There are three bills sponsored by Kenner Republican Debbie Villio that will gut the 2017 Justice Reinvestment Initiatives and drastically reduce a prisoner’s opportunity for early release. In House Criminal Justice, Villio advocated for House Bill 9 that eliminates parole eligibility for crimes committed after August 1st of this year.

Cut 12 (13) “…a difference.”

Former Gretna Representative Joe Marino attended the hearing to speak against the bill. Marino says eliminating parole and forcing prisoners to serve 85% of their sentence…

Cut 13 (13) “…to want.”
The bill heads to the House floor for more debate.

Governor Jeff Landry signs an executive order that keeps a big property tax break in place for manufacturers, but it removes the job creation requirement that was added during the Edwards’ administration. Landry says the job creation requirement only created bureaucratic red tape.

Cut 9 (05) “…into Louisiana.” 

More than 32 thousand Louisiana high school students enrolled in college courses during the 22-23 school year, making it three years in a row dual enrollment has increased. And Higher Education Commissioner Doctor Kim Hunter Reed says minority student participation has increased over three years by seven percent.

Cut 4 (09) “…the board.”

Hunter-Reed says they are committed to dual enrollment opportunities for all students. She points out a virtual instruction program is accessible to students in underpopulated parts of the state.

Governor Jeff Landry has removed a job creation requirement for manufacturers to receive a significant property tax break. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

If you think something is wrong with your cellphone, it’s most likely not your phone, it’s the network. Multiple carriers are reporting outages. If you have wi-fi on your phone, you can make calls and receive through that versus the cell carrier. A reason for the outage has not been released.

A bill that for the most part would eliminate parole opportunities advances to the House floor. Former Gretna Representative Joe Marino attended the House Criminal Justice Committee hearing on the bill to speak against House Bill 9. Marino says there’s proven that data showing rehab programs work and that severely limiting one’s opportunity for parole doesn’t….

Cut  14 (14) “..the smartest.”

LSU men’s basketball took down another Top 25-ranked team last night as the Tigers rallied from 15 points down in the second half to beat 17th-ranked Kentucky 75-74 on a buzzer-beating. Coach Matt McMahon says it was an amazing ending.

Cut 8 (10) “…buzzer.” 

The legislature is set to vote today on several of Governor Jeff Landry’s crime-focused bills. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says it looks like the state will soon have a much stricter criminal justice code that would give inmates fewer options to get out of jail before their sentence is up…
cut 24 (09) “…of prison.”

For the third straight year, the number of Louisiana high school students taking college courses while in high school is up. More than 32 thousand students were dually enrolled for the 22-23 school year, up 13 percent from the previous year. Higher Education Commissioner Doctor Kim Hunter Reed says more students are seeking early pathways to success.

Cut 3 (09) “…high school.”  

LSU men’s basketball took down another Top 25-ranked team last night as the Tigers rallied from 15 points down in the second half to beat 17th-ranked Kentucky 75-74 on the buzzer-beating shot by Tyrell Ward. Coach Matt McMahon says it’s a great character win…

Cut 6  (13) “…get it done” 

LSU is now 6-7 in the SEC after back-to-back wins over nationally ranked South Carolina and Kentucky.

Stonewall State Representative Larry Bagley’s proposal to eliminate the state’s vehicle inspection sticker will be debated in the upcoming regular session. He says his measure has become a favorite among Louisianans.

Cut 7 (11) “…taken away.”

A bill to Repeal the Age Act that went into effect in 2019 is making its way through the legislature. The bill approved in 2017 raised the age to 18 when a person charged with a felony could be charged as an adult. But lawmakers want to lower it back to 17. It has the support of prosecutors. Avoyelles Parish District Attorney Charles Riddle

Cut 6  (08) “…for that” 

Lawmakers debated the privacy portion of a bill to protect the names and drug manufacturers involved in the executions of death row inmates. In House Governmental Affairs, Hammond Representative Nick Muscarello says the state can’t get the drugs needed because the manufacturers receive threats so he’s sponsoring the bill.

Cut 9 (12) “…novel content.” 

The bill passed on a 12 to 5 vote and heads to the House floor.

For the first time in the company’s history, Entergy Louisiana has reached a new milestone in its commitment to using sustainable energy solutions. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is reporting two cases of measles in the Greater New Orleans area. A press release from LDH says the two individuals recently returned from a trip out of state and that more information will be provided when they’ve gathered more information about the two cases.

