Big day today at the legislature as the House debates the state budget. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry’s push for a new law that would give the insurance commissioner more authority to reject excessive rates without actuarial data cleared another legislative hurdle. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The House Criminal Justice Committee agrees with the Senate, kratom should be banned in Louisiana. Sean Richardson has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health gave updates on measles and whooping cough cases throughout the state. Secretary Bruce Greenstein (“green-steen”) says the state epidemiology team launched an investigation into potential measles exposures after the department confirmed two cases in the state.

Cut 4 (06) “…cases were identified.” (No new cases identified)

Greenstein says while they may have gotten the upper hand on measles, the same cannot be said for whooping cough.

Cut 5 (14) “…whole of 2024.” (170 whooping cough cases so far in 2025; 154 cases in all of 2024)

Greenstein says what’s especially concerning is that whooping cough is especially dangerous for infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated.

Cut 6 (12) “…help protect them.”

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The House will debate the state budget today. The biggest question going into the session is whether the legislature would be able to keep teacher pay at its current level in light of the failure of Amendment 2 at the ballot box in March. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says they were able to do just that.

Cut 7 (11) “…in recurring revenue.”

McFarland says the budget sacrifices state funding for high-dosage tutoring.

Cut 8 (09) “…dollars are recognized.”

Governor Landry is looking to put 94-million dollars into the LA GATOR scholarship program, and McFarland says the House was able to keep that intact.

Cut 9 (08)  “…early childhood education.”

Whether the LA GATOR funding level remains intact in the Senate remains to be seen. Landry is expecting some pushback from Senators once the budget works its way into the upper chamber of the legislature. McFarland says the overall plan chops more than 100-million dollars off the budget, which he says is good because of a looming 86-million-dollar shortfall for the 2027 fiscal year.

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The Senate Insurance Committee approves legislation that would give the insurance commissioner more authority to reject rate increases without actuarial data. New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis strongly supports the House-approved bill. Duplessis says drastic steps need to be taken to address the insurance crisis…

Cut 10 (07) “…need this authority”

The bill also has the support of Governor Jeff Landry. But Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says his office already rejects rate increase proposals and the Executive Counsel for the Department of Insurance David Caldwell tried to make that point clear…

Cut 11 (11) “…done this.”

The meeting got contentious between Duplessis and Temple as the New Orleans Senator is frustrated Temple will not support this legislation

Cut 12 (14) “…red herring.”

Temple says this proposed legislation would be over-regulation of the insurance industry and would keep companies from wanting to write policies in Louisiana.

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A bill to ban kratom continues to make its way through the legislative process. The House Criminal Justice Committee voted for the legislation that’s already been approved by the Senate. The committee heard tearful testimony from David Lubrano Senior, who told lawmakers his son took his own life after he could not get over his addiction to kratom…

Cut 13 (10)  “…causing.”

The Mayo Clinic says kratom is an herbal extra that comes from tree in southeast Asia. It can be used a stimulant in low doses and as sedative at higher doses.

The bill’s author, Monroe Senator Jay Morris, says kratom use can lead to an elevated heart rate, seizures, psychosis, liver toxicity and even death. Lubrano says his son got hooked on kratom and decided to end his life…

Cut 14 (10) “…again.”

But there are those who say kratom is a better alternative than opioids when it comes to managing pain…

Cut 15 (09) “…to do?”

This man testified how kratom taken in its pure form has improved his life after suffering traumatic injuries from a fall…

Cut 16 (07) “…opioids.”

Opponents of the legislation are urging lawmakers to put more regulations on synthetic marijuana and allow people to buy and possess the pure form.

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Top ranked LSU baseball begins its final SEC series of the season tonight as the Tigers visit South Carolina. LSU has not named a starting pitcher for tonight, but plan to start Kade Anderson in game two on Friday and Anthony Eyanson on Saturday, allowing Anderson and Eyanson to pitch on regular rest. Eyanson has been terrific lately and Coach Jay Johnson says the right-hander has the qualities needed to be a great pitcher…

Cut 17 (22)  “…physical ability”

The Gamecocks are 5-22 in the SEC and in 15^th place. But Johnson sees talent on the South Carolina roster…

Cut 18 (18)  “…another weekend.”

