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.

State Treasurer John Schroder is calling on state agencies to accept electronic payment options like PayPal and Venmo. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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State senators express regret over approving a state budget that contained a 100-million dollar cut in funding to the Department of Health. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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As credit card debt continues to become more costly and harder to pay off, a new CreditCards.com report shows Louisiana has the third highest credit card debt in the U.S. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (33)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx”

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State Treasurer John Schroder is calling on the Louisiana Cash Management Review Board to develop a plan for all state agencies to accept electronic payment options like PayPal and Venmo. Schroder says the state needs to get on board with the new technology.

Cut 4 (11)  “…for government.’”

In addition to making payments more convenient, Schroeder says electronic payments save time.

Cut 5 (11)   “…the bank.”

Schroder is working with CMRB to craft a plan for state agencies to implement electronic payments.

Cut 6 (10)  “…the taxpayer.”

By law, the state treasurer can make the electronic payment process available to state agencies but cannot require them to use it.

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The parents of 29-year-old Donovan Bailey who was killed in Reserve in 2013  have joined with Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans to increase the reward amount for new tips in the cold case. President Darlene Causanza hopes increasing the amount will garner new leads in the case.

Cut 7 (13) “…final arrest.”

Bailey was driving his van with his friends when someone opened fire and shot him in the torso in the 300 block of East 13th Street. Causanza says an arrest was made in 2014 …

Cut 8 (13) “…was released.’”

Causanza encourages anyone who knows something to send in any leads.

Cut 9 (12)  “…the arrest”

Anyone with leads should contact Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111, download the  CSGNO app, or visit crimestoppersgno.org to post a tip.

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Senate Finance Chairman Bodi White regrets signing off on a budget that slashed state funding to the Louisiana Department of Health by 100-million dollars. On the final day of the session, budget negotiations went right up until a six o’clock deadline and White admits he paid too much to the clock and not what was missing from the 45-billion dollar budget plan

Cut 10 (11) “…should not have.”

L-D-H leaders told state senators the 100 million dollar cut could result in a 740-million dollar reduction in funding when you factor in federal matching dollars. White says if he had to do it again, he would not have brought the budget bill up for a vote in the waning minutes of the session…

Cut 11 (04)  “…special session.”

LDH officials told the Senate Health and Welfare Committee that the cut will result in a loss of services for Medicaid recipients who need outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment. There will also be a loss of funding for some nursing homes, a graduate medical education program, and mobile cancer screenings.

Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says a mental hospital in his district would also see a cut in funding…

Cut 12 (14)    “…no sense” 

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell is alarmed to see a cut in funding to Our Lady of Angels Hospital in Bogalusa…

Cut 13 (11) “…happen”  

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A new report finds Louisiana has the third highest credit card debt burden in the country according to CreditCards.com. The report compares credit card debts and household incomes across all fifty states and Washington D.C. Senior Industry Analyst Ted Rossman says people in Louisiana live on a below-average household income.

Cut 14 (10)  “…it off.”

Louisiana ranked 47^th in average household income with an average of $76,000 annually. The average credit card charges a record-high 21 percent. That’s nearly five percentage points higher than the beginning of last year. Rossman says people are making practical purchases with credit cards because of inflation and increasing their debt burden.

Cut 15 (13)  “…than that.”

According to the report, six out of every 10 people with credit card debt have been in debt for at least a year, up from 50 percent a year ago. However, using a personal loan as a form of debt consolidation and working with a reputable nonprofit credit counseling agency can help make payments manageable. Rossman also suggests getting a zero percent balance transfer credit card.

Cut 16 (11) “…tremendous savings.”

Credit card rates rose more in 2022 than any other on record.

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LSU left-handers Nate Ackenhausen and Riley Cooper combined to limit Tennessee to just six hits in a five-to-nothing shutout of the Volunteers to advance to the semifinal round of the College World Series. Ackenhausen started his first game of the year and Coach Jay Johnson had a feeling he could handle the moment…

Cut 17 (23) “…more than that”

Ackenhausen threw a season-high six innings and struck out a season-high seven hitters. The Oklahoma native says his changeup was working well

Cut 18 (20) “…behind me.” 

