A bill that would prohibit the use of eminent domain for carbon capture storage and pipeline projects was rejected by the House Natural Resources Committee on a vote of 12 to 7. Lawmakers approved legislation in 2020 that gave the government the power to use eminent domain for carbon capture and Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association president Tommy Faucheux says you can’t turn back now…

Cut 12 (12) “…to invest.”

Pineville Representative Mike Johnson spoke passionately in front of the House Natural Resources Committee about his bill that would put the power back with the property owner

Cut 13 (09) “…in the ground.”

The technology captures carbon dioxide produced by industrial factories and then it’s stored underground into large storage tanks.

A state senator’s quest to prevent additional school districts from adopting four-day school weeks advances to the House. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell’s bill passed the State Senate with Senator Eddie Lambert of Gonzales casting the lone “no” vote. Mizell says she filed a bill last year mandating a five-day school week; at that time, there were six districts with four-day weeks. She says four-day school weeks create logistical problems.

Cut 10 (10) “…nothing to eat.”

A proposed constitutional amendment to limit governors to two terms passed out of the House Governmental Affairs Committee. Under current law, governors who serve two terms can run for re-election after sitting out for four years. Chalmette Representative Mike Bayham says former governors start with an unfair advantage and that was one of the reasons it took a future governor, Kathleen Blanco, longer to be elected governor.

Cut 7 (07) “…ending her campaign.”

A proposed constitutional amendment to limit governors to two terms passed in the House Governmental Affairs Committee yesterday. Currently, governors can run for re-election after two terms after sitting out for four years. Chalmette Representative Mike Bayham says former governors start with an unfair advantage. New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd was one of two who voted against the bill.

Cut 8 (09) “…vote for him.”

A bill that increases the penalties against a minor found guilty of calling in a bomb threat or threat of violence at school receives pushback from Democrats. Lake Charles Representative Wilford Carter’s main problem with the bill is also the thousands of dollars in fines a parent could receive.

Cut 26 (10) “…to do this.”

Johnson says his legislation leaves it up to the discretion of the courts to decide if a parent should be fined.

It’s a big day for NASA’s Michoud Assembly facility in New Orleans as the rocket factory played a significant role in the construction of Artemis Two, which is headed to the moon. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

After three months of careful transition work, the Louisiana Department of Health has transitioned over a quarter of a million Medicaid recipients to new managed care organizations after they closed their contract with United Healthcare. The department opened a special enrollment period in January for recipients enrolled with United to allow them to choose their own MCO but only 36,000 selected a new plan. The transition is now complete, and officials say they used an algorithm that prioritized keeping family members on the same plan and in their current network.

An Alexandria Senior High School baseball player was killed in a hit and run incident Tuesday night, and a 16-year-old girl was seriously injured. The Alexandria Police Department says Collin Lacaze and a young girl, whose name has not been released, were standing on shoulder of Eddie Williams Avenue around 11 p.m. when a vehicle driving southbound struck them, then fled the scene. The two young victims were transported to a hospital. Anyone with information is asked to contact APD.

Former Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet (MON-tuh-set) faces up to five years in prison for participating in a kickback scheme. Federal prosecutors say the 78-year-old Montoucet used his position as secretary to steer a state contract to a company called D-G-L-1 in exchange for one-third of the profit. FBI special agent in charge, Jonathan Tapp:

Cut 26 (06) “…this great state.”

A proposed constitutional amendment limiting governors to two total terms takes its next step on its journey towards the ballot. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

NASA is launching a spaceship to the moon today. It’s the first crewed lunar mission since 1972 and NASA’s Michoud (Me Shoe) Assembly facility in New Orleans played a major role in the Artemis II mission. NASA spokesperson Craig Betbeze says Michoud worked in NASA’s space shuttle program then transitioned to the Artemis program…

Cut 5 (10) “…pickup trucks.”

Lafayette Representative Josh Carlson withdrew his legislation to move Louisiana to a centralized sales tax system. He brought the bill because he says it’s difficult for small business owners to deal with multiple tax collectors. Monroe Representative Michael Echols told Carlson that when he brings his bill back up for another vote, there needs to be a mechanism in the legislation to make sure local governments do not lose out on revenue in a state operated system.

Cut 6 (08) “…from these collections.”

