The body of 19-year-old Sheryl Turner of New Iberia who had been missing since early January has been identified as the body found in Catahoula Parish in the Ouachita River on January 24^th. A fisherman spotted her body about three miles north of Jonesville. The case is being treated as an active homicide investigation and a GoFundMe account has been set up to help pay for Turner’s funeral expenses.

Most of Governor Jeff Landry’s proposals are halfway through the process as we enter week two of the crime special session. The Louisiana Senate has approved legislation that would allow non-felon adults to conceal carry without a permit. Opponents say the proposed law will make Louisiana a more dangerous state. Landry says 27 other states have this law, including Louisiana’s neighboring states…
Cut 13 (11) “..than us.”

Among the bills filed for the regular legislative session is one to amend definitions related to abortion. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell says her bill clears up confusion so the removal of a miscarriage would not be considered an abortion.

Cut 10 (09) “…as well.”

The bill also defines that the removal of an ectopic pregnancy is not considered an abortion.

UL Lafayette Economist Gary Wagner’s latest Louisiana Economic Activity Forecast says the state has gained nearly 40,000 jobs in the last 12 months, the biggest increase in almost 20 years. And he says to expect more of the same for the next 12 months. Wagner predicts the Bayou State will gain another 27,000 jobs but he does mention one concern…

Cut 9 (08)  “…the economy.”

Today marks the start of the second week of the crime special session. All of the bills that received approval in the Senate, will be heard in the House this week, and all of the bills that were approved in the House will be heard in the Senate. Including Hammond Representative Nicholas Muscarello’s legislation that would lead to Louisiana restarting executions. Muscarello’s bill received approval in the House last week, despite objections from Democrats like Marrero Representative Kyle Green…
cut 28 (13) “…that commitment”
During an appearance on Talk Louisiana, Governor Jeff Landry says the state owes it to the victims of death penalty cases to pass this bill…
cut 15 (10) “…my position”

Legislation that would require drivers convicted of a DUI to install an ignition locking device in their vehicle unanimously cleared the Senate. Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds says the interlock device will not let the car start unless it knows the driver is sober.
Cut 4 (09) “…your car.”
The legislation requires the ignition interlock device to remain in a vehicle for six months.

In the upcoming regular session, the state’s near abortion ban is expected to be a topic again. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell has already filed a bill that tries to clear up what she says is some confusion over when an abortion can take place in cases to protect the health of the mother…
cut 12 (08) “….our citizens”
Doctors can go to jail if they violate the state’s abortion ban.

The House Criminal Justice Committee meets today at 10 AM and on the agenda is a bill already approved by the Senate that would allow non-felon adults to conceal carry a gun without a permit. Governor Jeff Landry says if concealed carry passes in Louisiana, it does NOT mean gun owners can possess their gun everywhere…
cut 14 (07) “….in Louisiana”
Opponents are concerned permitless concealed carry will lead to more shootings.

The House Criminal Justice Committee will also discuss a Senate-approved bill that would require drivers convicted of a D-W-I to get an ignition interlock device for at least six months in order to get their driver’s license back. Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds says multiple DWI offenders, would be required to have the interlock device for four years…
cut 6 (09) “….while intoxicated”

UL Lafayette Economist Gary Wagner’s latest Louisiana Economic Activity Forecast brings good news. Colleen Crain has the story…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

We’re starting to see wildfires pop up again in Louisiana. Firefighters spent the weekend battling a large wildfire near DeQuincy in Calcasieu Parish along Highway 389. There was also a massive brush fire near a neighborhood in Livingston Parish that consumed 200 acres on Saturday. There’s a slight chance for rain on Wednesday, the better chance is this weekend starting on Friday.

Most of Governor Jeff Landry’s proposals are halfway through the process as we enter week two of the crime special session. The Louisiana Senate has approved legislation that would allow non-felon adults to conceal carry without a permit. Opponents say the proposed law will make Louisiana a more dangerous state. Landry says 27 other states have this law, including Louisiana’s neighboring states…
Cut 13 (11) “..than us.”

U-L Lafayette economist Doctor Gary Wagner’s latest economic report found the state added 40-thousand jobs over the last 12 months, the biggest increase in almost 40 years. Wagner says not only is the state seeing a growth in jobs, but wages are increasing too…
cut 8 (08) “….outpacing inflation”

Among the bills filed for the regular legislative session is one to amend definitions related to abortion in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The search is on in Jefferson Parish for a confessed killer who escaped from custody after pepper spraying a deputy in Gretna. The incident happened as the deputy was taking Leon Ruffin back from Ochsner Hospital to the jail. Authorities say after pepper spraying the deputy, Ruffin stole the police SUV.

The crime special session begins its second week today and there’s a bill halfway through the process that would result in first-time DWI offenders having to install an ignition interlocking locking device in order to avoid having their license suspended….
cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx

The sheriff of St. Mary Parish passed away over the weekend. Blaise Smith had served as St. Mary’s top law enforcement officer since 2018. He’s known for his open door policy that fostered an environment of trust and collaboration. Smith’s term was set to end on July 1st.

A little good news from UL Lafayette Economist Gary Wagner’s latest Louisiana Economic Activity Forecast. The state has gained nearly 40,000 jobs in the last 12 months, the biggest increase in almost 20 years…
Cut 7 (07) “…metro region.”
New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas are responsible for about 62% of the growth.

