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.”

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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”  

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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”

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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.

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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.″

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”  

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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”

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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”

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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 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”  

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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”

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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.”

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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″

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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.

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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.

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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”

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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”  

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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.”

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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”

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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.

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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.)

A former Caddo Parish animal shelter worker has had to give up all pets and can’t be around animals for five years after he pleaded guilty to crimes against nature.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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New research shows cable may have met its match. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Connor Ferrill”  

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New numbers from the Louisiana Workforce Commission show the state added over five-thousand nonfarm jobs from February 2018 to this past February. Connor Ferrill has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

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A now-former animal shelter worker has pleaded guilty to crimes against nature following the accusations he encouraged a coworker at the shelter to have sex with a dog. Caddo Parish DA spokesperson John Prime says 43-year-old Booker Thomas of Shreveport was facing up to five years in the prison for his participation.

Cut 4 (11) “…3 months later.”

Prime says the woman who admitted to following through with act said there was video of the incident on Thomas’s cell phone, but that footage was never located.

Cut 5 (12) “…with another woman.”

Thomas is now being kept on a short leash asPrime says he was sentenced to three years hard labor, suspended, three years active supervision, ordered to relinquish custody of all animals, and cannot be live or work with any animals for five years.

Cut 6 (10) “…for sex offenders.”

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Newly released research shows for the first time ever more Americans are subscribed to streaming services like Netflix, and Hulu rather than cable providers, 69 percent to 65 percent. Director of Student Media at LSU John Friscia says the majority of his students’ preference for streaming is telling of cable’s fate…

Cut 7 (11) “…such as that”

On average households subscribed to 3 paid streaming services in late 2018.

Friscia says the competitive prices of streaming have made cable consumers do a double take…

Cut 8 (09) “…cheaper price”

Friscia says the trend is not surprising and it’s not going to slow down…

Cut 9 (10) “…tipping point″

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The recently released February employment numbers show nonfarm employment has grown for a 12th consecutive month. The Louisiana Workforce Commission there were 59-hundred more nonfarm jobs in February 2019, compared to the previous February. L-W-C chief economist Ali Bustamante says the strongest industry is the education and health services industry…

Cut 10 (11) “…last year”

The number of health care jobs will continue to grow as L-H-C Group has broken ground on a Lafayette Home office that will create an additional 500 jobs in Acadiana. Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says L-H-C is the nation’s number two company for home health care…

Cut 11 (12) “their growth”

The LHC Group started in 1994 as a single home health agency in St. Landry Parish. It recently merged with Almost Family and now operates in 36 states. It’s 32-thousand employees deliver home health, hospice, home and community-based services to those 65 and older.

Pierson says Lafayette has seen some big economic wins recently with the announcement of a helicopter manufacturer coming to the airport and the expansion of Waitr….

Cut 12 (11) “…as well.”

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The LSU men’s basketball team is one of the 16 teams still alive in the NCAA Tournament after a heart stopping 69-67 win over Maryland on Saturday in Jacksonville. For the second straight game in the tournament, the Tigers nearly let a double digit second half lead slip away, but Tremont Waters driving layup with one second left preserved the victory.  Interim head coach Tony Benford gives the credit to the players…

Cut 13 (11) “…keep moving on”

LSU is 28-6 on the season and they will play Michigan State on Friday night in Washington D-C. The Tigers have won their fair share of close games this season and Benford credits the believe system that’s been installed in these players…

Cut 14 (12) “…win this game”

Waters has made big buckets all season long and Benford says they knew who they wanted to take the final shot in regulation on Saturday….

Cut 15 (09) “…us today.”

Rosedown Plantation in St. Francisville has removed an exhibit sign describing the slaves who lived there as “happy”. Matt Doyle talked to a Southern University professor about the controversy…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The LSU Board of Supervisors approves a two-year contract extension that contains a 500-thousand dollar raise for head football coach Ed Orgeron. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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The Rosedown Plantation in St. Francisville is under fire for an exhibit sign that described the slaves who powered the plantation as “happy.” A state parks official says the sign has been removed and admits it was in poor taste. Southern University Political Science Professor Albert Samuels says he’s not surprised by the sign

Cut 3 (10) “…was”

The sign also mentioned that the shacks lived in by slaves were “prettily built”, had a “natural musical instinct”, and that they were “well taken care of”.

Samuels says southern historic venues tend to downplay the terror of slavery, and instead play up the pageantry of those who built their wealth and power on the backs of those chained on their property.

Cut 4 (13) “…the focus″

About 850 people were enslaved at Rosedown, and the site has become the most visited historic location in Louisiana, hosting 28,251 visitors last fiscal year.

