With the November elections just three months away, the campaigns of those on the ballot are doing their best to find funding. Kevin Barnhart talks with LA-Politics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford.

Cut 1 (28)  “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says 2017’s criminal justice reforms are starting to show great results, despite criticism from DA’s that the program is leading to dangerous criminals being released too soon.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Senior tight end Foster Moreau will wear jersey number 18 this season. Kevin Barnhart has more on his reaction of joining the one-eight club…

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With the November elections just three months away, the campaigns of those on the ballot are doing their best to find funding.  LA-Politics.com  Publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s still early for many of the campaigns, but adds the six congressional districts have seen a solid collection so far.

Cut 4 (11) “…congressional district 1.”

House GOP Whip Steve Scalise has seen the most money raised for his District 1 race.

Elsewhere, Alford says the third district race is worth keeping an eye on.  He says he feels confident in the ability for Clay Higgins to retain his position, but says if the people of his district vote on someone else, he sees another Republican taking the gig.

Cut 5 (09) “…point to a Republican.”

Alford says Julie Stokes has the lead in fund with the Secretary of State’s race.  However, she’s not been showing the traditional Republican outlook on new taxes

Cut 6 (11) “…of her base.”

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Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says, head on out to the stands and enjoy the fruits of your local farmers and craftsmen’s labor during National Farmers Market Week. It’s a national week of recognition for the local markets, and Strain says that means it’s time to go check out one of the state’s 75 farmers markets and over 100 roadside stands.

Cut 7 (07) “social event”

Strain mentioned if it’s a farmers market, then it’s likely made in Louisiana. He says this week farmers are rolling out their best, and you’re likely to see some of the best fruits and veggies in the state on display, and available for purchase.

Cut 8 (12)  “flat squash”

And Strain says its not just a great place to buy food, it’s an event…

Cut 9(09)  “candles”

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Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says one year into the program, it’s clear that the criminal justice reforms are showing great results. That’s in response to comments from Louisiana District Attorney’s Association President Ricky Babin who expressed concerns about the program’s results. LeBlanc says the parole reforms have led to a noticeable drop in caseloads to under 135 per officer.

Cut 10 (10)   “manageable”

The prison system is at a 20 year low for inmate population, and saw a seven thousand person drop in the number of people in the parole program.

LeBlanc says the savings from a reduced prison population and lower parole numbers are mostly being reinvested into programs to help offenders reintegrate with society. A PEW Charitable Trusts projection of the state’s progress says at the current pace, the state will see 12 percent fewer parolees, but LeBlanc says he’s confident they’ll do even better than that.

Cut 11 (10) “doing” 

The prison reforms are estimated to save the state 262 million over the next ten years.

Babin says the prison reforms are leading to more dangerous criminals getting out of prison, saying the program has led to the release of five men who’ve been rearrested for homicides since getting out, but LeBlanc says the reforms need time to get established. He says the overhaul is leading to investment in programs that will curb recidivism, and lead to fewer cases like those in the future.

Cut 12 (11) “gotta change”

The reforms use savings from lower prison populations to reinvest in prison programs.

LeBlanc says if the DAs are upset about potentially violent prisoners getting out too early, then the justice system should focus on giving them proper sentences to start with.

Cut 13 (11) “is it political” 

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For LSU’s offense to become a consistent scoring machine, they’ll need good play from their young group of wide receivers. Texas Tech transfer Johnathan Giles says during the first few days of August camp, there’s been a lot of work on technique with passing game coordinator Jerry Sullivan..

Cut 14 (17) “footwork”

Freshman Ja’Marr Chase has already turned some heads during the first couple of practices with his athletic ability and body strength at six-foot-one, 203 pounds. Giles says Chase is also always listening to the coaches and older players

Cut 15 (13) “good guy”

Giles says calls new graduate transfer quarterback Joe Burrow a leader, with an accurate arm and a big voice in the huddle. He says the other Q-Bs on the roster have been stepped up their game…

Cut 16 (14) “to there game”

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Saints rookie running back Boston Scott says he’s looking to make the team anyway possible through offense or special teams, possibly as a returner. The former Louisiana Tech standout has been compared to Darren Sproles and Scott says that’s a humbling comparison….

Cut 17 (13)  “Boston Scott”

Switchblades are no longer illegal in Louisiana as a result of legislation approved in the last regular session. Jeff Palermo has the story.

