It’s been 100 days today since Governor John Bel Edwards took office, and experts say there was no “honeymoon” period for the start of this new state leader’s term. LSU Political Science professor Wayne Parent says Edwards has been dealing with extreme fiscal issues, and an uncooperative legislature…:
cut 4 (11) “the House”
He says even though Edwards was able to raise hundreds of millions in revenue, funding issues remain a problem for the new governor.

Citizens will get a chance to hear directly from the governor today and ask questions, on a Louisiana Radio Network hosted call-in show. The broadcast begins at 2:06 pm on radio stations throughout the state. Edwards’ press secretary is Shauna Sanford…:
CUT 9 (10) “great ideas”
LouisianaRadioNetwork.com for additional details.

The latest Louisiana Survey finds the majority of citizens polled oppose the removal of Confederate monuments. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Michael Henderson says 73% of people they asked said the statues should stay, and 47 percent of black residents thinks Confederate monuments should not be removed…:
CUT 11 (10) “been around”
But he says half of those surveyed believe the state should not issue licese plants which display the Confederate battle flag.

Izzo’s Illegal Burrito has filed a nearly $10 million dollar lawsuit against the owners of the Thibodaux-based Rouses supermarkets. It alleges that the grocery chain is pressuring developers to keep Izzo’s from opening locations where new Rouses shopping centers have opened or are under construction. The suit claims Rouses is doing this due to bad blood with Izzo’s over an incident involving a former manager at the burrito chain who went to work at the Rouses Mexican bar in Lafayette.

The latest installment of the 2016 Louisiana Survey finds most Louisianans still don’t agree with same-sex marriage. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A traffic stop in Port Allen nets over 450 pounds of marijuana, and the arrest of a Shreveport man, according to State Police. They say 56-year-old Carl Fuller was pulled over on I-10 in West Baton Rouge Parish for several traffic violations, then the suspect consented to a vehicle search and that’s where troopers located 466 pounds of weed.

Louisianians will have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Governor John Bel Edwards beginning today as the Louisiana Radio Network hosts the call-in show, “Ask The Governor.” Edwards’ press secretary, Shauna Sanford, says citizens are well aware of the pressing problems facing the state, and this show will allow their voice to be heard…:
Cut 8 (08) “to do”
The show will air today at 2:06 pm, and you can get a list of affiliate stations online at louisianaradionetwork.com.

Legislation that establishes a legal framework for surrogacy births is heading to the House floor. Under current law, a child born to a surrogate is considered the infant’s mother. Metairie Rep. Joseph Lopinto wants to change the law so the genetic parents are immediately the legal guardians of the child…:
Cut 13 (09) “going forward”
But opponents feel the woman who bears and delivers that child, is the mother.

Governor John Bel Edwards has had a busy 100 days in office, reaching that mark today. He’s following through with expanding Medicaid, and was successful in raising taxes, wiping out most of the 900 million dollar current budget year deficit. LSU Political Science professor Wayne Parent..:
CUT 5 (11) “to do”
Edwards has also had to deal with a series of weather-related tragedies.

A proposed law that would let genetic parents of surrogacy babies immediately become guardians of the child is headed to the House Floor. Currently a child born to a surrogate is considered the infant’s mother. President of the Louisiana Family Forum Gene Mills says they oppose third party gestational surrogacy…:
CUT 15 (09) “procreation”
But supporters says his measure protects both genetic parents and the surrogate.

A reserve New Orleans Police officer and longtime friend of Will Smith, has been removed from service as the investigation into the death of the former Saints player continues. NOPD says the move is being made out of an abundance of caution and to protect the integrity of the probe.

Governor John Bel Edwards’ monthly call-in radio show begins today on the Louisiana Radio Network. Halen Doughty has more…:
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You can find the list of stations that will air the show at louisianaradionetwork.com.

Today marks the 100th day in office for Governor John Bel Edwards. Jeff Palermo talks with a political analyst on a busy three-plus months for the new governor:
CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Edwards’ monthly one-hour radio show begins today on the Louisiana Radio Network. The show will air on 15 radio stations, and it will allow the governor to speak with Louisianans one on one to address their concerns in the state:
CUT 7 (09) “work together”
The show begins at 2pm and you can get more details at louisianaradianetwork.com.

