LRN AM Newscall May 6, 2016

With only four more weeks left in the regular session, Emelie Gunn looks at what legislators will be discussing before they adjourn on June 6th

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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 With Mother’s Day on Sunday, many people will treat Mom to a nice meal. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Senator Fred Mills’ bill, which expands the list of medical conditions that medical marijuana can be used to treat, has the support of Governor John Bel Edwards. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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There is a month left in the legislative session and lawmakers still have a lot to. Jeremy Alford with LaPolitics.com says the budget is the biggest concern for legislators. He says lawmakers are working to pass a balanced budget with a 600 million dollar shortfall before the session ends on June 6th and funding TOPS is a major priority.

cut 4  (10)  “that amount”

The House Appropriations committee is expected to make changes to the proposed budget for next fiscal year on Monday and send the spending plan to the House floor. Alford also says one of the governor’s main bills for the session, a measure that raises the minimum wage, faces an uphill climb.

Cut 5  (10)  “budget crunch”

Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to call a second special session in June. It make take a second special session to figure out funding for TOPS. Alford says one bill that will likely be signed by the governor soon, is a measure that could one day lead to TOPS recipients no longer having their full tuition paid for…

Cut 6 (07)  “rate increases”

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Mother’s Day is this Sunday and restaurants will be packed with families getting together to celebrate Mom. Louisiana Restaurant Association spokesperson Erica Burns says this is the most popular day of the year to dine out. She advises husbands and kids, if you haven’t made a reservation yet, do so now before it’s too late.

CUT 7 (10)  “a restaurant” 

Burns says many restaurants have specials or even give gifts to honor Mom. He says both fine dining and every day restaurants book up quickly around lunch for Mother’s Day.

Cut 8  (09)  “at night” 

Burns says Valentine’s Day is the next biggest holiday where people go out to eat. She expects to see a lot of families outdoor dining with the nice weather that’s expected.

Cut 9 (05)  “Mother’s Day”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says he supports Parks Senator Fred Mills’ bill to expand the list of diseases medical marijuana can be used to treat. But Edwards says this is not a step towards legalization of pot.

Cut 10 (09) “that direction”

Edwards says he knows of many people, especially children who need medical cannabis to cope with a disorder. He says the state shouldn’t stand between doctors and the parents when it comes to what’s best for those children.

cut 11 (07) “to move”

Mills’ medical marijuana legislation is facing opposition from district attorneys and sheriffs, because they are concerned that too many people might have access to the drug. Edwards believes medical marijuana should be available for those with seizure disorders, but he’s also interested in limiting the number of disorders the drug could be used for.

cut 12 (07) “medical conditions”

Mills’ bill has already passed out of the Senate and is awaiting approval by the full House.

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Strippers in Louisiana could soon be required to be at least 21 years old, as a bill to raise the minimum age for strippers is heading to the House for final legislative approval. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns told the House Judiciary Committee he authored the bill to combat sex trafficking.

Cut 13 (07)  “strip clubs”

Jim Kelly, executive director of the Covenant House in New Orleans, supports the bill. Kelly says he knows many young girls who are victims of sex trafficking that end up working in strip clubs at a very young age.

cut 14 (08)  “same establishment”

Amite Representative Robby Carter also supports the legislation. He says lawmakers need to do something to stop human trafficking in Louisiana.

Cut 15 (08) “or something”

The bill was unanimously approved by the House Judiciary Committee.

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LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri will start Alex Lange on the mound tonight against Arkansas, instead of Jared Poche, who has been the Tigers Friday night starter for most of the season. Mainieri likes how Lange has been throwing the ball lately…

Cut 16  (17)  “dominating stuff”

LSU enters tonight’s game with an 11-10 record in SEC Play, while Arkansas is just 7-and-14. But Mainieri is expecting three tough games with the Razorbacks….

Cut 17 (15)   always been” 

Lange says he’s excited about the Friday night start, his first in regular season play….

Cut 18 (08) “the opportunity”

18:30 LRN Newscast May 5

Louisiana’s five uncommitted Marco Rubio delegates have announced that they will back the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump. Kirk Williamson, a Louisiana delegate, says the delegates are following the voters’ lead.

CUT 3 (06)  “the fall”

A measure to prohibit sanctuary cities from receiving funding for construction projects is moving through the legislature. The bill could hurt Lafayette and New Orleans because New Orleans police do not assist with federal immigration enforcement, and the Lafayette Sheriff’s Office says it won’t hold immigration offenders without a court order. Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges says cities should not work against federal agencies.

CUT 7 (09) “federal authorities”

The bill is heading to the Senate after a lengthy debate on the House floor.

A bill to legalize the sale of raw milk died in a House committee today. Wendy Adams with the Libertarian party says she supports the legislation because this bill is about freedom and choice. She says no one is in any danger of walking into a supermarket and accidentally buying raw milk rather than pasteurized milk.

Cut 13 (10)  “your family”

Two people were recently burned in Louisiana when their vaporizing device exploded in their pocket, and the State Fire Marshal is warning people to be careful with these mods. Deputy Chief Brant Thompson warns people against using cheap knock off batteries, as they may be more likely to overheat. He says use the right battery for your mod.

cut 16 (08) “retailers”

16:30 LRN Newscast May 5

The five uncommitted Marco Rubio delegates in Louisiana have announced they will support Donald Trump, as he is now the presumptive Republican nominee. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (24)  “I’m Don Molino”

Shreveport police say two men are dead and six others are wounded after several masked gunmen burst into a card game at a tire shop early this morning. Authorities say the two men killed were 37 year old males. Detectives are still looking for the gunmen. Witnesses say three to four masked men barged into the room and started shooting with semi-automatic rifles.

A House committee failed to pass a bill to legalize the sale of raw milk. Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says there will continue to be outbreaks of disease if raw milk is legalized. He says raw milk is 150 times more dangerous to drink than pasteurized milk.

Cut 11 (10) “post contamination”

The State Fire Marshal has put out a warning about electronic cigarettes, after two people were recently burned in Louisiana when their vaporizing device exploded. Deputy Chief Brant Thompson says in both cases the batteries in the vaping mods overheated…

cut 14 (11)  “caught fire”

 

PM Newscall, May 5th, 2016

The five uncommitted Marco Rubio delegates in Louisiana have announced they will support Donald Trump, as he is now the presumptive Republican nominee. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (24)  “I’m Don Molino”

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A Senate approved bill to legalize the sale of raw milk was shot down in a House committee. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana’s five uncommitted Marco Rubio delegates have announced that they will back the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump. Kirk Williamson, a Louisiana delegate, says the delegates are following the voters’ lead.

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Williamson says the most important thing right now is party unity. He thinks one way to achieve that would be for Trump to choose Rubio as his running mate.

CUT 4 (10)  “vice president”

Williamson says the delegates will rally behind the candidate who has the best chance of defeating the Democratic opponent in the general election. He says although all Republicans may not like Trump, it’s better than the alternative.

CUT 5 (08)  “nominee”

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A measure is making its way through the legislature that would prohibit Louisiana cities from receiving state dollars for construction projects if they don’t enforce federal immigration law. The bill is heading to the Senate after a lengthy debate on the House floor. Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges says sanctuary cities are a threat to national security.

CUT 6 (03) “that’s anarchy”

The bill could hurt Lafayette and New Orleans because they are considered sanctuary cities. New Orleans police has a policy in which they do not assist with federal immigration enforcement, and the Lafayette Sheriff’s Office says it won’t hold offenders for Immigration and Customs Enforcement without a court order. Hodges says cities should not work against federal agencies.

CUT 7 (09) “federal authorities”

But New Orleans Representative Walt Leger opposes the bill. He says it’s not the local governments place to have to do the federal government’s job.

CUT 8 (10) “immigration laws”

Under this proposal, the Attorney General would decide if a sanctuary city would be able to borrow state dollars for construction projects. Leger says this would hurt New Orleans if the city wanted to update the infrastructure at the port of New Orleans.

CUT 9 (11) “in infrastructure”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he has some concerns with the legislation as well.

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A bill to legalize the sale of raw milk died in a House committee today. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says pasteurizing milk kills the bacteria and removes the risk. He says federal government agencies agree that there are significant risks when it comes to drinking raw milk.

cut 10 (09)  “see deaths”

Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says there will continue to be outbreaks of disease if raw milk is legalized. He says raw milk is 150 times riskier to drink than pasteurized milk.

Cut 11 (10) “post contamination”

Sponsor of the bill, Ville Platte Sen. Eric LeFleur, says right now, people who want to drink raw milk have to buy it in other states or on the black market. He says this bill is about the freedom of choice and raw milk would not be sold in grocery stores.

cut 12 (10) “your neighbor”

Wendy Adams with the Libertarian party says she supports the legislation because this bill is about freedom and choice. She says no one is in any danger of walking into a supermarket and accidentally buying raw milk rather than pasteurized milk.

