She was once one of the state’s top Democrat power players, but today former New Orleans State Senator and state Democratic Party chair Karen Carter Peterson pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges. Peterson was accused of taking nearly a hundred-thousand dollars in campaign and party money with the help of yet unnamed assistants. A federal judge will decide if Peterson will go to prison, when her sentencing comes up in December.

Louisiana’s on again/off again abortion ban trigger law is back on again, after Baton Rouge Judge Don Johnson signed an order that suspends his preliminary injunction. That action is the result of a ruling Friday from the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeals. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino…:

CUT 06(11)      “…lower court’s ruling.”

Ciolino says this case will eventually be decided by the state Supreme Court, and he think the High Court will rule for the state.

Not that it was EVER ok, but it is now – officially – a crime to use marijuana while in a moving vehicle. Metairie Republican Representative Laurie Schlegel brought the bill in the legislature. She says she thought of the bill after witnessing people in New Orleans, driving around smoking weed…:

CUT 12(11)      “…not be good.”

Schlegel says, with smokable medical cannabis now legal, it makes good sense to draw a line on where one can use it. The law applies to ANYONE in the vehicle; driver or passengers. A violation means a $100 fine.

The Louisiana Municipal association elects its first-ever Black female president. She’s Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine, who says she will represent ALL communities in the state, which has not always been the case…:

CUT 11(09)      “…as they should be.”

Louisiana’s law that bans most abortions is back in effect. Baton Rouge Judge Don Johnson has signed an order that suspends his preliminary injunction. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says Judge Johnson’s action is the result of a ruling Friday from the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeals…:

CUT 06(11)      “…lower court’s ruling.”

Ciolino says the case will eventually go before the state Supreme Court and he thinks the state will win.

Former state Senator and state Democrat Party chair Karen Carter Peterson pleaded guilty today to federal fraud charges. Peterson was accused of stealing tens of thousands in campaign and party funds, with the help of several associates; none of them named in court documents. A judge will decide if the 52-year-old Peterson will go to prison, when she is sentenced in early December.

The Mayor of Ville Platte, Jennifer Vidrine, was installed Saturday as president of the Louisiana Municipal Association; making her the first Black woman to hold that position. She’s been Mayor of Ville Platte, in Evangeline parish, since 2011. In her career in public service, she has broken through a number of racial and gender barriers to get where she is. Vidrine says she didn’t achieve all that alone…:

CUT 10(11)      “…I could stand here.”

A new law taking effect today makes it a crime to use marijuana in a motor vehicle. Metairie Republican Representative Laurie Schlegel brought the bill in the legislature. She says with smokable medical marijuana now legal, it’s a good idea to establish where one CANNOT use it. She says the law also applies to VAPING cannabis…:

CUT 14(05)      “…this law as well.”

Those caught using marijuana in a moving vehicle will face a $100 fine – even if they are using legally prescribed medical marijuana.

Louisiana’s law that bans most abortions is back in effect. Baton Rouge Judge Don Johnson has signed an order that suspends his preliminary injunction. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the case will eventually reach the state Supreme Court and when that happens, the high court will quite likely rule for the state. He says if pro-choice advocates want to change the law, they’ll need to take it up at the Capitol next spring…:

CUT 08(05)      “…not by the courts.”

New Orleans born rapper Mystikal has been arrested in Ascension parish for alleged rape. The 52-year-old musician, whose real name is Michael Tyler, is accused of holding a woman captive in his Prairieville home and rapping her. This is Tyler’s third arrest on sex crimes in 20 years. He spent 6 years in prison for a sexual assault in 2004. As of this news cast, his bond had not been set.

28 men and women who have at least two years of law enforcement experience have started their training in the first ever accelerated cadet class with the Louisiana State Police…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

The state Department of Health reports another 3850 new cases of COVID-19, with 650 persons currently hospitalized with symptoms. They say 60-percent of those infected have had NO shots. LDH also reports 16 new COVID-related deaths.

The on again / off again state abortion ban is on again. Louisiana’s First Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a suspensive appeal as the law moves through the court system…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Palermo.”

A Shreveport man arrested last week for possessing child pornography has had more charges added on. 22-year-old Deandrick Fuller initially faced 16 counts, after investigators found images on his devices. Another 132 images were discovered later, including some depicting bestiality. The investigation is ongoing and more charges may be coming.

State Police are conducting their first-ever accelerated trooper cadet academy. The class is only for those with at least two years previous law enforcement experience. Meaning a lot of the basics won’t need to be covered. LSP Sergeant Monroe Dillion says there’s a reason for holding an accelerated academy…:

CUT 05(11)      “…be out there.”

The accelerated class is 28 men and women. LSP’s next regular cadet academy will get underway in February 2023 and the deadline for applications is October 17th.

Starting today, a new law takes effect making it a crime to use marijuana in a moving vehicle. With legal medical cannabis a thing now, Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel, who authored the bill, says it’s a good idea to establish where one CANNOT use it…:

CUT 13(10)      “…driving in a car.”

The law applies to anyone in the car; driver or passengers.

28 men and women who have at least two years of law enforcement experience have started their training in the first ever accelerated cadet class with the Louisiana State Police…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

New Orleans rapper Mystikal, who has been accused of rape twice in the past two decades, is in the Ascension Parish Jail on his third count of alleged sex crimes. The 52-year-old’s real name is Michael Tyler. He spent 6 years in prison for a 2004 sex assault.

