You may want to pay extra attention to your mailbox because the Louisiana State Treasury is mailing checks to residents with unclaimed property. Treasurer John Fleming says since his department began sharing information with the Department of Revenue through a 2018 legislative act, finding the rightful owner has been much easier.

Cut 4 (09) “…being issued.”

Pelican Institute Economist Vance Ginn says Louisiana ranks in the bottom 10 in the nation in population growth and unemployment rate. But he says lawmakers have already taken one step to improve the state’s job climate by passing a law reforming the state’s occupational license law.

Cut 14 (09)  “…out of the way.”

He says getting more people into the workforce will result in more revenue for the state.

A new survey on state crime reveals 72% of Louisiana residents think crime has increased in the past few years. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

In Omaha the College World Series Jello Shot Challenge is underway, but LSU is still in the competition… Rocco’s Pizza Cantina has a QR code where Tiger Fans can donate and their contribution, which will got to the Greater Baton Rouge Area Food Bank, and those donations will be tracked alongside the Jello Shot competition of the teams playing at the College World Series. You can find QR on Louisiana Radio Network’s social media pages.

The Louisiana Supreme Court reversed its previous “lookback window” decision after State Attorney General Liz Murrill requested a rehearing. Murrill says it’s Justice for victims and that child victims deserve their day in court. The Archdiocese of New Orleans says they respect the court’s decision and that it’s always been their intention to compensation survivors of sexual abuse.

The Louisiana Department of Health is reminding everyone to take precautions against mosquito bites this summer that could carry the West Nile Virus. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says while 80 percent of people show no symptoms some can develop West Nile fever, flu-like symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rashes.

Cut 4 (12) “…several weeks.” 

She recommends using an EPA-approved mosquito repellant to protect yourself.

The first tropical wave of the 2024 Hurricane season has formed over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, and while it’s not an immediate threat to Louisiana LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s forecasted to bring torrential rain to southern Florida.

Cut 6  (12) “…of next week. ” 

NOAA has predicted 8 to 13 hurricanes this year for the Atlantic season with 4 to 7 forecasted to be major hurricanes.

Even though LSU isn’t defending their 2023 National Championship you can still take part in the College World Series Jello Shot Challenge, somewhat, by donating to the Baton Rouge Food Bank. We’ve got a link on our Louisiana Radio Network’s Factbook and Twitter pages. Last year LSU fans far and away won the Jello Shot Challenge with just under 65,000 shots consumed. The Jello-Shot Challenge has become the second biggest event to watch in Omaha in June.

The Louisiana Department of Health is reminding everyone to take precautions against mosquito bites this summer that could carry and expose people to West Nile Virus.  Mosquitos are more active in the warmer months and that increases the risk of contracting the disease.  State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol…

Cut 3 (12) “… in Louisiana.” 

Even though LSU isn’t defending their 2023 National Championship you can still take part in the College World Series Jello Shot Challenge, somewhat, by donating to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. We’ve got a link on our Louisiana Radio Network’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Last year LSU fans far and away won the Jello Shot Challenge with just under 65,000 shots consumed. The Jello-Shot Challenge has become the second biggest event to watch in Omaha in June.

The Saints three-day mandatory minicamp started yesterday and the camp saw many players absent from the Saints OTAs report to their facilities like Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore.  Kamara reported for the 2024 minicamp yesterday and he says he is hoping to see a lot more intentionality in the Saints offense under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak (Coo-bee-ack).

Cut 9 (10) “…you’re doing it.” 

The first tropical wave of the 2024 Hurricane season has formed over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, and while it’s not an immediate threat to Louisiana we could see perception from it early next week. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says this is the slowest start of a season since 2014.

Cut 6  (12) “…of next week. ” 

NOAA has predicted 8 to 13 hurricanes this year for the Atlantic season with 4 to 7 forecasted to be major hurricanes.

