The personal finance website WalletHub has released a report that indicates Louisiana is the most stressed-out state in the nation.  Bordering states Mississippi took second place and Arkansas placed third.  WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says forty key metrics were used to calculate the rankings.

Cut 3 (11) “…those different things.”

Louisiana ranks fifth for percent of adults with fair or poor health and sixth for getting adequate sleep.

Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval has introduced legislation for the upcoming session that would see handheld cell phone use prohibited while driving.  Current law only sees that restriction in place while in a school zone.  Huval says the proposed law would carry a few exceptions for hand-held phone use, including first responders.

Cut 6 (13) “…an exception also.”

The 2019 session kicks off seven days from now and legislators will tackle revenue questions, but as of now, they will be doing it without a budget. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

We’re a week away from the start of the 2019 legislative session, and since it’s an odd numbered year legislators will be tasked with taking on tax and revenue issues from the start. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says there’s one problem though…
Cut 7 (09) “…officially”
Alford says that’s because the Revenue Estimating Conference cannot agree on just how much revenue the state will take in this year. Speaker Taylor Barras is opposing the other three members recommendation to raise the forecast from last year.
Gonzales Representative Clay Schexnayder is proposing to legalize hemp production in Louisiana. Last year’s federal farm bill permits states to regulate and grow hemp if they so choose. He says the crop is a cash cow…
Cut 13 (09) “…one year.”
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A proposed law to be introduced during the upcoming session could see Louisiana drivers having to put down their cell phones in favor of a hands free device. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”
Port Barre Police are searching for a suspected runaway 15-year-old girl who was last seen getting off the bus at Port Barre High School. Authorities says Domeanna Spell, a 5’2 white female with long light brown hair, is potentially with a 47-year-old Cory Disotel, who may be traveling in his 2003 silver Honda Civic.

We’re a week away from the start of the 2019 legislative session, and since it’s an odd-numbered year, legislators will be tasked with taking on tax and revenue issues from the start. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says with tax and budget issues at the forefront, the more conservative of the two legislative chambers will take center-stage, at least to start the session.

Cut 8 (08) “…they go.”

What happens now with the LSU basketball program now that the season is over? Head Coach Will Wade could be dismissed in the wake of the FBI wiretap scandal that caught Wade in an alleged pay to play scheme. Tiger Rag Associate Editor Tyler Nunez says Athletic Director Joe Alleva likely has his eyes on a new head coach…

Cut 10 (12) “…will wade.”

Nunez says Head Coach of the University of Nevada Eric Musselman could be a target for Alleva.

A Gonzales Representative is bringing legislation to capitalize on the Farm Bill’s new provision that allows states to regulate the production of industrial hemp. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

It’s no April Fool’s Day joke. The Rolling Stones have pulled out of the New Orleans Jazz Fest.  The cancellation comes following the postponement of the No Filter 2019 tour as frontman Mick Jagger recovers from an undisclosed medical issue.  As for what happens to fill the gap in the lineup, and what ticket holders can expect as far as refunds, has yet to be announced by festival organizers.

After an SEC title and a march to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, the future of the LSU basketball program is very uncertain. Many believe suspended coach Will Wade has coached his last game at LSU because of the FBI wire tap scandal. Wade has been subpoenaed to testify in a college basketball corruption trial that begins April 22nd. LSU could wait for that trial to end to see if they can keep Wade around, but but Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says Athletic Director Joe Alleva will likely look to move on…
cut 11 (12) “lawsuit.”
Some of LSU’s top players will likely head to the NBA, because they are talented enough to do so and also NCAA sanctions could be coming.

A week from today, the legislative session will begin and once again a bill has been filed to prohibit the use of a hand held cell phone while behind the wheel. Author and Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says the technology for hands-free use of a cell phone in a vehicle is more widespread.
Cut 5 (10) “…though your vehicle.”
Similiar legislation has failed in previous years.

The federal farm bill approved last year gives states the opportunity to legalize the production of industrial hemp. Gonzales Representative Clay Schexnayder has filed legislation for the crop to be grown in Louisiana, with the state department of agriculture handling the regulations. Schexnayder says in 2017 Kentucky launched a hemp pilot program which demonstartated how profitable the plant could be…
cut 14 (09) “…one year”

A south Louisiana lawmaker wants Louisiana drivers to put down their cell phones in favor of a hands free device. Kevin Barnhart has more on a proposed law for the upcoming session…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Authorities are looking for 15-year-old Domeanna Spell of Port Barre. The white femal was last seen on Thursday morning after she got off the school bust at Port Barre High School. Police believe she may have runaway and could be with 47-year-old Cory Shane Disotel, who is believed to be traveling in a siver 2003 Honda Civic.

