Phase One of Entergy’s one point two-billion-dollar Grid Resilience Plan gets the green light from the Public Service Commission. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

A Springfield man was sentenced to 50 years in prison and physical castration yesterday…after pleading guilty to the repeated rape of a 14 year old girl. DA Scott Perrilloux’s Office said 54 year old Glenn Sullivan Senior pleaded guilty to four counts of second degree rape after DNA proved that Sullivan was the father of the teenager’s baby.

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More than half of all Louisiana residents have experienced physical violence in their lifetime. And the emotional cost is particularly high for children. Aaccording to a Necome Institute Study at Tulane 22 percent of children in Louisiana who’ve witnessed their mother or primary caregiver be a victim of domestic violence are more likely to be involved in a similar relationship in adulthood.

Cut 6 (12) “…on the kids.”

After 46 years in prison for the murders he committed at the age of 16, 63-year-old Warren Harris Junior has been granted parole. Jerrie Ledoux, who was also appointed by Governor Jeff Landry, told Harris she read the 200 pages of his file several times and while some things in his write-up still concerned her, she voted in favor of his parole.

Cut 12 (08) “…grant parole.” 

The Louisiana Parole Project argued that Harris’ drug addiction as a teen was the cause of his erratic behavior.

Domestic violence always takes an emotional and psychological toll. But according to a Necome Institute Study at Tulane, the financial cost in Louisiana is also staggering…10.1 billion dollars in 2022 alone. That includes medical expenses, lost productivity and criminal justice spending. But study co-author Antia Raj says Louisiana still offers no prevention services.

Cut 5 (12) “…that effort.” 
After 46 years in prison for the murders of three gay men in New Orleans, 63-year-old Warren Harris Junior has been granted parole. Harris was just 16 in 1977 when he was convicted on three counts of first-degree murder and a law passed in 2017 made parole possible because he was a juvenile. Former Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator voted against Harris’ release

Cut 11 (06) “…to deny.”
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A bill expected to generate a lot of debate in the final weeks of the regular session is a measure that seeks to restrict what kind of information can be released under the state’s public records law. Governor Jeff Landry is seeking to keep out of public view many emails or documents that result in public policy being formed…

Cut 13 (13)  “…we’re talking about.”
The Public Service Commission has approved Entergy’s 5-year grid resilience plan that includes 21-hundred projects to fortify structures to prevent or shorten storm-related power outages. Entergy President Phillip May on how they formulated their plan.

Cut 8 (10) “…in the future.” 

After being convicted 46-years ago for killing three gay men in New Orleans, at the age of 16, Warren Harris, Junior is granted parole. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Washington Parish Sheriff’s officials have captured a kidnapping suspect wanted in an incident yesterday.   Local and state authorities arrested James Ballard in Bogue Chitto State Park after finding him lying in a ditch.  We’re told the woman Ballard allegedly kidnapped managed to fight him off and call 9-1-1.

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When it comes to domestic violence, there’s always an emotional and psychological toll, but there’s also a financial cost. According to a Newcomb Institute study at Tulane University, in 2022 the price was a staggering $10.1 billion in Louisiana. Study co-author Antia Raj…

Cut 4 (12) “…our state.”

A bill expected to generate a lot of debate in the final weeks of the regular session is a measure that seeks to restrict what kind of information can be released under the state’s public records law. Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud is the author of the legislation that attempts to make changes to the state’s public records law

Cut 15 (09)  “…mislead the public”

The Public Service Commission has approved Entergy’s 5-year grid resilience plan that includes 21-hundred projects to fortify structures that will help avoid storm-related power outages or shorten their duration. The project is expected to cost 1.2 billion dollars but Entergy President Phillip May says the benefits far outweigh the cost…

Cut 7 (12) “…over time.”

After 46 years in prison for the murders of three gay men in New Orleans, at the age of 16, 63-year-old Warren Harris Junior has been granted parole. Because he committed crimes as a teen, a state law passed in 2017, allowed juvenile lifers parole eligibility after 25 years. Harris apologized for his crimes.

Cut 10 (11) “…years ago.”

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Governor Jeff Landry makes his case on why the state needs to reduce some of the information available under the state’s public records law. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

It will be a Top 20 battle tonight in Lafayette as the 19th ranked Cajuns softball team hosts seventh ranked LSU. Since losing to LSU last Tuesday, UL Lafayette has won four in a row, including a sweep over Southern Miss. The Cajuns are 33 & 15 . First pitch is at 6 pm.

This is the Louisiana Radio Network Legislative Report. I’m Jeanne Burns.

The goal of two bills making their way through the legislature is to repeal the three-year rule, that ensures property policyholders their carrier cannot drop their coverage after three years. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the bills are focused on revitalizing the insurance marketplace in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (08) “…which is choice.”

But Ben Riggs at Real Reform Louisiana opposes the bills and says the state’s insurance crisis is two-fold with unavailability and unaffordability and loss of the three-year consumer protection will only exacerbate the crisis.

Cut 8 (11) “…surcharge.” 

Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields would like to see every school bus in Louisiana to have heating and air conditioning by August 1, 2025. Fields says it’s hard to learn in the classroom after sweating on the ride to school…

Cut 14 (12)  “… unconscionable.”

Jackson Parish Superintendent David Claxton, who is also the president of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, many school districts are already transitioning to climate-controlled buses, but getting it all done by the 2025-26 school year might be difficult…

Cut 15 (08)  “…own ours”

Fields says there are federal grants available to help school systems pay for a-c and heat on busses.

