NFL-dot-com’s Ian Rapoport is reporting the Saints will pick up defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins fifth-year option. Rankins had a career-high eight sacks and 12 tackles for a loss last season, but tore his Achilles tendon in the playoff win over Philadelphia. He’s expected to start the season on the physcially unable to perform list, but the team must believe he’ll make a full recovery from that injury.

The NCAA has approved changes to both targeting and overtimes rules in college football. When it comes to targeting, the instant replay judge must now confirm that targeting occurred on a defenseless player and the contact was directed at the head or neck area for a targeting penalty to be confirmed. If the instant replay judge can’t, the call on the field will not stand. And when it comes to O-T, if a game reaches the fifth overtime, both teams will alternate two-point conversion attempts, instead of starting a drive from the opponents 25 yard line.

Drew Bianco’s two out, three-run homer in the second provided the spark the LSU baseball team needed last night to beat Lamar five to three. Fellow freshman Landon Marceaux also pitched three shutout innings to pick up the win.

In Ruston, for the second time this season, junior second baseman Hunter Wells hit a walk off homer. Wells blast lifted the Bulldogs to a five-four win over Little Rock. La Tech Tech is at McNeese tonight.

Southern Miss scored four runs in the ninth inning last night to beat the Ragin Cajuns seven to six. Jacob Schultz, who was spectacular against LSU last week, gave up four runs on three hits and suffered his second loss of the season.

ULM rallied to beat Southern five to four. Logan Wurm hit an RBI single in the eighth inning to give the Warhawks their first lead and then scored what turned out to be the game winning run. ULM begins a series at Arkansas State on Friday.

Also last night, Southeastern slammed Tulane 10 to 3 and Arkansas thumped Northwestern State 19 to 2. Those two teams play again today in Fayetteville

54-year-old Jessie Guillory, who allegedly attacked a nurse at a Baton Rouge hospital has been arrested in Lake Charles after the nurse passed away a week after the assault.Baton Rouge Police Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says initially they were not certain Lynne Truxillo’s death was related to the attack, but…
Cut 3 (10) “…happened”
Truxillo died of blot clots, and had torn a leg muscle and had other injuries in the attack.
The House approve legislation that supporters say addresses the factors that result in high auto insurance rates in Louisiana. River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot has several provisions, one would extend the period of time a lawsuit can be filed after a car wreck from one to two years, in an effort to avoid a trial
Cut 6 (09) “…work it out”
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New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson spoke publicly for the first time about her struggles with gambling addiction, that were public revealed earlier this year, Tuesday at a committee hearing on the legalization of sports betting. Peterson says she’s dealt with the disease for years, but had managed to keep it a secret.
Cut 10 (12) “…addiction.”
A 2015 report showed those labeled “problem gamblers” were 2.5 times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.
The House Health and Welfare Committee is expected to vote on a bill that would raise the age to purchase or possess tobacco from 18 to 21 years old. The sponsor of the bill, West Monroe representative Frank Hoffman…
Cut 7 (07) “…ever smoke.”

It’s a busy day of committee meetings at the state capitol today. The House Health and Welfare panel is expected to hear testimony today that would prohibit those under the age of 21 from purchasing tobacco products. The current minimum age is 18. The bill’s author, West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman, says 11 other states have enacted similar laws…
cut 8 (07) “…everywhere”

Nicholls State has signed a memorandum of understanding with the state and the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to build a coastal center on the Thibodaux campus. School president Doctor Jay Clune says the facility will be a hub for wetlands protection research…
cut 5 (11) “….campus”
Clune says Nicholls is developing a coastal engineering program.

The chairwoman of the Louisiana Democratic Party spoke openly about her gambling addiction in a Senate committee meeting during discussion of legislation that would legalize sports betting. Matt Doyle has the story.
Voicer 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

That legislation is sponsored by Metairie Senator Danny Martiny and it would allow sports betting at the state’s riverboat casinos, racetracks and the land-based casino in New Orleans. It heads to the Senate floor for more discussion. Martiny says it could generate an additional 60-million dollars in revenues.

At the state capitol today, the House Health and Welfare committee is expected to discuss legislation that raises the minimum age to purchase or possess tobacco products from 18 to 21 years old. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman says the goal of his legislation is to reduce the number of smokers which would create a healthier state…
cut 9 (07) “…hopeful”
Walgreens and Rite Aid have announced new policies that will go into effect later this year, where they’ll only sell tobacco products to those over 21.

