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.

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approves a bill that would ban schools that receive state funding from serving lunches containing ultra-processed foods. Covington Republican Patrick McMath says childhood obesity is a real problem, and this legislation is step towards a healthier Louisiana.

Cut 13 (11)  “…synthetic ingredients”

Alexandria Democrat Jay Luneau says why single out school lunches; why not include sugary alcoholic drinks that adults consume?

Cut 16 (12) “…those things.”

The measure passed on a four-three vote and heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

Congressman Troy Carter will be announcing the relaunch of a bipartisan Men’s Health Caucus for the 119th Congress this morning. The Democrat from New Orleans says it’s a way for Republicans and Democrats to come together to encourage men to pay attention to their health.

Cut 7 (10) “…more purposeful lives.”

Carter says men often ignore the warning signs that their body gives, but if the engine light comes on their vehicle, they are quick to bring it to a mechanic.

Ground has been broken on The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. Ochsner Health says this will be Louisiana’s top hospital for kids. Chief medical officer for Ochsner Children’s Hospital, Doctor Butch Adolph…

Cut 11 (14) “…into one facility”

The new Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital is slated to open in early 2028.

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee has passed a comprehensive nutrition bill that would prohibit schools that receive state funding from serving lunches that contain certain artificial ingredients and additives.

Much of the discussion on the bill centered around a provision in the proposed law that would prohibit SNAP recipients from using their benefits to purchase drinks, with over five grams of added sugar or artificial sweetener, which means soft drinks. The bill’s author Covington Senator Patrick McMath…

Cut 14 (07) “…non nutrious”

Democrats on the Senate Health Committee have a problem with restricting what low-income individuals can purchase with their SNAP benefits. Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews was the first one to speak out.

Cut 15 (06) “…for their children.”

The bill passed on a four to three vote and heads to the Senate floor.

The Louisiana Senate has approved legislation that seeks to eliminate enforcement cameras that issue tickets. Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey’s legislation would charge public officials with malfeasance in office if unmanned traffic cameras issue citations by mail. Before sending the bill to the House, Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh added an amendment that would allow mobile speed cameras in school zones, but signage needs to be posted notifying the public that red light cameras are in operation…

Cut 4 (09) “….not following the law”

TOPS acceptance rates have been on the decline since 2018. In 2023, only 81-percent of eligible students accepted their awards, a ten-year low. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says some high school grads are not able to pursue a college education right out of high school…

Cut 19 (12) “…to be eligible”

Reed says there’s an effort in the legislative session to increase the amount of TOPS awards.

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approves a bill that would prohibit SNAP recipients from purchasing soft drinks with SNAP benefits. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The House Natural Resources Committee has voted against a bill that would have allowed parish governments to vote over whether a carbon sequestration well is allowed in their parish. Some members of the public are concerned about the impact of carbon wells, which will store carbon dioxide, while opponents of the bill say the legislation will deter businesses from investing in Louisiana.

Construction is underway on the new Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. Dr. Butch Adolph, the chief medical officer for Ochsner Children’s Hospital, says the new facility will be five stories tall, totaling more than 340-thousand square feet, with a lot of dedicated pediatric space.

Cut 10 (14) “…in one place.”

The new Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital is slated to open in early 2028.

Today on Capitol Hill, New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter is relaunching the Men’s Health Caucus. Carter says let’s face it fellas, women are more proactive in controlling their health…

Cut 9 (07) “….for preventive measures”

Carter and others will announce the bipartisan caucus at ten Central time this morning.

Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh’s amendment to remove traffic cameras except for school zones and to mandate clearer signage passes the Senate and moves to the House. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approves a bill that would prohibit SNAP recipients from purchasing soft drinks with SNAP benefits. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

______________________________________________________

The Louisiana Senate has approved legislation that seeks to eliminate enforcement cameras that issue tickets to motorists for traveling too fast or running a red light. Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey’s legislation would charge public officials with malfeasance in office if unmanned traffic cameras issue citations by mail. Before sending the bill to the House, Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh added amendment that would allow mobile speed cameras in school zones, but signage needs to be posted notifying the public that red light cameras are in operation

Cut 4 (09) “…not following the law.”

