07:30 Newscast, June 8th, 2016

Governor John Bel Edwards is signing the Ban the Box bill into law today. Halen Doughty has more…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

A cop in Shreveport is on administrative leave following an arrest amid allegations of policy violations. Officer Bernice Lefeat of Keithville is charged with a single count each of Possession of Schedule II, Malfeasance in office, possession of a legend drug without prescription and two counts of theft of a firearm.

LHSAA principals meet today in Baton Rouge to vote on four proposals regarding the public-private playoff split, which is set to expand to other sports beginning next year. LHSAA President Vic Bonnaffee says hopefully high school principals understand the importance of this vote…:
Cut 6 (06) “the LHSAA” 2x
The public-private playoff split has been a controversial issue in Louisiana high school sports.

The US Coast Guard is searching for a man who was trying to save two children who were in the water off the shore of Grand Isle. Crews are searching by boat and helicopter. The children he went into the water to help made it safely back to shore.

The LSU baseball team is going back to the Super Regionals after the Tigers rallied to beat Rice 5-2 Tuesday afternoon. It’s LSU’s 22nd NCAA Regional title in 29 all-time appearances — and they’ll host Coastal Carolina in the NCAA Super Regional this weekend.

 

06:45 Sportscast, June 8th, 2016

The LSU baseball team is headed back to the Super Regionals as the Tigers rallied from a two-run deficit to beat to beat the Rice Owls five to two. The most valuable player in this game was Jared Poche, who threw six shutout innings and kept LSU in the contest, until the bats woke up in the 7th. Poche says he felt good going into the game…”
Cut 18 (10) “best chance to win”
The Bayou Bengals advanced to host Coastal Carolina in a best-of-three NCAA Super Regional starting Saturday.

LSU football will kickoff in three prime-time, televised games, according to the early season TV schedule released by the SEC Tuesday. The Tigers’ face Jacksonville State on September 10th at 6:30. The game against Mississippi State on Sept. 17 is scheduled for 6 p.m.. The Tigers face Texas A&M on the road Thanksgiving day at a 6:30 p.m.

Also announced is Louisiana Tech’s season opener time at Arkansas which will kick at 3pm.

The Saints have signed free-agent safety Roman Harper, who spent the first eight seasons of his career NFL career in New Orleans before playing his last two with the Carolina Panthers. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Harper is a player with high football IQ and depth…:
Cut 16 (15) “Kenny Vaccaro”
Harper started 104 games out of a possible 108 during his first tenure with the Saints.

LHSAA principals meet today in Baton Rouge to vote on four proposals regarding the public-private playoff split. LHSAA President Vic Bonnaffee says one reason for this meeting is because the expanded split to other sports has created logistical issues for the venues that host championship events in basketball, baseball and softball…:
cut 4 (11) “the problems”

 

06:30 Newscast, June 8th, 2016

The measure that would prohibit state employers from asking about criminal history until the interview process is going to be signed by the governor today. Executive Director for the US Justice Action Network, Holly Harris, says Louisiana is in serious need of criminal justice reform…:
Cut 10 (07) “crime-free lives”
Harris says the Ban the Box bill is about showing that convicts are more than just their one mistake.

A bill that did not get out of the regular session would have given convicted teen killers serving life sentences parole hearings after 30 years in prison. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says it’s unfortunate they couldn’t pass this measure…:
Cut 13 (09) “6 o’clock”
The bill was a reaction to a Supreme Court ruling that says convicted minors cannot be sentenced to life without the chance for parole.

The Humane Society of Louisiana says they’ve seen a higher than usual number of animal abuse arrests and seizures over the past 6 months. Director Jeff Dorson credits newly formed partnerships between humane societies and law enforcement agencies that work together as a team to investigate cases of animal abuse…:
CUT 7 (09) “this approach”
He says been they’ve been involved in more than 14 arrests and the seizure of some 30 animals including horses, pigs, chickens, and dogs.

