Ville Platte is the latest city in Louisiana recovering from a tornado. Governor John Bel Edwards toured storm damage in Ville Platte yesterday, where about 50 homes sustained damage. Edwards says three people suffered non-serious injuries and hundreds are still without power…
cut 20 (12) “uprooted”
Later today, Edwards will travel to Ruston to give an update on tornado recovery efforts in Lincoln Parish.

There’s still a bill alive in the regular session that would set up a framework to decriminalize recreational marijuana. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan says recreational marijuana is now legal in 10 states…
cut 14 (06) “…to be leading”
But the proposal is still long shot to pass this year. It’s awaiting a hearing in the House Criminal Justice Committee.

The House will hear a bill Tuesday that would restrict online fantasy sports playing to over-21 year old establishments. Matt Doyle has the story.
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

And the 2019 American Idol winner is….
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That’s right Laine Hardy is the first person from Louisiana to win the popular signing competition on ABC television. The Livingston Parish’s first single is entitled “Flame.”

The clean-up continues today in Ville Platte where an estimated 50 homes and businesses were damaged by a Sunday morning tornado. Three people suffered non-serious injuries. Over six-hundred Cleco customers are still without power.

Laine Hardy becomes the first Louisiana native to win American Idol. Judge Katy Perry says the Livingston Parish native will be one of the biggest stars on the planet.

The Louisiana Department of Education seeks advice on installing silent alarms in public schools. Connor Ferrill has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Connor Ferrill”

A House bill that would regulate fantasy sports gaming in Louisiana has an amendment that says fantasy sports contests are to be conducted in a venue where only those over the age of 21 are allowed. Fairness for Fantasy Sports Louisiana spokesperson Ryan Berni says that amendment subverts the inent of the 47 parishes that voted to authorize the activity…
cut 5 (07) “…for any medium”
But video poker lobbyist Alton Ashy says the amendment will help push more foot traffic into casinos. The bill will be heard on the House floor tomorrow.

For the second straight year, Louisiana state parks will partner with the state’s Workforce Commission to hire people with disabilities and special needs to fill jobs for the summer. Assistant Secretary for the Office of State Parks Brandon Burris says the idea came from Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser.
Cut 11 (11) “…the same time.”
For more information go to the Louisiana Rehabilitation Services webpage.

This is the Louisiana Radio Network Legislative Report for Monday May 20th, I’m Kevin Barnhart…
The Louisiana House has approved legislation that would give the state’s legislative auditor access to income tax returns of Medicaid recipients. Democrats oppose the legislation, New Orleans Representative Gary Carter had this question for the bill’s author, Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala…
cut 5 (10) “….thank you”
The proposal heads to the Senate, where similiar efforts died in years past.

The House Labor Committee advances a Senate-approved bill to address PTSD and mental health among firefighters and police, adding the mental illness to the list of injuries eligible for public employee benefits. A Jefferson Parish firefighter spoke at the House hearing, saying he did not catch the symptoms of PTSD early enough, even going as far to say the activity among lawmakers were triggering flashbacks.
Cut 11 (12)“…of body bags.”
The measure heads to the House floor for final legislative passage.

The House will hear a bill Tuesday that would restrict online fantasy sports playing to over-21 establishments. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Lawmakers have a little over two weeks to complete their work as the regular session is set to end on Thursday, June 6th at 6 PM.

That’s your legislative report, I’m Kevin Barnhart on the Louisana Radio Network.

The LSU baseball team goes after its fourth straight victory tonight when they host Auburn for game two of their three-game set. Last night, Eric Walker was great on the mound the Tigers pounded out three home runs in a seven to one win over Auburn. Saul Garza cranked out his fifth home run of the season and the catcher also had three hits. First pitch tonight is at 7 at Alex Box Stadium.

After ending a 25-game losing streak to the Ragin Cajuns last night with a six to three win, ULM looks to make it two wins in a row over UL Lafayette tonight. Both teams are in the need of a win to clinch a spot in next week’s Sun Belt Tournament.

Southern University is one win away from reaching the SWAC Tournament championship game. The Jaguars ralled back from four runs down in the ninth inning to beat Texas Southern 10-to-9 last night. The Jags will play again tonight in New Orleans at Wesley Barrow Stadium. Grambling avoided elimination earlier today by beating Prairie View nine to eight and will play again today against Alabama State.

Louisiana Tech athletics director Tommy McClelland is asking for their fans to be patient as they decide on the future homes for the Bulldog baseball softball and soccer stadiums. Their facilities were destroyed by a tornado. McClelland says they are awaiting information from FEMA, the state government and insurance providers that will help them with the future of these programs. Donations can be made to the Athletics Disaster Relief Fund.

On the baseball diamond last night, Louisiana Tech blanked FIU three to nothing. Senior captain Matt Miller allowed five hits and came one out away from throwing a complete game shutout. The Illnois native struck out six. David Leal will start tonight’s game at 5 PM.

In the Southland, Preston Faulkner hit a two-out, three run homer in the eighth inning to give Southeastern Louisiana an eight to six win over Incarnate Word. The Lions will finish the series against U-I-W by playing a doubleheader today. S-L-U is chasing Sam Houston for first place. The Bearkats defeated Northwestern State 11 to 5.

The Louisiana House has approved legislation that would give the state’s legislative auditor access to income tax returns of Medicaid recipients. Democrats oppose the legislation, New Orleans Representative Gary Carter had this question for the bill’s author, Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala…
cut 5 (10) “….thank you”
The proposal heads to the Senate, where similiar efforts died in years past.

According to the governor’s office, the state’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has hit an all-time low of three-point-five percent. Louisiana Workforce Commission Director Ava Dejoie says you thank job gains in education, healthcare and professional and business services…
cut 7 (08) “…shown significant increases”
The previous record for the unemployment rate was set in 2018.

There’s another chance for severe weather in Louisiana tomorrow, with an enhanced risk for northwest Louisiana and much of north, central and southwest Louisiana under a slight risk. Brandi Richardson with the National Weather Service says this latest storm system has the potential to produce more tornadoes…
cut 13 (11) “….time of year”
The chance of rain will be in the forecast through Tuesday.

There are theaters across the nation that will show Steel Magnolias this weekend to celebrate the legendary film’s 30th anniversary of when it was released. But none of the theaters in Natchitoches have the movie this weekend, but Kelli West with the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau says don’t worry, the actual 30-year annivesary is in November and they’ll show it then…
cut 16 (08) “…initial release”

Louisiana U-S Senator is the co-author of a bipartisan proposal that seeks to end the surprise medical bills some patients receive after their treatment. Cassidy says the legislation comes down to one principal…
cut 8 (09) “….into a practice”
Cassidy says the bill would ensure that patients owe no more than their in-network cost sharing in the case of a non-emergency service that is provided by an out-of-network at an in-network facility.

The Department of Children and Family Services are seeking families who are willing to raise teenagers who are in the foster care system.
cut 6 (10) “….to”
That’s D-C-F-S Secretary Marketa Garner Walters who says this is part of the department’s commitment to improve outcomes for youth in foster care by increasing permanency and connections before they transition to adulthood.

A merger between the state’s affiliates of the Susan G. Komen breast cancer organization result in one statewide affiliate. What does that mean for the fight against the disease? Kevin Barnhart has the story.
cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Social Security Administration says the top baby boy name in 2018 in Louisiana was Noah, followed by Lian, Elijah, James and William. The top girls name in Louisiana last year was Ava, followed by Olivia, Emma, Amelia and Harper. Nationally, Liam was the most popular boy name, while Emma was the top girl name.