The Louisiana Legislature is seeing a high turnover rate as the AP reports 22 state lawmakers, roughly 15%, have left office without completing their terms since January 2016.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he believes the reason behind the exodus is that the Louisiana Legislature is not the glory place it used to be.

Cut 9 (10) “…with the Governor.″
The new 116^th Congress begins tomorrow, and they do so in the shadow of a partial federal government shutdown. Republicans and Democrats are divided over border security funding. Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson says the partisanship is a sad trend, adding the divisiveness is among the worst in since the Civil War.  But he believes the GOP can play defense against the left, and work on the offense plans as well in terms of how they are going to move legislation.

Cut 13 (09) “…we always have.”

Hospitals are now required to put a master price list online for all of their services. It’s a mandate from the 2010 Affordable Care Act that aims to get consumers more involved in their healthcare, but Louisiana Hospital Association President Paul Salles cautions if you have insurance, those prices won’t be your final bill.  Hospitals are allowed to put prices in context, such as providing the average out of pocket expense to a Medicare patient for a certain treatment.  So, if you are insured, the best way to find out what a treatment, surgery, or other service will cost, is to pick up your phone, and…

Cut 4 (08) “situation.″

Gasoline prices continue to fall. According to Triple-A, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is a $1.95. That’s about 20-cents cheaper than a month ago. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says the price at the pump should continue to fall as demand for gasoline is low in January compared to other months

Cut 6 (08) “…$1.90”

The Associated Press reports 22 state lawmakers left before finishing their term over the last three years. Why such a high turnover rate?  Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

A pastor whose wife was killed late November in a New Orleans carjacking has been declared missing after this vehicle was found abandoned in the city. David Plessy was last heard from by his daughter on Monday, who says they’re quite worried because it’s highly unusual for Mr. Plessy to be out of contact with his family for this long. His wife died after three teenagers threw her out of the vehicle, and struck her as they departed.

Starting this year Hospitals are now required to put a master price list online for all of their services, but Unfortunately a brief survey of Louisiana hospitals indicated that many have either not posted those prices on their primary hospital website, have dead links to price charts, or have made them very difficult to access. So, if you’re interested in seeing what the real cost of that x-ray is, you may not have an easy time doing it…

Cut 5 (09) “…available.”

That’s Louisiana Hospital Association President Paul Salles who says the prices are also referred to as “charges”, or “standard charges”.

Much of Louisiana is under a flash flood watch as several inches of rain are expected to fall between today and Friday morning. Kent Kuyper with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says we are also seeing chilly temperatures

Cut 16 (10) “…the 40s.”

Central Louisiana could see see the highest rainfall totals, as three to five inches is forecasted.

Gasoline prices continue to fall, and according to Triple-A, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is a $1.95.  Fuel analyst Don Redman says gas prices should remain below two-dollars until March, when refineries begin the switch to summer grade gasoline. He says until then, the supply of gasoline on the market is strong

Cut 7 (06) “…the country”

Today’s price is down 20 cents from a month ago.

The Louisiana Legislature is seeing a high turnover rate as the AP reports 22 state lawmakers, roughly 15%, have left office without completing their terms since January 2016. The state has held ten legislative sessions in three years, including seven special sessions called by Governor John Bel Edwards. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says between the workload, the time away from jobs and families, and the lack of retirement and medical benefits, it’s just not as an attractive position as it once was.

Cut 10 (12) “…statewide elected official”

Beginning January 1st, hospitals were required to put a master price list online for all of their services. It’s a mandate from the 2010 Affordable Care Act that aims to get consumers more involved in their healthcare, but Louisiana Hospital Association President Paul Salles cautions if you have insurance, those prices won’t be your final bill.

Cut 3 (11) “…rules.”

Unfortunately a brief survey of Louisiana hospitals indicated that many have either not posted those prices on their primary hospital website, have dead links to price charts, or have made them very difficult to access. When available, the prices come via excel spreadsheet.

With the new year comes the tradition of making new year’s resolutions.  But many of the goals don’t necessarily withstand the test of time.  Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Health at LDH  , Alex Billioux recommends putting together a highly detailed plan of action to make sure that your goals fit into your daily routine.

Cut 5 (10) “…going to do it.”

All felony convictions require a unanimous jury decision, as the unanimous juries constitutional amendment that passed in November is now in effect. It’s the end of a Jim Crowe era law that made Louisiana one of only two states that did not require unanimous decisions in those cases, and Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the new law could mean a few more hung jury results, and will probably force DAs to reconsider pursing charges when the case is shaky.

Cut 9 (09) “…case.″

Governor John Bel Edwards says his top legislative priority is to give teachers a pay raise. Don Molino looks at whether the governor will be successful…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

The parents of a 9 year old boy who went missing from their home on Friday are free after posting bail.   According to the Evangeline Parish Jail, Paul and Minette Thibodeaux each had a bail set at $35,000.  The boy was found Sunday morning hiding under a neighbor’s home.  Police arrested the parents for an unkept home and their two children appeared malnourished.

