07:30 Newscast, April 19th, 2016

Governor John Bel Edwards has had a busy 100 days in office, reaching that mark today. He’s following through with expanding Medicaid, and was successful in raising taxes, wiping out most of the 900 million dollar current budget year deficit. LSU Political Science professor Wayne Parent..:
CUT 5 (11) “to do”
Edwards has also had to deal with a series of weather-related tragedies.

A proposed law that would let genetic parents of surrogacy babies immediately become guardians of the child is headed to the House Floor. Currently a child born to a surrogate is considered the infant’s mother. President of the Louisiana Family Forum Gene Mills says they oppose third party gestational surrogacy…:
CUT 15 (09) “procreation”
But supporters says his measure protects both genetic parents and the surrogate.

A reserve New Orleans Police officer and longtime friend of Will Smith, has been removed from service as the investigation into the death of the former Saints player continues. NOPD says the move is being made out of an abundance of caution and to protect the integrity of the probe.

Governor John Bel Edwards’ monthly call-in radio show begins today on the Louisiana Radio Network. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”
You can find the list of stations that will air the show at louisianaradionetwork.com.

 

 

06:45 Sportscast, April 19th, 2016

After a slow start in conference play, LSU finds itself just one game back of Texas A&M for first place in the SEC West. The Bayou Bengals are 9-6 in the SEC and Coach Paul Manieri is pleased at this time…:
Cut 17 (16) “9-6″
Baseball America has the Tigers at NO. 5, while USA Today Coaches ranks LSU seventh. The Bayou Bengals host Southland-leading Southeastern tomorrow night.

In the D-1 Baseball poll, UL-Lafayette is ranked 24. The 24-12 Ragin Cajuns host Nicholls State today. Loyola is at Southern. Louisiana Tech hosts Northwestern State. Grambling hosts Wiley. Tulane hosts Southern Miss.

McNeese’s Collin Kober has been named the Southland Pitcher of the Week.

A reserve New Orleans Police officer who dined with Will Smith the night the former Saints player was shot to death has been pulled from the force, according to a report from WWL-TV. Billy Ceravolo has been retired but served with the department in its reserve ranks. According to the TV station, NOPD officials said they took the action to protect the integrity of the investigation.

Coming off the abrupt resignation of Tyler Summitt who admitted to having an inappropriate relationship, Louisiana Tech announces the hiring of Brooke Stoehr to be its next women’s basketball coach.

Tom and Gayle Benson own two entries in the Kentucky Derby Saturday — Mo Tom and Tom’s ready. Mr. Benson says he is excited to share with New Orleans and Louisiana the experience of having two local horses in the most prestigious race in the country.

Former NFL players already diagnosed with brain injuries linked to repeated concussions, could begin receiving benefits in the coming months after a federal appeals court Monday upheld a $1 billion dollar plan by the league to settle thousands of lawsuits.

 

 

06:30 Newscast, April 19th, 2016

Today marks the 100th day in office for Governor John Bel Edwards. Jeff Palermo talks with a political analyst on a busy three-plus months for the new governor:
CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Edwards’ monthly one-hour radio show begins today on the Louisiana Radio Network. The show will air on 15 radio stations, and it will allow the governor to speak with Louisianans one on one to address their concerns in the state:
CUT 7 (09) “work together”
The show begins at 2pm and you can get more details at louisianaradianetwork.com.

The Louisiana Survey finds 53-percent of residents are still opposed to same-sex marriages even after last year’s historic Supreme Court ruling. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Michael Henderson says this percentage has decreased over the past three years. He says the poll also found 52-percent support religious freedom laws…:
Cut 10 (08) “religious reasons”
The same poll showed a large majority of Louisianians oppose removing Confederate monuments.

The casino market in New Orleans market saw the biggest drop in winnings than any other state gambling region in the state for March. State Police released figures Monday showing activity in The Big Easy fell 12.3 percent last month, the largest drop in Louisiana.

