Louisiana is preparing to sue California over a new law that goes into effect on January 1st that bans the sale of alligator skins. The law has actually been on the books since the 1970s, but exemptions were put in place, but the latest exemption sunsets on January 1st. So Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry says they are ready to go to court…
cut 15 (11) “….an adverse approach to”
The law was originally passed at a time when the alligator population was low.

New Orleans, Shreveport, and Baton Rouge make Wallethub’s list of top 25 cities most in need of charitable giving this holiday season. The Crescent city came in at three, and mainly because of food insecurity. Wallethub analyst Jill Gonzales says it’s a persistent issue in New Orleans…
Cut 4 (09) “…should be”

The AP reports nearly all of Louisiana’s legislators are utilizing a perk of the job that allows them to buy postseason tickets for LSU football games at face value. The LSU policy is paying off big this year, with lawmakers saving nearly 1,000 dollars for end zone tickets relative to the secondary market. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s a long-standing tradition.
Cut 10 (10) “request”
Legislators have the option to buy end zone seats to either the national semifinal in Atlanta or the national championship game on January 13th.

For five years, the Achieving a Better Life Experience program, known as ABLE, has helped parents who have children with disabilities, to save money without being penalized or losing benefits and services. The cutoff age is 26, but State Treasurer John Schroder supports legislation to raise the age to 46 to help disabled vets.
Cut 7 (06) “…in the program.”
There are currently 221 ABLE saving accounts in the state.

The state is preparing to file a lawsuit against California because of a new law that goes into effect January first which will ban the sale of alligator and crocodile skins. The law was actually put on the books decades ago, at a time the alligator population was not doing so hot, but Attorney General Jeff Landry says since then effective conservation efforts have been put in place…
Cut 13 (09) “…of that law.”
Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet says California is 30-percent of the alligator market in the world and if Louisiana alligators hunters lose that they’ll be in trouble.

It’s a story that comes up every time LSU football gets ready to play a big postseason game. State lawmakers getting the opportunity to buy tickets that are not available to the public. Several lawmakers say it is one of the few perks of a job that offers low pay and long hours. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says…
cut 12 (07) “…job”

Louisiana’s three largest cities are ranked in the top 25 of Wallethub’s cities most in need of charity for the holidays. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

U-S Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy say FEMA is committed to getting the U-S Virgin Islands to pay Louisiana contractors who provided immediate aid after hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Kennedy and Cassidy say many Louisiana contractors are still waiting on millions in past due payments for their work and have begun laying off Louisiana workers.

Louisiana is preparing to sue California over a new law that prohibits the importation of alligator and crocodile products into California. Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet says California is 30-percent of the alligator market as alligator is used to make shoes, wallets, and handbags. California legislators passed the law in an effort to curb animal cruelty and trafficking of endangered species. But Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry says California lawmakers are unaware of the booming alligator population in Louisiana or they just don’t care…
cut 14 (10) “…program”
Landry has told the California Attorney General that a lawsuit is coming.

The East Baton Rouge Metro Council voted along party lines against a legal settlement with the family of Alton Sterling. Sterling, a black man, was fatally shot during an encounter with two white police officers in July of 2016. The wrongful death lawsuit is set to go to trial in April.

The LSU football team’s SEC Championship season allows legislators to take advantage of a perk that gives them direct access to postseason end zone seats. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Three Louisiana cities made Wallethub’s Top 25 ranking for most in need of charitable giving this holiday season. New Orleans is third, Shreveport 19th and Baton Rouge is 21st. Wallethub analyst Jill Gonzales says the state’s high, high school dropout rate contributes to the need…
cut 5 (06) “…homelessness”

Louisiana’s three largest cities all feature in the top 25 of Wallethub’s cities most in need of charity for the holidays. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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LSU’s red hot season has legislators availing themselves of a perk that gives them direct access to post-season end zone seats not generally not available to the public. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Louisiana is joining in on a lawsuit to block the implementation of a California law passed sixty years ago that will finally go into effect in 2020 banning alligator products. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “ I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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New Orleans, Shreveport, and Baton Rouge make Wallethub’s list of top 25 cities most in need of charitable giving during the holiday season.

The Crescent city came in at three, and while the city is known for it’s cuisine, it ranked two in highest rate of food security. Wallethub analyst Jill Gonzales says it’s a persistent issue in New Orleans…

Cut 4 (09) “…should be”

Gonzales says it’s also due to the fact that many homes in New Orleans do not have the appliances, or space, for cooking or storing food.

The Capital came in at 21, but where New Orleans’ problems were health focused, Gonzales says Baton Rouge’s issues were very much economic. In particular the high school dropout rate…

Cut 5 (06) “…homelessness”

Shreveport was ranked 19^th, and Gonzales says the city economy is suffering, leading to very high adult and child poverty rates, which often results in people sleeping on the streets.

