A state lawmaker seeks a legal opinion on whether medical marijuana patients can get a prescription through telemedicine. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise says fixing the ever-rising cost of federal flood insurance is a priority for his next term in the U.S. House…:

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher..”

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The author of a law allowing telemedicine appointments for new medical marijuana patients says the state board that governs doctors cannot stop doctors from prescribing medical marijuana to new telemedicine patients without an in-person visit first. Gretna state Representative Joe Marino is the author of the law.

Cut 3 (10) “..this program.” 

The Board of Medical Examiners recently refused to change its policy about telemedicine and new medical marijuana patients. Marino says he is seeking an attorney general’s opinion today.

Cut 4 (07)  “…person visit” 

Marino says the board’s decision has a chilling effect on doctors who won’t risk their medical licenses if the rules are unclear. He says the confused situation hurts rural patients the most because they rely on telemedicine.

Cut 5 (10) “…smaller group”

The Senate Health & Welfare Committee is scheduled to take up the matter Wednesday.

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The Secretary of State’s office predicts up to 15 percent of registered voters will cast a ballot in the December 10^th election. Deputy Secretary for Outreach Joel Watson says 110-thousand votes were cast for early voting either in person or by absentee ballot from November 26th through December third.

Cut 6 (09)  “…for the election.”

Watson says just under 39-thousand votes were absentee ballots. When you compare the predicted turnout for this election to previous December elections Watson says it’s about on track. In 2018 he says turnout was almost 18 percent and in 2020 after the presidential election when there was a congressional runoff and amendments on the ballot.

Cut 7 (04)  “…for that race.”

When you look at the party breakdown for the early voting for the December 10^th election Watson says 47 percent were Democrat and 39 percent Republican. He says typically more Democrats vote early and there are more registered Democrats in the state versus Republicans.

Cut 8 (11)  “…election day.“

Polls open Saturday at 7 am and close at 8 pm. For more information and your voting location visit GeauxVote.com

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District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise says he’ll work to reform the federal flood insurance program in the next Congress. FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 pricing system has kicked in; causing dramatic increases in flood coverage for tens of thousands of Louisianans. Scalise says that’ll be one of his projects for 2023…:

Cut 9 (10) “….and taxpayers.” 

Scalise says flood rates have increased so dramatically that untold numbers of homeowners have had to let their flood insurance coverage lapse because they simply cannot afford it any longer. He says FEMA has been reluctant to even explain the sharp spike in rates to Congress…:

Cut 10 (10) “…that’s unacceptable.” 

Scalise says House republicans passed a National Flood Insurance program reform bill a few years ago to control rising costs, but it was killed in the Senate. He aims to revive that bill…:

Cut 11 (05)  “…and make it work.”

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While it might be beginning to look a lot like Christmas, it sure isn’t feeling like it. The Bayou State is experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures for December and State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’re getting a lot of moisture off the Gulf right now.

Cut 12 (10) “…entire state.” 

With highs in the mid-70s today and under 70’s tomorrow, Keim says it’s not going to cool off anytime soon.

Cut 13 (07) “…of Louisiana.”  

Keim says temps are running about 15 degrees above normal for early December. After Thursday however, things will cool off a little bit.

Cut 14 (11)   “…above normal.”

The above average temps will persist for the next week.

While it might be beginning to look a lot like Christmas, it sure isn’t feeling like it. The Bayou State is experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures for December and State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’re getting a lot of moisture off the Gulf right now…:

CUT 12(10)      “…entire state.”

He says the above average temps will persist for the next week.

A fight is brewing between lawmakers who passed a medical marijuana law and a state board who seems to be contravening it. The Board of Medical Examiners says doctors MUST have an in-person visit with a patient BEFORE they can use tele-medicine to prescribe medical cannabis. The law says that’s NOT required. Gretna Representative Joe Marino says he’s asking the Attorney General’s office to render its opinion…:

CUT 04(07)      “…in-person visit.”

Marino authored the law.

District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise says he’ll work to reform the federal flood insurance program in the next Congress. FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 pricing system has kicked in; causing dramatic increases in flood coverage for tens of thousands of Louisianans. Scalise says flood rates have increased so dramatically that untold numbers of homeowners have had to let their flood insurance coverage lapse because they simply cannot afford it any longer. He says FEMA has been reluctant to even explain the sharp spike in rates to Congress…:

CUT 10(10)      “…that’s unacceptable.”

He means to revive a flood insurance reform bill that passed the House a few years ago, but failed in the Senate.

