A report is out from Loyola, the ACLU, and Solitary Watch, showing Louisiana has a four times higher rate of the use of solitary confinement for prisoners than the national average.  Loyola Jesuit Social Research Institute Research Fellow Dr. Sue Weishar says over 500 prisoners in their survey reported solitary stays of more than a year, which she describes as torture.
Cut 3 (11) “…hopelessness”
The Department of Corrections responded, saying 3.75 percent of prisoners are in “restrictive housing” at the moment, and the use of solitary has declined in recent years following reforms.

A bill that would have allowed golf carts to cross LA 35 and other state highways within the town limits of Church Point is now one of only six bills to be vetoed from the recent legislative session.  Rep. Phillip DeVillier says the town already had a well thought out plan for permitting put into place.
Cut 6 (09) “…piece of legislation.”

Senator Bill Cassidy says a proposal to end surprise medical billing, lower the cost of prescription drugs, increase transparency in the healthcare system, and secure a patient’s personal data will get a hearing in front of a Senate committee today. Cassidy says a second Senate committee hearing will take place in July.  If both committees pass the measure, it heads to the Senate floor.

Cut 5 (07)“…it into law.”
Cassidy says the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019 faces hurdles but has a good chance of reaching the President’s desk.

The Governor has signed into law a bill authored by Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody allowing delivery services to bring low alcohol content adult beverages along with a food order to your front door.  Carmody says there is a catch, as only W-2 employees of delivery services can make the drop-offs, which disqualifies several popular services.

Cut 13 (08) “…has W-2 employees.”

New legislation signed into law will make it possible to have alcohol delivered with your food order. Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Beaches are shuttered along the Mississippi Gulf Coast as toxic algae blooms have popped up, likely as a result of the Bonnet Carrie Spillway’s opening. Beaches closed are in two of the state’s three coastal counties as a result of it. The blue-green water can cause rashes, diarrhea and vomiting in people who get to close to them.

The Saharan Air Layer, when dust from the Saharan Desert in Africa gets kicked up and swept into the atmosphere, has descended on Louisiana. While it may frustrate some allergy sufferers and create a somewhat strange milky white effect in otherwise blue skies, State Climatologist Barry Keim says there is a beautiful side effect to the weather phenomena.

Cut 8 (10) “…sunrise.”

Louisiana’s Hepatitis A viral outbreak is growing, primaryily targeting the homeless and drug users with 305 cases reported dating back to the outbreak that was declared in December of last year. Hep A can cause flu bug like symptoms, and jaundice in those who are infected. Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter says while we haven’t seen outbreaks in the thousands like some of our neighbors, it’s still a significantly more cases than normal.

Cut 10 (12) “…for us.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed legislation that allows restaurants and liquor stores to deliver low alcohol content to a person’s home. Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody says his legislation allows a company like Waitr to also deliver beer and wine with a food order…
cut 15 (06) “… the bill would provide”
The governor has also signed a bill allowing grocery and liquor stores to hire their own drivers to make home deliveries.

The statewide outbreak of Hepaititis A continues to grow with over 300 cases since January. Assistant state health officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says Hep A is a highly contagious liver infection and the state is hoping to contain the outbreak by vaccinating those who are most susceptible…
cut 11 (11) “…drugs”
L-D-H’s website says one person has died as a result of the virus.

Dust from the Sarahan Desert is covering the central gulf region, bringing with it beautiful sunsets, but the potential for respiratory issues…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is passing the torch to Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson. Brees sent an autographed Saints jersey in a frame to Williamson and a note included on the gift said passing the torch to you! The Pelicans released video of Williamson receiving the gift. Zion responded by saying he’s ready to take on the torch.

The first Senate Committee hearing on the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019 takes place today. It’s a legislative package Senator Bill Cassidy helped craft. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Allstate has released its America’s Best Driver’s Report and Baton Rouge is rated as the 188th safest driving city out of 200. New Orleans is 177th, Metairie 128th, and Shreveport 76th. Interstate 10 was listed as a risky road for Baton Rouge.

