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.”

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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”  

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser’s home in Plaquemines Parish was burglarized and set on fire. Nungesser told WWL-TV in New Orleans that burglars took a bunch of sports memorabilia. He says he’s in the process of moving.

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 location”
The bill heads to the House floor for more discussion.

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.”
The Tigers and Cajuns will meet tonight with proceeds benefiting the Wally Pontiff Junior foundation.

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 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.”

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.

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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.”

The bill heads to the House floor for more discussion.

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It’s Love the Boot Week and Keep Louisiana Beautiful has more than 250 cleanup and beautification events going on around the state. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says they have more than twice the number of volunteers this year and plenty of trash to pick up.

Cut 10 (11) “…state up.”

Go to keep-louisiana-beautiful-dot-org to volunteer for a clean-up effort.

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An emotional debate is underway at the state capitol today as a Senate committee discusses a bill that would eliminate the death penalty in Louisiana. Proponents of the death penalty argue the punishment gives closure to families of murder victims. But death penalty opponent Sister Helen Prejean disagrees…:

Cut 9 (13) “…for this so-called justice”

The New Orleans Pelicans meet the Phoenix Suns in game two of their first-round playoff series tonight, trailing one game to nothing. How big is game two? Since the franchise first arrived in 2002, New Orleans is 0-5 all-time in series when trailing two games to none. Coach Willie Green says the Pels have to meet the moment from the outset.

Cut 21 (10) “…can be better.”

Tip-off is at 9 pm.

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The UL Ragin Cajuns face LSU tonight in the Wally Pontiff Jr. Classic. UL visits The Box for the first time since 2015 having won three of the last four matchups in the series. Coach Matt Deggs knows it won’t be easy slowing down the LSU offense, but he likes his club’s chances.

Cut 17 (17) “…a good ball game.”

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After dropping three straight to Arkansas, LSU finds itself dropping in the standings. The Tigers sit fifth in the SEC West and Jay Johnson says his team must start doing the little things to give itself any chance of competing with the big boys.

Cut 18 (20) “…come out”

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LSU adds depth to its secondary via the transfer portal. Brian Kelly announced on Tuesday that Sevyn Banks, a two-year starter at corner for Ohio State has been added to the roster. In four years with the Buckeyes, Banks appeared in 36 games with 15 starts, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in 2020.

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McNeese picked up an 8-4 win over Sam Houston on Monday night. Reid Bourque went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI for the Cowboys.

Baton Rouge Police have arrested 35-year-old Earl Johnson Jr. who allegedly killed 34-year-old Janice David during a Livestream on Facebook Live. Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says Johnson was already in custody after a stolen vehicle chase when they learned he was the murder suspect.
Cut 3 (12) “…stabbed her.”
McKneely says someone who saw the video notified Facebook who then contacted Louisiana authorities.

After two loose dogs mauled another dog and dragged it to their owner’s home, it led authorities to the arrest of 24-year-old Derrick Johnson of Greenwood. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Bia Roldan says deputies were called to the home of the owner of dogs who attacked another
Cut 13 (10) “…a gun.”
A short-time leader deputies arrested 24-year-old Derrick Johnson, a convicted felon on drug and gun charges.

The House Health and Welfare Committee approved a bill to move the regulatory authority of the state’s medical marijuana from the state Department of Ag to the Louisiana Department of Health. It will also lead to more medical marijuana pharmacies. But some patients say the legislation doesn’t go far enough to address supply, access and cost. Veteran Tony Landry…
cut 8 (12) “,…currenty monopoly”
The legislation heads to the House for more discussion.

Legislation that would limit tax assessors to 12 consecutive years or three consecutive terms narrowly received approval from a House committee on a seven to six vote. The bill’s author New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says voters have shown overwhelming support for term limits in the past…
cut 30 (10) “….to them first”
Landry’s bill heads to the House floor and it will need a two-thirds vote to pass.

A bill that would allow voters to decide on term limits for assessors is moving forward. David Grubb has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.”

A New Orleans bail bondsman has been arrested related to the storming of the US Capitol on January 6^th last year. 33-year-old Matthew LeBrun is the third Louisianan arrested in connection with the incident.

A bill that would end the death penalty in Louisiana is scheduled for discussion in a Senate Judiciary Committee today. Outspoken death penalty opponent and author of “Dead Man Walking”, Sister Helen Prejean (PRAY-zhon) says public opinion on executions has changed and continues to turn…:

Cut 8 (13)  “…and he won!”

If the bill becomes law executions would end for any person convicted after August 1, 2022

Volunteers are picking up trash across 52 parishes this Love the Boot Week and and Dawn Cantrell with Keep Louisiana Beautiful says they pick up tons of plastic, like bags, takeout containers, and eating utensils. She says they’ve even picked up roofing singles and tarps that weren’t disposed of properly.

Cut  11 (06)  “…imagine.”  

For more information visit KeepLouisianaBeautiful dot org.

Legislation that would limit tax assessors to 12 consecutive years or three consecutive terms narrowly received approval from a House committee on a seven to six vote. Brian Eddington an attorney for the Louisiana Assessor’s Association says this legislation threatens the loss of institutional knowledge when it comes to assessing taxes on properties…
cut 6 (13) “….and repeatability”
New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says voters have shown overwhelming support for term limits in the past…
cut 5 (10) “….to them first”
Landry’s bill heads to the House floor and it will need a two-thirds vote to pass.

College tuition continues to rise, but a new study by Tulane University says some students have actually seen their costs go down. David Grubb has more.
voicer 2 (34)…I’m David Grubb.”

This week Keep Louisiana Beautiful is holding over 250 cleanup and beautification vents as part of Love the Book Week. Vice-Chair of Keep Louisiana Beautiful Courtney Hornsby says they’ll be busy picking up trash this week, but she wants to know why individuals continue to litter…
cut 12 (06) “…preventable”

A Senate committee today will discuss a proposed bill to end the death penalty in Louisiana. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Three bills of interest have received Senate approval. A bill to allow the state fire marshal to look over nursing home evacuation plans, also a bill that requires nursing homes to have generators and legislation to prohibit the importation of Russian products into Louisiana while the U-S has sanctions against them. These three bills still need House approval.

New Orleans representative Mandie Landry believes tax assessors should be held to the same standard as state legislators when it comes to term limits. Landry’s House Bill 288 would limit assessors to no more than three full terms. She says it may be controversial, but it is necessary.
Cut 4 (12) “…encourages and requires turnover.”
The House Ways and Means Committee approved the bill on a seven to six vote and it will need two-thirds approval from the full House.

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office says a dog mauling led to the arrest of a felon, who had drugs and guns inside his home. Spokesperson Bia Rolden says deputies searched the home of 24-year-old Derek Johnson after his dogs killed a neighbor’s dog…
cut 14 (12) “….$61,000”
Johnson is now facing drug and weapon charges.