Louisiana seniors on the Medicare Advantage plan can rest easier, knowing that federal funding is getting a significant bump for 2027. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services had originally proposed a funding increase of just nine-hundredths of one-percent. Darren Grubb with Medicare Advantage Majority says CMS eventually agreed to an increase of nearly two and a half percent.

Cut 7 (09) “…the following year.”

The State Senate approves legislation that would allow local governments to hold a vote to see if their residents want to have fluoride removed from their drinking water. Some Democrats voted yes, including Gerald Boudreaux, who says he’s fine with giving voters an opportunity to decide if they do not want fluoride in their water.

Cut 10 (11) “…vote of the people.”

With birds making their annual migration up north, the Louisiana Wildlife Federation is urging you to turn off all unnecessary lights on your property at 11 each night through the end of May. Board member Charles Williams says that especially goes for landscape lighting.

Cut 4 (12) “…disorient the birds.”

For the 2026-27 season, seven sports at LSU will receive revenue share dollars, and Olympic sports like track and field and swimming will receive more scholarship money. Athletic Director Verge Ausberry tells ESPN Radio Baton Rouge he’s re-organized the athletic department to put more of emphasis on fundraising and securing NIL dollars.

Cut 14 (08) “…coaches daily.”

The Louisiana Senate approves legislation that would allow local governments to hold a vote to see if their residents want to have fluoride removed from their drinking water. Houma Republican Mike Fesi is the author of the bill; he says fluoride is bad for your body and your brain.

Cut 9 (11)  “…into the water.”

Local governments began adding fluoride to public water systems in the mid-1900s as a way to prevent tooth decay.

The Medicare Advantage plan is getting an increase in federal funding of nearly two and a half percent. Darren Grubb with the advocacy group Medicare Advantage Majority says the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services had originally proposed a funding increase of just nine-hundredths of one-percent, and that was not going to be nearly enough.

Cut 6 (09) “…an affordability crisis.”

The LSU baseball program will receive more revenue sharing dollars to help the program keep winning championships. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro”

The state is out with its audit of last year’s Orleans Parish jailbreak. The audit shows that failures in finances, staffing and security led to ten inmates escaping the facility last May. The inmates ripped a toilet from an exterior wall and escaped through the hole. One of them was on the lam for almost five months before he was recaptured.

Louisiana seniors on the Medicare Advantage plan can rest easier, knowing that federal funding is getting a significant bump for 2027. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services had originally proposed a funding increase of just nine-hundredths of one-percent. Darren Grubb with the advocacy group Medicare Advantage Majority says CMS eventually agreed to an increase of nearly two and a half percent.

Cut 7 (09) “…the following year.”

The Louisiana Senate approves legislation that would allow local governments to hold a vote to see if their residents want to have fluoride removed from their drinking water. While health experts say it’s safe, the bill’s author, Mike Fesi, says research keeps coming out on how fluoride impacts your body, including parts of your brain.

Cut 11 (11) “…night to sleep?”

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is urging you to turn off all unnecessary lights at night from now through the end of May. Board member Charles Williams, who founded the Lights Out Louisiana initiative, says excessive lighting can be very harmful to migrating birds.

Cut 3 (13) “…into those buildings.”

LSU baseball is getting more revenue share dollars next season. In an interview with Tiger Rag Magazine in February, Head Coach Jay Johnson expressed concern that not enough financial resources were being put into the program. Athletic Director Verge Ausberry tells ESPN Radio Baton Rouge they want to make sure Johnson has what he needs to win.

Cut 13 (08) “…in the country.”

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is urging you to do your part in keeping birds safe during their journey up north. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The LSU baseball program will receive more revenue sharing dollars to help the program keep winning championships. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro”

____________________________________________

This is the time of year when birds pass through the Gulf Coast region for their annual migration up north. As such, the Louisiana Wildlife Federation is urging you to turn off all unnecessary lights on your property at 11 p-m each night through the end of May. Board member Charles Williams, who founded the Lights Out Louisiana initiative, says excessive lighting can be very harmful to migrating birds.

Cut 3 (13) “…into those buildings.”

Williams says that especially goes for landscape lighting.

Cut 4 (12) “…disorient the birds.”

Williams says whether you’re in a high-rise building or even in a single-story home, you should especially turn off all lights that are visible from the outside.

Cut 5 (08) “…deaths as well.”

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is monitoring the migration forecasting tool BirdCast to provide timely alerts.

