The House Transportation Committee passed a bill that would give motorcycle riders the option to hit the highway without a helmet. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Congress is trying to force the sell TikTok to either sell to a U.S.-based company or ban the app. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Expect overnight lane closures on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge beginning Monday as Phase 2 of the Basin Bridge Safety Corridor begins. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The House Transportation Committee passed legislation on Wednesday to repeal the state’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law which has been in place since 2004. The bill passed on a 10-3 vote. Hornbeck Representative Rodney Shamerhorn says wearing a helmet should be a personal choice.

Cut 4 (09) “…vegetable state.”

Under the current law, both riders and passengers are required to wear safety helmets regardless of age.

Shamerhorn wants to change it to people who are over 21 do not have to wear helmet if they can prove they have health insurance. He believes Louisiana has missed out tourism dollars from nearby states because of the helmet law. And noted many activities require safety gear to be available, its not mandatory.

Cut 5 (13) “…a choice.” 

Louisiana is one of 17 states that require full time helmets while riding a motorcycle.

Monroe Representative Pat Moore, who worked for an insurance company for 27 years, opposes the bill. She says riding a motorcycle without a helmet is like playing Russian Roulette. And questions the effect it will have on the state’s already skyrocketing insurance crisis.

Cut 6 (09) “…of it.”

The bill heads to the full House for more debate. 

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Covington Senator and self-proclaimed Parrothead Patrick McMath wants to designate a portion of U.S. Route 11 in St. Tammany Parish to honor Jimmy Buffett.  McMath says when the Margaritaville singer was just starting his musical career he traveled that very highway back and forth to play gigs.

Cut 7 (10) “…so dearly.”

If passed it would be designated as the “Jimmy Buffett ‘Changes in Latitude’ Memorial Crossing.”

McMath says he considers Buffett’s music the soundtrack of his life along with countless other fans. Even though Buffett was born in Mississippi and grew up in Alabama, McMath says the musician had a deep affinity for the Bayou State.

Cut 8 (06) “…New Orleans.” 

The bill advances from Senate Transportation and when McMath offers Senate Bill 44 to the upper chamber floor, he says he plans to dress accordingly.

Cut 9 (06)  “…know yet.”

Buffet passed away on September 1^st at the age of 76. The Coral Reefer Band along with special guests will perform a tribute to the late singer at Jazz Fest this year.

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A proposed U.S. law targeting the social media app TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese base company ByteDance, could force the company to sell its controlling stake or be blocked in the U.S. Host of the podcast Tech Gumbo Host Haggai Davis says the issue is over the user data it collects and that it’s being sold within the communist country.

Cut 10 (07) “…a problem.”

Davis says the bill forces the company to be sold to either a U.S.-based or a non-Chinese company to alleviate security concerns that a communist country could be misusing data against Americans.

Cut 11 (10) “…in the United States.” 

Like other social media apps and search engines, Davis says when you sign on to any of them you automatically allow them to track your online activity which then gives advertisers insight of your personality traits.

He says the issue with TikTok is that the ownership is based in a Communist Country.

If you use the popular app, to promote your brand or business, Davis says he doesn’t anticipate it being banned anytime soon.

Cut 12 (11) “…180 days.” 

On Wednesday the U.S. House approved the bill, which now heads to the Senate.

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Phase 2 of the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Safety Corridor begins Monday. Crews will be replacing speed limit signs and installing informative speed cameras that measure motorists’ speeds by radar. Rodney Mallett with the Louisiana Department of Transportation says there will be lane closures…

Cut 13 (11)  “…Sunday night”

For years, cars have had a 60 mile per hour speed limit while trucks were limited to 55 miles per hour. Mallet says in phase two, there will be one limit for all vehicles…

Cut 14 (10) “…speed limit.”

Mallett says, the informative cameras that show motorists their speeds will eventually be replaced by enforcement cameras that will photograph license plates of speed violators. He says speeding motorists dangerously weave through traffic around other drivers…

Cut 15 (12) “…to fatalities”

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The LSU men’s basketball team begins play today as an eight-seed in the SEC Tournament. Coach Matt McMahon’s team will face Mississippi State at noon…

Cut 16 (16) “…five games.” 

All SEC Selection Josh Hubbard is averaging 17 points to lead State. He scored 32 points against the Tigers earlier this season and hit six three-pointers in a 20-point win over LSU. McMahon days the Bulldogs defense does a good job of holding its opponents to less than 70 points a game…

Cut 17 (15) “…physicality.” 

The 2024 legislative session is underway and insurance reform is a major focus. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says reducing regulations will result in more insurers writing policies in the state…
CUT 27 (12) “…affordability”
Temple supports legislation that allows insurers to adjust rates without his approval. He also wants to end the three year rule, which prohibits home insurers from dropping a customer that’s been policy holder for more than three years.

Legislation banning importing, ownership, and trafficking of sex dolls that resemble children has been approved by a Senate committee. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says Homeland Security contacted her about such activity…
Cut 9 (06) “…arrest anybody.”