The LSU baseball team is headed back to the Super Regionals as the Tigers rally possumed from a two-run deficit to beat to beat the Rice Owls five to two. The Bayou Bengals advanced to host Coastal Carolina in a best-of-three NCAA Super Regional starting Saturday.

 

LRN AM Newscall June 8th

Governor John Bel Edwards is signing the Ban the Box bill into law today. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Humane Society of Louisiana says they’ve seen a higher than usual number of animal abuse arrests and seizures over the past 6 months, and they credit teamwork. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Louisiana remains one of 32 states not in compliance with a Supreme Court ruling, as a bill dealing with child killers failed to pass in the final minutes of the regular session. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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LHSAA principals meet today in Baton Rouge to vote on four proposals regarding the public-private playoff split, which is set to expand to other sports beginning next year. LHSAA President Vic Bonnaffee says one reason for this meeting is because the expanded split to other sports has created logistical issues for the venues that host championship events in basketball, baseball and softball.

cut 4  (11)  “the problems”

Bonnaffee says the expanded split will also also create brackets that only feature six or eight teams. There are four proposals on the table that all seek to combine the classes differently. Bonnaffee says whatever happens today, the debate over public versus private schools will not end.

Cut 5  (12)  “it was”

The public-private playoff split has been a controversial issue in Louisiana high school sports. If the split is expanded more, the LHSAA is in jeopardy of losing a major sponsor and there’s talk of a competing association forming. Bonnaffee says hopefully high school principals understand the importance of this vote…

Cut 6 (06) “the LHSAA” 2x

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The Humane Society of Louisiana says they’ve seen a higher than usual number of animal abuse arrests and seizures over the past 6 months. Director Jeff Dorson credits newly formed partnerships between humane societies and law enforcement agencies that work together as a team to investigate cases of animal abuse…:

CUT 7 (09)  “this approach” 

Dorson says now when people report cases of animal abuse, members of the humane society will go out with the law enforcement agencies as they coordinate the arrests, and seize the animals to find them new homes…:

Cut 8  (07)  “prices” 

Since the beginning of the year, several agencies have been involved in more than 14 arrests, and the seizure of more than 30 animals including horses, pigs, chickens and dogs. Dorson says this additional training for deputies and teamwork is paying off..:

Cut 9 (09)  “good results”

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The governor is signing the Ban the Box bill into law today. The measure would prohibit state employers from asking about criminal history until the interview process. Executive Director for the US Justice Action Network, Holly Harris, says they’re excited to see this legislation pass with bipartisan support, because Louisiana is the incarceration capital of the world and in serious need of criminal justice reform.

Cut 10 (07) “crime-free lives”

Harris says this bill will impact a lot of people, as most American families are touched by the criminal justice system in some way. She says it’s not just about helping those with criminal records, it’s about making our communities safer.

cut 11 (07) “to prison”

Harris says this legislation is about showing that convicts are more than just their one mistake. She says many companies that hire people with criminal records will say that those employees are their best workers.

cut 12 (07) “been given”

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A bill that failed to make it out of the final hours of the regular session would have given convicted teen killers serving life sentences parole hearings after 30 years in prison. The bill was a reaction to a Supreme Court ruling that says convicted minors cannot be sentenced to life without the chance for parole. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says it’s unfortunate they couldn’t pass this measure.

Cut 13 (09)  “6 o’clock”

Roughly 300 inmates who were convicted as minors are serving life sentences in Louisiana. Martiny says this could cost the state a lot of money, as inmates start to request parole hearings or file motions to be resentenced.

cut 14 (10)  “expensive proposition”

Louisiana is one of 32 states who are not in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling. Martiny says while a lot of inmates will probably try to get parole hearings, he doesn’t think many of them will succeed in actually getting paroled.

Cut 15 (07) “of jail”

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The Saints have signed free-agent safety Roman Harper, who spent the first eight seasons of his career NFL career in New Orleans before playing his last two with the Carolina Panthers.Harper started 104 games out of a possible 108 during his first tenure with the Saints, racking up 743 tackles and 17 sacks. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Harper provides familiarity, a player with high football IQ and depth.