____________________________________________

Louisiana seniors on the Medicare Advantage plan can rest easier, knowing that federal funding is getting a significant bump for 2027. Darren Grubb with the advocacy group Medicare Advantage Majority says the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services had originally proposed a funding increase of just nine-hundredths of one-percent, and that was not going to be nearly enough.

Cut 6 (09) “…an affordability crisis..”

Grubb says CMS eventually agreed to increase funding by 2.48-percent for next year.

Cut 7 (09) “…the following year.”

Grubb says this is not a seasonal issue, and policymakers need to always be mindful of the challenges that seniors face when it comes to being able to access quality healthcare.

Cut 8 (11) “…they need them.”

___________________________________________

The Louisiana Senate approves legislation that would allow local governments to hold a vote to see if their residents want to have fluoride removed from their drinking water. Houma Republican Mike Fesi is the author of the bill; he says fluoride is bad for your body and your brain.

Cut 9 (11)  “…into the water.”

The measure passed on a 26-7 vote. Some Democrats voted for the legislation, like Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux, who is fine with giving Louisiana voters an opportunity to decide if they do not want fluoride in their water.

Cut 10 (10) “… of the people.”

Local governments began adding fluoride to public water systems in the mid-1900s as a way to prevent tooth decay. Health experts say it’s safe. But Fesi says more research keeps coming out on how fluoride impacts your body, including parts of your brain.

Cut 11 (11) “…night to sleep?”

This measure still needs House approval.

___________________________________________

LSU Athletic Director Verge Ausberry has announced that the LSU baseball program will receive more revenue share dollars next season. Ausberry made the announcement during an interview with Matt Moscona on ESPN Baton Rouge radio.

Cut 12 (11) “…with my coaches.”

This season, LSU baseball was sharing a five-percent allotment of revenue share dollars with softball, gymnastics and the Olympic sports. But Ausberry says for the 2026-27 athletic season, baseball will receive five-percent of the revenue sharing dollars to match what women’s basketball receives.

In an interview with Tiger Rag Magazine in February, Johnson expressed concerned that not enough financial resources was being put into the LSU baseball program. Ausberry says they want to make sure Johnson has what he needs to win.

Cut 13 (08) “…in the country.”

Ausberry says seven sports will receive revenue share dollars. Sports like track and field and swimming will receive more scholarship money. And he’s re-organized the athletic department to put more of emphasis on fundraising and securing NIL dollars.

Cut 14 (08) “…coaches daily.”

The Louisiana Senate approves legislation that would allow local governments to hold a vote to see if their residents want to have fluoride removed from their drinking water. It passed on a 26-7 vote. Some Democrats voted in favor of the bill, including Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux, who is fine with giving Louisiana voters an opportunity to decide if they do not want fluoride in their water.

Cut 10 (11) “…vote of the people.”

The Medicare Advantage plan is getting an increase in federal funding of nearly two and a half percent. Darren Grubb with the advocacy group Medicare Advantage Majority says the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services had originally proposed a funding increase of just nine-hundredths of one-percent, and that was not going to be nearly enough.

Cut 6 (09) “…an affordability crisis..”

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is urging you to turn off all unnecessary lights on your property at 11 p-m each night through the end of May. Board member Charles Williams, who founded the Lights Out Louisiana initiative, says whether you’re in a high-rise building or even in a single-story home, you should especially turn off all lights that are visible from the outside.

Cut 5 (08) “…deaths as well.”

LSU Athletic Director Verge Ausberry has announced that the LSU baseball program will receive more revenue share dollars next season. Ausberry made the announcement during an interview with Matt Moscona on ESPN Baton Rouge radio…

Cut 12 (11) “…with my coaches.”

This season LSU baseball was sharing a five-percent allotment of revenue share dollars with softball, gymnastics and the Olympic sports.

Among the constitutional amendments on next month’s ballot is one that would allow local governments to reduce or eliminate inventory taxes in exchange for a one-time payment. Steven Procopio, the president and CEO of the Public Affairs Research Council, says while the tax is universally disliked by the business community, getting rid of it is not that simple.

Cut 7 (14) “…they afford it?”

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is urging you to turn off all unnecessary lights at night from now through the end of May. Board member Charles Williams, who founded the Lights Out Louisiana initiative, says excessive lighting can be very harmful to migrating birds.

Cut 3 (13) “…into those buildings.”