The House has approved legislation that will allow seat belt usage as evidence when deciding how much in damages a person should receive if injured in an auto crash. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says his legislation can help trim the costs for businesses…
cut 14 (11) “….a seat belt” ”
The measure was approved on a 88-5 vote and heads to the Senate.

Nicholls State and the Coastal Protection Restoration Authority have entered a memorandum of understanding to build a coastal research center on the Thibodaux campus. Nicholls president Doctor Jay Clune says the center will focus on land loss in the Terrebonne Basin and how the Atchafalaya River can help in coastal restoration…
Cut 6 (11) “…this point.”
Projects, models and displays of the Atchafalaya River and the two basins will be housed at the center.

During debate over legislation to legalize sports betting, New Orleans Senator and Chairwoman of the Louisiana Democratic Party Karen Carter Peterson opened up about the gambling addiction she battles everyday. Peterson is glad that the public knows…
cut 12 (10) “…a plan”
Peterson was issued a misdemeanor citation earlier this year for entering a Baton Rouge casino. The Senator voluntarily signed up for a program where problem gamblers ban themselves from casinos.

Nicholls announces plans to have a Coastal Restoration center dedicated to saving the endangered wetlands where most of their students live.
Voicer 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

More information is coming out about the Jefferson Parish man who was arrested on hate crime charges for allegedly trying to run over an interracial couple at a convenience store parking lot in Metairie. Deputies say 50-year-old James Descant, who is white, used a racial slur and threatened to kill the couple before the attack. The man jumped away from the vehicle, while the woman suffered injuries to her hip, wrist and foot.

New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson spoke publicly for the first time about her struggles with gambling addiction during a committee hearing on the legalization of sports betting. Peterson says she’s dealt with the disease for years, but kept it a secret.
Cut 10 (12) “…addiction.”
Peterson’s gambling addiction became public last month after reports surfaced she was removed from casino. She voluntarily placed herself on a list that allows casino operators to remove you from a gambling hall if spotted in one.

Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s legislation that would allow information about whether or not a driver was buckled up to be used in determining damages in trials related to car wrecks has been approved by the House. Huval says 90 percent of drivers nationwide buckle up, but…
Cut 13 (12) “by 50-percent.”
Supporters of Huval’s bill say it can help lower insurance costs.

A House committee is expected to vote on a bill today that would raise the sale age of tobacco from 18 to 21 years old. Connor Ferrill has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

A Lake Charles man has been charged with manslaughter in the beating death of a Baton Rouge nurse. Authorities say Lynne Truxillo was attacked at Baton Rouge General Mid City on April fourth and died from her injuries days later. The arrest warrant states 54-year-old Jessie Guillory went to the nurses’ station and started an altercation that led to fatal injuries suffered by Truxillo.

The House has approved legislation that gives judges and juries the ability to use seat belt usage evidence to determine the amount of damages that should be awarded to a person suing over an auto accident. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says the legislation is designed to lower the costs insurance companies have to dole out in accidents involving injuries…
cut 15 (10) “…accident”
The bill heads to the Senate.

During debate over legislation to legalize sports betting in Louisiana, New Orleans Senator and chairwoman of the Louisiana Democratic Party Karen Carter Peterson said gambling addiction is a shameful and embarrassing disease. Peterson admitted last month she’s battling gambling addiction and thanks her family for their support, but she says unfortunately many gambling addicts do not have a strong support system…
cut 11 (10) “…disease”
That sports betting bill was approved and heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

The House Health and Welfare Committee is expected to vote today on a bill that would raise the age to purchase or possess tobacco from 18 to 21 years old. The sponsor of the bill, West Monroe representative Frank Hoffman, says raising the age could prevent potential young smokers from ever picking up a pack of cigarettes…
Cut 7 (07) “…ever smoke.”
The bill would also prevent those under 21 from buying vaping products.

The House has approved legislation that will allow seat belt usage as evidence when deciding how much in damages a person should receive if injured in an auto crash. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says his legislation can help trim the costs for businesses…
cut 14 (11) “….a seat belt” ”
The measure was approved on a 88-5 vote and heads to the Senate.

A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the state and Nicholls State to bring a coastal center to the Thibodaux campus to study the effects of land loss in the Terrebonne and Atchafalya Basins. Nicholls President Jay Clune says this new partnership with the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and the state is vitally important…
Cut 4 (12) “…personal.”
Clune says the Coastal Center will expand their engineering curriculum.

Another round of severe weather is on its way as strong storms are expected to move into western Louisiana tonight and impact southeast Louisiana tomorrow.

