The special session is over, and two major pieces of legislation came out of it. Lawmakers approved a Congressional map with two majority Black districts and Louisiana’s federal elections will shift from open primaries to party primaries starting in 2026. Governor Jeff Landry says the outcome of the special session is a win for the people of Louisiana…

Cut 14 (08) “…great state” 

The state will move to closed party primaries but only for federal elections, and elections for State Supreme Court, Public Service Commission, and BESE. Public Affairs Research Council President Steve Procopio says the changes will impact many Louisiana voters…

Cut 11 (10) “…state level.” 

Unaffiliated voters will be able to vote in the party primaries, but registered Independents, Libertarians, and other Third-party registered voters will not.

Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley has unanimously been reappointed to continue to serve in his position by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. And with the disruptions of the pandemic and multiple hurricanes behind him, Brumley says the department can now focus on getting back to the basics…

Cut 9 (12)  “…kid’s education.”

We’ve already heard the 2024 crawfish season could be one of the worst ever in terms of supply and prices due to last summer’s historic drought. And LSU Ag Center Crawfish Specialist Mark Shirley warns the outlook for next year isn’t promising either.

Cut 4 (06) “…next year.”
He says the fields that don’t have crawfish this year will have to be restocked and with limited availability, it creates issues for the 2025 crop.

Governor Jeff Landry says a new deal has been struck to build a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Landry says this plan reduces the overall cost of the bridge by 25 percent. He says federal and state dollars will pay for the bridge, plus tolls, but not as high as proposed by the Edwards Administration

Cut 9 (10) “…26 percent” 

But the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, who opposed Edward’s financing plan and they aren’t happy with Landry’s plan either. Director of the L-M-T-A Renee Amar says no other stretch of I-10 from California to Florida is tolled and believes federal and state tax dollars should pay for construction…

Cut 12 (08)  “…money eventually”  

It’s estimated it will cost two billion dollars to replace the Calcasieu River Bridge built in 1952.

The Louisiana Legislature has sent a Congressional map to the governor’s desk that has two majority Black districts. This could result in a second Louisiana Democrat being elected to the U-S House. State Representative Beau Beuallieu says the proposed Congressional boundaries also protect four Republican members…

Cut 13 (15) “…Louisiana” 

Funeral services for Grammy-winning Cajun musician Jo-EL Sonnier will be held Saturday afternoon in Sulphur.  Sonnier was honored with numerous accolades, and he was inducted into seven Music Halls of Fame. Executive Director of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame Mike Shepard…

Cut 8 (09) “…his heart.” 

Sonnier was 77.

The Louisiana Legislature has sent a Congressional map to the governor’s desk that has two majority Black districts. This could result in a second Louisiana Democrat being elected to the U-S House. State Representative Beau Beuallieu says if the Legislature did not redraw the map, Judge Shelly Dick would and that could be messy too…

Cut 15 (11) “…her decision”

The state Legislature approved a bill that would change elections for Congress, BESE, PSC and Louisiana Supreme Court to party primaries in 2026. Statewide, legislative, and local elections would continue to use the jungle primary system. New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez carried the bill for the governor on the Senate floor…

Cut 4 (05) “better.”

The special session ended Friday afternoon.

Governor Jeff Landry says a new deal has been struck to build a new Calcasieu River Bridge. The Louisiana Motor Transport Association opposed the financing plan proposed last year by the Edwards administration and they do not like Landry’s plan, even though it reduces the toll for trucks from $12.50 to $8.25. L-M-T-A Director Renee Amar…

Cut 11 (11) “…Louisiana truckers.”

Funeral services for Grammy-winning Cajun musician Jo-EL Sonnier will be held Saturday in Sulphur. The singer and accordion player collapsed shortly after a performance in Texas last Saturday. Executive Director of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame Mike Shepard says Sonnier died doing what he loved…

Cut 6 (09) “…go out.” 

He was 77.

