After a lengthy debate, the House Civil Law Committee approves legislation that would prohibit transgender individuals from using the bathroom of their gender identity in public buildings like schools, domestic violence shelters and prisons. This means a biological male, who now identifies as a transgender female, would use the men’s bathroom. Trans advocate Britian Forsyth urged lawmakers to vote against this bill, because transgender girls could be bullied in a boys bathroom at a school…
cut 9 (11) “…very scared”
But Baton Rouge Representative Emily Chenevert (Shen-uh-vere) responded this way….
cut 10 (07) “…..clarity”
The measure heads to the House floor for more discussion.

38-year-old Rodney Guillote Jr. of Pineville faces first-degree murder after he allegedly physically abused his infant daughter resulting in multiple injuries and bleeding on the brain. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Tommy Carnline says detectives began their investigation after receiving a call from a local hospital about an infant with extensive bruising.
Cut 4 (08) “…two weeks.”
Guillotte’s bond has been set at one-point-five billion dollars.

At the women’s and men’s national championship basketball games, the teams playing in those games were on the floor for the national anthem. Governor Jeff Landry wants to see that take place all the time with Louisiana’s college teams or risk losing their scholarship. But Alex Morey with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression says there’s nothing less patriotic than government actors forcing personal views on citizens…
cut 16 (11) “…American system”

The House Civil Law Committee approves legislation to prohibit transgender individuals from using the bathroom at schools or domestic violence shelters that does not align with their gender identity. An advocate for domestic violence victims, Morgan Lamandre, argued this legislation puts federal funding for domestic violence shelters at risk because Louisiana’s shelters would be in violation of federal rules
Cut 8 (10) “…what they receive.”
Despite this concern the proposal heads to the House floor.

A first amendment rights group is concerned about Governor Landry’s push for colleges to mandate all student-athletes be present for the national anthem. Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression Director Alex Morey says Landry’s request forces athletes to support his beliefs and views.
Cut 14 (09) “…the flag.”
Many scholars also agree that threatening to take scholarships away for not being present for the national anthem is a violation of first amendment rights.

Legislation to repeal vehicle inspection stickers hits a road bump. Brooke Thorington explains…
Cut 2 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

House Civil Law approves legislation to prohibit transgender individuals from using a public bathroom that’s in line with their gender identity. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says he’s trying to prevent a biological woman from having to share a bathroom with a transgender female.

Cut 7 (09) “…situations of assault”

The proposal covers bathrooms in schools, prisons, and domestic violence shelters.

An advocate for domestic violence victims, Morgan Lamandre, argued it would put federal funding for domestic violence shelters at risk because Louisiana’s shelters would be in violation of federal rules

Cut 8 (11) “…what they receive.” 

The measure heads to the House floor for more discussion.

The brakes have been put on removing the requirement of the brake tags in Louisiana. In House Appropriations Monday Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley voluntarily pulled his immensely popular bill at the request of State Police. A portion of the cost of the vehicle inspections goes towards their budget.

Cut 11 (11) “…about so.”

The bill could still be brought before lawmakers before the current session ends.

A federal court in Shreveport is hearing arguments in a suit filed by Republicans over the state’s congressional map which added a second majority-black district. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the plaintiffs claim the map is racial gerrymandering.

Cut 9 (10) “…only factor.” 
The hearing is set to end on Wednesday.

Three federal judges in Shreveport are hearing a suit filed by Republicans against the most recent congressional map passed by the legislature. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Portions of central Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 8 PM meaning conditions are favorable for the development of a tornado. North Louisiana is under the risk of severe thunderstorms with the possibility of hail, strong winds, and tornadoes. Rainfall totals of up to three to six inches are expected. The National Weather service recommendations says review your emergency plans and be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued.

