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 says Gleason has motivated others by his spirit even though ALS has robbed him of his ability to walk and speak…

Cut 11 (10) “all Americans”

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 that there is an additional way of comparing plans as this year the program is introducing a smartphone app that allows it’s users to compare plans in the palm of their hand.

Cut 16  (12) “…their services are.”

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

Louisiana officials back an effort to impose a five to ten cent inspection fee on all imported seafood coming into the country. During an appearance on Talk Louisiana, Lt. Governor Billy 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.”

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

US Congressman Steve Scalise says he was glad to get back on the diamond, a year after being hit by fire from a shooter who targeted Republican Congressman at a baseball game.  Scalise recorded the first out in the Congressional baseball game by fielding a ground ball…

Cut 14 (11)  “to do”

The Jefferson parish Republican is reportedly being considered for Speaker of the House.

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 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”

Louisiana shipping reliant economy 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. But US Congressman Steve Scalise says despite some of the tough talk, the Trump administration is not looking for a major escalation.

Cut 13 (12) “do it.” 

The US Senate approves legislation to honor former Saints standout and ALS advocate Steve Gleason with the Congressional Gold Medal. US Senator Bill Cassidy 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”

Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 and he quickly became an inspiration for those living with the fatal disease.

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.”

In the 15 year history of the survey, this year’s spending is second only to last year’s $15.5 billion.

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”

The Jefferson parish Republican is reportedly being considered for Speaker of the House.

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”

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”

The US Senate approves legislation to honor former Saints standout and ALS advocate Steve Gleason with the Congressional Gold Medal. US Senator Bill Cassidy.

 cut 9 (13)  “feel inspired”

Heading into next week’s special session many agencies across the state are facing budget cuts.  District attorneys are not exempt and it looks like they could be quite steep to the tune of 82 percent if additional funding is not found. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (25)  I’m Kevin Barnhart“

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Louisiana Community Colleges will not be raising tuition rates next academic year. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) ”  I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Over the past several years, the violent crime rate on a national level has gone up, and Louisiana is no exception to that.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Heading into next week’s special session many agencies across the state are facing budget cuts.  District attorneys are not exempt from these cutbacks, and it looks like they could be quite steep to the tune of 82 percent if additional funding is not found.  Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association Pete Adams says the financial slash will be overwhelming.

Cut 4  (06) “…such a drastic cut.”

Recently, the Louisiana Department of Corrections warned that unless additional tax revenue is raised by June 30th, thousands of inmates will be released.  Adams says budget cuts to DAs could add to that.

Cut 5  (12)  “…uptick in crime.”

Adams says this is an issue that needs to be taken very seriously as it is a matter of public safety.

Cut 6 (09) “…this is just reality.”

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Despite a budget that calls for deep cuts to higher ed, The Louisiana Community and Technical College System will not be raising tuition or fees for the 2018, 2019 school years, continuing a two year trend of keeping costs stable for students. LCTCS President Monty Sullivan says the state cannot continue to place the cost of education on the backs of students.

Cut 7 (09)  “workforce”

Higher ed is on the block for tens of millions in cuts, and TOPS is staring at a 30 percent reduction if additional revenue is not approved in the upcoming special session. Sullivan says if the budget stands as is, a lot of services would have to be scaled back.

Cut 8 (10)  “no doubt.”

Sullivan says it doesn’t make any sense to cut higher ed to save the budget, because higher ed is responsible for producing the workforce that will grow the economy.

Cut 9 (10)  “state goverment.”

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Parents who are interested in saving up for their kids K through 12 education now have the option of a state backed, interest accruing, and federal tax free savings account as a result of a new law signed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil, who authored the law, says there are limits on where you can use the money.

Cut 10 (09)   “the state.”

The program is called START K12. Parents are only allowed to withdraw 10,000 dollars per year, per child, from the account, which should cover the costs of many private and public lab schools.

Cut 11 (12) “any taxes”

Foil says this isn’t playing the stock market, this is a safe, secured option to generate some interest and save some tax money on your child’s education.

Cut 12 (12) “START account”

The program closely resembles Louisiana START, which allows families to begin saving for their child’s college education.

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Over the past several years, the violent crime rate on a national level has gone up, and Louisiana is no exception to that.  US Attorney David Joseph says his district was in need of additional help.

Cut 13 (11)  “…cover the whole district” 

Joseph still thought even more help was needed, so he called in a favor to Attorney General Landry.

The search is on for the man with a missing finger that was found in a St. Tammany turtle. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The pastor of St. Peter Church in Morrow has turned himself into St. Landry Parish Sherriffs, and has allegedly confessed to sexual abuse involving a minor.  Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says Steven Michael Guidry was forthcoming with information.

Cut 4  (09) “…on a juvenile.”

