The House Ways and Means Committee rejected a proposal to increase tax on tobacco cigarettes. But as Colleen Crane reports, that same panel said yes to a state tax hike on vape products and e-cigarettes.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Accidental shootings involving children are a big problem across the country and here in Louisiana. 12 children in our state died from accidental shootings last year. That’s according to one nonprofit that tracks gun violence. But a bill by State Representative Matthew Willard looks to change that by holding gun owners more accountable.  If passed, the bill will make improper storage of a firearm a crime.

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The House Commerce Committee will soon consider a bill by Mandeville Republican Kim Carver to tighten rules on personal injury attorney advertising. Supporters, including Governor Landry, say it will reduce frivolous lawsuits and lower auto insurance costs.  But critics, including LSU media law professor Will Mari, argue that the U-S Supreme Court has already weighed in on previous efforts.

Cut 4 (11) “…First Amendment protection.”

The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously advances a bill that would do away with speed cameras in Louisiana. The bill’s author, Monroe Republican Stewart Cathey, says some cities and towns are just using speed cameras as a money grab and says they’re very unpopular among those in the general public and lawmakers alike.

Cut 13 (11)  “…it doesn’t matter.”

Louisiana’s New  Department of Health Secretary is actually the man who served as LDH Secretary under Governor Bobby Jindal’s administration for three years beginning in 20-10.  During that time, Bruce Greenstein (GREEN-steen)  was indicted with lying to a grand jury under oath about his alleged involvement in the awarding of a cancelled Medicaid contract with his previous employer. Though the indictment was eventually dismissed, Greenstein was asked about it during his introductory news conference.

Cut 14 (06) “…just simply accusations.”

The House Ways and Means Committee has approved legislation to increase the state tax on vapes and e-cigarettes.  Democrats on the committee voted for Vacherie Representative Ken Brass’s legislation , while Republicans were split. Bossier City Representative Dennis Hamburg says there’s a large percentage of teens using vapes and e-cigarettes and says if they cost more, it could reduce usage among minors.

Cut 8 (07) “…little bit.”

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A bill to ban speed cameras in Louisiana advances to the full Senate.  Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

In an effort to reduce frivolous lawsuits and lower auto insurance rates, Louisiana’s House Commerce Committee will soon consider a bill by Mandeville Republican Kim Carver to tighten rules on personal injury attorney advertising. But critics,like LSU media law professor Will Mari says Louisiana already has stricter advertising rules than many states..

Cut 5 (11) “…400 miles away.”

The House Ways and Means Committee approves legislation to increase the state tax on vapes and e-cigarettes, Representative Ken Brass’s legislation to raise the tax on vapes and e-cigarettes passed on a 9-to-6 vote. Brass says a higher tax will result in a drop in usage for these harmful products.

Cut 7 (07) “…health care costs.”

The same panel did not approve a bill to increase Louisiana’s tax on tobacco cigarettes.

The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously advances a bill that would do away with speed cameras in Louisiana. The bill’s author, Monroe Republican Stewart Cathey, says some cities and towns are simply using the speed cameras as a money grab.

Cut 11 (13) “…premium taxes combined.”

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Governor Landry is backing legislation that would result stricter advertising standards for personal injury attorneys, but is the proposed law constitutional. Sean Richardson spoke with a legal expert…

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Governor Landry is backing legislation that would result stricter advertising standards for personal injury attorneys, but is the proposed law constitutional. Sean Richardson spoke with a legal expert…

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Northwestern State left Baton Rouge last night with a run rule victory as they upset the seventh ranked Tigers. Braden Benton hit a three-run homer in a six-run third inning as Northwestern beat the tigers 13 to 3 in seven innings.

And a big upset in Lake Charles last nigth as Louisiana Christian, a division three school, defeated McNeese four to three.

The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee approves legislation that would result in homeowners receiving an individual income tax credit of up to ten-thousand dollars, if they voluntarily pay to install a fortified roof. The author, River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot, says the Legislative Auditor’s Office found that homeowners who had a fortified roof installed saw a decline in their insurance premiums.

Cut 11 (12) “…their premium.”

The House Ways and Means Committee approves an increase to the state tax on vapes and e-cigarettes, but it voted down a bill to increase Louisiana’s tax on cigarettes. Vacherie Representative Ken Brass, who wrote the vape and e-cig tax bill, says a higher tax will result in a drop in usage for these harmful products…

Cut 7 (06) “…health care costs.”

Democrats on the committee voted for Brass’s bill, while Republicans were split.

The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously advances a bill that would do away with speed cameras in Louisiana. The author, Monroe Republican Stewart Cathey, says the speed cameras are nothing but a money grab.

Cut 23 (13) “…premium taxes combined.”

Cathey says an unscientific study found that speed cameras were less popular than herpes. The bill now advances to the full Senate.

The House Commerce Committee will consider a bill by Mandeville Republican Kim Carver to tighten rules on personal injury attorney advertising. Critics, including LSU media law professor Will Mari, argue that the U-S Supreme Court has already weighed in on previous efforts.

Cut 4 (11) “…First Amendment protection.”

The Louisiana Department of Health launches a task force to fight waste, fraud and abuse. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Senator Kirk Talbot’s bill that would result in homeowners receiving a individual income tax credit of up to ten-thousand dollars, if they voluntarily pay to install a fortified roof on their home has been approved by the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee. Talbot says a fortified roof could mean fewer claims for insurance companies…

Cut 10 (10) “…know that.”

Meta is getting the word out to parents about Teen Accounts for Instagram. Meta Spokesperson Stephanie Otway says they put safeguards on the accounts and parents can check their teens account. She says Meta is taking a hands-on approach and using AI to identify Teens on Instagram.

