On his monthly radio call-in show, Governor Edwards talked about minimum wage and a gubernatorial candidate who’s fought against it. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis announces his candidacy for Secretary of State. Francis tells The Advocate he’s met with several clerks of court who’ve asked him to run. The Republican will challenge fellow party member and incumbent Kyle Ardion.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives are investigating a home invasion that killed a local business owner Tuesday night. 71-year-old, Mark L. Hailey, owner of Fat Daddy’s Crawfish in Shreveport was found unresponsive in his home. Natchitoches Police Captain Tony Moran says Hailey’s body was discovered by a relative who went to do a wellness check.

Cut 3 (09) “…the residence.” 

Preliminary autopsy results point to blunt force trauma as the cause of death.

24-year-old Dillon James has been sentenced to eight years in prison, one of the years has been suspended, for beating up a 67-year-old newspaper delivery person at his grandfather’s home in Rosepine. His brother, Douglas Paul James of DeRidder received a similar sentence last October. Vernon Parish D-A Terry Lambright…

Cut 15 (10)  “…of crime.”

During the governor’s monthly call-in radio show, John Bel Edwards weighed in on the 2023 governor’s race. Edwards said the former leader of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry Stephen Waguespack is a good person, but they have profound policy disagreements. Edwards says L-A-B-I has been a staunch opponent of raising the minimum wage from $7.25 an hour….

Cut 8 (07) “…about that.”

State Education is launching a grant program for schools to use towards funding a single point of entry for their campus to increase student safety. Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says 42 grants of half a million each will be awarded and while safety is at the forefront for modern construction of schools…

Cut 5 (11) “…employees safe.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves has introduced legislation to streamline federal disaster recovery assistance for storms and hurricanes.

Graves says if passed it will help clear red tape and bureaucratic log jams that delay storm victims returning to their homes…:

Cut 12 (12)  “…out the door faster.”

The 13th-seeded Ragin Cajuns head are 11.5 point underdogs heading into tonight’s NCAA first round matchup against Tennessee in Orlando. Senior Forward Terrence Lewis says they’ve prepared for this game like the 34 other games they’ve played this year…

Cut 18 (14) “…perfectly fine”

Tip off tonight is at 8:40.

As part of the federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, Louisiana will issue $21 million in grants for schools to increase campus safety. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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On his monthly radio call-in show, Governor Edwards talked about minimum wage and a gubernatorial candidate who’s fought against it. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Congressman Garret Graves introduces legislation aimed at clearing federal red tape and bureaucracy in hurricane recovery assistance…:

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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State Education is launching a grant program for schools to use towards funding a single point of entry for their campus to increase student safety. Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says 42 grants of half a million each will be awarded. He says some schools might only need minor adjustments others more substantial.

Cut 4 (10)  “…an application.”

Brumley says the grants can be used to add fencing, locks, cameras, or install metal detectors.

A single point of entry is considered best practice and Brumley says that’s a priority for the modern construction of schools.

Cut 5 (11) “…employees safe.”

A webinar to further explain the application process for the one-time funding will be held for school principals today.

Cut 6 (05)  “…after that.” 

The state received $21 million for the grants from the federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022.

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On his monthly radio call-in show “Ask the Governor,” Governor John Bel Edwards talked about raising the state’s minimum wage and how Republican Stephen Waguespack who’s running to replace him, has thwarted his efforts.

Cut 7 (11) “…by Waguespack.”

The state has been stagnant at $7.25 for more than a decade.

Cut 8 (07) “…about that.”

Edwards believes most Louisianans want to increase the minimum wage to help workers support their families. He thinks Waguespack will avoid the topic altogether on the campaign trail.

Cut 9 (06)  “…his campaign.”

The primary is October 14th.

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District 6 Congressman Garret Graves introduces legislation aimed at streamlining federal disaster recovery assistance for storms and hurricanes. On Talk 107.3 in Baton Rouge, Graves says current disaster recovery programs are bogged down in costly federal red tape that only an expert can negotiate, which leaves storm-ravaged local governments few options in trying to help residents…:

Cut 10 (10)  “…or spend the dollars.”

The Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act would create block grants under FEMA for “unmet needs,” and it empower local governments to decide where and when to best spend those dollars. Graves co-sponsors the bill with Congressman David Rouzer of North Carolina; a state that has seen its share of hurricanes and knows the problems with major storm recovery. Graves says getting support for the bill from fellow coastal states is not a concern, but…:

Cut 11 (09)  “… something that’s important.”

Graves says, if passed and signed by the President, the bill will help clear red tape and bureaucratic log jams that delay storm victims returning to their homes…:

Cut 12 (12)  “…out the door faster.”

