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.”
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.”

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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.”
Five people were arrested yesterday after a high-speed chase from St. Bernard to the New Orleans French Quarter ended in a crash. Saint Bernard Sheriff’s officials say a stolen gun and illegal drugs were recovered during the arrest of the suspects. Sheriff James Pohlman said deputies deployed spike strips at the parish line, but that didn’t stop the suspects, whose vehicle eventually collided with another vehicle near Bienville Street in New Orleans and crashed into two parked cars.

The Latest survey by the National Federation of Independent Business indicates expectations for higher sales among small business owners decreased in January. That same survey also found that 39 percent of owners reported that hard to fill job openings have had a significant impact on their business. NFIB State Director Dawn McVea says it’s a battle for survival.

Cut 5 (10) “…for them.”

With a special session set to begin Monday, Louisiana lawmakers are looking to strengthen penalties. Louisiana has seen a rise in the number of fentanyl deaths in recent years. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel says her new legislation cracks down on people who make fentanyl appealing to minors.

Cut 10 (10) “…99 years.”

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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 man accused of killing a man on Canal Street in New Orleans has been arrested now in Miami. NOPD confirms the arrest of 38 year old Kendrick McGee. McGee is accused in the fatal shooting of Timothy Sames in November of last year. McGee is currently in the custody of Miami-Dade County Correctional officials awaiting extradition to the Crescent City.

With a special session set to begin Monday, Louisiana lawmakers are looking to strengthen penalties crime including carjackings. Author of House Bill Seven Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel’s measure would raise the minimum penalty for carjacking from two years to five.  The Jefferson Parish lawmaker says no one is immune….

Cut 9 (12) “…swift penalty.”

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

A Baton Rouge man is wanted in connection to a shooting that happened in Baldwin on Mardi Gras. Police there say Kelvin Markeith Porter Junior is facing two counts of attempted second degree murder and one count of illegal discharging of a firearm. Anyone with information on Porter’s whereabouts is urged to contact their local police.

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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.

A 23-year-old Carencro woman is facing vehicular homicide charges after crashing into a parked vehicle following a Lafayette Mardi Gras parade. Lafayette Police say 40-year-old Jermaine Britton of Breaux Bridge was pinned under a car and later died of his injuries at a local hospital. Kayley Thibeaux is facing numerous charges. Lafayette Police detective Ken Handy says six children were in her vehicle at the time of the crash and none were buckled up.

Cut 7 (12) “…careless operation”  

LSU running back Trey Holly remains in a Union Parish jail charged with attempted murder from a shooting last week in Farmerville that left two people injured. 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.”
Former 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. LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Psychiatry Dr. Rahn Bailey says a person can mentally re-experience trauma when something reminds them of the event.

Cut 11 (09) “…they need.”

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Louisiana’s 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 34 year old Vidalia man is facing a charge of second degree murder this morning. Caldwell Parish Sheriff’s officials say the shooting happened February 11^th leaving 29 year old Devin Cole Hines of Olla dead. CPSO deputies and Louisiana Probation and Parole arrested Norris during a traffic stop yesterday.

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 23-year-old Carencro woman is facing vehicular homicide charges after crashing into a parked vehicle, sending 40 year old Jermaine Britton of Breaux Bridge to the hospital where he later died. It happened after a Mardi Gras Parade. Lafayette Police detective Ken Handy…

Cut 6  (07) “…that vehicle.” 

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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.” 
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

Cut  14 (10) “..this happen.”

Holy’s attorney has said the star running back was not involved in the shooting.

As revelers get set for the biggest weekend of Carnival Season, there’s been a fatal shooting in New Orleans French Quarter. That’s despite a heavy police presence.  It happened just before two this morning. The man was found dead at the intersection of Chartres and Dumaine, just a block from Jackson Square and two blocks from Cafe’ Dumonde. New Orleans Police describe the deceased as an adult man, but so far have not released his age or name.

Meanwhile, thousands of people from around the world are in Louisiana to let the good times roll this Mardi Gras weekend. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says there are big parades in all parts of the state where revelers can enjoy elaborate floats. He says there’s a Mardi Gras celebration for everyone, no matter what you’re looking for.

Cut 7 (12) “…over Louisiana.”  
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Governor Jeff Landry’s proposed 44 million dollar budget is now in the hands of state lawmakers. There is 198-million dollars in the budget to maintain the temporary $2,000 pay raise teachers received last year. And Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras says the governor would like to give more money to fill hard to find math and science teaching jobs or teachers in rural areas.

Cut 5 (12) “..type of qualifications”
It’s Super Bowl Weekend and millions of people are expected to place a bet on the big game, many of those in Louisiana. Remember, you must be 21 years old to bet in our state and only in parishes with legalized gambling. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns reminding us all that while it’s fun to place a bet, do so within your means.

