Louisiana is moving closer to having the most restrictive anti-abortion law in the country as a House-committee approved a bill that would ban abortions after 15 weeks. Shreveport Senator John Millkovich says terminating a pregnancy 15 weeks after conception is bad for the fetus and mother….
cut 7 (11) “….significant injuries”
The Senate-approved bill passed on a 9-8 vote and heads to the House for final legislative passage. It will only go into law if the federal courts uphold Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban law.

In Webster Parish, the mayor of Cotton Valley, Joseph Alexander, has been charged with Felony Abuse of Power after he allegedly misused town funds on two occasions last year. State Police Trooper Glen Younger says the investigation remains active as Alexander has bonded out of jail…
cut 15 (06) “…dollar bond”
No other information was provided by State Police.

The state legislature is close to allowing riverboat casinos to expand gaming activity on land. Matt Doyle reports a House committee approved the Senate-passed measure today.
Voicer 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

The Senate has approved legislation that puts policies in place for state government to follow in sexual harassment cases. New Orleans Senator Karen Peterson says the measure is timely with Secretary of State Tom Schedler’s resignation…
cut 4 (11) “…agency head”

Legislation that would give riverboat casinos the opportunity to move gaming operations on land cleared the House Criminal Justice committee and it’s just a House floor vote away from final passage. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says his legislation will help an industry that provides the state over 900-million dollars in tax revenues…
cut 11 (09) “…enormous casinos”
The state’s 15 riverboat casinos have not left the dock in 17 years. Louisiana Family Forum Executive Director Gene Mills reminded the committee on why the legislature approved riverboat gaming to only be conducted over water…
cut 13 (10) “….those industries”
Despite the opposition the bill passed on a 10-4 vote.

A proposed 15 week abortion ban moves closer to final legislative passage after a House committee approved the measure on a 9-8 vote…
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Jim Shannon”

And the state legislature is close to passing legislation that creates a policy for state government to follow when it comes allegations involving sexual misconduct. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson…
cut 5 (12) “…in appropriate”

The House Criminal Justice Committee approved two high profile bills of the legislative session. One of the measures would allow riverboat casinos to move some of their gambling operations on land and also change the rules regarding gaming space. Opponents say the measure expands gambling, but the bill’s author Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns disagrees…
cut 10 (06) “..what so ever”
The bill passed on a 10-4 vote.

The same panel voted for a measure that would prohibit abortions 15 weeks after conception. Pro-choice attorney Ellie Schilling warned the committee that this abortion restriction law would lead to more legal costs for the state as it will surely be challenged in the federal court system…
cut 9 (12) “…like these”
This measure would not go into effect unless a federal appeals court rules favorable on the challenge to Mississippi’s 15 week abortion ban.

Gnats are overstaying their welcome this year as a result of the abnormally cooler temperatures. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

The mayor of Cotton Valley in Webster Parish has been arrested on a charge of felony abuse of power. Joseph Alexander allegedly mishandled town funds on two different occasions.

The House Criminal Justice Committee approved Senator John Milkovich’s 15 week abortion ban bill 9-8, after it passed with little opposition in the Senate. The bill mirrors an effort in Mississippi that’s been halted in federal court that would make it illegal to provide an abortion after 15 weeks. The Shreveport Democrat says fetuses are alive, and deserve a chance at life.
Cut 6 (09) “protect them”
The bill is similar to the Mississippi ban, but pro-choice activists note that there are differences. They say Louisiana’s law imposes stiff criminal penalties for providers, and does not allow exceptions for fetal abnormalities. Pro-choice attorney Ellie Schilling says this bill measures the time from conception.
cut 8 (11) “11 weeks”
The measure heads to the House floor for final passage.

The full Senate approved a measure to enact a statewide policy against sexual misconduct in government. The bill was passed the same day Secretary of State Tom Shedler announced he was stepping down following allegations of sexual misconduct. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson is a co-author of the bill
Cut 3 (12) “those ways”
The measure heads back to the House for final passage.

And moving closer to final legislative passage is a measure that would be put on the ballot in November that would ask voters if they want fantasy sports betting legal in their parish. If the legislation is approved, the gaming control board would regulate fantasy sports gambling with companies like Fan Duel and Draft Kings. River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot says another bill would be introduced next year to determine how it will be taxed
Cut 15 (09) “combination of the two”

U-S Representative Garret Graves of Baton Rouge is touting legislation that he says will open the door for 2016 flood victims to receive federal grant money, even if they low-interest loans.
cut 12 (09) “…penalizing them”
The bill received near unanimous support in the House. Now they wait to see if the Senate approves.

Legislation to give voters an opportunity in November to decide if fantasy sports gambling should be legal in their parish is one step away from final passage. A Senate committee approved River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot’s proposal.
Cut 14 (12) “the site”
Talbot says if the legislation passes, he bring another bill next year to put in the mechanics on how they can tax this new gaming activity.

First Assistant Kyle Ardoin will take over the agency that handles elections starting May 8th . Ardoin is replacing Secretary of State Tom Schedler, who submitted his resignation papers in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal. Ardoin knows he’s been put in charge during a pivotal time for the department.
Cut 4 (10) “this state”
The Secretary of State’s office is in the process of purchasing new voting machines and they announced today they received bids from three different companies.

If you’ve been outside, you may have noticed that gnats are particularly bad this year. LS Ag Center entomologist Sebe Brown says the cool spring has extended the gnat season, but there are some country tested ways to keep the gnats away….
cut 9 (11) “…work well”
Brown says once we get a few days of 80 degree weather the gnats will go away, but then we’ll have to battle the mosquitoes.

The Stephen Curry Show at Oracle Arena remains one of the most exciting spectacles in sports.