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Congressional auditors say about 30 million people will have to fork over more money to cover their 2018 taxes next year because employers withheld too little from their paychecks.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m  Kevin Barnhart”  

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Congressional auditors say about 30 million people will have to fork over more money to cover their 2018 taxes next year because employers withheld too little from their paychecks.  Member of the Louisiana CPA Society, Bill Potter, explains why that will be the case following the tax reform plan put into place by President Trump.

Cut 12 (12)   “…from someone’s paycheck.”

Potter says one of the changes made in the tax act is, there is no longer a dependency exemption.

Cut 13 (12) “…having a tax increase.” 

Potter says taxpayers may not see the refund they are used to, if they see one at all.

Cut 14 (10) “…again for 2019.”

The National Flood Insurance Program has been given a four month extension. What happens next? Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana residents can head to Mississippi starting today as sports wagering is available at two of the state’s casinos. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

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An anti-hazing and a marriage law are two of the hundreds of new laws that go into effect today. Matt Doyle has more.

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Congress has extended the National Flood Insurance Program for another four months. It was set to expire before midnight, but the Senate voted to keep it going. Both Louisiana Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy are pushing for a more long term solution. Cassidy says he’s not happy they settled for another short term fix, but it had to be done temporarily.

Cut 4 (07) “more sustainable”

Congress is fighting over a reform effort that would sure up the program for the forseeable future, increasing coverage levels and hopefully bringing down costs. Cassidy says he’s backing a plan that would increase funding by 400 million to flood mitigation and prevention projects, to make the program more sustainable in the long run. He says the cheapest floods are the floods that don’t happen.

Cut 5 (09) “many people.”

The House passed their version of a long term fix in November, but the plans have stalled out in the Senate. Kennedy was fired up about the Senate’s failure to pass the crucial legislation. He says right now, much of the Senate doesn’t consider it a priority.

Cut 6 (09) “the Senate”

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Today marks the third month of the 2018 hurricane season. Three storms have been named so far and State Climatologist Barry Keim predicts an increase in storms towards the end of this month.

Cut 7 (08) “hurricanes to form”

Keim says this hurricane season is expected to be below-average or near-normal, but that isn’t an indication of storm severity.

Cut 8 (10)  “quiet years”

While the real heart of hurricane season occurs in September, Keim warns this is no time to let your guard down.

Cut 9 (11)  “paying attention”

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Louisiana residents can go to Mississippi to place bets on sporting events starting today. The initial casinos to offer sports betting are Beau Rivage in Biloxi and Gold Strike in Tunica. Executive Director of the Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association, Larry Gregory, says the state is thrilled about the opportunities sports betting brings.

Cut 10 (10)   “…offer a sports bet.”

Gregory expects to see a spike in tourism from the addition of sports betting.

Cut 11 (07) “…across the country.” 

Gregory says he anticipates seeing even more Louisiana license plates gracing the roads heading toward Mississippi casinos.

Cut 12 (09) “…in sports then.”

Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the arrival of sports betting in Mississippi on the most recent edition of the Ask the Governor radio show, saying he expects discussions of bringing sports betting to Louisiana to happen soon.

Cut 13 (07) “…in the upcoming session.” 

IP Casino in Biloxi and Sam’s Town in Tunica are also expected to offer sports betting to its players later this month.

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More than 430 new laws go into effect today as a result of the spring legislative regular session.One of those bills that captivated Louisianans was the Max Gruver Act, which stiffened penalties and made it a felony to orchestrate hazing events that leads to injuries or deaths. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry says it’ll save lives.

Cut 14 (08) “the future”

Gruver’s parents were present through most of the process, lobbying legislators to adopt the legislation that could lead to up to five years in prison for people who take part in hazing that kills someone. Gruver’s father, Stephen, says it sends a strong warning to on campus organizations.

Cut 15 (06) “real deterent.”

And Louisianans looking to get hitched quick have some good news. The state’s waiting period for marriages has been bumped down from 72 to 24 hours. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson says the shorter waiting period should still keep overenthusiastic couples on a bender from tying the knot after a few shots.

Cut 16 (09) “as marriage”

The law brings the Bayou State closer in line with the rest of the country, most of which has no waiting period for marriage. Emerson says it’s not going to be a substantial change in people’s way of life, but it is an odd law that needed to be addressed.

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”

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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”  

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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.”

Harrison says after further investigation, they now have a better idea of the weapons used in the shooting.

Cut 13 (06) “…to have a rifle.” 

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.”

LDH says under the Edwards administration, steps were immediately taken to correct the problem. And the state agency says fraud-fighting and fraud prevention efforts were never compromised.

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

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A Morning Consult poll shows Governor Edward’s approval rating slipped just under 50 percent. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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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. But LSU Health Science Center New Orleans Forensic Psychiatrist Graham Spruiell wants to caution the public against assuming the defendants are suffering from mental illness.

