New poll data shows Governor John Bel Edwards approval rating at 49-percent. The survey comes from Morning Consult, who polls the popularity of governors nationwide. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Edwards is doing well as a Democrat in a red state, because of his pro-gun and pro-life stance and his ability to bring budget stability…
Cut 7 (09) “surplus year”
The poll found 30-percent of respondents disapprove of Edwards’ performance, while 21-percent are undecided.

Louisiana has purchased 515-acres of farmland in Terrebonne Parish so they can move residents of Isle De Jean Charles from their vanishing island along the Gulf Coast. Office of Community Development Director Pat Forbes says the planning of their new community continues…
cut 12 (13) “….the highway frontage”
At last count about 100 people still lived on the island that’s being swallowed up by the Gulf.

Calcasieu Parish sheriff deputies found two people dead at a home in Lake Charles early this morning. Investigators believe 52-year-old David Pendley stabbed himself to death and his wife. His 24-year-old son was also stabbed, but he’s been released from a hospital.

State health officials are seeking a pharmaceutical partner to purchase drugs at a lower cost that can be used to treat hepatitiis C, which is a disease that damages the liver and can lead to death. At least 39-thousand people in Louisiana’s Medicaid program and prison system suffer from hepaititis C infection. Alex Billioux with the state office of public health says the plan also includes increased training for physicians, aimed at helping them identify patients who may be infected.
Cut 15 (09) “…Hepatitis C.”
The state hopes to have a contract in place by July.