The House has approved legislation giving the Insurance Commissioner the authority to reject rate increases deemed excessive. This proposal, backed by Governor Jeff Landry, was added to another insurance related bill and it passed on a 68-34 vote. Opponents to the measure say the Insurance Commissioner already has this authority, Slidell Republican Brian Glorioso disagrees…

Cut 9 (10)  “…striking it down.”

All 31 Democrats in the House voted for the bill. But about half of the Republican lawmakers in the lower chamber voted against it, including Baton Rouge Representative Paula Davis, who previously worked for the Insurance Department…

Cut 10 (10) “…is good policy.”

The bill now moves to the Senate.

A House bill that would have allowed parishes to vote on whether to permit carbon sequestration wells in their areas has failed in a 10-6 committee vote. The House Natural Resources Committee heard passionate testimony from citizens, including from 16-year-old Avery Williams, who expressed concerns about storing carbon dioxide below ground…

Cut 23 (13) “…in our future.”

As the legislature continues to debate a bill that, among other things, would ban SNAP recipients from using the money to buy soft drinks, Governor Landry is taking it one step further.

Cut 13 (06)  “…food stamp program.”

Landry says if those people want to buy those products, they can do so with their own money and not with taxpayer money.

Louisiana State Police are investigating the death of a New Iberia man, shot and killed when authorities in the New Iberia area were attempting to take him into Protective Custody. It happened Wednesday when the Iberia Sheriff’s Office assisted by New Iberia Police officers made contact with 30-year-old Justine Rhine and authorities say he produced a firearm. NIPD officers then discharged their service weapons striking Rhine. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Louisiana program designed for mothers wanting an alternative to abortion is getting underway. The program, called Thrive: The Baby and Parent Network, is administered by the Department of Children and Family Services and operated by Texas-based Human Coalition. Senator Rick Edmonds, whose act in the 2022 legislative session established the program, says it gives pregnant women full access to Human Coalition’s team of nurses and social workers through a chat line or toll free number.

Cut 4 (08) “…kind of format.”

The Louisiana House has approved legislation giving the Insurance Commissioner the authority to reject rate increases deemed excessive. This proposal is backed by Governor Jeff Landry but several Republican legislators are skeptical. Mandeville Representative Jay Galle says the legislation does not make it clear when the Insurance Commissioner can use their authority to block excessive rate increases…

Cut 11 (07) “…is that determined?”

Glorioso says a process will be in place to make sure any rate increase rejected would be done in an arbitrary manner.

Louisiana’s two Democratic congressmen send a letter to President Trump urging him to reconsider cuts to the AmeriCorps program. Trump and Elon Musk’s DOGE have reduced staff by 85-percent and eliminated more than one-thousand grants nationwide. Baton Rouge Congressman Cleo Fields says those grants go towards essential services.

Cut 6 (09) “…after-school funding.”

The Louisiana House approves legislation that would give Louisiana’s Insurance Commissioner more authority to reject large rate increases. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

After hearing concerns from Lieutenant Governor, Billy Nungesser, two Louisiana Congressmen, Troy Carter and Cleo Fields, sent a letter to President Trump urging him to reconsider cuts to the AmeriCorps program. Fields says there is no strategic logic behind these cuts.

Cut 7 (10) “…have on people.”

The Department of Government Efficiency has reduced AmeriCorps staff 85 percent and eliminated more than one thousand grants nationwide.

A state program for mothers looking for an alternative to abortion is launching soon. The program, called Thrive: The Baby and Parent Network, was born from an act in the 2022 session by Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds, who says Thrive provides pregnant women with life-affirming care to build long-term stability.

Cut 5 (10) “…and Medicare plans.”

The LHSAA Network has awarded Future LSU Tiger and former Alexandria Senior High star running back J-T Lindsey this year’s Warrick Dunn Award crowning him the best high school football player in the state. Lindsey rushed for just under 25-hundred yards and 33 touchdowns. ASH head coach Thomas Bachman says Lindsey was a pleasure to coach…

Cut 14 (07) “…that you have.”

Louisiana’s two Democratic congressmen send a letter to President Trump, urging him to reconsider massive cuts to AmeriCorps. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

The Louisiana House approves legislation that would give Louisiana’s Insurance Commissioner more authority to reject large rate increases. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

A Louisiana program designed for mothers looking for an alternative to abortion is getting underway. The program, called Thrive: The Baby and Parent Network, was established by way of Act 561 of the 2022 regular legislative session, which was sponsored by Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds. He says it provides a telehealth service to help expectant mothers make decisions during pregnancy.

Cut 3 (08) “…a huge factor.”

The Thrive program is administered by the Department of Children and Family Services and is operated by Texas-based Human Coalition. Senator Edmonds says through a toll-free number or a live online chat, it gives pregnant women full access to Human Coalition’s team of nurses and social workers.

