There are eleven days until the start of the legislative session. On the agenda is a proposal to increase teacher salaries by three-thousand dollars. Also an increase in supplemental pay for law enforcement officers and there’s a bill to increase the salary of lawmakers. Houma Republican Representative Tanner Magee says raising the pay of legislators’ in an election year is dicey….
cut 9 (10) “…do that”

Another bill that will be up for discussion is a measure that would give citizens and the press free access to criminal court records, so crime victims can see what is going on with their case. Attorney and victims rights’ advocate Laura Rodrigue says…
cut 5 (11) “…..as victims”
The program would start in Orleans, East Baton Rouge and Caddo parishes.

According to Wallet-hub, Louisiana ranks second as the most stressed out state in the country. Analyst Jill Gonazles says Louisiana ranks high because of its high crime and divorce rate. Plus, Louisiana ranks second for median credit score and percentage of the population living in poverty. When it comes to money problems, Gonzales says the worst thing you can do is ignore it…
cut 12 (11) “….people out”
Mississippi is ranked as the most stressed out state.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says it has 19 new commissioned agents who will enforce hunting, fishing, and boating regulations. L-D-W-F spokesperson Adam Einck says many of the individuals love the outdoors and appreciate having a job that seeks to preserve the Sportsman’s Paradise…
cut 15 (10) “… as we can”
Einck says the next academy will likely start in the fall and they’ll begin taking applications later this spring.

The state legislature is expected to take on teacher and law enforcement pay raises when they convene in about 12 days. Louisiana has over a billion dollars in surplus, thanks to pandemic relief and hurricane recovery money, so the Governor wants to give teachers a $3000-a-year raise. Others want to give more supplemental pay to LEOs. Houma Representative Tanner McGee says the latter will likely get some pushback…:

CUT 08  (09)        “…local responsibility.”

McGee says pay raises need to come from renewable funding sources.

Wildlife & Fisheries just graduated a class on 19 new field agents. Spokesman Adam Einck says they’ll spend their first 6 months on the job with a training officer. He says the additional agents were sorely needed…:

CUT 14  (14)        “…helps a lot.”

When you compare stress factors among states Louisiana isn’t at the top of the list but it sure is close. Brooke Thorington has more on WalletHub’s 2023 list of Most Stressed States…:

CUT 03(29)      “…Thorington.”

This is NOT a Louisiana story, but you should enjoy it. A pair of teenage carjackers in Germantown, Maryland are under arrest after they failed to make off with a man’s wheels. They accosted the man as he was finishing getting gas, forcefully took his keys and jumped in the car…only to find it had a standard transmission…which they could not fathom. They were apprehended a short time later after fleeing on foot.

The legislative session is right around the corner and with the state sitting on a large surplus of money, raising salaries will be a big topic. Governor Edwards proposes a three-thousand-dollar teacher salary increase. Republican Houma Representative Tanner Magee says legislators support raising teacher pay but by how much…:

CUT 07(08)      “…pay for it.”

Magee says federal pandemic relief money and hurricane recovery dollars have helped boost state revenues. But that money is going way, so pay raises need to be from sustainable funding.

April is Stress Awareness Month and according to WalletHub the Bayou State ranks number two among the most stressed states. WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says they compared several factors like work, financial, health, and crime-related stress among the 50 states…:

CUT 10(10)      “…interrelated”

Mississippi topped the list as the most stressed state, followed by Louisiana, New Mexico, West Virginia, and Nevada.

Should victims, families of defendants, the public, and the press have the right to know our criminal court system is working on their behalf? If passed, a new bill would provide that information at no cost…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Foxx.”

In New Orleans, a judge has ruled that DNA and fingerprint evidence MAY be used in the trial against 3 of 4 teens accused of carjacking an elderly woman last year and dragging her to her death.  73-year-old Linda Frickey died after her arm was torn off. Trial for the three begins Monday with jury selection. One teen was ruled incompetent to stand trial.

