The House approved a budget proposal before taking off for the weekend. House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says the 47-billion-dollar budget proposal will not raise taxes and speeds up investments in better classrooms and more high-paying jobs.

Cut 13 (11) “…for our citizens.”

According to first quarter campaign finance reports, Bill Cassidy has by far the most cash on hand in the G-O-P U.S. Senate race with more than seven-million dollars. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says that’s not surprising, with Cassidy being an incumbent.

Cut 3 (10) “…is still unclear.”

Julia Letlow’s campaign reports more than 2.275-million dollars, while John Fleming’s campaign reports just under 2.2-million.

Louisiana launches a plan to provide soon-to-be-released inmates with health insurance through Medicaid. Governor Landry says this initiative gives inmates a continuity of care, particularly for those with mental health and substance use disorders.

Cut 7 (07) “…a normal life.”

Under this new policy, inmates would be approved for Medicaid up to 90 days before they are released from prison or jail.

Another whooping crane is shot to death in Evangeline Parish. Biologists reported a lost signal on the whooping crane’s collar on March 19th, and Wildlife and Fisheries agents found the dead bird the next day. LDWF Corporal Tib Guillory says 49-year-old Michael Alaniz of Chicago admitted to killing the bird after agents found the whooping crane on a crawfish farm near Highway 106.

Cut 10 (08) “…shot the bird.”

Updated campaign finance totals are out for the major candidates in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Andrew Greenstein has the analysis.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Inmates released from prison will have Medicaid as part of a plan the state and the U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services are working to put in place. Joe Gallinaro has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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The first quarter campaign finance reports are released; and in the race for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Louisiana, Bill Cassidy has by far the most cash on hand with more than seven-million dollars in his war chest. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says that’s not surprising, given the fact that Cassidy is an incumbent running for re-election.

Cut 3 (10) “…is still unclear.”

Julia Letlow’s campaign reports more than 2.275-million dollars cash on hand, while John Fleming’s campaign reports just under 2.2-million. Fleming’s total, however, is exceeded by more than 3.6-million in debts still owed, after Fleming loaned his own campaign more than ten-million dollars. Cross says self-funding his campaign may be part of his strategy.

Cut 4 (10) “…more a contender.”

Cross says no one is in danger of running out of money between now and May 16th, after which date things will heat up ahead of the June 27th runoff.

Cut 5 (12) “…are right now.”

While Cassidy has almost twice as much cash on hand than Fleming and Letlow combined, polls indicate that it’s unclear which of the three will end up being the odd one out after May 16th,

____________________________________________

Louisiana is partnering with the U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services on a program that would allow soon-to-be released inmates to receive health insurance through Medicaid. Governor Jeff Landry says this proactive approach helps offenders successfully transition back into their communities and rebuild their lives.

Cut 6 (09) “…member of society.”

Under this new policy, inmates would be approved for Medicaid up to 90 days before they are released from prison or jail. Landry says the initiative gives inmates a continuity of care, particularly for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.

Cut 7 (07) “…a normal life.”

Louisiana Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says by beginning medical services for substance abuse treatment and mental health disorders while in prison and providing a 30-day supply of prescription drugs, these people are much less likely to go back to jail after they’re released.

Cut 8 (08) “…once they leave.”

Officials are aiming to have the program operating in the summer.

____________________________________________

Another whooping crane is shot to death in Evangeline Parish. Biologists reported a lost signal on the whooping crane’s collar on March 19th, and Wildlife and Fisheries agents found the dead bird the next day. LDWF Corporal Tib Guillory says 49-year-old Michael Alaniz of Chicago admitted to killing the bird.

Cut 9 (08)  “…harvesting the bird.”

Corporal Guillory says agents found the whooping crane on a crawfish farm near Highway 106.

Cut 10 (08) “…shot the bird.”

Whooping cranes are an endangered species; and, as such, Guillory says it is illegal to shoot one.

Cut 11 (09) “…population going forward.”

Alaniz is charged with violating the migratory bird treaty act and faces a fine of up to 950 dollars and up to 120 days in jail. He will also be assessed civil restitution of up to 15-thousand dollars for the replacement value of the bird.

