A woman whose daughter was killed by a distracted driver urges lawmakers to support legislation prohibiting cellphone use while driving. Teiko Foxx has more…
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Teiko Foxx.”
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The abortion debate is far from being over in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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All five cops accused in the 2019 roadside death of Ronald Greene in Union Parish pleaded “not guilty” yesterday. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
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Suzanne Salter, a mom who lost her daughter to a distracted driver, is calling on lawmakers to pass a bill to prohibit Louisiana drivers from using handheld electronic devices while driving. Salter’s daughter, Nicole, was killed in Pointe Coupee Parish by a driver who was texting and drifted into her lane.
Cut 4 (13) “…oncoming traffic.”
Fatalities in distracted driving crashes increased by 12% from 3,154 in 2020 to 3,522 in 2021, a total of 8.2% of fatalities reported according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s an average of 10 lives lost each day, although experts believe the numbers are much higher. Salter says drivers have lost all sense of responsibility and the loss of her daughter has impacted her family for almost ten years.
Cut 5 (13) “…their phone.”
HB 580 authored by Representative Mike Huval bans phone use while driving but drivers would still be able to make calls if needed to report a traffic crash or medical emergencies and the proposed bill would give tools to law enforcement to enforce the law. Crash statistics related to distracted drivers on average rely on self-reporting by the driver or visual confirmation by law enforcement. Salter says over the past eight years legislators did not agree with the bill but they are hopeful this year.
Cut 6 (06) “…this year.”
Salter’s daughter, Nicole, left behind three young children ranging in age from 11 to 17 years old. One of the major hurdles Huval faced with his bill was concern that it could lead to overreach by law enforcement and potential profiling of drivers.
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The abortion debate is far from over in Louisiana with legislation to add exceptions to the state’s abortion ban this session. Governor Edwards is in support of exceptions for rape and incest. Lift Louisiana Executive Director Michelle Erenberg says there’s overwhelming support for such exceptions.
Cut 7 (09) “…demanding this.”
But Louisiana Right to Life spokesperson Sarah Zagorski disagrees, she feels such exceptions would be a step back for pro-life advocates.
Cut 8 (11) “…move forward.”
It’s an election year and Erenberg says there’s a clear majority among voters in support of such exceptions.
Cut 9 (10) “…or incest.”
But Zagorski says abortion only further traumatizes women.
Cut 10 (09) “…of abortion.”
House Bills 346 and 549 are the two bills that would ensure abortion care for survivors of rape and incest without the requirement that the crime be first reported to law enforcement.
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The five law enforcement officers charged in the 2019 roadside death of Ronald Greene entered pleas of not guilty in a 3rd District courtroom Tuesday. Two state troopers, two former troopers, and a Union Parish deputy are charged with obstruction of justice, and malfeasance in office, and one is charged with negligent homicide. Baton Rouge defense attorney and legal analyst Franz Borghardt says the malfeasance charges are potential permanent career killers for the officers…:
Cut 11 (11) “…after a malfeasance.”
The officers are charged with contributing to Ronald Greene’s death back in May 2019, and with failing to come clean about what had happened. Borghardt says the latter charge – obstructing justice – is disturbing when one is talking about lawmen…:
Cut 12 (11) “…cover it up.”
Borghardt says the next phase of the trial is discovery, wherein the defense is presented with all evidence the prosecution may have that could convict – or acquit – the defendants. Once that is completed, a trial date will be set.
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In a surprising move, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced this week he will NOT seek another term in office; leaving many wondering why. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he, of course, does not KNOW what motivated Ardoin’s decision, but he may have been discouraged by Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis’ decision to run…:
Cut 13 (07) “…for Kyle Ardoin.”
Ardoin has taken fire over expanding mail-in voting for the pandemic, which some say compromised the 2020 election. He also had a failed attempt at procuring new voting machines for the state. Pinsonat says Ardoin HAD the advantage of incumbency in the race…until Francis entered…:
Cut 14 (10) “…from him probably.”
With Ardoin now out of the running, Francis becomes the front-runner in the race to be the next Secretary of State. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder (who is term-limited) is rumored to be considering running as well. Pinsonat says he doesn’t think Schexnayder factored into Ardoin’s decision…:
Cut 15 (07) “…about Mike Francis.”
Pinsonat says Francis, who is from Crowley, is a political powerhouse and highly influential with Louisiana Republicans.
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The LSU football team is in the thick of Spring training as they prepare to improve on last year’s ten-win season. There were some questions surrounding the linebacker position after the departure of Micah Baskerville and Mike Jones Jr. Harold Perkins was a freshman All-American last year but spent most of his time coming off the edge. The Tigers added top transfer Omar Speights from Oregon State, Junior Greg Penn is set to take a big step this year and Coach Brian Kelly says Perkins has been learning to play off-ball linebacker…
Cut 16 (20) “…off the edge.”
The Tigers lost defensive line coach and run game coordinator Jamar Cain to Sean Payton’s Denver coaching staff a few weeks ago. Defensive analyst Gerald Chatman took over as interim D-line coach and Kelly says will be a candidate for the full-time position. Kelly said he’s looking for someone who can recruit in the SEC and develop players and should have a decision soon…
Cut 17 (18) “…or so.”
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The Pelicans will host the Thunder in the first round of the play-in tournament tonight. New Orleans was one of the best teams in the west before All-Star Zion Williamson injured his hamstring in January and had to fight to earn the nine-seed. Zion spoke to the media for the first time since re-aggravating his hamstring in February. He said his experience dealing with injury last year has helped but not being able to play still “sucks…”
Cut 18 (17) “….basketball for real.”
The Pels fought back into the play-ins thanks to an incredible effort from Brandon Ingram who led the team to a 9-3 record over the last 12 games of the season and averaged 29 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds over that span. Williamson says Ingram is an amazing talent… 20 basketball player
Cut 19 (19) “…basketball player.”
New Orleans will host another young surprise squad in OKC. The youngest squad in the NBA, many thought the Thunder were in the midst of a rebuild, but thanks to the effort of All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, went 40-42 on the season to earn the last play-in spot. Coach Willie Green says if the Pels want to advance, they’ll need to slow down SGA…
Cut 20 (19) “…him work.”