There are over two thousand nursing programs throughout the United States, but only one can be ranked number one.  That distinction now belongs to Louisiana Tech University’s Division of Nursing.  During the 2017-18 academic year, 100 percent of the Louisiana Tech program passed the licensing exam.  What does it take to be a nurse?  Chair of the program Dr. Donna Hood explains the process.

Cut 4  (11) “…a registered nurse.”

The escalating trade war with China is not good news for Louisiana’s Agriculture Industry.  President Trump initially proposed tariffs on 50-billion dollars in Chinese imports, because of an estimated 375-billion dollar trade deficit with China. And now the Trump administration is looking at imposing tariffs on another 200-billion dollars worth of Chinese goods as the trade dispute worsens. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says despite the negative impact to Louisiana, he understands the President’s position…

cut 8 (08) “other priorities”

The World Health Organization has classified excessive video game playing as a gaming disorder. LSU Health New Orleans Clinical Psychologist Doctor Michelle Moore hopes parents do not think that just because their child plays video games that they have a disorder. Moore says it has to be a serious issue….
cut 9 (12) “….it is problematic”
Moore hopes the World Health Organization provides clear cut criteria on what constitutes a gaming disorder.

Here’s a look at your commodities (minipig)

LRN, I’m Kevin Barnhart

Cut 11 (11) “…must come now.”

That’s Governor John Bel Edwards as he addressed both chambers saying it’s time to break free of the partisan gridlock as he opened the state’s latest special session.

The House Ways and Means Committee will begin discussing today the tax bills that have been filed in this third special session. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

There are over two thousand nursing programs throughout the United States, but only one can be ranked number one.  That distinction now belongs to Louisiana Tech University’s Division of Nursing. Chair of the program, Dr. Donna Hood credits the latest accolade to the determination of both the faculty and students.

Cut 3 (08) “…of this program.”

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing ranks programs based on the rate at which graduates pass the licensing exam.

The escalating trade war with China is not good news for Louisiana’s Agriculture Industry. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says Louisiana has done a lot of work to open up China to rice, beef and poultry exports…

Cut 7 (10)  “52-percent”

The third special session of the year starts today, and lawmakers only have ten days to work out a deal to generate revenue to avoid steeps cuts to TOPS and other services. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30)  I’m Matt Doyle“

So now the attention has been turned toward legislators whose votes can tip the scales to approving a definitive tax plan.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there are many factors that play into the lawmakers’ decisions.

Cut 12 (07) “…rest of the year.”

Two high schoolers from Lake Charles want to bring delivery services to stadiums so that hot dog comes right to you in the stands. The idea from Malik Ellis and Alex Brown of LaGrange High School won the SEED Center Business Pitch Competition this year. SEED Center Business Incubator Executive Director Adrian Wallace saw the pitch.

Cut 13 (10)  “energetic” 

A Denham Springs couple is looking at 35 years in prison following two different traffic stops.  During the stops, a total of 25 illegal aliens were discovered in the two vehciles.  Troopers arrested 32 year old Stephanie Harris and 38 year old Nicholas Harris.  Each were charged with improper lane use, human trafficking, and human trafficking of a juvenile.  Bond for each was set at $376,000.

The half-cent sales tax came just 7 votes short of passage on the last night of the previous session, but 20 Republican legislators in the House are at odds with plan, and would prefer a third penny and 126 million dollars in across the board cuts. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Robert Johnson says after a hard fought battle to get the bipartisan budget, suggestions by Appropriation Chairman Cameron Henry that money be shuffled out of healthcare and state worker raises will not be entertained.
Cut 6 (11) “revenue measures.”

