12:30 Newscast, April 29th, 2015

The House Education Committee approves legislation that requires sex education to be taught in all schools in Orleans Parish. Under current law, sex ed may be offered in Louisiana public schools. But New Orleans councilwoman LaToya Cantrell, a supporter, says comprehensive sex education needs to be mandatory…:
CUT 9 (09) “new cases”
The bill now heads to the full house for more debate.

State Police says they are investigating an officer involved shooting in Livingston Parish which resulted in non-life threatening injuries to a 19-year-old. Investigators report LPSO deputies responded to reports of the teen threatening suicide then pointing guns at deputies. That’s when a deputy fired and struck Matthew Peyronnin several times. The 19-year-old will be charged with attempted second degree murder of a cop when he’s released from the hospital.

New Orleans state Representative Austin Badon is once again pushing legislation that would lessen the penalties for some marijuana possession arrests. Eric Gill reports…:
CUt 1 (29) “reporting”

Former LSU offensive lineman La’el Collins is reportedly coming back to Baton Rouge from Chicago where he is for the draft so that he can address questions by Police about the case of a pregnant woman who was shot and killed last week.

 

11:30 Newscast, April 29th, 2015

Entergy says they have made a lot of progress when it comes to getting power back on for customers in the path of Monday’s storms in south Louisiana, but unfortunately damage was worse than thought in other places. Spokesman Will Johnson says they are now dealing with destruction that was not anticipated…:
CUT 6 (11) “restoration process”
There are still about 30,000 customers in the dark and Johnson says they hope to have everybody back up Thursday but some of the outages might last into Friday.

New Orleans state Representative Austin Badon is once again pushing legislation that would lessen the penalties for some marijuana possession arrests. Badon says House Bill 149 in no way legalizes marijuana for either medical or recreational use. He says the bill only brings fairness to sentencing for simple marijuana possession…:
CUT 3 (09) “subsequent convictions”
He says the DA’s Association is not opposed to the bill.

Baton Rouge police say their detectives want to speak with former LSU Tiger La’el Collins about the shooting death of a pregnant woman in the capitol city but he is not a suspect. 29-year-old Brittney Mills was gunned down at her home last Friday. Corporal Don Coppola says Collins may know something…:
CUT 17 (10) “Ms Mills Killer”
He says the two had a relationship but didn’t go into details.

Legislation that would allow a domestic abuse victim to immediately move out an apartment or rented home without facing a penalty for violating the lease was approved by a senate committee. Cashuana Hill, executive director of the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Center, says this legislation is needed, because there are numerous cases where a domestic abuse victim is evicted from their home, because the apartment complex has a policy against domestic violence…:
cut 14 (05) “for that abuse”
But opponents say landlords aren’t qualified to decide who’s right and who’s wrong in domestic abuse cases.

 

10:30 Newscast, April 29th, 2015

The US Supreme Court is hearing a case today challenging the constitutionality of Oklahoma’s lethal injection procedure. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

Entergy says some customers who lost power in Monday’s storms may have to wait until tomorrow before they get their lights back on. The National Weather Service said five weak tornadoes touched down across South Louisiana two days ago with strengths of EF-0 and Ef-1. Entergy says about 32,800 customers are currently in the dark.

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office is looking for 10 people and have already arrested another person involved in a million dollar Comcast cable scheme. Spokeswoman Cindy Chadwick says contractors would use personal information of real customers to set up fake accounts in other to collect commission. She says they were getting legitimate customers information from a now-former Comcast employee…:
CUT 11 (13) “customers”
Chadwick says financial loss in commissions, equipment and services to Comcast and victims was well over $1.2 million dollars.

The City Council in Monroe green lights a proposal that would let the city to apply for a matching grant to form a $1 million dollar incentive to provide a direct flight from Monroe to Denver. Century Link has 2,000 plus employees in northeast Louisiana and about 7,000 in Denver.

 

09:30 Newscast April 29, 2015

Rita Benson Leblanc made an appearance at the state capitol Tuesday to support of the state’s film tax program. LeBlanc says remaining competitive in the film industry requires tax credits. She says it’s amazing that Louisiana is #1 in making movies and we should strive to stay that way…

cut 9 (09) “of America”

The bill was amended to put a $200 million dollar cap on the program and advanced out of committee without objection and now heads to the House floor.

