The on again / off again state abortion ban is on again. Louisiana’s First Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a suspensive appeal as the law moves through the court system…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Palermo.”

A Shreveport man arrested last week for possessing child pornography has had more charges added on. 22-year-old Deandrick Fuller initially faced 16 counts, after investigators found images on his devices. Another 132 images were discovered later, including some depicting bestiality. The investigation is ongoing and more charges may be coming.

State Police are conducting their first-ever accelerated trooper cadet academy. The class is only for those with at least two years previous law enforcement experience. Meaning a lot of the basics won’t need to be covered. LSP Sergeant Monroe Dillion says there’s a reason for holding an accelerated academy…:

CUT 05(11)      “…be out there.”

The accelerated class is 28 men and women. LSP’s next regular cadet academy will get underway in February 2023 and the deadline for applications is October 17th.

Starting today, a new law takes effect making it a crime to use marijuana in a moving vehicle. With legal medical cannabis a thing now, Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel, who authored the bill, says it’s a good idea to establish where one CANNOT use it…:

CUT 13(10)      “…driving in a car.”

The law applies to anyone in the car; driver or passengers.

28 men and women who have at least two years of law enforcement experience have started their training in the first ever accelerated cadet class with the Louisiana State Police…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

New Orleans rapper Mystikal, who has been accused of rape twice in the past two decades, is in the Ascension Parish Jail on his third count of alleged sex crimes. The 52-year-old’s real name is Michael Tyler. He spent 6 years in prison for a 2004 sex assault.

A new law taking effect today makes it a crime to use marijuana in a motor vehicle. Metairie Republican Representative Laurie Schlegel brought the bill in the legislature. She says she thought of the bill after witnessing people in New Orleans, driving around smoking weed…:

CUT 12(11)      “…not a good thing.”

A violation will mean a $100 fine.

The Mayor of Ville Platte, Jennifer Vidrine, was installed Saturday as president of the Louisiana Municipal Association; making her the first Black woman to hold that position. Vidrine says she is honored to be elected by her peers…:

CUT 09  (12)        “…also humbling.”

In her career in public service, she has broken through a number of racial and gender barriers to get where she is.

Coming soon to a highway near you: more Louisiana State Troopers. LSP Sgt. Monroe Dillon says an accelerated cadet academy is underway now. That means everyone in the class has at least 2 years law enforcement experience. That means they do not have to repeat the basics…:

CUT 04  (11)        “…defensive tactics.”

28 new men and women will soon graduate and begin service.

Louisiana’s law that bans most abortions is back in effect. Baton Rouge Judge Don Johnson has signed an order that suspends his preliminary injunction. Judge Johnson had issued a restraining order against the law from going into effect while he studies the merits of the law, but Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says it was just a matter of time before the appeals court would act……:

CUT 07(08)      “…the law requires.”

Starting today the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin is officially designated as a highway safety corridor. Jeff Palermo on what that means…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Palermo.”

…and now today’s markets…

The First Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Friday that Baton Rouge Judge Don Johnson must sign off on the state’s trigger’s law that bans abortion must go back into effect. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino is surprised the state’s appeals court took this long to get involved in the case…

Cut 6 (11) “…district court ruling” 

Judge Johnson had issued a restraining order against the law from going into effect while he studies the merits of the law.

An accelerated cadet academy for Louisiana State troopers is underway. Sergeant Monroe Dillion says in their 86 years of cadet classes this is their first ever accelerated academy with 28 men and women embarking on their future as a state trooper.

Cut 3 (10) “…14 weeks.” 

A law to train law enforcement officers on how to detect human trafficking goes into effect today. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says human trafficking can easily go unnoticed, especially in places or events with large crowds, but the problem is also very bad in Louisiana’s small towns. She says it coincides with the illegal drug trade…:

Cut 14 (12)  “…dirty, dirty thing.”

A new study conducted by the LSU Department of Marketing along with researchers from other Universities has found that caffeine could lead to greater consumer spending. Associate Professor Courtney Szocs says drinks like espressos, coffee and tea impacted not only the degree of spending but also the types of products…

Cut 10 (09) “…products”

Entergy Louisiana President Phillip May says electricity costs have risen sharply all over the U.S., and Entergy is not “gouging” its customers. Still, many customers are angry with storm assessments Entergy has added to their bills. May says they have little choice if they hope to recoup their storm-related losses…:

Cut 9 (14)  “…present our bills.”

An LSU Department of Marketing study shows caffeine use can cause you to spend more money. Associate Professor Courtney Szocs says that one should be mindful of what time they consume that caffeinated beverage in order to avoid making that unnecessary purchase…

Cut  11 (12)  “…trying to say” 

Starting today the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin is officially designated as a highway safety corridor. Jeff Palermo on what that means….

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Another law that goes into effect today is required training for law enforcement officers on how to recognize signs of human trafficking. The new law also requires state and local law enforcement agencies to regularly report on training compliance and progress. The I-10/I-12 corridor is a known pipeline for human sex trafficking.

Entergy Louisiana President Phillip May says an increase in natural gas prices are responsible for high power bills along with high customer usage in the summer heat.  He says Entergy understands how burdensome it can be for some folks to afford their utility bill…:

Cut 8 (13)  “…who need assistance.”

A law to train law enforcement officers on how to detect human trafficking goes into effect today. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell’s legislation says in addition to recognizing the crime it also requires state and local law enforcement agencies to regularly report on training compliance and progress…:

Cut 15 (11)  “…the numbers on that.”

