Louisiana health insurance providers must now pay fertility preservation costs for cancer patients whose treatment could render them sterile went into effect this week.  The new law went into effect this week.  The mandate does not apply to Medicaid or health insurance plans through the state health care exchange. And the bill’s author, Baton Rouge Representative Paula Davis says coverage is limited.

Cut 8 (08) “…own expense.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards’ two terms in office ends Monday. Edwards and the Legislature had to address a two-billion dollar budget deficit in his first year in office. As governor his first executive order was expanding Medicaid coverage to some 400,000 Louisianans. In 2020 he had to impose Covid restrictions that many Republicans thought went too far…

Cut 5 (09) “…of course.”
———————————————-

Louisiana’s longest-serving Insurance Commissioner will leave office on Monday. Jeff Palermo has more on Jim Donelan’s retirement.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Labor quality is the top concern among small businesses again this year. Forty percent of National Federation of Independent Business members say they were unable to fill positions in the last two months of 2023. Regional NFIB Director Dawn McVea…

Cut 14 (05) “…want to do.” 

The state’s longest-serving Insurance Commissioner, Jim Donelon, will leave office on Monday. The 79-year-old from New Orleans has been the state’s insurance commissioner since 2006. Donelon says one of his greatest achievements was an incentive program that resulted in more insurance companies providing homeowners coverage after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita…

Cut 10 (10) “…five years running.”
Governor John Bel Edwards’ two terms in office ends Monday, ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says the Democrat from Tangiaphoa Parish constantly battled with a Republican-controlled Legislature. He says the battle started on his first day in office when the House rejected the governor’s choice for House Speaker.

Cut 4 (11) “…predecessor.”

——-

A new law requiring Louisiana health insurance providers to pay fertility preservation costs for cancer patients whose treatment could render them sterile went into effect this week. The bill’s author, Baton Rouge Representative Paula Davis says it applies to new health plans and existing health care plans.

Cut 7 (11) “…is completed.”
As we begin the new year, labor quality is the top concern among small businesses according to the latest National Federation of Independent Business survey. Regional NFIB Director Dawn McVea says unfilled positions continue to plague small businesses.

Cut 13 (12) “…out there.”

The next chapter in Governor John Bel Edwards’ career will be written at the New Orleans law firm of Fishman Haygood. Senior partner Kerry Miller says Edwards will continue to focus on the economic and environmental benefits of green energy via their firm.
Cut 4 (09) “…of Louisiana.”
As governor, Edwards announced more than $50 billion in renewable energy projects for the Bayou State.

The Dash Diet is once again ranked as one of the best diets a person can do to keep that New Year’s Resolution of a healthier lifestyle. Doctor Cathy Champagne is a nutritionist at the LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center….
cut 11 (10 “…Pennington Center”
The Dash Diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, fish and poultry, while reducing lean red meat and sweets.

Several state laws went into effect with the new year, one of them requires State Police to keep track of the demographics of the individuals involved in traffic stops with troopers. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says the race, age and gender of the individuals go into a database…
cut 13 (12) “….be available”
The U-S Justice Department is conducting an investigation into LSP after reports of unlawful force and racial discrimination against blacks.

Another new law requires Louisiana health insurance companies to pay fertility preservation costs for cancer patients whose treatment could render them sterile. The bill’s author, Baton Rouge Representative Paula Davis, says it applies to new health plans and existing health care plans.
Cut 7 (11) “…is completed..”

Governor John Bel Edwards used his final public address to highlight his accomplishments last night in Amite. Edwards says the state’s unemployment rate is well below the national average and the state’s economy is growing…

Cut 7 (12) “…laughter) 

Edwards will leave office Monday and wishes his successor Jeff Landry the best of luck and he’s rooting for him…

And Edwards, who was an accomplished attorney before his political career, will join the New Orleans law firm of Fishman Haygood. Senior partner Kerry Miller…

Cut 5 (11) “ …that knowledge.” 

State Police collect and report racial data of individuals from traffic stops under a new law that went into effect this week. Since the death of Black motorist Ronald Greene in 2019, State Police have been under the microscope. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle authored the legislation, and she believes this will make the agency more transparent.

Cut  14 (06) “..they’re doing.”

DASH Diet, developed in part by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, has been ranked the second-best diet overall of 2024, according to U.S. News and World Report. Pennington Biomedical Registered Dietician Cathy Champagne says the eating plan includes…

Cut 9 (12) “… dairy products.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards touted his accomplishments during a farewell address last night. Edwards says he entered office with a historic budget deficit, but now the state enjoys surpluses that resulted in investments into teacher pay, higher education and roads. He believes the state is better off than it was eight years…

Cut 6 (14) “…Laughter)

Edwards will be joining the New Orleans-based law firm Fishman Haygood. Senior partner Kerry Miller says Edwards, who was an accomplished attorney before his political career, will mesh well with their firm.

Cut 3 (10) “…throughout the state.”
Miller says in his new role as special counsel, Edwards will focus on renewable energy.

