The House Education Committee overwhelmingly supports a proposal that would prohibit public schools from paddling or using other forms of corporal punishment. 36-year veteran teacher Tammy Wood told the committee that if a student is acting out, schools should find out why, instead of beating them…
Cut 8 (11) “…psychologists.”
The measure passed nine to two and heads to the House floor.

The full House approves a bill requiring employees at colleges to report cases of domestic abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment and stalking to the campus Title Nine coordinator. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman on how a mandatory reporter must learn of the sexual misconduct…
cut 14 (08) “….another manner”
The measure heads to the Senate for more discussion.

LSU announces they will have full capacity for outdoor sporting events and it starts with tomorrow night’s game at Alex Box Stadium when the Tigers baseball team hosts top-ranked Arkansas.

No capacity restrictions as well for the LHSAA Softball State Tournament which begins today in Sulphur. Matt Doyle has more…
cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

And tonight is the NFL draft, two former LSU wide receivers could be drafted in the first round, Ja’Marr Chase and Terrance Marshall. The Saints have the 28th overall pick in the first round and could pick a cornerback.

House Education approves legislation outlawing the use of corporal punishment in Louisiana public schools. Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Freiberg, a retired educator, says children mirror the behavior they see in adults, and utilizing corporal punishment teaches kids to solve problems using violence.
Cut 7 (07) “..conflict.”
Twenty-nine school districts allow corporal punishment and parents are allowed to opt-out. BESE supports the legislation.

A bill requiring mandatory reporting on college campuses of power-based abuse passes unanimously in the Louisiana House. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says her bill is a result of the Husch Blackwell Report that found numerous incidents of mishandled cases of sexual assault and harassment at LSU.
Cut 13 (07) “…abuse.”
Power-based abuse includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, and domestic violence

LSU Ag Center entomologist Blake Wilson says about three thousand of Louisiana’s estimated 200-thousand acres of crawfish farms have been impacted by the invasive apple snail egg masses, which is resulting in more than a 50-percent reduction in overall crawfish catch. Apple snails were sold in pet stores and Wilson says they believe once the snails reached full size some owners were possibly overwhelmed and released them into Louisiana’s ecosystem in 2016….
cut 6 (11) “….gulf coast states’
Wilson says the snails have been reported in Cameron, Calcasieu, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, St. James, and Vermilion Parishes.

Outbreaks of apple snails are affecting the crawfish harvest in some areas of the state. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A House committee advances legislation prohibiting corporal punishment from being administered in Louisiana public schools. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The State Softball Tournament begins today and for the first time in over a year players will be treated to full stands with no capacity restrictions. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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An invasive species is wreaking havoc for some Louisiana crawfish farmers. LSU Ag Center Entomologist Blake Wilson says apple snail egg masses are being reported in as many as six parishes.

Cut 4 (10)“…dead snails.”

Wilson says apple snails got their name because they can grow to be the size of an apple and their eggs are bright pink and resemble bubble gum and in the egg stage, they emit toxins and can irritate your skin.

While the species isn’t extremely widespread across the state, Wilson says crawfish farmers that have been besieged with them are suffering.

Cut 5 (08)“…all together.”

Apple snails were introduced to the Louisiana ecosystem back in 2016 when they were sold in pet stores for aquariums. Wilson says they believe once the snails reached full size some owners were possibly overwhelmed.

Cut 6 (11) “…gulf coast states.”

Wilson advises if you have an infestation, do not move boats or equipment to another body of water because the species will continue to spread.

Wilson says the snails have been reported in Cameron, Calcasieu, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, St. James, and Vermillion Parishes.

_______________________

House Education approves legislation outlawing the use of corporal punishment in Louisiana public schools.

Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Freiberg, a retired educator, says children mirror the behavior they see in adults, and utilizing corporal punishment teaches kids to solve problems using violence.

Cut 7 (07)  “..conflict.”

Board of Elementary and Secondary Education spokesperson Ethan Melancon says the board is strongly in favor of adopting this law.

36-year veteran teacher Tammy Wood spoke in support of the bill. She says if a student is acting out schools should work to find out why instead of just beating them.

Cut 8 (11) “…psychologists.”

Louisiana Association of School Superintendents head Michael Faulk says this decision should be left up to districts and notes the 29 that still allow it have to follow certain corporal punishment guidelines.

Cut 9 (12) “…thickness.”

In the 29 districts that allow corporal punishment parents are allowed to opt-out of it and chose other punishments instead.

__________________

The Softball State Championships in Sulphur begin today and fans will be happy to know there won’t be any capacity restrictions due to newly relaxed COVID public health orders.

Visit Lake Charles Sales Director Eric Zartler says last year the teams didn’t even get to finish their season, let alone have a tournament, so this means a lot to the players and community…

Cut 10 (12) “…Louisiana.”

The removal of capacity restrictions will also be in effect for the State Baseball Tournament in mid-May.

Zartler says weather permitting they’re hoping for over 18,000 people to attend the 48 team tournament between today’s start of the semi-finals and Saturday’s championship finals.

Cut 11 (08) “..state.”

