State Police says an investigation prompted by video on social media of individuals driving ATVs recklessly through New Orleans resulted in the arrest of the three suspects, who were booked into St. James Parish jail. Though ATV and dirt bike takeovers pose a problem for New Orleans, Troop Nola Major Donovan Archote (R sho t) says the problem isn’t indicative of organized crime.

Cut 5 (05)  “…culture.”

The incident is still under investigation with more suspects and charges expected to come later.

The House Education Committee approves the legislation that creates the Gator Scholarship Program that eventually provides taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition. There are concerns about the cost of the Program. One estimate has it as much as 500-million dollars. Bill author, Senator Rick Edmonds says there are safeguards in the legislation to make sure the expenses of the program do outgrow available state dollars…

Cut 8 (11)  “…responsibility” 

The measure has already received Senate approval.

In the House Criminal Justice Committee members failed to pass a bill to remove gassing as a form of execution. They heard from John Sinquefield (Sink-field) with the AG’s office who spoke in opposition. He says nitrogen hypoxia differs from what was used during the Holocaust.

Cut 9 (10) “…to death.” 

Aaron Bloch Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans says execution by gas is extremely triggering for the Jewish community.

State Police is looking for local police officers that want to participate in an accelerated training program that will begin in October. Trooper William Huggins says this program is designed specifically for Louisiana POST certified applicants.

Cut 13 (09) “..Louisiana State Trooper.” 

The deadline to apply is July 24^th.

In House Criminal Justice members voted against a bill to remove gassing as a form of execution. They heard from John Sinquefield (Sink-field) with the AG’s office who says nitrogen is already a gas we breathe daily and changing the law to remove the use of nitrogen hypoxia to carry out the death penalty executions is unwarranted.

Cut 11 (08) ” …would die.”

Former CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, Arnie Fielkow (Fill-co) urged committing members to support the bill because there are other methods of execution for death row inmates in Louisiana besides gassing.

Cut 12 (09) “…light of day.” 

The bill failed in committee on a 3 to 8 vote and will not advance to the House floor.

On an eight to four-vote, House Education approves legislation to create the Gator Scholarship Program that one day would allow parents of all income levels to receive taxpayer dollars to pay for private tuition. Louisiana Federation of Teacher’s President Larry Carter expressed his concerns…

Cut 7 (11) ” accountability.”  

The bill heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.

Thanks to social media pots, State Police say they’ve arrested three people and recovered several stolen items as part of an investigation into street takeovers by ATVs. After searching their residences in St. Bernard, St. James and East Baton Rouge Parish, Troop Nola Major Donovan Archote says they uncovered more illegal items.

Cut 4 (10) “…marijuana.” 

Members of the Louisiana House Criminal Justice Committee failed to pass a bill that would remove gassing as a form of execution due to perceived similarities to execution methods used during the Holocaust. John Sinquefield with the Attorney General’s office spoke in opposition of the bill to the House, saying nitrogen hypoxia differs from what was used in Nazi Germany.

cut 9 (10): “…to death.”

Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans Aaron Bloch, who spoke to the House in favor of the bill, said execution by gas is triggering for the Jewish community.

cut 10 (10): “…their name.”

The bill failed in committee on a 3 to 8 vote and will not advance to the House floor.

On an eight to four vote, the House Education Committee approves the legislation that creates the Gator Scholarship Program that one day would allow parents of all income levels receive taxpayer dollars to pay for private tuition. Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds is the author of the legislation…

cut 6 (11): “…education.”

The measure has already received Senate approval and it looks poised to reach the governor’s desk.

State Police announced three arrests and several stolen items recovered thanks to video on social media in an investigation into street takeovers by road vehicles like ATVs in New Orleans. After searching the suspects’ residences in St. Bernard, St. James and East Baton Rouge Parish, Troop Nola Major Donovan Archote says police uncovered more than just careless driving.

cut 4 (10): “…marijuana.”

The three suspects were arrested after police found a YouTube video from May 2023 in which the suspects drove their ATVs recklessly through New Orleans. They have been booked in St. James Parish jail with more charges and suspects expected later.

