Trying to quit smoking? New law could make it easier

Trying to quit smoking? New law could make it easier

Help for smokers: A new law will force insurance companies to provide up to six months of smoking cessation treatment to people whose doctors recommend it, Saul Pink reports. The treatment includes counseling, nicotine patches or gum, or prescription medications, such as buproprion.

No more TikTok: Louisiana has banned the use of TikTok on state-owned equipment, after critics of the China-based social media platform pointed out that the Chinese government can access TikTok's content at any time, Leah Clark reports. TikTok can still be used on personal phones with personal Wi-Fi connections.

Ballard on redistricting: Mark Ballard offers his take on what the Supreme Court's recent Alabama redistricting decision means for Louisiana. For years, critics have slammed Louisiana for only having only one majority-Black district, even though a third of its population is Black.

Numbers to Know

State agencies in violation of Louisiana's ban on TikTok will pay $500 per violation

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Smokers covered by Medicaid or private insurance will get six months of smoking cessation treatment

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9% of Louisiana adults lack insurance, and thus, wouldn't be eligible for smoking cessation benefits

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Source: Louisiana Legislature, Louisiana Department of Health