A Sabine Parish volunteer reserve Sheriff’s deputy has been fired, after he was arrested over the weekend in a huge barroom brawl in the town of Zwolle. Kobe Cartinez, of Many, is charged with 2^nd-degree battery. He is out on $8000 bond. Two other men were also arrested.

The Secretary of State’s office says only about 15-percent of Louisiana registered voters have early voted or will vote this Saturday. Deputy Secretary Joel Watson says December elections are usually low-turnout affairs. He says one of highest turnouts for a December election was 2020, when there was a congressional runoff and amendments on the ballot…:

CUT 07(03)      “…for that race.”

Polls open Saturday at 7 am and close at 8 pm. For more information and your voting location visit GeauxVote.com

District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise says he’ll work to reform the federal flood insurance program in the next Congress. FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 pricing system has kicked in; causing dramatic increases in flood coverage for tens of thousands of Louisianans. Scalise says that’ll be one of his projects for 2023…:

CUT 09(10)      “…and taxpayers.”

The author of a new law that says telemedicine can be used for doctors to prescribe medical marijuana says the state board that governs doctors cannot make rules that go against that law…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Golsby.”

Police in Monroe say they responded to four overdoses deaths within a 2-day span, from December 1^st thru the 3^rd. On the MPD Facebook page they say all four are fentanyl-related. Detectives are working toward tracking down the source of the deadly drugs.

The author of a law allowing telemedicine appointments for new medical marijuana patients says the state board that governs doctors cannot stop doctors from prescribing medical marijuana to new telemedicine patients without an in-person visit first. Representative Joe Marino is the author of the law…:

CUT 03(10)      “…this program.”

Marino says he is seeking an Attorney General’s opinion today.

The Secretary of State’s office predicts up to 15 percent of registered voters will cast a ballot in the December 10^th election. Deputy Secretary for Outreach Joel Watson says 110-thousand votes were cast for early voting either in person or by absentee ballot from November 26th through December third…:

CUT 06(09)      “…for the election.”

A good old fashioned barroom brawl in the town of Zwolle led to the three arrests; one of them a Sabine Parish reserve deputy. That man, Kobe Cardinez, is charged with 2^nd degree battery, like the other two. All three had bond set at $8000.

The runoff election for Louisiana Public Service Commission District 3 is getting national attention—and a lot of money is being spent…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Golsby.”

With the holiday shopping season up and running for over a week now, economists are predicting spending this year to increase anywhere from six to eight percent from last year.  LSU Marketing Associate Professor Dan Rice says online shopping is up two percent from last year and the majority of online transactions are purchased via a smartphone versus a tablet.

Cut 14 (11)  “…mobile device.”

After losing in the SEC Championship game, LSU will have an opportunity to win its tenth game of the season in Orlando when they play Purdue in the Citrus Bowl on January second at noon. Coach Brian Kelly believes it’s already been a successful season winning the SEC West, but getting to ten wins would be really sweet…

Cut  16 (10)  “…about it.” 

Federal officials say inflation has slowed somewhat in recent weeks. But is it enough to be felt at street level, by the average consumer?

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Early voting tallies are in from the Secretary of State’s office. More than 110-thousand ballots were cast, about 65 percent were in person the remainder absentee. About 47 percent were registered Democrats and 39 percent were Republicans. For more voting locations for the December, 10^th elections visit geauxvote.com

The race for Louisiana Public Service Commission’s third district is getting national attention. Fifty-seven-year-old incumbent Lambert Boissiere the third is facing off with thirty-year-old activist Davante Lewis. “LAPolitics.com “publisher Jeremy Alford says a major infusion of out-of-state donations is helping Lewis’ campaign and that are from environmental activists who want the energy industry to shift away from fossil fuels.

Cut 6 (09)  “…barnburner.” 

Both candidates are Democrats.

Early voting for the December 10th election ended over the weekend and according to the Secretary of State’s office more than 110-thousand ballots were cast during early voting. About 65% of those were in-person and the remainder absentee. It’s predicted that 12 to 15-percent of eligible voters will participate in the December 10^th election overall.

The federal Department of Commerce reports inflation has slowed slightly; now at about 6 percent higher than one year ago.  Despite that, U.L.-Lafayette economics professor Gary Wagner says the 2022 holiday shopping season is expected to improve from last year…:

Cut 12 (10) “…that’s favorable.”

