Today Louisianans can start enrolling in the newly expanded Medicaid program. Governor John Bel Edwards says the expansion will provide coverage for an estimated 375-thousand Louisiana workers, and it will save money by bringing more federal dollars back to the state and reducing state spending.

Cut 11 (08) “million dollars”

More information and enrollment can be found at heathy.la.gov

A bill has been signed into law that bans a common second-trimester abortion procedure. Pro-choice advocates say a dilation and evacuation abortion is the most common and the safest second-trimester abortion procedure. But Louisiana Right to Life Legislative Director, Deanna Wallace, disagrees.

CUT 4 (07)  “more convenient”

Louisiana is the sixth state to outlaw this practice.

A blind man from Metairie is suing McDonald’s for being refused service after walking up to a drive-thru window. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

Final passage has been granted to a measure that allows patients direct access to physical therapists without a doctor’s referral. Opponents of the legislation believe therapists don’t have the training of a doctor and could misdiagnose health problems. But Doctor Amanda Brewer with the Louisiana Physical Therapy Association says there has been extensive research showing direct access to a physical therapist isn’t dangerous

The full Senate has approved the state’s 26-billion dollar spending plan for the next fiscal year. It does not fully fund the TOPS scholarship program and it also cuts state funding for safety-net hospitals that provide care for the poor. Governor Edwards will push legislators to restore the cuts in a special session that begins next week.

Final passage has been granted to a bill that would allow patients direct access to a physical therapist rather than getting a doctor’s referral first. Dr. Amanda Brewer with the Louisiana Physical Therapy Association says this allows patients to able to get into physical therapy sooner and result in decreased cost for the patients and an increased quality of life.

CUT 7 (09) “country have”

Opponents of the legislation believe therapists don’t have the training of a doctor and could miss diagnose a life threatening health problem. Despite opposition, the measure now heads to the Governor’s desk.

Governor Edwards signs into law a measure that prohibits a common second trimester abortion procedure called dilation and evacuation. Louisiana Right to Life Legislative Director, Deanna Wallace, says this legislation ends a brutal practice known as dismemberment abortion, where an abortionist tears body parts from a live, unborn child….

CUT 3 (09)  “allow it”

But Amanda Allen with the Center for Reproductive Rights says they are concerned it’s getting more difficult for women in Louisiana to receive safe and legal care.

CUT 6 (11) “ever seen”

State courts have blocked similar legislation in two other states. Despite opposition, the law goes into effect on August 1.

A blind man from Metairie has sued McDonald’s after he was refused service when he walked up to the drive-thru window. New Orleans attorney Roberto Costales says it was late at night, so his client couldn’t go in the restaurant to eat and he can’t drive. Costales says McDonald’s is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act…
cut 15 (10) “…shift job”
McDonalds is not commenting on the lawsuit.

About 375-thousand Louisiana residents are now eligible for Medicaid coverage as enrollment began today. Governor Edwards spoke at an event in New Orleans to celebrate Louisiana’s expanded Medicaid program…
cut 10 (12) “…manage health”
For more information go to healthy.la.gov.
The state senate has approved a 26-billion dollar spending plan for next fiscal year. It does not fully fund the TOPS scholarship program and it cuts funding to hospitals that provide care for the poor. Governor John Bel Edwards is asking legislators to restore that funding by raising revenue in a special session that begins next week.

A measure to allow patients direct access to a physical therapist without first receiving a doctor’s approval heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. Emelie Gunn has more…
voicer 1 (31) “…I’m Emelie Gunn”

Governor Edwards signs into law a measure that prohibits a common second trimester abortion procedure called dilation and evacuation. But Amanda Allen with the Center for Reproductive Rights, says this law is part of a larger agenda to block women’s access to safe and legal abortions.

CUT 5 (07)  “second trimester”

But the Louisiana Right to Life says this law will prohibit dismemberment abortions, which tears apart the unborn child.

A bill that would allow patients direct access to a physical therapist rather than getting a doctor’s referral first has received final legislative passage. Doctor Amanda Brewer with the Louisiana Physical Therapy Association says once this becomes law if you hurt yourself gardening or twist your ankle playing basketball, you can call your physical therapist and immediately begin treatment.

