A bill filed for the April legislative session would punish fentanyl dealers the same as convicted killers.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon has decided not to run for a fifth term. The 78-year-old Republican from Metairie is the longest-serving commissioner in the state’s history. He’ll use his remaining months in office trying to reduce the number of policyholders covered by the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.

Louisiana is among the top five states when it comes to the highest per capita rates of both reported fraud and identity theft. Federal Trade Commission Senior Data Researcher Emma Fletcher says they received fraud reports from 2.4 million Americans last year with a total loss of $8.8 billion to scams.
Cut 10 (06) “…really staggering numbers.”
And that’s up 30 percent from 2021.

Northwestern State has broken ground on a new 44-million dollar academic building that will feature laboratories for nursing and anethesia programs, a social work-psychology clinic and training area and several classrooms and offices. N-S-U President Doctor Marcus Jones thanks the Legislature for appropriating the money for the new building…
cut 8 (10) “…their help”

A bill filed for the April legislative session would punish fentanyl dealers the same as convicted killers. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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If you’ve ever been scammed or had your identity stolen you’re not alone. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The NFL league year begins today and the Saints got under the salary cap with new one-year deals for quarterback Jameis Winston and wide receiver Michael Thomas. Saints analyst Ross Jackson and The Advocate’s Luke Johnson shared their insight on the moves and look ahead to free agency. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick” 

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A Crowley lawmaker files legislation to raise criminal penalties for distributing fentanyl to make that equivalent to murder. Republican John Stefanski filed the bill for the legislative session that starts April 10^th. He says the consequences for dealing the drug should “match the violent damage it causes”…:

Cut 4 (10)  “…rest of your life.”

Stefanski’s bill would make possession of more than 28 grams of fentanyl (which is considered possession with intent to distribute) punishable with life in prison. Possessing smaller amounts could get 5 to 40 years in prison and up to $50-thousand in fines. Thousands die from fentanyl overdoses yearly in Louisiana. Stefanski says Louisiana has dealt with other drug scourges in similar fashion before…:

Cut 5 (12) “…those penalties.”

Stefanski says he has consulted with fellow lawmakers, sheriffs and district attorneys before filing his bill and they support the idea. He says he also expects bipartisan support from colleagues…:

Cut 6 (07)  “…you belong to.” 

Stefanski is also running for state Attorney General this fall.

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Governor John Bel Edwards and elected officials attended a groundbreaking ceremony for a state-of-the-art building on the Northwestern State University campus yesterday. NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones says the groundbreaking marks a special moment for the university.

Cut 7 (10) “…sixteenth president.”

NSU was awarded $44 million for the new building which will become the university’s main academic building. Jones says education is the engine for economic growth and diversification.

Cut 8 (10) “…their help.”

The more than 73,000 square feet building will feature laboratories for nursing and anesthesia programs, clinics, a cafe, 60 offices, and an administrative office suite that could include space for staff. Jones says it will become a hub of innovation for students

Cut 9 (05)  “…they graduate.”

The building will replace John S. Kyser Hall – the largest building on NSU’s campus.

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Louisiana is among the top five states when it comes to the highest per capita rates of both reported fraud and identity theft. Federal Trade Commission Senior Data Researcher Emma Fletcher says they received fraud reports from 2.4 million Americans last year with a total loss of $8.8 billion to scams.

Cut 10 (06)  “…really staggering numbers.”

And that’s up 30 percent from 2021.

The FTC says the most popular scams last year included Imposter or Romance Scams. Followed by Online Shopping Scams, Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams. The fourth most popular is Investment Scams like cryptocurrency and then Job Scams.

If you’ve been a victim Fletcher encourages you to report it by going to ReportFraud-dot-FTC-dot-gov and even if you haven’t lost money to make them aware of a potential scam.

Cut 11 (10)  “… for investigations.”

The FTC also has tips on their website on how to possibly recover your losses if you’ve been scammed along with a description of ongoing scams. Fletcher says to be on guard and if anyone ever asks you to buy gift cards to fix a problem…

Cut 12 (08) “…that a lot.”

And to receive tips and updates about the latest scams visit FTC-dot-gov-slash-consumer alerts and enter your email address.

You can visit the article posted on LouisianaRadioNetwork-dot-com for those websites.

