The number of substance-exposed babies born in Louisiana has tripled since 2008, according to the Department of Children and Family Services. DCFS Regional Administrator Michelle Faust says, last year alone, there were almost 15-hundred reported cases of substance-exposed babies. She says DCFS is having a hard time finding foster families for these challenging situations…:
Cut 5 (10) “their behavior”
Faust says over 4-thousand children are in foster care in Louisiana, and DCFS desperately needs more foster parents.

Two people were found dead early this morning in Natalbany in a rare apparent double homicide case in the community, according to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office. Authorities are now searching for the killer. They say the victims were shot to death in an SUV in the area just north of Hammond. State Police is assisting in the investigation.

In the latest Southern Media and Opinion Research poll, State Treasurer John Kennedy has a commanding lead in the US Senate race with 32%. Congressman Charles Boustany is second with 10%. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says
Democratic candidates Foster Campbell with 9 percent, and Caroline Fayard, who comes in at 4-percent, are still unknown to many voters…:
Cut 9 (10) “be for”
32-percent of those polled are undecided.

We’re entering the 100 most dangerous days for teen drivers, and AAA says teens are most commonly distracted by their passengers or their cell phone..:
cut 14 (12) “the wheel”
AAA spokesman Don Redman says it’s crucial for parents to talk to their kids about putting the phone down when they drive.

Sixty percent of teen crashes involve some sort of distraction, according to the AAA Foundation. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

An unrestrained woman who was a passenger in a vehicle that crashed sustained fatal injuries in Rapides Parish. State police say a vehicle driven by 19-year-old Mark Eldridge of Cottonport drove off LA Highway 1, lost control and collided with two fences and a tree. His passenger who wasn’t buckled up, 20-year-old Shakira Mingo of Mansura was pronounced dead at the scene. Eldridge was moderately injured.

State Treasurer John Kennedy has a massive lead in the US Senate Race according to Southern Media and Opinion Resarch’s latest survey. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says in last year’s Governor’s race, David Vitter had a big lead early on but Kennedy is a different kind of candidate…:
Cut 8 (07) “to explode”
Kennedy came in with 32 percent, followed by Republican Congressman Charles Boustany with 10-percent.

Domestic violence victims would be allowed to carry a concealed weapon with an expedited permit under legislation headed to Governor John Bel Edwards desk. Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges says this would allow victims to get the permit before they have to complete a concealed carry class..:
CUT 11 (12) “a gun”
Hodges says the permit is only good for 45 days, and you’d have to pass a background check.

A statewide poll shows Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy has a large lead in the U.S. Senate race, which is five months away. Emelie Gunn has more:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

As we enter the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers, AAA is advising parents to talk to their kids about distracted driving…:
CUT 15 (10) “that vehicle”
That’s AAA spokesman Don Redman.

According to the Department of Children and Family Services, the number of babies born addicted to drugs has tripled since 2008, as there were almost 15-hundred substance-exposed babies born in 2015. DCFS Regional Administrator Michelle Faust says that’s due in part to hospitals doing a better job of reporting these cases, and also because more people are addicts….:
cut 4 (11) “through withdrawals”
She says one of the main issues in cases like these is finding a good foster family willing to care for drug-addicted children.

The state House voted down a proposal that would put someone behind bars at least three years if they commit a felony with a weapon that results in a manslaughter conviction. The bill was being pushed by the family of slain Lafayette teen Austin Rivault who was shot by Seth Fontetnot. Fontenot spent just over 10 months in jail, which some thought was too lenient. Opponents didn’t think discretion should be taken away from judges.

According to the AAA Foundation, 60% of teen crashes involve some sort of distraction. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says this is important information to note as we’re entering the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers….:
Cut 13 (11) “on the road” 2x
Redman says on average over one thousand people die in crashes involving teen drivers each year.

The U.S. Senate election is five months away and Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy has a large lead in a Southern Media and Opinion Research poll of 500 likely voters. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says Kennedy drew 32-percent of the votes followed by GOP Congressman Charles Boustany with 10-percent. Pinsonat says the poll shows Kennedy’s favorable rating is at 62-percent:
CUT 7 (08) “John Kennedy”
Democratic candidate PSC member Foster Campbell follows at 9%.

The bill to allow domestic violence victims to carry a concealed weapon with an expedited permit has received final legislative passage. Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges says women who feel threatened can get this temporary permit if they receive a protective order from a judge…:
Cut 10 (09) “a deterrent”
The measure now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

As LSU’s Mike VI continues his treatment for terminal cancer, the 420 pound live mascot made another trip to Baton Rouge’s Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center for radiation treatment Wednesday. Mike was back in his house later in the day recovering from anesthesia, according to a release by the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.

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”