A Winnfield lawmaker says, instead of paying property insurers to come to Louisiana, why not pay homeowners to make their roofs hurricane-proof…?

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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If you’re a fan of Antiques Roadshow, listen up because the 20-time Emmy Award-winning series is coming to Baton Rouge. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Louisiana House has approved a plan that creates a 45-million dollar incentive fund to attract more private insurers to the state. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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As lawmakers debate a plan to help alleviate soaring property insurance costs and availability, there is growing support for a plan to incentivize homeowners to hurricane-proof their roofs and lower their coverage costs. Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland supports the idea of the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…their insurance premiums.”

In essence, the program would give homeowners grants of up to $10-thousand (paid from a special fund) to retrofit their home’s roof so it is capable of withstanding 150-mile-an-hour winds. McFarland says that would be a metal roof in many cases, but there are many other ways to storm-harden a roof, such as…:

Cut 5 (14) “…hold the roof down.”

McFarland says the legislature voted to create the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program last year but did not create solid funding for it. He says the Department of Insurance and fellow lawmakers are committed to funding the program in the regular session that starts in April. He says it is a proven plan to lower coverage costs for homeowners…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…and fortifying.” 

McFarland wants any unused cash from the $5-million Insure Louisiana Incentive Fund to be put into the fortification fund.

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Have you ever watched Antiques Roadshow and thought to yourself I wonder what that vase I inherited is worth? Well, here’s your chance, the beloved PBS series will be in Baton Rouge on May 2^nd and Roadshow producer Marsha Bemko says your odds of winning tickets are pretty good.

Cut 7 (05) “…getting in here.”

Two-thousand pairs of tickets will be issued and the deadline to register is March 13^th. For more information visit pbs.org/roadshowtickets.

Ticketholders will be able to bring two items to be appraised for free. Bemko says it’s an opportunity to have experts evaluate your treasures, so bring in something that you can’t look up on the internet.

Cut 8 (09)  “…came in.”

Bemko says appraisers will tell participants where the item was made, a little history about it, and its value. But when experts eye something remarkable the experience is quite different.

Cut 9 (06)  “…cameras are rolling.”

It’s been ten years since Antiques Roadshow has been in Baton Rouge and Bemko says they are looking forward to what treasurers they’ll discover in the capital city. The last time the Emmy Award-winning program was in Louisiana was in 2017 in New Orleans.

The deadline to register for tickets is March 13^th and participants will be notified in mid-April if they’ve won tickets.

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The 2022 Louisiana Economic Development Annual Report says the state topped $20 billion in economic investment for a second consecutive year. LED Secretary Don Pierson says it was a great year because the state leveraged its unique business advantages, sector diversity, and support for climate action.

Cut 10 (09)  “…in 24 parishes.”

And it’s not just the metro areas that have seen growth, Pierson says he’s also proud of the work they’ve done in rural areas of the state.

Cut 11 (12)  “…larger companies.”

While touting their 2022 success, Pierson says the state is poised for additional expansion, innovation, and the energy transition Louisiana is part of.

Cut 12 (10) “…for Louisiana.”

Pierson says whenever new companies locate or expand in the Bayou State it’s a ripple effect and it only improves the local economy.

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The Louisiana House has approved legislation that puts 45-million dollars in a fund to award grants to insurance companies who provide homeowners coverage. The measure passed on a 90-8 vote. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan voted against it as he’s skeptical the plan will lead to a more affordable insurance market

Cut 13 (13)  “….make sense.”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is confident the incentive fund can bring eight to ten new private insurers to the state leading to the reduction of 40-thousand policyholders who rely on Citizens Insurance, which is increasing rates by an average of 63 percent this year.

Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown also has concerns about the plan and wishes Donelon provided more options for state lawmakers to consider in this special session

Cut 14 (11)  “…be more competitive”

The Incentive fund legislation will be discussed in the Senate starting today. Meanwhile, Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says the Louisiana Legislature can propose additional ideas for the regular session that begins in April.

Cut 15 (09)  “…let’s go.”

A two-month-long regular session begins April 10th.

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La Tech hosts one of the better teams in Conference USA tonight as the Bulldogs battle the Rice Owls at the Thomas Assembly Center. Rice is 15-6 overall, 6-4 in league play while Tech is 5-and-6 in conference action. The Bulldogs are coming off a win at UTSA as Isaiah Crawford scored 19 points. Bulldogs Coach Talvin Hester hopes to see more good play from Crawford…

Cut  16 (15)  “..successful”. 

