Governor John Bel Edwards and state leaders rode on a passenger train from Baton Rouge to New Orleans, a concept talked about for a long time. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

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There’s surprising new data on voter confidence in elections and media. David Grubb has the story.

Cut 2 (35)…I’m David Grubb.”  

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Governor John Bel Edwards rode a passenger train from Baton Rouge to New Orleans as he continues to promote the possibility of a commuter rail line. Before boarding the train, Edwards says a rail line connecting the Red Stick with the Big Easy would do wonders for southeast Louisiana…

Cut 3 (10) “…Saints games.”

Joining Edwards on the “inspection” train ride were executives from Amtrak, Kansas City Southern, and Canadian Pacific. Canadian Pacific says it’s committed to providing a passenger rail service between B-R and NOLA. Louisiana Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson was also on the trip…

Cut 4  (11) “…action plan.”

Edwards says Louisiana needs to allocate 25-million dollars to show the federal government that it’s serious about the project, but the Legislature has yet to commit to that level of spending…

Cut 5  (11) “…that important.”

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Election security remains a hot topic around the nation, but according to the 2022 Louisiana Survey conducted by LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab, 88 percent of voters across the state, regardless of party, believe that Louisiana’s elections are conducted fairly and tallied accurately. Here’s Dr. Michael Henderson.

Cut 6  (12) “…pretty widespread.” 

Henderson says there is disagreement on what voting is, and who should be voting. More than three-quarters of Republicans polled see voting as a privilege, while more than 80 percent of Democrats and 60 percent of Independent voters view it as a fundamental right.

Cut 7 (12) “…shouldn’t be restricted.” 

A surprising area of consensus among all groups is a decreasing level of confidence in the media. While distrust of national outlets isn’t unusual, Henderson says just over half of respondents say they trust their local news source, a 27-percentage point drop from four years ago.

Cut 8 (11) “…and Independents drop.” 

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Union Parish authorities are seeking a murder suspect, who escaped from a work release program after fatally stabbing a man this morning. Union Sheriff Dusty Gates says the alleged killer was on a prison work-release crew at Foster Farms in Farmerville…:

Cut 9 (10) “…fled the scene.”

Gates says 48-year-old Bruce Causey is from Baton Rouge. He reportedly attacked a co-worker; stabbing him several times. That victim was pronounced dead on arrival at a nearby hospital. Gates says Causey is at large and could be headed for safe haven back home…:

Cut 10 (05)  “…Barton Rouge area.”

WBRZ in Baton Rouge reports Causey has a record of violent crime arrests going back 30 years.

Gates says Foster farms has hired work-release labor at their chicken processing plant for many years, and nothing like this has happened before. He says the victim was a 53-year-old Black male, but cannot divulge more until his family is notified. Gates says all that’s known at this time is an argument between the men triggered the violence…:

Cut 11 (08)  “…motive behindit.” 

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Once again a proposal to raise the minimum wage has been rejected at the State Capitol. The Senate Labor Committee voted against a constitutional amendment that would increase the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.25 an hour on January 1st. Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey says if you require businesses to raise wages, they’ll raise prices on consumers…

Cut 12 (11) “…to live”  

The measure failed on a four to one vote. The only “Yes” vote came from the author of the proposal, Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow, who tried to increase the minimum wage in Louisiana for the first time since 2009…

Cut 13 (12) “…decent living”

Vice President of Government Relations at the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry Jim Patterson made the argument a higher minimum wage could lead to higher prices for consumers and fewer jobs for low-wage earners…

Cut 14 (10)  “…would be.”

After learning from a constituent that Robert E. Lee and Confederate Memorial Day were still listed as official holidays, a young New Orleans lawmaker vowed to change it. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A transgender sports ban bill is poised to pass the state legislature again and it looks like it will get vetoed again. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Two suspects have been arrested for burglarizing and setting fire to the home of Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. David Grubb has more…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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A bill to remove Robert E. Lee and Confederate Memorial Day from the list of legal holidays in the state advances unanimously in House Judiciary. Bill Author New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard says he was unaware the legal holidays were still on the books until a constituent let him know.

Cut 4 (11)  “…those two.”

