House Education unanimously approves legislation allowing collegiate student-athletes to profit off of their name, image, and likeness while in school. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

29-year old Landon Broussard of Lafayette will serve a life sentence for the death of his girlfriend’s 3-year-old son, who was fatally beaten eight years ago. Broussard accepted a plea deal for the 2012 death of Julian Madera. Broussard faced the possibility of the death penalty if he was convicted, his prison sentence comes with no possibility of parole, probation, or sentence suspension.

The family of Ronald Greene is demanding the officers who are on tape beating Greene prior to his death in police custody in 2019 be charged criminally. Greene family attorney Lee Merritt says the family is meeting with the Governor today about the case and holding a protest on the steps of the State Capitol.

Cut 14 (08) “…justice.” 

Governor Edwards has stated the footage is disturbing and the case is being investigated by federal and local authorities.

Legislation mandating the National Anthem be played before all athletic events at taxpayer-supported venues in the state passes in the House. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt’s bill was presented in the House by Albany Representative Sherman Mack who says the bill’s purpose is to honor veterans before sporting events and nothing more.

Cut 11 (11) “…played.”

The bill passed on a 74-11 vote and now returns to the Senate.

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder formally removes Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo as House Education Chairman, ending a month-long controversy starting with Garofalo’s comments about slavery. Brooke Thorington.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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House Education unanimously approves legislation allowing collegiate student-athletes to profit off of their name, image, and likeness while in school. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

________________________________________

Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo has been formally removed as Chairman of the House Education Committee following a controversy stretching back to last month involving his comments about slavery.

LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says this wasn’t an easy decision for House Speaker Clay Schexnayder who was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Cut 3 (11)  “…shouldn’t be removed.” 

Garofalo’s comments late last month in committee calling for the teaching of “the good, the bad, the ugly” of slavery during a tense debate about education policy resulted in calls from the Legislative Black Caucus for Garofalo to be removed as chairman. Garofalo says his words have been taken “out of context” and he has nothing to apologize for.

Alford says Garofalo’s removal could have repercussions in the final few weeks of the session.

Cut 4 (09) “…negotiations.” 

Alford says this racial tension has been brewing since last year when police reform proposals brought in the wake of the George Floyd murder were rejected. That tension continued this year.

Cut 5  (10)  “…term.”

Covington Representative Mark Wright was named House Education Chairman for the rest of the session.

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Legislation allowing college student-athletes to profit off of their name, image, and likeness received unanimous approval in a House committee and is headed to the House floor. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says if his bill is signed into law it will help both athletes and their schools.

Cut 6 (12) “…both parties.”

The bill would allow athletes to make money by signing autographs, getting endorsement deals, and even profiting from their social media following.

Connick says Louisiana needs to keep up with other states that have already passed similar legislation.

Cut 7 (09) “…form of it.”

UL Systems president Jim Henderson says state higher education leaders are all on board with this bill and feel it will benefit athletes and programs in both larger and smaller schools.

Cut 8 (06) “…your consideration.”

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The National Anthem could be required before all athletic events at taxpayer-supported venues in the state. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt’s bill was presented in the House by Albany Representative Sherman Mack, he was questioned by New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman if the bill is even enforceable.

Cut 9 (06) “…that’s correct.”

The bill says that for any facility funded either partially or completely by tax dollars, the National Anthem must be played before sporting events, which includes the Superdome and Tiger Stadium. Freeman asked Mack what determines a taxpayer facility.

Cut 10 (09) “…one dollar.” (x2)

Mack says the bill’s purpose is to honor veterans before sporting events so they can enjoy hearing the National Anthem and nothing more.

Cut 11 (11) “…played.”

Senate Bill 124 was amended to define that no sporting event can be held unless it is preceded by the anthem. The amended bill passed on a 74-11 vote and now returns to the Senate.

____________________________________________

The family of Ronald Greene is demanding the officers who are on tape beating Greene prior to his death in police custody in 2019 be charged criminally.

Greene family attorney Lee Merritt says he spoke with the Union Parish prosecutor today who told him they would seek criminal accountability for the officers “in due time”.

Cut 12 (10)   “…murder.” 

Videos released by State Police last Friday show several officers severely beating and tasing Greene after apprehending him following a car chase in Union Parish in 2019.

Merritt called out the troopers involved by name and says they need to be behind bars, right now.

Cut 13 (12)“…arrest.”

