We’re close to the halfway point of the special legislative session and Governor Jeff Landry’s agenda is moving along as the House and Senate approved legislation he supports. The House approved a bill that would move Louisiana from an open primary system to closed party primaries for federal, state, legislative and certain judicial elections. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson is the sponsor of the bill..
cut 12 (10) “….general election ballot.
The House approved the bill 64 to 40 and it now goes to the Senate. The Senate approved a new Congressional district map that makes Republican Garret Graves’ sixth district a black majority voting district by having it stretch from Baton Rouge to Shreveport. Senator Glen Womack is the sponsor of this legislation…
cut 16 (10) “….the country”
It passed on a 27-11 vote and heads to the House for more discussion.

The Louisiana Shrimp Association has filed a suit against the Biden Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service over their rule requiring skimmer trawl vessels to use Turtle Excluder Devices in Louisiana’s Inshore waters. James Baehr, a Lawyer with the Pelican Institute’s Center for Justice says the rule is an unnecessary attack on shrimpers livelihoods and culture…
Cut 4 (09) “…sea turtles.”
Baehr says there are studies showing the devices can increase turtle mortality.

In West Monroe tonight, LDWF is holding the first of three public meetings to discuss a black bear hunting season that would run from December 7th to the 22nd. State Wildlife Large Carnivore Program Manager John Hanks estimates the state’ black population at around 15-hundred….
cut 9 (12) “…excess animals”
Tonight’s meeting begins at 6:00 at the West Monroe Convention Center.

The Louisiana Shrimp Association is suing the Biden Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service over their rule requiring skimmer trawl vessels to use Turtle Excluder Devices in Louisiana’s INshore waters. Colleen Crain has the details…

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State Wildlife is holding the first of three meetings to receive public input on the proposed return of a black bear hunting season tonight. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Louisiana House passes a bill that would shift the state from a jungle primary system to closed party primaries. Jeff Palermo has the story..

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Louisiana Shrimp Association has filed a suit against the Biden Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service over their rule requiring skimmer trawl vessels to use Turtle Excluder Devices in Louisiana’s INshore waters. James Baehr, a Lawyer with the Pelican Institute’s Center for Justice says the rule is an unnecessary, unconstitutional direct attack on Louisiana livelihoods and culture…

Cut 4 (09) “…sea turtles.”

There are studies showing the devices can increase turtle mortality and Baehr says, another study on sea turtle interactions illustrates how unnecessary the new rule is…

Cut 5 (12) “…was harmed.” 

The Turtle Excluder Device rule for Louisiana’s INshore waters was passed in 2019 but implementation was delayed by the pandemic. Then the State of Louisiana sued and won a temporary injunction but Baehr says…

Cut 6 (09) “…individual shrimpers.”

According to the Louisiana Seafood Board the Louisiana Shrimp industry generates $1.3 Billion and affects the livelihoods of over 15,000 people.

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The first of three meetings seeking public input on the return of a proposed black bear hunting season in Louisiana will be held tonight. State Wildlife Large Carnivore Program Manager John Hanks says potential hunters would enter a lottery for the ten tags and they must take a course.

Cut 7 (09) “…a male deer.”

The proposed season would be limited from December 7^th through the 22^nd.

Humane Society of Louisiana President Jeff Dorson believes bears shouldn’t be hunted and encourages those who agree to sign a petition and voice their opinion at public meetings.

Cut 8 (08) “…concerns.” 

He says his petition has received more than 8,000 signatures.

The last black bear hunting season in Louisiana was 1987. Hanks estimates the state’s population to be around 1,500 and the first proposed season would only be allowed where their population is the densest in northeast Louisiana.

Cut 9 (12)  “…excess animals.”

Dorson is pushing for a more humane approach when it comes to the growing black bear population and encourages the state to follow Florida’s BearWise program that promotes co-existence by having residents bear-proof their property. Dorson says bears are foragers especially before they hibernate.

