The 2022 legislative session ended Monday afternoon, but Governor Edwards told lawmakers they’ll be back sooner than anticipated. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (39) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Southeastern Conference came calling in Baton Rouge during its search for a new chief medical adviser. David Grubb has more…

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The head of the state House GOP delegation gives lawmakers overall high marks for their work in the 2022 Legislative Session. More from Kevin Gallagher….:

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The 2022 regular legislative session ended Monday with pay raises for teachers, investments in higher education, hundreds of millions of dollars for infrastructure projects like a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge, and coastal restoration projects. Overall, Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s pleased with how the session played out.

Cut 4 (11)  “…world of difference.”

Edwards says even though he still opposes the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, which prohibits transgender females from competing in women’s sports he opted to allow the bill to become law without his signature.

Cut 5 (08) “…we are.”

Edwards also pointed out that transgender athletes competing in Louisiana is still not an issue and he encouraged lawmakers who say they want fairness to favor legislation that enacts equal pay for women.

And while Edwards thanked lawmakers for a productive session, he also told them to be prepared to return to the capitol sooner than later because he will be calling for a special session to address the congressional maps that were overturned by the court. He says they must submit a map with two majority-minority congressional districts by June 20^th.

Cut 6 (10)  “…the district.”

When asked about calling a special session to address school safety and gun violence Edwards says he was happy the proposed permitless concealed carry legislation didn’t pass.

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LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing is ranked 10^th in the nation that’s according to the Nursing Schools Almanac. Demetrius Porche, Dean of the School of Nursing at LSU Health New Orleans credits the success of their students and the wide range of programs they offer for the ranking.

Cut 7 (12) “…of excellence.”

Among public nursing schools, the LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing ranked 5^th in the country.

Porche says it’s a great honor for the school and he says they are fortunate to have such qualified instructors who are making a difference in the profession.

Cut 8 (11)  “…the discipline.”

In addition to having world-class instructors, Porche says a majority of their graduates are well-prepared to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.

Cut 9 (07)  “…97-percent”

The Nursing Schools Almanac collects data from approximately 3,000 nursing schools and only three percent make their list of 100 best nursing schools.

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Dr. Catherine O’Neal, chief medical officer at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, is the new chief medical adviser for the Southeastern Conference. O’Neal has been working with the SEC since 2020 as part of its COVID-19 task force. She says her immediate goals are to establish a rapport with schools and identify their health priorities.

Cut 10 (12) “…conference standards.”

Dr. O’Neal will work to develop conference-wide standards of health for the SEC as will conduct educational sessions for coaches, and medical staff, and meet regularly with team doctors and trainers. She says over the long term, she hopes the lessons learned through this effort will have value beyond the field of play.

Cut  11 (12)  “…the college athlete.” 

In a release, the SEC said O’Neal is tasked with ensuring the physical health, mental health, and holistic wellness of its student-athletes. O’Neal believes that this comprehensive approach to health will provide a lasting impact.

Cut 12 (06) “…the whole person.” 

Dr. O’Neal has practiced medicine for nearly 20 years, specializing in infectious disease research and treatment, and has been on the faculty at LSU medical school in New Orleans since 2009 and chief medical officer at the Lake since 2020.

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Republican members of the state House are generally satisfied with what was accomplished in the Regular Legislative Session that wrapped up yesterday. House GOP Delegation chairman and Acadiana Representative Blake Miguez (pronounced: ME-gezz) says the session was unusual in that there were billions of dollars in one-time federal money – from the pandemic and three hurricanes – that flowed into the state…:

Cut 13 (11) “…in the infrastructure.”

On the social side of things, some bills won final passage, while others didn’t. A bill to allow concealed gun carry without a permit didn’t make it through the Senate. A bill forbidding teachers from discussing sexual or gender preference with students also stalled out. But Miguez says a controversial bill that the governor vetoed last year will become law this year…:

Cut 14 (16)  “…and the Senate.”

And what about things that did NOT get addressed this year? Miguez says he’s disappointed more wasn’t done to help lower the tax burden for the average Louisiana. He feels that was short-sighted…:

Cut 15 (14)  “..without that money.”

Miguez says there was a huge and diverse number of issues tackled by legislators in this, the first post-pandemic session in Baton Rouge.

