Just over two weeks left in the legislative session, and several bills aimed at bringing down Louisiana’s extremely high auto insurance rates are nearing final legislative passage. Before taking a break for the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the State Senate approved several tort reform bills. Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot says among them is a medical transparency bill…

Cut 5 (11) “…medical bills.”

But Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau is not a believer that tort reform legislation is the answer to lower auto insurance rates…

Cut 6 (10) “…insurance rates.”

Another bill nearing the governor’s desk would say if a driver is found to be 51-percent or more at fault for a wreck, he or she is not entitled to any damages in a civil lawsuit.

One public service commissioner says one big culprit of the New Orleans blackout could be massive cuts in federal staffing. Commissioner Davante Lewis says power companies anticipate how much electrical load they need based on that day’s weather forecast; and lately, forecasts from the National Weather Service have been well off.

Cut 13 (08)  “…what it was.”

Lewis is blaming the inaccurate forecasting on the DOGE cuts that President Trump and Elon Musk carried out this year.

The patriarch of “Duck Dynasty” has died. Phil Robertson passed away Sunday at the age of 79. Greg Hilburn is a reporter with USA Today who has gotten to know the Robertson family very well. He says he will never forget the time when he was a kid when he asked for Robertson’s autograph when he was a quarterback for Louisiana Tech.

Cut 15 (09) “…as a child.”

The legislative session ends in 16 days, and lawmakers are close to passing auto insurance reform bill that they hope can bring down rates. Jeanne (“zhahn”) Burns reports.

Cut 1 (43) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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One public service commissioner implies that Sunday’s rolling blackouts in and around New Orleans could have President Trump and Elon Musk’s names all over them. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU has received a coveted Top 8 national seed in the NCAA Baseball Tournament. Jeff Palermo has more on the Tigers’ road to Omaha…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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There are a little over two weeks left in the legislative session, and several bills aimed at bringing Louisiana’s extremely high auto insurance rates are nearing final legislative passage. Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot led the effort on the Senate floor to pass a bill that would give the insurance commissioner more authority to reject rate increases. Talbot says an amendment was added to the legislation that would require insurance companies to make their rate filing requests public…

Cut 4 (13) “…propriety or not.”

Insurance companies and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple oppose the bill that’s backed by Governor Jeff Landry.

And before taking a break for the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the Louisiana Senate approved several tort reform bills. Talbot says that includes a medical transparency bill…

Cut 5 (11) “…medical bills.”

But Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau is not a believer that tort reform legislation is the answer to lower auto insurance rates…

Cut 6 (10) “…insurance rates.”

A tort reform bill that needs House concurrence to Senate changes before reaching the governor’s desk would say if a driver is found to be 51-percent or more at fault for a wreck, they are not entitled to any damages in a civil lawsuit. Luneau says it’s a bad bill…

Cut 7 (09) “…going to be difficult.”

Luneau says he has two bills that will go before House Insurance on Wednesday that he believes will help to lower rates. One of them makes it illegal for insurance companies to adjust an adjuster’s report without the knowledge of the adjuster or policy holder. He says this was a big problem following the hurricanes in 2020.

The senator also has a bill that prohibits the use of credit scores when factoring insurance rates…

Cut 8 (08) “…poor credit.”

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Today, the Senate will take up Representative Troy Hebert’s bill that would codify a rule put in place last year that allows employers to report a job applicant collecting unemployment who fails to show up for a job interview. Hebert is a Republican from Lafayette and says employers getting ghosted by their applicants has become more prevalent.

Cut 9 (13)  “…not show up.”

Hebert says in the current pilot program, only a very small number of people reported to the Louisiana Workforce Commission were deemed to have violated the conditions of their unemployment benefits

Cut 10 (08) “…they were given.”

Another component of Hebert’s bill would increase the number of work searches required to collect unemployment from three to five. He says, however, that he would like to see the rules better defined.

Cut 11 (08) “…us for approval.”

Hebert says by codifying this pilot program into law, it would remain in place regardless of future administrations. Earlier this month, Hebert’s bill passed the House on a vote of 73-to-24.

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One public service commissioner says there could be more blackouts like the one in New Orleans Sunday, and he says one culprit could be massive cuts in federal staffing. More than 100-thousand people in and around New Orleans were thrust into darkness in a series of rolling blackouts Sunday. Commissioner Davante Lewis says this was not the first time this year that a part of Louisiana was subject to rolling blackouts.

Cut 12 (07) “…second day in April.”

