Baton Rouge police announce that Blane Salamoni, the officer who fired six shots into the body of Alton Sterling, will never work as a B-R-P-D officer as part of a settlement reached. The department has learned that Salamoni had an arrest record that he did not disclose to police when he applied to be an officer. That should have prevented him from being hired. The shooting of Sterling led to days of protest and civil unrest. Police Chief Murphy Paul says the healing process continues…
Cut 7 (11) “…our officers experience.”
Salamoni will be allowed to voluntarily resign retroactive to March 2018, instead of being fired.

Beginning this month Cleco customers will see an average savings of $14 a month on their power bill over the next year.The savings benefit that Cleco customers are now receiving stems from the 2017 Congressional Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill explains

Cut 15 (10) “…required to pay.”

Congressman Ralph Abraham picks up another endorsement from a Republican lawmaker in his bid to defeat Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards this fall with Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the recent endorsements for Abraham help the U-S Representative

Cut 4 (09) “…where he is”

Fellow GOP contender Eddie Rispone has a television ad running that touts his support for President Trump, while Abraham has yet to get on statewide TV.

A suite of new laws took effect today, including an expansion of judge’s abilities to order chemical castrations. Marrero Representative Patrick Connick’s bill would allow judges to sentence those who commit sexual battery to chemical castration. He says previously that wasn’t an option.

Cut 11 (09) “…in there.”

Baton Rouge police announce that Blane Salamoni, the officer who fired six shots into the body of Alton Sterling, will never work as a B-R-P-D officer as part of a settlement reached. Police Chief Murphy Paul says the Sterling shooting followed a pattern of unprofessional behavior shown by Salamoni…

Cut 8 (11) “…change the future.”

Salamoni will be allowed to voluntarily resign retroactive to March 2018, instead of being fired.

Beginning this month Cleco customers will see an average savings of $14 a month on their power bill over the next year.President Trump’s federal tax law lowered corporate tax rates for utility companies. The Louisiana Public Service Commission had to approve Cleco’s plan to distribute the savings. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill explains how customers will see the credit on their bill.

Cut 14 (10) “…bill credit”

A series of new laws take effect today. Brooke Thorington spoke with the lawmakers who authored two of the new additions…

cut  2 (31) I’m Brooke Thorington”  

The investigation continues into the LaSalle Parish crash that killed three on Monday, including a toddler. The driver of the 18-wheeler that rear ended a Ford Fiesta in the incident has now been arrested. 33 year old Joseph Pardue of Georgetown is charged with three counts of negligent homicide as well as negligent injury, reckless operation, and unsafe vehicle.

Baton Rouge police announce that a settlement has been reached with former officer Blane Salamoni, who appealed his firing for his actions that resulted in the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling in 2016. The Advocate reports that Salamoni, before being hired, had been arrested for battering a woman in a Baton Rouge bar who had broken up with him earlier that day. Police Chief Murphy Paul told reporters that Salamoni did not reveal that arrest during the hiring process…

Cut 6 (10) “…process, we are sorry.”

Salamoni’s departure will be now be recognized as a resignation. 

Beginning this month Cleco customers will see an average savings of $14 a month on their power bill over the next year. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill let’s you know why you’ll be seeing those lower bills.

Cut 13 (09) “…to customers”

Other power companies in the state have already implemented those reductions.

A new law is going into effect that will allow judges to order chemical castrations for people charged with sexual battery of minors under the age of 13. Marrero Representative Patrick Connick, who brought the law last session, says he was surprised to hear about the loophole when he was contacted by a local judge who said the option was not available in his case, but it was for others…

Cut 12 (12) “…battery.”

A law upping the minimum age for marriage to 16 also went into effect today.

Louisiana’s two Republican gubernatorial candidates are wrestling for the chance to get into a run-off with Governor Edwards in the upcoming October 12^th Primary. Congressman Abraham is nabbing all kinds of state endorsements, while Eddie Rispone has a huge money advantage. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says for now the endorsements help to offset Rispone’s warchest.

