A state board approves a one-billion dollar-plus property tax break for a Houston company planning to build a nearly 16-billion dollar liquefied natural gas export facility in Calcasieu Parish. There’s been a push to postpone today’s vote, so more information can be provided to local taxpayers, but Jason French of Tellurain, which is developing the project says that would be a bad idea…
cut 8 (11) “…in louisiana”
The Edwards administration is expected to support the tax break as well.

According to SmartAsset, just over 1.5 million Louisiana taxpayers will be owed a federal refund next year, with the average refund around $3,300. SmartAsset’s AJ Smith says the refunds are based on allowances and how much someone claims throughout the year.
Cut 9 (11) “…at tax time.″

Obamacare individual health insurance market signups are down 10 percent in Louisiana, and 20 percent nationally. Matt Doyle looks at why that might be.
cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

An 83-year-old Vietnam vet receives his doctorate from LSU today. Johnnie Jones says he now plans to get a law degree so he can have more knowledge.

The state Board of Commerce and Industry agrees to give a developer planning to build a massive liquefield natural gas export facility in Calcasieu Parish a tax break that could eventually reach two-billion dollars. The advocacy group, Together Louisiana, objected. Broderick Bagert says local government taxing bodies did not give residents enough information about the project…
cut 6 (08) “…asking for”
But the board voted 17-2 in favor of the tax break. Governor John Bel Edwards must give final approval.

Despite lower premiums, Obamacare individual market signups are down 10 percent in Louisiana on the eve of the December 15th deadline for enrollment. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says proponents of Obamacare are pointing towards a lower investment in advertising for the service, but he thinks locally there’s a more obvious answer.
Cut 3 (09) “.policies”
He also credits an improving economy for bringing down the numbers, as more indviduals are on employer based health plans.

Former Congressman Charles Boustany says the trade war with China is failing, and Louisiana taxpayers have paid so far an additional 85-million dollars in additional tariffs, 19-million dollars in October alone. Boustany says the trade war is a hurricane, and we’re starting to feel the first bands of bad economic weather…
Cut 10 (10) “…get hurt”
Boustany is a spokesman for Tariffs Hurt the Heartland.

The Loyola University New Orleans Jesuit Social Research Institute finds Louisiana has the second highest rate of food insecurity. An estimated 784-thousand residents struggle with hunger and contributing to the problem is food deserts, the lack of grocery stores in low income, minority neighborhoods. Father Fred Kammer..
cut 9 (08) “…national trend”
The report concludes Louisiana needs to make food policy a higher priority.

A former Louisiana Republican Congressman says the trade war is failing, and its draging down the Louisiana economy….
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Louisiana ranks 50th in America’s health rankings. Thirty-five different areas of health determine the overall ranking. Dr. Rhonda Randall with the United Health Foundation says among the areas of concern, child poverty, where Louisiana ranks last.
Cut 4 (08) “…the nation, it improved.″
A report out of Loyola University in New Orleans says Louisiana has the second highest rate of food insecurity in the country, a result of the state’s substantial poverty rate, and proliferation of food deserts where residents don’t have access to, or can’t afford healthy food. Jesuit Social Research Institute Director Father Fred Kammer says food deserts can be found in urban and rural areas.
Cut 7 (12) “…our cities.”
The report concludes that food insecurity in Louisiana must be understood as a social injustice issue of the highest priority, requiring attention from all levels of government.

According to the Associated Press, the Secretary of State’s office could not spend 90-thousand dollars to upgrade software for businesses registrations and other computer systems, because that money went towards settling the sexual misconduct settlement involving former Secretary Tom Schedler.

Louisiana ranks last in the United Health Foundation’s annual ranking of healthiest states in America. Doctor Rhonda Randall says Lousiana has a high percentage of children in poverty and a high prevalence of frequent mental distress…
cut 5 (08) “…for that measure”
Lousiaina also ranks 49th for the percentage of low birthweight babies.

