Citizens Insurance policyholders may get some financial relief when it comes to premiums. Sean Richardson reports legislators are working on legislation that temporarily eliminates the ten-percent surcharge for coastal residents..

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Louisiana Public Service approves the largest renewable power expansion in state’s history. Mel Bridges has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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If you want to avoid the holiday traffic but you’re itching to take a dip in the water, relief is as close as a Louisiana State Park pool. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Citizens Insurance policyholders may see some relief from high premiums as lawmakers are working on a bill that would suspend the 10% surcharge for coastal residents and reduce the surcharge from 10 to 5% for the rest of the state. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot is working on the legislation.

Cut 4 (06) “…we can do it.”

Under the bill, they are calling for a three-year suspension of the surcharge, but it would get evaluated yearly. Citizens’ rates are intentionally higher so the state insurer of last resort is not in competition with private insurers. He says based on conversations with Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple, a temporary surcharge reduction is possible…

Cut 5 (13) “…pull the trigger.” 

Property Insurance rates have skyrocketed in Louisiana since active storm seasons in 2020 and 2021. Legislation has been approved this year that’s intended to bring more private insurers into the state in the hopes competition will lower premiums. Talbot this bill could provide immediate premium relief…

Cut 6 (06) “…legislative level.”

The bill still needs approval before lawmakers adjourn the legislative session which could come to an end next Friday.

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The Louisiana Department of Health is set to greatly increase the availability of mental health providers by expanding Medicaid reimbursement eligibility to provisionally licensed mental health professionals. Deputy Assistant Secretary for the state Office of Behavioral Health Robyn McDermott says one of the only major differences between provisionally and fully licensed mental health professionals is supervision.

Cut 7 (09) “…clinical directors.”

Over four-thousand providers in Louisiana would become eligible for reimbursement under the policy change including provisionally licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and licensed master social workers. McDermott says under the new plan, provisionally licensed professionals can help the 74% of people in Louisiana who have not yet had their mental health needs met.

Cut 8 (08) “…services.” 

Nationally, one in three people live in an area that doesn’t have any mental health providers. McDermott thinks this plan could help change that in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (12)  “…otherwise have.”

Publication of the final rule is expected by July 20th. If approved, the plan is expected to begin August 1st.

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The Louisiana Public Service Commission gave Entergy Louisiana the go-ahead to add up to three gigawatts of economic solar power to its generational portfolio, which is the largest renewable power expansion in state history. Entergy Louisiana Director of Resource Planning and Market Operations Laura Beauchamp says this is a big deal for some outside Louisiana as well.

Cut 10 (08) “…in the state.”

Beauchamp notes the increased economic solar power says a lot to companies looking to relocate to Louisiana, including…

Cut 11 (12) “…(x3) renewable power.”

Additionally, Beauchamp says individuals and households are not eligible for this power and won’t see any upcharges.

Cut 12 (12) “…decarbonize.” 

Currently, Entergy Louisiana has about 230 megawatts of renewable energy in total with an additional 3,225 megawatts of solar capital in development.

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Memorial Day weekend officially kicks off summer activities and if you’re looking for a way to beat the heat, look no further than a Louisiana State Park. Parks Director Brandon Burris says they’ll officially open their pools and water playgrounds on Saturday.

Cut 13 (11)  “…weekend day.”

This weekend state park pools parks will be open Saturday through Monday and then they’ll resume their regular schedule of Thursday through Sundays for the remainder of the summer. Burris advises visitors to check with individual parks for days and hours of operation.

Burris says pools are available for day use and lifeguards are on duty from nine to five.

Cut 14 (10)  “…Toledo Bend.”

And if you’re looking for more than a dip in the pool, Burris says several of their parks have water playgrounds and splash pads from the north part of the state to the south and everywhere in between.

Cut 15 (06)  “…to offer.”

For more information and to find the closest park visit LAStateParks.com

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The LSU Tigers took down one of the best teams in college baseball yesterday to advance into the winner’s bracket of the SEC Tournament. Jared Jones and Tommy White each hit grand slams as the Tigers blanked Kentucky eleven to nothing. Michael Braswell started the scoring with a solo home run on the second pitch of the game and scored three times. Coach Jay Johnson says Braswell is playing to his potential…

Cut 16 (20) “…hitting mistakes.” 

Luke Holman was the winning pitcher as he threw six hitless innings. Johnson says Holman was in complete control as he faced the second ranked Wildcats…

Cut 17 (18) “…I’ve had.”

LSU will play South Carolina at around 4:30 PM today in a winner’s bracket game.

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Cut 18 (12)  “…La Tech.”

Cut 19 (20) “…as well.” 

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Cut 20 (13) “….else does that.”

Louisiana could soon become the first state to classify two drugs used to induce an abortion as controlled substances.