Louisiana State Police announced several arrests and recovery of stolen items in an investigation into ATV takeovers in New Orleans, which Major Donovan Archote says is a problem for NOLA.

cut 3 (11): “…public safety.”

Three suspects have been booked in St. James Parish jail with more charges and suspects expected later.

44-year old John Michael Thibodeaux of Belle Rose faces a theft charge for running an alleged Ponzi scheme that saw him steal thousands of dollars from his friends. Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lonny Cavalier warns people to be cautious of too-good-to-be-true opportunities…

cut 12 (11): “…not a realistic number.”

Cavalier says Thibodeaux promised several of his friends they would receive high investments through E-Trading, but was found to have no E-Trade account.

Last year saw an increase in tourism and tourist spending for Louisiana. The Louisiana Office of Tourism announced the state saw 43 million visitors in 2023, an increase of 420 thousand from 2022. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says though international visitation isn’t expected to recover until next year, Louisiana’s 17% increase in international tourists from 2022 to 23 shows the state is coming back strong.

cut 6 (12): “…to Louisiana.”

Visitor spending generated almost 2 billion in taxes, saving each household in Louisiana over a thousand dollars a year.

The Shreveport Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting early Monday morning. A 19 year old female sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and an 18 year old female suffered life-threatening gunshot wounds and died at a local hospital. Though officers detained the individual identified as the shooter at the scene, no arrests have been made yet.

In House Criminal Justice members failed to pass a bill to remove gassing as a form of execution. They heard from John Sinquefiled with the AG’s office who spoke in opposition. He says nitrogen hypoxia differs from what was used during the Holocaust.

Cut 24 to death. :10

The bill failed in committee on a 3 to 8 vote.

Senator Thomas Pressly’s Abortion by Fraud Criminalization bill inspired by the poisoning of his sister with abortion pills by her estranged husband will be heard in the House today. Sarah Zagorski with Louisiana Right to Life says opponents contend classifying those medications as Schedule IV is inappropriate because they are not addictive.

Cut 14 (11)  “…public health.”

The House convenes at noon.

44-year-old Michael Thibodeaux of Belle Rose faces a theft charge after he allegedly ran a Ponzi Scheme that allowed him to steal thousands of dollars from his friends. Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lonny Cavalier says Thibodeaux promised the victims they’d receive high returns on their investments through E-trade…

cut 11 (09) “…this point”
2023 was a good year for International tourism in Louisiana. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says overseas visitors increased 17-percent increase and they spent almost 2 billion dollars. He credits a grant from the US Commerce Department to promote the state overseas.

Cut 5 (11) “…next three years.” 

Those markets are Spain, India, and Italy, where the Lieutenant Governor is currently visiting.

Members of the House Criminal Justice Committee will hear from the Jewish community to remove gassing as a means of execution in Louisiana.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

That meeting gets underway at this hour. Also getting underway is LSU baseball at the SEC Tournament. The Tigers are taking on Georgia in a single-elimination game.

And former Cajuns Coach Billy Napier now with Florida is facing a lawsuit from former Florida recruit and now Georgia quarterback Jaden Rashada over allegations of a failed 13-million dollar NIL deal. Gators booster Hugh Hathcock also named a defendant.

The full House is set to take up a bill today that would add two drugs that can induce an abortion as a Scheduled four controlled substance. Sarah Zaorski with Louisiana Right to Life says mifepristone and misprostol can still be dispensed for legitmate medical uses, but the drugs should not be easily accessible…
cut 15 (11) “…FDA”
The bill has already been approved by the Senate.

44-year-old John Michael Thibodeaux of Belle Rose faces theft charges for allegedly stealing from his friends, claiming he could produce high returns by investing their money through E-trade. Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lonny Cavalier says Thibodeaux ran a ponzi scheme. He says never take on an opportunity that seems too good to be true…
cut 12 (16) “….realistic number”
Cavalier says this Thibodeaux’s arrest last week more potential victims have come forward.