Governor Jeff Landry says a new deal has been struck to build a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Landry says this plan reduces the overall cost of the bridge by 25 percent. He says federal and state dollars will pay for the bridge, plus tolls, but not as high as proposed by the Edwards Administration

Cut 9 (10) “…26 percent” 

But the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, who opposed Edward’s financing plan and they aren’t happy with Landry’s plan either. Director of the L-M-T-A Renee Amar says no other stretch of I-10 from California to Florida is tolled and believes federal and state tax dollars should pay for construction…

Cut 12 (08)  “…money eventually”  

It’s estimated it will cost two billion dollars to replace the Calcasieu River Bridge built in 1952.

2024 is Louisiana’s Year of Music and Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says as part of the celebration they’re launching the Louisiana Music Trail…

Cut 5 (12) “…in Vidalia.” 

You can learn more about it when it goes live on ExploreLouisiana-dot-com.

Visitation for Grammy-winning Cajun musician Jo-EL Sonnier is being held this afternoon, and his funeral will be tomorrow in Sulphur. As a child, he was diagnosed with autism. Executive Director of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame Mike Shepard says as a way to cope, Sonnier’s physician told him to learn to play an instrument and the doctor agreed with his choice of the accordion.

Cut 7 (05) “…that happened.” 

Instead of flowers, donations can be made to AutismSpeaks-dot-org. Sonnier was 77.

Governor Jeff Landry says a new deal has been struck to build a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Landry says this plan reduces the overall cost of the bridge by 25 percent. He says federal and state dollars will pay for the bridge, plus tolls, but not as high as proposed by the Edwards Administration

Cut 9 (10) “…26 percent” 

Landry says because of Lake Charles’s proximity to Texas, 60 percent of the people paying the tolls will be from outside of Louisiana.

Among the bills pre-filed for the regular legislative session is Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s conceal carry. Currently, Louisiana residents need a permit and must undergo firearm training. McCormick argues a gun owner can legally open carry and training is not required…

Cut 14 (08) “…their right.” 

2024 is Louisiana’s Year of Music and Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says as part of the celebration they’re launching the Louisiana Music Trail…

Cut 5 (12) “…in Vidalia.” 

You can learn more about it when it goes live on ExploreLouisiana-dot-com. And Nungesser hopes this is the year to bring back the Music Commission to lure more artists to record in the Pelican State.

And speaking of music, the 2024 Jazz Fest lineup is out. We already knew the Rolling Stones were on the bill for May 2nd, but producer Quint Davis released the entire lineup yesterday and it runs the gamut…

Cut 7 (13) “…fell in.”
Weekend passes are on sale now. You can see the full line-up at NOjazzfest-dot-com.

A 22-year-old Kennetra Ary is behind bars in Livingston Parish after allegedly fatally shooting her father and sister. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says it happened at a mobile home near Walker.

Cut 12 (13)  “…their lives”  

58-year-old Kenneth Ary of Walker and 21-year-old Helen Ary of Tomball, Texas were found dead at the scene.

So far this year there have been 131 house fires across Louisiana and in the last four days, 38. Regional Disaster Officer for the Red Cross, Ed Bush says their agency responds to house fires and provides comfort and financial assistance and he wishes everyone would have a plan and prepare for the possibility…

Cut 11 (09) “…emergency plan.”

The winter weather has pushed the state’s blood supply to a critical low level. Because of the cold and hazardous travel, blood donations have dropped this week. Spokesperson for the Blood Center, Paul Adams, says they like to have a supply of three to five days on hand, but at the moment it’s down to one day…
cut 4 (10) “…anybody”
Adams says reach out to your local hospital about donating blood.

Jazz Fest released its entire 2024 musical line-up today. It includes country music star Chris Stapleton, and rock bands the Foo Fighters and The Rolling Stones. Nola-dot-com Time -Picayune entertainment writer Keith Spera says there will also be tribute to the late Jimmy Buffet…
cut 7 (10) “…as well”
The dates this year are April 25th through the 28th and May 2nd through the 5th.

22-year-old Kennetra Ary is behind bars in Livingston Parish after allegedly fatally shooting her father and sister. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says Ary is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and was arrested at the scene, a mobile home near Walker…

Cut  14 (08) “…the moment.”

58-year-old Kenneth Ary of Walker and 21-year-old Helen Ary of Tomball, Texas were found dead at the scene.

