The Louisiana Division of Administration had to spend 2.3 million dollars, mostly on personnel, responding to cyberattacks last year. Spokesperson Jacques Berry says these kinds of attacks require fast responses, and they don’t come cheap.

Cut 7 (10) “…hours”

He says the 2.3 million dollar figure does not include local government spending on the responses.

Louisiana volunteers are helping in the aftermath of a deadly tornado outbreak in Nashville, Tennessee.  United Cajun Navy founder Todd Terrell says the organization often recruits volunteers in other states as the need for help arises.

Cut 9 (12) “…we got 43.″

Terrell says they’ve recruited volunteers from Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky.

The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested 21-year-old Ashlin Faith Lewis, who was found passed out inside a vehicle with a crying infant in a car seat. Chief Deputy Mike Haley says EMS was called to the scene and the infant was transported to Our Lady of Angels Hospital

Cut 13 (11) “…the infant.”

Haley says Lewis was also wanted out of a Bogalusa on a warrant for the alleged assault of a health care worker.

Construction is set to begin later this month for a project to replace the 60-year-old LA 532 overpass over I-20 in Webster Parish.  DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says says two bridges built in 1968 on LA 4 between Castor and Lucky in Bienville Parish have also closed for several months due to poor conditions.  Buchanan says closures happen out of concern for safety.

Cut 5 (11)  “…was too extensive.”

The Louisiana Division of Administration had to spend 2.3 million dollars, mostly on personnel, responding to cyberattacks last year. Spokesperson Jacques Berry says last year’s series of attacks are evidence that the threat to public sector entities from cyberspace is growing.

Cut 6 (10) “…as well”

He says the 2.3 million dollar figure does not include local government spending on the responses.

The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested 21-year-old Ashlin Faith Lewis, who was found passed out inside a vehicle with a crying infant in a car seat. Chief Deputy Mike Haley says the engine was running when a deputy approached the vehicle in a field south of Bogalusa

Cut 12 (06) “…soaked in urine.”

Haley says Lewis was also wanted out of a Bogalusa on a warrant for the alleged assault of a health care worker.

________________________________

The United Cajun Navy is helping in the aftermath of a deadly tornado outbreak that killed at least 24 people earlier this week in Tennessee. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Freshman Gonzales Representative Kathy Edmonston releases a statement pertaining to her drunk driving crash in the state capital. She calls it a wakeup call, and says she is humbly apologizing for the incident. Police on scene reported she blew a .143, over the .08 legal limit.

The Louisiana Division of Administration had to spend 2.3 million dollars, mostly on personnel, responding to cyberattacks in the past year. 1.7 million of it went towards response to the massive ransomware attack that crippled the Office of Motor Vehicles in November, but hackers should know they’ll never get a dime from the state…

Cut 8 (07) “…like that.”

That’s Spokesperson Jacques Berry who says most of the expense was on labor.

Louisiana volunteers are helping in the aftermath of a deadly tornado outbreak in Nashville, Tennessee.  United Cajun Navy founder Todd Terrell says they have partnered with a church in the area to establish a home base where they can receive any sort of contributions that Louisiana residents would like to send to help.

Cut 11 (10) “…Cajun Navy Facebook page.”

At least 24 people are dead as the result of the early Tuesday morning tornado outbreak and many are still unaccounted for.

Construction is set to begin later this month for a project to replace the 60-year-old LA 532 overpass over I-20 in Webster Parish.  DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says the final utility relocation is underway now and once that is finished, the construction will start.

Cut 3 (10)  “…the construction process.”  

The brand new overpass is just east of Minden is expected to be complete in Fall 2021 and will cost $8 million.

The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested 21-year-old Ashlin Faith Lewis, who was found passed out inside a vehicle with a crying infant in a car seat. Chief Deputy Mike Haley says a deputy discovered Lewis, woke her up and she failed a sobriety test. He says heroin and drug paraphernalia were found on her possession and now she faces numerous charges….

Cut 14 (12) “…of a juvenile.”

Construction is set to begin next month for a project to replace the 52-year-old LA 507 bridge between Womack and Castor in Red River Parish.  The state has received $76 million from the feds to fund several projects.  DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says projects include replacing three closed bridges in Red River and Bienville Parishes.
Cut 4 (12) “…in those parishes”
The $2.1 million project is expected to finish in Spring 2021.
The Louisiana Division of Administration had to spend 2.3 million dollars, mostly on personnel, responding to cyberattacks last year. Spokesperson Jacques Berry says these kinds of attacks require fast responses, and they don’t come cheap.

Cut 7 (10) “…hours”

He says the 2.3 million dollar figure does not include local government spending on the responses.

Louisiana volunteers are helping in the aftermath of a deadly tornado outbreak in Nashville, Tennessee.  United Cajun Navy founder Todd Terrell says his organizations is feeding about 500 people with basic hotdogs and hamburgers for now, but Cajun cuisine is on the way.

Cut 10 (11) “…are really effected.”

At least 24 people are dead as the result of the early Tuesday morning tornado outbreak and many are still unaccounted for.