South Carolina has struggled under first year head coach Paul Mainieri. The former LSU coach who came out of retirement last year to take the job in Columbia has faith he can build another winning baseball program, but admits this weekend will not be easy…

Cut 19 (19) “…beat the Tigers”

First pitch tonight is at 6 p.m.

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approves legislation that would make Insurance Commissioner an appointed position rather than an elected position. Senate President Cameron Henry testified in favor of the bill…

Cut 9 (12)  “…better rate.”

Henry says 39 states appoint their insurance commissioners; and among the ten states that have the lowest insurance rates, nine of them have appointed insurance commissioners. Tim Temple, who was elected as insurance commissioner in 2023, opposes the bill, saying an appointed insurance commissioner will not solve the state’s insurance crisis…

Cut 12 (10) “…Louisiana voter.”

The bill advances after no one on the committee objected to advancing the measure to the Senate floor.

The House is set to debate the state budget. The biggest question going into the session is whether the legislature would be able to keep teacher pay at its current level in light of the failure of Amendment 2 at the ballot box in March. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says they were able to do just that.

Cut 7 (11) “…in recurring revenue.”

Governor Landry is looking to put 94-million dollars into the LA GATOR scholarship program, and McFarland says the House was able to keep that intact.

The House Criminal Justice Committee advances a ban on kratom that’s already been approved by the Senate. The committee heard tearful testimony from David Lubrano Senior, who told lawmakers his son took his own life after he could not get over his addiction to the drug.

Cut 13 (10)  “…causing.”

A proposal to make Louisiana’s Insurance Commissioner an appointed position instead of being elected as it is now, heads to the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Governor Jeff Landry signed an executive order allowing Louisiana universities to pay their athletes. Jeanne Burns explains why the governor issued the order….

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns”

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Senator Bill Cassidy could be facing another opponent in next year’s Republican primary, and the first challenger is not happy about it at all. There are reports that President Trump and Governor Landry are trying to urge Congresswoman Julia Letlow to enter the 2026 race for Cassidy’s seat. The only major challenger so far is State Treasurer John Fleming, and he’s alleging that Trump, Landry and Letlow could be behind a backdoor deal, should Letlow be elected Senator.

Cut 3 (14) “…an educator herself.”

Fleming says he initially found that story to be so outlandish that he dismissed it, but he says he started believing it when he heard it from many different people. He says if that story is indeed true, the voters will be the ones who lose.

Cut 4 (13) “…and that’s problematic.”

Governor Landry’s office had no comment on Fleming’s claim. As always, anytime a governor appoints a replacement to fill a U.S. Senate vacancy, there would be a special election to fill the remainder of the unexpired term, unless the vacancy occurs close to the next regular election. Fleming says any governor who appoints themself to fill a vacancy would instantly give themself an advantage.

Cut 5 (09) “…everything for re-election.”

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Former Baton Rouge Mayor-President, lawmaker and reporter Kip Holden died today at age 72 after a lengthy illness. Holden started as a reporter before serving on the Metro Council, in the State House, and Senate.  Former Lt. Governor and State Lawmaker Jay Dardenne remembers serving in the legislature with Holden.

Cut 6 (11) “…work with everybody.”

In 2005, he became the first African American Mayor-President of East Baton Rouge Parish, holding the position for three terms until 2016. Dardenne says Holden loved people and was passionate about what he believed in…

Cut 7 (10) “…as a person.”

Dardenne says he will never forget one thing about Holden, and that’s his outfits…

Cut 8 (08) “…flashy character.”

He is survived by his wife Lois, five children, and two sisters.

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The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approves legislation that would make the Insurance Commissioner an appointed position rather than an elected position. Senate President Cameron Henry testified in favor of the bill…

Cut 9 (12)  “…better rate.”

Henry says 39 other states have appointed insurance commissioners; and of the ten states with the lowest insurance rates in the country, nine have appointed insurance commissioners.

This is not the first time a state lawmaker has proposed that the insurance commissioner should be appointed by the governor. But with legislators looking for solutions to sky high insurance premiums, they seem more open to the idea. New Orleans Senator Gary Carter:

Cut 10 (08) “…to be done.”