 

AM Newcall April 19,2016

Today marks the 100th day in office for Governor John Bel Edwards. Jeff Palermo talks with a political analyst on a busy three-plus months for the new governor.

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards’ monthly call-in radio show  begins today on the Louisiana Radio Network. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

The latest installment of the 2016 Louisiana Survey finds most Louisianans still don’t agree with same-sex marriage. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________________

It’s been 100 days today since Governor John Bel Edwards took office. LSU Political Science professor Wayne Parent says Edwards did not get to enjoy a “honeymoon” at the beginning of his term, like other governors have, because of fiscal issues facing the state and an uncooperative legislature.

cut 4  (11)  “the House”

Edwards has followed through with his campaign promise to expand Medicaid. The governor also said he would increase the state’s minimum wage, but that proposal will face stiff opposition from House Republicans. Parent says the governor biggest hurdle so far was addressing a 900-million dollar shortfall this fiscal year, and the governor was successful in raising taxes, wiping out most of that deficit.

Cut 5  (11)  “to do”

Parent says despite convincing the legislature to raise hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues, funding issues remain a problem for the new governor.

Cut 6 (07)  “funding them”

___________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards’ monthly one-hour radio show begins today on the Louisiana Radio Network. The show will air on 15 radio stations, and it will allow the governor to speak with Louisianans one on one to address their concerns in the state.

CUT 7 (09)  “work together”

Edwards’ press secretary, Shauna Sanford, says Louisianans are well aware of the pressing problems facing the state. She says this show allows them to address those issues.

Cut 8  (08)  “to do” 

After today, the show will air on the third Wednesday of every month. Sanford says that while there are many problems in Louisiana, there are also many solutions. She says Edwards wants to hear some of those ideas from the people.

Cut 9 (10)  “great ideas”

___________________________________________________

The Louisiana Survey finds 53-percent of residents surveyed are still opposed to same-sex marriages even after last year’s historic Supreme Court ruling. Director of the LSU Public Policy Research Lab Michael Henderson says this percentage has decreased over the past three years. He says the survey also found 52-percent support religious freedom laws.

Cut 10 (08) “religious reasons”

Henderson says he’s not surprised by the results on the questions regarding same-sex marriages but he is surprised that 73-percent of Louisianans believe the Confederate monuments should stay up. He says even 47-percent of black residents think the monuments should not be removed.

cut 11 (10) “been around”

Henderson says unlike the removal of the monuments, about half of residents are opposed to the state issuing specialty licenses plates displaying the Confederate battle flag.

cut 12 (08) “that issue”

___________________________________________________________

Legislation that establishes a legal framework for surrogacy births is heading to the House floor. Under current law, a child born to a surrogate is considered the infant’s mother. Metairie Rep. Joseph Lopinto wants to change the law so the genetic parents are immediately the legal guardians of the child.

Cut 13 (09)  “going forward”

Lopinto says this bill puts proper safeguards in place that will make sure biological parents who choose to have a surrogate will not be able to back out and it ensures the surrogate will not have legal custody of the baby.

Cut 14 (05)  “their child” 

President of the Louisiana Family Forum Gene Mills says they oppose third party gestational surrogacy. He says adoption is God’s way of providing parents to a child in need with a family but surrogacy disrupts that.

Cut 15 (09) “procreation”

Mills says surrogacy contracts ignore the integrity to a family because birth mothers consent to bear a child and forfeit that baby before it’s conceived. He says with this bill, now there will be a legal question and efforts that must be taken to demonstrate who is the mother of the child.

