The University of New Orleans Survey Research Center found that 55-percent of the nearly 700 voters they surveyed this week support the legalization of recreational marijuana. The center’s director, Doctor Edward Chervenak, says opinions on legalization are polarized along party lines…
cut 5 (04) Republicans are not”
But it’s a Republican lawmaker, Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson, who has a bill waiting for debate on the House floor that seeks to legalize recreational marijuana use.

The full Senate will get a chance to debate legislation that would prohibit transgender athletes from competing on girls sports teams. No one on the Senate Education Committee voted against the measure, but Melissa Flournoy with Louisiana Progress says this is a bill in search of a problem as there are no examples of a transgender person playing on a girls team in Louisiana….
cut 12 (09) “…no”
Governor Edwards also opposes.

A proposal that would give college athletes in Louisiana a chance to make money off their name, image, and likeness has started moving at the State Capitol. Jim Shannon has the story
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jim Shannon”

The Saints surprised many by taking Houston defensive end Payton Turner with the 28th overall pick in the first round of the NFL draft. Most mock drafts did not have Turner getting selected in the first round, but the Saints Coach Sean Payton likes his size, his make-up and the energy he brings to the field. Rounds two and three of the draft are tonight.

A proposal to ban transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports at high school, college, and intramurals receive approval from the Senate Education Committee. Child psychologist Dr. Clifton Mixon calls the bill divisive and she says it sets a damaging tone against an already vulnerable population.
Cut 11 (10) “…future.”
The NCAA has threatened to remove championship events from states that pass this type of legislation. New Orleans is set to host the Final Four in men’s basketball next year. The bill’s author, Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell, responded to that threat…
cut 13 (06) “….female athletes”

The Senate Education Committee approves legislation that would allow college athletes to profit off of their name, image, or likeness, which could result in endorsement and sponsorship deals for star players. Former LSU gymnastics coach D-D Breaux spoke in favor of the legislation…
Cut 14 (09) “…playing fields.”
Some of the senators expressed concern that if this bill passes, the NCAA could see it as a violation if student-athletes are paid for endorsement deals.

A bill to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco and vaping products in Louisiana from 18 to 21 passes out of the House Judiciary Committee 8 to 2. Denham Springs High School Assistant Principal Justin Wax says vaping and cigarette use among teens is an ever-growing issue.
Cut 7 (10) “…away from this.”
The measure heads to the House floor for more debate.

Senate Education unanimously approves legislation barring transgender female student-athletes from competing on female teams. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Saints used the 28th pick in the first round to draft Houston defensive end Payton Turner who had five sacks last season. Former LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was taken by the Bengals with the 5th pick and will catch passes again from Joe Burrow.

The University of New Orleans’ Survey Research Center has found that a majority of registered voters statewide support the legalization of recreational marijuana. SRC director Dr. Ed Chervenak says they surveyed nearly 700 registered voters and 55% are in favor of legalizing pot.
Cut 4 (12)“…in the budget.”
A bill that seeks to legalize recreational marijuana is awaiting debate on the House floor.

Also heading to the House floor is a measure that would raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco and vaping products from 18 to 21 years old. Denham Springs Representative Buddy Mincey says a statewide survey indicates students are using nicotine products at alarmingly young ages…
cut 9 (07) “>…elementary school” (2x)
The measure heads to the House floor for debate.

A bill to ban transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports teams in schools passes unanimously out of the Senate Education Committee. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell quoted Female Powerlifter Beth Stelzer in her opening remarks…
Cut 10 (13) “…women’s sports.”
The proposal heads to the Senate floor. Governor Edwards opposes it.

College athletes would profit from their name, image, and likeness under a bill that also received approval from the Senate Education Committee. But Minden Senator Robert Mills is concerned that if college athletes make money from their name and likeness, it could result in NCAA penalties against Louisiana colleges…
Cut 16 (11) “…scared to death.”

Another poll finds a majority of Louisiana residents support legalizing recreational marijuana. Erik Piccoli has the story…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

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”

State Police’s investigation into last August’s fatal police shooting of Trayford Pellerin has determined the shooting was justified. That’s according to an attorney representing Pellerin’s family. The case will still go before a grand jury. Investigators say Lafayette Police officers shot Pellerin as he attempted to enter a convenience store armed with a knife, but the family says Pellerin was not armed.

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 in some fields there has been more than a 50-percent reduction in the overall crawfish catch.

LSU announces they will be full capacity for outdoor sporting events and that starts this weekend with the Fighting Tigers baseball team hosting top-ranked Arkansas. No capacity restrictions as well for the LHSAA state softball championships that begin today in Sulphur. Visit Lake Charles sales director Eric Zartler…
cut 12 (07) “….full crowd”
Championship games are set for Saturday.

The House Education Committee gave a passing grade to a proposal that ends corporal punishment in Louisiana public schools. The measure passed on a nine to two vote. The Louisiana Association of School Superintendents opposes the legislation. Executive director Michael Faulk says it’s a decision that should be left up to local school systems and he says the 29 school districts that still allow it, must follow certain guidelines…
cut 9 (12) “…thickness”
More discussion will take place on the House floor.

The Legislative Black Caucus says Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo should be removed as House Education Chairman. While discussing his “divisive concepts” legislation Garofalo said there was some good with slavery to go along with the bad and ugly. Garofalo says his comment was taken out of context.

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.”

There are no more capacity restrictions for outdoor events in Louisiana, so organizers for the LHSAA State Softball tournament, which begins in Sulphur today, hope to see over 18-thousand fans over the next three days…
cut 11 (08) “….state”
That’s Eric Zartler with Visit Lake Charles.

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.