Tim Temple, who was elected as insurance commissioner in 2023, testified in opposition to the bill…

Cut 11 (08) “…one person.”

Temple says an appointed insurance commissioner will not solve the state’s insurance crisis…

Cut 12 (10) “…Louisiana voter.”

The bill advances after no one on Senate and Governmental Affairs objected to advancing the measure to the Senate floor.

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New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez’s bill to ban schools from serving “ultra-processed” foods, targeting items containing ingredients such as food dyes and seed oils, passed the House Education Committee on an 8 to 1 vote. Miguez says this is sending a message to D.C and the MAHA movement.

Cut 13 (12)  “…message here today.”

These ingredients have come under scrutiny from health food influencers and political figures like US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The bill aligns with a growing push for healthier food options in public institutions. Miguez says its time to get the junk out of our children’s food…

Cut 14 (09) “…to do so.”

The Senate-approved bill goes to the House Floor for more discussion.

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approves legislation that would make Insurance Commissioner an appointed position rather than an elected position. Senate President Cameron Henry testified in favor of the bill…

Cut 9 (12)  “…better rate.”

Henry says 39 states appoint their insurance commissioners; and among the ten states that have the lowest insurance rates, nine of them have appointed insurance commissioners. Tim Temple, who was elected as insurance commissioner in 2023, opposes the bill, saying an appointed insurance commissioner will not solve the state’s insurance crisis…

Cut 12 (10) “…Louisiana voter.”

The bill advances after no one on the committee objected to advancing the measure to the Senate floor.

Senator Bill Cassidy could be facing another opponent in next year’s Republican primary, and the first challenger is not happy about it at all. There are reports that President Trump and Governor Landry are trying to urge Congresswoman Julia Letlow to enter the 2026 race for Cassidy’s seat. State Treasurer John Fleming is alleging that the three could be behind a backdoor deal.

Cut 3 (14) “…an educator herself.” 

We reached out to Governor Landry’s office for reaction, but it had no comment.

Former East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Kip Holden has died at the age of 72.  Former Lieutenant Governor and State Lawmaker Jay Dardenne says he will never forget one thing about Holden, and that’s his outfits…

Cut 8 (08) “…flashy character.”

Holden is the first Black mayor-president in East Baton Rouge Parish history.

The first Black mayor-president in East Baton Rouge Parish history has died. Kip Holden passed away following a lengthy illness today at the age of 72. Former Lieutenant Governor and State Lawmaker Jay Dardenne says Holden loved people and was passionate about what he believed in.

Cut 7 (10) “…as a person.”

State Treasurer John Fleming is alleging a backdoor deal between President Trump and Governor Landry in which they would work to get Congresswoman Julia Letlow elected to the Senate, have her resign for a high appointed position in state government so that Landry would appoint himself to the seat. Fleming says if that story is indeed true, the voters will be the ones who lose.

Cut 4 (13) “…and that’s problematic.”

A proposal to make Louisiana’s Insurance Commissioner an appointed position instead of being elected as it is now, heads to the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Will the LA GATOR program be fully funded when the legislature passes the budget? The version of House Bill 1 that the House will debate and vote on tomorrow has it fully funded at 94-million dollars. Governor Landry says, however, he anticipates pushback by some Senators as the bill moves into the upper chamber of the legislature.

State Treasurer John Fleming is alleging a backdoor deal between President Trump and Governor Landry, in which they’d get work to get Congresswoman Julia Letlow elected to Bill Cassidy’s seat, have Letlow resign for a high appointed state office so that Landry would appoint himself to the seat. Landry’s office had no comment. Fleming says any governor who appoints themself to fill a vacancy would instantly give themself an advantage in a special election.

Cut 5 (09) “…everything for re-election.”

The Senate Judiciary “A” Committee approves two tort reform bills that supporters say will help in the effort to lower auto insurance rates – reducing the payout an uninsured driver would get if injured in a crash and limiting the payout for an injured driver more than 50-percent at fault. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the high number of bodily injury claims is contributing to high insurance rates.