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Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces nine companies have applied for grant money that would result in them offering residential and commercial policies in coastal areas. Donelon says the response is more than what they anticipated…

Cut 13 (09) “…that’s available” 

Earlier this year, lawmakers appropriated 45-million dollars for the Insure Louisiana Incentive Program. Donelon says since they have nine companies seeking 62-million dollars, they’ll look to appropriate more dollars for the fund when the legislative session begins next month.

Donelon says in the meantime they will review the applications from the nine insurance companies seeking grant funding…

Cut 14 (14)  “..the budget”

Donelon says once their review is complete they will ask the Joint Legislative Budget Committee for approval as early as this Friday. He says the companies that qualify could begin offering competitively priced options to Louisiana home and business owners soon

Cut 15 (05)  “…next month”

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The Saints are expected to sign former All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas to a one-year incentive-based deal. The new deal avoids the over $60 million dollars Thomas would have been guaranteed had he played just 4 games in 2023 and allows Thomas to return to New Orleans now with new quarterback Derek Carr. Saints analyst Ross Jackson says it’s a good deal for both sides…

Cut  16 (16)  “…or else wise.” 

Thomas won the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award after a record-setting 2019 season but has played in only three games since then. The deal will allow Thomas to return to an offensive scheme he’s thrived in and an opportunity to earn $15 million with incentives. Luke Johnson of The Advocate says that the deal protects the Saints and will be more than worth it if even a fraction of the old Michael Thomas returns…

Cut 17 (19) “…of the cost.” 

The Saints have also resigned quarterback Jameis Winston to a one-year contract in an effort to free up more cap space. The move comes as a surprise for some as Winston is not expected to compete for the starting spot, but many teams with availability are expected to address the position in the draft or elsewhere. Winston chose to return to a familiar system in what Jackson says was a great move for the Saints…

Cut 18 (19) “…salary cap relief.”

As free agency kicks off and New Orleans fights yet again to get under the cap, they’ve had to watch many young talents find contracts elsewhere. Most notably defensive lineman Marcus Davenport, David Onyemata, and Shy Tuttle have all left for division opponents. After recent moves the Saints are only a few million under the salary cap, but with more cap-saving opportunities and how the front office structures their deals, Johnson says the Saints will still be active in free agency…

Cut 19 (18) “…in there”

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Cut 20 (22)  “…of schedule” 

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces he will not for re-election. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Baton Rouge Police have taken a person of interest tied to the death of Georgia business executive, Nathan Millard into custody. 45-year-old Derrick Perkins was apprehended last night without incident. BRPD St. L’Jean McNeely says Perkins is accused of using Millard’s debit card and unauthorized use of a Toyota Camry when the debit card was used. The investigation is ongoing.

The Louisiana Legislature remains a boys club with fewer than one in five seats held by women. Data from the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University shows twenty-eight of the Louisiana Legislature’s 144 seats are held by women – the 45^th lowest percentage in the country. Chair of the Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus, Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says there’s a need for more women representation in the legislature.

Cut 6 (11)  “…the legislature.” 

Mizell is hopeful more women will join the political arena in the future.

The cost of insulin has risen over the past decade – from $20 a vial to anywhere between $300 and $700. Attorney General Jeff Landry says 20% of middle-class Americans are unable to take their prescribed dosage of insulin.

Cut 11 (05)  “…afford it.”

Baton Rouge Police have 45-year-old Derrick Perkins in custody and say he’s a Person Of Interest in the mysterious death of Georgia businessman Nathan Millard last month. BRPD Sgt. L’Jean McNeely says Perkins is accused of using Millard’s debit card at two convenience stores and he’s also accused of stealing a Toyota Camry that he was driving when those debit charges were made. The same car was found burned not far from where Millard’s body was found. The investigation is ongoing.

Louisiana’s longest-serving Insurance Commissioner, Jim Donelon, announces he’s not running for re-election. He’s run the Department of Insurance since 2006, and has been in state government for about 50 years…but he says the time has come to step away…:

Cut 4 (10)  “…new hobbies” 

Donelon is 78 years old. Tim Temple is now the only declared candidate for Insurance Commissioner.

Because the cost of insulin has risen from $20 a vial to anywhere between $300 and $700 since the 90s, Attorney General Jeff Landry is taking on manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers.

