16:30 LRN Newscast May 24

On a 3-2 vote, a Senate committee killed The Pastor Protection Act, which would have provided protection for religious organizations if they refuse to perform a same sex marriage. Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson says this bill is NOT as expansive as some religious freedom bills passed in other states.

CUT 3 (11)  “its scope”

But New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says pastors and clergy members are already protected under the Religious Freedom Protection Act. He says he doesn’t see a need for this bill.

CUT 4 (10)  “a problem”

New Orleans was not picked to host the Super Bowl in 2019. Super Bowl 53 will be held in Atlanta at the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

A House-approved bill that would punish so-called sanctuary cities by making it difficult for them to borrow money for construction projects was defeated in a Senate committee. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand spoke in opposition, saying this legislation is not needed and makes no sense…

CUT 9 (12) “by business”

The legislation was designed to force New Orleans, Lafayette and any other city to follow federal immigration laws.

PETA has issued a statement in response to LSU’s Mike the Tiger’s cancer diagnosis. PETA sent a letter to the university, calling for them to end their live mascot program all together, when Mike VI eventually succumbs to his terminal diagnosis. The animal rights activists say large breed cats are not meant to live in captivity.