The 2024 legislative session begins at noon today. Insurance reform is a hot-button issue up for debate. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says lawmakers want to do something to lower insurance rates.

Cut 4 (12) “…lower insurance.”

New Orleans Democrat Representative Delisha Boyd is trying again to add exceptions for rape and incest to the state’s near-total abortion ban.

House Bill 164 would allow physicians to terminate a pregnancy if it’s a result of rape or incest.  In last year’s regular session, Boyd’s bill never made it out of committee.

Cut 8 (12) “…is born.” 

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Automated enforcement devices that measure speed and automatically send citations to vehicle owners may have to change if a bill gets through this legislative session. Colleen Crain has the details…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

Be extra careful as you hit the roads today especially if you feel a little less rested than usual after Springing forward over the weekend. Studies show that humans are most vulnterable to circadian misalignment this time of year after losing an our of sleep with the transition to Daylight Saving time. Experts say 25 percent of us may have trouble falling asleep due to the time change, but the good news is your body should re-adjust within a week.

Soldiers from the Louisiana National Guard are among the those from more than a dozen states participating in Operation Lone Star at the Texas border. Officials say 50 soldiers will be deployed for three rotations that will last through about mid-June. LANG spokesperson, Lt. Col. Noel (No-elle)Collins says among they will likely assist with patrols and enhancing obstacle placements along the border.

Cut 5 (08) “…Texas National Guard.”
The legislature approved and Governor Landry has signed off on LANG’s request for $3 million to cover their expenses and pay allowances for Operation Lone Star.

33 new troopers graduated from the Louisiana State Police 103^rd cadet training academy yesterday. The state now has nearly 900 troopers working in patrol, criminal investigation, and public safety services. But Captain Nick Minale says they’re always looking for qualified applicants to join the ranks.
Cut 8 (06) “…process started.” 
Anyone interested can apply at www.lsp.org.
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In case you missed it, Louisiana has some new state champions in boys basketball. Avoyelles Charter won its second straight as the Vikings defeated J-S Clark 40-38. Zwolle won its second in a row as the Hawks took down Anaccoco again. Franklin won its first state title in 66 years with a 50-45 win over Lakeview. . Wossman defeated Iowa 70-65…after that game, Head Coach Rob Melanson announced his retirement. In his 30 plus year career, he took three schools to the state tournament.

The Saints have re-signed veteran and former LSU safety Tyrann Mathieu to a two year contract that will keep him in his hometown of New Orleans through 2025. Mathieu was selected by the Saints as their nominee for the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for his  community service work. He’s also playing well…but says he’d still like to lead the Black and Gold to the playoffs

Cut  14 (12) “..opportunity”

A select of group of men and women graduated from Louisiana State Police Training Academy yesterday.  Here’s Teiko Fox.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

At the boys basketball state championships…Avoyelles Charter won its second straight as the Vikings defeated J-S Clark 40-38. Zwolle won its second in a row as the Hawks took down Anaccoco again this year.Wossman defeated Iowa 70-65 and Franklin won its first state title in 66 years with a 50-45 win over Lakeview.

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Early voting for the March 23rd presidential preference primary begins today. President Joe Biden has already locked up the Democratic Party’s nomination and former President Donald Trump has secured the Republican Party’s nomination. Secretary of State Nancy Landry still expects Republicans and Democrats to have their voices heard.

Cut 11 (09) “…should be.”

Meanwhile, soldiers from the Louisiana National Guard are among those from more than a dozen states participating in Operation Lone Star at the Texas border. LANG spokesperson, Lt. Col. Noel (No-elle) Collins says 50 soldiers will be deployed for three rotations beginning March 15^th.

Cut 4 (09) “…to Texas.” 

Soldiers from the 2-108^th Cavalry Squadron in Shreveport will participate in the first rotation and soldiers from the 61^st Troop Command, based in Carville will round out the two remaining rotations.