Lewis says they anticipate how much electrical load they need for a particular day based on that day’s weather forecast; and one day last month, the forecast from the National Weather Service was significantly off.

Cut 13 (08)  “…what it was.”

Lewis says if you want to point your finger at someone for that, two people that he implied could be to blame would be President Trump and Elon Musk.

Cut 14 (11) “…forecasting as well.”

Lewis says he will be fully investigating the blackout in New Orleans and will work to ensure that it does not happen in the future.

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The patriarch of “Duck Dynasty” has died. Phil Robertson passed away Sunday at the age of 79 following a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Greg Hilburn is a reporter with USA Today who has gotten to know the Robertson family very well. He says he will never forget the time when he was a kid when he asked for Robertson’s autograph when he was a quarterback for Louisiana Tech.

Cut 15 (09) “…as a child.”

Just before his senior season at Tech, Robertson quit football, forcing the Bulldogs to turn to their backup quarterback – a kid from Shreveport by the name of Terry Bradshaw.

Cut 16 (06) “…see that connection.”

Hilburn says Robertson never felt that he was being pushed out of football by the emergence of the future four-time Super Bowl champion and NFL Hall of Famer.

Cut 17 (14)  “…that Bradshaw did.”

Robertson founded the Duck Commander hunting company in 1972, 40 years before starring in “Duck Dynasty” on A-and-E. A public memorial service is being planned; the funeral and burial will be limited to family and close friends.

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The LSU Tigers are seeded sixth in the NCAA Baseball Tournament, which means they will not only host the regionals, but they will also host the Super Regionals. Coach Jay Johnson expected to receive a national seed…

Cut 18 (14)  “…playing here.”

LSU is 30-5 at home this season. And the Tigers offense can use some home cooking to get the bats going. The Tigers had just two hits in the final 15 innings at the SEC Tournament. Johnson says SEC pitching can lead to struggles at the plate…

Cut 19 (18) “…back to work”

LSU will open the Baton Rouge Regional at 2 PM by hosting Little Rock. The Trojans won the Ohio Valley Conference as an eight-seed. Little Rock is 24-32, the second worst record among the teams that made the 64-team field. Dallas Baptist and Rhode Island are the other two teams in the Baton Rouge Regional. Starting Pitcher Anthony Eyanson says playing at home the next two weekends was more interesting to him….

Cut 20 (12) “…at a time.”

Today is Memorial Day, a day in which we honor true American heroes. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says this country owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, including more than 11-thousand Louisianans.

Cut 14 (12) “…we enjoy today.”

Meginley calls this the most important holiday of the year.

This is the time of year when termites rear their ugly head. As such, there are things you need to do to protect your properties. LSU entomology professor Aaron Ashbrook says in Louisiana, there are two types of homes – homes that have termites and homes that will eventually have termites.

Cut 4 (11) “…within the state.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is responding to an overdose crisis in pregnant women with Project M.O.M, which stands for Maternal Overdose Mortality. MOM Program Director Carrie Templeton says in addition to increasing screening and improving access to care, connecting hospital and clinic providers is important for referral to rapid outpatient treatment. She says one valuable resource is the presence of Peer Navigators in some emergency rooms.

Cut 8 (12) “…that’s very popular.”

The patriarch of “Duck Dynasty” has died. Phil Robertson passed away yesterday at the age of 79 following a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. 40 years before “Duck Dynasty” premiered on A-and-E, Robertson founded Duck Commander in 1972. Even before then, Robertson was the starting quarterback for Louisiana Tech. His backup – Terry Bradshaw.

Today is Memorial Day, the day that many people consider to be the start of summer – although the solstice is still a few weeks away. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says in his view, this is the most important holiday of the year.

Cut 13 (09)  “…throughout the world.”

Those four-thousand are among more than 11-thousand overall who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Ceremonies were held throughout the state, including at all military cemeteries.

Looking for something to do this summer? Why not visit a state park! State Parks Director Brandon Burris says you may not know this, but they have great sleeping accommodations

Cut 12 (12) “…overnight recreation.”

Louisiana has an overdose crisis in pregnant women and the Louisiana Department of Health is responding. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The founding father of “Duck Dynasty” has died. Phil Robertson passed away yesterday at the age of 79. While no official cause of death was released, his family says he had been battling Alzheimer’s Disease since December. Plans for a public memorial service are in the works. The funeral and burial will be private.

Today is Memorial Day, the day that many people consider to be the unofficial start of summer. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says there will be several events throughout the state paying tribute to America’s fallen heroes.

Cut 15 (14) “…acknowledging this day.”