A week from today, the 2019 regular session will get underway. It’s an odd numbered year, so lawmakers can file bills to increase taxes or make changes with the state’s tax structure. Jeremy Alford of La-politics-dot-com expects two major tax issues to come up..
cut 9 (09) “…next term”
Lawmakers will also have to approve a budget and budget hearings on a spending plan begin today.

Gonzales Representative Clay Schexnayder has filed legislation to legalize the production of industrial hemp, which has many uses, including paper, texttiles, construction and health food. But hemp is not without it’s detractors who have expressed concern about the plants genealogical links to marijuana. Schexnayder says it is true hemp has some THC, but it’s really a completely different plant.
cut 15 (09) “….chihuahua”
Industrial hemp in many states is limited to .03 percent THC, a psychoactive substance. Recreational weed can have anywhere from 15 to 40 percent THC.

The 2019 session kicks off in seven days, but as of now they will do so without an official budget proposal from the governor…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The House Appropriations Committee will begin its budget hearings today. They’ll use Chairman Cameron Henry’s proposal to discuss the state’s spending plan for next fiscal year. Henry’s plan spends 134-million dollars less than what Governor Edwards has recommended and it includes money for teacher pay raises.

Gonzales Representative Clay Schexnayder is proposing to legalize hemp production in Louisiana. Last year’s federal farm bill permits states to regulate and grow hemp. He says the crop is a cash cow that is perfectly suited to the Louisiana climate, much like sugarcane.
Cut 13 (09) “…cooking oils”
Louisiana Farm Bureau President Ronnie Anderson says industrial hemp would be a welcomed crop for Louisiana producers to diversify their harvest.

Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval has filed legislation that would prohibit drivers from using a hand held cell phone while behind wheel. Huval says the proposed law would carry a few exceptions for hand held phone use, including first responders…
cut 6 (13) “….an exception also”
Similar legislation has failed in previous sessions.

We’re a week away from the start of the 2019 legislative session, but LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says there’s one problem…
Cut 7 (09) “…officially”
That’s because there’s a battle between the Edwards administration and House Republican leadership over how much money the state actually has available to spend. House Speaker Taylor Barras has blocked efforts to officially recognize additional revenues.

There’s always a bill in every regular session dealing with cell phone use while driving. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval wants to prohibit the use of handheld cell phones while behind the wheel…
cut 4 (13) “….it’s about safety”
The session begins April eighth.

LSU’s run through the NCAA Tournament ended and now we wait to see what happens with the Tigers basketball program. It’s likely Will Wade has coached his last game, because of the FBI wire tap scandal, but what about the players on this SEC Championship team. Assistant Tiger Rag Editor Tyler Nunez says point guard Tremont Waters and Naz Reid are likely headed to the NBA, and freshman guard Javonte Smart might also leave, since his name has been connected to the purported F-B-I wire tap…
cut 12 (12) “…nukes his career”

A proposed law to be introduced during the upcoming session could see Louisiana drivers having to put down their cell phones in favor of a hands free device.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

_______________________________________________

The 2019 session kicks off seven days from now and legislators will tackle revenue questions, but as of now they will doing it without a budget. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________________

A Gonzales Representative is bringing legislation to capitalize on the Farm Bill’s new provision that allows states to regulate the production of industrial hemp. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval has introduced legislation for the upcoming session that would see handheld cell phone use prohibited while driving.  Current law only sees that restriction in place while in a school zone.  Huval says the bill is meant to curb distracted driving.

Cut 4 (13) “…it’s about safety.”

Huval says the technology for hands-free use of a cell phone in a vehicle is more widespread, whether it is aftermarket accessories or vehicle manufacturer installed options.

Cut 5 (10) “…though your vehicle.”

Huval says the proposed law would carry a few exceptions for hand held phone use, including first responders.

Cut 6 (13) “…an exception also.”

___________________________________________________

We’re a week away from the start of the 2019 legislative session, and since it’s an odd numbered year legislators will be tasked with taking on tax and revenue issues from the start. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says there’s one problem though…

Cut 7 (09) “…officially”

Alford says that’s because the Revenue Estimating Conference cannot agree on just how much revenue the state will take in this year. Speaker Taylor Barras is opposing the other three members recommendation to raise the forecast from last year.