Looking to save money on back-to-school shopping? Research says putting down that coffee could help you save a buck. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

Former State Senator Karen Carter Peterson is expected to plead guilty in federal court today to illegally spending campaign funds and Democratic Party money on personal needs, including gambling. In April she resigned from the Louisiana Senate to address with her struggles with depression and gambling.

Entergy Louisiana says they’re not “gouging” ratepayers, and wish to set the record straight…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

A Minden High School student is recovering after being shot in her back at a trail ride over the weekend. Two other people, a man and a woman, were also wounded in the gunfire. Webster Parish Sheriff’s Officials believe gunfire erupted when a fight between two females escalated, but the 17-year-old who was hit was not involved in that altercation. The victim was in critical condition, but Facebook posts indicate she’s now talking and alert. An arrest hasn’t been made but the sheriff says there are people of interest.

Speeding fines are now doubled on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says a law passed in the 2022 legislature went into effect today and it also calls eight sets of speed limit signs…:
Cut 5 (12) “…80 miles per hour”
There were over 200 crashes that resulted in two deaths and nearly 100 injuries on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge last year.

A new study out of LSU finds drinking a lot of caffeine could be causing you to spend more money on indulgent things. Associate Marketing Professor Courtney Szocs says if you’re trying to save money on back-to-school shopping, watch how much coffee you drink…:
CUT 12 (13) “products”

Starting today the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin is officially designated as a highway safety corridor. Jeff Palermo on what that means…:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

State Police is investigating a head on crash in Washington Parish Saturday night that left a driver dead and five other people hurt. The crash claimed the life of 35-year-old Kevin Christensen of Mandeville. Cops believe Christenson was traveling in the wrong direction when he hit a Jeep head on – injuring its 5 occupants. Troopers say Christensen was not properly restrained at the time of the crash.

A number of new laws passed in the 2022 Legislature go into effect today. One will require all law enforcement officers in the state to be trained in how to recognize signs of human trafficking. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell brought the bill…:
Cut 13 (08) “to recognize it”
The I-10/I-12 corridor is known as a pipeline for human sex trafficking.

If you drink a lot of coffee, it could cause you to spend more money according to a new study out of the LSU Department of Marketing. Associate Professor Courtney Szocs says drinks like espressos, coffee and tea impact not only the degree of spending but also the types of things you buy…:
Cut 10 (09) “products”
Examples include buttery, salty popcorn; chocolate candy; luxury vacations along with any other items that induce a state of extreme excitement and energy.

Entergy Louisiana President Phillip May wants to clear up some of what he calls “misconceptions” about high energy bills, and what the utility is doing to help. May says the cost of producing electricity rose quickly as record-high inflation grips the country…:
Cut 7 (10) “from our customers”
Many people are angry over storm assessments Entergy added to bills and May says those from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike in 2008 will come off starting today.

An NBA legend who was born in North Louisiana has died. Monroe native Bill Russell, one of basketball’s greatest players, passed away Sunday at the age of 88. Russell had 11 championships with the Celtics, including an unpresented 8 straight, he won the NBA MVP five times and is the first black coach in any major sport. Russell was born in Monroe in 1934. At the age of 8 he moved to Oakland.

Starting today, speeding fines are doubled on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge if motorists are caught going above the 60 mile per hour speed limit for vehicles and 55 miles per hour for commercial trucks. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says in 2023 speed cameras will be installed to track drivers…:
Cut 4 (10) “third time”
Wilson says the goal of the beefed up enforcement and higher fines is get people to slow down.

Former State Senator Karen Carter Peterson is expected to plead guilty in federal court today to illegally spending campaign funds and Democratic Party money on personal needs, including gambling.

For the LRN I’m Erik Piccoli
Northwestern State men’s basketball is adding Hansel Enmanuel to its 2022 recruiting class. Enmanuel is from the Dominican Republic and he had his left arm amputated at the age of 6 after a wall collapsed on it. Demons Coach Corey Gipson says it’s clear that life challenges have made the three-star recruit even more determined…
Cut 4 (08) “…that guy”
Gipson says the Enmanuel family showed the program the type of passion and love for the game that they look for at NSU.
And A new law goes into effect Monday that makes stealing a catalytic converter a crime. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says his legislation makes it easier to prosecute thieves who swipe a catalytic converter from a vehicle and the punishment is severe
Cut 6 (10) “…50-grand”
Talbot says some criminals steal dozens of catalytic converters and sell them in bulk.
Cut 7 (10) “…catalytic converters.”
LRN
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A lot of new state laws go into effect Monday, August 1st, and one of them will forbid police from using the smell of marijuana as probable cause to search one’s home. The bill was authored by New Iberia Representative Marcus Bryant, who says there are still warrantless searches and arrests being made, simply because an LEO smelled weed. He says the new law makes it clear for police…
Cut 9 (07) “…warrantless arrests.”
Again, the new law takes effect on August 1st.
And Deputies in St. Martin Parish arrest a woman for stabbing an officer during an arrest. Sheriff’s Captain GinnyHiggins says, when Burton fled the vehicle and the deputy, she left something very important in the car…
Cut 13 (10) “…took over after that..”
Burton, who is from Las Vegas, is now charged with attempted murder of a police officer, resisting arrest, simple escape, possession of narcotics, and more.