The LSU AgCenter says it’s possible this year’s sugarcane crop could set a new record if sugar recovery levels continue to perform well. LSU Ag Center sugarcane specialist Doctor Kenneth Gravois says early in the season, mills were struggling due to high molasses levels, but it appears the problem has solved itself…

Cut 9 (10)  “…sugar recovery”

According to the American Sugar Cane League, Louisiana’s sugar industry had an economic impact of about three-billion dollars in our state

This year’s Holiday Shopping season is going well, and economists are predicting spending could be up 6-8 percent from 2021. LSU Marketing Associate Professor Dan Rice says the prediction also has to account for record inflation…:
Cut 13 (11) “up seventeen percent”
And barring any supply chain disruptions, an increase in fuel costs, etc., Rice expects sales to continue to go well for most retailers.

This year’s sugarcane crop could set a new record as sugar recovery levels are performing well. LSU Ag Center sugarcane specialist Doctor Kenneth Gravois says the crop could produce 245 pounds of sugar for each ton of cane harvested…:
CUT 8 (06) “crop”
Nearly 17,000 jobs throughout Louisiana are supported by sugarcane.

The runoff election for Louisiana Public Service Commission District 3 is getting national attention—and a lot of money is being spent…:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Marsanne Golsby”

Bowl games have been set and the LSU Tigers are once again Orlando-bound and will face Purdue for the first time in the Citrus Bowl on January 2nd. LSU has been to the Citrus Bowl five times most recently in a matchup with a Brian Kelly led Notre Dame team in 2018. UL-Lafayette is going to the Independence Bowl in Shreveport for the first time ever to face Houston. And AAC champs Tulane will play USC in the Cotton Bowl.

The race for Louisiana Public Service Commission’s third district is getting national attention. Incumbent Lambert Boissiere the third is facing a stiff challenge from activist Davante Lewis in the December 10th runoff. Both are Democrats. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says Lewis has raised so much money that Lambert is taking note:
Cut 4 (09) “election”
He says Lewis is also getting help from out of state environmental activists who want the energy industry to shift away from fossil fuels.

The Secretary of State’s Office says over 110,000 residents in Louisiana participated in the Early voting period ahead of the election.

A cruise ship crewmember is in the hospital after the Coast Guard airlifted her from the vessel just south of New Orleans. She was last reported to be in stable condition, according to a news release.

Federal officials say inflation has slowed somewhat in recent weeks. But is it enough to be felt at street level, by the average consumer?
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

The Saints will visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Monday Night Football action tonight. Despite having a 4 and 8 record, New Orleans is still alive to win the NFC South as the Bucs are in 1st place with a 5-6 record. Kickoff tonight is at 7:15pm.

The holiday shopping season got off to a good start for retailers and it’s anticipated to continue. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 3 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Gas prices continue to fall in Louisiana. AAA reports the current statewide average is $2.96 which is down from $3.07 from the same time last week, and over 11 cents lower than a year ago.

Inflation has slowed slightly according to the federal Department of Commerce. Rising costs and prices had been at over 8 percent from last year recently, but now is at about 6 percent. U.L.-Lafayette economics professor Gary Wagner thinks the labor market will continue to slow, meaning the economy will continue to worsen…:
Cut 11 (11) “real consistent yet”

The LSU AgCenter says this year’s sugarcane crop could set a new record if sugar recovery levels continue to perform well. LSU Ag Center sugarcane specialist Doctor Kenneth Gravois says a couple of dry months in the harvest season, allowed the sugarcane harvest in south Louisiana to get off to a fast start…:
Cut 7 (10) “for harvest”

The federal Department of Commerce reports inflation has slowed slightly; now about 6 percent higher than one year ago. Rising costs and prices had been at over 8 percent recently, posting 40-year highs. Will this small decrease be enough to be felt by consumers? U.L.-Lafayette economics professor Gary Wagner says the answer is probably “no”…:
Cut 10 (12) “at least into 2023”

But consumers aren’t slowing down their holiday shopping and spending this year is expected to increase 6-8 percent from last year. LSU Marketing Associate Professor Dan Rice…:
Cut 15 (08) “earlier and earlier”
He also attributes the increase in shopping to more people using their phones to make online purchases.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission December 10th runoff in the third district is getting national attention, and out of state dollars. Incumbent Lambert Boissiere is facing a stiff challenge from activist Davante Lewis. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says Lewis’ support is likely rooted in anger over skyrocketing electric bills..:
Cut 5 (08) “at it”
Environmental advocates are keeping a close eye on the PSC race, as the push to shift away from fossil fuels rages.

LSU is headed to the Citrus Bowl and will face Purdue for the first time ever. The game will be on January 2nd. UL-Lafayette will appear in the Independence Bowl in Shreveport for the first time ever and will face Houston on December 23rd. Tulane won the AAC and will play USC in the Cotton Bowl on January 2nd.