Many Food Stamp beneficiaries will be receiving their funds on a modified schedule next month as the program wraps up its government shutdown inspired scheduling changes. DCFS Division of Family Support Deputy Assistant Secretary Sammy Guillory says those who normally get their SNAP on the 10th through the 14th will instead get their funds on the 9th.

Cut 9 (11) “…freak out”

House Republican Caucus Chairman Lance Harris used today’s joint legislative budget committee to question Governor Edwards re-election claims that taxes have gone down during his term. The state representative from Alexandria says taxes are actually higher than they were when Edwards took office…

Cut 12 (07) “…in taxes.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser gave an update on the status of the four New Orleans Confederate monuments today on Talk Louisiana, saying he’s working to get the city to transfer control of them. Rumors circulated after the monument’s removal that private citizens were cutting deals to have the statues transferred to their property. Despite the initial failures, the Lt. Governor says some private citizens are still making an attempt.
Cut 4 (07) “…there″

The monuments were taken down in 2017.

Motorists on I-49 in the urbanized areas of Alexandria will see an increase in the speed limit. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says the change will see plenty of benefits as many of the drivers are already accustomed to driving the new speed limit.

Cut 7 (11) “…things like that.”

From about Broadway Avenue north to the US 71 interchange, the speed will increase from 60 to 65, and 60 to 70 elsewhere.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser gave an update on the status of the four New Orleans Confederate monuments today on Talk Louisiana, saying he’s working to get the city to transfer control of them. There’s one major roadblock though, and that’s P.G.T Beauregard, who isn’t controlled by the city…
Cut 3 (11) “…forward”
The monuments were taken down in 2017, sparking an intense series of standoffs in front of the statues in multiple areas of the city.
Motorists on I-49 in the urbanized areas of Alexandria will see an increase in the speed limit. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says today crews are changing out the speed limits signs in the area.
Cut 6 (09) “…to 65 mph.”
_____________________
LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron is set to get more job security and a bump in pay. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Im Jeff Palermo”
Faraday native, 83-year-old Jerry Lee Lewis is canceling his Jazz Fest set as he recovers from a stroke he suffered last month.

The two Republicans running to unseat Governor Edwards have different thoughts in how they’d approach healthcare and education if elected. Matt Doyle was there for their joint public apperance….

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Food stamp recipients will be receiving their April benefits on a modified schedule as the result of the government shutdown that disrupted the normal distribution schedule. Recipients who usually receive their benefits between the 1^st & 9^th will be unaffected, but those that receive benefits between the 10^th & 14^th will receive benefits on the 9^th, ensuring beneficiaries do not go more than 40 days between issuances. Normal distribution is expected in May.

Motorists on I-49 in the urbanized areas of Alexandria will see an increase in the speed limit. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says today crews are changing out the speed limits signs in the area.

Cut 6 (09) “…to 65 mph.”

The remaining portions in the Alexandria will see an increase from 60 to 70 miles per hour.

There’s less than a month left before federal taxes are due. Metairie CPA Tyler Johnson says the last few weeks have been mighty busy and getting busier as April 15^th draws closer. Johnson says one of the biggest things is making sure to keep an eye on the mail to make sure you get your tax docs together, whether it’s W-2s, 1099s, or health insurance info.

Cut 11 (06) “things you’re missing.”
Johnson says for those that need to file a six-month extension, it’s important to remember that the extension is only for filing a return, not for paying money if you owe on your taxes.

The two Republicans running to unseat Governor Edwards have different thoughts on how they’d approach healthcare and education if elected. Matt Doyle was there for their joint public appearance….

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The executive director of the Louisiana GOP Andrew Bautsch was arrested over the weekend for allegedly shoving a New Orleans Police Officer hours after his wedding. Bautsch is facing multiple charges which include a battery, trespass and resisting an officer. State GOP Chairman Louis Gurvitch told the New Orleans Advocate, that Bautsch denies the charges. Bautsch could not be reached for comment, he’s on his honeymoon.

