Joe Biden presidential campaign co-chair and Louisiana Congressman Cedric Richmond says the former VP is ready to take on the “bully” in the White House…
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The St. John Parish’s sheriff’s office is investigating an alleged armed robbery that ended when an employee of a convenience store in LaPlace shot a suspected robber this morning. The suspect was shot and his condition is not known.

An NCAA official has told CBS sports the association will soon issue notices of Level One recruiting violations to at least six schools who were mentioned in the FBI’s investigation into corruption in college basketball. Tiger Rag Assistant editor Tyler Nunez says if LSU is one of these schools, coach Will Wade could lose his job…
cut 9 (12) “…him anything”
The search is on for Buddy Guy’s highway marker. The roadside sign in honor of the blues legend disappeared after it was hit by a vehicle last month. The sign was unveiled December seventh and stood along LA 418 in Lettsworth, the hometown of the eight-time Grammy award winner. Pointe Coupe Parish Tourist Commission executive director Jeanie Andre says the tourist attraction means a lot
Cut 4 (10) “…safely returned”

A highway marker that was just put up to honor Louisiana blues legend Buddy Guy is missing. Pointe Coupee Parish Tourist Commission executive director Jeanie Andre says the roadside marker was last seen on the ground after it was knocked down by a vehicle that drove off the road…

Cut 3 (10) “…it’s missing”

The sign was unveiled on December seventh and it was once standing along LA 418 in Lettsworth.

The American Gaming Association’s annual report showcasing 2018 casino revenue indicates Louisiana remained flat at just over two-and-a-half billion dollars, generating just over 600-million in total tax revenue for the state. Casino Association of Louisiana Executive Director Wade Duty adds more of a dip is making casinos hesitant to move on land.

Cut 12 (09) “…more business friendly.”

The Pelican Institute says their study reveals the Medicaid expansion led tens of thousands of Louisianans who qualified for Medicaid to drop their private insurance. Pelican Vice President for Government Affairs Renee Amar says about 450,000 people enrolled under the expansion, at an average cost to the state of 6,286 dollars a year, and many previously had insurance.

Cut 13 (09) “..year.”

But Louisiana Department of Health Policy Director Jeanie Donovan says a commissioned study by LSU shows the private insurance market barely budged after the expansion, and the clear majority of those who enrolled under the expansion are working, but low wage individuals who could not afford monthly premiums.

Cut 16  (13) “…with that”  

Donovan says the only market that saw a noticeable dip in participation was COBRA, because people losing their jobs opted to enroll in Medicaid instead.

The American Gaming Association says Louisiana casino gaming revenue remained flat in 2018. Matt Doyle has more…
voicer 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office says 49-year-old Kirk Bellard of Eunice and 38-year-old Marcus Guidry of Breaux Bridge were killed when their single-engine plane crashed on a levee along the Atchafalaya River outside of Opelousas. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.

A national study involving the Pennington Biomedical Research Center debunks the thought that taking vitamin D significantly lowers the chances of a person with pre-diabetes developing type 2 diabetes. Assistant LSU professor and local site investigator Daniel Hsia (Shaw) says there was a thought that vitamin D’s anti-inflammatory properties would have an effect on diabetes, but…
Cut 7 (09) “…reached.”
Hsia says people at high risk for type two diabetes should commit to lifestyle changes, instead of relying on Vitamin D supplementation.

The Pelican Institute says since the state implemented Medicaid Expansion in 2016 it has cost the state more than 145-million dollars a year, because able-bodied adults who do not have children, dropped their private insurance for taxpayer-funded insurance…
cut 15 (09) “…coverage”
But the state health department says a recent LSU study shows the number of Louisiana who has private insurance barely changed since the expansion.

Joe Biden presidential campaign co-chair and Louisiana Congressman Cedric Richmond says the former VP is ready to take on the “bully” in the White House…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A manhunt continues in Ouachita Parish for a 17-year-old escapee from the Green Oaks Detention Center who allegedly shot at deputies following a high-speed chase yesterday. Brandon Kaleb McClain is considered armed and dangerous. There is a heavy law enforcement presence in an area just outside of West Monroe, where McClain was last seen.

Louisiana casino gaming revenue was flat for 2018 according to the American Gaming Association. The Baton Rouge market’s gaming revenue declined by 17-percent and Casino Association of Louisiana executive director Wade Duty says a big contributing factor is likely the citywide smoking ban in bars and casinos that went into effect in May of 2018….
cut 11 (09) “…after the implementation”
The Lake Charles market saw the highest increase at 4.5 percent.