Governor Edwards has signed into law a measure that allows a company like Waitr to deliver low alcohol content to your home along with your food order. Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody authored the legislation and expects many Louisiana residents will take advantage…
cut 14 (09) “…container of alcohol”
But Carmody says the law does not allow you to order a margarita with your fajitas.

The state health department reports there have been over 300 cases of Hepatitis A since January, which is a significant increase for the highly infectious liver disease. Assistant state health officer, Doctor Joseph Kanter, says most cases of Hep A do not leave the patient with long term damage, but getting infected can be an unpleasant experience…
cut 12 (12) “…sick”
Kanter says L-D-H is working to vaccinate those who are most susceptible, which is the homeless and drug users.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy has helped craft the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019 and it gets its first hearing in front of a Senate committee today. Cassidy, who is a medical doctor, says the legislation will end surprise medical bills, increase cost transparency and lower prescription drug costs…
cut 6 (09) “…will be healthier”
The legislation has received bipartisan support in the Senate.

Dust from the Sharan Desert in Africa will continue to move across parts of Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the dust can create some respiratory issues and hazy conditions…
Cut 7 (09) “…situation .”
Keim says the dust reduces the chance of tropical storm activity and it also can help produce beautiful sunsets.

Louisiana’s Hepatitis A outbreak is growing, with 305 new cases since January. Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter says while we haven’t seen outbreaks in the thousands like other states, it’s still significantly more cases than normal.
Cut 10 (12) “…for us.”
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection, but it’s preventable with a vaccine and L-D-H has been aggressive in trying to vaccinate those who visit homeless shelters and rehab facilities.

The governor has signed into law a bill authored by Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody allowing delivery services to bring low alcohol content beverages along with a food order to your front door. Carmody says only W-2 employees of delivery services can make the drop-offs, which disqualifies several popular services.
Cut 13 (08) “…has W-2 employees.”
The governor has also signed a bill allowing grocery and liquor stores to hire their own drivers to make deliveries to homes.

Senator Bill Cassidy says a proposal to end surprise medical billing, lower the cost of prescription drugs and increase cost transparency in healthcare will receive a hearing in front of a Senate committee today. Cassidy says the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019 faces hurdles but has a good chance of reaching the President’s desk.
Cut 4 (09) “…what is in the bill.”
The measure is receiving bipartisan support in the Senate.

Parts of Louisiana will be covered by dust from the Sharan desert in Africa today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the massive blanket of dust has taken an epic journey to get here…
cut 9 (10) “….miles”
The dust creates air quality problems, but it also helps provide for spectacular sunsets and prevents tropical disturbances from popping up.

New legislation signed into law will make it possible to have alcohol delivered to your home along with your food order. Kevin Barnhart has the details.
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The LSU Vet School is receiving viral fame after equipping a turtle with wheels. 

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A former Playboy playmate has been arrested on drug charges by the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office. A deputy conducted a traffic stop over a brake light issue. Inside the car they found the driver and two passengers, one of which was Valerie Mason, a playmate of the month from 2008. The deputy searched the vehicle, finding 2 grams of meth and syringes.

Two men are behind bars for allegedly robbing and murdering a Natchez, Mississippi schoolteacher and then burying his body under garbage in an abandoned Ferriday food plant. McCray was visiting family across just across the state line after wrapping up his first year as an educator at Morgantown Middle School in Natchez, where he was named one of the district’s top ten teachers. Concordia Parish Chief Deputy David Hedrick…

Cut 14 (06) “…of him” 

Personal income growth was up four-percent in the first quarter of the year, outpacing the national average according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The news comes on the heels of an announcement by Coast Professional call center in West Monroe adding 146 jobs. Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the state’s FastStart workforce program will guide recruitment…

Cut 5 (11) “…to play.”