In 2022, the Louisiana Legislature passed a law that limits the publicizing of mug shots by law enforcement agencies. It’s illegal for a sheriff’s department to release an offender’s mugshot who commits non-violent or minor crimes. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh says that law was approved with good intentions, but it’s confusing for law enforcement agencies…
cut 12 (12) “…decision”
Seabaugh’s bill would allow for all mugshots to become public, which concerns Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow…
cut 13 (13) “…going forward”
Despite Barrow’s opposition the bill heads to the Senate floor.

Legislation that would allow law enforcement to once again make public the booking photos of adults charged with crimes is making its way to the Senate floor. A law passed in 2022 prevents the release of mug shots of suspects accused of non-violent or minor offenses. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh says the 2022 law is hurting law enforcement…
Cut 11 (10) “…law enforcement”
Seabaugh says the 2022 law was approved with good intentions, but there is confusion over what can and can’t be released,

Sarah Whittington with the Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana says mug shots can cause damage for suspects who later found innocent…
Cut 14 (10) “..good character”
Senate Judiciary C Committee approved the bill.

If you missed getting tickets for Taylor Swift’s soldout October 26th show at the Superdome, Brooke Thorington has more on how you can win a pair and help “Mastermind” Ochsner Health’s Neuroscience Institute.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Covington Senator Patrick McMath is proposing to rename a portion of the Highway 11 bridge in St Tammany Parish as the Jimmy Buffett Changes in Latitude Memorial Crossing. The Senate Transportation Committee endorsed the proposal today

Trooper Jacob Pucheu (pee-shoe) says 61-year-old Ronald Britt, a Lafayette truck driver, was charged with negligent homicide for speeding during the super fog event on I-55 last year.

Cut 6  (11) “…Mrs. Fleming” 

The massive 168 vehicle pileup killed seven people. Britt is facing several charges.

Republican Senator Beth Mizell legislation that would prohibit possession, import, and ownership of child sex dolls that resembles children 12 years old and younger passed out of committee Tuesday. Mizell says Homeland Security was became concerned about trafficking after receiving a package with a childlike doll inside.

Cut 8 (13) “…in Metairie.” 

And while nine other states already have such laws, Mizell says legislation does not exist in Louisiana to allow law enforcement to take individuals into custody.

Booking mug shots of suspects charged in non-violent or minor crimes would once again become available under legislation heading to the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The Tangipahoa Sheriff Office has arrested 26-year-old Cameron McKnight in connection with several sex crimes. Last month, authorities received a complaint of alleged indecent behavior between McKnight, a former educator, and students. Detectives substantiated allegation and obtained a warrant for McKnight’s arrest. He was charged with several offenses including indecent behavior with juveniles. The investigation is ongoing.

A law passed in 2022 that prevents the release of mug shots of suspects accused of non-violent or minor offenses is once again making its way to the Senate floor. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow was the only no vote. Barrow says once a mug shot goes public, it never goes away and it change and alter a person’s life…

Cut 13 (13) “…going forward.”  

Legislation banning trafficking, importing, and ownership of child sex dolls that resembles children 12 years and younger passed out of committee Tuesday. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell, the bill’s author, says some companies create dolls based on the likeness of real children. She says her legislation could help prevent assaults on children by pedophiles or potential abusers.

Cut 10 (11) “…these dolls.”

The bill now heads to the Senate floor.

Taylor Swift’s fans have another chance to score a golden ticket to her sold out October 26^th show at the Superdome. Brooke Thorington has more on how you can win a pair and help “Mastermind” Ochsner Health’s Neuroscience Institute.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

61-year-old Ronald Britt, a Lafayette commercial truck driver, has been charged with negligent homicide in connection to the super fog pile up on I-55 involving 168 vehicles and seven deaths in St. John the Baptist parish last October. Britt was speeding when he crashed into the back of a vehicle resulting in a chain reaction crash.

Legislation that would allow law enforcement to once again make public the booking photos of adults charged with crimes is making its way to the Senate floor. A law passed in 2022 prevents the release of mug shots of suspects accused of non-violent or minor offenses. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh says the 2022 law is hurting law enforcement…

Cut 11 (10) “…law enforcement”

Seabaugh says the 2022 law was approved with good intentions, but there is confusion over what can and can’t be released,

Sarah Whittington with the Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana says mug shots can cause damage for suspects who later found innocent…

Cut  14 (10) “..good character”

Senate Judiciary C Committee approved the bill.

Legislation banning importing, ownership, and trafficking of sex dolls that resemble children passed out of committee Tuesday. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says Homeland Security contacted her about such activity because there aren’t laws in Louisiana to allow law enforcement to take these individuals into custody.

Cut 9 (06) “…arrest anybody.” 

Ochsner Health is raffling off two tickets to see Taylor Swift and raise money for their Neuroscience Institute. Assistant VP of Philanthropy Lucy King says if it’s among your “Wildest Dreams” to see Taylor in “Style,”  don’t “Shake Off” this opportunity.

Cut 4 (10) “…Four Seasons Hotel.” 

You have until “Midnight” April 7^th to purchase the $100 raffle tickets at Ochsner.org backslash eras.