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The second man convicted in the December 2021 attack on a newspaper delivery driver in Rosepine has been sentenced. 24-year-old, Dillion James was sentenced to eight years in prison  – the maximum sentence for his second-degree battery conviction. Vernon Parish District Attorney Terry Lambright .

Cut 13 (09) “…the wrong.” 

Because of a post-conviction motion filed by James’ defense, the sentencing was delayed until this week. James was sentenced by 30th Judicial District Judge Tony C. Bennett, who suspended one year of the eight-year sentence.

Cut 14 (10)  “…his eyes.”

James and his brother, Douglas Paul James, 33, of DeRidder, were found guilty of beating Woodie Blanks – after he delivered a newspaper to James’ grandfather’s home on Catfish Hut Road. Lambright says the safety of the residents in Vernon Parish is his priority.

Cut 15 (10)  “…of crime.”

James brother, Douglas Paul James of DeRidder, received a similar sentence last October.

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The 13th seeded Ragin Cajuns are 11.5 point underdogs heading into tonight’s NCAA first round matchup against Tennessee in Orlando. Coach Bob Marlin says he kept an eye on the Volunteers this season…

Cut  16 (14)  “..going to Orlando.” 

Marlin expects a battle in the paint…

Cut 17 (11) “…rebounding team.” 

The Cajuns are 26 and 7 on the season and won the Sun Belt Tournament to receive an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament. Senior Forward Terrence Lewis says they’ve prepared for this game like the 34 other games they’ve played this year…

Cut 18 (14) “…perfectly fine”

Tip-off tonight is at 8:40.

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Cut 19 (18) “…in there”

Cut 20 (22)  “…of schedule” 

A recent poll for governor has Attorney General Jeff Landry leading with 29 percent followed by Shawn Wilson with 28 percent. JMC Analytics Veteran pollster John Couvillon says with Wilson as the only major Democrat in the race…

Cut 9 (08) “…first in October.”

The poll was conducted March 6-8 and included Congressman Garett Graves who came in third before he announced he would not run.

The latest national survey of small businesses finds inflation and labor shortages continue to frustrate businesses. State Director of the NFIB Dawn McVea says the workforce issue needs to be resolved soon so the economy can grow again. She says they need the help of the federal and state government because small business owners are doing what they can to cope with the labor shortage…

Cut 14 (07)  “…work schedules.”
Amtrak and the Southern Rail Commission are seeking federal funding to study the feasibility of a new passenger rail service across North Louisiana. The corridor along Interstate 20 would serve cities between Meridian and Dallas-Fort Worth. Southern Rail Commission Chairman, Knox Ross says this has been an ongoing project.

Cut 6 (07)  “…distant service.” 

The National Hurricane Center says it will give out seven-day forecasts, instead of the traditional five, starting with this year’s hurricane season. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this update in forecasting will be beneficial…

Cut 4 (10)  “…be headed” 
The National Hurricane Center says they’ve been testing seven-day forecasts in recent years and now feel confident enough in them, to make them public.

The latest poll for governor has Republican Jeff Landry leading with 29 percent followed by Democrat Shawn Wilson with 28 percent. JMC Analytics Veteran pollster John Couvillon with the two running neck and neck the question is how much traction can the remaining four Republican candidates make before the primary.

Cut 10 (10) “…in the run-off.” 

The poll was conducted March 6-8.

The latest national survey of small business owners shows inflation and labor shortages continue to prevent full economic recovery from the COVID pandemic. N-F-I-B state director Dawn McVea says inflation has driven up prices and there’s a lack of qualified job applicants…

Cut 12 (09) “…unrelenting inflation”. 

After years of testing, tropical storm predictions will take a different spin from weather experts. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Amtrak and the Southern Rail Commission are seeking federal funding to study the feasibility of a new passenger rail service across North Louisiana. The corridor along Interstate 20 would serve cities between Meridian and Dallas-Fort Worth. Southern Rail Commission Chairman, Knox Ross says this has been an ongoing project.

Cut 6 (07)  “…distant service.” 

Canadian Pacific has agreed on the study, but the co-owner of Norfolk Southern Railway would also have to approve.

A recent poll for governor has Attorney General Jeff Landry leading with 29 percent followed by Shawn Wilson with 28 percent. John Couvillon with JMC Analytics says with Wilson as the only major Democrat in the race…

Cut 9 (09) “…first in October.”

The poll was conducted March 6-8 and included Congressman Garret Graves who came in third place with 12 percent.

If you’ve ever fallen victim to a scam the Federal Trade Commission wants you to report it. Emma Fletcher with the FTC encourages you to visit ReportFraud-dot-FTC-dot-gov and even if you haven’t lost money to make them aware of a potential scam.

Cut 11 (10)  “… for investigations.”