The House Labor Committee approves legislation that would protect a worker from disciplinary action if he or she does not use a co-worker’s preferred gender pronoun. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Police in Ruston arrest four people in connection with a string of vehicle burglaries. Police say the four, who range in age from 24 to 17, are responsible for breaking into 47 vehicles and one home. Police say the arrests come following a months-long operation of intelligence gathering and proactive patrol work, along with cooperation from the community.

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, there’s a big event happening in Ponchatoula starting today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The House Labor Committee approves legislation that would protect a worker from disciplinary action if he or she does not use a co-worker’s preferred gender pronoun. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Ole Miss fifth-year senior transfer linebacker T.J. Dottery spoke about his decision to follow his coach to LSU. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, why not head to Ponchatoula and take in the Strawberry Festival? It starts this morning at eleven and runs through Sunday at Memorial Park on North Sixth Street. Donald Lanier with the Strawberry Festival says they’ll be taking over Main Street tomorrow morning with a parade that begins at 9:30.

Cut 4 (08) “…off the weekend.”

The best part about the Strawberry Festival is that it costs nothing to get in, and Lanier says there are strawberries everywhere.

Cut 5 (09) “…anything like that.”

And if you’re wondering how this year’s strawberry crop is, Lanier says to put it bluntly, it is fantastic!

Cut 6 (12) “…them fast enough.”

One important change from last year – tonight and tomorrow night, the festival will close at eight o’clock. In past years, it would stay open until ten, but an unfortunate incident last year is leading organizers to close it two hours earlier. It closes at six Sunday evening.

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Teacher pay raises won’t be the only thing voters will be deciding in next month’s constitutional amendment election. There are four other amendments on the ballot, including one that would allow local governments to reduce or eliminate inventory taxes on businesses in exchange for a one-time payment. Steven Procopio, the president and CEO of the Public Affairs Research Council, says while the tax is universally disliked by the business community, getting rid of it is not that simple.

Cut 7 (14) “…they afford it?”

Procopio says another amendment on the ballot is whether the mandatory retirement age for judges should be raised from 70 to 75 – the third time that this has been put to voters.

Cut 8 (08) “…fresh or younger?”

Voters will also decide whether to authorize the creation of the St. George Community School System in East Baton Rouge Parish. Procopio says the only reason that this is going to voters statewide is because that’s what the rules say.

Cut 9 (07)  “…of the state.”

But for the most part, the outcome of that vote would have no impact on anyone living outside East Baton Rouge Parish.

____________________________________________________________

The House Labor Committee passes legislation that would prohibit a private or public employer from firing or taking retaliatory action against an employee for misgendering. Chairman Raymond Crews of Bossier City is the author of the legislation.

Cut 10 (09) “…is that proper?”

Crews is referring to Luke Ash, who was let go of his job last July after he refused to use someone’s preferred pronouns. The measure is heading to the House floor after a six-to-four vote along party lines in House Labor.

Shreveport Democratic Representative Tammy Phelps reminded the committee that as long as a business does not fire a worker based on race, sex, age, religion, natural origin or disability, it does not have to give a reason for the dismissal.

Cut 11 (06) “…why they’re firing.”

Peyton Rose Michelle, with Louisiana Trans Advocates, believes the legislation is unfair, because state law does not protect trans people from discrimination, yet this bill would protect someone who intentionally tries to disrespect a transgender individual.

Cut 12 (10) “…and be disrespectful.”

Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder voted for the legislation. Wilder says he will always use the birth-assigned pronouns based on his religious beliefs, and he shouldn’t lose his job over that.

Cut 13 (10)  “…to protect that.”

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If you missed out on eating crawfish during Easter weekend, now is the time to get them and at a lower price. Laney King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, says dock prices fell 50 cents per pound Monday, which has resulted in live crawfish selling for less than three dollars a pound.

Cut 14 (13) “…dollars a pound.”

King says Easter is the highest demand weekend of the year for crawfish; but once that passes, demand softens slightly, but supply remains strong and that combination leads to lower prices.

Cut 15 (11) “…your favorite spot.”

King says the post-Easter price drop is a typical seasonal pattern.

Cut 16 (07) “…this nice price.”

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LSU fifth-year senior linebacker T.J. Dottery is one of four players who decided to follow Lane Kiffin to Baton Rouge after Ole Miss’ playoff run. Dottery, who led the SEC in tackles last season with 98, says he’s already enjoying playing for his new defensive coordinator, Blake Baker.

Cut 17 (15)  “…nothing but good.”

The LSU defense brought in several top transfers while returning a couple of key starters from last year’s team. Dottery says the Tigers’ defense will have to do something special this season.