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LSU’s baseball season came to an end with an 8-7 loss to Southern Miss in the final of the Hattiesburg Regional. The Tigers led 4-1 before the Golden Eagles put up two in the fourth and four in the seventh to take a 7-4 lead. LSU would tie the game in the bottom of the eight on a Gavin Dugas pinch-hit home run, but Danny Lynch would drive in the winning run in the top of the ninth on a sac fly. Here’s Tigers coach Jay Johnson…

Cut 16 (16)  “…lot to say.”

In his final game as a Tiger, Gavin Dugas gave his team a chance with his pinch hit solo home run in the bottom of the 8th. He embraced his teammates after the game as he reflected on the game and his career.

Cut 17 (21) “ …it is sometimes.” 

It was an emotional loss for the entire team, which had fought back for big wins on Friday on Saturday. But two straight tough defeats had the Tigers searching for words. Johnson didn’t expect the season to end like this.

Cut 18 (24) “ …win today.” 

Legislation that would close abortion clinics and ban the procedure in Louisiana should Roe v. Wade be overturned is headed to Governor John Bel Edwards’ desk. Brooke Thorington has more.

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A bill removing two holidays commemorating the Civil War moves to the governor’s desk for signing. David Grubb has the story…

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Legislation that would close abortion clinics in Louisiana if Roe v Wade is overturned and ban the procedure is on its way to the governor’s desk for signature. Governor John Bel Edwards, a pro-life Democrat, is expected to sign the bill but would prefer the legislation had exceptions.

Cut 3 (10) “…radio program.”

The legislation would  result in a ten-year prison sentence for doctors who perform abortions if abortion becomes illegal in Louisiana.

Edwards says there’s a reality that must be addressed and that some pregnancies are a result of rape and incest.

Cut 4  (16) “…for that.”

If Roe v Wade is overturned as expected this summer, Louisiana along with other states with trigger laws would automatically stop abortions. Senate Bill 342 only strengthens the current trigger laws and does not provide an exception for rape and incest. Edwards however feels the law should and says he’s not alone.

Cut 5  (07) “…as well.”

The White House released a statement opposing this anti-abortion bill. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre calls it an attack on the fundamental freedoms of Americans and that an overwhelming majority of Americans reject these kinds of radical measures.

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Robert E. Lee Day and Confederate Memorial Day will no longer be on the state’s calendar of official holidays after HB 248, authored by New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard, received final legislative approval. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau carried the bill in the Senate and said we can remember the negative parts of history without celebrating them.

Cut 6  (09) “…our nation’s history.” 

Critics of the bill argue that the holidays should stay on the books so as not to erase history. Luneau said that is no justification for disregarding the feelings of Black Louisianans and not placing those events in their proper perspective.

Cut 7 (13) “…on our nation.” 

Also speaking in support of the bill was New Orleans Senator Joe Bouie, who said that this legislation can ultimately be another step towards dealing with the atrocities of the past and moving the state forward collectively. He said holidays are about celebration and unity, and Robert E. Lee Day and Confederate Memorial Day do not meet that standard.

Cut 8 (12) “…of our citizens.” 

The bill passed the House on a 74-19 final vote and now move’s to the governor’s desk for his signature.

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A bill to create an Office of Women’s Health in Louisiana is on its way to the Governor’s Desk. Senate Bill 116 would create the office to lead and coordinate efforts intended to improve women’s health outcomes. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel says there are several reasons why such an office is needed.

Cut 9 (11) “…African American women.”

The bill passed unanimously but not without debate over Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews’ amendment excluding transgender women from receiving services from the office.

Cut 10 (11) ” …codified.” 

The amendment passed on a 61-32 vote.

The Office of Women’s Health would be funded by the Louisiana Department of Health and one lawmaker expressed concern that the creation of such an office grows government which is something he opposes in theory. Schlegel responded.

Cut 11 (08)  “…outcomes.” 

The bill passed unanimously in both chambers and awaits the governor’s signature.

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State Police says a 73-year-old bicyclist from Welsh was killed in a hit and run crash that took place this morning on L-A Highway 1126 in Jefferson Davis Parish near Jennings. Trooper Derek Senegal says witnesses saw a small white SUV hit the victim

Cut 12 (08) “…where is the vehicle at.”  

Senegal says Jerry Hughes died at the scene after he was struck from behind at 8:30 this morning…

Cut 13 (10) “…really unfortunate.”

The suspect vehicle is described as a small white SUV with damage to the hood area and heavy damage to the windshield. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Louisiana State Police Troop D office.