More than $8.8 billion was lost to scammers in the US last year.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says nine companies have applied for grant money that would result in them offering residential and commercial policies in coastal areas and that qualified companies could begin offering competitively priced options to Louisiana home and business owners very soon.

Cut 15 (05)  “…next month”

The legislature appropriated $45-million for insurance incentives to write policies in Louisiana.

A bill filed for the April legislative session would punish fentanyl dealers the same as convicted killers. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

A recent JMC Analytics poll for governor has Attorney General Jeff Landry leading with 29 percent of the vote followed by Shawn Wilson with 28 percent. The poll was conducted March 6-8 and included Congressman Garret Graves who came in third place with 12 percent.

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces nine companies have applied for grant money that would result in them offering residential and commercial policies in coastal areas. Donelon says the response is more than what they anticipated…

Cut 13 (09) “…that’s available” 

He says some of those companies could begin writing policies as early as April.

The Federal Trade Commission says last year 2.4 million Americans were scammed and or victim to identity theft with a total loss of $8.8 billion. Emma Fletcher with the FTC says they have tips on how to avoid scams on their website and if anyone ever asks you to buy a gift card to fix a problem…

Cut 12 (08) “…that a lot.”

Louisiana residents ranks among the top 5 states who are scammed and/or fall victim to Identity theft.

A bill filed for the April legislative session would punish fentanyl dealers the same as convicted killers. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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If you’ve ever been scammed or had your identity stolen you’re not alone. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The NFL league year begins today and the Saints got under the salary cap with new one-year deals for quarterback Jameis Winston and wide receiver Michael Thomas. Saints analyst Ross Jackson and The Advocate’s Luke Johnson shared their insight on the moves and look ahead to free agency. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick” 

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A Crowley lawmaker files legislation to raise criminal penalties for distributing fentanyl to make that equivalent to murder. Republican John Stefanski filed the bill for the legislative session that starts April 10^th. He says the consequences for dealing the drug should “match the violent damage it causes”…:

Cut 4 (10)  “…rest of your life.”

Stefanski’s bill would make possession of more than 28 grams of fentanyl (which is considered possession with intent to distribute) punishable with life in prison. Possessing smaller amounts could get 5 to 40 years in prison and up to $50-thousand in fines. Thousands die from fentanyl overdoses yearly in Louisiana. Stefanski says Louisiana has dealt with other drug scourges in similar fashion before…:

Cut 5 (12) “…those penalties.”

Stefanski says he has consulted with fellow lawmakers, sheriffs and district attorneys before filing his bill and they support the idea. He says he also expects bipartisan support from colleagues…:

Cut 6 (07)  “…you belong to.” 

Stefanski is also running for state Attorney General this fall.

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Governor John Bel Edwards and elected officials attended a groundbreaking ceremony for a state-of-the-art building on the Northwestern State University campus yesterday. NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones says the groundbreaking marks a special moment for the university.

Cut 7 (10) “…sixteenth president.”

NSU was awarded $44 million for the new building which will become the university’s main academic building. Jones says education is the engine for economic growth and diversification.

Cut 8 (10) “…their help.”

The more than 73,000 square feet building will feature laboratories for nursing and anesthesia programs, clinics, a cafe, 60 offices, and an administrative office suite that could include space for staff. Jones says it will become a hub of innovation for students

Cut 9 (05)  “…they graduate.”

The building will replace John S. Kyser Hall – the largest building on NSU’s campus.

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Louisiana is among the top five states when it comes to the highest per capita rates of both reported fraud and identity theft. Federal Trade Commission Senior Data Researcher Emma Fletcher says they received fraud reports from 2.4 million Americans last year with a total loss of $8.8 billion to scams.

Cut 10 (06)  “…really staggering numbers.”

And that’s up 30 percent from 2021.

The FTC says the most popular scams last year included Imposter or Romance Scams. Followed by Online Shopping Scams, Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams. The fourth most popular is Investment Scams like cryptocurrency and then Job Scams.

If you’ve been a victim Fletcher encourages you to report it by going to ReportFraud-dot-FTC-dot-gov and even if you haven’t lost money to make them aware of a potential scam.

Cut 11 (10)  “… for investigations.”

The FTC also has tips on their website on how to possibly recover your losses if you’ve been scammed along with a description of ongoing scams. Fletcher says to be on guard and if anyone ever asks you to buy gift cards to fix a problem…

Cut 12 (08) “…that a lot.”

And to receive tips and updates about the latest scams visit FTC-dot-gov-slash-consumer alerts and enter your email address.

You can visit the article posted on LouisianaRadioNetwork-dot-com for those websites.

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Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces nine companies have applied for grant money that would result in them offering residential and commercial policies in coastal areas. Donelon says the response is more than what they anticipated…

Cut 13 (09) “…that’s available” 

Earlier this year, lawmakers appropriated 45-million dollars for the Insure Louisiana Incentive Program. Donelon says since they have nine companies seeking 62-million dollars, they’ll look to appropriate more dollars for the fund when the legislative session begins next month.

