A lawsuit has been filed against Secretary of State Tom Schedler has been filed on allegations of sexual harassment involving his former Executive Secretary Dawn Ross.  The suit says it began in 2007 when Schedler bought a townhouse in the same complex Ross lived in.  Ross’ lawyer Jill Craft says Schedler sent inappropriate texts to Ross…

Cut 13 (11) “gunna stop”

Schedler has issued a statement saying he believes in a safe workplace, free from harassment.

Several threats of school violence were made to three separate schools in Laforuche Parish Wednesday. A 12-year-old from Larose-Cut Off Middle School and an eight-year-old at Lockport Lower Elementary school talked about their intent to bring a gun to school.  Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne…

Cut 10 (10) “is continuing.”

A report commissioned by the Waterways and shipyard industry says the state has lost thousands of jobs and over a billion dollars in wages in a two-year period. Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

A River Ridge veterinarian accused of shooting her neighbor’s dog because of it’s excessive barking is formally charged by the Jefferson Parish D.A.’s office.  The New Orleans Advocate says Kelly Folse, a veterinarian is accused of allegedly shooting “Bruizer” in December. Sheriff Joe Lopinto said the dog was in its owner’s fenced-in-yard at the time of the shooting.

Louisiana Radio Network, I’m Kelley Ray…

A female state worker has filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Secretary of State Tom Schedler. Dawn Ross claims the unwanted advancements and harrassment dates back to 2007 and her attorney Jill Craft says the suit is an effort to stop the unwanted gifts…
cut 12 (11) “…that will chage”
Schedler has issued a statement that says he believes in a safe workplace, free from harassment.

Flash flood watches and warnings are posted across north and central Louisiana, while south Louisiana continues to deal with record breaking heat. State Climatologist Barry Keim says as a front moves through the state and mixes in with the warmer unstable air, as it could bring some stormy weather…
Cut 5 (08) “north Louisiana.”
Louisiana sees a break from the stormy weather on Monday before another front brings good changes of rain Tuesday and Wednesday.

State Police say they encourage citizens to report suspicious activity, but they ask the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media because it creates chaos and panic.
cut 16 (05) “…to Louisiana”
Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says if you do see a threat and if it’s viewed as an imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1.

A report commissioned by the waterways and shipyard industries says the state has lost thousands of jobs and over a billion dollars in wages from 2014-2016. LSU’S economic policy and research department conducted the study and concluded the industry took a downturn when the price of oil dropped. But LSU economist Stephen Barnes says there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Cut 6 (12) “down turn”
The study concludes the state’s economic impact loss was six billion dollars.

A state employee has filed a lawsuit against Secretary of State Tom Schedler, claiming the elected official has sexually harassed her for years. Dawn Ross, who works at the Secretary of State’s office, accuses Schedler of making unwanted sexual advances, keeping watch of her home and then punishing her for rebuffing his advances.

Schedler is separated from his wife. The longtime public official says he takes any allegation of sexual harassment very seriously and can assure the public that he believes in a safe workplace, free from harassment.

Another high school student was arrested for making an alleged threat. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne says a 15-year-old male threatened to kill a South Lafourche High School teacher…
Cut 9 (11) “in Thibodaux.”
Two other students in LaFourche have been suspended from school for telling others they planned on bringing a gun to school.

State Police Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says they encourage citizens to report suspicious activity, but they ask the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media because it creates chaos and panic…
Cut 14 (10) “that information.” (2X)
Dwight says if you do see a threat and if it’s viewed as an imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1. If there is more investigation needed, other agencies will step in.

Flood watches and warnings are posted across north and central Louisiana as more heavy rainfall is expected to for this area. Meanwhile, State Climatologist Barry Keim says the heat continues in South Louisiana. Some areas are breaking records…
Cut 4 (09) “Baton Rouge.”
Keim says there’s the possibility we can see severe weather in north Louisiana on Saturday.

Louisiana’s weather is very two-faced right now. Flash Flood Watches and Warnings are in effect for much of North Louisiana due to a stalled out front, while South Louisiana is seeing record breaking heat. State Climatologist Barry Keim says residents of North Louisiana should watch the weather closely over the next several days…
Cut 3 (08) “flooding issue.”