The family is set to meet with the Governor today about the case and a protest is planned for 3 PM on the steps of the State Capitol.

Cut 14 (08) “…justice.” 

Governor Edwards has described the footage of Greene’s treatment as disturbing but has said the case is being thoroughly investigated by local and federal authorities.

___________________________

The family of Ronald Greene is demanding the officers who are on tape beating Greene prior to his 2019 death in police custody be charged criminally. Greene family attorney Lee Merritt says he spoke with the Union Parish prosecutor today who told him they would seek criminal accountability for the officers “in due time”.

Cut 12 (10)   “…murder” 

The National Anthem could be required before all athletic events at taxpayer-supported venues in the state. Albany Representative Sherman Mack presented the bill and was questioned by New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman if the bill is even enforceable.

Cut 9 (07) “…that’s correct.”

The amended bill passed on 74-11 vote and now returns to the Senate.

Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo has been formally removed as Chairman of the House Education Committee following a controversy stretching back to last month involving his comments about slavery. LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says Garofalo’s removal could have repercussions in the final few weeks of the session.

Cut 4 (09) “..negotiations.” 

Legislation allowing college student-athletes to profit off of their name, image, and likeness received unanimous approval in a House committee and is headed to the House floor. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says Louisiana needs to keep up with other states that have already passed similar legislation.

Cut 7 (09) “…form of it.”

The bill now heads to the house floor.

Child drownings increased by sixty percent in Louisiana last year according to the state health department.   State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says when you look at individual drownings there are a couple of things in common.

Cut 8 (08) “…separates the pool.”

The CDC says Louisiana has the fourth-highest drowning rate from children in the nation.

Louisiana Workforce Commission chief economist Julian Hwang says the state also added 1,600 new private-sector jobs from March to April. LWC says that Baton Rouge and New Orleans make up over half of the jobs that have been gained at 33,300 and 43,500 jobs, respectively. Hwang says the food industry played a major part in this increase…

Cut 5 (05)”…social life.”

AAA forecasts a 60-percent increase in the number of Americans traveling this Memorial Day weekend compared to last year’s holiday. Spokesperson Don Redman says those traveling by car can expect gas prices to be the most expensive since 2014. He says the average price in Louisiana for a gallon of regular gasoline is just about 2.70.

Cut 11 (08) “…dollar a gallon.”
With restrictions loosened riverboat cruises have resumed and tourists heading up the Mississippi River from New Orleans are back to visiting historic sites like Rosedown Plantation on their voyage north. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says everyone he’s talked to says trips aboard the luxury paddle wheelers are some of the best cruises they’ve ever taken.

Cut 15 (10)“…river”

In 2022 Viking River Cruises will become the third cruise line to offer Mississippi Voyages.

A hit-and-run crash in St. Helena Parish claims the life of a two-year-old. Troopers say it happened just before 10 PM Wednesday on highway 1045 near highway 43. Three others were also injured, and Jhavia Porter of Greensburg was killed. Troopers say the driver and three children got out of their car due to a previous crash and then a dark-colored van traveling eastbound on LA 1045 struck all four pedestrians in the roadway. The vehicle fled the scene and traveled eastbound on LA 1045.

AAA forecasts a 60-percent increase in the number of Americans traveling this Memorial Day weekend compared to last year’s holiday. Spokesperson Don Redman says more than 37 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home with 12 million traveling by car.

Cut 10 (06)”… with a vengeance.”

Redman says those traveling by car can expect gas prices to be the most expensive since 2014.

Louisiana Workforce Commission chief economist Julian Hwang says the state economy is rebounding and we’re up to 1.7 million non-farm jobs in Louisiana with employers looking to add even more…
Cut 4 (07)”…the hire site.”

Child drownings increased by sixty percent in Louisiana last year according to the state health department. The number of infant and child drownings, ages zero to fourteen in 2020 was 24, which is up from 15 in 2019. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says pediatric drownings in the state have been an ongoing issue.

Cut 7 (12)  “…like it to be.”

The CDC says Louisiana has the fourth-highest drowning rate for children in the US.

Louisiana is up 127,400 total jobs from the trough of the pandemic in April 2020 to April 2021.
Louisiana Workforce Commission chief economist Julian Hwang says the heavy hit leisure and hospitality had the biggest gains in employment year to year at 62,400 added jobs.
Cut 6 (04)”..pandemic.”
The trade sector is up 27,300 jobs year-to-year and education and health are up 19,400.