At the crime special session in Baton Rouge, the first item to receive approval by the House Criminal Justice Committee is a measure that increases penalties for carjacking. Under the bill, a person convicted of a carjacking that results in serious bodily harm will get 20 to 30 years. Katie Hunter Lowrey with the Promise of Justice Initiative spoke against it…

Cut 11 (10) “…detention centers”

But bill author Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel says a carjacking cost the life of a 73-year-old grandmother during a brutal carjacking in 2022.

Legislation to concealed carry without a permit will also be debated in the session. But New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission President Rafael Goyeneche says you must pass a test to get your driver’s license and carrying a gun shouldn’t be any different.

Cut 4 (09) “…no training.”

Legal analyst Tim Meche says it was a bad move for LSU running back Trey Holly to give a statement on social media on the shooting that took place in Farmerville. The shooting injured two people and Holly posted he was at home at the time of the shooting that happened outside of his apartment.

Cut 9 (13) “…go together.” 

Holly is one of three people charged with attempted second-degree murder.

A piglet has been saved after being tossed around like a football during Marid Gras. Humane Society of Louisiana Director Jeff Dorson says a bystander spotted three men throwing what he assumed was a football—until he heard squeals. Dorson says they are raising money online to help the piglet.

Cut 7 (09) “…$1300.”  

The pig will also raise awareness about animal abuse at the state legislature.

10:30

In his opening remarks on the crime special session Governor Landry says he’s received criticisms about leniency in sentencing. He says currently up to 70-percent of a sentence may be removed for good time which requires no effort of the inmate to participate in educational, job training or rehabilitation services…

Cut 8 (06) “…for jail.” 

Landry also says he wants to restart executions of death row inmates.

The Black Legislative Caucus says while they too are also committed to addressing crime, but they were not involved in drafting legislation for the session. New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard says while the governor refers to victims of crime…
Cut 13 (10) “…communities safer.”

Williard says legislation proposed in the session only looks at reactive measures nothing to prevent crime.

It’s the second day of the special session and RESET Louisiana urges lawmakers to make thoughtful decisions on crime instead of backpedaling on reform. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

In Benton the FBI is investigating a suspicious letter that was found at a church with ties to US Speaker Mike Johnson. Cypress Baptist church is also listed as the business address of counseling services owned by his wife Kelly Johnson. The letter contained white powder and the first test showed it was non-toxic more testing is being performed.

It’s the second day of the special session and RESET Louisiana urges lawmakers to make thoughtful decisions on crime instead of backpedaling on reform. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry laid out his blueprint on how to make Louisiana a safer state as a special session on crime is underway. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (37)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_____________________________________________

Louisiana is in the process of answering Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s request for assistance at the southern border. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________________

RESET Louisiana cautions the House and Senate against reversing 2017 criminal justice reforms in the crime special session. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says data shows current reforms that focus on non-violent offenders are working.

Cut 4 (11) “…go away.”

Under former Governor Edwards’ leadership, ten bills aimed at criminal justice reform were passed with bipartisan support that was credited to helping drop Louisiana’s imprisonment rate from one to two in the nation.

Erwin says the concern is that nonviolent offenders can be pulled into the same category as violent offenders in these tough-on-crime policy proposals. He says lawmakers should consider actions proven to work that reduce crime.

Cut 5 (12) “…safety opportunities.” 

During this special session, legislators will consider restricting parole eligibility and restricting and repealing good time earned for inmates.

Erwin says little evidence exists to show that imprisoning criminals with longer sentences reduces crime. He points out that if lawmakers decide to roll back reforms it could cost the state and taxpayers millions.

Cut 6 (13) “…the population.”

RESET Louisiana is a nonpartisan effort led by the Committee of 100, CABL, and PAR.

__________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry tells the Louisiana Legislature that it’s time to end the criminal-minded element destroying Louisiana. On the opening day of the special session, Landry laid out his agenda for the crime-fighting special session. Early in his speech, he spoke about his desire to restart executions of death row inmates…

Cut 7 (08) “…these families”

Landry supports a bill that would shield from the public the names of drug companies that provide chemicals to carry out a lethal injection. He also wants to expand the methods for executing to include the electric chair and Nitrogen hypoxia.

