President Trump tours Sempra Energy’s 10-billion dollar liquefied natural gas export facility at 2 o’clock this afternoon. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A bill that would extend “Stand Your Ground” legal protections to people in churches is set to be heard on the House floor today. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The National Governor’s Association is holding its Cybersecurity summit in Shreveport. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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President Trump is visiting Cameron Parish at 2pm today to tour Sempra Energy’s 10-billion dollar liquefied natural gas export facility and will highlight job growth in the energy sector. Louisiana Oil & Gas Association president Gifford Briggs the area has a great story to tell the President as relates to the strength of the sector.

Cut 4 (11) “… making that happen.”

Briggs says he’s seen the President take action to strengthen the energy sector in the offshore drilling area.

Cut 5 (11) “…out to do.”

Briggs says the President will see just how big of a role Louisiana could be playing in the energy export market.

Cut 6 (11) “…actual construction phase.”

President Trump will fly to New Orleans for a fundraiser following his time in Cameron Parish. This is his third trip to the bayou state since taking office.

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The House will debate a bill today that would add “place of worship” to  the list of locations eligible for “Stand Your Ground” legal protections.

Bill author Houma Representative Beryl Amadee says currently, if you shoot a hostile intruder in your church, the legal burden is on you to prove that the shooting was justified, but if the law were to pass…

Cut 7 (12) “…Business.”

But opponents are concerned, saying the legislation does not outline specific situations that would result in legal protection. Louisiana Mom’s Demand Action chapter leader Angel Bradford says the legislation is flawed, and has no definition of what actually defines a threat…

Cut 8 (09) “…way”

Mom’s Demand Action is an anti-gun violence organization that opposes Stand Your Ground laws, calling them discriminatory.

Bradford says with the vague wording, this law could be applied to interpersonal conflicts that end in a death, or situations where a trigger happy congregant becomes suspicious of a new attendee, because it does not identify what “unlawful entry” is in the context of an open church…

Cut 9 (11) “…that vauge″

But Amadee says her understanding of the bill is that it only would be applied in cases where a threat is obvious, like the recent, headline grabbing church shootings…

Cut 10 (11) “…protections.”

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Shreveport is hosting the National Governor’s Association cybersecurity summit. Governor John Bel Edwards is the co-chair of the cyber task force for the association and considers the area the cyber corridor of the state. Chief of staff to the Governor, Mark Cooper says the event will see the attendants from all fifty states and will be one of the biggest conferences of the association of the year.

Cut 11 (11) “…from technology companies.”

Cooper says at the summit, Governor Edwards will have a big announcement.

Cut 12 (07) “…cyber innovations center.”

The northwest part of the state has seen job losses as of late, but Cooper says Louisiana’s colleges with tech-savvy programs will be showcased at the event that will be attractive to bringing in new business.

Cut 13 (12) “…businesses popping up.”

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American Idol top 3 contestant and Livingston Parish native Laine Hardy will be parading through the town of Livingston this evening starting at 5:15. The celebration will be filmed and used for the show’s pre-finale “Homecoming Week”.

Hardy could be the first Idol winner from the Bayou State in the show’s 17 seasons, and says the experience has been unforgettable.

Cut 14 (06) “…crazy”

The parade will roll from the Livingston Post Office office to the Livingston Parish Fairgrounds. Parking is not allowed on the route, and Parish officials are recommending visitors park at the fairgrounds.

Hardy says it’s a chance for him to give a warm welcome to all the fans that have voted him through weeks of the program. After the parade ends, he says he’ll be putting on a free concert.

Cut 15 (10) “thank you.”

Hardy will perform on the finale this Sunday night.

The 18-year-old says he credits his success to the musical upbringing he’s had in The Boot.

Cut 16  (09) “…really is” 

Hardy talked with Michelle Southern of Eagle 98.1

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The LSU baseball team is falling in the polls, but Coach Paul Mainieri believes his team can still host an NCAA Regional. Mainieri says for that to occur, the Tigers need a win tonight against UNO and then they must play well against Auburn in a series that starts on Thursday

 cut 17 (22)   “a regional” 

LSU is coming off a much needed win over fourth ranked Arkansas on Saturday. The Tigers got a big boost out of the bullpen from Todd Peterson, who threw four scoreless innings of one-hit ball. The junior from Florida has had his struggles this season, but Mainieri still believes in Peterson…

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.”

The Edwards administration opposes the legislation. Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson says an improving economy is creating budget surpluses and rolling back the state sales tax will make it more difficult to fund state services.

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 the state fought tooth and nail to keep from having to buy window units for the prisoners, racking 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.
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.”

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.
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 to mitigate the effects of the heat without AC. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the implications of this case are clear.
Cut 10 (11)“…humane.”
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Senator Bill Cassidy has spoken with President Tump about his plan for ending surprise medical billing costs for patients. Cassidy pinpointed the surprise that many patients face when they receive treatment that supposedly is covered by their insurance and get stuck with a bill you might expect if you are uninsured.
Cut 4 (10) “…a bill”
A study in Louisiana looks for a connection between blood sugar levels early in life and mid-life brain health. A collection of scientists with LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Tulane University and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center are working on the research. Co-principal investigator Dr. Owen Carmichael says these results could lead to new blood sugar management guidelines for children.
Cut 8 (10) “…tightly low level.”
The study is called the Bogalusa Heart Study.