Freshman Republican Hammond Representative Nicky Muscarello, one of the 20 House Republicans who voted against the half penny, but for the third penny, says the state can get by without the higher tax.
Cut 7 (11) “to be”

Two high schoolers from Lake Charles want to bring delivery services to stadiums so that hot dog comes right to you in the stands. The idea from Malik Ellis and Alex Brown of LaGrange High School won the SEED Center Business Pitch Competition this year. SEED Center Business Incubator Executive Director Adrian Wallace saw the pitch.
The potential app is called “Runner Eats” and would function similarly to Waitr.
Wallace says the key to their success was a highly developed business plan that would put many of the contestants on the businesses competition show Shark Tank to shame.
Ellis and Brown said they were proud to represent Lake Charles, and hope their idea could bring jobs to the area. Wallace says it might not be too long before that happens.
Cut 15 (08) “for it”

The number of people employed in Louisiana has reached its second highest level ever. Jeff Palermo has more…
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Eyes across the state are on the kick off of the third special session. Governor John Bel Edwards was 7 votes away from closing in on his wishes to renew a half-cent sales tax in the most recent special session, so now the attention has been turned toward legislators whose votes can tip the scales to approving a definitive tax plan. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that even though the discussion has been focused on renewing a sales tax that is either a third of a penny or a half of a penny, there may be discussion of an amount somewhere in between the two amounts.
Cut 11 (10) “…cutting the budget”

The third special session of the year kicks off today, with some legislators expected to go to battle for the last time this year over the state’s persistent budget issues under the specter of deep cuts to TOPS and other state services. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says passing the half penny sales tax renewal will be the focus, because it fully funds the government.
If the legislature manages to pass a revenue bill, it will likely be a short term deal lasting at most 6 years. That means half a decade from now, the whole process will likely start again. Dardenne says he’s disappointed that it came down to another sales tax, instead of permanent structural tax reform.
Cut 9 (09) “years ahead.”

The half-cent sales tax came just 7 votes short of passage on the last night of the previous session, but 20 Republican legislators in the House are at odds with plan, and would prefer a third penny and 126 million dollars in across the board cuts. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Robert Johnson says Democrats won’t let that happen.
Cut 5 (08) “the board.”

Eyes across the state are on the kick off of the third special session as we may soon know a definitive sales tax plan. Kevin Barnhart has the story:
Cut 2 (30) ” I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The third special session of the year kicks off today, with some legislators expected to go to battle for the last time this year over the state’s persistent budget issues under the specter of deep cuts to TOPS and other state services. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says passing the half penny sales tax renewal will be the focus, because it fully funds the government.
Cut 4 (11) “right now.”

Two high schoolers from Lake Charles want to bring delivery services to stadiums so that hot dog comes right to you in the stands. The idea from Malik Ellis and Alex Brown of LaGrange High School won the SEED Center Business Pitch Competition this year. SEED Center Business Incubator Executive Director Adrian Wallace saw the pitch.
The potential app is called “Runner Eats” and would function similarly to Waitr.
Wallace says the key to their success was a highly developed business plan that would put many of the contestants on the businesses competition show Shark Tank to shame.
Cut 14 (09) “launched yet”

Three children at an outdoor party were struck by a fallen tree Sunday afternoon in Opelousas. That’s according to Mayor Reggie Tatum. The incident occurred around 5 P.M. in the 700 block of East South Street. All three kids were taken to the hospital. As of Sunday night, we’re told one child was transported to a hospital in Baton Rouge and is in critical condition.

The third special session of the year starts today, and lawmakers only have ten days to work out a deal to generate revenue to avoid steeps cuts to TOPS and other services. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 1 (30) I’m Matt Doyle“

Two high schoolers from Lake Charles want to bring delivery services to stadiums so that hot dog comes right to you in the stands. The idea from Malik Ellis and Alex Brown of LaGrange High School won the SEED Center Business Pitch Competition this year. SEED Center Business Incubator Executive Director Adrian Wallace saw the pitch.
Cut 13 (10) “energetic”

Eyes across the state are on the kick off of the third special session. Governor John Bel Edwards was 7 votes away from closing in on his wishes to renew a half-cent sales tax in the most recent special session, so now the attention has been turned toward legislators whose votes can tip the scales to approving a definitive tax plan. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there are many factors that play into the lawmakers’ decisions.
Cut 10 (10) “…do for them.”