Cut 14 (07) “…injury claims.”

Governor Landry signed an executive order allowing Louisiana universities to pay their athletes. Jeanne Burns explains why the governor issued the order….

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

Senator Bill Cassidy could be facing another opponent in next year’s Republican primary, and the first challenger is not happy about it at all. There are reports that President Trump and Governor Landry are trying to urge Congresswoman Julia Letlow to enter the 2026 race for Cassidy’s seat. State Treasurer John Fleming is alleging that the three could be behind a backdoor deal.

Cut 3 (14) “…an educator herself.” 

Cassidy is seen as being vulnerable, in large part because of his vote to convict then-former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial in 2021. Cassidy says while he stands by his vote, all that is in the past, and he has patched things up with the now-current President.

Cut 5 (08) “…working with him.”

The small West Baton Rouge Parish town of Addis is ready to roll out the welcome mat for its newest hometown hero, John Foster. The 18-year-old LSU freshman is paying a visit to his hometown tonight after making it to the season finale of American Idol. Mayor David Toups (“toops”) says the town will throw a parade for Foster along First Street at five this evening, followed by a ceremony and mini-concert at 7:30 at Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park.

Cut 8 (13) “…by American Idol.”

Former East Baton Rouge Mayor-President and reporter Kip Holden died today at age 72 after a lengthy illness. Former Lieutenant Governor and state lawmaker Jay Dardenne remembers serving in the legislature with Holden.

Cut 6 (11) “…work with everybody.” 

Holden started as a reporter before serving on the Metro Council, in the State House, and Senate.

A Senate committee approves two tort reform bills that supporters say could lower auto insurance rates – reducing the payout an uninsured driver would get if injured in a crash and limiting the payout for an injured driver more than 50-percent at fault. Alexandria Democrat Jay Luneau says the legislature has previously passed tort reform with hopes of lowering rates, but it never came to be…

Cut 15 (11) “…going to fix it.”

Senator Bill Cassidy could be fighting for his political life next year, with the possibility of not only having to face several challengers in the Republican primary, but also a formidable opponent in the general election. National Democrats are urging former Governor John Bel Edwards to run for Senate. Cassidy says he doubts that voters as a whole would send him to Washington.

Cut 6 (12) “…for President Trump.”

Newlab has launched Newlab New Orleans, an innovation hub focused on transforming Louisiana’s energy sector through technology commercialization. LED CIO Josh Fleig (“fleg”) says this reinforces Louisiana’s role in sustainable energy leadership and economic reindustrialization.

Cut 12 (07) “…state as well.”

The small West Baton Rouge Parish town of Addis is ready to roll out the welcome mat for its newest hometown hero, John Foster. The 18-year-old LSU freshman is paying a visit to his hometown tonight after making it to the season finale of American Idol. Mayor David Toups (“toops”) says the town will throw a parade for Foster along First Street at five this evening.

Cut 7 (12) “…the parade route.”

That’s followed by a  mini-concert at 7:30.

Senator Bill Cassidy could be in for the fight of his political life next year. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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John Foster’s hometown is ready to roll out the welcome mat for its newest hometown hero. Colleen Crain reports

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Auto insurance reform legislation has cleared another legislative hurdle as a Senate Committee approves changes to Louisiana’s legal system in cases where people are injured in crash crashes. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy could be fighting for his political life next year, with the possibility of having to face several challengers in the Republican primary and a potentially formidable opponent in the general election. News broke this week that Governor Landry may be working to recruit Congresswoman Julia Letlow to mount a primary challenge against Cassidy, joining State Treasurer John Fleming. Cassidy is believed to be vulnerable due to his vote in 2021 to convict then-former President Donald Trump for his role in the January 6th riot at the Capitol. Cassidy says he stands by his vote.

Cut 4 (09) “…I would not.”

Cassidy says all that is in the past, and he has patched things up with the now-current President.

Cut 5 (08) “…working with him.”

National Democrats are urging former Governor John Bel Edwards to seek the Democratic nomination in next year’s Senate race. Cassidy says even though Edwards was elected governor twice, he doubts that voters as a whole would vote to put him in the U.S. Senate.

