Jury trials can resume today in the state of Louisiana. The pandemic placed jury trials on hold, creating a backlog of cases.  Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says without firm trial dates most civil cases do not settle and criminal trials cannot be resolved unless the defendant pleads guilty.

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Ciolino says it’s going to take at least a year to get through the backlog of cases.

Louisianans have until October 1^st to get their Real ID state identification or driver’s license cards or they won’t be able to fly without a passport. Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says he doesn’t expect the deadline to be delayed again, and this isn’t something you can do online.

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And some locations will require you to make an appointment.

A new JMC Analytics poll for the Louisiana Association for Therapeutic Alternatives found that about two-thirds of the respondents favor the legalization of marijuana. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell has filed a bill that would decriminalize marijuana possession and she expects opposition from local governments…

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The debate will begin after April 12th. That’s the date when the legislative session begins.

Louisiana will receive less than five percent of the $255 million in CARES Act Fisheries Funding, despite being one of the top fishing states in the nation. Republican Congressman Garret Graves says it’s an insult, so to receive additional funds he’s working with other programs where the state has received appropriate funding in the past.

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Louisiana will receive $12.4 million in CARES Act Fisheries Funding.

Legislation is filed that would decriminalize marijuana possession pending the passage of a broader legalization and regulation of recreational marijuana in the state. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell says passing this legislation would be an important step forward for the African American community.

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The personal finance website WalletHub ranks Louisiana as the second most stressed state in the nation. WalletHub Analyst Jill Gonzales says Louisiana ranks fifth for average hours worked per week, but the Bayou State has one of the highest percentages of adults living in poverty…

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Louisiana follows Nevada that was ranked number one as the most stressed state.

Of the $255 million in CARES Act Fisheries Funding, Louisiana will receive less than five percent despite being one of the top fishing states in the nation. Republican Congressman Garret Graves says it’s a slap in the face.

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Louisiana is the second-largest seafood supplier in the nation.

A major insurance provider says the most recent stimulus bill makes it easier to purchase health care through the Affordable Care Act marketplace.  Starting today there’s another new addition: the feds will cover 100% of your COBRA costs. Blue Cross Blue Shield Chief Healthcare Economist Mike Bertaut says employers are sending letters to those eligible.

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Open enrollment for the ACA marketplace has been extended through August 15th.

More Louisianians can get financial assistance to buy healthcare plans through the Affordable Care Act today. Matt Doyle reports a special enrollment period on healthcare-dot-gov is open through August 15th…
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A minor earthquake was felt overnight in Caddo Parish. The United States Geological Survey says it reported a 3.0 quake just west of the town of Blanchard and it was felt in Bossier City which is 13 miles from the epicenter.

Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves is upset the state only received 12-million dollars out of the 255-million dollars available in CARES Act Funding. Graves says it makes no sense when Louisiana is one of the top fishing states…
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Graves says Florida was allocated $19 million even though Louisiana has a 50 percent greater fisheries value.

Louisiana is the second most stressed state in the nation. That’s according to the personal-finance website WalletHub. Analyst Jill Gonzales says that’s because the state ranks in the top five for average hours worked per week, crime rate, divorce rate, and percentage of adults in poor health…
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A New Orleans lawmaker introduces legislation that would decriminalize the possession of marijuana. Matt Doyle has the story.
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After being put on pause because of the coronavirus pandemic, courts can start holding in-person jury trials starting today. There’s obviously a backlog in cases and Supreme Court Chief Justice John Weimer is asking citizens to answer the call to serve as jurors. Weimer says safety precautions will be taken to ensure the health and safety of jurors.

More Louisianians are eligible to get financial assistance to purchase a health care insurance plan through the Affordable Care Act and its website health-care-dot-gov. Blue Cross Blue Shield Chief Healthcare Economist Mike Bertaut says previously individual plans were only available for those earning about 50-thousand dollars or less…
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Bertaut says that means a person making 100-thousand dollars a year could possibly get financial aid for a plan purchased at health-care-dot-gov.

The personal financial website Wallethub says Louisiana is the second most stressed state in the country. So what is driving up the state’s stress level. Wallethub analyst Jill Gonzales says the large percentage of the population living in poverty, the crime rate and the state has the fourth-highest divorce rate in the nation…
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A major insurance provider says the most recent stimulus bill makes it easier to purchase health care through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Blue Cross Blue Shield Chief Healthcare Economist Mike Bertaut says lower monthly premiums and expanded income eligibility for financial assistance go into effect today…
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Bertaut says a person making 100-thousand dollars a year could also be eligible for federal assistance to pay for healthcare coverage. Shop for plans at health-care-dot-gov.

A new JMC Analytics poll for the Louisiana Association for Therapeutic Alternatives found that about two-thirds of the respondents favor the legalization of marijuana. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell has filed a bill that would decriminalize marijuana possession and she expects opposition from local governments…
cut 12 (08) “….property”
The debate will begin after April 12th. That’s the date when the legislative session begins.

Louisiana will receive only five percent of the CARES Act Fisheries Funding despite being one of the top fishing states in the country. Brooke Thorington has more
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Some residents in Caddo Parish woke up to the room shaking during the middle of the night. That’s because the U-S Geological Survey registered a three-point-0 earthquake just west of the town of Blanchard at about 2:30 this morning. No injuries or damage has been reported from the weak quake. Blanchard is just northwest of Shreveport and the quake was felt as far east as Bossier City.

Legislation has been filed for the upcoming regular session that would decriminalize marijuana possession pending the passage of another bill that would legalize and regulate recreational marijuana use. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell wrote the bill and says Louisiana spends too much money imprisoning people for possessing marijuana…
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Debate on the bill will begin after the session convenes on April 12th.

The personal finance website WalletHub ranks Louisiana as the second most stressed state in the nation. WalletHub Analyst Jill Gonzales says Louisiana ranks fifth for average hours worked per week, but the Bayou State has one of the highest percentages of adults living in poverty…
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Billions in new subsidies kick into effect today lowering Obamacare health insurance premiums. Matt Doyle has more.
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