Senate Education unanimously approves legislation barring transgender female student-athletes from competing on female teams. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Saints used the 28th pick in the first round to draft Houston defensive end Payton Turner who had five sacks last season. Former LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was taken by the Bengals with the 5th pick and will catch passes again from Joe Burrow.

The University of New Orleans’ Survey Research Center has found that a majority of registered voters statewide support the legalization of recreational marijuana. SRC director Dr. Ed Chervenak says they surveyed nearly 700 registered voters and 55% are in favor of legalizing pot.
Cut 4 (12)“…in the budget.”
A bill that seeks to legalize recreational marijuana is awaiting debate on the House floor.

Also heading to the House floor is a measure that would raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco and vaping products from 18 to 21 years old. Denham Springs Representative Buddy Mincey says a statewide survey indicates students are using nicotine products at alarmingly young ages…
cut 9 (07) “>…elementary school” (2x)
The measure heads to the House floor for debate.

A bill to ban transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports teams in schools passes unanimously out of the Senate Education Committee. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell quoted Female Powerlifter Beth Stelzer in her opening remarks…
Cut 10 (13) “…women’s sports.”
The proposal heads to the Senate floor. Governor Edwards opposes it.

College athletes would profit from their name, image, and likeness under a bill that also received approval from the Senate Education Committee. But Minden Senator Robert Mills is concerned that if college athletes make money from their name and likeness, it could result in NCAA penalties against Louisiana colleges…
Cut 16 (11) “…scared to death.”

Another poll finds a majority of Louisiana residents support legalizing recreational marijuana. Erik Piccoli has the story…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he would not have a problem if Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo is removed as a committee chairman for his comments regarding slavery. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

According to United Cajun Navy members a report of a body found in the water has spurred an emergency search and rescue operation, they received a report of a body floating by a rig Friday morning. Seven passengers remain missing from the SEACOR Power lift boat that capsized April 13^th.

Former LSU receiver Ja’Marr Chase was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the fifth pick, reuniting him with college teammate Joe Burrow. The two won a championship together at LSU.  Chase says he’s ready to grow as a player with Burrow at quarterback.

Cut 14 (11) “…will be easy” 

The first-ever Spring version of the is underway in Shreveport. State Fair President Chris Giordano says due to COVID they postponed last year’s fall event and instead of canceling the 114^th fair, they decided to host two this year.  And if all goes well, this could be the new norm.

Cut 8 (05) “…each year.”

In addition to the staple events and attractions, you find at the fall fair at the spring event visitors can also ice skate in the coliseum when the Mudbugs aren’t playing.

Another poll finds a majority of Louisiana residents support legalizing recreational marijuana. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

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Senate Education unanimously approves legislation barring transgender female student-athletes from competing on female teams. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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A proposal that would give college athletes in Louisiana a chance to make money off their name, image, and likeness has started moving at the State Capitol. Jim Shannon has the story

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Jim Shannon”

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The University of New Orleans’ Survey Research Center has found that a majority of registered voters statewide support the legalization of recreational marijuana. SRC director Dr. Ed Chervenak says they surveyed nearly 700 registered voters and 55% are in favor of legalizing pot.

Cut 4 (12)“…in the budget.”

The survey showcases a generational divide with support for legalization dropping significantly as age increases. Chervenak says unsurprisingly, opinions also split along party lines.

Cut 5 (04)“…Republicans are not.”

This comes in the wake of the Louisiana House Criminal Justice Committee passing a bill that seeks to legalize weed. It’s unclear if the proposal can receive approval from the Louisiana House.

Cut 6 (07) “…it will be legalized.”

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A bill to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco and vaping products in Louisiana from 18 to 21 passes in House Judiciary 8 to 2. Denham Springs High School Assistant Principal Justin Wax says vaping and cigarette use among teens is an ever-growing issue.

Cut 7 (10)  “…away from this.”

Assistant Principal John Easterly testified that a quarter of the suspensions he handles are students smoking cigarettes or vaping.

Cut 8 (06) “…period of time.”

Bill author Denham Springs Representative Buddy Mincey says a survey across the state indicates students are exposed to and using nicotine products at alarmingly young ages.

Cut 9 (07) “…elementary school.” (x2)

The measure now heads to the house floor for debate.

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A bill to limit transgender participation in sports passes unanimously from Senate Education. Bill Author Senator Beth Mizell says the bill protects women’s sports by banning transgender females from competing with females because she says they have a physical advantage.  Mizell quoted Female Powerlifter Beth Stelzer in her opening remarks.

Cut 10 (13) “…women’s sports.”

