A proposed constitutional amendment that sought to place term limits on sheriffs was soundly defeated in a House committee today. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A bill to remove Robert E. Lee and Confederate Memorial Day from the list of official state holidays advances without opposition in the House Judiciary. New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard says when he learned they were still on the books, as a young black lawmaker he vowed to change that. The bill now moves to the House floor.

After 26-year-old Heikeem Hebert was killed in Abbeville almost four years ago, the crime lab has linked evidence of the murder weapon to 36-year-old Daniel Simon of Erath. Police Spokesperson Johnathan Touchet says a large amount of evidence was collected from the May 2018 crime scene and sent to the Acadiana Crime Lab.

Cut 13 (06) “…to do.”

Simon was already in custody on unrelated charges and murder charges have been added to the list.

The Pelicans are tied in the NBA playoff series with the Phoenix Suns. Brandon Ingram had a stellar performance last night, and forward Larry Nance Jr. says Ingram is the real deal, and the Pels will go as far as he can take them.

Cut 10 (11)  “…rocking with him.”

Tipoff for Friday night’s game in New Orleans is 8:30.

An effort to place term limits on sheriffs was soundly defeated in House Judiciary. The proposed constitutional amendment sought to limit sheriffs to no more than three consecutive full terms. Bill author New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says term limits allow for different people and ideas and it doesn’t allow one person to become entrenched…

Cut 7 (06) “…to address” 

The constitutional amendment was voted down nine to two.

Almost four years after 26-year-old Heikeem Hebert was killed in Abbeville police make an arrest after the crime lab linked the weapon to a suspect, 36-year-old Daniel Simon who was already in jail on unrelated charges. Abbeville Police Spokesperson Johnathan Touchet says detectives are relieved for the victim’s family they were able to make an arrest.

Cut 14 (08)  “…an arrest.”

Simon is being held in the Vermilion Parish Correctional Center.

Following a game two upset win, the New Orleans Pelicans have tied their first-round playoff series with the Suns. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (34)…I’m David Grubb.”  

And more good news for New Orleans, Breeze Airways, a new low-cost airline will add a direct route from the Big Easy to Savannah, Georgia in September. The airline has been adding and cutting routes since it began flying 10 months ago. Flights to Savannah will run Mondays and Fridays and start at $59 each way.

A bill to raise awareness about hunger among students at Louisiana colleges and universities advances in House Education.  Bill author, Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Freiberg says as much as 40-percent of college students have food insecurities. University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson says the bill creates a task force to assist those students.

Cut 3 (09) “…a win-win.”

The bill now moves to the House floor.

A bill to remove the death penalty in Louisiana failed 5 to 1 in committee.  Baton Rouge Republican Bodi White spokes in opposition and says the state’s recent decision to end non-unanimous jury verdicts as a safeguard against executing an innocent person.

Cut 7 (09) “…get a guilty verdict.”

The bill no longer advances this session.

The Senate passes a bill to prohibit transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. Called the “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” Alexandria Democrat Senator Jay Luneau, says it’s not an issue in Louisiana and the LHSAA has rules in place should the problem arise…:

CUT 15  (11)        “…state of Louisiana.”

The measure passed 29-to-6, last year Governor Edwards vetoed the legislation.

$232 million in sports betting was wagered in the Bayou State last month, which translates into more than $5 million in tax revenue. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says he’s extremely impressed with how sports wagering is progressing, and no major online technicalities.

Cut 12 (10) “…of March.” 

The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, which was vetoed last year and received opposition from transgender advocates passed in the Senate Tuesday. Franklinton Republican Senator Beth Mizell’s bill prohibits transgender females from competing against women. Mizell says the legislation has wide support.

Cut 14 (07)  “…believe in.”

The vote was 29 to 6. The bill now heads to a House committee.

LSU’s 2022 Louisiana Survey indicates 40-percent of home insurance policyholders filed claims in the last two years and almost half weren’t pleased with the process. Associate Professor Michael Henderson says whether it’s two years of significant weather events or COVID respondents generally aren’t hopeful.

Cut 10 (11) “…be getting better.”

