A state lawmaker voices her concerns after a Livingston Parish man – accused of sexually abusing young girls – was released this week on bail. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder says he’s running for Secretary of State. The Gonzales Republican is term-limited in the legislature and says he wants to continue his 12 years of public service. On Monday, incumbent Kyle Ardoin announced he will not seek re-election. PSC Commissioner Mike Francis and businessman Brandon Trosclair have also announced their candidacy for the office.

Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col Lamar Davis says the department has just under 900 troopers and the number continues to decline. Davis says low pay is a common reason given for resignations. He told lawmakers the department needs to improve the recruitment and retention of officers.

Cut 8 (11)  “…their hearts.” 

Davis says they are doing more community outreach in an effort to build trust and also recruit potential cadets.

Former LSU basketball player Wayne Sims has died at the age of 54. Sims was a four-year standout from 1987 to 1991. LSU went to the NCAA tournament each year when Sims played for the Tigers and former coach Dale Brown says he’s crushed to hear about Sims’ passing…

Cut 10 (08) “…loved guy.” 

A recent survey by the Louisiana Federation of Teachers shows 97 percent of teachers and 98 percent of staff said they are not paid enough to raise a family. LFT Spokesperson Heather Cushman says state lawmakers are considering a pay raise for educators.

Cut 12 (11) “…this crisis.” 

The statewide average teacher salary is $52, 472, nearly $3,000 less than the Southern regional average.

Colonel Lamar Davis expressed concern to lawmakers over the growing number of state troopers leaving the department. He says troopers are choosing to retire much sooner than they did in the past and there are just under 900 troopers in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (06)  “…is pay.” 

Davis says troopers in Texas are paid almost twice as much and the pay in Tennessee and Mississippi surpasses Louisiana.

A state lawmaker voices her concerns after a Livingston Parish man – accused of sexually abusing young girls – was released this week on bail. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The abortion debate is far from over in Louisiana with legislation to add exceptions for rape and incest to the state’s abortion ban this session. Governor Edwards, who’s pro-life supports exceptions.

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.”

But Lift Louisiana Executive Director Michelle Erenberg says most Louisianans support adding exceptions and because it’s an election year how lawmakers vote could impact their re-election campaigns.

Cut 9 (10)  “…or incest.”

House Bills 346 and 549 are the two bills that would ensure abortion care for survivors of rape and incest.

In a surprising move, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced he’s NOT running for another term; leaving many wondering why. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he, while he doesn’t KNOW what motivated Ardoin’s decision, but he thinks Ardoin may have been discouraged by Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis’ decision to run…:

Cut 13 (07) “…for Kyle Ardoin.” 

Also considering running for that office, term-limited House Speaker Clay Schexnayder.

Abbeville Representative Mike Huval is trying once again to ban handheld cell phone use while driving. Huval has sponsored the legislation over the last eight years. Suzanne Salter, who lost her daughter to a distracted driver, is hopeful legislators who didn’t agree with the bill before will this time.

Cut 6 (06)  “…this year.”

Opponents have raised concerns it could lead to an overreach by law enforcement and potential profiling of drivers.

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…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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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 3^rd 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.”  

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says he will not seek re-election. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says Ardoin was unsuccessful in getting lawmakers to approve new voting machines.

Cut 10 (11) “…out there.” 

Similar to other Secretary of States in the country who were criticized for alleged voter fraud in the 2020 Presidential election, he’s decided not to run.

Gubernatorial candidate, Stephen Waguespack, and two political action committees supporting him are expected to report $3 million raised for his campaign. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Waguespack is a strong candidate, but his personal war chest is far outstripped by Jeff Landry’s $5-million.

Cut 6 (10)  “..your campaign for you.” 

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.”

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.

The 2023 legislative session is underway and with this being an election year it’s the last one for several lawmakers and Governor John Bel Edwards, who is term limited. For the first time, Edwards is publicly asking legislators to pass legislation to abolish the death penalty….

Cut 9 (08)  “…culture of death.”

Edwards is also asking lawmakers to add exceptions for rape and incest to the state’s abortion ban.

Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman (freeman) has proposed legislation to crack down on parole eligibility for offenders who are dangerous. Frieman says the man who murdered a Covington priest and church volunteer last fall (and burned their bodies) was released from jail early several times. He says the current parole system fails to protect citizens from such people…:

Cut 15 (08)  “…their maximum time.”

The bill gives judges more leeway to refuse parole or probation.

A Tulane University study finds record-breaking rates of sea-level rise along the U.S. Southeast and Gulf coasts since 2010. River-Coastal Science and Engineering Professor of Tulane, Sonke Dangendorf says the widespread acceleration that extends from the Gulf of Mexico into the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Seas is independent of the subsidence in the area.

Cut 5 (11) “…the subsistence.”