Zartler says the elimination of restrictions on outdoor gatherings means these students will get to play to packed stands for the first time this season.

Cut 12 (07) “…crowd.”

_________________________________

A bill requiring mandatory reporting on college campuses of power-based abuse passes unanimously in the house. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says her bill is a result of the unreported cases of sexual assault and harassment at LSU that came to light in November.

Cut 13 (07) “…abuse.”

Power-based abuse includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, and domestic violence

The bill also requires termination of an employee if they fail to report the conduct to the Title IX coordinator.

Freeman introduced an amendment to the bill to clarify how a mandatory reporter must learn of the power-based abuse.

Cut 14 (08) “….another manner.”

Freeman says she worked with the Board of Regents at all public universities and STAR, Sexual Trauma Awareness Response Group…

Cut 15 (06)“….the table.”

The Bill which is part of the Governor’s legislative agenda now heads to the Senate.

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The NFL draft begins tonight and wide receiver Jamarr Chase seems to be a lock to go in the top ten, with some projections having Cincinnati picking him with the fifth pick.  Many LSU fans would love to see Chase re-unite with Joe Burrow, draft analyst Mike Detillier says that may not be the best option.

Cut 16 (17) “…with Tua.”

Another Tiger receiver in the draft is Terrace Marshall Jr.  Marshall battled injuries during his time in Baton Rouge but was a big-time playmaker when healthy.  Detillier thinks Marshall could hear his name called on the first day.

Cut 17 (12) “…Ravens”

While Chase and Marshall have the talent to make immediate impacts in the league, Detillier says the most intriguing LSU player in the draft might be Safety Jacoby Stevens.

Cut  18 (13)”..at LSU.” 

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The Saints have eight selections heading into the seven-round NFL draft. They have the 28th overall pick in the first round. There was no NFL draft combine and getting medical information has been a challenge. General Manager Mickey Loomis wishes they had the chance to speak with some of the prospects face to face

Cut 19 (18) “…incomplete picture” 

The Saints have lost several starters from last year’s NFC South champion team. Quarterback Drew Brees retired and several others were released or lost in free agency to get below the salary cap. But Loomis does not see a lot of big holes on his current roster

Cut 20 (20) “…quality is a priority for us.” 

Just a day after the Senate approved Constitutional Carry on a veto-proof majority a House committee advances their own version on an 8-4 vote. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.” 

And then there were three. The list of presidential candidates for LSU is narrowed down to three finalists, it includes UL system president Jim Henderson. Finalists will visit the university in person next week for interviews and meet with administrators. Notably absent is Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne.

Starting today local governments can choose whether or not they’d like to maintain the mask mandate. Governor Edwards says he lifted the statewide rule because of declining case counts and increasing vaccinations, but even though he’s personally vaccinated he will continue to mask up in public settings.

Cut 5  (05)  “…to do.”

The statewide mask mandate went into effect on July 13, 2020.

Houma Representative Mike Fesi decides not to move forward with his bill to require a juvenile to get written consent from both parents to receive gender therapy. Advocates, health professionals, and transgender individuals like this LSU student testified against it.

Cut 9 (10) “..denied care”

Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Fred Mills says he received 400 calls in opposition to the legislation.

Constitutional Carry laws continue their steady march through both chambers of the Legislature, with a House committee approving one such bill removing the permitting requirement to carry a concealed handgun 8-4. Louisiana Shooting Association President Dan Zelenka supports the bill, he says currently it can cost 325 dollars and takes nine hours of training to get a concealed carry license.

Cut 6 (12) “…defense”

Governor Edwards opposes the bill.

A Houma Senator shelves a legislative attempt to require a juvenile to get written consent from both parents to receive gender therapy amidst submission of over 400 opposition cards. Mike Fesi says he was trying to make sure parents are involved in the process of gender transition…

Cut 11 (11) “…Louisianans”

It’s the first full day since Governor John Bel Edwards partially lifted the statewide mask mandate. Edwards says he altered the mask mandate for a number of reasons, among them the continued downward trend in COVID cases and fatalities. However, he still advises the use of face masks.

Cut 3 (10)  “…an unvaccinated.” 

The statewide mask mandate went into effect on July 13, 2020.

State health officials celebrate the progress that’s been made in addressing racial disparities in vaccination rates in Louisiana. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says our predicted rate of vaccination for Black residents is 17 percent higher than the national average.

Cut 13 (07)“…to do

Louisiana still has the third-lowest overall vaccination rate in the nation.

Just a day after the Senate approved Constitutional Carry on a veto-proof majority a House committee advances their own version on an 8-4 vote. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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A bill that could have prevented minors from seeking gender therapy has been shelved for the session. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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It’s the first full day since Governor John Bel Edwards partially lifted the statewide mask mandate. Edwards says he altered the mask mandate for a number of reasons, among them the continued downward trend in COVID cases and fatalities. However, he still advises the use of face masks.

Cut 3 (10)  “…an unvaccinated.” 

As the pandemic continues Edwards advises residents to access their social settings. If you’re unsure of the vaccination status of those around you he recommends that you distance yourself and wear a mask.

