Congressman and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise led colleagues in passing a bill requiring federal workers to return to the office. It’s dubbed the “SHOW UP Act”; an acronym for Stopping Home Office Work’s Unproductive Problems He says the federal government shouldn’t be operating in lockdown mode anymore. He cites the Veterans Administration as an example of the so-called “unproductive problems.”

Cut  4 (12)  “…that hurts people.” 

The bill heads to the Senate.

25-year-old Kevin Comardelle of Hahnville was sentenced to 8 years after the boat he was operating on July 4^th ran into another and killed 36-year-old Audrey Higgins. State Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says Comardelle was intoxicated.

Cut 8 (04)  “…prevented.” 

Four other passengers suffered significant injuries.

Thirty-one-year-old Louis Foret of Morgan City has received a life sentence after admitting to fatally shooting a Thibodaux man multiple times two years ago. Lafourche Parish District Attorney spokesperson David Melancon says Foret shot and killed his friend Chance Benoit.

Cut 14 (11)   “..hung up the phone.”

After a Shar Pei puppy was stolen from a Lakeview home in New Orleans Monday, a $1300 reward is being offered for its safe return. Humane Society of Louisiana Director Jeff Dorson says when UNO student Scott Elston arrived at his home, artwork and electronics had been stolen along with his beloved puppy Toby.

Cut 10 (11) “…they’re doing.” 

You’re asked to contact the Humane Society of Louisiana if you have any information about the puppy.

The Louisiana House has approved a bill that puts 45-million dollars to an incentive fund for insurance companies to provide homeowners coverage. It 90-8 vote. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan voted against it.

Cut 13 (13)  “….make sense.”

Funding the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program will be debated at the regular session. The program would give homeowners grants to have their roofs updated to withstand 150-mile-per-hour winds and Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland says it would lower insurance rates.

Cut 5 (14) “…hold the roof down.”

The regular session begins April 10^th.

The 2022 Louisiana Economic Development Annual Report says the state topped $20 billion in economic investment for a second consecutive year. And LED Secretary Don Pierson says their focus isn’t just on metro areas of the state.

Cut 11 (12)  “…larger companies.”

Antiques Roadshow is coming to Baton Rouge. You can register to win tickets at pbs.org forward slash antiques. Roadshow Producer Marsha Bemko says appraisers will tell participants where the two items were made, a little history about it, and their value. But when experts eye something remarkable the experience is quite different.

Cut 9 (06)  “…cameras are rolling.”

The deadline to register for tickets is March 13^th and the show will be recorded on May 2^nd.

At the legislative special session today, the Louisiana House voted for a measure that creates a 45-million-dollar incentive fund that would provide grants to insurance companies who write private property policies. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder with the final vote tally

Cut 14 (12)   “..finally passed.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says he’s still not ready to decide if he’s running for governor. Graves is not happy the state GOP has already endorsed Attorney General Jeff Landry in the Louisiana governor’s race. He says voters are upset a group of Republicans are trying to hand pick the next governor…

Cut 07  (08)      “…strongly encouraged.”

Graves has served in the U.S. House since 2015.

Louisiana loves beef, but the USDA’s 2023 Cattle Report predicts higher costs ahead for the popular protein. Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO David Foster concurs with the USDA’s findings the national herd is down over 39 million head from one year ago…:

Cut 3 (10) “…were down 6 percent.” 

Foster says there are fewer beef cattle around, which drives up costs based on availability.

Ready for another big lottery jackpot drawing? Tonight’s Powerball is worth $ 653 million, with a lump-sum cash payment of $ 351 million. Louisiana Lottery’s Dustin Annison says the jackpot has rolled over 31 straight times with no winner…:

Cut 10 (08) “…Louisiana winner.” 

Tickets for tonight’s drawing will be on sale until 9 pm. The drawing is at 10.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves still has not made up his mind on running for governor.

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Tour dates for Beyonce’s 2023 Renaissance World tour have been released and she’s saving the best for last. The final date on the tour is New Orleans at the Superdome on September 27^th. Tickets go on sale Monday, February 6th.

Louisiana loves beef, but the USDA’s 2023 Cattle Report predicts higher costs ahead for the popular protein. Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO David Foster concurs with the USDA’s findings the national herd is down over 39 million head from one year ago…:

Cut 3 (10) “…were down 6 percent.” 

Foster says there are fewer beef cattle around, which drives up costs based on availability.

There’s another big jackpot drawing tonight. Powerball is up to $653 million with a cash value of $351 million. So just what are your chances of winning? Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says the odds of hitting a jackpot are one in 292 million.

Cut 11 (11)  “…million dollars.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is still not ready to make a decision on whether to run for governor or not. During his weekly appearance on Mornings with Brian Haldane on Talk 107-3, Graves admits the Louisiana Republican Party’s endorsement of Attorney General Jeff Landry has led to a push for him to run for governor…

Cut 8 (12)  “…absurd” 

There’s another big jackpot drawing tonight. Powerball is up to $653 million with a cash value of $351 million. Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says this Powerball jackpot has been rolling since November 21^st.