He says it demonstrates the urgency of the climate crisis in the Gulf region.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested 19-year-old Landon Woodside of Slidell man for terrorizing on Monday. He was taken into custody after making alleged threats on social media, in a video holding an AR-style rifle with the quote “next schooler shooter in the making.” Investigators say he admitted to making the video but told investigators he was just joking.  Sheriff Randy Smith says such threats will not be tolerated.

Governor Edwards gave his last “State of the State” address Monday as the 2023 legislative session got underway. Over the next two months, lawmakers will debate a wide variety of bills, including increasing the minimum wage to $12 an hour and he’s also supporting paid family and medical leave and equal pay legislation for men and women who do the same work…

Cut 8 (07)  “…as a result” 

Another topic Edwards wants lawmakers to address is legislation to improve the state’s property insurance market. Edwards says he does not want to see legislation that makes it easier for insurers to wear people down…

Cut 6 (11)  “..for everyone.” 

Edwards also said he supports adding the exception of rape and incest to the state’s abortion ban.

According to a JMC Analytics survey conducted last week of a thousand Louisianans, 70 percent agree with the governor that the exception for rape and incest should be added to the state’s abortion ban. Pollster John Couvillon says they also asked if exceptions should be allowed when a physician believes it’s medically necessary.

Cut 10 (10) “…that exception.” 

The poll also showed that 49 percent identify as pro-choice compared to 44 percent who are pro-life.

Gretna lawmaker Joe Marino is proposing to increase legislators’ annual salary from $16,800 to 60-thousand dollars in 2024. Marino says being a legislator is a time-consuming job for something that pays so little…

Cut 5 (11) “…you started.”

State Police are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting at a Lafayette nightclub Sunday evening. Trooper Thomas Gossen says shortly before 11 PM Lafayette Police responded to shots fired in which an off-duty officer working a security detail at the club was involved.

Cut 12 (08) “…not injured.” 

The names of the victim and the Lafayette police officer have not been released.

The 2023 legislative session begins today, and Gretna Representative Joe Marino wants lawmakers to get a pay raise from the current salary of $16,800. Marino says other elected officials have received pay raises but lawmakers are still making what was allotted since 1980.

Cut 3 (04) “…never occurred.”

Marino wants to increase the salary to $60 thousand.

Following the death of LSU student Madison Brooks after a night of underage drinking at a Tigerland bar – Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell is hoping to raise the age limit to enter bars from 18 to 21. Mizell says raising the age could help prevent tragedies by making it more difficult for young people to obtain alcohol.

AM Cut 4 (09)  “…a negative.”

And in DC. Congressman Mike Johnson wants to make it a crime to approach a law enforcement officer while he or she is doing their job. Johnson’s bill would create the crime of approaching a law enforcement officer who’s legally engaged in his or her duties. He says he’s spoken with several law enforcement officers who’s had such incidents occur.

AM Cut 13 (09) “…safety issue.” 

LSU says its national champion women’s basketball team will go to the White House after receiving an invite from the President, despite some hurt feelings from a statement made by First Lady Jill Biden. LRN Sports Director & Tiger Rag Radio host Jeff Palermo…:

CUT 02  (31)        “…Palermo.”

The weather for Easter Sunday is expected to be much better. State Climatologist Barry Keim says lows to dip into the 60s for the next several days.

Cut 11 (06)  “…60s range.”

Things should be cloudy but dry Sunday.

Baton Rouge Representative Paula Davis has filed legislation to require health insurance to pay fertility preservation costs for cancer patients whose treatment could render them sterile. Davis says she was surprised to learn it wasn’t always covered by some health insurance plans.

Cut 6 (09)  “…bill does.” 

The proposed law would be known as “The Medically Necessary Fertility Preservation Act.”

It’s Easter weekend and while we’ll admit they are awfully cute, getting a baby chick and or bunny for a pet isn’t the best idea. Humane Society of Louisiana director Jeff Dorson says shelters and veterinarians see an influx of rabbits and chicks after the holiday that are surrendered and in poor health.

Cut 3 (12) “…your money.”

He says stick to stuffed animals and candy.

Some of Louisiana’s favorite Easter treats are back on the shelves this year after supply chain disruptions limited the beloved confectionaries. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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BESE is requesting the state legislature to provide additional dollars to fund security on school campuses. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Big news for Central Louisiana: a huge rare metals extraction plant coming to Alexandria in the next few years. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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After limited supplies last year, Heavenly Hash Eggs are back, and Elmer Chocolate CEO Rob Nelson says it’s just in time to mark the beloved treat’s 100^th anniversary. Corn starch supply chain disruptions last year kept them from making all three versions of the angelic candy.

Cut 4 (10)  “…dark is back.”

He says they are hoping Strawberry Heavenly Hash will return next year. They began making the Strawberry version when the company relocated to Ponchatoula in 1970, the Strawberry capital of the world.

Nelson says last year they received hundreds of phone calls daily wanting to know why all three versions of Heavenly Hash were not in stores.

Cut 5 (06) “…selling out.”

