Senator John Kennedy has called for Secretary Rebekah Gee to be fired, citing the tens of millions of dollars spent on Medicaid recipients who were not income eligible, and the recent report that 37,000 people were discovered to be income inelgibale after a new computer system checked income elgiability for the entire database. Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera says an audit did reveal that a significant portion of the past Medicaid population may have been income eligible.
Cut 8 (06) “…income levels.”
Gee defended the department saying the funds were not wasted.
Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins questioned President Trump’s former personal lawyer Michael Cohen today in Congress, and wrapped up his questions by calling the hearing into question…
Cut 14 (08) “…impeachment proceedings”
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Louisiana’s Senior Senator Bill Cassidy had an opportunity to question top executives of several pharmaceutical companies about rising prescription drug costs. Cassidy says there is acknowledgment from the pharmaceutical industry that there is a problem in prescription drug affordability, which is a good first step…
Cut 5 (06)“…that innovation”
Cassidy says Humira, which treats arthritis and Crohn’s Disease, is sold at an 80-percent discount in Denmark and the drug manufacturer still makes a profit.
The old state capitol in Baton Rouge has opened a new, permanent exhibit celebrating the 25th anniversary of the building’s restoration called “Castle on the River”. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the building’s storied history is chronicled in the exhibit.
Cut 9 (11) “…in 1862.”

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins questioned President Trump’s former personal lawyer Michael Cohen.  During his opening statement, Cohen said at one time he was so mesmerized by Trump that he was willing to do things for him that he knew were absolutely wrong. The president employed Cohen for more than a decade. But Higgins suggested in his questioning that Cohen didn’t say anything today that damages Trump…

Cut 13 (14) “…today really” 

Louisiana’s Senior Senator Bill Cassidy had an opportunity to question top executives of several pharmaceutical companies about rising prescription drug costs. During a Senate Finance hearing, Cassidy, who is a medical doctor, thanked them for their advancements in medicine, but he says some patients cannot take advantage of it, because of the high cost.

Cut 3 (05) “…one concern”

Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera is confident the Medicaid program is headed in the right direction after the implementation of a new computer check system that verifies a person’s income automatically, instead of the old way that relied on self reporting. Purpera says on a whole the new system is a good start, but…

Cut 6 (11) “…in may”
On Tuesday, Senator John Kennedy criticized LDH, saying he did not trust the new computer system, or the people in charge of running it.

The old state capitol in Baton Rouge has opened a new exhibit celebrating the 25^th anniversary of the building’s restoration called “Castle on the River: The Evolution of Louisiana’s Old State Capitol.” It documents the building from its inception to the current function as a museum. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says those that are interested in the architectural history and the structure of the building will also find themselves intrigued with the display.
Cut 11 (09)   “…everything for everybody.”
The exhibit is free.

Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera is confident the Medicaid program is headed in the right direction after the implementation of a new computer check system that verifies a person’s income automatically.  Purpera says they have a good working relationship with the department, but occasionally there are disagreements.

Cut 7 (10) “…eligible.”

The old state capitol in Baton Rouge has opened a new, permanent exhibit celebrating the 25^th anniversary of the building’s restoration called “Castle on the River: The Evolution of Louisiana’s Old State Capitol.” It documents the building from its inception to the current function as a museum. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the free exhibit will take those making the tour through some of the historical sections of the building.

Cut 10 (10)“…something for everybody.”

U-S Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy have blocked two President Trump nominees to the U-S Department of Housing and Urban Development in the hopes it will lead to more money for 2016 flood victims. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

A Robeline teenager is dead after his vehicle left the roadway and collided with several trees in Natchitoches Parish yesterday. 17-year-old John Hunter Owens was pronounced dead at a local hospital. L-S-P says a deputy tried to initiate a traffic stop, but Owens sped off before the fatal wreck occurred.  Toxicology tests are pending and the crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana’s Senior Senator Bill Cassidy had an opportunity to question top executives of several pharmaceutical companies about rising prescription drug costs. During a Senate Finance hearing, Cassidy, who is a medical doctor, says there is acknowledgment from the pharmaceutical industry that there is a problem in prescription drug affordability, which is a good first step…

Cut 5 (06)“…that innovation”

Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera says confident the Medicaid program is headed in the right direction after the implementation of a new computer check system that verifies a person income automatically, instead of the old program that relied on self reporting. Purpera says on a whole the new system is a good start, but…

Cut 6 (11) “…in may”

The old state capitol has opened a new, permanent exhibit celebrating the 25^th anniversary of the building’s restoration called “Castle on the River: The Evolution of Louisiana’s Old State Capitol,” that documents the building from its inception to the current function as a museum. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the building has storied history chronicled in the exhibit.

