Baton Rouge Police announce the details of the settlement with Blane Salamoni, the former officer who appealed his dismissal following his involvement in the shooting death of Alton Sterling. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The minimum marriage age law is one of over 200 new laws that take effect today. A new child safety seat law is in place. And medication abortions can now only take place at the state’s three licensed abortions clinics, no longer in a gynecologist’s office.

Congressman Ralph Abraham picks up another endorsement from a Republican lawmaker in his bid to defeat Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards this fall.  Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland says the state needs a bold conservative leader. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the endorsements help Abraham, who has yet to launch a statewide TV ad

Cut 3 (07) “…Congressman Abraham”

Fellow GOP contender Eddie Rispone has a television ad running that touts his support for President Trump.

I mentioned a few of the new laws that take effect today, but we’ve got another to add to the list: Metairie Representative Cameron Henry’s law that would allow officers to remove, and possibly arrest people who threaten physical violence against amateur refs at little league and high school sporting events…

Cut 9 (09) “…prevail”

Jail time and fines may be a possibility if you’re arrested under this law.

A suite of new laws took effect today, including an effort to prevent the harassment of refs in amateur and high school sports, and an expansion of judge’s abilities to order chemical castrations. Metairie Representative Cameron Henry’s law would allow officers to remove, and possibly arrest people who threaten physical violence against those amateur refs, but…

Cut 9 (09) “…prevail”

Jail time and fines may be a possibility if you’re arrested under this law.

Marrero (Mah-rare-roh) Representative Patrick Connick’s bill would allow judges to sentence those who commit sexual battery to chemical castration. He says previously that wasn’t an option.

Cut 11 (09) “…in there.”

Baton Rouge police announce that former officer Blane Salamoni will not return the department nor receive backpay.  Salamoni appealed his firing after the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling in 2016. Police Chief Murphy Paul was apologetic about the officer’s hiring during today’s news conference. Paul says the healing process has already begun with the city.

Cut 7 (11) “…our officers experience.”

Salamoni’s departure from the department will be recognized as a resignation.

Baton Rouge police announce a settlement has been reached with former officer Blane Salamoni, who appealed his firing for his actions that resulted in the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling in 2016. Salamoni’s departure will be now be recognized as a resignation.  During the announcement, Police Chief Murphy Paul was apologetic.

Cut 6 (10) “…process, we are sorry”

Also Salamoni will not return to the police force and he will not receive any back pay.

Polls shows Governor Edwards is in the front-runner heading into the primary. Congressman Ralph Abraham is in second place, while Eddie Rispone is in third, but Rispone has a huge money advantage over the Congressman. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says for now the endorsements have help to offset Rispone’s advantage in campaign dollars

Cut 5 (08) “…spend money”

The Primary is October 12^th.

A study shows quality of life improvements for Medicaid expansion enrollees since the Governor announced the expansion three years ago.

Cut 2 (30 ) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

Beginning this month Cleco customers will see an average savings of $14 a month on their power bill over the next year. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill explains why customers are now seeing a reduction.

Cut 13 (09) “…to customers”

Customers will save and average of $168 dollars.

Today marks the first day of Louisiana having a minimum age for marriage, with that age being set at 16. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart ”

_______________________________

A study shows quality of life improvements for Medicaid expansion enrollees since the Governor announced the expansion three years ago. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (30 ) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

_____________________________________

The Purple and Gold are suiting up for their first day of camp today, with fans anxious to see who’s ready to step up after the team saw some big changes in the offseason…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________________

Louisiana now has a minimum age for marriage in the state.  The new law that goes into effect today sets the age at 16.  During discussion by lawmakers, the age limit for marriage received pushback from GOP lawmakers saying it puts a roadblock in front of marriage in the event of teenage pregnancy.  President of the Louisiana Family Forum Gene Mills was among those in opposition to an age limit.

Cut 4 (08) “…was too strong.” 

Those in favor of the age limit insisted that the law would be a step toward combatting human trafficking, adding many of those involved with the crime will use marriage to cloak the activity.  Mills does not see the business logic in using marriage in that manner.

Cut 5  (10) “…in this area.” 

Mills says the new law still gets in the way of having a child being born into a proper family setting with the lack of traditional marriage.

