In his first special session on crime, Governor Landry’s legislation is met with little opposition. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Could Louisiana’s vehicle inspection stickers become a thing of the past? A state lawmaker hopes his proposal to get rid of inspection stickers passes in the upcoming regular session. Teiko Foxx has more….

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed two cases of measles in the Greater New Orleans area. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Today begins the fourth day of Governor Jeff Landry’s special session on crime and ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross believes the hard-nosed conservative with the help of the legislature will be able to honor his tough-on-crime campaign promises.

Cut 4 (09) “…his way.”

After Democrat Governor John Bel Edwards’ passage of criminal justice reforms, Cross says the Landry administration is a sharp contrast from the last eight years in Louisiana. Cross says it appears the state will soon have a much stricter criminal justice code and less eligibility for the commutation of sentences.

Cut 5 (09) “…of prison.” 

Cross is quick to point out that while most of the bills increase penalties and keep criminals behind bars longer, legislation to allow concealed carry without a permit can be deemed ironic.

Cut 6 (13) “…other direction.”

Among the bills progressing in the session are measures to increase the carjacking penalties and the addition of other methods to be used to carry out the death penalty.

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Stonewall State Representative Larry Bagley’s proposal to eliminate the state’s vehicle inspection sticker once again will be debated in the upcoming regular session. He says his measure has become a favorite among Louisianans.

Cut 7 (11) “…taken away.”

Under current law, Louisiana drivers are required to get an inspection every other year. Drivers can pay for a one-year inspection tag for $10 and $20 for two years.

Bagley says a driver with an expired sticker could be fined up to $124. He says it serves no purpose because law enforcement has the ability to stop you if you’re driving in an unsafe car.

Cut 8 (12) “…each year.” 

The state loses five to six million dollars a year due to illegal vehicle inspection stickers. Louisiana car owners pay a 20-dollar fee for a one-year inspection sticker and the money goes to Louisiana State Police.

With a new tax on vaping products, Bagley says there will be no loss in revenue for LSP. He says the inspection sticker is an unnecessary nuisance especially if you forget to renew.

Cut 9 (12)  “…that again.”

If approved, the measure would go into effect July 1^st.

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Louisiana has two confirmed cases of measles. The Louisiana Department of Health says the two New Orleans area individuals had returned from an out of state trip when diagnosed. LSU Health Infectious Disease Dr. Fred Lopez says though the number is small it’s a wake-up call to get vaccinated if you’re not immune…

Cut 10 (10) “…has measles.”

Lopez says symptoms of measles typically appear seven to 14 days after infection and generally start with high fever, cough, runny nose and red watery eyes, sometimes followed by white spots in the mouth and then a very red rash with very high fever. Complications could include ear infections and diarrhea and sometimes…

Cut 11 (11) “…can be seen.” 

Though very contagious, measles is rare in the U.S., Lopez says, because of the effectiveness of vaccines.

Cut 12 (08) “…percent.” 

If you’re not sure of your vaccination status, Lopez says, your healthcare provider can help you determine if you are immune and he says, if you need to get the vaccine later in life, that’s okay.

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45-year-old George Mosely of Oak Ridge faces numerous penalties in connection with the killing of a Black Bear and other hunting violations. Adam Einck with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries details what agents found in Mosley’s Morehouse Parish residence on February 8^th.

Cut 13 (07)  “…as well.”

Enick says Mosely confessed to harvesting the bear with a bow and arrow in Richland Parish last October.

Cut 14 (12) “…2024 hunting season.”

Mosely faces more than $16,000 in civil restitution for the replacement value of the illegally taken black bear, deer, and bobcat.

Cut 15 (10) “…in jail.”

LDWF agents and the Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office executed the search warrant and they also found methamphetamine in the residence.

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The Louisiana Tech men’s basketball team begins a three-game road trip tonight at UTEP. It’s the second meeting of the season between these two Conference USA foes. The Bulldogs won the first matchup 68-54 in Ruston. Tech Coach Talvin Hester says his team had too many careless turnovers…

Cut 16 (24) “…our chances.” 

Tip-off is at 8 PM. Tech is 8-3 in CUSA, UTEP is 4-7.

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The 13th-ranked LSU Lady Tigers host Auburn tonight. Auburn upset LSU last month and Coach Kim Mulkey says they are looking forward to the rematch…

Cut 17 (16) “…they will.” 

LSU has won four in a row and Mulkey says they are peaking at the right time…

Cut 18 (17)  “…along the way.” 

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The second-ranked LSU baseball team will host Northern Illinois today at 2 PM to begin the second weekend of the season. UCLA transfer Gage Jump will get the start. He’s expected to pitch about 40 to 50 pitches after throwing an impressive ninth inning for a save in the season opener

Cut 19 (15) “…be fun.”

The Tigers are 4-0 and designated hitter Hayden Travinski says the season is off to a good start…

Cut 20 (16) “…good spot.”

