Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon will ask state leaders to set aside a big pot of money to lure new insurance companies to the state. Donelon says his agency did the same after Hurricanes Katrina & Rita overwhelmed insurers with over 700-thousand claims. That resulted in companies leaving the state and forcing thousands to the state’s bulwark insurer, Louisiana Citizens. He says an incentive program back then successfully brought a number of new companies to take on Louisiana coverage…:

CUT 06  (07)        “…a global marketplace.”

He hopes to meet with the Governor and legislative leaders soon to officially make the request.

The incumbent Mayor of Shreveport, Adrian Perkins has been disqualified from the race.  This comes after a Caddo resident called to attention that Perkins allegedly used false address information. And a judge agreed. Perkins says he was distracted by TV cameras at qualifying.

Louisiana is receiving federal help to fight flooding caused by climate change, and it’s FIVE TIMES the amount the state is currently spending per year. More from Marsanne Golsby…:

CUT 01(34)      “…Golsby.”

An Ascension Parish Sheriff’s deputy has been picked to sing the National Anthem for the New Orleans Saints’ home game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He’s 1^st Lieutenant Mike Brooks, and he’ll take the mic to open the game on October 16^th, in the Caesar’s Superdome.

She was once one of the state’s top Democrat power players, but today former New Orleans State Senator and state Democratic Party chair Karen Carter Peterson pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges. Peterson was accused of taking nearly a hundred-thousand dollars in campaign and party money with the help of yet unnamed assistants. A federal judge will decide if Peterson will go to prison, when her sentencing comes up in December.

Louisiana’s on again/off again abortion ban trigger law is back on again, after Baton Rouge Judge Don Johnson signed an order that suspends his preliminary injunction. That action is the result of a ruling Friday from the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeals. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino…:

CUT 06(11)      “…lower court’s ruling.”

Ciolino says this case will eventually be decided by the state Supreme Court, and he think the High Court will rule for the state.

Not that it was EVER ok, but it is now – officially – a crime to use marijuana while in a moving vehicle. Metairie Republican Representative Laurie Schlegel brought the bill in the legislature. She says she thought of the bill after witnessing people in New Orleans, driving around smoking weed…:

CUT 12(11)      “…not be good.”

Schlegel says, with smokable medical cannabis now legal, it makes good sense to draw a line on where one can use it. The law applies to ANYONE in the vehicle; driver or passengers. A violation means a $100 fine.

The Louisiana Municipal association elects its first-ever Black female president. She’s Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine, who says she will represent ALL communities in the state, which has not always been the case…:

CUT 11(09)      “…as they should be.”

Louisiana’s law that bans most abortions is back in effect. Baton Rouge Judge Don Johnson has signed an order that suspends his preliminary injunction. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says Judge Johnson’s action is the result of a ruling Friday from the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeals…:

CUT 06(11)      “…lower court’s ruling.”

Ciolino says the case will eventually go before the state Supreme Court and he thinks the state will win.

Former state Senator and state Democrat Party chair Karen Carter Peterson pleaded guilty today to federal fraud charges. Peterson was accused of stealing tens of thousands in campaign and party funds, with the help of several associates; none of them named in court documents. A judge will decide if the 52-year-old Peterson will go to prison, when she is sentenced in early December.

The Mayor of Ville Platte, Jennifer Vidrine, was installed Saturday as president of the Louisiana Municipal Association; making her the first Black woman to hold that position. She’s been Mayor of Ville Platte, in Evangeline parish, since 2011. In her career in public service, she has broken through a number of racial and gender barriers to get where she is. Vidrine says she didn’t achieve all that alone…:

CUT 10(11)      “…I could stand here.”

A new law taking effect today makes it a crime to use marijuana in a motor vehicle. Metairie Republican Representative Laurie Schlegel brought the bill in the legislature. She says with smokable medical marijuana now legal, it’s a good idea to establish where one CANNOT use it. She says the law also applies to VAPING cannabis…:

CUT 14(05)      “…this law as well.”

