Lawmakers return to Baton Rouge today for a two-month legislative session with a statewide election right around the corner. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________________________

A bill that would raise the gas tax has advocates mobilizing for a legislative battle over the future of Louisiana’s roads and bridges. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards focal point of the legislative session is pay raises for teachers and school support staff.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

Louisiana’s supply of Hepatits C medication is about to drastically increase as the Louisiana Department of Health finalized a first in the nation deal with Asegua Therapeutics for “subscription model” access to the lifesaving treatment.

Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says before the new arrangement, thousands of Hep C sufferers went untreated.

Cut 4 (10) “…drug.”

The “subscription model” will pay Asegua a flat fee every year for unlimited access to the medication roughly equal to the amount the state previously paid when ordering “a la carte”.

Gee says it’s a remarkable drug that can cure the deadly virus in almost everyone that receives the daily pill based treatment.

Cut 5 (09) “…we can.”

less than 3 percent of Medicaid patients with Hep C were treated last year.

37,000 Medicaid recipients and incarcerated people suffer from Hep C, and the program is aiming to treat 10,000 of them by the end of 2020. Gee says treating inmates will dramatically increase their likelihood of reintegrating into society.

Cut 6 (11) “…conditions”

The contract is expected to be in place by June 1st.

___________________________________________________

The 2019 legislative session gets underway at noon. It was very contentious at the State Capitol last year as lawmakers struggled to pass a budget, because of a huge deficit. This year the budget is in better shape, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat doesn’t expect the process of approving a new budget will go smoothly…

Cut 7 (11) “…should be cut”

Legislators can file up to five non-fiscal bills in this session and Pinsonat says legalizing sports betting and a proposal to extend Harrah’s New Orleans Casino’s land license for another 30 years will be hotly debated

Cut 8 (06) “…districts”

This session will feature another effort to raise the state’s gasoline tax, but Pinsonat says the proposal by Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter will start the legislative process in the lower chamber…

Cut 9 (10) “…pass the Senate″

__________________________

A proposal to raise the gas tax to fund bridge and road repair and expansion is shaping up to be one of the early battlegrounds in the revenue focused legislative session that kicks off today. Louisiana Coalition to Fix Our Roads President Eric Ponti backs the proposal to raise the tax by six cents in the first year, and 18 cents total over 10 years.

Cut 10 (12) “…these projects”

Americans for Prosperity State Director John Kay opposed a similar proposal in 2017 that failed to gain momentum, and says anti-tax crusaders will be back to stop this year’s push as well.

Cut 11 (11) “…enough.”

Kay says our roads do need more of an investment, but before the state considers a higher gasoline tax, it should dedicate the current 20-cent gas tax completely to infrastructure and not use a portion to pay for salaries within the department of transportation…

Cut 12 (10) “…just that″

Representative Carter’s legislation guarantees that all new funds generated by the tax would go towards our roads, and Ponti says there’s already a mechanism in place to ensure that money isn’t used for other purposes….

Cut 13 (08) “…projects.”

The 2019 Louisiana Survey showed 69 percent were in favor of a five cent gas tax increase, but only 46 percent support for a 20 cent rise.

___________

One of the focal points of the legislative session is pay raises for teachers and school support staff.  House Education Chairman Nancy Landry says it’s a priority that teachers get a pay raise and there is bipartisan agreement that teachers do not get enough.

Cut 14 (11) “…right now.”

Governor Edwards is behind a $1000 pay raise for teachers and a $500 raise for support staff. Edwards also supports an additional 39-million dollars in public school education funding. But Landry is not on board with that proposal…

Cut 15 (10) “…the urgency there.”

Landry says she’d rather see additional funding for early childhood education to help working families who can’t pay for high quality daycare.

Cut 16  (10) “…critical time period.” 

_______________________________________

Big explosive offensive plays were lacking in LSU’s spring football game on Saturday, but the quarterbacks were sharp throwing short and intermediate passes to a variety of wide receivers. Starting quarterback Joe Burrow was 15 of 25 for 159 yards, one touchdown and one interception…

 cut 17 (12)   “…are at 

Burrow didn’t participate in spring football, because he didn’t arrive on the LSU campus until summertime. He says they didn’t show all of the offense on Saturday, but he’s still optimistic in its potential…

Cut 18 (16)   the year” 

LSU took two of three from Texas A-and-M to move into a three-way tie for first place in the SEC West. The Tigers took the final game of the series on Saturday night with a nine to three win over the Aggies. Freshman pitcher Cole Henry had another impressive outing as he allowed two runs over eight innings and struck out nine. Coach Paul Mainieri…

Cut 19 (19)   “…have em

LSU banged out 12 hits in the rubber match of the series, led by Zach Watson, who had four hits. Mainieri says his hitters performed well against one of the top pitching staffs in the country…

Cut 20 (18) “…ball club”

Many Louisiana residents have misunderstandings about tax rates according to the latest release from the 2019 Louisiana Survey.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________________________

An equal pay bill has been pre-filed for the 2019 legislative session as a new report ranks Louisiana 48th in gender pay disparity. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________________________

The latest report from the Louisiana Survey shows many residents are wrong when it comes to how much they pay in taxes. Director of LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab, Dr. Mike Henderson, says 46% of the respondents say the state income tax rates are higher than they were four years ago, and 32% say the rates are higher than last year, but the state income tax rate hasn’t changed in years…

Cut 3 (10) “…simply not true.”

