AM Newscall May 20 ###sports added and a tornado cut###

The House will hear a bill Tuesday that would restrict online fantasy sports playing to over-21 establishments. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Louisiana Department of Education seeks advice on installing silent alarms in schools across the Bayou State. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Connor Ferrill”  

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Louisiana state parks are helping those with disabilities and special needs gain employment this summer.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The online fantasy sports regulatory bill has an amendment on it that stipulates you can only play if you’re at card checking over-21 only establishments like video poker stops, bars, or casinos.  Video poker lobbyist Alton Ashy advocated for the amendment and says legalizing the activity without restrictions provides no benefits to Louisiana businesses.

Cut 4 (09) “… of Louisiana.”

But fantasy sports advocates are sounding the alarm. Fairness for Fantasy Sports Louisiana spokesperson Ryan Berni says it subverts the intent of the 47 parishes that voted to authorize the activity.

Cut 5 (11) “…for any medium”

But Ashy says as it stands local business won’t only be missing out on the economic benefits of legalization, the proposed tax rate on online fantasy sports is so low, which is why the bill should be used to push more foot traffic into the high tax gaming houses…

Cut 6 (10) “…fantasy sports.”

Berni says the requirements are so unfeasible that it raises questions as to whether the amendment is just a bad faith effort to kill the activity, or cripple it in favor of local gaming…

Cut 7 (08) “…fantasy sports.”

The legislation will be discussed on the House floor Tuesday.

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The Louisiana Department of Education is requesting to get feedback on silent alarms in schools. The Louisiana Legislature has requested that D-O-E look to see  how viable and cost-effective the safety measure would be. State Education Assistant Superintendent Erin Bendzily says they want to hear from school leaders and safety experts…

Cut 8 (12) “…technology.”

Bendzily says around a quarter of schools nationwide use the silent alarm systems but Louisiana only has a handful of schools that utilize the technology…

Cut 9 (06) “…aware of any.″

Bendzily says as the mother of a 10-year-old son she understands finding the most efficient way to keep kids in school safe is the top priority…

Cut 10 (12) “…critical”

The Department of Education wants to receive the information by June 14 to present to the Louisiana Blue Ribbon Commission on School Safety assembled by Governor John Bel Edwards.

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For the second year, Louisiana state parks will be partnering with the Workforce Commission to hire people with disabilities and special needs to fill jobs for the summer season. Assistant Secretary for the Office of State Parks Brandon Burris says the idea came from Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser.

Cut 11 (11) “…the same time.”

Burris says the program was popular last year, and many of those that were hired for the summer season ended up staying on beyond the tourist season.

Cut 12 (05) “…with disabilities.”

If someone with disabilities or special needs is interesting in the summer work, Burris recommends contacting one of the twenty one state parks or eighteen historic sites around the state. He adds the information can also be found on the Louisiana Workforce Commission website.

Cut 13 (08) “…how to apply.”

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The House is set to consider a recreational marijuana regulation and decriminalization bill in the Criminal Justice committee before the end of the session. The bill would authorize 15 grower permits, and would place them under the Department of Agriculture.

Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan says decriminalizing and taxing marijuana is a popular idea nationwide…

Cut 14 (06) “…leading.”

Nine states have legalized the purchase of regulated recreational marijuana.

Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says refusing to legalize weed won’t keep kids from getting their hands on untested street product.

Cut 15 (11) “program.”

Sales would be restricted to 21 and over.

James says pot is a safer choice than many currently legal substances you can get at the corner store…

Cut 16  (10) “…guessing” 

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LSU baseball finished the regular season on Saturday with a tough extra inning loss to Auburn. Was that the final game at Alex Box Stadium or will LSU host a regional? Coach Paul Mainieri believes they have solid resume to be a Top 16 seed and host a regional

cut 17 (23)   “great to come back” 

Zack Hess gave up a game tying home run on Saturday in the loss to Auburn and then gave up the go-ahead run in the 11th inning. Mainieri says he still has confidence in Hess, even though he’s been victimized lately by the home run ball…

