Louisiana Radio Network, I’m Kelley Ray

Secretary of State Tom Schedler faces accusations of sexual harrassment. A lawsuit filed in state court in Baton Rouge alleges that Schedler sent a female state worker love letters, made sexual advancements and gave her unwanted gifts, including sex tapes. Defense attorney Jill Craft says her client was punished after she rebuffed his repeated advances…
cut 14 (09) “…a relationship”
Schedler was elected in 2011 as the state’s elections chief. In a statement, the 68-year-old says he believes in a safe workplace, free from harassment.

Gridlock continued at the Capitol today as state lawmakers did not move any closer to closing a nearly one-billion dollar budget deficit that’s caused by expiring sales taxes. Medicaid reform bills that House Republican leaders are pushing failed to get out of a committe today. Legislation that would raise revenues are also not moving.

An LSU study paid for by the waterway and shipyard industries found that the downturn in oil prices resulted in a loss of 21-thousand jobs and 1.4 billion dollars in wages from 2014-2016. LSU economist Stephen Barnes says marine industries and shipyards help a wide range of Louisiana businesses…
cut 8 (12) “…pretty far”
The closure of the Avondale Shipyards in Jefferson Parish resulted in five-thousand lost jobs.

Flood watches and warnings are posted in north and central Louisaina, while south Louisiana is dealing with record heat. State Climatologist Barry Keim says strong thunderstorms are expected to redevelop over the northern parishes tonight…
cut 3 (08) “…flooding issues”
There’s a slight chance for severe weather in north Louisiana on Saturday

Secretary of State Tom Schedler is facing allegations of sexual harassment from his former Executive Secretary Dawn Ross. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”.

It’s day four of the special session and there’s been very little progress towards solving a looming one-billion dollar budget deficit. Medicaid reform bills touted by Republican leadership to reduce state spending failed to make it out of a House committee today. Tax bills are also not moving.

A high school student was arrested and two other elementary school students have been suspended from their respective schools in LaFourche Parish for alleged threats. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne says a 15-year-old male threatened to kill South Lafourche High School teacher. Meanwhile, a 12-year-old from Larose-Cut Off Middle School and an eight-year-old at Lockport Lower Elementary school told others about their intent to bring a gun to school….
cut 11 (05) “…completely separate”

A report commissioned by the waterways and shipyard industries says the state has lost thousands of jobs and over a billion dollars in wages from 2014-2016. The LSU study concludes the state’s economic impact loss was six billion dollars and more should be done at the State Capitol to keep the waterways and shipbuilders a float….
cut 7 (09) “…full steam”
That’s LSU Professor Stephen Barnes.

A lawsuit has been filed against Secretary of State Tom Schedler has been filed on allegations of sexual harassment involving his former Executive Secretary Dawn Ross.  The suit says it began in 2007 when Schedler bought a townhouse in the same complex Ross lived in.  Ross’ lawyer Jill Craft says Schedler sent inappropriate texts to Ross…

Cut 13 (11) “gunna stop”

Schedler has issued a statement saying he believes in a safe workplace, free from harassment.

Several threats of school violence were made to three separate schools in Laforuche Parish Wednesday. A 12-year-old from Larose-Cut Off Middle School and an eight-year-old at Lockport Lower Elementary school talked about their intent to bring a gun to school.  Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne…

Cut 10 (10) “is continuing.”

A report commissioned by the Waterways and shipyard industry says the state has lost thousands of jobs and over a billion dollars in wages in a two-year period. Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

A River Ridge veterinarian accused of shooting her neighbor’s dog because of it’s excessive barking is formally charged by the Jefferson Parish D.A.’s office.  The New Orleans Advocate says Kelly Folse, a veterinarian is accused of allegedly shooting “Bruizer” in December. Sheriff Joe Lopinto said the dog was in its owner’s fenced-in-yard at the time of the shooting.

Louisiana Radio Network, I’m Kelley Ray…

A female state worker has filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Secretary of State Tom Schedler. Dawn Ross claims the unwanted advancements and harrassment dates back to 2007 and her attorney Jill Craft says the suit is an effort to stop the unwanted gifts…
cut 12 (11) “…that will chage”
Schedler has issued a statement that says he believes in a safe workplace, free from harassment.

