President Biden is enacting new migrant restrictions at the southern border. Colleen Crain has reaction from Louisiana’s U-S Senators…
cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The founder and CEO of Acadian Ambulance, Richard Zuschlag, has passed away at the age of 76. The Pennsylvannia native moved to Lafayette in 1970 and started Acadian Ambulance in 1971 with two ambulances. The Lafayette based company now has 52-hundred employees and operates in 37 parishes in Louisiana.
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Governor Jeff Landry and several other Republican Governors are calling on President Joe Biden to ease regulatory pressure on the fossil fuel industry, prioritize technology and to end his moratorium on permits for liquid natural gas export facilities. Landry says more domestice energy production could reduce inflation….
Cut 6 (05) “…pockets of Americans.”

The Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo in Monroe is celebrating its 100th birthday this month. City of Monroe spokesperson Emily Stogner says they had a big celebration last weekend…
Cut 11 (10) “…100 years.”
The newest addition is the Louisiana Purchase exhibit where visitors can feed animals and get a sense of what it was like during the time of the Louisiana Purchase.

Republican lawmakers are questioning the timing of President Joe Biden’s plan that would significantly restrict migrants at the southern border, saying it’s too little too late. The president unveiled the plan to gain control of the border and restore order yesterday. This as Republicans like Senator John Kennedy point out the number of border crossings has dramatically increased under the Biden Administration.

Cut 15 (11)  “…illegally.”

The Council for a Better Louisiana is talking about some of the education wins Louisiana Lawmakers passed this legislative session. In addition to the Gator Scholarship Program, Higher Education chalked up another win…as lawmakers dedicated 75 million dollars to work on a much bigger deferred maintenance plan.

Cut 8 (08) “…higher ed.” 

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Several governors including Louisiana’s Jeff Landry spoke at a diesel refinery in Chalmette to criticize the Biden administration’s energy policy. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”
A flood watch is in effect for much of Northwest Louisiana today due to saturated soil across much of the area all the way from Shreveport to Monroe down through Natchitoches and Jena. Forecasters say 1 to three more inches of rain is expected that could cause ponding on local roadways and heavy run-off to local waterways.

Governor Jeff Landry and several of other Republican governors spoke at a diesel refinery in Chalmette to hammer the Biden administration’s energy policy and called on the president “to pursue an all-of-the-above energy approach” that will promote homegrown energy that benefits all Americans. Governor Landry says the Biden administration’s enhanced energy regulations have cost taxpayers almost $1.4 trillion since he took office.

Cut 5 (10) “…domestic energy.” 
President Joe Biden announced plans to for restrictions that would affect migrants at the southern border. Under the plan, once border encounters reach 25-hundred a day, anyone without a reason to fear return to their country will be removed from the U-S. Asylum seekers will also be held to a higher screening standard than previously used but Congressmen Bill Cassidy isn’t sure it’s enough.

Cut 14 (10)  “…under Biden.”

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Besides the Gator Scholarship Program, several education bills were passed in the session. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says interventions to improve literacy in Louisiana have led to improved reading scores and now there will also be a focus on math.

Cut 7 (12) “…numbers up.”
The Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo in Monroe celebrates its 100^th year birthday this June. City of Monroe spokesperson Emily Stogner…

Cut 10 (12) “…fresh new look.”

President Joe Biden has immediate plans Tuesday to put significant restrictions on migrants seeking asylum at the southern border. His plan becomes active when border encounters reach 2,500 per day, then any migrant without a reason to fear return to their country will be removed from the US within days or hours. Many Republicans including Senator Bill Cassidy question the president’s timing.

Cut 13 (10)  “… illegal immigration.”
Governor Jeff Landry and several of other Republican governors spoke at a diesel refinery in Chalmette to hammer the Biden administration’s energy policy and called on the president “to pursue an all-of-the-above energy approach” that will promote homegrown energy that benefits all Americans.

Cut 4 (09) “…cost to Americans.”

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When it comes to how education fared in the most recent legislative session, one advocacy group says it’s a mixed-bag. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Shreveport police are investigating a deadly shooting at a convenience store. It happened at the In and Out Mini Mart on Linwood Avenue. Police say the victim was shot in the head and died of his injuries. This is the 29th homicide in the city of Shreveport so far in 2024.

Overall, the regular legislative session proved to be successful for Governor Jeff Landry. Political consultant Mary Patricia Wray says the Republican was seen several times in both chambers personally lobbying in his first regular session.

Cut  14 (12) “..already won.” 

Among the governor’s victories was the Gator Scholarship Program and classifying two drugs used for abortions as controlled substances.

Governor Jeff Landry says there are several infrastructure projects underway to be completed for the Super Bowl LIX (59).

Cut 6  (07) “…city of New Orleans. ” 

That game will be played on February 9, 2025. Landry says he also wants to tackle public safety concerns in the Big Easy.

Police responding to a shooting near LSU’s campus this afternoon found one person critically injured. Baton Rouge Police says they received a call around 2:40 and when they arrived, they found an adult male with several gunshot wounds. The incident happened at an apartment complex less than a half of a mile away from campus.

