Three men killed in a small plane crash Thursday afternoon in Jackson Parish have been identified as pilot Robert Gilliam of Minden and passengers Wade Williams and chief executive of St. Amant’s Rehabilitation Services Chris Mudd of the Shreveport-Bossier area. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau knew Mudd and says commuting with small planes was the norm.
Cut 5 (08) “…Jackson to Shreveport.”
Williams, a former Northwestern State defensive end, played football at the university from ‘09 to 2012.  The 29-year-old leaves behind a wife and a two-year-old daughter.

Concerns over dropping demand and uncertainty involving the Wuhan Coronavirus are likely to keep oil prices low. Oil is at 50 dollars a barrel and LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director David Dismukes says the phase one trade deal with China was initially good news for the industry…

Cut 6 (09) “…crude prices”

The Edwards administration’s budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins on July 1st calls for a 128-million dollar increase in general fund spending. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the additional dollars will go towards education

Cut 9 (10) “…to education”

The budget does not explicitly carve out a teacher pay raise.

Docville Farm in St. Bernard Parish is the home for the third annual Cook-off for the Coast on Saturday. National Wildlife Federation’s Vanishing Paradise spokesperson Erin Willhoft says the idea behind the food selection is to promote the bounty of the marshlands in St. Bernard Parish.

Cut 13 (06) “…at the cook-off.”

The culinary competition will feature free tastings from 14 different cook teams. Proceeds benefit coastal restoration.  More details can be found at coastcookoff.com.

Robert Gilliam of Minden and Wade Williams and Chris Mudd of Shreveport-Bossier have been identified as the three victims of a plane crash in Jackson Parish yesterday. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau knew Mudd and says he was a mental health advocate who pushed for smart spending at the Capitol.
Cut 4 (11) “…state of Louisiana.”
The plane, a single-engine Cessna, crashed in Jackson Parish, was flying to Shreveport from Jackson, Mississippi.
Concerns over lessening demand and uncertainty involving the Wuhan Coronavirus are likely to keep oil prices low, and volatile for the near future according to the LSU Center for Energy Studies.Executive Director David Dismukes says until the world finds out just how severe the Wuhan Coronavirus is, prices will remain in flux, but trending downward.
Cut 8 (08) “…restricted.”
A gallon of gas in Louisiana averages $2.13

The Edwards administration’s budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins on July 1st calls for a 128-million dollar increase in general fund spending. The increase in funding will also cover pay raises for judges and prosecutors and sheriffs will get more money to house state inmates. However, Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says health care will see less funding and other agencies will also see reductions…

Cut 11 (09) “…state budget.”

Lawmakers will spend the next few months combing through the budget and they are expected to approve a spending plan by June 1st.

Docville Farm in St. Bernard Parish is the home for the third annual Cook-off for the Coast on Saturday. National Wildlife Federation’s Vanishing Paradise spokesperson Erin Willhoft says funds raised from sponsors and cooking teams’ fees are going toward coastal restoration.

Cut 14 (10) “…get started now.”

More details can be found at coastcookoff.com.

Governor John Bel Edwards budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year calls for millions of more dollars to be spent on education. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Governor Edwards is taking State Treasurer John Schroder to court. Schroder has refused to allow the use of 25-million in unclaimed property dollars to help pay for state expenses. Schroder says the money does not belong to the state government, but previous state treasurer John Kennedy sent millions in unclaimed property dollars to the state general fund.

Concerns over lessening demand and uncertainty involving the Wuhan Coronavirus are likely to keep oil prices low. Oil is at 50 dollars a barrel and LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director David Dismukes says that number could continue dropping.
Cut 7 (08) “…increases”
A gallon of gas in Louisiana averages $2.13.
Three men killed in a small plane crash Thursday afternoon have been identified as pilot Robert Gilliam of Minden and passengers Wade Williams and chief executive of St. Amant’s Rehabilitation Services Chris Mudd of the Shreveport-Bossier area. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau knew Mudd and says commuting with small planes was the norm.
Cut 5 (08) “…Jackson to Shreveport.”
Williams, a former Northwestern State defensive end, played football at the university from 2009 to 2012, and was a starter in the last three seasons.  The 29-year-old leaves behind a wife and a two-year-old daughter.

