The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed two cases of the COVID-19 Brazilian variant in Louisiana. LDH detected the cases in the New Orleans area and Southwest Louisiana.  The CDC says the Brazilian COVID-19 variant is more transmissible and carries a higher risk of severe disease. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says it’s likely there are other variants to be discovered.

Cut 11 (07) “more variants”

Governor John Bel Edwards wants to spend 230-million dollars from the American Rescue plan to repay loans from the federal government to pay jobless claims after the Unemployment Trust Fund went bankrupt. The governor says he’s also proposing to use 400-million dollars to pay for road and bridge construction…

Cut 4 (09) “…has lagged.” 

The legislature must approve the governor’s spending plan.

The State Fair is underway in Shreveport and having the event in the spring is a first for the Bayou State staple. State Fair President Chris Giordano says their timing couldn’t have been better, the same week the governor partially lifted the mask mandate and capacity restrictions.

Cut 7 (09) “…exciting.”

Instead of canceling last fall due to the pandemic they moved the event to spring and will host two fairs this year.

The Saints continue to focus on defense in the NFL draft as they selected two more players on that side of the ball. In the 2nd round. New Orleans picked Ohio State linebacker Pete Werner, who was a first-team All-Big ten performer in 2020. He led the Buckeyes in tackles and forced two fumbles. The fourth round of the draft will begin today at 11 AM.

The Louisiana Health Department has confirmed two cases of the Brazilian COVID-19 variant in Louisiana.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Erik Picolli.”  

Lake Charles Police say it was 44-year old Kyner Gene Rollins of California who was responsible for shutting down the interstate for four hours Wednesday. Rollins was found dead in a hotel room at the Oasis Inn when a SWAT team was unable to make contact with the suspect. Police originally responded to shots being fired towards the I-10 around 5 am.

Governor John Bel Edwards has provided his input on how one-point-six billion dollars in federal coronavirus aid should be spent.  Edwards says 400-million dollars should go towards refilling the unemployment trust fund, which is bankrupt, and the only other way to re-fill it is by taxing businesses.

Cut 3 (09)  “…a pandemic” 

All of this money comes from the American Rescue Plan approved by Congress earlier this year. The state legislature must approve Governor Edwards’ plan.

The State Fair is underway in Shreveport and having the event in the spring is a first for the Bayou State staple. State Fair President Chris Giordano says due to COVID they postponed last year’s fall event and instead of canceling the 114^th edition, they opted for both a spring and fall fair this year. So far feedback is positive.

Cut 6 (10) “…families”

The fair runs through May 9^th.

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.

Governor John Bel Edwards wants to spend 230-million dollars from the American Rescue plan to repay loans from the federal government to pay jobless claims after the Unemployment Trust Fund went bankrupt. The governor says he’s also proposing to use 400-million dollars to pay for road and bridge construction…

Cut 4 (09) “…has lagged.” 

The Louisiana Department of Health confirms two Brazilian variants of the COVID in the state. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the Brazilian variant is one of now three variants circulating in Louisiana and getting vaccinated can help prevent mutations and infections of the virus.

Cut 10 (08) “…the other variants” 

Visit ldh.la.gov for vaccine information.

The State Fair is underway in Shreveport and having the event in the spring is a first for the Bayou State staple. State Fair President Chris Giordano says their timing couldn’t have been better, the same week the governor partially lifted the mask mandate and capacity restrictions.

Cut 7 (09) “…exciting.”

Instead of canceling last fall due to the pandemic they moved the event to spring and will host two fairs this year.

The Saints stayed put at 28 in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft and selected Houston defensive end Payton Turner, who played in 40 games for the Cougars, racking up 115 tackles and 10 sacks. Coach Sean Payton says Turner is a player they’ had their eye on.

Cut 12 (12)   “…was good” 

Governor John Bel Edwards has provided his input on how one-point-six billion dollars in federal coronavirus aid should be spent.  Edwards says 400-million dollars should go towards refilling the unemployment trust fund, which is bankrupt, and the only other way to re-fill it is by taxing businesses.

Cut 3 (09)  “…a pandemic” 

All of the funding comes from the American Rescue Plan approved by Congress earlier this year.

The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed two cases of the COVID-19 Brazilian variant in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (06) “..identified yet”

The Brazilian variant is one of now three variants circulating in Louisiana. Kanter says officials getting vaccinated can help prevent mutations and infections of COVID-19

The State Fair is underway in Shreveport and having the event in the spring is a first for the Bayou State staple. State Fair President Chris Giordano says due to COVID they postponed last year’s fall event and instead of canceling the 114^th edition they opted for a spring and fall fair this year. So far feedback is positive.

Cut 6 (10) “…families”

The fair runs through May 9^th.

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.”

The bill now heads to the house for debate.

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 the removal of House Education Committee Chairman Representative Ray Garofalo is justified. The Chalmette representative is under fire after a comment during committee testimony that there may have been good parts of slavery went viral.

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.”

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

Cut 8 (06) “…period of time.”

The measure now 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.”
Child psychologist Dr. Clifton Mixon calls the bill divisive and says it sets a damaging tone against an already vulnerable population.

Cut 11 (10) “…future.”

The proposal heads to the Senate floor. Governor Edwards opposes it.

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. Even though it was approved, several senators had questions like River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot…

Cut 15 (11)“…in this.”

The University of New Orleans’ Survey Research Center has found that 55% of registered voters support the legalization of recreational marijuana in Louisiana.  This comes in the wake of the Louisiana House Criminal Justice Committee passing a bill that seeks to legalize weed. SRC director Dr. Ed Chervenak says it’s unclear if the proposal can receive approval from the Louisiana House.

Cut 6 (07) “…it will be legalized.”

700 registered voters were surveyed.

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.”

_______________________________

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” 

____________________________

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”

____________________________

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.”

_____________________

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.

__________________

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.

________________________________________

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.”

__________________________________________________

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.” 

_________________________________________________

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. 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”