Flash flood watches and warnings are posted across north and central Louisiana, while south Louisiana continues to deal with record breaking heat. State Climatologist Barry Keim says as a front moves through the state and mixes in with the warmer unstable air, as it could bring some stormy weather…
Cut 5 (08) “north Louisiana.”
Louisiana sees a break from the stormy weather on Monday before another front brings good changes of rain Tuesday and Wednesday.

State Police say they encourage citizens to report suspicious activity, but they ask the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media because it creates chaos and panic.
cut 16 (05) “…to Louisiana”
Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says if you do see a threat and if it’s viewed as an imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1.

A report commissioned by the waterways and shipyard industries says the state has lost thousands of jobs and over a billion dollars in wages from 2014-2016. LSU’S economic policy and research department conducted the study and concluded the industry took a downturn when the price of oil dropped. But LSU economist Stephen Barnes says there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Cut 6 (12) “down turn”
The study concludes the state’s economic impact loss was six billion dollars.

A state employee has filed a lawsuit against Secretary of State Tom Schedler, claiming the elected official has sexually harassed her for years. Dawn Ross, who works at the Secretary of State’s office, accuses Schedler of making unwanted sexual advances, keeping watch of her home and then punishing her for rebuffing his advances.

Schedler is separated from his wife. The longtime public official says he takes any allegation of sexual harassment very seriously and can assure the public that he believes in a safe workplace, free from harassment.

Another high school student was arrested for making an alleged threat. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne says a 15-year-old male threatened to kill a South Lafourche High School teacher…
Cut 9 (11) “in Thibodaux.”
Two other students in LaFourche have been suspended from school for telling others they planned on bringing a gun to school.

State Police Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says they encourage citizens to report suspicious activity, but they ask the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media because it creates chaos and panic…
Cut 14 (10) “that information.” (2X)
Dwight says if you do see a threat and if it’s viewed as an imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1. If there is more investigation needed, other agencies will step in.

Flood watches and warnings are posted across north and central Louisiana as more heavy rainfall is expected to for this area. Meanwhile, State Climatologist Barry Keim says the heat continues in South Louisiana. Some areas are breaking records…
Cut 4 (09) “Baton Rouge.”
Keim says there’s the possibility we can see severe weather in north Louisiana on Saturday.

Louisiana’s weather is very two-faced right now. Flash Flood Watches and Warnings are in effect for much of North Louisiana due to a stalled out front, while South Louisiana is seeing record breaking heat. State Climatologist Barry Keim says residents of North Louisiana should watch the weather closely over the next several days…
Cut 3 (08) “flooding issue.”

State Police encourages citizens to report suspicious activity, but they ask the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media because it creates chaos and panic. Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says citizens are more scared than usual right now and are reporting suspicious activity quicker…
Cut 15 (09) “in Florida.”
Dwight says if you do see a threat and if it’s viewed as an imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1. If there is more investigation needed, other agencies will step in.

A House committee is meeting at the Capitol to discuss legislation that would reform the state’s Medicaid program. One of the bills would require Medicaid patients to pay a copay if they use an emergency room for non-emergency treatment. Supporters say the bill is an attempt to stop Medicaid patients from using the ER for a common cold or minor medical issues. Opposition comes from Haley Sauicer (So-shea)…
Cut 11 (09) “on Medicaid.”

There’s no public discussion today on any tax reform legislation. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says there’s not agreement on bills to raise revenues to address a one-billion dollar budget deficit..
cut 8 (08) “…simple mater”

Governor John Bel Edwards addresses the issue of gun control during his monthly call-in radio show. Edwards says in the wake of the latest mass shooting in Florida, he’s calling for a more robust background check system for firearm purchases.

Florida shooter Nickolas Cruz was 18-years-old when he lawfully purchased ten rifles from South Florida dealers.

President Trump tweeted his agreement on raising background checking standards saying quote…” I will be strongly pushing comprehensive background checks with an emphasis on Mental Health. Raise age to 21 and end sale of bump stocks.” end-quote.

Legislators may need to look A House committee is expected today to hear Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland’s legislation that would require Medicaid patients to pay a copay if they use an emergency room for non-emergency treatment.  The New Orleans Democratic Socialists of America Health Care Chairman Haley Sauicer (So-shea) says Medicaid recipients don’t abuse the system in receiving care…

Sauicer says if Medicaid recipients are forced to meet copays in emergency rooms, they would be unable to receive the necessary medical care they need…

Cut 12 (04) “at all.”

