18:30 LRN Newscast April 26

Louisiana lawmakers are working to regulate drones. Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor has legislation that prevents people from using drones for stalking, voyeurism, and other crimes. He says his proposals are intended to protect people from people, as well as the government.

CUT 3 (10)  “search warrant”

One of Claitor’s measures would prevent people from using drones for stalking, harassment or assault, and that bill is scheduled to be hear in a Senate committee.

Legislation dealing with police body cameras and what footage should be exempted from public record laws has been approved by a Senate committee. New Orleans Senator J.P Morrell says it causes a lot of financial strain on police departments to save these body cam videos for three years, which is currently required by law.

cut 16 (07) “really comprehend”

The Houston-based Union Tank Car Company said it expects to lay off about 224 employees at its Alexandria facility beginning June 24th. Jim Clinton is the CEO of the Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance. He says they’ve known for some time that this cutback was coming…:

CUT 9 (07) “related commodities”

UTLX said they will continue to employ about 350 people.

An ad released today by the Louisiana Federation for Children features parents accusing Governor John Bel Edwards of breaking campaign promises by cutting the state’s voucher program. LFC President Ann Duplessis says cutting the voucher program will not save the state any money….

cut 14 (08)  “impacted”

The governor responded, saying every student who is currently receiving a scholarship will continue to get one.

17:30 LRN Newscast April 26

A pro-voucher group, the Louisiana Federation for Children, releases an ad today that features parents accusing Governor John Bel Edwards of breaking campaign promises by cutting the Louisiana Scholarship Program. LFC President Ann Duplessis says fewer children will receive vouchers to attend private or parochial schools.

cut 12 (08) “children’s future”

The governor has responded by saying the L-F-C’s accusations are blatantly false.

Metairie Senator Danny Martiny proposed a bill to ensure that underage criminals with life sentences become eligible for parole after 35 years. But Nathan Allbritton doesn’t think they should ever get parole because his wife and son were murdered by a juvenile. Allbritton says it’s important that these criminals realize that actions have consequences.

cut 23 (09) “of em”

A Senate committee has approved legislation that deals with police body camera footage and how much of it can be made available to the public. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says there needs to be some privacy safeguards but…

cut 15 (11) “…real transparency”
The legislation requires a court order for video that might violate a “reasonable expectation of privacy.”

Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor proposed a bill that prevents people from using drones for stalking, voyeurism, and other crimes. Claitor has proposed similar legislation before, but lawmakers were more hesitant because drones were not as popular a few years ago. He says technology is advancing, and regulation of drones is needed to keep up with the times.

CUT 4 (07)  “your house”

The measure is scheduled to be heard in a Senate committee.

16:30 LRN Newscast April 26

Parents of voucher students are voicing their concerns about cuts to Louisiana’s voucher program in an ad paid for by the Louisiana Federation for Children. LFC President Ann Duplessis says the cuts were made to save money, but it will actually increase costs for local school districts….

cut 14 (08)  “impacted”

The governor has responded by saying every student who currently receives a scholarship will continue to get one.

The Houston-based Union Tank Car Company said it expects to lay off about 224 employees at its Alexandria facility because of market conditions. Jim Clinton, CEO of the Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, says UTLX is a strong company that shouldn’t have a problem adding staff once the economy rebounds…:

cut 10 (08) “workforce again”

Legislators are looking at proposals to prevent individuals from using drones to commit crimes, like stalking and voyeurism. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Don Molino”

An Amite man has been arrested following a fatal hit and run that took the life of bicyclist Anand Asi of Hammond. 32-year-old Brandon Fowler struck Asi with his truck while Asi was riding on LA 443 early this morning. Fowler has been charged with felony hit and run and illegal passing of a bicycle.

PM Newscall, April 26th, 2016

Legislators are looking at proposals to regulate drones to prevent individuals from using them to commit crimes, like stalking and voyeurism. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Don Molino”

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An ad airs today from the Louisiana Federation for Children, a pro-voucher group, that shows parents of voucher students saying Governor John Bel Edwards lied to them by cutting the budget of the Louisiana Scholarship Program. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (26)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Louisiana lawmakers are working to regulate drones. Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor has legislation that prevents people from using drones for stalking, voyeurism, and other crimes. He says his proposals are intended to protect people from people, as well as the government.

CUT 3 (10)  “search warrant”

Claitor has proposed similar legislation before, but lawmakers were more hesitant, as drones were not as popular a few years ago as they are now. He says technology is advancing, and regulation of drones is needed to keep up with the times.

CUT 4 (07)  “your house”

Claitor says you shouldn’t be able to do something with a piece of technology that would wouldn’t do with your physical person.

CUT 5 (08)  “the government”

One of Claitor’s measures would make it illegal to fly a drone over someone’s property without their permission, and that bill has passed the Senate. Another proposal, which would prevent people from using drones for stalking, harassment or assault, is scheduled to be hear in a Senate committee.