A bill seeking to end the death penalty in Louisiana meets defeat in Senate Judiciary C. Bill author Monroe Democrat Senator Katrina Jackson says Louisiana is only one of 27 states that still sentence people to death, and it should stop…

CUT 04(15)      “…in their hands”

But there was doubt among committee members. Franklinton Republican Senator Beth Mizell worries Jackson’s bill forgets the rights of survivors of a capital crime…

CUT 06(13)      “…to ask for.”

By a vote of 5-to-1, the bill failed to pass in committee therefore will go no farther in this legislative session.

The Senate passed Senator Beth Mizell’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act bill 29-6 Thursday. The bill has received opposition from transgender advocates, and this is the same bill that Governor Edwards vetoed last year. The bill prohibits transgender females from competing in women’s sports in Louisiana. The bill now heads to the House.

The House Health and Welfare Committee approves legislation that would transfer regulatory authority from the state department of agriculture to the Louisiana Department of Health. Houma Representative Tanner Magee’s bill also allows medical marijuana licensed pharmacy owners to open multiple locations…

Cut 7 (09) “…pharmacy locations” 
The bill heads to the House floor for more discussion.

A bill seeking to end the death penalty in Louisiana meets defeat in a Senate committee. Monroe Democrat Senator Katrina Jackson argued for her bill before the Judiciary C and says Louisiana is only one of 27 states that still sentenced people to death and it should stop…:

Cut 4 (15)  “…have in their hands.”

Louisiana has not executed anyone since 2010, and the state’s last death sentence was handed out in 2020. Franklinton Republican Senator Beth Mizell worries Jackson’s bill forgets the rights of survivors of a capital crime…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…a right to ask for.”

The bill was voted down by a 5-to-1 vote, and will not move forward this session

35-year-old Earl Johnson, Jr. of Baton Rouge is charged with first-degree murder for the stabbing death of 34-year-old Janice David that was broadcast on Facebook Live. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The House Health and Welfare Committee approves legislation designed to expand the state’s medical-marijuana program. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Baton Rouge Police have arrested 35-year-old Earl Johnson, Jr. for the murder of a woman that was broadcast on Facebook Live Monday. Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says Johnson was already in custody after a chase involving a stolen vehicle when they learned he was a suspect in the brutal stabbing of 34-year-old Janice David.

Cut 3 (12) “…stabbed her.”

McKneely says someone who saw the video notified Facebook and they contacted authorities in Louisiana.

McKneely says East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputies located a vehicle with the victim’s body inside and then Baton Rouge Police was informed about the murder in the Sherwood Forest area.

Cut 4  (07) “…the killing.”

McKneely says they received a call Monday at 5 PM about a stolen vehicle before they were notified about the gruesome murder broadcast on Facebook.

Cut 5  (10) “…video.”

Johnson faces First Degree Murder, Theft of a Vehicle, and Aggravated Flight from an Officer charges. He was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

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The House Health and Welfare Committee approves legislation that would move regulation of the state’s medical-marijuana program from the state’s agriculture department to the Louisiana Department of Health. Houma Representative Tanner Magee’s measure is in response to criticism the ag department has hindered medical marijuana availability…

Cut 6  (10) “…program overall.” 

Magee says the legislation allows L-D-H to contract with private labs to streamline the testing of medical cannabis. His legislation also allows for the nine licensed medical marijuana pharmacy owners to open more locations…

Cut 7 (09) “…pharmacy locations” 

The bill heads to the House floor for more discussion. But there are medical marijuana patients who believe the bill doesn’t go far enough to help with the supply, access, and cost of medical cannabis. Veteran Tony Landry expressed his concerns…

Cut 8 (12) “…current monopoly.” 

The legislation doesn’t increase the number of licensed growers and pharmacy operators. The bill will allow licensed pharmacy operators to open more than one location.

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After 18 years and 17 games, the final Wally Pontiff Jr. Classic will be played tonight at LSU’s Alex Box Stadium. The All-SEC third baseman passed away in 2002 at the age of 21. Pontiff’s father, Wally Sr., says the games may be ending, but the mission continues.

Cut 9 (11) “…we’ve been blessed.”

Pontiff says there were simple goals when the family started the Wally Pontiff Jr Foundation in his son’s honor…spread the gospel of LSU baseball to kids in the New Orleans area, and give back to the community that gave so much to them.

Cut 10 (10)  “…he passed away.”