LSU enters the SEC Tournament as the 5-seed and they’ll play South Carolina in the late game in Hoover, Alabama on Tuesday night. The loss on Saturday ended a four-game winning streak, but Hess says Saturday’s loss shouldn’t disrupt the momentum they have entering the postseason
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Possible tornadoes caused damage in Iberia, Allen, Beauregard and Evangeline Parishes on Sunday morning. Governor John Bel Edwards toured storm damage in Ville Platte, where about 50 homes sustained damage. Edwards says three people suffered non-serious injuries and it might take awhile to get the power back on…

10:30 AM Newscast

The House approves a bill allowing the Legislative Auditor access to the tax records of Medicaid recipients. The proposal sparked an intense floor debate between Republican Tony Bacala and Democrat Gary Carter, who says its unfair to the poor…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Another round of severe weather is on its way. North Louisiana has already experienced two tornado out breaks this Spring and Richardson this latest storm system has the potential to produce more twisters…

Cut 13 (11) “…time of year”

 

 

 

 

The House Labor Committee advances a Senate-approved bill to address PTSD and mental health among firefighters and police, adding the mental illness to the list of injuries eligible for public employee benefits.  A Jefferson Parish firefighter says he did not catch the symptoms early enough, even going as far to say the activity among lawmakers were triggering flashbacks.

Cut 11 (12)“…of body bags.”

Select movie theaters nationwide will show Steel Magnolias this weekend, as a way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the movie’s release. The legendary film was shot in Natchitoches and Director of Marketing for the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau Kelli West says Steel Magnolias will also be shown in various theaters around the state. She says they’ll have a display at the Perkins Rowe theater in Baton Rouge…

Cut 15 (08) “…state”

9:30 AM Newscast

The House voted 66-32 in favor of allowing the Legislative Auditor to access income tax records of Medicaid recipients, sparking a testy back and forth between bill author, Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala and New Orleans Representative Gary Carter, who voted against it.  Bacala says a recent audit discovered 1,672 people were enrolled in the program making six figures.  Carter accused Bacala of subjecting poor people to scrutiny he wouldn’t subject businesses too…

Cut 4 (14) “…gunna find” 

The state’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is the lowest on record dating back to 1976.  The rate dropped to 3.5% in April in the numbers that come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Workforce Commission Director Ava Dejoie says it is welcomed news for the state.

Cut 6 (08) “…a good sign.”

The House Labor Committee advances a Senate-approved bill to address PTSD and mental health among firefighters and police, adding the mental illness to the list of injuries eligible for public employee benefits.  One Madison Parish firefighter  says that his PTSD was not caught early and now is disabling.

Cut 10 (12) “…keep me alive.

Select movie theaters nationwide will show Steel Magnolias this weekend, as a way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the movie’s release. The legendary film was shot in Natchitoches and Director of Marketing for the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau Kelli West says the film’s popularity continues to attract tourists…

Cut 14 (12) “…moments” 

The film will be shown by Fathom Events at select theaters Sunday through Wednesday.

8:30 AM Newscast

At 3.5%, the state saw the lowest not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate on record in April. Jeff Palermo has the story.

cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Officials with the Barksdale Air Show are keeping a watchful eye on the weather as NW Louisiana is under an enhanced risk of severe weather this afternoon. Brandi Richardson with the National Weather Service…

cut 12(09)   “…some tornadoes””

 

The House voted 66-32 in favor of allowing the Legislative Auditor to access income tax records of Medicaid recipients, sparking a testy back and forth between bill author, Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala and New Orleans Representative Gary Carter, who voted against it.  Carter called the legislation an assault on working class Medicaid recipients…

Cut 3 (13) “…benefits.”

The bill heads to the Senate, where previous similar efforts have failed.

The House Labor Committee advances a Senate-approved bill to address PTSD and mental health among firefighters and police, adding the mental illness to the list of injuries eligible for public employee benefits.  One Madison Parish firefighter testified saying he has suffered from depression since 2014, adding he had suicidal thoughts while on leave for PTSD related to his job.

Cut 9 (08) “…was going on.”

7:30 LRN Sportscast

The 19th ranked LSU baseball team won its fourth straight last night as the Fighting Tigers knocked off Auburn four to one to clinch the fifth seed in the SEC Tournament. Freshman right hander Landon Marceaux struck out a career-high seven hitters last night to improve to four and two on the year. Zack Hess threw two shutout innings for his second save and Cade Beloso had two hits and drove in two runs. LSU has 17 wins in the SEC, which should be good enough to host an NCAA Regional.