The Professor says after the confederacy fell, a coordinated propaganda campaign was established to rehabilitate the Rebel’s image, which is why flippant accounts of slavery like the one at Rosedown are so common at southern landmarks.

Cut 5 (11)  “the war.”

The controversial quotes were pulled from the book “Rosedown” by Sarah Bowman.

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Flooding in the Midwest has many concerned about how those draining flood waters could impact the already very high Mississippi River levels. National Weather Service Slidell meteorologist Danielle Manning says those flood waters from the Missouri River basin shouldn’t be a threat.

Cut 6 (10) “…come down significantly.”

Manning says that water does have to pass through the Mississippi River on the way to the Gulf of Mexico, but what kind of impact will it have?

Cut 7 (09) “…start rising again.”

Manning says it’s always a good idea to keep up with what’s going on with rainfall forecasts with river levels this high.

Cut 8 (08) “…effect the river.”

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St. Martin Parish sheriff deputies arrest a Broussard mother after she allegedly left her two children, ages 1 and 5, unattended in an unlocked, running vehicle at a truck stop casino for about an hour and a half while she played video poker inside.  Major Ginny Higgins says thankfully the kids were not harmed….

Cut 9 (07) “…were in there.”

37-year-old Tara Jackson is facing two counts of child desertion.

Although the weather was favorable yesterday, Higgins says sometimes there is a misconception that temps need to be in the 80s or 90s for something to happen to someone in a vehicle.

Cut 10 (09)“…in a vehicle.”

The Good Samaritan law states that someone can bust open a window in an effort to save a child or animal trapped in a car, but Higgins says the person who spotted the children did the right thing by not taking that action because the doors were unlocked.

Cut 11 (08)   “…save their lives.”

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The LSU Board of Supervisors has approved an extension and pay raise for football coach Ed Orgeron. Athletics Director Joe Alleva appeared at today’s meeting and said Orgeron is deserving of a 500-thousand dollar raise…

Cut 12 (10) “…extremely well.”

Orgeron’s new contract runs through 2023 and his annual salary is four million dollars, the ninth highest in the SEC. Alleva says Orgeron can earn even more money…

Cut 13 (12) “…500,000 dollars”

Oreron led the Tigers to 10-3 season last year and a win over U-C-F in the Fiesta Bowl. LSU is expected to be a preseason Top 10 team heading into 2019.

Cut 14 (10) “…three years ago”

The Lt. Governor says he’s working to get New Orleans to relinquish control of the four Confederate monuments taken down in 2017, and turn them over to a group dedicated to historic preservation. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Motorists in Alexandria will begin seeing changes to the speed limit on I-49 beginning today.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser gave an update on the status of the four New Orleans Confederate monuments today on Talk Louisiana, saying he’s working to get the city to transfer control of them. There’s one major roadblock though, and that’s P.G.T Beauregard, who isn’t controlled by the city…

Cut 3 (11) “…forward”

The monuments were taken down in 2017, sparking an intense series of standoffs in front of the statues in multiple areas of the city.

Rumors circulated after the monument’s removal that private citizens were cutting deals to have the statues transferred to their property, but Nungesser says none of those efforts were ever completed. Despite the initial failures, the Lt. Governor says some private citizens are still making an attempt.

Cut 4 (07) “…there″

Nungesser says right now the monuments are still being stored, and are not in the best condition at the moment, so he’s pushing to have the them transferred to a historic preservation group comprised of historical experts and academics who understand the history of the old statues.

Cut 5 (10)  “…forward.”
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Motorists on I-49 in the urbanized areas of Alexandria will see an increase in the speed limit. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says today crews are changing out the speed limits signs in the area.

Cut 6 (09) “…to 65 mph.”

The remaining portions in the Alexandria will see an increase from 60 to 70 miles per hour.

Buchanan says the change will see plenty of benefits as many of the drivers are already accustomed to driving the new speed limit.

Cut 7 (11) “…things like that.”

Buchanan says speed studies were conducted to calculate the optimal new speed for the area.

Cut 8 (12) “…feel comfortable driving.”

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Many Food Stamp beneficiaries will be receiving their funds on a modified schedule next month as the program wraps up it’s government shutdown inspired scheduling changes. DCFS Division of Family Support Deputy Assistant Secretary Sammy Guillory says those who normally get their SNAP on the 10th through the 14th will instead get their funds on the 9th.

Cut 9 (11) “…freak out”

Guillory says they had to make the change to make sure some of their recipients did not end up going too long without their food assistance.

Cut 10 (09)“…issuances.”

