A new report indicates Louisiana prisons utilize solitary confinement four times more than the national average. Matt Doyle spoke with one of the authors…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries are receiving calls that black bear spottings are on the rise in portions of Louisiana. Large carnivore program manager for LDWF Maria Davidson says several reasons contribute to the encounters, including mother bears forcing her young to scatter to start fending for themselves as she preps for another mating season. There may also be run ins with adult male bears looking for potential mates.

The Louisiana Health Department announces they’ve reached a “subscription model” deal with Asegua Therapeutics that will result in the state treating an estimated 31-thousand people who have hepatitics C, which is an infectious liver disease. Health Secretary Rebekah Geesays this innovative payment model cuts down on the cost of treating tens of thousands of individuals who have Hepatitis C.

Cut 11 (08) “liver cancer”

A bill that would have allowed golf carts to cross LA 35 and other state highways within the town limits of Church Point is one of six the governor has vetoed from the 2019 legislative session.  Rep. Phillip DeVillier says it’s a surprising veto because of the Governor’s favorable voting history for golf cart friendly communites, adding the town had a well thought out plan for permitting.

Cut 6 (10) “…around 5000 people.”

A report is out from Loyola, the ACLU, and Solitary Watch, showing Louisiana has a four times higher rate of the use of solitary confinement for prisoners than the national average. Loyola researcher Dr. Sue Weishar says over 500 prisoners in their survey reported solitary stays of more than a year, which she describes as torture.
Cut 3 (11) “…hopelessness”
The Department of Corrections responded, saying the use of solitary has declined in recent years following reforms.

Rep. Phillip DeVillier says he was caught off guard by the veto to his bill that would have allowed golf carts to cross LA 35 and other state highways within the town limits of Church Point, especially with Edwards’ voting in favor of similar bills in other communities during his time as a lawmaker.

Cut 7 (12) “…bit of respect.”

The Louisiana Health Department announces they’ve reached a “subscription model” deal with Asegua Therapeutics that will result in the state treating an estimated 31-thousand people who have hepatitis C, which is an infectious liver disease. Curing a person of Hepatitis C costs an estimated 24-thousand dollars per treatment, but Gee says under this deal, Louisiana will receive an unlimited supply of Hep C medication for five years at a cost of 58-million dollars a year
Cut 10 (08) “…this illness.”

Newly minted Pelican Zion Williamson arrived in town to a housewarming gift of a framed, signed jersey from Saints QB Drew Brees, a note welcoming him to the city, and a challenge for him to become the new favored son of New Orleans sports. The 6’7 280-pound power forward was visibly shocked and grinning ear to ear as he took in the moment, and celebrated the gift.
Cut 14 (11) “…sheesh” 

The Pelicans posted video of the moment on their twitter feed.

A report finds Louisiana has a four times higher rate of the use of solitary confinement for prisoners than the national average. Loyola Jesuit Social Research Institute Research Fellow Dr. Sue Weishar says the abnormally high rate of solitary use is the result of poor policy from the Department of Corrections, policy that leaves prisoners with mental trauma that will make them less likely to reintegrate once released.

Cut 5 (10) “…the most”

Corrections responded, saying 3.75 percent of prisoners are in “restrictive housing” at the moment.

The Louisiana Health Department announces they’ve reached a “subscrpition model” deal with Asegua Therapeutics that will result in the state treating an estimated 31-thousand people who have hepatitics C, which is an infectious liver disease. Health Secretary Rebekah Gee

Cut 9 (09) “to work.”

legislation allowing golf carts to cross state highways in the town of Church Point is among the first six bills from 2019 session to be vetoed by Gov. Edwards, catching the bill’s authored by surprise. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (31) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Beaches are shuttered along the Mississippi Gulf Coast as toxic algae blooms have popped up, likely as a result of the Bonnet Carrie Spillway’s opening. Beaches closed are in two of the state’s three coastal counties as a result of it. The blue-green water can cause rashes, diarrhea and vomiting in people who get to close to them.

A report is out indicating Louisiana prisons utilize solitary confinement four times more than the national average. Matt Doyle spoke with one of the authors…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

Senator Bill Cassidy says legislation he helped put together called the Lower Health Care Costs Act received approval from a U-S Senate committee today. Cassidy says the proposal contains provisions that would protect patients against surprise medical bills, lower prescription drug costs and improve price transparency.

Governor Edwards has vetoed six bills from the 2019 legislative session. One of the measures he rejected would have allowed the use of golf carts on state highways in the Acadia Parish town of Church Point. State Representative Phillip DeVillier is disappointed the governor vetoed his bill and he plans to bring it back…
cut 8 (09) “…do something”
DeVillier says Church Point residents wanted the ability to legally ride golf carts on highways so they can go to a grocery store or visit neighbors in the small community.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is passing the torch to Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson. Brees sent a framed autographed Saints jersey to Williamson and a note that said passing the torch to you! The Saints Q-B also made Williamson know he’s a fan of his catchphrase “Let’s Dance”….
cut 13 (10) “….let’s dance man”
That audio is from the Pelicans who released the video of Williamson receiving the gift.