Henderson says many residents are also confused with sales taxes. He says 40% incorrectly believe the state sales tax rate is higher than one year ago. It actually went down about a half-a-cent. However, 60% correctly said the sales tax is higher than four years ago

Cut 4 (05) “…the Edwards administration.”

During the Jindal administration, the state’s sales tax rate was four-percent, it’s now around 4.5-percent.

And Henderson says when asked about gasoline taxes, the average guess on what we pay in federal and state taxes is  79 cents per gallon when the actual rate is 38.5 cents…

Cut 5 (09) “…the actual rate.”

____________________

A father has been arrested on numerous charges after his seven-year daugther was killed in a single vehicle wreck in the Donaldsonville area last night. State Police Trooper Taylor Scrantz says they believe 25-year-old DeVontae Sanders of Donaldsonville was impaired….

Cut 6 (11) “…vehicle overturned”

Scrantz says Sanders had three young children in his car and none of them were in seat belts…

Cut 7 (10) “…local hospital”

The ages of the children that survived are three and four-year-olds and they were sent to separate hospitals with critical injuries. Scrantz says troopers suspected Sanders was impaired at the time of the crash and L-S-P booked him into the Ascension Parish jail on numerous charges, including vehicular homicide…

Cut 8 (11) “    last night” 

_____________________

Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton has a bill that would enforce pay equality between men and women in Louisiana’s private sector. Currently only public sector employers must pay women the same as men for equal work. According to a report Louisiana ranks 48th in pay equality, and Norton says something must be done.

Cut 9 (10) “…their work”

The report, presented by former state Representative and current New Orleans Councilwoman Helena Moreno, shows women make 69 percent of what white men make in Louisiana.

Similar versions of equal pay legislation have been filed for years in the legislature, but every time they’ve failed to get traction. Opponents argue it would place an undue burden on business, and open companies up to expensive litigation. Norton says get over it.

Cut 10 (12)“…opportunities”

The report also detailed how African American women are particularly impacted by the pay disparity, earning 47 cents on the dollars for every buck a white man makes. Norton says this bill is aimed at improving quality of life for all women.

Cut 11 (11)   “that dollar”

_____________________________________

Most of southeast Louisiana is under a flash flood watch through midnight. Phil Grigsby with the National Weather Service in Slidell says a warm front has stalled along the coast and its producing significant downpours…

Cut 12 (07) “…heavy rain.”

Two to four inches of rain is possible throughout the day in Baton Rouge, Houma, the northshore and the New Orleans metro area. Grigsby says the torrential rainfall started this morning and it will continue into the night

Cut 13 (08) “…street flooding issues”

Grigsby says a risk of severe weather exists for nearly the entire state today…

Cut 14 (10) “…few tornadoes”

The natural disaster relief volunteer organization known as Cajun Navy Relief is holding the second annual Search and Rescue Games Saturday in Westlake.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

_______________________________________________

20 percent of the Bayou State has order their groceries online for delivery or pickup, part of a growing trend nationwide. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________________

Is the Louisiana on a path to financial disaster?  Republican State Treasurer John Schroder thinks so.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

For those that have the desire to help others following natural disasters, Cajun Navy Relief will host the second annual Search and Rescue Games Saturday in Westlake. The event will feature hands-on training including mock rescues, dispatch simulation, and boater response in an effort to train volunteers for real scenarios.  Cajun Navy Relief President Shawn Boudreaux…

Cut 4 (08) “…exposure to boaters.”

Boudreaux says this time of year is the organizations offseason, so it’s a great time to recruit those interested in disaster relief.

Cut 5 (10) “…us during disaster.”

Boudreaux says participants will be divided into three divisions in an effort to not only train, but to compete for prizes.

Cut 6 (09) “…prizes as well.”

___________________________________________________

Louisiana is in for some nasty weather today statewide, but north of the I-10 particularly heavy precipitation and winds could spawn severe weather. National Weather Service forecaster Matt Hemmingway says it’s classic warm air meets cool air situation.

Cut 7 (12) “…hours”

So bring a raincoat, and if you’re further north in the state you might want to consider staying at work for lunch because there’s a light chance of some severe weather.

Cut 8 (09) “…the remainder”

While the temperature has been a roller coaster, It’s been a few weeks of mild weather across the state. Hemmingway says expect more bouts of severe weather to sprout up throughout the month.

Cut 9 (06) “…in Louisiana.″

__________________________

A report shows one in five Louisiana shoppers have either had their groceries delivered or done some curb side pickup through online ordering at their local grocery. Offers.com editor Kristen McGrath says most services come with a fee and a one to two hour wait time, but it’s definitely got it’s perks.