The Pontiff family has been overwhelmed by the support they’ve received over the years, from volunteers and from the university. Wally Sr. says the foundation will be able to continue its work, keeping Wally’s spirit and dream alive.

Cut 11 (12)  “…easy for us.” 

LSU is 12-4 all-time in The Classic, heading into tonight’s matchup with UL  If you’d like to contact or support the Wally Pontiff Jr. Foundation, visit wally-pontiff-j-r-foundation-dot-com.

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A Bastrop man is under arrest for allegedly setting two arson fires in Morehouse Parish. An abandoned funeral home and an unoccupied nearby were both torched within an hour of each other on April 3^rd. State Fire Marshal’s Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says he is 28-year-old Jamie Wall…:

Cut 12 (10) “…criminal trespassing.” 

In the latter fire, the flames grew so hot that a neighboring house was threatened, so first responders evacuated a family of four living there; including two small kids. Rodrigue says it could have been much worse…:

Cut 13 (06) “…from being injured.”

Wall has been charged with aggravated arson for one fire, simple arson for the other, and criminal trespass. Rodrigue credits the Morehouse Sheriff’s Office and Bastrop firefighters, and the public for helping with a speedy arrest…:

Cut 14 (11)  “…without even asking.”

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Cut 15 (11) “…checks and balances system.” 

Cut  16 (07)  “….judicial restraint“

A bill that would allow voters to decide on term limits for assessors is moving forward. David Grubb has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.”

A New Orleans bail bondsman has been arrested related to the storming of the US Capitol on January 6^th last year. 33-year-old Matthew LeBrun is the third Louisianan arrested in connection with the incident.

A bill that would end the death penalty in Louisiana is scheduled for discussion in a Senate Judiciary Committee today. Outspoken death penalty opponent and author of “Dead Man Walking”, Sister Helen Prejean (PRAY-zhon) says public opinion on executions has changed and continues to turn…:

Cut 8 (13)  “…and he won!”

If the bill becomes law executions would end for any person convicted after August 1, 2022

Volunteers are picking up trash across 52 parishes this Love the Boot Week and and Dawn Cantrell with Keep Louisiana Beautiful says they pick up tons of plastic, like bags, takeout containers, and eating utensils. She says they’ve even picked up roofing singles and tarps that weren’t disposed of properly.

Cut  11 (06)  “…imagine.”  

For more information visit KeepLouisianaBeautiful dot org.

The House Appropriations Committee approved a spending plan for the next fiscal year that contains 15-hundred dollar pay raises for teachers. Chairman Jerome Zeringue of Houma says if this latest raise makes it through the legislative process, teachers will see their salary go up 33-hundred dollars over the last four years

Cut 6  (09) “…previous three.” 

There’s also a disagreement between the Edwards administration and House Republicans over funding for a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge. The governor is proposing to put 500-million dollars towards the construction of a new I-10 bridge that could cost two-point-five billion dollars. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne makes the case why this money is needed now…

Cut 8 (11) “…infrastructure act.” 

A bill to require pornography sites to verify one’s age as a way to prevent minors from accessing their material passes in House Civil Law. President of the Louisiana Family Forum Gene Mills spoke in support of the legislation to require commercial entities that publish material harmful to minors to place reasonable methods to verify the age of those attempting to access their site.

Cut 4  (11) “…child’s development.

The bill now heads to the House

New Orleans representative Mandie Landry says tax assessors should be held to the same standard as the state’s legislators when it comes to term limits and her House Bill 288 would allow voters to decide if the state’s constitution should be amended to make that happen.

Cut 4 (05)  “…encourages and requires turnover.”

The bill passed 7-6 in House Ways and Means.

A bill to reduce a minor’s access to pornography on the internet passes in House Civil Law. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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College tuition continues to rise, but a new study by Tulane University says some students have actually seen their costs go down. David Grubb has more.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m David Grubb.”  

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A bill to require pornography sites to verify one’s age as a way to prevent minors from accessing their material passes in House Civil Law. Bill author, Metairie Representative, and licensed Sex Therapist Laurie Schlegel says children’s exposure to pornography is a growing concern.

Cut 3 (11) “…change course.”