The Ragin Cajuns were trailing 8-6 heading into the ninth inning but rallied for a 13-9 win over ULM in 10 innings on Friday night. UL-Lafayette is in next week’s Sun Belt Tournament, but the Warhawks will need a win over the Cajuns today to secure a spot.

Louisiana Tech defeated F-I-U 5-2 as David Leal threw seven innings and allowed one run. Taylor Young and Steele Netterville each had three hits. The Diamond Dogs go for the sweep today.
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At the SWAC Tournament, Texas Southern topped Southern eight to six and the two teams will meet again today in New Orleans. The winner will advance to the tournament championship game. Grambling is also in the semi-finals and they need to beat Alabama State today to advance to the title game. Grambling won twice yesterday, beating Priairie View 9-8 and Alabama State 15-9.

In the Southland, Southeastern Louisiana split a doubleheader with Incarnate Word. Northwestern State also split a doubleheader with Sam Houston State and the Demons earned a spot in the Southland Tournament. McNeese is also in the Southland tournament after a 16-6 win over Houston Baptist. Abilene Christian swept a doubleheader from Nicholls and the Colonels will miss out on the Southland Tourney.

In NCAA Tournament Softball action, LSU blanked Monmouth two to nothing. Texas Tech shutout Louisiana Tech 3-0. So LSU faces Texas Tech in the regional today, while La Tech and Monmouth meet in an elimiantion game. And the Ragin Cajuns defeated Southeast Missouri three to two.

5:30 PM LRN News May 17

The House approves a bill allowing the Legislative Auditor access to the tax records of Medicaid recipients. The proposal sparked an intense floor debate between Republican Tony Bacala and Democrat Gary Carter, who says it’s unfair to the poor…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Another round of severe weather is on its way. The Shreveport-Bossier area is under an enhanced risk. Brandi Richardson with the National Weather Service says North Louisiana has already experienced two tornado outbreaks this spring and this latest storm system has the potential to produce more twisters…

Cut 13 (11) “…time of year”

The House Labor Committee advances a Senate-approved bill to address PTSD and mental health among firefighters and police, adding the mental illness to the list of injuries eligible for public employee benefits. One Madison Parish firefighter says that his PTSD was not caught early and now is disabling.

Cut 10 (12) “…keep me alive.“

The state’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is the lowest on record dating back to 1976. The rate dropped to 3.5% in April in the numbers that come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Workforce Commission Director Ava Dejoie says he seasonally adjusted rate of unemployment is down as well.  That number has dropped to 4.5% in April.

Cut 8 (08) “…number as well.”

The previous low was eleven years ago in April 2008 at 3.6%.

4:45 LRN Sportscast May 17

The LSU baseball team goes after its fourth straight victory tonight when they host Auburn for game two of their three-game set. Last night, Eric Walker was great on the mound the Tigers pounded out three home runs in a seven to one win over Auburn. Saul Garza cranked out his fifth home run of the season and the catcher also had three hits. First pitch tonight is at 7 at Alex Box Stadium.

After ending a 25-game losing streak to the Ragin Cajuns last night with a six to three win, ULM looks to make it two wins in a row over UL Lafayette tonight. Both teams are in the need of a win to clinch a spot in next week’s Sun Belt Tournament.

Southern University is one win away from reaching the SWAC Tournament championship game. The Jaguars ralled back from four runs down in the ninth inning to beat Texas Southern 10-to-9 last night. The Jags will play again tonight in New Orleans at Wesley Barrow Stadium. Grambling avoided elimination earlier today by beating Prairie View nine to eight and will play again today against Alabama State.

Louisiana Tech athletics director Tommy McClelland is asking for their fans to be patient as they decide on the future homes for the Bulldog baseball softball and soccer stadiums. Their facilities were destroyed by a tornado. McClelland says they are awaiting information from FEMA, the state government and insurance providers that will help them with the future of these programs. Donations can be made to the Athletics Disaster Relief Fund.

On the baseball diamond last night, Louisiana Tech blanked FIU three to nothing. Senior captain Matt Miller allowed five hits and came one out away from throwing a complete game shutout. The Illnois native struck out six. David Leal will start tonight’s game at 5 PM.