Donelon says in the meantime they will review the applications from the nine insurance companies seeking grant funding…

Cut 14 (14)  “..the budget”

Donelon says once their review is complete they will ask the Joint Legislative Budget Committee for approval as early as this Friday. He says the companies that qualify could begin offering competitively priced options to Louisiana home and business owners soon

Cut 15 (05)  “…next month”

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The Saints are expected to sign former All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas to a one-year incentive-based deal. The new deal avoids the over $60 million dollars Thomas would have been guaranteed had he played just 4 games in 2023 and allows Thomas to return to New Orleans now with new quarterback Derek Carr. Saints analyst Ross Jackson says it’s a good deal for both sides…

Cut  16 (16)  “…or else wise.” 

Thomas won the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award after a record-setting 2019 season but has played in only three games since then. The deal will allow Thomas to return to an offensive scheme he’s thrived in and an opportunity to earn $15 million with incentives. Luke Johnson of The Advocate says that the deal protects the Saints and will be more than worth it if even a fraction of the old Michael Thomas returns…

Cut 17 (19) “…of the cost.” 

The Saints have also resigned quarterback Jameis Winston to a one-year contract in an effort to free up more cap space. The move comes as a surprise for some as Winston is not expected to compete for the starting spot, but many teams with availability are expected to address the position in the draft or elsewhere. Winston chose to return to a familiar system in what Jackson says was a great move for the Saints…

Cut 18 (19) “…salary cap relief.”

As free agency kicks off and New Orleans fights yet again to get under the cap, they’ve had to watch many young talents find contracts elsewhere. Most notably defensive lineman Marcus Davenport, David Onyemata, and Shy Tuttle have all left for division opponents. After recent moves the Saints are only a few million under the salary cap, but with more cap-saving opportunities and how the front office structures their deals, Johnson says the Saints will still be active in free agency…

Cut 19 (18) “…in there”

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Cut 20 (22)  “…of schedule” 

Baton Rouge Police have 45-year-old Derrick Perkins in custody and say he’s a Person Of Interest in the mysterious death of Georgia businessman Nathan Millard last month. BRPD Sgt. L’Jean McNeely says Perkins is accused of using Millard’s debit card at two convenience stores and he’s also accused of stealing a Toyota Camry that he was driving when those debit charges were made. The same car was found burned not far from where Millard’s body was found. The investigation is ongoing.

Louisiana’s longest-serving Insurance Commissioner, Jim Donelon, announces he’s not running for re-election. He’s run the Department of Insurance since 2006, and has been in state government for about 50 years…but he says the time has come to step away…:

Cut 4 (10)  “…new hobbies” 

Donelon is 78 years old. Tim Temple is now the only declared candidate for Insurance Commissioner.

Because the cost of insulin has risen from $20 a vial to anywhere between $300 and $700 since the 90s, Attorney General Jeff Landry is taking on manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers.

Cut 9 (11) “…are charging folks.”

Landry hopes the lawsuit will result in patients being charged a reasonable $30 per vial of insulin.

Despite women being the majority of the state’s population – we are the minority in the Louisiana legislature. There are currently 23 in the House and five in the Senate. Chair of the Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus, Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says one reason why is because women face larger challenges and more burdens than men…

Cut 8 (06)  “… we got.” 

Of the state legislature’s 144 seats only 28 are held by females.

Baton Rouge Police say they have arrested a Person Of Interest in the mysterious death of Georgia businessman Nathan Millard last month. BRPD Sgt. L’Jean McNeely says 45-year-old Derrick Perkins was with Millard the night he died, and patrolling officers located him today, in the overnight hours…:

Cut 12 (07) “…in custody. 

Police will question him about the death of Nathan Millard on February 23^rd.

Louisiana’s longest-serving Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces he’s not running for re-election. Donelon has served as the state’s insurance commissioner since 2006, but over the last year the number of insurance companies willing to write private property insurance has declined and that’s where his focus needs to be.

Cut 3 (05) “…re-election effort.” 

The only announced candidate for Insurance Commissioner is Republican Tim Temple.

Because the cost of insulin has risen from $20 a vial to anywhere between $300 and $700 since the 90s, Attorney General Jeff Landry is taking on manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers.

Cut 9 (11) “…are charging folks.”

Sanofi-Aventis, (so-noff-ee) Novo Nordisk, and several Pharmacy Benefit Managers are named in the suit. Just this morning Novo Nordisk announced they are lowering the cost of their insulin pens and vials by up to 75% beginning January 1^st and last month Lilly said they are capping the cost of a vial of insulin at $35 dollars.