CenturyLink will keep it’s corporate headquarters in Monroe through 2025. The company, announced the agreement with Governor Edwards earlier today. Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the deal was a team effort.
Cut 7 (11) “…community”
The agreement included an incentive package featuring a performance based grant based on the CenturyLink’s payroll. The company employs over 2,200 workers in the state at a payroll of 200 million dollars.
New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop wants to rename the I-10 the “Who Dat Nation Highway” to honor fans of the Black and Gold. Bishop says the idea for his proposed legislation came from the traumatic aftermath of the Nola No Call…
Cut 14 (09) “…to do something.”

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A 2017 wreck that left a four-year-old girl dead is inspiring legislation for the upcoming session.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

LSU baseball hopes to keep it’s momentum alive tonight at 730PM against Grambling. The Tigers kicked a dry spell at the plate in a series win over Mississippi State.

CenturyLink will keep it’s corporate headquarters in Monroe through 2025. The company, which employs over 2,200 workers in the state at a payroll of 200 million dollars, announced the agreement with Governor Edwards earlier today.
Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says securing the north Louisiana campus was vital for the state’s tech economy.
Cut 6, 11 seconds, importance
A fatal wreck in November 2017 is inspiring a Bossier Parish representative to push an extension of a law that could make drug tests a requirement after serious auto and boating accidents. The current law only mandates toxicology tests if someone dies at the scene of a crash. Representative Raymond Crews says measure stems from the death of a 4-year-old.
Cut 3 (13) “…toxicology was performed.”
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Louisiana may soon see high occupancy vehicle lanes on state highways, but Livingston Senator Dale Erdey says the state Department of Transportation needs the authority to put them in place, so he’s got legislation to make that happen. Erdey says says drivers riding solo would not get to take advantage of the driving in the lane, but…
Cut 11 (08) “…lanes of highway.”
a recent study showed Louisiana could relieve traffic congestion by adopting HOV lanes.
New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop is introducing legislation to see the interstate adopt the moniker the “Who Dat Nation Highway.” Bishop says the nearly 275 mile stretch of Interstate 10 that runs through South Louisiana would be rebranded in an effort to pay homage to the fans of the Black and Gold.
Cut 13 (10) “…in the world.”

Another change to the Industrial Tax Exemption Program, which is a large property tax break for manufacturers could be possible if one Baton Rouge lawmaker gets his way in the upcoming legislative session. Matt Doyle has the story.
Voicer 1 (31) “I’m matt doyle.”
The USA Today Network reports Louisiana House Speaker Taylor Barras is recovering after falling from a ladder while trimming trees at his Acadiana home last weekend.  Barras suffered a broken right wrist and fractured right arm and is consulting with his doctor to determine whether surgery will be needed.

A Louisiana Policy Institute for Children report shows the price of childcare in the state is rapidly rising in price, up 35 percent from 2010 to 2016.  To combat this, Executive Director Melanie Bronfin says the state should pump more money into early childhood subsidies like California does with it’s dedicated tobacco tax.

Cut 4 (10) “…states.”

The study shows childcare costs the average single parents on average 38 percent of their income, and 45 percent of all kids in the state live in single parent households.

New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop is introducing legislation to see Interstate 10 adopt the moniker the “Who Dat Nation Highway.”  Bishop says the idea spawned from being upset about how the NFC title game played out and says the Saints fan are the best fan base on the planet.

Cut 14 (09) “…to do something.”

This is not an April Fools report but yes it’s true the Rolling Stones have cancelled their Jazz Fest appearance for May and now we know why. According to reports, Mick Jagger will have heart valve replacement surgery in New York. His doctor said no more performances for now. Jagger apologized to fans on Twitter Saturday for the postponed of their US and Canadian tour. Thousands waited in line to get tickets for their appearance at Jazz Fest and paid extra to see the legendary band. As for Jazz Fest the decision on refunds and a replacement for the Stones are still being discussed among organizers.

Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter has a bill that would eventually pump billions of dollars into the state’s crumbling infrastructure by raising the gas tax by 18 cents a gallon over the next 12 years. Carter says his bill would make sure that every cent raised would go towards fixing bridges, building roads, and other vital needs.

Cut 6 (12) “…this state”

The current gas tax is 20 cents a gallon, and if passed the legislation would raise that by six cents in the first year.

The personal finance website WalletHub finds Louisiana is the most stressed out state in the nation WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says Financially, the state ranks second for the median credit score and third for percent of the population living below the poverty line.  Gonzales says these factors can have a snowball effect.

Cut 4 (11) “…cyclical aspects here.”

Terrebone Parish Sherriff Jerry Larpenter has announced he won’t seek his ninth election at the end of his term next June. The career lawman said in a letter he’s wants to spend more time with his family. Larpenter began his career as a patrolman and worked his way up the ranks.  Larpenter was sheriff for 21 years before deciding to not run again in 2007 and he was elected again after the gap in 2011 and 2015. Three people have announced their intent to succeed Larpenter. The primary is October 12^th.

A Baton Rouge Representative wants to raise the gas tax by 18 cents over the next 12 years to pay for billions in Louisiana infrastructure projects. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

Terrebone Parish Sherriff Jerry Larpenter has announced he won’t seek his ninth election at the end of his term next June. The career lawman said in a letter he’s wants to spend more time with his family. Larpenter began his career as a patrolman and worked his way up the ranks.  Larpenter was sheriff for 21 years before deciding to not run again in 2007 and he was elected again after the gap in 2011 and 2015. Three people have announced their intent to succeed Larpenter. The primary is October 12^th.

The personal finance website WalletHub finds Louisiana is the most stressed out state in the nation.  Bordering states Mississippi took second place and Arkansas placed third.  WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says 40 different metrics were used to calculate the rankings.

Cut 3 (11) “…those different things.”

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services releases a report that finds the number of reported juvenile trafficking victims rose by 20-percent in 2018. Child welfare manager Christy Tate says Overall in 2018, there were 744 confirmed victims of trafficking, 58-percent were juveniles and as young as five months old. She says the oldest victim of human trafficking was 65-years-old…

Cut 13 (10) “…their 60s.”

The personal finance website WalletHub finds Louisiana is the most stressed out state in the nation.  Louisiana ranks fifth for percent of adults with fair or poor health and sixth for getting adequate sleep. WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says the lack of money can lead to stress and Louisiana ranks high in some catagories.

Cut 5 (11) “…of stress levels.”

Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter is looking to increase the state gas tax by 18 cents a gallon to help ease traffic and repair state bridges. A past effort by Carter to pass a similar tax failed to even make it to the floor, but the Capital City Republican says he’s heard from lawmakers since then who have changed their mind.

Cut 8 (09) “…gasoline tax”.

State Attorney General Jeff Landry is promoting legislation in the upcoming session that would guarantee healthcare coverage for pre-existing conditions and other patient projections, if the Affordable Care Act is ruled unconstitutional. Governor Edwards says its ironic Landry is taking credit for fixing a problem he helped create by supporting litigation that endangers health care coverage for almost 850-thousand Louisiana residents. But Landry says the lawsuit gives Louisiana an opportunity to create a better health care system…

Cut 11 (09)   “fellow citizens.”

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services releases a report that finds the number of reported juvenile trafficking victims rose by 20-percent in 2018. Child welfare manager Christy Tate says the report found that Orleans, Caddo and East Baton Rouge were the parishes most frequently identified as the trafficking locations for both adult and juvenile victims. She says that’s not a big surprise…

Cut 14 (07) “…traveled areas”

Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter is proposing legislation that would increase the gasoline tax 18-cents a gallon over the next 12 years. Carter says last week’s traffic nightmare in the Capital City because of a damaged bridge is another reason why the state needs better bridges…

Cut 7 (11) “…somewhere”

Carter’s bill would increase state transportation dollars by 430-million dollars per year.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services releases a report that finds the number of reported juvenile trafficking victims rose by 20-percent in 2018. Child welfare manager Christy Tate says they don’t think the crime of human trafficking is getting worse, but there’s greater awareness

Cut 12 (08) “…being trained.”

