At the State Capitol, the legislature’s special session on the insurance crisis passes a first hurdle. A House committee approves a bill to make a $45-million incentive fund to help draw new private property insurers to Louisiana. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the fund will work, as it did after Katrina & Rita caused another crisis 16 years ago…:

CUT 14(09)      “…emergency room”

Donelon says it could help prevent thousands from losing their coverage and their homes. But Houma Representative Tanner McGee says the last time we did it, there were problems with the companies we did attract…:

CUT 12(09)      “…pay claims.”

The bill movers to the House floor for full debate. The session ends Friday.

Senator Bill Cassidy says federal Infrastructure Act money is bringing broadband internet to the state’s rural parishes, with progress already made in Morehouse Parish…:

CUT 01(34)      “…Thorington.”

An ESPN NFL insider reports the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos have agreed on a deal that would make Sean Payton the Bronco’s next head coach. The Saints would send Payton to Denver in return for the Bronco’s 2023 first-round pick and next year’s second-round pick. The NFL has not made an official statement as yet.

A proposal to create a 45-million dollar fund that would provide grants to insurance companies willing to write property insurance policies receives approval from the Appropriations Committee and heads to the House floor…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Palermo.”

Southern University in Baton Rouge is mourning the death of 23-year-old business major Reginald Elloie, who was killed Monday night in a single vehicle crash on Interstate 110. He is the fifth Southern student to be killed in the last two months.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is bringing broadband internet to Louisiana’s rural parishes. In his weekly press conference, Cassidy says federal funds from the Infrastructure Act (which he supported) have been flowing into Louisiana to provide expanded, faster internet access. He says Morehouse is a good example of the program’s progress…:

CUT 07(08)      “…reliable internet.”

He says more parishes have broadband project underway and the goal if for fast internet access to be available statewide.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell officially announces that Mardi Gras parade routes will return to pre-pandemic lengths. She says they have secured enough police security to cover everything…:

CUT 03(13)      “…City of New Orleans.”

Fat Tuesday is February 21^st this year.

At the Capitol, a House committee has just passed a proposal to put $45-million in surplus cash into an incentive fund to attract new private property insurers to the state, after about 20 either went insolvent of simply left after the storms of 2020 and ’21. That has forced tens of thousands into the state-run insurer of last resort, Louisiana Citizens, which is much costlier than the private market. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says there are companies interested in coming here, but Jonesboro Rep. Jack McFarland says he’s unaware of any…:

CUT 13(07)      “…willing to come.”

The bill must also pass the Senate before it can go to the Governor. Lawmakers intend to wrap their business this Friday. A number of lawmakers say further insurance reforms will be explored in the regular legislative session this spring.

Senator Bill Cassidy says federal Infrastructure Act money is bringing broadband internet to the state’s rural parishes, with progress already made in Morehouse Parish. Brooke Thorington reports…:

CUT 01(34)      “…Thorington.”

Northern Louisiana is on alert as freezing rain and sleet are reported in areas along the I-20 corridor. Expect very hazardous and slippery travel later tonight and into early Wednesday. Better to stay home, if you are able.

There is the potential for light freezing rain across the northern parishes tonight, into the overnight hours and through tomorrow morning. Louisiana Radio Network Meteorologist John Wetherbee says high temperatures will only be in the upper 30s today across north Louisiana and temperatures will approach freezing tonight…:

CUT 09(11)      “…early tomorrow.”

Wetherbee says the Winter Weather Advisory is for parishes along I-20.

Revelers receive welcome news from the City of New Orleans as Mayor LaToya Cantrell officially announces that parade routes will return to pre-pandemic routes and lengths. Interim Police Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says they are extremely pleased with the collaborative effort of law enforcement across the state to provide adequate security for carnival season…:

CUT 05(08)      “…everyone’s happy.”

Parade routes were abbreviated the last two seasons due to a shortage of police officers.

At the State Capitol today, a House committee advances a proposed 45-million dollar incentive fund that can be used to attract additional private property insurers to the state, but not without some debate.  House Insurance Chairman Mike Huval is an insurance agent in Breaux Bridge and says a similar program after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita helped revitalize the private property insurance market…:

CUT 11(10)      “…come also.”

That plan brought 5 companies to Louisiana when it was done in 2007, but Houma Representative Tanner Magee says several of them have since bailed…:

CUT 12(09)      “…pay claims”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says long-term property insurance reform legislation could be addressed in the regular session that starts in April.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is bringing broadband internet to Louisiana’s rural parishes. In his weekly press conference, Cassidy says Morehouse Parish is a great example, where there was once NO fast internet access at all…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…is connected.” 

He says more parishes have broadband projects underway and the goal is for fast internet access to be available statewide.

Mardi Gras parades return to their pre-pandemic routes this year. New Orleans Interim Police Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says planning began several months ago to ensure enough police officers were allocated from around the state to provide security for residents and tourists for Mardi Gras.

Cut  4 (10)  “…Mardi Gras season.” 

Broussard Police Department is investigating a nutty case of missing squirrel monkeys, Whitney Thomas Reports.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

There is the potential for light freezing rain across the northern parishes tonight, into the overnight hours and tomorrow morning. Louisiana Radio Network Meteorologist John Wetherbee says high temperatures will only be in the upper 30s today. The advisory is for parishes along I-20…

Cut 10 (09) “…close to freezing” 

Wetherbee says the advisory goes into effect tonight until tomorrow morning.

