Legislation that would result in cameras to catch speeders on the I-10 Atachalfalya Basin Bridge between Baton Rouge and Lafayette continues to cruise through the legislative process. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The three juveniles who escaped from the Ware Youth Center near Coushatta, with the help of a security guard have been captured. Authorities say 21-year-old Victoria Tune drove the three from the detention facility early Saturday. All four were located Sunday morning at a hotel in Houston.

A single-car crash in Washington Parish kills the driver 31-year-old Pamela Brown and passenger 16-year-old Jaquan Brown of Kentwood. Trooper Williams Huggins says the vehicle veered off the road and then hit two trees Saturday. And while they were both wearing seatbelts three juveniles in the back seat were not.

Cut 4  (05) “…hospitals.”

Impairment is suspected and they are awaiting toxicology results.

A new era at the State Fire Marshal’s Office is underway as Chief Daniel Wallis takes the helm and former Chief Butch Browning becomes the next executive director of the National Association of State Fire Marshals. Wallis says while it’s an exciting time it’s also bittersweet to say goodbye to his friend Browning of more than thirty years.

Cut 11 (11)  “…forward.” 

Wallis, who served as Zachery Fire Chief for 28 years has been with the State Fire Marshal’s Office since 2008.

A single-car crash in Washington Parish claims two lives. Trooper William Huggins says the driver 31-year-old Pamela Brown and 16-year-old Jaquan Brown of Kentwood were both killed when a Hyundai veered off the road shortly after 11 pm Saturday.

Cut 3 (09) “….two trees.”

Huggins says both were pronounced dead on the scene. Three unrestrained juveniles in the back seat of the car were taken to a local hospital. Impairment is suspected.

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees was let go from his contract with NBC Sports after just one season, setting off a storm of speculation about his future with Brees even alluding to a possible return to football. Saints coach Dennis Allen doesn’t see a reason to take it seriously.

Cut 9 (07) “…that regard.”

The Senate Finance Committee approved a proposed budget for the next fiscal year that does not match Governor Edwards’ wish list. For example, Edward’s wanted two-thousand dollar pay raises for teachers, and only $15-hundred has been approved. Senate President Page Cortez says a lot of one-time money investments will go toward higher education needs.

Cut  11 (09)  “…expansion”  

The full Senate is expected to vote on the budget Thursday.

A changing of the guard, or more accurately the chiefs is underway as Butch Browning, the state’s longest-serving fire marshal, hands the baton to Daniel Wallis – his former right-hand man – after 14 years of leadership. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue…:

Cut 13 (11) “…state for decades.”

Browning moves on to the position of executive director of the National Association of State Fire Marshalls.

The state supreme court rules in favor of a Baton Rouge pastor who refused to stop church services during COVID lockdown orders. So, does the ruling mean future emergency orders might lack enforcement? Does the ruling mean Pastor Spell can now sue the Governor and/or the state for damages? Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino.

Cut 6 (13)  “…First Amendment rights.”

There’s been a slight bump in COVID cases, but Governor Edwards says for the most part things are a stable. And as in previous surges, it’s expected that case counts will increase along with the high temperatures.

Cut 9 (10)  “…things happen.”

On Friday the state reported 730 news cases, the total does not included home tests.

The Senate Finance Committee approved the Senate’s version of a spending plan for the fiscal year that begins in July. The budget proposal contains a 15-hundred dollar raise for teachers and committee members also heard from parents to make sure eight million dollars is appropriated to install cameras in special ed classrooms…

Cut 12 (11) “…the bill” 

It’s State Fire Marshal Butch Browning’s last day at the helm today. Browning will be the executive director of the National Association of State Fire Marshalls. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says Browning is excited about the new challenge and opportunity to improve safety on a national scale, as well as the future of the agency he leaves behind.

Cut 15 (13)  “…national impact.”

Debate on Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s abortion bill that would have charged a woman with murder was pulled from the calendar after an amendment removed criminal charges. It was Republicans who presented the amendment and they also questioned McCormick on the constitutionality of his original bill. Louisiana already has some of the most restrictive abortion laws on the books that would go into effect if Roe V Wade, is overturned. La Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford was asked if McCormick’s bill is symbolic of a fringe GOP in Louisiana.

