A Senate committee is scheduled today to take up a second attempt to ban transgender athletes in women’s sports. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

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If you find yourself having trouble remembering when things occurred over the last two years, there are a few reasons why your memory might be fuzzy.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A bill heading to the House floor would remove party affiliation from the ballot for judicial candidates. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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Today, the Senate Education Committee is scheduled to discuss a transgender athlete ban. Franklinton Republican Senator Beth Mizell brings the bill again after it was vetoed by Governor Edwards last year. An attempt to override that veto failed. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says Edwards nixed the bill  because he saw it as a “solution looking for a problem”, however…:

Cut 4 (15)  “…in Louisiana.”

Called the “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act”, the bill seeks to assure female athletes do not have to face unfair competition from athletes who are bigger, faster and stronger because they were once men. It passed in both chambers last year, but failed in a veto override attempt. Alford says GOP majorities in both chambers are anxious to send the bill to the Governor’s desk again…:

Cut 5 (08) “…for quite a while.”

Alford says this is a hot-button issue with conservative members of the Republican party, and many lawmakers are thinking of their re-election campaign next year. He says being on the wrong social side of this social issue could be costly…:

Cut 6 (12)  “…kind of Republican are you?”

The bill is scheduled today before the Senate Education Committee.

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Besides changing our normal way of life, it appears the pandemic might have also impacted our memory. When it comes to recalling exactly when something happened over the last two years things are a bit fuzzy for some of us. Head of Psychiatry at LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Rahn Bailey says general anxiety can impact cognition.

Cut 7 (10) “…forward with them”

Bailey says is COVID responsible for increasing our anxiety ranging from worries if you’ll catch the virus, to financial anxieties over the last two years.

The pandemic has also forced us to cancel many annual events. Bailey says we tend to link memories with emotional events, like weddings and graduations, and the lack of those occasions plays a part in our recall.

Cut 8 (13)  “…get out of.”

And while it’s too early to tell if the virus itself impacts cognition, Bailey says we’ll have to wait on research from long-term studies. But if you are finding difficulty remembering things and previous strategies to recall things aren’t working Bailey encourages you to ask for help.

Cut 9 (10)  “…helpful.”

If you are in need of counseling, you can call the Keeping Calm Through COVID Hotline at 1-866-310-7977.

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The House Governmental Affairs Committee approves a bill that would remove from a voting ballot the party affiliation of a candidate running for judge. Marrero Representative Kyle Green says party should not matter, because judges should be non-partisan

Cut 10 (12) “…on the ballot.”

The bill was approved by the committee on a nine to three vote. A few Republican lawmakers opposed, including Haughton Representative Dodie Horton…

Cut  11 (10)  “…adheres to.”  

Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges says voters deserve to know who they are voting for

Cut 12 (12) “…or independent”

House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski, who is an attorney by occupation, says judges support this legislation…

Cut 13 (10) “…the other yesterday.”

The measure heads to the House floor for more discussion.

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On the House Floor Wednesday, Metairie Republican Representative Laurie Schlegel continued to make her case for HB 234, which would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in any form while either driving or riding in a motor vehicle on public highways.

Cut 14 (10)  “…while it’s operating.”

Schlegel was asked if the intent of her bill was to target those who smoke marijuana. In response, she cited studies from multiple states showing increased numbers of fatal vehicle crashes post-legalization and touted her own record on decriminalization.

Cut 15 (11)  “…our roads safe.”

Violators would face a 100-dollar fine if the proposal become law. Some lawmakers are concerned about the enforcement as Schlegel received several questions about that issue…

Cut 16 (12)  “…hold them accountable.”

The bill passed the House on a 66-31 vote and now heads to the Senate for more discussion.

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LSU held its annual Pro Day for NFL scouts on Wednesday and no workout was more anticipated than that of cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. After exploding onto the scene as a freshman for the 2019 National Champs, Stingley only played in 10 games over the last two seasons. Stingley said he was confident he would perform even after the long layoff.

Cut 17 (13) “ …a little kid.” 

