The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, which was vetoed last year and received opposition from transgender advocates passed in the Senate 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.”

The vote was 29 to 6. The bill now heads to a House committee.

LSU’s 2022 Louisiana Survey indicates 40-percent of home insurance policyholders filed claims in the last two years and almost half weren’t pleased with the process. Associate Professor Michael Henderson says whether it’s two years of significant weather events or COVID respondents generally aren’t hopeful.

Cut 10 (11) “…be getting better.”

A bill seeking to end the death penalty in Louisiana meets defeat in Senate Judiciary C. Bill author Monroe Democrat Senator Katrina Jackson says Louisiana is only one of 27 states that still sentence people to death, and it should stop…

CUT 04(15)      “…in their hands”

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

CUT 06(13)      “…to ask for.”

By a vote of 5-to-1, the bill failed to pass in committee therefore will go no farther in this legislative session.

A bill to repeal the death penalty in Louisiana fell to defeat in a Senate committee Tuesday. Bill sponsor and Monroe Democrat Senator Katrina Jackson tells senators if they cannot agree with the moral argument against capital punishment, consider a fiscal one…:

CUT 05  (05)        “…million dollars a year.”

She says too many people in Louisiana have been sentenced to death; only to have their conviction later overturned. 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 07(09)      “…a guilty verdict”

By a vote of 5-to-1, the bill failed to pass, and is dead for this year.

A Concordia parish church is severely damaged, after severe weather swept through the area Sunday. High winds toppled a tree, which crashed into the St. John Baptist Church. Church elders say they will rebuild.

Sports book was a real boon to the Bayou State last month. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says $232-million was wagered; meaning over $5-million in state tax revenue for the state. He credits the NCAA Final Four with a lot of that betting and says this fall should see even more app-based sports betting…:

CUT 13(09)      “…once again.”

He says a lot of Texans come to Louisiana to take advantage of sports betting and that means hotels, motels and restaurants benefit as well.

A bill to ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports passes the full Senate, by a 29-6 vote. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau spoke up against the bill, saying the LHSAA has rules about this and a law isn’t needed. Bill Sponsor Beth Mizell, of Franklinton responds…:

CUT 16(07)      “…right now”

That bill moves now to the House.

The full Senate passes a bill that would prohibit transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. Called the “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act”, the bill drew opposition on the senate floor. Here’s Alexandria Democrat Senator Jay Luneau, who says it’s not an issue in Louisiana and the LHSAA has rules in place should the problem arise…:

CUT 15  (11)        “…state of Louisiana.”

The measure passed by a 29-to-6 vote; meaning 4 senators did not vote at all. Last year Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed the legislation saying the bill was mean-spirited and a solution looking for a problem. A veto override attempt failed.

Legislation aimed at expanding patient access to medical marijuana in our state was advanced Tuesday by a state House committee. The bills would change the agency that regulates the medical marijuana industry and allow licensees to have more than one store.

Sports book gaming in March was a slam dunk for the Bayou State. Brooke Thorington spoke with the Gaming Control Board chairman about it…:

CUT 03(30)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

LSU’s annual “Louisiana Survey” shows a great many of us are unhappy with our property insurers and coverage. Research director Mike Henderson…:

CUT 08(08)      “significant number.”

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 sentence people to death and it should stop…:

CUT 04(15)      “…in their hands”

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

CUT 06(13)      “…to ask for.”

By a vote of 5-to-1, the bill failed to pass.

Shreveport area police are investigating a shooting on I-220 Tuesday. The victim took a bullet to the leg from a car that pulled alongside him. Motive and suspect? Yet unknown.

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

CUT 02(34)      “…David Grubb.”

A gas well on Barksdale Air force Base in Bossier City exploded Tuesday. It took some time to bring the fire under control but no one was reported seriously hurt.            The cause of the well explosion is under investigation.

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

CUT 01(36)      “…Brooke Thorington”

The state Department of Health reports 228 new cases of coronavirus in Louisiana, but only 51 people in the hospital with the virus statewide. Ten more people are reported to have died from complications with COVID. Since the pandemic began, just over 17-thousand Louisianans have died with the virus.

$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)      “…of the Superdome.”

The full Senate has passed the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act; basically a ban of transgender athletes competing in women’s events. Bill sponsor Beth Mizell, of Franklinton, says the bill has widespread support…:

CUT 14(07)      “…believe in.”

The same bill reached final passage last year, but was vetoed by the Governor. A veto override attempt failed.