CUT 9 (10) “physical therapist”

Louisianans can now begin enrolling in the newly expanded Medicaid program. Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says the coverage starts July 1, but the hope starts today.

cut 12 (09) “of yourselves”

More information and enrollment can be found at heathy.la.gov

A blind man from Metairie is suing McDonald’s after he was refused service when he walked up to the drive-thru window. Scott Magee’s attorney Roberto Costales says in this case, the blind have no recourse and no opportunity to purchase McDonald’s goods and services during late evening hours. He says this is a constant source of humiliation for Magee.

cut 14 (10)  “about it”

Costales says McDonald’s drive-thru only policy violates the American’s with Disabilities Act.

The full Senate has approved the state’s 26-billion dollar spending plan for the next fiscal year. It does not fully fund the TOPS scholarship program and it also cuts state funding for safety-net hospitals that provide care for the poor. Governor Edwards will push legislators to restore the cuts in a special session that begins next week.

A blind man from Metairie is suing McDonald’s after he was refused service when he walked up to a drive-thrue window. Michelle Southern has the story,…
voicer 2 (30) “….I’m Michelle Southern”

Patients would have direct access to a physical therapist without needing a doctor’s referral under legislation heading to the governor’s desk. Opponents said during the debate that physical therapists don’t have the training of a doctor and could miss diagnose a life threatening health problem. But Amanda Brewer with the Louisiana Physical Therapy Association says there’s been extensive research showing direct access to a physical therapist isn’t dangerous…
cut 8 (09) “….the patient”

Open enrollment is underway for a new expanded Medicaid program that officials say will be able to provide health coverage for an estimated 375-thousand Louisiana workers. Governor John Bel Edwards says it’s also a cost-effective way to insure more people…
cut 11 (08) “…million dollars”
Information on enrollment can be found at healthy-dot-la-dot-gov.

Today Louisianans can start enrolling in the newly expanded Medicaid program. Governor John Bel Edwards says he wants a better quality of life and better health outcomes for the people of this state, and he says that starts with access to coverage…:
cut 10 (12) “manage health”
More information on enrollment and qualifying can be found online at healthy.la.gov or by calling 1-888-342-6207.

After about an hour of debate, the state Senate passed its version of the operating budget proposal for next fiscal year. There are several cuts included in the $26 billion dollar spending plan, including to TOPS and the state’s safety net hospitals, but lawmakers in the upper chamber said hopefully they can be addressed in the second special session which begins Monday. Leaders from both sides now have 5 days to reach a compromise.

A blind man from Metairie is suing McDonald’s after he walked up to the window in the drive-thru line and was refused service. Scott Magee’s attorney Roberto Costales says his client wants late-night McDonald’s..:
Cut 13 (10) “drive-thru”
He says his client doesn’t want money, just wants McDonald’s to change the policy.

A measure to allow patients direct access to a physical therapist without first receiving a doctor’s approval heads receives final legislative approval:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Today is the first day people can sign up for Medicaid under the new expanded program. Governor John Bel Edwards and other state officials spoke at this hour about what residents can do to find out if they qualify. They estimate this will mean insurance for 375,000 people. For information about how to sign up or find out if you now qualify, log on to healthy.la.gov, or call 1-888-342-6207. Medicaid expansion will cover adults ages 19 to 64 with incomes up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level.

Governor Edwards signed into law a measure that would ban what advocates call “dismemberment abortions.” Pro-choice advocates say the common second trimester procedure, known as dilation and evacuation, is common and safe. But Deanna Wallace with Louisiana Right to Life disagrees…:
CUT 4 (07) “more convenient”
The law goes into effect on August 1.

A bill that would allow patients direct access to a physical therapist rather than getting a doctor’s referral first has received final legislative approval. Dr. Amanda Brewer with the Louisiana Physical Therapy Association:
CUT 7 (09) “country have”
She says this would be cheaper and allow people to get into PT sooner, which would result in a better quality of life.