Extra Vitamin D does not significantly lower the risk for type two diabetes. That’s the conclusion of a national clinical trial. LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Center served as one of the trial centers and Doctor Daniel Hsia (Shaw) says vitamin D supplementation appeared to only reduce the risk of diabetes when participants with prediabetes had very low vitamin D levels…
cut 8 (09) “….difference”

The American Gaming Association’s annual report on 2018 casino revenue finds Louisiana’s remained flat at just over two-and-a-half billion dollars. Casino Association of Louisiana Executive Director Wade Duty…
Cut 10 (09) “…a slight decline.”
Duty says the approval of sports betting at casinos could have provided a boost to the state’s gaming industry.

Louisiana’s sole Democratic Congressman Cedric Richmond is serving as co-chair for former Vice President Joe Biden’s presidential campaign. Richmond says Biden is committed to doing the opposite of President Trump, and former Governor Bobby Jindal, by investing in education and healthcare.
Cut 4 (11) “…that”
President Trump has recently torn into Biden, calling him among other things a “loser”, “dummy”, and “the weakest mentally”.

The Pelican Institute releases a study that claims tens of thousands of Medicaid expansion recipients dropped their private coverage when they became eligible for Medicaid…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

And the state says Louisiana’s Medicaid program will spend about 400-million dollars less than expected this fiscal year, because of the tens of the thousands Medicaid recipients that were dropped from the program, because a computer check of their income found they were not eligible. Most of the 400-million is federal money and any state dollars saved has been spent elsewhere in the budget.

The Anthony Davis trade talks are heating up as ESPN reports the Lakers and Celtics are providing the Pelicans with trade scenarios for the six-time All Star. L-A is apparently willing to trade the fourth overall pick as part of its package and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarkowski says New Orleans could possibly use that fourth pick to get a young veteran. The Lakers are reportedly not offering up Kyle Kuzma. Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, told Sports Illustrated that the Celtics can trade for A-D, but he might only play one season in Boston. Davis reportedly only interested in signing a long-term deal with the Knicks or Lakers.

CBS sports reports that at least six division one men’s basketball programs will receive notices of allegations for Level One violations from the NCAA by the summer. The allegations are the result of the federal government’s recently completed investigation into corruption involving major college basketball. At least 20 schools were named in the FBI probe, including LSU.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is involved in a national clinical trial that found extra Vitamin D does not significantly lower Type Two diabetes Risk. Local site investigator Doctor Daniel Hsia says people at high risk for type two diabetes should commit to lifestyle changes, instead of relying on Vitamin D supplementation…
cut 9 (08) “….everything”
About 575-thousand Louisiana residents have diabetes.

New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond is serving as co-chair of Joe Biden’s 2020 national presidential campaign. Richmond says he began pushing for the former Vice President to run shortly after President Donald Trump was elected…
cut 5 (06) “….to run”
Biden unsuccessfully ran for President in 1988 and 2008.

The Pelican Institute says their study reveals the Medicaid expansion led tens of thousands of Louisianans who qualified for Medicaid to drop their private insurance. Pelican Vice President for Government Affairs Renee Amar says about 450,000 people enrolled under the expansion, at an average cost to the state of six-thousand dollars a year, and many previously had insurance.
Cut 13 (09) “..year.”
Pelican says if those enrollees began paying for their own insurance again, it would save the state 145 million dollars a year. But Louisiana Department of Health Policy Director Jeanie Donovan says a commissioned study by LSU shows the private insurance market barely budged after the expansion, debunking Pelican’s claim…
Cut 14 (08) “…significant.”

18 years after the 9/11 attacks, Congress passes legislation guaranteeing healthcare funding for first responders who got sick working in the aftermath. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The American Gaming Association’s annual report showcasing 2018 casino revenue indicates Louisiana remained flat at just over two-and-a-half billion dollars, generating just over 600-million in total tax revenue for the state.  The Baton Rouge market saw a steep 17.4% gaming revenue drop last year, likely due to the city-wide ban on smoking in bars and casinos put into place in May of 2018.

The Shreveport city council votes 6-1 to abolish a 2007 ordinance banning people from wearing pants below their waistlines.  ACLU Louisiana Legal Director Katie Schwartzmann says the law was racially motivated and a violation of first amendment rights. Police data shows the ordinance resulted in the arrest of 699 black men and 12 white men, although it is unclear if anyone was arrested for the violation alone.  Schwartzmann says the law could lead to a police interaction that might not end well.
Cut 7 (11) “…off the books.”
The 21-year-old man accused of setting fire to three historically black churches in St. Landry Parish now faces federal hate crime charges. U-S Attorney David Joseph says attacks against a group because of their religious briefs will not be tolerated. Legal analyst Tim Meche expects the feds will be the first to prosecute Holden Matthews

Cut 12 (10)   “…that fatal crash.”