Alford says with tax and budget issues at the forefront, the more conservative of the two legislative chambers will take center-stage, at least to start the session.

Cut 8 (08) “…they go.”

And since the legislature will not need to enter a special session to tackle questions about money, Alford says expect two major state tax issues to dominate debates in the Capitol.

Cut 9 (09) “…next term″

__________________________

What happens now with the LSU basketball program now that the season is over? Head Coach Will Wade could be dismissed in the wake of the FBI wiretap scandal that caught Wade in an alleged pay to play scheme. Tiger Rag Associate Editor Tyler Nunez says Athletic Director Joe Alleva likely has his eyes on a new head coach…

Cut 10 (12) “…will wade.”

Nunez says Head Coach of the University of Nevada Eric Musselman could be a target for Alleva.

Wade has been subpoenaed to testify in a college basketball corruption trial that begins April 22nd. LSU could wait for that trial to end to see if they can keep Wade around, but Nunez says LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva will likely look to move on…

cut 11 (12) “lawsuit.”

Some of LSU’s top players will likely head to the NBA, because they are talented enough to do so and also NCAA sanctions could be coming. Nunez says star point guard Tremont Waters and Naz Reid will  likely declare for the NBA draft. Kavell Bigby-Williams is also graduating. Nunez says Javonte Smart, whose name is mentioned in the purported FBI wire tap, might also leave…

Cut 12 (12) “…nukes his career.”

______________________________

Gonzales Representative Clay Schexnayder is proposing to legalize hemp production in Louisiana. Last year’s federal farm bill permits states to regulate and grow hemp if they so choose. He says the crop is a cash cow that is perfectly suited to the Louisiana climate, much like sugarcane.

Cut 13 (09) “…one year.”

A hemp pilot program was launched in Kentucky in 2017, and it’s success was mentioned frequently as the feds contemplated allowing the plant to be regulated. Schexnayder says the program demonstrated just how profitable the plant could be.

Cut 14 (09) “…one year.”

According to PEW, 19 states harvested industrial hemp last year, but only 25,000 total acres.

But hemp is not without it’s detractors who have expressed concern about the plants genealogical links to marijuana. Schexnayder says it is true that the plant has some THC, but it’s really a completely different plant.

Cut 15 (09) “…chihuahua.”

Industrial hemp in many states is limited to .03 percent THC, a psychoactive substance. Recreational weed can have anywhere from 15 to 40 percent THC.

The Rolling Stones have cancelled their Jazz Fest appearance in May due to medical reasons. Physicians have advised Mick Jagger not to tour and the entire U. S Tour has been postponed.

New legislation to place the country of origin of imported crawfish and shrimp on the local seafood menu will be introduced in the next Legislative session. Larose Representative Truck Gisclair. Says specifying country of origin is not always possible but…

Cut 5 (07)  “…every country”

The session begins April 9^th.

The LSU Tigers basketball season ended last night after one of the most successful seasons in years, but not without controversy still lingering. The Michigan State Spartans defeated LSU 80-63 in the East Regional NCAA Sweet 16. Meanwhile the outcome of the FBI wiretap scandal involving suspended head coach Will Wade remains to be seen.

Metairie Representative Cameron Henry is filing a bill that could lead to fines, community service and possibly jail time for anyone who harasses refs, umpires, and other game officials.  Henry says officials at a recreational parks in his district are occasionally threatened with physical harm by parents over little league games.

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

Cut 9 (11) “…to spend”

The Rolling Stones will not be appearing at New Orleans Jazz Fest this year. The Stones have been advised to postpone their “No Filter Tour” so Mick Jagger can receive medical treatment. The band released a statement that physicians have told Jagger he cannot go on tour at this time, but expect him to make a full recovery so he can return to stage as soon as possible. No other details on his condition were provided.

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

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

A memorable LSU basketball season ended last night as Michigan State hit 13 three pointers in an 80-63 victory over the Tigers. Tremont Waters had 23 points, but Skylar Mays had just seven points and Javonte Smart was scoreless. Now we wait to see what happens with Will Wade as a result of the FBI wiretap scandal.

Elsewhere… Auburn upset top seeded North Carolina 97-80, while Kentucky got past Houston 62-58. So it will be an all SEC regional final in the Midwest on Sunday.

Metairie Representative Cameron Henry files a bill that could lead to fines, community service and possibly jail time for anyone who harasses refs, umpires, and other game officials. Henry says often it is high school and college students working as referees and they are on the receiving end of a parent’s anger.

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

The legislative session begins April 9^th.