Robert Gilliam of Minden and Wade Williams and Chris Mudd of Shreveport-Bossier have been identified as the three victims of a plane crash in Jackson Parish yesterday. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau knew Mudd and says he was a mental health advocate who pushed for smart spending at the Capitol.

Cut 4 (11) “…state of Louisiana.”

The plane, a single-engine Cessna, crashed in Jackson Parish, was flying to Shreveport from Jackson, Mississippi. 

Concerns over lessening demand and uncertainty involving the Wuhan Coronavirus are likely to keep oil prices low, and volatile for the near future according to the LSU Center for Energy Studies. Executive Director David Dismukes says the phase one trade deal with China was initially good news for the industry…

Cut 6 (09) “…crude prices”

The Edwards administration’s budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins on July 1st calls for a 128-million dollar increase in general fund spending. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the additional dollars will go towards education

Cut 9 (10) “…to education”

The budget does not explicitly carve out a teacher pay raise. Dardenne says that will be left up to the individual school districts. Teachers unions are reportedly shocked and angered by the decision.

Three men killed in a small plane crash Thursday afternoon have been identified as pilot Robert Gilliam of Minden and passengers Wade Williams and Chris Mudd of the Shreveport-Bossier area. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau knew Mudd and describes him as a businessman and an advocate for mental health.
Cut 3 (09)  “…especially for adolescents.” 
Mudd was the chief executive of St. Amant’s Rehabilitation Services company and Williams was an employee.
Natchitoches Police arrest a third suspect tied to a double homicide that took place last week at a home on Short Seventh Street.  Officer John Greely says on Wednesday, investigators were able to locate 22-year-old Jaleel Tousant at an apartment in the 500 block of North Street.
Cut 10 (08) “…surrender to us.”
Three family members accused of harboring Tousant were also arrested.
A Mardi Gras ball at the L’auberge Casino in Lake Charles is thought to be the epicenter of a norovirus outbreak that’s infected dozens…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle 

Governor Edwards is taking State Treasurer John Kennedy to court. Schroder has refused to allow the use of 25-million in unclaimed property dollars to help pay for state expenses. Schroder says the money does not belong to the state government, but previous state treasurer John Kennedy sent millions in unclaimed property dollars to the state general fund.

As the chairman of the House insurance committee, Plaquemine Democrat Chad Brown expects to tackle insurance companies’ consideration of a driver’s credit in setting rates. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Governor John Bel Edwards proposes a 2020-21 budget to lawmakers today. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

___________________________________________

A Mardi Gras ball at the L’auberge Casino in Lake Charles is thought to be the epicenter of a norovirus outbreak that’s infected dozens…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle 

____________________________________________

Plaquemine Democrat Chad Brown will serve as the chairman of the House insurance committee, a committee expected to be very busy during the session with bills aimed at lowering auto insurance rates. Brown expects to tackle insurance companies’ consideration of a driver’s credit.

Cut 4 (13) “…the rate making.”

Brown says there will be bills that address additional factors that legislators say contribute to higher rates.

Cut 5 (10) “…before they died.”

Brown says he doesn’t see a path to lowering insurance rates as being one-sided or partisan.

Cut 6 (08) “…be flushed out.”

The session begins March 9.

_____________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards will propose a budget to lawmakers today that would see increased spending on education.  Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the spending is something Edwards has been pushing for years and now the state has the resources to do that.

Cut 7 (12) “…where we are”

The Governor’s 2020-21 spending plan is based on the anticipation that $103 million is added to the revenue forecast. Dardenne highlights boosts in spending to higher ed and K-12 education.

Cut 8 (07) “…throughout the years.”

