A Senate Committee approves major changes to the state’s public record laws, despite objections from good government groups and journalists. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

And after one season with the Lady Tigers, Hailey Van Lith is heading to TCU. The guard entered the transfer portal after the Tigers lost to Iowa in the Elite Eight. She’s finishing up her last semester in Baton Rouge and will graduate next month with one more year of eligibility.

Legislation to create a Gun Free Zone in New Orleans’ entertainment district was voluntarily deferred in House Criminal Justice. Bill author Representative Alonzo Knox urged committee members to ask local law enforcement in their districts what they think about the law that goes into effect July 4^th allowing for concealed carry without a permit.

Cut 4 (08) “…a crisis.”

Knox told committee members he was pulling the bill and will discuss points brought up with Senator Kirk Talbot who’s proposed similar legislation.

The LSU gymnastics squad will compete in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships today in Fort Worth as the Tigers are in search of the program’s first national championship. This is LSU’s 33rd appearance in the NCAA Championships and Coach Jay Clark might have the school’s most talented team.

Cut 14 (08)  “…love to have.”

A proposal to expand gun-free zones in New Orleans did not get out of House Criminal Justice Committee. Opponents to the legislation say adding another gun-free zone infringes on a person’s Second Amendment rights. New Orleans metro councilwoman Helena Moreno says there’s also a bill on the Senate side, so the issue is not dead for this session…

Cut 6 (13) “…better shape.”
The second-ranked LSU gymnastics squad competes in the semifinal round of the NCAA Championships today at 3:30 in Fort Worth, Texas. Coach Jay Clark has told the team to keep their same mindset…

Cut 15 (06)  “…be successful”
LSU will compete against Cal, Arkansas, and Stanford today.

Members of the news media and good-government groups strongly oppose a bill supported by Governor Jeff Landry to prevent journalists and the public from obtaining records that can now be accessed through public records requests. New Orleans investigative TV reporter Lee Zurik says public record requests he obtained helped shine a light on what led to the collapse of the New Orleans Hard Rock Hotel in 2019…

Cut 11 (12) “…this law.”
Governor Jeff Landry says current public records law stifles deliberative speech.

Bill author Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud says she’ll work to address some of the concerns of the opponents and will make changes to the bill before the full Senate takes a vote on it…

Cut 13 (05)  “…what they need.”

Legislation to create a Gun Free Zones for entertainment districts like the New Orleans French Quarter was pulled from House Criminal Justice. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says two people shot over the weekend in the parking lot of a convenience store in Gardner have died. The shooting occurred after a fight broke out involving a 17-year-old and his mother. Deputies say the 17-year-old shot himself and 27-year-old Michael Grossie, who authorities say tried to bring peace to the scene. The 17-year-old and Grossie are now dead.

It’s that time of year for fire ant mounds to start popping up in lawns across the state. LSU Ag Center horticulturist, Doctor Heather Kirk Ballard, says be careful to follow instructions on baits and poisons and pay attention to the time of your treatment…
cut 8 (11) “….wash away”
Kirk-Ballard says coordinate with neighbors since the pests can create extensive underground tunnels and treat them in both April and October when the insects are active.

The LSU gymnastics squad will compete in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships today at 3:30 in Fort Worth, Texas as the Tigers are in search of the program’s first national championship. This might be the school’s most talented team. Coach Jay Clark…
Cut 14 (08) “…love to have.”

Legislation that sought to create firearm free zones in areas classified as major entertainment districts failed to advance out of House Criminal Justice Committee. Firearm professionals Louisiana political director Chris Patron spoke in opposition…
cut 5 (11) “….need is enforcement”
New Orleans Representative Alonzo Knox is the author of the bill. He’s concerned about more people carry guns in the New Orleans French Quarter because of the state’s new permitless conceal carry law.

Do you have a bunch of fire ant mounds in your yard? LSU Ag Center horticulturist Heather Kirk Ballard says there are some organic options available and one is non-toxic…
cut 9 (12) “….or rotenone”
Kirk Ballard also advises to work with your neighbors so fire ants stay off your block.

Members of the news media and good-government groups strongly oppose a bill supported by Governor Jeff Landry that would prevent journalists and the public from obtaining records that can now be accessed through public records requests. New Orleans investigative TV reporter Lee Zurik says public record requests he obtained helped shine a light on what led to the collapse of the New Orleans Hard Rock Hotel in 2019…
cut 11 (12) “…this law”
Governor Jeff Landry says current public records law stifles deliberative speech.