Cut 4 (08) “…kind of format.”

Edmonds says Thrive gives pregnant women with holistic, life-affirming care to build long-term stability.

Cut 5 (10) “…and Medicare plans.”

DCFS is expected to launch the Thrive: The Baby and Parent Network website soon.

________________________________________________

Louisiana’s two Democratic congressmen send a letter to President Trump urging him to reconsider cuts to the AmeriCorps program. Trump and Elon Musk’s DOGE have reduced staff by 85-percent and eliminated more than one-thousand grants nationwide. Baton Rouge Congressman Cleo Fields says those grants go towards essential services.

Cut 6 (09) “…after-school funding.”

Fields says there is no strategic logic behind these cuts.

Cut 7 (10) “…have on people.”

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says AmeriCorps provides essential services, not just for those being served, but also for the volunteers themselves.

Cut 8 (06) “…over the country.”

Fields and Carter sent their letter after hearing concerns from Louisiana’s Republican Lieutenant Governor, Billy Nungesser.

________________________________________________

The Louisiana House has approved legislation giving the Insurance Commissioner the authority to reject rate increases deemed excessive. This proposal, backed by Governor Jeff Landry, was added to another insurance related bill and it passed on a 68-34 vote. Opponents to the measure say the Insurance Commissioner already has this authority, Slidell Republican Brian Glorioso disagrees…

Cut 9 (10)  “…striking it down.”

The 31 Democrats in the House voted for the bill. But about half of the Republican lawmakers in the lower chamber voted against it, including Baton Rouge Representative Paula Davis, who previously worked for the Insurance Department…

Cut 10 (10) “…is good policy.”

Several Republican legislators are skeptical this legislation will lower insurance rates. Mandeville Representative Jay Galle says the legislation does not make it clear when the Insurance Commissioner can use their authority to block excessive rate increases…

Cut 11 (07) “…is that determined?”

Glorioso says a process will be in place to make sure any rate increase rejected would be done in an arbitrary manner.

________________________________________________

Future LSU Tiger and former Alexandria Senior High star running back J-T Lindsey is this year’s Warrick Dunn Award winner. The LHSAA Network gives out the prestigious award to the best high school football player in the state. Lindsey gives credit to his mother for pushing him to be the best player he can be….

Cut 12 (06) “…on me.”

Lindsey led the ASH Trojans to an undefeated regular season and a trip to the state championship game. He says he’ll never forget his senior season…

Cut 13 (07)  “…amazing.”

Lindsey rushed for just under 25-hundred yards and 33 touchdowns. He rushed for 252 yards and two touchdowns in a memorable semifinal victory over John Curtis. ASH head coach Thomas Bachman says Lindsey was a pleasure to coach…

Cut 14 (07) “…that you have.”

(Sound courtesy of the LHSAA Network.)

3 people were taken to the hospital after being struck by a car near the entrance to Jazz Fest this morning. It happened a little before 10:30 this morning at Gentilly Boulevard and Lapeyrouse Street as people were gathering to enter the Fairgrounds for the start of the second weekend of Jazz Fest. The area has been cleared but the investigation into the crash is ongoing. The conditions of the those taken to the hospital have not been released.

A Louisiana program designed for mothers looking for an alternative to abortion is getting underway. The program, called Thrive: The Baby and Parent Network, was established by way of Act 561 of the 2022 regular legislative session, which was sponsored by Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds. He says it provides a telehealth service to help expectant mothers make decisions during pregnancy.

Cut 3 (08) “…a huge factor.”

The Thrive program is administered by the Department of Children and Family Services

Louisiana’s two Democratic congressmen send a letter to President Trump, urging him to reconsider massive cuts to AmeriCorps. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Louisiana House has approved legislation giving the Insurance Commissioner the authority to reject rate increases deemed excessive. Opponents to the measure say the Insurance Commissioner already has this authority, Slidell Republican Brian Glorioso disagrees…

Cut 9 (10)  “…striking it down.”

The Louisiana House approves legislation giving the insurance commissioner the authority to reject rate increases deemed excessive. The vote was 68-34, with all “no” votes coming from Republicans. One of the “no” votes came from Baton Rouge Representative Paula Davis, who previously worked for the Insurance Department…

Cut 10 (10) “…is good policy.”

Louisiana’s two Democratic congressmen send a letter to President Trump urging him to reconsider cuts to the AmeriCorps program. Trump and Elon Musk’s DOGE have reduced staff by 85-percent and eliminated more than one-thousand grants nationwide. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says AmeriCorps provides essential services, not just for those being served, but also for the volunteers themselves.

Cut 8 (06) “…over the country.”

A state program designed for mothers looking for an alternative to abortion will launch soon. The program, called Thrive: The Baby and Parent Network, was born from an act in the 2022 session by Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds, who says Thrive provides pregnant women with life-affirming care to build long-term stability.