Cut 6 (08) “…people”

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For five years, the Achieving a Better Life Experience program, known as ABLE, has been helping the parents of individuals with disabilities to save money without being penalized or losing benefits and services.  The cutoff age is 26, but State Treasurer John Schroder is backing legislation to raise the age to 46 to help vets who develop disabilities later in life.

Cut 7 (06) “…in the program.”

There are currently 221 ABLE saving accounts in the state.  Schroder says he’s making the push because now that the ABLE program has been in existence for a number of years, data has emerged showing where improvements can be made to reach more participants.

Cut 8 (08) “…to do that.”

Schroder says the ABLE Age Adjustment Act isn’t a hand-out and is designed as an account to bridge the gap between insurance, benefit programs, and personal savings.

Cut 9 (10) “…$100,000.”
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The AP reports nearly all of Louisiana’s legislators are utilizing perk of the job that allows them to buy rare Tigers postseason tickets at face value.

The LSU policy is paying off big this year, with lawmakers saving nearly 1,000 dollars for end zone tickets relative to the secondary market. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s a long-standing tradition.

Cut 10 (10) “request”

Lawmakers are offered a range of tickets reportedly running 425 dollars a pop to 875 dollars for end zone tickets to the national championship in New Orleans. Tickets are also available for the Peach Bowl.

Pinsonat says the obvious attempt by LSU to buy Legislative influence using taxpayer money shouldn’t be allowed, but somehow continues to survive.

Cut 11 (10) “home”

95 out of 105 Representatives, and 38 of 39 Senators have taken LSU up on the offer this year.

Several lawmakers interviewed say it’s one of the few perks of a job that offers low pay and long, often unpredictable hours. Pinsonat doesn’t buy that excuse.

Cut  12 (07) “…job” 

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The state is filing suit against a California law banning transactions involving alligator products.  The law was passed in sixty years ago with implementation in 2020.  At the time of passage, the alligator population was not doing so hot, but Attorney General Jeff Landry says the sale of alligator products in recent decades has funded effective conservation efforts.

Cut 13 (09) “…of that law.”

Louisiana now has more alligators than registered voters.  Landry says he’s not sure if Californians are unaware of the booming population or if they just don’t care.

Cut 14 (13) “…animal rights activists.”

Landry says he has given a heads up of the oncoming lawsuit to California’s AG.

Cut 15 (11) “…an adverse approach to.”

Harvesting gator skin and meat is a nearly 60 million dollar industry.  California makes up 30 percent of the world’s alligator market.

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The Corps of Engineers New Orleans District has identified five flood mitigation projects across south Louisiana they feel stand a good chance of winning federal backing and eventually funding. Corps spokesperson Ricky Boyett says the requests for funding, which could run several billion dollars, aren’t just for additional levee building…

Cut 6 (11) “…structural”

The five studies looked at the south-central coastal region, the upper Barataria, the Amite River, Lake Ponchartrain and surrounding areas, and the West Bank of the Mississippi south of New Orleans.

After leading the Bayou Bengals to a 13-0 record and LSU’s first College Football Playoff appearance, Coach Ed Orgeron is being recognized as the Home Depot Coach of the Year. He’s the first Tigers coach to win the award since Les Miles in 2011 and the second ever in the 25-year history of the award.

Tough news for Saints fans as reports in the last 24 hours indicate both defensive end Marcus Davenport and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins will be out for the year. Davenport is 23 and Rankins is 25, and both figured to be young cornerstones to build the future defense around, but it’s two years in a row they’ve ended the season on IR. Of particular concern is Davenport…

Cut 14 (10) “tough”

That’s Locked on Saints publisher Ross Jackson

Two Acadiana hospital systems announce their intent to merge. Jennings American Legion Hospital and Lafayette General Health signed a letter of intent to explore a merger with LGH assuming management. LGH anticipates a $6-million investment in the merger. President David Callecod says that includes, infrastructure upgrades…

Cut 5 (11) “…based area”

Five flood mitigation projects around south-central and southeast Louisiana have been identified by the Corps as most likely to win federal funding. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut  2 (30) “..Matt Doyle.”    

A Shreveport man is jailed for allegedly stealing over $13-thousand worth of purses from an Alexandria mall. Authorities say 21-yr-old Donovan Mosely cut security tags of the Louis Vuitton handbags and dashed out with them. He hit both the Belk AND Dillard stores in the Pecanland Mall but is now in jail facing numerous charges.

Two Acadiana area hospital systems announce their intent to merge, with Lafayette General Health taking over the management and operations of Jennings American Legion Hospital. Leaders of both facilities want to keep high-quality medical care in the area. Jennings American Legion Hospital CEO Dana Williams…

Cut 3 (11) “…striving organization”

The goal is to have documents for the merger finalized next fall.

