While Bill Cassidy and his Republican challengers have dominated the news cycle in Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race, there are three Democrats who have entered the race. Andrew Greenstein reports.
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Where does Louisiana rank when it comes to auto insurance rates? Of course, near the top. Jeff Palermo has more.
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Leaders for a Better Louisiana is alerting the business community about a new workforce childcare tax credit that takes effect this year. Andre Champagne has the story.
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While Bill Cassidy, John Fleming, Blake Miguez and others duke it out for the Republican nomination in the U.S. Senate race, there are three Democrats who have also entered the race. The first to enter was Jamie Davis, who’s an elected member of the Democratic State Central Committee and had previously been elected to the Tensas Parish Police Jury. Davis says one of his biggest priorities is ensuring that quality health care is available to everyone, including those who live in rural areas.
Cut 4 (07) “…peace of mind.”
With immigration dominating the national conversation, Davis says those who are legally going through the asylum system need to be treated better than how they’re currently being treated.
Cut 5 (10) “…shouldn’t be deported.”
If Davis advances to the general election, there’s no guarantee that he will face Cassidy, since he has a fierce primary challenge to fend off. If Cassidy does survive, Davis says he plans on taking him to task for his vote that for all intents and purposes made Robert F. Kennedy Jr. the secretary of Health and Human Services.
Cut 6 (06) “…the President happy?”
Political consultant Tracie Burke and former Housing Authority of New Orleans Chief of Staff Jabarie Walker are the other two declared Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate.
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A new report on auto insurance rates in Louisiana shows both good news and bad news. Value Penguin insurance expert Rob Bhatt found Louisiana has the second highest auto insurance rates in the U.S., but premiums are three-percent lower in 2026.
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According to Value Penguin’s analysis, the average cost of auto insurance is expected to reach 327 dollars a month. Drivers in the towns in the of Sarepta and Hornbeck pay the lowest premiums, while those in Arabi and New Orleans have the highest premiums this year.
Bhatt says overall premiums are decreasing in Louisiana as a result of fewer accidents and lower inflation.
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Bhatt says there is more good news — shopping around for auto insurance providers can lead to 34-percent in potential savings.
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The beginning of Carnival also means the beginning of crawfish season – and with it, a little sticker shock. According to The Crawfish App, live crawfish is averaging $7.24 a pound, while boiled crawfish is averaging $10.10 a pound. Laney King, the founder of The Crawfish App, says these prices are nothing to worry about.
Cut 10 (10) “…is fairly normal.”
King says there are several reasons why crawfish is more expensive early in the season.
Cut 11 (12) “…supply right now.”
King says with the prices the way they are, you have two viable options – dig deep into your bank account to treat yourself to crawfish this weekend, or hold out just a little longer before prices start to come down to what you’ve been accustomed to pay for those tasty tiny crustaceans.
Cut 12 (13) “…the entire season.”
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Leaders for a Better Louisiana is alerting businesses of an expanded tax credit that helps provide high-quality childcare for employees. Barry Erwin, the chief policy officer for Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says the new Workforce Child Care Tax Credit is available to businesses which provide top notch child care within their own facilities or help pay their employee’s child care costs.
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Businesses can claim the credit on their tax returns beginning in 2027. Erwin says the new law doubles the value of the old credit and amounts to a huge change for this under-utilized tax incentive.
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Erwin says this enhanced tax credit will allow more parents to stay in the workforce while giving employers new tools to attract and retain top talent.
Cut 15 (09) “…very expensive proposition.”
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On Monday, LSU football signed the number-one transfer portal quarterback in Sam Leavitt of Arizona State. Jon Eagle, Leavitt’s former high school football coach at West Linn High School out of Oregon, says Leavitt is a very gifted quarterback.
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Leavitt helped lead West Linn to a 12-and-1 record and an Oregon 6A state championship after defeating Sheldon, 23-14, in 2022. Eagle says Leavitt has one of the best work ethics he’s ever seen as a coach.
Cut 17 (13) “…he didn’t like.”
Eagle believes Leavitt will flourish in new LSU head coach Lane Kiffin’s offensive system.
Cut 18 (11) “…that looks like.”