Guillory says this should be the last month featuring disturbances to the usual SNAP cycle, after months of having to continually modify the schedule due to SNAP gaps caused by the shutdown.

Cut 11 (09)   “…in may”

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House Republican Caucus Chairman Lance Harris used today’s joint legislative budget committee to question Governor Edwards re-election claims that taxes have gone down during his term. The state representative from Alexandria says taxes are actually higher than they were when Edwards took office…

Cut 12 (07) “…in taxes.”

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says a combination of cuts and tax increases were needed to overcome a massive budget deficit. Dardenne reminds Harris that deeper cuts to the state budget could have been made, but the state legislature never presented a plan

Cut 13 (07) “…those things.”

When tax increases were proposed, the Edwards administration warned of dramatic cuts to higher education and health care, if not approved.

The state sales tax is about a half-cent lower than it was last year, but still higher than the four-percent during the Jindal administration. Harris points out some business taxes have also increased…

Cut 14 (10) “…three years ago”

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron is set to get more job security and a bump in pay. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Im Jeff Palermo”

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Taxes are due in less than a month.  Kevin Barnhart talks with Metairie CPA Tyler Johnson about how to reduce the risk of a bumpy experience.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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The two Republicans running to unseat Governor Edwards have different thoughts in how they’d approach healthcare and education if elected. Matt Doyle was there for their joint public apperance….

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott slammed Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards for his handling of the state’s economy, going as far to say that Edwards has made his job easier when it comes to attracting jobs to the Longhorn state. Abbott says Texas’ economy is growing, because of a business friendly environment, and wished the same for Louisiana, but…

Cut 4 (08) “…incentive.”

The comments were made yesterday in Baton Rouge at the Republican Governor’s Association business round table that included GOP candidates for Governor, Eddie Rispone and Congressman Ralph Abraham.

Abbott targeted the Edwards’ decision to reform a tax break known as the Industrial Tax Exemption, as an example of policies that have companies fleeing west out of the Bayou State…

Cut 5 (11) “…struggle.”

Edwards Campaign spokesperson Eric Holl hit back, noting the Republican Governor Association’s past support for former Governor Bobby Jindal…

Cut 6 (11) “…us back”

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The LSU Board of Supervisors will vote tomorrow on a contract extension and raise for head football coach Ed Orgeron. The proposed deal would extend Orgeron for another two years, through the 2023 season and he’ll get a 14-percent increase in pay, boosting his salary to four-million dollars a year. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says the contract seems justified…

Cut 7 (11) “…head coach”

Some college football analysts outside of Louisiana said Orgeron was on the hot seat heading into the 2018 season, but that changed after the Tigers outperformed expectations. Moran says the contract extension will help the LSU football program build on last year’s success…

Cut 8 (09) “good thing.”

Orgeron’s buyout would increase to 10-million dollars with the amount set to decrease by 250-thousand dollars each month through March 2021 and then remain at four-million dollars for the rest of the contract. Athletic Director Joe Alleva has already signed the deal, it just needs the Board’s approval which Moran says should happen….

Cut 9 (08) “…won it″

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There’s less than a month left before federal taxes are due. Metairie CPA Tyler Johnson says the last few weeks have been mighty busy and getting busier as April 15^th draws closer. Johnson says procrastinating in scheduling a time to sit down with someone to do your taxes could be a big mistake.

Cut 10 (12) “…toward April 15th”

Johnson says one of the biggest things is making sure to keep an eye on the mail to make sure you get your tax docs together, whether its W-2s, 1099s, or health insurance.

Cut 11 (06) “things you’re missing.”

Johnson says for those that need to file a six-month extension, it’s important to remember that the extension is only for filing a return, not for paying money if you owe on your taxes.

Cut 12 (07) “…the shortfall was.”

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Congressman Ralph Abraham and businessman Eddie Rispone, the two Republicans running against Governor Edwards in this year’s governor’s race, showed some differences in policy approach following a a business round table discussion hosted by the Republican Governor’s Association. Abraham says if elected he would not undo the Medicaid expansion, but it would be reformed.

Cut 13 (11) “…economics.”

Abraham says his experience as a rural doctor would help guide his decisions on Medicaid reform.

Rispone had a different plan though. He also agreed that the expansion should not be rolled back, but says considering recent reports of improper spending in the Medicaid program, he would put a hold on new applicants until the Department of Health could rectify it’s problem with ineligible recipients on the rolls.

Cut 14 (11) “…properly.”

Rispone says he would aim to have any freeze only be temporary, until a review of the program could be completed.