Cut 10 (09) “…delivery.”

The survey showed the top concern about online ordering was that folks can’t inspect the produce, and that it might be spoiled.

Curbside pickup is most popular in the southeast, but has low participation rates in California and the north east. McGrath says the service caught up in our area because it was started by Walmart, and unlike densely packed urban centers, we’ve got space to spare.

Cut 11 (11) “…pickup.”

40 percent of those who chose curbside pickup chose Walmart, followed by local chains.

Of the 20 percent of the general population who do use it, about 42 percent of those place more than one order a month on the service, but McGrath says the most common use is for special occasions.

Cut 12 (09) “…grocery run.″

The average amount spent on an online order is about 110 dollars, which can come with a delivery or pickup fee starting around five dollars.

______________________________

State Treasurer John Schroder is criticizing Governor John Bel Edwards for growing government at a faster pace than revenues coming in. Schorder says Louisiana is on course for financial disaster.  he comments come ahead of the start of the Legislative Session next week.  Schroder says he is tired of hearing about how great everything is.

Cut 13 (10) “…is just wonderful.”

Edwards has responded by saying if Schroder doesn’t believe the state is in a better place than three years ago, he needs a reality check.

Schroder says the issue comes down to the Governor not being able to say no to more government spending and that the mathematics indicates a coming crash.

Cut 14 (08) “…it’s a shame.”

Schroder suggested that the government could benefit from voting for more business minded people in public office.

Cut 15 (11) “…to do that.”

In an interview with USA Today Network, Governor Edwards dismissed Schroder’s claims as political posturing.

Another Industrial Tax Exemption Program change could be on it’s way if one Baton Rouge lawmaker has his way. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m matt doyle.”

_______________________________________________

 New legislation could see High Occupancy Vehicle lanes may be coming to the Bayou State.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_______________________________________________

New legislation could see I-10 renamed in honor of the Black and Gold.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

__________________________________

A Louisiana Policy Institute for Children report shows the price of childcare in the state is rapidly rising in price, up 35 percent from 2010 to 2016.

To combat this, Executive Director Melanie Bronfin says the state should pump more money into early childhood subsidies like California does with it’s dedicated tobacco tax.

Cut 4 (10) “…states.”

The study shows childcare costs the average single parents on average 38 percent of their income, and 45 percent of all kids in the state live in single parent households.

Sports betting could be legalized this session, and some early childhood proponents have suggested putting that tax money towards the program. Bronfin says they are not advocating for legalization, but if it is legalized, they hope to make it a dedicated funding stream, but…

Cut 5 (11) “the puzzle.”

A state commission came up with a number for what the state would need to pay to take care of early childhood education for all at-risk kids. Bronfin says clearing the thousands of kids on the active wait list, and providing care for the rest who are in need is a substantial investment.

Cut 6 (10) “…ten years.”

15,000 kids are in the early childhood subsidy program, down from 39,000 in 2008.

___________________________________________________

A Baton Rouge Representative is proposing a change to the Industrial Tax Exemption Program. The Republican lawmaker wants the Parish President, Sheriff, and School Board President to be the review board for ITEP requests.

Rick Edmonds says at the moment, requesting an ITEP means working with a number of local boards.

Cut 7 (07) “…a different parish.”

The new ITEP policy grabbed headlines after a community group pushed the Baton Rouge School Board to deny Exxon an ITEP tax break. Edmonds says he hopes the streamlining will appease both local stakeholders and business investors.

Cut 8 (11) “…approval of.”

The changes comes a year after an executive order eliminated a state review board and gave local authorities the final say on the tax exemption.

Edmonds says the Governor assured businesses that the change would not create problems, but…

Cut 9 (09) “…in Texas.″

__________________________

Louisiana may soon see high occupancy vehicle lanes instituted across the state.  Livingston Senator Dale Erdey says a recent study  showed Louisiana could benefit from the use of HOV lanes, and now the state Department of Transportation needs the authority to put them in place.  Erdey says the room for the extra lane is already there, but there will be some funding needed….

Cut 10 (07) “…to accomplish this.”

Erdey says drivers riding solo would not get to take advantage of the driving in the lane, but they’d likely still see benefits from the change.

Cut 11 (08) “…lanes of highway.”

When it comes to enforcement of the laws of the HOV lanes, Erdey says in other states, cameras can now detect the occupancy in a vehicle, and they can tell if you are trying to pull one over on the system.

Cut 12 (04) “…the passenger seat.″

______________________________

New Orleans Representative Wesley Bishop is introducing legislation to see the interstate adopt the moniker the “Who Dat Nation Highway.”  Bishop says the nearly 275 mile stretch of Interstate 10 that runs through South Louisiana would be rebranded in an effort to pay homage to the fans of the Black and Gold.

Cut 13 (10) “…in the world.”

Bishop says the idea spawned from being upset about how the NFC title game played out and says the Saints fan are the best fan base on the planet.

Cut 14 (09) “…to do something.”