The Louisiana Department of Health is reminding you to protect yourself from the West Nile virus this summer by taking precautions against mosquito bites. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A tropical wave in the southeastern corner of the Gulf is expected to bring plenty of rain to southern Florida and eventually bring precipitation to Louisiana next week.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The Louisiana Department of Health is reminding everyone to take precautions against mosquito bites this summer that could carry and expose people to West Nile Virus.  Mosquitos are more active in the warmer months and that increases the risk of contracting the disease.  State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol…

Cut 3 (12) “… in Louisiana.” 

Mosquitos normally get the virus from dead birds and while 80 percent of people show no symptoms some can develop West Nile fever which is a flu-like illness that has symptoms of fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rashes.

Cut 4 (12) “…several weeks.” 

There is no vaccine for the West Nile virus and the best course of action is preventing bites by wearing long pants and long sleeve shirts outside and applying EPA-approved mosquito repellent on top of clothes and to exposed skin.

Cut 5 (08)  “… mosquito repellent.”

And to protect your home mosquitos breed in standing water so turn over wheelbarrows, wading pools, buckets, and trash cans.  Anything that could collect water.

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The first tropical wave of the 2024 Hurricane season has formed over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, and while it’s not an immediate threat to Louisiana LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s forecasted to bring torrential rain to southern Florida.

Cut 6  (12) “…of next week. ” 

And while it’s not a named storm, ironically with such a busy season forecasted, Keim says this is the slowest start of a season since 2014.

Cut 7 (08) “…hurricane season.”  

Keim says with a record of warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures compared to last year’s busy season already in place and an expected transition to La Nina things are lining up for an even more active season.

Cut 8 (12)  “…wait and see.” 

NOAA has predicted 8 to 13 hurricanes this year for the Atlantic season with 4 to 7 forecasted to be major hurricanes.

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The Saints three-day mandatory minicamp started yesterday and the camp saw many players absent from the Saints OTAs report to their facilities like Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore.  Kamara reported for the 2024 minicamp yesterday and he says he is hoping to see a lot more intentionality in the Saints offense under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak (Coo-bee-ack).

Cut 9 (10) “…you’re doing it.” 

Many have criticized Kamara and other Saints players for not being at team OTAs this offseason which has created a negative narrative surrounding the players’ participation with the team. Kamara says that he is not going to go along with that narrative because he cares about the team and his teammates, but he says that he did not attend OTAs because he did not want to add any unnecessary stress to his life. Kamara says that instead of being at OTA’s he was training on his own and taking care of his family.

Cut 10 (13) “…low pressure.”

Kamara is excited to get back into a more versatile role in Kubiak’s high-motion offense. He was primarily used out of the backfield last season but hopes that he can be more involved in both the passing and rushing scheme under Kubiak. Kubiak was the passing game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers last year and helped Christian McCaffery win the Offensive Player of the Year and become a more pass-friendly back. Overall, Kamara says that he is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win in the end.

Cut 11 (13) ” … to do”

The Saints will take on the Cardinals in their first preseason game on August 10th.

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Cut 12 (11) “…the first year.” 

Cut 13 (09) “…pretty notable.” 

_________________________________________________________

Cut  14 (12) “..already won.” 

Cut 15 (10) “…keep working.

_________________________________________________________________________

Cut  16 (14)   “…tell his story.”

The first tropical wave of the 2024 Hurricane season has formed over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, and while it’s not an immediate threat to Louisiana we could see perception from it early next week. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says this is the slowest start of a season since 2014.

Cut 7 (08) “…hurricane season.”  

NOAA has predicted 8 to 13 hurricanes this year for the Atlantic season with 4 to 7 forecasted to be major hurricanes.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents have arrested six people for their roles in allegedly committing fraud in hog-hunting contests in Caldwell and Bienville parishes. Agents received a tip that the six individuals were catching wild hogs in Texas and entering them into Louisiana contests. Hunting fraud brings up to a $3,000 fine and one year in jail.

The Louisiana Department of Health is reminding you to protect yourself from West Nile virus this summer by taking precautions against mosquito bites. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Colorado State University researchers have doubled down on predictions for an above-average Atlantic hurricane season this year in an updated report. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

A BESE committee has endorsed a new accountability system for all schools and districts in the state. The new system called ‘Grow. Achieve. Thrive’ reportedly puts more emphasis on making sure students are mastering content and that they are ready for college, service or careers after graduation. BESE meets this morning to vote on the measure.