Child drownings increased by sixty percent in Louisiana last year according to the state health department. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says when a single person is not assigned to act as a lifeguard at a gathering when children are swimming, and the task falls by the wayside when it’s assumed all adults are watching.
Cut 9 (11) “…around the water.”
Kanter recommends checking fences and gates around your pool regularly, have children wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets, and never leave children unattended in any body of water.
According to the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance, the industry reported a historic increase of 24% in 2020.
AAA forecasts a 60-percent increase in the number of Americans traveling this Memorial Day weekend compared to last year’s holiday. Spokesperson Don Redman says the cost of a car rental is higher this year than normal.
Cut 12 (09)”…them 125 dollars.”
With restrictions loosened riverboat cruises have resumed and tourists heading up the Mississippi River from New Orleans are back to visiting historic sites like Rosedown Plantation on their voyage north.
Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says everyone he has talked to says voyages aboard the boutique luxury paddle wheelers are some of the best cruises they have ever taken.
Cut 15 (10)“…river”
This year ships are set to dock in New Orleans, Vacherie, White Castle, Darrow, St. Francisville, and Baton
In 2022 Viking River Cruises will become the third cruise line to offer Mississippi Voyages.

AAA is expecting a major rebound in Memorial Day travel. Erik Piccoli has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.” 

Louisiana is up 127,400 total jobs through the pandemic in April 2020 to April 2021.

Louisiana Workforce Commission chief economist Julian Hwang says the state also added 1,600 new private-sector jobs from March to April.

LWC says that Baton Rouge and New Orleans make up over half of the jobs that have been gained at 33,300 and 43,500 jobs, respectively. Hwang says the food industry played a major part in this increase…

Cut 5 (05)”…social life.”

Child drownings increased by sixty percent in Louisiana last year according to the state health department.  The CDC says Louisiana has the fourth-highest drowning rate from children in the U-S and drowning remains the third leading cause of death for children ages one to fourteen. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says when you look at individual drownings there are a couple of things in common.

Cut 8 (08) “…separates the pool.”

With restrictions loosened riverboat cruises have resumed and tourists heading up the Mississippi River from New Orleans are back to visiting historic sites like Rosedown Plantation on their voyage north.

This year ships are set to dock in New Orleans, Vacherie, White Castle, Darrow, St. Francisville, and Baton Rouge. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says this year eight ships from two cruise lines will dock at sites in Louisiana every day.

Cut 14 (11) “..future.”

As pool season kicks off this Memorial Day weekend, the state health department wants to remind you to pay attention to children around the water, especially after the state reports a staggering increase in child drownings. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
Louisiana is up 127,400 total jobs from the trough of the pandemic in April 2020 to April 2021.
Louisiana Workforce Commission chief economist Julian Hwang says the state economy is rebounding and we’re up to 1.7 million non-farm jobs in Louisiana with employers looking to add even more…
Cut 4 (07)”…the hire site.”

AAA forecasts a 60-percent increase in the number of Americans traveling this Memorial Day weekend compared to last year’s holiday. Spokesperson Don Redman says those traveling by car can expect gas prices to be the most expensive since 2014. He says the average price in Louisiana for a gallon of regular gasoline is just about 2.70 an hour.
Cut 11 (08) “…dollar a gallon.”
With restrictions loosened riverboat cruises have resumed and tourists heading up the Mississippi River from New Orleans are back to visiting historic sites like Rosedown Plantation on their voyage north.
Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser met with 150 of the first tourists to resume the riverboat stops at Rosedown. He says reviving these riverboat cruises is a key part of bringing tourism back…
Cut 13 (11) “…communities.”

Child drownings increased by sixty percent in Louisiana last year according to the state health department. The number of infant and child drownings, ages zero to fourteen in 2020 was 24, which is up from 15 in 2019. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says pediatric drownings in the state have been an ongoing issue.
Cut 7 (12) “…like it to be.”
AAA forecasts a 60-percent increase in the number of Americans traveling this Memorial Day weekend compared to last year’s holiday. Spokesperson Don Redman says more than 37 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home with 12 million traveling by car.
Cut 10 (06)”… with a vengeance.”
COVID numbers have fallen significantly and with that, some things are starting to return to normal, like riverboat paddle wheeler cruises up the Mississippi River. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

As pool season kicks off this Memorial Day weekend, the state health department wants to remind you to pay attention to children around the water, especially after the state reports a staggering increase in child drownings. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________

 AAA is expecting a major rebound in Memorial Day travel. Erik Piccoli has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.” 