Cut 6 (09) “…form of trafficking.”
________________

Tulane releases a report comparing pre and post-expansion quality of life for the Medicaid expansion’s 475,000 enrollees, and the results look positive.

Monthly trips to the ER were down 22 percent. Tulane Health Policy chair Mark Diana says repeat visitors saw a nearly nine percent drop in visits.

Cut 7 (11) “savings”

The study also shows the number of people who report they did not take medication as prescribed due to cost dropped by 66 percent.

The distance an expansion patient had to travel to get care dropped by up to four miles. Diana says for the Medicaid population it can be the difference between seeing and not seeing a doctor.

Cut 8 (08) “circumstances.”

That decrease may be linked to the 12 percent increase in the number of providers who accepted at least 10 Medicaid patients a year after the expansion. The largest declines were in gynecology and obstetrics.

Providers who accept Medicaid saw a 35 percent increase in Medicaid patients post-expansion. Diana says that’s resulted in a substantial increase in the use of nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Cut 9 (10) “…sense”

The report came out yesterday, which was the three year anniversary of the Governor’s executive order permitting the expansion.

_______________________

LSU Football kicks off camp today with the team rolling into Baton Rouge with more hype and expectations than they’ve had in over half a decade.

Fans are buzzing about the addition of former Saints assistant Joe Brady, who’s been tasked with dragging the offense into the 21^st century. Tiger Rag assistant editor Tyler Nunez.

Cut 10 (09) “…offense.”

Brady was brought on as passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach.

Nunez says while some fans might be obsessing over the Xs and Os of Joe Brady’s offense, most fans will have their eyes on…

Cut 11 (10) “…replace that.”

LSU ended the 2019 recruiting season with the 5^th ranked class.

Linebacker isn’t the only position the team lost a major veteran presence at. Former tight end Foster Moreau got drafted by the Raiders, and Nunez says fans are interested to see who steps up to fill the void.

Cut 12 (11) “…with them.”

One player who won’t be at camp, 2019 four star linebacker Donte Starks, who reportedly is facing some academic issues that are preventing him from attending.

_____________________________

A settlement is being announced today by Baton Rouge Police involving Blane Salamoni, the officer who fatally shot Alton Sterling.  Salamoni appealed his termination, but has yet to have a hearing on that appeal.  Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says leading up to the announcement, there is not much clarity as to what that settlement means.

Cut 13 (11) “…have a hearing.”

Borghardt says the settlement could mean monetary compensation, a reinstatement, or a combination of several things as there are more questions leading up to the announcement than answers.

Cut 14 (07) “…of monetary settlement.”

Borghardt says the settlement could set a precedent on how future cases similar to that of Salamoni are addressed.

Cut 15 (12) “…be a deterrent.”

Today marks the first day of Louisiana having a minimum age for marriage, with that age being set at 16. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart ”

_______________________________

A study shows quality of life improvements for Medicaid expansion enrollees since the Governor announced the expansion three years ago. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (30 ) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

_____________________________________

The Purple and Gold are suiting up for their first day of camp today, with fans anxious to see who’s ready to step up after the team saw some big changes in the offseason…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________________

Louisiana now has a minimum age for marriage in the state.  The new law that goes into effect today sets the age at 16.  During discussion by lawmakers, the age limit for marriage received pushback from GOP lawmakers saying it puts a roadblock in front of marriage in the event of teenage pregnancy.  President of the Louisiana Family Forum Gene Mills was among those in opposition to an age limit.

Cut 4 (08) “…was too strong.” 

Those in favor of the age limit insisted that the law would be a step toward combatting human trafficking, adding many of those involved with the crime will use marriage to cloak the activity.  Mills does not see the business logic in using marriage in that manner.

Cut 5  (10) “…in this area.” 

Mills says the new law still gets in the way of having a child being born into a proper family setting with the lack of traditional marriage.

Cut 6 (09) “…form of trafficking.”
________________

Tulane releases a report comparing pre and post-expansion quality of life for the expansion’s 475,000 enrollees, and the results look positive.

Monthly trips to the ER were down 22 percent. Tulane Health Policy chair Mark Diana says repeat visitors saw a nearly nine percent drop in visits.

Cut 7 (11) “savings”

The study also shows the number of people who report they did not take medication as prescribed due to cost dropped by 66 percent.