Cut 4 (10) “…a mask.” 

Another motivating factor in altering the mask mandate, Edwards says is that vaccine eligibility has been open for all residents 16 and older since March 29^th. Edwards says he will continue to wear a mask in public settings even though he’s fully vaccinated.

Cut 5  (05)  “…to do.”

The statewide mask mandate went into effect on July 13, 2020.

_______________________________________

A House committee passed another bill that would allow people in Louisiana 21 and older without felony records to carry a concealed handgun without needing a state permit or training.

Louisiana Shooting Association President Dan Zelenka supports the bill. He says getting a concealed carry permit costs up to 325 dollars and requires attendance at a nine-hour course.

Cut 6 (12) “…defense”

This version of Constitutional Carry by Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot adds one stipulation that those concealed carrying must take a 60 minute free, state-created online training course covering gun safety and concealed carry.

Moms Demand Action member Nanette Olivier spoke out against the bill. She says polling available suggests there’s no popular support for this…

Cut 7 (09) “…representing”

The committee vote was 8-4 in favor.

Some proponents of the legislation say it’s a god-given right to carry without government permission. Another member of the public, Mrs. Brown, says there’s nothing in the bible saying you have a right to carry…

Cut 8 (10) “…Christ.”

Governor Edwards says he will reject any legislation that hits his desk removing the permitting requirement for concealed carry. Wednesday the Senate passed a version of constitutional carry with a veto-proof majority.

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Houma Senator Mike Fesi decides not to move forward with his bill to require a juvenile to get written consent from both parents to receive gender therapy. Advocates, health professionals, and transgender individuals like this LSU student testified against it.

Cut 9 (10) “..denied care”

Senate Health Chairman Fred Mills says he received 400 cards in opposition to the legislation, which would have prevented minors from receiving counseling, hormone treatments or gender-related surgeries if they didn’t have both parents’ consent. Melissa Flournoy, with Louisiana Progress Action, spoke against the bill…

Cut 10 (10) “…families” 

Fesi says his intention with the legislation was not to hurt children. He was trying to make sure parents are involved in the process of gender transition…

Cut 11 (11) “…Louisianans”

__________________________

State health officials celebrate the progress that’s been made in addressing racial disparities in vaccination rates in Louisiana.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says Louisiana is above the national average now when it comes to the percentage of vaccinated people who are Black.

Cut 12 (13)   “…population” 

Louisiana still has the third-lowest overall vaccination rate in the nation.

Kanter says our predicted rate of vaccination for Black residents is 17 percent higher than the national average.

Cut 13 (07)“…to do”

Kanter says the state has made reducing racial vaccine disparity a focus and it shows in the information they’ve collected.

Cut 14 (07) “..country” 

A bill that could have prevented minors from seeking gender therapy has been shelved for the session. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

A head-on collision in Assumption Parish claims the lives of two Thibodaux men. State Police say 31-year old Donald 46-year old Tyrone Clark were killed Tuesday. Investigators say the vehicle Jones was driving crossed the center line and struck the vehicle that Clark was a passenger in.

Health officials celebrate the progress that’s been made in addressing racial disparities in vaccination rates in Louisiana. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says Louisiana is above the national average now when it comes to the percentage of vaccinated people who are Black.

Cut 12 (13)   “…population” 

A House committee passed another bill that would allow people in Louisiana 21 and older without a felony to carry a concealed handgun without needing a permit or training. Some proponents say it’s a God-given right to carry, but a member of the public, Mrs. Brown, says there’s nothing in the bible saying so.

Cut 8 (10) “…Christ.”

Governor Edwards says he will reject any legislation that hits his desk removing the permitting requirement for concealed carry.

Houma Senator Mike Fesi decides not to move forward with his bill to require a juvenile to get written consent from both parents to receive gender therapy in Louisiana. Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Fred Mills says he received 400 cards in opposition to the legislation. Melissa Flournoy, with Louisiana Progress Action, spoke against the bill…

Cut 10 (10) “…families” 

A House committee passed another bill that would allow people in Louisiana 21 and older without a felony record to carry a concealed handgun without needing a state permit or training. Moms Demand Action member Nanette Olivier spoke out against the bill. She says polling available suggests there’s no popular support for this…

Cut 7 (09) “…representing”

The committee vote was 8-4 in favor.

It’s the first full day since Governor John Bel Edwards partially lifted the mask mandate.  But as the pandemic continues, he advises residents if you’re unsure of the vaccination status of those around you, socially distance and wear a mask.

Cut 4 (10) “…a mask.” 

Edwards said he altered the mask mandate because case numbers continue to decline and vaccine eligibility has been open to all 16 and older for just under a month. The mandate went into effect July 13^th of 2020.

LSU will open Alex Box Stadium and Tiger Park this weekend for 100-percent capacity for baseball and softball fans. This will be the first time since the pandemic Tiger fans will be allowed to fill the stands and face mask are not required.  And There will be no capacity limits or mask requirements when softball fans attend the Louisiana state softball championships in Sulphur.