The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested 21-year-old Ashlin Faith Lewis, who was found passed out inside a vehicle in a field south of Bogalusa with a crying infant in a car seat. Chief Deputy Mike Haley says EMS was called to the scene and the infant was transported to Our Lady of Angels Hospital

Cut 13 (11) “…the infant.”

Haley says a deputy woke Lewis up and she failed a sobriety test.

The Louisiana Division of Administration had to spend 2.3 million dollars, mostly on personnel, responding to cyberattacks last year. Spokesperson Jacques Berry says last year’s series of attacks are evidence that the threat to public sector entities from cyberspace is growing.

Cut 6, 10 seconds, as well

1.7 million of it went towards response to the massive ransomware attack that crippled state services in November.

About 31-thousand Louisiana food stamp recipients could soon lose their benefits as a result of stricter work requirement rules put in place by the Trump Administration. Sammy Guillory with the Department of Children and Family Services says the new rules go into effect April 1st and they will soon start notifying those who could be impacted…

cut 12 (07) “….April May June”

A Blue Cross Blue Shield reports show the rate for early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease increased 200 percent across the nation, how did the Bayou State fare. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

New food stamps work requirements may ultimately lead to a loss benefits for 31,000 Louisianans when the new requirements kick in April 4^th.  DCFS Secretary for Family Support Sammy Guillory says notices for impacted recipients will go out later this month.

Cut 11 (11) “…case in April.”

The changes to the food stamp program is an attempt by the Trump administration to reduce government spending, but there are concerns it will lead to increased homelessness and health problems.

Construction is set to begin later this month for a project to replace the 60-year-old LA 532 overpass over I-20 in Webster Parish.  DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says the final utility relocation is underway now and once that is finished, the construction will start.

Cut 3 (10)  “…the construction process.”  

The brand new overpass is just east of Minden is expected to be complete in Fall 2021 and will cost $8 million.

President Donald Trump endorses Senator Bill Cassidy’s reelection effort. Cassidy says the President offered the endorsement some time back, and said he would publicly announce it when the Senator was ready. Cassidy says he’s become a close ally…

Cut 13 (13) “…program”

Baton Rouge Democrat Antoine Peirce is Cassidy’s only announced challenger so far.

Senator Elizabeth Warren drops out of the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary, making the race a tight two way contest between Senator Bernie Sanders and former VP Joe Biden. State Party Director Stephen Handwerk says expect to see both candidates visiting Louisiana in pursuit of it’s critical 54 delegates April 4th…

Cut 4 (09)_ “…htoday with activity.”

The last day for non-Democrats to register online as a Democrat for the closed primary is March 14^th.

Recent developments in the race for the Democratic Presidential nomination make it likely Senator Bernie Sanders and former VP Joe Biden will visit the state. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

_____________________________________

A Blue Cross Blue Shield reports show the rate for early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease increased 200 percent across the nation, how did the Bayou State fare. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

___________________________________________

As many as 31,000 in Louisiana could be without food stamp benefits soon, and the clock starts ticking April 1. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

____________________________________________

Louisiana Democratic Party Director Stephen Handwerk says it’s likely Democratic Presidential contenders Senator Bernie Sanders and former VP Joe Biden will visit the state soon. Handwerk says the race for the Democratic nomination should be competitive through our April 4^th primary, and Louisiana’s 54 delegates could be crucial to both campaigns.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…htoday with activity.”

Senator Elizabeth Warren, who polls a distant 3^rd to the two frontrunners, remains in the race as well.

Handwerk says this is a great opportunity for Democrats who are interested in politics to get their feet wet with their preferred candidate.

Cut 5 (09)  “…here in Louisiana.

The 2020 primary has seen some of the highest Democratic primary turnouts in decades. Handwerk says Louisiana will be no different.

Cut 6 (08) “…like for Democrats.”

The last day for non-Democrats to register online as a Democrat for the closed primary is March 14^th.

____________________________________________

A new report shows the diagnosis rate for early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in Louisiana between 2013 and 2017 is one of the highest in the nation.  The findings come from a new report released by Blue Cross Blue Shield, ranking Louisiana 42^nd in the nation. Blue Cross Blue Shield Spokesperson Robin Mayhall says early on-set rates increased not only in the Bayou State but across the nation.

Cut 7 (12) “…very concerning”

Mayhall says they have seen a trend of early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease rates increasing in the last four years, especially in the south.

Cut 8 (10) “…about 8.7.”

As for why there’s been an increase in the number of early-onset cases, Mayhall believes heightened awareness of the disease and better diagnostic tools amongst providers, but as for causes…

Cut 9 (11) “…will be done.″

The average age for a person living with either form of dementia is 49.

____________________

As many as 31,000 Louisiana food stamps recipients could lose their benefits this summer.  April 1^st marks the beginning of a new Trump administration rule requiring some recipients to meet stricter work requirements to continue receiving benefits for more than three months within a 36-month period.  DCFS Secretary for Family Support Sammy Guillory says someone that receives the notification their benefits will be discontinued, may actually still be eligible for the exemption, but DCFS needs to know about the ability to meet eligibility.

