Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office is suing FEMA; seeking transparency on why flood insurance rates are skyrocketing. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Legislation that’s been called Louisiana’s version of “Don’t Say Gay Bill’ heads to the Senate for possible final passage.  Brooke Thorington reports.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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More than half of Louisiana residents support legally allowing people to possess small amounts of marijuana for recreational use according to LSU’s 2023 Louisiana survey. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 3 (32)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry has filed a lawsuit against FEMA over the new Risk Rating 2.0 flood insurance pricing policy. At a Thursday press conference, Landry says the federal agency’s rate increases place a great many Louisianans at risk of foreclosure. They have asked for open information on how the rates are set, with no response from FEMA…:

Cut 4 (13)  “…gonna file suit.’”

State Solicitor General Liz Murrill (pronounce “mural”) says Louisiana joins Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, Texas, South Carolina, and other states and local governments in suing FEMA for transparency. She says no other state has more experts on storm & flood damage and costs than Louisiana, and FEMA has been offered that expert help…:

Cut 5 (16)   “…of other states.”

Murrill says the state Department of Justice has 60 declarations of support for the lawsuit, from parish governments, GOHSEP, the CPRA, and others. Many homeowners have mortgages contingent on having flood insurance, and if they cannot afford it they could lose their homes. Murrill says FEMA needs to explain themselves…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…the Federal government.”

Experts say Risk Rating 2.0 poses a threat to the entire housing market in Louisiana.

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House passed legislation to prohibit classroom discussion of sexual orientation and/or gender identity in public schools’ heads to the full Senate after Senate Education approved the bill. Critics refer to the legislation as Louisianan’s version of the “Don’t Say Gay Bill.” Bill author Houghton Representative Dodie Horton disagrees.

Cut 7 (09) “…conversations.”

But opponents like openly gay Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis says the bill is hateful and it tells children they aren’t accepted if they are different. The former educator says it’s not an issue in the state.

Cut 8 (09) “…the United States.”

Opponents also say the bill is a solution looking for a problem and that this isn’t an issue in Louisiana. But Horton cited examples that it is happening and even referred to a teacher in Caddo Parish.

Cut 9 (11)  “…an issue.”

Horton says parents should decide how their children learn about these topics and the bill gives parents the right to do that. Lewis says the bill singles out students, teachers, and parents who are different.

Cut 10 (10) “…their child.

In the final days of the session the bill heads to the Senate for what could be final passage.

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LSU’s annual 2023 Louisiana survey of public opinion shows increasing support to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. Director of the Louisiana Survey Dr. Michael Henderson says the percentage of respondents who support legal possession of small amounts of marijuana for recreational use has nearly doubled in the last ten years.

Cut 11 (11)  “…a bit.”

It’s no surprise that among demographic groups, adults under 35 years of age are the biggest supporters. Henderson says the survey shows a sizable increase in support from respondents 65 and older.

Cut 12 (13)    “…them support.” 

But respondents along party lines believe the opposing party’s views on marijuana usage is more extreme than their own. Henderson says he’s unsure if policy will follow public opinion.

Cut 13 (09) “…with this.”  

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Tropical depression number two has already formed on the first day of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Colorado State University researchers are predicting a near-average hurricane season.  CSU Hurricane Investigator Angelie Nieves-Jimenez (On-jah-lee Knee-ah-vas Him-ez) says they are calling for 15 named storms.

Cut 14 (11)  “…or more.”

Nieves-Jimenez says 2023 has been a difficult year for hurricane predictions…

Cut 15 (09)  “…it’s coming.”

She says there are not many good analogs for this season where a moderate-strong El Nino and much warmer than normal Atlantic are likely to co-exist.

Cut  16 (05)  “…forecasted.” 

The current tropical depression in the Gulf does not appear to pose a threat to Louisiana.

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After being ranked number one for most of the season, the real season begins today for the LSU Tigers as they open the Baton Rouge Regional by hosting Tulane. The Tigers went 1-and-2 last week in the SEC Tournament but center fielder Dylan Crews says postseason truly begins today….

Cut 17 (16) “…was good” 

The Tigers enter today’s game with a 43-15 record. Coach Jay Johnson says they’ve treated every game like a playoff game, so…

Cut 18 (17) “..trust them a lot.”

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Also this afternoon, the Ragin Cajuns will battle Texas in the opening game of Coral Gables regional. U-L Lafayette Coach Matt Deggs says it’s an even match-up on paper….

Cut 19 (28) “…great matchup.” 