Both candidates agreed there needed to be some form of teacher pay raise, but they differed on how it should be put in place. When asked about a proposed 5,000 dollar Texas teacher pay raise, Abraham says a Bayou State version is long overdue, and that he’d pay for it with tax reform.

Cut 15 (10) “…invest in”

But Rispone, who was heavily involved in education issues at the Capitol before his candidacy, disagreed with giving all teachers a raise. He says not every educator has earned the income bump, and he’d rather let local school systems determine who should see a bigger paycheck.

Cut 16  (08) “demand” 

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The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge from a Louisiana man who was convicted in 2016 by a non-unanimous jury verdict for the murder of a New Orleans woman. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A state audit shows LSU improperly compensated a faculty member with the School of Veterinary Medicine.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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A state lawmaker who championed having the right to vote restored to felons now wants those same individuals serve jury duty with a bill pre-filed for the upcoming legislative session.  About 36,000 former felons were granted the right to vote as of March 1. But Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says these individuals are not allowed to serve on a jury.

Cut 3 (06) “…in the law”

James says it’s important to see returning citizens reintegrated on a full scale.  He adds jury duty is an obligation, and often, there are not diverse juries.

Cut 4 (08) “…in my opinion.″

James says much like voting rights, jury pool eligibility isn’t restored as soon as the cell door opens and someone is released into society.

Cut 5 (10)  “…of our society.”
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LSU opens their NCAA Tournament run Thursday against Yale, and the American Gaming Association says 47 million American adults will place a bet on this year’s contest either by filling out a bracket or putting down money on a specific game. CEO Bill Miller says 8.5 billion in bets will be placed by the end of the tournament.

Cut 6 (08) “…championship game.”

The Bayou Bengals are eight-point favorites to beat the Bulldogs.

The vast majority of those participating in NCAA Tourney wagers, about 40 million, will be folks filling out brackets, hoping to predict the outcome of all 63 games, starting with tomorrow’s First Four. Miller says 147 million brackets will be filled out.

Cut 7 (08) “…and more.”

Vegas does not expect the Tigers to challenge for an NCAA title, giving them 50-1 odds.

Despite seven new states approving legal sports betting last year, the black market is still projected to be the biggest recipient of funds, as only 4.1 million bettors are expected to place a legal wager. Miller says they hope the 27 states, including Louisiana, that are reportedly considering legalizing sports gaming will join the growing number.

Cut 8 (12) “…provides”

Louisiana’s easterly neighbor, Mississippi has legalized sports betting, something that has Bayou State casinos concerned.

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The US Supreme Court will consider overturning a Louisiana man’s 2016 non-unanimous jury conviction in a murder case. Last year the Bayou State voters approved a constitutional amendment requiring unanimous convictions in all felony cases, but the law is not retroactive. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino.

Cut 9 (10) “…the state”

43-year-old Evangelisto Ramos was convicted of Second Degree Murder on a 10-2 in the death of New Orleans woman, who’s body was found in a garbage can in 2014.

If Ramos’ conviction is overturned, then all current cases being tried, along with those being appealed, would be subject to the new requirement. Ciolino says that impact would be felt immediately in the appeal of one high profile case, the shooting death of former NFL running back Joe McKnight by Ronald Gasser.

Cut 10 (10)“…gasser.”

Louisiana’s unanimous juries law only applied to crimes committed in 2019 and beyond.

Ciolino says previous federal challenges to non-unanimous convictions were declined, and so if Ramos’ conviction is overturned, Ciolino says the state will face a major unanswered question about cases that go back decades involving those non-unanimous convictions…

Cut 11 (07)   “…the pipe”

The US Supreme Court last ruled on the issue in 1972, where it upheld the legality of state non-unanimous jury laws.

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The state Legislative Auditor’s office releases a report that shows LSU paid a faculty member over 400-thousand dollars in salary and benefits for nearly three years, even though that person admitting to not performing work for the university during that time. State auditor Barrett Hunter says the School of Veterinary Medicine did not take sufficient action to address the employee’s lack of performance…

Cut 12 (10) “…anything like that.”

The audit showed the employee was having performance issues, not showing up for work and management didn’t take appropriate action to handle the issue.  Hunter says according to LSU’s audit, even the employee acknowledge he was undeserving of his pay.

Cut 13 (08) “…deserve the pay.”

Hunter says there is a chance that the employee could face legal ramifications for the payment.

Cut 14 (12) “…in recouping it.”

LSU has responded saying the School of Veterinary Medicine has inserted safeguards to ensure nothing like this will occur again.

