3 people were taken to the hospital after being struck by a car near the entrance to Jazz Fest this morning. It happened a little before 10:30 this morning at Gentilly Boulevard and Lapeyrouse Street as people were gathering to enter the Fairgrounds for the start of the second weekend of Jazz Fest. The area has been cleared but the investigation into the crash is ongoing. The conditions of the those taken to the hospital have not been released.

A Louisiana program designed for mothers looking for an alternative to abortion is getting underway. The program, called Thrive: The Baby and Parent Network, was established by way of Act 561 of the 2022 regular legislative session, which was sponsored by Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds. He says it provides a telehealth service to help expectant mothers make decisions during pregnancy.

Cut 3 (08) “…a huge factor.”

The Thrive program is administered by the Department of Children and Family Services

Louisiana’s two Democratic congressmen send a letter to President Trump, urging him to reconsider massive cuts to AmeriCorps. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Louisiana House has approved legislation giving the Insurance Commissioner the authority to reject rate increases deemed excessive. Opponents to the measure say the Insurance Commissioner already has this authority, Slidell Republican Brian Glorioso disagrees…

Cut 9 (10)  “…striking it down.”

The Louisiana House approves legislation giving the insurance commissioner the authority to reject rate increases deemed excessive. The vote was 68-34, with all “no” votes coming from Republicans. One of the “no” votes came from Baton Rouge Representative Paula Davis, who previously worked for the Insurance Department…

Cut 10 (10) “…is good policy.”

Louisiana’s two Democratic congressmen send a letter to President Trump urging him to reconsider cuts to the AmeriCorps program. Trump and Elon Musk’s DOGE have reduced staff by 85-percent and eliminated more than one-thousand grants nationwide. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says AmeriCorps provides essential services, not just for those being served, but also for the volunteers themselves.

Cut 8 (06) “…over the country.”

A state program designed for mothers looking for an alternative to abortion will launch soon. The program, called Thrive: The Baby and Parent Network, was born from an act in the 2022 session by Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds, who says Thrive provides pregnant women with life-affirming care to build long-term stability.

Cut 5 (10) “…and Medicare plans.”

Future LSU Tiger and former Alexandria Senior High star running back J-T Lindsey is this year’s Warrick Dunn Award winner. The LHSAA Network gives out the prestigious award to the best high school football player in the state. Lindsey gives credit to his mother for pushing him to be the best player he can be….

Cut 12 (06) “…on me.”

Lindsey led the ASH Trojans to an undefeated regular season and a trip to the state championship game.

A Louisiana program designed for mothers looking for an alternative to abortion is getting underway. The program, called Thrive: The Baby and Parent Network, is administered by the Department of Children and Family Services and is operated by Texas-based Human Coalition. Senator Rick Edmonds, whose act in the 2022 legislative session established the program, says through a toll-free number or a live online chat, it gives pregnant women full access to Human Coalition’s team of nurses and social workers.

Cut 4 (08) “…kind of format.”

Louisiana’s two Democratic congressmen send a letter to President Trump urging him to reconsider cuts to the AmeriCorps program. Trump and Elon Musk’s DOGE have reduced staff by 85-percent and eliminated more than one-thousand grants nationwide. Baton Rouge Congressman Cleo Fields says those grants go towards essential services.

Cut 6 (09) “…after-school funding.”

Fields and New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter sent their letter after hearing concerns from Louisiana’s Republican Lieutenant Governor, Billy Nungesser.

The Louisiana House approves legislation that would give Louisiana’s Insurance Commissioner more authority to reject large rate increases. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A change to a bill aimed at banning speed cameras throughout the state. The Senate has passed an amendment by Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh that would allow speed cameras in school zones only and would treat violations as civil fines instead of criminal offenses. While still favoring a full ban, Seabaugh sees this as meaningful reform and a step toward greater fairness and transparency.

Cut 6 (12) “…just school zones.”

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approves a bill that would ban schools that receive state funding from serving lunches that contain ultra-processed foods, but not without opposition. Alexandria Democrat Jay Luneau questioned why single out school lunches?

Cut 16 (12) “…those things.”

Louisiana’s first Telecare Clinic for pregnant women is up and running. The program, called Thrive: The Baby and Parent Network, was established by way of Act 561 of the 2022 regular legislative session, which was sponsored by Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds. He says it provides a telehealth service to help expectant mothers make sound decisions both during pregnancy and after giving birth.

Cut 3 (08) “…a huge factor.” 

Construction is underway on the new Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. To mark the milestone, Ochsner and Benson have announced a new partnership with Make-A-Wish Louisiana. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Butch Adolph says there are many Make-A-Wish kids waiting for their wishes to come true.

Cut 12 (08) “…backlog over time.”

The new hospital is slated to open in early 2028.

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee has passed a comprehensive nutrition bill that would prohibit schools from serving lunches that contain ultra-processed foods. The measure would also prohibit SNAP recipients from using their SNAP benefits to purchase sugary drinks, like soft drinks. The bill’s author Covington Senator Patrick McMath…

Cut 14 (07) “…non nutrious”

Democrats believe its not a good idea to restrict SNAP recipients from purchasing sodas.