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A 17-year-old is under arrest after making threats online involving the Alexandria Senior High School prom. Rapides Parish Lt. Tommy Carnline says investigators believed an incident could take place at the prom and discovered a fake internet social media account. Carline says evidence found led them to arrest Adrian Ray of Alexandria at his home.

CUT 6 (10) “of justice”

The prom was held on Saturday night. Carnline says Ray is currently being held in the Rapides Parish Detention Center on a 21-thousand dollar bond. He says anytime they have threats of this kind, they take them very seriously.

CUT 7 (09) “high school”

Authorities believe Ray is the only person involved with the threats. Carnline says Ray is charged with Terrorizing, Stalking, and Obstruction of Justice.

CUT 8 (07) “those charges”

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One of the largest employers in central Louisiana announces mass layoffs are coming. Houston-based Union Tank Car Company (UTLX) said it expects to lay off about 224 employees beginning June 24th at its Alexandria facility. Jim Clinton is the CEO of the Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance. He says they’ve known for some time that this cutback was coming…:

CUT 9 (07) “related commodities”

Clinton says the manufacturing company announced it would cut its production in half due to market conditions and poor demand outlook for railroad tank cars to plants. He says UTLX is a strong company that shouldn’t have a problem adding staff once the economy rebounds…:

cut 10 (08) “workforce again”

UTLX said they will continue to employ about 350 people. The Louisiana Workforce Commission says it will conduct orientation sessions for affected employees next week. Clinton says they hate to see anyone in their region out of work…:

Cut 11 (11) “possibly do”

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A pro-voucher group, the Louisiana Federation for Children, releases an ad today that features parents accusing Governor John Bel Edwards of breaking campaign promises by cutting the Louisiana Scholarship Program. LFC President Ann Duplessis says fewer children will receive vouchers to attend private or parochial schools based on the governor’s proposed budget…

cut 12 (08) “children’s future”

Duplessis says the governor’s proposed budget for next fiscal year cuts the program’s budget by 14-percent. She says currently 71-hundred students receive vouchers, but not all of them will get one next year, if the governor has his way…

Cut 13 (09)  “school year”

The governor has responded by saying the L-F-C’s accusations are blatantly false. John Bel Edwards also says that every student who is currently receiving a scholarship will continue to get one. Duplessis maintains that a cut to the state’s voucher program will not save the state any money….

cut 14 (08)  “impacted”

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A Senate committee has approved legislation dealing with police body cameras and what footage should be exempted from Louisiana’s public record laws.  Author of the bill, Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns, says there needs to be some privacy safeguards but…

cut 15 (11) “real transparency” 

New Orleans Senator J.P Morrell says it causes a lot of financial strain on police departments to save these body cam videos for three years, which is currently required by law. He says this is a very complicated scenario.

cut 16 (07) “really comprehend”

 

13:30 Newscast, April 26th, 2016

A pro-voucher group, the Louisiana Federation for Children, releases an ad today that features parents accusing Governor John Bel Edwards of breaking campaign promises by cutting the state scholarship Program. LFC President Ann Duplessis says fewer children will receive vouchers to attend private or parochial schools based on the governor’s proposed budget…:
cut 12 (08) “children’s future”
The governor has responded by saying the L-F-C’s accusations are blatantly false.

Houston-based Union Tank Car Company (UTLX) said it expects to lay off about 224 employees beginning June 24th at its Alexandria facility. Jim Clinton is the CEO of the Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance. He says they’ve known for some time that this cutback was coming…:
CUT 9 (07) “related commodities”
UTLX said they will continue to employ about 350 people.

A 17-year-old student from Alexandria Senior High is under arrest for allegedly making threats about the school’s prom over social media. Lt. Tommy Carnline says anytime they get wind of a threat like this, they take it very seriously…:
CUT 7 (09) “high school”
17-year-old Adrian Ray is charged with terrorizing, stalking, and obstruction of justice.

Louisiana lawmakers are working to regulate drones. Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor has legislation that prevents people from using drones for stalking, voyeurism, and other crimes. He says technology is advancing, and regulation of drones is needed to keep up with the times…”
CUT 4 (07) “your house”
Claitor says you shouldn’t be able to do something with a piece of technology that would wouldn’t do with your physical person.

 

12:30 Newscast, April 26th, 2016

Lawmakers are considering proposals aimed at regulating drones to prevent people from using them to commit crimes. Don Molino has more…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

One of the largest employers in central Louisiana announces mass layoffs are coming. Houston-based Union Tank Car Company said it expects to lay off about 224 employees beginning June 24th due to projected business needs.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport says the area could be getting some severe weather from 7am-7pm Wednesday.

A 17-year-old is under arrest for allegedly making threats through social media involving the Alexandria Senior High School prom. Rapides Parish’s Lt. Tommy Carnline says investigators traced a fake account to the suspect, Adrian Ray of Alexandria. They located evidence to support the allegation and charged Ray with terrorizing, stalking, and obstruction of justice….:
CUT 8 (07) “those charges”
He says kids may think making threats over social media is a joke, but it’s a crime that is taken very seriously.

