AM LRN Newscall March 6

After the high-profile case where the man accused of poisoning his wife with an abortion pill in Texas and was only sentenced to 6 months, the brother of the victim is calling for stiffer penalties here in Louisiana

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Currently, it is not a crime to livestream illegal activities on social media platforms, but one lawmaker wants to change that. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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 Louisiana has been devastated by floods and storms over the last several years but after decades of delays, The Comite and West Shore projects are receiving funding. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

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After his sister in Texas was poisoned by her soon-to-be ex-husband who used an abortion-inducing medication and was only sentenced to 180 days in Texas, Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly is introducing legislation to change that in Louisiana. He says people who do something like this should be held accountable.

Cut 4 (09) “…$75,000.”

The bill is referred to as the Abortion by Fraud Criminalization Act.

Pressley says with the help of an abortion pill reversal regimen his 18-month-old niece is alive and healthy.

He says his brother-in-law Mason Herring’s plea deal that imprisoned him for only six months is unacceptable.

Cut 5 (04) “…not just.” 

While Louisiana already has penalties against physicians who perform abortions, Pressly says he wants to go a step further and place stiff penalties on those who face similar domestic situations like his sisters.

Cut 6 (09) “…sentence to.”

Louisiana Right to Life issued a statement in support of Senate Bill 276.

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Legislation that would ban live streaming illegal activities on social media has been filed for the regular session. Representative Dixon McMakin wants to crack down on people who chase fame by live streaming crimes for entertainment.

Cut 7 (08) “…prevent that.”

The current law prohibits posting images or videos, but McMakin says his proposal extends to recording crimes in real time. He points out the proposal would have to identify the difference between a recording in real-time and a pre-recorded video.

Cut 8 (12) “…was live.” 

McMakin says more people are live streaming criminal behavior from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies for attention and gratification. And those who record criminal behavior to become famous should be held responsible.

Cut 9 (12)  “…them accountable.”

The regular legislative session begins March 11th.

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Decades-long stalls in projects that could have provided significant protection from storms and floods in Louisiana may finally be completed says U. S. Congressman Garret Graves. He says delays tripled projected costs because of inflation and supply chain issues but $575 million in reallocated funds have been secured to finish construction of the Comite project and provide funds for the West Shore project…

Cut 10 (08) “…really excited.”

Waters all the way from St. Francisville to Lake Maurepas drain into the Amite and Comite Rivers. Graves says the Comite project creates a 12-mile New River that will connect the Amite/Comite Basin to the Mississippi River to provide relief for East Baton Rouge, Ascension, and Livingston Parishes…

Cut 11 (10) “…more floodwaters.” 

Hurricanes like Ida, Issacc, and Katrina have caused repetitive flooding in St. John, St. Charles, and St. James parishes but the decades-long delays to The Westshore Hurricane Protection Project designed to provide protection has driven the cost up.  Graves says the recently reallocated funds will help to continue the project as he works to secure the funds needed to complete the project.

Cut 12 (06) “…I was born.” 

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Former New Orleans Representative Austin Badon, who’s been appointed by Governor Jeff Landry to serve as Assistant to the Commissioner of the Office of Motor Vehicles, switched political parties and says he’s one the state’s newest Black Republicans. When asked if Landry asked him to join the GOP…

Cut 13 (09)  “…at all.”

But Badon says he did text Landry and let me know that he’d changed parties last week.

The driving factor to why he chose to leave the Democratic Party, Badon says was the immigration issue at the Texas border.

Cut 14 (08) “…many years.”

Badon says when he lived in Houston and applied for jobs he found himself at a loss because so many jobs required employees to be bilingual.

He says the Republican Party has welcomed him with open arms and he even received a call from Congressman Steve Scalise. Badon says when he served in the legislature, he was a conservative Democrat but has chosen to change parties to one he feels better represents his views.

Cut 15 (09) “…better alignment.”

Being a pro-life Catholic, Badon says was another reason he changed parties.