Three children at an outdoor party were struck by a fallen tree Sunday afternoon in Opelousas. That’s according to Mayor Reggie Tatum. The incident occurred around 5 P.M. in the 700 block of East South Street. All three kids were taken to the hospital.

10:30 AM
A survey by the National Retail Federation indicates 43 percent of shoppers will be purchasing clothes, which just barely beats out gift cards at 42 percent.  NRF spokesperson Katherine Cullen says she expects plenty of shoppers will be spending money on experiences with dad.

Cut 5  (12) “…with their dad.”

NRF is expecting near record spending in honor of the holiday to the tune of $15.3 billion.

Louisiana officials back an effort to impose a five to ten cent inspection fee on all imported seafood.  During an appearance on Talk Louisiana, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says past efforts and promises for help from the feds fell on deaf ears, but this time he’s expecting a better results, by bribing top officials from other states to support the move.

cut 8 (09) “help me”

US Senator John Kennedy says he’ll draft an inspection fee bill soon.

Louisiana could feel the pinch as President Donald Trump issued a new round of tariffs today on China, worth 40 to 55 billion dollars in new penalties, and the Chinese responded with a threat of 50 billion in retaliatory tariffs. The escalating trade dispute could damage the Bayou State economy that relies on shipping, but US Congressman Steve Scalise says the People’s Republic needs to be pushed to trade fairly.

Cut 12 (08)   “afford it”

June 15^th marks the beginning of open enrollment for the state’s Medicaid program known as Healthy Louisiana. Enrollment Services Manager Rebecca Harris says during this time window the over 1.5 million Louisiana residents on Medicaid have the opportunity to explore the five different coverage plans.

Cut 16  (12) “…their services are.”

The app is available for both Apple and Android devices. Open enrollment ends July 31^st.

Louisiana could feel the burn from an escalating trade dispute with China, but proponents say a message needs to be sent. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Conner Ferrill” 

Father’s Day is this weekend and the National Retail Federation is expecting near record spending in honor of the holiday to the tune of $15.3 billion.  NRF spokesperson Katherine Cullen says when it comes to gifts, it’s really looking promising for dads this year.

Cut 3 (09) “…in their lives.”

Louisiana officials back an effort to impose a five to ten cent inspection fee on all imported seafood coming, in an effort to push back against lower quality, cheaper imported shrimp that’s hurting Louisiana shrimpers. Lt. Governor Nungesser says ingesting Asian imports that come from countries that allow excessive use of preservatives can put you in a real bind the next time you get an infection and have to take a trip to the hospital.

Cut 7 (07)  “as well.”

The US Senate approves legislation to honor former Saints standout and ALS advocate Steve Gleason with the Congressional Gold Medal which is the highest honor a citizen can receive from Congress. Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 and he quickly became an inspiration for those living with the fatal disease. Senator Bill Cassidy, one of the bill’s sponsors, says Gleason’s ‘No White Flags’ message has resulted in millions of dollars being raised to fight the disease…

Cut 10 (08) “cure for ALS”

Father’s Day is this weekend and the National Retail Federation is expecting near record spending in honor of the holiday to the tune of $15.3 billion.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Louisiana officials back an effort to impose a five to ten cent inspection fee on all imported seafood coming, in an effort to push back against lower quality, cheaper imported shrimp that’s hurting Louisiana shrimpers. During an appearance on Talk Louisiana, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says foreign seafood doesn’t meet our safety standards.

Cut 6 (11)  “antibiotics”

The US Senate approves legislation to honor former Saints standout and ALS advocate Steve Gleason with the Congressional Gold Medal which is the highest honor a citizen can receive from Congress. Senator Bill Cassidy, one of the bill’s sponsors, speaks about his experience meeting Steve…

 cut 9 (13)  “feel inspired”

The legislation now heads to the House seeking approval.

June 15^th marks the beginning of open enrollment for the state’s Medicaid program known as Healthy Louisiana. Enrollment Services Manager Rebecca Harris says during this time window the over 1.5 million Louisiana residents on Medicaid have the opportunity to explore the five different coverage plans.

Cut 15 (06) “….care without cost.”