A bill to classify two abortion-inducing drugs as controlled and dangerous substances is headed to the governor’s desk after receiving final legislative passage Thursday in the Louisiana Senate. New Orleans Democratic Senator Royce Duplessis voted against the measure because the medications are also used for other reproductive healthcare needs.

Cut 12 (08) “…this is why.” 

But bill author, Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly argued the drugs will still be available and a person can possess them, if they obtain them with a valid prescription. Duplessis had some direct questions for Pressly.

Cut 13 (13) “..able to be  (2x)” 

The Senate has restored $24 million to go towards Early Childhood Education after it was previously cut in the House to balance the state budget. Louisiana Policy Institute for Children Executive Director Libbie Sonnier…

Cut 10 more revenue. :13

Sonnier says this means there will be 2,000 additional spots for young children to get a head start on their education.

And the Senate also restored teacher and support staff pay stipends of $2,000 and $1,000 respectively. The legislature adjourned Thursday for the holiday weekend and will return to the state capitol on Tuesday. And with the House expected to approve Senate changes to the budget, lawmakers could potentially wrap up the regular session early on Friday May 31^st instead of Monday June 3^rd.

The senate gave final approval to a bill that would classify two abortion-inducing drugs as controlled and dangerous substances. New Orleans Democratic Senator Royce Duplessis voted against the measure because mifepristone and misoprostol are also used for other reproductive health care needs. Bill author, Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly argued the drugs will still be available for persons with a valid prescription. Duplessis had some direct questions for Pressly.

Cut 13 (13) “..able to be  (2x)” 

Louisiana residents flying out of Louis Armstrong International Airport can now show their mobile drivers’ licenses or ID cards in L-A Wallet to pass through TSA. Governor Jeff Landry says this is just the beginning.

Cut 6  (12) “…follow suit. ” 

NOAA is forecasting an above-average Atlantic Hurricane season with 17 to 25 named storms. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Folks in Acadiana have something to brag about, as U.S. News & World Report names Lafayette as Louisiana’s best place to live. Mayor Monique Boulet says the secret is out about what a great place the Hub City is to live.

Cut 3 (11) “…invited to.” 

An 18-year-old male student at West Jefferson High School in Harvey was shot during dismissal from school today on the last day of the school year. The shooting took place across the street, but the school was immediately placed on Lockdown and the students all gathered in the gym for safe dismissal. According to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the shooting victim was transported to a hospital and is in stable condition. The investigation is ongoing. No arrests have yet been made.

A bill that would classify two abortion-inducing drugs as controlled and dangerous substances is headed to the governor’s desk after receiving final legislative passage today in the Louisiana Senate. New Orleans Democratic Senator Royce Duplessis voted against the measure because mifepristone and misoprostol are also used for other reproductive health care needs.

Cut 12 (08) “…this is why.” 

But the bill’s author, Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly argued the drugs will still be available with a valid prescription.

Travelers can avoid a bit of stress at the airport, as TSA at Louis Armstrong International now accepts LA Wallet. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Mel Bridges .”

Hurricane season begins a week from Saturday on June 1^st. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says last year proved to be an above-average hurricane season with 20 named storms, but Louisiana was extremely fortunate.  As to how we’ll fare this season…

Cut 11 (09) ” …of Mexico.”

A tragic auto accident on the I-210 Lake Charles Loop claimed the lives of three people yesterday. Lake Charles Police say a Chevrolet Malibu traveling west struck the rear of a Volkswagen Taos then continued through the median and struck another Volkswagen Taos traveling east. The driver of the Malibu, James Labove died at the scene. The driver of the eastbound Volkswagen, Derrick Dupre, and his passenger, Lisa Burnworth were transported to an area hospital where both succumbed to their injuries.

2024 Atlantic Hurricane season is looking grim according to NOAA’s prediction. LSU Climatologist, Barry Keim says a combination of record-warm sea surface temperatures and a La Nina atmosphere, which produces less wind shear, is why NOAA is upping the ante this season…

Cut 10 (12) “…weaken them.” 

U.S. News & World Report has named Lafayette Louisiana’s best place to live. Lafayette Mayor, Monique Boulet says it’s the culture, food, and entertainment in a family-friendly environment and she credits the investment of broadband more than two decades ago for the economic diversity that’s attracted new industries to the city.

Cut 5 (12)  “…different sectors.”

Shreveport came in second, followed by Baton Rouge and New Orleans as the best places to live in Louisiana.

LSU Baseball will play South Carolina at around 4:30 PM today. Yesterday, the Tigers took down one of the best teams in college baseball to advance into the winner’s bracket of the SEC Tournament. The Tigers blanked Kentucky eleven to nothing. Michael Braswell started the scoring with a solo home run on the second pitch of the game. Coach Jay Johnson says Braswell is playing to his potential…

Cut 16 (08) “…under his belt.” 