The LSU Board of Supervisors will vote tomorrow on a contract extension and raise for head football coach Ed Orgeron. The proposed deal would extend Orgeron for another two years, through the 2023 season and he’ll get a 14-percent increase in pay, boosting his salary to four-million dollars a year. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says the contract seems justified…

Cut 7 (11) “…head coach”

There’s less than a month left before federal taxes are due. Metairie CPA Tyler Johnson says the last few weeks have been mighty busy and getting busier as April 15^th draws closer. Johnson says procrastinating in scheduling a time to sit down with someone to do your taxes could be a big mistake.

Cut 10 (12) “…toward April 15th”

State taxes are due May 15th

The two Republican candidates for governor appeared together for the first time in Baton Rouge on Monday and they gave their thoughts on spending in the state’s Medicaid program, which has been expanded under current Governor John Bel Edwards to cover 500-thousand more adults. Congressman Ralph Abraham says if elected he would not undo Medicaid expansion, but it needs to be reformed.

Cut 13 (11) “…economics.”

Businessman Eddie Rispone says after recent reports of improper spending in the Medicaid program, he would place a hold on new applicants until the Department of Health could rectify its problem with ineligible recipients on the rolls.

Cut 14 (11) “…properly.”

Rispone says any freeze would be temporary.

Taxes are due in less than a month.  Kevin Barnhart talks with Metairie CPA Tyler Johnson about how to reduce the risk of a bumpy experience.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

A legislative audit has revealed an LSU employee was given more than $400-thousand in salary and benefits to a worker who has admitted to not performing their job for several years. Auditor Daryl Purpera announced Monday that the school of Veterinary Medicine also never addressed the employee’s lack of work.

The Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine acknowledge the error and is ensuring safeguards to avoid future mistakes. The audit did not name the worker, who was still employed as of late January.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott slammed Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards for his handling of the state’s economy, going as far to say that Edwards has made his job easier when it comes to attracting jobs to the Longhorn state. Abbott says Texas’ economy is growing, because of a business friendly environment, and wished the same for Louisiana, but…

Cut 4 (08) “…incentive.”

However a spokesperson for Governor Edwards’s re-election campaign said the governor has landed 100 major economic developments during his term.

There’s less than a month left before federal taxes are due. Metairie CPA Tyler Johnson says for those that need to file a six-month extension, it’s important to remember that the extension is only for filing a return, not for paying money if you owe on your taxes.

Cut 12 (07) “…the shortfall was.”

Louisiana State taxes are due May 15^th.

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron is set to get more job security and a bump in pay. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Im Jeff Palermo”

The executive director of the Louisiana GOP Andrew Bautsch was arrested over the weekend for allegedly shoving a New Orleans Police Officer hours after his wedding. Bautsch has not commented on the incident, he’s on his honeymoon.

LSU opens their NCAA Tournament run Thursday against Yale, and the American Gaming Association says 47 million American adults will place a bet on this year’s contest either by filling out a bracket or putting down money on a specific game. CEO Bill Miller says 8.5 billion in bets will be placed by the end of the tournament.

Cut 6 (08) “…championship game.”

The Bayou Bengals are eight-point favorites to beat the Bulldogs.

The state Legislative Auditor’s office releases a report that shows LSU paid a faculty member over 400-thousand dollars in salary and benefits for nearly three years, even though that person admitting to not performing work for the university during that time. State auditor Barrett Hunter says the School of Veterinary Medicine did not take sufficient action to address the employee’s lack of performance…

Cut 12 (10) “…anything like that.”

