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 Landry is keeping a change to the Industrial Tax Exemption Program made by former Governor John Bel Edwards requiring businesses pay at least 20-percent of the taxes for the first ten years and 100-percent thereafter. Landry says the tax exemption only needs approval from one government entity in a parish, instead of multiple…

Cut 11 (10) “…in Louisiana”

Former Gretna Representative Joe Marino attended the House Criminal Justice Committee hearing on a bill that would eliminate many of the reforms of the 2017 Justice Reinvestment Initiatives. He says the 2017 reforms are beginning to work but the main hurdle is that prisoners in parish jails are not provided rehabilitative services to reduce recidivism. He says eliminating parole and forcing prisoners to serve 85% of their sentence…

Cut 13 (13) “…to want.”  

The Board of Regents is committed to dual enrollment opportunities for all students says Higher Education Commissioner Doctor Kim Hunter Reed and she points out a virtual instruction program is accessible to students in underpopulated parts of the state.

Cut 5 (07) “…larger school.”

To access more information on dual enrollment for high school students, visit Ladualenrollment.com.

LSU men’s basketball rallied from 15 points down in the second half to beat 17th-ranked Kentucky 75-74 last night. Coach Matt McMahon says taking better care of the basketball led to the second half rally…

Cut 7 (13) “…three times.”  

Governor Jeff Landry signs an executive order that keeps a big property tax break in place for manufacturers, but it removes the job creation. Together Louisiana, says the change to the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program is just a gift for corporations and local governments will lose millions in tax revenue. But Landry says removing the job requirement is about capital investment…

Cut 10 (08) “…retaining jobs.”

Louisiana State Police and the FACES Lab have positively identified a body found in October of last year as that of 38-year-old Ashley Beauclair of Marksville. She was found in the Blue Town Community north of Marksville and after an autopsy, authorities ruled her death a homicide. The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to call them at 318-619-3980 or 318-253-4000.

According to The Board of Regents 2023 report, Louisiana’s high school dual enrollment participation increased for a third consecutive year. Teiko Foxx explains…

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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 shot by Tyrell Ward. Coach Matt McMahon…

Cut 6  (12) “…get it done.” 

In his first special session on crime, Governor Landry’s legislation is met with little opposition. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Could Louisiana’s vehicle inspection stickers become a thing of the past? A state lawmaker hopes his proposal to get rid of inspection stickers passes in the upcoming regular session. Teiko Foxx has more….

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed two cases of measles in the Greater New Orleans area. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Today begins the fourth day of Governor Jeff Landry’s special session on crime and ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross believes the hard-nosed conservative with the help of the legislature will be able to honor his tough-on-crime campaign promises.

Cut 4 (09) “…his way.”

After Democrat Governor John Bel Edwards’ passage of criminal justice reforms, Cross says the Landry administration is a sharp contrast from the last eight years in Louisiana. Cross says it appears the state will soon have a much stricter criminal justice code and less eligibility for the commutation of sentences.

Cut 5 (09) “…of prison.” 

Cross is quick to point out that while most of the bills increase penalties and keep criminals behind bars longer, legislation to allow concealed carry without a permit can be deemed ironic.

Cut 6 (13) “…other direction.”

Among the bills progressing in the session are measures to increase the carjacking penalties and the addition of other methods to be used to carry out the death penalty.

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

Cut 7 (11) “…taken away.”

Under current law, Louisiana drivers are required to get an inspection every other year. Drivers can pay for a one-year inspection tag for $10 and $20 for two years.

Bagley says a driver with an expired sticker could be fined up to $124. He says it serves no purpose because law enforcement has the ability to stop you if you’re driving in an unsafe car.

Cut 8 (12) “…each year.” 

The state loses five to six million dollars a year due to illegal vehicle inspection stickers. Louisiana car owners pay a 20-dollar fee for a one-year inspection sticker and the money goes to Louisiana State Police.

With a new tax on vaping products, Bagley says there will be no loss in revenue for LSP. He says the inspection sticker is an unnecessary nuisance especially if you forget to renew.

Cut 9 (12)  “…that again.”

If approved, the measure would go into effect July 1^st.

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Louisiana has two confirmed cases of measles. The Louisiana Department of Health says the two New Orleans area individuals had returned from an out of state trip when diagnosed. LSU Health Infectious Disease Dr. Fred Lopez says though the number is small it’s a wake-up call to get vaccinated if you’re not immune…

Cut 10 (10) “…has measles.”

