As the chairman of the House insurance committee, Plaquemine Democrat Chad Brown expects to tackle insurance companies’ consideration of a driver’s credit in setting rates. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Governor John Bel Edwards proposes a 2020-21 budget to lawmakers today. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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A Mardi Gras ball at the L’auberge Casino in Lake Charles is thought to be the epicenter of a norovirus outbreak that’s infected dozens…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle 

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Plaquemine Democrat Chad Brown will serve as the chairman of the House insurance committee, a committee expected to be very busy during the session with bills aimed at lowering auto insurance rates. Brown expects to tackle insurance companies’ consideration of a driver’s credit.

Cut 4 (13) “…the rate making.”

Brown says there will be bills that address additional factors that legislators say contribute to higher rates.

Cut 5 (10) “…before they died.”

Brown says he doesn’t see a path to lowering insurance rates as being one-sided or partisan.

Cut 6 (08) “…be flushed out.”

The session begins March 9.

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Governor John Bel Edwards will propose a budget to lawmakers today that would see increased spending on education.  Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the spending is something Edwards has been pushing for years and now the state has the resources to do that.

Cut 7 (12) “…where we are”

The Governor’s 2020-21 spending plan is based on the anticipation that $103 million is added to the revenue forecast. Dardenne highlights boosts in spending to higher ed and K-12 education.

Cut 8 (07) “…throughout the years.”

Edwards has made his priority of early childhood education clear for his second term.  Dardenne says last year the state was able to put in a sizable investment and this year the state will come close to putting in that same amount, trying to address waiting lists for early education.

Cut 9 (09) “…the educational process.”
Last week, the Legislature’s new GOP leadership, House Speaker Clay Schexnayder and Senate President Page Cortez, refused to support the income forecasts recommended by nonpartisan economists which the Edwards administration had hoped to adopt.

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Natchitoches Police arrest a third suspect tied to a double homicide that took place last week at a home on Short Seventh Street.  Officer John Greely says on Wednesday, investigators were able to locate 22-year-old Jaleel Tousant at an apartment in the 500 block of North Street.

Cut 10 (08) “…surrender to us.”

The arrest comes following the Sunday surrendering of 17-year-old Daerieon Latchie and shortly after Tousant’s arrest, 21-year-old Jessie James Petite (pronounced P-T) Jr. turned himself in. Greely credits help from the public for helping nab the Tousant.

Cut 11 (07) “…past couple days.”

Greely says three family members who were harboring Tousant were arrested.

Cut 12 (10) “…to tolerate that.”

No further arrests are expected. 41-year-old Larry Batiste and 35-year-old Hiram Phillips, Jr. died during the January 27^th shooting.

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The Lake Charles L’Auberge is thought to be ground zero for an outbreak of norovirus that’s infected dozens of people.

The origin of the outbreak has reportedly been traced to a Mardi Gras ball held last weekend. Office of Public Health Doctor Frank Welch…

Cut 13 (11) “…virus.”

He says while it’s often called the stomach flu, it’s not actually related to the flu.

Symptoms include a lot of vomiting and diarrhea, but Welch says the good news at least is if you’re are infected you won’t be knocked out for long.

Cut 14 (08) “…day or two.”

Welch says it’s a common virus to find spreading on cruise ships.

Unfortunately, it’s highly infectious. Welch says a person can shed millions of noroviruses while sick and it only takes about ten to infect someone nearby.

Cut 15 (11) “…three days.”

The virus can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, direct contact with the infected, or consuming contaminated food or water.

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The 18th ranked LSU basketball team is working to correct the errors that led to Wednesday night’s 99-90 upset loss to Vanderbilt. Tigers Coach Will Wade says the Commodores had too many easy shots…

Cut 16  (19)  …got beat”  

LSU leaves today for a big game Saturday morning against 11th ranked Auburn, who has just two losses on the season. Wade’s team will need to win to stay in sole possession of first place in the SEC. The coach is looking for a bounce back performance…

Cut 17  (17) “Auburn team” 

Wade says if his team doesn’t learn from Wednesday’s loss, they’ll give up over 100 points on Saturday…

cut 18  (16) ” their score”   

About two-dozen Louisiana state fire marshal employees left for Puerto Rico today to assist with earthquake recovery efforts. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the Caribbean Island has seen its share of natural disasters lately…

Cut 5 (10) “…caused significant damage.”

23 deputies and personnel are on the deployment that’s expected to last 16 days.

Lawsuit reform and car insurance rate arguments are set to dominate the upcoming session, and a new group has been formed to push back against leading Republican proposals for TORT reform. Real Reform Louisiana Executive Director Eric Holl, a former Governor Edwards campaign staffer says insurance industry number crunchers analyzed this legislation…

Cut 7 (10) “…rates”

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announces the rollout of the Small Business Protection Act, helping business owners stay aware of proposed regulations that could impact their business operations.  Ardoin says businesses that sign up at smallbiz.sos.la.gov will get updates so that they are not blindsided by regulation changes.

