet with Reeve’s attorney, Lewis Unglesby to review the journals only for notes related specifically to the Greene case. When he arrived, the meeting did not go as planned…

Cut 10 (10) “…got a little heated.”

During the meeting, Magee said he identified an entry date of June 17, 2020, that referenced Governor John Bel Edwards by name along with notes about police brutality and body cams, and wanted to review it in greater detail. Unglesby refused to turn it over, along with the other requested materials, leading to the current situation…

Cut 11 (12)  “…contempt charges.” 

In response, Unglesby says that Col. Reeves hasn’t done anything to warrant contempt charges and has been wholly cooperative with the investigation.

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Based on a draft opinion leaked to Politico the U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to overturn the 1973 case Roe versus Wade that legalized abortion nationwide. Such a decision would mean abortion would be illegal in Louisiana. Louisiana Right to Life Director Ben Clapper explains why…

Cut 12 (08) “..overturned.”  

That 2006 trigger law was signed by former Democratic Governor Kathleen Blanco.

The Supreme Court is making its ruling based on a legal challenge to a Mississippi law that bans abortion after 15 weeks. Clapper says an initial draft majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito says Roe was wrong from the start and it’s time to return the abortion issue to the public’s elected representatives

Cut 13 (09) “…in Washington D.C.”

Because of Louisiana’s trigger law, three abortion clinics in this state will close immediately if the Supreme Court overturns Roe versus Wade. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry tweeted that she is so sorry for what will happen to women in our country. Clapper had this response

Cut 14 (12)  “…filer.”

11:30 LRN Newscast

Improving access to medical marijuana is one of the goals of state lawmakers during the ongoing session. The Louisiana House has approved a bill that allows the nine medical marijuana license holders to open more than one pharmacy if they have a patient count over 25-hundred. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says the legislation also shifts regulatory authority from the ag department to the department of health…
cut 28 (10) “…..products”

Louisiana schools would offer free menstrual supplies in bathrooms as a result of a bill that’s awaiting discussion on the House floor. The House Education Committee approved the measure and Ananya Bhatia from Caddo Magnet in Shreveport testified in favor…
cut 8 (12) “…basic needs”
Eleven states already have bills requiring schools to provide menstrual products.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says lawmakers are still looking at legislation to prevent huge increases in flood insurance premiums as a result of Risk Rating 2.0. Graves says one proposed bill has bipartisan support…
cut 12 (13) ‘…these rates together”
Graves says the ultimate solution is to build better storm and flood mitigation measures, so flood insurance is not a necessity.

A student from Southern University Lab in Baton Rouge has received the honorable Gold Medal Congressional Award. The accolade awarded to Kelsie Tillage, who is in 11th grade, is the highest honor a young person can achieve from Congress. Tillage says she’s so grateful…:
CUT 13 (06) “community as well”
Tillage has a 4.29-grade point average and performs hundreds of hours of community service.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Legislation to require Louisiana schools to provide menstrual products for students advances to the House floor. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana House unanimously backs legislation that would allow some retired teachers to return to work, while still receiving their full retirement benefits. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds on why this bill is needed…
Cut 3 (04) “…doorstep”
Currently, retired teachers can return the classroom and collect 25-percent of their final average compensation. Edmonds boosts that percentage up to 50-percent. The bill heads to the Senate for more discussion.

A bill that expands the state’s medical-marijuana program has received approval from the Louisiana House. The legislation contains an amendment by Gretna Representative Joe Marino, which allows a medical marijuana license holder to open another location if they have 25-hundred patients…
cut 7 (12) “….locations”
The bill heading to the Senate also allows for mail delivery.

Kelsie Tillage, a junior at Southern Lab High School has received a Gold Medal Congressional Award. It’s the highest honor a youth civilian can achieve. Tillage is a member of her school’s student government association, volleyball team, was named student of the year in her district, and completed hundreds of hours of community service, mostly focused on child literacy…
cut 14 (10) “…able to learn”
Tillage is one of Louisiana’s first high school students to achieve the gold medal award.