Cut  14 (07) “…our message.”

It’s the last weekend of Carnival season in New Orleans and Louisiana state troopers will be out in force assisting New Orleans Police. If you’re bringing children with you, Lieutenant Melissa Matey suggests taking a photo of them in what they’re wearing and be sure to text MARDIGRAS, all caps, all together to 77295.

Cut 11 (13) “…the crowd.”

The Crescent City isn’t the only place for Mardi Gras of course. There are big parades happening in Lake Charles, Houma-Thibodaux, Alexandria, and Shreveport this weekend. And while there’s a chance of heavy rain on Sunday, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says revelers know how to adjust.

Cut 8 (11) “…this year.” 

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The governor’s proposed budget maintains the pay increase teachers received last year, but it continues to be not permanent. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A 67 year old Shreveport man has been arrested, after he reportedly hit a person with his vehicle intentionally.  Shreveport Police responded to the alleged assault in the 200 block of East Slattery Boulevard. Charles Meighen is charged with aggravated battery. The victim is expected to make a full recovery.

Governor Jeff Landry’s Administration has presented state lawmakers with a proposed 44-billion dollar budget. Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras says the proposed budget has more dollars for State Police as the governor wants to add more troopers and form a specific troop to work with the New Orleans Police Department in fighting crime…

Cut 4 (10) “…would be.”
State Police are in New Orleans assisting NOPD for the last weekend of Carnival. Authorities are reminding revelers to use common sense to avoid becoming the victim of a crime. Lt Melissa Matey says you not to carry large amounts of cash, avoid walking in dark areas, and remember there’s safety in numbers so never walk alone.

Cut 10 (10) “…(x2) that point.”

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Revelers will be screaming “throw me something mister” this Mardi Gras weekend in all corners of the Bayou State. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

It’s Super Bowl Weekend and Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says it’s expected more than $23 billion will be legally wagered in the US.

Cut 12 (11)  “…huge weekend”  

It’s Super Bowl Weekend and  the American Gaming Association predicts 68 million people are expected to place a bet on the big game. And gaming officials say more than $23 billion will be legally wagered in the US. As for Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says , says it’s hard to predict how much will be wagered on Super Bowl 58, but he says since sports betting went live at casinos it’s grown every month and boomed even more with mobile wagering.

Cut 13 (12) “…a month.” 

Police in Farmerville and the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office are on the scene of a shooting in that area with multiple victims this morning. It happened in the area of Goldie Street and Georgia street. So far there’s been no word on the number of victims and the extent of their injuries.

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The Landry Administration has presented state lawmakers with a proposed 44-billion dollar budget. Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras says the amount of state spending is about the same for next fiscal year as it is this year. He says they didn’t want to increase spending with a temporary sales tax expiring in July 2025…

Cut 3 (10) “…possibly could”  
Thousands of people from around the world will flock to the Bayou State to let the good times roll this Mardi Gras weekend. And Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says New Orleans isn’t the only city that does it big…

Cut 6  (12) “..north Louisiana.” 

The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office will prosecute more cases in New Orleans as a result of a new agreement with Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams. Under the cooperative agreement, the A-G’s office will prosecute individuals arrested by State Police or if L-S-P was involved in the criminal investigation. Attorney General Liz Murril.

Cut 14 (11) “…hard to predict.”

Governor Jeff Landry signed a proclamation this week declaring Louisiana’ s Oil and Gas industry open for business this week.  As you may know, there’s been a big push to reduce carbon emissions across the country.  And Tommy Faucheaux, President of the Louisiana Mid Continent Oil and Gas Association,  believes the oil and gas industry can play a big role in producing clean energy…

Cut 6 (06) “…in Louisiana.”

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Psychosis is a real medical condition that affects the brain, which is why LSU Health Shreveport and Volunteers of America North Louisiana have partnered to create a mental health program to provide psychosis treatment for youth and adults . While, psychosis and many mental disorders are misunderstood, Vice Chair of Psychiatry at LSU Health Shreveport Dr. Pamela McPherson says it’s important for all of us to recognize the signs and let them know help is available.

Cut 9 (12)  “…require.”
Sad news out of Kenner this week as an 18 year old became the city’s first homicide of 2024. Authorities say Melvin McClinton arrived at Ochsner Medical Center with gunshot wounds Monday afternoon. NOLA.com reports the car he was in had a shattered window and bullet holes in the doors. Kenner police believe the shooting happened in the 1600 block of 42^nd street. They’re asking anyone with information on the shooting to call CrimeStoppers .