Cut 12 (12)   “psychopathic”

Among other alleged crimes, the family allegedly starved her until she did house work, stole over 8 thousand in SSI benefits, beat the victim, and locked her in a six by eight chicken cage.

Authorities say the abuse that began in 2015 when the victim’s mother passed away and her care was transferred over to the defendants. Spruill 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” 

Spruill 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”

Raylaine Knope and Terry Knope, and their adult children Bridget lambert, Jody Lambert, and Terry Knope are all facing charges.

The new voice of the Saints is making the transition from the playing field to the press box.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A judge has cleared the way for the removal of a confederate monument that sits outside of the Caddo Parish Courthouse. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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A federal judge’s ruling allows for the removal of a confederate monument in front of the Caddo Parish courthouse. Judge Robert James dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Daughters of the Confederacy, who said the parish couldn’t remove the monument because it sat on private property. Caddo Parish Commissioner Steven Jackson says it’s a step forward for the community.

Cut 12 (09)   “be equal.”

The monument was erected in 1903, and the commission voted 7-5 in October of 2017 for its removal, deciding it would be better placed in a museum or memorial site.

Jackson says placing the monument in front of a courthouse was highly inappropriate because of the effect it could have had on the proceedings taking place inside court of law.

Cut 13 (11) “the jury” 

The judge also rejected the Daughter’s claim that the commission had violated their free speech and equal protection rights during the proceedings. Jackson says the President of the United Daughters of The Confederacy were given an opportunity to speak in front of the commission, and that their organizations rights were never jeopardized.

Cut 14 (10) “not true”

The Daughters claimed that the land the monument was placed on over a century ago was private land reserved for the monument in a Caddo Parish Police Jury meeting, and the parish did not have the right to remove it.

Eight people have been arrested in connection to a dismembered male body found in the woods outside of Walker. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry continues to press the Edwards administration that more can be done to execute death row inmates. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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The exchange on capital punishment between Gov. John Bel Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry continues to escalate.  The last execution in Louisiana took place in 2010, when the drugs for a lethal injection were last available. Solictor General for the AG’s office, Liz Murrill, says they still believe the governor can do more to get executions scheduled

Cut 12 (11)   “…where he stands.”

Murrill says the AG’s office is aware of the hurdles that need to be crossed in order to get the state back into the execution business.

Cut 13 (06) “…we can too.” 

Murrill says it’s up to legislators to figure out exactly what all methods should be included in the expansion of execution methods, but suggests lethal gas should definitely be up for consideration.

Cut 14 (09) “at least do that.”

The governor’s office has pointed out that Landry hasn’t offered a single bill dealing with capital punishment since he took office in 2016.

Natchitoches Police announce the arrest of a woman connected to the burning death of a six-month-old child. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Sales tax holidays have been suspended as a result of the tax deal cut in the last special session. Jeff Palermo has more

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

cut 9 (07)  “political gimmick”

With the average back to school shopping spree costing about 650 dollars, a 4.45 percent state sales tax break would amount to nearly 29 dollars saved.

Kaeding says research shows shoppers are actually getting less savings than they might think. She says for the few days that sales tax holidays are in effect, retailers increase the cost on items to cash in on the perceived savings.

Cut 10 (08) “their prices”

Kaeding says sales tax holidays are not the same as real sales tax reform, but having them around doesn’t really lead to a major dip in state revenue.

Cut 11 (10) “or locality”

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The body of a Galliano man was found floating in Bayou Lafourche Sunday afternoon, bound in rope, with his bike on the dock that leads into the water. 69-year-old Terry Angelle was discovered floating in the water by a concerned citizen. Lafourche Parish Sherriff’s spokesperson Lt. Brennan Matherne says they are investigating it as a suspicious death.

Cut 12 (09)   “to it”

But Matherne cautioned that despite the rope ties, there is some evidence that the death may not have been the result of foul play.

Cut 13 (13) “his person” 

A local firefighter responded to the call, and jumped into the bayou in an attempt to save Angelle, only to discover the body was visibly decomposing. Matherne says the firefighter brought the body back to shore, and an autopsy is  underway.

Cut 14 (10) “the dock”

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A new study from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center finds that fitness themed video games can improve health in children with obesity. Kevin Barnhart has more…

Cut 1 (29)  I’m Kevin Barnhart“

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Louisiana’s first ever openly gay congressional candidate, Justin DeWitt, is one of three challengers to U.S. Representative Garrett Graves in the November 6th election. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (32) ”I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Third district Congressman Clay Higgins has drawn six challengers as he seeks re-election to a second term. Jeff Palermo has a look at Higgins’ opponents…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A new study from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center shows video games that require physical activity can improve health in children with obesity.  The study involved 46 children. Lead researcher Dr. Amanda Staiano explains the results.