Cut 10 (11) “…of the game.” 

The Act passed in the 2019 Legislative session and went into effect on February 1^st.

LSU is still seeking it’s next President and Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne spoke with Talk Louisiana about his interest in the job earlier today. Dardenne says he is interested in the job. He noted what a wonderful time it is to be a leader at the school.

Cut 12 (11) “…right now”

The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s office is on the scene of a plane crash that reportedly killed three.  Reports indicate the small Cessna was en route to Shreveport before crashing just north of Chatham.
Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announces the rollout of the Small Business Protection Act, helping business owners stay aware of proposed regulations that could impact their business operations. Ardoin says the goal is to protect businesses from overregulation.
Cut 9 (08) “…down the pike.”
Ardoin says businesses that sign up at smallbiz.sos.la.gov will get updated so they are not blindsided by regulation changes.
Louisiana is sending help to Puerto Rico as the island recovers from a devastating earthquake. State Fire Marshall Butch Browning says the deployment keeps officials sharp.
Cut 4 (11) “…and they do.”
Lawsuit reform and car insurance rate arguments are set to dominate the upcoming session, and a new group has been formed to push back against leading Republican proposals for TORT reform. Real Reform Louisiana Executive Director Eric Holl, a former Governor Edwards staffer opposes the Republican-crafted omnibus TORT reform bill he says is a giveaway to big business.
Cut 6 (12) “…to work”
Proponents of HB9 argue reducing the number of jury trials will save insurance companies money that they will then pass down to customers.

LSU still seeks it’s next President and Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne spoke with Talk Louisiana earlier today about his interest in the job.  If he gets the job, Dardenne would be the first former board member to ever hold the position. He was elected Student Body President while attending.

Cut 14 (13) “…couldn’t vote.”

Governor John Bel Edwards deploys 23 State Fire Marshal personnel to Puerto Rico to assist in the recovery from a recent earthquake and tremors. State Fire Marshall Butch Browning says Urban Search and Rescue specialists will survey and access damaged buildings.
Cut 3 (10)  “…longer if needed.” 
This is the first time for they’ve been deployed for an earthquake.
LSU is still seeking it’s next President and Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne spoke with Talk Louisiana about his interest in the job earlier today. Dardenne says he is interested in the job. There are reports LSU is considering splitting the job up for future hires between the leader of the flagship campus, and someone who would run the system. Dardenne buys both arguments.
Cut 13 (05) “…jobs”
…And a Zachary eighth grade science teacher has been arrested, accused of sexually abusing a teen and sending nude photos. 34-year-old Ellerea Silva turned herself in earlier today.

Lawsuit reform and car insurance rate arguments are set to dominate the upcoming session, and a new group has been formed to push back against leading Republican proposals for TORT reform. Real Reform Louisiana Executive Director Eric Holl, a former Governor Edwards staffer, recommends focusing on insurance policy that discriminates against the working class in favor of the rich, instead of lowering jury trial thresholds.
Cut 8 (12) “…record.”

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announces the rollout of the Small Business Protection Act, helping business owners stay aware of proposed regulations that could impact their business operations.  The Act passed in the 2019 Legislative session and went into effect February 1^st.  Ardoin says depending on the nature of the business, there can be plenty of regulation to impact operations.

Cut 11 (12) “…interest for this.”

Governor Edwards deploys 23 State Fire Marshal personnel to Puerto Rico to assist in the recovery from recent earthquakes.…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

Three Many High juveniles are under arrest on allegations of bullying and sexual assault. The trio was arrested Tuesday night, and reportedly is linked to an incident that was caught on video during late January showing a student who was held down and sodomized with an object. The video was shared on social media, and went viral.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announces the rollout of the Small Business Protection Act, helping business owners stay aware of proposed regulations that could impact their business operations. Ardoin says businesses that sign up at smallbiz.sos.la.gov will get updated so that they are not blindsided by regulation changes.

Cut 10 (11) “…of the game.” 

The Act passed in the 2019 Legislative session and went into effect February 1^st.

LSU is still seeking it’s next President and Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne spoke with Talk Louisiana about his interest in the job earlier today. Dardenne says he is interested in the job. He noted what a wonderful time it is to be a leader at the school.

Cut 12 (11) “…right now”

Governor Edwards deploys 23 State Fire Marshal personnel to Puerto Rico to assist in the recovery from recent earthquakes.  Kevin Barnhart has the story

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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A new organization headed up by a former Governor Edwards campaign staffer says Republican TORT reform efforts will not lead to lower insurance rates. Matt Doyle has more…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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About two-dozen Louisiana state fire marshal employees left for Puerto Rico today to assist with earthquake recovery efforts. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says they’ll inspect thousands of damaged buildings and determine what repairs are needed so they can be safely reoccupied

Cut 3 (06)  “…project” 

Browning says this is the first time the State Fire Marsha’s office has been asked to respond to an earthquake…

Cut 4 (11) “…and they do.”