Lopez says symptoms of measles typically appear seven to 14 days after infection and generally start with high fever, cough, runny nose and red watery eyes, sometimes followed by white spots in the mouth and then a very red rash with very high fever. Complications could include ear infections and diarrhea and sometimes…

Cut 11 (11) “…can be seen.” 

Though very contagious, measles is rare in the U.S., Lopez says, because of the effectiveness of vaccines.

Cut 12 (08) “…percent.” 

If you’re not sure of your vaccination status, Lopez says, your healthcare provider can help you determine if you are immune and he says, if you need to get the vaccine later in life, that’s okay.

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45-year-old George Mosely of Oak Ridge faces numerous penalties in connection with the killing of a Black Bear and other hunting violations. Adam Einck with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries details what agents found in Mosley’s Morehouse Parish residence on February 8^th.

Cut 13 (07)  “…as well.”

Enick says Mosely confessed to harvesting the bear with a bow and arrow in Richland Parish last October.

Cut 14 (12) “…2024 hunting season.”

Mosely faces more than $16,000 in civil restitution for the replacement value of the illegally taken black bear, deer, and bobcat.

Cut 15 (10) “…in jail.”

LDWF agents and the Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office executed the search warrant and they also found methamphetamine in the residence.

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The Louisiana Tech men’s basketball team begins a three-game road trip tonight at UTEP. It’s the second meeting of the season between these two Conference USA foes. The Bulldogs won the first matchup 68-54 in Ruston. Tech Coach Talvin Hester says his team had too many careless turnovers…

Cut 16 (24) “…our chances.” 

Tip-off is at 8 PM. Tech is 8-3 in CUSA, UTEP is 4-7.

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The 13th-ranked LSU Lady Tigers host Auburn tonight. Auburn upset LSU last month and Coach Kim Mulkey says they are looking forward to the rematch…

Cut 17 (16) “…they will.” 

LSU has won four in a row and Mulkey says they are peaking at the right time…

Cut 18 (17)  “…along the way.” 

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The second-ranked LSU baseball team will host Northern Illinois today at 2 PM to begin the second weekend of the season. UCLA transfer Gage Jump will get the start. He’s expected to pitch about 40 to 50 pitches after throwing an impressive ninth inning for a save in the season opener

Cut 19 (15) “…be fun.”

The Tigers are 4-0 and designated hitter Hayden Travinski says the season is off to a good start…

Cut 20 (16) “…good spot.”

Current law allows prosecutors to charge 17-year-olds as an adults in cases when a violent crime is committed. But 17-year-olds who commit lesser crimes go through the juvenile justice system. A bill that would Repeal the Age Act that raised the age to 18 is making its way through the legislative process. But University of Louisiana at Lafayette professor Matthew Green says existing law should stay in place…

Cut 7 (10) “…state”  

A bill that would allow for criminal and civil penalties against those who reveal the identities of those involved with an execution is headed to the house floor. New Orleans Democrat Rep. Delisha Boyd reiterated a goal for truth and transparency in government and she said that bullies should be held liable for their actions.

Cut 11 (10) “…as well.”

If you’re not registered to vote. Today is your last day to register in person if you want to participate in the presidential primary on March 23^rd. If you register online at GEAUXVOTE Dot Com you have until March 2. Geaux vote is G-E-A-U-X vote. Also a reminder, you can only vote in the primary of the party of which you are registered. Libertarians, Independents and others will not be allowed to vote in the primaries. You can also change your party affiliation at GeauxVote dot com.

Entergy Director of Resource Planning Laura Beauchamp says Entergy has approximately 230 megawatts of renewable resources including the Capital Region Solar facility, which began delivering power to the grid in October 2020. She says they’re proud to transition towards cleaner energy sources while delivering reliable and affordable power.

Cut 5 (10) “…in Louisiana.”

Legislation that would allow prosecutors to charge 17-year-olds accused of a felony as an adult is receiving support from state senators. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

While debating the privacy portion of a bill to protect the names and drug manufacturers involved in the executions of death row inmates, New Orleans Democrat Candace Newell expressed fears that protecting the identities of those involved with an execution goes against “truth and transparency,” however she also believes those who are merely doing their jobs should not be threatened.

Cut 10 (10) “…me pause.”