A bill that would allow a victim of domestic abuse to immediately move out an apartment or rented home without facing a penalty for violating the lease advances from a senate committee. The Apartment Association of Louisiana lobbied against the measure. Jennifer Ansardi says domestic violence cases are sometimes he-said she-said incidents and landlords are not trained to be a judge and jury…

cut 15 (07) “handle this”

The legislation now heads to the Senate floor.

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office says one person is under arrest and they are looking for 10 others as part of a million dollar theft scam involving Comcast Cable customers. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 2 (30) “reporting”
The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office is searching for a suspect wanted in the robbery of four campers in Denham Springs. According to authorities, the suspect stole computers, televisions, purses, and wallets from the victims. Detectives say some of the stolen credit cards were used in stores in Slidell and Hammond. If you have any information in this case, you are asked to contact Crime Stoppers.

08:30 Newscast April 29, 2015

A senate committee approves legislation that would give domestic abuse victims the ability to break a lease or get their abuser out of a home without penalty from their landlord. Scott Carwile has the story….

cut 3 (31) “reporting”

The National Weather Service has confirmed that five tornadoes touched down in south Louisiana during Monday’s storms. They have determined that tornadoes hit Kenner, Pierre Part, Napoleonville, Chackbay, and Bayou Gauche in St. Charles Parish. At the peak of the storms, Entergy reported approximately 176,000 customers were without power. As of this morning, less than 30,000 customers remain without service.

A case challenging the constitutionality of the use of midazolam in Oklahoma’s lethal injection protocol will be heard in the US Supreme Court today. There are questions about midazolam, which is also part of Louisiana’s lethal injection protocol, and its effectiveness as a sedative. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says it will be interesting to see what the Supreme Court will do…

cut 6 (09) “from this case”

This lawsuit was filed after four apparently botched executions that made national headlines last year.

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office says one is under arrest and they are looking for 10 others as part of a million dollar theft scam involving Comcast Cable customers. Spokeswoman Cindy Chadwick says the victims in this case have seen their credit reports ruined by this scam because their social security numbers were tied to fake accounts that weren’t being paid…

cut 12 (09) “investigation”

She says the now former Comcast employee under arrest is charged with 107 counts of identity theft.

07:30 Newscast April 29, 2015

The granddaughter of Saints owner Tom Benson made an appearance at the state capitol Tuesday in support of the state’s film tax program. Rita Benson Leblanc says it’s paramount Louisiana differentiate itself when attracting major events. She says the state’s film tax program helps major events like the Super Bowl with their visual and media elements…

cut 8 (09) “networks themselves”

The bill was amended to put a $200 million dollar cap on the program and other cap bills were also approved in committee.

Legislation that would allow a domestic abuse victim to immediately move out an apartment or rented home without facing a penalty for violating the lease was approved by a senate committee. Cashuana Hill, executive director of the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Center, says this legislation is needed, because there are numerous cases where a domestic abuse victim is evicted from their home, because the apartment complex has a policy against domestic violence…

cut 14 (05) “for that abuse”

The bill will now be heard on the Senate floor.
The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office says one person is under arrest and they are looking for 10 others as part of a million dollar theft scam involving Comcast Cable customers. Spokeswoman Cindy Chadwick says the scheme involved out of state cable contractors who would use real Comcast customers information to open up fake accounts in order to get commission…

cut 10 (09) “they would make a commission”

Chadwick says the now former Comcast employee involved in this scheme is in jail and booked with 107 counts of identity theft and one count of criminal conspiracy.

The US Supreme Court begins hearing a case today challenging the constitutionality of Oklahoma’s lethal injection procedure. The case wants to end the use of midazolam as a sedative in Oklahoma’s lethal injection protocol. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says protocols changed when the makers of sodium thiopental and pentobarbital refused to sell to states that use it for corporal punishment…

cut 4 (08) “in the alternative”

There are questions in midazolam’s effectiveness as a sedative.

06:45 Sportscast April 28, 2015

In college baseball yesterday, the number one ranked LSU Tigers put together a couple of three run innings to take a 6-1 win over Alcorn State at Alex Box Stadium. Seven LSU pitchers combined to strike out twelve Braves and hold them to only two hits on the night. The Tigers travel to Starkville, Mississippi to face Mississippi State in a three-game Southeastern Conference series beginning tomorrow. First pitch Thursday is at 6:30PM and it will be televised on ESPNU.