A blind man from Metairie has filed a lawsuit against McDonald’s alleging the fast food chain discriminates against people who can’t see because of its drive-thru only policy during late-night hours. Scott Magee claims McDonald’s workers laughed at him and turned him away when he walked up to the drive-thru window. The company, who has until mid-June to respond, says they have a policy not to service pedestrians at the drive-thru.

Governor Edwards signs into law a measure that prohibits a common second trimester abortion procedure called dilation and evacuation. Louisiana Right to Life Legislative Director, Deanna Wallace, says this ends a brutal practice known as dismemberment abortion…:
CUT 3 (09) “allow it”
Those who oppose say this law say it creates an unnecessary barrier to women getting safe and legal abortions.

Governor Edwards is at this hour attending an event in New Orleans that marks the official kickoff of Medicaid expansion enrollment. He says Louisiana is simply bringing federal tax dollars home to put them to work for the poor…:

cut 1 (10) “in the first year”
Plans go into effect July 1st, and you can get more information online at healthy.la.gov.

A new poll from Southern Media and Opinion Research shows Governor’s John Bel Edwards approval and disapproval ratings have both gone up since February. Jeff Palermo has more…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The 2016 Atlantic Hurricane season begins today. NOAA predicts a near normal season with 12 named storms. GOHSEP Director Jim Waskom says major hurricanes can still hit in near normal seasons so it’s crucial Louisianians get a plan in place…:

CUT 2 (09) “disrupted”
Get says you can GetAGamePlan.org for helpful information.

Today, 375-thousand people in Louisiana can enroll in the state’s newly expanded Medicaid program called Healthy Louisiana. Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Doctor Rebekah Gee says getting more Louisiana residents insured through Medicaid will lead to a healthier state…
cut 6 (11) “…the state have”
People can apply for coverage by visiting healthy-dot-la-dot-gov.

Today is the first day of hurricane season. The director of the governor’s office of homeland security and emergency preparedness, Jim Waskom, says an added concern is the sediment buildup in rivers from flooding earlier this year. He says this could create additional problems, if we get a big storm…
cut 9 (10) “…emergency officials’

A new poll is out on Governor John Edwards approval rating. Southern Media and Opinion Research pollster Bernie Pinsonat says in February 34-percent of the respondents did not have an opinion on the governor, but now his favorable rating is up to 50-percent, but his disapproval rating is also up…
cut 10 (11) “…in February”
Edwards disapproval rating is at 40-percent.

The governor spoke at a conference today in New Orleans that’s looking at ways to preserve Louisiana’s coast. Coalition to Restore Louisiana spokesperson Jimmy Frederick says the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has already agreed to use the Mississippi River to direct sediment to areas that can help build the wetlands…
cut 14 (12) “…our nation”

Governor John Bel Edward’s approval and disapproval ratings are both going up. Southern Media and Opinion research pollster Bernie Pinsonat says the disapproval rating is up 15 points and that could go up if more taxes are raised in the special session which begins Monday…:
CUT 11 (11) “more taxes”
On the flip side, the poll shows Edwards approval rating at 50%, which is 9 points higher than it was in February.

A St. Amant man will remain in the Ascension Parish jail on new charges of second degree murder after allegedly giving someone a fatal dose of heroin which eventually lead to an overdose death. Officials say 21-year-old Andre Wilson is believed to have injected 20-year-old Abraham Said of Baton Rouge with a syringe of heroin. Witnesses say Said was later found unresponsive in the home, and died later at a hospital of an overdose. Wilson remains in jail on a $300,000 bond.

A three-day conference begins today in New Orleans to talk about Louisiana’s coast, which experts say is disappearing at a rate of 16 square miles a year. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Sources are reporting that former Saints defensive star Will Smith’s blood alcohol content was three times over the legal limit when he was fatally shot in New Orleans on April 9th. However, what that exact blood alcohol level was has not been confirmed, and there has been no statement from officials about the investigation regarding Smith’s B.A.C. level. Cardell Hayes was arrested as a suspect in the fatal shooting.