New food stamps work requirements may ultimately lead to a loss benefits for 31,000 Louisianans when the new requirements kick in April 4^th.  DCFS Secretary for Family Support Sammy Guillory says notices for impacted recipients will go out later this month.

Cut 11 (11) “…case in April.”

The changes to the food stamp program is an attempt by the Trump administration to reduce government spending, but there are concerns it will lead to increased homelessness and health problems.

Construction is set to begin later this month for a project to replace the 60-year-old LA 532 overpass over I-20 in Webster Parish.  DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says the final utility relocation is underway now and once that is finished, the construction will start.

Cut 3 (10)  “…the construction process.”  

The brand new overpass is just east of Minden is expected to be complete in Fall 2021 and will cost $8 million.

President Donald Trump endorses Senator Bill Cassidy’s reelection effort. Cassidy says the President offered the endorsement some time back, and said he would publicly announce it when the Senator was ready. Cassidy says he’s become a close ally…

Cut 13 (13) “…program”

Baton Rouge Democrat Antoine Peirce is Cassidy’s only announced challenger so far.

Senator Elizabeth Warren drops out of the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary, making the race a tight two way contest between Senator Bernie Sanders and former VP Joe Biden. State Party Director Stephen Handwerk says expect to see both candidates visiting Louisiana in pursuit of it’s critical 54 delegates April 4th…

Cut 4 (09)_ “…htoday with activity.”

The last day for non-Democrats to register online as a Democrat for the closed primary is March 14^th.

As many as 31,000 Louisiana food stamps recipients could lose their benefits this summer. April 1st marks the beginning of a new Trump administration rule requiring some recipients to meet stricter work requirements to continue receiving benefits. DCFS Secretary for Family Support Sammy Guillory on who might lose food stamp eligibility…
cut 10 (07) “…not disabled”
Guillory says they plan to reach out to those who might be affected. Fourteen parishes, most of them in northeast Louisiana, will not be affected because of their high unemployment rate.

Louisiana Democratic Party Director Stephen Handwerk believes the Bayou State will play a role in the Democratic presidential nomination process when our presidential primary arrives on April 4th. It appears to be a two-person race and Handwerk says the candidates will need volunteers…
cut 5 (09) “….here in Louisiana”
Handwerk expects Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders will visit the state soon.

A Blue Cross Blue Shield Association report has found that Louisiana had one of the highest rates for early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease between 2013 and 2017. Blue Cross Blue Shield spokesperson Robin Mayhall says heightened awareness and better diagnostic tools are helping to detect early-onset cases, but as for causes…
cut 9 (11) “…will be done”
In 2017, 131-thousand people between the ages of 30 and 64 were diagnosed with either form of dementia.

President Donald Trump has officially endorsed Senator Bill Cassidy’s re-election. Cassidy is expected to win a second term in November. The Baton Rouge doctor is not concerned about a GOP challenger…
cut 14 (04) “….politics”
Baton Rouge Democrat Antoine Pierce is Cassidy’s only announced challenger so far.

A Blue Cross Blue Shield report shows the rate for early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease increased 200 percent across the nation, how did the Bayou State fare. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The U-S House has passed an eight-point-three billion-dollar measure that will fund the United States’ efforts to battle the coronavirus outbreak. Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise says he’s glad Congress pulled together to pass a clean, bipartisan funding measure to assist in the federal government’s response to Coronavirus.

We’re about a month away from the Louisiana Presidential primary and Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden continue to fight for the nomination. Louisiana Democratic Party Director Stephen Handwerk says he expects Louisiana will still be in play for the April 4th primary and he’s been encouraged by the turnout for the previous Democratic presidential primaries…
cut 6 (08) “….like for Democrats”
The last day for non-Democrats to register online as a Democrat for the closed primary is March 14th.

Senator Bill Cassidy has received President Trump’s endorsement as Cassidy is ramping up a re-election bid. Cassidy says if re-elected in November he will continue to work on lowering drug prescription prices and end surprise medical billing, plus…
cut 15 (10) “….cost”
Cassidy does not face a major challenger at this moment.

Recent developments in the race for the Democratic Presidential nomination make it likely Senator Bernie Sanders and former VP Joe Biden will visit the state. Matt Doyle has the story…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

There are now three announced candidates seeking to replace the retiring Ralph Abraham as Louisiana’s Fifth District Congressman. State Representative Lance Harris of Alexandria entered the race yesterday, joining the other announced Republican Ouachita Police Juror Scotty Robinson. Candy Christophe of Alexandria is the lone announced Democrat.

A report from Blue Cross Blue Shield finds Louisiana has one of the highest rates in the country for of early-onset dementia or Alzheimer’s between 2013 and 2017. Blue Cross Blue Shield spokesperson Robin Mayhall says rates have increased, especially in the south….
cut 8 (10) “….about 8.7″
Mayhall believes heightened awareness and better diagnostic tools as reasons why diagnoses have gone up.