Louisiana has the 3^rd highest rate of pickup truck fatalities, which is why law enforcement in our state will be focused on pickup drivers next week during the Buckle UP in Your Truck Campaign. DOTD Spokesperson, Gregory Fischer says because trucks are large and heavy, pickup drivers often have an elevated sense of safety causing some to feel comfortable unbuckled…

Cut 13 (13) “…big trouble.”

LSU lady tiger gymnastics could win its first ever national championship this afternoon at three…as they go head to head with Cal, Florida and Utah. Utah is looking for its 10th national championship in women’s gymnastics, which would tie a record. Florida is seeking its fourth and Cal is fresh off a Pac-12 title and they’ve flipped flopped with LSU for most of the season as the second ranked team in the country. But Heffner likes LSU’s depth…

Cut 8 (08) “…championship final.” 

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The U-S House is expected to take a vote today to send foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel, a move that puts Mike Johnson’s position as House Speaker in jeopardy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

In case you missed it, the Pelicans are Oklahoma City Bound after beating the Kings 105 to 98 last night to get into the playoffs.  New Orleans begins a best of seven series tomorrow against the Thunder.

Today could be the day LSU win its first national championship in gymnastic. The Tigers will compete against Utah, Florida and Cal this afternoon at three. College Gym News co-managing editor Brandif Heffner says those teams are more than capable of winning but says the Tigers do have the best gymnast in the country….

Cut 7 (10) “…in the final”  
In Washington House Speaker Mike Johnson’s position could be in jeoparty if he puts a Ukraine aid bill up for a vote in the House, which is expected today. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Johnson is doing what he thinks is right and is not worrying about the political ramifications…

Cut 5 (11)  “..United States.”

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Louisiana has the 3^rd highest rate of pickup truck fatalities according to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and next week some Law enforcement officers will be focused on pickup truck drivers during the Buckle UP in Your Truck Campaign. Why the special focus? DOTD Spokesperson, Gregory Fischer…

Cut 12 (10) “…their seatbelts” 

U.S. Department of Homeland Security has launched the Know2Protect campaign to educate parents about the dangers of online sexual exploitation and how to best protect their children. Special Agent Jessica Zuppardo says if your child is a victim of such abuse do not delete any messages, do not engage with the perpetrator, and do contact local law enforcement.

Cut 11 (12) “…law enforcement.”

U.S. Department of Homeland Security is trying to educate parents about the dangers of the online predators who target children. The Know -2-Protect campaign looks to tackle a problem that’s rampant in Louisiana.  Special Agent Jessica Zuppardo

Cut 10 (10) “…reporting it.”

The U-S House is expected to take a vote on Saturday to send foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel, a move that puts Mike Johnson’s position as House Speaker in jeopardy.A divided House Republican caucus led to the removal of Johnson’s predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, last October. But LSU political science professor RobertHogan says the desire for a new House Speaker is not as strong as it was last Fall…

Cut 4 (08) “…seeing now ” 

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Oklahoma stumbles at the NCAA gymnastic championships, giving LSU an excellent chance to win its first national title in gymnastics. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The Pelicans are moving on to the Western Conference playoffs after a 105 to 98 win over the Sacramento Kings last night. Brandon Ingram led the way with 24 points, six rebounds and six assists. New Orleans will begin a best of seven series with the Thunder on Sunday night in Oklahoma City.

House Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana’s political future is on the line as the US House is scheduled to vote today to provide funding for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says far right Republicans oppose additional funding to Ukraine

Cut 3 (11) “…as speaker” 

LSU could win its first national championship in gymnastics today. They will compete against Utah, Florida and Cal, but not Oklahoma. The two-time defending champion Sooners suffered multiple falls in the semifinals and they are out. College Gym News co-managing editor Brandif Heffner

Cut 6  (10) “..slight edge.” 
The championship starts this afternoon at three.

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Louisiana has the 3^rd highest rate of pickup truck fatalities according to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and next week some Law enforcement officers will be focused on pickup truck drivers during the Buckle UP in Your Truck Campaign. DOTD Spokesperson Gregory Fischer

Cut  14 (09) “…these things.” 

The Buckle Up in Your Truck campaign runs through Saturday, April 27^th.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security has launched the Know2Protect campaign to educate parents about the dangers of online sexual exploitation and abuse of children. Special Agent Jessica Zuppardo says you can learn more at dhs-dot-gov Know 2 Protect, that’s with the number two.

Cut 9 (12) “…the police.” 

Waiting for a hearing at the capitol, a bill that would allow administrators and certified teachers to possess a gun inside a school. Greenwell Springs Representative Lauren Ventrella says armed teachers would be required to have a concealed carry permit and take active shooter and de-escalation courses

Cut 10 (06) “…the weapon.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has released updated mercury and fish advisories for ten bodies of water and it’s issued a new warning for Lake Maurepas in southeast Louisiana. L-D-H Environmental Health section chief Shannon Soileau says the new advisory for Lake Maurepas is only for women of childbearing age and children younger than seven

Cut 15 (13)  “…warmouth.”

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T-Mobile has completed its 290-million-dollar upgrade and expansion in Louisiana, bringing high-speed connectivity to previously underserved areas. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “I’m Colleen Crain.” 

The LSU gymnastics squad is in position to win its first national championship after winning the first semifinal session and Oklahoma, the two time defending champs did not advance to the finals. The national championship is at 3 PM Saturday. LSU will compete against Cal, Utah and Florida on Saturday.