Tough news for Saints fans as reports in the last 24 hours indicate both defensive end Marcus Davenport and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins will be out for the year. Davenport is 23 and Rankins is 25, and both figured to be young cornerstones to build the future defense around, but it’s two years in a row they’ve ended the season on IR. Locked on Saints publisher Ross Jackson says of particular concern is Davenport…

Cut 14 (10) “tough”

Jennings American Legion Hospital signs a letter of intent to merge with Lafayette General Hospital, with LGH to assume management. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

After leading the Bayou Bengals to a 13-0 record and LSU’s first College Football Playoff appearance, Coach Ed Orgeron is being recognized as the Home Depot Coach of the Year. He’s the first Tigers coach to win the award since Les Miles in 2011 and the second ever in the 25-year history of the award.

The Corps of Engineers New Orleans District has identified five flood mitigation projects across south Louisiana they feel stand a good chance of winning federal backing and eventually funding. Among the potential projects, Corps spokesperson Ricky Boyett says the study calls for 1.4 billion to raise homes and businesses in south-central Louisiana, 500 million for levee work in St. Charles Parish, and several other 200 million dollars to 2 two-billion-dollar projects…

Cut 8 (09) “…interest.”

Tough news for Saints fans as reports in the last 24 hours indicate both defensive end Marcus Davenport and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins will be out for the year. Locked on Saints publisher Ross Jackson says the Saints D-line runs about nine players deep, and while those are two major holes to fill, they’ve got some rotation players who could potentially step up.

Cut 13 (10) “…passer”

Jennings American Legion Hospital signs a letter of intent to merge with Lafayette General Hospital, and LGH to assume management. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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Five flood mitigation projects around south-central and southeast Louisiana have been identified by the Corps as most likely to win federal funding. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut  2 (30) “..Matt Doyle.”    

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Two Acadiana hospital systems announce their intent to merge. Jennings American Legion Hospital and Lafayette General Health signed a letter of intent to explore a merger with LGH assuming management.

Leaders of both facilities want to keep high-quality medical care in the area, JAHL CEO Dana Williams.

Cut 3 (11) “…striving organization”

Lafayette General Health President David Callecod says they have relationships with several healthcare providers in the area and they expect to expand services as opposed to streamlining them.

Cut 4 (12) “…Jennings community”

LGH anticipates a $6-million investment in the merger. Callecod says that includes, infrastructure upgrades and integration, physician placement and recruitment, and technology.

Cut 5 (11) “…based area”

The goal is to have documents for the merger finalized Fall of 2020. In September LGH signed a letter of intent to merge with Ochsner Health System.

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The Corps of Engineers New Orleans District has identified five flood mitigation projects across south Louisiana they feel stand a good chance of winning federal backing and eventually funding.

Corps spokesperson Ricky Boyett says the requests for funding, which could run several billion dollars, aren’t just for additional levee building…

Cut 6 (11) “…structural”

The five studies looked at the south-central coastal region, the upper Barataria, the Amite River, Lake Ponchartrain and surrounding areas, and the West Bank of the Mississippi south of New Orleans.

The largest request for funding will be 3.2 billion dollars for New Orleans levees. Boyett says the levees are slowly sinking, and we’ll need a commitment to continually raise them back up to current standards.

Cut 7 (06) “…2073.”

Maintaining current levee protection levels is also necessary to meet National Flood Insurance requirements.

The study also calls for 1.4 billion to raise homes and businesses in south-central Louisiana, 500 million for levee work in St. Charles Parish, and several other 200 million dollars to 2 two-billion-dollar projects…

Cut 8 (09) “…interest.”

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The Louisiana Supreme Court rules today on a case between Jefferson Parish and Walmart that could determine whether large online marketplaces could be required to collect sales taxes on third-party retailer transactions.  Tax law expert Bill Backstrom says the ruling will impact the businesses providing the marketplace.

Cut 9 (10) “…with the marketplace.”

Jefferson Parish has been previously successful in two similar cases.  Backstrom says the tax administrators and businesses all over the country are waiting for the outcome of the case.

Cut 10 (12) “…to do that.”

New legislation could be enacted stemming from the issue.

Cut 11 (10) “…under state law.”

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Tough news for Saints fans as reports in the last 24 hours indicate both defensive end Marcus Davenport and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins will be out for the year.

Locked on Saints publisher Ross Jackson says losing two high level starters on the defensive line is a devastating loss not just for the team’s pass rush, but in the run game as well.

Cut 12 (11) “edge” 

Davenport had six sacks on the year so far and three forced fumbles. Rankins had two sacks since returning to the lineup in week four.

Jackson says the Saints D-line runs about nine players deep, and while those are two major holes to fill, they’ve got some rotation players who could potentially step up.

Cut 13 (10) “…passer”

Davenport is 23 and Rankins is 25, and both figured to be young cornerstones to build the future defense around, but it’s two years in a row they’ve ended the season on IR. Of particular concern is Davenport…

Cut 14 (10) “tough”

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Cut 15 (12) “…faculty.”

Cut 16  (10)  …bargain.”