The distance an expansion patient had to travel to get care dropped by up to four miles. Diana says for the Medicaid population it can be the difference between seeing and not seeing a doctor.

Cut 8 (08) “circumstances.”

That decrease may be linked to the 12 percent increase in the number of providers who accepted at least 10 Medicaid patients a year after the expansion. The largest declines were in gynecology and obstetrics.

Providers who accept Medicaid saw a 35 percent increase in Medicaid patients post-expansion. Diana says that’s resulted in a substantial increase in the use of nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Cut 9 (10) “…sense”

The report came out yesterday, which was the three year anniversary of the Governor’s executive order permitting the expansion.

_______________________

LSU Football kicks off camp today with the team rolling into Baton Rouge with more hype and expectations than they’ve had in over half a decade.

Fans are buzzing about the addition of former Saints assistant Joe Brady, who’s been tasked with dragging the offense into the 21^st century. Tiger Rag assistant editor Tyler Nunez.

Cut 10 (09) “…offense.”

Brady was brought on as passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach.

Nunez says while some fans might be obsessing over the Xs and Os of Joe Brady’s offense, most fans will have their eyes on…

Cut 11 (10) “…replace that.”

LSU ended the 2019 recruiting season with the 5^th ranked class.

Linebacker isn’t the only position the team lost a major veteran presence at. Former tight end Foster Moreau got drafted by the Raiders, and Nunez says fans are interested to see who steps up to fill the void.

Cut 12 (11) “…with them.”

One player who won’t be at camp, 2019 four star linebacker Donte Starks, who reportedly is facing some academic issues that are preventing him from attending.

_____________________________

A settlement is being announced today by Baton Rouge Police involving Blane Salamoni, the officer who fatally shot Alton Sterling.  Salamoni appealed his termination, but has yet to have a hearing on that appeal.  Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says leading up to the announcement, there is not much clarity as to what that settlement means.

Cut 13 (11) “…have a hearing.”

Borghardt says the settlement could mean monetary compensation, a reinstatement, or a combination of several things as there are more questions leading up to the announcement than answers.

Cut 14 (07) “…of monetary settlement.”

Borghardt says the settlement could set a precedent on how future cases similar to that of Salamoni are addressed.

Cut 15 (12) “…be a deterrent.”

An emotional press conference took place today outside of the West Baton Rouge courthouse as family members are seeking justice in a fatal police shooting that happened last week. Matt Doyle has the story…

cut  2 (31) I’m Matt Doyle”  

The LSU football team reports for preseason camp tomorrow with expectations as high as they’ve been in several years. Coach Ed Orgeron says he’s told his team not to listen to the hype

Cut 12 (11) “…that’s it.”

The Saints and Michael Thomas agree to a contract that makes the wide out the highest-paid receiver in NFL history. Sources say the deal is worth 100-million dollars over five years. The Voice of the Saints, Zach Streif, says it’s a huge contract, but it should not prevent the team from re-signing some of its other young stars

Cut 3 (12) “…each era”

Thomas led the NFL with 125 catches last season.

Delhi Senator Francis Thompson is term-limited in the Senate but will attempt to continue his four-decade tenure in the legislature with his announcement that he’s running for the House. There are some concerns that the chamber flipping is against the spirit of the state’s term limit law, but Thompson says the Capitol is at it’s best when it has a few people who know all the ins and outs.

Cut 7 (11) “…was”

Thompson previously served in the Louisiana House from 1975 to 2007.

The Saints and Michael Thomas agree to a contract that makes the wide out the highest-paid receiver in NFL history. Sources say the deal is worth 100-million dollars over five years. The Voice of the Saints, Zach Streif says it’s obvious Thomas outperformed his rookie deal and a new massive contract was justified…

Cut 5 (11) “…of it”

The Saints are off from training camp today but expect to see Thomas back on the practice field tomorrow with his teammates.

The family of a black man killed last week during an encounter with a West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputy is demanding justice. An autopsy shows 38-year-old Josef Richardson was fatally shot in the back of the neck. Authorities say deputies were serving a warrant at a motel near Port Allen when Richardson was shot. Richardson’s daughter says she does not want her dad’s death to go down as an unsolved crime…

Cut 10 (09) “…no peace”  (2x)

Delhi Senator Francis Thompson is term-limited in the Senate but will attempt to continue his four-decade tenure in the legislature with his announcement that he’s running for the House. He’s one of north Louisiana’s more prominent lawmakers, and the 77-year-old says he’s still got plenty of gas left in the tank to maintain his stay in the Legislature.