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The LSU baseball team will take the field tonight in Hammond against the Southeastern Lions. The Lions have gotten out to a strong start under first year coach Bobby Barbier and the 2nd-ranked Tigers have started the season 11-and-1. LSU Coach Jay Johnsohn says this game between I-12 rivals was the last one added to the schedule but he’s glad they were able to fit it in…

Cut 16 (19) “…right now.” 

Tickets for the game at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field have already sold out as the Tigers will look to have another home away from home as they did in Houston this past weekend. Johnson says the fans were a big reason they were able to sweep the Astros Foundation Classic and help energize the team all season…

Cut 17 (20) “…super regional.” 

Johnson has juggled outfielders to start the season with Paxton Kling, Josh Person, Jake Brown, and Mac Bingham all seeing quality playing time. The start of the season is always a time for testing players and finalizing the rotation but Johnson says this trend could continue all season and he doesn’t want to limit himself to a set nine starters……

Cut 18 (18)  “…abilities.” 

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The LSU men’s basketball team will make their final road trip tonight versus Arkansas. The Razorbacks have had a disappointing season after starting the season as a top 15 team in the country to 11th in the SEC, but LSU Head Coach Matt McMahon says they aren’t the same team they beat by 21 earlier this year largely thanks to senior guard Khalif Battle whose averaging over 37 points the last three games…

Cut 19 (23) “…high-level.”

The Tigers have had an unexpected season of their own after being picked to finish second-to-last in the SEC preseason poll. McMahon says he’s proud of the resilience of his team and what they’ve been able to accomplish in what he says is year one of his program in Baton Rouge…

Cut 20 (18) “…as a team.”

Tip-off in Fayetteville is at 6:00

 

 

 

 

5:30 LRN Newscast March 5

Governor Jeff Landry signed several of the bills today approved in the crime special session. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says a woman is recovering from her injuries after fatally stabbing a twice convicted sex offender who attacked her at a laundromat near Lacombe on Sunday. The man killed has been identified as 40-year-old Nicholas Tranchant who was on parole.

Legislation that allows non felon adults to conceal carry a firearm in a restaurant that serves alcohol has been filed for the upcoming regular session. New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez  says the measure aims to make sure there’s an even set of rules for all gun owners.

Cut 5 (09) “…a permit.”

Miguez points out his bill prohibits conceal carry in bars where more than 50 percent of its sale is alcohol.

Jennings Representative Troy Romero has pre-filed a bill for the regular session to allow the Department of Child and Family Services to prohibit the purchase of unhealthy foods with SNAP benefits. He says Louisiana is among the unhealthiest states in the country, he’s hoping his legislation will change that.

Cut 6  (08) “…those things.” 

4:45 LRN Sportscast Mar 5

LSU returned to the football practice field today for Spring Practice. With the departure of Heisman-winning Quarterback Jayden Daniels, Sophomore Garrett Nussmeier enters spring as the starting quarterback. He’ll face competition from Vanderbilt transfer A.J. Swann and redshirt freshman Rickie Collins. The Advocate’s Wilson Alexander says getting Nussmeier to be more accurate will be a focus during the spring…

Cut 18 (17)  “…passer.” 

LSU Forward Angel Reese was named SEC Player of the Year while Guard Mikaylah Williams was named SEC Freshman of the year. Williams joined center Aalyah Del Rosario on the All-Freshman First team, and Reese was joined by junior guard Aneesha Morrow on the All-SEC First Team. Guard Flau’Jae Johnson was named to the All-SEC Second team. The 2nd-seeded Tigers will Tip-off their SEC Tournament run Friday at 5:00 versus the Winner of Arkansas and Auburn.

The Ragin Cajuns softball team ended reigning National Champion Oklahoma’s NCAA Record 71-game win streak dating back to February of last year. The historic win is one that proves the talent and potential of a Cajuns team which has struggled thus far. Coach Gerry Glasco says they need to be more consistent…

Cut 20 (16) “…work to do.”

