Ralph Abraham’s gubernatorial campaign has funded a poll that shows him pulling closer to Governor Edwards and distancing himself from fellow GOP candidate Eddie Rispone. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 2 (27) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Governor John Bel Edwards travels to Morgan City today. His office says he’ll announce a major flood protection project at the Port of Morgan City. And then this afternoon Edwards will join officials from the Ochsner Health System for an announcement at the Teche Regional Medical Center.

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, but…
Cut 13 (08) “…rates.”
Washington and West Carroll Parishes are among the parishes that have the highest drug overdose death rates.

Even though it will not change the outcome of the NFC Championship game, the Saints secured a victory on Tuesday night when the NFL owners voted to expand the use of instant replay to include pass interference calls and allow for the review of a non pass interference call. Coach Sean Payton led the charge for the new rule…
cut 6 (08) “…good change”
Coaches can challenge questionable pass interference plays until the last two minutes and then it’s subject to a booth review.

The Ralph Abraham gubernatorial campaign releases a poll that finds Governor Edwards receiving 44-percent of the vote, Abraham at 33-percent and Eddie Rispone only at 10-percent. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Rispone has yet to do much campaigning…
cut 8 (10) “….focused message”
Cross says it’s also important to point out that Abraham paid for the poll.

The Bipartisan Policy Center has completed an extensive study on the opioid epidemic in Louisiana and how federal funds are being used to combat it. The study notes over one-thousand opioid overdose deaths in Louisiana from 2015 to 2017. Chief medical adviser Anand Parekh says more can be done to address the addiction problem involving prisoners…
cut 15 (10) “….re-entry”

Three men who allegedly stole hundreds of I-Phones from Best Buy locations across the Gulf South including Lake Charles and Baton Rouge have been arrested in East Baton Rouge Parish. Major Willie Stewart says the three out of state suspects broke through a side entrance at a Best Buy store in Baton Rouge earlier this week…
cut 11 (09) “…the same group”
Stewart says two of the suspects are from California while the other is from Georgia .

State Senator Francis Thompson has filed legislation to prohibit non-dairy products from describing themselves as milk. Thompson says the legislation is aimed at Almond milk, which does not come from a cow. The Delhi Democrat says cauliflower “rice” and lab grown “steak” need to change their labeling as well…
cut 6 (10) “….beef”
Thompson’s bill will be discussed in the legislative session which begins in a week and a half.

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%. Cross says Abraham can use the survey to help in fundraising…
Cut 7 (10) “…Democratic Governor.”
The gubernatorial primary is in October.

NFL owners voted last night to expand instant replay so pass interference calls can be reviewed and allowing coaches to challenge non-calls for P-I. It’s in response to the non-pass interference call in the NFC Title game.

The Bipartisan Policy Report has released a report that shows how states use federal dollars to address the opioid epidemic. Chief medical adviser Anand Parekh 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.

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.

The Office of Juvenile Justice cut the ribbon on a new, modern rehabilitation facility in Bunkie today after months of delays. Deputy Secretary Dr. James Bueche says the “Missouri Model” is more effective, and will save money that can be used to build more state-of-the-art facilities.
Cut 14 (09) “…do that.”
Those new facilities may be needed sooner rather than later, as an LSU study predicts the juvenile prison population will increase by 67 people in 2020 when 17-year-old violent offenders are no longer prosecuted as adults.
After days of specualtion, the Saints announced the signing of 2018 Pro Bowl tight end Jared Cook today. The 32-year-old has reportedly received a two-year contract worth 15.5 million dollars. Cook caught 68 passes for the Raiders last year.
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Today is Diabetes Alert Day which is meant to bring awareness to testing for prediabetes. Kevin Barnhart has more…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
After repeated delays, the Louisiana Association of Therapeutic Alternatives has demanded that medical marijuana be available by May 15th. executive director Jesse McCormick.
Cut 4 (07) “…up and running″

After repeated delays, the Louisiana Association of Therapeutic Alternatives has demanded that medical marijuana be available by May 15th. It was almost four years ago when the state legislature approved the framework for dispensing and L-A-T-A executive director Jesse McCormick says it’s time for the product to hit the shelves…
cut 3 (09) “….can’t execute”
The L-A-T-A group made their request at a stakeholders meeting involving state ag commissioner Mike Strain, who says testing will be a critical part of the process.
It took longer than expected, but the ribbon was cut today on a new 72-bed juvenile detention center in Bunkie. Deputy Secretary for the office of Juvenile Justice, Doctor James Bueche says this facility should lead to better outcomes for troubled teens…
cut 13 (10) “…the kids”
Bueche says they plan to use this model moving forward for all new facilities.
NFL owners are taking up proposals today, inspired by the infamous “No Call” that would potentially expand the use of replay and challenges.  Saints coach Sean Payton, who sits on the competition committee, has led the charge for replay expansion, says the NFL cannot fear change, and warned leadership about the dangers another blown call in a significant game could pose to the league’s image and integrity.