____________________________

COVID numbers have fallen significantly and with that, some things are starting to return to normal, like riverboat paddle wheeler cruises up the Mississippi River. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

____________________________

Louisiana is up 127,400 total jobs from the trough of the pandemic in April 2020 to April 2021.

Louisiana Workforce Commission chief economist Julian Hwang says the state economy is rebounding and we’re up to 1.7 million non-farm jobs in Louisiana with employers looking to add even more…

Cut 4 (07)”…the hire site.”

The state also added 1,600 new private-sector jobs from March to April.

LWC says that Baton Rouge and New Orleans make up over half of the jobs that have been gained at 33,300 and 43,500 jobs respectively. Hwang says the food industry played a major part in this increase…

Cut 5 (05)”…social life.”

Hwang says the heavy hit leisure and hospitality had the biggest gains in employment year to year at 62,400 added jobs.

Cut 6 (04)”..pandemic.”

The trade sector is up 27,300 jobs year-to-year and education and health are up 19,400.

_____________________________

Child drownings increased by sixty percent in Louisiana last year according to the state health department. The number of infant and child drownings, ages zero to fourteen in 2020 was 24, which is up from 15 in 2019. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says pediatric drownings in the state have been an ongoing issue.

Cut 7 (12)  “…like it to be.”

The CDC says Louisiana has the fourth-highest drowning rate from children in the U-S and drowning remains the third leading cause of death for children ages one to fourteen.

Kanter says when you look at individual drownings there are a couple of things in common.

Cut 8 (08) “…separates the pool.”

A second trend Kanter says is when a single person is not assigned to act as a lifeguard at a gathering when children are swimming and the task falls by the wayside when it’s assumed all adults are watching.

Cut 9 (11) “…around the water.” 

Kanter recommends checking fences and gates around your pool regularly, have children wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets, and never leave children unattended in any body of water.

According to the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance, the industry reported a historic increase of 24% in 2020.

___________________________________

AAA forecasts a 60-percent  increase in the number of Americans traveling this Memorial Day weekend compared to last year’s holiday. Spokesperson Don Redman says more than 37 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home with 12 million traveling by car.

Cut 10 (06)”… with a vengeance.”

Redman says those traveling by car can expect gas prices to be the most expensive since 2014. He says the average price in Louisiana for a gallon of regular gasoline is just about 2.70 an hour.

Cut 11 (08) “…dollar a gallon.”

Redman advises travelers the cost of a car rental is higher than normal.

Cut 12 (09)”…them 125 dollars.”

___________________________________

With restrictions loosened riverboat cruises have resumed and tourists heading up the Mississippi River from New Orleans are back to visiting historic sites like Rosedown Plantation on their voyage north.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser met with 150 of the first tourists to resume the riverboat stops at Rosedown. He says reviving these riverboat cruises is a key part of bringing tourism back…

Cut 13 (11) “…communties.”

This year ships are set to dock in New Orleans, Vacherie, White Castle, Darrow, St. Francisville, and Baton Rouge.

Nungesser says this year eight ships from two cruise lines will dock at sites in Louisiana every day.

Cut 14 (11) “..future.”

In 2022 Viking River Cruises will become the third cruise line to offer Mississippi Voyages.

Nungesser says everyone he’s talked to says voyages aboard the boutique luxury paddle wheelers are some of the best cruises they’ve ever taken.

Cut 15 (10)“…river”

_______________________________________

The LSU baseball team is back in Baton Rouge after they were ousted quickly from the SEC Tournament. The tigers are on the bubble in terms of getting into the NCAA tournament as they finished with a 13-17 mark in SEC play. Here’s coach Paul Mainieri on if his team deserves a spot in the NCAA tournament.

Cut 16 (14) “…in the country.”

Despite LSU’s conference record, the team is ranked 24^th in the RPI. Mainieri hopes the selection committee will take that into consideration.

Cut 17 (14) “…in the 20s as well.”

LSU lost a lot of close games this season and Mainieri says if his team could’ve won a few of them they would have a better shot at making it to a regional

Cut  18 (14)”…team or better.”