Despite lower premiums, Obamacare individual market signups are down 10 percent in Louisiana on the eve of the December 15th deadline for enrollment. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says proponents of Obamacare are pointing towards a lower investment in advertising for the service, but he thinks locally there’s a more obvious answer.

Cut 3 (09) “.policies”

Advocates are concerned the market will de-stabilize if the pool of enrollees shrinks.

The state Board of Commerce and Industry agrees to give a developer planning to build a massive liquefied natural gas export facility in Calcasieu Parish a tax break that could eventually reach two-billion dollars. The advocacy group, Together Louisiana, objected. Broderick Bagert says local government taxing bodies did not give residents enough information about the project

Cut 6 (08) “…asking for.

Tax season is right around the corner and that means tax refunds.  According to research by financial technology company SmartAsset, just over 1.5 million taxpayers in the state will be owed a refund, with the average being right around $3,300.  VP of Financial Education at SmartAsset AJ Smith says refunds are based on allowances and how much someone is claiming throughout the year.

Cut 9 (11) “…tax time″

Governor John Bel Edwards gave the commencement address at the UL Lafayette graduation ceremony earlier today, celebrating the hard work of the Ragin Cajun class of 2019. The Governor, who is up for re-election in 2019, highlighted higher education funding as the primary reason he ran for office in 2015, and says the success of this class of students is a reminder of why the state needs to maintain appropriate funding levels.

Cut 14 (11) “…that future”

Students from 26 different countries were part of the class.

According to research by financial technology company SmartAsset, just over 1.5 million taxpayers in the state will be owed a refund, with the average being right around $3,300. SmartAsset’s AJ Smith says the research results presents taxpayers with a better idea on how their tax money is to be handled.

Cut 10 (12) “…make some changes.”

Governor John Bel Edwards gave the commencement address at the UL Lafayette graduation ceremony earlier today, celebrating the hard work of the Ragin Cajun class of 2019 that featured students from 29 different states and 26 different countries. Edwards celebrated the storied institution.

Cut 12 (11)   “…from them”

The state Board of Commerce and Industry agrees to give a developer planning to build a massive liquefied natural gas export facility in Calcasieu Parish a tax break that could eventually reach two-billion dollars. Houma Senator Norby Chabert, sits on the Board, and calls the project a heck of a deal and Calcasieu Parish taxpayers are aware of its impact…

Cut 7 (11) “…this project”

Despite lower premiums, Obamacare individual market signups are down 10 percent in Louisiana on the eve of the December 15th deadline for enrollment. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says it’s likely not just one cause either. The unemployment rate is down several percent in the past few years thanks to an improving economy, and the Commissioner says as more people find work, there’s less of a need for them to buy personal insurance plans.
Cut 4 (10) “…uninsured″

A Houston-based natural gas company is close to receiving a one-billion dollar plus property tax break as a result of a vote by the Louisiana board of Commerce and Industry.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Despite lower premiums, Obamacare individual market signups are down 10 percent in Louisiana. Previously there was a tax penalty for not having health insurance, but the Trump Administration has suspended that rule and is fighting it in court.  State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says it’s not likely to change.

Cut 5 (09) “…those penalties”

Tax season is right around the corner and that means tax refunds.  According to research by financial technology company SmartAsset, just over 1.5 million taxpayers in the state will be owed a refund, with the average being right around $3,300.  VP of Financial Education at SmartAsset AJ Smith says you may be losing out on opportunities to make money on the money that is being withheld.  If you want to make adjustments to your withholdings, you should speak with someone in HR at your job.

Cut 11 (07) “…throughout the year.”

Governor John Bel Edwards gave the commencement address at the UL Lafayette graduation ceremony earlier today, celebrating the hard work of the Ragin Cajun class of 2019. Edwards highlighted the career training and critical thinking skills imparted on the class, and says the students are equipped with the diverse set of skills that will be necessary to navigate the five or more different jobs many of the students will work throughout their life.

Cut 13 (11) “…your success”

Despite lower premiums, Obamacare individual market signups are down 10 percent in Louisiana on the eve of the December 15th deadline for enrollment. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says proponents of Obamacare are pointing towards a lower investment in advertising for the service, but he thinks locally there’s a more obvious answer.

Cut 3 (09) “.policies”

Advocates are concerned the market will de-stabilize if the pool of enrollees shrinks.

The state Board of Commerce and Industry agrees to give a developer planning to build a massive liquefied natural gas export facility in Calcasieu Parish a tax break that could eventually reach two-billion dollars. The advocacy group, Together Louisiana, objected. Broderick Bagert says local government taxing bodies did not give residents enough information about the project

Cut 6 (08) “…asking for.

Houma Senator Norby Chabert, sits on the Board, and calls the project a heck of a deal

Tax season is right around the corner and that means tax refunds.  According to research by financial technology company SmartAsset, just over 1.5 million taxpayers in the state will be owed a refund, with the average being right around $3,300.  VP of Financial Education at SmartAsset AJ Smith says refunds are based on allowances and how much someone is claiming throughout the year.

Cut 9 (11) “…tax time″

Governor John Bel Edwards gave the commencement address at the UL Lafayette graduation ceremony earlier today, celebrating the hard work of the Ragin Cajun class of 2019 that featured students from 29 different states and 26 different countries. The Governor, who is up for re-election in 2019, highlighted higher education funding as the primary reason he ran for office in 2015.

Cut 14 (11) “…that future”

According to research by financial technology company SmartAsset, just over 1.5 million taxpayers in the state will be owed a refund, with the average being right around $3,300. SmartAsset’s AJ Smith says the research results presents taxpayers with a better idea on how their tax money is to be handled.

Cut 10 (12) “…make some changes.”

Governor John Bel Edwards gave the commencement address at the UL Lafayette graduation ceremony earlier today, celebrating the hard work of the Ragin Cajun class of 2019 that featured students from 29 different states and 26 different countries. Edwards celebrated the storied institution.

Cut 12 (11)   “…from them”

Despite lower premiums, Obamacare individual market signups are down 10 percent in Louisiana on the eve of the December 15th deadline for enrollment. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says it’s likely not just one cause either. The unemployment rate is down several percent in the past few years thanks to an improving economy, and the Commissioner says as more people find work, there’s less of a need for them to buy personal insurance plans.
Cut 4 (10) “…uninsured″

The state Board of Commerce and Industry agrees to give a developer planning to build a massive liquefied natural gas export facility in Calcasieu Parish a tax break that could eventually reach two-billion dollars. Houma Senator Norby Chabert, sits on the Board, and calls the project a heck of a deal and Calcasieu Parish taxpayers are aware of its impact…

Cut 7 (11) “…this project”

Louisiana has dropped one spot from last year’s position in America’s health rankings, with the state landing 50th for overall health.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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Despite a reputation as a food Mecca, a report out of Loyola shows large areas of the state have trouble accessing, or affording good, healthy food. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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A former Louisiana Republican Congressman says the trade war is failing, and is starting to drag down the Louisiana economy. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m  Matt Doyle”

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For the 13^th time since 1990, Louisiana has been ranked 50^th in America’s health rankings.  The state has never been higher than 47.  Thirty-five different areas of health are factored in to determine the overall ranking.  Dr. Rhonda Randall with the United Health Foundation says among the areas of concern, child poverty, where Louisiana ranks last.

Cut 4 (08) “…the nation, it improved.″

Randall says the research also found a high prevalence of frequent mental distress.

Cut 5 (08) “…for that measure.”

Tobacco use was also a major factor that brought down the state.  Randall says while the rest of the country is seeing a drop in smoking, down to about 17% of adults smoking, Louisiana is higher than the national average.

Cut 6 (10) “…ranked 48^th.”

Randall added there was some areas with encouraging numbers, including Louisiana’s immunization rates.

__________________________________________________

A report out of Loyola says Louisiana has the second highest rate of food insecurity in the country, a result of the state’s substantial poverty, and proliferation of food deserts where residents don’t have access to, or can afford healthy food. Jesuit Social Research Institute Director Father Fred Kammer says those food deserts aren’t restricted to one area of the state.

Cut 7 (12) “…our cities.”

New Orleans and Baton Rouge were noted for having large food deserts.

Kammer says the existence of those food deserts exacerbates the already extensive pressures placed on Louisiana’s poorest residents.

Cut 8 (09) “…their family″

The report noted that equal access to quality food is also an issue in Louisiana along racial lines, where African Americans are already disproportionately affected by poverty. Kammer says you are more likely to find food deserts in low income, minority neighborhoods.

Cut 9 (08)  “…national trend” 

The report calls for the state to increase incentives for grocery stores to operate in under-served communities, including refrigeration tax breaks for small grocers to allow them to bring in healthier food.

_______________________

Former Congressman Charles Boustany says the trade war with China is failing, and Louisiana is beginning to pay the price to the tune of over 100 million dollars in costs to Bayou State businesses and consumers this year, nearly 20 million in October alone. Boustany says the trade war is a hurricane, and we’re starting to feel the first bands of bad economic weather…

Cut 10 (10)   “…get hurt”

Boustany, spokesman for Tariffs Hurt the Heartland, says the effects of steel and soybean tariffs have begun to work their way down the economic supply chain from agriculture, to the shipping industries in coastal cities.

Cut 11 (05) “…retaliation”

Supporters of the tariffs say the economic conflict with China is the best way to force the global superpower to the table, to renegotiate a trade relationship that is growing increasingly imbalanced. But the former southwest Louisiana Republican Congressman says it’s obvious the tariffs are backfiring.

Cut 12 (11)   “…escalated”

Boustany is advocating a new approach to the Chinese trade deficit, built around assembling a trade coalition to generate better leverage on the far-east superpower.

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Controversial Carolina Quarterback Cam Newton calls a gift he received from Saints defensive Cam Jordan “disrespectful.” Jordan sent Newton a broom, a reference to New Orleans sweeping the season series versus the Panthers last season. The three victories included a win in the postseason. Newton says he’s used the broom as motivation

Cut 13 (12) “…can’t wait.”

The NFC South Rivals meet Monday night in Charlotte and then in the regular season finale. Newton says if the Panthers win those two games, he’ll send the broom back to Jordan. New Orleans has won back-to-back division titles, but Newton says the Saints franchise has more of a history of losing than winning…

Cut 14 (12) “…own too.”

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UL-Lafayette and Tulane will meet for the 29th time in football when the two teams play each other Saturday in Cure Bowl in Orlando. The Green Wave is a slight favorite as they’ve played well since former LSU quarterback Justin McMillan started directing the Green Wave offense. Cajuns Coach Billy Napier says McMillan is an effective passer…

Cut 15 (13) “…season’s went.”

The Cajuns won their last three regular season games to clinch the Sun Belt West Division. A win on Saturday and UL-Lafayette will secure a winning record after three straight non-winning seasons. Napier on he wants to end the year…

Cut 16 (12)  right now”

The Green Wave’s defense is much better than a season ago, which is a big reason why they are in a bowl game this year. Tulane Coach Willie Fritz gives credit to his defensive coordinator Jack Curtis…

 cut 17 (23) “good progress”

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain is reportedly under investigation for allegedly molesting several juveniles. Strain is also the target of a federal probe into public corruption involving his former work release program that he once supervised. Legal analyst Tim Meche says he’d be interested to know who leaked these latest revelations…

Cut 11 (11) “…federal corruption case.”

The ex-Abita Springs police chief served as sheriff of St. Tammany from 1996 to 2015.

Congressman Ralph Abraham says a new poll he funded shows he’s the Republican to beat Democrat John Bel Edwards in next year’s governor’s race. President of the Remington Research Group Titus Bond says they surveyed nearly 17-hundred likely voters this week and both Abraham and Edwards received 44-percent…

Cut 12 (09)   “…on support”

Edwards’ campaign says the poll is a desperate plea for credibility.

The Chackbay man who shot his neighbor a year ago over a property line dispute has been convicted of 2^nd Degree Murder.  61-year-old Keith Trosclair told police it was in self-defense, but But authorities say they had reason to doubt that version of events after reports from two witnesses that Trosclair was moving towards the victim while firing, and forensic evidence that indicated the neighbor, did not pose an immediate threat when Trosclair opened fire.

Cut 4 (08) “…Mr. Trosclair″

2^nd Degree Murder carries a mandatory life sentence.