Edwards has made his priority of early childhood education clear for his second term.  Dardenne says last year the state was able to put in a sizable investment and this year the state will come close to putting in that same amount, trying to address waiting lists for early education.

Cut 9 (09) “…the educational process.”
Last week, the Legislature’s new GOP leadership, House Speaker Clay Schexnayder and Senate President Page Cortez, refused to support the income forecasts recommended by nonpartisan economists which the Edwards administration had hoped to adopt.

____________________

Natchitoches Police arrest a third suspect tied to a double homicide that took place last week at a home on Short Seventh Street.  Officer John Greely says on Wednesday, investigators were able to locate 22-year-old Jaleel Tousant at an apartment in the 500 block of North Street.

Cut 10 (08) “…surrender to us.”

The arrest comes following the Sunday surrendering of 17-year-old Daerieon Latchie and shortly after Tousant’s arrest, 21-year-old Jessie James Petite (pronounced P-T) Jr. turned himself in. Greely credits help from the public for helping nab the Tousant.

Cut 11 (07) “…past couple days.”

Greely says three family members who were harboring Tousant were arrested.

Cut 12 (10) “…to tolerate that.”

No further arrests are expected. 41-year-old Larry Batiste and 35-year-old Hiram Phillips, Jr. died during the January 27^th shooting.

_____________________________________

The Lake Charles L’Auberge is thought to be ground zero for an outbreak of norovirus that’s infected dozens of people.

The origin of the outbreak has reportedly been traced to a Mardi Gras ball held last weekend. Office of Public Health Doctor Frank Welch…

Cut 13 (11) “…virus.”

He says while it’s often called the stomach flu, it’s not actually related to the flu.

Symptoms include a lot of vomiting and diarrhea, but Welch says the good news at least is if you’re are infected you won’t be knocked out for long.

Cut 14 (08) “…day or two.”

Welch says it’s a common virus to find spreading on cruise ships.

Unfortunately, it’s highly infectious. Welch says a person can shed millions of noroviruses while sick and it only takes about ten to infect someone nearby.

Cut 15 (11) “…three days.”

The virus can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, direct contact with the infected, or consuming contaminated food or water.

__________________________________________

The 18th ranked LSU basketball team is working to correct the errors that led to Wednesday night’s 99-90 upset loss to Vanderbilt. Tigers Coach Will Wade says the Commodores had too many easy shots…

Cut 16  (19)  …got beat”  

LSU leaves today for a big game Saturday morning against 11th ranked Auburn, who has just two losses on the season. Wade’s team will need to win to stay in sole possession of first place in the SEC. The coach is looking for a bounce back performance…

Cut 17  (17) “Auburn team” 

Wade says if his team doesn’t learn from Wednesday’s loss, they’ll give up over 100 points on Saturday…

cut 18  (16) ” their score”   

About two-dozen Louisiana state fire marshal employees left for Puerto Rico today to assist with earthquake recovery efforts. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the Caribbean Island has seen its share of natural disasters lately…

Cut 5 (10) “…caused significant damage.”

23 deputies and personnel are on the deployment that’s expected to last 16 days.

Lawsuit reform and car insurance rate arguments are set to dominate the upcoming session, and a new group has been formed to push back against leading Republican proposals for TORT reform. Real Reform Louisiana Executive Director Eric Holl, a former Governor Edwards campaign staffer says insurance industry number crunchers analyzed this legislation…

Cut 7 (10) “…rates”

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announces the rollout of the Small Business Protection Act, helping business owners stay aware of proposed regulations that could impact their business operations.  Ardoin says businesses that sign up at smallbiz.sos.la.gov will get updates so that they are not blindsided by regulation changes.

Cut 10 (11) “…of the game.” 

The Act passed in the 2019 Legislative session and went into effect on February 1^st.

LSU is still seeking it’s next President and Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne spoke with Talk Louisiana about his interest in the job earlier today. Dardenne says he is interested in the job. He noted what a wonderful time it is to be a leader at the school.

