A bill to classify two abortion-inducing drugs as controlled and dangerous substances is headed to the governor’s desk after receiving final legislative passage Thursday in the Louisiana Senate. New Orleans Democratic Senator Royce Duplessis voted against the measure because the medications are also used for other reproductive healthcare needs.

Cut 12 (08) “…this is why.” 

But bill author, Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly argued the drugs will still be available and a person can possess them, if they obtain them with a valid prescription. Duplessis had some direct questions for Pressly.

Cut 13 (13) “..able to be  (2x)” 

The Senate has restored $24 million to go towards Early Childhood Education after it was previously cut in the House to balance the state budget. Louisiana Policy Institute for Children Executive Director Libbie Sonnier…

Cut 10 more revenue. :13

Sonnier says this means there will be 2,000 additional spots for young children to get a head start on their education.

And the Senate also restored teacher and support staff pay stipends of $2,000 and $1,000 respectively. The legislature adjourned Thursday for the holiday weekend and will return to the state capitol on Tuesday. And with the House expected to approve Senate changes to the budget, lawmakers could potentially wrap up the regular session early on Friday May 31^st instead of Monday June 3^rd.

Citizens Insurance policyholders may get some financial relief when it comes to premiums. Sean Richardson reports legislators are working on legislation that temporarily eliminates the ten-percent surcharge for coastal residents.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

That’s welcome news, especially since NOAA’s prediction for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season, which begins a week from Saturday, is above average with 17 to 25 named storms. They believe 8 to 13 will become hurricanes and 4 to 7 major hurricanes.

The Louisiana Department of Health is set to greatly increase the availability of mental health providers by expanding Medicaid reimbursement eligibility to provisionally licensed mental health professionals. Deputy Assistant Secretary for the state Office of Behavioral Health Robyn McDermott says one of the only major differences between provisionally and fully licensed mental health professionals is supervision.

Cut 7 (09) “…clinical directors.”

Memorial Day weekend officially kicks off summer activities and if you’re looking for a way to beat the heat, look no further than a Louisiana State Park. Parks Director Brandon Burris says they’ll officially open their pools and water playgrounds on Saturday.

Cut 14 (10)  “…Toledo Bend.”

For locations and hours visit lastateparks.com

Citizens Insurance policyholders may get some financial relief when it comes to premiums. Sean Richardson reports legislators are working on legislation that temporarily eliminates the ten-percent surcharge for coastal residents..

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Louisiana Public Service approves the largest renewable power expansion in state’s history. Mel Bridges has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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If you want to avoid the holiday traffic but you’re itching to take a dip in the water, relief is as close as a Louisiana State Park pool. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Citizens Insurance policyholders may see some relief from high premiums as lawmakers are working on a bill that would suspend the 10% surcharge for coastal residents and reduce the surcharge from 10 to 5% for the rest of the state. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot is working on the legislation.

Cut 4 (06) “…we can do it.”

Under the bill, they are calling for a three-year suspension of the surcharge, but it would get evaluated yearly. Citizens’ rates are intentionally higher so the state insurer of last resort is not in competition with private insurers. He says based on conversations with Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple, a temporary surcharge reduction is possible…

Cut 5 (13) “…pull the trigger.” 

Property Insurance rates have skyrocketed in Louisiana since active storm seasons in 2020 and 2021. Legislation has been approved this year that’s intended to bring more private insurers into the state in the hopes competition will lower premiums. Talbot this bill could provide immediate premium relief…

Cut 6 (06) “…legislative level.”

The bill still needs approval before lawmakers adjourn the legislative session which could come to an end next Friday.

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The Louisiana Department of Health is set to greatly increase the availability of mental health providers by expanding Medicaid reimbursement eligibility to provisionally licensed mental health professionals. Deputy Assistant Secretary for the state Office of Behavioral Health Robyn McDermott says one of the only major differences between provisionally and fully licensed mental health professionals is supervision.

Cut 7 (09) “…clinical directors.”

Over four-thousand providers in Louisiana would become eligible for reimbursement under the policy change including provisionally licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and licensed master social workers. McDermott says under the new plan, provisionally licensed professionals can help the 74% of people in Louisiana who have not yet had their mental health needs met.

Cut 8 (08) “…services.” 

Nationally, one in three people live in an area that doesn’t have any mental health providers. McDermott thinks this plan could help change that in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (12)  “…otherwise have.”

Publication of the final rule is expected by July 20th. If approved, the plan is expected to begin August 1st.

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The Louisiana Public Service Commission gave Entergy Louisiana the go-ahead to add up to three gigawatts of economic solar power to its generational portfolio, which is the largest renewable power expansion in state history. Entergy Louisiana Director of Resource Planning and Market Operations Laura Beauchamp says this is a big deal for some outside Louisiana as well.

Cut 10 (08) “…in the state.”