A report is out from Loyola, the ACLU, and Solitary Watch, showing Louisiana has a four times higher rate of the use of solitary confinement for prisoners than the national average. Loyola Jesuit Social Research Institute Research Fellow Dr. Sue Weishar says the practice undermines the Department of Correction’s goal of rehabilitation, because the intense mental and physical stress created by extended stays creates long term damage.

Cut 4 (09) “…entered.”

Corrections responded saying the practice has declined in use over the last two years.

Newly drafted Pelican and Duke legend Zion Williamson arrived in New Orleans to a gift from one of the city’s favored sons, Saints QB Drew Brees. The moment was caught on camera as Zion walked into his hotel room to find a signed, framed jersey from Brees that came with a challenge…

Cut 12, 9 seconds, I’m ready

A bill that would have allowed golf carts to cross LA 35 and other state highways within the town limits of Church Point is now one of only six bills to be vetoed from the recent legislative session.  Rep. Phillip DeVillier says says he is disappointed Governor Edwards killed the bill as the safety concerns were addressed with local level regulation as drivers would be required to be 18, have a license, carry insurance on the golf cart, and the vehicle must be equipped with proper lighting.

Cut 7 (06) “…want it to pass.”

Over a dozen beaches in Mississippi have been shut down following a large scale toxic algae bloom. The bloom is poisonous to humans, and officials are asking visitors to stay off the sands.

A report is out from Loyola, the ACLU, and Solitary Watch, showing Louisiana has a four times higher rate of the use of solitary confinement for prisoners than the national average.  Loyola Jesuit Social Research Institute Research Fellow Dr. Sue Weishar says over 500 prisoners in their survey reported solitary stays of more than a year, which she describes as torture.
Cut 3 (11) “…hopelessness”
The Department of Corrections responded, saying 3.75 percent of prisoners are in “restrictive housing” at the moment, and the use of solitary has declined in recent years following reforms.

A bill that would have allowed golf carts to cross LA 35 and other state highways within the town limits of Church Point is now one of only six bills to be vetoed from the recent legislative session.  Rep. Phillip DeVillier says the town already had a well thought out plan for permitting put into place.
Cut 6 (09) “…piece of legislation.”

Senator Bill Cassidy says a proposal to end surprise medical billing, lower the cost of prescription drugs, increase transparency in the healthcare system, and secure a patient’s personal data will get a hearing in front of a Senate committee today. Cassidy says a second Senate committee hearing will take place in July.  If both committees pass the measure, it heads to the Senate floor.

Cut 5 (07)“…it into law.”
Cassidy says the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019 faces hurdles but has a good chance of reaching the President’s desk.

The Governor has signed into law a bill authored by Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody allowing delivery services to bring low alcohol content adult beverages along with a food order to your front door.  Carmody says there is a catch, as only W-2 employees of delivery services can make the drop-offs, which disqualifies several popular services.

Cut 13 (08) “…has W-2 employees.”

New legislation signed into law will make it possible to have alcohol delivered with your food order. Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Beaches are shuttered along the Mississippi Gulf Coast as toxic algae blooms have popped up, likely as a result of the Bonnet Carrie Spillway’s opening. Beaches closed are in two of the state’s three coastal counties as a result of it. The blue-green water can cause rashes, diarrhea and vomiting in people who get to close to them.

The Saharan Air Layer, when dust from the Saharan Desert in Africa gets kicked up and swept into the atmosphere, has descended on Louisiana. While it may frustrate some allergy sufferers and create a somewhat strange milky white effect in otherwise blue skies, State Climatologist Barry Keim says there is a beautiful side effect to the weather phenomena.

Cut 8 (10) “…sunrise.”

Louisiana’s Hepatitis A viral outbreak is growing, primaryily targeting the homeless and drug users with 305 cases reported dating back to the outbreak that was declared in December of last year. Hep A can cause flu bug like symptoms, and jaundice in those who are infected. Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter says while we haven’t seen outbreaks in the thousands like some of our neighbors, it’s still a significantly more cases than normal.

Cut 10 (12) “…for us.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed legislation that allows restaurants and liquor stores to deliver low alcohol content to a person’s home. Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody says his legislation allows a company like Waitr to also deliver beer and wine with a food order…
cut 15 (06) “… the bill would provide”
The governor has also signed a bill allowing grocery and liquor stores to hire their own drivers to make home deliveries.

The statewide outbreak of Hepaititis A continues to grow with over 300 cases since January. Assistant state health officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says Hep A is a highly contagious liver infection and the state is hoping to contain the outbreak by vaccinating those who are most susceptible…
cut 11 (11) “…drugs”
L-D-H’s website says one person has died as a result of the virus.

Dust from the Sarahan Desert is covering the central gulf region, bringing with it beautiful sunsets, but the potential for respiratory issues…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is passing the torch to Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson. Brees sent an autographed Saints jersey in a frame to Williamson and a note included on the gift said passing the torch to you! The Pelicans released video of Williamson receiving the gift. Zion responded by saying he’s ready to take on the torch.