The longtime head coach of the Warhorses, Charles Smith will be inducted in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s 2024 class. The Basketball Hall of Famer is Louisiana’s all-time winningest head coach with 1, 208 wins and has helped over 70 players secure scholarships to pursue collegiate basketball opportunities. He says one of the greatest fulfillment in his coaching career…

Cut 5 (12)  “…of work.”

Smith is one of 13 inductees of the 2024 class.

The state has announced the Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program will end on April 30th so those still living in the 500 or so travel trailers will have to find a new home. GOHSEP director Jacques Thibodeaux says it’s a challenge to find these individuals still in travel trailers a place to live…
cut 14 (09) “….interested in that”

Heavy cloud coverage obstructed the view of the eclipse for most of the Bayou State today. Northwest Louisiana had the best opportunity for a glimpse 90% totality this afternoon. Due to the inclement weather Louisiana’s make up date for the eclipse is August 23, 2044.

Legendary Peabody boys’ basketball coach Charles Smith joins basketball greatest names as he’s an inductee into the Naismith basketball Hall of Fame. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

A federal court in Shreveport is hearing arguments in a suit filed by Republicans over the state’s congressional map. Plaintiff says the map violates the Equal Protection Act. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the state will have to argue there was a compelling interest to satisfy the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He believes it will be difficult for the state to contend because…

Cut 11 (09) “…only factor.”

April 30^th is the deadline for those still in travel trailers as part of the Ida Sheltering program. Jacques Thibodeaux, who became director of GOSHEP in January says the deadline for those living in about 540 units, has been extended numerous times by FEMA and the state, but with a state fiscal cliff looming…

Cut 12 (12) “…the state.” 

He says caseworkers have been working with those in need of continued sheltering.

The Great American Eclipse is almost over in Louisiana for many it was a non-event because of cloud cover. But for some areas in the state, there was enough of a break in the clouds to see the moon cover most of the sun. If you missed it, the next one in North America is not until 2044.

Three federal judges in Shreveport are hearing a suit filed by Republicans against the most recent congressional map passed by the legislature. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

There’s a chance suspended LSU running back Trey Holly could return to the team soon. The attempted murder charge he was facing has been dropped after a grand jury in Union Parish rejected the charge. Holly still faces a felony gun charge, but Kelly is optimistic the case could resolved soon…
cut 8 (04)”…him back”
Holly was adamant on social media he was not involved in a shooting that injured two people in Farmerville on February 15th.

The Hurricane Ida sheltering program will come to an end on April 30th. This federally funded program that the state operated provided sheltering for more than 15-thousand people after the 2021 Category Four storm. There are still people living in about 600 travel trailers and GOHSEP director Jacques Thibodeaux says high insurance rates are keeping many from not being able to find permanent housing…
cut 13 (10) “…piece of it”

The eclipse is underway and the heavy cloud coverage in Louisiana is hampering the view. It’s expected to reach as close to totality around 1:45 here. LSU Planetary Astrophysicist Dr. Natalie Hinkel says you can also expect the eclipse to impact our weather….

Cut 24 (10)  “…on the earth.”

Ophthalmologists remind you to never look directly at the eclipse without proper eclipse glasses.

A federal court in Shreveport is hearing arguments in a suit filed by Republicans over the state’s congressional map. In recent affirmative action decisions Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says SCOTUS has been critical of states treating race differently and if race was the predominant factor for drawing the maps…

Cut 10 (07) “…protection clause. “

A May deadline has been set for a decision.

LSU running back Trey Holly no longer faces an attempted murder charge after a shooting in Farmville February 15th that injured two people. The 19-year-old still faces one felony gun charge. Coach Brian Kelly does not expect the criminal case against Holly to drag on…

Cut 7 (12) “…reinstatement”  

Legendary boys’ basketball Coach Charles Smith of Peabody High School in Alexandria will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Smith is one of a handful of high school coaches to join the ranks. Smith says it is an honor to join the elite group.

Cut 3 (12) “…professional coaches.”  

The ceremony will be in August in Massachusetts.