This summer, you can stay cool and enjoy the outdoors by visiting one of Louisiana’s 21 state parks. State Parks Director Brandon Burris says three parks have swimming pools where you can take a dip, and several other parks have beaches with swim areas…

Cut 11 (11) “…family out.”

The best part – the pools, the beaches and the splash pads are all no additional charge.

The Louisiana Department of Health is responding to an overdose crisis in pregnant women with Project M.O.M. – Maternal Overdose Mortality. In the next 90 days, Program Director Carrie Templeton is bringing hospital and community partners together to develop a plan to track data and performance to help develop best practices and pilot programs. She says improving access to care by training and supporting providers in multiple settings is key.

Cut 7 (11) “…earlier on.”

Sad news in the world of entertainment as the patriarch of Duck Dynasty has passed away. Phil Robertson died yesterday at the age of 79. While no cause has been released, his family says he had been battling Alzheimer’s Disease. There will be a public memorial service; plans are still in the works. There will also be a private funeral and burial.

The bracket for the NCAA baseball tournament is out.

Cut 23 (50) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.

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LSU may be the only Louisiana team vying for a spot in the College World Series, but the Tigers are not the only Louisiana team playing for a national title. LSU Shreveport puts its undefeated record on the line at 8:30 tonight against defending NAIA champion Hope International out of California. The Pilots enter tonight’s game with an incredible record of 55-and-0, and they’re looking to keep the momentum going to add to their all-time consecutive wins record across all levels of four-year collegiate baseball.

In case you’re wondering – and I know you are – the longest winning streak among two-year collegiate baseball is actually within reach of LSU Shreveport. Howard College out of Big Spring, Texas, set the record in 2009 with 57 wins in a row. If the Pilots run the table in the NAIA World Series, they will surpass that mark.

One team that may have a say in that is Loyola University New Orleans. The Wolfpack take on the University of the Cumberlands in an elimination game this afternoon.

Today is Memorial Day, a day in which we honor true American heroes. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says this country owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, including more than 11-thousand Louisianans.

Cut 14 (12) “…we enjoy today.”

Meginley calls this the most important holiday of the year.

This is the time of year when termites rear their ugly head. As such, there are things you need to do to protect your properties. LSU entomology professor Aaron Ashbrook says in Louisiana, there are two types of homes – homes that have termites and homes that will eventually have termites.

Cut 4 (11) “…within the state.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is responding to an overdose crisis in pregnant women with Project M.O.M, which stands for Maternal Overdose Mortality. MOM Program Director Carrie Templeton says in addition to increasing screening and improving access to care, connecting hospital and clinic providers is important for referral to rapid outpatient treatment. She says one valuable resource is the presence of Peer Navigators in some emergency rooms.

Cut 8 (12) “…that’s very popular.”

The patriarch of “Duck Dynasty” has died. Phil Robertson passed away yesterday at the age of 79 following a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. 40 years before “Duck Dynasty” premiered on A-and-E, Robertson founded Duck Commander in 1972. Even before then, Robertson was the starting quarterback for Louisiana Tech. His backup – Terry Bradshaw.

Louisiana has an overdose crisis in pregnant women and the Louisiana Department of Health is responding. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Today is the day that we all pay tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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This is the time of year when termites rear their ugly head. As such, there are things you need to do to protect your properties. LSU entomology professor Aaron Ashbrook says the very best thing you can do to protect your property is to call a professional.

Cut 3 (15) “…able to access.”

Ashbrook says in Louisiana, there are two types of homes – homes that have termites and homes that will eventually have termites.

Cut 4 (11) “…within the state.”

Ashbrook says even though you should leave termite treatment to the professionals, there are things you can do to protect your home from termites.

Cut 5 (10) “…survive and thrive.”

Ashbrook says underground bait stations also go a long way towards protecting your home from termites.

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The Louisiana Department of Health is responding to an overdose crisis in pregnant women with Project M.O.M, which stands for Maternal Overdose Mortality. According to LDH, accidental opioid overdose has been the leading cause of pregnancy-associated death in Louisiana since 2018.

Cut 6 (10) “…but it is.”

MOM Program Director, Carrie Templeton says the goal of the program is to reduce pregnancy-associated overdose deaths by 80% within the next three years.

In the next 90 days Templeton is bringing hospital and community partners together to develop a plan to track data and performance to help develop best practices and pilot programs. She says improving access to care by training and supporting providers in multiple settings is key.

Cut 7 (11) “…earlier on.”

Templeton says the sooner substance use disorder is identified the sooner lifesaving medications like Naloxone and Buprenorphine can be made available.

