After learning from a constituent that Robert E. Lee and Confederate Memorial Day were still listed as official holidays, a young New Orleans lawmaker vowed to change it. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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A transgender sports ban bill is poised to pass the state legislature again and it looks like it will get vetoed again. Jeff Palermo has the story…
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Two suspects have been arrested for burglarizing and setting fire to the home of Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. David Grubb has more…
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A bill to remove Robert E. Lee and Confederate Memorial Day from the list of legal holidays in the state advances unanimously in House Judiciary. Bill Author New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard says he was unaware the legal holidays were still on the books until a constituent let him know.
Willard says it was very emotional as a young black man to see the two holidays still recognized. Willard said he made a vow to remove the holidays in Louisiana as a way to honor his late grandfather, Dr. Elliot Willard.
While the holidays are no longer formally observed in Louisiana, they remain listed as official holidays. Willard implored members to show compassion for how these holidays impact himself and others like him.
The bill now moves to the House floor.
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Governor John Bel Edwards’ position on a bill that would ban transgender girls from competing in female sports has not changed. Edwards vetoed the legislation last year, but the Legislature is poised to approve it again. Edwards still believes the bill is unnecessary as he says there has not been an incident of a non-biological female playing a women’s sport in Louisiana.
Supporters of the transgender sports ban bill, which passed the Senate this week, point to transgender swimmer Lia Thomas who won an NCAA women’s title in the 500-yard freestyle. But Edwards says there are bigger issues facing Louisiana…
Edwards says the Louisiana High School Atheltic Association already has a rule in place that prevents transgender athletes from competing. The governor used his veto pen last year on this bill and it survived an override an attempt and he could use his veto authority again…
Cut 9 (11) “…haven’t changed.”
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The man and woman who allegedly burglarized and set fire to Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser’s home have been arrested. Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Shawn Domingue said that Robert Kelly and Angela Goodfellow, both of Slidell, were apprehended in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on Wednesday.
Last Thursday, Kelly and Goodfellow allegedly kicked in the back door to the home, stole what they could, and started a fire in the kitchen. Domingue says at this time authorities don’t believe that Nungesser was specifically targeted.
Cut 11 (10) “…Plaquemines Parish.”
Most of the items taken from Nungesser’s home have been recovered, though for the lieutenant governor, having that duo off the street and behind bars is a greater relief than getting back some memorabilia.
Cut 12 (12) “…off the streets.”
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Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s bill to allow non-felons to conceal carry a gun without a permit passes in the House 64 to 27. Last year Governor Edwards vetoed the legislation due to the removal of the training requirement to conceal carry. McCormick filed the same bill this session.
In committee, the bill was amended, and the age was raised to 21 and older, but bill co-author Rosepine Representative Chuck Owen immediately presented an amendment lowering the age back to 18. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle voted to raise the age to 21 and older in committee.
The amendment failed and the age remains 21 and older to conceal carry.
Then the bill was amended again to have State Police offer online free training that is optional to conceal carry.
McCormick says training is not required for open carry and it shouldn’t apply to conceal carry.
The amendment for State Police to offer free optional instruction passed unanimously. The bill advances to a Senate committee.
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Walker Howard is the most highly touted quarterback recruit at LSU since Russell Shepard and he could be the foundation that Brian Kelly’s Tigers are built on. For now, he’s another freshman trying to adjust to life away from home and the difference between high school and college competition.
Howard has established a strong relationship with another freshman, five-star left tackle Will Campbell. The two committed to LSU in early 2021 and their friendship has grown since. Campbell has wowed in practice with his work ethic and could make a push to join the starting group by this fall.
Cut 17 (17) “ …he’s the best.”
With three more experienced quarterbacks ahead of him on the roster, Howard has had to shift his focus to making the most of his limited on-field reps and strengthening the mental aspects of his game.
Cut 18 (13) “ …tough sometimes.”
Both Howard and Campbell are early enrollees, arriving on the LSU campus in January to get a head start on their careers. Campbell says it was the best decision for him to give him a leg up in preparing for the toughest conference in college football.
Cut 19 (14) _“…everything like that.”
Offensive line coach Brad Davis has been instrumental in getting Campbell up to speed. Campbell says they have two very different, but very important relationships when they are on and off the field.