Cut 16  (15)  “Kenny Vaccaro”

The Saints face depth issues at safety as they lost safety Rafael Bush in the off-season, who signed to the Detroit Lions as a free-agent. Starting strong-safety Kenny Vaccaro has faced injury concerns throughout his NFL career.
Harper can potentially help a Saints defense who finished 31st in yards allowed per game but Detillier does not expect him to have a full-time role at this stage in his career.

Cut 17 (9)  “in the NFL” 

Harper was a two-time pro-bowler with the Saints in 2009-10 and help the team win Super Bowl XLIV. He has started all 16 games for the past two seasons.

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The LSU baseball team is headed back to the Super Regionals as the Tigers rallied from a two-run deficit to beat to beat the Rice Owls five to two. The most valuable player in this game was Jared Poche, who on three days rest, threw six shutout innings and kep LSU in the contest, until the bats woke up in the 7th. Poche says he felt good going into the game…

Cut 18 (10) “best chance to win”

The Most Valuable Player of the Regional was Greg Deichmann, who had three hits on Tuesday, including a moster home run that put the Tigers up 3-2….

Cut 19 (16) “swing on it”

Deichmann’s blast went 417 feet and the home run impressed head coach Paul Mainieri…

Cut 20 (16) “with your team”

17:30 LRN Newscast June 7 ###Legislative Report###

Governor John Bel Edwards made his case to a joint session of the state legislature to raise millions of dollars in additional taxes so Louisiana can avoid cuts health care services and education programs, like TOPS. Edwards says the budget is in bad shape and the situation needs to be addressed now….
cut 6 (12) “…afford to wait”
The governor is giving lawmakers several different options to address the shortfall. They include higher taxes on middle and upper income taxpayers and reducing tax breaks for businesses….
cut 7 (10) “…overall”
Many lawmakers have said they are not in favor of additional taxes, after approving a series of hikes in a special session earlier this year.

Because it wasn’t done in the regular session, legislators will be asked to approve a four-billion dollar budget bill that finances construction projects around the state. Ways and Means Chairman Neil Abramson says he didn’t bring the construction budget bill up for a vote in the regular season, because the senate made changes to the measure that brought upon technical and legal concerns. Several state senators were upset the House didn’t vote on the proposal, including Metairie Senator Danny Martiny…
cut 5 (07) “….we do”
A new version of the construction budget bill has begun to move in the special session as the House Ways and Means committee approved one without objection, sending it to the full House.

The Senate and House education committees have agreed to revisions to the Common Core education standards. A 26-member review panel recommended changing 21-percent of English and math standards used in public schools and now Governor Edwards will decide whether they should be implemented in the classroom.

LRN Sportscast 16:45 June 7th

LSU and Rice are underway at Alex Box Stadium. The winner will advance to the Super Regionals and play Coastal Carolina, who defeated North Carolina State in the Raleigh Regional Championshp game. Coastal Carolina scored four runs in the ninth inning to win. The game was halted last night because of rain, with the bases loaded and one out and Coastal Carolina down by two in the ninth.

The super regional series between Coastal Carolina and the winner of the LSU-Rice contest will begin Saturday night at 8 PM. Game Two will be Sunday at 8 PM. A game three if necessary will take place Monday at either 1, 4 or 7 PM.

Safety Roman Harper is back with the Saints. The 33-year-old has spent the last two years with the Carolina Panthers and had four interceptions in 2014, but didn’t pick off a pass last year. Before his time in Carolina, Harper spent eight years with the Saints and was a Pro Bowl Player the year the Saints won their Super Bowl.

Tough finish for what was a good season by the UL Lafayette baseball team. The Cajuns were defeated twice by Arizona to win the Lafayette Regional and advance to play Mississippi State in the Super Regionals. Cajuns Coach Tony Robichaux says Arizona’s pitchers threw the ball well and his team had trouble putting runs on the board…
cut 20 (16) “….deficit down”
The Cajuns finish with a record of 43-21.