Blood donations have dropped to critical levels in Louisiana. Spokesperson for The Blood Center, Paul Adams, says a combination of things has led to a lull in supply, the holidays, carnival season, and the cold weather.

Cut 3 (12) “…blood supply.”

There have been 38 home fires in Louisiana in just the last four days. Colleen Crain discusses fire response and safety…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Colleen Crain” 

The lineup for JazzFest is out and in addition to the Rolling Stones, the Foo Fighters, Chris Stapleton, and Queen Latifah are on the bill. And instead of seven days of music at the New Orleans fairgrounds this spring it will be eight days.  Visit NOjazzfest.com

The Louisiana House has approved a bill that would change congressional, statewide, legislative, and certain judicial elections to closed primaries. If it becomes law, the Republican and Democratic Party can set up a rule that says only registered voters of their party can vote in the primaries. Harahan Representative John Illg says he’s hearing from Independents who do not like this…

Cut 11 (04) “…left out.” 

Bill sponsor Carencro Representative Julie Emerson says the political parties should have more of a say on which candidate ends up on the general election ballot…

Cut 12 (10) “…general election ballot.” 

Emerson’s bill passed on a 64-40 vote. A recent poll indicates 65% voters in the state strongly support or support the current open primary system.

The Louisiana Senate approves a redrawn Congressional map that creates a second majority-Black district currently held by Republican Garret Graves. Graves opposes the map because the map stretches his sixth district from Baton Rouge to Shreveport. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly agrees this map makes no sense…

Cut 15 (15) …northwest Louisiana. “

The first of three meetings seeking public input on the return of a proposed black bear hunting season in Louisiana will be held tonight. Humane Society of Louisiana President Jeff Dorson believes bears shouldn’t be hunted and encourages those who agree to sign a petition and voice their opinion at the meetings.

Cut 8 (08) “…concerns.” 

Tonight’s meeting will be held at the West Monroe Convention Center.

The Louisiana Shrimp Association is suing the Biden Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service over their rule requiring skimmer trawl vessels to use Turtle Excluder Devices in Louisiana’s INshore waters. Colleen Crain has the details…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

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State Wildlife is holding the first of three meetings to receive public input on the proposed return of a black bear hunting season tonight. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Louisiana House passes a bill that would shift the state from a jungle primary system to closed party primaries. Jeff Palermo has the story..

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Louisiana Shrimp Association has filed a suit against the Biden Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service over their rule requiring skimmer trawl vessels to use Turtle Excluder Devices in Louisiana’s INshore waters. James Baehr, a Lawyer with the Pelican Institute’s Center for Justice says the rule is an unnecessary, unconstitutional direct attack on Louisiana livelihoods and culture…

Cut 4 (09) “…sea turtles.”

There are studies showing the devices can increase turtle mortality and Baehr says, another study on sea turtle interactions illustrates how unnecessary the new rule is…

Cut 5 (12) “…was harmed.” 

The Turtle Excluder Device rule for Louisiana’s INshore waters was passed in 2019 but implementation was delayed by the pandemic. Then the State of Louisiana sued and won a temporary injunction but Baehr says…

Cut 6 (09) “…individual shrimpers.”

According to the Louisiana Seafood Board the Louisiana Shrimp industry generates $1.3 Billion and affects the livelihoods of over 15,000 people.

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The first of three meetings seeking public input on the return of a proposed black bear hunting season in Louisiana will be held tonight. State Wildlife Large Carnivore Program Manager John Hanks says potential hunters would enter a lottery for the ten tags and they must take a course.

Cut 7 (09) “…a male deer.”

The proposed season would be limited from December 7^th through the 22^nd.

Humane Society of Louisiana President Jeff Dorson believes bears shouldn’t be hunted and encourages those who agree to sign a petition and voice their opinion at public meetings.

Cut 8 (08) “…concerns.” 

He says his petition has received more than 8,000 signatures.

The last black bear hunting season in Louisiana was 1987. Hanks estimates the state’s population to be around 1,500 and the first proposed season would only be allowed where their population is the densest in northeast Louisiana.

Cut 9 (12)  “…excess animals.”

Dorson is pushing for a more humane approach when it comes to the growing black bear population and encourages the state to follow Florida’s BearWise program that promotes co-existence by having residents bear-proof their property. Dorson says bears are foragers especially before they hibernate.