Cut 9 (11) “…in 1862.”
The exhibit is free.

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins questioned President Trump’s former personal lawyer Michael Cohen, who said before the House Oversight committee that Trump is a racist, a conman and a cheat. Cohen has pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about a Moscow real estate project that Trump denies ever pursuing. Higgins, a former law enforcement officer, had this to say to Cohen…

Cut 12 (04)   “…many of them.”

Senator John Kennedy is demanding to know exactly how much money has been spent on Medicaid recipients who were found to be ineligible for the program. Kennedy says he wants a full accounting, but at the end of the state may be unable to recoup the costs.

Cut 13 (11) “…for good.”

37,000 people were found income ineligible after a new computer system ran a check of the entire Medicaid database.

Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera says an audit did reveal that a significant portion of the past Medicaid population may have been income eligible.

Cut 8 (06) “…income levels.”

LDH Secretary Rebekah Gee defended the department saying even if an ineligible person received services, almost all of the cost was covered by the feds, and noted that most who were found to be making too much money to qualify would still be considered working poor.

The 32-year-old mother of an Acadiana High student was arrested last week for posting a video on social media of two children fighting at the school will not be prosecuted.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Senator John Kennedy lit into the Louisiana Department of Health, demanding to know exactly how much money has been spent on Medicaid recipients who were found to be ineligible for the program. Kennedy is asking L-D-H to work with federal officials to recoup the misspent money…

Cut 13 (11) “…for good.”

LDH alerted 37-thousand Medicaid recipients last week that they are no longer eligible for Medicaid, because they make too much money Secretary Rebekah Gee credits a new computer system for finding the ineligible patients.

The Lafayette District Attorney has decided not to pursue charges against a 32-year-old mother of an Acadiana High student, who was arrested last week for posting a video on social media of two children fighting at the school. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt say the mother may want to think about civil charges against the Scott Police Department who booked her into jail…

Cut 8 (08) “…and move forward.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will open over 30 bays on Bonnet Carre Spillway in St. Charles Parish this morning and the flood control structure could remain open for the next month to relive pressure on the New Orleans levee system. Colonel Michael Clancy says they’ve been in a flood fight on the Mississippi since November 2nd…

Cut 4 (10) “….Snow melt”

The Corps could open as many as 200 bays on the Bonne Carrie Spillway.

Louisiana set another record high for total GDP in the third quarter of 2018. The state’s GDP rose to 252 billion in the third quarter, up 2.3 billion from the second.

Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the numbers are impressive when you consider the negative impact a series of trade wars have had on Louisiana’s agricultural and export/import based economy.

Cut 12 (10) “…we’re hopeful”

This morning, just 23 miles west of New Orleans, the Bonnet Carre Spillway will open its bays, allowing water from a swelling Mississippi to drain into Lake Pontchartrain. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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The 32-year-old mother of an Acadiana High student was arrested last week for posting a video on social media of two children fighting at the school will not be prosecuted.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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 Senator John Kennedy is demanding to know how much the Louisiana Department of Health spent on ineligible Medicaid recipients after the implementation of a new system kicked tens of thousands of recipients off the rolls. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will open over 30 bays on Bonnet Carrie Spillway in St. Charles Parish this morning and the flood control structure could remain open for the next month to relive pressure as the Mississippi River swells, threatening the New Orleans levee system. Colonel Michael Clancy says they’ve been in a flood fight since November 2nd.

Cut 4 (10) “….Snow melt”

When the Spillway opens, it diverts a portion of the Mississippi’s flow into a seven mile long empty plain that drains into Lake Pontchartrain.

