Governor John Bel Edwards will propose a budget to lawmakers today that calls for increased spending on education. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the investment into education is something the governor has pushed for years and now the state is in position to do so…
Cut 7 (12) “…where we are”
Dardenne says the budget will also propose cuts so that more dollars can go towards education.

Authorities have identified the three people killed in yesterday’s small plane crash in Jackson Parish. Robert Gilliam of Minden was the pilot and his passengers were Chris Mudd and Wade Williams, both from Shreveport-Bossier. The single-engine Cessna was heading from Jackson, Mississippi to Shreveport when it crashed north of Chatham.

The state health department says norovirus is to blame for an outbreak of stomach related illnesses in the Lake Charles area. Doctor Frank Welch with the state office of public health says symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea…
cut 14 (08) “….day or two”
Many of the people who got sick attended a Mardi Gras Ball at L’auberge casino in Lake Charles.

Natchitoches Police say the three suspects responsible for last week’s double-homicide on Short Seventh street are behind bars. Officer John Greely credits the public’s help in nabbing 22-year-old Jaleel Tousant
cut 11 (07) “…past couple days’
Greely says three family members who were harboring Tousant were also arrested. 17-year-old Daerieon Latchie and 21-year-old Jessie James Petite were also charged with first-degree murder.

The Edwards administration will release a budget proposal today for the fiscal year that begins in July. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

I-10 Eastbound is closed at the I-49 interchange because of the crash on the Basin Bridge near Henderson. Authorities say the highway will be closed through the morning commute as crews are having to make repairs to the barriers. Police are reporting the crash only produced minor injuries.

We’re about a month away from the start of the 2020 legislative session and auto insurance reform is expected to be a big topic. House Insurance Chairman Chad Brown says legislation has already been filed to prevent insurance providers from setting rates based on credit score or whether a person has been widowed…
cut 5 (10) “…before they died”
The legislative session begins on March 9th.

State health officials are investigating a norovirus outbreak in Lake Charles. Doctor Frank Welch with the state office of public health says upwards to 100 people have been suffering from vomiting and diarrhea, symptoms that last for about 24 to 48 hours and the norovirus spreads easily…
cut 15 (11) “…three days”
Welch says they believe the norovirus outbreak began at a Mardi Gras ball at LAuberge Casino in Lake Charles.

An investigation is underway into yesterday’s fatal plane crash in Jackson Parish that killed three people. The victims have been identified as Chris Mudd and Wade Williams of Shreveport-Bossier, and the pilot was Robert Gilliam of Minden. They took off from Jackson, Mississippi and they were heading to Shreveport when their small Cessna crashed into a logging business north of Chathman.

A Mardi Gras ball at the L’auberge Casino in Lake Charles is thought to be the epicenter of a norovirus outbreak that’s infected dozens…
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle

Plaquemine Democrat Chad Brown will serve as the chairman of the House insurance committee, a committee expected to be very busy during the session with bills aimed at lowering auto insurance rates. Brown expects to tackle insurance companies’ consideration of a driver’s credit.
Cut 4 (13) “…the rate making.”
Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau has filed legislation that would prevent insurance companies from calculating insurance rates based on credit score.

Three suspects tied to a double fatal shooting in Natchitoches last week are now behind bars. Natchitoches Police Officer John Greely says 22-year-old Jaleel Tousant was the final suspect apprehended on Wednesday night…
cut 10 (08) “…to us”
The other two men facing first-degree murder charges are 17-year-old Daerion Latchie and 21-year-old Jessie James Petite.

As the chairman of the House insurance committee, Plaquemine Democrat Chad Brown expects to tackle insurance companies’ consideration of a driver’s credit in setting rates. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Governor John Bel Edwards proposes a 2020-21 budget to lawmakers today. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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A Mardi Gras ball at the L’auberge Casino in Lake Charles is thought to be the epicenter of a norovirus outbreak that’s infected dozens…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle 

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Plaquemine Democrat Chad Brown will serve as the chairman of the House insurance committee, a committee expected to be very busy during the session with bills aimed at lowering auto insurance rates. Brown expects to tackle insurance companies’ consideration of a driver’s credit.

Cut 4 (13) “…the rate making.”

Brown says there will be bills that address additional factors that legislators say contribute to higher rates.