Foul play is suspected in the case of the 16-year-old Kenner girl whose body was found dumped in a drainage ditch in St. Charles Parish. Deputies identify the girl as Jorion White. The investigation is ongoing.

 

 

11:30 Newscast, April 26th, 2016

Louisiana lawmakers are working to regulate drones. Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor sponsors legislation that would make it illegal to use drones for stalking, voyeurism, and other crimes. He says this is a privacy matter…:
CUT 3 (11) “search warrant”
The legislature wasn’t ready to pass similar bills in the past, but Claitor says technology is advancing, and regulation of drones is needed to keep up with the times.

A 17-year-old from Rapides Parish is under arrest for allegedly using a fake social media profile to make threats involving the Alexandria Senior High School prom. Lt. Tommy Carnline says they were able to trace the account to Adrian Devon Ray who is a student at the school…:
CUT 6 (10) “of justice”

If Governor John Bel Edwards budget proposal is approved by lawmakers, there could be an 11-percent cut in retail food inspectors. Emelie Gunn has more:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Cops are looking for a truck that was involved in a fatal hit and run in Hammond early this morning that claimed the life of a bicyclist. State Police say the suspect vehicle struck the victim who was riding a bike, then fled the scene. The vehicle is being described as a white GMC 2500 pick-up truck. Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact authorities.

 

09:30 Newscast, April 26th, 2016

Prices are rising at the pump. The statewide average for a gallon of gas approaches $2 again. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

If you weren’t a fan of wearing bright orange when you went hunting, florescent pink may soon be an alternative in Louisiana. The legislature approved the blaze pink bill and it’s now headed to the desk of Governor John Bel Edwards for his signature. The bill’s author says she brought the measure in hopes that the girly color would encourage more women to explore the outdoors by hunting.

Iberville Parish Sheriff’s investigators are in Texas today where the woman who was found dead under I-10 near Whiskey Bay lived. Sheriff Brett Stassi says the body of 28-year-old Elizabeth Ferrell of Humble was discovered by a fisherman over the weekend, and there are more questions than answers about her death. He says they’ve talked to some of Ferrell’s friends from Humble but she doesn’t have much family…:
cut 11 (10) “to Texas”
Stassi says an autopsy found the cause of death to be asphyxiation by strangulation and blunt force trauma to the head.

The full House sacks a bill aimed at putting an end to the public-private school playoff split in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association. The lower chamber voted 51-34 against the legislation. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley says the legislature shouldn’t get involved in the LHSAA’s matters…:
Cut 13 (11) “the LHSAA”

 

08:30 Newscast, April 26th, 2016

Gas prices in Louisiana and the nation keep going up. Gregg Laskowski with GasBuddy-dot-com says consumer demand is up 4% compared to this time last year. He says that and other factors are driving up gas prices…:
Cut 8 (09) “going up”
He says the current statewide average for a gallon of regular is $1.92.

State mandated food inspections could decrease if the budget proposal from the Edwards Administration is implemented for next fiscal year, according to the Department of Health and Hospitals. Louisiana is facing a $600 million dollar shortfall for the financial year which begins July first, but DHH spokesman Bob Johannessen says food inspections are vital for health and tourism, and should not be cut…:
CUT 5 (09) “get sick”
He says the cuts would would result in an 11-percent reduction in inspectors.

Iberville Parish investigators head to Texas to find out more about the woman found dead under interstate 10 by Whiskey Bay. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 3 (22) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The hunt is on for a vehicle involved in a fatal hit and run crash this morning in Hammond. State Police are not releasing details about the incident at this time, but are seeking the public’s help in locating a white GMC 2500 truck that was last seen traveling toward US 190 in Tangipahoa Parish.

For the first time, the state is offering an open house public meeting for people who have questions about the I-49 Lafayette connector project. The gathering is slated to take place tomorrow at the Progressive Community Outreach Center in Lafayette between 4-8.

 

07:30 Newscast, April 26th, 2016

If Governor John Bel Edwards budget proposal is approved by lawmakers, there could be an 11-percent cut in retail food inspectors. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Authorities are searching for answers in the case of the teenager from Kenner whose body was found dumped in St. Charles Parish. The Sheriff’s Office says foul play is suspected. The victim is identified as 16-year-old Jorian White, and she was last seen in her home on Friday.

The state House has decided not to get involved in the LHSAA’s controversial public/private playoff split for high school sports. The lower chamber voted a lopsided 51-34 against the measure. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says LHSAA principals are meeting on June 8 to discuss the split, and lawmakers should give them the chance to make things right…:
Cut 14 (05) “passing laws”
The bill’s author, River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot, felt the split was discriminatory.

Former NFL player Nathan Black made a post on Facebook indicating he was robbed and shot at a town home in Baton Rouge early Monday morning. Black, who is a native of Monroe, played for the Carolina Panthers in 2002. No word on suspect or motive.

A report released Monday shows Louisiana is the least prepared state in the nation to handle a major health emergency or disaster. The National Health Security Preparedness Index says The Bayou State hasn’t kept up with the rest of the nation when it comes to being prepared to respond to health emergencies.