A bill that would have charged a woman with murder if she had an abortion was pulled by its author after it was amended to remove criminal charges. The amendment also removed language that would have criminalized in-vitro fertilization. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (43) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The U-S Department of the Interior is canceling oil and gas lease sales scheduled in the Gulf and off the coast of Alaska due to what it says is a lack of industry interest in drilling near Alaska and conflicting court rulings that have made drilling in the Gulf more complicated. While environmental groups have lauded the decision Mike Moncla, president of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association calls it a disaster for the state.

Cut 7 (09) “…good for Louisiana.”

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After five consecutive years of decreases in child drowning in Louisiana, the last two years have seen a major uptick in cases. Regional medical director Martha Whyte says there were 24 drownings in 2020, a 60 percent increase from 2019, and preliminary data from the LDH shows 25 drowning deaths in 2021. There have also been several high-profile drownings in recent weeks, increasing the need for awareness.

Cut 10 (11)”…safe around water.”

The New Orleans Saints 2022 season schedule has been released. While fans can nitpick the slate of games, Ross Jackson, the host of Locked on Saints, says he likes the overall setup, with the Saints playing six of their first nine games at home. However, if he could make just one change…

Cut 18 (16) “…that London game.”

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The Southland Conference softball tourney wraps up today. At noon, top-seeded McNeese takes on two-seed Southeastern in the championship. Yesterday the Cowgirls overcame a 6-0 deficit to beat the Lions 7-6 on Chislyne Moreno’s RBI single in the bottom of the eighth. Southeastern bounced back with a 9-1 win over Houston Baptist to stave off elimination, but they’ll have to beat McNeese twice in order to take home the title.

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Both LSU and Ole Miss Baseball enter this weekend’s series with plenty of momentum on both sides. The Tigers have won 9 of 12 and the Rebels have won four in a row. LSU’s Drew Bianco says his team is clear on what it wants to do and what it needs to do this weekend against a dangerous opponent.

Cut 20 (19) “…end of the year.”

First pitch tonight is at 7:30

McNeese went off in a 23-5 win over Houston Baptist last night in the first game of their series. Payton Harden was 5-for-6 for the Cowboys with two doubles, a home run, and six RBI. Southeastern won 3-2 over Nicholls. A sweep of the Colonels would give the Lions the Southland regular-season crown, and UNO topped Northwestern State 6-4.

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Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s bill to charge a woman who has an abortion with murder was amended on a 65 to 26 vote to remove the homicide charge and it also removed language that could have criminalized in-vitro fertilization and some forms of contraception. La Politics dot com publisher Jeremy Alford says even with the leak of a possible overturn of Roe v Wade the original bill is considered unconstitutional.

Cut 4  (08) “…race at all.”

McCormick then pulled the bill from the calendar once the bill was amended by Republicans. The bill will most likely not return for this legislative session since the bill’s criminalization element was removed from the legislation. If the original bill had passed it was poised to be one of the most aggressive new restrictions on reproductive rights in the country.

Building a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge has been one of the key pieces of Governor John Bel Edwards’s legislative agenda but he’s been met with pushback from lawmakers due to the cost that could total more than $2-billion. Edwards says resistance only pushes the project timeline out even farther and could eliminate matching federal grants.

Cut 15 (12)  “…in any amount.”

Termite swarms are out and about in the state and LSU AgCenter urban entomologist Dr. Karen Sun says the Formosan termites you’re seeing are looking to take up residence. In the wild, she says they prefer to consume decayed wood but in more urban areas, they aren’t as finicky.

Cut 6 (10)  “…hiding themselves.”

Sun says always have a professional inspect and treat for termites.

Thursday’s debate on Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s bill to charge a woman who has an abortion with murder is met with questions of fallout from the issue among the Republican Party in Louisiana. LaPolitic’s dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it was republicans who amended the legislation and pointed out the bill could also punish those who use in-vitro fertilization, and that the bill in its original form is unconstitutional.

Cut 3 those amendments :10

The amendment passed on a 65 to 26 vote with 14 votes absent. McCormick then pulled the bill from the calendar because the amendment changed the original intent of the bill to criminalize the procedure. The original bill was one of the most aggressive new restrictions on reproductive rights in the country.

Louisiana’s chemical industry is looking at over $31-billion in new construction projects in the near future. Kevin Gallagher has more on that…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Three former State Police troopers are charged with simple battery; accused of beating a black motorist after a chase in 2020. Jacob Brown, Dakota DeMoss, and George “Kam” Harper were charged in the arrest of Antonio Harris in Franklin Parish. They reportedly boasted of the beating in text messages.

