97 percent of educators statewide say they do not make not enough according to a survey by the Louisiana Federation of Teachers. Teiko Foxx has more.
Cut 2 (33) “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder announced today he will run for Secretary of State this fall. Schexnayder’s announcement comes one day after current Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin said he will not run for re-election. PSC member Mike Francis and businessman Brandon Trosclair are also running.

Baton Rouge Senator and chair of the Select Committee on Women and Children Regina Barrow is concerned an accused rapist in Livingston Parish was released on bond this week. John Mack has been in custody since February 22nd after he was arrested on numerous charges including first-degree rape. Barrow says Mack allegedly harassed two of his victims before his arrest…
cut 5 (13) “…as the family”
Defense attorney John McClendon argued for his release because he’s elderly and has been in jail since his arrest.

Former LSU basketball standout Wayne Sims has died unexpectedly at the age of 54. His former coach Dale Brown is saddened by Sims’ death…
cut 11 (11) “….own right right”
Wayne Sims’ son, Wayde Sims, also played at LSU but was killed prior to his junior season in a shooting near the Southern University campus.

A Livingston parish man facing numerous child sexual abuse charges has been released on bond, and some are up in arms over it. One is Baton Rouge state Senator Regina Barrow, who chairs the Select Committee on Women and Children. She finds it troubling that John Mack, who’s been awaiting trial on the charges for over a year, was released this week on a $250-thousand bond.

Cut 3 (08) “…that’s happening.”

Mack’s family is very well-connected in Livingston Parish and southern Louisiana. Barrow worries that may affect how closely he is monitored while awaiting trial.

Colonel Lamar Davis expressed concern to lawmakers over troopers who are choosing to retire much sooner than they did in the past.  Davis says in order to prevent staff shortages – continuous training is needed to attract new candidates.

Cut 7 (10)  “…with now.” 

Troopers in Texas, Tennessee, and Mississippi are paid nearly twice the salary of Louisiana troopers. There are currently under 900 troopers in Louisiana.

97 percent of teachers and 98 percent of staff say the pay is too low according to a recent study by The Louisiana Federation of Teachers. LFT Spokesperson Heather Cushman says many teachers work a second job to stay afloat.

Cut 13 (12) “…one job.”

Louisiana teachers have not been at the Southern regional average since 2007 resulting in more than 1,200 vacant teaching positions across the state.

Former LSU basketball player Wayne Sims died at the age of 54. Sims was a four-year standout for the Tigers from 1987 to 1991. He played with former LSU greats Shaquille O Neal and Chris Jackson. Former coach Dale Brown says the LSU basketball family is saddened by Sims’ unexpected death….

Cut 9 (07) “…heard about Wayne.”

Sources say Sims collapsed at work yesterday and died from natural causes this morning.

A recent survey by the Louisiana Federation of Teachers shows 97 percent of teachers and 98 percent of staff said they are not paid enough to raise a family. LFT Spokesperson Heather Cushman says state lawmakers are considering a pay raise for educators.

Cut 12 (11) “…this crisis.” 

The statewide average teacher salary is $52, 472, nearly $3,000 less than the Southern regional average.

Colonel Lamar Davis expressed concern to lawmakers over the growing number of state troopers leaving the department. He says troopers are choosing to retire much sooner than they did in the past and there are just under 900 troopers in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (06)  “…is pay.” 

Davis says troopers in Texas are paid almost twice as much and the pay in Tennessee and Mississippi surpasses Louisiana.

A state lawmaker voices her concerns after a Livingston Parish man – accused of sexually abusing young girls – was released this week on bail. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The abortion debate is far from over in Louisiana with legislation to add exceptions for rape and incest to the state’s abortion ban this session. Governor Edwards, who’s pro-life supports exceptions.

But Louisiana Right to Life spokesperson Sarah Zagorski disagrees, she feels such exceptions would be a step back for pro-life advocates.

Cut 8 (11) “…move forward.”

But Lift Louisiana Executive Director Michelle Erenberg says most Louisianans support adding exceptions and because it’s an election year how lawmakers vote could impact their re-election campaigns.

Cut 9 (10)  “…or incest.”

House Bills 346 and 549 are the two bills that would ensure abortion care for survivors of rape and incest.

In a surprising move, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced he’s NOT running for another term; leaving many wondering why. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he, while he doesn’t KNOW what motivated Ardoin’s decision, but he thinks Ardoin may have been discouraged by Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis’ decision to run…:

Cut 13 (07) “…for Kyle Ardoin.” 