Cut 6 (12) “…for President Trump.”

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The small West Baton Rouge Parish town of Addis is ready to roll out the welcome mat for its newest hometown hero, John Foster. The 18-year-old LSU freshman is paying a visit to his hometown tonight after making it to the season finale of American Idol. Mayor David Toups (“toops”) says the town will throw a parade for Foster along First Street at five this evening.

Cut 7 (12) “…the parade route.”

Then at 7:30, Mayor Toups says Foster will take the stage at Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park for a special ceremony and mini-concert.

Cut 8 (13) “…by American Idol.”

Then immediately afterwards, it’s back to Los Angeles for Foster to prepare for Sunday’s season finale, in which he will go up against 27-year-old Jamal Roberts of Meridian, Mississippi; and 25-year-old Breanna Nix of Denton, Texas. Toups says something like this really brings the community together.

Cut 9 (14)  “…planned for him.”

Toups could not confirm or deny that those plans include erecting road signs proclaiming Addis to be the home of John Foster.

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Newlab has launched Newlab New Orleans, an innovation hub focused on transforming Louisiana’s energy sector through technology commercialization. LED CIO Josh Fleig (“fleg”) says the initiative is backed by public-private partnerships, which will advance innovation in industrial power, carbon management, and maritime shipping.

Cut 10 (08) “…test those products.”

Housed at the former NSA complex, the hub will provide startups with scale-up space and access to a statewide network of test sites. Fleig says not only will Newlab work with Louisiana-based startups, but also attract energy companies from around the globe.

Cut 11 (06) “…from our borders.”

Fleig says Newlab New Orleans joins other global Newlab hubs, reinforcing Louisiana’s role in sustainable energy leadership and economic reindustrialization.

Cut 12 (07) “…state as well.”

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A Senate committee approves two tort reform bills that supporters say will help in the effort to lower auto insurance rates. One of the bills would reduce the payout an uninsured driver would receive if injured in the crash. The other bill heading to the Senate floor would limit the payout for an injured driver that has been found to be 51-percent or more at fault in an accident. New Orleans Senator Gary Carter voted against the bill because he says there’s no guarantee this legislation will lower rates…

Cut 13 (13)  “…any sort.”

The legislation has the support of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple. Temple says in Louisiana the number of bodily injured claims is twice the national average and that’s resulting in insurance companies paying more tin damages, which is contributing the state’s high auto insurance rates…

Cut 14 (07) “…injury claims.”

But Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says the Louisiana Legislature has passed tort reform legislation in the past with the hopes it would lower rates, and it never came to be…

Cut 15 (11) “…going to fix it.”

Both tort reform bills approved by Senate Judiciary A have already passed the House. House Insurance Chairman Gabe Firment says the legislation attempts to correct a big problem in Louisiana…

Cut 16 (11) “…excessive payouts.”

The House Ways and Means Committee advanced a pair of bills aimed at lowering homeowners insurance premiums by strengthening the state’s fortified roof program. House Bill 145 would double the tax deduction for putting on a fortified roof from five-thousand dollars to 10-thousand dollars. It has the support of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple, who says it would encourage people to get a fortified roof put on their homes and not wait for a grant program to open up to do so.

Cut 7 (07) “…fortified roof on.”

Also, House Bill 663 would create the Fortify Coastal Homes Fund. It’s proposed by Pollock Republican Gabe Firment, who says it would direct a portion of sales and use taxes in coastal areas following a natural disaster to the fund.

Cut 8 (11) “…into the fund.”

The amount would be capped at 60-million dollars.

A Senate committee approves two tort reform bills that supporters say will help in the effort to lower auto insurance rates. One would reduce the payout an uninsured driver would receive if injured in the crash. The other would limit the payout for an injured driver that has been found to be 51-percent or more at fault in an accident. Alexandria Democrat Jay Luneau says the legislature has passed tort reform legislation in the past with the hopes it would lower rates, and it never came to be…

Cut 15 (11) “…going to fix it.”

House Insurance Chairman Gabe Firment says the legislation attempts to correct a big problem in Louisiana…

Cut 16 (11) “…excessive payouts.”

Both bills have already passed the House.