The Louisiana National Guard is preparing to assist in Operation Lone Star. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana State Police graduated 33 new troopers graduated from its 103^rd cadet class yesterday . Captain Nick Manale says the cadets of diverse new troopers began their training six months ago and will now continue their training with veteran troopers

Cut 7 (08) “…state troopers.”  

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Early voting for the March 23rd presidential preference primary starts today. But there will be more on the ballot that day, with local elections in 24 parishes. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says she expects  a 20 – 25 percent of voter turnout for this election.  A higher turnout is expected for the hotly contested Caddo Parish Sheriff race.

Cut 10 (13) “…that turnout.”
The Saints have re-signed veteran and former LSU safety Tyrann Mathieu to a two year contract that will keep him in his hometown of New Orleans through the 2025 season. The 31-year-old will reportedly make 13-million dollars over the next two seasons. He signed with the Saints as a free agent prior to the 2022 season and says retiring as a Saint is appealing.

Cut 13 (13) “…part of it”  

Early voting for the March 23rd presidential preference primary begins today. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says Democrats and Republicans will only be allowed to vote for presidential candidates in their respective party.

Cut 9 (10) “…remind everybody.” 

Soldiers from the Louisiana National Guard are among the more than a dozen states participating in Operation Lone Star at the Texas border. LANG spokesperson, Lt. Col. Noel (No-elle) Collins says 50 soldiers will be deployed for three rotations.

Cut 3 (09) “…requiring.”  

Collins says Texas has asked for Louisiana guardsmen to arrive no later than March 15^th.

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It’s a big week for the Louisiana State Police as 33 new troopers graduated from their 103^rd cadet class. Captain Nick Manale says the cadets began their journey nearly six months ago.

Cut 6  (12) “…leadership skills.” 

The Saints have re-signed veteran and former LSU safety Tyrann Mathieu to a two year contract that will keep him in his hometown of New Orleans through the 2025 season. The Honeybadger is happy he’s staying with the Black and Gold…

Cut 12 (12)  “…to me”  

Governor Jeff Landry is calling the crime special session a great success, Democrats says it failed to address the root causes of crime. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

State Fire Marshall deputies are investigating a couple of deadly housefires that happened yesterday. The first happened was a mobile home fire in Desoto parish yesterday morning around four. The second fatal fire happened in Claiborne Parish around 11:30. Fire officials are still investigating, but say neither home had working smoke detectors.

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The CDC says you no longer need to isolate for five days if you have COVID. The new guidelines advise you still stay home if you’re sick, but you can return to work or school if you are feeling better and have been fever-free for 24 hours. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says the CDC still encourages you to play it safe for five days, especially if those around you at work or school are vulnerable to the virus or have family members who are.

Cut 14 (09) “…distancing.”

While the new guidelines are welcome news Lopez says COVID still presents a significant threat and remains highly contagious.

Cut 15 (09) “…better phase.”

If you are among the more vulnerable populations, Lopez recommends staying up to date on your booters and along with vaccinations for other respiratory illnesses.

The CDC says you no longer need to isolate for five days if you have COVID. The new guidelines advise you still stay home if you’re sick, but you can return to work or school if you are feeling better and have been fever-free for 24 hours. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says this mirrors other respiratory illnesses like flu and RSV.

Cut 13 (09)  “…as well.”

Governor Jeff Landry is speaking out on the success of the special session on crime. Lawmakers approved several tough on crime measures, including expanding the methods used to carry out executions, lowering the age one can be charged with a felony from 18 to 17 years old, and toughening up restrictions on parole and probation.

Cut 10 (11) “…that process.”

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The first U.S. manufacturing plant for Japanese Chemical Company UBE, which makes components for electric vehicle batteries, is coming to with a direct investment of half a BILLION dollars.  President of Jefferson Parish Economic Development Jerry Bologna says the synergy from Cornerstone Energy Park played a vital role in UBE’s decision to choose Jefferson Parish. He says they also liked the logistics the area provides…

Cut 4 (10) “…their capital.” 

