51-year-old Leon Ruffin, who escaped when he was being transported back to the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center from the hospital Sunday, is back in custody. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says Ruffin, who pepper-sprayed a female deputy and stole her vehicle was located Tuesday afternoon in an East New Orleans hotel. He says it was a group effort by multiple agencies.

Cut 13 couple of days. :13

Lopinto expects there will be multiple arrests and the investigation of his escape is far from over.

The National Safety Council says Louisiana saw a ten-percent decline in the number of highway deaths in 2023.  Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says fewer drunk driving wrecks has led to the decrease…

Cut 3 (05) “…alcohol fatalities”  

Louisiana Farm Bureau President Jim Harper is not seeking a fourth-term Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson.

Cut 9 (11) “…came on.” 

Davidson says this ends Harper’s 25 years of service with the federation, having also served as first vice president and a board member. Delegates will elect a new president at their annual convention in June.

Dr. Martin Lemelle has been chosen to serve as Grambling State University’s 11^th president. As a graduate of GSU, Lemelle says he’s looking forward to leading the university in its next chapter. He says he wants the HBCU to continue to grow programs launched under former president Rick Gallot, like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and nursing.

Cut 7 (10) “…of history.”  

Senate-approved legislation to lower the age a person can be charged with a felony as an adult from 18 to 17 advances from House Criminal Justice. Louisiana Sheriffs Association executive director Michael Ranatza says 17-year-olds offenders at juvenile facilities are causing serious problems…

Cut 7 (13) “…35 year old.”

A bill to expand methods to carry out the death penalty passed in Senate Judiciary C Monday. Committee members heard from individuals on both sides of the issue. Speaking against House Bill 6 was Brett Malone, whose mother was murdered December 2000. He says killing the man who killed his mother won’t help anyone and he asked just how far they will go to carry out executions.

Cut 11 (11) “…to the lions.” 

The amended bill advances to the Senate.

WalletHub has named 2024’s Best and Worst States for Women and the news is not good for Louisiana. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Funeral arrangements have been announced for St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith. He passed away Saturday after a long illness. There will be a procession beginning in Franklin Thursday morning with visitation at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium at 11am and the funeral will begin at 3pm. Smith was 75.

A bill to expand methods to carry out the death penalty, passed in Senate Judiciary C Monday. Committee members heard from Howard Vincent, whose brother, Steven Vincent a state trooper was killed in 2015. He says it’s difficult to listen to those who are against the death penalty and opposed to expanding methods of execution like the electric chair and Nitrogen Hypoxia.

Cut 12 (12) “…his head.” 

Terry Landry Junior with the Southern Poverty Law Center spoke against adding nitrogen gas as a means of execution. He says several veterinarian associations say it’s a cruel way to euthanize animals.

Cut 13 (07)  “…human beings.”

The bill received full passage in the House last week.

It’s already been approved by the state Senate and now legislation to lower the age a person can be charged with a felony as an adult from 18 to 17 has advanced out of the House Criminal Justice. 18th Judicial District Attorney Tony Clayton is pushing hard for the bill because he says there are 17-years-olds committing crimes knowing they will only serve a few years at a juvenile facility.…

Cut 8 (09) “…fight back.” 

According to WalletHub 2024’s Best and Worst States for Women and the news is not good for Louisiana. Using 25 key metrics the survey ranked the Pelican State 50 out of 51 states and the District of Columbia. Louisiana is second from the bottom for women living in poverty and 46^th for women suffering from depression. Analyst, Cassie Happe, believes they’re connected…

Cut 4 (09) “…mental state.”

WalletHub has named 2024’s Best and Worst States for Women and the news is not good for Louisiana. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The Louisiana Legislature is moving closer to changing a law that would lower the age a person charged with a felony can be charged as an adult. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Legislation to expand methods to carry out the death penalty Senate Judiciary Monday. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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WalletHub has named 2024’s Best and Worst States for Women and the news is not good for Louisiana. Using 25 key metrics the survey ranked Louisiana 50 out of 51 states and the District of Columbia. Louisiana is second from the bottom for women living in poverty and 46^th for women suffering from depression. Analyst, Cassie Happe, believes they’re connected…

Cut 4 (09) “…mental state.”

