Cracking down on a deadly drug. Proposed legislation to sentence fentanyl dealers to life behind bars passed out of the House Criminal Justice Committee today. Crowley Representative (and candidate for Attorney General) John Stefanksi is the author of the legislation…:

CUT 06(07)      “…how I feel.”

The bill would impose life without parole for distributing an ounce or more of fentanyl. Approved by a 12-to-1 vote, the bill goes to the House floor.

A bill to make it easier for local voters to get a recall election for officials they’re unhappy with moves forward. It proposes requiring only 30-percent of the number of voters who turned out to elect the official in question. Sulphur Representative Les Farnum likes the bill…:

CUT 14(11)      “…your job properly”

A 9-to-3 vote sends the bill to the House floor.

Police in Breaux Bridge are investigating a shooting incident that left a 4-year-old child with a bullet wound…on the child’s birthday. Little is known about the circumstances of the shooting, be we know the toddler was sitting in a car that was hit by gunfire. An investigation is underway.

New Orleans Police say the man who fell from the 45-story Plaza Tower downtown to his death was one of a group of homeless people squatting inside the vacant office space. Just hours before, a trash fire inside the building – presumable set by squatters – was put out by city firemen.

President Joe Biden announced today he will run for another term in the White House. If re-elected he’d be 82 and the oldest president ever. UL-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says Biden will also face a strong Republican challenge – whoever the nominee will be…:

CUT 05(09)      “…for sure.”

Stockley says a growing number of Democrats want someone else from their party to be the nominee.

At the State Capitol, legislation to make it easier to have a recall election advances from the House Governmental Affairs Committee…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

House Civil Law advances a bill that would grant protection from criminal liability to teachers who try to break up student-on-student violence. Proponents say it should lead to more teachers being willing to step in on violent clashes between students. It passed committee unopposed.

President Biden made his intention to run for another term official today; asking voters to allow him to “finish this job.” Biden’s platform is one of abortion rights, voting rights and defending social security. However, UL-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says a surprisingly large number of Democrat voters would prefer someone else have the party nomination…:

CUT 04(12)      “…clear answer.”

Biden is the oldest person to ever serve as president. He will be 82 when the next election comes around.

A bill to give newly employed Law enforcement officers a $5000 one-time bonus moves forward for House debate. Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue says it does not apply to any elected lawmen, and funding is limited..:

CUT 11(09)      “…basis.”

The House floor will debate the bill next.

At the Capitol, the House Governmental Affairs Committee approves legislation that would result in a life sentence for a person convicted of distributing more than an ounce of fentanyl…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Palermo.”

The SEC is considering harsh new penalties for teams whose fans rush the field after a big win. LSU fans did it twice last year; at the Ole Miss game and again after beating Alabama. One punishment under discussion is making teams that break the rule forfeit home games. The idea will be discussed when the SEC meets next month.

Legislation to lower the number of signatures needed to prompt a recall election advances from House Governmental Affairs. Founder of the southern Louisiana grassroots group, Home Defense Foundation, Mike Weinberger, tells the committee the current recall system is broken…:

CUT 13(05)      “…elected official.”

Under the bill, instead of basing needed recall signatures on the number of registered voters, it would require 30-percent of the number of voter turnout from the election in which the official in question won. It moves to the House floor.

President Biden officially announced he will run for another term today. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it is unlikely Biden will face any serious challenge from a fellow Democrat…:

CUT 03(11)      “…party challenge.”

Stockley says republicans however will pose a strong fight to retake the White House, whoever the nominee may be.

Legislation to lower the number of signatures needed to prompt a recall election advances from House Governmental Affairs. Instead of a calculation from the number of registered voters, the threshold of 30 percent is based on voter turnout from the election in which the official in question won.  Eileen Carter spearheaded the No-Latoya recall in New Orleans…

Cut 12 (07) “…not exist.” 

The bill passed on a nine to three vote with the opposing votes cast by Democrats.

President Biden says he plans to seek a second term because he wants to quote, “finish the job.”  ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley expects the Republican party will bring a strong challenge for Biden.

Cut 5 (09) “…for sure.”

Biden is the oldest person to serve as president.

A person convicted of distributing 28 grams or more of fentanyl would receive the same sentence as a person convicted of murder, life in prison without the possibility of parole with passage of a bill by Crowley Representative John Stefanksi. Opponents say some people who sell or distribute drugs are unaware fentanyl if is inside the drug. But Stefanski says that’s not a valid defense…

Cut 8 (06)  “…face the consequences.” 

The bill heads to the House.

Legislation to give a $5,000 incentive payment to newly employed law enforcement officers receives committee approval. Houma State Representative Jerome Zeringue says new recruits must meet eligibility requirements including…

Cut 10 (11) “…criminal warrants.” 

If passed the legislation would take effect July 1^st the bill heads to the House floor.

Legislation that provides an incentive payment of $5,000 to newly employed law enforcement officers was approved by a House Committee yesterday. Houma State Representative Jerome Zeringue says the bill mirrors legislation implemented in Florida.

Cut 9 (09) “….this program.”