In a wild game that featured several big plays, ejections and four touchdown passes from quarterback Joe Burrow, the 11th ranked LSU Tigers ended UCF’s 25-game winning streak with a 40-32 victory. It was Burrow’s best game as an LSU Tiger, despite throwing a pick six in the 1st quarter that gave UCF a 14-3 lead in the first quarter.

Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown wants to make sure Louisianans get to keep some of the most popular aspects of Obamacare, even if a pending court case undoes the law…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

Looking back on 2018, Governor John Bel Edwards says one of the issues Louisiana came up short with and hopes to make a priority in 2019 is issues with wages.  Edwards says the gender wage gap in Louisiana is a major concern as women earn about 66 cents on the dollar compared to men performing a similar job.

Cut 7 (09) “…the same work.”

A new report indicates the oyster population continues to struggle along the Gulf Coast.  Coastal and marine conservation director at the Nature Conservatory Seth Blitch says the industry connected with oysters in all gulf coast states has struggled in the time since the 2010 oil spill.

Cut 9 (10) “…like to be.″

324 members of the Golden Band from Tigerland are in Glendale today for the Fiesta Bowl game, joining the Fighting Tigers in representing LSU in Arizona. LSU Videographer and former band member Steven Miley, on Talk Louisiana, said when the band takes a big trip like this, it’s all business.

Cut 3 (12) “band trip.”

Looking back on 2018, Governor John Bel Edwards says one of the issues Louisiana came up short with and hopes to make a priority in 2019 is issues with wages.  Currently, the minimum wage in Louisiana is set at $7.25 an hour.  Edwards says the last time Congress addressed a minimum wage increase was in 2009 and now the current rate just isn’t a meaningful wage a decade later.

Cut 6 (06) “right thing to do.”

A new report indicates the oyster population continues to struggle along the Gulf Coast.  Coastal and marine conservation director at the Nature Conservatory Seth Blitch says several factors have contributed to the decline in the population such as the oil spill, hurricanes, and a lack of dynamic salinity levels in the water.

Cut 10 (10)   “…to the coast.”

A representative is bringing legislation in the upcoming session that would lock in protections for Louisianans with pre-existing conditions and allow dependents to stay on their parent’s plans until 26, even if a pending court case strikes down Obamacare. A Judge in Texas declared the entire ACA unconstitutional. The case is set to be heard next in the New Orleans based 5^th Circuit Court of Appeals. Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown says he’s confident they could replace federal laws with state protections if Obamacare is struck down.

Cut 13 (10) “…the states”

324 members of the Golden Band from Tigerland are in Glendale today for the Fiesta Bowl game, joining the Fighting Tigers in representing LSU in Arizona. LSU Videographer and former band member Steven Miley says the band has been practice since Saturday in Arizona for the game, as the LSU band performed alongside the UCF band as part of today’s gameday festivities.

Looking back on 2018, Governor John Bel Edwards says one of the issues Louisiana came up short with and hopes to make a priority in 2019 is issues with wages.  Currently, the minimum wage in Louisiana is set at $7.25 an hour.  Edwards says although it’s a letdown nothing has changed with wage issues since taking office, the push will continue in 2019.

Cut 8 (13) “…get that done.”

A new report indicates the oyster population continues to struggle along the Gulf Coast.  Coastal and marine conservation director at the Nature Conservatory Seth Blitch says the oyster population’s importance extends beyond just the business side of the harvesting the shell fish.

Cut 11 (10) “…crabs and shrimp.”

A representative is bringing legislation in the upcoming session that would lock in protections for Louisianans with pre-existing conditions and allow dependents to stay on their parent’s plans until 26, even if a pending court case strikes down Obamacare. Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown says it’s a vital bill.

Cut 12 (10)   “…coverage”

Governor John Bel Edwards says pay issues for minimum wage workers and the gender wage gap are among his big concerns to spearhead in 2019.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

____________________________________________

Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown wants to make sure Louisianans get to keep some of the most popular aspects of Obamacare, even if a pending court case undoes the law…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

_______________________________

324 members of the Golden Band from Tigerland are in Glendale today for the Fiesta Bowl game, joining the Fighting Tigers in representing LSU in Arizona. LSU Videographer and former band member Steven Miley, on Talk Louisiana, said when the band takes a big trip like this, it’s all business.

Cut 3 (12) “band trip.”

And for those of you tuning in early, or at the game against Central Florida, Miley says there’s quite a treat waiting for you, as the band has been practice since Saturday in Arizona for the game.

Cut 4 (07) “   two bands” 

Miley says it’s a different world these days, as technology has made it easier than ever for band members to stay synchronized. He says in the old days, players were handed a sheet of paper telling them where to go for each song, but now it’s all on an app…

Cut 5 (11) “…smart phone”

Kickoff is at 12PM

_________________________________

Looking back on 2018, Governor John Bel Edwards says one of the issues Louisiana came up short with and hopes to make a priority in 2019 is issues with wages.  Currently, the minimum wage in Louisiana is set at $7.25 an hour.  Edwards says the last time Congress addressed a minimum wage increase was in 2009 and now the current rate just isn’t a meaningful wage a decade later.