Women of the Bayou State also ranked near the bottom for metrics including life expectancy at birth, female homicides, and high school graduation rates. The number of Louisiana women influencing policy is disappointing says Happe as the share of women who voted in the 2020 presidential election ranked 46…

Cut 5 (08) “…low percentage.” 

Since 2015 WalletHub has released their report on the Best and Worst States for Women annually, just before Women’s History Month begins in March. This year, Louisiana dropped from 49 to 50 followed only by Oklahoma. Happe says, the report highlights important issues.

Cut 6 (08) “…the focus.”

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Senate-approved legislation that would lower the age a person can be charged with a felony as an adult from 18 to 17 has advanced out of the House Criminal Justice Committee. Louisiana Sheriffs Association executive director Michael Ranatza says 17-year-olds offenders at juvenile justice facilities are causing serious problems…

Cut 7 (13) “…35 year old.”

18th Judicial District Attorney Tony Clayton is pushing hard for this law because he says there are 17-years-olds committing crimes knowing they will only serve a few years at a juvenile facility and then they are free. Clayton says some 17-year-olds need to remain behind bars after they turn 21…

Cut 8 (09) “…fight back.” 

Meghan Garvey with the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers spoke against the bill. Garvey argues non-violent 17-year-olds should stay in the juvenile justice system because the offender’s parents are more involved in the rehabilitation process…

Cut 9 (11)  “…their path.”

The measure heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

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A bill to expand methods to carry out the death penalty and to provide protections for those involved, like drug companies that provide the ingredients used for lethal injection, passed in Senate Judiciary C Monday. Committee members heard from those in favor, like Howard Vincent, whose brother, Steven Vincent a state trooper was killed in the line of duty in 2015.

Cut 10 (08) “…to death.”

Speaking against House Bill 6 was Brett Malone, whose mother, Mary Ann Shaver Malone was killed in Bossier Parish in December of 2000. He told lawmakers killing the man who killed his mother won’t help anyone and he asked just how far they will go to carry out executions.

Cut 11 (10) “…to the lions.” 

Vincent says there’s no reasonable doubt about his brother’s killer, he says Kevin Daigle confessed and there’s both video and DNA evidence. Vincent says it’s difficult to listen to those who are against the death penalty and opposed to expanding methods of execution like the electric chair and Nitrogen Hypoxia.

Cut 12 (12) “…his head.” 

Terry Landry Junior with the Southern Poverty Law Center spoke in opposition to adding the use of nitrogen as a means of execution. He says several veterinarian associations are against the use of nitrogen because it is cruel and harmful to animals.

Cut 13 (06)  “…human beings.”

HB6, which received full passage in the House last week was amended in Senate Judiciary C to take effect July 1, 2024.

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Forty recent graduates from the LSU-A School of Nursing passed the NCLEX National Licensure Examination on their first try. It’s the second time in six years that LSUA has seen all its students in a cohort pass the NCLEX on their first attempt. Director of the LSUA’s School of Nursing Sarita James…

Cut 14 (10) “…graduate.”

James says half of these new nurses are staying in central Louisiana, but others got jobs in Baton Rouge and Lafayette….

Cut 15 (08) “…the nation.”

In 2023, the national first-time pass rate was 79-percent. James says most of their students are working parents or individuals working on a second career…

Cut 16 (09) “…very doable.” 

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Cut 17 (13) “…with that.” 

Cut 18 (18)  “…come Georgia.” 

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Cut 19 (12) “…third shots.”

Cut 20 (14) “…make us better.”

51-year-old Leon Ruffin who was being held at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center escaped from the parking lot of Ochsner Westbank Sunday and drove off in a deputy’s car. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says the convicted murderer was being transported back to the JPCC from the hospital and escaped after he pepper-sprayed a deputy.

Cut 10 (08) “…point and time.”

The car was found abandoned in Algiers.

New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez’s bill to allow non-felon adults to legally conceal carry a handgun without a permit or training was approved in House Criminal Justice today after passing the full Senate last week. Miguez says Senate Bill 1 does not change current law, which prohibits guns near a parade route or in bars and that there’s evidence his legislation will help deter shootings…

Cut 14 (09) “… took effect”

The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office has not released many details about the November in-custody death of Jerome Stevenson. Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump says an autopsy report shows the 26-year-old died from blunt force trauma to the head and stomach…

Cut 7 (13) “…to death”  

Two correctional officers have been charged with his death.

