As the legislature gets set to fight for auto insurance reform, Governor Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple are fighting one another. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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Last month, the Port of New Orleans set a new monthly record with 165-thousand cruise passenger movements. Sean Richardson reports.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”
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When it comes to the high price of auto insurance, Governor Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple are pointing their fingers – not at the insurance companies or trial lawyers, but at one another. When he announced the 20 insurance reform bills he’s supporting, Temple noted that he has not had a conversation with Landry about the issue in a long time.
Cut 3 (11) “…for property reform.”
Earlier this week, in announcing his own insurance reform plan, Landry said he wanted to rein in the ability of trial lawyers to advertise. Temple says, good luck with that. He says Florida passed a regulation limiting attorney advertising, and that was overturned by the courts.
Cut 4 (08) “…of that conversation.”
Temple says nothing will be accomplished through bickering.
Cut 5 (11) “…of Louisiana benefit.”
In a statement, Landry called Temple’s press conference, in his words, a media spectacle, and despite a package of bills Temple gave the legislature last year, there has been no relief for Louisiana drivers.
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Visit Lake Charles has launched the “Always Here” campaign to highlight tourism’s vital role in Southwest Louisiana’s economy. Visit Lake Charles CMO Timothy Bush says in 2023, the region welcomed over seven million visitors, generating $800 million in spending.
Cut 6 (06) “…to our local economy.”
Tourists come for leisure, events, business, and sports, supporting local hotels, restaurants, and shops. Bush emphasized the often-overlooked impact of visitors on everyday life.
Cut 7 (10) “…southwest Louisiana.”
The campaign includes billboards and digital displays illustrating visitors’ engagement in the community, from dining to experiencing hospitality. These efforts aim to foster local pride and demonstrate how tourism supports the entire community. Bush stresses that tourism is more than numbers…
Cut 8 (12) “…really important.”
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Last month, the Port of New Orleans recorded over 165-thousand cruise passenger movements, setting a new monthly record and surpassing its previous high of 155-thousand in March 2023. Port NOLA Pres Secretary Kimberly Curth says this milestone follows a record-breaking 2024 with more than 1.2 million cruise passenger movements.
Cut 9 (11) “…prime cruise desination”
Curth noted as the 6th largest U.S. cruise port and the only one offering both ocean and river cruises, Port NOLA benefits from its prime location near the French Quarter.
Cut 10 (07) “…one of a kind.”
Major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian continue strong partnerships, offering year-round sailings. River cruises also thrive, including American Cruise Lines and Viking. Curth emphasized that the increased number of port calls further highlights New Orleans’ appeal.
Cut 11 (12) “…Big Easy hospitality.”
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The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is this weekend. Since 1972, Tangipahoa Parish has hosted this festival to celebrate the strawberry industry, which generates an estimated 12-million dollars to the economy. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain, who’s from nearby Abita Springs, says if you love strawberries and music this is the festival for you…
Cut 12 (12) “…incredible.”
Strain says the Strawberry Festival is the largest free harvest festival in the state…
Cut 13 (09) “…and jellies.”
The Strawberry Festival Parade begins at 9:30 in the morning on Saturday and starts at the Ponchatoula Lions Club and ends Kiwanis Park. The three-day festival attracts an estimated 300-thousand visitors every year.
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Crawfish prices are dropping as Easter approaches. According to The Crawfish App Co-founder Laney King live crawfish average $3.14 per pound, and boiled crawfish about $5.55. Some live crawfish sacks are now under $3 per pound.
Cut 14 (12) “…anticipation of Easter.”
King says the weather is going to be perfect, and the crawfish supply will be plentiful. So, plan ahead for Easter weekend.
Cut 15 (08) “…sooner than later”