Bishop says nothing brings together the Bayou state quite like the Saints.

Cut 15 (09) “…New Orleans Saints.”

_______________________________________

The Tigers baseball team is riding a high after their bats came back alive in a series win over Mississippi State a few days ago, and now they’re hoping to keep that momentum going in tonight’s game against Grambling. LSU scored double digit runs in both of the last two games, and Head coach Paul Mainieri says the display is a big ego boost to the team.

Cut 16  (15) “…the time.” 

Friday’s  10-5 win was the first time in eight games the Tigers scored in double digits. Mainieri says he told the team to keep their head high through a hitting slump that resulted in a four-game losing streak,….

 cut 17 (18)   “…direction” 

Louisiana has the highest level of stress in the nation according to research from the personal finance website WalletHub.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________________________

A Baton Rouge Representative wants to raise the gas tax by 18 cents over the next 12 years to pay for billions in Louisiana infrastructure projects. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________________________

The personal finance website WalletHub finds Louisiana is the most stressed out state in the nation.  Bordering states Mississippi took second place and Arkansas placed third.  WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says 40 different metrics were used to calculate the rankings.

Cut 3 (11) “…those different things.”

Louisiana ranks fifth for percent of adults with fair or poor health and sixth for getting adequate sleep. She says the state also comes in second for divorce rate….

Cut 4 (11) “…cyclical aspects here.”

Gonzales says the lack of money can lead to stress and Louisiana ranks high in a couple of categories…

Cut 5 (10) “…in poverty.”

____________________

Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter has a bill that would eventually pump billions of dollars into the state’s crumbling infrastructure by raising the gas tax by 18 cents a gallon over the next 12 years. Carter says his bill would make sure that every cent raised would go towards fixing bridges, building roads, and other vital needs.

Cut 6 (12) “…this state”

The current gas tax is 20 cents a gallon, and if passed the legislation would raise that by six cents in the first year.

In one week, lawmakers are set to descend on a Baton Rouge that has found itself shutdown over the last week by traffic gridlock. Carter says he understands his colleague’s hesitation about new taxes, but the traffic nightmare in the capital should be a persuasive argument.

Cut 7 (11) “…somewhere”

The legislation mandates that certain projects, including a new Baton Rouge Mississippi River Bridge, and a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge, are built using the money.

A past effort by Carter to pass a similar tax failed to even make it to the floor, but the Capital City Republican says he’s heard from lawmakers since then who have changed their mind.

Cut 8 (09) “…gasoline tax”

The legislation would also redirect the .45 percent sales tax, passed last year and set to expire in 2025, into the infrastructure fund.

_____________________

State Attorney General Jeff Landry is touting legislation filed for the upcoming session that would guarantee healthcare coverage for pre-existing conditions and other patient projections, if the Affordable Care Act is ruled unconstitutional. Landry says its called “Health Care Coverage for Louisiana Families Protection Act…

Cut 9 (12) “…pre-existing conditions”

Landry’s office supports a lawsuit that seeks to declare Obamacare as unconstitutional. Back in December, a federal judge ruled in favor of that suit and the ruling is currently under appeal. The A-G has been outspoken critic of the A-C-A, says this bill is just one part of the solution…

Cut 10 (07)“…coming out”

Governor Edwards says its ironic Landry is taking credit for fixing a problem he helped create by supporting litigation that endangers health care coverage for almost 850-thousand Louisiana residents. But Landry says the lawsuit gives Louisiana an opportunity to create a better health care system…

Cut 11 (09)   “fellow citizens.”

_____________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services releases a report that finds the number of reported juvenile trafficking victims rose by 20-percent in 2018. Child welfare manager Christy Tate says they don’t think the crime of human trafficking is getting worse, but there’s greater awareness about the problem…

Cut 12 (08) “…being trained.”

Overall in 2018, there were 744 confirmed victims of trafficking, 58-percent were juveniles and as young as five months old. She says the oldest victim of human trafficking was 65-years-old…

Cut 13 (10) “…their 60s.”

The report also found that Orleans, Caddo and East Baton Rouge were the parishes most frequently identified as the trafficking locations for both adult and juvenile victims. She says that’s not a big surprise…

Cut 14 (07) “…traveled areas”

Legislation has been filed that would require restaurants to update Louisiana seafood menus with the country of origin of imported shrimp and mudbugs. Connor Ferrill has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

____________________________

Authorities arrest three people in the brutal murder of an elderly Zachary woman who was found bound with duct tape by her husband. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________________________

New legislation could place the country of origin of imported mudbugs and shrimp on the local seafood menu. Larose Representative Truck Gisclair says if the crustaceans are from out of the country he wants to know…

Cut 3 (07) “…from.”

The bill will be heard in the legislative session that begins on April 9.

