AM Newscall 02/07/2020

As the chairman of the House insurance committee, Plaquemine Democrat Chad Brown expects to tackle insurance companies’ consideration of a driver’s credit in setting rates. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Governor John Bel Edwards proposes a 2020-21 budget to lawmakers today. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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A Mardi Gras ball at the L’auberge Casino in Lake Charles is thought to be the epicenter of a norovirus outbreak that’s infected dozens…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle 

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Plaquemine Democrat Chad Brown will serve as the chairman of the House insurance committee, a committee expected to be very busy during the session with bills aimed at lowering auto insurance rates. Brown expects to tackle insurance companies’ consideration of a driver’s credit.

Cut 4 (13) “…the rate making.”

Brown says there will be bills that address additional factors that legislators say contribute to higher rates.

Cut 5 (10) “…before they died.”

Brown says he doesn’t see a path to lowering insurance rates as being one-sided or partisan.

Cut 6 (08) “…be flushed out.”

The session begins March 9.

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Governor John Bel Edwards will propose a budget to lawmakers today that would see increased spending on education.  Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the spending is something Edwards has been pushing for years and now the state has the resources to do that.

Cut 7 (12) “…where we are”

The Governor’s 2020-21 spending plan is based on the anticipation that $103 million is added to the revenue forecast. Dardenne highlights boosts in spending to higher ed and K-12 education.

Cut 8 (07) “…throughout the years.”

Edwards has made his priority of early childhood education clear for his second term.  Dardenne says last year the state was able to put in a sizable investment and this year the state will come close to putting in that same amount, trying to address waiting lists for early education.

Cut 9 (09) “…the educational process.”
Last week, the Legislature’s new GOP leadership, House Speaker Clay Schexnayder and Senate President Page Cortez, refused to support the income forecasts recommended by nonpartisan economists which the Edwards administration had hoped to adopt.

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Natchitoches Police arrest a third suspect tied to a double homicide that took place last week at a home on Short Seventh Street.  Officer John Greely says on Wednesday, investigators were able to locate 22-year-old Jaleel Tousant at an apartment in the 500 block of North Street.

Cut 10 (08) “…surrender to us.”

The arrest comes following the Sunday surrendering of 17-year-old Daerieon Latchie and shortly after Tousant’s arrest, 21-year-old Jessie James Petite (pronounced P-T) Jr. turned himself in. Greely credits help from the public for helping nab the Tousant.

Cut 11 (07) “…past couple days.”

Greely says three family members who were harboring Tousant were arrested.

Cut 12 (10) “…to tolerate that.”

No further arrests are expected. 41-year-old Larry Batiste and 35-year-old Hiram Phillips, Jr. died during the January 27th shooting.

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The Lake Charles L’Auberge is thought to be ground zero for an outbreak of norovirus that’s infected dozens of people.

The origin of the outbreak has reportedly been traced to a Mardi Gras ball held last weekend. Office of Public Health Doctor Frank Welch…

Cut 13 (11) “…virus.”

He says while it’s often called the stomach flu, it’s not actually related to the flu.

Symptoms include a lot of vomiting and diarrhea, but Welch says the good news at least is if you’re are infected you won’t be knocked out for long.

Cut 14 (08) “…day or two.”

Welch says it’s a common virus to find spreading on cruise ships.

Unfortunately, it’s highly infectious. Welch says a person can shed millions of noroviruses while sick and it only takes about ten to infect someone nearby.

Cut 15 (11) “…three days.”

The virus can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, direct contact with the infected, or consuming contaminated food or water.

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The 18th ranked LSU basketball team is working to correct the errors that led to Wednesday night’s 99-90 upset loss to Vanderbilt. Tigers Coach Will Wade says the Commodores had too many easy shots…

Cut 16  (19)  …got beat”  

LSU leaves today for a big game Saturday morning against 11th ranked Auburn, who has just two losses on the season. Wade’s team will need to win to stay in sole possession of first place in the SEC. The coach is looking for a bounce back performance…

Cut 17  (17) “Auburn team” 

Wade says if his team doesn’t learn from Wednesday’s loss, they’ll give up over 100 points on Saturday…

cut 18  (16) ” their score”