LRN AM Newscall April 19

A bill that would allow voters to decide on term limits for assessors is moving forward. David Grubb has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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A Senate committee today will discuss a proposed bill to end the death penalty in Louisiana. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Volunteers are showing their Love for the Boot this week and picking up trash in an effort to Keep Louisiana Beautiful.  Brooke Thorington has the dirt.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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New Orleans representative Mandie Landry says that tax assessors should be held to the same standard as the state’s legislators when it comes to term limits and her House Bill 288 would allow voters to decide if the state’s constitution should be amended to make that happen. Landry says it may be controversial, but it is necessary.

Cut 4 (12)  “…encourages and requires turnover.”

Landry says that Louisiana voters have shown overwhelming support for term limits in the past and that her bill leaves the decision in their hands.

Cut 5 (10) “…to them first.”

Attorney Brian Eddington spoke against the bill on behalf of the Louisiana Assessor’s Association, saying that the loss of institutional knowledge would outweigh any gains made in fairness and ultimately hurt taxpayers.

Cut 6 (13)  “…and repeatability.”

The measure passed House Ways and Means by a 7-6 vote.

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A bill that would end the death penalty in Louisiana is scheduled for discussion in a Senate Judiciary Committee today. Outspoken death penalty opponent and author of “Dead Man Walking”, Sister Helen Prejean (PRAY-zhon) says it’s time to do it because Louisiana hasn’t actually executed anyone in many years…:

Cut 7 (10) “…system in place.”

In 2010, Livingston Parish resident Gerald Bordelon became the last man executed in Louisiana, after he waived any and all appeals and ASKED to be put to death. Monroe Democrat Senator Katrina Jackson’s bill would simply end the practice. Prejean says public opinion on executions has changed and continues to turn…:

Cut 8 (13)  “…and he won!”

The bill also requires that state dollars saved by having no executions and no death row expenses be given to childhood education and literacy programs. Proponents of the death penalty argue that the punishment gives closure to families of murder victims. Prejean disagrees…:

Cut 9 (13)  “…for this so-called justice.”

If it reaches final passage, Senator Jackson’s SB294 would end executions for any person convicted after August 1, 2022, of 1st-degree murder, 1st-degree rape, or treason.

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It’s Love the Boot Week in Louisiana and Keep Louisiana Beautiful is kicking off its largest litter removal l effort with more than 250 cleanup and beautification events. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says with more than twice the number of volunteers this year and says there’s plenty of trash for them to tackle.

Cut 10 (11) “…state up.”

Volunteers are picking up trash across 52 parishes this week and Dawn Cantrell with Keep Louisiana Beautiful says they pick up tons of plastic, like bags, takeout containers, and eating utensils. She says they’ve even picked up roofing shingles and tarps that weren’t disposed of properly.

Cut  11 (06)  “…imagine.”  

Because litter has become an ongoing issue a task force is looking at ways to reduce trash to help beautify the state year-round.

Vice-Chair of Keep Louisiana Beautiful Courtney Hornsby says while they’ve been able to pick up plenty of trash, she wants to know why individuals continue to litter.

Cut 12 (06) “…preventable.” 

Love the Boot Week events continue through Saturday. For more information visit KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org.

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After two loose dogs mauled another dog and dragged it to their owner’s home, it led authorities to the home and arrest of 24-year-old Derrick Johnson of Greenwood. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Bia Rolan says it happened Friday evening after the owner of the dog that was attacked called them and while waiting for Johnson to return home…

Cut 13 (10) “…a gun.”

The marijuana smell from his car and a visible gun then prompted authorities to run his record. Rolan says Johnson’s prior convictions then allowed officers to secure a search warrant for the home.

Cut 14 (12)  “…$61,000.”

Rolan says if it wasn’t for Johnson’s dogs he would still be on the streets.

Cut 15 (08)  “…on there.”

Johnson was arrested for possession with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and dog at large charges.

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Midway through the season, the UL Ragin Cajuns are in a three-way tie for fourth place in the tough Sunbelt Conference, trailing Texas State by three games. Coach Matt Deggs’ team is finding its stride, having won six of its last seven ball games. Deggs says the Cajuns are primed to make a run in the second half of the conference schedule.

Cut 16 (17)  “…trip to Atlanta.”

The UL Ragin Cajuns take on LSU tonight in the annual Wally Pontiff Jr. Classic. UL returns to The Box for the first time since 2015. The Cajuns have had some good success against the Tigers of late, taking three of the last four matchups between the two programs. Deggs knows it won’t be easy slowing down the LSU offense, but he likes his club’s chances.

Cut 17 (17) “ …a good ball game.” 