About 31-thousand Louisiana food stamp recipients could soon lose their benefits as a result of stricter work requirement rules put in place by the Trump Administration. Sammy Guillory with the Department of Children and Family Services says the new rules go into effect April 1st and they will soon start notifying those who could be impacted…
cut 12 (07) “….April May June”

As many as 31,000 Louisiana residents could be without food stamp benefits soon, and the clock starts ticking April 1.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

The Advocate reports Louisiana has spent two-point-three million dollars responding to cyberattacks over the past year. Officials say there were five different incidents. One-point-seven million dollars was spent responding to a ransomware attack last November that impacted the state Office of Moter vehicles.

Louisiana Democratic Party Director Stephen Handwerk says it’s likely Democratic Presidential contenders Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden will visit the state soon. Handwerk says the race for the Democratic nomination should remain competitive through our April 4th primary, and Louisiana’s 54 delegates could be crucial to both campaigns.
Cut 4 (09)_ “…today with activity.”
To vote in the Louisiana Democratic Presidential Primary you must be a registered democrat and you have until March 14th to register and you could do so at geaux-vote-dot-com.

President Donald Trump has endorsed Senator Bill Cassidy’s reelection effort. Cassidy says the President offered the endorsement some time back and said he would publicly announce it when the Senator was ready. Cassidy says he’s become a close ally to the President.
Cut 13 (13) “…program”
So far Cassidy does not face a well-funded opponent.

Louisiana Democratic Party Director Stephen Handwerk believes the Bayou State will play a role in the Democratic presidential nomination process when our presidential primary arrives on April 4th. It appears to be a two-person race and Handwerk says the candidates will need volunteers…
cut 5 (09) “….here in Louisiana”
Handwerk expects Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders will visit the state soon.

As many as 31-thousand Louisiana residents could lose their food stamp benefits as new Trump administration work rules go into effect April 1st. The new restrictions cover able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 49 and do not have children living with them. Sammy Guillory with D-C-F-S says they’ll notify impacted residents later this month…
cut 11 (11) “…case in April”

A new report shows the diagnosis rate for early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in Louisiana between 2013 and 2017 is one of the highest in the nation. The findings come from a new report released by Blue Cross Blue Shield, ranking Louisiana 42nd in the nation. Blue Cross Blue Shield Spokesperson Robin Mayhall says early on-set rates increased not only in the Bayou State but across the nation.
Cut 7 (09) “…very concerning”
Mayhall says several factors could be driving the increase in prevalence, including a heightened awareness of symptoms, better usage of diagnoses codes or simply an increase in those who are afflicted with the condition.

Recent developments in the race for the Democratic Presidential nomination make it likely Senator Bernie Sanders and former VP Joe Biden will visit the state. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

_____________________________________

A Blue Cross Blue Shield reports show the rate for early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease increased 200 percent across the nation, how did the Bayou State fare. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

___________________________________________

As many as 31,000 in Louisiana could be without food stamp benefits soon, and the clock starts ticking April 1. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

____________________________________________

Louisiana Democratic Party Director Stephen Handwerk says it’s likely Democratic Presidential contenders Senator Bernie Sanders and former VP Joe Biden will visit the state soon. Handwerk says the race for the Democratic nomination should be competitive through our April 4^th primary, and Louisiana’s 54 delegates could be crucial to both campaigns.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…htoday with activity.”

Senator Elizabeth Warren, who polls a distant 3^rd to the two frontrunners, remains in the race as well.

Handwerk says this is a great opportunity for Democrats who are interested in politics to get their feet wet with their preferred candidate.

Cut 5 (09)  “…here in Louisiana.

The 2020 primary has seen some of the highest Democratic primary turnouts in decades. Handwerk says Louisiana will be no different.

Cut 6 (08) “…like for Democrats.”

The last day for non-Democrats to register online as a Democrat for the closed primary is March 14^th.

____________________________________________

A new report shows the diagnosis rate for early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in Louisiana between 2013 and 2017 is one of the highest in the nation.  The findings come from a new report released by Blue Cross Blue Shield, ranking Louisiana 42^nd in the nation. Blue Cross Blue Shield Spokesperson Robin Mayhall says early on-set rates increased not only in the Bayou State but across the nation.

Cut 7 (12) “…very concerning”

Mayhall says they have seen a trend of early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease rates increasing in the last four years, especially in the south.

Cut 8 (10) “…about 8.7.”

As for why there’s been an increase in the number of early-onset cases, Mayhall believes heightened awareness of the disease and better diagnostic tools amongst providers, but as for causes…

Cut 9 (11) “…will be done.″

The average age for a person living with either form of dementia is 49.

____________________

As many as 31,000 Louisiana food stamps recipients could lose their benefits this summer.  April 1^st marks the beginning of a new Trump administration rule requiring some recipients to meet stricter work requirements to continue receiving benefits for more than three months within a 36-month period.  DCFS Secretary for Family Support Sammy Guillory says someone that receives the notification their benefits will be discontinued, may actually still be eligible for the exemption, but DCFS needs to know about the ability to meet eligibility.

Cut 10 (12) “…months of benefits.”