Cut 16  (10)  “that child”

______________________________________________________

After a slow start in conference play, LSU finds itself just one game back of Texas A&M for first place in the SEC West. The Bayou Bengals are 9-6 in the SEC and Coach Paul Manieri likes where his team is at…

Cut 17 (16) “9-6″

Last year, LSU was 10-5 at halfway point of league play and won the SEC regular season title. The Tigers are coming off a sweep over Missouri. They had 40 hits in the three victories and Mainieri says they faced two of the better starting pitchers in the conference…

Cut 18 (12) “get down”

LSU’s next game is Wednesday night when they host Southeastern Louisiana. The Tigers have lost three midweek games already this season. Mainieri knows the Tigers can’t afford to many more midweek defeats, if they want to host a regional…

Cut 19 (16) “get it done”

18:30 Newscast April 18,2016

Governor John Bel Edwards announces enrollment for the state’s expanded Medicaid program starts June 1st. Edwards says this will give health coverage to working-class people, like workers in food service, tourism and construction. He says he’ll spend the next few weeks raising awareness about Medicaid expansion.
CUT 5 (09) “critical date”

The Louisiana Survey finds 53-percent of residents surveyed are still opposed to same-sex marriages even after last year’s historic Supreme Court ruling. Director of the LSU Public Policy Research Lab Michael Henderson says the survey also found 52-percent support religious freedom laws.
Cut 10 (08) “generally”

 

Talk of uncommitted delegates choosing Ted Cruz instead of Donald Trump for president is not true according to one of the members who said he has yet to make up his mind. Michelle Southern reports…:
CUT 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

A crop-duster pilot was killed in a crash is West Carroll Parish at around 9:15 this morning. Authorities says Daniel Morgan was found dead when E-M-S responded to the crash site. Sheriff Jerry Philley says it’s possible Morgan could’ve clipped a tree top before crashing. Philley says the Federal Aviation Administration will be investigating the incident.

17:30 LRN Newscast ##Legislative Report###

Governor John Bel Edwards announced in a Senate committee that enrollment for Louisiana’s expanded Medicaid program will begin June 1st. Don Molino has more…
voicer 1 (28) “….I’m Don Molino”

The governor is slowing down on the building and expansion of facilities on Louisiana’s community college campuses, because of a lack of dollars in the state’s construction budget. Over half of the projects on the 280-million dollar list for the Louisiana Community and Technical College System have been put on hold.

Legislation that would allow for the sale of raw milk in Louisiana passes the Senate on a 23-12 vote. The bill’s author, Ville Platte Senator Eric LaFluer was passionate about the subject in his closing remaks…
cut 30 (10) “….this is a America’
The bill heads to the House for more debate.

Legislation that establishes a legal framework for surrogacy births is heading to the House floor. Under current law, a child born to a surrogate woman is considered the infant’s mother. Metairie Rep. Joseph Lopinto wants to change the law so the genetic parents are immediately the legal guardians of the child….
cut 29 (09) “…going forward”
Similar legislation was vetoed by former Governor Bobby Jindal.

16:45 LRN Sportscast April 18

LSU is coming off its first SEC series sweep of the year and they’ve won four in a row, which has put them back in the Top 10 in several polls. Baseball America has the Tigers ranked fifth, the USA Today Coaches Poll has them at number seven and D-1 Baseball has the Bayou Bengals ranked 10th.

UL Lafayette is ranked 24th in the D-1 poll. The Cajuns won two of three from Southeastern Louisiana.

McNeese’s Collin Kober has been named the Southland Pitcher of the Week. The right-hander earned three saves in the Cowboys four victories last week. McNeese is at UL Lafayette on Wednesday and they’ll host Southland-leading Southeastern this weekend.

Co-head coach of the Northwestern State woman’s basketball, Brooke Stoehr, will be the new head coach of the Lady Techsters. The 35-year-old played for La Tech and helped them reach a final four and win four conference titles.

At LSU’s spring game, fans were able to get a look at the Tigers new back-up quarterback, Danny Etling, a transfer from Purdue. Etling was 6-of=-12 for 106 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Starting quarterback Brandon Harris enjoys the compeitition….
cut 18 (13) “…get better”
In Lafayette, Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth is holding off on naming a starting QB. Freshman Chris Weaver outperformed Jordan Davis in the spring game.