As the Roe v. Wade drama plays out in Washington, DC…a Louisiana House bill to make abortion an act of murder – punishing the mother and doctor – met a big setback Thursday evening. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s bill was amended to remove criminal charges against the mother and also eliminated the possibility that the use of contraception and even in-vitro fertilization could potentially place a woman behind bars…:

CUT 12(10)      “…does not.”

Seabaugh also apologized to fellow lawmakers for not amending the bill in committee beforehand. After that amendment passed, McCormick thanked the anti-abortion activists and colleagues who supported his original HB813…:

CUT 13(11)      “…(applause)”

McCormick CAN bring the bill back up again, if he so chooses.

Governor John Bel Edwards continues to make his case that now is the best time for funding a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 03(34)      “…David Grubb.”

Three former State Police troopers are charged with simple battery; accused of beating a black motorist after a chase in 2020. Jacob Brown, Dakota DeMoss and George “Kam” Harper were charged in the arrest of Antonio Harris in Franklin Parish. They reportedly boasted of the beating in text messages.

A bill to charge a woman who has an abortion with murder in Louisiana meets a likely demise. After the Capitol was evacuated due to a suspicious package, the bill was amended to remove the criminal charges against the mother. The bill was ultimately pulled from the calendar by bill author, Oil City Republican Representative Danny McCormick…:

CUT 10(12)      “…explain it away.”

During debate on the floor, Houma Republican Tanner Magee asked fellow party member, Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh if the original bill could potentially criminalize any woman in the state that has already had an abortion…:

CUT 11(10)      “…would be correct.”

Governor John Bel Edwards, a pro-life Democrat, stated if the bill comes to his desk in its original form he will veto it.

Building a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge has been one of the key pieces of Governor John Bel Edwards’s legislative agenda. However, it hasn’t been easy convincing lawmakers to get on board due to the potential cost of the project. Edwards says building a companion to the 54-year-old bridge is expensive but necessary…:

CUT 14(11)      “…two billion dollars.”

The Republican-led legislature has said that Edwards’ plan is shortsighted and lacks details, including the potential site for the new bridge.

Shreveport Police make three arrests while getting a large amount of dope off the street. Pounds of marijuana, over 3000 Xanax pills and hundreds of other opioid pills … plus numerous guns, ammo and illicit cash were seized. The three suspects – two men and woman – face multiple charges.

A bill that would charge a woman who has an abortion with murder is voluntarily pulled from the House calendar after an amendment removes criminal charges. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(44)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Chances are you’ve been seeing termite swarms in the evenings here in the Bayou State. LSU AgCenter urban entomologist Dr. Karen Sun says they are Formosan termites, and while you might not have an infestation in your home per se if you’re seeing them nearby, they are taking up residence in your neighborhood…:

CUT 04(06)      “…your house.”

One thing is turn OUT your exterior lights at night. The light attracts the nasty little bugs.

Louisiana’s chemical industry is looking at over $31-billion in new construction projects in the near future. Over 30-thousand people work in the state’s chemical industry and LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott says this is great news for each one of them…:

CUT 07(11)      “…over in Lake Charles.”

He says that means hundreds of constructions jobs in the short term while those projects are underway.

Louisiana’s chemical industry is looking at over $31-billion in new construction projects in the near future. Kevin Gallagher has more on that…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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A bill that would charge a woman who has an abortion with murder is voluntarily pulled from the House calendar after an amendment removes criminal charges. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (44) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards continues to make his case that the time is now for funding a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge. David Grubb has more…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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Chances are you’ve been seeing termite swarms in the evenings here in the Bayou State. LSU AgCenter urban entomologist Dr. Karen Sun says they are Formosan termites, and while you might not have an infestation in your home per se if you’re seeing them nearby, they are taking up residence in your neighborhood.

Cut 4 (06)  “…your house.”

Sun says if you are concerned about an infestation call a pest control professional to inspect your home. Sun says termites usually nest underground and tunnel in the soil searching to feed off of cellulose-containing materials like wood and cardboard. If you’re bothered by the evening swarms turn off outdoor lights and dim indoor lights.

Cut 5 (11) “…of the house.”

In the wild Sun says termites prefer to consume decayed wood but in more urban areas, they aren’t as finicky.

Cut 6 (10)  “…hiding themselves.”

This time of year Sun says the swarming fully winged termites are out looking for mates and sites for new colonies.

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Louisiana’s chemical industry is looking at over $31-billion in new construction projects in the near future. Over 30-thousand people work in the state’s chemical industry and LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott says this is great news for each one of them…:

Cut 7 (11) “…over in Lake Charles.”

Scott says many projects are for plant expansions to accommodate need. Others are re-tooling or re-furbishing existing facilities for increase performance. Most all should begin within the next two years. Dr. Scott says a huge number of jobs will be created…:

Cut 8 (11)  “…Baton Rouge area.”