Data from Entergy Louisiana’s 2023 power generation report shows renewable energy production totaled one point one million megawatt hours exceeding their coal energy production. Director of Resource Planning Laura Beauchamp points out solar energy reduces carbon emissions and offers many benefits.

Cut 4 (13) “…in Louisiana.”

If you’re not registered to vote. Today is your last day to register in person if you want to participate in the presidential primary on March 23^rd. If you register online at GEAUXVOTE Dot Com you have until March 2. Geaux vote is G-E-A-U-X vote. Also a reminder, you can only vote in the primary of the party of which you are registered. Libertarians, Independents and others will not be allowed to vote in the primaries. You can also change your party affiliation at GeauxVote dot com.

A bill that would Repeal the Age Act that went into effect in 2019 is making its way through the legislative process. The legislation 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 the age back down 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.” 

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.”

Legislation to concealed carry without a permit in Louisiana is being debated in the current special session on crime. President of the New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission Rafael Goyeneche says police are trained to look for outlines of a gun in clothing and if passed this bill would prevent officers from asking for proof of a gun permit.

Cut 3 (11) “…passes.”  

And 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”

LSU running back Trey Holly is one of three people charged with attempted second-degree murder. Legal analyst Tim Meche believes it was a bad move for Holly to post on social media and says if Holly feels he was falsely identified and he’s 100 percent innocent…

Cut 10 (11) “…going forward.”

The scared baby swine, named Piglet, was removed from the harsh environment after being tossed around like a football during carnival season. Shortly after, Piglet was placed in the care of HSLA. To help pay his vet care, Dorson says a video was placed on social media and piglet became an internet favorite.

Cut 7 (13) “…approaching $1400..”  

One of the first bills to make it out of a House committee at the special session is a measure to increase the penalties for carjacking. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

In the House Oil City Representative Danny McCormick sponsored a bill to allow for concealed carry without a permit and in the upper chamber Erath Senator Blake Miguez has similar legislation. President of the New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission Rafael Goyeneche expressed concerns…

Cut 5 (11) “…to public safety.”

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

Cut 9 (13) “…go together.” 

A piglet is now resting comfortably after being tossed around like a football during carnival season. Humane Society of Louisiana Director Jeff Dorson says a bystander spotted three men throwing what he assumed was a ball—until he heard squeals.

Cut 6  (11) “…be treated.” 

LSU running back Trey Holly is one of three people charged with attempted second-degree murder. Legal analyst Tim Meche believes it was a bad move for Holly to post on social media and says if Holly feels he was falsely identified and he’s 100 percent innocent…

Cut 10 (11) “…going forward.”

A piglet rescued after being tossed around like a football during carnival season underwent an exam by Metairie Small Animal Hospital that found the Piglet did not suffer any injuries.  Humane Society of Louisiana Director Jeff Dorson says a vet tech is fostering Piglet and a person in Magnolia, Mississippi has applied to adopt him. But preparations for piglet to enjoy the comforts of his forever home are underway.

Cut 8 (12) “…keep him.” 

HSLA is planning a formal presentation of piglet to Representative Lauren Ventrella to take place on the steps of the State Capitol.

A bill to allow concealed carry without a permit is up for debate and critics worry it could have dire consequences. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A measure that increases penalties for carjacking is the first item to receive approval by the House Criminal Justice Committee in the current special session. Author of the bill Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel says crime has a cost, it cost the life of a 73-year-old grandmother who lost her life during a brutal carjacking in 2022…

Cut 12 (09)  “..their car.”  

Governor Jeff Landry addresses a joint chamber of the Louisiana House and Senate as the Special Session on crime begins today. He says in 2021, Louisiana had the highest violent crime rate in the nation. And in 2022, three cities were in the top ten for most dangerous in America. He says it’s time to take back our streets…

Cut 13 (14) “…deadly drugs’  

The special session must end on March 6th.

27 states allow concealed carry without a license. A bill to allow Louisianans 18 or older to carry a concealed gun without a permit is up for debate in the special session and Senator Kirk Talbot believes the bill will advance this year with no pushback.

Cut 5 (08) “…pass easily.”

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. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Department of Child and Family Services Secretary David Matlock says DCFS is facing an internal fiscal cliff of $35 million a year and he’s done with generational poverty. He says the answer to child poverty is educational opportunities along with workforce and job development.

Cut 7 (13) “…done with it.”