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ULM opens a three-game homestand tonight as they host Coastal Carolina. The Warhawks are 6-4 in the Sun Belt, while Coastal is 4-and-6, but ULM Coach Keith Richard says it should be a good matchup…

Cut 17 (17) “…two one-point games.” 

Coastal Carolina has four players in double figures and they are one of the top rebounding teams in the Sun Belt.

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The Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team puts their eight-game winning streak on the line tonight as they take on Texas State in the Cajundome. The Bobcats are 4-and-6 in Sun Belt play, and 11-and-12 overall and Coach Bob Marlin says they have a better record on the road than at home…

Cut 18 (13) “…on Thursday” 

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According to Rivals-dot-com, the Ragin Cajuns had the best recruiting class in the Sun Belt as they added four more guys to their 2023 class. Two of the newest additions are from the River Parishes, including the Class 4A Offensive Player of the Year, Lutcher Quarterback D’Wanye Winnfield. Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux calls Winnfield a gritty player who is a proven winner…

Cut 19 (18) “..for sure”

The Cajuns also signed cornerback Glenn Brown, who is a transfer from Southern. Brown is a graduate of St. James High School and appeared in 36 games for the Southern Jaguars. Desormeaux says they are excited to have Brown in Lafayette

Cut 20 (22)  “…need to” 

Louisiana loves beef, but new federal data shows we can expect to pay more for the popular protein in the months ahead…:

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves still has not made up his mind on running for governor . Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Louisiana loves beef, but the USDA’s 2023 Cattle Report predicts higher costs ahead for the popular protein. Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO David Foster concurs with the USDA’s findings that say the national herd is down over 39-million head from one year ago…:

Cut 3 (10) “…were down 6-percent.” 

Foster says there are fewer beef cattle around, which drives up cost based on availability. What’s more, feed stock costs are also up sharply meaning less food in feeders to fatten up the livestock…:

Cut  4 (10)  “…for the consumer.” 

Foster says fewer and less hefty cows will mean less beef for the market, hence an increase in costs of – possibly – 10-percent or more. He says all this can, of course, be affected by consumer demand for beef…:

Cut 5 (13) “…customers back again.”

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Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is still not ready to make a decision on whether to run for governor or not. Graves says he’s received encouragement to run, but his busy schedule in Washington D-C has kept him from examining the race

Cut 6 (11)  “…you posted” 

Graves, who is a close ally of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, was recently named chair of the Elected Leadership Committee, an important position in the GOP.

Meanwhile, Graves is not happy the state GOP has already endorsed Attorney General Jeff Landry in the Louisiana governor’s race. Graves says voters are upset a group of Republicans are trying to hand pick the next governor…

Cut 7 (08)  “…strong encouragement” 

Graves is 51-years-old and has served in the U-S House since 2015. During his weekly appearance on Mornings with Brian Haldane on Talk 107-3, Graves admits the Louisiana Republican Party’s endorsement of Attorney General Jeff Landry has led to a push for him to run for governor…

Cut 8 (12)  “…absurd” 

We also continue to wait on a major Democratic candidate to get in the race.

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There’s another big jackpot drawing tonight. Powerball is up to $653 million with a cash value of $351 million. Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says this Powerball jackpot has been rolling since November 21^st.

Cut 9 (05) “…right now.” 

It seems like we’ve heard about several large jackpots recently in the multi-state games. Annison says the current Powerball jackpot has been rolling for 31 drawings.

Cut 10 (08) “…Louisiana winner.” 

So just what are your chances of winning? Annison says the odds of hitting a jackpot are one in 292 million.

Cut 11 (09)  “…million dollars.”

To be eligible for tonight’s Powerball drawing your ticket must be purchased by 9:00 PM. Remember to play responsibly and it only takes one ticket to win.

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At the legislative special session today, the Louisiana House voted for  a measure that creates a 45-million dollar incentive fund that would provide grants to insurance companies who write private property policies. Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown has reservations, but still voted yes…

Cut 12 (12) “…do that”

The goal of the program is to reduce the number of Louisiana Citizens policyholders, who pay much higher premiums than they would if they had coverage through a private insurer.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon believes this legislation could reduce the number of Citizens policies by 40-thousand and it needs to pass now to give companies time to get reinsurance before the start of the next hurricane season. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says it seems like a good idea to her

Cut 13 (11) “…insurance crisis” 

The measure passed overwhelming (90-to-8) in the lower chamber. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder with the final vote tally

Cut 14 (12)   “..finally passed.”