HB 563 – authored by House Speaker Clay Schexnayder – creates the Law Enforcement Recruitment Incentive Program allowing individuals to work with the sheriff’s office, city, or state police. The bill now heads to the House Floor.

President Joe Biden announced he will run for re-election in 2024 in a video released today. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says a large percentage of party voters would prefer another candidate.

Cut 4 (12)  “…clear answer” 

Biden’s announcement comes four years to the day after the launch of his 2020 campaign.

Crowley Representative John Stefanski’s bill proposing offenders convicted of distributing 28 grams or more of fentanyl receive the same sentence as a person convicted of murder, life in prison without the possibility of parole was approved by the House Criminal Justice Committee today.

Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot believes any individual convicted of a fentanyl-related crime should also receive the same sentence…

Cut 7 (14)  “…large amount” 

A person convicted of distributing 28 grams or more of fentanyl would receive the same sentence as a person convicted of murder, life in prison without the possibility of parole under a bill approved by the House Criminal Justice Committee today. Bill author Crowley Representative John Stefanksi…

Cut 6 (07)  “…how I feel” 

Individuals convicted of possessing or distributing less than 28 grams of fentanyl would be sentenced to five to 40 years in prison with a 50-thousand dollar fine.

President Joe Biden says he’s running for a second term in 2024, asking voters to allow him to “finish this job” in a video released today. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it is unlikely Biden will face any serious Democratic party contenders.

Cut 3 (11) “…party challenger.”

A Danish-based energy investments group is looking to build a $4-billion reduced-carbon ammonia plant in St. Charles Parish. Project director Ramesh Raman (rah-MESH ROM-un) for the St. Charles Clean Fuels company says tax incentives were a factor in their decision but they also were drawn to the existing ports and infrastructure St. Charles Parish offers…:

Cut 9 (09)  “…for the incentives.”

The facility will create over 200 new direct jobs.

The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana is $3.24. Usually, at this time of the year, the price at the pump is rising, but it’s actually fallen a nickel in the last week. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman…

Cut 13 (09) “…last week.” 

The price is forecasted to drop to $3.15 a gallon.

Legislation to make it legal to have cremated pet remains buried with their owner advances from House Commerce. Minden Representative Wayne McMahen told committee members that each cemetery could opt to either allow pet remains or not, the bill only makes it no longer illegal to do so.

Cut 12 (07)    “…want to.” 

The bill passed without opposition and moves to the House floor.

The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana is $3.24. Typically, we see an increase this time of year, but the average has gone down a nickel in the last week. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says crude oil is selling for about $79 a barrel, this time last year it was $102 a barrel…

Cut 15 (12) “…right now”

Georges Media Group – the parent company of The Advocate & The Times-Picayune – announces it is expanding to Shreveport-Bossier City with a new digital news service. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Baton Rouge native and media personality Don Lemon was fired by CNN after 17 years with the news network. An official reason has not been released. Lemon was under scrutiny for his on-air remarks made in February about women and aging. His departure was announced on the same day as Fox News personality Tucker Carson was relieved of his duties.

Legislation to allow pet’s remains to be buried with their owners was approved by the House Commerce yesterday. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The SEC is considering severe penalties to stop the storming of the field by fans after big victories. According to Sports Illustrated, the league is looking at taking away future home games or possibly forcing forfeitures. LSU was fined 250 thousand dollars twice in 2022 as fans rushed the field after wins over Ole Miss and Alabama.

Georges Media Group, publisher of The Times-Picayune and The Advocate will expand its news coverage to the Shreveport-Bossier City market with a digital news service. Publisher Judi Terzotis says the Shreveport-Bossier Advocate will be community focused.

Cut 5 (11)   “…that market.”

The news bureau will launch this summer and will hire local journalists covering general topics.

St. Charles Clean Fuels is exploring building a $4.6 billion ammonia production and export facility in St. Charles Parish. Company project director Ramesh Raman tells LRN they plan to create over 200 new direct jobs manufacturing so-called “blue ammonia”…:

Cut 7 (06) “…states as well.”

A final investment decision will be made early next year.

A Danish development company proposes building a $4-billion eco-friendly ammonia plant in St. Charles Parish. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

According to Yahoo Finance, the fast food chain Raising Cane’s, which is based in Baton Rouge, plans to pay its employees 19.50 an hour and workers can make more if they work past 10 PM or train employees. The chicken finger maker plans to open over 100 restaurants this year bringing their total to 800 locations.

This is the time of the year when gas prices are usually on the rise, but in the last week they have dropped five cents to $3.24 a gallon for regular gasoline. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says motorists are catching a break…
cut 14 (06) “….short term”
Redman says it’s possible gas prices will drop another ten cents in the near future.

The Advocate and Times-Picayune which provides print and digital news for New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette will expand this summer to the Shreveport-Bossier City area. Publisher Judi Terzotis says a news bureau of a dozen journalists will cover city government, education, health care, sports, culture and entertainment
cut 6 (13) “…to tell”
Terzotis says they will begin producing news on a digital platform in July.