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After dropping three straight to Arkansas in Fayetteville, LSU finds itself dropping in the standings. The Tigers sit fifth in the SEC West and Jay Johnson says his team has to start doing the little things to give itself any chance of competing with the big boys.

Cut 18 (20) “ …come out” 

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Former New Orleans Hornet dominated the Pelicans down the stretch in their game one loss to the Phoenix Suns. Coach Willie Green says there are things that he and his players can do to try to slow down the future Hall of Famer, but he is who he is.

Cut 19 (18) _“…what he does.” 

Game two of the best of seven series is Wednesday night in Phoenix.

5:30 LRN Newscast April 18

The House Appropriations Committee approved a spending plan for the next fiscal year that contains 15-hundred dollar pay raises for teachers. Chairman Jerome Zeringue of Houma says if this latest raise makes it through the legislative process, teachers will see their salary go up 33-hundred dollars over the last four years

Cut 6  (09) “…previous three.” 

There’s also a disagreement between the Edwards administration and House Republicans over funding for a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge. The governor is proposing to put 500-million dollars towards the construction of a new I-10 bridge that could cost two-point-five billion dollars. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne makes the case why this money is needed now…

Cut 8 (11) “…infrastructure act.” 

A bill to require pornography sites to verify one’s age as a way to prevent minors from accessing their material passes in House Civil Law. President of the Louisiana Family Forum Gene Mills spoke in support of the legislation to require commercial entities that publish material harmful to minors to place reasonable methods to verify the age of those attempting to access their site.

Cut 4  (11) “…child’s development.

The bill now heads to the House

New Orleans representative Mandie Landry says tax assessors should be held to the same standard as the state’s legislators when it comes to term limits and her House Bill 288 would allow voters to decide if the state’s constitution should be amended to make that happen.

Cut 4 (05)  “…encourages and requires turnover.”

The bill passed 7-6 in House Ways and Means.

 

4:45 LRN Sportscast April 18

Following their 110-99 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night, the New Orleans Pelicans trail one game to nothing in their opening-round playoff series. The Pels trailed 53-34 at the half and were down by as many as 23 points before a second-half rally cut the deficit to six before the Suns pulled away late. Coach Willie Green says he and his staff will make changes and that his team will be ready to compete from the start.

Cut 21 (12) “…a better start.

Game two is tomorrow night, with tip-off set for 9 pm.

The New Orleans Saints announced that they have re-signed special teams ace, running back Dwayne Washington to a one-year deal. Washington returns for his fifth season with the Black & Gold.

New Orleans’ other football team, the USFL’s Breakers, won their first game of the season, defeating the Philadelphia Stars 23-17 in Birmingham. Next up, the Tampa Bay Bandits this Sunday.

4:30 LRN Newscast April 18

A tragic Easter Sunday car crash in Rapides Parish takes the life of a 9-year-old child. State Police say an SUV driven by Marksville resident Angela Jacobs lost control and crashed on Highway 1. Master Trooper Casey Wallace says Jacobs was driving four kids – all wearing seat belts – and had just passed a vehicle…:

CUT 13(07)      “…embankment.”

One child was taken to a nearby hospital, but died from injuries in the crash.

A bill that would require adult websites to verify site visitors are 18 or older passes in a House Committee. The author is Metairie Democrat and licensed sex therapist Laurie Schlegel, who says it’s far too east for impressionable kids to find sexual content…:

CUT 03(11)      “…change course.”

The bill now goes to the House floor.

 

College tuition costs keep rising, but a Tulane University study shows there is help for lower-income students. Study co-author Emily Cook says awareness of that help and how to get it is the issue…:

CUT 11(10)      “…a concern there.”

Police in New Orleans are having a problem with pop-up car stunt shows, where car customizers and motorcyclists hurriedly take over a parking lot or even an intersection and do burnouts, donuts and other stunts. Neighbors complain of the noise, the smoke and the danger, but police never arrive in time to make arrests. One recent event stopped traffic right on Interstate 10 in Eastern New Orleans and was subject of an online video that’s gone viral.

3:30 LRN Newscast April 18

A bill to require pornography sites to verify one’s age as a way to prevent minors from accessing their material passes in House Civil Law. Bill author, Metairie Representative, and licensed Sex Therapist Laurie Schlegel says it’s imperative, that we reduce access for minors…:

CUT 05(11)      “…government interest.”

House Bill 142 requires such websites to verify one’s age and only allow access for individuals 18 and older. It now heads to the House floor.

A single-vehicle crash in Rapides Parish Sunday claimed the life of a 9-year-old. Master Trooper Casey Wallace says it appears 30-year-old Angela Jacobs of Marksville lost control of her SUV along Highway 1, just a mile south of Highway 3170. He says one of the four juveniles in the SUV was transferred to a local hospital…:

CUT 12(06)      “…Easter Sunday.”