In the Southland, Preston Faulkner hit a two-out, three run homer in the eighth inning to give Southeastern Louisiana an eight to six win over Incarnate Word. The Lions will finish the series against U-I-W by playing a doubleheader today. S-L-U is chasing Sam Houston for first place. The Bearkats defeated Northwestern State 11 to 5.

430PM LRN News

The House voted 66-32 in favor of allowing the Legislative Auditor to access income tax records of Medicaid recipients, sparking a testy back and forth between bill author, Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala and New Orleans Representative Gary Carter, who voted against it.

Cut 3 (13) “…benefits.”

Other opponents of the legislation argue the proposal would result in the expulsion of tens of thousands of Medicaid recipients from the program who make just above the 16,764-dollar yearly limit.

Select movie theaters nationwide will show Steel Magnolias this weekend, as a way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the movie’s release, a legendary film shot in Natchitoches. Director of Marketing for the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau Kelli West.

Cut 14 (12) “…moments” 

Another round of severe weather is on its way. Most of north, central and southwest Louisiana are under a slight risk for severe weather on Saturday and the Shreveport-Bossier area is under an enhanced risk. Brandi Richardson with the National Weather Service says we’ll see scattered storms during the day and stronger storms will move in later in the day

cut 12(09)   “…some tornadoes””

The state’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is the lowest on record dating back to 1976.  The rate dropped to 3.5% in April in the numbers that come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Workforce Commission Director Ava Dejoie says it is welcomed news for the state.

Cut 6 (08) “…a good sign.”

The area seeing the most growth is New Orleans with 1,600 jobs over the month, followed by Baton Rouge with 1,300. 

330PM LRN News

At 3.5%, the state saw the lowest not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate on record in April. Jeff Palermo has the story.

cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Two Eunice high school students were arrested for pouring degreaser into a teacher’s drink and bragging about it on Snapchat. Yesterday a the police were provided with a video recording showing a 17-year-old girl who goes to the school pouring “Krud Killer” into a teacher’s Styrofoam cup, prompting the girl’s arrest, and the arrest of the 17-year-old boy who allegedly filmed the incident. Police say both later admitted to the actions, and have been charged with a felony.

The House Labor Committee advances a Senate-approved bill to address PTSD and mental health among firefighters and police, adding the mental illness to the list of injuries eligible for public employee benefits.  A Jefferson Parish firefighter also spoke at the hearing, saying he did not catch the symptoms of PTSD early enough, even going as far to say the activity among lawmakers were triggering flashbacks.

Cut 11 (12)“…of body bags.”

Select movie theaters nationwide will show Steel Magnolias this weekend, as a way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the movie’s release. The legendary film was shot in Natchitoches and Director of Marketing for the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau Kelli West says they’ll have a display at the Perkins Rowe theater in Baton Rouge…

Cut 15 (08) “…state”

The film will be shown by Fathom Events at select theaters Sunday through Wednesday.

2:30 LRN Newscast May 17

The Louisiana House has approved legislation that would give the state’s legislative auditor access to income tax returns of Medicaid recipients. Democrats oppose the legislation, New Orleans Representative Gary Carter had this question for the bill’s author, Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala…
cut 5 (10) “….thank you”
The proposal heads to the Senate, where similiar efforts died in years past.

According to the governor’s office, the state’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has hit an all-time low of three-point-five percent. Louisiana Workforce Commission Director Ava Dejoie says you thank job gains in education, healthcare and professional and business services…
cut 7 (08) “…shown significant increases”
The previous record for the unemployment rate was set in 2018.

There’s another chance for severe weather in Louisiana tomorrow, with an enhanced risk for northwest Louisiana and much of north, central and southwest Louisiana under a slight risk. Brandi Richardson with the National Weather Service says this latest storm system has the potential to produce more tornadoes…
cut 13 (11) “….time of year”
The chance of rain will be in the forecast through Tuesday.

There are theaters across the nation that will show Steel Magnolias this weekend to celebrate the legendary film’s 30th anniversary of when it was released. But none of the theaters in Natchitoches have the movie this weekend, but Kelli West with the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau says don’t worry, the actual 30-year annivesary is in November and they’ll show it then…
cut 16 (08) “…initial release”