Cut 6 (06) “right thing to do.”

Edwards says the gender wage gap in Louisiana is also a major concern as women earn about 66 cents on the dollar compared to men performing a similar job.  He estimates women of color are at about 50 cents on the dollar.

Cut 7 (09) “…the same work.”

Edwards says although it’s a letdown nothing has changed with wage issues since taking office, the push will continue in 2019.

Cut 8 (13) “…get that done.”

__________________________________
A new report indicates the oyster population continues to struggle along the Gulf Coast.  Coastal and marine conservation director at the Nature Conservatory Seth Blitch says the industry connected with oysters in all gulf coast states has struggled in the time since the 2010 oil spill.

Cut 9 (10) “…like to be.″

Blitch says several factors have contributed to the decline in the population such as the oil spill, hurricanes, and a lack of dynamic salinity levels in the water.

Cut 10 (10)   “…to the coast.”

Blitch says the oyster population’s importance extends beyond just the business side of the harvesting the shell fish.

Cut 11 (10) “…crabs and shrimp.”

__________________________________

A representative is bringing legislation in the upcoming session that would lock in protections for Louisianans with pre-existing conditions and allow dependents to stay on their parent’s plans until 26, even if a pending court case strikes down Obamacare. Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown says it’s a vital bill.

Cut 12 (10)   “…coverage”

A Judge in Texas declared the entire ACA unconstitutional. The case is set to be heard next in the New Orleans based 5^th Circuit Court of Appeals. Brown says he’s confident they could replace federal laws with state protections if Obamacare is struck down.

Cut 13 (10) “…the states”

Brown is confident the legislation would pass, due to the outpouring of bipartisan support for the two issues it addresses.

Cut 14 (11) “…coverage.”

A recent Facebook post by the Harahan Police Department is encouraging anyone who has purchased meth in Louisiana to have it tested for the Zika virus.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The State Fire Marshal’s Office has issued cease and desist orders to eight fireworks stands in five parishes for illegal fireworks sales over the holiday weekend.  Investigators confirmed the unlawful sales were taking place at stands in Sabine, Lafayette, Acadia, St. Martin, and Iberia Parishes.  A large warehouse in Acadia Parish found to be storing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of illegal fireworks was also shut down and cited.

A new year begins tomorrow, which means new laws will go into effect, including one that allows you to set up a camera to monitor your elderly loved ones in their nursing home room. The legislation was inspired by a case of suspected abuse of an elderly person by nursing home workers, and River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot says he’s gotten a lot of positive feedback about the opportunity now available to families. As for the nursing homes…
Cut 11 (11) “…matter what.”
Only one person in Louisiana was sentenced to death this year, David Brown of Lafourche Parish, who was convinced of sexually assaulting, then murdering a mother and her two daughters, and setting their house on fire in 2012. Death Penalty Information Center Executive Director Robert Durham notes that more than half of all death sentences come from 2 percent of counties, or parishes, in the US. He says there’s two parishes in Louisiana that stand out when it comes to the number of death penalties issued.
Cut 8 (08) “…in Louisiana”
Louisiana has not performed an execution since 2010.

After weeks of preparation, LSU and U-C-F will finally play each other tomorrow in the Fiesta Bowl. The Knights bring a 25-game winning streak into the contest and an offense that averages 44 points a game. Last year, U-C-F upset Auburn in the Peach Bowl 34-27. Some say Auburn wasn’t ready to play after losing in the SEC Title game. Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron says his guys are focused and desperately want to win

Cut 13 (12) “…be battle.”

LSU enters the game with a 9-3 record.

And it’s been a busy day of college football, with 6 games on deck today. Earlier Cincinnati beat Virginia Tech 35 to 31. For SEC watchers, you’ll want to catch 19^th Texas A&M play NC State tonight.

Tomorrows New Year’s bowl games start with Mississippi State and Iowa at 11AM, LSU and UCF at 12PM, Kentucky and Penn at 12PM, Washington and Ohio State at 4pm, and Texas and Georgia at 745PM.

The Saints did not look great Sunday, falling 33 to 14 against the Panthers in a game where roughly two thirds of the team either wasn’t suited up, or took the field and didn’t play. But, there was one guy who you could tell was taking it seriously, and that was, wide receiver Mike Thomas, who was chasing history, and setting records. In the fourth quarterThomas caught a six-yard pass to break Joe Horn’s single-season franchise record for receiving yards. Coach Payton says it was nice to see, but it’s overshadowed by the loss…

Cut 18 (15)    winning though” 

Thomas also ends the season with 125 catches, which leads the league. It’s the first time a Saints has led the league in that category since 1969. He also ends with 1,405 yards, good for 4^th in the NFL, and nine TDs.