Cut 4  (10) “physical activity”

The children received an Xbox 360, Kinect, and four fitness-themed games. They were asked to complete three one-hour gaming sessions each week and had access to a fitness coach. Staiano says after six months the children reduced their body mass index by about three-percent and reduced their cholesterol by seven percentiles.  

Cut 5  (08)  “we found”

Staiano says there is much to take away from the results of this study, but you’ve got to find out what grabs a child’s attention.

Cut 6 (09) “physical activity”

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Louisiana is ranked among the five most vulnerable states in a report regarding weak voting security released by Democrats on the U. S. House Administration Committee. The study says paperless voting machines are dangerous, but Interim Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the Democrats’ claims don’t hold water…

Cut 7 (11) “…zero problems”

Ardoin says the Secretary of State’s office takes painstaking measures to keep election ballots accurate…

Cut 8 (10)  “…the machine”

Cut 9 (07)  “…secure about this”

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Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garrett Graves faces three challengers in the November midterm election. Graves is seeking a third term in the 6^th district, after previously working in state government. One of Graves’s challengers, political newcomer Democrat Justin DeWitt, had harsh words for the Representative.

Cut 10 (13)   “career politician.”

DeWitt, possibly Louisiana’s first ever openly gay congressional candidate also accused Graves of using “gay innuendo” in mailers and online to attack a previous opponent, Paul Dietzel, in 2014. Graves says the accusation is “ridiculous”.

DeWitt also accuses the Congressman of being out of touch with the district, and a “corporate sellout” who’s owned by big business. Graves says when you look at his voting record, you’ll see the attacks are baseless.

Cut 11 (12) “hold water” 

Graves touted his record of recent accomplishments, including his roles in helping the state receive a 1.4 billion dollar flood protection grant from the feds, as well as recent legislation increasing the share of revenue the state receives from offshore activities…

Cut 12 (11) “but decades.”

Graves other two challengers are Devin Graham, an Independent from Gonzales and Democrat Andie Saizon. The software developer says she’s entering the race with a focus on healthcare. Saizon says she was inspired to jump into the race after a meeting with Graves where she says he explained why he voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Cut 13 (12)  “Medicare For All” 

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Five men and one woman have signed up to challenge Acadiana Congressman Clay Higgins on the November sixth ballot. Lafayette attorney Josh Guillory is the lone Republican challenger. Guillory says Higgins has voted three times to raise our debt

Cut 14 (11) “founders”

Higgins, who lives in Port Barre, is seeking a second term as the House Representative for Louisiana’s 3rd Congressional district. Guillory says the biggest difference between himself and Higgins is that he lives in the district…

Cut 15 (13) “Higgins”

Four Democrats have signed up to challenge Higgins. Rob Anderson, Larry Rader, Verone Thomas and Lafayette attorney Mimi Methvin. Methvin says Higgins and the Trump administration have not followed through on their 2016 campaign promises

Media that cover the SEC predict LSU will finish fifth in the SEC West. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The last two major candidates for Secretary of State have entered the race. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

cut 9 (11)  “with mayors”

Today is the last day to qualify for November elections.

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A cadet with LDWF has died at Ochsner Medical Center in Baton Rouge, a day after being rushed to the facility.  LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says 38-year-old Immanuel Washington of Youngsville collapsed following a 2.5 mile run as part of physical training.

Cut 10 (09) “…CPR immediately.”

Einck says Washington had vital signs when EMTs arrived.

Cut 11 (10) “…passed away yesterday.”

Einck says Washington, who is a former Youngsville police officer, had been training to be an LDWF enforcement officer for a little less than a month.

Cut 12 (09)   “…with his family.”

Washington leaves behind a wife and two small children.

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state hit an employment record for the month of June. L-W-C Secretary Ava Dejoie says the state added nearly 37-thousand jobs from June 2017 to bring the total number of jobs to 2,036,316…

Cut 13 (10) “…as well” 

Dejoie says manufacturing is another sector of our economy that’s doing very well…

Cut 14 (10) “…out that survey”

Every metro area in Louisiana reported a gain in jobs over the year, except Lafayette, which has lost 700 jobs since June 2017. But Dejoie says Lafayette had added 200 over the last month

Cut 15 (09) “to work”