Stingley had been recovering from a torn ligament he suffered in his left foot last September that required surgery. He showed no lingering effects from the injury after clocking in unofficially with a 4.37-second 40-yard dash and posting impressive numbers in the vertical jump and individual drills.

Cut 18 (11) “ …good to go.” 

Besides the measurable numbers, like his 40 time or the bench press, Stingley is confident that he has the skills and makeup to be the top corner, if not the top player selected in the draft.

Cut 19 (20) _“…how it goes.” 

A bill to ban the release of most mug shots passes the Louisiana House. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Legislation to limit the number of insurance adjusters for a single claim to three, produces more questions than answers in the Senate Insurance Committee. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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The Louisiana House approves legislation that would prohibit the release of an arrestee’s mug shot before they are convicted. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says mug shots are prejudicial…

Cut 3 (07) “..undermines that”

Duplessis has a few exceptions to his legislation if the person is a fugitive or police determine the individual is an imminent threat. But Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews is concerned the banning of mug shots will have a negative impact on public safety…

Cut 4  (10) “…person”

Duplessis says the release of a mug shot before a conviction can cause irreversible harm to a person, especially if the criminal charges are dropped…

cut 5  (07) “…personal life”

The measure passed on a 75-21 vote and heads to the Senate for more discussion.

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After the Department of Veterans Affairs recommended the closure of the Alexandria VA Medical Center in Pineville last month, Congresswoman Julia Letlow reached out to VA Secretary Denis McDonough. Letlow says she told him closing the hospital is unacceptable.

Cut 6  (11) “…hospital open.” 

The report suggests relocating some VA services to a new outpatient clinic in the vicinity of Alexandria and that the current 1950 constructed facility would cost an estimated $157 million to correct to current standards.

After meeting with him personally, Letlow says she’s encouraged by the open dialogue she’s established with Secretary McDonough about the VA facility in the 5^th Congressional District.

Cut 7 (06) “…heroes.” 

The report states the estimated enrolled veteran population for CenLa is expected to decline by 288 over a ten-year period and that along with construction costs led to the recommendation of closure. The same report also called for a complete rebuild of the VA Medical Center in Shreveport.

Letlow says she will continue to meet with McDonough in an effort to keep the Pineville facility open.

Cut 8 (09) “…the region.” 

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Louisiana is receiving $40 million in federal grant funding for flood mitigation. It’s part of the “Swift Current” initiative that’s funded by President Biden’s Infrastructure law that’s allocating $60 million to four states impacted by Hurricane Ida. FEMA spokesperson Melissa Wilkins says the money will assist disaster survivors whose homes flood repeatedly.

Cut 9 (10) “…Hurricane Ida.”

To be eligible buildings must be insured through the National Flood Insurance Program to be considered for the funding opportunity.

Wilkins says the goal of the program is to help homeowners get protection for their structures.

Cut 10 (07)  “…comes through.”

Wilkins says FEMA has reduced the grant application process by developing pre-calculated benefits for those eligible for mitigation projects. The application process is open now until October 3rd.

Cut 11 (08)  “…floodplain manager.”  

For more information visit grants.gov and search Swift Current.

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The Senate Insurance Committee discusses whether there should be a law on the number of adjusters an insurance company use for a single claim. Executive Director for Real Reform Louisiana Eric Holl says after the recent hurricanes some policyholders have dealt with over a dozen adjusters

Cut 12 (09) “…south Louisiana” 

New Orleans Senator Joseph Bouie has a bill that would limit the number of adjusters for a single claim to three. But Bossier City Senator Barrow Peacock says an adjuster can be anyone that touches a case and limiting the number of adjusters could end up hurting the consumer

Cut 13 (13) “…whatever number”

Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot says “adjuster churning” needs to be addressed, but multiple adjusters have been needed in some cases, because the state has been hit by multiple hurricanes during a pandemic and finding licensed adjusters is also difficult…

Cut 14 (09)  “…perfect storm.”