Right hander Jackson Nezuh will start today’s game. He’s 9-and-5, with a 6.15 ERA. Deggs says his numbers are deceiving…

Cut 20 (22)  “…hold runners”  

House passed legislation to prohibit classroom discussion of sexual orientation and/or gender identity in public schools’ heads to the full Senate after Senate Education approved the bill. Critics refer to the legislation as Louisianan’s version of the “Don’t Say Gay Bill.” Bill author Houghton Representative Dodie Horton disagrees.

AM Cut 7 (09) “…conversation.”

But opponents like openly gay Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis says the bill is hateful and it tells children they aren’t accepted if they are different. The former educator says it’s not an issue in the state.

AM Cut 8 (09) “…the United States.”

In the final days of the session the bill heads to the Senate for what could be final passage.

The 2023 Louisiana survey, an annual poll produced by LSU, shows support growing for legal abortions. Director of the Louisiana Survey Dr. Michael Henderson says two months ago they polled about 500 Louisiana residents about the hot-button topic.

PM Cut 12 (13) “…52 percent.” 

44 percent agree with the state’s near-total ban of abortions. Henderson says 85 percent of the respondents believe a woman should be able to obtain a legal abortion if the pregnancy has put the mother’s life in jeopardy and 77 percent also support an exception for rape and incest…

PM Cut 13 (09) “…and Republicans” 

Legislation to add exceptions to the state’s abortion ban filed to pass out of committee.

LSU Manship School of Mass Communication’s 2023 Louisiana survey shows support for legal abortion is growing.

Cut 2 (31)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”  

And on the first day of hurricane season, there’s a system in the gulf that according to the National Hurricane Center has a 70-percent chance of developing into a cyclone in the next 48 hours. The storm is expected to move northeast and not be a threat to Louisiana.

Congressman Steve Scalise is calling on Republicans not to attack each other in the governor’s race. He’s referring to the attack ad from Reboot Louisiana that alleges AG Jeff Landry is responsible for the rise in violent crime and says Stephen Waguespack in the better choice. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it will be interesting to see how Waguespack and his supporting PAC will react.

Cut 5 (08) “…they would avoid”

Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams might join the governor’s race. Currently, Shawn Wilson is the only declared Democrat in the race. Gambit Political Commentator and columnist Clancy Dubos says this probably doesn’t bode well for Wilson who needs to boost his name recognition in the blue parish of Orleans.

Cut 8 (09)  “…New Orleans.” 

Qualifying is in August for the October 14th primary.

Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams says he’s considering getting into the governor’s race. AG Jeff Landry has campaign ads blaming the local justice systems for the rise in crime however Gambit Political Commentator and columnist Clancy Dubos says it’s Williams who’s more knowledgeable about the subject.

Cut 7 (11)  “…right now.” 

Presently Shawn Wilson is the only Democrat in the race.

More than two years after the death of Marie Bourque (Bork), and her 12-year-old daughter Ski Smith who died in a trailer home fire, Casey Hatch is convicted of two counts of second-degree murder. Calcasieu Parish District Attorney Stephen Dwight says the jury came to the right conclusion.

Cut 9 (12) “…about it.”

U-S Majority Leader and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise is calling on Republicans not to attack each other in the governor’s race. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Scalise issued the statement because he is concerned attacks between Republican candidates could cost the party the governor’s race…

Cut 4 (12)  “…John Bel Edwards” 

This week the PAC Reboot Louisiana released an attack ad blaming perceived front-runner Attorney General Jeff Landry is responsible for the rise in violent crime and promoting Stephen Waguespack as the better candidate for governor.

U-S Majority Leader and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise is calling on Republicans not to attack each other in the governor’s race. Scalise issued a statement after a group supporting Republican candidate Stephen Waguespack released an attack ad against the perceived front-runner in the race Jeff Landry. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat…

Cut 3 (08) “…attacking Republicans”

And there’s a chance another candidate might jump in the race. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams says he’s considering running for governor. Gambit Political Commentator and columnist Clancy Dubos says if he is serious, we should know well before qualifying in August.

Cut 6 (07)  “…raising money.” 

So far Shawn Wilson is the only declared Democrat in the race.

Black adults face a 59 % greater risk of premature death than white people, and a new study by Tulane University points to social determinants as the reasons why.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Today marks the first day of the 2023 hurricane season and Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson Mike Steele says now is the time to prepare your emergency plan even if you don’t have to use it.

Cut 7 (10) “…happen again.”

Wedding Bells will ring today for Trina Edwards and John Alario. Brooke Thorington has more from former Governor Edwin Edwards’ widow.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Black adults face a 59 %  greater risk of premature death than white people, and a new study by Tulane University points to social determinants as the reasons why. Teiko Foxx explains.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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House Natural Resources Committee advances a resolution asking for more be done to control the state’s burgeoning alligator population. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (34)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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One of the most anticipated weddings in Louisiana is in New Orleans today. The widow of former Governor Edwin Edwards, Trina Edwards will tie the knot with former Senate President and Speaker of the House John Alario. In a recent interview on “Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster,” Edwards said she couldn’t be happier.