LSU’s first two home football games will be played at night. ESPN-U will televise the September 10th contest against Jacksonville State and the September 17th game in Tiger Stadium versus Mississippi State will kick off at 6 PM and it will be shown on ESPN and ESPN Two.

Louisiana Tech’s season opener at Arkansas will kick-off at 3 PM.

16:30 LRN Newscast June 7

During a joint session of the legislature kicking off the special session, Governor John Bel Edwards called on lawmakers to raise enough revenue to reduce cuts to state services. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

West Monroe native and former-astronaut Jim Halsell has been charged with murder after a fatal crash in Alabama took the life of two young girls. 11-year-old Niomi James and 13-year-old Jayla Parler were ejected from the vehicle and died when Halsell crashed into their vehicle. Two adults were also injured.

Several lawmakers are upset after they failed to approve the construction budget for next fiscal year. It will be taken up again in the special session, but Marrero Representative Patrick Connick says it should have been done in the regular session…

CUT 4 (11)  “the Senate”

The construction budget funds road projects, repairs to public buildings and improvement to state parks.

The state Department of Environmental Quality has resumed mercury testing in public waterways after the program was halted in 2008 because of budget cuts. DEQ environmental scientist Al Hindrichs says mercury poisoning can cause neurological damage, particularly in children, and it can lead to birth defects if consumed by pregnant women. He says they need to update some of the advisories in effect because some of them are as much as 14 years old.

cut 14 (08)  “out there”

15:30 LRN Newscast June 7

Governor John Bel Edwards addressed a joint session of the legislature, calling on lawmakers to raise enough revenue during this special session to reduce cuts to state programs. He wants lawmakers to limit the itemized deductions taxpayers claim on their state returns. He says this proposal would not affect the majority of Louisiana taxpayers.

CUT 8 (08) “on them”

The special session must end by midnight on June 23.

Lawmakers are upset after failing to approve a construction budget. Ways and Means Chairman Neil Abramson says Senate changes to the spending plan made the bill unworkable. Franklin Representative Sam Jones asked Abramson why not send the bill to a conference committee to resolve the issues…

CUT 3 (12)  “out of here”

A month ago today, a 25-year-old Tulane graduate was shot and killed while visiting New Orleans, and investigators say they are working tirelessly to find the killer or killers. According to NOPD, Thomas Rolfes had been out celebrating with friends on May 7th, then went to the gas station where his body was found by a passerby. His mother, Julie Rolfes, says this has been a total nightmare…:

cut 10 (09)  “really been terrible”

The reward for information regarding Rolfes’ death is $30,000.

The state Department of Environmental Quality has resumed mercury testing in public waterways after the program was halted in 2008 because of budget cuts. DEQ environmental scientist Al Hindrichs says there are currently 48 advisories in place for 85 water bodies in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (06)  “individual advisory”

14:30 LRN Newscast June 7

During an address to a joint session of the legislature, Governor John Bel Edwards called on lawmakers to raise enough revenue during this special session to reduce cuts to state programs. Edwards is asking lawmakers to look at altering income taxes as a means to raise revenue, which he says is part of long term tax reform. He says they should also look at reducing corporate tax exemptions.

CUT 7 (10) “overall”

Legislators have until midnight on June 23 to try and raise enough revenue to close a $600 million budget shortfall.

Several Senators are frustrated after the House failed to approve a construction budget for next fiscal year. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says what House leaders did was disrespectful…

CUT 5 (07)  “we do”

A new version of the construction budget bill has begun to move in the special session as the four-billion dollar financing plan was approved by the Ways and Means Committee today.