Gisclair says he is not concerned with labeling shrimp and crawfish from states like Texas and Alabama. He says the economic boost of buying Louisiana shrimp is beneficial but health concerns of imported shrimp are the paramount issue…

Cut 4 (12) “…imported meats″

Gisclair says specifying country of origin is not always possible but…

Cut 5 (07)  “…every country”

____________________

Authorities have arrested three people, two brothers and an acquitannce, in the murder of an elderly Zachary woman who was found by her husband bound and shot to death in her home on March 21st. Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says one of the suspects, 24-year-old Adrian Curtis, provided a confession…

Cut 6 (14) “…in the head”

Gautreaux says 74-year-old Frances Jane Schultz had her arms and legs bound by duct tape and duct tape was over her eyes and mouth. She was shot multiple times. The sheriff says one of the suspect’s worked on the couple property’s property bailing hay…

Cut 7 (08) “…home invasion”

Adrian’s brother, Courtland,  and 22-year-old Donevan Brown were also arrested and charged with first-degree murder. They were arrested in East Feliciana Parish. Gautreaux says they began looking for Adrian Courtland, because his name was on a piece of paper inside the home…

Cut 8 (06) “…night of the murder”

_____________________

Republican Gubernatorial candidate Ralph Abraham’s campaign says the Congressman has raised a million dollars in the first hundred days of his campaign to unseat Governor Edwards. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s a crucial fundraising marker to cross, but it still puts the candidate in 3rd place in a three way money race for the mansion…

Cut 9 (11) “…to spend”

Edwards started 2019 with 8.4 million in the bank, and the other Republican in the race, Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone has pledged five million dollars of his own money to the race.

Even though he may be lagging behind his Republican opponent in funding, Pinsonat says the million dollar mark means the Congressman now has the cash on hand to buy enough name recognition statewide to be a serious contender.

Cut 10 (10)“…of you.”

Pinsonat says the best part about pocketing this kind of cash early in the race is that the Congressman can pour it all into boosting his own name, while outside big money organizations tear into his main target, Governor Edwards.

Cut 11 (10)   “in here.”

_____________________________________

Metairie Representative Cameron Henry files a bill that could lead to fines, community service and possibly jail time for anyone who harasses refs, umpires, and other game officials.  Henry says officials at a recreational park in his district are occasionally threatened with physical harm.

Cut 12 (11) “…a little while.”

Henry says it’s not the hecklers or those that might passionately contest a call that are the problem.

Cut 13 (13) “…a missed call.”

Henry says often it is high school and college students working as referees and they are on the receiving end of a parent’s anger.

Cut 14 (11) “…have this conversation.”

Obamacare individual market enrollment hits it’s lowest level in Louisiana since the option came online in 2014. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________________________

Senator John Kennedy says the decision by Cook County prosecutors not to pursue charges against actor Jussie Smollet, who police staged a fake hate crime, is another example of how the rich and famous get to play by a different set of rules…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________________

LSU basketball fans making the trip to Washington DC to see the Purple and Gold face off with Michigan State on Friday will have good company from alumni that already live in the area.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

Obamacare signups are down 15 percent in Louisiana this year, and the 93,000 enrollees mark the lowest level of participants since the individual market came online in 2014.

Enrollment is also down 57 percent from it’s high point in 2016, and Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says that’s because 2016 was the year of the Medicaid expansion.

Cut 4 (12) “…program.”

214,000 enrollees were on the exchange in 2016.

The individual market subsidizes low income earners seeking health insurance, but Donelon says when the Medicaid expansion kicked in, many of those low income individuals qualified  for Medicaid, which is free government insurance.

Cut 5 (12) “…lives.”

Over 500,000 people have enrolled in Medicaid since Governor Edwards accepted the mostly federally funded expansion.

While Donelon puts the bulk of the drop-off on the Medicaid expansion, he does credit the state’s improving economy with putting more workers on employer based health insurance programs.

Cut 6 (11) “…products”

Louisiana had the 3rd highest rate of enrollment drop offs in the nation.

___________________________________________________

Senator John Kennedy is calling on the US Attorney’s Office to pursue action against former Empire star Jussie Smollett for allegedly faking a racially motivated assault against himself. This comes after Cook County prosecutors dropped their charges against the actor.

Kennedy says he’s encouraged by reports that the feds are stepping in where local authorities failed.

Cut 7 (08) “…the law”

The prosecution says the case against Smolett was dismissed after he agreed to a set of conditions, including 16 hours of community service and forfeiting his 10-thousand dollar bond, which means he doesn’t get it back. It’s also been reported prosecutors also took into account that it was a non-violent crime. But Kennedy still disagrees with the decision made by the Cook County state’s Attorney’s office.

Cut 8 (11) “…substantially.”

The Senator says the Smollet case and the college admissions scandal paints a picture that shows the rich, famous, and powerful don’t have to follow the same rules as the average person.

Cut 9 (11) “…get cake.″

__________________________

LSU hoops fans heading to the nation’s capital to see the Tiger take on Michigan State Friday in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA tournament will have a warm welcome from the DC’s LSU Alumni Chapter.  Chapter secretary Ginger Gibson says they are excited to welcome Tiger fans from Louisiana and around the nation.

Cut 10 (10) “…that we’re organizing.”