After hearing concerns about his bill, Bouie says he’ll tighten up the language and bring it back before the committee at a later date, but believes there should be a limit on the number of adjusters that work on a single claim…

Cut 15 (11) “…they know” 

West Monroe Senator Jay Morris says he has a package of bills that he calls a Safer Louisiana Agenda. Kevin Gallagher has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

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Nicholls State will be the first college campus in Louisiana to have a pet-friendly residence hall in the fall, Brooke Thorington has more on how the school will allow Fido and Fluffy to bunk with select students

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Louisiana law enforcement leaders urge legislators to support funding aimed at keeping kids in school and OUT of jail. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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West Monroe Senator Jay Morris says he has a package of bills addressing the increase in violent crime. He’s calling it a safer Louisiana Agenda. Morris says these bills, along with those introduced by other legislators are the start of a multi-year effort to reverse the trend of letting violent offenders back on the streets

Cut 4 (09)  “…something about it.”

Morris says the crime problem is widespread with carjackings in New Orleans and other cities to potshots taken at police officers by young criminals in northeast Louisiana. He says part of the problem is the state is light on prison sentences, particularly for repeat offenders…

Cut 5 (10) “…again.” 

Morris says he also has legislation waiting to be heard that will address the issue of local prosecutors not acting on certain crimes…

Cut 6 (10)  “…local court.”

Morris says it will be a tough slog to get his agenda through the Legislature.

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This fall at Nicholls State the university will welcome pets to the state’s first pet-friendly residence hall. Director of Residential Living Alex Coad says they’ll have space for 32 pets at North Babington Hall because the university understands how pets enhance our quality of life.

Cut 7 (07) “…car or dog.”

Coad says this goes beyond service and emotional support animals that are allowed for students through a separate waiver.

Pets will be limited to cats or dogs, and they must be up to date on all their shots and vaccinations. Coad says at this time there are no breed or weight restrictions for animals. He says so far, they’ve received a positive response.

Cut 8 (10)  “…another building.”

The Pet-Friendly Living Learning Community will be part of the school’s growing residential communities with shared interests like academics or organizational interests.  Coad says right now it’s limited for returning students with 24 credit hours or above, but if all goes well, he believes the ability to bring your pet to college will attract new students.

Cut 9 (06)  “…this opportunity.”

Coad says they are also planning to have a dog park construction near the pet dorm so the four-legged residents will have a place to exercise and socialize.

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Leaders of Louisiana law enforcement are urging legislators to invest millions yearly in early education plans aimed at keeping kids away from a life of crime. One of those is St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne, who says numerous studies indicate it’s better to invest in young kids before they go wrong than for the criminal justice system to deal with them…:

Cut 10 (06) “…a life of crime.”

Champagne is among lawmen asking state government to heed the recommendations of a blue-ribbon panel on kids & crime prevention, and vote to approve $115-million yearly in care & education programs to reach kids, and hopefully, keep them in school and off the streets. Champagne says the programs would target kids as soon as they begin pre-K…:

Cut  11 (11)  “…much more reduced.”  

Champagne is one of many state law enforcement leaders who are members of a group called “Fight Crime: Invest in Kids,” whose mission is to use a good education as a deterrent to the bad choices that lead to criminal activity…:

Cut 12 (11) “…look at the long term.”

He says 60-percent of young people convicted of crimes never graduated high school. Champagne says funding is included in the budget bill now, and he urges lawmakers to assure funding for the programs survives the budget negotiating process.

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One week after a house fire destroyed their home, two of the four occupants, both in their 80s, have passed away. State Fire Marshall Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue…

Cut 13 (10) “…the other yesterday.”

A 59-year old woman and a 10-year-old boy both made it out safely after the woman was alerted by the home’s smoke detectors. Unfortunately, the other victims were unable to escape. Rodrigue says there’s a lesson to be learned through the tragedy.

Cut 14 (08)  “…home escape route.”

While 80 percent of Americans say they have a fire escape plan, 51 percent say they’ve never practiced it. Rodrigue says get yours together, practice it monthly, and if you need help, there are resources.