State Police encourages citizens to report suspicious activity, but they ask the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media because it creates chaos and panic. Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says citizens are more scared than usual right now and are reporting suspicious activity quicker…
Cut 15 (09) “in Florida.”
Dwight says if you do see a threat and if it’s viewed as an imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1. If there is more investigation needed, other agencies will step in.

A House committee is meeting at the Capitol to discuss legislation that would reform the state’s Medicaid program. One of the bills would require Medicaid patients to pay a copay if they use an emergency room for non-emergency treatment. Supporters say the bill is an attempt to stop Medicaid patients from using the ER for a common cold or minor medical issues. Opposition comes from Haley Sauicer (So-shea)…
Cut 11 (09) “on Medicaid.”

There’s no public discussion today on any tax reform legislation. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says there’s not agreement on bills to raise revenues to address a one-billion dollar budget deficit..
cut 8 (08) “…simple mater”

Governor John Bel Edwards addresses the issue of gun control during his monthly call-in radio show. Edwards says in the wake of the latest mass shooting in Florida, he’s calling for a more robust background check system for firearm purchases.

Florida shooter Nickolas Cruz was 18-years-old when he lawfully purchased ten rifles from South Florida dealers.

President Trump tweeted his agreement on raising background checking standards saying quote…” I will be strongly pushing comprehensive background checks with an emphasis on Mental Health. Raise age to 21 and end sale of bump stocks.” end-quote.

Legislators may need to look A House committee is expected today to hear Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland’s legislation that would require Medicaid patients to pay a copay if they use an emergency room for non-emergency treatment.  The New Orleans Democratic Socialists of America Health Care Chairman Haley Sauicer (So-shea) says Medicaid recipients don’t abuse the system in receiving care…

Sauicer says if Medicaid recipients are forced to meet copays in emergency rooms, they would be unable to receive the necessary medical care they need…

Cut 12 (04) “at all.”

McFarland points out that this bill would not apply in emergency situations such as a heart attack or stroke, but it would stop the abuse that some Medicaid patients have shown in the past…

Cut 13 (11)  “those things.”

McFarland says his legislation will save millions of dollars a year and those savings can be used to pay doctors at partner hospitals, so they can treat Medicaid patients for minor medical care.

at increasing the legal purchasing age for such weapons.

Cut 6 (11)  “should consider.”

President trump tweeted this morning his agreement on raising background checking standards. Saying…

“I will be strongly pushing Comprehensive Background Checks with an emphasis on Mental Health. Raise age to 21 and end sale of Bump Stocks.”

Governor John Bel Edwards addresses the issue of gun control during his monthly call-in radio show. Edwards says in the wake of the latest mass shooting in Florida, he’s calling for a more robust background check system for firearm purchases.

Edwards also came out against aftermarket additions that alter the capabilities of legally purchased automatic rifles.

Cut 5  (08)  “to people”

Edwards says he would like to see a purchasing ban for those on the No-Fly list, and firearm bans for those who commit violent crimes, and have a history of mental illness.

State Police is asking the public not to share all comments through social media.  Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says they encourage citizens to report suspicious activity, but they ask the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media because it creates chaos and panic…

Dwight says if you do see a threat and if it’s viewed as an imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1.  If there is more investigation needed, other agencies will step in.  He says citizens are more scared than usual right now and are reporting suspicious activity quicker…

Cut 16 (05) “to Louisiana.”

A House committee is expected today to hear Representative Jack McFarland’s legislation that would require Medicaid patients to pay a copay at an E-R for non-emergency treatment.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The special session hit the wall yesterday, at least temporarily, as lawmakers wrestle over a tax reform bill aimed at salvaging a fraction of a one penny sales tax while getting rid of some special tax exemptions. Political observers say the failure of that bill could tank the whole special session. The senate is out until Sunday while the house convenes today at 5.

State Police is asking the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

The special session grounded to a halt yesterday after a vote on a tax reform bill that would have kept a fraction of a one penny sales tax intact, and remove special exemptions for specific industries was postponed indefinitely.

The tax bill would have plugged 300-million of the one billion dollar budget gap.

LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford

Cut 9 (12)  “with it”

Alford says if the session burns out without a solution, the legislature’s failure to work together to find a deal could become campaign talking point for Edwards’ 2019 re-election campaign.