Insurance brokers are urging homeowners to consider a fortified roof. Beth Swanson, an analyst with insurance comparison website The Zebra, says beginning July 1st, insurers will be required to give discounts for homes with fortified roofs; and depending on where you live and the level of fortification, those discounts can be substantial and if your roof doesn’t rise to the level of basic fortification, you may still get a discount on your homeowners insurance.

Cut 8 (09) “…policy for that.”

Entergy Louisiana has reached an agreement with Meta to build seven new natural gas-powered plants, plus new transmission lines and nuclear power updates. There are concerns that the large amount of power Meta’s data center coming to Richland Parish will need will raise rates for utility customers. Entergy President Phillip May says that won’t be the case, and the technology giant is taking steps to make sure low income individuals can pay their bills.

Cut 11 (14) “…provide them assistance.”

Saints head coach Kellen Moore spoke to the media at the 2026 NFL owners meeting yesterday, addressing Alvin Kamara’s future for the first time since New Orleans signed Travis Etienne (AY-chan). Moore says he expects Kamara to remain in the running back room in 2026 and believes the entire group of backs can complement each other well.

Cut 16 (10) “…develop this team.”

Insurance brokers are encouraging homeowners to consider a fortified roof. Beth Swanson, an analyst with insurance comparison website The Zebra, says insurance companies offer substantial discounts for homes with the roofs and they cover their replacement.

Cut 9 (11)  “…to fortified standards.”

Meta has agrees to build seven new natural gas-powered plants, plus new transmission lines and nuclear power updates, so that there’s enough electricity to power the A-I data center coming to Richland Parish. Entergy President Phillip May says Meta is also investing 140-million dollars for energy efficiency initiatives for vulnerable customers and providing support for additional solar power plants.

Cut 12 (10) “…of this contract.”

The Public Service Commission still has to approve this plan for new gas and solar plants.

New LSU coach Will Wade has already brought excitement back to the men’s basketball program. Andre Champagne has more on what Wade had to say at an entertaining introductory press conference.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

A bill that would require both people in an in-person conversation to know if they are being recorded has passed out of committee. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel says some influencers wearing smart glasses approach women and record them without their knowledge, then post the footage online without their knowledge or consent. She says if her bill becomes law, those who violate it would face criminal charges and substantial civil penalties.

Cut 15 (07) “…a civil action.”

An effort to move Louisiana to a centralized sales tax system is dead for the session. Lafayette Representative Josh Carlson withdrew the bill because of opposition from local governments who are concerned that a centralized sales tax system operated by the state would result in fewer tax dollars for local services. Carlson argues they are already missing out on tax revenue, especially from small out-of-state online retailers.

Cut 5 (09) “…of the complexity.”

The House Civil Law Committee advances a bill that would require both people in an in-person conversation to know if they are being recorded. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel says the bill is intended to protect those who don’t expect it to be recorded while in public.

Cut 14 (11) “…and law enforcement.”

There are also exceptions for public meetings, emergencies, or situations where footage could capture evidence of a crime.

With hurricane season two months away, insurance companies are urging people to consider a fortified roof. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Entergy Louisiana has reached an agreement with Meta to build seven new natural gas-powered plants, plus new transmission lines and nuclear power updates, so there’s enough electricity to power the A-I data center coming to Richland Parish. Entergy President Phillip May says the agreement will help keep electricity rates affordable.

Cut 10 (12) “…top of that.”

An effort to move Louisiana to a centralized sales tax system is dead for the session. Lafayette Representative Josh Carlson brought his legislation up for discussion in the House Ways and Means Committee and made the argument that it is difficult for small business owners, to deal with multiple tax collectors.

Cut 4 (09) “…it more efficiently.”

The House Civil Law Committee advances a bill that would require both people in an in-person conversation to know if they are being recorded. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel says there’s been a growing trend in which influencers wearing smart glasses approach women and record them without their knowledge, and those clips end up getting posted onto social media.

Cut 13 (11)  “…broadcast to millions.”

Entergy Louisiana will build an additional seven new natural-gas-fueled power plants to supply the energy needed for Meta’s massive data center coming to Richland Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

With hurricane season just two months away, insurance brokers are urging you to consider putting a fortified roof on your home. Beth Swanson, an analyst with insurance comparison website The Zebra, notes that starting July 1st, insurers will be required to give discounts for homes with fortified roofs; and depending on where you live and the level of fortification, those discounts can be substantial.