U-S House Speaker Mike Johnson of Benton has scheduled votes on Saturday for stand alone bills to provide aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. They will be separate votes for each country. But Republicans have said any foreign aid package should also result in improved southern border security. Johnson is facing pressure from his Republican colleagues…
cut 28 (11) “….right think”

The Louisiana Senate approves a bill that would prohibit public schools from teaching that students endure or cause oppression due to their race or national origin. Opponents are concerned this will prevent teachers from doing lessons on racism in America. Denham Springs Senator Valerie Hodges says her legislation will not prevent educators from teaching history lessons…
Cut 29 (09) “…America.”
The bill heads to the House for more discussion.

A proposal to expand gun free zones in New Orleans did not get out of House Criminal Justice Committee. Opponents to the legislation say adding another firearm free zone infringes on a person’s second amendment rights. New Orleans metro councilwoman Helena Moreno says there’s also a bill on the Senate side, so the issue is not dead for this session…
cut 6 (13) “…better shape”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee has approved legislation that makes major changes to the state’s public records law. Opponents to the bill say many documents currently available through public record requests would no longer be available. The bill, which is also touted as legislation to keep the governor and his family safe, passed on a six to two-vote. New Orleans Senator Gary Carter voted against it…
Cut 12 (10) “…know that.”
Governor Jeff Landry says the state’s current public records law is stretched and being weaponized to stifle deliberative speech.

Fire ant mounds are popping up in yards across Louisiana. LSU Ag Center Horticulturist, Heather Kirk-Ballard says each mound could contain up to 200,000 stinging insect…
Cut 7 (12) “…pretty formidable.”
Kirk-Ballard says coordinating efforts with neighbors is the best way to keep fire ant mounds out of your yard.

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approves legislation that critics say will gut the state’s public records law at every level. It would prohibit the public from obtaining any government documents involved in decision-making. Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud, says they are trying to prevent unfinalized information from becoming public…
Cut 10 (11) “…catastrophic.”
Opponents are concerned about not obtaining information on how governmental decisions are made.

Legislation to create a Gun Free Zone in New Orleans’ entertainment district has been tabled. Bill author Representative Alonzo Knox filed the bill in response to the state’s permitless conceal carry law that goes into effect July 4th.
Cut 4 (11) “…a crisis.”

In the springtime, fire ant mounds bring swarms of stinging pests to yards and gardens. Colleen Crain on how to get rid of the tiny tormentors.
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Colleen Crain.”

The second ranked LSU gymnastics squad competes in the semifinal round of the NCAA Championships today at 3:30 in Fort Worth, Texas. Coach Jay Clark has told the team to keep their same mindset…
cut 15 (06) “…be successful

Legislation to create a Gun Free Zone in New Orleans’ entertainment district was pulled from House Criminal Justice. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Fire ant mounds are a sign of Spring that isn’t so welcome because they bring swarms of stinging pests to yards and gardens. Colleen Crain has more on getting rid of the tiny tormentors.

Cut 2 (33)  “I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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A Senate Committee approves major changes to the state’s public record laws, despite objections from good government group and journalists. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

____________________________________________

Legislation to create a Gun Free Zone in New Orleans’ entertainment district was voluntarily deferred in House Criminal Justice. Bill author Representative Alonzo Knox urged committee members to ask local law enforcement in their districts what they think about the law that goes into effect July 4^th allowing for concealed carry without a permit.

Cut 4 (11) “…a crisis.”

Knox amended the bill to allow gun owners with a permit to conceal carry in the New Orleans entertainment district so it would not infringe upon one’s rights. But that too was met with opposition. Firearm Professionals of Louisiana political director Chris Patron…

Cut 5 (11) “…need is enforcement.” 

New Orleans Councilwoman Helena Moreno who supports the bill told committee members after discussions with Knox he’s opting to voluntarily pull the bill. But they plan to meet with Republican Senator Kirk Talbot who’s filed similar legislation that’s limited to the French Quarter.

Cut 6 (13) “…better shape.”

_________________________________________________

Warm weather means many things and unfortunately, one of them is the appearance of fire ant mounds. LSU Ag Center Horticulturist, Heather Kirk-Ballard says each mound could contain up to 200,000 of the stinging pests that become more active this time of year…

Cut 7 (12) “…pretty formidable.”

Swarms of fire ants can sting within seconds and, for some, cause serious allergic reactions.