Cut 4 (04)  “…human beings.’”

The couple will get married in a private ceremony at the State Supreme Court Building and host a luncheon afterward. 79-year-old Alario popped the question on Edwards’ 44^th birthday. The couple will have a blended family and Edwards said Alario’s children have been extremely kind to her.

Cut 5 (07)   “…with them.”

Edwards said before the former governor passed away almost two years ago at the age of 93, they even talked about her getting married again and potential candidates.

Cut 6 (08)  “…any money.”

The couple will maintain homes in Baton Rouge and Westwego.

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Today marks the first day of the 2023 hurricane season and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) encourages residents to get their emergency game plan in place. GOHSEP Spokesperson Mike Steele says now is the time to prepare even if you don’t have to use it.

Cut 7 (10) “…happen again.”

NOAA is forecasting a near-normal season with 12 to 17 named storms with five to nine of those being hurricanes. One to four storms are projected to be major. Steele suggests the best way to prepare is to create a checklist, restock, and stay connected.

Cut 8 (09) “…basic things.”

Since Hurricane Ida, FEMA continues to house more than 3,800 families in mobile homes, travel trailers, and other ready-to-occupy housing. Steele says it is important for those residents to stay updated on the weather at all times.

Cut 9 (13)  “…be opened.”

Residents can visit getagameplan.org to prepare.

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A Tulane University study finds disparities in eight areas of life critical to health and well-being explains why Black adults in the U.S. have a 59% higher risk of early death than White adults. Assistant Professor of Epidemiology Dr. Josh Bundy says when all unfavorable social determinants for Black adults were accounted for the mortality disparity was reduced to zero.

Cut 10 (13) “…social determinants.” 

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Tulane researchers modeled the impact of each factor on a person’s life expectancy. The study shows the gap can be explained by employment, income, food security, income, education level, access to healthcare, quality health insurance, home ownership, and marital status. Bundy says the mortality gap has been largely pinned on socioeconomic factors which only explains a portion of the gap.

Cut 11 (12)  “…health framework.”

Socioeconomic factors account for 50% of the Black-White difference in mortality. However, the other 50% difference was explained by marital status, food security, job quality, and insurance status. Bundy says it will take policy, research, and a multidisciplinary approach to tackle these issues.

Cut 12 (13)    “…social determinants.” 

Adult Black males have a higher rate of early death than Black females. Bundy hopes the concept gains more traction and policymakers use these findings to address the race-based mortality gap.

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Plaquemines Democrat Rep. Chad Brown says the state’s efforts to preserve alligators have worked too well, and his House Resolution would ask Wildlife & Fisheries to look into expanding the hunting limit. In the House Natural Resources Committee, Brown says the state has almost three times the number of gators as Florida, and they are becoming a nuisance…:

Cut 13 (09) “…being torn up.”  

Brown tells committee members LDWF has done wonders in preserving alligators and assuring they thrive. And while he does not criticize the work wildlife agents have done, he says gators are becoming much more of a threat…:

Cut 14 (06)  “…too many alligators.”

Brown’s HCR 132 would – as a safety measure – request LDWF, and the Alligator Council, to consider a longer alligator harvest season, with slightly increased limits for hunters…:

Cut 15 (11)  “…more and more.”

Committee members shared their own tales of alligator encroachment on human areas, before voting unanimously to approve the resolution and send it to the House floor.

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The LSU Tigers will practice this morning at Alex Box Stadium ahead of their matchup with the Tulane Green Wave tomorrow afternoon to open up the Baton Rouge Regional. The Bayou Bengals are expected to make it to Omaha and the College World Series and LSU star Tre Morgan believes they will be tough to beat…

Cut  16 (15)  “…biggest advantage.” 

The big question for LSU, do they have enough pitching. Ty Floyd and Thatcher Hurd both pitched well in last week’s SEC Tournament. Johnson says Hurd has come a long way from his previous struggles

Cut 17 (13) “…moving forward.” 

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The Ragin Cajuns are south Florida getting ready to play Texas on Friday to open up the Coral Gables Regional. Right-handed pitcher Cooper Rawls says they are not in the Sunshine State to work on their tan…

Cut 18 (09) “…baseball games.”