President Biden’s son Hunter Biden was found guilty of federal gun charges Tuesday, a historic first for the child of a sitting president. Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison for three charges; lying on a federal screening form about drug use, lying to a gun dealer, and possessing a gun. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy…

Cut 14 (10)  “…got convicted”

Funeral services will be held in Lafayette today for Richard Zuschlag, the founder of Acadian Ambulance Service who passed away June 5^th from cancer-related complications. Porter Taylor, Director of Operations with Acadian Ambulance for Louisiana and Mississippi says Zuschlag will be remembered by those whose lives he enriched.

Cut 4 (09) “…his employees.”

Zuschlag was 76

Colorado State University researchers have doubled down on predictions for an above-average Atlantic hurricane season this year in an updated report. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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Governor Jeff Landry signed East Baton Rouge Representative Lauren Ventrella’s bill allowing the Overpopulation Advisory Council to sell commemorative stamps to support spay and neutering programs around the state. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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Former LSU Beach Volleyball players Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss were selected to represent Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics this summer. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.” 

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Funeral services will be held in Lafayette today for Richard Zuschlag, the founder of Acadian Ambulance Service who passed away June 5^th from cancer-related complications. Porter Taylor, Director of Operations with Acadian Ambulance for Louisiana and Mississippi says Zuschlag will be remembered by those whose lives he enriched.

Cut 4 (09) “…his employees.”

Zuschlag started Acadian Ambulance with two ambulances in 1971 and grew the company into the country’s largest privately held medical transportation company. Porter says Zuschlag was such a driven and amazing person…

Cut 5 (10) “…directions.”

Acadian Ambulance, based in Lafayette, has 5,200 employees and operates in four states (Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee). Porter says Zuschlag made such an impact on so many lives and those of his employees…

Cut 6 (12) “…sorely missed.”

The service at St. Pius X Catholic Church will begin at 10 AM, with a burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.

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Colorado State University researchers have confirmed predictions of an above-average hurricane season this year in an updated report. CSU meteorologist Phil Klotzbach (clots-bock) says not much has changed since the initial predictions.

Cut 7 (08) “…named storms.”

Of those storms, 11 are predicted to reach hurricane strength and 5 are predicted for major hurricane strength. Klotzbach says the prediction is based on several factors including an untimely appearance of La Niña, which decreases wind shear that could potentially break up hurricanes, and a record rise in ocean temperature.

Cut 8 (11) “…hurricane season.” 

Klotzbach says while it’s important to stay hurricane-ready, it’s just as important to remember these predictions could over- or underestimate the actual number of hurricanes.

Cut 9 (08)  “…hurricane season.”

Klotzbach recommends coastal residents start preparing now before any hurricanes make landfall.

________________________________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry signed into law a bill that allows the Pet Overpopulation Advisory Council to design, manufacture, and sell commemorative stamps with the proceeds supporting spay and neuter programs around the state. Humane Society of Louisiana Executive Director Jeff Dorson…

Cut 10 (10) “…borrow the idea.”

Dorson says “Animal Friendly” proceeds from license plates available from the Office of Motor Vehicle help fund spay and neuter programs and the stamps will be a companion piece. He says the license plates bring in $25-thousand yearly.

Cut 11 (09) “…adds up.”

The stamp will cost a minimum of fifteen dollars, but the Council will also sell first editions, collectors editions, and different sizes.

Cut 12 (07) “…on our behalf.” 

Stamps should be available for purchase in around a year but until then Dorson reminds you to spay and neuter your pets.

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President Biden’s son Hunter Biden was found guilty of federal gun charges Tuesday, a historic first for the child of a sitting president. Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison for three charges; lying on a federal screening form about drug use, lying to a gun dealer, and possessing a gun. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy…

Cut 13 (11)  “…bad name.”