Landry says he’s heard a lot of criticism from prosecutors, judges, and others about the leniency of sentencing. He says right now up to 70-percent of a sentence may be removed for good time and the good time requires no effort of the inmate to participate in educational, job training or rehabilitation services…

Cut 8 (06) “…for jail.” 

Landry also wants to see lawmakers approve a bill that results in stronger penalties for convicted carjackers. He’s calling for the minimum jail time to increase from two to five years and a minimum of 20 years if the victim is seriously hurt physically. He had this message for a person looking to carjack a vehicle…

Cut 9 (11)  “…in jail.”

_________________________________________________________

Louisiana has agreed to send National Guard troops to Texas to assist with the southern border. Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Jacques Thibodeaux says they’ve officially received the request from Governor Greg Abbott via the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

Cut 10 (11) “…moving forward.”

Thibodeaux says Governor Abbott’s emergency request is for military support of 50 soldiers at one time for three 30-day iterations, which is 150 guardsmen over 90 days.

Cut 11 (11) “…general support.” 

In his own law enforcement experience with the US Marshals Office in New Orleans, Thibodeaux says criminal activity often goes together with illegal immigration and an unsecured border presents a terroristic threat. He says helping Texas secure the border is vital to Louisiana and the country.

Cut 12 (06) “…contribute to.” 

Louisiana guardsmen will assist the Lone Star state with security points, roving patrols, and engineering operations along its 1,250 miles of border with Mexico.

_____________________________________________________

As Republican Governor Jeff Landry’s special session to focus on crime convenes, the House Democratic Caucus says they too are also committed to addressing crime, yet they were not involved in drafting legislation. New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard says while the governor refers to victims of crime…

Cut 13 (10)  “…communities safer.”

Williard says the Democratic Caucus, nor the Black Legislative Caucus were allowed any input in the special session. He says several aspects should be considered to adequately address crime.

Cut 14 (12) “…into society.”

Williard says due to the way the special session was called, lawmakers are not addressing the root causes of crime.

Cut 15 (10) “…in Louisiana.”

The session is scheduled to adjourn on March 6^th. The regular session will convene on March 11^th.

_______________________________________________________________

Cut 16 (16) “…end” 

Cut 17 (13) “…today.” 

________________________________________________________________________

Cut 18 (14)  “..they play”

Cut 19 (19) “…that serve” 

________________________________________________________________________

Cut 20 (20) “…all healthy.”

In a social media post, suspended LSU running back Trey Holly says he’s been falsely accused in a shooting that injured two others on February 9th.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The special session on crime is underway at the state capitol and Governor Jeff Landry will give his opening remarks at 1:45 this afternoon. He’s asking lawmakers to pass 24 pieces of legislation that range from adding additional methods to be used when carrying out the state’s death penalty to increasing the penalties when one commits a carjacking.

A bill to allow those 18 or older to carry a concealed gun without a permit will be debated in the special session. Former Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed the measure in previous sessions and Republican River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot believes the bill will advance this year without any pushback.

Cut 5 (08) “…pass easily.”

DCFS Secretary David Matlock defends the state’s refusal of Summer EBT dollars that equates to $70 million in federal match from a state investment of $7 million. He says the department faces an internal fiscal cliff of $35 million annually and the answer to child poverty is workforce and job development.

Cut 7 (13) “…done with it.”  

Matlock says the state will feed more children with existing programs, but Louisiana Democrats are criticizing the Landry Administration for refusing to accept more federal funds to feed the poor.

The special session on crime begins next week and a New Orleans area lawmaker wants legislators to pass stronger penalties against carjackers and those who deal fentanyl. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

A Slidell man was arrested Friday, related to his involvement at the U.S Capitol on January 6^th, 2021. 30-year-old Charles Tyler Himber was arrested Golden Meadow by FBI Agents and is charged with several misdemeanor offenses. More than 13-hundred individuals have been charged in connection to the capitol riot.

LSU running back Trey Holly remains in a Union Parish jail charged with attempted murder from a shooting that took place last Friday in Farmerville. Two people were wounded in the gunfight that involved multiple individuals. Holly is a freshman at LSU after a stellar career at Union Parish where he set the state’s rushing record for most rushing yards in a high school career.