Seabaugh emphasized that violations will be treated as civil fines, not criminal offenses, and cities cannot report unpaid tickets to credit bureaus or place liens. He warned local governments against expanding cameras outside school zones, as doing so could result in malfeasance charges.

Cut 5 (04) “…outside the school zones.”

Seabaugh noted strong public opposition to traffic cameras, especially in areas where abuses have occurred. Although still favoring a full ban, Seabaugh sees this legislation as meaningful reform and a step toward greater fairness and transparency.

Cut 6 (12) “…just school zones.”

______________________________________________________

Congressman Troy Carter will be announcing the relaunch of a bipartisan Men’s Health Caucus for the 119th Congress this morning. The Democrat from New Orleans says it’s a way for Republicans and Democrats to come together to encourage men to pay attention to their health.

Cut 7 (10) “…more purposeful lives.”

Congressman Carter 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.”

Carter says when it comes to taking care of their health, men can look to women for inspiration, since he says women have historically been more proactive in controlling their health.

Cut 9 (07)  “…for preventive measures.”

Carter and others will announce the bipartisan caucus at ten Central time this morning.

______________________________________________________

Construction is underway on the new Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. Dr. Butch Adolph, the chief medical officer for Ochsner Children’s Hospital, says the new facility will be five stories tall, totaling more than 340-thousand square feet, with a lot of dedicated pediatric space.

Cut 10 (14) “…in one place.”

Dr. Adolph says this new facility will give pediatric patients a healthcare facility of their own.

Cut 11 (14) “…into one facility.”

To mark the milestone, Ochsner and Benson have announced a new partnership with Make-A-Wish Louisiana. Adolph says there are many Make-A-Wish kids waiting for their wishes to come true.

Cut 12 (08) “…backlog over time.”

The new Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital is slated to open in early 2028.

_____________________________________________

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. Covington Republican Patrick McMath says obesity is a real problem in the state, and this legislation is step towards a healthier Louisiana.

Cut 13 (11)  “…synthetic ingredients”

McMath’s measure also prohibits SNAP recipients from using their benefits to purchase soft drinks.

Cut 14 (07) “…not nutritious.”

Democrats on the Senate Health and Welfare Committee have a problem with McMath’s bill dictating what low-income individuals can’t purchase with their SNAP benefits. Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews was the first one to speak out.

Cut 15 (06) “…for their children.”

McMath’s bill prohibits schools from serving school lunches that contain specific artificial colors and additives. Alexandria Democrat Jay Luneau questioned why single out school lunches; why not include sugary alcoholic drinks that adults consume?

Cut 16 (12) “…those things.”

The measure heads to the Senate floor.

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approves a comprehensive nutrition bill that would ban schools from serving lunches that contain ultra-processed foods. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says child obesity is a real problem, and the state needs to do a better job in prioritizing health…

Cut 13 (12)  “…synthetic ingredients”

Much of the discussion on McMath’s bill was on a provision that prohibits SNAP recipients from using their benefits to purchase soft drinks…

Democrats on the Senate Health and Welfare Committee say McMath’s bill dictates what low-income parents can purchase with their SNAP benefits. Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews was the first one to speak out…

Cut 15 (06) “…for their children.”

The measure passed on a four to three vote and heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

A Senate committee approves legislation that provides a new legal remedy for people incarcerated under non-unanimous jury verdicts.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approved a bill today to make it a crime to wager on the outcomes of elections. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says Louisiana already has some of the most secure elections in the state, and she wants to keep it that way.

Cut 5 (06) “…to stay there.”

TOPS acceptance rates have been on the decline since 2018. In 2023, only 81-percent of eligible students accepted their awards, a ten-year low. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says there are a couple of reasons for fewer TOPS recipients…

Cut 10 (12) “…to be eligible”

Reed says there’s an effort in the legislative session to increase the amount of TOPS awards.

Baton Rouge Police have charged 18-year-old Karl Nash has been charged with the murder of 21-year-old Daylon Anthony, who was fatally shot outside of an Amazon distribution facility. Sergeant Darren Ahmed says the two men were involved in a verbal and physical altercation. Anthony was pronounced dead at the scene.

Cut 7 (07) “…December 2024.”