The family of slain Tulane graduate Thomas Rolfes held a news conference today to beg for information about the murder which happened a month ago today. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

West Monroe native and former-astronaut Jim Halsell has been charged with murder after a fatal crash in Alabama took the life of two young girls. 11-year-old Niomi James and 13-year-old Jayla Parler were ejected from the vehicle and died when Halsell crashed into their vehicle. Two adults were also injured. Alcohol and speed may have been factors in the crash.

LRN PM Newscall Tuesday June 7th

During a joint session of the legislature kicking off the special session, Governor John Bel Edwards called on lawmakers to raise enough revenue to reduce cuts to state services. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The family of slain Tulane graduate Thomas Rolfes held a news conference today to beg for information about the murder which happened a month ago today. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Several lawmakers are in a foul mood after failing to approve a construction budget. Ways and Means Chairman Neil Abramson says Senate changes to the spending plan made the bill unworkable and he didn’t bring it up for a vote in the regular session. Franklin Representative Sam Jones asked Abramson why not send the bill to a conference committee to resolve the issues…

CUT 3 (12)  “out of here”

The construction budget funds road projects, repairs to public buildings and improvement to state parks. It will be taken up again in the special session, but Marrero Representative Patrick Connick says it should have been done in the regular session…

CUT 4 (11)  “the Senate”

The frustration over the lack of a vote on the construction bill can be felt on the senate side too. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says what House leaders did was disrespectful…

CUT 5 (07)  “we do”

A new version of the construction budget bill has begun to move in the special session as the four-billion dollar financing plan was approved by the Ways and Means Committee today.)

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Governor John Bel Edwards addressed a joint session of the legislature this morning, calling on lawmakers to find the political courage to raise enough revenue during this special session to reduce cuts to state programs. Edwards says they cannot wait any longer to resolve the fiscal crisis.

CUT 6 (12) “afford to wait”

In addition to tying up some loose ends from the last special session, Edwards is asking lawmakers to look at altering income taxes as a means to raise revenue, which he says is part of long term tax reform. He says they should also look at reducing corporate tax exemptions.

CUT 7 (10) “overall”

Edwards also wants lawmakers to limit the itemized deductions taxpayers claim on their state returns. He says he does not want to raise taxes, contrary to popular belief, but this proposal would not affect the majority of Louisiana taxpayers.

CUT 8 (08) “on them”

Legislators have until midnight on June 23 to try and raise enough revenue to close a $600 million budget shortfall.

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It’s been one month today since a 25-year-old Tulane graduate was shot and killed in New Orleans while visiting to look for a good spot to get married, and authorities still do not have a suspect. The family held a Crimestoppers news conference today at the site where Thomas Rolfes was murdered. His fiance, Elizabeth Fried (freed), is pleading for answers…:

CUT 9 (10) “find closure”

The reward for information regarding Rolfes’ death is $30,000. Investigators say they are working tirelessly to find the killer or killers. According to NOPD, Rolfes had been out celebrating with friends on May 7th, then went to the gas station where his body was found by a passerby. His mother, Julie Rolfes, says this has been a total nightmare…:

cut 10 (09)  “really been terrible”

Fried says Rolfes was a wonderful man who touched the lives of everyone he met…:

Cut 11 (09) “as my own”

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The state Department of Environmental Quality has resumed mercury testing in public waterways after the program was halted in 2008 because of budget cuts. DEQ environmental scientist Al Hindrichs (HINE-drix) says they are testing for mercury in 36 sites in southwest Louisiana this year. Hindrichs says if a waterway is found to have a high level of mercury, fish consumption advisories are posted.

cut 12 (08) “small children”

Hindrichs says they are staring in the southwest part of the state because the centers in Lake Charles and Lafayette are familiar with the sampling program. He says they’ll expand to other areas of the state next year. He says there are currently 48 consumption advisories in place for 85 water bodies in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (06)  “individual advisory”

Hindrichs says mercury poisoning can cause neurological damage, particularly in children, and it can lead to birth defects if consumed by pregnant women. He says they need to update some of the advisories in effect because some of them are as much as 14 years old.

cut 14 (08)  “out there”

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