The Governor has signed into law a bill assuring your right to an independent public adjuster in your homeowner’s insurance claim. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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With 200 strikeouts, off the field that equals $2,000 for LSU Tigers Paul Skenes who pledged $10 for every strikeout to Folds of Honor a non-profit that provides educational scholarships. Teiko Foxx has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Beginning next month, a tax increase on e-cigarettes and vape products goes into effect in Louisiana, Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington”

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Governor Edwards signs a bill that assures homeowners the right to hire a public adjuster to handle their property insurance claims. St. Bernard Parish Republican Representative Ray Garafalo is the House sponsor of the bill. He says the new law serves notice to insurers that their customers DO have the right to a third-party assessment of one’s damage…:

Cut 4 (13)  “…the insurance company.”

Garafalo’s bill had a senate companion; filed by New Orleans Democrat Senator Royce Duplessis. The two bills were merged together before final passage. Garafalo says this is big step in assuring consumer rights in property claims…:

Cut 5 (13)   “…with the insurance company.”

In recent years, over a dozen insurance companies have either closed up shop or quit writing new coverage in Louisiana; leaving thousands with few or no options for affordable coverage. Garafalo says the bill is not overly onerous on insurers, and was part of a package of bills aimed at easing the state’s property insurance crisis…:

Cut 6 (11)  “…in the law.”

The law takes effect on August 1^st.

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The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation’s 101st convention begins today in New Orleans. Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says as they enter their next century attendees can expect something different this year, a forum with six of the seven gubernatorial candidates.

Cut 7 (11) “…the state.”

After the forum on Friday, Davidson says U.S. Senator John Kennedy will address members and give an update on issues before Congress.

Cut 8 (10) “…Dr. Matt Lee.’”

Saturday evening the 2023 Louisiana Farm Bureau Queen will be crowned at the Queen’s contest. Sunday, Attorney General Jeff Landry will address delegates and Davidson says they’ll also set policy and elect board members for the next year.

Cut 9 (11)  “…in Baton Rouge.”

An awards ceremony and talent contest will also be held during the convention.

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LSU Tigers Paul Skenes has recorded a whopping 200 strikeouts on the field which adds up to $2000 donated to the non-profit – Folds of Honor. Skenes pledged $10 for every strikeout he records this season. Senior Director of Chapter Relations Diane Niemecek says Skenes generous supporters continue to give and change lives.

Cut 10 (12) “…changing scholarships.”

Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to children and spouses of fallen and wounded service members and first responders. Niemeck says it’s an amazing contribution to the organization.

Cut 11 (13)  “…these recipients.”

Skenes became affiliated with Folds of Honor as a player for the United States Airforce Academy. Niemecek points out its contributions from individuals like Skenes that keep the organization going.

Cut 12 (11)    “…to Paul” 

Skenes and supporters raised 65 hundred dollars going into the C-W-S and currently donations total over 24 thousand dollars.

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A tax increase on e-cigarettes and vape products sold in Louisiana beginning next month, will go towards pay raises for state police. Bill author, Covington Representative Paul Hollis, admits going into the session he was doubtful lawmakers would approve a tax increase, especially during an election year.

Cut 13 (09) “…underpaid”  

Hollis says the current tax is a nickel per milliliter and that will increase to 15 cents beginning July 1^st.

Cut 14 (07)  “…bit spotty.”

In addition to increased taxes on vape products, Hollis says there are other aspects involving the sale of vape products addressed in the bill.

Cut 15 (07)  “…online dealers.”

State Police Superintendent Colonel Lamar Davis says he’s losing troopers to neighboring states who pay officers more than Louisiana.

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The NBA draft is tonight and rumors have swirled around what the Pelicans will do with their 14th overall pick and young talented core. Reports came out that the organization believed 2nd overall prospect Scoot Henderson out of the NBA G League to be a franchise-building player and were making a push for a top-three pick. To move up though they’d have to give up one of their young stars in Zion Williamson or Brandon Ingram which host of the Locked On Pelicans Podcast Jake Madison believes is unlikely…

Cut 16 (16) “…get done.”