Cut 9 (05) “…right now.” 

Tickets for tonight’s drawing must be purchased by 9:00 PM.

Louisiana loves beef, but new federal data shows we can expect to pay more for the popular protein in the months ahead. Kevin Gallagher has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is still not ready to make a decision on whether to run for governor or not. Graves says he’s received encouragement to run, but his busy schedule in Washington D-C has kept him from examining the race.

Cut 6 (11)  “…you posted” 

As lawmakers debate a $45-million incentive fund to help Louisiana’s property insurance crisis, Democratic Caucus Chairman Sam Jenkins (D – Shreveport) says the state’s insurance problems all came to be under Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon’s watch…:

Cut 4 (08)  “…in a timely manner.”

The 45-million dollar incentive fund bill aimed at bringing more private property insurers to Louisiana is up for a vote in the Louisiana House today.

A report from the state Legislative Auditor shows Black students in Louisiana are over five times more likely to attend a public school with a D or F rating. Daniel Erspamer, with the Pelican Institute for Public Policy, says the report illustrates that basic fundamental change in public education is called for…:

Cut 13 (10)  “…. high-quality schools.”

Today is National Unclaimed Property Day. And here in the Bayou State, Treasurer John Schroder says Louisiana has a billion dollars on paper in Unclaimed Property and they’ve just launched a pilot program that works with large businesses to find data matches and it’s proving to be successful.

Cut 11 (11)  “…this program.”

He says one in six Louisianans have unclaimed property, visit LAcashclaim.org to see if you do.

The state House Democratic caucus calls for accountability and transparency as lawmakers prepare to pay a $45-million insurance incentive fund. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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For National Unclaimed Property Day State Treasurer John Schroder will hand out more than 500 checks. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A new study shows Louisiana’s black public school kids are five times more likely to be attending a failing school. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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As lawmakers continue to debate a $45-million incentive fund to help Louisiana’s property insurance crisis, House Democrats call for transparency and accountability from the Department of Insurance. Democratic Caucus Chairman Sam Jenkins (D – Shreveport) says the state’s insurance problems all came to be under Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon’s watch…:

Cut 4 (08)  “…in a timely manner.”

Jenkins says lawmakers need to assure the Insure Louisiana Fund, if approved, is a good use of taxpayer money. He says they also need to have some tough conversations going forward…:

Cut 5 (09) “…to address it.”

Jenkins and the Democratic Caucus feel the Insurance Commissioner should be held accountable for the state’s current insurance mess, and – perhaps – a change of leadership at the Department of Insurance is warranted…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…want to keep going.” 

Jenkins says he’d personally like to see a Democrat challenge Donelon this fall, and see Democrats run for every state office.

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The Saints and Broncos agreed to compensation to send former saints Super Bowl-winning head coach Sean Payton to Denver.  New Orleans will receive the Broncos’ first-round pick this year (29^th overall) and their 2024 second-round pick in exchange for rights to Payton and the Saints’ 2024 third-round pick. Saints analyst Mike Detillier thinks it’s a good deal…

Cut 7 (12) “…quarterback dilemma.”

Many fans might be disappointed by the compensation after rumors of multiple first-round picks swirled as Payton had interviews with the Panthers, Cardinals, Texans, and Broncos. Some speculated the Saints were hoping teams would get in a bidding war for Payton, but Detillier says those expectations were unrealistic…

Cut 8 (07)  “…two seconds.”

The Broncos struggled this season after an offseason of high expectations. Denver sent multiple picks to Seattle in exchange for Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson worked alongside one of the NFL’s top skill-position groups, but the offense under new head coach Nathaniel Hackett was one of the worst in the league. Detillier says the ownership trusts Payton to turn things around…

Cut 9 (13)  “…Wilson around.”

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Today is National Unclaimed Property Day, and here in the Bayou State, Treasurer John Schroder says he’s celebrating the day by handing out checks.

Cut 10 (08)  “… their employees.”

This afternoon he’ll present over 500 checks totaling more than $42,000 to employees at a Baton Rouge General Hospital.

Schroder says the Unclaimed Property division in Louisiana has a billion dollars on paper and they’ve just launched a pilot program that works with large businesses to find data matches and it’s proving to be successful.

Cut 11 (11)  “…this program.”

You can always check to see if you have Unclaimed Property by visiting LAcashclaim.org. You never know if you have a deposit that was not returned or even a lost paycheck you didn’t know about.

Cut 12 (11) “…in this program.”

On average Schroder says they process 175 claims daily, but on special occasions and when the program is in the media they can receive up to three thousand claims.

______________________________________________

A report from the state Legislative Auditor shows black students in Louisiana are over five times more likely to attend a public school with a D or F rating. The report says about 41 percent of Black kids go to a bottom-of-the-scale school, as opposed to about 8 percent of white kids. Daniel Erspamer, with the Pelican Institute for Public Policy, says the report illustrates that basic fundamental change in public education is called for…:

Cut 13 (10)  “…. high-quality schools.”