Congressman Troy Carter is announcing the relaunch of a bipartisan Men’s Health Caucus. The New Orleans Democrat says men need to take care of their bodies the same way as they meticulously care for their most prized possessions.

Cut 8 (13) “…in their bodies.”

The effort to ban unmanned traffic cameras that issue tickets is ongoing at the state capitol again. Sean Richardson reports Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh is supporting an effort to ban them outside of school zones…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson”

The Senate has approved an anti-traffic camera bill and the House will consider the bill soon.

State Police is investigating a fatal officer involved shooting in New Iberia last night. It happened at the intersection of Ann and Buckeye Streets. One person was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were harmed. No other details have been released.

Legislation giving the Insurance Commissioner the authority to reject rate increases deemed excessive has received approval from the Louisiana House. This proposal, backed by Governor Jeff Landry, was added to another insurance related bill and approved by the House on a 67-33 vote. Opponents say the Insurance Commissioner already has this authority, Slidell Republican Brian Glorioso disagrees…

Cut 9 (12) “….striking it down”

The amended bill heads to the Senate for more debate.

A bill that seeks to reduce the number of unmanned ticket writing traffic cameras continues to advance in the legislature. A bill to do just that was approved by the Senate this week and Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh added an amendment that says speed cameras that would issue citations will be allowed in school zones…

Cut 5 (04) “….the school zones”

The bill needs approval from the House before it heads to the governor’s desk.

Pediatric patients in New Orleans will soon have a hospital to call their own. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.

The search for a new president is down to two finalists, Chris Broadwater and Carrie Castille. Castillie is a Louisiana native and is currently an Agriculture and Natural Resources Consultant for the USDA. Broadwater is an attorney and a former state representative and was previously the interim chancellor for Louisiana Delta Community College.

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approves a bill that would ban schools that receive state funding from serving lunches containing ultra-processed foods. Covington Republican Patrick McMath says childhood obesity is a real problem, and this legislation is step towards a healthier Louisiana.

Cut 13 (11)  “…synthetic ingredients”

Alexandria Democrat Jay Luneau says why single out school lunches; why not include sugary alcoholic drinks that adults consume?

Cut 16 (12) “…those things.”

The measure passed on a four-three vote and heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

Congressman Troy Carter will be announcing the relaunch of a bipartisan Men’s Health Caucus for the 119th Congress this morning. The Democrat from New Orleans says it’s a way for Republicans and Democrats to come together to encourage men to pay attention to their health.

Cut 7 (10) “…more purposeful lives.”

Carter says men often ignore the warning signs that their body gives, but if the engine light comes on their vehicle, they are quick to bring it to a mechanic.

Ground has been broken on The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. Ochsner Health says this will be Louisiana’s top hospital for kids. Chief medical officer for Ochsner Children’s Hospital, Doctor Butch Adolph…

Cut 11 (14) “…into one facility”

The new Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital is slated to open in early 2028.

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee has passed a comprehensive nutrition bill that would prohibit schools that receive state funding from serving lunches that contain certain artificial ingredients and additives.

Much of the discussion on the bill centered around a provision in the proposed law that would prohibit SNAP recipients from using their benefits to purchase drinks, with over five grams of added sugar or artificial sweetener, which means soft drinks. The bill’s author Covington Senator Patrick McMath…

Cut 14 (07) “…non nutrious”

Democrats on the Senate Health Committee have a problem with restricting what low-income individuals can purchase with their SNAP benefits. Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews was the first one to speak out.

Cut 15 (06) “…for their children.”

The bill passed on a four to three vote and heads to the Senate floor.

The Louisiana Senate has approved legislation that seeks to eliminate enforcement cameras that issue tickets. Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey’s legislation would charge public officials with malfeasance in office if unmanned traffic cameras issue citations by mail. Before sending the bill to the House, Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh added an amendment that would allow mobile speed cameras in school zones, but signage needs to be posted notifying the public that red light cameras are in operation…

Cut 4 (09) “….not following the law”

TOPS acceptance rates have been on the decline since 2018. In 2023, only 81-percent of eligible students accepted their awards, a ten-year low. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says some high school grads are not able to pursue a college education right out of high school…

Cut 19 (12) “…to be eligible”

Reed says there’s an effort in the legislative session to increase the amount of TOPS awards.

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approves a bill that would prohibit SNAP recipients from purchasing soft drinks with SNAP benefits. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The House Natural Resources Committee has voted against a bill that would have allowed parish governments to vote over whether a carbon sequestration well is allowed in their parish. Some members of the public are concerned about the impact of carbon wells, which will store carbon dioxide, while opponents of the bill say the legislation will deter businesses from investing in Louisiana.

Construction is underway on the new Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. Dr. Butch Adolph, the chief medical officer for Ochsner Children’s Hospital, says the new facility will be five stories tall, totaling more than 340-thousand square feet, with a lot of dedicated pediatric space.

Cut 10 (14) “…in one place.”

The new Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital is slated to open in early 2028.

Today on Capitol Hill, New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter is relaunching the Men’s Health Caucus. Carter says let’s face it fellas, women are more proactive in controlling their health…

Cut 9 (07) “….for preventive measures”

Carter and others will announce the bipartisan caucus at ten Central time this morning.