State Senator Royce Duplessis has a bill that aims to provide a new legal remedy for people incarcerated under non-unanimous jury verdicts, which were allowed to happen prior to the passage of a Constitutional Amendment in 2018. The bill passed a Senate committee on a 5-1 vote. Promise of Justice initiative Attorney Claude Michael Comeau says it would allow individuals convicted by non-unanimous juries to seek post-conviction relief.

Cut 12 (05) “…a new trial.”

Lafourche Parish District Attorney Kristine Russell focused on Child Abuse cases for 20 years and says when she looks at her non-unanimous verdicts it wasn’t a question of guilt.

Cut 14 (14) “…not guilty.”

Russell is concerned how this proposed law will impact victims, because if there’s a new trial, it will mean they’ll have to face their offender again in court. The bill heads to the full Senate for more debate.

A measure aiming to provide a new legal remedy for people incarcerated under non-unanimous jury verdicts – also known as Jim Crow juries – is headed to the full Senate. Promise of Justice initiative Attorney Claude Michael Comeau says S-B 218 is a necessary step to address historic injustices and to ensure fair trials for all Louisianians.

Cut 13 (10)  “…doing the right thing.”

Lafourche Parish District Attorney Kristine Russell testified against the bill. She noted that she has been focusing on child abuse cases for 20 years and says the conversation needs to continue because this bill is not the answer.

Cut 15 (10) “…at the time.”

The vote in Senate Judiciary Committee B was bipartisan – five to one.

The number of students accepting TOPS funding is on the decline. Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed says the trend started taking a U-turn a few years ago.

Cut 11 (09) “…program has declined.”

Reed notes that there are bills in the legislature designed to make Louisiana a more competitive state for college-bound students and to ensure an affordable path to higher education.

A teenager is under arrest for the murder of a man outside an Amazon distribution center in Baton Rouge. Homicide detectives arrested 18-year-old Karl Nash in connection with the shooting death of 21-year-old Daylon Anthony. BRPD Sergeant Darren Ahmed says Nash turned himself in.

Cut 6 (05) “…violent crimes unit office.”

Investigators say the two men were involved in a verbal and physical altercation outside the distribution center Monday night. Nash has been charged with Second Degree Murder and Illegal Use of a Weapon.

A bill that would ban wagering on the outcomes of elections advances to the full Senate. Secretary of State Nancy Landry testified in support of the bill, noting that such a rule already exists for election staff.

Cut 4 (12) “…should apply statewide.”

The vote in the Governmental Affairs Committee was unanimous, increasing its odds of eventually ending up on Governor Landry’s desk.

The number of students accepting TOPS funding has been going down for a few years. Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed says one reason is that some students decide not to continue their education beyond high school.

Cut 10 (12) “…to be eligible.”

A bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee B aims to provide a new legal remedy for people incarcerated under non-unanimous jury verdicts. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A new exhibit opens next Friday in New Orleans, honoring the women who played an essential role in making Mardi Gras what it is today. The Pioneers of Women’s Carnival will feature costumes, photos, ball favors and parade throws. It will be on display at the Presbytere on Jackson Square beginning May 9th.

A bill introduced by Senator Royce Duplessis aims to provide a new legal remedy for people incarcerated under non-unanimous jury verdicts, also known as Jim Crow juries. The bill passed a Senate committee with bipartisan support in a 5-1 vote and now heads to the full Senate. Promise of Justice initiative Attorney Claude Michael Comeau testified in favor of the bill, saying it would allow those convicted by non-unanimous juries to seek post-conviction relief.

Cut 12 (05) “…a new trial.”

Lafourche Parish District Attorney Kristine Russell has been focusing on Child Abuse cases for 20 years. She testified against the bill, saying when she looks at her non-unanimous verdicts, there’s no question of guilt.

Cut 14 (14) “…not guilty.”

The number of students accepting TOPS funding has been going down for a few years. Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed says one requirement is that students attend a college within the state of Louisiana, and many students are being lured to other states.

Cut 9 (09)  “…now for students.”

Amtrak will launch a new twice-daily service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama. Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross says the goal is to launch the new Mardi Gras line by mid-July.

Cut 16 (12) “…piece of track.”

The Mardi Gras line will also have four stops in Mississippi — Bay Saint Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula. Ross says the next phase is to connect New Orleans to Baton Rouge.