Cassidy says Hunter Biden shouldn’t have been abusing drugs, shouldn’t have been buying a gun while using drugs, and shouldn’t have been lying to the FBI.

Cut 14 (10)  “…got convicted”

President Biden released a statement following the conviction saying “I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal.”

When asked last week if his son was convicted if he would pardon him, President Biden said no

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Former LSU Beach Volleyball stars Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss were officially selected to represent Team USA at the Paris Olympics this Summer. The first two LSU beach volleyball alums to make the Olympics, Kloth and Nuss put together a perfect 36-and-0 record their final season at LSU in 2021. The duo went pro after leaving LSU and are currently the 2nd-ranked team in the world. Nuss says it all started in Baton Rouge…

Cut 15 (11)  “…short answer.”

Team TKN felt an immediate spark as they trained countless hours together during Covid restrictions. 5-foot-6 Nuss from New Orleans and 6-foot-4 Kloth of Sioux Falls, South Dakota may have started as an unlikely pairing, but after nearly four years playing together, Kloth says the teammates are like sisters…

Cut 16 (16) “…helps a lot.” 

Olympic beach volleyball competition kicks off July 27 and runs through August 9 in Eiffel Tower Stadium, a temporary arena located at the base of the iconic Paris landmark. The duo said they didn’t celebrate too much after earning a selection because they have their eyes set on bringing home the gold. No matter what happens, Nuss says representing Team USA in Paris is a dream come true…

Cut 17 (20) “…can be.”

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LSU Baseball Coach Jay Johnson spoke to the media following the Tigers’ loss in the championship of the Chapel Hill Regional. LSU began the season as a preseason top-5 team and started strong before losing 12 of their first 15 SEC games. They rallied late in the season to earn a spot in the Chapel Hill Regional and were just two outs away from hosting a Super Regional. Johnson says the loss was one of the most heartbreaking of his career but he’s learned a lot from his squad…

Cut 18 (15)  “…can be.”

Johnson was left to rebuild after his National Championship team a season ago saw 13 players go to the MLB. He reloaded with a stellar freshman class but will be in a similar situation this offseason as he expects up to 11 Tigers to get drafted. Johnson says his role as a coach isn’t just to win games…

Cut 19 (10) “…other way.” 

The Tigers have also already lost nine players to the transfer portal. Johnson has used the portal effectively to build his teams in the past but he says it’s not what he’s used to. Johnson says his strength is in building programs and developing young talent but that just isn’t the current landscape of college athletics…

Cut 20 (11) “…very excited.”

Governor Jeff Landry signed a bill earlier today reorganizing Louisiana Economic Development. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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The tragic drowning of a child in Ascension Parish serves as a reminder of the importance of knowing how to swim. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

Ray Tanner, the University of South Carolina’s Athletic Director, has shocked the baseball world by selecting Paul Mainieri as the Gamecocks’ next baseball head coach. The move comes after South Carolina fired their head coach Mark Kingston after his seventh season with the program. Tiger Rag editor Todd Horne says the move is shocking after Mainieri retired three seasons ago citing health concerns.

Cut 3 (16) “… little shocking.” 

Besides citing Mainieri’s health concerns, Horne says that baseball has changed tremendously since he retired in 2021. The addition of NIL and the rising importance of transfer players were not as prevalent in baseball when Mainieri last coached. These factors can now make or break a team, especially in a conference as competitive as the SEC which has had 4 different teams win the last 4 national championships.

Cut 4 (12) “…now playing.” 

Paul Mainieiri being hired as a head coach does not come as a shock as he almost became Notre Dame’s head coach in 2022 and Miami’s in 2023. Horne says he turned down those opportunities for unknown reasons but accepted the South Carolina job after serious consideration and a chance to coach in the SEC again.

Cut 5 (16)  “… next year.”

LSU and South Carolina will face each other in SEC regular season play next year.

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Governor Jeff Landry signed a bill earlier today reorganizing Louisiana Economic Development, which House Commerce Committee Chair Marksville Representative Daryl Deshotel says does three things. Firstly, it restructures LED to run at the pace of businesses instead of government. Additionally…

Cut 6  (08) “…so long. ” 

According to Deshotel, the act, also known as the Positioning Louisiana to Win bill, makes sure every business is fairly represented in state government by establishing a private sector-led board to advise LED.