The game may take place on Friday, but Gibson says the celebration starts tonight at an Irish pub near the venue for the Sweet 16 showdown.  Gibson says it’s tricky to come across Louisiana flair when it’s time to a party in DC.

Cut 11 (12) “…will be played.”

Gibson says while the presence of Tigers fans is noticeable, there are rival teams that are having quite a bit of visibility in the area.

Cut 12 (12) “…be Virginia Tech.”

______________________________

The Louisiana 4th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction for the man who fatally shot former Saints player Will Smith in a 2016 traffic dispute. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the opinion of the panel to reject all grounds of the appeal of Cardell Hayes was very thorough.

Cut 13 (09) “…a crime novel.”

The three-judge panel unanimously rejected the appeal. Hayes was sentenced to 25 years in December 2016.  Meche says some of the actions of his legal representation did not help his case.

Cut 14 (12) “…during the trial.”

Meche says the next step would be to appeal to the Louisiana Supreme Court, but says Hayes is unlikely to get relief because of a lack of objection from his attorney to the issues being raised.

Cut 15 (11) “…raise certain issues.”

_______________________________________

LSU will need its bats to wake up in Starkville as the Tigers begin a three-game series against Mississippi State tonight. Following the Tigers two-to-nothing loss to McNeese on Tuesday, the team held a players only meeting. Senior third baseman Chris Reid hopes the heartfelt gathering makes guys hungrier…

Cut 16  (22) “this weekend” 

The Bulldogs are 23-3 overall and they’ve scored 53 runs in their last three games. They are led by senior outfielder Jake Mangum, who is hitting over four-hundred. Mainieri says Mangum is one of the best to ever play SEC baseball…

 cut 17 (22)   “starting pitchers” 

Junior right-hander Zack Hess will get the start on the mound for the 12th ranked Tigers. Hess hopes the loss to McNeese is a turning point in their season…

Cut 18 (12)    made of” 

Is Almond “milk” actually milk? Matt Doyle talked to one Louisiana lawmaker who’s got beef with almond advertisers…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

____________________________

Ralph Abraham’s gubernatorial campaign has funded a poll that shows him pulling closer to Governor Edwards distancing himself from fellow GOP candidate Eddie Rispone.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

___________________________________

Louisiana received 82 million dollars in federal funds to fight the opioid epidemic in 2018, a 71 percent increase from 2017. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

The Louisiana Dairy Industry is having a cow over the rise of almond “milk”, saying the label is not accurate, so Delhi Senator Francis Thompson has filed a bill to prohibit non-dairy products from describing themselves as milk. Thompson says the false advertising tricks some into buying the less nutritious dairy alternative.

Cut 4 (10) “…cows milk.”

A cup of Almond milk is lower in calories and higher in calcium than a cup of two percent dairy milk, but contains less protein and other nutrients.

In North America, almonds are almost exclusively grown in California, and Thompson says the west coast product is damaging local industry by misleading Louisianans about what they’re actually buying. The Senator says the bill would help protect local farmers.

Cut 5 (08) “…our milk.”

It’s estimated there are now fewer than 80 dairy operations in the state, which features a declining dairy cow population that could approach 8,000 in the near future.

And while Thompson’s bill only specifically addresses “milk”, the Senator says it’s not the only labeling dispute that he’s considering pursuing. The Delhi Democrat says products like cauliflower “rice” and lab grown “steak” need to change their labeling.

Cut 6 (10) “…beef”

___________________________________________________

A new poll on the governor’s race shows John Bel Edwards at 44%, but Republican challenger Ralph Abraham not far behind at 33%. Abraham’s campaign funded the survey.  UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the poll also shows Abraham with a 23-point lead over fellow Republican candidate Eddie Rispone, who is at 10%.

Cut 7 (10) “…Democratic Governor.”

Cross says Rispone has a tough job in gaining familiarity among voters, saying he’s got deep pockets but has not spent much on his campaign yet.

Cut 8 (10) “…focused message.”

Cross says he believes the numbers are quite accurate, stating Edwards’ approval has been as high as 56%, but Edwards certainly has work to do to keep his spot in the Governor’s Mansion.

Cut 9 (10) “…election to him.″

13% of those polled are undecided.

__________________________

Three men are behind bars following accusations they managed to heist over 100 iPhones from a Best Buy in Baton Rouge. Investigators says the alarms sounded in the overnight hours at the Millerville Road store. East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s detective Major Willie Stewart says the total cost of the phones was over six figures.

Cut 10 (09) “…didn’t recover them”

An SUV seen on security footage was later spotted at a hotel where the arrest was made yesterday. Stewart says investigators believe the trio may be a part of a bigger group that may have hit other Best Buy locations, including a store in Lake Charles, on the hunt for iPhones.

Cut 11 (09) “…the same group”

Stewart says two of the suspects are from California while the other is from Georgia and all three are facing a slew of charges.

Cut 12 (07) “…of state warrants.”