President of the Louisiana Family Forum Gene Mills spoke in support of the legislation to require commercial entities that publish material harmful to minors to place reasonable methods to verify the age of those attempting to access their site.

Cut 4  (11) “…child’s development.”

House Bill 142 requires such entities to verify one’s age and only allow access for individuals 18 and older. Schlegel, who understands the damage of pornography in her profession as a Sex Therapist says it’s imperative, that we reduce access for minors.

Cut 5  (11) “…government interest.”

The bill now heads to the House floor.

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The House Appropriations Committee approved a spending plan today for next fiscal year that contains 15-hundred dollar pay raises for teachers and 750-dollars for support staff. Chairman Jerome Zeringue of Houma says if this latest raise makes it through the legislative process, teachers would see their salary go up 33-hundred dollars over the last four years

Cut 6  (09) “…previous three.” 

The budget bill also calls for using 500-million dollars in federal pandemic aid to help replenish the state’s unemployment trust fund. Another 450-million dollar would be allocated to water systems.

The proposed budget for next year does not contain a 100-dollar increase in supplemental pay for local police and firefighters, despite a recommendation from Governor John Bel Edwards. Zeringue says Louisiana is the only state to provide a salary supplement for local police and firefighters…

Cut 7 (10) “…fire and police” 

There’s also a disagreement between the Edwards administration and House Republicans over funding for a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge. The governor is proposing to put 500-million dollars towards the construction of a new I-10 bridge that could cost two-point-five billion dollars. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne makes the case why this money is needed now…

Cut 8 (11) “…infrastructure act.” 

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Tuition at public universities has skyrocketed, with an increase of about 200 percent since the 1980s. However, a new study released by Tulane University and co-authored by assistant economic professor Emily Cook, says that while high and upper-middle-income families are taking a hit, more financial aid is finding its way to low and middle-income students.

Cut 9 (10) “…certain income groups.”

Cook says there haven’t been any significant changes in state or federal aid guidelines, so the driver has been a shift in mindset by institutions as they work to attract more students to campus.

Cut 10 (12)  “…higher-income students.”

Unfortunately, there is still a gap where the funding isn’t always getting to the students it’s intended for. Cook says that there has to be greater awareness of what resources are available to families and what the real cost of education is for students seeking need-based aid.

Cut 11 (10)  “…a concern there.”  

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A single-vehicle crash in Rapides Parish Sunday afternoon claims the life of a nine-year-old passenger. Master Trooper Casey Wallace says it appears 30-year-old Angela Jacobs of Marksville lost control of her SUV along Highway 1, just a mile south of Highway 3170. He says one of the four juveniles in the SUV was transferred to a local hospital.

Cut 12 (06) “…Easter Sunday.” 

Wallace says Jacobs was returning home when the accident happened after passing another vehicle along the two-lane highway.

Cut 13 (07) “…embankment.”

Wallace says impairment is not suspected but the crash remains under investigation. He says the driver and all four juvenile passengers were wearing seatbelts.

A bill to require pornography sites to verify one’s age as a way to prevent minors from accessing their material passes in House Civil Law. Bill author, Metairie Representative, and licensed Sex Therapist Laurie Schlegel says children’s exposure to pornography is a growing concern.

Cut 3 (11) “…change course.”

The bill now heads to the House floor.

Tuition at public universities on average has increased about 200 percent since the 80s. But a new study from Tulane University and co-authored by assistant economic professor Emily Cook, says while high and upper-middle-income families are taking a hit, more financial aid is finding its way to low and middle-income students.

Cut 9 (10) “…certain income groups.”

The House Appropriations Committee approved a spending plan today for the next fiscal year that contains 15-hundred dollar pay raises for teachers, but Chairman Jerome Zeringue of Houma says the proposed budget does not contain a 100-dollar increase in supplemental pay for local police and firefighters, despite a recommendation from the governor. Zeringue says Louisiana is the only state to provide a salary supplement for local police and firefighters…

Cut 7 (10) “…fire and police” 

A bill to raise the compensation rate for school bus drivers will be heard in Senate Finance this afternoon. Bill author Covington Senator Patrick McMath says driver pay rates haven’t changed since the 80s and we owe it to them and the children they transport, so they can properly maintain their vehicles.

Cut 13 (08) “…do that.”

McMath says drivers are leaving as a result.