The solar eclipse has begun and it will reach near totality at around 1:45. Much of the state will not get a good view of it because of the clouds, but it will still get dark. LSU Planetary Astrophysicist Doctor Natalie Hinkle says crickets have been known to emerge because they think it’s nighttime and livestock can show signs of anxiety….
cut 20 (07) “….of thing”
The eclipse is set to end around 3 PM.

A federal court in Shreveport is hearing arguments in a suit filed by Republicans over the state’s congressional map which added a second majority-black district. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the plaintiffs claim the map is racial gerrymandering.
Cut 9 (10) “…only factor.”
The hearing is set to end on Wednesday.

The state has announced the Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program will end on April 30th so those still living in the 500 or so travel trailers will have to find a new home. GOHSEP director Jacques Thibodeaux says it’s a challenge to find these individuals still in travel trailers a place to live…
cut 14 (09) “….interested in that”
The sheltering program at its peak involved nearly 54-hundred units and more than 15-thousand people.

Legendary high school basketball coach Charles Smith has been inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. That’s the highest honor someone in basketball can receive. Smith has won nine state championships as the head coach at Peabody High School in Alexandria and he’s won more than 12-hundred games…
cut 4 (12) “…for me”
Smith will be enshrined in August.

Millions are excited to see the Great American Eclipse today, and in Louisiana, the moon will begin to eclipse the sun around 12:30, with the best totality view around 1:45. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (34)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says the northwest corner of the state is under a flash flood watch from Monday afternoon through Wednesday morning as multiple rounds of heavy rainfall is expected. Keim says there’s the potential for five inches of rain or more

Cut 12 (09) “…systems.” 

LSU running back Trey Holly no longer faces an attempted murder charge as a result of a shooting that occurred in Farmerville on February 15th that injured two people. A Union Parish Grand Jury has rejected the charge. LSU football Coach Brian Kelly says they felt good about Holly’s chances of avoiding serious charges…

Cut 6  (05) “…don’t know” 

The 19-year-old still faces one felony count of illegal use of a weapon or dangerous instrumentality. His attorney, Michael Small, says Holly intends to plead not guilty to the charge.

Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields’ campaign finance report shows he’s raised more than 600 thousand dollars for his congressional bid since announcing he would run for the newly created 6^th congressional district seat in January. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Fields is off to a good start with finances…

Cut 4 (11) “…of money.”

Fields is planning to challenge Congressman Garret Graves in November.

Cloudy conditions will make it difficult to see the solar eclipse in Louisiana today. LSU Planetary Astrophysicist Dr. Natalie Hinkel says it’s worth stepping outside to see how the moon blocking the sun affects the Earth. And it’s not just animals that react to a total solar eclipse, Hinkel says the weather is also impacted.

Cut 9 (10)  “…on the earth.”

Ophthalmologists remind you to never look directly at the eclipse, even a partial view of one without proper eclipse glasses.

And forecasters say the probability of viewing the eclipse isn’t ideal in Louisiana thanks to cloud cover. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says conditions are very unstable right now, with a front to our north and west. Hopefully when the eclipse gets as close to totality, around 1:45, there will be a little break in the clouds.

Cut 11 (04) “…be surprised.”

A month into the regular session, legislation seeking to improve the state’s insurance market and giving parents more options to educate their children is moving through the process with few hiccups. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Governor Jeff Landry and GOP lawmakers ran on these issues in the fall…

Cut 13 (11)  “…Education Savings Accounts”

The full House is scheduled to vote on the E-S-A bill today.

A campaign finance report shows Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields’ has raised more than 600 thousand dollars in his candidacy for the newly created 6^th congressional district seat. Fields is planning to challenge Congressman Garret Graves in November. Graves reported $3.8 million in cash on hand at the end of 2023. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan…

Cut 5 (11) “…Cleo Fields.” 

A federal court hearing is scheduled for today and tomorrow to hear arguments on the legality of the new Congressional map.