Governor John Bel Edwards has provided his input on how one-point-six billion dollars in federal coronavirus aid should be spent.  Edwards says 400-million dollars should go towards refilling the unemployment trust fund, which is bankrupt, and the only other way to re-fill it is by taxing businesses.

Cut 3 (09)  “…a pandemic” 

All of the funding comes from the American Rescue Plan approved by Congress earlier this year.

The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed two cases of the COVID-19 Brazilian variant in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (06) “..identified yet”

The Brazilian variant is one of now three variants circulating in Louisiana. Kanter says officials getting vaccinated can help prevent mutations and infections of COVID-19

The State Fair is underway in Shreveport and having the event in the spring is a first for the Bayou State staple. State Fair President Chris Giordano says due to COVID they postponed last year’s fall event and instead of canceling the 114^th edition they opted for a spring and fall fair this year. So far feedback is positive.

Cut 6 (10) “…families”

The fair runs through May 9^th.

A bill to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco and vaping products in Louisiana from 18 to 21 passes in House Judiciary 8 to 2. Denham Springs High School Assistant Principal Justin Wax says vaping and cigarette use among teens is an ever-growing issue.

Cut 7 (10)  “…away from this.”

The bill now heads to the house for debate.

Another poll finds a majority of Louisiana residents support legalizing recreational marijuana. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says the removal of House Education Committee Chairman Representative Ray Garofalo is justified. The Chalmette representative is under fire after a comment during committee testimony that there may have been good parts of slavery went viral.

College athletes would profit from their name, image, and likeness under a bill that also received approval from the Senate Education Committee. But Minden Senator Robert Mills is concerned that if college athletes make money from their name and likeness, it could result in NCAA penalties against Louisiana colleges…

Cut 16 (11) “…scared to death.”

A bill to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco and vaping products in Louisiana from 18 to 21 passes in House Judiciary 8 to 2. Denham Springs High School Assistant Principal John Easterly testified that a quarter of the suspensions he handles are students smoking cigarettes or vaping.

Cut 8 (06) “…period of time.”

The measure now heads to the house floor for debate.

A bill to ban transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports teams in schools passes unanimously out of the Senate Education Committee. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell quoted Female Powerlifter Beth Stelzer in her opening remarks…
Cut 10 (13) “…women’s sports.”
Child psychologist Dr. Clifton Mixon calls the bill divisive and says it sets a damaging tone against an already vulnerable population.

Cut 11 (10) “…future.”

The proposal heads to the Senate floor. Governor Edwards opposes it.

The Senate Education Committee approves legislation that would allow college athletes to profit off of their name, image, or likeness, which could result in endorsement and sponsorship deals for star players. Even though it was approved, several senators had questions like River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot…

Cut 15 (11)“…in this.”

The University of New Orleans’ Survey Research Center has found that 55% of registered voters support the legalization of recreational marijuana in Louisiana.  This comes in the wake of the Louisiana House Criminal Justice Committee passing a bill that seeks to legalize weed. SRC director Dr. Ed Chervenak says it’s unclear if the proposal can receive approval from the Louisiana House.

Cut 6 (07) “…it will be legalized.”

700 registered voters were surveyed.

The University of New Orleans Survey Research Center found that 55-percent of the nearly 700 voters they surveyed this week support the legalization of recreational marijuana. The center’s director, Doctor Edward Chervenak, says opinions on legalization are polarized along party lines…
cut 5 (04) Republicans are not”
But it’s a Republican lawmaker, Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson, who has a bill waiting for debate on the House floor that seeks to legalize recreational marijuana use.

The full Senate will get a chance to debate legislation that would prohibit transgender athletes from competing on girls sports teams. No one on the Senate Education Committee voted against the measure, but Melissa Flournoy with Louisiana Progress says this is a bill in search of a problem as there are no examples of a transgender person playing on a girls team in Louisiana….
cut 12 (09) “…no”
Governor Edwards also opposes.