The bill heads to the Senate for more debate.

Senator Bill Cassidy says federal Infrastructure Act money is bringing broadband internet to the state’s rural parishes, with progress already made in Morehouse Parish. Brooke Thorington reports…:

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A proposal to create a 45-million dollar fund that would provide grants to insurance companies willing to write property insurance policies receives approval from the Appropriations Committee and heads to the House floor. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Revelers receive welcome news from the City of New Orleans as Mayor LaToya Cantrell officially announces that parade routes will return to pre-pandemic length and the Crescent City has secured enough police officers for carnival season.

Cut 3 (13) “…City of New Orleans” 

Interim Police Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says planning began several months ago to ensure enough police officers were allocated from around the state to provide security for residents and tourists for Mardi Gras.

Cut  4 (10)  “…Mardi Gras season.” 

Parade routes were abbreviated the last two seasons due to a shortage of police officers but Woodfork says they are extremely pleased with the collaborative effort of law enforcement across the state to provide adequate security for carnival season.

Cut 5 (08) “…everyone’s happy.”

The return of longer routes means the Krewe of Thoth can roll by New Orleans’ Children’s Hospital after a nearly three-year absence.

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U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is bringing broadband internet to Louisiana’s rural parishes. In his weekly press conference, Cassidy says a great example of the project’s progress is Morehouse Parish; where there was once NO fast internet access at all…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…is connected.” 

Cassidy says federal funds from the Infrastructure Act (which he supported) have been flowing into Louisiana to provide expanded, faster internet access. He says Morehouse is a good example of the program’s progress…:

Cut 7 (08)  “…reliable internet.” 

Cassidy says broadband work in Morehouse Parish continues…:

Cut 8 (09)  “…fiber-optic network.” 

He says more parishes have broadband project underway and the goal if for fast internet access to be available statewide.

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There is the potential for light freezing rain across the northern parishes tonight, into the overnight hours and through tomorrow morning. Louisiana Radio Network Meteorologist John Wetherbee says high temperatures will only be in the upper 30s today across north Louisiana and temperatures will approach freezing tonight

Cut 9 (11) “…early tomorrow.” 

Wetherbee says the Winter Weather Advisory is for parishes along I-20…

Cut 10 (09) “…close to freezing” 

Wetherbee says the winter weather advisory goes into effect tonight and last until tomorrow morning.

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House Appropriations approves legislation that establishes a45-million dollar incentive fund aimed at attracting additional private property insurers to the state. House Insurance Chairman Mike Huval is an insurance agent in Breaux Bridge and says a similar program after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita helped revitalize the private property insurance market…

Cut 11 (10)  “…come also.”

The bill heads to the House floor where it will be discussed on Wednesday.

Five companies took advantage of the Insure Louisiana Incentive Program in 2007, but Huval says it also attracted many other private property insurers who found Louisiana was a good state to provide coverage.  But Houma Representative Tanner Magee says several of the new property insurers bailed after multiple hurricanes

Cut 12 (09) “…pay claims.”

Huval admits smaller carriers could not handle the super active 2020 and 2021 hurricane seasons.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says there are insurance companies who have expressed interest in writing policies in Louisiana if the incentive fund is created. But Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland says the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Louisiana are unaware of any of those companies

Cut 13 (07) “…willing to come.” 

Donelon says the incentive fund can result in more homeowners receiving insurance from a private insurer, instead of relying on much more expensive Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance policies. He says it could prevent thousands of people below I-10 from losing their homes…

Cut 14 (09)   “…emergency room.”

Donelon says long-term property insurance reform legislation could be addressed in the regular session that starts in April.

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Over 15-thousand fans packed into the Pete Maravich Assembly Center last night to watch the third ranked LSU women’s basketball team stay undefeated on the year by beating Tennessee 76-68. Coach Kim Mulkey was pleased with the win and amazed by the crowd

Cut 15 (15) “… in college”

The 15-thousand fans in attendance set a record for largest crowd in the PMAC since it was reconfigured in 2005. They were all wearing white T-shirts. Star forward Angel Reese was impressed…

Cut  16 (10)  “…is amazing.”

LSU is 21-0 and its next game is Thursday at home against Georgia.