A new law taking effect today makes it a crime to use marijuana in a motor vehicle. Metairie Republican Representative Laurie Schlegel brought the bill in the legislature. She says she thought of the bill after witnessing people in New Orleans, driving around smoking weed…:

CUT 12(11)      “…not a good thing.”

A violation will mean a $100 fine.

The Mayor of Ville Platte, Jennifer Vidrine, was installed Saturday as president of the Louisiana Municipal Association; making her the first Black woman to hold that position. Vidrine says she is honored to be elected by her peers…:

CUT 09  (12)        “…also humbling.”

In her career in public service, she has broken through a number of racial and gender barriers to get where she is.

Coming soon to a highway near you: more Louisiana State Troopers. LSP Sgt. Monroe Dillon says an accelerated cadet academy is underway now. That means everyone in the class has at least 2 years law enforcement experience. That means they do not have to repeat the basics…:

CUT 04  (11)        “…defensive tactics.”

28 new men and women will soon graduate and begin service.

Louisiana’s law that bans most abortions is back in effect. Baton Rouge Judge Don Johnson has signed an order that suspends his preliminary injunction. Judge Johnson had issued a restraining order against the law from going into effect while he studies the merits of the law, but Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says it was just a matter of time before the appeals court would act……:

CUT 07(08)      “…the law requires.”

Starting today the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin is officially designated as a highway safety corridor. Jeff Palermo on what that means…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Palermo.”

…and now today’s markets…

The First Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Friday that Baton Rouge Judge Don Johnson must sign off on the state’s trigger’s law that bans abortion must go back into effect. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino is surprised the state’s appeals court took this long to get involved in the case…

Cut 6 (11) “…district court ruling” 

Judge Johnson had issued a restraining order against the law from going into effect while he studies the merits of the law.

An accelerated cadet academy for Louisiana State troopers is underway. Sergeant Monroe Dillion says in their 86 years of cadet classes this is their first ever accelerated academy with 28 men and women embarking on their future as a state trooper.

Cut 3 (10) “…14 weeks.” 

A law to train law enforcement officers on how to detect human trafficking goes into effect today. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says human trafficking can easily go unnoticed, especially in places or events with large crowds, but the problem is also very bad in Louisiana’s small towns. She says it coincides with the illegal drug trade…:

Cut 14 (12)  “…dirty, dirty thing.”

A new study conducted by the LSU Department of Marketing along with researchers from other Universities has found that caffeine could lead to greater consumer spending. Associate Professor Courtney Szocs says drinks like espressos, coffee and tea impacted not only the degree of spending but also the types of products…

Cut 10 (09) “…products”

Entergy Louisiana President Phillip May says electricity costs have risen sharply all over the U.S., and Entergy is not “gouging” its customers. Still, many customers are angry with storm assessments Entergy has added to their bills. May says they have little choice if they hope to recoup their storm-related losses…:

Cut 9 (14)  “…present our bills.”

An LSU Department of Marketing study shows caffeine use can cause you to spend more money. Associate Professor Courtney Szocs says that one should be mindful of what time they consume that caffeinated beverage in order to avoid making that unnecessary purchase…

Cut  11 (12)  “…trying to say” 

Starting today the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin is officially designated as a highway safety corridor. Jeff Palermo on what that means….

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Another law that goes into effect today is required training for law enforcement officers on how to recognize signs of human trafficking. The new law also requires state and local law enforcement agencies to regularly report on training compliance and progress. The I-10/I-12 corridor is a known pipeline for human sex trafficking.

Entergy Louisiana President Phillip May says an increase in natural gas prices are responsible for high power bills along with high customer usage in the summer heat.  He says Entergy understands how burdensome it can be for some folks to afford their utility bill…:

Cut 8 (13)  “…who need assistance.”

A law to train law enforcement officers on how to detect human trafficking goes into effect today. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell’s legislation says in addition to recognizing the crime it also requires state and local law enforcement agencies to regularly report on training compliance and progress…:

Cut 15 (11)  “…the numbers on that.”

Looking to save money on back-to-school shopping? Research says putting down that coffee could help you save a buck. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

Former State Senator Karen Carter Peterson is expected to plead guilty in federal court today to illegally spending campaign funds and Democratic Party money on personal needs, including gambling. In April she resigned from the Louisiana Senate to address with her struggles with depression and gambling.

Entergy Louisiana says they’re not “gouging” ratepayers, and wish to set the record straight…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

A Minden High School student is recovering after being shot in her back at a trail ride over the weekend. Two other people, a man and a woman, were also wounded in the gunfire. Webster Parish Sheriff’s Officials believe gunfire erupted when a fight between two females escalated, but the 17-year-old who was hit was not involved in that altercation. The victim was in critical condition, but Facebook posts indicate she’s now talking and alert. An arrest hasn’t been made but the sheriff says there are people of interest.

Speeding fines are now doubled on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says a law passed in the 2022 legislature went into effect today and it also calls eight sets of speed limit signs…:
Cut 5 (12) “…80 miles per hour”
There were over 200 crashes that resulted in two deaths and nearly 100 injuries on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge last year.

A new study out of LSU finds drinking a lot of caffeine could be causing you to spend more money on indulgent things. Associate Marketing Professor Courtney Szocs says if you’re trying to save money on back-to-school shopping, watch how much coffee you drink…:
CUT 12 (13) “products”