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Before Louisiana lawmakers left for the weekend, the state House approved a 47-billion-dollar budget proposal. House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says the spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1st makes critical investments in public school classrooms and workforce training.

Cut 12 (11) “…high-impact jobs program.”

The House’s budget proposal contains the funding Governor Landry is seeking for the LA GATOR Scholarship program. But Senate leaders oppose Landry’s proposal to double the funding for the program that provides taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition and other education expenses.

McFarland says this budget proposal will not raise taxes and speeds up investments in better classrooms and more high-paying jobs.

Cut 13 (11) “…for our citizens.”

McFarland says for the first time since 2009, there is an increase in per-student funding for school districts.

Cut 14 (11) “…local school districts.”

The expenses include fuel, insurance, utilities and retirement costs.

The Senate will put together its own budget proposal, and that will take several weeks to do.

Before lawmakers left for the weekend, the state House approved a 47-billion-dollar budget proposal. House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says the spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1st makes critical investments in public school classrooms and workforce training.

Cut 12 (11) “…high-impact jobs program.”

According to first quarter campaign finance numbers, Bill Cassidy has a huge lead in cash on hand in the race for the G-O-P nomination for U.S. Senate, with more than seven-million dollars. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says no one is in danger of running out of money between now and May 16th, after which date things will pick up.

Cut 5 (12) “…are right now.”

Inmates released from prison will have Medicaid as part of a plan the state and the U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services are working to put in place. Joe Gallinaro has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Another whooping crane is shot to death in Evangeline Parish. LDWF Corporal Tib Guillory says 49-year-old Michael Alaniz of Chicago admitted to killing the bird last month.

Cut 9 (08)  “…harvesting the bird.”

First quarter campaign finance numbers are out; and in the race for the G-O-P nomination for U.S. Senate, Bill Cassidy has a huge lead with more than seven-million dollars cash on hand. Julia Letlow has more than 2.275-million, while John Fleming has more than 2.2-million after loaning himself 10-million dollars. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says self-funding his campaign may be part of his strategy.

Cut 4 (10) “…more a contender.”

Louisiana is partnering with the U-S Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services on a program that would allow soon to be released inmates to receive health insurance through Medicaid. Governor Jeff Landry says this proactive approach helps offenders successfully transition back into their communities and rebuild their lives…

Cut 6 (09) “…society.”

A resolution that seeks to lift deer feeding bans in response to chronic wasting disease is heading to the House floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A child is killed in a house fire in Minden. The child was pulled from the burning home early yesterday morning and was rushed to a hospital but unfortunately did not survive. The State Fire Marshal’s Office says while the cause is still unclear, fire investigators have confirmed that the home did not have a working smoke alarm.

According to first quarter campaign finance reports, Bill Cassidy has by far the most cash on hand in the G-O-P U.S. Senate race with more than seven-million dollars. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says that’s not surprising, given the fact that Cassidy is an incumbent running for re-election.

Cut 3 (10) “…is still unclear.”

Julia Letlow’s campaign reports more than 2.275-million dollars cash on hand, while John Fleming’s campaign reports just under 2.2-million.

The Public Service Commission approves Entergy Louisiana’s request to expedite the approval process on its plan to build seven new gas power plants to power Meta’s data center in Richland Parish. The P-S-C will vote in December on its power plan proposal, and Commissioner Jean-Paul Coussan says that’s plenty of time to review the plan.

Cut 26 (05) “…in Louisiana.”

Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Patrick McMath unveils his plan to fix the state agency responsible for child welfare. The Department of Children and Family Services has been criticized for not preventing child deaths after being alerted about dangers in the home.

Cut 13 (10)  “..now dead.”

McMath wants to move many of its functions within the Department of Health and put State Police in charge of handling child abuse reports.

The House Natural Resources Committee approves a resolution that would remove the deer feeding bans that are in place where chronic wasting disease has been found. Supporters say these bans hurt people’s hunting rights; but opponents, like LDWF Deer Program Manager Johnathan Bordelon, say they slow the spread of CWD.

Cut 12 (10) “…congregate deer.”

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.”

____________________________________________

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.