Beauchamp notes the increased economic solar power says a lot to companies looking to relocate to Louisiana, including…

Cut 11 (12) “…(x3) renewable power.”

Additionally, Beauchamp says individuals and households are not eligible for this power and won’t see any upcharges.

Cut 12 (12) “…decarbonize.” 

Currently, Entergy Louisiana has about 230 megawatts of renewable energy in total with an additional 3,225 megawatts of solar capital in development.

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Memorial Day weekend officially kicks off summer activities and if you’re looking for a way to beat the heat, look no further than a Louisiana State Park. Parks Director Brandon Burris says they’ll officially open their pools and water playgrounds on Saturday.

Cut 13 (11)  “…weekend day.”

This weekend state park pools parks will be open Saturday through Monday and then they’ll resume their regular schedule of Thursday through Sundays for the remainder of the summer. Burris advises visitors to check with individual parks for days and hours of operation.

Burris says pools are available for day use and lifeguards are on duty from nine to five.

Cut 14 (10)  “…Toledo Bend.”

And if you’re looking for more than a dip in the pool, Burris says several of their parks have water playgrounds and splash pads from the north part of the state to the south and everywhere in between.

Cut 15 (06)  “…to offer.”

For more information and to find the closest park visit LAStateParks.com

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The LSU Tigers took down one of the best teams in college baseball yesterday to advance into the winner’s bracket of the SEC Tournament. Jared Jones and Tommy White each hit grand slams as the Tigers blanked Kentucky eleven to nothing. Michael Braswell started the scoring with a solo home run on the second pitch of the game and scored three times. Coach Jay Johnson says Braswell is playing to his potential…

Cut 16 (20) “…hitting mistakes.” 

Luke Holman was the winning pitcher as he threw six hitless innings. Johnson says Holman was in complete control as he faced the second ranked Wildcats…

Cut 17 (18) “…I’ve had.”

LSU will play South Carolina at around 4:30 PM today in a winner’s bracket game.

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Cut 18 (12)  “…La Tech.”

Cut 19 (20) “…as well.” 

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Cut 20 (13) “….else does that.”

Louisiana could soon become the first state to classify two drugs used to induce an abortion as controlled substances.

Cut 1 (36)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Citizens Insurance policyholders may see some relief. Senator Kirk Talbot wants to suspend the 10% surcharge for coastal residents and reduce the surcharge from 10 to 5% for the rest of the state.

Cut 24 (04) “…we can do it.”

Legislation to remove the required 20-minute break for minors who work five or more hours passed in the Senate after it was amended. Lafayette Senator Jean-Paul Coussan’s amendment changed the bill to keep the required break for fourteen- and fifteen-year-olds.

Cut 7 (13) “…my vote.”  

But the amendment didn’t sway Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews who says the minors she sees working are using their break to study or finish homework. After hearing proponents say ‘kids want to work’ she felt moved to speak against the bill.

Cut 10 (12) “…the bill.” 

House Bill 156, in its amended form, passed on a 26 to 11 vote in the Senate and it now returns to the House.

The Louisiana House approves legislation making it a crime to possess two abortion-inducing drugs without a prescription. But doctors are concerned reclassifying them as controlled dangerous substances could delay reproductive care. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman expressed her frustration…

Cut 3 (10) “…in everything.” 

But the bill’s author, Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly, says the drugs are still available, but a prescription will now be required to use them for legitimate medical uses, except for abortions. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson made that point during debate on the House floor…

Cut 6  (09) “…elected abortions. ” 

The bill now returns to the Senate.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says he still plans to run for re-election despite the US Supreme Court ordering the state to use the congressional map that alters his current district into a second majority-black one. He says there are others districts he could represent…

Cut 15 (13) “…South Louisiana.”

Qualifying is mid-July.

Governor Landry and State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley unveil recommendations to support public school teachers. The “Let Teachers, teach” workgroup focuses on identifying classroom disruptions and ways to unburden teachers with unrealistic expectations and allow teachers to focus on teaching. Governor Landry…

Cut 11 (06) ” …not what to think.”

Louisiana could soon become the first state to classify two drugs used to induce an abortion as controlled substances. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (36)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Northwest Louisiana is under a severe weather risk this afternoon and early evening. There’s an enhanced risk of severe storms that could be accompanied by hail, and damaging winds so you’ll want to be weather aware.

Legislation to remove the required 20-minute break for minors who work five or more hours passed in the Senate after it was amended and it heads back to the House. Lafayette Republican Senator Jean-Paul Coussan’s amendment changed the bill to keep the required break for fourteen- and fifteen-year-olds. New Orleans Democrat Senator Gary Carter…

Cut 8 (08)  “…thank you.” 

The amended bill passed on a 26 to 11 vote and returns to the House.

Congressman Garret Graves says U-S Supreme Court was lazy with its decision ordering the state to use the Congressional map with two majority Black districts for this year’s federal elections. Graves still believes the political boundaries for this map are racially gerrymandered…

Cut  14 (12) “…figure it out later.” 