______________________________

Louisiana received 18 dollars per person in federal funding to fight the opioid epidemic last year, for a total of 82 million dollars from over 50 different revenue streams according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. Chief medical adviser Anand Parekh says the majority of those funds went to high population parishes like Orleans and East Baton Rouge, but…

Cut 13 (08) “…ratesz.”

That 82 million was a 71 percent increase in funding over 2017, as the feds OK’d a substantial increase in funds to treat the growing epidemic.

State Medicaid enrollees made 1,858,000 emergency department stays from June 2017-18, and Parekh says 40% of those with opioid use disorders are on the government-run health insurance. He credits Governor Edwards’ Medicaid expansion with getting treatment into areas hardest hit by the epidemic.

Cut 14 (07) “…treatment.”

Medicaid spent a projected 28 million dollars on opioid treatment drugs and naloxone in 2018.

Total opioid deaths rose from 346 in 2016 to 415 in Louisiana for 2017, and Fentanyl deaths in particular increased from 2.0 deaths per 100,000 in 2016 to 3.6. Parekh says one way to get that number to come down would be addressing addiction in the inmate population.

Cut 15 (10) “…re-entry.”

Louisiana’s rate of 9.3 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2017 was noticeably lower than the southern regional average of 14.1.

_______________________________________

The LSU men’s basketball team leaves for Washington D-C today where they’ll take on the Michigan State Spartans on Friday night in the Sweet 16. The Spartans have a hall of fame coach in Tom Izzo, who has a 52-20 record in NCAA Tournament games. LSU Interim Head Coach Tony Benford on playing the Spartans…

Cut 16  (14) “in transition” 

If LSU can keep winning in the NCAA Tournament, the national attention will only grow, since the Tigers are playing without suspended head coach Will Wade. But Benford is not concerned about the spotlight getting brigther…

 cut 17 (17)   “every day” 

LSU is a six point underdog heading into Friday’s game. Benford says the underdog role doesn’t bother them….

Cut 18 (20)      we will be ready” 

Louisiana’s GOP chairman is trying to keep the primary from devolving into another 2015 bloodbath that political analysts say helped put Democrat John Bel Edwards in the governor’s mansion. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

____________________________

 House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry is proposing a budget that covers the 1,000 dollar teacher and 500 dollar support staff pay raise sought by Governor Edwards. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

___________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says this is the time of year in which people may come into contact with birds that appear to need help.  What should you do if that happens?  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

A LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health study finds women in southeast Louisiana exposed to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill continue to experience symptoms of trauma, even nine years following the incident. Lead author Dr. Ed Peters says they studied nearly two-thousand women who live in seven coastal parishes affected by the spill…

Cut 4 (11) “…the oil spill.”

Peters says five classes of symptoms were observed in the women who reported being linked indirectly to the oil spill.

Cut 5 (06) “…populations as well.”

Peters says many of the women studied are also not seeking the proper care for their mental health.

Cut 6 (10) “…to seek treatment.”

___________________________________________________

Louisiana Republican Party chairman Louis Gervich says he’s making it clear that there will be no negative campaigning between Republicans in this year’s governor’s race. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says four years ago the race was thrown by Republicans, after they let their primary candidates shred front-runner David Vitter like pulled pork.

Cut 7 (11) “…them”

Vitter came under heavy fire from his fellow Republicans, largely over his part in a Washington D.C. escort scandal.

This reminder was in response to an Advocate article that said some “sniping” had begun between Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone and Congressman Ralph Abraham. Pinsonat says since both have strong followings, the party really can’t risk alienating either by playing favorites.

Cut 8 (12) “…that”

So now that it’s clear that neither Abraham nor Rispone will be allowed to throw any punches at each other, how do they differentiate themselves from the other and make it to the November run-off? Pinsonat says their best bet is just running a good, clean campaign, and turning their negative attacks to Governor Edwards.

Cut 9 (11) “…the state″

__________________________

Budget hearings start next Monday and most state leaders appear to be on-board to give teachers a raise, including Republican House Appropriations Chiarman Cameron Henry who has proposed a budget that includes a $1,000 raise for teachers and an additional 500 bucks for support staff…

Cut 10 (11) “…million dollars”

The raises would cover workers in K-12 education.

Governor Edwards has made the raise the centerpiece of his legislative agenda, and while that looks increasingly likely to pass, his request for 39 million in additional education funding could be in for a rocky ride. Henry says they don’t have the money to pay for it, and he’d rather try to scrounge up some cash for another initiative…

Cut 11 (12) “…childhood development”

Edwards says more money will be available once the Revenue Estimating Conference recognizes additional revenue from an improved economy. That forecast increase has been blocked by Speaker Taylor Barras.

Some Republicans, including gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone, do not back an across-the-board pay hike, instead favoring “merit based” pay hiles that would reward teachers who meet certain performance criteria. Henry backs the across-the-board raise, and says merit based hikes would be very difficult to properly implement.

Cut 12 (11) “…environment”

Henry says the pay raise is being funded by the 108 million dollar revenue increase already in this year’s budget.