Senior Tyler Wilson hit a two strike, two out, walk off home run in the bottom of the tenth inning to lift Tulane to a 5-4 win over Southeastern Louisiana last night at Turchin Stadium. The win gives the Green Wave their first series sweep of the Lions since 2012. Tulane also defeated Southeastern back in February and March. The Green Wave improves to 28-16 and will host Houston in a three game series beginning Friday. Southeastern looks to bounce back when they host Lamar for a three game Southland Conference series this weekend.

Three game scheduled for last night were postponed. Louisiana Tech versus Stephen F. Austin and McNeese State at Southern will be played today. UL-Lafayette at Nicholls State has been pushed back to May 12th.

Baton Rouge police say their detectives want to speak with former LSU Tiger La’el Collins about the shooting death of a pregnant woman in the capitol city. 29-year-old Brittney Mills was gunned down at her home last Friday. Corporal Don Coppola says Collins is not considered a suspect in her murder, but they know he had a relationship with the woman…

cut 16 (08) “this crime”

Coppola would not go any further about the type of relationship Collins and Mills had. He says it will be a few days before they can talk to Collins, who is in Chicago for the NFL Draft.

Pelicans head coach Monty Williams met with the media to wrap up the season yesterday. Williams said he’s proud of this team exceeded which expectations by making the playoffs. The coach did not want discuss whether or not he deserves a contract extension.

06:30 Newscast April 29, 2015

A senate committee approves legislation that would allow a domestic abuse victim to immediately move out an apartment or rented home without facing a penalty for violating the lease. Baton Rouge Senator Sharon Weston Broome says her legislation also has a provision in cases where the victim doesn’t want to leave the home…

cut 13 (10)  “is evicted”

The measure now heads to the Senate floor.

Rita Benson Leblanc made an appearance at the state capitol Tuesday in support of the state’s film tax program. During testimony, LeBlanc identified herself as a former sports executive who said the film tax credit program helped New Orleans get the Super Bowl in 2013…

cut 7 (11)  “in that”

The bill was amended to put a $200 million dollar cap on the program and it now heads to the House floor.

The US Supreme Court begins hearing a case today challenging the constitutionality of Oklahoma’s lethal injection procedure. The case argues to end the use of midazolam as a sedative in Oklahoma’s lethal injection protocol. Midazolam, which is also part of Louisiana’s protocol, is an anti-anxiety drug that has no pain relieving properties and there are questions in its effectiveness as a sedative. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says this case raises the issue of whether midazolam does what states claim that it does…

cut 5  (11)  “of serious pain”

This lawsuit was filed after four apparently botched executions that made national headlines last year.

AM Newscall, April 29th, 2015

The US Supreme Court begins hearing a case today challenging the constitutionality of Oklahoma’s lethal injection procedure. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office says one person is under arrest and they are looking for 10 others as part of a million dollar theft scam involving Comcast Cable customers. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

A senate committee approves legislation that would give domestic abuse victims the ability to break a lease or get their abuser out of a home without penalty from their landlord. Scott Carwile has the story….

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

The US Supreme Court begins hearing a case today challenging the constitutionality of Oklahoma’s lethal injection procedure. The case argues to end the use of midazolam as a sedative in Oklahoma’s lethal injection protocol. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says protocols changed when the makers of sodium thiopental and pentobarbital refused to sell to states that use it for corporal punishment…

cut 4  (08) “in the alternative”

Midazolam, which is also part of Louisiana’s lethal injection protocol, is an anti-anxiety drug that has no pain relieving properties and there are questions in its effectiveness as a sedative. This lawsuit was filed after four apparently botched executions that made national headlines last year. Ciolino says this case raises the issue of whether Midazolam does what states claim that it does…

Cut 5  (11)  “of serious pain”

The Supreme Court has ruled that a method of execution would violate the Constitution’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment if it presents a substantial, intolerable risk of serious pain and there are less painful alternatives available. Ciolino says it will be interesting to see what the Supreme Court will do…

Cut 6 (09)  “from this case”

______________________________________

The granddaughter of Saints owner Tom Benson made an appearance at the state capitol Tuesday. Rita Benson Leblanc spoke in support of the state’s film tax program. During testimony, LeBlanc identified herself as a former sports executive who said the film tax credit program helped New Orleans get the Super Bowl in 2013…:

CUT 7 (11)  “in that”

LeBlanc says cities compete against each other and it’s paramount Louisiana differentiate itself  when attracting major events. She says the state’s film tax program helps major events like the Super Bowl with their visual and media elements…:

Cut 8  (09)  “networks themselves” 

LeBlanc says remaining competitive in the film industry requires tax credits. She says it’s amazing that Louisiana is #1 in making movies and we should strive to stay that way…:(The bill was amended to put a $200 million dollar cap on the program and advanced out of committee without objection and now heads to the House floor. Other cap bills were also approved in committee.)