Legislation that would allow prosecutors to charge 17-year-olds accused of a felony as an adult is receiving support from state senators. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

A bill to protect the  names and drug manufacturers involved in the executions of death row inmates passed on a 12-5 vote today and advances to the House floor.

A proposal to lower the age from 18 years old to 17 years old of a person who could be charged as an adult is moving forward. 17-year-olds can be charged as adults when a violent crime is committed. But for lesser crimes 17 year olds go through the juvenile justice system. University of Louisiana at Lafayette professor Matthew Green…

Cut 7 (10) “…state”  

Entergy Louisiana announces its renewable power is exceeding coal in energy production for the first time. Director of Resource Planning Laura Beauchamp solar energy reduces carbon emissions and offers many benefits.

Cut 4 (13) “…in Louisiana.”

A bill to Repeal the Age Act that went into effect in 2019 is making its way through the legislature. The bill approved in 2017 raised the age to 18 when a person charged with a felony could be charged as an adult. But lawmakers want to lower it back to 17. It has the support of prosecutors. Avoyelles Parish District Attorney Charles Riddle

Cut 6  (08) “…for that” 

Lawmakers debated the privacy portion of a bill to protect the names and drug manufacturers involved in the executions of death row inmates. In House Governmental Affairs, Hammond Representative Nick Muscarello says the state can’t get the drugs needed because the manufacturers receive threats so he’s sponsoring the bill.

Cut 9 (12) “…novel content.” 

The bill passed on a 12 to 5 vote and heads to the House floor.

For the first time in the company’s history, Entergy Louisiana has reached a new milestone in its commitment to using sustainable energy solutions. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is reporting two cases of measles in the Greater New Orleans area. A press release from LDH says the two individuals recently returned from a trip out of state and that more information will be provided when they’ve gathered more information about the two cases.

A Senate committee has approved legislation that would allow non felon adults to possess a concealed handgun without a permit or training. A New Orleans Police Department official told the panel permits help ensure gun owners receive firearm safety training, but West Monroe Senator Jay Morris says criminals in New Orleans do not care about safety training…
cut 12 (10) “…the city”
The measure heads to the full Senate.

A bill that would lower the age juveniles can be charged as adults from 18 years old to 17 years old is making its way through the legislative process. With crimes involving 17-year-olds is on the rise, Lake Charles Senator Jeremy Stine says having 17-year-olds in the juvenile justice system is not working…

Cut 8 (11) “…ridiculous” 

While debating the privacy portion of a bill to protect the names and drug manufacturers involved in the executions of death row inmates, Mandeville Representative Christopher Kim Carver asked Hammond Representative Nick Muscarello about his legislation.

Cut 9 (12) “…novel content.” 

The bill passed in House Criminal Justice Tuesday and passed favorably in House Governmental Affairs on a 12-5 vote today and advances to the House Floor.

Entergy Louisiana Director of Resource Planning Laura Beauchamp says its renewable power is exceeding coal in energy production for the first time is a significant milestone for the company.

Cut 3 (12) “…five years.”  

Current law allows prosecutors to charge 17-year-olds as an adults in cases when a violent crime is committed. But 17-year-olds who commit lesser crimes go through the juvenile justice system. A bill that would Repeal the Age Act that raised the age to 18 is making its way through the legislative process. But University of Louisiana at Lafayette professor Matthew Green says existing law should stay in place…

Cut 7 (10) “…state”  

A bill that would allow for criminal and civil penalties against those who reveal the identities of those involved with an execution is headed to the house floor. New Orleans Democrat Rep. Delisha Boyd reiterated a goal for truth and transparency in government and she said that bullies should be held liable for their actions.

Cut 11 (10) “…as well.”

If you’re not registered to vote. Today is your last day to register in person if you want to participate in the presidential primary on March 23^rd. If you register online at GEAUXVOTE Dot Com you have until March 2. Geaux vote is G-E-A-U-X vote. Also a reminder, you can only vote in the primary of the party of which you are registered. Libertarians, Independents and others will not be allowed to vote in the primaries. You can also change your party affiliation at GeauxVote dot com.

Entergy Director of Resource Planning Laura Beauchamp says Entergy has approximately 230 megawatts of renewable resources including the Capital Region Solar facility, which began delivering power to the grid in October 2020. She says they’re proud to transition towards cleaner energy sources while delivering reliable and affordable power.

Cut 5 (10) “…in Louisiana.”

Legislation that would allow prosecutors to charge 17-year-olds accused of a felony as an adult is receiving support from state senators. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

While debating the privacy portion of a bill to protect the names and drug manufacturers involved in the executions of death row inmates, New Orleans Democrat Candace Newell expressed fears that protecting the identities of those involved with an execution goes against “truth and transparency,” however she also believes those who are merely doing their jobs should not be threatened.

Cut 10 (10) “…me pause.”

