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.

Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh’s amendment to remove traffic cameras except for school zones and to mandate clearer signage passes the Senate and moves to the House. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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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.”

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The Louisiana Senate has approved legislation that seeks to eliminate enforcement cameras that issue tickets to motorists for traveling too fast or running a red light. 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 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.”

Seabaugh emphasized that violations will be treated as civil fines, not criminal offenses, and cities cannot report unpaid tickets to credit bureaus or place liens. He warned local governments against expanding cameras outside school zones, as doing so could result in malfeasance charges.

Cut 5 (04) “…outside the school zones.”

Seabaugh noted strong public opposition to traffic cameras, especially in areas where abuses have occurred. Although still favoring a full ban, Seabaugh sees this legislation as meaningful reform and a step toward greater fairness and transparency.

Cut 6 (12) “…just school zones.”

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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.”

Congressman Carter 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.”

Carter says when it comes to taking care of their health, men can look to women for inspiration, since he says women have historically been 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.

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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.”

Dr. Adolph says this new facility will give pediatric patients a healthcare facility of their own.

Cut 11 (14) “…into one facility.”

To mark the milestone, Ochsner and Benson have announced a new partnership with Make-A-Wish Louisiana. Adolph says there are many Make-A-Wish kids waiting for their wishes to come true.

Cut 12 (08) “…backlog over time.”

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

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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. Covington Republican Patrick McMath says obesity is a real problem in the state, and this legislation is step towards a healthier Louisiana.

Cut 13 (11)  “…synthetic ingredients”

McMath’s measure also prohibits SNAP recipients from using their benefits to purchase soft drinks.

Cut 14 (07) “…not nutritious.”

Democrats on the Senate Health and Welfare Committee have a problem with McMath’s bill dictating what low-income individuals can’t purchase with their SNAP benefits. Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews was the first one to speak out.

Cut 15 (06) “…for their children.”

McMath’s bill prohibits schools from serving school lunches that contain specific artificial colors and additives. Alexandria Democrat Jay Luneau questioned why single out school lunches; why not include sugary alcoholic drinks that adults consume?

Cut 16 (12) “…those things.”

The measure heads to the Senate floor.

A measure aiming to provide a new legal remedy for people incarcerated under non-unanimous jury verdicts – also known as Jim Crow juries – is headed to the full Senate. Promise of Justice initiative Attorney Claude Michael Comeau says S-B 218 is a necessary step to address historic injustices and to ensure fair trials for all Louisianians.

Cut 13 (10)  “…doing the right thing.”

Lafourche Parish District Attorney Kristine Russell testified against the bill. She noted that she has been focusing on child abuse cases for 20 years and says the conversation needs to continue because this bill is not the answer.

Cut 15 (10) “…at the time.”

The vote in Senate Judiciary Committee B was bipartisan – five to one.

The number of students accepting TOPS funding is on the decline. Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed says the trend started taking a U-turn a few years ago.

Cut 11 (09) “…program has declined.”

Reed notes that there are bills in the legislature designed to make Louisiana a more competitive state for college-bound students and to ensure an affordable path to higher education.

A teenager is under arrest for the murder of a man outside an Amazon distribution center in Baton Rouge. Homicide detectives arrested 18-year-old Karl Nash in connection with the shooting death of 21-year-old Daylon Anthony. BRPD Sergeant Darren Ahmed says Nash turned himself in.

Cut 6 (05) “…violent crimes unit office.”

Investigators say the two men were involved in a verbal and physical altercation outside the distribution center Monday night. Nash has been charged with Second Degree Murder and Illegal Use of a Weapon.

A bill that would ban wagering on the outcomes of elections advances to the full Senate. Secretary of State Nancy Landry testified in support of the bill, noting that such a rule already exists for election staff.

Cut 4 (12) “…should apply statewide.”

The vote in the Governmental Affairs Committee was unanimous, increasing its odds of eventually ending up on Governor Landry’s desk.

The number of students accepting TOPS funding has been going down for a few years. Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed says one reason is that some students decide not to continue their education beyond high school.

Cut 10 (12) “…to be eligible.”

A bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee B aims to provide a new legal remedy for people incarcerated under non-unanimous jury verdicts. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A new exhibit opens next Friday in New Orleans, honoring the women who played an essential role in making Mardi Gras what it is today. The Pioneers of Women’s Carnival will feature costumes, photos, ball favors and parade throws. It will be on display at the Presbytere on Jackson Square beginning May 9th.