Scott says, because natural gas is a key element in most chemical manufacturing, the increased cost of gas is expected to affect product demand. However, he says U.S. gas is still far cheaper than gas from the Middle East or Eastern Europe, so we remain competitive. He says the investments will not only benefit the chemical industry…:

Cut 9 (13)  “…into the state.”

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A bill to charge a woman who has an abortion with murder in Louisiana meets a likely demise. After the capitol was evacuated due to a suspicious package, the bill was amended to remove the criminal charges against the mother. The bill was ultimately pulled from the calendar by bill author, Oil City Republican Representative Danny McCormick.

Cut 10 (12) “…explain it away.”

During debate on the floor, Houma Republican Tanner Magee asked fellow party member, Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh if the original bill could potentially criminalize any woman in the state that has already had an abortion.

Cut  11 (10)  “…be correct.”  

Seabaugh then authored an amendment to remove criminal charges against the mother and also eliminated the possibility that the use of contraception and even in-vitro fertilization could potentially place a woman behind bars.

Cut 12 (10) “…does not.” 

Seabaugh also apologized to fellow lawmakers for not amending the bill in committee beforehand. The amendment passed on a 65 to 26 vote. McCormick then thanked antiabortion activists and lawmakers who supported his original bill.

Cut 13 (11) “…objection (applause).”

Governor John Bel Edwards, a pro-life Democrat, stated if the bill passed in its original form he would veto the legislation.

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Building a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge has been one of the key pieces of Governor John Bel Edwards’s legislative agenda. However, it hasn’t been easy convincing lawmakers to get on board due to the potential cost of the project. Edwards says replacing the 54-year-old bridge is expensive but necessary.

Cut 14 (11)  “…two billion dollars.”

Edwards says the time is right, considering the critical need for a new bridge and the rare availability of surplus funds in the budget. However, he says that every proposal he’s made to the legislature has been given a response that pushes the project further away from completion, particularly with regard to receiving federal grant monies to help reduce the cost for the state.

Cut 15 (12)  “…in any amount.”

The Republican-led legislature has said that Edwards’ plan is shortsighted and lacks details, including the potential site for the new bridge. The governor says that there is a relatively tight window to apply for federal money and that without a real financial commitment from the state, getting that money becomes only more difficult.

Cut 16 (11)  “…the money up.”

Edwards encourages voters to contact their representatives and ask them to support his funding plan. The Senate is expected to begin its review of the budget next week.

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The New Orleans Saints have their 2022 schedule and one of the most notable changes from years past is the lack of primetime appearances for the Black and Gold. Ross Jackson, the host of Locked on Saints, says the league is taking a wait-and-see approach when it comes to the new-look Saints.

Cut 17 (17) “ …are being perceived.” 

Jackson says that he likes the overall setup of the schedule, with the Saints playing six of their first nine games at home. However, if he could make just one change…

Cut 18 (16) “ …that London game.” 

LSU baseball starts a big three-game series with Ole Miss tonight. Outside of the action on the field is the story of the Bianco family. Drew is a utility player for the Tigers while his dad, Mike, has been the head man for the Rebels for the past 22 seasons, and played his college ball in Baton Rouge. This weekend is likely the last time father faces son, but Drew will always remember hitting a home run off the first pitch he saw against Ole Miss as a freshman in 2019.

Cut 19 (19) _“…see you tomorrow.” 

Both LSU and Ole Miss enter this weekend’s series with plenty of momentum on their sides. The Tigers have won 9 of 12 and the Rebels have won four in a row. Drew Bianco says his team is clear on what it wants to do and what it needs to do this weekend against a dangerous opponent.

Cut 20 (19) “ …end of the year.” 

A bill to charge a woman who has an abortion with murder in Louisiana meets its likely demise. After the capitol was evacuated due to a suspicious package, the bill was amended to remove the criminal charges against the mother. The bill was pulled from the calendar by bill author, Oil City Republican Representative Danny McCormick.

Cut 10 explain it away :12

Shreveport Republican Representative Alan Seabaugh authored the amendment which also removed the possibility that the use of contraception and even in-vitro fertilization could potentially place a woman behind bars.

Cut 12 does not 11

The Amendment passed on a 65 to 26 vote. McCormick then removed the bill from a vote on the floor.

An effort to prohibit the COVID vaccine as a requirement for 16 years old to attend school was defeated in Senate Health and Welfare. While several testified that schools should not have the COVID vaccine on the list of required shots. But Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow, who lost her husband to COVID in December of 2020, feels differently…

Cut 5  (09) “..differently.”

Building a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge has been one of the key pieces of Governor John Bel Edwards’s legislative agenda. However, it hasn’t been easy convincing lawmakers to get on board due to the potential cost of the project. Edwards says it is expensive but necessary.

AM Cut 14 (11)  “…two billion dollars.”