Willard says it was very emotional as a young black man to see the two holidays still recognized. Willard said he made a vow to remove the holidays in Louisiana as a way to honor his late grandfather, Dr. Elliot Willard.

Cut 5 (08) “…change that.”

While the holidays are no longer formally observed in Louisiana, they remain listed as official holidays. Willard implored members to show compassion for how these holidays impact himself and others like him.

Cut 6 (10)  “…affect you.”

The bill now moves to the House floor.

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Governor John Bel Edwards’ position on a bill that would ban transgender girls from competing in female sports has not changed. Edwards vetoed the legislation last year, but the Legislature is poised to approve it again. Edwards still believes the bill is unnecessary as he says there has not been an incident of a non-biological female playing a women’s sport in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (08) “…to it”

Supporters of the transgender sports ban bill, which passed the Senate this week, point to transgender swimmer Lia Thomas who won an NCAA women’s title in the 500-yard freestyle. But Edwards says there are bigger issues facing Louisiana…

Cut 8 (08)  “…one of them.”

Edwards says the Louisiana High School Atheltic Association already has a rule in place that prevents transgender athletes from competing. The governor used his veto pen last year on this bill and it survived an override an attempt and he could use his veto authority again…

Cut 9 (11)  “…haven’t changed.”

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The man and woman who allegedly burglarized and set fire to Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser’s home have been arrested. Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Shawn Domingue said that Robert Kelly and Angela Goodfellow, both of Slidell, were apprehended in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on Wednesday.

Cut 10 (12) “…to the crime.”

Last Thursday, Kelly and Goodfellow allegedly kicked in the back door to the home, stole what they could, and started a fire in the kitchen. Domingue says at this time authorities don’t believe that Nungesser was specifically targeted.

Cut  11 (10)  “…Plaquemines Parish.”  

Most of the items taken from Nungesser’s home have been recovered, though for the lieutenant governor, having that duo off the street and behind bars is a greater relief than getting back some memorabilia.

Cut 12 (12) “…off the streets.” 

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Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s bill to allow non-felons to conceal carry a gun without a permit passes in the House 64 to 27. Last year Governor Edwards vetoed the legislation due to the removal of the training requirement to conceal carry. McCormick filed the same bill this session.

Cut 13 (06) “…open carry.”

In committee, the bill was amended, and the age was raised to 21 and older, but bill co-author Rosepine Representative Chuck Owen immediately presented an amendment lowering the age back to 18. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle voted to raise the age to 21 and older in committee.

Cut 14 (12)  “…their word?”

The amendment failed and the age remains 21 and older to conceal carry.

Then the bill was amended again to have State Police offer online free training that is optional to conceal carry.

McCormick says training is not required for open carry and it shouldn’t apply to conceal carry.

Cut 15 (08)  “…my objection.”

The amendment for State Police to offer free optional instruction passed unanimously. The bill advances to a Senate committee.

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Walker Howard is the most highly touted quarterback recruit at LSU since Russell Shepard and he could be the foundation that Brian Kelly’s Tigers are built on. For now, he’s another freshman trying to adjust to life away from home and the difference between high school and college competition.

Cut 16 (15)  “…to compete.”

Howard has established a strong relationship with another freshman, five-star left tackle Will Campbell. The two committed to LSU in early 2021 and their friendship has grown since. Campbell has wowed in practice with his work ethic and could make a push to join the starting group by this fall.

Cut 17 (17) “ …he’s the best.” 

With three more experienced quarterbacks ahead of him on the roster, Howard has had to shift his focus to making the most of his limited on-field reps and strengthening the mental aspects of his game.

Cut 18 (13) “ …tough sometimes.” 

Both Howard and Campbell are early enrollees, arriving on the LSU campus in January to get a head start on their careers. Campbell says it was the best decision for him to give him a leg up in preparing for the toughest conference in college football.

Cut 19 (14) _“…everything like that.” 

Offensive line coach Brad Davis has been instrumental in getting Campbell up to speed. Campbell says they have two very different, but very important relationships when they are on and off the field.

Cut 20 (13) “ …every single day.” 