Cut 1 (36)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Citizens Insurance policyholders may see some relief. Senator Kirk Talbot wants to suspend the 10% surcharge for coastal residents and reduce the surcharge from 10 to 5% for the rest of the state.

Cut 24 (04) “…we can do it.”

Legislation to remove the required 20-minute break for minors who work five or more hours passed in the Senate after it was amended. Lafayette Senator Jean-Paul Coussan’s amendment changed the bill to keep the required break for fourteen- and fifteen-year-olds.

Cut 7 (13) “…my vote.”  

But the amendment didn’t sway Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews who says the minors she sees working are using their break to study or finish homework. After hearing proponents say ‘kids want to work’ she felt moved to speak against the bill.

Cut 10 (12) “…the bill.” 

House Bill 156, in its amended form, passed on a 26 to 11 vote in the Senate and it now returns to the House.

The Louisiana House approves legislation making it a crime to possess two abortion-inducing drugs without a prescription. But doctors are concerned reclassifying them as controlled dangerous substances could delay reproductive care. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman expressed her frustration…

Cut 3 (10) “…in everything.” 

But the bill’s author, Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly, says the drugs are still available, but a prescription will now be required to use them for legitimate medical uses, except for abortions. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson made that point during debate on the House floor…

Cut 6  (09) “…elected abortions. ” 

The bill now returns to the Senate.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says he still plans to run for re-election despite the US Supreme Court ordering the state to use the congressional map that alters his current district into a second majority-black one. He says there are others districts he could represent…

Cut 15 (13) “…South Louisiana.”

Qualifying is mid-July.

Governor Landry and State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley unveil recommendations to support public school teachers. The “Let Teachers, teach” workgroup focuses on identifying classroom disruptions and ways to unburden teachers with unrealistic expectations and allow teachers to focus on teaching. Governor Landry…

Cut 11 (06) ” …not what to think.”

The Louisiana House approves legislation making it a crime to possess two abortion-inducing drugs without a prescription. Louisiana would be the first state to classify these abortion-inducing pills as controlled dangerous substances. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson…
Cut 4 (10) “…cause death.”
More than 200 doctors have expressed opposition to the bill saying they are needed to treat miscarriages or stop hemorrhaging after childbirth.

New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman accused supporters of putting the interests of the anti-abortion group Louisiana Right to Life over medical experts.
Cut 5 (11) “…of this state.”
The amended bill returns to the Senate.

Amended legislation to remove the required 20-minute break for minors who work five or more hours passes in the Senate. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The state department of education released a series of recommendations designed to make it easier for teachers in the classroom. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says one of the recommendations would support student mental health challenges through trained professionals…
cut 13 (08) “…mental health professionals”

Louisiana could soon become the first state to classify two drugs used to induce an abortion as controlled substances. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (36)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Northwest Louisiana is under a severe weather risk this afternoon and early evening. There’s an enhanced risk of severe storms that could be accompanied by hail, and damaging winds so you’ll want to be weather aware.

Legislation to remove the required 20-minute break for minors who work five or more hours passed in the Senate after it was amended and it heads back to the House. Lafayette Republican Senator Jean-Paul Coussan’s amendment changed the bill to keep the required break for fourteen- and fifteen-year-olds. New Orleans Democrat Senator Gary Carter…

Cut 8 (08)  “…thank you.” 

The amended bill passed on a 26 to 11 vote and returns to the House.

Congressman Garret Graves says U-S Supreme Court was lazy with its decision ordering the state to use the Congressional map with two majority Black districts for this year’s federal elections. Graves still believes the political boundaries for this map are racially gerrymandered…

Cut  14 (12) “…figure it out later.” 

Graves will seek another term in Congress but may not run in his sixth district.

The Louisiana House approves legislation making it a crime to possess two abortion-inducing drugs without a prescription, making Louisiana the first state to do so. More than 200 doctors expressed opposition because they say the drugs are needed to treat miscarriages or stop hemorrhaging after childbirth. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson…

Cut 6  (11) “…education. ” 

The bill was filed because Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly’s former brother-in-law in Texas received a light sentence when he was convicted for trying to end Catherine Pressly Herring’s pregnancy by slipping abortion-inducing drugs into her drinks. Pressly says the two medications would require a prescription for legitimate medical uses, not abortions.

The amended bill returns to the Senate.

Legislation to remove the required 20-minute break for minors who work five or more hours passed in the Senate after it was amended to only apply to 16 and 17-year-olds. Monroe Democrat Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews says minors are using their break to study or finish homework. After hearing proponents say ‘kids want to work’

Cut 10 (12) “…the bill.” 

The amended bill returns to the House.

Governor Landry and State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley unveil recommendations to support public school teachers and students with the “Let Teachers teach” workgroup. Brumley shared a few recommendations, from removing cell phones in the classroom and students who misbehave.

Cut 12 (11) “…from learning.” 