Kirk-Ballard says a concerted effort is best when trying to eradicate fire ants. Coordinate with neighbors since the pests can create extensive underground tunnels and treat them in both April and October when the insects are active. Be careful to follow instructions on baits and poisons and pay attention to the timing of your treatment…

Cut 8 (11) “…wash away.” 

Many of the baits are safe for some animals but harmful to birds. Others are harmful to people and pets. Contrary to some popular myths, grits won’t work and neither will piling one mound top of the other but Kirk-Ballard says there are some organic options and one is non-toxic.

Cut 9 (12)  “…or rotenone.”

Never apply baits near water systems such as ponds and lakes. The LSU Ag Center website offers additional information at LSUAgCenter.com

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The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approves legislation that critics say will gut the state’s public records law at every level. It would prohibit the public from obtaining any government documents involved in decision-making. The bill’s author, Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud, says they are trying to prevent unfinalized information from becoming public…

Cut 10 (11) “…catastrophic.”

Governor Jeff Landry says current public records laws have become weaponized to stifle deliberative speech. Landry says he supports transparency when it comes to fiscal matters, but the current law is stretched and being abused.

Investigative reporter Lee Zurik, with Fox-8 TV in New Orleans spoke in opposition. He says public records requests he obtained helped shine a light on what led to the collapse of the New Orleans Hard Rock Hotel in 2019

Cut 11 (12) “…this law.”

The bill, which is also touted as legislation to keep the governor and his family safe, passed on a six to two-vote. New Orleans Senator Gary Carter voted against it…

Cut 12 (10) “…know that.” 

Cloud says she’ll work to address some of the concerns of the opponents and will make changes to the bill before the full Senate takes a vote on it…

Cut 13 (05)  “…what they need.”

___________________________________________________

The LSU gymnastics squad will compete in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships today in Fort Worth, Texas as the Tigers are in search of the program’s first national championship. This is LSU’s 33rd appearance in the NCAA Championships and Coach Jay Clark might have the school’s most talented team

Cut 14 (08)  “…love to have.”

LSU finished fourth last year. The Tigers have finished as runner-ups four times since 2014. They will compete at 3:30 central time in first session of the semifinals. They are one of four teams competing at that time and they need to finish in the top two to advance to the championship round on Saturday. Clark has told his team to keep the same mindset they’ve had all season long…

Cut 15 (06)  “…be successful”

LSU will compete against Cal, Arkansas and Stanford today. In the night session, it’s defending champion Oklahoma, Florida, Utah and Alabama.

____________________________________________________

The LSU baseball team leaves for Columbia, Missouri today as they head to Mizzou looking to snap their five game SEC series losing streak. Coach Jay Johnson has been meeting with players on a one-on-one basis in the hopes getting this team out of this slump…

Cut 16 (20)  “..those guys out”  

LSU is 3-and-12 in the SEC and can not afford to lose another SEC series and still make the NCAA Tournament. Johnson says the coaching staff is trying to get the best out of this team…

Cut 17 (09) “…right now.”

Johnson says this team is lacking clutch pitching and hitting…

Cut 18 (18)  “…Christian Moore.” 

Senate Governmental Affairs approves legislation that critics say will gut the state’s public records law at every level. It would prohibit the public from obtaining any government documents involved in decision making. Bill author, Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud, says they are trying to prevent unfinalized information from becoming public…

Cut 10 (11 ) “…catastrophic”

Fox 8 New Orleans Investigative reporter Lee Zurik spoke in opposition. He says public records requests helped shine a light on what led to the collapse of the New Orleans Hard Rock hotel in 2019.

Cut 11 (12) “…this law.”

Cloud says she’ll work to address the concerns of opponents and make changes before the full Senate votes.

Legislation to create a Gun Free Zone in New Orleans’ entertainment district was voluntarily deferred in House Criminal Justice. Bill author Representative Alonzo Knox urged committee members to ask local law enforcement in their districts what they think about the law that goes into effect July 4^th allowing for concealed carry without a permit.

Cut 4 (12) “…a crisis.”

Knox amended the bill to allow gun owners with a permit to conceal carry in the New Orleans entertainment district so it would not infringe upon one’s rights. But that too was met with opposition. Firearm Professionals of Louisiana political director Chris Patron…

Cut 5 (12) “…need is enforcement.” 

Knox says he plans to meet with Republican Senator Kirk Talbot who’s proposed similar legislation and work on points made in committee.