Cut 10 (12) “…months of benefits.”

Previously, a federal waiver exempting residents from the time limitations covered the whole state.  Fourteen parishes, most of them in northeast Louisiana, will not be affected by the changes, because they have an unemployment rate much higher than the national average. The new restrictions cover able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 49 and do not have children living with them. Guillory says notices for impacted recipients will go out later this month.

Cut 11 (11) “…case in April.”

Guillory says for those impacted, the clock begins ticking April 1.

Cut 12 (07) “…April, May, June.”

The changes to the food stamp program is an attempt by the Trump administration to reduce government spending, but there are concerns it will lead to increased homelessness and health problems.

_________________________________________

President Donald Trump endorses Senator Bill Cassidy’s reelection effort.

Cassidy says the President offered the endorsement some time back, and said he would publicly announce it when the Senator was ready. Cassidy says he’s become a close ally to the President over the past few years.

Cut 13 (13) “…program”

Cassidy is heavily favored to win reelection, particularly as he shares a ballot with President Trump in November who is expected to handily win the state. He says he’s not concerned about a GOP challenger because Republicans respect his work.

Cut 14 (04) “…politcs.”

Baton Rouge Democrat Antoine Peirce is Cassidy’s only announced challenger so far.

Cassidy says if reelected he would continue his work on prescription drug prices and surprise billing while taking up issues outside of healthcare he says are a priority.

Cut 15 (10) “…cost.”

_____________________________________________

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says Myles Brennan will take all of the snaps as first team quarterback when the Tigers kick-off spring practice on Saturday. Brennan has big shoes to fill in trying to replace Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow. But Orgeron believes Brennan is up for the challenge

Cut 16  (23)  …for us.” 

On defense, LSU will move from a three-four defensive front to a four-three under new defensive coordinator Bo Pelini. Orgeron says LSU’s personnel fits a four-three defense better

Cut 17  (25) “have that” 

It was less than two months ago that LSU completed a perfect 15-0 season with a national championship victory over Clemson. Orgeron says he’s done talking about the 2019 season

cut 18  (25) “high expectations”   

Louisiana’s 2014 law that requires abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals went before the U-S Supreme Court today. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says this is the first major abortion case for the Supreme Court since President Trump’s appointment of two conservative judges…
Cut 3 (11)  “…Roe vs Wade”  
A ruling is expected in June.

A big night last night for former Vice President Joe Biden makes it likely the Democratic primary will remain competitive by the time Louisianans head to the polls April 4^th. JMC Analytics publisher John Couvillon says Louisianans will likely be picking between Biden, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Senator Elizabeth Warren in April, despite Biden’s big night…
Cut 6 (12) “…states”
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who had a sizeable presence in Louisiana, dropped out and endorsed Biden this morning.

The US Army is investing over $26 million into Fort Polk for barracks renovations and infrastructure replacements.  Congressman Mike Johnson says the needs were critical and this is just the beginning of continued investments.
Cut 11 (07) “…recognized that need.”
Johnson says he has been pushing for the investment since last year and calls it a huge win for the soldiers at Fort Polk.
There are now three announced candidates seeking to replace the retiring Ralph Abraham as Louisiana’s Fifth District Congressman. State Representative Lance Harris of Alexandria entered the race today, joining the other announced Republican Ouachita Police Juror Scotty Robinson. Candy Christophe of Alexandria is the lone announced Democrat in the race as she classifies herself as a moderate progressive and says the people of the district are in dire need.
Cut 14 (10) “…among the darkness.”
Abraham’s chief of staff Luke Letlow is also expected to throw his hat into the ring. Qualifying for the race is in July and the primary is in November.

Louisiana’s 2014 law that requires abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals went before the U-S Supreme Court today. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino on what the justices have to consider…
cut 4 (08) “…seeking abortions”
A ruling is expected in June.

A big night last night for former Vice President Joe Biden makes it likely the Democratic primary will remain competitive by the time Louisianans head to the polls April 4^th.  This primary cycle has seen Democratic primary turnout meet and occasionally exceed 21st-century records.  JMC Analytics publisher John Couvillon expects that trend to hold in Louisiana.

Cut 8 (11) “…presidents.”

Republicans will also be voting in their primary April 4^th.

There are now three announced candidates seeking to replace the retiring Ralph Abraham as Louisiana’s Fifth District Congressman. State Representative Lance Harris of Alexandria entered the race today, joining the other announced Republican Ouachita Police Juror Scotty Robinson.Harris says after eight years in the state legislature, he’s ready to go to work with President Trump
Cut 12 (06) “…have more freedom.”
Candy Christophe of Alexandria is the lone announced Democrat in the race. Abraham’s chief of staff Luke Letlow is also expected to throw his hat into the ring.  Qualifying for the race is in July and the primary is in November.
The US Army is investing over $26 million into Fort Polk for barracks renovations and infrastructure replacements.  Congressman Mike Johnson says he has been pushing for the investment since last year.

Cut 9 (05) “…this very need″
Johnson calls it a huge win for the soldiers at Fort Polk as the needs were critical, adding this is just the beginning of continued investments.