Former Congressman Charles Boustany says since the new tariffs were imposed, Louisiana businesses have paid an additional 85-million dollars. Boustany, who is a spokesman for Tariffs Hurt the Heartland, says the effects of steel and soybean tariffs have begun to work their way down the economic supply chain from agriculture to the shipping industry…
cut 11 (05) “…retaliation”
Supporters of the tariffs say the economic conflict with China is the best way to force the global superpower to renegotiate a new trade deal.

Despite a reputation as a food Mecca, a report out of Loyola University of New Orleans shows 783-thousand Louisiana residents have trouble accessing, or affording good, healthy food. Matt Doyle reports there are food desert areas in Louisiana
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

An 83-year-old Vietnam vet will get a doctorate from LSU today. Johnnie Jones received a Master’s of Social work from LSU in 1975 and then worked for the Department of Corrections for 25 years. He’s now planning to go to law school so he can gain more knowledge.

A non-partisan campaign called Tariffs Hurt the Heartland claims Louisiana businesses have paid an extra 85-million dollars in import tariffs since President Donald Trump started a trade war with China. Supporters say the tariffs will force China to renegotiate a new trade deal. But former Congressman Charles Boustany, a spokesman for Tariffs Hurt the Heartland, says the tariffs are backfiring…
cut 12 (11) “…escalated”
Boustany proposes a new approach to the Chinese trade deficit, built around assembling a trade coalition to generate better leverage on China.

The Louisiana Board of Commerce and Industry votes today on whether Driftwood LNG should receive a tax exemption that could top two-billion dollars. Louisiana Economic Development says the nearly 16-billion dollar liquefied natural gas export facility in Calcasieu Parish would see a tax break of 283-million dollars in the first year alone.

Louisiana ranks last in the United Health Foundation’s annual rankings for healthiest states in America. A High percentage of children in poverty and a high prevalence of frequent mental distress are among the challenges the state faces. Doctor Rhonda Randall says the percentage of adults smoking has also increased 5-percent over the past two years…
cut 6 (10) “…48TH”
Randall says the percentage of cardiovascular deaths also increased four-percent over the last three years.

A Loyola University New Orleans Jesuit Social Research Institute report finds Louisiana has the second highest rate of food insecurity in the nation. J-S-R-I Executive Director, Father Fred Kammer, says Louisiana is known as a foodie destination, but many areas of the state do not have a full-service grocery store that have healthy and affordable food options…
cut 8 (09) “….their family”
Kammer says Louisiana needs to make food policy a higher priority.

A report out of Loyola University in New Orleans says Louisiana has the second highest rate of food insecurity in the country, a result of the state’s substantial poverty rate, and proliferation of food deserts where residents don’t have access to, or can’t afford healthy food. Jesuit Social Research Institute Director Father Fred Kammer says food deserts can be found in urban and rural areas.
Cut 7 (12) “…our cities.”
The report concludes that food insecurity in Louisiana must be understood as a social injustice issue of the highest priority, requiring attention from all levels of government.

According to the Associated Press, the Secretary of State’s office could not spend 90-thousand dollars to upgrade software for businesses registrations and other computer systems, because that money went towards settling the sexual misconduct settlement involving former Secretary Tom Schedler.

Louisiana drops one spot to dead last in America’s health rankings. Kevin Barnhart has more.
Cut 1 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Former Congressman Charles Boustany says the trade war with China is failing, and Louisiana taxpayers have paid so far an additional 85-million dollars in additional tariffs, 19-million dollars in October alone. Boustany says the trade war is a hurricane, and we’re starting to feel the first bands of bad economic weather…
Cut 10 (10) “…get hurt”
Boustany is a spokesman for Tariffs Hurt the Heartland. The World Trade Center of New Orleans says the biggest impact they’ve noticed is in the energy sector, which relies on imported steel and aluminum.

Former Congressman Charles Boustany says since the new tariffs were imposed, Louisiana businesses have paid an additional 85-million dollars. Boustany, who is a spokesman for Tariffs Hurt the Heartland, says the effects of steel and soybean tariffs have begun to work their way down the economic supply chain from agriculture to the shipping industries…
cut 11 (05) “…retaliation”
Supporters of the tariffs say the economic conflict with China is the best way to force the global superpower to renegotiate a new trade deal.