Cut 5 (10) “…and Medicare plans.”

Future LSU Tiger and former Alexandria Senior High star running back J-T Lindsey is this year’s Warrick Dunn Award winner. The LHSAA Network gives out the prestigious award to the best high school football player in the state. Lindsey gives credit to his mother for pushing him to be the best player he can be….

Cut 12 (06) “…on me.”

Lindsey led the ASH Trojans to an undefeated regular season and a trip to the state championship game.

A Louisiana program designed for mothers looking for an alternative to abortion is getting underway. The program, called Thrive: The Baby and Parent Network, is administered by the Department of Children and Family Services and is operated by Texas-based Human Coalition. Senator Rick Edmonds, whose act in the 2022 legislative session established the program, says through a toll-free number or a live online chat, it gives pregnant women full access to Human Coalition’s team of nurses and social workers.

Cut 4 (08) “…kind of format.”

Louisiana’s two Democratic congressmen send a letter to President Trump urging him to reconsider cuts to the AmeriCorps program. Trump and Elon Musk’s DOGE have reduced staff by 85-percent and eliminated more than one-thousand grants nationwide. Baton Rouge Congressman Cleo Fields says those grants go towards essential services.

Cut 6 (09) “…after-school funding.”

Fields and New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter sent their letter after hearing concerns from Louisiana’s Republican Lieutenant Governor, Billy Nungesser.

The Louisiana House approves legislation that would give Louisiana’s Insurance Commissioner more authority to reject large rate increases. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A change to a bill aimed at banning speed cameras throughout the state. The Senate has passed an amendment by Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh that would allow speed cameras in school zones only and would treat violations as civil fines instead of criminal offenses. While still favoring a full ban, Seabaugh sees this as meaningful reform and a step toward greater fairness and transparency.

Cut 6 (12) “…just school zones.”

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approves a bill that would ban schools that receive state funding from serving lunches that contain ultra-processed foods, but not without opposition. Alexandria Democrat Jay Luneau questioned why single out school lunches?

Cut 16 (12) “…those things.”

Louisiana’s first Telecare Clinic for pregnant women is up and running. The program, called Thrive: The Baby and Parent Network, was established by way of Act 561 of the 2022 regular legislative session, which was sponsored by Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds. He says it provides a telehealth service to help expectant mothers make sound decisions both during pregnancy and after giving birth.

Cut 3 (08) “…a huge factor.” 

Construction is underway on the new Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. To mark the milestone, Ochsner and Benson have announced a new partnership with Make-A-Wish Louisiana. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Butch Adolph says there are many Make-A-Wish kids waiting for their wishes to come true.

Cut 12 (08) “…backlog over time.”

The new hospital is slated to open in early 2028.

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee has passed a comprehensive nutrition bill that would prohibit schools from serving lunches that contain ultra-processed foods. The measure would also prohibit SNAP recipients from using their SNAP benefits to purchase sugary drinks, like soft drinks. The bill’s author Covington Senator Patrick McMath…

Cut 14 (07) “…non nutrious”

Democrats believe its not a good idea to restrict SNAP recipients from purchasing sodas.

Congressman Troy Carter is announcing the relaunch of a bipartisan Men’s Health Caucus. The New Orleans Democrat says men need to take care of their bodies the same way as they meticulously care for their most prized possessions.

Cut 8 (13) “…in their bodies.”

The effort to ban unmanned traffic cameras that issue tickets is ongoing at the state capitol again. Sean Richardson reports Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh is supporting an effort to ban them outside of school zones…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson”

The Senate has approved an anti-traffic camera bill and the House will consider the bill soon.

State Police is investigating a fatal officer involved shooting in New Iberia last night. It happened at the intersection of Ann and Buckeye Streets. One person was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were harmed. No other details have been released.

Legislation giving the Insurance Commissioner the authority to reject rate increases deemed excessive has received approval from the Louisiana House. This proposal, backed by Governor Jeff Landry, was added to another insurance related bill and approved by the House on a 67-33 vote. Opponents say the Insurance Commissioner already has this authority, Slidell Republican Brian Glorioso disagrees…

Cut 9 (12) “….striking it down”

The amended bill heads to the Senate for more debate.

A bill that seeks to reduce the number of unmanned ticket writing traffic cameras continues to advance in the legislature. A bill to do just that was approved by the Senate this week and Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh added an amendment that says speed cameras that would issue citations will be allowed in school zones…

Cut 5 (04) “….the school zones”

The bill needs approval from the House before it heads to the governor’s desk.

Pediatric patients in New Orleans will soon have a hospital to call their own. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.

The search for a new president is down to two finalists, Chris Broadwater and Carrie Castille. Castillie is a Louisiana native and is currently an Agriculture and Natural Resources Consultant for the USDA. Broadwater is an attorney and a former state representative and was previously the interim chancellor for Louisiana Delta Community College.