Senator Bill Cassidy has spoken with President Trump about his plan for ending surprise medical billing costs for patients. Louisiana’s Senior Senator says he’s been inspired to take on his issue after repeatedly hearing about overcharging incidents from his constituents.

Cut 5 (11) “…their hand.”

A long-running study is looking 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 says now they will test those same volunteers now that they are in their 50s.

Cut 6 (11) “…is actually true.”

These results could lead to new blood sugar management guidelines for children.

A case filed by Angola inmates that accused the facility of cruel and unusual punishment for its refusal to use air conditioning in one section of the prison 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“.

A record breaking 51.3 million tourists visited Louisiana in 2018, a nine percent increase over 2017. The state has now seen 13 straight months of over the year job gains, and Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says part of that trend includes the booming tourism industry, that added 2,600 jobs between 2017 and 2018.

Cut 14 (11) “…in Louisiana”

A record breaking 51.3 million tourists visited Louisiana in 2018, a nine percent increase over 2017. That’s according to Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser who says the “Feed Your Soul” slogan is making waves, and the state has three areas of focus for tourism that are paying off.
Cut 13 (10) “…is up”
The report, by DK Shifflet, says visitors in Louisiana spent nearly 19 billion dollars in 2018, a seven percent increase since 2017.
Senator Bill Cassidy has spoken with President Tump about his plan for ending surprise medical billing costs for patients. 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”
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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”

The House is expected to take up legislation today that would ban drivers from touching their cell phones while behind the wheel. Bill author, Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says the proposal is a life saver, and a cost saver…
Cut 10 (11) “…accidents.”
Huval says Georgia recently passed a cellphone ban and the Peach State has seen a 15-percent reduction in commercial vehicle fatalities, and a four-percent reduction in all fatalities, which adds up to 50 lives saved due to the new law.
Senator Bill Cassidy spoke with the President last week about his plan for ending surprise medical billing costs for patients. The Senator says he’s working out legislation and regulations that would require hospitals to be upfront with the total cost of treatments…
Cut 3, 11 seconds, over it
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National Police week kicks off and according to the personal finance website WalletHub Louisiana is ranked the worst state for police officers in 2019. WalletHub spokesperson Jill Gonzales says Louisiana falls well below the average in officer income ranking 49th…
Cut 9 (12) “…54,000″
A record breaking 51.3 million tourists visited Louisiana in 2018, a nine percent increase over 2017. That’s according to Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser who cited a report, by DK Shifflet, that says visitors in Louisiana spent nearly 19 billion dollars in 2018, a seven percent increase frin 2017. Nungesser says that’s a ton of money going back into the state and local budgets.
Cut 15 (12) “per household.”
Nungesser says the tourism industry added 2,600 jobs between 2017 and 2018, for a total of 237,200 jobs in the industry total.

A bill banning drivers from using handheld cellphones while driving is set for debate on the House floor today. Matt Doyle talked to the bill’s author…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

A 16 year old girl is dead following a hit-and-run crash late Saturday night in Opelousas.  Authorities say the victim, identified as Princess Washington of Opelousas, was a passenger in a vehicle with her 18-year-old brother who survived the accident.  An active warrant for felony hit and run has been issued for Floydiece Washington, who authorities say has no relation to the victim.  Anyone with info on her whereabouts is encouraged to call 911 immediately.

Governor John Bel Edwards is confident the legislature will approve his proposal for 39-million dollars in block grant funding that would go to Louisiana school districts. House Republicans propose a 12-hundred dollar raise for teachers, 600-dollars for school support workers, but they have shown no indication of approving the additional 39-million dollars in public school funding. But Edwards is confident he’ll be able to deliver more money to local school districts…

Cut 5 (09) “…in the Senate”

A record breaking 51.3 million tourists visited Louisiana in 2018, a nine percent increase over 2017. That’s according to Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser who says the “Feed Your Soul” slogan is making waves, and the state has ghree areas of focus for tourism that are paying off.

Cut 13 (10) “…is up”

It is National Police Week and personal finance website WalletHub releases a report that ranks Louisiana as the worst state for police officers. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

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A bill banning drivers from using handheld cellphones while driving is set for debate on the House floor today. Matt Doyle talked to the bill’s author…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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A report shows Louisiana hit record numbers of tourism once again, with 51.3 million people checking out the Bayou State in 2018. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is confident the legislature will approve his proposal for 39-million dollars in block grant funding that would go to Louisiana school districts. Edwards says public schools desperately need this additional cash…

Cut 4 (12) “… in the other”

Lawmakers seem to be in agreement on a teacher pay raise. House Republicans propose a 12-hundred dollar raise for teachers, 600-dollars for school support workers, but they have shown no indication of approving the additional 39-million dollars in public school funding. But Edwards is confident he’ll be able to deliver more money to local school districts…

Cut 5 (09) “…in the Senate”

House Republicans have resisted Edwards proposal for additional funding for public schools, because they say Louisiana already spends the national average when it comes to per pupil funding. But Edwards says funding for Louisiana public schools has been stagnant for too long…

Cut 6 (10) “…as a result”

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National Police week kicks off and according to the personal finance website WalletHub Louisiana is ranked the worst state for police officers in 2019. The Bayou State is ranked 47th in highest crime rate and WalletHub spokesperson Jill Gonzales says the high violent crime rate may be the reason Louisiana ranks 50th in police deaths…

Cut 7 (12) “…assaulted.”