Also considering running for that office, term-limited House Speaker Clay Schexnayder.

Abbeville Representative Mike Huval is trying once again to ban handheld cell phone use while driving. Huval has sponsored the legislation over the last eight years. Suzanne Salter, who lost her daughter to a distracted driver, is hopeful legislators who didn’t agree with the bill before will this time.

Cut 6 (06)  “…this year.”

Opponents have raised concerns it could lead to an overreach by law enforcement and potential profiling of drivers.

The five law enforcement officers charged in the 2019 roadside death of Ronald Greene have entered pleas of not guilty. Two state troopers, two former troopers, and a Union Parish deputy are charged with obstruction of justice, and malfeasance in office, and one is charged with negligent homicide. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says the malfeasance charges are significant…:
Cut 11 (11) “…after a malfeasance.”

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced he’s not running for re-election. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis entering the race changed the dynamics for Ardoin…
cut 14 (10) “….from him probably”

Suzanne Salter, who lost her daughter to a distracted driver, is calling on lawmakers to pass a bill to prohibit Louisiana drivers from using a handheld cell phone while driving. Salter’s daughter, Nicole, was killed in 2014 in Pointe Coupee Parish by a driver who was texting and drifted into her lane.
Cut 4 (13) “…oncoming traffic.”
Abbeville Representative Mike Huval has authored the legilsation.

The abortion debate is not over in Louisiana as there are two bills in the House to add exceptions to the state’s abortion ban for rape and incest. Lift Louisiana Executive Director Michelle Erenberg says there’s overwhelming support for such exceptions.
Cut 7 (09) “…demanding this.”
But the Louisiana Right to Life says its polling shows 63 percent of the state is pro-life.

Five Louisiana State Troopers plead “not guilty” in the 2019 death of Ronald Greene yesterday in Union Parish.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Former LSU men’s basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal said no athlete in the history of LSU sports is better than LSU’s women’s basketball superstar Angel Reese. On his podcast – “The Big Podcast with Shaquille O’Neal – O’Neal said Reese  is the greatest athlete LSU has ever had – regardless of gender. Reese led the LSU Lady Tigers to their first ever national championship on April2 scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds against Iowa.

Suzanne Salter, a mom who lost her daughter to a distracted driver, is seeking support from lawmakers to pass a measure that would prohibit Louisiana drivers from using a handheld cell phone while behind the wheel. Salter says her daughter, Nicole, was killed by a driver who was texting while driving in Pointe Coupee Parish almost nine years ago and the loss has impacted her family for almost ten years.

Cut 5 (13) “…their phone.”

Opponents of Huval’s bill in the past have raised concerns the legislation could lead to an overreach by law enforcement and potential profiling of drivers.

Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced he will NOT run for re-election next fall. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says with Ardoin now out of the running, Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis’  becomes the front-runner in the race to be the next Secretary of State. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder is rumored to be considering running as well. Pinsonat says he doesn’t think Schexnayder factored into Ardoin’s decision…:

Cut 15 (07)  “…about Mike Francis.”

Pinsonat says Francis is influential in politics and with Louisiana Republicans.

A bill to enact a statewide ban on handheld cell phones while driving is before the state legislature. Teiko Foxx reports on a mom who urges lawmakers to pass it…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Foxx.”

A man charged with multiple counts of child sex abuse in Livingston Parish is no longer behind bars, and that makes a number of people angry. John Mack faces numerous charges dating back to 2011. He’s been released on $250-thousand bond. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump says Mack would still be in jail, if he were not white.

Expect more debate of the state’s abortion ban law, as bills are filed to amend exceptions for rape, incest and medical necessity into the law. Lift Louisiana Executive Director Michelle Erenberg says a clear majority of voters polled favor such exceptions…:

CUT 09(10)      “…or incest.”

But Louisiana Right to Life’s Sarah Zagorski says abortion only further traumatizes women…:

CUT 10(09)      “…of abortion.”

The bills are HB 346 and 549, if you are tracking their progress. Governor John Bel Edwards has asked that the rape & incest exceptions be added to the law by the House & Senate.