Looking ahead to the regular legislative session that begins March 11th. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell has a bill that would make it clear a woman can have an abortion in cases of an ectopic pregnancy. Newell says an ectopic (uhk-taa-puhk)pregnancy because is not viable and it can cause the fallopian tubes to burst. As the law reads now she says physicians can face criminal penalties.
Cut 11 (09) “…woman through.”

The full House approves legislation that increases the penalties for convicted carjackers. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Judge Beau Higginbotham denied a request for a temporary restraining order seeking to block lawmakers from considering several pieces of crime-related legislation during the ongoing crime special session. Several community groups claim lawmakers were considering the legislation too quickly and not allowing enough time for public comment.

A bill that expands the methods the state can carry out an execution was approved by the state House. Democrats oppose the bill. Marrero Representative Kyle Green filed a bill last year to abolish the death penalty and questions Hammond Representative Nicholas Muscarello about whether the death penalty would actually reduce homicides…

Cut  14 (14) “..that commitment”

Muscarello’s bill also provides penalties for anyone that would publicize where the state obtained the drugs for an execution…

Early Literacy Matters ranks Louisiana for its comprehensive literacy policy for kindergarten through third grade students. Department of Education Deputy Superintendent Jenna Chaisson says getting rid of the three-cuing systems has also provided positive results.

Cut 11 (11) “…been eliminated.”

In a 30-9 vote, the senate passed legislation that would lower the age from 18 to 17 at which a person charged with a felony could be charged as an adult. The bill’s author, Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud says the state has suffered from high crime rate and the current system for juvenile offenders is broken.

Cut 5 (12) “…not working.”

But New Orleans Democratic Senator Royce Duplessis points from 2017-2020 the number of under 18 crimes decreased from 6400 to 3700. He says putting juveniles in adult jails isn’t going to solve the problem.

Cut 6  (10) “…begin with.” 

The measure heads to the House for more discussion.

Legislation that would add the electric chair or nitrogen to end the life of a death row inmate passed by the state House. Author of the bill, Hammond Representative Nicholas Muscarello…

Cut 13 (12) “…ultimate decision.”  

The House voted 71 to 29 in favor of the legislation and heads to the Senate for further debate.

A bill that would raise the minimum sentence for carjacking without a serious injury, to five years received full passage in the House. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel was questioned by New Orleans Democrat Matthew Williard if the state can handle an influx of prisoners with new laws passed in the crime special session.

Cut 7 (12) “…to jail.”  

The bill passed on an 89-15 vote and heads to a Senate committee for debate.

The Louisiana House has approved a measure that expands the methods to carry out a death penalty and also puts penalties in place for releasing information on drugs used for a lethal injection. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Also, a bill to double the minimum prison sentence for carjackings receives full passage in the House. The bill would raise the minimum prison sentence from two to five years and for carjackings that result in serious injury from 10 to 20 years. The bill passed on an 89-15 vote and heads to a Senate committee for debate.

Legislation to lower the age from 18 to 17, at which a person charged with a felony could be considered an adult successfully cleared the Senate in a 30-9 vote. New Orleans Democratic Senator Royce Duplessis says putting juveniles in adult court and correctional facilities is not the answer.

Cut 3 (13) “…these facilities.”  

The bill would Repeal the Raise the Age Act approved in 2017.

Department of Education Deputy Superintendent Jenna Chaisson says Louisiana is leading the way with common sense reading reforms. She says kindergarten through third grade students are at critical ages when it comes to learning how to read.

Cut 12 (11)  “…later grades.”  

Chaisson says getting rid of the three-cuing systems has also provided positive results.

Legislation to lower the age from 18 to 17 at which a person charged with a felony could be considered an adult successfully cleared the Senate in a 30-9 vote. Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud says an increase in crime including deadly shootings, home invasions and carjackings was the motivation for the bill. She says the state has suffered enough and the current system for juvenile offenders is broken.

Cut 5 (12) “…not working.”

New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis says from 2017-2020 the number of juvenile crimes decreased from 6400 to 3700 and putting juveniles in adult jails isn’t going to solve the problem.

Cut 6  (10) “…begin with.” 

The measure heads to a House committee for more discussion.

The Louisiana House has approved a measure that expands the methods to carry out a death penalty and puts penalties in place for releasing information on drugs used for a lethal injection. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

In a unanimous vote, the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System has named Dr. Martin Lemelle as the next president of Grambling State University. Lemelle is an alum of Grambling and served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Grambling. He will serve as Grambling’s 11^th president.

The full House approves legislation that increases the penalties for convicted carjackers. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The senate passed legislation that would lower the age from 18 to 17 at which a person charged with a felony could be charged as an adult. The bill would Repeal the Raise the Age Act approved in 2017. It’s resulted in many 17-year-old offenders being charged as juveniles for crime. West Monroe Republican Senator Jay Morris says having 17-year-olds in the juvenile justice facilities is not working.

Cut 4 (10) “…corrections officer.”

The Louisiana House has approved legislation that expands the methods the state can carry out an execution. Hammond Representative Nicholas Muscarello’s measure would give the state the option to use the electric chair or nitrogen to end the life of a death row inmate…

Cut 13 (12) “…ultimate decision.”  

The House voted 71 to 29 in favor of the legislation and heads to the Senate for further debate.

Early Literacy Matters ranks Louisiana for its comprehensive literacy policy for kindergarten through third grade students. Department of Education Deputy Superintendent Jenna Chaisson says the state was recognized for implementing a universal reading screener for students having trouble reading.

Cut 10 (13) “…reading plan.”