U-S Senator John Kennedy believes the Louisiana Department of Revenue should collect taxes from former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson for “fringe benefts” he received while serving as a cabinet secretary. Kennedy says a yet to be released state audit has found Edmonson received taxpayer funded perks that include housing, cable TV, dry cleaning and meals.

Governor John Bel Edwards…
cut 10 (10) “…some degree”
The governor’s office also says why is Kennedy speaking up now about Colonel Edmonson’s benefits. Kennedy could have done so when he served as a state treasurer.

A parole hearing takes place today for a 71-year-old inmate who was convicted of fatally shooting a sheriff’s deputy when he was 17-years-old. A Supreme Court ruling paved the way for Henry Montgomery of Baton Rouge chance at freedom.

Louisiana ranks 49th in the United Health Foundation’s health rankings. Only Mississippi is worse. But United Health Care of Louisiana CEO Joe Ochipinti says obesity and premature death rates have decreased over the last year. Ochipinti says another good factor is the number of uninsured in Louisiana has seen a substantial decrease…
cut 5 (08) “….people coverage”
But he says Louisiana has seen an increase in cardiovascular deaths, with smoking a main factor.

A “Report Card on Efforts to Improve Financial Literacy in High Schools” gives Louisiana a “D”, down from a “B” grade two years ago. Minden Representative Gene Reynolds authored a 2016 law that requires financial literacy to be taught in high schools, but it appears some schools only teach personal finance as another existing course of study…
Cut 14 (04) “gets taught.”
Reynolds plans to discuss the issue with BESE.