Governor Edwards deploys 23 State Fire Marshal personnel to Puerto Rico to assist in the recovery from recent earthquakes.  Kevin Barnhart has the story

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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A new organization headed up by a former Governor Edwards campaign staffer says Republican TORT reform efforts will not lead to lower insurance rates. Matt Doyle has more…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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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 they’ll inspect thousands of damaged buildings and determine what repairs are needed so they can be safely reoccupied

Cut 3 (06)  “…project” 

Browning says this is the first time the State Fire Marsha’s office has been asked to respond to an earthquake…

Cut 4 (11) “…and they do.”

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.

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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 opposes the Republican-crafted omnibus TORT reform bill he says is a giveaway to big business.

Cut 6 (12) “…to work”

HB 9 is being brought by Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo, who believes the legislation will lower auto rates in two to three years.

Holl says a nearly identical bill was brought last session and number crunchers from the insurance industry…

Cut 7 (10) “…rates”

Holl adds under oath last session insurance industry executives could not guarantee the legislation would actually lower rates.

Instead of lowering jury trial thresholds, Holl recommends focusing on insurance policy that discriminates against the working class in favor of the rich.

Cut 8 (12) “…record.”

Proponents of HB9 argue reducing the number of jury trials will save insurance companies money that they will then pass down to customers.

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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 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 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.”

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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”

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”

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.”

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Cut 15 (11) “…you think”

Cut 16  (12)  …dominate” 

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About two-dozen Louisiana state fire marshal employees left for Puerto Rico today to assist with earthquake recovery efforts. They’ll help inspect thousands of damaged buildings and what repairs are needed so they can be safely reoccupied. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the Caribbean Island has seen its share of natural disasters…
cut 5 (10) “….caused significant damage”
The mission is expected to last 16 days.

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.

A new organization headed up by a former Governor Edwards campaign staffer says Republican TORT reform efforts will not lead to lower insurance rates. Matt Doyle has more…
cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Governor Edwards is warning local governments to protect themselves from a cyberattack and have important data behind a firewall…
cut 15 (09) “….successfully attack”
Edwards made the comments at a Louisiana Municipal Association meeting.

Louisiana is sending help to Puerto Rico as the island recovers from a devastating earthquake. State Fire Marshal personnel have been deployed and it’s the first time for Louisiana to respond to an earthquake, and State Fire Marshall Butch Browning says the deployment keeps officials sharp.

Cut 4 (11) “…and they do.”

23 deputies and personnel are on the deployment.

Eric Holl, a former Governor Edwards campaign staffer is leading up Real Reform Louisiana, a group dedicated to fighting against this session’s Republican TORT reform effort. Holl says claims it will lower auto insurance rates are false, and  a nearly identical bill was brought last session and number crunchers from the insurance industry…

Cut 7 (10) “…rates”

Republicans claim the bill will save insurance companies money.

Governor John Bel Edwards warns local government officials of the headaches that can be created by not being ready to withstand a cyberattack. Ransomware attacks have been the issue faced in the most recent attacks.  The hackers will hold data ransom until a ransom is paid with cryptocurrencies.  Edwards says he doesn’t want anyone trying to pay that tab.

Cut 14 (05) “…over and over.”

A Calcasieu Parish Sheriff deputy arrested for allegedly sexually abusing juvenile girls has been fired from the office. The charges allege 33-year-old David Monceaux abused three girls ages six to nine years old.

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.

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”
HB 9 is being brought by Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo, who believes the legislation will lower auto rates in two to three years.

The U-S Senate rejects both articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. Louisiana Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy voted to acquit the president. Kennedy says House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s attempt to normalize impeachment was reckless…
cut 11 (10) “…rage’
Utah Senator Mitt Romney was the only Republican to cross party lines and vote for impeachment.

Governor John Bel Edwards spoke at the Louisiana Municipal Association meeting and had this warning for local officials when it comes to cyberattacks…
Cut 13 (10) “…very very problematic.”
A recent cyberattack on New Orleans government cost the city more than seven million dollars. Edwards has established a cybersecurity emergency response team to respond to ransomware hits.

Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy join a near party-line vote to acquit President Trump of charges that he used military aid to try to pressure Ukraine into investigating the Bidens. Kennedy says he’s been skeptical of the impeachment proceedings since they began in a House committee run by Democrats.

Cut 10 (09) “…control”

The only Republican to vote in favor of removal was Utah Senator Mitt Romney.

An LSU researcher begins a two-year study testing how vaping affects people who weren’t previously smokers, inspired by a new generation of kids who’ve taken up the habit. Part of LSU Biomedical Sciences researcher Alexandra Noel’s study will be measuring to make sure what vape companies say is in their product is actually what ends up in your lungs after it’s inhaled.

Cut 5 (10) “…produced”

Some Louisiana conservatives are rethinking capital punishment with the formation of Louisiana Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…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.

A new group consisting of Louisiana conservatives is raising concerns about the death penalty. It’s been 10 years since the state executed a convicted murderer and Hannah Cox says it’s costly to have someone sit on death row and it might be time for Louisiana to abolish the death penalty…
cut 9 (10) “….the nation’s attention”
State Representative Kyle Green, a Democrat from Marrero, has filed a bill for the upcoming session to abolish the death penalty.

As expected, Louisiana Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy voted to acquit President Donald Trump of two charges that would have led to his impeachment. Kennedy says the impeachment process was driven by partisan rage…
cut 12 (11) “….squad”
Democrats allege the President threatened to withhold military aid to Ukraine unless the country investigated Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son.

An LSU researcher is beginning a two-year study on the impacts of vaping on non-smokers. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 1 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Over 20 Louisiana state fire marshal employees left for Puerto Rico today to assist with earthquake recovery efforts. They’ll help inspect thousands of damaged buildings and what repairs are needed so they can be safely reoccupied. The mission is expected to last 16 days. Puerto Rico has been dealing with continuing quakes for over a month.

A group of Republicans has formed a group called Louisiana Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty. Colonel Rob Maness says the death penalty doesn’t go with the pro-life or fiscal perspective of the G-O-P…
cut 8 (13) “….they do well”
Maness says it costs much more to have an inmate living on death row than just serving a life sentence without parole.

Governor John Bel Edwards spoke at the Louisiana Municipal Association meeting and had this warning for local officials…
Cut 13 (10) “…very very problematic.”
A recent cyberattack on New Orleans government cost the city more than seven million dollars.

Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy vote to acquit President Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of justice. Matt Doyle has the story…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle

Natchitoches Police say the three suspects charged in the January 27th fatal shooting of 41-year-old Larry Batiste and 35-year-old Hiram Phillips are now in custody. 22-year-old Jaleel Tousant and 21-year-old Jessie Petite and 17-year-old Daerieon Latchie are facing two counts of first-degree murder. A woman was also shot at the scene and at last report was said to be in severe condition.

Some Louisiana conservatives are rethinking capital punishment by announcing the formation of a new group known as Louisiana Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty. National manager Hannah Cox says a recent study indicates the death penalty cost the state’s taxpayers nearly $16 million more annually than life without parole.
Cut 7 (13) “…other government programs.”
Marrero Democrat Kyle Green has filed legislation for the upcoming session to abolish the death penalty.

Governor John Bel Edwards told local government leaders at the Louisiana Municipal Association meeting that it’s a matter of when and not if their town or city will be hit with a cyberattack. Edwards says do not pay ransom to hackers…
cut 14 (05) “…over and over”
Edwards has established a cybersecurity emergency response team to respond to ransomware hits.

The U-S Senate has rejected both articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. Louisiana Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy voted to acquit the president. Kennedy says House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s attempt to normalize impeachment was reckless…
cut 11 (10) “…rage’
Utah Senator Mitt Romney was the only Republican to cross party lines and vote for impeachment.

As vaping rates soar, LSU Biomedical Sciences researcher Alexandra Noel is looking into how vaping impacts the lungs of non-smokers. Noel says previous vaping related studies looked at the effects on cigarette smokers, but the craze is beginning to impact a large number of previous non-smokers.
Cut 4 (09) “…concerns.”
Noel says her study will measure to make sure what vape companies say is in their product is actually what ends up in your lungs after it’s inhaled.