Congressman Ralph Abraham has added another endorsement from a Republican lawmaker in his bid to defeat Governor John Bel Edwards this fall. Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland says Abraham will help the state grow its economy. McFarland is one of six GOP legislators who have announced their support for Abraham’s campaign. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the recent endorsements will help Abraham…
cut 4 (09) “…where he is”
Abraham has yet to run any statewide TV commercials, while Governor Edwards and Eddie Rispone have begun their media push.

It’s reporting day for the LSU football program. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says Tiger fans are hoping for an improved offense, but there are other areas of the team to keep an eye on…
cut 11 (10) “….replace that”
Michael Divinity is one linebacker that’s expected to have a huge impact on this team.

Baton Rouge police announce that a settlement has been reached with former officer Blane Salamoni, who appealed his firing for his actions that resulted in the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling in 2016. Salamoni will not return to the police force and he will not receive any back pay. Instead of being fired, Salamoni will be allowed to resign.

Tulane has released a study that shows there’s been an increase in doctor visits and fewer emergency room visits since Governor Edwards expanded the Medicaid program, providing taxpayer-funded health care coverage for thousands of more Louisiana residents. Tulane Health Policy Chair Mark Diana says Providers who accept Medicaid saw a 35 percent increase in Medicaid patients post-expansion. Diana says that’s resulted in a substantial increase in the use of nurse practitioners and physician assistants….
cut 9 (10) “…sense”

Congressman Ralph Abraham picks up another endorsement from a Republican lawmaker in his bid to defeat Democratic incumbent John Bel Edwards in this fall’s gubernatorial race. Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland says the state needs a bold conservative leader. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the endorsements help Abraham, who has yet to launch a statewide TV ad…
cut 3 (07) “…Congressman Abraham”
Fellow GOP contender Eddie Rispone has a TV ad running touting his support for President Trump.

This week marks the third anniversary of when Governor Edwards expanded the Medicaid coverage which provided taxpayer funded health care coverage to thousands. Tulane Health Policy chair Mark Diana completed a study that shows doctor visits are up, more people are purchasing prescribed medicine and the distance traveled when seeking care declined by one to four percent…
cut 8 (08) “…circumstances”

A settlement is expected to be announced today in the disciplinary appeal of former Baton Rouge Police officer Blane Salamoni, who was fired for the 2016 fatal shooting of Alton Sterling. Salamoni appealed his termination but never had a hearing. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says there is not much clarity as to what the settlement means.
Cut 13 (11) “…have a hearing.”
Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul has called a 10 AM press conference.

LSU Football players are rolling into Baton Rouge today reporting for fall camp. Fans are buzzing about the addition of former Saints assistant Joe Brady, who’s been tasked with dragging the offense into the 21st century. Tiger Rag assistant editor Tyler Nunez.
cut 10 (09) “…offense.”
Brady is LSU’s passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach.

Today marks the first day of Louisiana having a minimum age for marriage, with the age set at 16. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart ”

The minimum marry age law is one of over 200 new laws that take effect today. Parents who harass or physically fight a referee at a child’s sporting event could face up to 90 days in jail if convicted. A new child safety seat law is in place. And medication abortions can now only take place at the state’s three licensed abortions clinics, no longer in a gynecologist’s office.

A study out of Tulane paid for by the Louisiana Health Department finds more Medicaid recipients are seeing a doctor and using the emergency room less since the state’s Medicaid program was expanded three years ago. Tulane Health Policy chair Mark Diana says repeat E-R visitors saw a nearly nine-percent drop…
cut 7 (11) “…savings”
The study also showed that more people in Louisiana are taking their prescribed medicine because the cost has dropped.

Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul has called a 10 AM press conference where it’s expected he’ll announce a settlement has been reached with former officer Blane Salamoni, who is accused of shooting and killing Alton Sterling. Salamoni was fired, but he appealed his termination. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says it would not look good if Salamoni was allowed to wear the badge again…
cut 15 (12) “….be a deterrent”

Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul has called a 10 AM press conference where it’s expected he’ll announce a termination settlement has been reached with fired officer Blane Salamoni who shot Alton Sterling six times during a fatal encounter outside of a convenience store. Baton Rouge lawyer Franz Borghart on what the settlement could possibly be…
cut 14 (07) “…monetary settlement”
Salamoni’s termination appeal hearing was scheduled to take place later this month.

Hundreds of new laws go into effect today, one of them sets the minimum age to get married in Louisiana at 16. Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says his organization opposed the effort when the bill was first introduced…
cut 4 (08) “…too strong”
Supporters of the law say its needed to help combat human trafficking.

It’s been three years since Governor Edwards expanded the state’s Medicaid program and a study paid for by the Louisiana Health Department finds quality of life improvements for Medicaid expansion enrollees…
Cut 2 (30 ) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

State Police have arrested the driver of an 18-wheeler involved in a fatal crash on Monday that killed a three-year-old and two adults in LaSalle Parish. 33-year-old Joseph Pardue from Grant Parish was charged with three counts of negligent homicide. L-S-P says the semi hit the victims’ vehicle as it was slowing down to make a right-hand turn.

A settlement is expected to be announced today in the disciplinary appeal of former Baton Rouge Police officer Blane Salamoni, who was fired for the 2016 fatal shooting of Alton Sterling. Salamoni appealed his termination but never had a hearing. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says there is not much clarity as to what the settlement means.
Cut 13 (11) “…have a hearing.”
Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul has called a 10 AM press conference.

Starting today, individuals under the age of 16 are not allowed to get married in Louisiana. The legislation was approved as a way to combat human trafficking, but Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says there have been cases where a pregnant 15-year-old girl married the father of their child. That’s illegal now…
cut 6 (09) “…trafficking”

The Purple and Gold report for preseason camp today, with fans anxious to see who’s ready to step up after the team saw some big changes in the offseason…
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle”