Congressman Mike Johnson says he’s jumping in the race to be the Chairman of the largest caucus of conservatives in Congress.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Senate is taking up a plan that would extend the National Flood Insurance program through eh hurricane season, for the next four months. The House passed similar legislation six days ago, but if the vote stalls out in the Senate, the flood insurance program will lapse as of 12PM tonight. Negotiations on a longer term flood insurance deal have been ongoing.

Advocates are ramping up the campaign to convince voters to vote yes to the unanimous jury verdict constitutional amendment on the November 6^th ballot. The amendment requires over 50 percent of voters in the fall to back it, and would undo the Jim Crow era legislation that sets up Louisiana as a legal outlier in the American justice system. Alexandria Lawyer Ed Tarpley says the law’s racist roots need to be addressed.

Cut 4 (10) “repeal this”

The law was passed during the post-civil war reconstruction era, where critics say the objective was to deprive African Americans of the ability to have a jury of their peers. 48 other states, along with the federal justice system require unanimous juries.

The Louisiana Department of Education have announced the most recent recipients of the titles of Teacher and Principal of the Year. Principle of the Year honors went to Dr. Eric Davis of Wossman High School in the City of Monroe School District.

Cut 13 (08) “…in the state.” 

Advocates are ramping up the campaign to convince voters to vote yes to the unanimous jury verdict constitutional amendment on this fall’s ballot. The amendment requires over 50 percent of voters in the fall to back it, and would undo the Jim Crow era legislation that sets up Louisiana as a legal outlier in the American justice system. During the legislative process, the amendment drew passionate bipartisan defenses. Alexandria Lawyer Ed Tarpley says that passion has carried over to the campaign to persuade voters.

Cut 6 (12) “invited to”

The issue will be up for a public vote November 6th.

The RoyOMartin production facility in Chopin is getting an eight million dollar upgrade, with some new jobs to boot. The company will add 14 new direct positions at an average salary of 46,800 dollars a pop, on top of the 680 existing workers employed at the facility.

Three flood damaged Louisiana State Parks are soon to back in business.  Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser announced the official reopening of cabins at Lake Bistineau, Lake Fausse Point, and Tickfaw State Parks. Assistant Secretary and Director of Louisiana State Parks Gene Reynolds says each cabin is fully equipped, and they can comfortably fit families of six to eight.

Cut 9 (05)  “walking and fishing”

The Louisiana Department of Education announced this year’s award winning teachers. Spencer Kiper of Elm Grove Middle School in Bossier City picked up the award for Teacher of the Year.  Kiper, a STEM teacher, says the surprise of the recognition serves as further motivation for his job.

Cut 15 (07) “…leaders of Louisiana.”

The Principle of the Year honor goes to Dr. Eric Davis of Wossman High School in the City of Monroe School District.

Alexandria lawyer Ed Tarpley laid out his case for why voters should support requiring unanimous jury verdicts in criminal cases. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Looking for a temporary escape from Louisiana city life? State Parks has some good news for those who like to explore the great outdoors, but don’t want to fiddle with setting up a tent.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The Louisiana Department of Education have announced the most recent recipients of the titles of Teacher and Principal of the Year.  Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Advocates are ramping up the campaign to convince voters to vote yes to the unanimous jury verdict constitutional amendment on this fall’s ballot. The amendment requires over 50 percent of voters in the fall to back it, and would undo the Jim Crow era legislation that sets up Louisiana as a legal outlier in the American justice system. Alexandria Lawyer Ed Tarpley says the law’s racist roots need to be addressed.

Cut 4 (10) “repeal this”

The law was passed during the post-civil war reconstruction era, where critics say the objective was to deprive African Americans of the ability to have a jury of their peers. 48 other states, along with the federal justice system require unanimous juries.

Tarpley says if you read their letters, the founding fathers intent for unanimous juries in the justice system was clear. He says Louisiana’s deviation from that expectation flies in the face of the desires of the men who founded the United States.

Cut 5 (12) “the constitution.”

No major organizations have announced their opposition to the amendment.

During the legislative process, the amendment, brought by New Orleans Senator JP Morrell, drew passionate defenses from legislators on the left and right. Tarpley says that bipartisan passion has carried over to the campaign to persuade voters, and led to some alliances he could have never imagined making.

Cut 6 (12) “invited to”

Tarpley is a part of the Unanimous Juries Coalition, which says it plans to hold events in major cities across the state to raise awareness of the ballot issue.

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Three flood damaged Louisiana State Parks are soon to back in business.  Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser announced the official reopening of cabins at Lake Bistineau, Lake Fausse Point, and Tickfaw State Parks. Assistant Secretary and Director of Louisiana State Parks Gene Reynolds say the cabins faced substantial damage after the Flood of 2016.

Cut 7 (12) “now they’re ready”

Reynolds says these cabins provide guests the access of Louisiana’s most impressive views.

Cut 8 (09)  “enjoy nature”

Each cabin is fully equipped, and Reynolds says they can comfortably fit families of six to eight.

Cut 9 (05)  “walking and fishing”

You can now start making reservations for stays beginning Monday, October 22nd. For more information visit LaStateParks.com.

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A Farmerville woman is dead after falling out of a truck and striking the pavement.  According to the Union Parish Sheriff Dusty Gates, on Saturday night, 22-year-old Bridget Tucker was pronounced dead at the scene after falling from the vehicle’s window while it traveled around 35-40 miles per hour.

Cut 10 (12)   “…and fell out.”

Gates says the driver of the vehicle was arrested.

Cut 11 (07) “…obstruction of justice.” 

Gates says alcohol was involved with the incident.

Cut 12 (11) “…hide the alcohol.”

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The Louisiana Department of Education have announced the most recent recipients of the titles of Teacher and Principal of the Year.

The Principle of the Year honor goes to Dr. Eric Davis of Wossman High School in the City of Monroe School District.  Davis says he believes the growth in his students is what landed him the award.

Cut 13 (08) “…in the state.” 

Davis says his staff deserves recognition for their efforts.

Cut 14 (11) “…work for you.”

Spencer Kiper of Elm Grove Middle School in Bossier City picked up the award for Teacher of the Year.  Kiper, a STEM teacher, says the surprise of the recognition serves as further motivation for his job.

Cut 15 (07) “…leaders of Louisiana.”

Kiper says his formula to success is putting everything he can into enabling his student with knowledge.

Cut 16 (10) “…do with it.”

There’s now a reward of 25-thousand dollars for information that leads to the conviction of the gunmen responsible for Saturday’s mass shooting in New Orleans that killed three people and wounded seven others. Becca Dill has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m  Becca Dill”  

Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland says it wasn’t the legislature’s goal to suspend the state’s three different sales tax holidays, they were just casualties of the final budget deal.

Cut 3 (11) “tax holiday”

According to the latest LDWF bald eagle nest survey, the population continues to flourish in the state.  Once a rare sight, spotting bald eagles in Louisiana is now commonplace, as the population in the 1970s was devastated by use of the now-banned pesticide, DDT. LDWF Nongame Bird Biologist Michael Seymour…

Cut“6 (07) …in the state.”

DDT, when broken down in the environment, effected the ability of many birds to produce calcium which caused thin egg shells.

The Legislative Auditor has a new report claiming the state health department and the Attorney General’s Office misappropriated money intended to fight Medicaid fraud. Auditor Daryl Purpera says auditors also found 475-thousand dollars in salaries for fraud detection were used for other purposes and the report showed the state blew 642- thousand dollars in 2012 on software not compatible with their systems and they did not get a refund.

Cut 11 (07) “use them”

A mass shooting in New Orleans left three dead over the weekend.  Now, investigators are looking for answers from the public and they are increasing the reward money for information in the case.  NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison says the money is now up to $25,000.

Cut 12 (13)   “…someone knows something.”

The Legislative Auditor has a new report claiming the state health department and the Attorney General’s Office misappropriated money intended to fight Medicaid fraud.  Auditor Daryl Purpera says the two agencies lacked an effective process to properly identify and deposit the monies…

Cut 10 (10) “the future”

According to the latest LDWF bald eagle nest survey, the population continues to flourish in the state.  Once a rare sight, spotting bald eagles in Louisiana is now commonplace, as the population in the 1970s was  devastated by use of the now-banned pesticide, DDT. LDWF Nongame Bird Biologist Michael Seymour…

Cut 6 (07) …in the state.”

A state lawmaker admits it was not the legislature’s intention to discontinue sales tax holidays for the next seven years.Sales tax holidays were during the first weekend of August for back to school shopping, hurricane preparedness during Memorial Day weekend, and the “second amendment” holiday during the Labor Day holiday.  Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland says he’s getting a mixed response from businesses on whether the sales tax holidays were beneficial.

Cut 4 (12) “his business.”

A mass shooting in New Orleans left three dead over the weekend.  Now, investigators are looking for answers from the public and they are increasing the reward money for information in the case.  NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison says the shooting initially appears to be gang-related, but continues to encourage the witnesses to come forth with information.

Cut 14 (07) “…investigation is ongoing.”

The reward for information leading to arrests is up to 25,000 dollars.

The Legislative Auditor has a new report claiming the state health department and the Attorney General’s Office misappropriated a combined millions in money intended to fight Medicaid fraud. Auditor Daryl Purpera says they initiated the investigation at the request of LDH and the AG’s office, who’ve since put the money back in the program.

Cut 9 (09)  “time period.”

A state lawmaker admits it was couple of weeks following the final special session, before the legislature learned it had suspended sales tax holidays until 2025 as a result of the final tax and budget deal. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Former Saints special team legend and now ALS advocate Steve Gleason’s wife Michel Varisco is expecting. The couple say their second child is due sometime in October.

A mass shooting in New Orleans left three dead over the weekend.  Now, investigators are looking for answers from the public and they are increasing the reward money for information in the case.  NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison says the money is now up to $25,000.

Cut 12 (13)   “…someone knows something.”

According to the latest LDWF bald eagle nest survey, the population continues to flourish in the state.  Once a rare sight, spotting bald eagles in Louisiana is now commonplace, as the population in the 1970s was devastated by use of the now-banned pesticide, DDT. LDWF Nongame Bird Biologist Michael Seymour says anywhere there is a big body of water that would support the food of the species, bald eagles have a tendency of moving into the area.

Cut 7 (05) “…throughout the state.”

A state lawmaker admits it was couple of weeks following the final special session, before the legislature learned it had suspended sales tax holidays until 2025 as a result of the final tax and budget deal. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Will one of the richest men in Louisiana jump into the governor’s race in 2019? Connor Ferrill talks to LaPolitics about the new rumors.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Becca Dill”

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The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has uncovered what they believe is a dog fighting operation, following a lengthy investigation.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (32) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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A formerly fringe position has taken off as a new Democratic norm in Louisiana. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Jim Bernhard rumors are swirling again as LaPolitics.com reports the former Shaw Group CEO is considering a run for the governor’s mansion in 2019. Bernhard now operates energy investment firm Bernhard Capital Partners. LaPolitics Publisher Jeremy Alford says Bernhard has the capital on hand to make it a competitive race.

Cut 4 (11) “pretty quickly”

And while Alford says it’s too early to know just what party a potential Bernhard campaign would run under, his current affiliation and past political history makes it pretty clear…

Cut 5 (09) “PACs.”

Alford says he’s heard reports that backers of Governor Edward’s have reached out to Bernhard to convince him not to run, which Alford says is indicative of how much of a challenge the upcoming contest will be for the blue governor in a red state.

Bernhard has not publicly commented on whether he would like to challenge Edwards, but Alford says more than a year out, there’s only one notable potential candidate who says they would like to take a crack at the Governor.

Cut 6 (09) “campaign staffers.”

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According to a new Gallup survey that polled just over a thousand adults, most Americans see vapor cigarettes as better than traditional cigarettes, while marijuana was seen as the safest smoking product of all.  Government agencies are chiming in, with the FDA still a bit hazy about its stance on vaping, while the CDC says more than 10% of high school students vape.  Tobacco treatment specialist, Angel Lopez, says among the experts, vaping’s health risks are debatable.

Cut 7 (11) “…also risks involved.”

Lopez says vaping introduces new chemicals, ones not present in traditional cigarettes, which are inhaled into the lungs.

Cut 8 (08)  “…its similar to COPD”

Lopez says she doesn’t often see vapor products as a successful smoking cessation tool.  She recommends going with any of the other options.

Cut 9 (05)  “…Chantix or Wellbutrin.”

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The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has uncovered what they believe is a dogfighting operation, following a lengthy investigation.  The initial tips from the public began to surface in April, but Capt. Tommy Carnline says it wasn’t until recently that the agency received the intel they needed to make the discovery.

Cut 10 (09)   “…pin down an area.”

Carnline says the agency discovered seventeen pit bulls on the property.

Cut 11 (07) “…food or shelter.” 

Carnline says an arrest has already been made in the case and expects more to come as the investigation is ongoing.

Cut 12 (07) “…it’s also inhumane.”

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Medicare for All may have been a fringe position just two years ago, but an analysis of Louisiana’s 2018 Democratic congressional candidates shows nearly unanimous support for the policy. 3^rd district candidate Mimi Methvin, who’s running against Congressman Clay Higgins, says it may take some time to build consensus for a Medicare expansion, but says the Affordable Care Act as is isn’t enough.

Cut 13 (10)  “people suffer.” 

Support from the candidates for Medicare for All comes in two flavors: allowing people to buy into the program, or blanket coverage from birth, with nine of the eleven candidates backing at least one of the two versions. 2^nd District incumbent Cedric Richmond has crafted legislation for a Medicare buy-in.

1^st District candidate Andie Saizon, who’s running against Congressman Garret Graves, says the country needs to take corporate profit out of the health care equation.

Cut 14 (09) “a problem.”

Medicare for All gained a more substantial national profile after Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders’ run in the 2016 Democratic Primary. A March poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation found 59 percent of people in support of automatic Medicare coverage for all citizens. This included a majority of Democrats and Independents, as well as a third of Republicans.

But the progressive Democratic push for national healthcare may not mean much in the ruby red Bayou State, which is dominated at nearly every level by the Republican Party. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Medicare for All may be popular with voters, but it’s unlikely to result in any fall upsets in Louisiana.

Cut 15 (10) “in trouble.”

Over the last three decades statewide elected Democrats have replaced the brown pelican on the Louisiana’s endangered species list. A March Quinnipiac Poll shows national favorability ratings for the Democratic Party at 31 percent, and Pinsonat says until that changes they’ll be weighed down by the letter next to their names.

Entergy customers can look to forward to a lower bill this September.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Alexandria is playing host to all nine divisions of the Dixie Girls Softball World Series, which is estimated to bring in over five thousand visitors.  CVB Executive Director, Sherry Ellington says the event comes at a great time of the year for the area.

Cut 11 (09) “restaurants and shopping.”

Five Amite residents are facing federal charges for allegedly torturing a 22-year-old autistic woman, forcing her to eat dog feces and drink her mother’s ashes. LSU Health Science Center New Orleans Forensic Psychiatrist Graham Spruiell says he understands the public is having trouble coming to terms with the depravity of the alleged crime, but says there’s just some people on earth who are relatively mentally stable, and just don’t hold human life in high regard.

Cut 14 (11) “disorder”

A Morning Consult poll shows Governor John Bel Edwards’ approval rating slipped under 50 percent during the brutal legislative sessions between April and June. Edwards’ has generally maintained one of the highest approval ratings for a Democratic governor, but ULM Political Science Professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says with the legislative session in the rear view mirror and the government fully funded for the year, Stockley says don’t be surprised to see those numbers rebound in the coming months.

Cut 8 (10) “were averted”

For the last decade, more than one million Entergy customers throughout the state have been paying charges to cover the cost of repairs to damage from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says those charges are dropping off, and Louisiana customers will see an average monthly reduction of $5.44.  Former Entergy Gulf States will see an average reduction of $3.14 to their bill.

Cut 4 (06) “…rates go down.”

Alexandria is playing host to all nine divisions of the Dixie Girls Softball World Series, which is estimated to bring in over five thousand visitors.  The Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau estimates the week-long event will have quite the economic impact to the area.  CVB Executive Director, Sherry Ellington says the community has experience hosting the event.

Cut 10 (05) “largest one so far”

Five Amite residents are facing federal charges for allegedly torturing a 22-year-old autistic woman, forcing her to eat dog feces and drink her mother’s ashes. Authorities say the abuse that began in 2015. LSU Health Science Center New Orleans Forensic Psychiatrist Graham Spruiell says it’s a clear case of torture and manipulation, but says the sadistic nature of the actions could indicate something quite dark about the family.

Cut 13 (08) “sadistic behaviors” 

A Morning Consult poll shows Governor John Bel Edwards’ approval rating slipped under 50 percent during the brutal legislative sessions between April and June. Edwards’ has generally maintained one of the highest approval ratings for a Democratic governor, but ULM Political Science Professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says it appears the threats to public services during the sessions took their toll.

Cut 6 (10)  “at that.”

Despite the slip in total approval rating, the Governor’s unfavorable rating is still 15 points lower at 35 percent.