The five cops charged in the 2019 roadside death of Ronald Greene entered pleas of not guilty in a 3^rd District courtroom Tuesday. Two state troopers, two former troopers, and a Union Parish deputy are charged with obstruction of justice, and malfeasance in office, and one is charged with negligent homicide. Baton Rouge defense attorney and legal analyst Franz Borghardt says the obstructing justice charge is disturbing when one is talking about lawmen…:

CUT 12(11)      “…cover it up.”

Greene died a violent death while being arrested. His family was told he died in a car crash, and that remained the official story for over a year, before officer body cam footage leaked.

Deputies in Evangeline Parish say an 85-year-old woman who took a severe beating – allegedly at the hands of her own granddaughter – has died from her injuries. The younger woman, Cecilia Anne Lee, is now charged with murder, battery, cruelty to the infirm and more. Her bond is set at over a million dollars.

The abortion debate is far from over in Louisiana, with legislation to add exceptions to the state’s abortion ban scheduled for debate this session. Governor Edwards is in support of exceptions for rape and incest. Lift Louisiana Executive Director Michelle Erenberg says there’s overwhelming support for those exceptions…:

CUT 07(09)      “…demanding this.”

But Louisiana Right to Life spokesperson Sarah Zagorski disagrees, she feels such exceptions would be a step back for pro-life advocates…:

CUT 08(11)      “…move forward.”

Erenberg says women need the right to choose. Zagorski says abortion further traumatizes women.

The abortion debate is far from over in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Baton Rouge’s Metro Council will discuss a proposed ban on balloon releases; often done at prayer vigils and memorials. The issue is the balloons rise aloft, burst and fall to earth as litter. Animals can mistake them for food and choke on them. Balloons have even been blamed for power failures. Under the proposal, violators could face fines up to $250.

In a surprising move, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced this week he will NOT seek another term in office; leaving many wondering why. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he, of course, does not KNOW what motivated Ardoin’s decision, but he may have been discouraged by Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis’ decision to run…:

CUT 13(07)      “…for Kyle Ardoin.”

Also considering running for that office, term-limited House Speaker Clay Schexnayder.

The five law enforcement officers charged in the 2019 roadside death of Ronald Greene entered pleas of not guilty in a 3^rd District courtroom Tuesday. Two state troopers, two former troopers, and a Union Parish deputy are charged with obstruction of justice, and malfeasance in office, and one is also charged with negligent homicide. Baton Rouge defense attorney and legal analyst Franz Borghardt says the malfeasance charges are potential permanent career killers for the officers…:

CUT 11(11)      “…a malfeasance.”

A woman whose daughter was killed by a distracted driver urges lawmakers to support legislation prohibiting cellphone use while driving. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

The abortion debate is far from being over in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

All five cops accused in the 2019 roadside death of Ronald Greene in Union Parish pleaded “not guilty” yesterday. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

_____________________________________________

Suzanne Salter, a mom who lost her daughter to a distracted driver, is calling on lawmakers to pass a bill to prohibit Louisiana drivers from using handheld electronic devices while driving. Salter’s daughter, Nicole, was killed in Pointe Coupee Parish by a driver who was texting and drifted into her lane.

Cut 4 (13)  “…oncoming traffic.”

Fatalities in distracted driving crashes increased by 12% from 3,154 in 2020 to 3,522 in 2021, a total of 8.2% of fatalities reported according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s an average of 10 lives lost each day, although experts believe the numbers are much higher. Salter says drivers have lost all sense of responsibility and the loss of her daughter has impacted her family for almost ten years.

Cut 5 (13) “…their phone.”

HB 580 authored by Representative Mike Huval bans phone use while driving but drivers would still be able to make calls if needed to report a traffic crash or medical emergencies and the proposed bill would give tools to law enforcement to enforce the law. Crash statistics related to distracted drivers on average rely on self-reporting by the driver or visual confirmation by law enforcement. Salter says over the past eight years legislators did not agree with the bill but they are hopeful this year.

Cut 6 (06)  “…this year.”

Salter’s daughter, Nicole, left behind three young children ranging in age from 11 to 17 years old. One of the major hurdles Huval faced with his bill was concern that it could lead to overreach by law enforcement and potential profiling of drivers.

_____________________________________________

The abortion debate is far from over in Louisiana with legislation to add exceptions to the state’s abortion ban this session. Governor Edwards is in support of exceptions for rape and incest. Lift Louisiana Executive Director Michelle Erenberg says there’s overwhelming support for such exceptions.

Cut 7 (09) “…demanding this.”