State Police have charged 61-year-old Lafayette truckdriver Ronald Britt with negligent homicide for driving too fast during the super fog event on I-55 last October that caused a massive pileup and killed seven people. Trooper Jacob Pucheu (pee-shoe) says Britt faces several charges…

Cut 7 (11) “…traffic violations”  

Legislation banning importing, ownership, and trafficking of sex dolls that resemble children passed out of committee Tuesday. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says Homeland Security contacted her about such trafficking after receiving a package with a label describing it as a mannequin.

Cut 8 (13) “…in Metairie.” 

A bill is heading to the Senate floor to toughen penalties against porch pirates. It will give judges the authority to sentence a thief to 60 days if they steal packages from several homes. Major Willie Stewart with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office says it’s a big problem.

Cut 13 (11)  “…at a time”

Ochsner Health is raffling off two tickets to see Taylor Swift and raise money for their Neuroscience Institute. Assistant VP of Philanthropy Lucy King says the winner will receive two suite tickets for the October 26^th sold-out show at the Superdome. And like Taylor, the neuroscience center is one of a kind.

Cut 3 (09) “…and Atlanta.”  

The $100 raffle tickets can be purchased at oschner.org/eras. The deadline to purchase tickets is just before “Midnight” April 7th .

Jameis Winston and the Saints will be heading in different directions this season as Winston signed a one year deal with the Browns. The veteran backup came to New Orleans in 2020 to learn from Sean Payton and Drew Brees, but a season ending knee injury in 2021 and back injury in 2022 limited his potential according to the Saints Locked On Podcast Host Ross Jackson.

Cut 17 (19) “… he will be missed.”

The Saints became active in the new league year as they signed former Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay to a one-year 5 million dollar deal.

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In college basketball news, Nicholls and McNeese will play in the Southland Conference final today at 4 pm on ESPN2. McNeese defeated Lamar 76 to 57 to win their semifinal game and Nicholls defeated Texas A&M Corpus Christi 81 to 73.

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LSU baseball was able to defeat North Dakota State 6 to 1 with Catcher Brady Neal playing Right Field. The move allowed Neal to get in the lineup in an outfield offense that hasn’t produced many runs this season. Neal got on base in all four of his at bats helping the Tigers to their 6 run performance and the Tigers and Bison will play again today at 4 pm.

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In other college baseball news, ULM barely lost to Ole Miss 5 to 3 after the Rebels had a two run ninth inning and Northwestern State snapped it’s five game losing streak by beating Louisiana Tech 11 to 5 yesterday.

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And LSU Softball had a big night yesterday as the Lady Tigers defeated the Longhorns 7 to 4. The win has LSU on a 23 game win streak heading into their series against Ole Miss this weekend and LSU Head Coach Beth Torina says that the Rebels will present a challenge for the Tigers.

Cut 20 (16) “… negated.”

The Tigers will host the Rebels Friday with the first pitch at 6 pm

Major changes could be coming to the state’s constitution as Governor Landry is looking to take items out of the constitution and put them into state law. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says legislators are unable to make many changes to the state’s tax code without voter approval…
cut 12 (12) “…they did”
A bill calling for a constitutional convention has yet to be filed.

State Police has charged a Lafayette truck driver with negligent homicide for driving too fast during the super fog event on I-55 last October. Trooper Jacob Pucheu (pee-shoe) says 61-year-old Ronald Britt’s truck was part of a massive chain reaction crash that involved 168 vehicles and seven deaths, including 60-year-old James Fleming…
Cut 6 (11) “…Mrs. Fleming”
Pucheu says Britt is facing several charges.

Insurance reform will be a major focus during this regular session. Teiko Foxx looks at a couple of proposals the new Insurance Commissioner is pushing for…
cut 2 (33) “….I’m Teiko Foxx”

What about auto insurance rates? Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot tells the USA Today Network that there is legislation filed for the regular session that can help reduce rates. The bills are in the area of tort reform. But Real Reform Louisiana says those bills strip victims rights and fatten industry profits.

The 2024 legislative session is underway and Governor Jeff Landry wants legislators to address constitutional reform. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio…

Cut 10 (12) “…should work.”

The 1974 state constitution has been amended more than 200 times.

Legislation that would give judges the authority to sentence porch pirates from 60 days to two years in jail for stealing packages from multiple homes is headed to the Senate floor. Sarah Whittington with the Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana opposed the bill. She says specific punishment for porch pirates will not help the situation…

Cut 14 (09) “…the porch.”

Among issues to be discussed by lawmakers in the legislative session is the insurance crisis. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple Temple says one of the bills he’s favoring would allow insurers to adjust rates without his approval. He says the focus is to attract more insurance companies and lower rates.

Cut 9 (12)  “…is affordability.”

He says reducing regulations on property insurance companies will lead to a more competitive market which should lower rates.

The Baton Rouge Area Chamber endorses a proposed 300-million dollars arena on LSU’s campus. The new venue would host sporting events and bring larger entertainment acts to Baton Rouge. Trey Godfrey with BRAC is excited about what the proposal means to Baton Rouge…

Cut 4 (07)  “…our community.”