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SEC spring meetings are ongoing in Destin, Florida with no decision in sight on what to do with the football schedule when Oklahoma and Texas enter the league in 2024. There’s a desire to go to a nine-game SEC schedule, but several schedules would like to keep the league schedule at eight games and keep playing four non-conference games. 247-sports national college football writer Brandon Marcello says SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has struggled to get a consensus

Cut 19 (19) “…figure it out.” 

Some schools oppose a nine-game schedule over concerns it will be harder to become bowl eligible or get in the 12-team playoff. Alabama Coach Nick Saban does not like the three teams that the Crimson Tide would play on a permanent basis. There’s also a concern about costs about dropping non-conference games. But Marcello says the SEC should get more TV money from ESPN for playing an extra conference game

Cut 20 (19)  “…on TV.”  

The House Natural Resources Committee advances a resolution asking for more be done to control the state’s burgeoning alligator population. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (34)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Governor John Bel Edwards announced that Chip Kline will resign as Director for Coastal Activities and Chairman of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. CPRA Executive Director Bren Haase has been named as Kline’s replacement.

A super PAC called Reboot Louisiana has produced an ad that alleges violent crime has increased under Attorney General Jeff Landry’s tenure. Reboot Louisiana supports fellow Republican Stephen Waguespack in the governor’s race. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the October 14th primary is five and a half months away and the gloves are coming off…

Cut 7 (08)  “..the front-runner” 
The Landry campaign has responded by announcing endorsements from eight sheriffs and district attorneys.

Senate Bill 34, to add the crisis helpline number 9-8-8 to state driver’s licenses and IDs advances to the House. Karen Stubbs with the Office of Behavioral Health with the Louisiana Department of Health oversees the helpline.

Cut 15 (12)  “…need it.”

The bill heads to the House floor for final passage.

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.13, $1.10 cheaper than the same time last year. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says crude oil prices are under $70 a barrel and drivers should budget $3.25 – $3.50 a gallon for the remainder of the summer.

Cut 4 (06)  “…gallon gasoline.” 

State-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards could soon advertise the Crisis Lifeline of 9-8-8 that’s available for people who are struggling with mental health, thanks to a Senate-approved bill. In 2021 Louisiana had more than 680 suicides. Karen Stubbs with the Office of Behavioral Health with the Louisiana Department of Health oversees 9-8-8.

Cut 15 (12)  “…need it.”

Senate Bill 34 heads to the House floor for final passage.

The gloves are coming off in the governor’s race as we have our first attack ad. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m   Jeff Palermo” 

We have our first attack ad in the governor’s race. A group supporting Republican candidate Stephen Waguespack claims in a TV and radio spot that Jeff Landry, the perceived front-runner in the governor’s race, has been soft on crime during his time as Attorney General…

Cut 6 (11)  “…in America” 

A super PAC called Reboot Louisiana produced the ad. The Landry campaign responded by announcing endorsements from eight sheriffs and district attorneys.

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.13, $1.10 cheaper than the same time last year. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says crude oil prices are under $70 a barrel and that translates to better prices for the consumer.

Cut 3 (10) “…this year”

Pineville Representative Mike Johnson’s bill that says if a cop in the commission of his job tells you to stay back, you must keep at least 25 feet away or be charged with a misdemeanor is headed to the Senate, Megan Gentry, with the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys told House Criminal Justice committee members the 25-foot rule in the bill is unconstitutionally vague.

Cut 12 (07)    “…nobody knew.” 

Senate-approved legislation to add the suicide crisis 9-8-8 number to state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs advances in House Transportation. Natchitoches Senator Louie Bernard says a group of students at Northwestern State who lost friends to suicide inspired the legislation.

Cut 13 (10) “…number to call.”  
According to the C-D-C, nearly 700 people in Louisiana committed suicide in 2021.

A nationwide shortage of cancer drugs is forcing some physicians to either ration the chemotherapy drugs or try other medications. Dr. Amelia Jernigan with LSU Health New Orleans Gynecologic Oncology has a suggestion if you or a family member are impacted by the shortages.

Cut 9 (06)  “…in the future.”

In the Louisiana legislature, a House-passed bill giving police the power to tell you to “stay back” while they’re engaged is headed to the Senate. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson’s bill states if a cop in the commission of his job tells you to stay back, you must keep at least 25 feet away or be charged with a misdemeanor. New Orleans Democrat Senator Gary Carter lets Johnson know he’s opposed to the bill…

Cut 11 (07)  “…I do not.”

The latest release from the annual LSU Louisiana survey of public opinion confirms the property insurance market in distress. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 29 (33)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

The National Weather Service is monitoring a disturbance in the gulf and tomorrow is the official start of hurricane season. The system is expected to move across the Florida peninsula this weekend and emerge in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean early next week.