The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge from a Louisiana man who was convicted in 2016 by a non-unanimous jury verdict for the murder of a New Orleans woman. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The executive director of the Louisiana GOP tied the knot on Friday, then just a few hours later, was arrested for shoving a New Orleans Police Officer.  According to the police report, Andrew Bautsch was asked to leave a business on St. Charles Avenue around 1:30 AM Saturday.  He was being escorted to an elevator when the shove was alleged to occur. Bautsch was booked with battery on an officer, resisting police and criminal trespassing.

The state Legislative Auditor’s office releases a report that shows LSU paid a faculty member over 400-thousand dollars in salary and benefits for nearly three years, even though that person admitting to not performing work for the university during that time. State auditor Barrett Hunter says there is a chance that the employee could face legal ramifications for the payment.

Cut 14 (12) “…in recouping it.”

LSU has responded saying the School of Veterinary Medicine has inserted safeguards to ensure nothing like this will occur again.
LSU opens their NCAA Tournament run Thursday against Yale, and the American Gaming Association says 47 million American adults will place a bet on this year’s contest either by filling out a bracket or putting down money on a specific game. CEO Bill Miller says 147 million brackets will be filled out.

Cut 7 (08) “…and more.”

A state lawmaker who championed having the right to vote restored to felons now wants those same individuals serve jury duty with a bill pre-filed for the upcoming legislative session.  About 36,000 former felons were granted the right to vote as of March 1. But Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says much like voting rights, jury pool eligibility isn’t restored as soon as the cell door opens and someone is released into society.

Cut 5 (10)  “…of our society.”
James’ bill will be heard in the legislative session that begins next month.

The US Supreme Court will consider overturning a Louisiana man’s 2016 non-unanimous jury conviction in a murder case. Last year the Bayou State voters approved a constitutional amendment requiring unanimous convictions in all felony cases, but the law is not retroactive. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino.

Cut 9 (10) “…the state”

The Republican Governor’s Association will hold a fundraiser tonight in New Orleans to help raise cash to defeat Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards this fall. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the dough raised tonight will help pay for anti-Edwards ads…
cut 14 (10) “….Edwards”
The R-G-A has identified Louisiana’s 2019 governor’s race as a top pick up opportunity for Republicans.
A state lawmaker who championed having the right to vote restored to felons is now wanting to see those same voters be eligible to serve jury duty with House Bill 65.  Normally, jury pools are selected from the voter registration, but Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says while select felons do have voting rights reinstated, there is a provision that prevents ex-incarcerated individuals from being selected for a jury.

Cut 3 (06) “…in the law”

About 36,000 people were granted the right to vote as of March 1.  James says it’s important to see returning citizens reintegrated on a full scale.

Who owns all of the pictures, posts and private messages you put on Facebook? Well, right now it’s not you, it’s Facebook, but one Senator has legislation that would change that. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The former mayor of Vinton was fatally shot in Baton Rouge on Saturday. Police say 64-year-old David Riggins was killed during a struggle with 32-year-old Vernon Mosby on Saturday morning. Authorities say Mosby arrived at the home unannounced after learning through a dating app that another love interest was spending the night with him.

26 million dollars in duplicate state tax refunds were sent out on Tuesday, and the state is scrambling to get the cash back. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A bill to abolish the death penalty in Louisiana will soon be filed as the debate about capital punishment continues on the national level. Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor says he has several issues with death sentences.

Cut 6 (08) “…that it’s immoral.”

12 US Senate Republicans voted against the President’s national emergency declaration that would allow him to access billions in construction dollars to build additional physical border wall. Senator John Kennedy was not among the 12, and says history shows the President’s move is quite legal.  The opposing Senators voiced concerns about executive overreach, and the potential for the declaration to be a template for future Democratic presidents. Kennedy says he sympathizes with that concern.

Cut 10 (11)“…mistake.”

A Department of Corrections investigation has resulted in multiple arrests and resignations at Angola since the investigation began last Friday. Of those involved in the investigation, six were sergeants and one was a nurse. Department spokesperson Ken Pastorick says more arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

Cut 13 (07) “…with charges pending.”