Cut 8 (09) “…alarming”

Today is Diabetes Alert Day, a day where Americans are encouraged to find out if they are at risk for pre-diabetes. According to the CDC, 1 in 3 Americans have prediabetes and 90% don’t know they have it. Outpatient Medical Center diabetes prevention projector coordinator Cynthia Parker says someone can get tested quickly online.

Cut 9 (12) “…risk for prediabetes.”

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Louisiana pharmacists are demanding that medical marijuana be available to eligible patients by May 15th. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”
Today is Diabetes Alert Day, a day where Americans are encouraged to find out if they are at-risk for pre-diabetes. Outpatient Medical Center diabetes prevention projector coordinator Cynthia Parker says says can be reversed with lifestyle changes with eating healthier and exercise.
Cut 11 (12) “…type 2 diabetes.”
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NFL owners are discussing proposals to expand the use of instant replay and challenges, inspired by the infamous “Nola No Call” in the NFC Championship game. Seven potential changes have been suggested, but new rules regarding instant replay might not be approved until May. Saints owner Gayle Benson…
Cut 6 (11) “…happened”
The changes are being discussed in Scottsdale, Arizona at the league’s annual meeting.
The Office of Juvenile Justice cut the ribbon on a new, modern rehabilitation facility in Bunkie today after months of delays. The first 12 incarcerated youths will be housed in the facility which is set to expand over the next few months to 72 beds. Deputy Secretary Dr. James Bueche says it’s based on the “Missouri Model”.
Cut 12 (09) “…facilities.”

Louisiana pharmacists are demanding that medical marijuana be available to eligible patients by May 15th. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

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Today is Diabetes Alert Day which is meant to bring awareness to testing for prediabetes. Kevin Barnhart has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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After repeated delays, the Louisiana Association of Therapeutic Alternatives has demanded that medical marijuana be available by May 15th. Nearly four years ago the state legislature approved the framework for dispensing and L-A-T-A executive director Jesse McCormick says it’s time for the product to hit the shelves…

Cut 3 (09) “…can’t execute”

The L-A-T-A  group made their request at a stakeholders meeting that involved the licensed pharmacists, the contracted growers and state ag commissioner Mike Strain. G-B Sciences is working with LSU on growing medicinal pot and they say a first batch could be available in May and McCormick says that’s good to hear…

Cut 4 (07) “…up and running″

Strain is not willing to commit to the May 15th deadline. He says that’s because it will be up to his office to make sure the product is safe. But McCormick says they believe May 15th is a workable deadline…

Cut 5 (10)  “…get there”

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NFL owners are discussing proposals to expand the use of instant replay and challenges, inspired by the infamous “Nola No Call” in the NFC Championship game. Seven potential changes have been suggested, but new rules regarding instant replay might not be approved until May. Saints owner Gayle Benson…

Cut 6 (11) “…happened”

The changes are being discussed in Scottsdale, Arizona at the league’s annual meeting.

The historically change-averse NFL leadership has expressed hesitation about any officiating overhauls in the past, mainly citing concerns about adding additional time to the already lengthy broadcasts. Saints president Dennis Lauscha says that concern is one of the biggest hurdles they face.

Cut 7 (08) “…parameter”

Saints coach Sean Payton called concerns about reviews adding time to the game a “boogeyman” with no numbers to back it up.

Payton, who sits on the competition committee, has led the charge for replay expansion. The coach says the NFL cannot fear change, and warned leadership about the dangers another blown call in a significant game could pose to the league’s image and integrity.

Cut 8 (09) “…alarming”

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Today is Diabetes Alert Day, a day where Americans are encouraged to find out if they are at-risk for pre-diabetes. According to the CDC, 1 in 3 Americans have prediabetes and 90% don’t know they have it. Outpatient Medical Center diabetes prevention projector coordinator Cynthia Parker says someone can get tested quickly online.

Cut 9 (12) “…risk for prediabetes.”

Parker says if someone is at high risk for diabetes, they are more at risk for other health issues as well.

Cut 10 (09)“…type 2 diabetes.”

Parker says prediabetes is a serious health condition and it serves as a warning that you are at risk for type-2 diabetes, and says it can be reversed with lifestyle changes with eating healthier and exercise.

Cut 11 (12)   “…type 2 diabetes.”