Cut 6  (08) “…that amendment.” 

The legislation for all practical purposes is dead for the session but it could be filed again as a resolution however the session timeline might not allow. The bill received national attention because it was poised to be one of the most aggressive new restrictions on reproductive rights in the country if it has passed.

Child drownings are on the rise in Louisiana. Regional medical director Martha Whyte says there were 24 drownings in 2020, a 60 percent jump from 2019, and preliminary data from LDH indicates 25 drowning deaths last year. She says drowning isn’t confined to large bodies of water. For infants and toddlers, there are dangers inside the home also.

Cut 11 (11)  “…alone in it.” 

Sunday night should present Louisianans with an ideal view of the lunar eclipse. LSU Astronomy Professor Jeffrey Clayton says the earth will travel between the sun and the moon, and the earth’s shadow should be visible beginning at 9:30 and last a few hours.

Cut 13 (10) “…very red.”

Clayton says you won’t even need a telescope for the eclipse so make plans to kick back and enjoy nature’s free show.

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s bill to charge a woman who has an abortion with murder was amended on a 65 to 26 vote to remove the homicide charge and it also removed language that could have criminalized in-vitro fertilization and some forms of contraception. La Politics dot com publisher Jeremy Alford says even with the leak of a possible overturn of Roe v Wade the original bill is considered unconstitutional.

Cut 4  (08) “…race at all.”

McCormick then pulled the bill from the calendar once the bill was amended by Republicans. The bill will most likely not return for this legislative session since the bill’s criminalization element was removed from the legislation. If the original bill had passed it was poised to be one of the most aggressive new restrictions on reproductive rights in the country.

Building a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge has been one of the key pieces of Governor John Bel Edwards’s legislative agenda but he’s been met with pushback from lawmakers due to the cost that could total more than $2-billion. Edwards says resistance only pushes the project timeline out even farther and could eliminate matching federal grants.

Cut 15 (12)  “…in any amount.”

Termite swarms are out and about in the state and LSU AgCenter urban entomologist Dr. Karen Sun says the Formosan termites you’re seeing are looking to take up residence. In the wild, she says they prefer to consume decayed wood but in more urban areas, they aren’t as finicky.

Cut 6 (10)  “…hiding themselves.”

Sun says always have a professional inspect and treat for termites.

Thursday’s debate on Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s bill to charge a woman who has an abortion with murder is met with questions of fallout from the issue among the Republican Party in Louisiana. LaPolitic’s dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it was republicans who amended the legislation and pointed out the bill could also punish those who use in-vitro fertilization, and that the bill in its original form is unconstitutional.

Cut 3 those amendments :10

The amendment passed on a 65 to 26 vote with 14 votes absent. McCormick then pulled the bill from the calendar because the amendment changed the original intent of the bill to criminalize the procedure. The original bill was one of the most aggressive new restrictions on reproductive rights in the country.

Louisiana’s chemical industry is looking at over $31-billion in new construction projects in the near future. Kevin Gallagher has more on that…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Three former State Police troopers are charged with simple battery; accused of beating a black motorist after a chase in 2020. Jacob Brown, Dakota DeMoss, and George “Kam” Harper were charged in the arrest of Antonio Harris in Franklin Parish. They reportedly boasted of the beating in text messages.

Louisiana’s chemical industry is looking at over $31-billion in new construction projects in the near future. Kevin Gallagher has more on that…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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A bill that would charge a woman who has an abortion with murder is voluntarily pulled from the House calendar after an amendment removes criminal charges. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (44) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards continues to make his case that the time is now for funding a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge. David Grubb has more…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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Chances are you’ve been seeing termite swarms in the evenings here in the Bayou State. LSU AgCenter urban entomologist Dr. Karen Sun says they are Formosan termites, and while you might not have an infestation in your home per se if you’re seeing them nearby, they are taking up residence in your neighborhood.

Cut 4 (06)  “…your house.”

Sun says if you are concerned about an infestation call a pest control professional to inspect your home. Sun says termites usually nest underground and tunnel in the soil searching to feed off of cellulose-containing materials like wood and cardboard. If you’re bothered by the evening swarms turn off outdoor lights and dim indoor lights.