A vote is expected on a bill today that would raise the sale age of tobacco from 18 to 21 years old. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

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A New Orleans senator spoke openly about her gambling addiction in a committee considering legislation that would legalize sports betting. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Nicholls State announces plans to have a Coastal Restoration center dedicated to saving the endangered wetlands where most of their students live. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A center dedicated to coastal restoration and preservation could in the cards for Nicholls State University as the school prepares to expand it’s engineering curriculum.

School President Dr. Jay Clune says 70 percent of their students come from St. Mary, Terrebonne, and Lafourche parishes.

Cut 4 (12) “…personal.”

Louisiana has lost 1,800 square miles of land to coastal erosion since 1932.

The facility will resemble the LSU Center for River Studies, famed for it’s huge model of the Mississippi River and it’s flow patterns. Clune says the facility will be a hub for wetlands protection research.

Cut 5 (11) “…campus.”

Clune says the center will focus on land loss in the Terrebonne Basin, and study why the Atchafalaya Basin has managed to be so resilient. He says much of their efforts will center on one beloved waterway…

Cut 6 (11) “…this point.”

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The House Health and Welfare Committee is expected to vote on a bill that would raise the age to purchase or possess tobacco from 18 to 21 years old. The sponsor of the bill, West Monroe representative Frank Hoffman, says raising the age could prevent potential young smokers from ever picking up a pack of cigarettes…

Cut 7 (07) “…ever smoke.”

The bill would also prevent those under 21 from buying vaping products.

Hoffman says the Bayou State would not be breaking any ground as 11 other states have enacted similar laws.

Cut 8 (07) “…everywhere.”

Hoffman says the goal of the legislation is to reduce the number of smokers which would create healthcare benefits that cannot be ignored.

Cut 9 (07) “…hopeful.″

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New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson spoke publicly for the first time about her struggles with gambling addiction Tuesday at a committee hearing on the legalization of sports betting.

Peterson says she’s dealt with the disease for years, but had managed to keep it a secret.

Cut 10 (12) “…addiction.”

A 2015 report showed those labeled “problem gamblers” were 2.5 times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.

Peterson credited her ability to cope with the disease to a supportive family, but says not all problem gamblers have the luxury of strong family support, which is why she’s taking a public stand to bring awareness to the issue.

Cut 11 (10) “…disease.”

The revaluation of Peterson’s addiction led to accusations of hypocrisy related to her criticism of a 2017 New Orleans city council candidate’s pill addiction.

The Crescent City Democrat was the lone dissenting vote in Tuesday’s 3-1 committee approval of the legislation. She says the public outing of her addiction has given her the freedom to more openly voice her views.

Cut 12 (10) “…a plan”

Peterson was issued a misdemeanor citation earlier this year for entering a Baton Rouge casino. The Senator had voluntarily signed up for a program where problem gamblers ban themselves from casinos.

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Breaux bridge Representative Mike Huval has legislation that would allow information about whether or not a driver was buckled up to be used in determining damages in trials related to car wrecks. Currently that information is not allowed to be entered into the record. Huval says 90 percent of drivers nationwide buckle up, but…

Cut 13 (12) “seat belt.”

Huval says the additional expenses are weighing heavily on Bayou State employers.

Cut 14 (10) “…accident”

The Breaux Bridge Republican says the average inpatient costs for victims who did not wear seat belts was 50 percent higher than those who did buckle up.

Cut 15 (10) “accident”

A proposal to allow a parish by parish vote on the legalization of sports gambling passed a Senate committee on a 3-1 vote. First Baptist Church of Ponchatula Pastor David Cranford says this bill will cost lives.
Cut 8 (12) “…gambling”
But Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says failing to legalize sports betting won’t stop addicts from betting.
Cut 9 (09) “…this bill.”
Gambling addicts, spoke out about the need to increase gambling addiction recovery services, especially if the law were to pass, including former LSU basketball player Randy Livingston.
Cut 10 (11) “…here.”
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Delhi Senator Francis Thompson’s truth in labeling law of ag products receives unanimous support from the state senate and moves to the House for more discussion. Food manufacturers in violation of this proposed law would be fined 500-dollars. Thompson says they have until October 2020 to properly label their packages…
Cut 5 (10) “…labeling laws”
Thompson also has a bill that prohibits the mislabeling of milk, like soy and almond milk. That measure is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Health committee.
The state legislature took a step in bringing back sales tax holidays as the House approved a measure to reinstate three separate sales tax holidays for school supplies, guns and hurricane preparedness. Monroe Representative Jay Morris says his bill would cost the state five million dollars a year, which brought this question from Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox
Cut 6 (09) “…everything else”