The House Criminal Justice Committee meets today and they are expected to take up a bill that would remove the gassing method of execution, known as nitrogen hypoxia as an option to carry out a death sentence. Jacquelyn Stern has spoken to several lawmakers and many were surprised to hear the use of gas as a form of execution is triggering to Jews…
cut 8 (12) “….and Louisiana”
The bill passed the Senate on a 22-16 vote.

The Louisiana Office of Tourism says a record 43-million people visited Louisiana in 2023, an increase of 420-thousand over 2022. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says it’s an impressive increase despite a rise in travel costs and concerns from the U-S Travel Association that international visitation is not expected to recover until 2025…
cut 6 (12) “….to Louisiana”
A Belle Rose man faces theft charges for allegedly running a ponzi scheme. Sean Richardson has more…
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Pointe Coupee Parish Coroner’s office has identified the 16-year-old fatally shot in New Roads on Sunday. Its Jonathan Johnson, a student at Zachary High School. New Roads police say they do not have a suspect, but it’s an active investigation.

Louisiana saw an increase in tourism and visitor spending last year. Mel Bridges has the totals.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson has endorsed Republican Julia Letlow and Garret Graves in their re-election efforts. But Graves’ sixth district is changing to a majority-minority district and Graves has said he’s looking at other districts to represent. Political observers say Johnson’s endorsement of Graves is to send a message he should seek re-election in the sixth district, not Letlow’s district.

In House Criminal Justice today, committee members will hear from the Jewish community, who are pushing a bill to remove gassing as a form of execution in Louisiana. In February, during a special session on crime, gassing was added as a means to carry out the death penalty. Jacquelyn Stern says that’s when they started the coalition Jews Against Gassing…
Cut 7 (11) “…for anybody.”
The bill cleared the Senate on a 22-to-16 vote.

A Belle Rose man faces a theft charge after he allegedly ran a Ponzi Scheme that allowed him to steal thousands of dollars from his friends. Assumption Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Lonny Cavalier says 44-year-old John Michael Thibodeaux collected significant amounts of money from the victims, claiming they would receive high returns on their investments through E-trade…
cut 11 (09) “…this point”
Thibodeaux says victims became suspicious when dividend payments either stopped or never started.

Senator Thomas Pressly’s Abortion by Fraud Criminalization bill inspired by the poisoning of his sister with the abortion pills mifepristone (muh-fuh-pri-stown) and misoprostol (mai-sow-praa-stowl)by her estranged husband will be heard in the Louisiana House today. The bill adds the medications to Schedule IV of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law. Sarah Zagorski with Louisiana Right to Life says access should be limited…
Cut 13 (08) “…these drugs”
Some in the health care industry are concerned classifying mifrepristone and misoprostol as Schedule Four Drugs will limit their availability when needed for reproductive care.

The House Criminal Justice Committee will hear a Senate approved bill that will prevent the state from using gassing as a method of execution. The Jews Against Gassing coalition is pushing for the legislation because millions of European Jews died in gas chambers at the hands of Nazi Germany. Jacquelyn Stern…
cut 9 (10) “….what it is”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser announced Louisiana saw an increase in visitation and visitor spending last year. 420 thousand more people visited, pushing the total up to 43 million, and spent 5% more than in 2022. Nungesser says International visitors saw the biggest gain increasing 17% and spending almost 2 billion….
Cut 4 (11) “…Louisianians live.”
Nungesser says the international market has grown thanks in part to a grant from the US Commerce Department to promote Louisiana as a tourist destination to markets overseas.

Forty-four-year-old John Michael Thibodeaux of Belle Rose faces criminal charges for running an alleged Ponzi scheme. Assumption Parish Sheriff’s office spokesman Lonny Cavalier says they’ve investigated Thibodeaux for five months and since arresting him Friday, other potential victims have come forward.
Cut 10 (10) “…friends of his.”
The victims became suspicious when they stopped receiving interest payments after a few months or some never received any payments.