Cut 10 (05) “…proof them.”

The BearWise philosophy in the Sunshine State has reduced conflicts with bears by 70 percent according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Tonight’s meeting is in West Monroe. A meeting in Delhi is scheduled for the 23^rd and in St. Joseph on the 25^th. They will all begin at 6 PM.

You can find a listing with details on the public hearings along with a link to the petition at our website LouisianaRadioNetwork.com.

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The Louisiana House has approved a bill that would change congressional, statewide, legislative and certain judicial elections to closed primaries. If it becomes law, the Republican and Democratic Party can set up a rule that says only registered voters of their party can vote in the primaries. Harahan Representative John Illg says he’s hearing from Independents who do not like this…

Cut 11 (04) “…left out.” 

Carencro Representative Julie Emerson is the sponsor of the legislation. Emerson says the political parties should have more of a say on which candidate ends up on the general election ballot…

Cut 12 (10) “…general election ballot.” 

Emerson’s bill passed on a 64-40 vote. But New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard says there was a recent poll that showed the public favors the state’s unique jungle primary…

Cut 13 (13) “…primary system”

Governor Jeff Landry says states that perform better than Louisiana have closed primaries. He says a closed primary system results in strong candidates on the general election ballot.

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The Louisiana Senate approves a redrawn Congressional map that creates a second majority-Black district currently held by Republican Garret Graves. The map makes it easy for Republicans Mike Johnson, Steve Scalise and Julia Letlow to win re-election. Lake Charles Senator Jeremy Stine on the importance of keeping Letlow in Washington D-C..

Cut 14 (11) “…our state” 

Graves opposes the legislation. The map stretches his sixth district from Baton Rouge to Shreveport. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly agrees this map makes no sense…

Cut 15 (15) …northwest Louisiana“

Governor Jeff Landry is in support of this map that adds another black-majority district. The bill’s author is Catahoula Senator Glen Womack…

Cut 16 (10) “..the country” 

The measure passed on a 27-11 to vote and heads to the House for more discussion.

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Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis confirmed Dennis Allen will be back for a third season as head coach. Allen has failed to lead the Saints to the playoffs in his two seasons and his record as a head coach in New Orleans is 16-18. Loomis says there are several great coaches who struggled in their first few seasons…

Cut 17 (20) “…5-and-8″ 

There are also Saints fans who are down on quarterback Derek Carr. The veteran finished the season strong and Loomis says the veteran battled through injuries…

Cut 18 (17)  “…toward the end” 

The Saints went 9-8 in 2023 and just missed making the playoffs. New Orleans has an aging defense and there are questions about the the team’s offensive line. But Loomis believes the franchise’s future is bright…

Cut 19 (22) “… perform.” 

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Cut 20 (12) “…stay together.”

The Louisiana House has approved a bill that would change congressional, statewide, legislative, and certain judicial elections to closed primaries. If it becomes law, the Republican and Democratic Party can set up a rule that says only registered voters of their party can vote in the primaries. Harahan Representative John Illg says he’s hearing from Independents who do not like this…

Cut 11 (05) “…left out.” 

Carencro Representative Julie Emerson is the sponsor of the legislation. Emerson says the political parties should have more of a say on which candidate ends up on the general election ballot…

Cut 12 (10) “…general election ballot.” 

Emerson’s bill passed on a 64-40 vote. But New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard says there was a recent poll that showed the public favors the state’s unique jungle primary.

Nicholls State University has received a $3-million donation, the largest in the school’s history. The Mary and Al Danos Family Foundation commitment will be used to construct a new College of Business Administration. Nicholls’ spokesperson Jerad David says the atrium in the new building will be named after The Brady Family, thanks to their recent donation. He says they hope these donations will inspire others.

Cut 5 (11) “…new facility.” 