Louisiana has no required de-escalation training and Gonzalez says that is an issue for officer safety…

Cut 8 (12) “…police deaths”

Gonzales says Louisiana falls well below the average in officer income ranking 49^th…

Cut 9 (12) “…54,000″

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The House is expected to take up legislation today that would ban drivers from touching their cell phones while behind the wheel. Bill author, Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says the proposal is a life saver, and a cost saver…

Cut 10 (11) “…accidents.”

Huval says Georgia recently passed a cellphone ban and the Peach State has seen a 15-percent reduction in commercial vehicle fatalities, and a four-percent reduction in all fatalities, which adds up to 50 lives saved due to the new law.

The penalty for first time offenders is 100 dollars, or community service, under Louisiana’s proposed law. Huval says many of those who will be ticketed for the offense are teen drivers who are financially dependent on their parents, which is why they’ve added a non-financial penalty option.

Cut 11 (08) “…the law”

Huval has tried to get this bill to the governor’s desk for the last two years, but each time it’s stalled on the House floor. Huval says this time legislators have come to him to express support, after being educated about the effects of distracted driving.

Cut 12 (09) “…relatives.”

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A record breaking 51.3 million tourists visited Louisiana in 2018, a nine percent increase over 2017. That’s according to Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser who says the “Feed Your Soul” slogan is making waves, and the state has ghree areas of focus for tourism that are paying off.

Cut 13 (10) “…is up”

The state has now seen 13 straight months of over the year job gains, and Nungesser says part of that trend includes the booming tourism industry, that added 2,600 jobs between 2017 and 2018.

Cut 14 (11) “…in Louisiana”

The report, by DK Shifflet, says visitors in Louisiana spent nearly 19 billion dollars in 2018, a seven percent increase frin 2017. Nungesser says that’s a ton of money going back into the state and local budgets.

Cut 15 (12) “per household.”

The New Orleans Fire Department is currently on the scene of a 5 alarm fire in the French Quarter near the intersection of Conti and Bourbon.  They got word of the blaze around 7 am.  Oceana Grill, the Copper Monkey Bar & Grill and Olde N’awlins Cookery, along with several other businesses have been impacted.  First responders have closed Conti Street from Dauphine to Royal Streets.  Bourbon Street has been closed from Bienville Street to Saint Louis Street. City officials have not given an estimated time for a reopening of those areas.   No reason for the cause of the fire has been released yet and no injuries have been reported.
Senator John Kennedy is once again bringing legislation aimed at getting dead people off the social security rolls. The Republican says every year the federal government spends 144 billion dollars on improper payments, through Social security, Medicare, and other social programs.
Cut 9 (12) “…them“.

According to research from Move.org, Louisiana is the third least expensive state to be a new mom. Move.org spokesperson Cosette Jarrett says their study factored the cost of childcare for the first year of a child’s life as well as the medical cost of delivery.

Cut 3 (10) “…in the nation.”

After a St. Landry pastor said he’d already forgiven the man accused of the church burnings, Rep Steve Scalise says he and the pastor discussed his feelings about his shooting that nearly cost him his life.  Scalise, the No. 2 House Republican leader, said Friday he still struggles to forgive the man who wounded him and four others two years ago during a baseball practice.
Governor has declared a state of emergency on Twitter around 5:30 p.m. on Friday. He says current forecasts predict anywhere from 4″ to 8″ of rain across the state today.

It’s mothers day weekend and The average cost of being a new mom in Louisiana is cheaper than all but two other states in the nation. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Connor Ferrill”
In response to the wicked weather received in the state, the Governor has declared a state of emergency. He made the announcement on Twitter around 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 10. He says current forecasts predict anywhere from 4″ to 8″ of rain across the state.

Senator John Kennedy is once again bringing legislation aimed at getting dead people off the social security rolls. Kennedy says his legislation would address the long running issue by tackling the two biggest drivers of fraud, starting with Social Security’s list of deceased citizens…
Cut 10 (12)“…agencies.”
The Republican says every year the federal government spends 144 billion dollars on improper payments.
House Ways and Means will hear a bill Monday that would repeal the .45 percent state sales tax levied in the last legislative session to plug a budget deficit. Removing that .45 percent sales tax would likely mean cuts to state services, but Haughton Representative Dodie Horton says Louisiana needs to learn to live within it’s means.
Cut 14 (12) “…done that”