At Louisiana Tech’s spring game, Jaylon Ferguson had three sacks. The former West Feliciana High standout had six sacks last season and knows a lot will be expected from him in 2016….
cut 20 (12) “…for it”

16:30 LRN Newscast April 18, 2016

Enrollment for the expanded Medicaid program will begin June 1, according to Governor John Bel Edwards. Edwards says the money saved by the expansion will go towards reducing cuts to healthcare and reinvesting in higher ed. He says this expansion will also reduce the amount the state pays for uninsured patients in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (06) “10-percent”

Edwards says over 300-thousand people will be covered under this expansion.

Governor John Bel Edwards will make an appearance on the HBO series Vice, and his interview for the show will take place today. The governor’s press secretary Shauna Sanford says the episode will highlight college affordability and the future of higher ed.

Cut 12 (07) “affordability”

The episode will air in mid-June.

The talk about uncommitted delegates choosing Ted Cruz over Donald Trump is not true, according to one delegate who has yet to make up his mind. Luke Letlow, a Marco Rubio delegate from North Louisiana, says he is still not committed to either candidate.

Cut 6 (08) “in November”

Letlow says he’s been approached by both the Trump and Cruz campaigns since Rubio dropped out.

Dead sea turtles are washing up on the Gulf Coast, and biologists are trying to figure out why. Director of the Institute of Marine Mammal Studies, Moby Solangi, says this is concerning because the Kemps Ridley sea turtles are endangered.

Cut (05) “this year”

Solangi says earlier this year, they also saw an increase in the number of dolphins dying.

15:30 LRN newscast April 18

Calling it the right thing to do for Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards announced that the enrollment period for Louisiana’s expanded Medicaid program will begin June 1st. Edwards says over 300-thousand people will benefit from the government paid for insurance. He says the expansion will also save the state much needed dollars…
cut 3 (06) “….million dollars’
The Medicaid expansion will cover more working poor individuals and the coverage will kick in on July 1st.

Governor Edwards is interviewing with producers of the HBO series “Vice” who is examing the rising cost of higher education for students. Edward’s press secretary, Shauna Sanford, this is an issue that’s important to the governor…
cut 14 (07) “….more people”
The show will air in mid-June.

Talk of uncommitted delegates choosing Ted Cruz instead of Donald Trump for president is not true according to one of the members who said he has yet to make up his mind. Michelle Southern reports…:
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

On this tax day, the Department of Revenue announces a Lafayette used car dealer has been arrested for tax fraud. Investigators say the owner of LA Auto Sales, Larry Dwayne Brown, underreported the sale price of dozen of vehicles, remitted too little sales tax and pocked the difference. It’s alleged he defrauded the state an estimated 20-thousand dollars.

14:30 LRN Newscast April 18

Governor John Bel Edwards announced today that enrollment will begin June 1st for Louisiana’s expanded Medicaid program. Edwards says over 300-thousand Louisiana residents will qualify for the government health care under the new eligibility requirements…
cut 5 (09) “…critical date”
The Edwards aministration says the Medicaid expansion will result in a net savings of 677-million dollars in the first five years.

Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump has threatened a lawsuit over the possibility of uncommitted delegates from Louisiana going to Ted Cruz, even though Trump won Louisiana’s presidential primary. But Luke Letlow and three other uncommitted delegates have signed a letter, agreeing to stay uncommitted until the Republican National Convention….
cut 7 (10) “….will be”
Letlow was a Marco Rubio delegate.

Governor Edwards will do an interview today for the HBO news documentary series “Vice.” Edwards press secretary, Shauna Sanford, says the governor will discuss funding issues facing public colleges…
cut 13 (09) “…the country”
The show will air in mid-June.

Biologists have seen an increase in the number of dead sea turltes washing up along the Gulf Coast. Director of the Institute of Marine Mammal Studies, Moby Solangi, says the turtles could be suffering from toxins left over from oil spills, as well chemicals flowing out of the Mississippi River. Solangi says they are doing what they can to rehabilitate turtles struggling to survive
cut 11 (05) “….rescue facility”