Cut 5 (08) “…spend money”

Baton Rouge Police announce the details of the settlement with Blane Salamoni, the former officer who appealed his dismissal following his involvement in the shooting death of Alton Sterling. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The minimum marriage age law is one of over 200 new laws that take effect today. A new child safety seat law is in place. And medication abortions can now only take place at the state’s three licensed abortions clinics, no longer in a gynecologist’s office.

Congressman Ralph Abraham picks up another endorsement from a Republican lawmaker in his bid to defeat Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards this fall.  Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland says the state needs a bold conservative leader. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the endorsements help Abraham, who has yet to launch a statewide TV ad

Cut 3 (07) “…Congressman Abraham”

Fellow GOP contender Eddie Rispone has a television ad running that touts his support for President Trump.

I mentioned a few of the new laws that take effect today, but we’ve got another to add to the list: Metairie Representative Cameron Henry’s law that would allow officers to remove, and possibly arrest people who threaten physical violence against amateur refs at little league and high school sporting events…

Cut 9 (09) “…prevail”

Jail time and fines may be a possibility if you’re arrested under this law.

A suite of new laws took effect today, including an effort to prevent the harassment of refs in amateur and high school sports, and an expansion of judge’s abilities to order chemical castrations. Metairie Representative Cameron Henry’s law would allow officers to remove, and possibly arrest people who threaten physical violence against those amateur refs, but…

Cut 9 (09) “…prevail”

Jail time and fines may be a possibility if you’re arrested under this law.

Marrero (Mah-rare-roh) Representative Patrick Connick’s bill would allow judges to sentence those who commit sexual battery to chemical castration. He says previously that wasn’t an option.

Cut 11 (09) “…in there.”

Baton Rouge police announce that former officer Blane Salamoni will not return the department nor receive backpay.  Salamoni appealed his firing after the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling in 2016. Police Chief Murphy Paul was apologetic about the officer’s hiring during today’s news conference. Paul says the healing process has already begun with the city.

Cut 7 (11) “…our officers experience.”

Salamoni’s departure from the department will be recognized as a resignation.

Baton Rouge police announce a settlement has been reached with former officer Blane Salamoni, who appealed his firing for his actions that resulted in the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling in 2016. Salamoni’s departure will be now be recognized as a resignation.  During the announcement, Police Chief Murphy Paul was apologetic.

Cut 6 (10) “…process, we are sorry”

Also Salamoni will not return to the police force and he will not receive any back pay.

Polls shows Governor Edwards is in the front-runner heading into the primary. Congressman Ralph Abraham is in second place, while Eddie Rispone is in third, but Rispone has a huge money advantage over the Congressman. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says for now the endorsements have help to offset Rispone’s advantage in campaign dollars

Cut 5 (08) “…spend money”

The Primary is October 12^th.

A study shows quality of life improvements for Medicaid expansion enrollees since the Governor announced the expansion three years ago.

Cut 2 (30 ) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

Beginning this month Cleco customers will see an average savings of $14 a month on their power bill over the next year. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill explains why customers are now seeing a reduction.

Cut 13 (09) “…to customers”

Customers will save and average of $168 dollars.

Congressman Ralph Abraham has added another endorsement from a Republican lawmaker in his bid to defeat Governor John Bel Edwards this fall. Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland says Abraham will help the state grow its economy. McFarland is one of six GOP legislators who have announced their support for Abraham’s campaign. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the recent endorsements will help Abraham…
cut 4 (09) “…where he is”
Abraham has yet to run any statewide TV commercials, while Governor Edwards and Eddie Rispone have begun their media push.

It’s reporting day for the LSU football program. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says Tiger fans are hoping for an improved offense, but there are other areas of the team to keep an eye on…
cut 11 (10) “….replace that”
Michael Divinity is one linebacker that’s expected to have a huge impact on this team.

Baton Rouge police announce that a settlement has been reached with former officer Blane Salamoni, who appealed his firing for his actions that resulted in the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling in 2016. Salamoni will not return to the police force and he will not receive any back pay. Instead of being fired, Salamoni will be allowed to resign.