A bill introduced by Senator Royce Duplessis aims to provide a new legal remedy for people incarcerated under non-unanimous jury verdicts, also known as Jim Crow juries. The bill passed a Senate committee with bipartisan support in a 5-1 vote and now heads to the full Senate. Promise of Justice initiative Attorney Claude Michael Comeau testified in favor of the bill, saying it would allow those convicted by non-unanimous juries to seek post-conviction relief.

Cut 12 (05) “…a new trial.”

Lafourche Parish District Attorney Kristine Russell has been focusing on Child Abuse cases for 20 years. She testified against the bill, saying when she looks at her non-unanimous verdicts, there’s no question of guilt.

Cut 14 (14) “…not guilty.”

The number of students accepting TOPS funding has been going down for a few years. Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed says one requirement is that students attend a college within the state of Louisiana, and many students are being lured to other states.

Cut 9 (09)  “…now for students.”

Amtrak will launch a new twice-daily service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama. Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross says the goal is to launch the new Mardi Gras line by mid-July.

Cut 16 (12) “…piece of track.”

The Mardi Gras line will also have four stops in Mississippi — Bay Saint Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula. Ross says the next phase is to connect New Orleans to Baton Rouge.

A man who has spent more than a quarter century on death row in connection with the death of his girlfriend’s nearly two-year-old daughter has had his first-degree murder conviction thrown out. Ouachita Parish District Judge Alvin Sharp ruled that Jimmie Duncan’s conviction was based on what experts say is junk science. Duncan remains behind bars, and Richard Webster with ProPublica says the big question now is – to what degree, if any, is Duncan culpable for the little girl’s death?

Cut 10 (19) “…newly-uncovered evidence.”

Senator Bill Cassidy is hailing the 17-and-a-half-billion-dollar investment that Woodside Energy Group is making in Calcasieu Parish. Cassidy says it’s going to yield thousands of new jobs.

Cut 11 (11) “…year once operational.”

In a Senate committee hearing, lawmakers passed a bill that would ban kratom. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

If you need to go from New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama, or vice-versa, you’ll soon be able to take the mornin’ train. Amtrak is putting the finishing touches on the new Mardi Gras rail line connecting the two cities. The goal is to launch the service mid-July. Officials say the next phase of the project is connecting New Orleans to Baton Rouge.

A senate committee advances a bill that would ban the sale of kratom. Senate Bill 154 by Monroe Republican Jay Morris seeks to ban kratom entirely.

Cut 4 (12) “…families and to individuals.”

David Lebrano supports the bill and spoke to the dangers of the drug.  Lebrano’s son died from an apparent kratom overdose, and he hopes to prevent others from experiencing this pain.

Cut 5 (11) “…gas station, headshops, anywhere.”

Critics like kratom user and advocate Wednesday Forrest-Bear say the ban would take away from people using the product medically to help manage pain.

Cut 6 (06) “…regulate.”

The House approves measures that seek to lower the payouts car accident victims receive in court. Jeff Palermo reports that supporters say the legal reforms will help drive down auto insurance rates.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Coming up tomorrow, the House is expected to take up a measure giving the insurance commissioner the power to block excessive insurance rate increases. The bill, which Governor Landry supports and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple opposes, was on the House agenda yesterday, but it was pushed back.

The House advances bills that seek to reduce the big payouts car accident victims get after filing a lawsuit. Among them is Baton Rouge Republican Emily Chenevert’s (SHEN-UH-VAIR) bill, which says if a driver is 51-percent or more at fault for a wreck, they are not entitled to damages.

Cut 13 (12)  “…cover that.”

Louisiana is once again participating in the federal SUN Bucks program. The program provides eligible children between the ages of five and 18 120 dollars to use on food during the summer months when they’re out of school. Tim Jenkins, the economic stability director for the Department of Children and Family Services, says for those already receiving SNAP benefits, there’s nothing that they need to do.

Cut 9 (09)  “…household SNAP card.”

The House Transportation Committee votes down a measure that sought to eliminate the state’s vehicle inspection sticker program. The bill’s author, Stonewall Republican Larry Bagley argued that the requirement to get your vehicle inspected is government overreach.

Cut 4 (12) “…keep up with them.”

Critics argue inspections are often not properly conducted, while supporters, including inspection station owners, insist the program promotes road safety and maintains vehicle standards. Inspection station owner Kathy Slavant defended the integrity of the inspections.

Cut 7 (11) “…in what we do.”

The vote to defeat the bill was 6-to-5. Bagley says he’ll attempt to bring the bill back for another vote.