The project intends to bolster the domestic battery components supply chain and reduce the current reliance on Asian imports. Bologna says the plant in Jefferson Parish will manufacture key elements for EV batteries.

Cut 5 (12) “…those batteries.”

Louisiana offered a competitive incentives package that includes workforce development in order to secure the project.

Big news for Jefferson Parish, Japanese Chemical Company UBE to construct the first US facility to manufacture key components for electrical vehicle car batteries there. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (26)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

An early morning fire at an apartment complex in Shreveport caused quite a scare this morning. It happened around three am. According to reports, everyone was evacuated and Shreveport Firefighters were able to put out the blaze. So far there are no details on whether anyone was injured.

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Governor Jeff Landry is pleased with what state lawmakers were able to accomplish in the special session on crime. They approved measures that take a tough on crime approach.  But House Democratic Causus Chairman Matthew Willard says the bills they passed will make Louisiana’s prison population explode, meaning higher costs for taxpayers.

Cut 12 (11)  “..costs”  

All eyes are on Iowa’s Caitlyn Clark this weekend as she is 18 points away from surpassing LSU legend Pete Marvaich’s Division one career scoring record. Maravich scored 3,667 points in three years at LSU, without a three-point line.  Clark is in her fourth season at Iowa, averages 28 points a game. Pistol Pete’s son Jaeson Maravich says apples to oranges comparison….

Cut 7 (09) “…true record”  

Governor Jeff Landry’s special session on crime is over and the legislature approved quite a few measures….expanding methods used to carry out executions, lowering the age one can be charged with a felony from 18 to 17 years old, restrictions on parole and probation and permitless conceal carry. Governor Landry says what was accomplished will make the state safer.

Cut 9 (07) “…right direction” 

But House Democratic Caucus Chairman Matthew Willard says the special session failed to address the root causes of crime. He says the lock them up and throw away the key approach does not work…

Cut 11 (11) “…special session”

Governor Landry is expected to sign the bills next week.

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The first U.S. manufacturing plant for Japanese Chemical Company UBE, which makes components for electric vehicle batteries, will be in Jefferson Parish.  President of Jefferson Parish Economic Development Jerry Bologna says it’s a significant foreign direct investment of $500 million to the community.

Cut 3 (12) “…supply chain.”  

Iowa women’s basketball player Cailtin Clark is 18 points away from surpassing LSU legend Pete Marvaich’s Division one career scoring record of 3,667 points. Clark could pass Pistol Pete when the Hawkeyes host Ohio State on Sunday. Maravich’ s eldest son, Jaeson Maravich, doesn’t see it as Clark breaking his dad’s record….

Cut 6  (07) “…5,000 points” 

After announcing his resignation this week, Dr. Joe Kanter reflected on his time as the state’s top doc during the pandemic.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Multiple law enforcement agencies are investigating after a body was found in a burned car last night in St. Gabriel. St. Gabriel Police Chief Kevin Ambeau says firefighters responded to the call about a vehicle fire on Point Clair Road, near the Old White Castle Ferry Landing about 8:45. The body was discovered once the fire was out.

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A new Amazon distribution center is set to be built in the town of Boyce in Rapides Parish and site prep for the 65,000-square-foot facility on Highway 1 is already underway. President and CEO of Louisiana Central Jim Clinton says they’re all excited to have Amazon, one of the most recognized brands in the world coming to Boyce and they hope others follow their lead.

Cut 9 (07)  “…want more.”
The special session ended yesterday, seven days earlier than scheduled and the Republican-controlled legislature approved Governor Jeff Landry’s tough-on-crime agenda. There were bills that received near unanimous approval, the expansion of drug courts, and increased penalties for carjacking and distribution of fentanyl. Will these changes actually lead to less crime? Alford says the state legislature has a history of swinging back and forth between smart on crime and tough on crime…

Cut 12 (11) “…policymaking” 

Landry is expected to have a bill signing ceremony sometime next week.