With a move up in the draft unlikely, the Pels could stay at 14 where Madison says they could add some much-needed shooting around Williamson in the form of UCONN guard Jordan Hopkins. Another prospect is Kobe Bufkins out of Michigan who Madison says could be a potential scorer off the bench. Madison says the Pels could also look to trade back or add depth at center…

Cut 17 (23) “…more than that”

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LSU has forced a second game against Wake Forest after beating the Demon Deacons five to two last night in the semifinal round of the College World Series. The Tigers gave up two runs in the second inning, but Coach Jay Johnson liked how his team responded after that

Cut 18 (17) “…contributed tonight” 

Wake Forest scored two runs off LSU’s starter Javen Coleman. But Griffin Herring entered the game in the second inning and threw 4.2 innings of scoreless baseball, striking out six. Gavin Guidry and Riley Cooper also performed well out of the pen and Cooper earned his second save in as many nights.

So could we see Paul Skenes back on the mound tonight? Johnson says we’ll have to wait and see…

Cut 19 (17) “…any decision” 

Cade Beloso’s three-run homer in the third inning was the difference. Beloso on trying to win a third straight elimination game

Cut 20 (20)  “…have fun”  

First pitch tonight is at 6 PM. The winner advances to the championship round to play Florida in a best-out-of-three series.

The state announces additional steps to protect yourself from identity theft as a result of the cybersecurity breach involving the Office of Motor Vehicles. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (38)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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SWEPCO reports 29-thousand of its customers in Louisiana remain without power from last week’s severe storms. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (26)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Governor John Bel Edwards has signed into law the “Protecting Teachers Rights Act” which provides teachers and administrators with civil and criminal immunity if they intervene in a physical fight on campus. Bill’s author, Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges believes this gives added protection to teachers and staff with no intent to harm students.

Cut 3 (10) “…passed overwhelmingly.”

While current law provides protection for teachers if they need to step in and intervene during a fight between students, Act 56 goes on to provide immunity for school employees from civil liability and from criminal prosecution. Hodges says teachers are often in a no-win situation when a fight happens.

Cut 4 (10)  “…or whatever.” 

Hodges says this will provide teachers assurance that if they intervene, they will be protected.

Cut 5 (13)  “…protect them.”

The bill gained support from the House of Representatives and Senate.

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The governor has signed legislation requiring private health insurance to cover the cost of fertility preservation for those undergoing medical treatments for cancer or other illnesses that could affect their fertility. Baton Rouge Representative Paula Davis patients will now have the option to freeze their eggs or sperm before treatments begin.

Cut 6 (06)  “…infertile.” 

Davis says Insurance Committee members heard heart-wrenching testimony from individuals who’d undergone treatments that rendered them infertile. She says there are medical advancements and insurance should cover the cost for those individuals.

Cut 7 (11)  “…is amazing to me.” 

Davis says the bill did not receive any opposition from health insurance providers and to cover the costs, there would be a slight increase in premiums.

Cut 8 (11)  “…cover it.” 

Davis says this is welcome news to individuals who could be faced with a loss of fertility on top of a cancer diagnosis.

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is warning the public of potential fish kills due to scorching hot temperatures, extended cloudy weather, and storms. Inland Fisheries Technical Advisor Robby Maxwell says when something changes the water balance it can be bad for fish.

Cut 9 (12) “…the water.”

Bayous, marshes, and ponds in the southern part of the state are particularly vulnerable to the depletion of oxygen in the water. Scavengers including crawfish, crabs, fish, alligators, turtles, and birds will do their part in helping to clean up fish carcasses. Maxwell discourages the consumption of dead fish.

Cut 10 (11)  “…something else.”

Aquatic organisms usually repopulate affected areas by dispersing from nearby, connected, unaffected areas. Maxwell says systems normally recover on their own.

Cut 11 (12)  “…fish kill.”

To report fish kill, visit wlf.louisiana.gov and call the number related to the district you live in.

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LSU left-hander Nate Ackenhausen delivered a legendary performance last night as he threw six shutout innings in a five to nothing win to eliminate Tennessee from the College World Series. A well rested Ackenhausen received a text yesterday morning that he would make his first start of the season…

Cut 12 (09) “…all I got” 

Ackenhausen went on to strike a season-high seven hitters in his longest outing of the season. The Tigers take on Wake Forest tonight and will need to beat the Demon Deacons twice to advance to the Championship Series. There’s a concern LSU does not have enough pitching, but Coach Jay Johnson does not share that concern…

Cut 13 (15) “…be successful” 

Blake Money or Javen Coleman are possible starters for tonight’s game.