Louisiana native Laine Hardy is on the door step of winning American Idol. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”
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A federal judge conditionally dismisses a lawsuit filed by three Angola inmates who complained about excessive heat on death row. Matt Doyle has more……
cut 2 (28) I’m Matt Doyle”
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Senator Bill Cassidy has spoken with President Tump about his plan for ending surprise medical billing costs for patients. Louisiana’s Senior Senator says he’s working on legislation and regulations that would require hospitals to be upfront with the total cost of treatments…
Cut 3 (11) “…over it.”
Cassidy pinpointed the surprise that many patients face when they receive treatment supposedly is covered by their insurance and get stuck with a bill you might expect if you are uninsured.
Cut 4 (10) “…a bill”
The Republican says he’s been inspired to take on his issue after repeatedly hearing about overcharging incidents from his constituents.
Cut 5 (11) “…their hand.”
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A study in Louisiana looks for a connection between blood sugar levels early in life and mid-life brain health. The study is called the Bogalusa Heart Study and began in the 70s with about 200 child volunteers. Co-principal investigator Dr. Owen Carmichael, with LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, says now they will test those same volunteers now that they are in their 50s.
Cut 6 (11) “…is actually true.”
The research is the only study to collect assessments of the community members’ metabolic status from early childhood through midlife and is supported by a federal grant. Carmichael says the researchers will use MRI and PET scans to take measurements in the brain, looking for the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s.
Cut 7 (09) “…towards Alzheimer’s disease.”
A collection of scientists with LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Tulane University and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center are working on the research. Carmichael says these results could lead to new blood sugar management guidelines for children.
Cut 8 (10) “…tightly low level.”
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A case filed by Angola death row inmates that accused the facility of cruel and unusual punishment for it’s refusal to air condition their cells has been conditionally dismissed after the two sides came to an agreement.
Legal analyst Tim Meche says there will be no A/C, but the state has agreed to provide the inmates with “comfort” activities.
Cut 9 (11) “…water“.
Inmates say heat indexes exceeding 88 degrees triggered the case.
The state did not want to provide air conditioning to the inmates, and had disagreed with the inmates on what constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. Meche says the implications of this case are clear.
Cut 10 (11)“…humane.”
Meche says the state fought tooth and nail to keep from having to buy window units for the prisoners, wracking up over a million dollars in legal fees, and is likely now spending even more money on the remedial activities than they would have if they agreed to the initial demands…
Cut 11 (10) “…this case.”
The dismissal could become final by November.
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A proposal to gradually return the state sales tax to four-percent, where it was for many years prior to the Edwards administration clears out of the House Ways and Means Committee. The current state sales tax rate is 4.45 percent, but Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says it’s helping to produce surpluses
Cut 12 (09) “…to them”
The state sales tax increased to five-percent in 2016 to to address a massive budget shortfall. It was lowered to 4.45 percent last year as part of a budget deal and Marksville Representative Robert Johnson is concerned Harris’ legislation will return the state to budget deficits…
Cut 13 (10) “…somewhat refreshing.”
According to Harris’ bill, the state sales tax would return to four percent in July 2023, it would start to gradually lower in July 2020, costing the state 87-million dollars in its first year of implementation. Harris says the state’s budget is growing and the average taxpayer is not seeing a benefit…
Cut 14 (07) “…on everything”
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