Who owns all of the pictures, posts and private messages you put on Facebook? Well, right now it’s not you, it’s Facebook, but one Senator has legislation that would change that. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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LSU basketball is a three-seed in the East Regional of the NCAA Tournament and the Tigers will play Ivy on Thursday in Jacksonville. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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New Orleans is hosting a Republican Governor’s Association fundraiser today as the group seeks to raise money to take out the only Democratic governor in the Deep South.

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Of the 181 LSU Health New Orleans graduating medical students participating in the National Resident Match Program, 81 chose to remain in Louisiana to complete their medical training. LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans Dean, Dr. Steve Nelson, says many are also choosing to continue with LSU Health New Orleans…

Cut 4 (04) “…and our school.”

Last year, only 46% or medical students stayed in state, with three-quarters of those continuing at LSU. Nelson says the National Resident Match Program is very competitive in luring in the promising new talent.

Cut 5 (11) “…to recruit them.”

Nelson says several factors contribute to the rise and he says it may continue into the future.

Cut 6 (05) “…in our funding.”

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Senator John Kennedy is introducing legislation that seeks to give social media users legal control of content they post to social media. Currently all photos, private messages, posts, and other interactions are owned by network you post them too, which gives companies the right to sell it advertisers. Kennedy says it’s time to make that process more transparent.

Cut 7 (08) “…my data”

The legislation would also allow users to opt out of a tech companies ability to sell your data and information to other businesses, which is the cornerstone of how companies like Google and Facebook make money.

Kennedy says people are growing increasingly distrustful of social media and other tech companies, due to how secretive they’ve been about their data collection efforts. The Senator says this would force the companies to note exactly what personal data is being sold, and to which companies.

Cut 8 (09) “that data.”

The Senator says the bill would also significantly reduce the length and complexity of the dreaded “user agreements” that most people never read. He says they’d be legally required to write them in simple terms, with a 400 word limit.

Cut 9 (07) “…single spaced″

He’s co-sponsoring another piece of social media targeted legislation with Democratic presidential candidate Senator Amy Klobachar

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The LSU men’s basketball team is a three-seed in the East Regional of the NCAA Tournament and the Tigers will play the Yale Bulldogs on Thursday in Jacksonville. For the third time in the last five years, Yale won the Ivy League Tournament and they are led by junior guard Miye Oni, who is averaging 18 points a game. LSU interim head coach Tony Benford

Cut 10 (12) “…push the ball”

2015 was the last time LSU was in the NCAA Tournament. They only have one player on the roster who has been in the Big Dance and that’s Kavell Bigy-Williams, who formerly played at Oregon. Benford says it’s a great thrill to play in the NCAA Tourney

Cut 11 (12) “NCAA Tournament.”

It doesn’t appear suspended head coach Will Wade will return to the team before they leave for Jacksonville on Tuesday. Benford says he spoke with Wade after the brackets were released…

Cut 12 (12) “…on Thursday.”

Tip time is set for 11:40 AM on Thursday.

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The Republican Governor’s Association is throwing a fundraiser in New Orleans today, trying to build up steam to take out the only Democratic governor in an SEC state. But political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the big money raised today will likely not end up in one of the Republican candidate’s account anytime soon…

Cut 13 (11) “…a while.”

Congressman Ralph Abraham and Businessman Eddie Rispone are the only two Republicans challenging Governor John Bel Edwards, so far.

But Pinsonat says that tip jar cash certainly won’t go unspent for long, and Louisianans should prepare to start seeing an increasing number of anti-Edwards ads in rotation while Republicans figure out which of their two candidates will be the standard bearer.

Cut 14 (10) “…Edwards.”

Edwards will be the top target for Republicans in the fall, and Pinsonat says that means they’ll be calling in the big guns, including the Commander in Chief. Pinsonat says when Trump shows up, expect a six to seven point surge in the polls for his chosen Republican candidate.

Cut 15 (09) “…won.”

Edwards has previously spoken of his cordial relationship with the President, who reportedly called the governor one of his favorite Democrats.

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The 10th ranked LSU baseball team started SEC play by sweeping Kentucky in a three-game series. The Tigers completed the sweep with a  7-2 win. Senior third baseman Chris Reid had a two-run signal and he says starting fast in conference play is a confidence booster…

Cut 16  (15) “phenomenal job” 

LSU’s pitching had its ups and downs prior to the start of conference play. But Tigers hitting coach Sean Ochinko says they threw strikes against the Wildcats…

 cut 17 (23)   “great job” 

Ochinko handled the postgame media duties for Paul Mainieri, who left right after Sunday’s game for his father’s visitation. Demie Mainieri will be buried today. Ochinko says the players wanted to provide Mainieri with some comfort…

Cut 18 (21)  really helps”