A proposed constitutional amendment that sought to place term limits on sheriffs was soundly defeated in a House committee today. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Following a game two upset win, the New Orleans Pelicans have tied their first-round playoff series with the Suns. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (34)…I’m David Grubb.”  

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A bill to raise awareness about hunger among students at Louisiana colleges and universities advances in House Education.  Bill author, Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Freiberg says as much as 40-percent of college students have food insecurities. University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson says the bill creates a task force to assist those students in need.

Cut 3 (09) “…a win-win.”

While serving as President at Northwestern State, Henderson says seven years ago a group of students asked if they could start a food pantry on campus to assist students in need. Two weeks later they needed more space due to demand.

Cut 4  (10) “…aware of it.”

The bill will designate colleges as a Hunger-Free Campus if they meet certain criteria, which include the presence of a food pantry and surveys of students to determine the level of food security on campus. Henderson says the bill also raises awareness among students who are eligible for SNAP benefits.

Cut 5  (10) “…of resources.”

The bill now moves to the House floor.

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An effort to place term limits on sheriffs was soundly defeated in House Judiciary. The proposed constitutional amendment sought to limit sheriffs to no more than three consecutive full terms. Longtime St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne says the legislation is not needed because there’s a 25-percent turnover among the state’s sheriffs every four years.

Cut 6  (11) “…important thing.” 

New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry is the author of the legislation. She’s a big believer in term limits for elected officials because she says it allows for different people and ideas and it doesn’t allow one person to become entrenched…

Cut 7 (06) “…to address” 

In Louisiana, the governor is term-limited and so are state legislators.  Pineville Representative Mike Johnson having term limits on lawmakers is one thing, but many voters like their current sheriffs…

Cut 8 (12) “…people decide” 

The constitutional amendment was voted down nine to two.

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The Pelicans have evened their NBA playoff series with the Phoenix Suns at one game apiece. Brandon Ingram was stellar last night, posting a near triple-double with 37 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. Prior to the season, BI promised the Pelicans would not miss the playoffs this year, and he has delivered all year.

Cut 9 (12) “…for us.”

Ingram has been historically good so far with 55 points, 16 rebounds, and 13 assists in his first two playoff games, second only to Oscar Robertson in playoff history. Larry Nance Jr. says Ingram is the real deal, and the Pels will go as far as he can take them.

Cut 10 (11)  “…rocking with him.”

The Pelicans will return home to the Smoothie King Center on Friday night for Game 3. CJ McCollum played for the Trail Blazers in 2018 when the Pelicans swept Portland in dominating fashion, and he’s glad that this time he’ll be wearing the home colors.

Cut 11 (12)  “…do nice things.” 

Game time is set for 8:30 pm.

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Almost four years after 26-year-old Heikeem Hebert was killed in Abbeville police make an arrest after the crime lab linked the weapon to a suspect who was already in jail on unrelated charges. Abbeville Police Spokesperson Johnathan Touchet says 36-year-old Daniel Simon of Erath was their suspect the whole time.

Cut 12 (08) “…attempted first-degree murder.” 

Simon was already behind bars for numerous charges including two counts of domestic abuse battery, aggravated assault, and aggravated flight from an officer.

Hebert was shot to death driving near the intersection of S. East St and 7^th Street and Touchet says a large amount of evidence was collected from the May 2018 crime scene and sent to the Acadiana Crime Lab.

Cut 13 (06) “…to do.”

Touchet says detectives are relieved for the victim’s family they were able to make an arrest.

Cut 14 (08)  “…an arrest.”

Simon is being held in the Vermilion Parish Correctional Center.

A bill to end executions in Louisiana meets defeat in a Senate committee Tuesday. Brooke Thorington reports…:

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Insurance. You hope you don’t need it, though you’ve got to have it. But are Louisianans satisfied with what they’ve got? David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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In March $232 million was wagered on sports in Louisiana, and the state’s gaming chairman says it was a slam dunk for the Bayou State. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A bill seeking to end the death penalty in Louisiana meets defeat in a Senate committee. Monroe Democrat Senator Katrina Jackson argued for her bill before the Judiciary C panel, saying Louisiana is only one of 27 states that still sentenced people to death and it should stop…:

Cut 4 (15)  “…have in their hands.”