But Louisiana Right to Life spokesperson Sarah Zagorski disagrees, she feels such exceptions would be a step back for pro-life advocates.

Cut 8 (11) “…move forward.”

It’s an election year and Erenberg says there’s a clear majority among voters in support of such exceptions.

Cut 9 (10)  “…or incest.”

But Zagorski says abortion only further traumatizes women.

Cut 10 (09) “…of abortion.” 

House Bills 346 and 549 are the two bills that would ensure abortion care for survivors of rape and incest without the requirement that the crime be first reported to law enforcement.

____________________________________________________

The five law enforcement officers charged in the 2019 roadside death of Ronald Greene entered pleas of not guilty in a 3^rd District courtroom Tuesday. Two state troopers, two former troopers, and a Union Parish deputy are charged with obstruction of justice, and malfeasance in office, and one is charged with negligent homicide. Baton Rouge defense attorney and legal analyst Franz Borghardt says the malfeasance charges are potential permanent career killers for the officers…:

Cut 11 (11)  “…after a malfeasance.”

The officers are charged with contributing to Ronald Greene’s death back in May 2019, and with failing to come clean about what had happened. Borghardt says the latter charge – obstructing justice – is disturbing when one is talking about lawmen…:

Cut 12 (11)  “…cover it up.”

Borghardt says the next phase of the trial is discovery, wherein the defense is presented with all evidence the prosecution may have that could convict – or acquit – the defendants. Once that is completed, a trial date will be set.

____________________________________________________

In a surprising move, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced this week he will NOT seek another term in office; leaving many wondering why. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he, of course, does not KNOW what motivated Ardoin’s decision, but he may have been discouraged by Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis’ decision to run…:

Cut 13 (07) “…for Kyle Ardoin.” 

Ardoin has taken fire over expanding mail-in voting for the pandemic, which some say compromised the 2020 election. He also had a failed attempt at procuring new voting machines for the state. Pinsonat says Ardoin HAD the advantage of incumbency in the race…until Francis entered…:

Cut 14 (10)  “…from him probably.”

With Ardoin now out of the running, Francis becomes the front-runner in the race to be the next Secretary of State. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder (who is term-limited) is rumored to be considering running as well. Pinsonat says he doesn’t think Schexnayder factored into Ardoin’s decision…:

Cut 15 (07)  “…about Mike Francis.”

Pinsonat says Francis, who is from Crowley, is a political powerhouse and highly influential with Louisiana Republicans.

____________________________________________________

The LSU football team is in the thick of Spring training as they prepare to improve on last year’s ten-win season. There were some questions surrounding the linebacker position after the departure of Micah Baskerville and Mike Jones Jr. Harold Perkins was a freshman All-American last year but spent most of his time coming off the edge. The Tigers added top transfer Omar Speights from Oregon State, Junior Greg Penn is set to take a big step this year and Coach Brian Kelly says Perkins has been learning to play off-ball linebacker…

Cut  16 (20)  “…off the edge.” 

The Tigers lost defensive line coach and run game coordinator Jamar Cain to Sean Payton’s Denver coaching staff a few weeks ago. Defensive analyst Gerald Chatman took over as interim D-line coach and Kelly says will be a candidate for the full-time position. Kelly said he’s looking for someone who can recruit in the SEC and develop players and should have a decision soon…

Cut 17 (18) “…or so.” 

__________________________________________________________

The Pelicans will host the Thunder in the first round of the play-in tournament tonight. New Orleans was one of the best teams in the west before All-Star Zion Williamson injured his hamstring in January and had to fight to earn the nine-seed. Zion spoke to the media for the first time since re-aggravating his hamstring in February. He said his experience dealing with injury last year has helped but not being able to play still “sucks…”

Cut 18 (17) “….basketball for real.”

The Pels fought back into the play-ins thanks to an incredible effort from Brandon Ingram who led the team to a 9-3 record over the last 12 games of the season and averaged  29 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds over that span. Williamson says Ingram is an amazing talent… 20 basketball player

Cut 19 (19) “…basketball player.”

New Orleans will host another young surprise squad in OKC. The youngest squad in the NBA, many thought the Thunder were in the midst of a rebuild, but thanks to the effort of All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, went 40-42 on the season to earn the last play-in spot. Coach Willie Green says if the Pels want to advance,  they’ll need to slow down SGA…

Cut 20 (19)  “…him work.”