Louisiana is thawing out today and expected to warm up into the mid 60’s Thursday but Montra Lockwood with the National Weather Service Lake Charles says after the quick reprieve, expect a frigid weekend temperatures.

Cut 7 (08) “…I-10 corridor.” 

Expect warmer temperatures next week.

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson believes the Louisiana Legislature should not draw a new Congressional map. Jeff Palermo reports the Bossier Parish Republican says the state should press for a trial on the current map…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

34-year-old Rosizena Moore of Morgan City was arrested this morning after her two-year-old child overdosed on candies containing marijuana. Among her charges are second-degree cruelty to a minor and failure to seek assistance. The child is listed in stable condition.

The Bayou State is coming out of a deep freeze but don’t put away your hats and gloves just yet.  Montra Lockwood with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says to look for a short break from the freeze…

Cut 6 (08) “…on Friday.” 

Tonight, expect temperatures in the 20s north of I-10 and in the lower 30s in the southern part of the state.

Nicholls State University has received a $3-million donation, which is the largest in the school’s history. Nicholls’ spokesperson Jerad David says the Mary and Al Danos Family Foundation commitment will be used to construct a new College of Business Administration.

Cut 3 (11) “…State University.”

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson believes Louisiana’s current Congressional map is constitutional and the legislature shouldn’t approve a new map with two Black majority districts. But State Attorney General Liz Murrill says otherwise…

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A map with two majority Black districts pushed by Governor Landry that would change Congressman Garett Graves’ district to a majority Black one, stretching from Baton Rouge to Shreveport passed the in the full Senate 27 to 11.

As legislators debate changing to closed-party primary elections, US Senator Bill Cassidy says the public doesn’t see the issue as a priority.

Cut  14 (12) “…(x2) roads and bridges.”

That legislation passed in the full House and now heads a senate committee at the state capitol.

The Bayou State is thawing from the frigid temperatures of the last few days, but winter isn’t over yet. Colleen Crain looks ahead to the warmup and cool down of the next few days…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

A Bossier City police officer was knocked unconscious after he slipped on ice responding to shots fired at a gas station around noon today. The officer hit his head and was taken to a local hospital. No arrets have been made, no one was hit by gunfire and an investigation is underway.

Governor Jeff Landry is backing a congressional map that makes Republican Garret Graves’ sixth district the second Black voting district. Louisiana’s lone Black Congressman Troy Carter says the governor and the legislature are doing the right thing…

Cut 11 (05) “…African American districts.”

The map Landry supports is up for a vote in the Senate today. Graves calls it a crazy proposal because it runs from Baton Rouge to Shreveport.

As legislators debate changing to closed-party primary elections, US Senator Bill Cassidy worries the change will disenfranchise the state’s approximately 800-thousand Independent voters. The Republican also believes if the system isn’t broken don’t try to fix it and that taxpayers shouldn’t pick up the tab.

Cut 13 (07) “…you pay for it.” 

In recent town hall meetings, Cassidy says voters are concerned about the possibility of change.

The Bayou State is coming out of a deep freeze but don’t put away your hats and gloves just yet.  Montra Lockwood with the National Weather Service Lake Charles says to look for a short break from the freeze…

Cut 6 (08) “…on Friday.” 

Tonight, expect temperatures in the 20s north of I-10 and in the lower 30s in the southern part of the state.

Nicholls State University has received a $3-million donation, which is the largest in the school’s history. Nicholls’ spokesperson Jerad David says the Mary and Al Danos Family Foundation commitment will be used to construct a new College of Business Administration.

Cut 3 (11) “…State University.”

As legislators debate changing to closed-party primary elections, US Senator Bill Cassidy believes it’s a waste of money.  A fiscal note on the legislation quotes a $10 million figure for the 2024-25 fiscal year and $6 million for the following fiscal year. Cassidy references a $90 million tab that one pollster says the change will cost taxpayers.

Cut 12 (08)  “…on here.”  

