News for Friday 042916
By Dave Graichen
Governor John Bel Edwards says priority number one for him right now is stabilizing the budget, because we must focus on moving Louisiana forward. He says there are many policy related issues that are going to be on the back burner until we can deal with the present crisis, the $600 million dollar budget shortfall. The governor says he doesn’t see any way they could avoid a second special session.
A poll commissioned by the Louisiana Cannabis Association reveals 72 percent of Louisiana voters are in favor of the medical marijuana legislation. Just 13 percent surveyed by JMC Enterprises opposed patients’ usage of medical marijuana. A bill to extend use of medical marijuana to those with serious medical conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, seizure disorders and epilepsy passed through the Louisiana State Senate.
A Senate committee has approved the bill to prevent members of the LGBT community from being fired or turned down for jobs because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter authored the legislation. He says we need to protect people from discrimination. The measure passed on a 4-2 vote and now heads to the Senate floor for more debate.
The House has approved two more pro-life measures. One of the bills, authored by Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds, prohibits women from getting abortions just because a child will have a genetic disorder. Edmonds says life is hard, and women shouldn’t be able to abort their babies just because it would be easier. Edmond’s bill passed 75-1. Another proposal by Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson would outlaw a procedure commonly used in second trimester abortions. Johnson’s bill was approved unanimously. Both measure now head to the Senate.
Gov. John Bel Edwards said stalled community college projects in Winnsboro and St. Tammany can restart, but others in Alexandria, Baton Rouge and Westwego will remain mothballed for now. The projects in Winnsboro and St. Tammany were well under way when construction was halted and the governor says no more money will be required to complete those projects. For now, Edwards says he wants to direct what's available in the state's limited borrowing capacity toward infrastructure projects. In doing so, the governor deferred maintenance on existing college and university campus buildings.
The man who allegedly shot former Saints player Will Smith has been indicted on charges of murder and attempted murder. Cardell Hayes pleaded not guilty and his bond is 1.75 million dollars. His attorney said in court today that the prosecution is trying to jam an indictment down his client’s throat. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the DA is just going through the procedure according to the law. Hayes was also indicted on charges of aggravated assault and aggravated damage to property to go along with the murder and attempted murder charge.
Two people are dead following a shootout in Calcasieu parish. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso says officers met Cody McAdams in a field, while he was attempting to kidnap his estranged wife Brandy and their 5-year-old child. Mancuso says McAdams fired several shots at the deputies before the officers returned fire, then he shot and killed his wife before turning his gun on himself. The young girl is unharmed. Mancuso says Brandy had filed several domestic violence charges against McAdams.
A Vermilion Parish teacher is behind bars accused of rape. They say James Harber, a 7th grade teacher at JH Williams Middle School, was booked by Abbeville Police with two counts of second-degree rape and one count of first-degree rape.
Sports..
Tonight is rounds two and three of the NFL draft, and several former LSU Tigers are expected to be selected. NFL draft analyst Mike Detillier believes linebacker Deion Jones will go early in round two. Detillier believes defensive back Jalen Mills will go in the second round, as well. Detillier also believes four year starter Vadal Alexander will be a third round pick and could be a productive offensive guard in the NFL. Hear the Draft on 1410 ESPN
The LSU Baseball team is in Oxford, MS to play Ole' Miss. Tonight is game two. they lost last night's game 7-6 You can hear the game tonight on 970 KSYL