Baton Rouge Police say the 18-year-old son of Alton Sterling has been arrested and faces a charge of first-degree rape involving an 8-year-old he was babysitting.  Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says Sterling was at a hospital in the time between the incident and his arrest.

Cut 8 (10) “…in parish prison.”

A dispute over property lines and a driveway that lead to a fatal shooting has ended in a murder conviction.  Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain, who served as sheriff of St. Tammany from 1996 to 2015, is reportedly under investigation for allegedly molesting several juveniles. If there’s enough evidence to charge Strain, can St. Tammany D-A Warren Montgomery prosecute him? Legal analyst Tim Meche says yes.

Cut 9 (08) “…recusing himself.″

Baton Rouge Police say the 18-year-old son of Alton Sterling, Cameron Sterling, has been arrested and faces a charge of first-degree rape of an 8-year-old boy he was babysitting last weekend.  Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says the victim is a relative of Sterling.
Cut 7 (12) “…arrested last night”
Cameron Sterling’s father, Alton Sterling, was shot to death by police in 2016, triggering nationwide protests.
Congressman Ralph Abraham says a new poll he funded shows he’s the Republican to beat Democrat John Bel Edwards in next year’s governor’s race. President of the Remington Research Group Titus Bond says his poll shows Abraham has replaced Senator John Kennedy as the G-O-P’s favorite to beat Edwards.

Cut 13 (06) “…for governor”
Eric Holl, a spokesperson for a group working to re-elect Edwards, calls the Abraham funded poll a desperate plea for credibility as rumors swirl that other republicans plan to enter the race.

Ralph Abraham’s gubernatorial campaign says a poll shows one week after announcing his intention to run for governor, the Congressman is in a dead heat with Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Businesses and schools across the nation were evacuated because of bomb threats that now appears to be a hoax.  In Louisiana, State Police are aware of several threats in multiple cities.  The threats were sent via email, requesting money being paid to senders via bitcoin, some with the emails having the subject line “Think Twice.”

The Chackbay man who shot his neighbor a year ago over a property line dispute has been convicted of 2^nd Degree Murder. Lafourche Parish DA’s spokesperson David Melancon says 61-year-old Keith Trosclair told police he feared for his life, and that his neighbor, who was known to open carry, threatened him.

Cut 3 (11) “..his life”
The property line in question centered on a driveway. 2^nd Degree Murder carries a mandatory life sentence.

Baton Rouge Police say the 18-year-old son of Alton Sterling has been arrested and faces a charge of first-degree rape.  Cameron Sterling is accused of taking a child into a bedroom, locking the door, then raping the 8-year-old boy he was babysitting last weekend.  Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says a relative made contact with authorities.

Cut 6 (10) “…information they gave.”

McKneely says the victim is a relative of Sterling.

There are reports of bomb threats across the state at this hour, including multiple reports of bomb threats at Baton Rouge banks that were received via email according to BRPD. This may be a part of a nationwide string of email bomb threats that were found in cities as far away as Boise, Idaho, and Chicago.

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain is reportedly under investigation for allegedly molesting several juveniles. The ex-Abita Springs police chief served as sheriff of St. Tammany from 1996 to 2015. Legal analyst Tim Meche says if there’s enough evidence for a charge, the case will likely be tried locally.

Cut 10 (10) “…state court.”

Baton Rouge Police say the 18-year-old son of Alton Sterling has been arrested and faces a charge of first-degree rape.  Cameron Sterling is accused of raping an 8-year-old boy he was babysitting last weekend.

The Chackbay man who shot his neighbor a year ago over a property line dispute has been convicted of 2^nd Degree Murder.  61-year-old Keith Trosclair told police he feared for his life during a confrontation with the victim, but Lafourche Parish DA’s spokesperson David Melancon says that was contradicted by forensic evidence.

Cut 4 (08) “…Mr. Trosclair″

Law enforcement says Saunders weapon was still holstered when they arrived on the scene.

Congressman Ralph Abraham says a new poll he funded shows he’s the Republican to beat Democrat John Bel Edwards in next year’s governor’s race. President of the Remington Research Group Titus Bond says they surveyed nearly 17-hundred likely voters this week and both Abraham and Edwards received 44-percent…

Cut 12 (09)   “…on support”

The only other declared candidate is Republican Eddie Rispone.