The Louisiana Survey finds 53-percent of residents are still opposed to same-sex marriages even after last year’s historic Supreme Court ruling. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Michael Henderson says this percentage has decreased over the past three years. He says the poll also found 52-percent support religious freedom laws…:
Cut 10 (08) “religious reasons”
The same poll showed a large majority of Louisianians oppose removing Confederate monuments.

The casino market in New Orleans market saw the biggest drop in winnings than any other state gambling region in the state for March. State Police released figures Monday showing activity in The Big Easy fell 12.3 percent last month, the largest drop in Louisiana.

Governor John Bel Edwards announces enrollment for the state’s expanded Medicaid program starts June 1st. Edwards says this will give health coverage to working-class people, like workers in food service, tourism and construction. He says he’ll spend the next few weeks raising awareness about Medicaid expansion.
CUT 5 (09) “critical date”

The Louisiana Survey finds 53-percent of residents surveyed are still opposed to same-sex marriages even after last year’s historic Supreme Court ruling. Director of the LSU Public Policy Research Lab Michael Henderson says the survey also found 52-percent support religious freedom laws.
Cut 10 (08) “generally”

Talk of uncommitted delegates choosing Ted Cruz instead of Donald Trump for president is not true according to one of the members who said he has yet to make up his mind. Michelle Southern reports…:
CUT 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

A crop-duster pilot was killed in a crash is West Carroll Parish at around 9:15 this morning. Authorities says Daniel Morgan was found dead when E-M-S responded to the crash site. Sheriff Jerry Philley says it’s possible Morgan could’ve clipped a tree top before crashing. Philley says the Federal Aviation Administration will be investigating the incident.

Governor John Bel Edwards announced in a Senate committee that enrollment for Louisiana’s expanded Medicaid program will begin June 1st. Don Molino has more…
voicer 1 (28) “….I’m Don Molino”

The governor is slowing down on the building and expansion of facilities on Louisiana’s community college campuses, because of a lack of dollars in the state’s construction budget. Over half of the projects on the 280-million dollar list for the Louisiana Community and Technical College System have been put on hold.

Legislation that would allow for the sale of raw milk in Louisiana passes the Senate on a 23-12 vote. The bill’s author, Ville Platte Senator Eric LaFluer was passionate about the subject in his closing remaks…
cut 30 (10) “….this is a America’
The bill heads to the House for more debate.

Legislation that establishes a legal framework for surrogacy births is heading to the House floor. Under current law, a child born to a surrogate woman is considered the infant’s mother. Metairie Rep. Joseph Lopinto wants to change the law so the genetic parents are immediately the legal guardians of the child….
cut 29 (09) “…going forward”
Similar legislation was vetoed by former Governor Bobby Jindal.

Enrollment for the expanded Medicaid program will begin June 1, according to Governor John Bel Edwards. Edwards says the money saved by the expansion will go towards reducing cuts to healthcare and reinvesting in higher ed. He says this expansion will also reduce the amount the state pays for uninsured patients in Louisiana.

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Edwards says over 300-thousand people will be covered under this expansion.

Governor John Bel Edwards will make an appearance on the HBO series Vice, and his interview for the show will take place today. The governor’s press secretary Shauna Sanford says the episode will highlight college affordability and the future of higher ed.

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The episode will air in mid-June.

The talk about uncommitted delegates choosing Ted Cruz over Donald Trump is not true, according to one delegate who has yet to make up his mind. Luke Letlow, a Marco Rubio delegate from North Louisiana, says he is still not committed to either candidate.

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Letlow says he’s been approached by both the Trump and Cruz campaigns since Rubio dropped out.

Dead sea turtles are washing up on the Gulf Coast, and biologists are trying to figure out why. Director of the Institute of Marine Mammal Studies, Moby Solangi, says this is concerning because the Kemps Ridley sea turtles are endangered.