A proposal that would give college athletes in Louisiana a chance to make money off their name, image, and likeness has started moving at the State Capitol. Jim Shannon has the story
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jim Shannon”

The Saints surprised many by taking Houston defensive end Payton Turner with the 28th overall pick in the first round of the NFL draft. Most mock drafts did not have Turner getting selected in the first round, but the Saints Coach Sean Payton likes his size, his make-up and the energy he brings to the field. Rounds two and three of the draft are tonight.

A proposal to ban transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports at high school, college, and intramurals receive approval from the Senate Education Committee. Child psychologist Dr. Clifton Mixon calls the bill divisive and she says it sets a damaging tone against an already vulnerable population.
Cut 11 (10) “…future.”
The NCAA has threatened to remove championship events from states that pass this type of legislation. New Orleans is set to host the Final Four in men’s basketball next year. The bill’s author, Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell, responded to that threat…
cut 13 (06) “….female athletes”

The Senate Education Committee approves legislation that would allow college athletes to profit off of their name, image, or likeness, which could result in endorsement and sponsorship deals for star players. Former LSU gymnastics coach D-D Breaux spoke in favor of the legislation…
Cut 14 (09) “…playing fields.”
Some of the senators expressed concern that if this bill passes, the NCAA could see it as a violation if student-athletes are paid for endorsement deals.

A bill to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco and vaping products in Louisiana from 18 to 21 passes out of the House Judiciary Committee 8 to 2. Denham Springs High School Assistant Principal Justin Wax says vaping and cigarette use among teens is an ever-growing issue.
Cut 7 (10) “…away from this.”
The measure heads to the House floor for more debate.

Senate Education unanimously approves legislation barring transgender female student-athletes from competing on female teams. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Saints used the 28th pick in the first round to draft Houston defensive end Payton Turner who had five sacks last season. Former LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was taken by the Bengals with the 5th pick and will catch passes again from Joe Burrow.

The University of New Orleans’ Survey Research Center has found that a majority of registered voters statewide support the legalization of recreational marijuana. SRC director Dr. Ed Chervenak says they surveyed nearly 700 registered voters and 55% are in favor of legalizing pot.
Cut 4 (12)“…in the budget.”
A bill that seeks to legalize recreational marijuana is awaiting debate on the House floor.

Also heading to the House floor is a measure that would raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco and vaping products from 18 to 21 years old. Denham Springs Representative Buddy Mincey says a statewide survey indicates students are using nicotine products at alarmingly young ages…
cut 9 (07) “>…elementary school” (2x)
The measure heads to the House floor for debate.

A bill to ban transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports teams in schools passes unanimously out of the Senate Education Committee. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell quoted Female Powerlifter Beth Stelzer in her opening remarks…
Cut 10 (13) “…women’s sports.”
The proposal heads to the Senate floor. Governor Edwards opposes it.

College athletes would profit from their name, image, and likeness under a bill that also received approval from the Senate Education Committee. But Minden Senator Robert Mills is concerned that if college athletes make money from their name and likeness, it could result in NCAA penalties against Louisiana colleges…
Cut 16 (11) “…scared to death.”

Another poll finds a majority of Louisiana residents support legalizing recreational marijuana. Erik Piccoli has the story…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he would not have a problem if Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo is removed as a committee chairman for his comments regarding slavery. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

According to United Cajun Navy members a report of a body found in the water has spurred an emergency search and rescue operation, they received a report of a body floating by a rig Friday morning. Seven passengers remain missing from the SEACOR Power lift boat that capsized April 13^th.

Former LSU receiver Ja’Marr Chase was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the fifth pick, reuniting him with college teammate Joe Burrow. The two won a championship together at LSU.  Chase says he’s ready to grow as a player with Burrow at quarterback.

Cut 14 (11) “…will be easy” 

The first-ever Spring version of the is underway in Shreveport. State Fair President Chris Giordano says due to COVID they postponed last year’s fall event and instead of canceling the 114^th fair, they decided to host two this year.  And if all goes well, this could be the new norm.

Cut 8 (05) “…each year.”

In addition to the staple events and attractions, you find at the fall fair at the spring event visitors can also ice skate in the coliseum when the Mudbugs aren’t playing.