Cut 7 (05) “…table.”  

Landry stressed the reorganized LED intends to focus on small and existing Louisiana businesses just as much as attracting new ones to the state.

Cut 8 (08)  “…will happen.” 

The LED senior leadership team was also announced at the signing.

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The tragic drowning of a 12-year-old in Ascension Parish on Monday serves as a reminder of the dangers of water. In Louisiana drowning is the third cause of death for children ages one to 14. In Baton Rouge, BREC Aquatics Instructor Daniel Burg says through a partnership with the Red Cross they offer free swimming lessons…

Cut 9 (12) “…that life.” 

Burg says they also offer adult swimming classes…

Cut 10 (11) “…we are.”

Even if you never plan to go swimming, Burg says you never know when you’ll be in a situation where you’ll have to swim.

Cut 11 (11) ” …ourselves.”

For a listing of classes in your area visit RedCross.org and search swimming. You can also find tutorials and apps about swimming.

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Cut 12 (11) “…the first year.” 

Cut 13 (09) “…pretty notable.” 

_________________________________________________________

Cut  14 (12) “..already won.” 

Cut 15 (10) “…keep working.

_________________________________________________________________________

Cut  16 (14)   “…tell his story.”

Governor Jeff Landry has signed a bill to reorganize Louisiana Economic Development. House Commerce Committee Chair, Marksville Representative Daryl Deshotel says his bill restructures LED to run at the pace of businesses instead of government, and

Cut 6  (08) “…so long. ” 

The act also makes sure every business is fairly represented in government.

Former LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri will apparently be returning to an SEC dugout, but this time it’s at the University of South Carolina. After retiring from LSU in 2021 for health reason Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says Mainieri was on the radar for other schools…

Cut 5 (16)  “… next year.”

With car theft on the rise in Louisiana, there have been cases where car owners have tried to either confront the thieves during the theft or later when they track down their vehicle. In some cases, the car owner has been injured or even killed. Self-defense expert Dave Newman says if you find yourself witnessing a car theft, try to document as much as you can.

Cut 14 (10)  “…(x2) because of GPS.”

He says let police intervene and never try to take the law into your own hands.

Nunez Community College in Chalmette is set to kick off a first-in-the-state associate’s program training students as entry-level wind turbine technicians. Dean of Instruction Reggie Poche hopes this program will push the state to modernize its energy sector, since…

Cut 24 (09) “…this country.”

Visit the school’s website for more information and they are also offering full scholarships.

The body of a boy who went missing in an Ascension Parish pond has been recovered. Around 6 pm last night, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office says they received a call that a 12-year-old went into a pond in the Keystone Subdivision in Prairieville and never resurfaced. Dive teams from the Gonzales Fire Department, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, and LDWF agents assisted with the search. The body was recovered at 12:30 this morning.

Nunez Community College in Chalmette is set to kick off a first-in-the-state associate’s program training students as entry-level wind turbine technicians. Dean of Instruction Reggie Poche (Po-shay) says besides hands-on training for a field with above average pay, there’s another reason to consider becoming a wind turbine technician…

Cut 6 (09) “…program.”

The program is set to begin in the Fall 2024 semester.

Ray Tanner, the University of South Carolina’s Athletic Director, has shocked the baseball world by selecting Paul Mainieri to be the Gamecocks next baseball head coach. The move comes after South Carolina fired their head coach Mark Kingston after seven seasons. Tiger Rag editor Todd Horne says it’s a surprise after Mainieri retired three seasons ago citing health concerns.

Cut 3 (16) “… little shocking.” 

And if you’d wager on Mike the Tiger as being the most memorable college mascot in the country, you’d be correct according to OLBG’s sports betting website.The only other SEC mascot in the top 10 were Auburn’s War Eagle, that flys in before home football games, he came in seventh and Uga, the bulldog from University of Georgia placed ninth.