______________________________

With the arrival of spring and summer approaching, the likelihood of crossing paths with young birds that appear to be in distress rises. While the temptation for some to scoop them up in an effort to assist the animal is there, many times what appears to be trouble is actually quite natural for fledglings. LDWF bird biologist Melissa Collins…

Cut 13 (08) “…orphaned birds undisturbed.”

Collins says Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it’s unlawful to capture, transport, or possess many varieties of birds, even if someone feels they are helping a situation.

Cut 14 (11) “…bird rehabilitation license.”

Collins says those that feel compelled to help quite often make great wildlife rehabilitators.

Cut 15 (07) “…on our website.”

Collins adds if someone still feels that a bird is in trouble, they should contact LDWF before attempting to handle the animal.

_______________________________________

The LSU baseball team has fallen a few spots in the national rankings as a result of losing two of three to Georgia, who is ranked in the top 10 in major polls. LSU won by one run on Friday night and the Tigers lost by two runs in the next two games. Coach Paul Mainieri it was a great series between two evenly matched teams…

Cut 16  (16) “winning the series” 

LSU scored just eight runs in the three game series. Mainieri gives a lot of credit to Georgia’s pitching, but admits the Tigers need more thunder from their right handed hitters…

 cut 17 (25)   “right handed side” 

Mainieri is hoping catcher Saul Garza can get it going at the plate.

Meanwhile, Mainieri is feeling good about his weekend rotation, expecially after the performance by Cole Henry in a loss to Georgia on Saturday. Henry struck out eight in 7.1 innings and Mainieri says the sky’s the limit for the Alabama native…

Cut 18 (17) out there” 

Pediatricians and the American Heart Association call for regulations to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks by kids.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________________________

The US Justice Department says the Mueller Report does not indicate the President colluded with Russia in the 2016 election. Matt Doyle has Louisiana reaction…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________________________

Pediatricians and the American Heart Association call for regulations to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks by kids. Dr. John Maa with the American Heart Association says the primary goal is to raise awareness about the amount of extra sugars in beverages.

Cut 3 (12) “…to children’s health.”

Data shows that for children and teens, 17% of their calories come from added sugars. Nearly half of those are coming from drinks alone, with children consuming an average of 30 gallons of sugary drinks annually. Maa says for the first time, the AAP is calling for a tax on sugary drinks, among other measures.

Cut 4 (13) “…in restaurant meals.″

40% of Americans are overweight or obese, while a third is dealing with diabetes or pre-diabetes. Louisiana is often considered one of the worst offenders for health issues in the nation. Maa says parents are on the frontline in combatting the excessive sugar intake.

Cut 5 (13)  “…the primary beverages.”

____________________

A West Carroll Parish woman faces life in prison after she allegedly shot and killed one person and critically injured two others early Saturday morning at Blackberry’s Bar and Billards in Lake Providence. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says 34-year-old Quinessiah Sanders of Epps fatally shot Cheryl Lewis…

Cut 6 (09) “…the shooting.”

Reichardt says Sanders has been booked into the Riverbend Detention Center…

Cut 7 (09) “…look for her”

Sanders has been charged with second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder. Reichardt says detectives are still working the case…

Cut 8 (07) “…loose ends up”

_____________________

The US Justice Department says that special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation did not find any conspired or coordinated effort between President Trump and the Russian government to influence the 2016 election. Minority Whip Steve Scalise is  glad the partisan witchunt is over.

Cut 9 (12) “…collusion.”

Democratic political consultant Mary-Patricia Wray says the report may be a political win for the President, but it doesn’t clear him of all wrong doing, and doesn’t explain why the Russian government actively worked to make sure Hillary Clinton did not become the Commander in Chief.

Cut 10 (08)“…our election.”

Wray made the comments on Talk Louisiana.

The 30 million dollar investigation took 674 days to conclude, and indicted 34 people, many of them close associates of the President, for a range of crimes including Tax Fraud and Obstruction. But Scalise says the core accusation of Russian collusion was nothing but a bad faith effort by Democrats to impeach the President.

Cut 11 (10)   “…going on.”

Wray says President Trump still faces a series of other inquiries into his finances, including an investigation by the District Attorney of Southern New York into potential tax evasion. The consultant says the Mueller Report shouldn’t excuse the President’s other misdeeds.

Cut 12 (12) “…concerns.”

Democratic Party leaders are calling on the Justice Department to release the full and unedited version of the report, and make it available for public consumption.

_______________________

Throughout the state, gas prices have seen an notable increase.  The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has risen by six cents in the last week, with a 26 cent increase from this same time last month.  AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says the trend will likely to continue into the summer.

Cut 13 (11) “…in to June.”

Redman says the $2.39 a gallon for regular gasoline is about what we were paying last year. He says expect the price at the pump to rise another 30-cents over the next couple of months.

Cut 14 (11) “…same prices.”

Redman says an unforeseen surge in demand, along with crude prices around $59 a barrel, and other factors have contributed to the rise.

Cut 15 (12) “…potentially even higher”

(The current statewide average is $2.39 a gallon.)