Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Carpenter wants parents convicted of killing their minor children added to the list of first-degree murder, making them eligible for the death penalty. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle spoke in opposition and says many adults who kill their children suffer from mental illness. She also opposes the death penalty in its entirety.

Cut 7 (10) “…to death.”

The Louisiana Supreme Court issued a six to one opinion that the Louisiana police officer who was injured when violence over the police killing of Alton Sterling broke out in 2016 can sue Black Lives Matter protest organizer DeRay Mckesson. The officer suffered serious head and facial injuries when he was hit by an object thrown at him as protestors blocked a highway.

Louisiana is closing in on reaching a 100-million dollar settlement on a class-action lawsuit that dates back to 1983 when 12-hundred home and business owners in Tangipahoa Parish sued the state over flooding caused by the construction of I-12. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne…

Cut 3 (13) “…this to rest”

Louisiana is getting back to work, so says data released by the Louisiana Workforce Commission. Adjusted nonfarm employment figures are at their highest in two years, and this past February the state posted an unemployment rate of 4.3%, the third-best February since 1976 says LWC spokesperson Chris Fiore.

Cut 9 (12) “…COVID-19.”

Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Carpenter wants parents convicted of killing their minor children to be added to the list of first-degree murder thus making them eligible for the death penalty.

 Cut 6  (11) “…these babies.” 

The bill cleared the committee with two votes in opposition and now goes to the House.

Louisiana is closing in on reaching a 100-million dollar settlement on a class-action lawsuit dating back to 1983 when 12-hundred home and business owners in Tangipahoa Parish sued the state over flooding caused by the construction of I-12.  Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says 21- million is set aside for the settlement, but the Legislature will need to allocate 45-million dollars this year and another 35-million dollars next year…

Cut 4 (11) “…with this.”

The Louisiana Board of Regents is removing a major roadblock on the path to graduation. David Grubb has the story.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.”

The National Weather Service says the tornado that tore through St. Bernard Parish Tuesday MAY be the strongest to ever hit the Greater New Orleans area. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

Michael Williamson, CEO of the United Way of Southeast Louisiana says they are collecting items to help those impacted by the tornado.

Cut 7 (10) “…and supplies.”

A bill to force those guilty of vehicular homicide of a parent to pay restitution advances from House Criminal Justice. Bill author Lafayette Representative Johnathan Goudeau says the offender would make payments to the victim’s minor child until the age of 18 or 21 if enrolled in college.

Cut 13 (12) “…that difference.”

The Board of Regents is eliminating remedial courses at Louisiana colleges instead students who need remediation will be placed in gateway math-English courses. Doctor Tristan Denly says this new approach gives students more time on task and helps them earn actual credits towards graduation, rather than shorter, non-credited, remedial courses…

Cut 5 (11) “…credit-bearing class.”

In its preliminary report on the tornado that struck St. Bernard Parish this week, the National Weather Service says it MAY have been a record-breaker. NWS New Orleans forecaster Lauren Nash says preliminary damage assessment indicates the twister WAS a very stronger EF-3…:

Cut 10 (14) “…two of those houses.”

Nash says the Arabi tornado had max winds at 160 miles per hour.

Within hours of the tornado that hit Arabi, Michael Williamson, CEO of the United Way of Southeast Louisiana says they launched a link on their website at UnitedWaySELA-dot org to collect donations and they’ve received a tremendous outpouring. There you can find a list of supplies to drop off at their New Orleans office or make a monetary donation.

Cut 8 (08)  “…stretch a dollar.”

Legislation that would force a person found guilty of vehicular homicide to pay restitution to the children of a parent who dies in the crash heads to the House floor. Valerie Sanders testified in favor of the bill after her son was killed by a drunk driver and left behind two small children to be raised by her son’s widow.

Cut 14 (10)  “…financial responsibility.”
The measure heads to the House floor.

The Louisiana Board of Regents has set a goal of 60 percent of working adults with a degree or credential of some type by 2030. To help get there, Dr. Tristan Denly says Louisiana colleges and universities will be removing what has been a significant barrier for many in completing their coursework…remedial studies.

Cut 4 (11)  “…not to work.”

A bill to force those guilty of vehicular homicide of a parent to pay restitution advances from House Criminal Justice. Bill author Lafayette Representative Johnathan Goudeau says the offender would make payments to the victim’s minor child until the age of 18 or 21 if enrolled in college.

AM Cut 13 (12) “…that difference.”

Payments would be due once they are released from prison and if they are on probation the payments are handled through their probation officer.

The Louisiana Board of Regents has set a goal of 60 percent of working adults with a degree or credential of some type by 2030. To help get there, Dr. Tristan Denly says Louisiana colleges and universities will be removing what has been a significant barrier for many in completing their coursework…remedial studies.

Cut 4 (12)  “…not to work.”

Legislation that would make state waters more attractive to companies interested in developing wind energy projects off of the state’s coastline is headed to the House floor. Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue says he supports oil and gas production but also recognizes alternative energy is coming

Cut 9 (10) “…jobs”

A proposal to make it a crime to deny someone entrance into a building based on their vaccination status received a hearing today in a House committee, but even Republican lawmakers who oppose vaccine mandates had issues with the measure. The bill’s author, Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley, blames the COVID vaccine for his recent heart attack…

Cut 12 (12) “…heart attack.” 

Bagley voluntarily deferred his bill, but plans to present a revised version later in the session.

The National Weather Service says the Arabi tornado was the strongest in history to hit the New Orleans area and it also claimed the life of 25-year-old Conner Lambert. Chalmette football coach Jason Tucker who coached Lambert in high school says the loss is even more tragic because of all Lambert’s potential.

Cut 5 (08) “…great kid.”