Will public school teachers get a pay raise when legislators convene for the regular session next month?…

CUT 02  (30)         “…Kieschnick”

Deputies in DeSoto Parish arrest a big rig driver after video of him driving very aggressively against another 18-wheeler went viral this week. The video shows 43-year-old Omar Martinez’s truck and another swerving back and forth across I-49 near Stonewall; trying to run on another off the road. A warrant is out for the other trucker as well. His identity has not been released.

A bill to create a Criminal Justice System Pilot Program providing free access to criminal court records and case information for the public and the press is on the table for the upcoming legislative session. The two-part legislation will offer transparency in adult court and relating to juvenile crime. Attorney Laura Rodrigue says with a rise in juvenile crime – the public has the right to know what is going on in the court system…:

CUT 04(12)      “…of violence.”

The legislation is authored by Kenner Representative Debbie Villio.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Law Enforcement Academy graduated their 35^th class of cadets into the LDWF Enforcement Division. Graduates spent the last six months training to enforce the state’s recreational boating and wildlife and fisheries laws and LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says they’ll start work immediately…:

CUT 13(10)      “…being followed.”

The 19 graduates will help to fill vacancies in the Enforcement Division and spend the first six months assigned to a field-training officer.

Should victims, families of defendants, the public, and the press have the right to know our criminal court system is working on their behalf? If passed, a bill may provide that information at no cost. Teiko Foxx has the story.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Will public school teachers get a pay raise when legislators convene for the regular session next month? Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

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When you compare stress factors among states Louisiana isn’t at the top of the list but it sure is close. Brooke Thorington has more on WalletHub’s 2023 list of Most Stressed States.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A bill to create a Criminal Justice System Pilot Program providing free access to criminal court records and case information for the public and the press is on the table for the upcoming legislative session. The two-part legislation will offer transparency in adult court and relating to juvenile crime. Attorney Laura Rodrigue says with a rise in juvenile crime – the public has the right to know what is going on in the court system.

Cut 4 (12)  “…of violence.”

The legislation authored by Representative Debbie Villio will begin to immediately address the crisis in Orleans, Caddo, and East Baton Rouge Parishes. Rodrigue says the Attorney General’s office has agreed to setup an online data portal.

Cut 5 (11) “…as victims.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry – who established the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation within the Department of Justice – .says he’s standing with families who have been impacted by crime and supports this legislation.

Cut 6 (11)  “…the results.”

New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport ranked 8^th, 10^th, and 19^th respectively as the most deadliest cities in the country according to Forbes.

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The legislative session is right around the corner and with the state sitting on a large surplus of money, raising salaries will be a big topic. Governor Edwards proposes a three-thousand-dollar teacher salary increase. Republican Houma Representative Tanner Magee says legislators support raising teacher pay but by how much…

Cut 7 (08) “…pay for it.”

Magee says federal pandemic relief money and hurricane recovery dollars have helped boost state revenues. But that money is going way. He also says a portion of the state sales tax will sunset in July of 2024, so the good financial times may not last.

There’s talk about increasing the supplemental pay for law enforcement, but Magee says there’s opposition to that proposal…

Cut 8 (09) “…local responsibility.”

And Gretna Representative Joe Marino has filed a bill that would give legislators a large pay raise from just 17-thousand dollars a year to 60-thousand dollars a year, starting in 2024. Magee says raising lawmakers’ pay in an election year is dicey

Cut 9 (10)  “…do that.”

_______________________________________________

April is Stress Awareness Month and according to WalletHub the Bayou State ranks number two among the most stressed states. WalletHub analyst Jill -Gonzales says they compared several factors like work, financial, health, and crime-related stress among the 50 states.

Cut 10 (10)  “…interrelated.”

And it’s only appropriate that April is Stress Awareness Month with federal income taxes due. Gonzales says financial stress is a common theme across the country.

Cut 11 (09)  “…even more so.”

And to relieve your stress Gonzales suggests you do things like take a long walk, read a book, or visit a park, things that aren’t cost-related. When it comes to money problems, Gonzales says the worst thing you can do is ignore it.