The two-time MVP, who hadn’t played since March 23 because of an MCL sprain in his left knee, electrified the sellout crowd of 19,586 by dropping in 28 points and grabbing seven rebounds in Tuesday’s 121-116 win over the New Orleans Pelicans in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals. The Warriors lead the series 2-0.

The Saints are reportedly signing former Ohio State quarterback J-T Barrett to a three-year deal. Despite putting up big numbers for the Buckeyes, Barrett was not drafted. Barrett threw for 104 touchdowns during his career to go along with 94-hundred passing yards. He also rushed for 32-hunders and 43 touchdowns. Barrett will get to learn from Drew Brees and he’s behind Tom Savage and Taysom Hill on the depth chart.

No midweek game for the LSU baseball team as they are going through final exam week. The Tigers will look to bounce back from a brutal stretch that saw them go 2-and-6 in their last eight games. The Tigers are 26-and-19 overall, 10-and-11 in the SEC. The latest NCAA Tournament projection from D-1 Baseball has LSU out of the field of 64. The Tigers can improve their RPI this weekend as they’ll host fourth ranked Arkansas.

ULM scored seven runs in the first inning and went on to beat Grambling 16-2. Senior Johnny Delacruz had four hits, including two doubles. Fellow Senior and former St. Frederick star Will Daniels drove in three runs.

McNeese fell behind 8-2 but came back to beat Houston Baptist 11-8 in a non-conference victory. The Cowboys tied the game with a five-run seventh inning and took the lead in the 8^th inning on Reid Bourque’s two-run single.

And Tulane upset 11^th ranked Southern Miss 10-7 in Hattiesburg. Kody Hoese homered twice.

Today’s game on the schedule is Nicholls at Prairie View.

Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler has submitted his resignation letter to the governor, in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal involving his former secretary, Dawn Ross. Schedler refutes many of the allegations, but Ross’s attorney Jill Craft says his resignation sends a clear signal to other would be harassers.
Cut 13 (08) “stop period”
Schedler’s resignation is effective next Tuesday and a special election for his office will take place this fall.

A House backed bill that would remove the requirement that florists be licensed was shot down in a Senate committee six to one. The bill was part of the governor’s licensing reform legislative agenda. Annie Taylor, a licensed florist in Scott, says floral work is more dangerous than you think…
Cut 9 (13) “to you”
Supporters say the licensing requirement keeps some from earning a living as a florist.

A Senate committee was set to discuss a bill today that sought to extend Harrah’s New Orleans casino contract with the state for another 30 years, but debate on the legislation has been delayed. The delay comes two days after a published report that says Harrah’s is considering selling the property. US Senator John Kennedy says there is now rush to renew the contract….
cut 7 (08) “…God’s sake”
Harrah’s is seeking a new contract as they have plans to upgrade the land-based casino.

Legislation to give voters an opportunity in November to decide if fantasy sports gambling should be legal in their parish is one step away from final passage. A Senate committee approved River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot’s proposal on a six to one vote…
cut 14 (12) “…the site”
Online fantasy sports gambling is legal in 19 states.

Secretary of State Tom Schedler notified the governor today that he will resign, effective May 8th. Schedler is facing a lawsuit from an employee, who claims the statewide elected official sexually harassed her for a number of years. In a letter to John Bel Edwards, Schedler decries a “tabloid approach to an incredibly serious allegation”. In March, Schedler described the lawsuit as “unfair”, but the accuser’s attorney, Jill Craft disagrees.

Cut 14 (13) “about it”
Once Schedler’s resignation is effective, First Assistant Kyle Ardoin will run the department until a special election is held this fall.

The Sabine Parish Coroner’s office says 35-year-old Jessie Clavier of Many was crushed by a six-thousand pound aluminum boat. Clavier was performing maintenance on the boat while it was hoisted in the air by a trackhoe when the boat fell on him.

Louisiana will continue to remain the only state that requires its retail florists to be licensed, despite the efforts of Carencro Representative Julie Emerson….
cut 12 (07) “…as well”
But the Senate Ag Committee voted against the House-approved bill on six to one vote as they are concerned this could result in unqualified florists.

The former Baton Rouge police officer involved in the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling now faces a battery charge for allegedly slapping a handcuffed man during another arrest a month before the shooting of Sterling. Attorney John McLindon believes the battery charge is a ploy to embarass his client, Blane Salamoni…
cut 5 (09) “….my guess”
Salamoni has been fired from the force for his conduct during the Sterling shooting. He is appealing his dismissal.

Embattled Secretary of State Tom Schedler, who is facing a sexual harassment lawsuit, submits his resignation to the governor. Matt Doyle has more…
Voicer 2 (29) I’m Matt Doyle”

Former Baton Rouge police officer Blane Salamoni, who was involved in the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling, is now facing a battery charge from a separate arrest that took place one month before the shooting. Salamoni’s attorney John Mclindon was asked about possible jail time for his client.
Cut 3 (07) “traditionally”
The Baton Rouge Police Department says body camera video shows Salamoni slapped a handcuffed man in the head in June of 2016.

U.S. Senator John Kennedy is asking the state legislature to hold off on voting for a bill that extends Harrah’s New Orleans Casino’s contract with the state for 30 years. Kennedy says there are media reports that Harrah’s might sell the property and the selling price could dramatically increase if the contract with the state is extended…
Cut 6 (12) “to me”
A vote on the House approved bill was expected in a Senate committee today, but discussion on the measure was postponed.

Carencro Representative Julie Emerson has been pushing to end Louisiana’s licensing requirement for retail florists…
cut 11 (08) “…can do”
But her House-approved bill was defeated in the Senate Ag Committee on a six to one vote over concerns that unqualified individuals could be in charge of arranging flowers.