The Senate passed Senator Beth Mizell’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act bill 29-6 Thursday. The bill has received opposition from transgender advocates, and this is the same bill that Governor Edwards vetoed last year. The bill prohibits transgender females from competing in women’s sports in Louisiana. The bill now heads to the House.

The House Health and Welfare Committee approves legislation that would transfer regulatory authority from the state department of agriculture to the Louisiana Department of Health. Houma Representative Tanner Magee’s bill also allows medical marijuana licensed pharmacy owners to open multiple locations…

Cut 7 (09) “…pharmacy locations” 
The bill heads to the House floor for more discussion.

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 and says 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 in 2020. Franklinton Republican Senator Beth Mizell worries Jackson’s bill forgets the rights of survivors of a capital crime…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…a right to ask for.”

The bill was voted down by a 5-to-1 vote, and will not move forward this session

A Baton Rouge man is charged with murder, after stabbing a woman to death while it was sent out live on Facebook. Brooke Thorington reports on the arrest of Earl Johnson, Jr…:

CUT 01  (33)        “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Now that a federal judge has struck down a federal mask mandate, travelers are urged to check with their airport and/or airline to see what their individual policy may be for COVID safety. Many air carriers have made masks voluntary, but there are still some airports requiring them. If you’re flying soon, you may want to check out where you’ll be expected to have a mask handy.

A Bastrop man is under arrest for allegedly setting two arson fires in Morehouse Parish. An abandoned funeral home and an unoccupied nearby house were both torched within an hour of each other on April 3^rd. State Fire Marshal’s Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says 28-year-old Jamie Wall has been charged with aggravated arson for one fire, simple arson for the other and with criminal trespass. Rodrigue credits the Morehouse Sheriff’s Office and Bastrop firefighters, and the public for helping with a speedy arrest…:

CUT 14(11)      “…without even asking.”

Legislation to expand the state’s medical marijuana program moves past a House committee. The bill moves oversight to the Department of Health and away from Ag & Forestry. Bill sponsor Tanner McGee of Houma says many were critical the Ag Department was hindering distribution intentionally…:

CUT 06(100     “…program overall”

The bill moves to the House floor for debate.

35-year-old Earl Johnson, Jr. of Baton Rouge is charged with first-degree murder for the stabbing death of 34-year-old Janice David that was broadcast on Facebook Live. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

The House Health and Welfare Committee approves legislation designed to expand the state’s medical-marijuana program. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

______________________________________

Baton Rouge Police have arrested 35-year-old Earl Johnson, Jr. for the murder of a woman that was broadcast on Facebook Live Monday. Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says Johnson was already in custody after a chase involving a stolen vehicle when they learned he was a suspect in the brutal stabbing of 34-year-old Janice David.

Cut 3 (12) “…stabbed her.”

McKneely says someone who saw the video notified Facebook and they contacted authorities in Louisiana.

McKneely says East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputies located a vehicle with the victim’s body inside and then Baton Rouge Police was informed about the murder in the Sherwood Forest area.

Cut 4  (07) “…the killing.”

McKneely says they received a call Monday at 5 PM about a stolen vehicle before they were notified about the gruesome murder broadcast on Facebook.

Cut 5  (10) “…video.”

Johnson faces First Degree Murder, Theft of a Vehicle, and Aggravated Flight from an Officer charges. He was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

_________________________________________

The House Health and Welfare Committee approves legislation that would move regulation of the state’s medical-marijuana program from the state’s agriculture department to the Louisiana Department of Health. Houma Representative Tanner Magee’s measure is in response to criticism the ag department has hindered medical marijuana availability…

Cut 6  (10) “…program overall.” 

Magee says the legislation allows L-D-H to contract with private labs to streamline the testing of medical cannabis. His legislation also allows for the nine licensed medical marijuana pharmacy owners to open more locations…

Cut 7 (09) “…pharmacy locations” 

The bill heads to the House floor for more discussion. But there are medical marijuana patients who believe the bill doesn’t go far enough to help with the supply, access, and cost of medical cannabis. Veteran Tony Landry expressed his concerns…

Cut 8 (12) “…current monopoly.” 

The legislation doesn’t increase the number of licensed growers and pharmacy operators. The bill will allow licensed pharmacy operators to open more than one location.

_____________________________________________________

After 18 years and 17 games, the final Wally Pontiff Jr. Classic will be played tonight at LSU’s Alex Box Stadium. The All-SEC third baseman passed away in 2002 at the age of 21. Pontiff’s father, Wally Sr., says the games may be ending, but the mission continues.