Cut 5 (10) “…before they died.”

Brown says he doesn’t see a path to lowering insurance rates as being one-sided or partisan.

Cut 6 (08) “…be flushed out.”

The session begins March 9.

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Governor John Bel Edwards will propose a budget to lawmakers today that would see increased spending on education.  Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the spending is something Edwards has been pushing for years and now the state has the resources to do that.

Cut 7 (12) “…where we are”

The Governor’s 2020-21 spending plan is based on the anticipation that $103 million is added to the revenue forecast. Dardenne highlights boosts in spending to higher ed and K-12 education.

Cut 8 (07) “…throughout the years.”

Edwards has made his priority of early childhood education clear for his second term.  Dardenne says last year the state was able to put in a sizable investment and this year the state will come close to putting in that same amount, trying to address waiting lists for early education.

Cut 9 (09) “…the educational process.”
Last week, the Legislature’s new GOP leadership, House Speaker Clay Schexnayder and Senate President Page Cortez, refused to support the income forecasts recommended by nonpartisan economists which the Edwards administration had hoped to adopt.

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Natchitoches Police arrest a third suspect tied to a double homicide that took place last week at a home on Short Seventh Street.  Officer John Greely says on Wednesday, investigators were able to locate 22-year-old Jaleel Tousant at an apartment in the 500 block of North Street.

Cut 10 (08) “…surrender to us.”

The arrest comes following the Sunday surrendering of 17-year-old Daerieon Latchie and shortly after Tousant’s arrest, 21-year-old Jessie James Petite (pronounced P-T) Jr. turned himself in. Greely credits help from the public for helping nab the Tousant.

Cut 11 (07) “…past couple days.”

Greely says three family members who were harboring Tousant were arrested.

Cut 12 (10) “…to tolerate that.”

No further arrests are expected. 41-year-old Larry Batiste and 35-year-old Hiram Phillips, Jr. died during the January 27^th shooting.

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The Lake Charles L’Auberge is thought to be ground zero for an outbreak of norovirus that’s infected dozens of people.

The origin of the outbreak has reportedly been traced to a Mardi Gras ball held last weekend. Office of Public Health Doctor Frank Welch…

Cut 13 (11) “…virus.”

He says while it’s often called the stomach flu, it’s not actually related to the flu.

Symptoms include a lot of vomiting and diarrhea, but Welch says the good news at least is if you’re are infected you won’t be knocked out for long.

Cut 14 (08) “…day or two.”

Welch says it’s a common virus to find spreading on cruise ships.

Unfortunately, it’s highly infectious. Welch says a person can shed millions of noroviruses while sick and it only takes about ten to infect someone nearby.

Cut 15 (11) “…three days.”

The virus can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, direct contact with the infected, or consuming contaminated food or water.

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The 18th ranked LSU basketball team is working to correct the errors that led to Wednesday night’s 99-90 upset loss to Vanderbilt. Tigers Coach Will Wade says the Commodores had too many easy shots…

Cut 16  (19)  …got beat”  

LSU leaves today for a big game Saturday morning against 11th ranked Auburn, who has just two losses on the season. Wade’s team will need to win to stay in sole possession of first place in the SEC. The coach is looking for a bounce back performance…

Cut 17  (17) “Auburn team” 

Wade says if his team doesn’t learn from Wednesday’s loss, they’ll give up over 100 points on Saturday…

cut 18  (16) ” their score”   

About two-dozen Louisiana state fire marshal employees left for Puerto Rico today to assist with earthquake recovery efforts. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the Caribbean Island has seen its share of natural disasters lately…

Cut 5 (10) “…caused significant damage.”

23 deputies and personnel are on the deployment that’s expected to last 16 days.

Lawsuit reform and car insurance rate arguments are set to dominate the upcoming session, and a new group has been formed to push back against leading Republican proposals for TORT reform. Real Reform Louisiana Executive Director Eric Holl, a former Governor Edwards campaign staffer says insurance industry number crunchers analyzed this legislation…

Cut 7 (10) “…rates”

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announces the rollout of the Small Business Protection Act, helping business owners stay aware of proposed regulations that could impact their business operations.  Ardoin says businesses that sign up at smallbiz.sos.la.gov will get updates so that they are not blindsided by regulation changes.