Child psychologist Dr. Clifton Mixon however spoke in opposition of the bill claiming language in the bill is divisive and sets a damaging tone against an already vulnerable population.

Cut 11 (10) “…future.”

Melissa Flournoy, with Louisiana Progress Action, says the bill is trying to create a problem where there isn’t one, and passage of any antitransgender bills endangers the state of losing NCAA tournaments.

Cut 12 (09) “…necessary? no.”

Mizell says no one wants to treat anyone with inequity but says there’s not an equal situation physically when transgender females compete with females.

Cut 13 (06) “…female athletes.”

The bill now heads to the full Senate for debate.

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The Senate Education Committee approves legislation that would allow college athletes to profit off of their name, image, or likeness, which could result in endorsement and sponsorship deals for star players. Former LSU gymnastics coach D-D Breaux spoke in favor of the legislation…

Cut 14 (09) “…playing fields.”

Marrero Senator Patrick Marrero is the sponsor of the bill and says it’s necessary because the NCAA has not taken action on changing its rules so that athletes can make money on their name, image or likeness. Even though it was approved, several senators had questions like River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot…

Cut 15 (11)“…in this.”

Some states have already passed their own legislation on this issue, like Mississippi and Florida. Minden Senator Robert Mills is concerned that if Louisiana passes this bill and their college athletes start to get compensated from endorsement deals, it could result in NCAA penalties

Cut 16 (11) “…scared to death.”

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LSU baseball begins a three-game series tonight against number one ranked Arkansas and there could be over ten thousand fans on hand. Center fielder Giovanni Digiacomo is looking forward to packed Box

Cut 17 (13) “…forward to it.”

LSU is 6-and-12 in the SEC and in jeopardy of not making the SEC Tournament if they can not win a couple of series before the regular season ends. Right fielder Dylan Crews says they understand what’s at stake…

Cut  18 (16)”..for sure.” 

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After splitting a four-game series at home against Marshall last weekend, Louisiana Tech is on the road this weekend for another four-game set at Middle Tennessee. Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs says his guys play well on the road pointing to their seven and one record in away games in conference play…

Cut 19 (18) “…incomplete picture” 

Burroughs is hoping to get cleanup hitter Steele Netterville back in the line-up. He’s fourth on the team in RBIs with 30 but hasn’t played a full game in nearly a month because of an oblique strain. The coach says Netterville makes a difference in their line-up…

Cut 20 (20) “…quality is a priority for us.” 

Louisiana’s Legislative Black Caucus has asked for the removal of Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo as House Education Chairman over a comment he made about slavery.
A video of Garofalo making the comment has gone viral. Garofalo says the slavery comment was taken out of context and blames the media of inflammatory reporting…
Cut 4 (11) “…accused of.”

State officials have confirmed two cases of SARS-CoV-2 otherwise known as the Brazil variant. The cases were located in New Orleans and Southwest Louisiana and the state health department says it is likely that there are additional undetected cases circulating. Current Covid-19 vaccines are effective against the variant strain. But, recent data suggests the Brazil variant may also be associaterd with higher risk of severe disease.

Former LSU wide receiver Ja’marr Chase should hear his name called early in tonight’s NFL draft as he’s projected to be a top-10 pick. Chase’s high school head coach and Rummel athletic director Jay Roth says he knew Chase had a chance to be great.

He was one of the big-time college players to opt-out of the 2020 season due to the uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. While Chase hasn’t played football in a year, he’s still considered the top receiver in this draft class. Roth says it’s a credit to his hard work.
Cut 9 (10) “..NFL draft”
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries had to make a difficult decision to put down a black bear after it became a threat to public safety in Port Allen. LDWF Biologist Supervisor Scott Durham.
Cut 15 (11) “…first”

Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo is facing backlash and calls for his removal as House Education Chairman as a result of a comment he made about slavery. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”

LSU is working to undo its title IX public relations disaster of late by revising its Title IX policy regarding sexual misconduct. The policy revision states that any employee who is required to report instances of power-based trauma and fails to promptly report it without good cause or knowingly makes a false report, shall be terminated.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife of Fisheries had to make a difficult decision to put down a black bear after it became a threat to public safety in Port Allen. LDWF Biologist Supervisor Scott Durham says after relocating the bear in the woods over the weekend it returned to the West Baton Rouge Parish town.

Cut 13 (07)“…this case”
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff deputies say a homeowner used a pair of scissors to fight back against an armed robber who got inside his home.
Twenty-six-year-old Devin Mitchell of Hammond died from his injuries.
The four subjects behind bars are facing several charges, including first-degree murder, since their actions led to the death of Mitchell. Travis says the couple that owns the home, arrived at their house while the home invasion was in progress. He says the suspects began aggressively attacking and beating the couple

Cut 12 (06) “…their children”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries was forced to euthanize a black bear after it became a threat to the public in Port Allen. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32) …I’m Brooke Thornigton”
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff deputies say a homeowner used a pair of scissors to fight back against an armed robber who got inside his home. Chief Jimmy Travis says Twenty-six-year-old Devin Mitchell of Hammond died from his injuries. Travis says the homeowner will not be charged…

Cut 11 (11) “…bodily harm”
Louisiana’s Legislative Black Caucus has asked for the removal of Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo as House Education Chairman over a comment he made about slavery. While discussing his bill to ban “divisive concepts” Garofalo said there were some good components of slavery…

Cut 3 (11) “…maybe.”
Former LSU wide receiver Ja’marr Chase should hear his name called early in tonight’s NFL draft as he’s projected to be a top-10 pick. Chase’s high school head coach and Rummel athletic director Jay Roth thinks Chase might be the best receiver he’s coached.

Cut 8 (10) “..in the NFL.”

Louisiana’s Legislative Black Caucus has asked for the removal of Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo as House Education Chairman over a comment he made about slavery. While discussing his bill to ban “divisive concepts” Garofalo said there were some good components of slavery. A video of him making the comment has gone viral but Garofalo says the slavery comment was taken out of context and blames the media of inflammatory reporting…

Cut 4 (11) “…accused of.” 

Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Ted James calls Garofalo’s comments about slavery troubling and his comments on the House floor explaining the situation never resulted in an apology…

Cut 5  (11)  “…initial comments.”

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder told the Advocate he has not decided on whether Garofalo will be removed as House Education Chairman.

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff deputies say a homeowner used a pair of scissors to fight back against an armed robber who got inside his home. Chief Jimmy Travis says the homeowner feared for his life and two small children as one of the assailants was attacking him…

Cut 10 (10) “…on the scene” 

Twenty-six-year-old Devin Mitchell of Hammond died from his injuries. Travis says Mitchell was one of five people involved in the armed robbery and home invasion. The other four have been arrested.

Former LSU wide receiver Ja’marr Chase should hear his name called early in tonight’s NFL draft as he’s projected to be a top-10 pick.  Chase’s high school head coach and Rummel athletic director Jay Roth says he knew Chase had a chance to be great.

Cut 7 (14) “…special here”

House Education approves legislation outlawing the use of corporal punishment in Louisiana public schools. 36-year veteran teacher Tammy Wood spoke in support of the bill. She says if a student is acting out schools should work to find out why instead of just beating them.

Cut 8 (11) “…psychologists.”

Currently, 29 districts allow corporal punishment, and parents are allowed to opt-out.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife of Fisheries was forced to put down a black bear once it became a threat to public safety in Port Allen. LDWF Biologist Supervisor Scott Durham it’s the same bear they rescued Saturday but this time it demonstrated dangerous behavior looking food.

Cut 14 (10) “…the town” 

The bear was put down Tuesday.

Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo is facing backlash and calls for his removal as House Education Chairman as a result of a comment he made about slavery. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Louisiana’s Legislative Black Caucus has asked for the removal of Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo as House Education Chairman over a comment he made about slavery. While discussing his bill to ban “divisive concepts” Garofalo said there were some good components to slavery…

Cut 3 (11)  “…maybe.” 

A video of Garofalo making the comment has gone viral.

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder told the Advocate he has not decided on whether Garofalo will be removed as House Education Chairman. The Speaker says he spoke with him and plans to meet with the Black Caucus. Caucus Chairman Ted James says as a chairman of a committee, Garofalo, should be held to a higher standard.

Cut 6 (07) “…of the chairman”

Garofalo says the slavery comment was taken out of context and blames the media of inflammatory reporting.

House Education approves legislation outlawing the use of corporal punishment in Louisiana public schools. Louisiana Association of School Superintendents head Michael Faulk says this decision should be left up to districts and notes the 29 that still allow it must follow certain corporal punishment guidelines.

Cut 9 (12) “…thickness.”

In the 29 districts that allow corporal punishment parents can opt out of it and chose other punishments instead.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife of Fisheries had to make a difficult decision to put down a black bear after it became a threat to public safety in Port Allen. LDWF Biologist Supervisor Scott Durham says after relocating the bear in the woods over the weekend it returned to the city.

Cut 13 (07)“…this case”

The bear was put down Tuesday night.