Cut 10 (05) “…proof them.”

The BearWise philosophy in the Sunshine State has reduced conflicts with bears by 70 percent according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Tonight’s meeting is in West Monroe. A meeting in Delhi is scheduled for the 23^rd and in St. Joseph on the 25^th. They will all begin at 6 PM.

You can find a listing with details on the public hearings along with a link to the petition at our website LouisianaRadioNetwork.com.

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The Louisiana House has approved a bill that would change congressional, statewide, legislative and certain judicial elections to closed primaries. If it becomes law, the Republican and Democratic Party can set up a rule that says only registered voters of their party can vote in the primaries. Harahan Representative John Illg says he’s hearing from Independents who do not like this…

Cut 11 (04) “…left out.” 

Carencro Representative Julie Emerson is the sponsor of the legislation. Emerson says the political parties should have more of a say on which candidate ends up on the general election ballot…

Cut 12 (10) “…general election ballot.” 

Emerson’s bill passed on a 64-40 vote. But New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard says there was a recent poll that showed the public favors the state’s unique jungle primary…

Cut 13 (13) “…primary system”

Governor Jeff Landry says states that perform better than Louisiana have closed primaries. He says a closed primary system results in strong candidates on the general election ballot.

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The Louisiana Senate approves a redrawn Congressional map that creates a second majority-Black district currently held by Republican Garret Graves. The map makes it easy for Republicans Mike Johnson, Steve Scalise and Julia Letlow to win re-election. Lake Charles Senator Jeremy Stine on the importance of keeping Letlow in Washington D-C..

Cut 14 (11) “…our state” 

Graves opposes the legislation. The map stretches his sixth district from Baton Rouge to Shreveport. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly agrees this map makes no sense…

Cut 15 (15) …northwest Louisiana“

Governor Jeff Landry is in support of this map that adds another black-majority district. The bill’s author is Catahoula Senator Glen Womack…

Cut 16 (10) “..the country” 

The measure passed on a 27-11 to vote and heads to the House for more discussion.

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Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis confirmed Dennis Allen will be back for a third season as head coach. Allen has failed to lead the Saints to the playoffs in his two seasons and his record as a head coach in New Orleans is 16-18. Loomis says there are several great coaches who struggled in their first few seasons…

Cut 17 (20) “…5-and-8″ 

There are also Saints fans who are down on quarterback Derek Carr. The veteran finished the season strong and Loomis says the veteran battled through injuries…

Cut 18 (17)  “…toward the end” 

The Saints went 9-8 in 2023 and just missed making the playoffs. New Orleans has an aging defense and there are questions about the the team’s offensive line. But Loomis believes the franchise’s future is bright…

Cut 19 (22) “… perform.” 

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Cut 20 (12) “…stay together.”

The Louisiana House has approved a bill that would change congressional, statewide, legislative, and certain judicial elections to closed primaries. If it becomes law, the Republican and Democratic Party can set up a rule that says only registered voters of their party can vote in the primaries. Harahan Representative John Illg says he’s hearing from Independents who do not like this…

Cut 11 (05) “…left out.” 

Carencro Representative Julie Emerson is the sponsor of the legislation. Emerson says the political parties should have more of a say on which candidate ends up on the general election ballot…

Cut 12 (10) “…general election ballot.” 

Emerson’s bill passed on a 64-40 vote. But New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard says there was a recent poll that showed the public favors the state’s unique jungle primary.

Nicholls State University has received a $3-million donation, the largest in the school’s history. The Mary and Al Danos Family Foundation commitment will be used to construct a new College of Business Administration. Nicholls’ spokesperson Jerad David says the atrium in the new building will be named after The Brady Family, thanks to their recent donation. He says they hope these donations will inspire others.

Cut 5 (11) “…new facility.” 

Louisiana is thawing out today and expected to warm up into the mid 60’s Thursday but Montra Lockwood with the National Weather Service Lake Charles says after the quick reprieve, expect a frigid weekend temperatures.

Cut 7 (08) “…I-10 corridor.” 

Expect warmer temperatures next week.