The House Criminal Justice Committee advances a bill that would repeal the state statute that allows for financial compensation for people who served time in prison for crimes that they did not commit. Kenner Republican Debbie Villio proposed the bill to strike the current law, arguing that exonerees can still seek relief through the federal courts. Jarvis Ballard, who served 23 years of a life prison sentence for a sex crime that he did not commit, says that avenue would not have been an option in his instance.
Cut 12 (11) “…make any sense.”
About 200-thousand people are expected at the Vatican tomorrow for the funeral of Pope Francis. Bishop Michael Duca of the Diocese of Baton Rouge says Francis continued the work of his two immediate predecessors, popes John Paul the Second and Benedict the 16th.
LSU opens a new instructional site in Baton Rouge this fall for its top-ranked Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. School of Nursing Associate Dean Jennifer Manning says students will receive the same rigorous curriculum as at LSU Health New Orleans.
Cut 8 (10) “…Baton Rouge area hospitals.”
One big goal behind the new Baton Rouge site is to help address the state’s critical nursing shortage.
As widely expected, LSU tackle Will Campbell was taken fourth overall in the NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. Campbell says he’s looking forward to playing with second-year quarterback – and fellow first round pick – Drake Maye.
Cut 14 (13) “…special season coming.”
Campbell is the second LSU offensive lineman ever to be taken in the first round.