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The Office of Juvenile Justice cut the ribbon on a new, modern rehabilitation facility in Bunkie today after months of delays. The first 12 incarcerated youths will be housed in the facility which is set to expand over the next few months to 72 beds. Deputy Secretary Dr. James Bueche says it’s based on the “Missouri Model”.

Cut 12 (09) “…facilities.”

The Acadiana Center for Youth was allocated four million dollars to start by legislators to get it’s operations off the ground.

Testing in other states has shown that kids who participate in programs that are less punitive, and more oriented towards rehabilitation, are less likely to end up in the adult prison system later in life. Bueche says that change starts by rehabbing kids in a smaller, more focused environment.

Cut 13 (10) “…the kids.”

Bueche says they plan to use this model moving forward for all new facilities, and plan to help pay for future construction using the savings you can generate from housing youths in the smaller rehabilitation centers.

Cut 14 (09) “…do that.”

Those new facilities may be needed sooner rather than later, as an LSU study predicts the juvenile prison population will increase by 67 people in 2020 when 17-year-old violent offenders are no longer prosecuted as adults.

NFL owners are discussing proposals to expand the use of instant replay and challenges, inspired by the infamous “Nola No Call” in the NFC Championship game. The historically change-averse NFL leadership has expressed hesitation about any officiating overhauls in the past, mainly citing concerns about adding additional time to the already lengthy broadcasts. Saints president Dennis Lauscha.
Cut 7 (08) “…parameter”
new rules regarding instant replay might not be approved until May.
Today is Diabetes Alert Day, a day where Americans are encouraged to find out if they are at-risk for pre-diabetes. Outpatient Medical Center diabetes prevention projector coordinator Cynthia Parker.
Cut 10 (09)“…type 2 diabetes.”
_____________________________________
The Office of Juvenile Justice cut the ribbon on a new, modern rehabilitation facility in Bunkie today after months of delays. Deputy Secretary Dr. James Bueche says the “Missouri Model” facilities reduce recedivism, and they plan to use this model moving forward for all new facilities, and plan to help pay for future construction using the savings you can generate from housing youths in the smaller rehabilitation centers.
Cut 14 (09) “…do that.”
The first 12 incarcerated youths will be housed in the facility which is set to expand over the next few months to 72 beds.
The Bonnet Carre Spillway is closing after opening many of it’s bays a month ago to relive pressure on the Mississippi River levee system that was in danger of over topping thanks to the substantial amount of water crashing down from upriver spring rains and snow melt. At it’s peak this year, 206 of the 350 bays were opened. The river level in New Orleans is currently at 16.5 feet, and is expected to lower over the next few weeks.

The Louisiana Association of Therapeutic Alternatives is demanding that medical marijuana be available for patients by May 15th. L-A-T-A executive director Jesse McCormick says it was nearly four years ago when the legislature opened the door for the dispensing of medicinal cannabis and May 15th is a workable deadline…
cut 5 (10) “…get there”
Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain hopes they can hit the deadline, but it will depend on how quick testing goes.

It took longer than expected, but the ribbon was cut today on a new 72-bed juvenile detention center in Bunkie. Deputy Secretary for the office of Juvenile Justice, Doctor James Bueche says this facility should lead to better outcomes for troubled teens…
cut 13 (10) “…the kids”
Bueche says they plan to use this model moving forward for all new facilities.

The governor’s office says based on the numbers released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the state’s personal income growth increased by 4.5 percent for the fourth quarter of 2018 and 3-point-eight percent for the year. John Bel Edwards says that means Louisiana personal incomes hit a record high of 215-billion dollars in 2018.

Today is Diabetes Alert Day which is meant to bring awareness to testing for prediabetes. Kevin Barnhart has more…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Office of Juvenile Justice cut the ribbon on a new, modern rehabilitation facility in Avoyelles Parish today after months of delays. Deputy Secretary Dr. James Bueche says it’s based on the “Missouri Model”.

Cut 12 (09) “…facilities.”
The first 12 incarcerated youths will be housed in the facility which is set to expand over the next few months to 72 beds.

NFL owners are taking up proposals today, inspired by the infamous “No Call” that would potentially expand the use of replay and challenges.  Saints coach Sean Payton, who sits on the competition committee, has led the charge for replay expansion, says the NFL cannot fear change, and warned leadership about the dangers another blown call in a significant game could pose to the league’s image and integrity.

Cut 8 (09) “…alarming”

Today is Diabetes Alert Day, a day where Americans are encouraged to find out if they are at risk for pre-diabetes. According to the CDC, 1 in 3 Americans have prediabetes and 90% don’t know they have it. Outpatient Medical Center diabetes prevention project coordinator Cynthia Parker says someone can get tested quickly online.

Cut 9 (12) “…risk for prediabetes.”

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