The Auditor’s report says enrollments at A-rated schools are about 66 percent white, with Black students making up about 20 percent. The largest percentage of black kids was in schools with a D or F rating. Erspamer says this should be unacceptable to lawmakers and educators alike…:

Cut 14 (06)  “…a high-quality school.”

The state’s private schools are overwhelmingly white enrollment. Erspamer says too many minority families cannot afford tuition, so they must settle for whatever public schools can offer. He says state public education dollars go to school systems, and perhaps it’s time to change that…:

Cut 15 (09)  “…fixing this problem.”

He says too many schools do not demand excellence from teachers or students and allow kids to “fall between the cracks.”

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With the number-one ranked roster of the LSU baseball team, there’s still one position that doesn’t have a sure starter: second base. With the departure of last year’s starter Cade Doughty, junior Jack Merrifield, transfer Ben Nippolt, utility player Gavin Dugas, and freshman Gavin Guidry. Coach Jay Johnson says that there won’t be one starter…

Cut  16 (16)  “…to help us win” 

The Tigers had one of the top offenses in the season last year but were held back by poor performances defensively. LSU is hoping to help correct some pitching issues with the addition of transfer Paul Skenes. Skenes was named first-team All-American at Air Force last year and is the 25th-ranked prospect in the draft. Johnson says Skenes is one-thousand percent the Friday night starter…

Cut 17 (20) “…major league starter.” 

Johnson says the bullpen was a focus this offseason. LSU welcomed transfers Christian Little and Thatcher Hurd alongside Skenes and hopes to have a deep rotation this season. Johnson says that this year’s group will be an upgrade from last year…

Cut 18 (20) “…in the SEC.” 

_______________________________________________

Cut 19 (18) “..for sure”

Cut 20 (12)  “…get people on base” 

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There is the potential for light freezing rain across the northern parishes tonight, into the overnight hours, and tomorrow morning. Louisiana Radio Network Meteorologist John Wetherbee says high temperatures will only be in the upper 30s today. The advisory is for parishes along I-20…

Cut 10 (09) “…close to freezing” 

The advisory includes Ruston, Monroe, Rayville, and areas north that border Arkansas.

Former Saints Head Coach Sean Payton is getting back in the game. An ESPN NFL insider reports the Denver Broncos have agreed on a deal that would make Sean Payton the Bronco’s next head coach. The Saints would send Payton to Denver in return for the Bronco’s 2023 first-round pick and next year’s second-round pick. The NFL has not made an official statement as yet. Payton coached the Saints from 2006 to 2021.

At the State Capitol today, a House committee advances a proposed 45-million-dollar incentive fund that can be used to attract additional private property insurers to the state, but not without some debate.  House Insurance Chairman Mike Huval is an insurance agent in Breaux Bridge and says a similar program after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita helped revitalize the private property insurance market…:

CUT 11(10)      “…come also.”

That plan brought 5 companies to Louisiana when it was done in 2007, but Houma Representative Tanner Magee says several of them have since bailed…:

CUT 12(09)      “…pay claims”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says long-term property insurance reform legislation could be addressed in the regular session that starts in April.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is bringing broadband internet to Louisiana’s rural parishes. In his weekly press conference, Cassidy says Morehouse Parish is a great example, where there was once NO fast internet access at all…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…is connected.” 

He says more parishes have broadband projects underway and the goal is for fast internet access to be available statewide.

Mardi Gras parades return to their pre-pandemic routes this year. New Orleans Interim Police Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says planning began several months ago to ensure enough police officers were allocated from around the state to provide security for residents and tourists for Mardi Gras.

Cut  4 (10)  “…Mardi Gras season.” 

Broussard Police Department is investigating a nutty case of missing squirrel monkeys, Whitney Thomas Reports.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

There is the potential for light freezing rain across the northern parishes tonight, into the overnight hours and tomorrow morning. Louisiana Radio Network Meteorologist John Wetherbee says high temperatures will only be in the upper 30s today. The advisory is for parishes along I-20…

Cut 10 (09) “…close to freezing” 

Wetherbee says the advisory goes into effect tonight until tomorrow morning.

Revelers receive welcome news from the City of New Orleans as Mayor LaToya Cantrell officially announces parade routes will return to pre-pandemic paths and the Crescent City has secured enough police officers for carnival season.

Cut 3 (13) “…City of New Orleans” 

State lawmakers are debating a program to incentivize more insurance companies to cover properties in Louisiana. The Legislative Auditor shares a snapshot of the state’s insurance environment so members can make an informed decision.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

A report from the legislative auditor’s office finds that Black students are more than five times as likely to attend a D or F rated school than white students. So about 41-percent of Black students attend a school at the bottom of the grading scale, compared to just eight percent of white children.