Congressman Steve Scalise and U.S. House Republicans pass a bill to bring federal employees back to the office. Jeff Palermo has more…:

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________

A $1,300 reward is being offered for the safe return of a Shar Pei puppy that was stolen in New Orleans Monday. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

District 1 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. On the House floor, Scalise tells members the government should be held to the same standard as taxpayers…:

Cut 3 (09) “…get the job done.” 

Scalise says Americans have largely gone back to their workplaces after the pandemic, and they wonder why the federal government is still operating in lockdown mode. He cites the Veterans Administration as an example of the so-called “unproductive problems”…:

Cut  4 (12)  “…that hurts people.” 

Scalise says un-staffed government offices is causing come to wait a year or more for tax refund checks, wait 6 months to renew a passport and other problems. He says taxpayers are growing impatient with the government they pay for…:

Cut 5 (10) “…go back to work.”

The bill passed the House. Whether the Democrat-controlled Senate will even take it up for discussion is unknown.

_______________________________________________

A Hahnville man will spend at least eight years in prison for his role in a July 4^th 2020 boating fatality in St. Charles Parish. State Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says 25-year-old Kevin Comardelle was driving a boat when it collided with another boat.

Cut 6 (09)  “…he was intoxicated.” 

The victim who died was 36-year-old Audrey Higgins of Luling, she was a passenger in the other vessel and several other passengers received significant injuries.

Einck says Comardelle was convicted of vehicular homicide and four counts of first-degree vehicular negligent injuring.

Cut 7 (09)  “…of the vessel.” 

Comardelle will be on probation for five years following his prison sentence, must comply with an alcohol monitoring program, and is subject to restitution to the victims. Einck says the crash happened at night on Bayou Des Allemands.

Cut 8 (04)  “…prevented.” 

___________________________________________

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 UNO student Scott Elston is devasted over the theft of his dog.

Cut 9 (10) “…called Toby.” 

Shar Peis are known for their wrinkles and blue tongues.

Dorson says unfortunately there’s not a clear image of the suspects from home security systems in the neighborhood.

Cut 10 (11) “…they’re doing.” 

The Humane Society and Elston have pledged $500 each for a reward along with $300 from an anonymous donor.  Artwork and electronics were also stolen from the home but Elston’s main concern is his puppy, Toby. Dorson says the burglary happened while Elston was in class.

Cut 11 (09)  “…Shar Pei.”

If you have any information you’re asked to call HSLA at 1-888-6-HUMANE.

___________________________________________

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 entered the guilty plea as his trial was set to begin

Cut 12 (10) “…pleading guilty”

Melancon says Foret killed his friend Chance Benoit at his home on a February night in 2021

Cut 13 (10) “…shot dead” 

Melancon says investigators have determined that Foret and Benoit were talking inside Benoit’s home when Foret began assaulting the victim and as the attack progressed, Foret shot him

Cut 14 (11)   “..hung up the phone.”

Second degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.

_______________________________________________________

One of the three men accused in the January 2022 fatal shooting death of Deven Brooks has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Rapides Parish Assistant District Attorney Lea Hall says 22-year-old Terrance Lavalais entered the guilty during jury selection

Cut 15 (10) “… that time”

Brooks’ body was found on the edge of the Red River in Alexandria in January 2022. Police say the 27-year-old was kidnapped as he was bound with cable, zip ties and duct tape.

Two others are also charged with second degree murder, Jamaria Randle and Tremaine Veal. Hall says their trials are scheduled to begin over the next two weeks

Cut  16 (11)  “…this victim”

Police believe the three men arrested in Brooks’ death were trying to get money out of him.

A Winnfield lawmaker says, instead of paying property insurers to come to Louisiana, why not pay homeowners to make their roofs hurricane-proof…?