Cut 15 (08)  “…help you out.”

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LSU conducts its annual Pro Day for NFL scouts today, and unlike in years past, this year’s workouts don’t have a lot of first-round names participating. There is still one blue-chip prospect looking to impress, says draft analyst Mike Detillier…cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.

Cut 16 (19)  “…the Lisfranc injury.”

Stingley was electric as a freshman at LSU, earning All-America honors, and was a two-time first-team All-SEC selection before injuries sent his career sideways. Detillier says talent is the question with Stingley, its availability.

Cut 17 (18) “ …calm some nerves.” 

Detillier says that one other player to watch out for is Cade York. Over three seasons, York was one of the very best kickers in the nation, converting 82 percent of his field-goal attempts while showing accuracy and power.

Cut 18 (16) “ …looking for a placekicker.” 

After record crowds for Mardi Gras, followed by the Final Four, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is hopeful as festival season kicks off the tourism industry will rebound. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The National Hurricane Center released its final report on Hurricane Ida today and the major storm that hit southeast Louisiana last August will go down in the record brooks. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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A Senate committee unanimously approves a bill that enhances the penalties for those convicted of knowingly lacing drugs with fentanyl but marketing it as another substance. Lilly Harvey testified in support. She lost her 28-year-old daughter to a drug overdose and says last year Louisiana experienced a 53-increase in overdose deaths…

Cut 3 (10) “…a rise”

Harrisonburg Senator Glen Womack’s legislation would add another five years to a prison sentence for an individual who knowingly misrepresented or knowingly marketed a mixture or substance containing fentanyl. Harvey says fentanyl use is increasing among junior high students…

Cut 4  (09) “…students alone”

East Baton Rouge Senator Bodi White is in full support of this bill as he’s seen how fentanyl has impacted his community…

cut 5  (07) “…overdose on fentanyl”

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It’s an exciting time of year in the Bayou State as festival season kicks off with someone 400 parish festivals on the calendar for 2022. After almost two years of cancellations, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says he’s hopeful the trend of large crowds from carnival and the Final Four continues.

Cut 6  (08) “…festival season.” 

This year the Louisiana Office Tourism is a major sponsor for LSU’s first football game of the season which pits the Tigers against the Seminoles on Sunday Labor Day Weekend. Nungesser says it will be a big attraction in the Big Easy.

Cut 7 (10) “…to Louisiana.” 

With the state’s economy so dependent on the hospitality industry Nungesser says its vital festival season returns to help make up for the losses during the pandemic.

Cut 8 (09) “…that happen.” 

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Tuesday the National Hurricane Center issued its final report on Hurricane Ida. The biggest finding of the report? Here’s state climatologist Barry Keim.

Cut 9 (10) “…miles per hour.”

The report confirmed Ida’s status as one of the strongest storms to ever hit Louisiana, and Keim says we’re fortunate the damage wasn’t more extensive.

Cut 10 (10)  “…with it.”

The storm caused more than $18 billion in damage to Louisiana, but the cost of the lives lost during and after made it that much more tragic says Keim.

Cut 11 (12)  “…kind of numbers.”  

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The House Transportation Committee put the brakes on a proposal that would prohibit the state department of transportation from putting tolls on existing interstate systems. Sulphur Representative Les Farnum authored the legislation as he’s concerned about tolls being used to fund a new I-10 bridge in Lake Charles

Cut 12 (06) “….could be next” 

The price tag for a new I-10 bridge in Lake Charles is around one-point-five billion dollars. Louisiana Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says he would like to pay for a new bridge with federal and state dollars, but tolls might also be needed…

Cut 13 (06) “…additional revenue.”

Several local groups also opposed the bill like the Baton Rouge Area Chamber of Commerce and Ascension Parish government. Tolls might also be needed to build a new I-10 Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge. Wilson says he does not want to limit his options…

Cut 14 (11)  “…Mississippi River Bridge.”

The bill failed on a six to nine vote.