A proposal to make it a crime to deny someone entrance into a building based on their vaccination status received a hearing today in a House committee, but even Republican lawmakers who oppose vaccine mandates had issues with the measure. The bill’s author, Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley, blames the COVID vaccine for his recent heart attack…

Cut 12 (12) “…heart attack.” 

The bill called for fines if a person is denied entry based on their vaccination status.

Legislation to make state waters more attractive to companies interested in developing wind energy projects off the state’s coastline is headed to the House floor. The bill would increase the maximum size of a lease from five thousand to 25-thousand acres. Larose Representative Joseph Orgeron says wind turbines need more space than oil and gas rigs.

Cut 10 (09)  “…appropriately.”

During a mostly positive press conference on the eve of Brian Kelly’s first spring practice at LSU, the new head coach chose to step into the murky legal waters surrounding the lawsuit filed by former associate athletic director Sharon Lewis. USA Today has reported it interviewed two other women with similar allegations against Frank Wilson. Kelly pushed back against those reports.

Cut 7 (10) “…that were unfounded.” 

Tuesday’s tornado in Arabi claimed the life of 25-year-old Conner Lambert. Chalmette High School football coach Jason Tucker says his former player who also graduated from ULL, was very family-oriented and moved back to the area to be near his relatives.

Cut 4 (11) “…be missed.”

Lambert worked as an engineer at Stennis Space Center.

Governor John Bel Edwards declares a state of emergency for four parishes affected by Tuesday’s storms and tornados. Edwards says residents can help to speed up recovery aid by taking digital photos of damage to their homes and share that information with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness.

Cut  11 (10)  “…go to ‘damage.la.gov’.”  

The parishes include St. Bernard, Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Tammany.

Many Hurricane Laura and Delta victims are still battling with their insurance companies and that’s why Alexandria Representative Ed Larvadain has filed a bill to create a Fraud Prevention Authority to investigate claims of fraud following named storms. Eric Holl with Real Reform Louisiana says the authority is modeled after a task force that investigates automobile theft and insurance fraud…

Cut 5 (11) “…or prosecuted.”
The House Insurance Committee has approved this bill and heads to the House floor for more discussion.

New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis wants to limit the release of mugshots in an effort to prevent those who are innocent from the public embarrassment that it can impose.

Cut 7 (12) “…to the public.”

The measure passed out of a House committee and heads to the House floor.

Governor John Bel Edwards declares a state of emergency for four parishes affected by Tuesday’s storms and tornados. Edwards says residents can help to speed up recovery aid by taking digital photos of damage to their homes or businesses and share that information with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness.

Cut  11 (10)  “…go to ‘damage.la.gov’.”  

A bill to create a board entitled the Louisiana Named Storm Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority passes in House Insurance on a seven to five vote. Bill author, Alexandria Representative Ed Larvadain says residents are tired of dealing with insurance fraud from hurricanes and the bill creates a 19-member authority.

Cut 4 (08)  “…will look at that.”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon spoke in opposition of the bill.

New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis wants to limit the release of mugshots in Louisiana, in an effort to prevent those who are innocent from the public embarrassment it can impose. But legal counsel for the Louisiana Press Association, Scott Sternberg says the bill is too broad. He advocates placing a charge on booking photos to eliminate the majority of mugshots released.

Cut 9 (11)  “…wanna do.”

The bill passed on an 11 to 1 vote in House Governmental Affairs and now heads to the House floor.

High gas prices are also impacting those who work for delivery services like Waitr. So, director of driver experience for the company Chris Barnes says they now have a GasCard program to help drivers save five-percent. Barnes says even when gas prices go down, drivers can still save at the pump.

Cut 15 (09)  “…excited about that.”

Legislators investigating the death of motorist Ronald Greene while in state police custody now have subpoena powers. The House approved a resolution Wednesday to give committees formed for special purposes the same authority as standing committees to issue subpoenas. The committee has heard testimony from Ronald Greene’s mother Mona Hardin and former LSP Superintendent Kevin Reeves.

A bill to create a board entitled the Louisiana Named Storm Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority passes in House Insurance on a seven to five vote. Bill author, Alexandria Representative Ed Larvadain says residents are tired of dealing with insurance fraud from hurricanes and the bill creates a 19-member authority.

Cut 4 (08)  “…will look at that.”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the state already investigates insurance fraud and the creation of an authority is repetitive.

New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis wants to limit the release of mugshots in Louisiana, in an effort to prevent those who are innocent from the public embarrassment that it can impose.

Cut 7 (12) “…to the public.”

House Bill 729 prohibits law enforcement from releasing a booking photograph in any format if they reasonably believe it will be published on a pay-for-publication or website.

Legal counsel for the Louisiana Press Association, Scott Sternberg says the bill is too broad. He advocates placing a charge on booking photos to eliminate the majority of mugshots released.

Cut 9 (11)  “…wanna do.”

The bill passed on an 11 to 1 vote in House Governmental Affairs and now heads to the House floor.

The National Weather Service says it was at least an EF 3 tornado with winds of at least 135 miles per hour that caused significant damage in Arabi in St. Bernard Parish Tuesday night. So far only one storm-related death has been reported. Governor Edwards is touring the storm-ravaged area and meeting with local responders. He will hold a press conference at 1:30. He’s already declared a state of emergency for St. Bernard, Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Tammany Parishes.

The HUD announcement of $450 million for those recovering in southwest Louisiana from 2020’s Hurricane Laura is welcome news in Calcasieu Parish. Alberto Galan who’s overseeing Long Term Recovery says while the state is waiting on the funds those in need can fill out a survey with the state’s Office of Community Development. He says the survey is quick and easy.

Cut 12 (10) “…have a need.” 

The National Weather Service says it was at least an EF-3 tornado that tore through Arabi in St. Bernard Parish killing at least one person. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”