The remains of 19-year-old Sheryl Turner of New Iberia have been positively identified as those found in the Ouachita River on January 24^th. Turner’s body was found dismembered in the river. Her twin sister told authorities that Turner left New Iberia to go to Monroe with a man around New Year’s. Catahoula Parish detectives are asking for anyone with information about the case to contact them.

51-year-old Leon Ruffin, who’s been in custody for second-degree murder in the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center, escaped from the parking lot of Ochsner Westbank Sunday and drove off in a deputy’s marked car. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says Ruffin was being treated for a seizure and other injuries they believe he was now faking.

Cut 9 (11) “…on her.” 

The stolen unit was later found abandoned in Algiers.

Wildfires in the Bayou State increased dramatically over the weekend prompting a statewide burn ban. Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain…

Cut 4 (08) “…massive wildfires.”

He says several burn piles got out of control and they believe in some blazes arson could be involved.

The family of Jerome Stevenson have hired nationally renowned civil rights lawyer Ben Crump as they are seeking justice and more information on Stevenson’s in-custody death in Marksville. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

The body of 19-year-old Sheryl Turner of New Iberia who had been missing since early January has been identified as the body found in Catahoula Parish in the Ouachita River on January 24^th. A fisherman spotted her body about three miles north of Jonesville. The case is being treated as an active homicide investigation and a GoFundMe account has been set up to help pay for Turner’s funeral expenses.

Most of Governor Jeff Landry’s proposals are halfway through the process as we enter week two of the crime special session. The Louisiana Senate has approved legislation that would allow non-felon adults to conceal carry without a permit. Opponents say the proposed law will make Louisiana a more dangerous state. Landry says 27 other states have this law, including Louisiana’s neighboring states…
Cut 13 (11) “..than us.”

Among the bills filed for the regular legislative session is one to amend definitions related to abortion. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell says her bill clears up confusion so the removal of a miscarriage would not be considered an abortion.

Cut 10 (09) “…as well.”

The bill also defines that the removal of an ectopic pregnancy is not considered an abortion.

UL Lafayette Economist Gary Wagner’s latest Louisiana Economic Activity Forecast says the state has gained nearly 40,000 jobs in the last 12 months, the biggest increase in almost 20 years. And he says to expect more of the same for the next 12 months. Wagner predicts the Bayou State will gain another 27,000 jobs but he does mention one concern…

Cut 9 (08)  “…the economy.”

Legislation to lower the age from 18 to 17 at which a person charged with a felony could be considered an adult successfully cleared the Senate in a 30-9 vote. Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud says an increase in crime including deadly shootings, home invasions and carjackings was the motivation for the bill. She says the state has suffered enough and the current system for juvenile offenders is broken.

Cut 5 (12) “…not working.”

New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis says from 2017-2020 the number of juvenile crimes decreased from 6400 to 3700 and putting juveniles in adult jails isn’t going to solve the problem.

Cut 6  (10) “…begin with.” 

The measure heads to a House committee for more discussion.

The Louisiana House has approved a measure that expands the methods to carry out a death penalty and puts penalties in place for releasing information on drugs used for a lethal injection. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

In a unanimous vote, the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System has named Dr. Martin Lemelle as the next president of Grambling State University. Lemelle is an alum of Grambling and served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Grambling. He will serve as Grambling’s 11^th president.

Legislation to lower the age from 18 to 17 at which a person charged with a felony could be considered an adult successfully cleared the Senate in a 30-9 vote. Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud says an increase in crime including deadly shootings, home invasions and carjackings was the motivation for the bill. She says the state has suffered enough and the current system for juvenile offenders is broken.

Cut 5 (12) “…not working.”

New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis says from 2017-2020 the number of juvenile crimes decreased from 6400 to 3700 and putting juveniles in adult jails isn’t going to solve the problem.

Cut 6  (10) “…begin with.” 

The measure heads to a House committee for more discussion.

A bill to double the minimum prison sentence for carjackings receives full passage in the House. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel was questioned by New Orleans Democrat Matthew Williard if the state can handle an influx of prisoners with new laws passed in the crime special session.

Cut 7 (12) “…to jail.”  

