8:30 LRN Newscast May 1

A Senate committee has approved legislation that would prohibit an abortion if a fetal heartbeat is detected. The bill’s author, Shreveport Senator John Milkovich, says the state must do more to protect unborn humans and if it doesn’t…
Cut 4 (07) “…Indians.”
If Louisiana’s abortion ban proposal is signed by the governor, it would not take effect until the federal courts determine if a similar law in Mississippi is constitutional. Reproductive Rights Attorney Ellie Schilling says there’s no way the courts will rule that a fetal abortion ban is legal
Cut 5 (12) “…been upheld”
This legislation faces more discussion on the Senate floor. Also heading to the Senate floor is a proposal to abolish the death penalty in Louisiana. The state has not executed anyone in nearly a decade.

The legalization of sports betting in Louisiana is one step closer to a reality following Senate approval. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A bomb threat on a commercial bus shut down Interstate 10 late yesterday afternoon near PPG Drive in Calcacsieu Parish. Sheriff Tony Mancuso says the bus was evacuated and one person with a backpack tried to flee. He was arrested after cocaine was allegedly discovered in his bag. Mancuso says they ended up arresting three people on drug charges.