Everyone WAS seat belted. Wallace says impairment is not suspected but the crash remains under investigation.

 

Talking today to the Baton Rouge Press Club, Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne explained the plan to set aside about a half-billion dollars to get started building a new I-10 Mississippi River Bridge near Baton Rouge, a new I-10 bridge in Lake Charles and other projects. That is an interlocking part of the spending plan for next fiscal year passed today by House Appropriations. Dardenne makes the case for why the money is needed right now…:’

CUT 08(11)      “…infrastructure act.”

Tuition at public universities has skyrocketed, but a new study by Tulane University and co-author Emily Cook, says that while high and upper-middle-income families are taking a hit, more financial aid is finding its way to low and middle-income students. Here’s Dr. Cook…:

CUT 09(10)      “…certain income groups.”

She says the problem is them getting the information on how to access the help.

LRN PM Newscall April 18

A bill to reduce a minor’s access to pornography on the internet passes in House Civil Law. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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College tuition continues to rise, but a new study by Tulane University says some students have actually seen their costs go down. David Grubb has more.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m David Grubb.”  

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A bill to require pornography sites to verify one’s age as a way to prevent minors from accessing their material passes in House Civil Law. Bill author, Metairie Representative, and licensed Sex Therapist Laurie Schlegel says children’s exposure to pornography is a growing concern.

Cut 3 (11) “…change course.”

President of the Louisiana Family Forum Gene Mills spoke in support of the legislation to require commercial entities that publish material harmful to minors to place reasonable methods to verify the age of those attempting to access their site.

Cut 4  (11) “…child’s development.”

House Bill 142 requires such entities to verify one’s age and only allow access for individuals 18 and older. Schlegel, who understands the damage of pornography in her profession as a Sex Therapist says it’s imperative, that we reduce access for minors.

Cut 5  (11) “…government interest.”

The bill now heads to the House floor.

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The House Appropriations Committee approved a spending plan today for next fiscal year that contains 15-hundred dollar pay raises for teachers and 750-dollars for support staff. Chairman Jerome Zeringue of Houma says if this latest raise makes it through the legislative process, teachers would see their salary go up 33-hundred dollars over the last four years

Cut 6  (09) “…previous three.” 

The budget bill also calls for using 500-million dollars in federal pandemic aid to help replenish the state’s unemployment trust fund. Another 450-million dollar would be allocated to water systems.

The proposed budget for next year does not contain a 100-dollar increase in supplemental pay for local police and firefighters, despite a recommendation from Governor John Bel Edwards. Zeringue says Louisiana is the only state to provide a salary supplement for local police and firefighters…

Cut 7 (10) “…fire and police” 

There’s also a disagreement between the Edwards administration and House Republicans over funding for a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge. The governor is proposing to put 500-million dollars towards the construction of a new I-10 bridge that could cost two-point-five billion dollars. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne makes the case why this money is needed now…

Cut 8 (11) “…infrastructure act.” 

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Tuition at public universities has skyrocketed, with an increase of about 200 percent since the 1980s. However, a new study released by Tulane University and co-authored by assistant economic professor Emily Cook, says that while high and upper-middle-income families are taking a hit, more financial aid is finding its way to low and middle-income students.

Cut 9 (10) “…certain income groups.”

Cook says there haven’t been any significant changes in state or federal aid guidelines, so the driver has been a shift in mindset by institutions as they work to attract more students to campus.

Cut 10 (12)  “…higher-income students.”

Unfortunately, there is still a gap where the funding isn’t always getting to the students it’s intended for. Cook says that there has to be greater awareness of what resources are available to families and what the real cost of education is for students seeking need-based aid.

Cut 11 (10)  “…a concern there.”  

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A single-vehicle crash in Rapides Parish Sunday afternoon claims the life of a nine-year-old passenger. Master Trooper Casey Wallace says it appears 30-year-old Angela Jacobs of Marksville lost control of her SUV along Highway 1, just a mile south of Highway 3170. He says one of the four juveniles in the SUV was transferred to a local hospital.

Cut 12 (06) “…Easter Sunday.” 

Wallace says Jacobs was returning home when the accident happened after passing another vehicle along the two-lane highway.

Cut 13 (07) “…embankment.”

Wallace says impairment is not suspected but the crash remains under investigation. He says the driver and all four juvenile passengers were wearing seatbelts.

2:30 LRN Newscast April 18

Let’s start at the State Capitol, where the House Appropriations Committee passes the annual state budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1st. The spending plan includes teacher pay raises of $1500 and $750 raises for support staff. Committee Chair Jerome Zeringue, of Houma, says if this raise makes it through, it would reflect an increase in teacher salaries of over $3000 over four years…:

CUT 06  (09)        “…previous three.”