The Cajuns next appearance will be tomorrow night against McNeese

The Pelicans return to action tonight in Toronto against the short-handed Raptors. The 23-and-38 Raptors will be without All-star Forward Scottie Barnes as well as forward Bruce Brown and Center Jakob Poeltl. The 5th-place Pelicans will look to seize the opportunity to build momentum in a tight Western conference playoff race just a game-and-a-half out of the play-ins with 20 games left in the season. Tip-off is tonight at 6:30

4:30 PM Newscast Mar 5

Governor Landry signed several bills today approved in the crime special session including the permit-less conceal carry bill which will go into effect on July 4th. The New Orleans Police Department has expressed concerns this law will make it more difficult on law enforcement as they try to reduce gun violence. But Landy disagrees and says 27 other states have similar laws.

Cut 10 (13) “…in Texas”

The three month long regular legislative session begins next week, and Blake Miguez pre-filed a bill that will clarify that it will be legal to conceal carry a firearm in a restaurant that serves alcohol. He says the bill prohibits concealed carry in bars where more than 50 percent of its sale is alcohol.

Cut 4 (06) “…negligent manner.” 

Legislation to limit SNAP benefits to healthier food options has been filed for the upcoming legislative session. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for help finding 30-year-old Sara Jacy Saucier. Saucier allegedly scammed at least 15 residents of the Creek’s Apartment Complex in Hammond while she worked there. Authorities say in an email, Saucier offered to provide residents with a letter from a licensed psychologist declaring their pet an emotional support animal for a fee. Investigators say Saucier provided letters that she signed herself.

3:30 PM Newscast Mar 5

New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez has pre-filed legislation for the regular session to clarify that it will be legal to conceal carry a firearm in a restaurant that serves alcohol. The Republican lawmaker says this bill gives gun owners the ability to protect themselves.

Cut 3 (12) “…eating out.”  

A bill that would allow the Department of Child and Family Services to restrict the purchase of unhealthy foods with SNAP benefits has been filed. Jennings Representative Troy Romero says the bill has the support of Governor Landry along with DCFS Secretary David Matlock and he says other states have implemented similar legislation.

Cut 8 (10) “…more healthy.” 

Governor Jeff Landry signs several of the bills approved in the recently completed legislative session. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office are looking for 30-year-old Sara Jacy Saucier because they say she scammed at least 15 residents of the Creek’s Apartment Complex in Hammond while she worked there. Authorities say Saucier sent emails to residents reminding them to pay pet deposits then allegedly followed up with an email offering to provide them with a letter from a psychologist declaring their pet an emotional support animal for a fee. Investigators say Saucier signed the letters herself.

2:30 PM Newscast March 5

New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez has pre-filed legislation for the regular session to clarify that it will be legal to conceal carry a firearm in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Miguez says the measure aims to make sure there’s an even set of rules for all gun owners.

Cut 5 (09) “…a permit.”

The bill will be heard in the three month long regular session that begins next week.

Governor Landry signed several bills today approved in the crime special session. One of the new laws expands Louisiana’s death penalty methods and seals the records of how the state obtains drugs to carry out a lethal injection. Landry says this legislation will allow the state to re-start executions and this should serve as a deterrent to prevent brutal murders…

Cut 9 (09) “…of Louisiana.” 

Legislation to limit SNAP benefits to healthier food options has been filed for the upcoming legislative session. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

In Sports, the Southeastern conference has named Angel Reese their women’s basketball player of the year and Mikaylah Williams freshman of the year. Reese now joins Seimone Augustus and Sylvia Fowles as the only three LSU players to win the honor.

1:30 LRN Newscast March 5

Governor Landry signed a bill today that would allow non felon adults to conceal carry without a permit in Louisiana. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry would like to see legislation approved in the regular session that clearly defines where you can and cannot carry a firearm.

Cut 10 (10) “…the language.”

House Bill 627 would define that a firearm is prohibited within 1,000 feet of a parade or a demonstration at a government entity, for example, a rally at the state capitol.

Legislation that allows law abiding citizens 18 and older to conceal carry a firearm in a restaurant that serves alcohol will be heard in the upcoming regular session. New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez points out his bill prohibits conceal carry in bars where more than 50 percent of its sale is alcohol. And all the current safeguards in the law would remain.

Cut 4 (06) “…negligent manner.” 

Jennings Representative Troy Romero has pre-filed a bill for the regular session to allow the Department of Child and Family Services to prohibit the purchase of unhealthy foods with SNAP benefits.