Louisiana saw an increase in tourism and visitor spending last year. Mel Bridges has the totals.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

_______________________________________________

Members of House Criminal Justice will hear from the Jewish community to remove gassing as a means of execution in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________________________

Forty-four-year-old Michael Thibodeaux of Belle Rose told his friends he was investing their money in an E-trade account, but now he’s facing theft charges for allegedly running a ponzi scheme. Sean Richardson has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

___________________________________________

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser announced Louisiana saw an increase in visitation and visitor spending last year. 420 thousand more people visited, pushing the total up to 43 million, and spent 5% more than in 2022. International visitors saw the biggest gain increasing 17% and spending almost 2 billion, says Nungesser.

Cut 4 (11) “…Louisianians live.”

Nungesser says the international market has grown thanks in part to a grant from the US Commerce Department to promote Louisiana as a tourist destination to markets overseas.

Cut 5 (11) “…next three years.” 

Those markets are Spain, India and Italy, where the Lieutenant Governor is currently. Though the US Travel Association doesn’t predict international visitation to recover until 2025, Nungesser says the increases in visitation show that Louisiana tourism is coming back strong.

Cut 6 (12) “…to Louisiana.”

Additionally last year, visitors spent almost 2 billion in state and local taxes, saving each household in Louisiana over a thousand dollars a year in taxes.

_______________________________________________

In House Criminal Justice today committee members will hear from members of the Jewish community, to remove gassing as a form of execution in Louisiana. In January during a special session on crime, gassing was added as a means to carry out the death penalty. Soon after Jacquelyn Stern says the group Jews Against Gassing was formed.

Cut 7 (11) “…for anybody.”

Senate Bill 430, passed in the upper chamber after a 22-16 vote. Stern says when members of her group have been able to talk directly to lawmakers, many she says did not realize how triggering the use of gas as a form of execution was for Jews.

Cut 8 (12) “…and Louisiana.” 

Stern says for a state that is home to the National World War II Museum, it feels like many lawmakers are quick to forget what veterans fought for.

Cut 9 (10)  “…what it is.”

Stern says they have yet to hear back from Governor Jeff Landry’s office if he will sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

_________________________________________________________________

Forty-four-year-old John Michael Thibodeaux of Belle Rose faces criminal charges for running an alleged Ponzi scheme. Assumption Parish Sheriff’s office spokesman Lonny Cavalier says they’ve investigated Thibodeaux for five months and since arresting him Friday, other potential victims have come forward.

Cut 10 (10) “…friends of his.”

An arrest warrant in connection to one case was issued Friday, Cavalier says there are at least 5 more victims and the amount that was stolen was significant.

Cut 11 (09) “…at this point.”

The victims became suspicious when they stopped receiving interest payments after a few months or some never received any payments.  When asked to show financial records, Thibodeaux couldn’t produce any and he had no E-trade account.

Cavalier warns people to be cautious when the opportunity seems too good to be true.

Cut 12 (16) “…not a realistic number.” 

Cavalier said that all the known victims are Thibodeaux’s personal friends.  He was booked Friday with theft and unlawfully promoting a pyramid scheme.

______________________________________________

Senator Thomas Pressly’s Abortion by Fraud Criminalization bill inspired by the poisoning of his sister with the abortion pills mifepristone and misoprostol by her estranged husband will be heard in the House on Tuesday. The bill was amended to add the medications to Schedule IV of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law. Sarah Zagorski with Louisiana Right to Life access should be limited…

Cut 13 (08)  “…these.”

Pressy’s amended bill does not seek to outlaw abortion pills, only to reclassify them because, Zagorski says, there is risk for abuse and risk to a person’s health when used outside the FDA guidelines. Opponents contend classifying the medications Schedule IV is inappropriate because they are not addictive. Zagorski says that is inaccurate.

Cut 14 (11)  “…public health.”

Zagorski says easy access to the drugs puts young girls are at risk of harm because distributors are not asking the appropriate questions to safeguard their health and the girls are getting the medications without the guidance of their parents, their doctors, or their healthcare providers.

Cut 15 (11)  “…the FDA.”

_____________________________________________

Cut 16 (12) “….no brainer.” 

Cut 17 (17) “…probably do that.”

Cut 18 (21)  “… on that one, I think.”

______________________________________________

Cut 19 (17) “… for a championship.” 

Cut 20 (18) “….over that one.”