Louisiana has not executed anyone since 2010, and the state’s last death sentence was handed out on 2020. The state has difficulty in buying the drugs used for a lethal injection execution, and so Jackson feels it’s time to put an end to the punishment altogether. She says, if you cannot agree with a moral argument, consider a fiscal one…:

Cut 5 (05) “…13-plus-million dollars a year.”

But there was doubt among committee members. Franklinton Republican Senator Beth Mizell worries Jackson bill forgets the rights of the survivors of a capital crime…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…a right to ask for.”

Jackson argued that too many people in Louisiana have been sentenced to death; only to have their conviction overturned later. She says some were actually executed, then found to be innocent later. Baton Rouge Republican Bodi White – who could not support the bill – says that was an earlier, less-enlightened time. He points to the state’s recent decision to end non-unanimous jury verdicts as a safeguard against a mistake…:

Cut 7 (09) “…get a guilty verdict.”

Voted down by a 5-to-1 vote, the bill is defeated for this session.

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The LSU Public Policy Research Lab continues to release its findings from the 2022 Louisiana Survey. Insurance, something nearly everyone deals with in one form or fashion, is the focus of the latest report. Associate professor Michael Henderson says the numbers reveal just how many people have had to file property claims while the state deals with repeated weather events.

Cut 8 (08)  “…significant number.”

Attitudes among those who have filed claims are split about evenly among those satisfied and dissatisfied with their insurance provider’s response, but Henderson says that overall the survey shows…

Cut 9 (10)  “…things are going.”

Perhaps it’s two years of weather events or the lingering effects of a pandemic that hasn’t gone away…No matter what, Henderson says that there’s a general dissatisfaction consistent across a number of areas of the 2022 Louisiana Survey.

Cut 10 (11) “…be getting better.”

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$232 million in sports betting was wagered in the Bayou State last month, which translates into more than $5 million in tax revenue. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns credits March Madness for the impressive numbers and says the Final Four in New Orleans even attracted new customers.

Cut  11 (10)  “…Superdome.”  

Johns says both online and retail March sports wagering in Louisiana ranked 8^th among states with legalized sports betting and ranked third when you compare to those states per capita.

With only a few months of legalized sports betting under the belt in Louisiana, Johns says he’s extremely impressed with how things are progressing, and no major technicalities with online wagering.

Cut 12 (10) “…of March.” 

Predicting which months will be more profitable than others Johns says is hard to do with Louisiana sports betting still in its infancy, but he does anticipate the numbers will increase dramatically in the fall.

Cut 13 (09) “…once again.”

In addition to out-of-state wagers in New Orleans for the Final Four, Johns says technology indicates a significant number of Texans crossed the state line near Lake Charles and Shreveport to place bets last month.

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The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, which was vetoed last year and received opposition from transgender advocates passed in the Senate on a 29 to 6 vote Tuesday. Franklinton Republican Senator Beth Mizell’s bill prohibits transgender females from competing against women. Mizell says the legislation has wide support.

Cut 14 (07)  “…believe in.”

On the Senate floor, Alexandria Democrat Senator Jay Luneau spoke in opposition, because the Louisiana High School Athletic Association already has regulations prohibiting transgender females from competing against biological females and it’s not an issue in Louisiana.

Cut 15 (11)  “…State of Louisiana.”

Mizell responded to Luneau’s statement about LHSAA and says they told her the legislation merely clarifies the language in their policy.

Cut 16 (07)  “…right now.”

Last year Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed the legislation saying the bill was mean-spirited and a solution looking for a problem.

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The New Orleans Pelicans beat the Phoenix Suns 125-114 to even their playoff series at one game each. Brandon Ingram put on a show, finishing with 37 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. Here’s head coach Willie Green on where this performance ranks in Ingram’s career.

Cut 17 (12) “ …on display tonight.” 

It was an unlikely victory for the Pelicans, with the worst record in the playoffs, over the team with the best record in the league. Green has been praised all season for his part in turning the Pels’ season around, but he says the credit shouldn’t come to him.

Cut 18 (20) “ …do it every game.”