Overall in 2018, there were 744 confirmed victims of trafficking, 58-percent were juveniles and as young as five months old.

Louisiana has the highest level of stress in the nation according to research from the personal finance website WalletHub…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Attorney General Jeff Landry is backing legislation in the upcoming session that would guarantee healthcare coverage for pre-existing conditions and other patient projections, if Obamacare is ruled unconstitutional. The A-G has been an outspoken critic of the A-C-A, and says this bill is part of the solution…

Cut 10 (07)“…coming out”

The Edwards administration also has a bill addressing the possibility of people losing insurance if the A-C-A is ruled unconstitutional.

Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter has a bill that would eventually pump billions of dollars into the state’s crumbling infrastructure by raising the gas tax by 18 cents a gallon over the next 12 years. Carter says his bill would make sure that every cent raised would go towards fixing vital needs.

Cut 6 (12) “…this state”

The current gas tax is 20 cents a gallon, and if passed the legislation would raise that by six cents in the first year.

The personal finance website WalletHub has released a report that indicates Louisiana is the most stressed-out state in the nation.   Louisiana ranks fifth for percent of adults with fair or poor health.  Financially, the state ranks third for percent of the population living below the poverty line.  Gonzales says these factors can have a snowball effect.

Cut 4 (11) “…cyclical aspects here.”

State Attorney General Jeff Landry is touting legislation that would guarantee healthcare coverage for pre-existing conditions and other patient projections if the courts rule the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional. Landry says the bill is called “Health Care Coverage for Louisiana Families Protection Act…

Cut 9 (12) “…pre-existing conditions”

Landry’s office supports a lawsuit that seeks to declare Obamacare as unconstitutional. Back in December, a federal judge ruled in favor of that lawsuit and the ruling is currently under appeal.

What happens now with the LSU basketball program now that the season is over? Head Coach Will Wade could be dismissed in the wake of the FBI wiretap scandal that caught Wade in an alleged pay to play scheme. Tiger Rag Associate Editor Tyler Nunez says Athletic Director Joe Alleva likely has his eyes on a new head coach…

Cut 10 (12) “…will wade.”

The personal finance website WalletHub has released a report that indicates Louisiana is the most stressed-out state in the nation.  Bordering states Mississippi took second place and Arkansas placed third.  WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says forty key metrics were used to calculate the rankings.

Cut 3 (11) “…those different things.”

Louisiana ranks fifth for percent of adults with fair or poor health and sixth for getting adequate sleep.

Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval has introduced legislation for the upcoming session that would see handheld cell phone use prohibited while driving.  Current law only sees that restriction in place while in a school zone.  Huval says the proposed law would carry a few exceptions for hand-held phone use, including first responders.

Cut 6 (13) “…an exception also.”

The 2019 session kicks off seven days from now and legislators will tackle revenue questions, but as of now, they will be doing it without a budget. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

We’re a week away from the start of the 2019 legislative session, and since it’s an odd numbered year legislators will be tasked with taking on tax and revenue issues from the start. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says there’s one problem though…
Cut 7 (09) “…officially”
Alford says that’s because the Revenue Estimating Conference cannot agree on just how much revenue the state will take in this year. Speaker Taylor Barras is opposing the other three members recommendation to raise the forecast from last year.
Gonzales Representative Clay Schexnayder is proposing to legalize hemp production in Louisiana. Last year’s federal farm bill permits states to regulate and grow hemp if they so choose. He says the crop is a cash cow…
Cut 13 (09) “…one year.”
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A proposed law to be introduced during the upcoming session could see Louisiana drivers having to put down their cell phones in favor of a hands free device. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”
Port Barre Police are searching for a suspected runaway 15-year-old girl who was last seen getting off the bus at Port Barre High School. Authorities says Domeanna Spell, a 5’2 white female with long light brown hair, is potentially with a 47-year-old Cory Disotel, who may be traveling in his 2003 silver Honda Civic.