McFarland points out that this bill would not apply in emergency situations such as a heart attack or stroke, but it would stop the abuse that some Medicaid patients have shown in the past…

Cut 13 (11)  “those things.”

McFarland says his legislation will save millions of dollars a year and those savings can be used to pay doctors at partner hospitals, so they can treat Medicaid patients for minor medical care.

at increasing the legal purchasing age for such weapons.

Cut 6 (11)  “should consider.”

President trump tweeted this morning his agreement on raising background checking standards. Saying…

“I will be strongly pushing Comprehensive Background Checks with an emphasis on Mental Health. Raise age to 21 and end sale of Bump Stocks.”

Governor John Bel Edwards addresses the issue of gun control during his monthly call-in radio show. Edwards says in the wake of the latest mass shooting in Florida, he’s calling for a more robust background check system for firearm purchases.

Edwards also came out against aftermarket additions that alter the capabilities of legally purchased automatic rifles.

Cut 5  (08)  “to people”

Edwards says he would like to see a purchasing ban for those on the No-Fly list, and firearm bans for those who commit violent crimes, and have a history of mental illness.

State Police is asking the public not to share all comments through social media.  Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says they encourage citizens to report suspicious activity, but they ask the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media because it creates chaos and panic…

Dwight says if you do see a threat and if it’s viewed as an imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1.  If there is more investigation needed, other agencies will step in.  He says citizens are more scared than usual right now and are reporting suspicious activity quicker…

Cut 16 (05) “to Louisiana.”

A House committee is expected today to hear Representative Jack McFarland’s legislation that would require Medicaid patients to pay a copay at an E-R for non-emergency treatment.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The special session hit the wall yesterday, at least temporarily, as lawmakers wrestle over a tax reform bill aimed at salvaging a fraction of a one penny sales tax while getting rid of some special tax exemptions. Political observers say the failure of that bill could tank the whole special session. The senate is out until Sunday while the house convenes today at 5.

State Police is asking the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

The special session grounded to a halt yesterday after a vote on a tax reform bill that would have kept a fraction of a one penny sales tax intact, and remove special exemptions for specific industries was postponed indefinitely.

The tax bill would have plugged 300-million of the one billion dollar budget gap.

LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford

Cut 9 (12)  “with it”

Alford says if the session burns out without a solution, the legislature’s failure to work together to find a deal could become campaign talking point for Edwards’ 2019 re-election campaign.

A House committee is expected today to hear Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland’s legislation that would require Medicaid patients to pay a copay if they use an emergency room for non-emergency treatment.  McFarland says the bill is an attempt to stop Medicaid patients from using the ER for a common cold or minor medical issues…

Cut 10 (09) “emergency room.”

The New Orleans Democratic Socialists of America Health Care Chairman Haley Sauicer (So-shea) says Medicaid recipients don’t abuse the system in receiving care… Cut 11 (09) “on Medicaid.”

The NFL network reports the Saints are expected to sign quarterback Drew Brees next week at an NFL combine.

The Florida school shooting that left 16 children and one adult dead has sparked a new push for gun control legislation. Matt Doyle has Governor Edwards’ thoughts on gun control.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

A House committee is expected today to hear Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland’s legislation that would require Medicaid patients to pay a copay if they use an emergency room for non-emergency treatment.  McFarland says the bill is an attempt to stop Medicaid patients from using the ER for a common cold or minor medical issues…

Cut 10 (09) “emergency room.”

State Police is asking the public not to share all comments through social media.  Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says they encourage citizens to report suspicious activity, but they ask the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media because it creates chaos and panic…

Dwight says if you do see a threat and if it’s viewed as an imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1.  If there is more investigation needed, other agencies will step in.  He says citizens are more scared than usual right now and are reporting suspicious activity quicker…

Cut 15 (09) “in Florida.”

The special session grounded to a halt yesterday after a vote on a tax reform bill that would have kept a fraction of a one penny sales tax intact, and remove special exemptions for specific industries was postponed indefinitely.

The tax bill would have plugged 300-million of the one billion dollar budget gap.

LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford

Cut 8 (08) “simple matter”

Alford says it was the bill with the most momentum, and its failure could tank the entire session.