Cut 10 (11) “…of the game.” 

The Act passed in the 2019 Legislative session and went into effect on February 1^st.

LSU is still seeking it’s next President and Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne spoke with Talk Louisiana about his interest in the job earlier today. Dardenne says he is interested in the job. He noted what a wonderful time it is to be a leader at the school.

Cut 12 (11) “…right now”

The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s office is on the scene of a plane crash that reportedly killed three.  Reports indicate the small Cessna was en route to Shreveport before crashing just north of Chatham.
Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announces the rollout of the Small Business Protection Act, helping business owners stay aware of proposed regulations that could impact their business operations. Ardoin says the goal is to protect businesses from overregulation.
Cut 9 (08) “…down the pike.”
Ardoin says businesses that sign up at smallbiz.sos.la.gov will get updated so they are not blindsided by regulation changes.
Louisiana is sending help to Puerto Rico as the island recovers from a devastating earthquake. State Fire Marshall Butch Browning says the deployment keeps officials sharp.
Cut 4 (11) “…and they do.”
Lawsuit reform and car insurance rate arguments are set to dominate the upcoming session, and a new group has been formed to push back against leading Republican proposals for TORT reform. Real Reform Louisiana Executive Director Eric Holl, a former Governor Edwards staffer opposes the Republican-crafted omnibus TORT reform bill he says is a giveaway to big business.
Cut 6 (12) “…to work”
Proponents of HB9 argue reducing the number of jury trials will save insurance companies money that they will then pass down to customers.

LSU still seeks it’s next President and Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne spoke with Talk Louisiana earlier today about his interest in the job.  If he gets the job, Dardenne would be the first former board member to ever hold the position. He was elected Student Body President while attending.

Cut 14 (13) “…couldn’t vote.”

Governor John Bel Edwards deploys 23 State Fire Marshal personnel to Puerto Rico to assist in the recovery from a recent earthquake and tremors. State Fire Marshall Butch Browning says Urban Search and Rescue specialists will survey and access damaged buildings.
Cut 3 (10)  “…longer if needed.” 
This is the first time for they’ve been deployed for an earthquake.
LSU is still seeking it’s next President and Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne spoke with Talk Louisiana about his interest in the job earlier today. Dardenne says he is interested in the job. There are reports LSU is considering splitting the job up for future hires between the leader of the flagship campus, and someone who would run the system. Dardenne buys both arguments.
Cut 13 (05) “…jobs”
…And a Zachary eighth grade science teacher has been arrested, accused of sexually abusing a teen and sending nude photos. 34-year-old Ellerea Silva turned herself in earlier today.

Lawsuit reform and car insurance rate arguments are set to dominate the upcoming session, and a new group has been formed to push back against leading Republican proposals for TORT reform. Real Reform Louisiana Executive Director Eric Holl, a former Governor Edwards staffer, recommends focusing on insurance policy that discriminates against the working class in favor of the rich, instead of lowering jury trial thresholds.
Cut 8 (12) “…record.”

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announces the rollout of the Small Business Protection Act, helping business owners stay aware of proposed regulations that could impact their business operations.  The Act passed in the 2019 Legislative session and went into effect February 1^st.  Ardoin says depending on the nature of the business, there can be plenty of regulation to impact operations.

Cut 11 (12) “…interest for this.”

Governor Edwards deploys 23 State Fire Marshal personnel to Puerto Rico to assist in the recovery from recent earthquakes.…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

Three Many High juveniles are under arrest on allegations of bullying and sexual assault. The trio was arrested Tuesday night, and reportedly is linked to an incident that was caught on video during late January showing a student who was held down and sodomized with an object. The video was shared on social media, and went viral.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announces the rollout of the Small Business Protection Act, helping business owners stay aware of proposed regulations that could impact their business operations. Ardoin says businesses that sign up at smallbiz.sos.la.gov will get updated so that they are not blindsided by regulation changes.

Cut 10 (11) “…of the game.” 

The Act passed in the 2019 Legislative session and went into effect February 1^st.

LSU is still seeking it’s next President and Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne spoke with Talk Louisiana about his interest in the job earlier today. Dardenne says he is interested in the job. He noted what a wonderful time it is to be a leader at the school.

Cut 12 (11) “…right now”