9:30 am Newscast May 18

A bill to ban transgender people from using school restrooms and other facilities that match their gender identity passed in the Senate 29 to 10. New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis believes this bill is part of a cultural war issue based on fear. But Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell champions the bill as protecting women.

Cut 11 (12) ” …that bathroom.”
An effort to recall St. Tammany Parish’s new coroner is picking up steam…as organizers have collected 6-thousand of the 36 thousand signatures needed so far.  Dr. Christopher Tape ran unopposed and a recall effort began after criminal accusations of child sexual abuse more than two decades ago in New Mexico came to light. As for who will run against Tape if the recall is successful, Young says Family First St. Tammany is focused on getting enough signatures right now.

Cut  14 (10) “…of office.” 
All signatures for the recall must be collected by October.

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The Louisiana Senate has passed the Gator Scholarship Program which would give parents the ability to receive taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 
A ruling by the Supreme Court means the map approved by Louisiana lawmakers earlier this year with two majority black districts will be the one used in upcoming federal elections. Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry on why knowing this far ahead of the November election is so important.

Cut 4 (10) “…doing that.”