Senator Bill Cassidy could be in for the fight of his political life next year. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The small West Baton Rouge Parish town of Addis welcomes home 18-year-old John Foster tonight. Mayor David Toups says they’re throwing a parade for the American Idol finalist, followed by a special ceremony and mini-concert.

Cut 8 (13) “…by American Idol.”

Foster heads back to Los Angeles after it all to start preparing for Sunday’s season finale.

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A Senate committee approves two tort reform bills that some say will help lower auto insurance rates. One of the bills would reduce the payout an uninsured driver would receive if injured in a crash. The other would limit the payout for an injured driver that has been found to be 51-percent or more at fault in an accident. Bur New Orleans Senator Gary Carter says…

Cut 13 (13)  “…any sort.”

Newlab has launched Newlab New Orleans, an innovation hub focused on transforming Louisiana’s energy sector through technology commercialization. LED CIO Josh Fleig (“fleg”) says the initiative will provide startups from Louisiana and around the globe with scale-up space and access to a statewide network of test sites.

Cut 11 (06) “…from our borders.”

Auto insurance reform legislation has cleared another legislative hurdle as a Senate Committee approves changes to how the legal system handles car crash cases with injuries. Here’s Jeff Palermo.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The town of Addis is rolling out the welcome mat for hometown hero, John Foster. The 18-year-old LSU freshman is coming home tonight after making it to the season finale of American Idol. There’s a parate in Foster’s honor set for five followed by a special ceremony and mini concert at 7:30.

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Senator Bill Cassidy could face a new challenger in his bid for reelection as news spreads that Governor Landry may be working to recruit Congresswoman Julia Letlow to run for that senate seat,  joining State Treasurer John Fleming. Cassidy is believed to be vulnerable due to his vote in 2021 to convict then-former President Donald Trump for his role in the January 6th riot at the Capitol. Cassidy says he stands by his vote.

Cut 4 (09) “…I would not.”

Newlab has launched Newlab New Orleans, an innovation hub focused on transforming Louisiana’s energy sector through technology commercialization. LED CIO Josh Fleig (“fleg”) says the initiative is backed by public-private partnerships, which will advance innovation in industrial power, carbon management, and maritime shipping.

Cut 10 (08) “…test those products.”

Senator Bill Cassidy could be in for the fight of his political life next year. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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John Foster’s hometown is ready to roll out the welcome mat for its newest hometown hero. Colleen Crain reports

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Auto insurance reform legislation has cleared another legislative hurdle as a Senate Committee approves changes to Louisiana’s legal system in cases where people are injured in crash crashes. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy could be fighting for his political life next year, with the possibility of having to face several challengers in the Republican primary and a potentially formidable opponent in the general election. News broke this week that Governor Landry may be working to recruit Congresswoman Julia Letlow to mount a primary challenge against Cassidy, joining State Treasurer John Fleming. Cassidy is believed to be vulnerable due to his vote in 2021 to convict then-former President Donald Trump for his role in the January 6th riot at the Capitol. Cassidy says he stands by his vote.

Cut 4 (09) “…I would not.”

Cassidy says all that is in the past, and he has patched things up with the now-current President.

Cut 5 (08) “…working with him.”

National Democrats are urging former Governor John Bel Edwards to seek the Democratic nomination in next year’s Senate race. Cassidy says even though Edwards was elected governor twice, he doubts that voters as a whole would vote to put him in the U.S. Senate.

Cut 6 (12) “…for President Trump.”

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The small West Baton Rouge Parish town of Addis is ready to roll out the welcome mat for its newest hometown hero, John Foster. The 18-year-old LSU freshman is paying a visit to his hometown tonight after making it to the season finale of American Idol. Mayor David Toups (“toops”) says the town will throw a parade for Foster along First Street at five this evening.

Cut 7 (12) “…the parade route.”

Then at 7:30, Mayor Toups says Foster will take the stage at Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park for a special ceremony and mini-concert.

Cut 8 (13) “…by American Idol.”

Then immediately afterwards, it’s back to Los Angeles for Foster to prepare for Sunday’s season finale, in which he will go up against 27-year-old Jamal Roberts of Meridian, Mississippi; and 25-year-old Breanna Nix of Denton, Texas. Toups says something like this really brings the community together.

Cut 9 (14)  “…planned for him.”

Toups could not confirm or deny that those plans include erecting road signs proclaiming Addis to be the home of John Foster.

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Newlab has launched Newlab New Orleans, an innovation hub focused on transforming Louisiana’s energy sector through technology commercialization. LED CIO Josh Fleig (“fleg”) says the initiative is backed by public-private partnerships, which will advance innovation in industrial power, carbon management, and maritime shipping.

Cut 10 (08) “…test those products.”

Housed at the former NSA complex, the hub will provide startups with scale-up space and access to a statewide network of test sites. Fleig says not only will Newlab work with Louisiana-based startups, but also attract energy companies from around the globe.

Cut 11 (06) “…from our borders.”

Fleig says Newlab New Orleans joins other global Newlab hubs, reinforcing Louisiana’s role in sustainable energy leadership and economic reindustrialization.

Cut 12 (07) “…state as well.”

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A Senate committee approves two tort reform bills that supporters say will help in the effort to lower auto insurance rates. One of the bills would reduce the payout an uninsured driver would receive if injured in the crash. The other bill heading to the Senate floor would limit the payout for an injured driver that has been found to be 51-percent or more at fault in an accident. New Orleans Senator Gary Carter voted against the bill because he says there’s no guarantee this legislation will lower rates…

Cut 13 (13)  “…any sort.”

The legislation has the support of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple. Temple says in Louisiana the number of bodily injured claims is twice the national average and that’s resulting in insurance companies paying more tin damages, which is contributing the state’s high auto insurance rates…

Cut 14 (07) “…injury claims.”

But Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says the Louisiana Legislature has passed tort reform legislation in the past with the hopes it would lower rates, and it never came to be…

Cut 15 (11) “…going to fix it.”

Both tort reform bills approved by Senate Judiciary A have already passed the House. House Insurance Chairman Gabe Firment says the legislation attempts to correct a big problem in Louisiana…

Cut 16 (11) “…excessive payouts.”

The House Ways and Means Committee advanced a pair of bills aimed at lowering homeowners insurance premiums by strengthening the state’s fortified roof program. House Bill 145 would double the tax deduction for putting on a fortified roof from five-thousand dollars to 10-thousand dollars. It has the support of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple, who says it would encourage people to get a fortified roof put on their homes and not wait for a grant program to open up to do so.

Cut 7 (07) “…fortified roof on.”

Also, House Bill 663 would create the Fortify Coastal Homes Fund. It’s proposed by Pollock Republican Gabe Firment, who says it would direct a portion of sales and use taxes in coastal areas following a natural disaster to the fund.

Cut 8 (11) “…into the fund.”

The amount would be capped at 60-million dollars.

A Senate committee approves two tort reform bills that supporters say will help in the effort to lower auto insurance rates. One would reduce the payout an uninsured driver would receive if injured in the crash. The other would limit the payout for an injured driver that has been found to be 51-percent or more at fault in an accident. Alexandria Democrat Jay Luneau says the legislature has passed tort reform legislation in the past with the hopes it would lower rates, and it never came to be…

Cut 15 (11) “…going to fix it.”

House Insurance Chairman Gabe Firment says the legislation attempts to correct a big problem in Louisiana…

Cut 16 (11) “…excessive payouts.”

Both bills have already passed the House.

A Rapides Parish man is under arrest for stealing hundreds of pounds of crawfish from a farmer’s traps. Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says a crawfish farmer told investigators late last month that someone had emptied his traps, and it happened again a few days later.

Cut 13 (05)  “…and 500 pounds.”

He says deputies launched “Operation Tail Chaser,” and on May 10^th they caught the suspect, 47-year-old Tony Hicks, red-handed in the pond.

St. Tammany Parish deputies arrested a 23-year-old Folsom man and his 45-year-old mother yesterday after a concerned resident reported them for a possible dog-fighting operation on their property. Lt. Suzanne Carboni says STP Animal Control investigated and seized 28 pit bulls.

Cut 9 (08)  “…dog fighting.”

Austin Alexander faces 28 counts of dogfighting, while Natia Alexander faces 28 counts as a principal to dogfighting.

State Police is putting an emphasis this week on enforcing the state’s Move Over Law. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

a pair of bills aimed at lowering homeowners insurance premiums by strengthening the state’s fortified roof program advanced out of the House Ways and Means Committee advanced One of them is House Bill 145 has the support of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple. House Bill 663 would create the Fortify Coastal Homes Fund. Pollock Republican Gabe Firment, says it would direct a portion of sales and use taxes in coastal areas following a natural disaster to the fund.

Cut 8 (11) “…into the fund.”

Firment says that amount would be capped at 60-million dollars. Both bills advanced to the full House without objection.

The House Appropriations Committee approves a bill that would create a new TOPS award called the TOPS Excellence Award, and it would go to high-performing students. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

State Police is putting an emphasis on enforcing the state’s Move Over Law this week. That law requires motorists to slow down and change lanes, if safe, when approaching emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road with flashing lights. Trooper Ryan Davis says reminds drivers to stay alert, avoid distractions, and respect roadside responders’ safety.

Cut 5 (07) “…if the need arises.”

A Rapides Parish man is under arrest for stealing hundreds of pounds of crawfish from a farmer’s traps. Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says a crawfish farmer told investigators late last month that someone had emptied his traps, and it happened again a few days later. He says deputies launched what they dubbed “Operation Tail Chaser,” and they caught the suspect, 47-year-old Tony Hicks, red-handed.

Cut 12 (11) “…on May 10th.”

Hicks is facing several charges, including theft and criminal trespass.

A mother and son were arrested in St. Tammany Parish yesterday after a neighbor reported them for suspected dog fighting. 23-year-old Austin Alexander faces 28 counts of dog fighting, and his 45-year-old mother Natia Alexander faces 28 counts as a principal to dog fighting. Lt. Suzanne Carboni says STP Animal Control seized 28 pit bulls.

Cut 11 (06) “…will be arrested.”

Both suspects were booked into the parish correctional center.

A neighbor reported a suspected Dog fighting operation leading St. Tammany Parish deputies to arrest a 23-year-old Folsom man and his 45-year-old mother yesterday. Austin Alexander faces 28 counts of dogfighting, while Natia Alexander faces 28 counts as a principal to dogfighting. Lt. Suzanne Carboni says STP Animal Control seized 28 pit bulls and deputies discovered items associated with dog fighting.

Cut 10 (11) “…machine pistol.”

Both suspects were booked into the parish correctional center.

The House Ways and Means Committee advanced a pair of bills aimed at lowering homeowners insurance premiums by strengthening the state’s fortified roof program. One of them is House Bill 145, proposed by Denham Springs Republican Roger Wilder

Cut 6 (08) “…a fortified roof.” (Doubles deduction from $5,000 to $10,000)

The bill has the support of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple

Addis’ very own John Foster has made it to the season finale of American Idol. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 30 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Several L-S-P Troops will participate in a special enforcement of the Move Over Law tomorrow. The law requires motorists to slow down and change lanes, if safe, when approaching emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road with their lights flashing. Trooper Ryan Davis…

Cut 4 (11) “…from the roadside”