Cut 7 (08) “…that they can.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser disagrees with a plan to name a new Mississippi River bridge South of Baton Rouge area after President Donald Trump. Michael Echols, author of the House-approved bill awaiting debate in the Senate, says if Louisiana passes a law to name the bridge after the president, it raises the chances that the federal government will fully fund the bridge. Nungesser told Jim Engster on “Talk Louisiana” on WRKF that he does not like the idea…

Cut 7 (07) “…not in favor of it.”

Another bill in committee would rename a section of a Louisiana Highway after a former president. Louisiana Highway 15 between South Second Street and U.S. Highway 165 in Monroe would become “President Barack Obama Highway” if Representative Pat Moore’s bill passes. HB 966 is scheduled for debate in the Transportation Committee today.

Will Wade is back and intends to quickly transform the LSU men’s basketball program into a winner. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A Gretna representative wants to make it easier to cancel unwanted subscriptions Vincent Cox filed the “click to cancel” bill. He says he’s heard from many frustrated constituents on this issue, including some who just give up and pay the monthly fee for something they don’t use.

Cut 10 (11) “…out of it.”

The bill was unanimously approved this morning by the House Commerce Committee.

Former LSU Men’s Basketball Coach Will Wade is formally announced as the new head coach of LSU Men’s basketball. Wade had fans cheering and laughing at today’s press conference.

Cut 12 (12) “…make history.”

He said “We’re going to get this program back to the NCAA Tournament, back to the top of SEC in short order”

A Gretna representative’s bill seeking to make it easier to cancel unwanted subscriptions advances to the full House. Vincent Cox’s “click to cancel” bill passed unanimously in the House Commerce Committee this morning. Cox says it’s often an unnecessarily tedious process to cancel subscriptions.

Cut 9 (10)  “…click to cancel.”

A three-year accelerated bachelor’s degree program requiring 90 hours to complete is coming to LSU-Alexandria. The Board of Regents approved the specialized AccB degree programs for specialized workforce-focused degrees. Liz Beard, the vice chancellor of academic affairs at LSU-A, says these new programs, which will initially be offered in two fields, still combine a comprehensive general education curriculum with a specialized curriculum. She says the first two are in information technology and bioinformatics.

Cut 5 (13) “…well with that.”

If you dread waiting in line at the Office of Motor Vehicles, there’s welcome news. It appears online scheduling is helping. Today, the Office of Motor Vehicles booked its two millionth online appointment since they updated their scheduling platform in 2024. OMV Commissioner, Keith E. Neal, says booking an appointment eliminates wait times and allows customers choose times best for them. Customers can still walk-in but those with appointments will be assisted at their reserved time.

The Board of Regents approved the state’s first accelerated bachelor’s degree programs for specialized workforce-focused degrees. The AccB will require only 90 hours to complete rather than the 120 required for a traditional Bachelor of Arts or Science degree and will be offered at LSU-Alexandria. Liz Beard, the vice chancellor of academic affairs at LSU-A, says these accelerated degree programs are in high-demand fields.

Cut 4 (08) “…pharmaceuticals, biotech.”

Oysters, Shrimp, finfish, and crab from an oil spill area are showing clear says the Department of Health. These are the results of the initial testing done after Basin 12 was closed to oyster harvesting on March 14^th following an oil sheen was reported and a transfer hose rupture was discovered at the Louisiana Offshore Oil Platform. Samples were collected and tested to ensure there was no indication of petroleum contamination. These are preliminary findings and LDH will continue to assess sample results as they are received from the testing lab.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser opposes an effort to name a new I-10 Mississippi River bridge in the Baton Rouge area after President Donald Trump. Nungesser says he has a problem with naming a public structure after a living official…

Cut 6 (12) “…in Baton Rouge.”

Nungesser made this comment during an interview with Jim Engster on “Talk Louisiana” on WRKF in Baton Rouge.

Following LSU’s season-ending loss to Duke in the Sweet 16, Hall of Fame coach Kim Mulkey addressed a report that she is retiring. A social media post during the game reported that this was Mulkey’s last game. Mulkey shot the rumor

Cut 16 (16) “…on social media.”