Cut 9 (09)  “of America”

______________________________________

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office says one person is under arrest and they are looking for 10 others as part of a million dollar theft scam involving Comcast Cable customers. Spokeswoman Cindy Chadwick says the scheme involved out of state cable contractors who would use real Comcast customers information to open up fake accounts in order to get commission

Cut 10 (09) “they would make a commission”

Chadwick says financial loss in commissions, equipment and services to Comcast and victims was well over $1.2 million dollars. She says one of the suspects worked for Comcast directly and had an agreement with the contractors that she would provide identities of legitimate customers:

cut 11 (13) “customers”

Chadwick says the now former Comcast employee involved in this scheme is in jail and booked with 107 counts of identity theft and one count of criminal conspiracy. The information was used by the contractors to open 3,630 fake Comcast accounts in Caddo Parish. Chadwick says the victims in this case have seen their credit reports ruined by this scam because their social security numbers were tied to fake accounts that weren’t being paid…:

cut 12 (09)   “investigation”

______________________________________

A senate committee approves legislation that would allow a domestic abuse victim to immediately move out an apartment or rented home without facing a penalty for violating the lease. Baton Rouge Senator Sharon Weston Broome says her legislation also has a provision in cases where the victim doesn’t want to leave the home…

Cut 13 (10)  “is evicted”

Cashuana Hill, executive director of the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Center, says this legislation is needed, because there are numerous cases where a domestic abuse victim is evicted from their home, because the apartment complex has a policy against domestic violence…

Cut 14 (05) “for that abuse”

The legislation heads to the Senate floor, but the Apartment Association of Louisiana lobbied against the bill. Jennifer Ansardi says domestic violence cases are sometimes he-said versus she-said incidents and landlords are not trained to be a judge and jury

Cut 15  (07)  “handle this”

______________________________

Baton Rouge police say their detectives want to speak with former LSU Tiger La’el Collins about the shooting death of a pregnant woman in the capitol city. 29-year-old Brittney Mills was gunned down at her home last Friday. Corporal Don Coppola says Collins is not considered a suspect in her murder, but they know he had a relationship with the woman…

Cut 16  (08)  “this crime”

Coppola would not go any further about the type of relationship Collins and Mills had. He says as part of their investigation into Mills’ murder, they believe Collins may know why someone would want to shoot her…

Cut 17 (10)  “Ms Mills killer”

Coppola says it will be a few days before they can talk to Collins, who is expected to be selected in the NFL’s first round on Thursday night….

Cut 18 (11) ” may have’

 

LRN Newscast 16:30 04-28-15

During the intense south Louisiana storms yesterday, there were reports of tornadoes in the Kenner, Belle Chasse and Labadieville areas, with wind gusts in excess of 100 mph. Thousands were left without power, but Entergy Spokesman Will Johnson says – with the better weather conditions-crews are making progress…
CUT 4 (08) “as we can” (2X)
He says about 90 percent of customers should have the lights on by tonight.

Not everyone is happy about the three bills to cap the tax credits for the Louisiana film industry that was approved by House Ways and Means Committee. Supporters of the tax credit, like Will French with the Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association, say they won’t take the cap lying down…
CUT 9 (10) Q: ‘not productive’
——————————-
The Springfield Police Chief accused of conspiring to to hide a woman’s DWI citation has agreed to a plea of guilty today to a single count of criminal mischief. Attorney General Buddy Caldwell says Chief James Jones is required to resign immediately, and receive a six-month suspended sentence with one year of probation.

In the latest campaign finance numbers for Louisiana’s governor’s race, US Senator David Vitter has $4.2 million cash on hand, more than the other three candidates combined.
CUT 2 (28) “reporting”