Graves will seek another term in Congress but may not run in his sixth district.

The Louisiana House approves legislation making it a crime to possess two abortion-inducing drugs without a prescription, making Louisiana the first state to do so. More than 200 doctors expressed opposition because they say the drugs are needed to treat miscarriages or stop hemorrhaging after childbirth. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson…

Cut 6  (11) “…education. ” 

The bill was filed because Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly’s former brother-in-law in Texas received a light sentence when he was convicted for trying to end Catherine Pressly Herring’s pregnancy by slipping abortion-inducing drugs into her drinks. Pressly says the two medications would require a prescription for legitimate medical uses, not abortions.

The amended bill returns to the Senate.

Legislation to remove the required 20-minute break for minors who work five or more hours passed in the Senate after it was amended to only apply to 16 and 17-year-olds. Monroe Democrat Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews says minors are using their break to study or finish homework. After hearing proponents say ‘kids want to work’

Cut 10 (12) “…the bill.” 

The amended bill returns to the House.

Governor Landry and State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley unveil recommendations to support public school teachers and students with the “Let Teachers teach” workgroup. Brumley shared a few recommendations, from removing cell phones in the classroom and students who misbehave.

Cut 12 (11) “…from learning.” 

The Louisiana House approves legislation making it a crime to possess two abortion-inducing drugs without a prescription.  Louisiana would be the first state to classify these abortion-inducing pills as controlled dangerous substances. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson…

Cut 4 (10) “…cause death.” 

More than 200 doctors have expressed opposition to the bill saying they are needed to treat miscarriages or stop hemorrhaging after childbirth.

New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman accused supporters of putting the interests of the anti-abortion group Louisiana Right to Life over medical experts.

Cut 5 (11)  “…of this state.”

The amended bill returns to the Senate.

Legislation to remove the required 20-minute break for minors who work five or more hours passed in the Senate after it was amended to only apply to 16 and 17-year-olds. But Many Republican Senator Alan Seabaugh, who supports the bill, objected to the amendment and says it will only deter employers from hiring those who are 15 and younger.

Cut 9 (14) “…do object.” 

The amended bill returns to the House.

Governor Landry and State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley unveil recommendations to support public school teachers. The “Let Teachers, teach” workgroup focuses on identifying classroom disruptions and ways to unburden teachers with unrealistic expectations and allow teachers to focus on teaching. Governor Landry…

Cut 11 (06) ” …not what to think.”

Members of the Louisiana House Criminal Justice Committee failed to pass a bill that would remove gassing as a form of execution due to perceived similarities to execution methods used during the Holocaust. John Sinquefield with the Attorney General’s office spoke in opposition saying nitrogen hypoxia differs from what was used in Nazi Germany.

cut 9 (10): “…to death.”

Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans Aaron Bloch, who spoke in support of the bill says execution by gas is triggering for the Jewish community.

cut 10 (10): “…their name.”

The bill failed in committee on a 3 to 8 vote and will not advance to the House floor.

On an eight to four-vote, House Education approved legislation to create the Gator Scholarship Program that one day would allow parents of all income levels to receive taxpayer dollars to pay for private tuition. Louisiana Federation of Teacher’s President Larry Carter expressed his concerns…

Cut 7 (11) ” accountability.”  

The bill heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.

The Louisiana House has put the brakes on a bill requiring all public-school buses to have heating and air conditioning by 2032. The proposal would also mandate all buses bought after August would be equipped with heat and air.  Pineville Representative Mike Johnson was one of the no “votes…”

Cut 12 (07) “…local school.” 

The bill failed on a 57-42 vote.

In House Criminal Justice members voted against a bill to remove gassing as a form of execution. They heard from John Sinquefield (Sink-field) with the AG’s office who says nitrogen is already a gas we breathe daily and changing the law to remove the use of nitrogen hypoxia to carry out the death penalty executions is unwarranted.

Cut 11 (08) ” …would die.”

Former CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, Arnie Fielkow (Fill-co) urged committing members to support the bill because there are other methods of execution for death row inmates in Louisiana besides gassing.

Cut 12 (09) “…light of day.” 

The bill failed in committee on a 3 to 8 vote and will not advance to the House floor.

On an eight to four-vote, House Education approves legislation to create the Gator Scholarship Program that one day would allow parents of all income levels to receive taxpayer dollars to pay for private tuition. Louisiana Federation of Teacher’s President Larry Carter expressed his concerns…

Cut 7 (11) ” accountability.”  

The bill heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.

Thanks to social media pots, State Police say they’ve arrested three people and recovered several stolen items as part of an investigation into street takeovers by ATVs. After searching their residences in St. Bernard, St. James and East Baton Rouge Parish, Troop Nola Major Donovan Archote says they uncovered more illegal items.

Cut 4 (10) “…marijuana.”