The river’s flow is set to exceed 1.25 million cubic feet per second, surpassing the New Orleans levee system’s capacity. Clancy says that’s enough water to fill up the entire volume of the Superdome every minute.

Cut 5 (08) “…picture that.”

It’s the first time in history the Spillway has opened in back-to-back years and it’s only been used 13 times since it was constructed. The structure was built in 1931 after the 1927 floods.

41 percent of the nation’s watersheds drain into the Mississippi, and Clancy says to compensate for the abnormally large amount of water, they’ll have to flood the salt water Pontchartrain with tens of thousands of cubic feet per second of Mississippi fresh water.

Cut 6 (09) “…From there.”

200 bays could be opened during peak usage.

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The 32-year-old mother of an Acadiana High student was arrested last week for posting a video on social media of two children fighting at the school will not be prosecuted. DA Keith Stutes says he has reviewed the case, and is not accepting the charges.  Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says he believes the decision by the DA’s office is fair and just.

Cut 7 (10) “…in prosecuting it.”

Borghardt says now the mother Maegan Adkins-Barras doesn’t have to worry about prosecution, the situation may give rise to a civil suit against the Scott Police Department for the arrest.

Cut 8 (08) “…and move forward.”

The charge of Unlawful Posting of Criminal Activity for Notoriety and Publicity is a relatively new law and has not been constitutionally challenged.  Borghardt says the DA’s decision sets a precedence on whether law enforcement will make future arrests for the crime.

Cut 9 (10) “…waste of energy.″
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Governor John Bel Edwards is celebrating the news that Louisiana set another record high for total GDP in the third quarter of 2018. The state’s GDP rose to 252 billion in the third quarter, up 2.3 billion from the second. Department of Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says it’s part of a continued string of success stories for the state economy.

Cut 10 (11) “…record number.”

Pierson says the numbers are even more impressive when you consider the negative impact a series of trade wars have had on Louisiana’s agricultural and export/import based economy.

Cut 11 (11) “…timber sectors.”

The President recently extended a deadline for imposing further tariffs on China, citing recent progress in negotiations.

The Secretary says there’s a few heavy industries in particular you can point to for the state’s rising GDP.

Cut 12 (10) “…we’re hopeful.”

Critics have pointed out that the state’s 1.9 percent growth rate in Q3 is far below the US’s total GDP growth of 3.4 percent.

________________________

Senator John Kennedy lit into the Louisiana Department of Health, demanding to know exactly how much money has been spent on Medicaid recipients who were found to be ineligible for the program. Kennedy says he would like the Legislator Auditor to find out how much was spent, but at the end of the the state may be unable to recoup the costs.

Cut 13 (11) “…for good.”

37,000 people were found income ineligible after a new computer system ran a check of the entire Medicaid database. The usual turnover in a given month is 18,000.

LDH Secretary Rebekah Gee defended the department saying under the old system income was self reported, and even if an ineligible person received services, almost all of the cost was covered by the feds. Gee says the majority of those found ineligible made just above the line, and would still be considered working poor.

Cut 14 (08) “…any money”

Kennedy criticized the defense, citing one case of a person making 300,000 a year while signed up for Medicaid.

The new program, implemented this year, confirms a persons income with Workforce Development before approving or denying an application, or booting an enrollee off the program. Kennedy says the new system may not be trustworthy, but Gee says it was installed by a vendor who’s done trustworthy work in other states.

Cut 15 (10) “that statement”

But Kennedy distrust of the new income check system. The Senator called for the Legislative Auditor to confirm the system’s integrity, saying LDH leadership was not trustworthy, and claims Gee’s past record indicates that you shouldn’t just take her at her word.

Cut 16 (12) “…times faster.”

Gee says the Senator has been uncooperative in the past, refusing to return calls or talk to LDH after making previous accusations against the department.

`

An attorney for the former LSU student charged with negligent homicide in the alleged hazing death of Maxwell Gruver has submitted new court filings that paint Gruver as a party animal who consumed alcohol and marijuana willingly on a daily basis.  The Gruver family has responded in a Facebook post saying “Let the victim shaming begin.  We will not back down. We will not be threatened.” Legal analyst Tim Meche says Matthew Naquin’s lead attorney John McLindon is doing exactly what a defense lawyer is supposed to do in defending his client.
Cut 11 (12)   “…period of time.”