Cut 13 (10)  “your family”

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The State Fire Marshal has put out a warning about electronic cigarettes, after two people were recently burned in Louisiana when their vaporizing device exploded. Deputy Chief Brant Thompson says in both cases the batteries in the vaping mods overheated…

cut 14 (11)  “caught fire”

A Baton Rouge man suffered second and third-degree burns to his leg and hand after the battery in his device overheated, and a Houma man also suffered serious burns when his mod exploded. Thompson advises people to be careful when carrying batteries to make sure they don’t come in contact with other metal objects. He says it’s also important to make sure the batteries are in good condition.

cut 15 (11) “for use”

Thompson warns people against using cheap knock off batteries, as they may be more likely to overheat. He says use the right battery for your mod.

cut 16 (08) “retailers”

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13:30 Newscast, May 5th, 2016

A Senate approved bill to legalize the sale of raw milk was shot down in a House committee. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Louisiana’s five uncommitted Marco Rubio delegates says they are supporting Donald Trump, as he’s the presumptive presidential nominee. Delegate Kirk Williamson says although all Republicans may not like Trump, it’s better than the alternative…:
CUT 5 (08) “nominee”

The State Fire Marshal has put out a warning about electronic cigarettes, after two people were recently burned in Louisiana when their vaporizing device exploded. Deputy Chief Brant Thompson says the battery was to blame in both cases…:
cut 14 (11) “caught fire”
A Baton Rouge man suffered second and third-degree burns to his leg and hand after the battery in his device overheated, and a Houma man also suffered serious burns when his mod exploded.

The body of a female found in the Bonnet Carre Spillway is believed to be the result of a homicide, according to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office. They say the victim was located in the spillway near Norco. She is described as an African American between 45-60 years of age, and it is believed she was in the water for 2-3 days. The Sheriff is asking for the public’s held in identifying this victim. Citizen’s do not have to give their name to Crimestoppers and could receive up to $2500 in reward money.

 

12:30 Newscast, May 5th, 2016

The five uncommitted Marco Rubio delegates in Louisiana will support Donald Trump, as he is now the presumptive Republican nominee. Don Molino has more…:
CUT 1 (24) “I’m Don Molino”

A student who was set to graduate from Destrehan High School next week was shot and killed Wednesday according to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office. Spokesman Greg Champagne says it happened at a park in New Sarpy where there was a large gathering of people…:
CUt 1 (09) “in the head”
The victim is identified as Kendall Williams. The suspect, Javon Wells is charged with second degree murder.

A measure is making its way through the legislature that would prohibit Louisiana cities from receiving state dollars for construction projects if they don’t enforce federal immigration law. The bill is heading to the Senate after a lengthy debate on the House floor. Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges says sanctuary cities are a threat to national security…:
CUT 6 (03) “that’s anarchy”
New Orleans Representative Walt Leger opposes the bill. He says it’s not the local governments place to have to do the federal government’s job…:
CUT 8 (10) “immigration laws”
The House passed it on a 69-26 vote.

 

11:30 Newscast, May 5th, 2016

Louisiana’s five uncommitted Marco Rubio delegates have announced that they will back the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump. Kirk Williamson, a Louisiana delegate, says they’re following the voters’ lead…:
CUT 3 (06) “the fall”
Williamson says the delegates will rally behind the candidate who has the best chance of defeating the Democratic opponent, likely Hillary Clinton, in the general election.

Tragic story out of Shreveport. Police say 2 people are dead and 6 others wounded in a shooting incident that happened overnight in the northern part of the city. There is no word on whether anyone is in custody in connection with the shootings, which remain under investigation.

There were no winners in last night’s Powerball drawing, which means the jackpot for Saturday now goes up to $415 million dollars for Saturday. The cash value is $269 million dollars.

A Senate approved measure that would legalize the sale of raw milk from farmers to consumers died by one vote in a House committee today. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says pasteurizing milk kills the bacteria and removes risk. He says the CDC, the FDA and other organizations agree that drinking raw milk is not safe…:
CUT 10 (09) “see deaths”
Supporters say it should be the right of Americans to sell and consume raw milk if they want to. The failing vote was 8-7.