Revelers receive welcome news from the City of New Orleans as Mayor LaToya Cantrell officially announces parade routes will return to pre-pandemic paths and the Crescent City has secured enough police officers for carnival season.

Cut 3 (13) “…City of New Orleans” 

State lawmakers are debating a program to incentivize more insurance companies to cover properties in Louisiana. The Legislative Auditor shares a snapshot of the state’s insurance environment so members can make an informed decision.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

A report from the legislative auditor’s office finds that Black students are more than five times as likely to attend a D or F rated school than white students. So about 41-percent of Black students attend a school at the bottom of the grading scale, compared to just eight percent of white children.

There is the potential for light freezing rain across the northern parishes tonight, into the overnight hours and through tomorrow morning. Louisiana Radio Network Meteorologist John Wetherbee says high temperatures will only be in the upper 30s today across north Louisiana and temperatures will approach freezing tonight.

Cut 9 (11) “…early tomorrow.” 

The Winter Weather Advisory is for parishes along I-20.

The Broussard Police Department continues to investigate the theft of 12 squirrel monkeys from a habitat at Zoosiana over the weekend. Police Chief Vance Oliver says they have an idea of how the burglary happened.

Cut 7 (09) “..from that location.”

A squirrel monkey is the size of a squirrel and they do bite.

State lawmakers begin debate today on a program to incentivize more insurance companies to cover properties in Louisiana after several either left or went insolvent. House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue says he and others have concerns about the proposal and its…

Cut 10 (08)  “…intended goal.”
To give lawmakers a better picture of the property insurance crisis in the state, the Legislative Auditor released a report and how the Insure Louisiana Incentive Program worked in 2007. Ed Seyler with the Legislative Auditor’s office back then only five additional insurance companies came to the state but says it was measurable success….

Cut 5 (13) “…of their targets.”

The House Appropriations Committee is set to begin debate this morning on a plan by Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon to reduce the number of homeowners who have insurance through Citizens Insurance. Chairman Jerome Zeringue has authored the bill to create a 45-million dollar incentive fund to lure more private insurers to the state…
cut 11 (10) “…do this”
The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office has released a report on the state of homeowners insurance in Louisiana. Ed Seyler says the report provides other suggestions for legislators to consider…
cut 6 (07) “…percent or more”
He says lawmakers could give Citizens a pool of cash to help them with purchasing re-insurance, which could also lower premiums.

The search continues in Acadiana for the person or persons who stole 12 squirrel monkeys from a habitat at Zoosiana over the weekend. Police Chief Vance Olivier says they are reviewing video footage and they increased surveillance…
cut 8 (10) “…second attempt”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Broussard Police Crime Stoppers.

The third ranked LSU women’s basketball team remained undefeated last night with a 76-68 victory over the Tennessee Volunteers. Alexis Morris and Angel Reese led the way. Reese had 18 points and 17 rebounds, while Morris had a career-high 31 points. Morris believes with herself and Reese leading the way they can win it all…
cut 18 (08) “…all we need”
LSU is now 21-and-0.

At the state capitol today, debate begins on a bill to fund an incentive program to help with the state’s lack of property insurance options. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

A report from the legislative auditor’s office finds that Black students are more than five times as likely to attend a D or F rated school than White students. So about 41-percent of Black students attend a school at the bottom of the grading scale, compared to just eight percent of White children.

The Broussard Police Department is seeking the public’s help as they investigate the theft of 12 squirrel monkeys from a habitat at Zoosiana. Police Chief Vance Olivier…
cut 9 (11) “….fisheries as well”
The burglary was reported on Sunday. Squirrel monkeys are the size of a squirrel and are known to be very clever and can live up to 25 years.

With waterways already high and more rain on the way this week, the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch through Thursday afternoon for a large portion of north Louisiana. Meteorologist Jason Hansford…
cut 14 (13) “…area waterways”
And there’s the potential for some freezing rain in the northern parishes tonight and into tomorrow morning.

State lawmakers will begin debate today on a program to incentivize more insurance companies to cover properties in Louisiana after several either left or went insolvent. House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue says he and others have concerns about the proposal and its…
Cut 10 (08) “…intended goal.”

The Legislative Auditor’s Office has released a report on the state of property insurance in Louisiana…
cut 1 (32) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher

The Broussard Police Department continues to investigate the theft of 12 squirrel monkeys from a habitat at Zoosiana over the weekend. Police Chief Vance Oliver says they have an idea of how the burglary happened.
Cut 7 (09) “..from that location.”
A squirrel monkey is the size of a squirrel, so about a foot long, weighing two pounds. If you keep them as a pet, they are known to be very destructive, aggressive during breeding season and they can bite.

A large portion of north Louisiana, including Shreveport, Monroe, Natchitoches and Jena are under a flood watch through Thursday afternoon. Jason Hansford is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Shreveport and he says showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast…
cut 13 (12) “…the day Thursday”
There’s also a winter weather advisory for the northern parishes of the state as some of that rain may become light freezing rain starting tonight and lasting through the morning.