Cut 9 (11) “…are charging folks.”

Landry hopes the lawsuit will result in patients being charged a reasonable $30 per vial of insulin.

Despite women being the majority of the state’s population – we are the minority in the Louisiana legislature. There are currently 23 in the House and five in the Senate. Chair of the Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus, Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says one reason why is because women face larger challenges and more burdens than men…

Cut 8 (06)  “… we got.” 

Of the state legislature’s 144 seats only 28 are held by females.

Baton Rouge Police say they have arrested a Person Of Interest in the mysterious death of Georgia businessman Nathan Millard last month. BRPD Sgt. L’Jean McNeely says 45 -year-old Derrick Perkins was with Millard the night he died, and officers took him into custody early this morning for charges unrelated to the Millard case. Millard’s body was found several days ago, wrapped in an old rug, but the preliminary autopsy says he did not meet a violent end. McKneely says Perkins is not necessarily a suspect in Millard’s death, but the manner in which they found the 2003 Toyota sedan Perkins was driving that night is a matter of concern…:

CUT 14(06)      “…had been burned.”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says he is NOT seeking re-election this fall. Among his reasons, he says he doesn’t want a campaign to hanging over insurance reform debates before the state legislature..:

CUT 05(09)      “…legislative session.”

Donelon says he has no successor in mind.

March is Women’s History Month and despite women being the majority of the state’s population – they are the minority in the state Legislature; only 28 women serve in either House or Senate. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says she hopes to see many more women run for office this fall…:

CUT 07(11)      “…the Senate side.”

Louisiana ranks 45^th of 50 states for the percentage of female representation in state government.

Are your youngsters headed for the beaches for Spring Break? You may want pas this along: officials warn potential swimmers of an infestation of thousands of Portugese Man o’ War; which are like jellyfish, but with a much more serious sting. Their venom can send you to the hospital and some have even died. They advise beachgoers to look out for purple flags posted to warn of dangerous marine life and stay out of the water.

Louisiana’s longest serving Insurance Commissioner, Jim Donelon, announces he’s not running for re-election. He’s run the Department of Insurance since 2006, and has been in state government for about 50 years…but he says the time has come to step away…:

CUT 04(10)      “…new hobbies.”

Donelon is 78 years old. Tim Temple is now the only declared candidate for Insurance Commissioner.

Because the cost of insulin has risen from $20 a vial to anywhere between $300 and $700 since the 90s, Attorney General Jeff Landry is taking on manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers. He says the price of insulin has forced many diabetics to either forego or ration their medication, resulting in other complications…:

CUT 10(11)      “…their supplies.
Some drug makers are already reducing insulin costs.

Female lawmakers believe the state would be better served with a larger presence in the Capitol. Teiko Foxx has the story…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Foxx”

Two schools in St. Martin Parish had to suspend classes to deal with security threats today. Bomb threats were made to Breaux Bridge High and Cecilia High school. Building were evacuated while a search was conducted. LEOs found no explosive devices. Now investigators are tracking down who made the threats.

Baton Rouge Police say they have in custody a person of interest in the February disappearance and death of Georgia businessman Nathan Millard. 45-year-old Derrick Perkins is someone they know was with Millard the night he died, and was wanted for questioning. BRPD Sgt. L’Jean McNeely says officers spotted Perkins, pulled him over and took him into custody early this morning without incident. They arrested him because they determined he had outstanding warrants…:

CUT 13(13)      “…a motor vehicle.”

Police will question him about the death of Nathan Millard on February 23^rd. Millard’s body was found several days ago, wrapped in an old rug, but the preliminary autopsy says he did not meet a violent end.

A.G. Jeff Landry is suing drug makers and prescription benefit managers over the high cost of insulin. He says 20% of middle-class Americans are unable to take their prescribed dosage of insulin…:

CUT 11(05)      “…can’t afford it.”

He hopes the suit will result in them lowering costs for diabetics.

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces he’s not running for re-election this fall…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Palermo.”

Quarterback Jameis Winston reportedly has agreed to stay with the New Orleans Saints for another season, as a backup to newly signed starter Derek Carr. The deal is reportedly worth up to $8 million; likely depending on playing time and incentives. Winston has a 34-46 record as a starting quarterback with the Saints and with Tampa bay before that.