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Solangi says earlier this year, they also saw an increase in the number of dolphins dying.

Calling it the right thing to do for Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards announced that the enrollment period for Louisiana’s expanded Medicaid program will begin June 1st. Edwards says over 300-thousand people will benefit from the government paid for insurance. He says the expansion will also save the state much needed dollars…
cut 3 (06) “….million dollars’
The Medicaid expansion will cover more working poor individuals and the coverage will kick in on July 1st.

Governor Edwards is interviewing with producers of the HBO series “Vice” who is examing the rising cost of higher education for students. Edward’s press secretary, Shauna Sanford, this is an issue that’s important to the governor…
cut 14 (07) “….more people”
The show will air in mid-June.

Talk of uncommitted delegates choosing Ted Cruz instead of Donald Trump for president is not true according to one of the members who said he has yet to make up his mind. Michelle Southern reports…:
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

On this tax day, the Department of Revenue announces a Lafayette used car dealer has been arrested for tax fraud. Investigators say the owner of LA Auto Sales, Larry Dwayne Brown, underreported the sale price of dozen of vehicles, remitted too little sales tax and pocked the difference. It’s alleged he defrauded the state an estimated 20-thousand dollars.

Governor John Bel Edwards announced today that enrollment will begin June 1st for Louisiana’s expanded Medicaid program. Edwards says over 300-thousand Louisiana residents will qualify for the government health care under the new eligibility requirements…
cut 5 (09) “…critical date”
The Edwards aministration says the Medicaid expansion will result in a net savings of 677-million dollars in the first five years.

Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump has threatened a lawsuit over the possibility of uncommitted delegates from Louisiana going to Ted Cruz, even though Trump won Louisiana’s presidential primary. But Luke Letlow and three other uncommitted delegates have signed a letter, agreeing to stay uncommitted until the Republican National Convention….
cut 7 (10) “….will be”
Letlow was a Marco Rubio delegate.

Governor Edwards will do an interview today for the HBO news documentary series “Vice.” Edwards press secretary, Shauna Sanford, says the governor will discuss funding issues facing public colleges…
cut 13 (09) “…the country”
The show will air in mid-June.

Biologists have seen an increase in the number of dead sea turltes washing up along the Gulf Coast. Director of the Institute of Marine Mammal Studies, Moby Solangi, says the turtles could be suffering from toxins left over from oil spills, as well chemicals flowing out of the Mississippi River. Solangi says they are doing what they can to rehabilitate turtles struggling to survive
cut 11 (05) “….rescue facility”

June 1st will be the day that new enrollees can sign up for Medicaid under the expanded program. Governor John Bel Edwards says this expansion will reduce the amount the state pays for uninsured patients in Louisiana…:
CUT 4 (06) “10-percent”
He says it will also cut healthcare costs and improve health outcomes.

Newspaper reports indicated that Louisiana’s unbound GOP delegates were going to choose Ted Cruz over Donald Trump for president, but at least one says he’s not decided. Luke Letlow, a Marco Rubio delegate from north Louisiana, says he’s very conflicted about which candidate he will ultimately pledge his support, but they both have their strengths and weaknesses…:
CUT 8 (08) “general election”
He says he and three other uncommitteds said they will wait until the convention before making a decision.

Edwards will be interviewed today for an appearance on the HBO series “Vice” to discuss the future of higher education. The governor’s press secretary, Shauna Sanford, says this episode of the 30 minute news documentary will highlight college affordability…:
cut 12 (07) “affordability”
Sanford says the governor will address the problems facing universities, as well as the plans to remedy those issues.

The Louisiana Department of Revenue says a Lafayette used car dealer is facing charges in connection to a tax fraud scheme which robbed the state of tens of thousands of dollars. They say Larry Dwayne Brown, owner of LA Auto Sales, did not report the sale price on dozens of vehicles, he remitted too little sales tax and pocketed the difference. It’s estimated he defrauded the state of an estimated $20,000. Brown is booked with theft, penalty for failure to file and criminal penalty for failing to account for state tax monies.