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is unsure how he will vote on a congressional measure that seeks to block President Donald Trump’s national emergency over the southern border wall. Cassidy says he wants to read the legislation before he decides on how he’ll vote

Cut 3 (06) “…I see that.”

Northeast Louisiana has seen a 44 percent drop in the violent crime rate since 2016. The Western District of the US Attorney’s Office credits that drop with a new policy that busts criminals for firearms offenses, before they end up using that gun to commit a violent crime. Guns can be a touchy issue in Louisiana, particularity in the Northeast. But Attorney David Joseph says he’s gotten full cooperation from agencies and locals in the area after he let them know that he’s no politician…

Cut 8 (10) “…the books.”

Superintendent of Education John White slammed the governor’s budget for failing to include additional funding for early childhood education. Early childhood education has seen a rise in interest as a national movement has brought the issue into the limelight. White says expanding childcare assistance benefits the most vulnerable, working class families in the state.

Cut 14 (09)  “…their child” 

A Rapides grand jury has indicted three people for second-degree murder and other charges in the suspected murder case of a 25-year-old woman who suffered from cerebral palsy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Preliminary notifications have been sent out to representatives of both Arizona basketball coach Sean Miller and LSU basketball coach Will Wade that they will be subpoenaed for the April 22 federal basketball corruption trialfollowing the FBI’s wide-ranging investigation into college basketball. Wade isn’t alone, as Arizona coach Sean Miller will also be subpoenaed.  The FBI has audio of both coaches in conversations with Christian Dawkins, a former agent who has since been implicated in paying players.

An attorney for the former LSU student charged with negligent homicide in the alleged hazing death of Maxwell Gruver has submitted new court filings that paint Gruver as a party animal who consumed alcohol and marijuana willingly on a daily basis.  Legal analyst Tim Meche says Matthew Naquin’s lead attorney John McLindon latest filings argue that Gruver is responsible for his own death, adding a filing of this nature is likely admissible in this case.

Cut 10 (08)“…present a defense.”

Superintendent of Education John White slammed the governor’s budget for failing to include additional funding for early childhood education. Early childhood education has seen a rise in interest as a national movement has brought the issue into the limelight. White says he’s disappointed that despite the program’s popularity, it didn’t make the cut for increased funding in the state’s largest ever proposed budget.

Cut 13 (11) “…seen” 

The 13th ranked LSU men’s basketball team continues its pursuit for an SEC championship tonight when they host Texas A-and-M. The Tigers are in a three-way tie for first place with four games left, while the Aggies are 5-and-9 in league, but playing their best basketball of the season, as they’ve won four of their last five. Coach Will Wade says his team better be ready…
cut 30 (15) “…with precision”
No word on if Tremont Waters will play tonight after missing the Tennessee win with an illness. Wade says his starting point guard is feeling better though.
No LSU baseball game tonight. The Tigers-South Alabama game has postponed until April 3rd, the same goes for the Ragin Cajuns at Southeastern Louisiana. It will also be made up on April 3rd. LSU is scheduled to host Southern tomorrow.
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The NFL’s competition committee was unable to reach a consensus on possible changes to the league’s replay system during a meeting in Indianapolis. New York Giants owner John Mara says there’s not a lot of support among committee members to expand reviewable calls, but that could change when the league’s owners get together next month in Phoenix. The Saints and even Governor John Bel Edwards have asked the league to change the rules, so that a blown no call would never cost a team a chance at playing for the Super Bowl.
Former LSU Tiger and veteran Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth will return for the 2019 season. The 37-year-old tweeted today he can’t wait to ride with the boys again. Whitworth helped the Rams reach the Super Bowl this past season.
Despite a big comeback, the Pelicans lost to the 76ers 111 to 110 last night. Now New Orleans will hit the road for the next four games, starting tomorrow night in Los Angeles against the Lakers, who are trying to make the Western Conference playoffs.
Today at the girls state basketball tournament, St. Louis Catholic advanced to the Division Two championship game with an 87-86 overtime win over U-High.