Matthews is currently being held in jail without bond.

Joe Biden presidential campaign co-chair and Louisiana Congressman Cedric Richmond says the former VP is ready to take on the “bully” in the White House…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

With just over 2.5 billion dollars, the 2018 casino revenue is flat in Louisiana over 2017. Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

_______________________________________________

 The Pelican Institute releases a study that claims tens of thousands of Medicaid expansion recipients dropped their private coverage when they became eligible for Medicaid…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

____________

Louisiana’s sole Democratic Congressman Cedric Richmond has been named co-chair for former Vice President Joe Biden’s presidential campaign.

Richmond says Biden is committed to doing the opposite of President Trump, and former Governor Jindal, by investing in the people through education and healthcare.

Cut 4 (11) “…that”

There’s upwards of 20 Democrats running for the nomination, and Richmond says Biden wasn’t certain he wanted to run for President again but…

Cut 5 (06) “…to run.”

Biden unsuccessfully ran for President in 1988 and 2008.

President Trump has torn into the Democratic primary frontrunner in recent weeks, among other things calling him a “loser”, “dummy”, and “the weakest mentally”. Richmond says Biden is used to taking out bullies and adds the former Delaware Senator offers a stark contrast to the President.

Cut 6 (12) “the job.”

Biden is trailed in the Democratic primary polls by Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Kamala Harris.

 ________________________________________

A national study involving the Pennington Biomedical Research Center debunks the thought that taking vitamin D significantly lowers the chances of a person with pre-diabetes developing type 2 diabetes.

Assistant LSU professor and local site investigator Daniel Hsia (Shaw) says there was a thought that vitamin D’s anti-inflammatory properties would have an effect on diabetes, but…

Cut 7 (09) “…reached.”

It’s estimated that 575,000 Louisianans have diabetes, and 1.3 million are at high risk of developing the disease.

The study looked at 2,423 people in 22 centers across the nation and did find one potentially interesting avenue for future research. Hsia says a health vitamin D level is 30, but in the 110 people who had a deficient level of the vitamin…

Cut 8 (09) “…difference”

Hsia says the research reinforced the well proven notion that a simple, time tested prescription is still the best way to avoid developing diabetes.

Cut 9 (08) “…everything.”

___________________________________________________

The American Gaming Association’s annual report showcasing 2018 casino revenue indicates Louisiana remained flat at just over two-and-a-half billion dollars, generating just over 600-million in total tax revenue for the state.  Casino Association of Louisiana Executive Director Wade Duty says the rest of the nation is evolving due to consumer demand, but Louisiana is falling behind.

Cut 10 (09) “…a slight decline.”

The Baton Rouge market saw a steep 17.4% gaming revenue drop last year, and Duty says a big contributing factor is likely the city-wide ban on smoking in bars and casinos put into place in May of 2018.

Cut 11 (09) “…after the implementation.”

While Duty says he is more optimistic about incoming lawmakers to be more open to the gaming industry, the failure of the most recent legislative session to legalize sports betting will also combat revenue growth.  Duty adds more of a dip is making casinos hesitant to move on land.

Cut 12 (09) “…more business friendly.”

_________________

The Pelican Institute says their study reveals the Medicaid expansion led tens of thousands of Louisianans who qualified for Medicaid to drop their private insurance.

Pelican Vice President for Government Affairs Renee Amar says about 450,000 people enrolled under the expansion, at an average cost to the state of 6,286 dollars a year, and many previously had insurance.

Cut 13 (09) “..year.”

Pelican says if those enrollees began paying for their own insurance again, it would save the state 145 million dollars a year.

But Louisiana Department of Health Policy Director Jeanie Donovan says a commissioned study by LSU shows the private insurance market barely budged after the expansion, debunking Pelican’s claim…

Cut 14 (08) “…significant.”

Donovan says the only market that saw a noticeable dip in participation was COBRA, because people losing their jobs opted to enroll in Medicaid instead.

But Amar says the expansion was the first time that childless, able bodied adults were eligible for Medicaid, and those folks should not be incentivized to leave their private insurers.

Cut 15 (09) “coverage.”

Donovan countered saying the clear majority of those who enrolled under the expansion are working, but low wage individuals who could not afford monthly premiums.

Cut 16  (13) “…with that”