Cut 12 (11)  “…people out.”

Mississippi topped the list as the most stressed state, followed by Louisiana, New Mexico, West Virginia, and Nevada.

______________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Law Enforcement Academy graduated their 35^th class of cadets into the LDWF Enforcement Division. Graduates spent the last six months training to enforce the state’s recreational boating and wildlife and fisheries laws and LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says they’ll start work immediately…

Cut 13 (10) “…being followed.” 

The 19 graduates will help to fill vacancies in the Enforcement Division and spend the first six months assigned to a field-training officer. They’ll help govern the use of the Sportsman’s Paradise’s natural resources that Einck says a lot of people make use of…

Cut 14 (14)  “…helps a lot.”

The graduating agents come from all over the state to help protect their native resources and many are drawn to the job because of that opportunity. Einck says this has been a lifelong goal for many of them…

Cut 15 (10)  “…as we can.”

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LSU Pitcher Paul Skenes was the top transfer and pitching prospect in the nation this offseason, and he hasn’t disappointed in the Purple and Gold. Skenes is 5-and-0 to start the season with a 0.59 ERA and 59 strikeouts. Skenes says the key to his improvement and dominance is as simple as a good night’s sleep…

Cut  16 (17)  “…biggest thing.” 

The number one-ranked Tigers will host eleventh-ranked Tennessee this weekend. The Volunteers’ pitching staff has a 2.59 ERA, the best in the SEC, but they’ve started SEC play with a 3-3 record after being swept by Missouri the first weekend of conference play and haven’t won a road game all season. Skenes says he’s excited for a star-studded matchup in Alex Box…

Cut 17 (18) “…make it hard.” 

Tigers outfielder Josh Pearson was a significant piece in last year’s lineup but didn’t see the field much before conference play much this year. He’s made a return to the lineup in the first two series and he says it was just a matter of rebuilding his confidence after some offseason struggles…

Cut 18 (21) “…trust in me.”

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Cut 19 (17) “…to help us.”

Cut 20 (20)  “…that regard.”  

LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine plans to double student admission and increase graduation rates to shrink the shortage of veterinarians across the U.S. LSU Vet School Dean, Oliver Garden says they will increase class size by next year.

Cut 3 (09) “…this happens”

Nearly every state reported critical shortages in veterinary care in 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

To increase safety along the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, DOTD plans to install speed cameras next year as a preventive measure. The beginning phase includes increased signage along the bridge. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says feedback cameras will also be installed to alert drivers when they are speeding.

Cut 7 (09)  “…the number of crashes.” 

Double speeding fine signs installed on the bridge in August is proving to be effective.

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt authored a bill that increases punishment for those who produce or combine fentanyl with other drugs. Drugs laced with fentanyl were responsible for 140 deaths last year in her home parish of St. Tammany. She says the maximum penalty for manufacturing a controlled substance under her legislation would increase from 15 to 40.

Cut 10 (10) “…in our state” 

The penalties would also include a 500-thousand dollar fine for the convicted drug manufacturer.

ULM and Louisiana Tech announce they will renew their football rivalry, but fans will have to wait until 2030 before the two schools separated by 36 miles will meet again on the gridiron. KNOE-TV sports director Aaron Dietrich says hopes this game will take place.

Cut 14 (11)  “…down the road”

They have not played each other on the football field since 2000.

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt files legislation to significantly increases the punishment for those who produce or combine fentanyl with other drugs. The maximum penalty for manufacturing a controlled dangerous substance would increase from 15 to 40 years with a minimum sentence of ten years of hard labor.

Cut 10 (10) “…in our state” 

The state’s first Safety Corridor continues to phase in measures to reduce speeding and accidents on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says the first phase of Act 426 called for increased signage along the 18-mile-long bridge.

Cut 6 (09)  “…feedback cameras.” 
A speed feedback camera is a digital sign that tells drivers how fast they are driving. The speed cameras that would issue citations are expected in 2024.

LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine is hoping to help with the ongoing vet shortage by increasing enrollment. LSU Vet School Dean, Oliver Garden says class size will almost double at 220 next year. He says the combination of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging makes a great foundation for a thriving department.

Cut 4 (12)  “…and ambitions” 

Out of the school’s 15 hundred applicants, only 120 were admitted in the past.

ULM and Louisiana Tech are renewing their rivalry on the gridiron but fans will have to wait until 2030 for the two to play each other again. KNOE-TV sports director Aaron Dietrich says many longtime Bulldog fans have pushed back on the idea of playing ULM…

Cut 13 (09) “..do change.”

Speeding cameras won’t be added to the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge until 2024. The 18-mile-long bridge between Lafayette and Baton Rouge is highly traveled and DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says even a small accident on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge can cause major repercussions.

Cut 8 (08)  “…over water.” 

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt files legislation to significantly increase the punishment for those who produce or combine fentanyl with other drugs. The maximum penalty would be raised from 15 to 40 years and a $ 500 thousand fine. Hewitt says similar penalties were successful in reducing heroin on our streets…

Cut 11 (12)  “…fentanyl.”

Billy Ellerbe Junior of Natchitoches was apprehended in New Orleans by U.S. Marshals for alleged arson in Natchitoches Parish earlier this year. In January multiple roadside and forest fires were set in the parish, threatening timberland, homes, and a cemetery and obstructing the flow of traffic. He faces multiple arson charges.

Pet ownership has increased and there’s a growing demand for veterinarians across the country. LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine hopes to increase admissions to help.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

New speeding cameras will be installed along the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge by the end of 2024. Brooke Thorington has the details.

Cut 2 (31)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The United States Marshal Service Violent Offender Task Force arrested a Natchitoches man in New Orleans as a result of warrants for setting roadside and forest fires in January. Billy Ellerbe, Jr. is charged with one count of arson, one count of simple littering, and an additional count of arson. Authorities say the fires set in Natchitoches Parish threatened homes and obstructed traffic on I-49.

LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine plans to increase student enrollment and graduation rates to elevate a shortage of veterinarians across the country.  LSU Vet School Dean, Oliver Garden says the state has given the school $2.2 million in funding but additional funding is necessary.

Cut 5 (10) “…mix as well”

The school plans to increase its faculty and offer scholarships to attract students.

ULM and Louisiana Tech announce they will renew their football rivalry, but fans will have to wait until 2030 before the two schools separated by 36 miles will meet again on the gridiron. They have not played each other on the football field since 2000. KNOE-TV sports director Aaron Dietrich says it’s good to see the rivalry resume.

Cut 12 (07) “…make it happen” 

The two schools scheduled a game against each other in 2020, but it was scrapped because of COVID.

Speeding cameras along the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge are expected to be installed by the end of 2024. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says speeding fines are double along the 18-mile bridge and it’s the speed differential of vehicles, anywhere from ten miles an hour or more over 60 miles an hour that increases the chance of an accident on the narrow bridge.

Cut 7 (09)  “…the number of crashes.” 

A crash on the bridge can stop traffic along I-10 for hours.

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt files legislation to significantly increase the punishment for those who produce or combine fentanyl with other drugs. Hewitt says she’s going after those who operate clandestine drug labs…

Cut 9 (11) “…prescription drugs”

The maximum penalty would increase from 15 to 40 years.

LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine will increase enrollment and graduation rates to help with the shortage of veterinarians across the country. Vet School Dean, Oliver Garden says they will enlarge the class size from 120 to 220 – almost double the size next year.

Cut 3 (09) “…this happens”

With the LSU Lady Tigers basketball team in Dallas preparing to play Virginia Tech Friday night, the school announced this morning they’ve purchased billboard space in the Lone Star state to highlight their first appearance since 2008 to the Final Four. And a billboard featuring head coach Kim Mulkey is up in Waco, the home of Baylor University. Mulkey coached the Bears for 21 seasons and won three national titles there. Some Baylor fans are bitter about the billboard and Mulkey’s decision to leave the Big 12 school to return to her home state.