Cut 5 (11) “…of the house.”

In the wild Sun says termites prefer to consume decayed wood but in more urban areas, they aren’t as finicky.

Cut 6 (10)  “…hiding themselves.”

This time of year Sun says the swarming fully winged termites are out looking for mates and sites for new colonies.

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Louisiana’s chemical industry is looking at over $31-billion in new construction projects in the near future. Over 30-thousand people work in the state’s chemical industry and LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott says this is great news for each one of them…:

Cut 7 (11) “…over in Lake Charles.”

Scott says many projects are for plant expansions to accommodate need. Others are re-tooling or re-furbishing existing facilities for increase performance. Most all should begin within the next two years. Dr. Scott says a huge number of jobs will be created…:

Cut 8 (11)  “…Baton Rouge area.”

Scott says, because natural gas is a key element in most chemical manufacturing, the increased cost of gas is expected to affect product demand. However, he says U.S. gas is still far cheaper than gas from the Middle East or Eastern Europe, so we remain competitive. He says the investments will not only benefit the chemical industry…:

Cut 9 (13)  “…into the state.”

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A bill to charge a woman who has an abortion with murder in Louisiana meets a likely demise. After the capitol was evacuated due to a suspicious package, the bill was amended to remove the criminal charges against the mother. The bill was ultimately pulled from the calendar by bill author, Oil City Republican Representative Danny McCormick.

Cut 10 (12) “…explain it away.”

During debate on the floor, Houma Republican Tanner Magee asked fellow party member, Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh if the original bill could potentially criminalize any woman in the state that has already had an abortion.

Cut  11 (10)  “…be correct.”  

Seabaugh then authored an amendment to remove criminal charges against the mother and also eliminated the possibility that the use of contraception and even in-vitro fertilization could potentially place a woman behind bars.

Cut 12 (10) “…does not.” 

Seabaugh also apologized to fellow lawmakers for not amending the bill in committee beforehand. The amendment passed on a 65 to 26 vote. McCormick then thanked antiabortion activists and lawmakers who supported his original bill.

Cut 13 (11) “…objection (applause).”

Governor John Bel Edwards, a pro-life Democrat, stated if the bill passed in its original form he would veto the legislation.

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Building a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge has been one of the key pieces of Governor John Bel Edwards’s legislative agenda. However, it hasn’t been easy convincing lawmakers to get on board due to the potential cost of the project. Edwards says replacing the 54-year-old bridge is expensive but necessary.

Cut 14 (11)  “…two billion dollars.”

Edwards says the time is right, considering the critical need for a new bridge and the rare availability of surplus funds in the budget. However, he says that every proposal he’s made to the legislature has been given a response that pushes the project further away from completion, particularly with regard to receiving federal grant monies to help reduce the cost for the state.

Cut 15 (12)  “…in any amount.”

The Republican-led legislature has said that Edwards’ plan is shortsighted and lacks details, including the potential site for the new bridge. The governor says that there is a relatively tight window to apply for federal money and that without a real financial commitment from the state, getting that money becomes only more difficult.

Cut 16 (11)  “…the money up.”

Edwards encourages voters to contact their representatives and ask them to support his funding plan. The Senate is expected to begin its review of the budget next week.

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The New Orleans Saints have their 2022 schedule and one of the most notable changes from years past is the lack of primetime appearances for the Black and Gold. Ross Jackson, the host of Locked on Saints, says the league is taking a wait-and-see approach when it comes to the new-look Saints.

Cut 17 (17) “ …are being perceived.” 

Jackson says that he likes the overall setup of the schedule, with the Saints playing six of their first nine games at home. However, if he could make just one change…

Cut 18 (16) “ …that London game.” 

LSU baseball starts a big three-game series with Ole Miss tonight. Outside of the action on the field is the story of the Bianco family. Drew is a utility player for the Tigers while his dad, Mike, has been the head man for the Rebels for the past 22 seasons, and played his college ball in Baton Rouge. This weekend is likely the last time father faces son, but Drew will always remember hitting a home run off the first pitch he saw against Ole Miss as a freshman in 2019.