LSU baseball comes up short in its bid to repeat as national champions. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Severe weather has hammered northwest Louisiana and is responsible for thousands of customers being without power. And SWEPCO spokesperson Michelle Marcotte says estimated restoration times have changed due to the latest round of weather…

Cut 11 (06) ” …here in Louisiana.”

Weather permitting, she says crews will continue restoration efforts.

Political consultant Mary Patricia Wray says Governor Landry’s first regular legislative session was a successful one. Despite some of his bills being watered down or not passing, for example, the Education Savings Account and constitutional convention, respectively. But she gives the governor credit for taking on several big issues.

Cut 13 (09) “…pretty notable.” 

A bill heading to the governor’s desk would prohibit out-of-state journalists from requesting public records from the governor’s office. Gonzales Senator Ed Price questioned River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot who said reporters outside of Louisiana can work with in-state media to make requests.

Cut 3 (15) “..that information.” 

In preparations for Super Bowl 59 that will be played at the Superdome on February 9, 2025, Governor Landry says he wants to tackle public safety for New Orleans…

Cut 8 (06)  “…in the country.” 

The governor also says DOTD infrastructure projects to be completed for the big game will last far beyond the NFL Championship and benefit the Crescent City.

The 2024 legislative session yielded some big wins for social conservatives. Legislation requiring classrooms to post the Ten Commandments and reclassifying two abortion pills as dangerous controlled substances are among the major bills to pass. But political consultant Mary Patricia Wray says both measures will likely face court challenges

Cut 12 (02) “…litigated.” 

A bill heading to the governor’s desk would prohibit out-of-state journalists from requesting public records from the governor’s office. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot who carried this bill for the governor on the Senate floor says other states also have a similar law.

Cut 4 (12) “…seen it.” 

During discussion on the Senate floor, it was pointed out that the governor’s office is receiving an additional one million dollars to hire more lawyers to work on public records requests.

Estimated restoration times for SWEPCO customers have changed due to the latest weather. Some areas are expected to be restored today if weather permits. Spokesperson Michelle Marcotte

Cut 9 (12) “…flooding.” 

Residents are urged to stay away from downed wires and anything they may be touching. Call 911 to report any hazards.

Governor Jeff Landry is in New Orleans as the city gears up for Super Bowl 59 that will be played in the Superdome February 9^th, 2025. In anticipation of the event, Landry says the city will be improving infrastructure that will have benefits reaching years into the future.

Cut 7 (11) “…post Superbowl.”  

A bill heading to the governor’s desk would prohibit out-of-state journalists from requesting public records from the governor’s office. Gonzales Senator Ed Price questioned River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot

Cut 3 (15) “..that information.” 

Damaging Severe weather in Northwest Louisiana has wreaked havoc on SWEPCO’s energy delivery system. SWEPCO spokesperson Michelle Marcotte…

Cut 10 (10) “…with our lines.”

Crews are working as fast as they can, but more storms are forecast for the area.

Governor Jeff Landry is in New Orleans today with Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser to talk about getting the state ready for Super Bowl LIX (59) on February 9, 2025 for a record tying 11th time with Miami, Florida.  Landry says New Orleans is ready.

Cut 6  (07) “…city of New Orleans. ” 

LSU baseball comes up short in its bid to repeat as national champions. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

In the final hours of the legislative session, lawmakers approved a bill that only allows Louisiana residents to make a public records request with the governor’s office.

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

In preparations for Super Bowl 59 that will be played at the Superdome on February 9, 2025.Governor Landry says he wants to tackle public safety for the city…

Cut 8 (06)  “…in the country.” 

Severe weather in Northwest Louisiana caused additional damage to SWEPCO’s energy delivery system. They are reporting more than 13,000 without power. SWEPCO spokesperson Michelle Marcotte.

Cut 9 (12) “…flooding.” 

LSU’s season ended last night with a crushing four-to-three loss in ten innings to North Carolina in the Chapel Hill Regional. Coach Jay Johnson didn’t want to see the season end…
Cut 16 (11) “…Super Regional at home.”
The Tar Heels scored the tying run in the ninth inning and UNC took the lead in the tenth inning after right fielder Jake Brown dropped a fly ball to let the go-ahead run get on second base.

Governor Jeff Landry says New Orleans is gearing up for Super Bowl 59 that will be played in the Superdome February 9^th, 2025. In anticipation of the event, Landry says the city will be improving infrastructure that will have benefits reaching years into the future.

Cut 7 (11) “…post Superbowl.”  

A 90-day regular legislative session ended last night. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says lawmakers approved property insurance reform legislation, Governor Jeff Landry got more control, but his push to hold a constitutional convention this year failed…
Cut 24 (12) “…going anywhere.”

But he says a special session could be called to hold a Constitutional Convention.

A bill heading to the governor’s desk would prohibit out-of-state journalists from requesting public records from the governor’s office. During discussion on the Senate floor, it was pointed out that the governor’s office is receiving an additional one million dollars to hire more lawyers to work on public records requests. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says the office is getting inundated with public records requests and many ask for an enormous amount of detail…

Cut 5 (13)  “… Louisiana citizens.”

Talbot says other states also have a similar law