The budget now moves to the House floor for much debate.

A bill to require adult websites to verify visitors’ age passes House Civil Law Committee. Speaking FOR it, Louisiana Family Forum’s Gene Mills says it’s not unreasonable to prevent children from viewing such materials…:

CUT (04)               “…child’s development.”

That bill also move to the House floor.

 

A freak Easter evening crash in New Orleans – technically a hit & run – leaves one man dead and four hurt. Police say the impact of two vehicles at an intersection sent one rolling over into a yard and over four pedestrians. The driver crawled out and ran away. He was quickly caught by police, but taken to a hospital for injuries, where he died. An investigation is sorting it all out.

Despite rising college tuition, a new Tulane study shows some students are seeing costs go down…:

CUT 02  (34)        “…David Grubb”

1:30 LRN Newscast April 18

A bill to reduce a minor’s access to pornography on the internet passes in House Civil Law. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

In Shreveport, a 19-year-old man has been charged in connection to the shooting death of a 16-year-old female on Sunday afternoon. Officers responded to a call at 1:15 pm and found the young woman inside suffering from at least one gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Witnesses identified Treylin Dillard as the gunman and he was arrested and charged with one count of second-degree murder. He is being held without bond.

There’s a disagreement between the Edwards administration and House Republicans over funding for a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge. The governor is proposing to put 500-million dollars towards the construction of a new I-10 bridge that could cost two-point-five billion dollars. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne makes the case why this money is needed now…

Cut 8 (11) “…infrastructure act.”

Tuition at public universities has increased roughly 200 percent since the 1980s. However, a new study released by Tulane University and co-authored by assistant economics professor Emily Cook, says that more financial aid is finding its way to low and middle-income students. There haven’t been any significant changes in state or federal aid guidelines, so the driver has been a shift in mindset by institutions as they work to attract more students to campus.

Cut 10 (12) “…higher-income students.”

12:30 LRN Newscast April 18

A bill to require pornography sites to verify one’s age as a way to prevent minors from accessing their material passes in House Civil Law. Bill author, Metairie Representative, and licensed Sex Therapist Laurie Schlegel says children’s exposure to pornography is a growing concern.

Cut 3 (11) “…change course.”

The bill now heads to the House floor.

Tuition at public universities on average has increased about 200 percent since the 80s. But a new study from Tulane University and co-authored by assistant economic professor Emily Cook, says while high and upper-middle-income families are taking a hit, more financial aid is finding its way to low and middle-income students.

Cut 9 (10) “…certain income groups.”

The House Appropriations Committee approved a spending plan today for the next fiscal year that contains 15-hundred dollar pay raises for teachers, but Chairman Jerome Zeringue of Houma says the proposed budget does not contain a 100-dollar increase in supplemental pay for local police and firefighters, despite a recommendation from the governor. Zeringue says Louisiana is the only state to provide a salary supplement for local police and firefighters…

Cut 7 (10) “…fire and police” 

A bill to raise the compensation rate for school bus drivers will be heard in Senate Finance this afternoon. Bill author Covington Senator Patrick McMath says driver pay rates haven’t changed since the 80s and we owe it to them and the children they transport, so they can properly maintain their vehicles.

Cut 13 (08) “…do that.”

 

McMath says drivers are leaving as a result.

11:40 LRN Sportscast April 18

The New Orleans Pelicans are down 1-0 following a 110-99 loss to the top-seeded Phoenix Suns in the first game of their best of seven series. After a disastrous start where they trailed by as many as 23 points, the Pels rallied to cut the deficit to six in the fourth quarter, but an MVP performance by Chris Paul was too much to overcome. The former New Orleans Hornet finished with 30 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. Coach Willie Green said his team didn’t play its best and that won’t be good enough against the defending Western Conference champs.

Cut 21 (19) “…be better.

Game two is tomorrow night, with tip-off set for 9 pm.

There are just three practices left this spring for the LSU Tigers leading up to Saturday’s scrimmage. Intensity on the defensive side of the ball has been lacking at times. Lack of depth is one possible reason and head coach Brian Kelly has also been preaching brotherhood to the players. It might be impacting their tackling.

Cut 17 (18) “…get them on the ground.”

LSU was swept by Arkansas as the Razorbacks held the Tigers offense to six runs in three games…Southeastern catcher Bryce Grizzaffi was named Southland Hitter of the Week after leading the Lions to a sweep of UNO to move into a tie with Nicholls for first in the conference. Colonels junior Tyler Theriot earned Pitcher of the Week honors with 8 scoreless innings against Northwestern State on his way to picking up his fifth win of the season.