Those caught using marijuana in a moving vehicle will face a $100 fine – even if they are using legally prescribed medical marijuana.

Louisiana’s law that bans most abortions is back in effect. Baton Rouge Judge Don Johnson has signed an order that suspends his preliminary injunction. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the case will eventually reach the state Supreme Court and when that happens, the high court will quite likely rule for the state. He says if pro-choice advocates want to change the law, they’ll need to take it up at the Capitol next spring…:

CUT 08(05)      “…not by the courts.”

New Orleans born rapper Mystikal has been arrested in Ascension parish for alleged rape. The 52-year-old musician, whose real name is Michael Tyler, is accused of holding a woman captive in his Prairieville home and rapping her. This is Tyler’s third arrest on sex crimes in 20 years. He spent 6 years in prison for a sexual assault in 2004. As of this news cast, his bond had not been set.

28 men and women who have at least two years of law enforcement experience have started their training in the first ever accelerated cadet class with the Louisiana State Police…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

The state Department of Health reports another 3850 new cases of COVID-19, with 650 persons currently hospitalized with symptoms. They say 60-percent of those infected have had NO shots. LDH also reports 16 new COVID-related deaths.

The on again / off again state abortion ban is on again. Louisiana’s First Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a suspensive appeal as the law moves through the court system…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Palermo.”

A Shreveport man arrested last week for possessing child pornography has had more charges added on. 22-year-old Deandrick Fuller initially faced 16 counts, after investigators found images on his devices. Another 132 images were discovered later, including some depicting bestiality. The investigation is ongoing and more charges may be coming.

State Police are conducting their first-ever accelerated trooper cadet academy. The class is only for those with at least two years previous law enforcement experience. Meaning a lot of the basics won’t need to be covered. LSP Sergeant Monroe Dillion says there’s a reason for holding an accelerated academy…:

CUT 05(11)      “…be out there.”

The accelerated class is 28 men and women. LSP’s next regular cadet academy will get underway in February 2023 and the deadline for applications is October 17th.

Starting today, a new law takes effect making it a crime to use marijuana in a moving vehicle. With legal medical cannabis a thing now, Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel, who authored the bill, says it’s a good idea to establish where one CANNOT use it…:

CUT 13(10)      “…driving in a car.”

The law applies to anyone in the car; driver or passengers.

28 men and women who have at least two years of law enforcement experience have started their training in the first ever accelerated cadet class with the Louisiana State Police…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

New Orleans rapper Mystikal, who has been accused of rape twice in the past two decades, is in the Ascension Parish Jail on his third count of alleged sex crimes. The 52-year-old’s real name is Michael Tyler. He spent 6 years in prison for a 2004 sex assault.

A new law taking effect today makes it a crime to use marijuana in a motor vehicle. Metairie Republican Representative Laurie Schlegel brought the bill in the legislature. She says she thought of the bill after witnessing people in New Orleans, driving around smoking weed…:

CUT 12(11)      “…not a good thing.”

A violation will mean a $100 fine.

The Mayor of Ville Platte, Jennifer Vidrine, was installed Saturday as president of the Louisiana Municipal Association; making her the first Black woman to hold that position. Vidrine says she is honored to be elected by her peers…:

CUT 09  (12)        “…also humbling.”

In her career in public service, she has broken through a number of racial and gender barriers to get where she is.

Coming soon to a highway near you: more Louisiana State Troopers. LSP Sgt. Monroe Dillon says an accelerated cadet academy is underway now. That means everyone in the class has at least 2 years law enforcement experience. That means they do not have to repeat the basics…:

CUT 04  (11)        “…defensive tactics.”

28 new men and women will soon graduate and begin service.

Louisiana’s law that bans most abortions is back in effect. Baton Rouge Judge Don Johnson has signed an order that suspends his preliminary injunction. Judge Johnson had issued a restraining order against the law from going into effect while he studies the merits of the law, but Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says it was just a matter of time before the appeals court would act……:

CUT 07(08)      “…the law requires.”