Cut 19 (19) _“…see you tomorrow.” 

Both LSU and Ole Miss enter this weekend’s series with plenty of momentum on their sides. The Tigers have won 9 of 12 and the Rebels have won four in a row. Drew Bianco says his team is clear on what it wants to do and what it needs to do this weekend against a dangerous opponent.

Cut 20 (19) “ …end of the year.” 

A bill to charge a woman who has an abortion with murder in Louisiana meets its likely demise. After the capitol was evacuated due to a suspicious package, the bill was amended to remove the criminal charges against the mother. The bill was pulled from the calendar by bill author, Oil City Republican Representative Danny McCormick.

Cut 10 explain it away :12

Shreveport Republican Representative Alan Seabaugh authored the amendment which also removed the possibility that the use of contraception and even in-vitro fertilization could potentially place a woman behind bars.

Cut 12 does not 11

The Amendment passed on a 65 to 26 vote. McCormick then removed the bill from a vote on the floor.

An effort to prohibit the COVID vaccine as a requirement for 16 years old to attend school was defeated in Senate Health and Welfare. While several testified that schools should not have the COVID vaccine on the list of required shots. But Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow, who lost her husband to COVID in December of 2020, feels differently…

Cut 5  (09) “..differently.”

Building a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge has been one of the key pieces of Governor John Bel Edwards’s legislative agenda. However, it hasn’t been easy convincing lawmakers to get on board due to the potential cost of the project. Edwards says it is expensive but necessary.

AM Cut 14 (11)  “…two billion dollars.”

All eyes are on House Bill 813 today, the proposed law can charge pregnant women with murder if they get an abortion. The House however took a lengthy recess. The legislation is expected to be amended so a pregnant woman who gets an abortion does not face criminal charges and the new language would reaffirm a current law that says abortions would be outlawed in Louisiana if Roe versus Wade is overturned.

A bill to allow Louisiana colleges and athletic boosters pay student-athletes as part of name, image and likeness deals advances through the legislature. The NCAA says it will begin to enforce what is known as pay for play payment arrangements, and UL System President Jim Hightower says this legislation is not in violation of NCAA policy…

PM Cut 14 (12)  “…a student-athlete bill.”

A legislative effort to prohibit the COVID vaccine as a requirement for 16 years old to attend school was defeated in Senate Health and Welfare. While several testified that schools should not have the COVID vaccine on the list of required shots, Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow, who lost her husband to COVID in December of 2020, feels differently…

PM Cut 5  (09) “..differently.”

Building a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge has been one of the key pieces of Governor John Bel Edwards’s legislative agenda. However, it hasn’t been easy convincing lawmakers to get on board due to the potential cost of the project. Edwards says it is expensive but necessary.

AM Cut 14 (11)  “…two billion dollars.”

The Senate is expected to begin its review of the budget next week.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow has been chosen to fill an empty seat on the House Committee on Appropriations. The committee is responsible for funding the Federal government’s vital programs. Letlow says it’s an honor to be chosen for such a powerful committee and to help the Bayou State.

Cut 6  (08) “…needs.” 

Letlow is the first Louisianan to serve on House Appropriations since 2013.

The nationwide shortage of infant formula has parents of newborns looking for options and guidance. Director of Nutrition Services at the Louisiana Department of Health Jennifer Nicklas is advising families to shop at different stores…

Cut 8 (09)  “…give up.”
A recall of formula made by Abbott at their Michigan plant along with supply chain issues has only exacerbated the formula shortage.

To help fight the ongoing opioid epidemic, the Louisiana Department of Health Office of Behavioral Health is offering extended hours and treatment services in the Northwest and Northshore regions of the state. Traci Perry with OBH says it takes a combination of medication and evidence-based treatment to keep patients on the right track.

Cut 12 (11) “…stay in recovery.” 

A Senate bill requiring public schools to adopt policies by the end of the year regarding cameras to be installed in Louisiana special education classrooms advances from House Education.  Sandra Guichard, a mother of two special needs children says she placed a recorder on her daughter when she suspected she was being abused at school.

Cut 14 (10)  “…her face.”

The bill requires policies to be in place by December 31^st.