Two Arkansas men who plead guilty to aggravated animal cruelty charges for slitting a dog’s throat and posting the video on Snapchat avoid jail time in Morehouse Parish. Judge Carl Sharp gave Boots Stanley and Stevan Sadler a suspended three-year prison sentence. Executive Director of the Humane Society of Louisiana Jeff Dorson can’t believe they are not going to jail.

 cut 9 (11)  “cruelty statutes”

Former Jindal Administration staffers are calling on the House to pass the half cent sales tax renewal that would fully fund state government, Former Commissioner of Administration Paul Rainwater says both Jindal and Edwards’ administrations failed to get the legislature to bite on long term tax reform that would end the cycle of fiscal cliffs, so this is our best temporary bet.

Cut 13 (12) “do it.” 

both Jindal and Edwards’ administrations failed to get the legislature to bite on long term tax reform that would end the cycle of fiscal cliffs.

Cut 13 (12) “do it.” 

Former Jindal Administration staffers are calling on the House to pass the half cent sales tax renewal that would fully fund state government, and avoid cuts to programs like TOPS. Former Commissioner of Administration Paul Rainwater says failing to pass the revenue bill would harm the most vulnerable people in the state.

Cut 12 (08)   “afford it”

Rainwater coauthored an editorial with former Jindal Revenue Secretary Tim Barfield.

Many legislators have credited the current fiscal crisis to fiscal mismanagement during the Jindal years, where one time money was often used to fill budget holes, and deep cuts were enacted on higher education. Rainwater says long term tax reform has a long history of failure.

Cut 13 (12) “do it.” 

Parents who are interested in saving up for their kids K through 12 education now have the option of a state backed, interest accruing, and federal tax free savings account as a result of a new law signed by Governor Edwards. Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil, who sponsored the law as a bill, says there are limits on where you can use the money.

Cut 21, 9 seconds, the state

Is program is called START K12.

Parents are only allowed to withdraw 10,000 dollars per year, per child, from the account, which should cover the costs of many private and public lab schools.

Cut 22, 12 seconds, any taxes

Foil says this is a safe, secured option to generate some interest and save some tax money on your child’s education, that closely resembles Louisiana START, which allows families to begin saving for their child’s college education.

Former Jindal Administration staffers are calling on the House to pass the half cent sales tax renewal that would fully fund state government, and avoid cuts to programs like TOPS. Former Commissioner of Administration Paul Rainwater says failing to pass the revenue bill would harm the most vulnerable people in the state.

Cut 12 (08)   “afford it”

Rainwater coauthored an editorial with former Jindal Revenue Secretary Tim Barfield.

A Bush man who was gifted a giant alligator snapping turtle for some home cooking got more than he bargained for, a human finger deep inside the reptile. St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs Spokesperson Scott Lee says cadaver sniffing dogs are on the case, but it’s certainly possible the creature could’ve just grabbed a snack from an unlucky angler.

Cut 7 (08)  “hundred pounds.”

A 75-year-old priest has confessed to sexual misconduct with a minor. According to St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz, Father Steven Michael Guidry has surrendered to authorities. The sheriff says the priest was forthcoming with information about the incident.

Cut 4  (09) “…on a juvenile.”

Two Arkansas men who plead guilty to aggravated animal cruelty charges for slitting a dog’s throat and posting the video on Snapchat avoid jail time in Morehouse Parish. Judge Carl Sharp gave Boots Stanley and Stevan Sadler a suspended three-year prison sentence. Executive Director of the Humane Society of Louisiana Jeff Dorson says community service is a slap on the wrist compared to the suffering inflicted on that dog…

Cut 11 (06) “means nothing”

A 75 year old priest who is in the business of taking confessions is now making a confession of his own… to law enforcement.  According to St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz, Father Steven Michael Guidry has surrendered to authorities following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor.
Cut 3 (09) “…with his attorney”

The priest has been on administrative leave since word first surfaced of the investigation.  He led St. Peter Church in Morrow.

A Bush man who was gifted a giant alligator snapping turtle for some home cooking got more than he bargained for, a human finger deep inside the reptile. St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs Spokesperson Scott Lee says they’ve reached out to local hospitals to see if any cases of turtle related accidents fit, and so far, no luck.

Cut 6 (07)  “accident”

Efforts to obtain a fingerprint failed.

Two Arkansas men who plead guilty to aggravated animal cruelty charges for slitting a dog’s throat and posting the video on Snapchat avoid jail time in Morehouse Parish. Judge Carl Sharp gave Boots Stanley and Stevan Sadler a suspended three-year prison sentence. Executive Director of the Humane Society of Louisiana Jeff Dorson says the sentence was judicial malpractice…
Cut 10 (08) “wrong profession”

Former Jindal Administration staffers are calling on the House to pass the half cent sales tax renewal that would fully fund state government, and avoid cuts to programs like TOPS. Former Commissioner of Administration Paul Rainwater says failing to pass the revenue bill would harm the most vulnerable people in the state.  Some have criticized the former Commissioner’s for coming out in support for the half cent sales tax renewal, considering the Jindal Administration’s fiscal legacy and support for wide tax cuts. Rainwater isn’t buying it.
Cut 14 (11)  “to do”

Former Jindal Administration staffers are calling on the House to pass the half cent sales tax renewal that would fully fund state government, and avoid cuts to programs like TOPS. Former Commissioner of Administration Paul Rainwater says failing to pass the revenue bill would harm the most vulnerable people in the state.