Cut 7 (11) “…processed foods.”  

The bill would direct DCFS to partner with healthcare providers to produce educational materials to educate SNAP beneficiaries about healthy alternatives. Romera says the bill has the support of Governor Landry along with DCFS Secretary David Matlock.

One of the new bills signed into law by Governor Landry today expands Louisiana’s death penalty methods and seals the records of how the state obtains drugs to carry out a lethal injection. Critics believes this will increase the prison population and cost the state more money to house prisoners. But Landry says criminals are already costing the state billions

Cut 11 (11) “…a year.”

12:30 LRN Newscast Mar 5

Governor Landry signed several bills today approved in the crime special session. Among them was the permitless concealed carry bill which will go into effect on July 4th. The New Orleans Police Department has expressed concerns this law will make it more difficult on law enforcement as they try to reduce gun violence. But Landy disagrees and says 27 other states have similar laws…

Cut 10 (13) “…in Texas”

A bill to allow the Department of Child and Family Services to restrict the purchase of unhealthy foods with SNAP benefits has been filed for the regular session. Jennings Representative Troy Romero says because Louisiana is among the unhealthiest states in the country, he’s hoping his legislation will change that.

Cut 6  (08) “…those things.” 

The Louisiana Workforce Commission has a new process for employers to report people who receive unemployment benefits and are no-shows or decline a job offer. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU returns to the football practice field today as Spring Practice kicks off. New defensive coordinator Blake Baker will begin installing his system and linebacker Harold Perkins will move back to inside linebacker. The Advocate’s Wilson Alexander says Baker probably wants Perkins to play a similar role that Ty’Ron Hopper played at Missouri last season…
Cut 16 (10) “…plays out”

LSU men’s basketball coach Matt McMahon has suspended guard Jalen Cook. McMahon says Cook has failed to meet the standards that he has put in place for the program. Cook has missed the last five games because of a leg injury. The Tigers will be at Arkansas tomorrow night.

ULM plays Coastal Carolina in the opening round of the Sun Belt Tournament at 5 PM in Pensacola.

LSU’s Angel Reese has been named the SEC Player of the Year in women’s basketball. Mikaylah Williams is freshman of the year.

The Ragin Cajuns softball team pulled off a stunning victory on Sunday, ending Oklahoma’s NCAA record 71-game winning streak. U-L Lafayette won seven to five in eight innings. Despite the big victory, the Cajuns have a losing record at 10-12. Coach Gerry Glasco says a losing record is unacceptable…
Cut 19 (14) “…my responsibility.”

Oklahoma’s loss, means LSU softball is the last team still undefeated in the country. The fourth ranked Tigers are 19-0 and they’ll begin SEC play this weekend at Kentucky.

LSU right handed pitcher Luke Holman is the SEC pitcher of the week for striking out 12 hitters on Friday in a win over Texas. Louisiana Tech’s Cole McConnell is the Conference USA hitter of the week after collecting eight hits and driving in eight runs in four games last week. The Bulldogs host Xavier for a two-game mid-week series starting tonight.

11:30 LRN Newscast March 5

Governor Landry signed several bills today approved in the crime special session. One of the new laws expands Louisiana’s death penalty methods and seals the records of how the state obtains drugs to carry out a lethal injection. Landry says this legislation will allow the state to re-start executions and this should serve as a deterrent to prevent brutal murders…

Cut 9 (09) “…of Louisiana.” 

Landry also signed the permitless conceal bill which will go into effect on July 4th.

New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez has pre-filed legislation for the regular session to clarify that it will be legal to conceal carry a firearm in a restaurant that serves alcohol. The Republican lawmaker says this bill gives gun owners the ability to  protect themselves.

Cut 3 (12) “…eating out.”  

There was a saying that life begins at 50. For St. John Parish Police Juror, Dixie Ramirez, Political life began at 90. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Congressman Garret Graves tells WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge that he plans to run for re-election in the district he currently serves, the sixth district. The new Congressional map approved by lawmakers in January radically changes his district, stretching it from Baton Rouge to Shreveport, but Graves says he’s confident the courts will reject that map