The bill passed on an 89-15 vote and heads to a Senate committee for debate.

And a Baton Rouge judge has ruled against a temporary restraining order filed on behalf of advocacy groups who say limiting public input on laws debated in the crime special session is unlawful.

Due to last year’s severe drought, Governor Landry sent a letter to the USDA requesting critical aid for Louisiana’s crawfish industry. Teiko Foxx spoke with a crawfish farmer about much-needed assistance…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The Promise Justice Initiative has filed for a temporary restraining order against the legislature because public input on the crime special session bills has been limited. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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 A bill allowing concealed carry by Louisiana adults without a permit is headed to the house after passing the senate 28-10 Thursday. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Governor Landry has sent a letter to USDA requesting they provide much-needed federal assistance for Louisiana’s crawfish industry which is struggling to harvest mudbugs this year because of last summer’s drought. Chairman of Crawfish Promotion and Research Board David Savoy says help is needed for farmers who have invested thousands of dollars and have not seen great results.

Cut 4 (10) “…electric bills.”

Louisiana State University’s Agriculture Center estimated the potential losses to be nearly $140 million due to the combined drought and freeze. While crawfish production is expected to pick up, Savoy says the severity of this year’s loss in crawfish production will continue to impact farmers.

Cut 5 (10) “…little production.” 

Savoy says farmers lost a third of its acres and it’s going to take efforts by the USDA to help the crawfish industry bounce back. He says crawfish production will be an ongoing issue for the next three to four years because…

Cut 6 (11) “…seed that.”

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The Promise Justice Initiative has filed for a temporary restraining order against the legislature because public input on bills has been limited to an hour in committee meetings. A hearing will be held today, and Erica Navalance with PJI says lawmakers are trying to rush through sweeping monumental changes to our laws…

Cut 7 (09) “…represent.”

On Tuesday and Wednesday Navalance says during the House Criminal Justice Committee meetings the public was allowed only one hour to speak, and individuals were limited to three minutes for comment.

Cut 8 (13) “…all of us.” 

Navalance says the state constitution demands a process that allows for full and meaningful participation by the public, whether they are for, against, or neutral on the topic.

Cut 9 (10)  “…make laws.”

The hearing is scheduled for 9 am in the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge today. PJI and Voice of The Experienced (VOTE) filed the restraining order against the legislature.

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No, they are not giant mosquitoes. But Louisianans are seeing an abundance of large mosquito like insects known as crane flies stirring in the Bayou State. Assistant Professor in Urban Entomology at LSU Ag Center Dr. Aaron Ashbrook says the long-winged insect may be a nuisance but they play an important role in our ecosystem.

Cut 10 (13) “…the environment.”

Ashbrook says the Bayou State typically sees large emergences of crane flies, known as mosquito hawks, in February and March. Most adults are typically attracted to light and water. He says the adult insect mate, lay eggs, and only live a week or two.

Cut 11 (12) “…are dying.” 

While they have a reputation for being blood-sucking dangerous insects, Ashbrook says they are completely harmless and don’t bite. And for those who find crane flies to be a nuisance…

Cut 12 (11) “…crane flies.” 

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A bill allowing concealed carry by Louisiana adults without a permit is headed to the house after passing the senate 28-10 Thursday. Senator Blake Miguez of New Iberia sponsored the bill and says other states that passed permit-less concealed carry laws have not seen an increase in violent gun crimes…

Cut 13 (08)  “…equal footing.”

Miguez says, law enforcement is divided on the bill, but New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis shared a letter from the Louisiana Fraternal Order of Police opposing the bill then questioned how permit-less conceal carry helps police…

Cut 14 (10) “…God-given right.”

West Monroe Senator Jay Morris says the Fraternal Order of Police is a labor union and doesn’t represent all law enforcement. Quoting from a letter received from Retired West Monroe Police Chief, Jeff Terrell, he says the Founders made it clear that restrictions hurt law-biding citizens…

Cut 15 (07) “…or cannot.”

Duplessis called the bill one of the most dangerous pieces of legislation to ever pass out of the Senate…

Cut 16 (07) “…community safer.” 

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Cut 17 (16) “…they will.” 

Cut 18 (17)  “…along the way.” 

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Cut 19 (15) “…be fun.”

Cut 20 (16) “…good spot.”