Cut 5 (12) “…restrictive state.”

Cyclists from across the state and beyond are gathering in Lafayette for Cycle Zydeco this week. It gets underway tomorrow, and organizer Scott Schilling says there are non-stop activities with a little bit of cycling mixed in.

Cut 13 (07)  “…culture down here.”

If you can’t make all five days, there’s a weekend option Saturday and Sunday.

Ruston Police have identified the victim of a fatal shooting in the parking lot of Y2 Kuts Barbershop. Authorities say 30-year-old Deontrell Hunter was shot and killed Sunday night. Nearby Ruston Police officers heard the shots and responded immediately. After interviewing witnesses, police believe the incident was a result of an ongoing dispute among extended family members. Investigators say multiple individuals were involved and armed with handguns. Five bystanders received superficial injuries and were transported by private vehicle for treatment.

The Louisiana Department of Health is working to fight waste, fraud and abuse with a new task force. Undersecretary Drew Maranto says One initiative involves collaborating with the Office of Motor Vehicles to ensure that no Louisiana Medicaid recipient has an active driver’s license in another state. Another involves a partnership with U-L Lafayette to use artificial intelligence for state-specific data analysis.

Cut 7 (09) “…within the system.”

Meta’s Teen Accounts look to safeguard minors and notify parents of what their kids are doing on Instagram.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Cycle Zydeco gets underway tomorrow in Lafayette. Organizer Scott Schilling says cycling is just one component of the five-day event. And if you think you’re too out of shape, you’ll be in good company.

Cut 14 (08) “…the sweet spot.”

For those who can’t participate for all five days, there is a weekend option for just Saturday and Sunday.

If River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot’s bill is passed, Louisiana homeowners could receive a individual income tax credit of up to ten-thousand dollars, if they voluntarily pay to install a fortified roof on their home.

Cut 9 (08)  “…three years.”

The bill was approved by the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee.

A new task force to fight waste, fraud and abuse is being launched by the Louisiana Department of Health. Undersecretary Drew Maranto says one initiative involves working with the attorney general’s office to identify questionable billing practices.

Cut 8 (08) “…to this conduct.”

Instagram has Teen Accounts with protective safeguards and parental notification and Meta wants to be sure parents of teens under the age of 16 years are aware. Spokesperson Stephanie Otway says 97-percent of teens aged 13–15 are complying with their settings that do not allow teen accounts to be public. Meta also put additional requirements on Teen Accounts for changing age.

Cut 4 (11) “…their birthday.”

Cyclists from across the state and beyond are gathering in Lafayette for Cycle Zydeco this week. It gets underway tomorrow, and organizer Scott Schilling says cycling is just one component of the five-day event.

Cut 12 (08) “…to the other.”

There is a weekend option on Saturday and Sunday.

Meta is getting the word out to parents about Teen Accounts for Instagram that puts safeguards on accounts of teens under the age of 16 years old that notify parents on how they can check their teens account. Meta Spokesperson Stephanie Otway says over 54 million Teen Accounts are active, offering features like private profiles and limited messaging.

Cut 3 (08) “…Parents’ involvement.”

The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee approves legislation that would result in homeowners receiving a individual income tax credit of up to ten-thousand dollars, if they voluntarily pay to install a fortified roof on their home. Bill author, River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot saysthe Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office recently found that homeowners who had a foritified roof installed saw a decline in their insurance premiums…

Cut 11 (12) “…their premium.”

The Louisiana Department of Health launches a task force to fight waste, fraud and abuse. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee approves legislation that would result in homeowners receiving an individual income tax credit of up to ten-thousand dollars, if they voluntarily pay to install a fortified roof on their home. Author Kirk Talbot says a fortified roof can reduce storm damage in a high wind event and that means fewer claims for insurance companies…

Cut 10 (10) “…know that.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is launching a new task force to fight waste, fraud and abuse. Undersecretary Drew Maranto says the department will collaborate with several departments in this effort.

Cut 6 (10) “…gaps in oversight.”

One initiative involves LDH collaborating with the Office of Motor Vehicles to ensure that no Medicaid recipient in Louisiana has an active driver’s license in another state. 

Meta’s Teen Accounts look to safeguard minors and notify parents of what their kids are doing on Instagram. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (00) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed a second measle case in the Greater New Orleans area. The first one was reported over the weekend and state health officials announced a second one yesterday. In both cases, the patient is an adult who recently traveled abroad. Louisiana Surgeon General Doctor Ralph Abraham is urging those who are not vaccinated against the measles to get vaccinated…

Cut 8 (07) “…to get it”

The MMR vaccine protects against the measles, mumps and rubella.

New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry will present a bill to the House Ways and Means Committee today that would increase the state’s cigarette tax. Landry says that by increasing the tax, it will lower the smoking rate…

Cut 11 (12) “…whole is healthier”

Various reports indicate that between 16 and 18 percent of Louisiana adults smoke.

The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee approves legislation that would result in homeowners receiving a individual income tax credit of up to ten-thousand dollars, if they voluntarily pay to install a fortified roof on their home. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot is the author of the legislation…

Cut 9 (08) “…three years”

Talbot says a fortified roof can reduce storm damage in a high wind event and it can also lower your homeowners insurance premium

The Public Service Commission voted to remove the state’s energy efficiency program. The 3-to-2 vote will end all energy efficiency programs outside of the PSC’s jurisdiction at the end of the year. Commission Chairman Mike Francis says the third-party program for private entities is not cost-efficient.

Cut 13 (10)  “…of operating costs.”

The Alliance for Affordable Energy is not happy with the decision. Executive Director Logan Burke says removing the energy efficiency program will make it harder for people to reduce their utility bills.