Data from Entergy Louisiana’s 2023 power generation report shows renewable energy production totaled one point one million megawatt hours exceeding their coal energy production. Director of Resource Planning Laura Beauchamp points out solar energy reduces carbon emissions and offers many benefits.

Cut 4 (13) “…in Louisiana.”

If you’re not registered to vote. Today is your last day to register in person if you want to participate in the presidential primary on March 23^rd. If you register online at GEAUXVOTE Dot Com you have until March 2. Geaux vote is G-E-A-U-X vote. Also a reminder, you can only vote in the primary of the party of which you are registered. Libertarians, Independents and others will not be allowed to vote in the primaries. You can also change your party affiliation at GeauxVote dot com.

A bill that would Repeal the Age Act that went into effect in 2019 is making its way through the legislative process. The legislation approved in 2017 raised the age to 18 when a person charged with a felony could be charged as an adult. But lawmakers want to lower the age back down to 17. It has the support of prosecutors. Avoyelles Parish District Attorney Charles Riddle

Cut 6  (08) “…for that” 

Lawmakers debated the privacy portion of a bill to protect the names and drug manufacturers involved in the executions of death row inmates. In House Governmental Affairs, Hammond Representative Nick Muscarello says the state can’t get the drugs needed because the manufacturers receive threats so he’s sponsoring the bill.

Cut 9 (12) “…novel content.” 

For the first time in the company’s history, Entergy Louisiana has reached a new milestone in its commitment to using sustainable energy solutions. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

The LSU men’s basketball team will host 17th ranked Kentucky tonight in the PMAC. The Wildcats are currently averaging 88 points a game, which is third in the nation, and are shooting 41 percent from the three-point line, which leads the country. LSU Head Coach Matt McMahon says that LSU will have to play great transition defense in order to keep up with Kentucky’s fast paced play.

Cut 16 (20) “… transition attack.”

The game will tip off at 8pm tonight on ESPN.

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In high school football news, Carencro Head Coach Tony Courville has retired after seven seasons with the program.

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And in college softball news, the Ragin Cajuns softball team defeated LA Tech yesterday 9 to 3 to improve to 6 and 5 on the season.

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Last night was a very successful night for the UL-Lafayette baseball team as the Cajuns cruised to an 11 to 3 win over McNeese. The Cajuns started off hot as they posted eight runs in the bottom of the first inning sending 11 batters to the plate. The Ragin Cajuns will be in action against Rice this weekend.

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ULM also had a big night with their 13 to 3 win over Grambling. Warhawk outfielder Easton Winfield was a home run shy of hitting the cycle and four ULM players recorded multiple RBI’s. The Warhawks will face Murray State on Friday with first pitch at 6 pm.

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In other baseball news, Tulane defeated Nicholls in a close game yesterday 3 to 2 and LSU will start a four game series in the box tomorrow against Northern Illinois and Stony Brook with first pitch against Northern Illinois at 2 pm.

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And Louisiana Christian has named Ben McLaughlin as its new head football coach according to the Town Talk. Ben McLaughlin is the school’s all-time leading passer and has been serving as the offensive coordinator at Alexandria Senior High.

A bill to expand methods used to carry out the death penalty passed in House Criminal Justice Tuesday. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (39)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

If you want to vote in the March Presidential primary, today is the final day to register in person or by mail. In the primary, Each voter can only vote for a party’s nominee if they are affiliated with that party.

Entergy Louisiana announces its renewable power is exceeding coal in energy production for the first time. Director of Resource Planning Laura Beauchamp says this is a significant milestone for the company.

Cut 3 (12) “…five years.”  

Data from the company’s 2023 power generation report shows renewable energy production totaled one point one million megawatt hours. Beauchamp points out solar energy reduces carbon emissions and offers many benefits.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser granted an official pardon to the state’s eighth crustacean Sherbin – to celebrate the mudbug season.

Cut 14 (08) “…this year.”

The pardoned crawfish was named in honor of Henderson’s Mayor Sherbin Collette.

The House Criminal Justice Committee approves legislation that would shield from public view the names of drug makers that provide the state the chemicals used to perform a lethal injection. Hammond Representative Nicholas Muscarello says the death penalty is already legal and he told Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says his bill is designed to restart executions in the state…
cut 9 (08) “….absolutely not”
The bill would also expand the methods the state can use to execute a death row inmate. One of the options would be nitrogen gas. There were members of the public who spoke against it
cut 8 (11) “….the process”

USDA Census numbers show the number of farms in Louisiana fell by more than two-thousand from 2017 to 2022. Teiko Foxx reports owners of smaller farm land have struggled to keep up with cost of fertilizer and other input costs…
cut 1 (25) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

A crawfish named Sherbin in Breaux Bridge has been pardoned and will not meet his fate in a crawfish boil. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser does this every year to highlight the crawfish industry and because of a low supply of mudbugs, this year is difficult…
cut 15 (10) “..tough season”