Cut 8 (07) “…to go.”

Thompson previously served in the Louisiana House from 1975 to 2007.

The LSU football team reports for preseason camp tomorrow with expectations as high as they’ve been in several years. LSU has been plagued by inconsistent play on offense, but Orgeron believes in starting quarterback Joe Burrow and the Tigers return their leading receiver from last season, Justin Jefferson

Cut 13 (12) “…Trey Palmer”

The media has picked LSU to finish second in the SEC West.

The family of a black man killed last week during an encounter with a West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputy is demanding justice. An autopsy shows 38-year-old Josef Richardson was fatally shot in the back of the neck. Richardson was in a motel room with his girlfriend, who is facing drug charges. Investigators have not released any information on why the deputy fired his weapon. Richardson’s nephew says Josef was not a violent person…
Cut 11 (07) “…what happened.”
The identity of the deputy involved in the shooting has not been released.
Delhi Senator Francis Thompson is term-limited in the Senate but will attempt to continue his four-decade tenure in the legislature with his announcement that he’s running for the House. Thompson says if elected he’s looking forward to returning to the more fiscally focused lower chamber, where he can use his decades of experience to help taxpayers get the most bang for their buck.

Cut 6 (11) “…is”

The Saints and Michael Thomas have reportedly agreed to a new contract that makes him the highest-paid receiver in NFL history. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The LSU football team reports for preseason camp tomorrow with expectations as high as they’ve been in several years. Coach Ed Orgeron says he’s told his team not to listen to the hype

Cut 12 (11) “…that’s it.”

Senator Bill Cassidy is looking to help out parents for the first year of parenthood with paid leave and it’s a bipartisan effort. Cassidy says sometimes a new child may create a situation where a mother must quit working and survive on public assistance.

Cut 11 (09) “…return to work.”

Cassidy says the proposal will also improve the relationship between the parents and the child.

For years the Louisiana Treasury Department has returned unclaimed money to folks, and now they’re looking to do the same thing for lost military medals. Louisiana has an above-average rate of military service, and Treasurer John Schroder says law would allow the Department to collect lost medals and military paperwork from depositories and return them to the owner, or next of kin.

Cut 8 (06) “yet.”

The Saints Michael Thomas has reportedly agreed to a new contract that makes him the highest paid receiver in NFL history. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Louisiana has lost a sport legend in the boxing community, Beau Williford a professional trainer who once sparred with Muhammad Ali and founder of the Ragin’ Cajun Boxing Club in Lafayette has died. Williford died early Wednesday morning after a brief battle with cancer, he was 69 years old. Services will be held Saturday at First Baptist Church in Lafayette.

Senator Bill Cassidy releases a paid leave proposal for new parents.  Cassidy says with the plan, new parents would be allowed to take $5,000 advance on the child tax credit, reducing the $2,000 annual benefit to $1,500 for ten years after the birth or adoption of a child.  Cassidy says the proposal presents great benefits to families.

Cut 10 (11) “…that great expense.”

Louisiana Tech is investing in building new residence halls and parking by fall of 2021 as they continue to expand. Louisiana Tech assistant VP for student advancement Dickie Crawford says the old halls aren’t unsafe or falling apart, but they are outdated and with interest in the institution growing, they want to show a more modern face.

Cut 6 (09) “…newer.”

The Baton Rouge Area Chamber releases its 2019 legislative and gubernatorial election platform. BRAC Senior VP of Economic Competitiveness Liz Smith says they’d like to see a special session called in 2020. Smith says the platform lays out a plan to pay for infrastructure needs via a gas tax they particularly want to see a new Mississippi River Bridge crossing and BRAC supports a passenger rail between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

Cut 14 (11) “…to work every day.”

The Saints and Michael Thomas make a historic contract agreement making the wide out the highest-paid receiver in NFL. Thomas led the NFL with 125 catches, no other player in NFL has caught more passes in his first three seasons. The Voice of the Saints, Zach Streif, says Thomas is worth the investment.

Cut 4 (13) “…in the box.”