If you’re looking for a healthy eating plan as part of your New Year resolutions, the DASH diet has been ranked number two overall, according to U.S. News and World Report. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

If you’re using the diabetes medication Ozempic the FDA is looking into reports of hair loss, suicidal thoughts and aspiration linked to the medication. Off-label the drug is widely popular for weight loss. The FDA evaluating the need for regulatory action on the medication

Governor John Bel Edwards plans to continue his quest to bring more renewable energy sources to the state as an attorney. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The incoming administration announced several key senior staff hires today. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin will be the director of intergovernmental relations for Jeff Landry’s administration. Kyle Ruckert, a former top aide of former U-S Senator David Vitter, will be Landry’s Chief of staff.

Several new state laws went into effect with the new year, one of them requires State Police to keep track of the demographics of the individuals involved in traffic stops with troopers. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says the race, age and gender of individuals will be entered into a database…
cut 13 (12) “….be available”
The U-S Justice Department is conducting an official pattern or practice investigation of LSP after reports of unlawful force and racial discrimination against black individuals.

Governor Edwards’ last day in office is Monday and during a farewell address last night, he talked about how the state’s economy is growing faster than many other southern states…
cut 7 (12) “…want me to”

Governor John Bel Edwards, who leaves office on Monday, delivered a farewell speech last night in his hometown of Amite. Edwards touted his accomplishments and believes the state has a bright future…
cut 8 (12) “…will continue”
We found out today what the governor will do once his second-term ends. He’s been hired as special counsel for the Fishman-Haygood law firm based in New Orleans. Senior partner Kerry Miller says Edwards will focus on renewable energy as the firm is engaged in several renewable energy and energy efficiency deals and projects…
cut 5 (11) “…much knowledge”
Edwards became a grandfather for the first time today. His daughter Samantha Bel gave birth to Rosalie Marie in New Orleans this morning.

As of January 1st, State Police must record the demographics of individuals from traffic stops. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle authored the legislation, and she says it’s important to show troopers are not racially profiling drivers they pull over.
Cut 12 (12) “…of people.”
The race, age, and gender of individuals pulled over by state police will then be entered into a database that Marcelle says can be reviewed.

The Dash Diet is once again ranked as one of the best diets a person can do to keep that New Year’s Resolution of a healthier lifestyle. Doctor Cathy Champagne is a nutritionist at the LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center….
cut 11 (10 “…Pennington Center”
The Dash Diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, fish and poultry, while reducing lean red meat and sweets.

Governor John Bel Edwards touted his accomplishments during a farewell address last night in his hometown of Amite. Edwards says he entered office with a historic budget deficit, but now the state enjoys surpluses that resulted in investments into teacher pay, higher education and roads. He believes the state is better off than it was eight years…

(Cut 6 (14) “…Laughter)

The next chapter in Edwards’ career will be written at the New Orleans law firm of Fishman Haygood. Senior partner Kerry Miller says Edwards will be able to continue to focus on the economic and environmental benefits of green energy via their firm.

Cut 4 (09) “…of Louisiana.”

As governor, Edwards announced more than $50 billion in renewable energy projects for the Bayou State.

House Speaker and Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson is urging President Biden and Senate Democrats to enforce policies along the U-S Mexico border. Johnson and House Republicans visited the Southern Border on Wednesday, and he says the situation is bad…

Cut 13 (10) “…our communities.”

Johnson made the remarks at a press conference in Eagle Pass, Texas.

U.S. News and World Report once again ranks LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s DASH Diet as the second-best diet overall of 2024. Pennington Dietician Cathy Champagne says their eating plan is proven to help those with heart disease.

Cut 10 (13) “…heart association.”

The full diet is available online at Pennington Biomedical Center’s website.

Governor John Bel Edwards leaves office on Monday and it was announced today he’ll join the New Orleans-based law firm Fishman Haygood. Senior partner Kerry Miller says Edwards, who was an accomplished attorney before his political career, will mesh well with their firm.
Cut 3 (10) “…throughout the state.”
Miller says in his new role as special counsel, Edwards will focus on renewable energy.

U.S. News and World Report once again ranked the DASH Diet, developed in part by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, the second-best diet overall of 2024. Pennington Biomedical Registered Dietician Cathy Champagne says DASH is known for fighting high blood pressure and the eating plan includes…
Cut 9 (12) “… dairy products.”

Governor-elect Jeff Landry is being applauded for his choice to head the Department of Natural Resources.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The incoming administration announced several key senior staff hires today. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin will be the Landry administration’s director of intergovernmental relations. Kyle Ruckert, a former top aide of former U-S Senator David Vitter, will be Landry’s Chief of staff.

House Speaker and Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson says there’s a catastrophe at the Southern Border and the Biden administration needs to enact tougher immigration policies. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

41-year-old Kayla Vead of Marksville was sentenced to three years in a federal jail for defrauding the Rapides Parish Council on Aging out of more than 300 thousand dollars. Vead plead guilty to two counts of wire fraud as an embezzlement of funds and was ordered to pay restitution.

Tyler Gray will lead the Department of Natural Resources. President of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association Mike Moncla says Gray’s current position on the operations side with Placid Refining Company adds even more knowledge for the oversite of DNR.

Cut 8 (07) “…another plus.” 

Before Gray’s appointment, Moncla says the two even discussed who they thought would be an ideal choice for the position and Moncla encouraged him to apply.

House Speaker and Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson and 60 House Republicans were at the Southern border yesterday calling on the Biden administration to do more to secure the Southern border and reduce the number of illegal crossings

Cut 14 (09) “…or more.”