Cut 18 (14)  “…part of it.”

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The LSU baseball team begins a three-game series against Ole Miss in Oxford this weekend. Sophomore catcher Cade Arrambide says he and his teammates are looking forward to playing another rival in another hostile ballpark.

Cut 19 (16) “…ton of fans.”

LSU redshirt junior pitcher Gavin Guidry says getting off the field quickly and inducing short innings will be key against an Ole Miss team that capitalizes on mistakes and errors.

Cut 20 (11) “…continue to avoid.”

The House Labor Committee turns aside a bill that would have raised the minimum wage to 12 dollars an hour. The debate over raising the minimum wage is an annual one at the state capitol. Lafayette Representative Themi Chassion wants to see more action than just talking.

Cut 26 (06) “…real adjustment.”

The vote to defeat the bill was seven-to-five. Slidell Representative Brian Glorioso was among the seven who voted no; he says the solution to boosting incomes in Louisiana is not raising the minimum wage.

Cut 22 (06) “…fix the problem.”

The minimum wage is $7.25, and it’s been that way for 17 years. Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, said it shouldn’t be up to the government to decide how much business owners should pay their employees.

Cut 28 (06) “…type of business.”

The House Labor Committee passes legislation that would prohibit a private or public employer from firing or taking retaliatory action against an employee for misgendering. Chairman Raymond Crews of Bossier City is the author of the legislation.

Cut 10 (09) “…is that proper?”

Crews is referring to Luke Ash, who was let go of his job last July after he refused to use someone’s preferred pronouns.

Peyton Rose Michelle, with Louisiana Trans Advocates, believes the legislation is unfair, because state law does not protect trans people from discrimination, yet this bill would protect someone who intentionally tries to disrespect a transgender individual.

Cut 12 (10) “…and be disrespectful.”

The measure is heading to the House floor after a six-to-four vote along party lines.

The House Labor Committee voted against a bill today to increase the state’s minimum wage to 12 dollars an hour starting on January 1st. Business groups say a higher minimum wage will result in fewer jobs and higher costs that will be passed on to the consumer. Melissa Flourney, the co-founder of Ten-thousand Women, pointed out to the committee that 30 states have a higher minimum wage than $7.25.

Cut 9 (10)  “…leaving Arkansas.”

The measure failed on a vote of seven to five. Slidell Representative Brian Glorioso voted against the measure, saying he would rather see investments in workforce training…

Cut 10 (09) “…minimum wage.”

The minimum wage has been $7.25 an hour since July of 2009.

The first long range forecast for the upcoming hurricane season is encouraging. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Organizers of this year’s Strawberry Festival are putting an extra emphasis on safety and security this year after last year’s event was marred by a shooting. That’s already started, as four people have been banned from this year’s festival for making threats to the event. Ponchatoula Police have identified one of them as 19-year-old Amari Sexton.

The House Labor Committee turns aside a bill that would have raised the minimum wage to 12 dollars an hour. The minimum wage is $7.25, and it’s been that way for 17 years. The debate over raising the minimum wage is an annual one at the state capitol. Several other previous proposals failed to make it out of committee. Lafayette Representative Themi Chassion wants to see more action than just talking.

Cut 12 (06) “…real adjustment.”

Of course, you’re going to need to earn a lot more than minimum wage to fill your gas tank these days. Here in Louisiana, a gallon of regular unleaded is averaging $3.78 a gallon; diesel is averaging $5.32 a gallon. The summer travel season is rapidly approaching; and Gas Buddy-dot-com Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says if this trend continues, it will have a devastating effect on summer travel, both by car and by airplane.

Cut 8 (06) “…in that regard.”

If the Colorado State University hurricane forecast team’s prediction is spot-on, we could be in for another quiet hurricane season this year. The team is predicting 13 named storms this year, which is one fewer than the average of 14. Researcher Chandler Jenkins says of those 13, the team is predicting six to become hurricanes, including two major hurricanes.

Cut 5 (06) “…hurricane forecast activity.”

There were 13 named storms last year, including five hurricanes – none of which made landfall in the U.S.

So who’s leading in the race for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate? It depends on which poll you believe. The campaigns for Julia Letlow and John Fleming have released polls showing each one in the lead. The poll by JMC Analytics and Polling commissioned by the Fleming campaign shows Fleming leading the pack with 33-percent support. A poll by BDPC Strategic Campaign Services commissioned by Letlow shows her in front with 29-percent support.