KNOE-TV sports director Aaron Dietrich says Holly is known as a great athlete and person…

Cut 15 (11) “…floored.”

Holly was one of three people arrested. His attorney says the star running back was not involved in a shooting. Dietrich says it’s unknown what evidence the authorities have against Holly…

Cut  16 (14)   “…tell his story.”

The special session on crime begins next week and a New Orleans area lawmaker wants legislators to pass stronger penalties against carjackers and those who deal fentanyl. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

______________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry has declared a State of Emergency due to a police officer shortage. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Landry” 

______________________________________

A new survey by the National Federation of Independent Business indicates expectations for higher sales among small business owners decreased in January. State Director Dawn McVea says owners are frustrated with stagnant economic conditions starting the New Year.

Cut 3 (07) “…folks employed.”  

Optimism fell by two points in January to 89.9, marking the 25th consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98.

Among owners reporting lower profits, McVea says 32 percent of owners blamed weaker sales. She says owners continue to adjust to ongoing economic challenges.

Cut 4 (12) “…their business.”

McVea says the national survey also found that 39 percent of owners reported job openings that were hard to fill have had a significant impact on their business. She says it’s a battle for survival.

Cut 5 (10) “…for them.”

________________________________________________________________

A 23-year-old Carencro woman is facing vehicular homicide charges after crashing into a parked vehicle following a Lafayette Mardi Gras parade. That resulted in several cars banging into each other, killing 40-year-old Jermaine Britton of Breaux Bridge. Lafayette Police detective Ken Handy says Britton was in between two parked vehicles…

Cut 6  (07) “…that vehicle.” 

Handy says Britton died from his injuries at the hospital. Kayley Thibeaux (Tee-bow) is in the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center, facing numerous charges. Handy says six children were in her vehicle at the time of the crash and none of them were buckled up…

Cut 7 (12) “…careless operation”  

__________________________________________________________________

With a special session set to begin Monday, Louisiana lawmakers are looking to strengthen penalties on the crime of carjacking and fentanyl distribution to minors. Author of House Bill Seven Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel says her measure would change the minimum penalty for carjacking from two years to five years.

Cut 8 (12) “…harmed physically.” 

Last year Schlegel authored a law that removes probation from their sentence for juveniles convicted of carjacking.

Over the years, the Jefferson Parish lawmaker says carjackings committed by juveniles have doubled statewide. She says no one is immune, but stiffer penalties may be a sufficient deterrent.

Cut 9 (12) “…swift penalty.”

In response to the uptick of fentanyl deaths in Louisiana, Schlegel says her new legislation cracks down on people who make fentanyl appealing to minors.

Cut 10 (10) “…99 years.”

__________________________________________________________________

LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, now with the Kansas City Chiefs shielded a child during a shooting Wednesday after their Championship Parade. On social media, he’s talking about his own Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Psychiatry Dr. Rahn Bailey says it’s important to recognize a person can mentally re-experience trauma when something reminds them of the event.

Cut 11 (09) “…they need.”

The initial trauma can be physical like a car accident or even emotional from verbal abuse. Bailey says how a person responds to trauma depends on one’s own experience before, during, and after the incident.

Cut 12 (09)  “…handle it.”  

Bailey says you can even experience PTSD by witnessing a traumatic event.

Symptoms of PTSD include intrusive memories, avoidance, negative thoughts, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Bailey says a person can experience depression and anxiety as a result. Treatment includes talk therapy, group therapy, and even medication.

Cut 13 (07) “…their heart’  

If you need mental health services call 2-1-1.

__________________________________________________________________

LSU running back Trey Holly remains in a Union Parish jail charged with attempted murder from a shooting that took place last Friday in Farmerville. Two people were wounded in the gunfight that involved multiple individuals. KNOE-TV sports director Aaron Dietrich says rumors were flying before Thursday’s arrest that Holly might be involved…

Cut  14 (10) “..this happen.”

Holly is a freshman at LSU after a stellar career at Union Parish where he set the state’s rushing record for most rushing yards in a high school career. Dietrich says Holly is known as a great athlete and person…

Cut 15 (11) “…floored.”

Holly was one of three people arrested. His attorney says the star running back was not involved in a shooting. Dietrich says it’s unknown what evidence the authorities have against Holly…

Cut  16 (14)   “…tell his story.”