The Louisiana Public Service Commission gave Entergy Louisiana the go-ahead to add up to three gigawatts of economic solar power to its generational portfolio, which is the largest renewable power expansion in state history. Entergy Louisiana Director of Resource Planning and Market Operations Laura Beauchamp says the expansion is for business and should attract them to the Bayou State. Residential households are not eligible for this power and won’t see any upcharges.

Cut 12 (12) “…decarbonize.” 

NOAA’s prediction for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season in a word is grim. They are forecasting an above-average season.  LSU Climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 9 (10) “…seven majors.” 

Folks in Acadiana have something to brag about, as U.S. News & World Report names Lafayette as Louisiana’s best place to live. Mayor Monique Boulet says Lafayette offers the culture, food, and entertainment that Louisiana is known for, along with a family-friendly environment. She says their population has steadily increased because they have a good education and healthcare system and diversified their economy.

Cut 4 (11) “…interesting careers.” 

Boulet says there’s a lot of new energy in the city with an increase of young people choosing to settle in Lafayette and plenty of homegrown Grammy award-winning entertainment.

NOAA is predicting 17 to 25 named storms, eight to 13 hurricanes and four to seven major hurricanes this is year. It’s the most severe hurricane forecast ever produced by the government weather agency and it’s because of warm sea surface temperatures and La Nina, which allows for more tropical development.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission approves the largest renewable power expansion in the state’s history. Mel Bridges has more…
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

Legislation has been approved this year that’s intended to bring more private insurers into the state in the hopes competition will lower premiums. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says lawmakers are also looking to pass a bill that could provide immediate premium relief, by suspending the 10-percent surcharge Louisiana Citizens policyholders have to pay to receive coverage through the state’s insurer of last resort…
Cut 6 (06) “…legislative level.”
Under this bill the ten-percent surcharge will go away for three years for coastal residents and it will be reduced by five percent for Citizens policyholders outside of the coastal zone.

Folks in Acadiana have something to brag about, with U.S. News and World Report names Lafayette as Louisiana’s best place to live. Mayor Monique Boulet says the secret is out about what a great place the Hub City is to live.
Cut 3 (12) “…invited to.”
Boulet says Lafayette offers the culture, food, and entertainment that Louisiana is known for, along with a family-friendly environment.

Citizens Insurance policyholders may get some financial relief when it comes to premiums. Sean Richardson reports legislators are working on legislation that temporarily eliminates the ten-percent surcharge for coastal residents.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

That’s welcome news, especially since NOAA’s prediction for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season, which begins a week from Saturday, is above average with 17 to 25 named storms. They believe 8 to 13 will become hurricanes and 4 to 7 major hurricanes.

The Louisiana Department of Health is set to greatly increase the availability of mental health providers by expanding Medicaid reimbursement eligibility to provisionally licensed mental health professionals. Deputy Assistant Secretary for the state Office of Behavioral Health Robyn McDermott says one of the only major differences between provisionally and fully licensed mental health professionals is supervision.

Cut 7 (09) “…clinical directors.”

Memorial Day weekend officially kicks off summer activities and if you’re looking for a way to beat the heat, look no further than a Louisiana State Park. Parks Director Brandon Burris says they’ll officially open their pools and water playgrounds on Saturday.

Cut 14 (10)  “…Toledo Bend.”

For locations and hours visit lastateparks.com

The Louisiana Department of Health is set to greatly increase the availability of mental health providers by expanding Medicaid reimbursement eligibility to provisionally licensed mental health professionals. Deputy Assistant Secretary for the state Office of Behavioral Health Robyn McDermott says under the new plan, provisionally licensed professionals can help the 74% of people in Louisiana who have not yet had their mental health needs met.

Cut 8 (08) “…services.” 
Nationally, one in three people live in an area that doesn’t have any mental health providers. McDermott thinks this plan could help change that in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (12)  “…otherwise have.”

Publication of the final rule is expected by July 20th. If approved, the plan is expected to begin August 1st.

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Citizens Insurance policyholders may see some relief from high premiums as lawmakers are working on a bill that would suspend the 10% surcharge for coastal residents and reduce the surcharge for the rest of the state. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says based on conversations with Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple, a temporary surcharge reduction is doable.

Cut 5 (13) “…pull the trigger.” 
Entergy Louisiana is set to make the largest renewable power expansion in state history…that’s after the Louisiana Public Service Commission gave the thumbs up to add up to three gigawatts of economic solar power to its generational portfolio. Entergy Louisiana Director of Resource Planning and Market Operations Laura Beauchamp says the increased economic solar power says a lot to companies looking to relocate

Cut 11 (12) “…(x3) renewable power.”