Starting today the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin is officially designated as a highway safety corridor. Jeff Palermo on what that means…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Palermo.”

…and now today’s markets…

Deputies in St. Martin Parish arrest a woman for stabbing an officer during an arrest. Sheriff’s Captain Ginny Higgins says some St. Martinville residents called them to report a suspicious woman, knocking on doors and asking to be given a gun. When a deputy stopped 26-year-old Ashley Burton to question her, she tried to flee on foot, struggled with the officer and then stabbed him. Higgins says, when Burton fled the vehicle and the deputy, she left something very important in the car…:

CUT 13(10)      “…took over after that.”

Burton is now charged with attempted murder of a police officer, drug possession and more.

Starting Monday, a new law takes effect stating police cannot use the smell of marijuana as probable cause for a warrantless search or arrest. New Iberia Rep. Marcus Bryant brought the bill and says medical marijuana patients shouldn’t have to worry about this happening to them…:

CUT 10(12)      “…uncomfortable.”

Again the new law takes effect August 1^st.

Another new law taking effect Monday makes theft of catalytic converters from vehicles a crime with big penalties. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says punishment could be up to 20 years in prison with fines up to $50-thousand. He says some criminal steal dozens in one night, and sell them in bulk…:

CUT 07(10)      “…catalytic converters.”

The NSU Demons basketball team adds Florida prep hoops star Hansel Enmanuel to its 2022 recruiting class. His stats make him a standout, yes…but also amazing is he has only one arm. Demons coach Corey Gipson says that challenge makes Enmanuel even more determined…:

CUT 04(08)      “…that guy.”

A native of the Dominican Republic, Enmanuel averaged 26 points, 11 rebounds & seven assists per game in his senior season.

A state appeals court has reinstated Louisiana ban on abortions. The First Circuit Court of Appeal granted a preliminary injunction to put the ban back in effect, after a district judge had blocked the trigger laws. The appeal was filed by Attorney General Jeff Landry. So abortion clinics must once again close their doors.

A new law that goes into effect Monday makes the theft of a catalytic converter a crime. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Palermo.”

Deputies in St. Martin Parish arrest a woman for stabbing an officer during an encounter. Sheriff’s Captain Ginny Higgins says some St. Martinville residents reported a suspicious woman; knocking on doors and asking to be given a gun. When a deputy stopped 26-year-old Ashley Burton to question her she tried to flee on foot, struggled with the officer and then stabbed him. Burton is now charged with attempted murder of a police officer, resisting arrest, simple escape, possession of narcotics and more. Higgins says the deputy Burton stabbed has been treated and released from medical care…:

CUT 14(06)      “…extremely lucky.”

Higgins says Burton also left two small kids in her car, when she dashed away. They are now in the custody of Children & Family Services.

A cop in New Roads, in Pointe Coupee Parish, is on administrative leave; accused of sexually assaulting a teenage male. New Roads Police Chief Kevin McDonald says the officer has been on the job 8 months and has a clean record. He says the investigation is still active. We’re withholding the officer’s name because he hasn’t yet been arrested or punished.

A state appeals court has reinstated Louisiana ban on abortions. The First Circuit Court of Appeal granted a preliminary injunction to put the ban back in effect, after a district judge had blocked the trigger laws. The appeal was filed by Attorney general Jeff Landry.

Northwestern State is thrilled about the signing of Hansel Enmanuel – the high school basketball star with one arm. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 01(28)      “…Southern.”

Starting Monday, stealing catalytic converters will be a specified crime in Louisiana; one with harsh penalties. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot sponsored the measure during the legislative session. He says most frequently the parts are stolen from pickups and SUVs…:

CUT 08  (08)        “…in seconds.”

Under the new law, those convicted of stealing catalytic converters could face fines up to $50-thousand and jail time of up to 20 years.

Another new law will forbid police from using the smell of marijuana as cause for a warrantless search of one’s home, or an arrest. New Iberia Rep. Marcus Bryant says otherwise medical marijuana patients could be wrongly harassed…:

CUT 11  (14)        “…for marijuana.”