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

_______________________________________________

If you’re a fan of Antiques Roadshow, listen up because the 20-time Emmy Award-winning series is coming to Baton Rouge. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

The Louisiana House has approved a plan that creates a 45-million dollar incentive fund to attract more private insurers to the state. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

_____________________________________________

As lawmakers debate a plan to help alleviate soaring property insurance costs and availability, there is growing support for a plan to incentivize homeowners to hurricane-proof their roofs and lower their coverage costs. Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland supports the idea of the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…their insurance premiums.”

In essence, the program would give homeowners grants of up to $10-thousand (paid from a special fund) to retrofit their home’s roof so it is capable of withstanding 150-mile-an-hour winds. McFarland says that would be a metal roof in many cases, but there are many other ways to storm-harden a roof, such as…:

Cut 5 (14) “…hold the roof down.”

McFarland says the legislature voted to create the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program last year but did not create solid funding for it. He says the Department of Insurance and fellow lawmakers are committed to funding the program in the regular session that starts in April. He says it is a proven plan to lower coverage costs for homeowners…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…and fortifying.” 

McFarland wants any unused cash from the $5-million Insure Louisiana Incentive Fund to be put into the fortification fund.

_____________________________________________

Have you ever watched Antiques Roadshow and thought to yourself I wonder what that vase I inherited is worth? Well, here’s your chance, the beloved PBS series will be in Baton Rouge on May 2^nd and Roadshow producer Marsha Bemko says your odds of winning tickets are pretty good.

Cut 7 (05) “…getting in here.”

Two-thousand pairs of tickets will be issued and the deadline to register is March 13^th. For more information visit pbs.org/roadshowtickets.

Ticketholders will be able to bring two items to be appraised for free. Bemko says it’s an opportunity to have experts evaluate your treasures, so bring in something that you can’t look up on the internet.

Cut 8 (09)  “…came in.”

Bemko says appraisers will tell participants where the item was made, a little history about it, and its value. But when experts eye something remarkable the experience is quite different.

Cut 9 (06)  “…cameras are rolling.”

It’s been ten years since Antiques Roadshow has been in Baton Rouge and Bemko says they are looking forward to what treasurers they’ll discover in the capital city. The last time the Emmy Award-winning program was in Louisiana was in 2017 in New Orleans.

The deadline to register for tickets is March 13^th and participants will be notified in mid-April if they’ve won tickets.

_______________________________________________

The 2022 Louisiana Economic Development Annual Report says the state topped $20 billion in economic investment for a second consecutive year. LED Secretary Don Pierson says it was a great year because the state leveraged its unique business advantages, sector diversity, and support for climate action.

Cut 10 (09)  “…in 24 parishes.”

And it’s not just the metro areas that have seen growth, Pierson says he’s also proud of the work they’ve done in rural areas of the state.

Cut 11 (12)  “…larger companies.”

While touting their 2022 success, Pierson says the state is poised for additional expansion, innovation, and the energy transition Louisiana is part of.

Cut 12 (10) “…for Louisiana.”

Pierson says whenever new companies locate or expand in the Bayou State it’s a ripple effect and it only improves the local economy.

______________________________________________

The Louisiana House has approved legislation that puts 45-million dollars in a fund to award grants to insurance companies who provide homeowners coverage. The measure passed on a 90-8 vote. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan voted against it as he’s skeptical the plan will lead to a more affordable insurance market

Cut 13 (13)  “….make sense.”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is confident the incentive fund can bring eight to ten new private insurers to the state leading to the reduction of 40-thousand policyholders who rely on Citizens Insurance, which is increasing rates by an average of 63 percent this year.

Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown also has concerns about the plan and wishes Donelon provided more options for state lawmakers to consider in this special session

Cut 14 (11)  “…be more competitive”

The Incentive fund legislation will be discussed in the Senate starting today. Meanwhile, Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says the Louisiana Legislature can propose additional ideas for the regular session that begins in April.

Cut 15 (09)  “…let’s go.”

A two-month-long regular session begins April 10th.