Previously, a federal waiver exempting residents from the time limitations covered the whole state.  Fourteen parishes, most of them in northeast Louisiana, will not be affected by the changes, because they have an unemployment rate much higher than the national average. The new restrictions cover able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 49 and do not have children living with them. Guillory says notices for impacted recipients will go out later this month.

Cut 11 (11) “…case in April.”

Guillory says for those impacted, the clock begins ticking April 1.

Cut 12 (07) “…April, May, June.”

The changes to the food stamp program is an attempt by the Trump administration to reduce government spending, but there are concerns it will lead to increased homelessness and health problems.

_________________________________________

President Donald Trump endorses Senator Bill Cassidy’s reelection effort.

Cassidy says the President offered the endorsement some time back, and said he would publicly announce it when the Senator was ready. Cassidy says he’s become a close ally to the President over the past few years.

Cut 13 (13) “…program”

Cassidy is heavily favored to win reelection, particularly as he shares a ballot with President Trump in November who is expected to handily win the state. He says he’s not concerned about a GOP challenger because Republicans respect his work.

Cut 14 (04) “…politcs.”

Baton Rouge Democrat Antoine Peirce is Cassidy’s only announced challenger so far.

Cassidy says if reelected he would continue his work on prescription drug prices and surprise billing while taking up issues outside of healthcare he says are a priority.

Cut 15 (10) “…cost.”

_____________________________________________

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says Myles Brennan will take all of the snaps as first team quarterback when the Tigers kick-off spring practice on Saturday. Brennan has big shoes to fill in trying to replace Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow. But Orgeron believes Brennan is up for the challenge

Cut 16  (23)  …for us.” 

On defense, LSU will move from a three-four defensive front to a four-three under new defensive coordinator Bo Pelini. Orgeron says LSU’s personnel fits a four-three defense better

Cut 17  (25) “have that” 

It was less than two months ago that LSU completed a perfect 15-0 season with a national championship victory over Clemson. Orgeron says he’s done talking about the 2019 season

cut 18  (25) “high expectations”   

Louisiana’s 2014 law that requires abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals went before the U-S Supreme Court today. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says this is the first major abortion case for the Supreme Court since President Trump’s appointment of two conservative judges…
Cut 3 (11)  “…Roe vs Wade”  
A ruling is expected in June.

A big night last night for former Vice President Joe Biden makes it likely the Democratic primary will remain competitive by the time Louisianans head to the polls April 4^th. JMC Analytics publisher John Couvillon says Louisianans will likely be picking between Biden, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Senator Elizabeth Warren in April, despite Biden’s big night…
Cut 6 (12) “…states”
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who had a sizeable presence in Louisiana, dropped out and endorsed Biden this morning.

The US Army is investing over $26 million into Fort Polk for barracks renovations and infrastructure replacements.  Congressman Mike Johnson says the needs were critical and this is just the beginning of continued investments.
Cut 11 (07) “…recognized that need.”
Johnson says he has been pushing for the investment since last year and calls it a huge win for the soldiers at Fort Polk.
There are now three announced candidates seeking to replace the retiring Ralph Abraham as Louisiana’s Fifth District Congressman. State Representative Lance Harris of Alexandria entered the race today, joining the other announced Republican Ouachita Police Juror Scotty Robinson. Candy Christophe of Alexandria is the lone announced Democrat in the race as she classifies herself as a moderate progressive and says the people of the district are in dire need.
Cut 14 (10) “…among the darkness.”
Abraham’s chief of staff Luke Letlow is also expected to throw his hat into the ring. Qualifying for the race is in July and the primary is in November.

Louisiana’s 2014 law that requires abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals went before the U-S Supreme Court today. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino on what the justices have to consider…
cut 4 (08) “…seeking abortions”
A ruling is expected in June.

A big night last night for former Vice President Joe Biden makes it likely the Democratic primary will remain competitive by the time Louisianans head to the polls April 4^th.  This primary cycle has seen Democratic primary turnout meet and occasionally exceed 21st-century records.  JMC Analytics publisher John Couvillon expects that trend to hold in Louisiana.

Cut 8 (11) “…presidents.”

Republicans will also be voting in their primary April 4^th.

There are now three announced candidates seeking to replace the retiring Ralph Abraham as Louisiana’s Fifth District Congressman. State Representative Lance Harris of Alexandria entered the race today, joining the other announced Republican Ouachita Police Juror Scotty Robinson.Harris says after eight years in the state legislature, he’s ready to go to work with President Trump
Cut 12 (06) “…have more freedom.”
Candy Christophe of Alexandria is the lone announced Democrat in the race. Abraham’s chief of staff Luke Letlow is also expected to throw his hat into the ring.  Qualifying for the race is in July and the primary is in November.
The US Army is investing over $26 million into Fort Polk for barracks renovations and infrastructure replacements.  Congressman Mike Johnson says he has been pushing for the investment since last year.

Cut 9 (05) “…this very need″
Johnson calls it a huge win for the soldiers at Fort Polk as the needs were critical, adding this is just the beginning of continued investments.