Tulane has released a study that shows there’s been an increase in doctor visits and fewer emergency room visits since Governor Edwards expanded the Medicaid program, providing taxpayer-funded health care coverage for thousands of more Louisiana residents. Tulane Health Policy Chair Mark Diana says Providers who accept Medicaid saw a 35 percent increase in Medicaid patients post-expansion. Diana says that’s resulted in a substantial increase in the use of nurse practitioners and physician assistants….
cut 9 (10) “…sense”

Congressman Ralph Abraham picks up another endorsement from a Republican lawmaker in his bid to defeat Democratic incumbent John Bel Edwards in this fall’s gubernatorial race. Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland says the state needs a bold conservative leader. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the endorsements help Abraham, who has yet to launch a statewide TV ad…
cut 3 (07) “…Congressman Abraham”
Fellow GOP contender Eddie Rispone has a TV ad running touting his support for President Trump.

This week marks the third anniversary of when Governor Edwards expanded the Medicaid coverage which provided taxpayer funded health care coverage to thousands. Tulane Health Policy chair Mark Diana completed a study that shows doctor visits are up, more people are purchasing prescribed medicine and the distance traveled when seeking care declined by one to four percent…
cut 8 (08) “…circumstances”

A settlement is expected to be announced today in the disciplinary appeal of former Baton Rouge Police officer Blane Salamoni, who was fired for the 2016 fatal shooting of Alton Sterling. Salamoni appealed his termination but never had a hearing. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says there is not much clarity as to what the settlement means.
Cut 13 (11) “…have a hearing.”
Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul has called a 10 AM press conference.

LSU Football players are rolling into Baton Rouge today reporting for fall camp. Fans are buzzing about the addition of former Saints assistant Joe Brady, who’s been tasked with dragging the offense into the 21st century. Tiger Rag assistant editor Tyler Nunez.
cut 10 (09) “…offense.”
Brady is LSU’s passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach.

Today marks the first day of Louisiana having a minimum age for marriage, with the age set at 16. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart ”

The minimum marry age law is one of over 200 new laws that take effect today. Parents who harass or physically fight a referee at a child’s sporting event could face up to 90 days in jail if convicted. A new child safety seat law is in place. And medication abortions can now only take place at the state’s three licensed abortions clinics, no longer in a gynecologist’s office.

A study out of Tulane paid for by the Louisiana Health Department finds more Medicaid recipients are seeing a doctor and using the emergency room less since the state’s Medicaid program was expanded three years ago. Tulane Health Policy chair Mark Diana says repeat E-R visitors saw a nearly nine-percent drop…
cut 7 (11) “…savings”
The study also showed that more people in Louisiana are taking their prescribed medicine because the cost has dropped.

Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul has called a 10 AM press conference where it’s expected he’ll announce a settlement has been reached with former officer Blane Salamoni, who is accused of shooting and killing Alton Sterling. Salamoni was fired, but he appealed his termination. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says it would not look good if Salamoni was allowed to wear the badge again…
cut 15 (12) “….be a deterrent”

Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul has called a 10 AM press conference where it’s expected he’ll announce a termination settlement has been reached with fired officer Blane Salamoni who shot Alton Sterling six times during a fatal encounter outside of a convenience store. Baton Rouge lawyer Franz Borghart on what the settlement could possibly be…
cut 14 (07) “…monetary settlement”
Salamoni’s termination appeal hearing was scheduled to take place later this month.

Hundreds of new laws go into effect today, one of them sets the minimum age to get married in Louisiana at 16. Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says his organization opposed the effort when the bill was first introduced…
cut 4 (08) “…too strong”
Supporters of the law say its needed to help combat human trafficking.

It’s been three years since Governor Edwards expanded the state’s Medicaid program and a study paid for by the Louisiana Health Department finds quality of life improvements for Medicaid expansion enrollees…
Cut 2 (30 ) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

State Police have arrested the driver of an 18-wheeler involved in a fatal crash on Monday that killed a three-year-old and two adults in LaSalle Parish. 33-year-old Joseph Pardue from Grant Parish was charged with three counts of negligent homicide. L-S-P says the semi hit the victims’ vehicle as it was slowing down to make a right-hand turn.