It was a New Orleans Canal Street confectionary that invented Heavenly Hash in the early 1900s. And in 1923, Nelson says the Elmer family purchased the recipe and trademark.

Cut 6 (07)  “…hard to believe.”

Nelson says they begin preparing to create Heavenly Hash, the Gold Brick and Pecan eggs as early as January for Easter.

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BESE is calling on the state legislature to appropriate funding for trained school resource officers in all public schools to increase security. District 4 Member Michael Melerine says he raised the issue last year following the Uvalde-Texas school shooting and is revisiting it after the Nashville school mass shooting hit close to home.

Cut 7 (12) “…by it.”

Melerine says officers should be certified by a nationally accredited school resource officer program or a state training program. He says providing a safe and secure environment for all students and educators is a priority.

Cut 8 (11) “…it really.”

A survey of Louisiana schools following the 2022 Louisiana School Safety Summit – a conference for system leaders, law enforcement, and other agencies to discuss school safety and emergency preparedness – indicated approximately 67 percent (of 73 percent of schools responding) currently have a school resource officer. Melerine says the Board is committed to protecting our schools.

Cut 9 (08)  “…school system.”

The Board also requested that school systems annually report the total number of school resource officers to the Louisiana Department of Education.

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Rare metals giant UCore will invest $ 75 million to make North America’s first rare earth metals separation and purification facility, and it will be in Rapides Parish. UCore V.P. and Chief Operating Officer Mike Schrider says the plant will extract the key elements used in making electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, and numerous consumer goods. He says the raw ores will arrive via the port of New Orleans…:

Cut 10 (11) “…other elements eventually.” 

When up and running the project should mean about 100 new direct jobs, with pay of $50-k or more annually. Nearly 300 indirect jobs will also result from the project. Schrider says UCore will make use of an existing 81-thousand-square-foot structure, located at England Airpark. He says the facility can be easily modified for optimal production capability…:

Cut 11 (10)  “…particular building.”

The UCore commitment is a major economic development for Louisiana, but especially for Central Louisiana. Schrider credit the cooperation of Louisiana Economic Development’s Fast Start program and local officials for helping make the plan a reality. He says it’s a big step in moving away from internal combustion cars & trucks…:

Cut 12 (12)  “…make those vehicles.”

Schrider expects operations to start in early 2025, and the plant to be fully operational by 2027.

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The biggest crawfish weekend of the season is upon us and there’s plenty to rejoice about when it comes to mudbugs this year and Easter weekend. Crawfish App co-founder Laney King says today, and Sunday are two of the busiest days of the year for crawfish sales.

Cut 13 (10) “…last Easter.” 

You can find boiled crawfish this weekend for an average of $4.75 a pound and live will run you $2.59 a pound. And you might even be able to beat those prices by using the Crawfish App for the lowest price nearby.

And for the Super Bowl weekend of crawfish, King says prices on average are the same as last weekend.

Cut 14 (10)  “…this week.”

So, if crawfish boil is on your agenda this weekend, King says to expect to pay between $60 to $75 a sack for medium to large size crawfish.

Cut 15 (09)  “…a sack.”

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The LSU football team is just over halfway through their spring practice schedule and Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock says his group is making strides towards becoming one of the best in the SEC. With nearly all of its starting core returning, the Tigers offense should be a strength for the team ahead of the 2023 season. In his second season in Baton Rouge, Denbrock says he’ll hope to build on the progress his offense made last year

Cut  16 (19)  “..really elite.” 

Headlining the Tigers offense is returning quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 17 touchdowns last season and was 4th in the nation with only three interceptions, but the coaching staff has urged him to take more chances down the field. Denbrock says they’ve focused on creating a more explosive offense this spring…

Cut 17 (18) “…quarterback position” 

Freshman Tight End Mason Taylor will hope to improve on an impressive first year in Baton Rouge next year. Taylor led the team’s tight ends with 38 catches for over 400 yards and three touchdowns and solidified himself as a top receiving option. Denbrock says another season with the program, especially in the weight room, will help to expand his role in the offense…

Cut 18 (19) “…run game”

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The Pelicans host the Knicks in their last home game of the season tonight. After starting 2023 at the top of the Western Conference, the Pels have struggled without Zion Williamson but made a late-season push to fight for a spot in the postseason. Things seem to be clicking again as forward Brandon Ingram is playing some of the best basketball of his career averaging nearly 30 points a game over that span. Locked on Pelicans Podcast Host Jake Madison says B.I.’s playmaking has helped to elevate the entire team…

Cut 19 (19) “…good results.”

CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy, and Herb Jones all scored over thirty while Ingram tallied 13 assists in New Orleans’ last win over the Grizzlies.

With Just two games left in the season, the Pelicans are tied for 7th in the West with the Lakers and a game behind the Warriors and Clippers and an automatic playoff bid. Madison says it would take some luck to make it to the six-seed but can still improve from last year…

Cut 20 (19)  “…very high.”  

The worst the Pels can finish is ninth. Tip-off against New York is at 7:00