Cut 12 (08)   “afford it”

A 75 year old priest who is in the business of taking confessions is now making a confession of his own… to law enforcement.  According to St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz, Father Steven Michael Guidry has surrendered to authorities following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor.

Cut 3 (09) “…with his attorney”

The priest has been on administrative leave since word first surfaced of the investigation.  He led St. Peter Church in Morrow.

A Bush man who was gifted a giant alligator snapping turtle for some home cooking got more than he bargained for, a human finger deep inside the reptile. St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs Spokesperson Scott Lee says they’ve reached out to local hospitals to see if any cases of turtle related accidents fit, and so far, no luck.

Cut 6 (07)  “accident”

Efforts to obtain a fingerprint failed, and Cadaver sniffing dogs are now scouring the area where the turtle was originally found, incase this was more than just an accident, but Lee says it’s certainly possible the creature could’ve just grabbed a snack from an unlucky angler. The turtle was discovered in west St. Tammany Parish.

It’s been one year since the nearly fatal shooting of US Representative Steve Scalise on a baseball diamond in Virginia. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  I’m Matt Doyle“

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A Shreveport craft beer’s popularity has exceeded the expectations of the brewery behind the beverage.  Kevin Barnhart has the story on this wildly sought-after brew.

Cut 2 (29) ”  I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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A new low bid has come in to fix a vital bridge in Lake Charles, that could have a surprisingly fast build time. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

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Today is the one year anniversary of the shooting of US Representative Steve Scalise. Scalise was hit in the hip by assault rifle fire in a politically motivated shooting that targeted Republican legislators at a congressional baseball game in Alexandria Virginia. Scalise says his recovery was a tough journey, but he made it through with help from his family.

Cut 4  (11) “really important.”

Scalise’s recovery was fraught, and required a series of dangerous, but ultimately successful surgeries to repair the damage. He says while he was out for months, he was just itching to get back to DC and continue his work as Majority Whip.

Cut 5  (10)  “come back”

Scalise made these comments at a Politico sponsored event.

Political analyst Clancy DuBos says Scalise’s story of recovery has lifted his national profile, and solidified his status as a prominent conservative to watch in Washington.

Cut 6 (12) “the House.”

Rumors are swirling that Scalise could be the next Speaker of the House of Representative, with current Speaker Paul Ryan retiring. At the moment, Scalise has pledged his support to California Representative Kevin McCarthy, but DuBos says the Golden State Republican has some major weaknesses that could leave the door open for a Scalise speakership.

Cut 7 (11)  “ideal speaker”

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A Shreveport craft beer’s popularity has exceeded the expectations of the brewery behind the beverage.  318 Golden Ale, named for the area code where you can find the beer, was released in March.  Great Raft Brewing’s tasting room manager Bob Thames says although you can find other beers from the brewery widely distributed, the idea behind 318 Golden Ale is to have a beer solely for North Louisiana.

Cut 8 (13)  “…move on from there.”

Thames says it’s rewarding to have a brand that the area can call its own.

Cut 9 (05)  “,,,in everybody’s hands.”

What can you expect from the beer’s drinking experience?  Thames explains, it may be light on many things, but flavor is not one of them

Cut 10 (09)   “…do with a craft beer.”

Initially, the brewery expected to sell the equivalent of 4500 cases in the first 90 days.  However, the ended up selling closer to 7000.

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A bid to repair the Lake Prien Bridge on I-210 in Lake Charles has been submitted that claims the work can be done in a surprisingly short time, only 365 days. The 44.5 million dollar repair will address the 54 year old bridge that is vital to transport in the area. Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says their own estimations pegged the time at 17 months at best.

Cut 11 (11) “be safe”

Wilson says the bridge is rapidly deteriorating and needs to be addressed soon, before the situation gets worse and the whole thing needs to be shut down.

Cut 12 (09) “traveling public”

The Lake Prien Bridge is a vital throughway that sits just south of Lake Charles and brings gamers from Texas right to the Golden Nugget and L’Auberge Casinos. Wilson says even with repairs, the road will still be driveable.

Cut 13 (09)  “between” 

The bid will have to be reviewed before it is accepted and construction begins.

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US Senator John Kennedy’s call on a Lafayette radio station for Governor John Bel Edwards’ resignation came as a bit of a surprise. Kennedy is widely reported to be preparing a run for Governor next year, and this could be the first of many salvos between the two parties. ULM Political Science Professor Dr. Josh Stockley says calling for a resignation is usually reserved for major violations, not budget disputes.