The Louisiana House approves legislation making it a crime to possess two abortion-inducing drugs without a prescription.  Louisiana would be the first state to classify these abortion-inducing pills as controlled dangerous substances. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson…

Cut 4 (10) “…cause death.” 

More than 200 doctors have expressed opposition to the bill saying they are needed to treat miscarriages or stop hemorrhaging after childbirth.

New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman accused supporters of putting the interests of the anti-abortion group Louisiana Right to Life over medical experts.

Cut 5 (11)  “…of this state.”

The amended bill returns to the Senate.

Legislation to remove the required 20-minute break for minors who work five or more hours passed in the Senate after it was amended to only apply to 16 and 17-year-olds. But Many Republican Senator Alan Seabaugh, who supports the bill, objected to the amendment and says it will only deter employers from hiring those who are 15 and younger.

Cut 9 (14) “…do object.” 

The amended bill returns to the House.

Governor Landry and State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley unveil recommendations to support public school teachers. The “Let Teachers, teach” workgroup focuses on identifying classroom disruptions and ways to unburden teachers with unrealistic expectations and allow teachers to focus on teaching. Governor Landry…

Cut 11 (06) ” …not what to think.”

Legislation requiring all public school buses to have heating and air conditioning by 2032 fails to receive the support of the Louisiana House.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana House approves a bill that classifies two drugs that induce abortions as dangerous controlled substances. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly’s legislation calls for a prison sentence of up to ten years if a person is in possession of the abortion pills without a prescription. Doctors oppose the bill because they say the drugs are needed to treat miscarriages or stop hemorrhaging after childbirth. Pressly says the drugs will still be available for legitimate medical reasons with a prescription.

Legislation to remove the required 20-minute break for minors who work five or more hours passed in the Senate after it was amended and it returns to the House. Lafayette Republican Senator Jean-Paul Coussan’s amendment changed the bill to keep the required break for fourteen- and fifteen-year-olds.
Cut 7 (13) “…my vote.”
The measure still needs House approval of the Senate change.

They will be playing a lot of baseball in Hammond and Ruston over the next few days as both cities are hosting conference baseball tournaments. In Ruston, Louisiana Tech is the top seed in the Conference USA Tournament. Director of Marketing and Communications for Experience Ruston, Tori Davis, says they expect a surge of Bulldog fans…
cut 15 (09) “….here in Ruston”

Louisiana is poised to become the first state to classify two pills that are used to induce an abortion as controlled dangerous substances. Opponents of the legislation say this could cause delays in women receiving timely reproductive care, but Carencro Representative Julie Emerson made this argument
cut 4 (10) “…cause death”
The bill’s author, Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly, says the legislation will not present barriers to accessing the medication for legitimate medical purposes other than abortion.

The Louisiana House has voted against a bill that called for all public school buses to have heating and air conditioning. The measure failed on a 57-42 vote. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson was one of the “no” votes…
cut 12 (06) “…local school”
The bill passed the Senate 33 to 4.

The LSU Tigers are playing their best baseball of the season. They opened the SEC Tournament with a nine to one win over Georgia and they lead Kentucky two to nothing today. D-1 Baseball’s Kendall Rogers says LSU’s solid play of late has been impressive…
cut 17 (12) “….realizes that’
Rogers says LSU will be one of the 64 teams in the NCAA Tournament.

The Conference USA Baseball Tournament is underway in Ruston. Director of Marketing and Communications for Experience Ruston, Tori Davis, says the tournament kicks off a big summer of tourism for the area…
cut 16 (10) “…Louisiana Peach Festival”

The Louisiana House has approved legislation that would make it a crime to possess two abortion-inducing drugs without a prescription. But doctors are concerned reclassifying mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled dangerous substances could prevent pregnant patients from receiving care in a timely manner. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman expressed her frustration…
cut 3 (10) “…everything”
The drugs can treat miscarriages, induce labor and halt hemorrhaging. Proponents of the legislation say the pills will still be available for legitimate medical purposes.

The House Criminal Justice Committee has rejected a bill that would prevent the state from using nitrogen hypoxia as a method to carrying out an execution. Jacquelyn Stern with Jews Against Gassing says they tried to talk with the governor about this issue…
cut 9 (11) “…our testimony”

A cicada known as the Great Southern Brood has emerged after 13 years, but there’s a concern they are no longer in Louisiana. The LSU Ag Center is asking the public to document the emergence of individual cicadas but also to see if if there are any chorusing activities in trees…
cut 27 (10) “…in the field”
That’s LSU Ag Center Insect Diagnostician Christopher Carlton.

The Southland Conference Baseball Tournament is underway in Hammond. Southeastern Louisiana Athletics Director Jay Artigues says all of the games will be played at Alumni Field…
cut 14 (07) “…for the fans”
And in Ruston, Louisiana Tech is hosting the Conference USA Tournament. The Bulldogs are the top seed and will play Middle Tennessee late in the afternoon.