It’s only the second time LSU has thrown a shutout in the College World Series. 1993 was the other time when Brett Laxton struck out a championship game record 16 hitters in a win over Wichita State.

LSU is still one loss away from elimination and they’ll need to beat Wake Forest twice in order to get to the championship series. Johnson understands it will be a challenge after the Demon Deacons held them to five hits on Monday…

Cut 19 (19) “…right now.” 

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is down under sharing Louisiana’s flavor in an effort to get to Aussies to visit the Sportsman’s Paradise. Teiko Foxx has the story.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

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The Governor signs into law a bill requiring all high school kids to take and pass a financial literacy course. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (31)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

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Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has been in the land down under for a little over a week to promote international travel to the Bayou State. Nungesser says the mission is to build relationships to get Aussies to see what we have to offer.

Cut 3 (13) “…we have.”

In 2019 prior to the pandemic, more than 38,000 people from Australia generated over $62 million in visitor spending. Australia is a top 15 market of origin for people coming to visit Louisiana. Nungesser says this opens a door to promote the state internationally.

Cut 4 (13)  “…of money.” 

He met with The All-Black Team – New Zealand’s most successful rugby team – about Louisiana being a host state for the Rugby World Cup which will be held in the U.S. in 2031 and 2033. Nungesser says the visit isn’t just about tourism.

Cut 5 (13)  “…this far.”

Louisiana is one of three states to receive a grant for $300,000 for the next three years from the International Commerce Department to market international travel to the U-S. Nungesser along with representatives from New Orleans and Lafayette will return on Saturday.

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Governor Edwards has signed into law a bill that will require that all Louisiana high school juniors and seniors take and pass a financial literacy course. The bill was authored by Tangipahoa Parish Rep. Nicholas Muscarello, who says it’s a good step forward for kids, who are Louisiana’s future…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…in financial litaracy.” 

Louisiana will now become the 22nd state to institute such a financial literacy program for students. Muscarello says our state ranks dead last for financial literacy, so the idea is to get young people schooled up on skills they will definitely need as they move into adult life…:

Cut 7 (10)  “…what that entails.” 

Muscarello’s HB 103, now Act 267 of state statutes, requires students to take and pass the one-unit course; either in their 11th-grade or 12th-grade year. Under the new law, students who do not pass the course will not be able to graduate and will be ineligible for TOPS college tuition grants. Muscarello explains why…:

Cut 8 (08)  “…financial literacy.” 

The new law goes into effect at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year.

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Governor Edwards has signed legislation to create an office to advocate on behalf of children under the care of the Department of Children and Family Services and the Office of Juvenile Justice. Bill author Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says the Office of State Child Ombudsman will be an independent office serving under the Legislative Auditor’s Office.

Cut 9 (07) “…intended it to be.”

Both agencies have been under fire after three children died despite warnings to DCFS and multiple escapes from the OJJ. Barrow says the bill received unanimous support and Louisiana joins 38 other states that have such an office.

Cut 10 (03)  “…much better.”

Barrow says the office will also assist parents or individuals who are facing accusations of child abuse or endangerment. The Child Ombudsman Office will help those parents navigate the system.

Cut 11 (11)  “…falsely accused.”

Barrow says several child advocacy groups assisted with the legislation and the office is expected to be in effect in a few months.

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Louisiana Department of Health officials provided lawmakers with information on what a 100-million dollar cut in state funding will mean to the state agency. L-D-H Secretary Stephen Russo told the Senate Health and Welfare Committee says he left the capitol on the final day of the session believing his state agency was in good financial shape

Cut 12 (08) “…honest with you” 

As part of a budget compromise between the House and Senate, legislative leaders decided to cut 100-million dollars from the budget. Russo says the cut could be deeper than 100-million dollars when you figure in matching dollars from the federal government…

Cut 13 (10) “…come from” 

L-D-H provided legislators a list of programs that would be impacted by the cuts. It includes a 31-million dollar cut to community behavioral health services. Assistant Secretary of Behavioral Health Karen Stubbs says thousands of Medicaid recipients would lose outpatient treatment for mental health and substance abuse, which could be detrimental…

Cut  14 (12)  “…yes sir”

It’s expected Governor Edwards will restore the funding through the use of his line item veto authority.