Louisiana’s teen pregnancy rate has dropped over the past decade, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control. Historically, Louisiana has ranked somewhere in the top five for the rate of teens having babies. Now it’s seventh. DHH Secretary Rebekah Gee says birth control is getting better…:
CUT 15 (09) “the arm”
She also says more teens are using protection.

 

09:30 Newscast, May 5th, 2016

Governor John Bel Edwards says once things settle down with the budget, there are several other policies he wants to address during his term. He says in next year’s regular legislative session, sentencing and criminal justice reform will be one of his top priorities…:
Cut 6 (10) “been committed”
He says transportation and infrastructure improvements are also on his radar.

Former-Monroe children TV personality “Mr. Wonder” has given up on fighting extradition from California back to Rapides Parish to face child sex charges that date back to 1978. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson, Lt. Tommy Carnline, says Frank Selas charges include rape, sexual battery and incident behavior with a juvenile…:
CUT 13 (06) “37 years”

A measure that would expand the law which compensates some inmates who were jailed for crimes they didn’t commit stalls in a House committee. This stems from the wrongful conviction of the late Glenn Ford of Shreveport who was a death row inmate 30 years for a murder he didn’t commit. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle supports the measure…:
CUT 9 (09) “death row”
But the uncle of the victim in the Ford case, Phillip Rozeman, says if it weren’t for Ford, there would have been no murder which is why he shouldn’t get compensation…:
CUT 7 (07) “the trigger”
The bill is expected to be brought back next year.

Louisiana’s five GOP delegates who were formerly bound Senator Marco Rubio, today announced their unanimous support of Donald Trump for president. The five had been “uncommitted” since Rubio suspended his campaign in March. After Ohio Governor John Kasich dropped out Thursday, Trump becomes the presumptive nominee and will likely battle Hillary Clinton.

 

08:30 Newscast, May 5th, 2016

A House committee killed a bill to allow the families of wrongfully convicted inmates receive compensation if the inmate dies before being compensated. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Deputies in Bossier Parish arrest a man who allegedly brutally beat his live-in girlfriend over a 24 hour period. They say 39-year-old Jason Hull of Tensas is accused of punching the victim with a closed fist in the head and mouth, biting her and choking her. According to investigators, she was able to escape after a day of enduring this and deputies located and charged Hull with second degree battery domestic violence and possession of meth.

Authorities say an arrest has been made in the death of a student from Destrehan High who was set to graduate next week. The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office booked 22-year-old Javon Wells for second degree murder. The victim is identified as Kendall Williams Jr.

Louisiana’s teen pregnancy rate has dropped over the past decade, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control. Historically, Louisiana has ranked somewhere in the top five for the rate of teens having babies. Now it’s seventh. Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Rebekah Gee says it shows two things…:
CUT 14 (09) “birth control”
Gee says parents can help by talking to their teens.

Today is Cinco De Mayo and some folks in New Orleans are using the occasion to honor what they call a “Catastrophic Failure.” Over 1500 people confirmed they will be attending a “Sinkhole de Mayo” celebration in response to the sinkholes that have been popping up in The Big Easy of late.

 

07:30 Newscast, May 5th, 2016

While budget matters have dominated Governor John Bel Edwards short time in office, he says there are other issues on his radar…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

CBS News is reporting that Louisiana’s five GOP delegates who were formerly bound Senator Marco Rubio, will today announce their unanimous support of Donald Trump for president. The five had been “uncommitted” since Rubio suspended his campaign in March. After Ohio Governor John Kasich dropped out Thursday, Trump becomes the presumptive nominee and will likely battle Hillary Clinton.

A bill that would alter the way people receive compensation for being jailed for crimes they did not commit stalls in a House committee. The measure was aimed at getting some money for the late Glenn Ford of Shreveport who was wrongfully on death row for 30 years. Courts denied Ford compensation saying he helped plan a crime that led to the murder. The DA’s Association Director Pete Adams says compensation is for people who are 100% innocent…:
CUT 8 (11) “that down”
But supporters feel anyone who has been failed by the system deserves compensation.

A report from the CDC says the teen birth rate in Louisiana is down to 37.5 per 1,000 girls aged 15-19, a marked improvement from 69 per 1,000 teens reported two years ago. DHH Secretary Rebekah Gee says parents can help prevent teen pregnancies by talking to their kids…:
Cut 16 (06) “mom or dad” 2x