Governor John Bel Edwards is mourning the loss of his mother, Dora Jean Edwards, who passed away this morning at age 87. Here is Edwards, during his first election night victory speech in 2015, giving his mom credit for his success…:

CUT 19  (08)        “…very much”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser addressed the elephant in the room when asked his thoughts on the state GOP…:

CUT 01(29)      “…Thorington.”

State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon asks state lawmakers to use $45-million in surplus money to make an incentive fund to attract new private insurance companies to write coverage for some of the thousands force to go to the state-run insurer of last resort, Louisiana Citizens. By law, Citizens’ rates are substantially higher than the private market, and homeowners are struggling to make ends meet. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder seems worried the plan may not work as Donelon intends…:

CUT 14(08)      “…it’s a maybe.”

Donelon says it worked after Katrina and Rita and it will work again, but the state must act fast so prospective companies know they mean business.

Demolition will start soon on the old Diamond Jack’s Casino in Bossier City. Yesterday, the state’s Gaming Control Board approved the sale of the property, paving the way for a nearly $200-million renovation that will revitalize the area and the city, developers say.