Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the so-called “widow’s penalty” that results in higher auto insurance rates after a woman’s husband dies is not quite what it appears…
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Cops say they’ve arrested two men and searching for three others that allegedly robbed two LSU students at gunpoint inside their dorm room. Authorities say the five men were there under the guise to play video games. The thieves allegedly took iPhones, a Sony PlayStation controller and the keys to a 2019 Honda Accord that was eventually recovered.

The 2020 Democratic Presidential nomination process is rolling along and Louisiana Democrats will get a chance to pick their candidate April 4th. State Party Executive Director Stephen Handwerk says it’s a closed primary, which means only Democrats can vote in it. If you’re not a Democrat though, you can always join the party…
Cut 10 (08) “…election.”
The deadline to register is March 4th in person, or March 14th online.

A state audit alleges that a former fire chief in Webster Parish may have violated state law by paying himself excess compensation and purchasing auto parts for personal use. State auditor Roger Harris says they also believe Billy Rasberry Junior held two government jobs at once, which is against state law….
cut 9 (11) “…..deputy sheriff”
Rasberry’s attorney denies many of the claims made in the audit, including the allegation he violated state law by holding dual government positions.

Matt Doyle spoke to The National Federation of Independent Business, who says not lowering the jury trial threshold in the upcoming session is not an option…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The legislative auditor’s office alleges a former fire chief in Webster Parish paid himself 24-thousand in excess compensation. The investigative report says Billy Rasberry Junior may have violated state law.

Governor John Bel Edwards says rural communities are in a crisis and that’s why he created the Governor’s Advisory Council on Rural Revitalization. Edwards says many rural towns struggle with poverty, lack of adequate access to healthcare and education, so this council will help identify innovate solutions
Cut 9 (09) “…for success″
Former Bogalusa senator Ben Nevers will serve as chairman of the Council.

The town of Holden is morning death of a 16-year-old who was killed in a single vehicle wreck on Highway 190 in Livingston Parish. State Police Trooper Taylor Scrantz says Nathan Raymond of Holden was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene, four others in the vehicle that hit a tree, were seriously injured. Scrantz says they are trying to determine why the GMC Sierrra ran off the road…
cut 4 (09) “…prior to impact”
Scrantz says it was raining at the time of the wreck.

Legislation has been filed for the legislative session that begins next month that would end the requirement for a concealed carry permit. Opponents of the proposal argue concealed carry creates additional public risk and the licensing classes exist to ensure gun owners are responsible and informed enough to carry a concealed weapon. But the author of the bill, Oil City Representative Danny McCormick disagrees…
cut 9 (04) “…per say”
Governor Edwards is a second-amendment supporter, but no word if he supports this legislation.

Meanwhile, Edwards has created an Advisory Council on Rural Revitalization. Louisiana Farm Bureau President Ronnie Anderson is one of 34 appointees and says the work is important because many rural areas are drying up….
cut 13 (11) “…these rural areas”
Anderson says expanding broadband internet availability is one goal of the council.

The Senate votes to advance a measure limiting the President’s authority to engage in acts of war against Iran. Matt Doyle spoke with one of the measure’s supporters Senator Bill Cassidy…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux has apologized after one of his detectives put down the wrong birth date of an individual who has failed to return a leased vehicle. The error led to Sara Saucier of Ponchtatoula spending 36 hours in a New Orleans jail after U-S customs agents arrested her on a cruise ship.

Governor Edwards signs an executive order formally establishing the Governor’s Advisory Council on Rural Revitalization. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

An 89-year-old man with dementia remains missing this morning after his truck was found in a field in Acadia Parish Friday morning. James Gunnels was last seen at the Canterbury House in Alexandria and left the assisted living facility to go to the store and never returned.

Two bills have been filed for the upcoming legislative session that would do away with the state’s law that requires a concealed handgun permit for those who possess a concealed handgun. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick believes the current law infringes on a person’s second amendment right…
cut 8 (12) “….worship”
The legislation would still require that a person is legally able to possess a firearm under state and federal law.

A 2019 report from True Colors United and the National Law Center for Homelessness ranks Louisiana seventh among the 50 states and District of Columbia in its efforts to address youth homelessness. Co-author of the study, Dylan Waguespack says the state has been dealing with this issue for some time…
Cut 10 (06) “…a new issue.”

An Oil City Representative thinks it’s time for the state to do away with the need to have a concealed carry license to carry a concealed handgun. Brooke Thorington has more on this proposed legislation that will be debated in the upcoming legislative session…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Shreveport Homicide detectives are investigating the fatal shooting of a woman last night in the Cedar Grove neighborhood. A 9-1-1 caller reported hearing an argument before shots were fired. First responders rushed the victim to a local hospital where she died. There’s an active search for the suspect.

Senator Bill Cassidy is one of eight Republicans to join Senate Democrats in voting to limit the President’s authority to take military action against Iran. Cassidy says the vote was not a slight to President Trump, he just feels Congress needs to reclaim its responsibility in deciding when to head to war and make sure any decision has public support.
Cut 4 (10) “…united”
The measure heads to the House, where it’s expected to pass.

A new report ranks Louisiana seventh in the country for its efforts to address youth homelessness. The report comes from the True Colors United and the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty. Co-author of the report Dylan Waguespack says a new law that allows children in foster care to remain in state care to 21 instead of 18 is one reason for the positive ranking…
cut 11 (08) “…their 18th birthday”

Legislation has been filed for the upcoming session that would eliminate the need to have a concealed carry license in order to possess a concealed handgun in Louisiana. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says open carry is already legal in Louisiana, and requiring people to get a permit to cover up that gun is just a tax.
Cut 7 (09) “…call it.”
Opponents of the legislation will say concealed handgun permit classes help to ensure gun owners are responsible and informed.

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed an executive order that establishes an Advisory Council on Rural Revitalization. Louisiana Farm Bureau President Ronnie Anderson is on the Council and he says they will identify the challenges rural Louisiana faces like broadband internet availability….
Cut 14 (08) “…have better service”
The Council will develop and submit a comprehensive strategic plan to the Governor by January 5th.

Louisiana’s U-S Senators voted differently on a resolution to limit the President’s power to order military action against Iran. Senator John Kennedy voted against it, but Senator Bill Cassidy voted for it. Cassidy says a previous decision by the Obama administration to bomb Libya helped shape his vote….
cut 5 (11) “…a war”
The measure is expected to pass the House as well, but President Donald Trump has vowed to veto it.

The Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in Winnfield welcomed six individuals into its hall of fame this past weekend, including longtime Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields and Rapides Sheriff William Hilton.