Cut 12 (11) “…right now”

The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s office is on the scene of a plane crash that reportedly killed three.  Reports indicate the small Cessna was en route to Shreveport before crashing just north of Chatham.
Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announces the rollout of the Small Business Protection Act, helping business owners stay aware of proposed regulations that could impact their business operations. Ardoin says the goal is to protect businesses from overregulation.
Cut 9 (08) “…down the pike.”
Ardoin says businesses that sign up at smallbiz.sos.la.gov will get updated so they are not blindsided by regulation changes.
Louisiana is sending help to Puerto Rico as the island recovers from a devastating earthquake. State Fire Marshall Butch Browning says the deployment keeps officials sharp.
Cut 4 (11) “…and they do.”
Lawsuit reform and car insurance rate arguments are set to dominate the upcoming session, and a new group has been formed to push back against leading Republican proposals for TORT reform. Real Reform Louisiana Executive Director Eric Holl, a former Governor Edwards staffer opposes the Republican-crafted omnibus TORT reform bill he says is a giveaway to big business.
Cut 6 (12) “…to work”
Proponents of HB9 argue reducing the number of jury trials will save insurance companies money that they will then pass down to customers.

LSU still seeks it’s next President and Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne spoke with Talk Louisiana earlier today about his interest in the job.  If he gets the job, Dardenne would be the first former board member to ever hold the position. He was elected Student Body President while attending.

Cut 14 (13) “…couldn’t vote.”

Governor John Bel Edwards deploys 23 State Fire Marshal personnel to Puerto Rico to assist in the recovery from a recent earthquake and tremors. State Fire Marshall Butch Browning says Urban Search and Rescue specialists will survey and access damaged buildings.
Cut 3 (10)  “…longer if needed.” 
This is the first time for they’ve been deployed for an earthquake.
LSU is still seeking it’s next President and Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne spoke with Talk Louisiana about his interest in the job earlier today. Dardenne says he is interested in the job. There are reports LSU is considering splitting the job up for future hires between the leader of the flagship campus, and someone who would run the system. Dardenne buys both arguments.
Cut 13 (05) “…jobs”
…And a Zachary eighth grade science teacher has been arrested, accused of sexually abusing a teen and sending nude photos. 34-year-old Ellerea Silva turned herself in earlier today.

Lawsuit reform and car insurance rate arguments are set to dominate the upcoming session, and a new group has been formed to push back against leading Republican proposals for TORT reform. Real Reform Louisiana Executive Director Eric Holl, a former Governor Edwards staffer, recommends focusing on insurance policy that discriminates against the working class in favor of the rich, instead of lowering jury trial thresholds.
Cut 8 (12) “…record.”

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announces the rollout of the Small Business Protection Act, helping business owners stay aware of proposed regulations that could impact their business operations.  The Act passed in the 2019 Legislative session and went into effect February 1^st.  Ardoin says depending on the nature of the business, there can be plenty of regulation to impact operations.

Cut 11 (12) “…interest for this.”

Governor Edwards deploys 23 State Fire Marshal personnel to Puerto Rico to assist in the recovery from recent earthquakes.…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

Three Many High juveniles are under arrest on allegations of bullying and sexual assault. The trio was arrested Tuesday night, and reportedly is linked to an incident that was caught on video during late January showing a student who was held down and sodomized with an object. The video was shared on social media, and went viral.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announces the rollout of the Small Business Protection Act, helping business owners stay aware of proposed regulations that could impact their business operations. Ardoin says businesses that sign up at smallbiz.sos.la.gov will get updated so that they are not blindsided by regulation changes.

Cut 10 (11) “…of the game.” 

The Act passed in the 2019 Legislative session and went into effect February 1^st.

LSU is still seeking it’s next President and Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne spoke with Talk Louisiana about his interest in the job earlier today. Dardenne says he is interested in the job. He noted what a wonderful time it is to be a leader at the school.

Cut 12 (11) “…right now”