A House Committee approves a bill that would remove from a voting ballot the party affiliation of a candidate running for judge. Marrero Representative Kyle Green:
Cut 10 (12) “on the ballot”
The bill was approved by the committee on a nine to three vote with some GOP members in opposition arguing voters deserve to know the politics of judges on a ballot.

A bill that would prohibit smoking weed while driving or riding in a car advances out of the House Wednesday. The measure is by Metairie Republican Representative Laurie Schlegel…:
CUT 15 (11) our roads safe”
The proposal passed the House 66-31 and now heads to the Senate.

A Senate committee is scheduled today to take up a second attempt to ban transgender athletes in women’s sports..:
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

There’s growing evidence that one side effect of the pandemic is memory loss. That’s due to anxiety according to Head of Psychiatry at LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Rahn Bailey:
Cut 7 (10) “…forward with them”
If you need counseling, you can call the Keeping Calm Through COVID Hotline at 1-866-310-7977.

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”
He says GOP majorities in both chambers are anxious to send the bill to the Governor’s desk again.

Officials in Lake Charles are slated to hold a news conference this morning to discuss a rise in crime in the area, including the shooting of 6-year-old Draya Michelle Guillory who was killed during a drive by. Police have confirmed one arrest in connection with Guillory’s death.

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 while driving or riding in a motor vehicle on public highways…:
Cut 14 (10) “while it’s operating”
The bill passed the House on a 66-31 vote and now heads to the Senate for more discussion.

Gas prices continue their slow but steady decline. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is 3.93, down from $4 a week ago.

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 goal of the program is to help homeowners get protection for their structures…:

CUT 10(07)      “…come through.”

The bill that would ban public release of a person’s booking mug shots wins passage in the House. The sponsor, Democrat Representative Royce Duplessis says once folks see your mug shot in a public forum, they presume you are guilty. Bossier City Republican Raymond Crews worries the bill will have a negative effect on public safety…:”

CUT 04(10)      “…recognize their person.”

The bill passes by a 75-21 vote and moves over to the Senate.

5^th District Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow says she’ll do everything she can to keep the Veterans Administration from closing the VA Hospital in Pineville. Letlow says she’s been in touch with VA Secretary Denis McDonough and the dialog has been encouraging…:

CUT 07(06)      “…America’s heroes.”

A VA report suggests relocating some VA services to a new outpatient clinic in the vicinity of Alexandria would be wiser than investing the million needed to renovate the 70+ year old structure.

St. John Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre says he stands behind his deputy in the serious shooting of a passenger in a car that crashed Sunday near LaPlace. Tregre says he believes (quote) “the officer’s actions were justified and I stand by him and with him on his actions.” Body cam footage reportedly shows that Jacoby Williams did raise a gun at the officer before he was shot.

Grambling State’s new head volleyball coach, Chelsey Lucas, has cut her entire 19-person team. So far she has not said why, but a GSU spokesman says the university stands by her call.

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 02(31)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Police in New Orleans make an arrest in the shooting death of a 14-year-old boy last week. Their suspect is a THIRTEEN-year-old boy. He’s now in juvenile detention.

Sometimes we all enjoy looking at booking mug shots on websites, but that may end if a New Orleans lawmaker’s bill passes. Democrat Royce Duplessis proposes banning public release until a person is found guilty; not merely arrested. Duplessis says publishing mugs is prejudicial…:

CUT 03(07)      “…undermines that.”

He says people remember seeing you got arrested but never remember you being exonerated. The bill passed in the House by a vote of 75 for aand 21 against. It moves now to the Senate.

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 06(11)      “…hospital open.”

At the state Capitol, a bill that would ban the public release of most mug shots passes the Louisiana House. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Cops in the towns of Rayne, in Acadia Parish, and Scott, in Lafayette Parish, worked together to bust three men on numerous illegal drug and weapons charges. Officers with a warrant raided a house in Scott; finding over 21 pounds of marijuana and a bunch of pills. Street value there nearly a quarter-million dollars. They also found an AK-47 style rifle and some pistols.

Back to the State Capitol where the Senate Insurance Committee discussed 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 the 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.”

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.

The Louisiana House approves legislation that would prohibit the release of an arrestee’s mug shot before they are convicted. Bill author New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says mug shots are prejudicial, but Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews expressed concern the ban could have a negative impact on public safety…

Cut 4  (10) “…person.”

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.”

For more information go to grants.gov

Congresswoman Julia Letlow met with VA Secretary Denis McDonough Tuesday after a report recommended the closure of the Alexandria VA Medical Center in Pineville. Letlow says she will continue to meet with decision-makers about the hospital to keep the facility open.

Cut 8 (09) “…the region.” 

Nicholls State University says next fall they will have the state’s first pet-friendly dormitory for students. Pets will be limited to cats or dogs and there are no breed or weight restrictions. Director of Residential Living Alex Coad says the response has been positive…
Cut 8 (10) “…another building.”
Coad says they’ll have space for 32 pets at North Babington Hall and there are also plans to build a dog park near the residence hall.

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 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.

—

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’s encouraged by the open dialogue she’s established with Secretary McDonough about the VA facility in the 5th Congressional District.

Cut 7 (06) “…heroes.”

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

—

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.”

—

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

Fifth District Congresswoman Julia Letlow says she met with Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough to discuss the proposed closure of the Alexandria V-A hospital. Letlow says closing this facility in Pineville is unacceptable…
cut 6 (11) “…hospital open”
The V-A report says they could modernize services if they had a smaller outpatient clinic with 48 beds in the vicinity of Alexandria.

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. St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne says numerous studies indicate it’s better to invest in young kids before they enter the criminal justice system…:
Cut 10 (06) “…a life of crime.”
Champagne is among lawmen asking state government to approve $115-million yearly in care & education programs to reach kids.

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.

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”

Senate President Page Cortez wants motorists to slow down, he’s filed legislation to toughen speeding penalties on the 18-mile Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Which includes fines five times the current amount. His bill also adds 28-speed limit signs to the bridge.

Law enforcement leaders like St. Charles Parish Sherriff Greg Champagne are urging legislators to invest $115 million annually in early education programs to reach kids, and hopefully, keep them in school and deter them from a life of crime. Champagne says the programs would target kids as soon as they begin pre-K…:

Cut  11 (11)  “…much more reduced.”  

He says 60-percent of young people convicted of crimes never graduated high school.

One week after a house fire destroyed their home in Amite, two of the four occupants, both in their 80s, have passed away. State Fire Marshall Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says two occupants made it out safely after being alerted by the home’s smoke detectors. Rodrigue says there’s a lesson to be learned through the tragedy.

Cut 14 (08)  “…home escape route.

West Monroe Senator Jay Morris files a package of bills to address the increase in violent crime. He’s calling it a safer Louisiana Agenda; it includes legislation to address the issue of local prosecutors not acting on certain crimes…

Cut 6 (10)  “…local court.”

The agenda also includes legislation to limit the release of violent offenders.

Leaders of Louisiana law enforcement are urging legislators to invest millions yearly in early education plans in an effort to keep kids away from a life of crime. St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne is a member 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.”

One week after a house fire destroyed their home in Amite, 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.

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 for returning students and if all goes well, he believes the ability to bring your pet to college will attract new students.

Cut 9 (06)  “…this opportunity.”

Right now pets are limited to cats and dogs and there are also plans for a dog park in the future.