______________________________________________

La Tech hosts one of the better teams in Conference USA tonight as the Bulldogs battle the Rice Owls at the Thomas Assembly Center. Rice is 15-6 overall, 6-4 in league play while Tech is 5-and-6 in conference action. The Bulldogs are coming off a win at UTSA as Isaiah Crawford scored 19 points. Bulldogs Coach Talvin Hester hopes to see more good play from Crawford…

Cut  16 (15)  “..successful”. 

____________________________________________________

ULM opens a three-game homestand tonight as they host Coastal Carolina. The Warhawks are 6-4 in the Sun Belt, while Coastal is 4-and-6, but ULM Coach Keith Richard says it should be a good matchup…

Cut 17 (17) “…two one-point games.” 

Coastal Carolina has four players in double figures and they are one of the top rebounding teams in the Sun Belt.

________________________________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team puts their eight-game winning streak on the line tonight as they take on Texas State in the Cajundome. The Bobcats are 4-and-6 in Sun Belt play, and 11-and-12 overall and Coach Bob Marlin says they have a better record on the road than at home…

Cut 18 (13) “…on Thursday” 

_______________________________________________

According to Rivals-dot-com, the Ragin Cajuns had the best recruiting class in the Sun Belt as they added four more guys to their 2023 class. Two of the newest additions are from the River Parishes, including the Class 4A Offensive Player of the Year, Lutcher Quarterback D’Wanye Winnfield. Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux calls Winnfield a gritty player who is a proven winner…

Cut 19 (18) “..for sure”

The Cajuns also signed cornerback Glenn Brown, who is a transfer from Southern. Brown is a graduate of St. James High School and appeared in 36 games for the Southern Jaguars. Desormeaux says they are excited to have Brown in Lafayette

Cut 20 (22)  “…need to” 

Louisiana loves beef, but new federal data shows we can expect to pay more for the popular protein in the months ahead…:

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

______________________________________

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves still has not made up his mind on running for governor . Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

______________________________________

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 that say 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 cost based on availability. What’s more, feed stock costs are also up sharply meaning less food in feeders to fatten up the livestock…:

Cut  4 (10)  “…for the consumer.” 

Foster says fewer and less hefty cows will mean less beef for the market, hence an increase in costs of – possibly – 10-percent or more. He says all this can, of course, be affected by consumer demand for beef…:

Cut 5 (13) “…customers back again.”

_______________________________________________

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” 

Graves, who is a close ally of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, was recently named chair of the Elected Leadership Committee, an important position in the GOP.

Meanwhile, Graves is not happy the state GOP has already endorsed Attorney General Jeff Landry in the Louisiana governor’s race. Graves says voters are upset a group of Republicans are trying to hand pick the next governor…

Cut 7 (08)  “…strong encouragement” 

Graves is 51-years-old and has served in the U-S House since 2015. 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” 

We also continue to wait on a major Democratic candidate to get in the race.

___________________________________________

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.” 

It seems like we’ve heard about several large jackpots recently in the multi-state games. Annison says the current Powerball jackpot has been rolling for 31 drawings.

Cut 10 (08) “…Louisiana winner.” 

So just what are your chances of winning? Annison says the odds of hitting a jackpot are one in 292 million.

Cut 11 (09)  “…million dollars.”

To be eligible for tonight’s Powerball drawing your ticket must be purchased by 9:00 PM. Remember to play responsibly and it only takes one ticket to win.

___________________________________________

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. Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown has reservations, but still voted yes…

Cut 12 (12) “…do that”

The goal of the program is to reduce the number of Louisiana Citizens policyholders, who pay much higher premiums than they would if they had coverage through a private insurer.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon believes this legislation could reduce the number of Citizens policies by 40-thousand and it needs to pass now to give companies time to get reinsurance before the start of the next hurricane season. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says it seems like a good idea to her

Cut 13 (11) “…insurance crisis” 

The measure passed overwhelming (90-to-8) in the lower chamber. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder with the final vote tally

Cut 14 (12)   “..finally passed.”

The bill heads to the Senate for more debate.