For the 13th time since 1990, Louisiana is ranked 50th in America’s health rankings. Thirty-five different areas of health determine the overall ranking. Dr. Rhonda Randall with the United Health Foundation says among the areas of concern, child poverty, where Louisiana ranks last.
Cut 4 (08) “…the nation, it improved.″
Randall says they’ve also found there’s a high prevalence of frequent mental distress and a high prevalence of low birthweight.

New research from the Loyola University New Orleans Jesuit Social Research Institute finds Louisiana has the second highest rate of food insecurity in the nation and its rising faster than the rest of the country. An estimated 784-thousand residents struggle with hunger and contributing to the problem is what is known food deserts, the lack of grocery stores in low income, minority neighborhoods. Father Fred Kammer..
cut 9 (08) “…national trend”
The report concludes the state of Louisiana needs to make food policy a higher priority and offer incentives for grocery stores to open in underserved communities.

Louisiana has dropped one spot from last year’s position in America’s health rankings, with the state landing 50th for overall health.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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Despite a reputation as a food Mecca, a report out of Loyola shows large areas of the state have trouble accessing, or affording good, healthy food. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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A former Louisiana Republican Congressman says the trade war is failing, and is starting to drag down the Louisiana economy. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m  Matt Doyle”

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For the 13^th time since 1990, Louisiana has been ranked 50^th in America’s health rankings.  The state has never been higher than 47.  Thirty-five different areas of health are factored in to determine the overall ranking.  Dr. Rhonda Randall with the United Health Foundation says among the areas of concern, child poverty, where Louisiana ranks last.

Cut 4 (08) “…the nation, it improved.″

Randall says the research also found a high prevalence of frequent mental distress.

Cut 5 (08) “…for that measure.”

Tobacco use was also a major factor that brought down the state.  Randall says while the rest of the country is seeing a drop in smoking, down to about 17% of adults smoking, Louisiana is higher than the national average.

Cut 6 (10) “…ranked 48^th.”

Randall added there was some areas with encouraging numbers, including Louisiana’s immunization rates.

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A report out of Loyola says Louisiana has the second highest rate of food insecurity in the country, a result of the state’s substantial poverty, and proliferation of food deserts where residents don’t have access to, or can afford healthy food. Jesuit Social Research Institute Director Father Fred Kammer says those food deserts aren’t restricted to one area of the state.

Cut 7 (12) “…our cities.”

New Orleans and Baton Rouge were noted for having large food deserts.

Kammer says the existence of those food deserts exacerbates the already extensive pressures placed on Louisiana’s poorest residents.

Cut 8 (09) “…their family″

The report noted that equal access to quality food is also an issue in Louisiana along racial lines, where African Americans are already disproportionately affected by poverty. Kammer says you are more likely to find food deserts in low income, minority neighborhoods.

Cut 9 (08)  “…national trend” 

The report calls for the state to increase incentives for grocery stores to operate in under-served communities, including refrigeration tax breaks for small grocers to allow them to bring in healthier food.

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Former Congressman Charles Boustany says the trade war with China is failing, and Louisiana is beginning to pay the price to the tune of over 100 million dollars in costs to Bayou State businesses and consumers this year, nearly 20 million in October alone. Boustany says the trade war is a hurricane, and we’re starting to feel the first bands of bad economic weather…

Cut 10 (10)   “…get hurt”

Boustany, spokesman for Tariffs Hurt the Heartland, says the effects of steel and soybean tariffs have begun to work their way down the economic supply chain from agriculture, to the shipping industries in coastal cities.

Cut 11 (05) “…retaliation”

Supporters of the tariffs say the economic conflict with China is the best way to force the global superpower to the table, to renegotiate a trade relationship that is growing increasingly imbalanced. But the former southwest Louisiana Republican Congressman says it’s obvious the tariffs are backfiring.

Cut 12 (11)   “…escalated”

Boustany is advocating a new approach to the Chinese trade deficit, built around assembling a trade coalition to generate better leverage on the far-east superpower.