Cut 9 (11) “…we’ve been blessed.”

Pontiff says there were simple goals when the family started the Wally Pontiff Jr Foundation in his son’s honor…spread the gospel of LSU baseball to kids in the New Orleans area, and give back to the community that gave so much to them.

Cut 10 (10)  “…he passed away.”

The Pontiff family has been overwhelmed by the support they’ve received over the years, from volunteers and from the university. Wally Sr. says the foundation will be able to continue its work, keeping Wally’s spirit and dream alive.

Cut 11 (12)  “…easy for us.” 

LSU is 12-4 all-time in The Classic, heading into tonight’s matchup with UL  If you’d like to contact or support the Wally Pontiff Jr. Foundation, visit wally-pontiff-j-r-foundation-dot-com.

_____________________________________________________

A Bastrop man is under arrest for allegedly setting two arson fires in Morehouse Parish. An abandoned funeral home and an unoccupied nearby were both torched within an hour of each other on April 3^rd. State Fire Marshal’s Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says he is 28-year-old Jamie Wall…:

Cut 12 (10) “…criminal trespassing.” 

In the latter fire, the flames grew so hot that a neighboring house was threatened, so first responders evacuated a family of four living there; including two small kids. Rodrigue says it could have been much worse…:

Cut 13 (06) “…from being injured.”

Wall has been charged with aggravated arson for one fire, simple arson for the other, and criminal trespass. Rodrigue credits the Morehouse Sheriff’s Office and Bastrop firefighters, and the public for helping with a speedy arrest…:

Cut 14 (11)  “…without even asking.”

________________________________________________

Cut 15 (11) “…checks and balances system.” 

Cut  16 (07)  “….judicial restraint“

A Senate judiciary committee rejects a bill to end the death penalty in Louisiana. After a long discussion and debate, the panel voted 5-1 AGAINST the bill, by Monroe Democrat Senator Katrina Jackson. The matter appears to be dead for the remainder of the session.

Baton Rouge Police arrested a local man for the murder of a woman that was broadcast on Facebook Live Monday. Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says 35-year-old Earl Johnson, Jr. was already in custody – after a chase involving a stolen vehicle – when they learned he was a suspect in the brutal stabbing of 34-year-old Janice David…:

CUT 03(12)      “…stabbed her.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser’s home in Plaquemines Parish was burglarized recently. The thieves took thousands on sports memorabilia and tried to torch the place as they left. Damage was minimal. Nungesser says he’s confident an arrest will be coming.

A Bastrop man is under arrest for allegedly setting two arson fires in Morehouse Parish. An abandoned funeral home and an unoccupied nearby were both torched within an hour of each other on April 3^rd. State Fire Marshal’s Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says he is 28-year-old Jamie Wall; now facing multiple charges. She says a neighboring family had to be evacuated for their safety, but things could have been worse…:

CUT 13(06)      “…from being injured.”

After 18 years and 17 games, the final Wally Pontiff Jr. Classic will be played tonight at LSU’s Alex Box Stadium. The All-SEC third baseman passed away in 2002 at the age of 21. Pontiff’s father, Wally Sr., says his son believed in giving back to the community that had given him so much..:

CUT 10(10)      “…he passed away.”

Wally Sr. says the foundation will be able to continue its work, keeping Wally’s spirit and dream alive.

The House Health and Welfare Committee approves legislation designed to expand the state’s medical-marijuana program. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

How do you feel about having passenger rail service across northern Louisiana; connecting Atlanta and Dallas? The proposed route would parallel Interstate 20. Amtrak and developers are now considering making the route a reality. When complete it would include stops in Monroe, Ruston and Shreveport.

A Bastrop man is under arrest for allegedly setting two arson fires in Morehouse Parish. An abandoned funeral home and an unoccupied house nearby were both torched within an hour of each other on April 3^rd. State Fire Marshal’s Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the man arrested is 28-year-old Jamie Wall…:

CUT 12  (10)        “…criminal trespassing”

Baton Rouge Police arrest 35-year-old Earl Johnson, Jr. for the murder of a woman that was broadcast on Facebook Live Monday. Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says they received a call Monday at 5 PM about a stolen vehicle before they were notified about the gruesome murder broadcast on Facebook…:

Cut 05  (10)      “…Facebook live video”

McKneely says officers located a vehicle with the victim’s body inside.