In addition to increasing screening and improving access to care, connecting hospital and clinic providers is important for referral to rapid outpatient treatment. Templeton says one valuable resource is the presence of Peer Navigators in some emergency rooms.

Cut 8 (12) “…that’s very popular.”

Templeton says there are resources on the MOM website at ldh.la.gov/page/project-mom. There’s link on the page for those who want to get involved labeled “collaborate with us.”

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State tourism officials say you can stay cool and enjoy the outdoors this summer by visiting one of Louisiana’s 21 state parks. Director of State Parks, Brandon Burris, says there are pools, water play grounds and beach swimming available to visitors at no additional charge. Burris says water playgrounds are located at several state parks

Cut 9 (11)  “…we have.”

Burris says the water playgrounds are located at Bogue Chitto, Chicot, Fontainebleau, Jimmie Davis, Lake Bruin, Palmetto Island, Poverty Point Reservoir, St. Bernard and Tickfaw from 8 AM to 8 PM…

Cut 10 (13) “…enjoy themselves.”

Burris says pools are also available at Chemin-A-Haut near Bastrop, Lake D’Arbonne in Farmerville and North Toledo Bend near Zwolle. He says several of their state parks also have beaches with swim areas…

Cut 11 (11) “…family out.”

Burris says if you are still looking to plan a summer getaway, consider a State Park. He says they have great sleeping accommodations

Cut 12 (12) “…over night recreation.”

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Today is Memorial Day, the day that many people consider to be the start of summer – although the solstice is still a few weeks away. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says in his view, this is the most important holiday of the year.

Cut 13 (09)  “…throughout the world.” (4,000 Louisianans died in WWII)

Meginley says this country owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, including more than 11-thousand Louisianans.

Cut 14 (12) “…we enjoy today.”

Meginley says there will be several events throughout the state paying tribute to America’s fallen heroes.

Cut 15 (14) “…acknowledging this day.”

Another jail break – this one in Tangipahoa Parish. 19-year-old Tra’Von Johnson escaped Thursday afternoon as jail workers were cleaning a flooded jail cell. He apparently got out during the very short time that a cell door and an outside door were open simultaneously. Sheriff Gerald Sticker says deputies thought they spotted him Thursday night, but an hours-long search came up empty.

Cut 13 (08)  “…on the loose.”

The House has passed a resolution asking the SEC not to schedule LSU home football games before six p-m in the month of September. Harahan Republican John Illg drafted the resolution after ESPN scheduled LSU’s September 21st home game against UCLA last season for 2:30 in the afternoon – and the heat got the best of many fans. 

Cut 4 (11) “…here in Louisiana.”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is holding another Click It or Ticket it campaign.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

In St. Martin Parish, sheriff’s investigators are looking for an LSU SEC championship ring that was stolen earlier this month. Major Ginny Higgins says the ring was among many items stolen from a home on May 13th.

Cut 9 (06)  “…of this ring.”

Two juveniles have been arrested in the case. They are not believed to be behind any similar burglaries.

Memorial Day weekend is officially underway, and Triple-A says more than 45-million Americans will be traveling domestically. Don Redman with Triple A says the vast majority of people will be traveling by car, with gas prices 45 cents cheaper than last year. He says, however, that gas prices alone usually don’t determine whether people travel.

Cut 9 (12)  “…industry this summer.”

The “Click It or Ticket” campaign ramps up seat belt law enforcement, increasing the likelihood of tickets for unbuckled drivers and passengers. LHSC spokesman Mark Lambert says this high-visibility initiative stresses buckling up to avoid fines and reminds drivers of seat belt safety to reduce crash fatalities.

Cut 6 (06) “…event of a crash.”

The House has passed a resolution asking the SEC not to schedule LSU home football games before six p-m in the month of September. Harahan Republican John Illg drafted the resolution after ESPN scheduled LSU’s September 21st home game against UCLA for 2:30 in the afternoon. The temperature at kickoff was 94 degrees with a heat index of 100, and Illg says that was too much for many fans to overcome. 

Cut 4 (11) “…here in Louisiana.”

The NAIA World Series begins today; and while all the talk is about the 54-and-0 Pilots of LSU Shreveport, they’re not the only Louisiana team playing. Loyola New Orleans is in the NAIA World Series for the first time in program history. The eighth seed faces third-seeded Tennessee Wesleyan. Wolfpack Coach Jeremy Kennedy says his team will have its work cut out for itself.

Cut 12 (06) “…juggernaut as well.”