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Controversial Carolina Quarterback Cam Newton calls a gift he received from Saints defensive Cam Jordan “disrespectful.” Jordan sent Newton a broom, a reference to New Orleans sweeping the season series versus the Panthers last season. The three victories included a win in the postseason. Newton says he’s used the broom as motivation

Cut 13 (12) “…can’t wait.”

The NFC South Rivals meet Monday night in Charlotte and then in the regular season finale. Newton says if the Panthers win those two games, he’ll send the broom back to Jordan. New Orleans has won back-to-back division titles, but Newton says the Saints franchise has more of a history of losing than winning…

Cut 14 (12) “…own too.”

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UL-Lafayette and Tulane will meet for the 29th time in football when the two teams play each other Saturday in Cure Bowl in Orlando. The Green Wave is a slight favorite as they’ve played well since former LSU quarterback Justin McMillan started directing the Green Wave offense. Cajuns Coach Billy Napier says McMillan is an effective passer…

Cut 15 (13) “…season’s went.”

The Cajuns won their last three regular season games to clinch the Sun Belt West Division. A win on Saturday and UL-Lafayette will secure a winning record after three straight non-winning seasons. Napier on he wants to end the year…

Cut 16 (12)  right now”

The Green Wave’s defense is much better than a season ago, which is a big reason why they are in a bowl game this year. Tulane Coach Willie Fritz gives credit to his defensive coordinator Jack Curtis…

 cut 17 (23) “good progress”

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain is reportedly under investigation for allegedly molesting several juveniles. Strain is also the target of a federal probe into public corruption involving his former work release program that he once supervised. Legal analyst Tim Meche says he’d be interested to know who leaked these latest revelations…

Cut 11 (11) “…federal corruption case.”

The ex-Abita Springs police chief served as sheriff of St. Tammany from 1996 to 2015.

Congressman Ralph Abraham says a new poll he funded shows he’s the Republican to beat Democrat John Bel Edwards in next year’s governor’s race. President of the Remington Research Group Titus Bond says they surveyed nearly 17-hundred likely voters this week and both Abraham and Edwards received 44-percent…

Cut 12 (09)   “…on support”

Edwards’ campaign says the poll is a desperate plea for credibility.

The Chackbay man who shot his neighbor a year ago over a property line dispute has been convicted of 2^nd Degree Murder.  61-year-old Keith Trosclair told police it was in self-defense, but But authorities say they had reason to doubt that version of events after reports from two witnesses that Trosclair was moving towards the victim while firing, and forensic evidence that indicated the neighbor, did not pose an immediate threat when Trosclair opened fire.

Cut 4 (08) “…Mr. Trosclair″

2^nd Degree Murder carries a mandatory life sentence.

Baton Rouge Police say the 18-year-old son of Alton Sterling has been arrested and faces a charge of first-degree rape involving an 8-year-old he was babysitting.  Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says Sterling was at a hospital in the time between the incident and his arrest.

Cut 8 (10) “…in parish prison.”

A dispute over property lines and a driveway that lead to a fatal shooting has ended in a murder conviction.  Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain, who served as sheriff of St. Tammany from 1996 to 2015, is reportedly under investigation for allegedly molesting several juveniles. If there’s enough evidence to charge Strain, can St. Tammany D-A Warren Montgomery prosecute him? Legal analyst Tim Meche says yes.

Cut 9 (08) “…recusing himself.″

Baton Rouge Police say the 18-year-old son of Alton Sterling, Cameron Sterling, has been arrested and faces a charge of first-degree rape of an 8-year-old boy he was babysitting last weekend.  Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says the victim is a relative of Sterling.
Cut 7 (12) “…arrested last night”
Cameron Sterling’s father, Alton Sterling, was shot to death by police in 2016, triggering nationwide protests.
Congressman Ralph Abraham says a new poll he funded shows he’s the Republican to beat Democrat John Bel Edwards in next year’s governor’s race. President of the Remington Research Group Titus Bond says his poll shows Abraham has replaced Senator John Kennedy as the G-O-P’s favorite to beat Edwards.

Cut 13 (06) “…for governor”
Eric Holl, a spokesperson for a group working to re-elect Edwards, calls the Abraham funded poll a desperate plea for credibility as rumors swirl that other republicans plan to enter the race.