Browning says the Caribbean Island has seen its share of natural disasters lately…

Cut 5 (10) “…caused significant damage.”

23 deputies and personnel are on the deployment that’s expected to last 16 days.

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Lawsuit reform and car insurance rate arguments are set to dominate the upcoming session, and a new group has been formed to push back against leading Republican proposals for TORT reform.

Real Reform Louisiana Executive Director Eric Holl, a former Governor Edwards campaign staffer opposes the Republican-crafted omnibus TORT reform bill he says is a giveaway to big business.

Cut 6 (12) “…to work”

HB 9 is being brought by Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo, who believes the legislation will lower auto rates in two to three years.

Holl says a nearly identical bill was brought last session and number crunchers from the insurance industry…

Cut 7 (10) “…rates”

Holl adds under oath last session insurance industry executives could not guarantee the legislation would actually lower rates.

Instead of lowering jury trial thresholds, Holl recommends focusing on insurance policy that discriminates against the working class in favor of the rich.

Cut 8 (12) “…record.”

Proponents of HB9 argue reducing the number of jury trials will save insurance companies money that they will then pass down to customers.

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Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announces the rollout of the Small Business Protection Act, helping business owners stay aware of proposed regulations that could impact their business operations.  Ardoin says the goal is to protect businesses from overregulation.

Cut 9 (08) “…down the pike.”

Ardoin says businesses that sign up at smallbiz.sos.la.gov will get updates so that they are not blindsided by regulation changes.

Cut 10 (11) “…of the game.” 

The Act passed in the 2019 Legislative session and went into effect February 1^st.  Ardoin says depending on the nature of the business, there can be plenty of regulation to impact operations.

Cut 11 (12) “…interest for this.”

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LSU is still seeking it’s next President and Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne spoke with Talk Louisiana about his interest in the job earlier today.

Dardenne says he is interested in the job. He noted what a wonderful time it is to be a leader at the school.

Cut 12 (11) “…right now”

There are reports LSU is considering splitting the job up for future hires between the leader of the flagship campus, and someone who would run the system. Dardenne buys both arguments.

Cut 13 (05) “…jobs”

If he gets the job, Dardenne would be the first former board member to ever hold the position. He was elected Student Body President while attending.

Cut 14 (13) “…couldn’t vote.”

________________

Cut 15 (11) “…you think”

Cut 16  (12)  …dominate” 

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About two-dozen Louisiana state fire marshal employees left for Puerto Rico today to assist with earthquake recovery efforts. They’ll help inspect thousands of damaged buildings and what repairs are needed so they can be safely reoccupied. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the Caribbean Island has seen its share of natural disasters…
cut 5 (10) “….caused significant damage”
The mission is expected to last 16 days.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announces the rollout of the Small Business Protection Act, helping business owners stay aware of proposed regulations that could impact their business operations. Ardoin says the goal is to protect businesses from overregulation.
Cut 9 (08) “…down the pike.”
Ardoin says businesses that sign up at smallbiz.sos.la.gov will get updated so they are not blindsided by regulation changes.

A new organization headed up by a former Governor Edwards campaign staffer says Republican TORT reform efforts will not lead to lower insurance rates. Matt Doyle has more…
cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Governor Edwards is warning local governments to protect themselves from a cyberattack and have important data behind a firewall…
cut 15 (09) “….successfully attack”
Edwards made the comments at a Louisiana Municipal Association meeting.

Louisiana is sending help to Puerto Rico as the island recovers from a devastating earthquake. State Fire Marshal personnel have been deployed and it’s the first time for Louisiana to respond to an earthquake, and State Fire Marshall Butch Browning says the deployment keeps officials sharp.

Cut 4 (11) “…and they do.”

23 deputies and personnel are on the deployment.

Eric Holl, a former Governor Edwards campaign staffer is leading up Real Reform Louisiana, a group dedicated to fighting against this session’s Republican TORT reform effort. Holl says claims it will lower auto insurance rates are false, and  a nearly identical bill was brought last session and number crunchers from the insurance industry…

Cut 7 (10) “…rates”

Republicans claim the bill will save insurance companies money.

Governor John Bel Edwards warns local government officials of the headaches that can be created by not being ready to withstand a cyberattack. Ransomware attacks have been the issue faced in the most recent attacks.  The hackers will hold data ransom until a ransom is paid with cryptocurrencies.  Edwards says he doesn’t want anyone trying to pay that tab.

Cut 14 (05) “…over and over.”

A Calcasieu Parish Sheriff deputy arrested for allegedly sexually abusing juvenile girls has been fired from the office. The charges allege 33-year-old David Monceaux abused three girls ages six to nine years old.