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson believes the Louisiana Legislature should not draw a new Congressional map. Jeff Palermo reports the Bossier Parish Republican says the state should press for a trial on the current map…

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Nicholls State University has received a $3-million donation, the largest in the school’s history. The Mary and Al Danos Family Foundation commitment will be used to construct a new College of Business Administration. Nicholls’ spokesperson Jerad David says the atrium in the new building will be named after The Brady Family, thanks to their recent donation. He says they hope these donations will inspire others.

Cut 5 (11) “…new facility.” 

Louisiana is thawing out today and expected to warm up into the mid 60’s Thursday but Montra Lockwood with the National Weather Service Lake Charles says After the quick reprieve, expect a frigid weekend says Lockwood…

Cut 7 (08) “…I-10 corridor.” 

Expect warmer temperatures next week.

U-S District Judge Shelly Dick ruled the congressional map the Louisiana Legislature approved in 2022 violates the Voting Rights Act, because only one of the six districts provides an avenue for a Black candidate to get elected.

U S House Speaker Mike Johnson says there should be a full blown trial on Louisiana’s current map, but Attorney General Liz Murrill says they have to follow Judge Dick’s order to draw a new map by January 30th…

Cut 10 (10) “…my remedies” 

Nicholls State University has received a $3-million donation, the largest in the school’s history. Nicholls’ spokesperson Jerad David says the Mary and Al Danos Family Foundation commitment will be used to construct a new College of Business Administration.

Cut 4 (11) “…Business Administration.”

Louisiana is looking at warmer temperatures up to the mid-60s Thursday but Montra Lockwood with the National Weather Service Lake Charles says another cold snap rolling in Friday will drop temperatures into the 20s again for North Louisiana by Saturday morning but as far as snow and freezing rain, Lockwood says…

Cut 8 (10) “…next week.” 

Lockwood says warmer weather, up into the 60s is coming next week.

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson believes Louisiana’s current Congressional map is constitutional and the state legislature should not approve a new map with two Black majority districts. But Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says the state has exhausted all of its legal avenues…
Cut 9 (10) “…map”
Governor Jeff Landry is backing a map that makes Republican Garret Graves’ sixth district the second Black voting district. Catahoula Parish Senator Glen Womack is the author of the map and he says it protects Speaker Johnson and majority leader Steve Scalise…
cut 13 (09) “….Washington D-C”
The senate is expected to vote on this map this afternoon.

The Bayou State is coming out of a deep freeze but don’t put away your hats and gloves just yet.
cut 6 (09) “….on Friday”
That’s Montra Lockwood with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says who says high temperatures on Saturday will be back in the upper 30s for north Louisiana, and lows will be in the upper 20s for south Louisiana.

Nicholls State University has received a $3-million donation, which is the largest in the school’s history. Nicholls’ spokesperson Jerad David says the Mary and Al Danos Family Foundation commitment will be used to construct a new College of Business Administration.
Cut 3 (12) “…State University.”
David says Al Danos was always a big fan and supporter of the university

A Senate committee approves a congressional map backed by Governor Landry that drastically changes Congressman Garret Graves district. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 3 (43) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The senate convenes at 1 PM today and a vote on this proposal could happen this afternoon.

The House Governmental Affairs Committee approves a closed-party primary bill supported by Governor Jeff Landry. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson’s proposal would shift, federal, statewide, and certain judicial elections from a jungle primary to closed-party primaries. New Orleans Democrat Candace Newell says the Legislature should not rush to do this
Cut 7 (12) “…dedicate to it.”
Governor Jeff Landry wants lawmakers to pass this legislation during the current special session which ends next Tuesday.

Opponents also raised concerns that Independents will be disenfranchised because they can’t vote in the primaries. But Emerson says that’s not accurate…
Cut 8 (12) “…party.”
The proposal was approved by the House Governmental Affairs and the full House could vote on the measure this afternoon.