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.

The 2024 regular legislative session begins at noon today. The state legislature has already been busy, tackling redistricting and crime. Insurance reform will be a major focus in this three-month-long session.

Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says since 2020 dozens of insurers have withdrawn, canceled, or refused to renew existing homeowners’ policies in Louisiana.
Cut 5 (11) “…as automobiles.”
Streamlining the state’s constitution will be another topic up for debate. The state’s constitution was adopted in 1974 but has been amended more than 200 times. Governor Jeff Landry has discussed with Republican lawmakers about taking some items out of the state’s constitution and putting them into state law.
Cut 6 (12) “…overhauling Louisiana.”

Meanwhile, Democrats will once again try to add exceptions for rape and incest to the state’s near-total abortion ban. New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd’s mother, who was raped in her teens and gave birth to her at age 15, advocates for exceptions.
Cut 7 (10) “…to term.”

And there are also bills dealing with traffic cameras that issue tickets for speeding or running a red light. But Marksville Representative Daryl Deshotel says only an officer should be writing tickets because cameras can’t do what they do to keep the community safe…
cut 11 (11) “…for speeding”
Deshotel’s bill would require automated enforcement devices to get a clear picture of the driver and the license plate to issue a ticket.

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.
———————————————

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.

————–

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”  

Texas has asked for the assistance of Louisiana National Guardsmen. 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.  Louisiana National Guard Spokesperson, Lt. Col. Noel (No-elle) Collins…

Cut 4 (09) “…to Texas.” 

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

Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow troopers, a select of group of men and women achieved their goal of completing the Louisiana State Police Training Academy this morning. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

The Saints have re-signed veteran and former LSU safety Tyrann Mathieu to a two-year contract. The Honey badger is happy he’s staying with the Black and Gold…

Cut 12 (12)  “…to me”  

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

Cut 6  (12) “…leadership skills.” 

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 will want to have their voices heard.

Cut 11 (09) “…should be.”

Early voting for the March 23rd presidential preference primary begins tomorrow (Saturday).

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

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Honey badger will be back as the Saints re-signed veteran and former LSU safety Tyrann Mathieu to a two-year contract. Mathieu was selected as the Saints nominee for the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for his community service work. He’s also playing at a high level. In his two seasons in New Orleans, he’s started all 34 games and intercepted seven passes. But he wants to lead the Black and Gold to the playoffs.

Cut  14 (12) “..opportunity”

Early voting locations open tomorrow for the March 23rd presidential preference primary. Secretary of State Nancy Landry…

Cut 9 (10) “…remind everybody.” 

There are local elections in 24 parishes in which all voters may cast their ballots regardless of party.

Louisiana National Guard spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel (No-elle) Collins says 50 soldiers have been deployed to the Texas border in support of Operation Lone Star. Collins says among the duties they would likely assist with is patrolling and enhancing some of the obstacle emplacements along the border.

Cut 5 (08) “…Texas National Guard.”

Governor Landry has signed off on LANG’s request for $3 million to cover their expenses and pay allowances.

33 new troopers graduated from the Louisiana State Police 103^rd cadet class today. While they are excited about adding new troopers, Captain Nick Manale they continue to look for qualified men and women to join the ranks.

Cut 8 (06) “…process started.” 

Manale says there are nearly 900 troopers working in patrol, criminal investigation, and public safety services.

Veteran and Former LSU safety Tyrann Mathieu has signed a two year contract that secures his spot on the 2025 roster with the New Orleans Saints. He signed with the Saints as a free agent prior to the 2022 season and retiring as a Saint is appealing to him…

Cut 13 (13) “…part of it”  

The 31-year-old will reportedly make 13-million dollars over the next two seasons.

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

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow troopers, a select of group of men and women achieved their goal of completing the Louisiana State Police Training Academy this morning. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

______________________________________

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.

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. And are currently scheduled to remain in place until approximately mid-June.

Collins says among the duties they would likely assist with is patrolling and enhancing some of the obstacle emplacements 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.

____________________________________________

It’s a big day for the Louisiana State Police. 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.” 

Manale says cadets also completed a physical training regimen. He says the diverse class of new troopers will continue their training with veteran troopers

Cut 7 (08) “…state troopers.”  

Manale says there are nearly 900 troopers working in patrol, criminal investigation, and public safety services. But they continue to look for qualified men and women to join the ranks.

Cut 8 (06) “…process started.” 

Anyone interested can apply at www.lsp.org.

__________________________________________________________________

Early voting for the March 23rd presidential preference primary begins tomorrow (Saturday). 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.” 

There are local elections in 24 parishes in which all voters may cast their ballots regardless of party.

Landry 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.”

Location hours are 8:30 am until 6 pm and ballots can be cast until March 16th, except for Sunday.

Landry says if you need to know where to go for early voting, they’ve got all the info you need at geauxvote.com.

President Joe Biden has already locked up the Democratic Party’s nomination and former President Donald Trump has secured the Republican Party’s nomination. Landry still expects Republicans and Democrats to have their voices heard.

Cut 11 (09) “…should be.”

________________________________________________________________

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”  

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 retiring as a Saint is appealing to him…

Cut 13 (13) “…part of it”  

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 at a high level. In his two seasons in New Orleans, he’s started all 34 games and intercepted seven passes. But he wants to lead the Black and Gold to the playoffs

Cut  14 (12) “..opportunity”

Cut 15 (10) “…novel concept”

Cut  16 (14)   “…tell his story.”