A House committee is expected today to hear Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland’s legislation that would require Medicaid patients to pay a copay if they use an emergency room for non-emergency treatment.  McFarland says the bill is an attempt to stop Medicaid patients from using the ER for a common cold or minor medical issues…

Cut 10 (09) “emergency room.”

The New Orleans Democratic Socialists of America Health Care Chairman Haley Sauicer (So-shea) says Medicaid recipients don’t abuse the system in receiving care… Cut 11 (09) “on Medicaid.”

The NFL network reports the Saints are expected to sign quarterback Drew Brees next week at an NFL combine.

The Florida school shooting that left 16 children and one adult dead has sparked a new push for gun control legislation. Matt Doyle has Governor Edwards’ thoughts on gun control.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

A House committee is expected today to hear Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland’s legislation that would require Medicaid patients to pay a copay if they use an emergency room for non-emergency treatment.  McFarland says the bill is an attempt to stop Medicaid patients from using the ER for a common cold or minor medical issues…

Cut 10 (09) “emergency room.”

State Police is asking the public not to share all comments through social media.  Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says they encourage citizens to report suspicious activity, but they ask the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media because it creates chaos and panic…

Dwight says if you do see a threat and if it’s viewed as an imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1.  If there is more investigation needed, other agencies will step in.  He says citizens are more scared than usual right now and are reporting suspicious activity quicker…

Cut 15 (09) “in Florida.”

The special session grounded to a halt yesterday after a vote on a tax reform bill that would have kept a fraction of a one penny sales tax intact, and remove special exemptions for specific industries was postponed indefinitely.

The tax bill would have plugged 300-million of the one billion dollar budget gap.

LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford

Cut 8 (08) “simple matter”

Alford says it was the bill with the most momentum, and its failure could tank the entire session.

The NFL Network reports the Saints and Drew Brees’ representatives will meet during the scouting combine, which begins next week in Indianapolis. Brees is set to become a free agent next month when the new league year begins. The 39-year-old Brees says he wants to finish his career with the Black and Gold and General Manager Mickey Loomis has said he does not expect any issues in re-signing the future Hall of Famer.

Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson is in a New Orleans hospital fighting off the flu bug. The 90-year-old is said to be resting comfortably.

It was a slow start for the LSU baseball team last night as they fell behind 3-0 to UNO, but the Tigers quickly rallied and cruised to a 14-6 victory over the Privateers. Antoine Duplantis and Daniel Cabrera each drove in two runs and scored twice. LSU hosts Texas tomorrow.

Elsewhere, Southeastern Louisiana upended the Cajuns 5-2. Senior catcher Daniel Wasinger broke a 2-2 tie with a two-run home run in the 6th inning.
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Nicholls State improved to 13-2 in the Southland last night with a convincing 96-79 win over McNeese State in Lake Charles. Roddy Peters had 24 points and 10 assists for the first place Colonels. Senior Lafayette Rutledge had a huge game as he knocked down 11 3-pointers and finished with 34 points.

Sam Houston State beat UNO 57-54. The Privateers fell to 11-5 in the Southland. Northwestern State won its first league game as the Demons defeated Incarnate Word 66-54. Ishmael Lane had 22 points and 11 rebounds.

And 13th ranked Witchita State defeated Tulane 93-86.

Tonight the Ragin Cajuns can clinch at least a share of the Sun Belt title with a win over Troy. ULM seeks its fifth straight win as they visit South Alabama. Both teams are 7-7 in league play.

And Louisiana Tech begins a three-game road trip to close out the regular season by visiting U-TEP. Tip off in El Paso is 8 PM.

A House committee is expected today to hear Representative Jack McFarland’s legislation that would require Medicaid patients to pay a copay at an E-R for non-emergency treatment.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Governor John Bel Edwards addresses the issue of gun control during his monthly call-in radio show. Edwards says in the wake of the latest mass shooting in Florida, he’s calling for a more robust background check system for firearm purchases.

Cut 4  (11) “the people” 

Edwards says he would like to see a purchasing ban for those on the No-Fly list, and firearm bans for those who commit violent crimes, and have a history of mental illness.

State Police is asking the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media.  Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says they encourage citizens to report suspicious activity, but they ask the public not to share unsubstantiated threats through social media because it creates chaos and panic…

Cut 14 (10) “that information.” (2X)

Dwight says if you do see a threat and if it’s viewed as an imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1.  If there is more investigation needed, other agencies will step in.