It’s officially hurricane season and Tropical Depression Two is in the Gulf moving south toward the Florida peninsula. While it’s not a threat to Louisiana it is a good reminder to prepare. Entergy Vice President of Customer Service Michelle Bourg says customers can sign up to receive notifications from Entergy before a storm is headed this way…

Cut 7 (13)  “…personal plan.” 

The Louisiana Cancer Research Center is holding a conference at LA Tech today to discuss statewide efforts to fight cancer. Director of the Office of Community Outreach with the LCRC Earl Benjamin-Robinson says it’s about bringing the community, healthcare providers, and researchers together.

Cut 10 (09) “…those areas.”

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

24 (27)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Louisiana Senate has revived a bill to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The legislation appeared to be dead for the session when the Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted against it, but the full Senate voted yesterday to bring the bill back up and it will be heard today by the Senate Judiciary A Committee.

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.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is offering a $6,000 reward for information about the Black Bear that was killed in Lincoln Parish on May 12. You’re asked to call the Louisiana Operation Game Thief hotline.

It only takes one storm to make a bad season and Entergy urges customers to have a plan and be prepared for whatever Mother Nature may bring. Vice President of Customer Service Michelle Bourg says the company works continuously on improving systems and response time.

Cut 6 (11)  “…year round.” 

And there’s already a Tropical Depression in the Gulf, but it’s not forecasted to be a threat to Louisiana.

The Louisiana Cancer Research Center is holding a Promising Practices Conference at Louisiana Tech University today to discuss statewide efforts to rid Louisiana of the moniker “Cancer Alley.” Director of the Office of Community Outreach with the LCRC Earl Benjamin-Robinson says the public is asked to share their experiences.

Cut 9 (11) “…going on.”

You can find a link to attend virtually in an article on the conference at LouisianaRadioNetwork-dot com.

Public School employees would not be allowed to discuss sexuality and gender identity under legislation that’s moving closer to final legislative passage at the state capitol. Opponents say this is not an issue in Louisiana, but the author of the legislation, Haughton Representative Dodie Horton disagrees…
cut 9 (11) “….an issue”
But Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis, Louisiana’s first openly gay elected official, says the measure singles out students, teachers and parents who are different…
cut 10 (10) “…their child”
Louisiana’s version of the Don’t Say Gay Bill has been approved by the House and is awaiting debate on the Senate floor.

Louisiana and nine other states have filed a lawsuit against the federal government for the steep flood insurance rate hikes they are implementing. State Solicitor General Liz Murrill says there’s no transparency in what FEMA is doing…
cut 5 (10) “….of other states”
FEMA says they’ve calculated the new premiums by looking at scientific models and projecting the costs of rebuilding a flood damaged home.

LSU’s 2023 Louisiana Survey finds that 70-percent of residents support legal recreational use of marijuana. That percentage has increased from 42-percent in 2013. Doctor Michael Henderson organized the poll and says this is an issue the new governor and legislature will have to face…
cut 13 (09) “….with this”
Governor John Bel Edwards opposes legalizing recreational marijuana use.

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 Louisiana’s version of the “Don’t Say Gay Bill.” Bill author Haughton 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.
Cut 8 (09) “…the United States.”
The Senate Education Committee also sent a bill to the floor that would give school employees the right not to use alternate pronouns for children if it goes against their religious or moral convictions.

Louisiana has joined ten states in a lawsuit against FEMA over the federal agency’s Risk Rating 2.0 which is causing flood insurance premiums to go up substantially for homeowners in south Louisiana. State Solicitor General Liz Murrill says FEMA is not being transparent on how they came up with these new premiums…
cut 6 (09) “….the Federal Government”
FEMA says Risk Rating 2.0 rates are based on a home’s proximity to water, construction type and ground elevation.

Colorado State University hurricane researchers have increased their forecast slightly for this hurricane season, now calling for 15 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. Researcher Angelie Nieves Jimenez says this is a difficult year to predict, as it’s rare for sea surface temperaturs to be this warm which is conducive to tropical storm formation, but an El Nino is also expected to develop which hinders storm development…
cut 16 (09) “…El Nino”

Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office is suing FEMA; seeking transparency on why flood insurance rates are skyrocketing.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The U-S Senate approved a bipartisan debt-ceiling deal late last night. Both of Louisiana’s Republican U-S Senators voted against it. John Kennedy says the bill would normalize and institutionalize emergency spending that Congress had to provide during the pandemic. And Bill Cassidy says the legislation cuts vital defense spending and barely decreases the debt.

A poll conducted by LSU finds that 70-percent of respondents support legally allowing people to possess small amounts of marijuana for recreational use. Director of the Louisiana Survey, Doctor Michael Henderson, says in 2013, only 42-percent supported legalization for recreational use and support is also growing among older individuals…
cut 12 (13) “….them support”

Colorado State University hurricane researchers have increased their forecast slightly for the 2023 hurricane season as they are now predicting 15 named storms. Researcher Angelie Nieves-Jimenez says forecasting is difficult this year, because an El Nino is expected to develop…
cut 15 (09) “…it’s coming”

Attorney General Jeff Landry has filed a lawsuit against FEMA over the new Risk Rating 2.0 flood insurance pricing policy. Landry says the federal agency’s rate increases place 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.’”
Nine other states have joined Louisiana in this lawsuit.

LSU’s annual 2023 Louisiana survey shows increasing support to legalize the recreational use of marijuana…..
cut 11(11) “a bit”
That’s the Director of the Louisiana Survey Dr. Michael Henderson who says the survey also shows a sizable increase in support from respondents 65 and older.

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.”

The Louisiana Senate has revived a bill that would ban gender affirming care for transgender youth. The legislation appeared to be dead for the session when the Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted against it, but the full Senate voted yesterday to bring the bill back up and it will be heard today by the Senate Judiciary A Committee.

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.

Another Democrat may be getting into the Governor’s race; Orleans Parish D.A. Jason Williams…:

CUT 01  (33)        “…Brooke Thorington.”

On the first day of our five-month hurricane season, Tropical Depression Number 2 has formed in the Gulf several miles south of the Florida panhandle. Weather experts say the system will be mostly a rainmaker for Florida and poses virtually no threat to Louisiana.

U.S. House Majority Leader and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise is telling GOP candidates for governor this fall to play nice. This after a PAC supporting Stephen Waguespack for Governor put out a TV & radio ad attacking A.G. Jeff Landry (the perceived GOP front-runner) as being soft on crime. Scalise wants no party in-fighting, and political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s not hard to understand why…:

CUT 04  (12)        “…John Bel Edwards.”

LSU’s annual Louisiana survey of public opinion shows large numbers favor adding exceptions to the state’s ban on abortions. Research lead Dr. Mike Henderson says big number support exemptions for rape and to preserve the mother’s health. He says this parallels national opinion…:

CUT 14  (08)        “…the Supreme Court.”

Under current law, there are no exemptions in the state’s abortion law.

Is the state having a change of heart on Louisiana’s strict ban of abortions? LSU’s annual Louisiana Survey opinion poll suggests they may be the case. Research lead Dr. Mike Henderson says 85-percent favor exceptions to preserve the mother’s health, and 77-percent support exceptions for cases of rape…:

CUT 13  (09)        “…and republicans.”

He says the Louisiana Survey results pretty much echo national public opinion.

U.S. House Majority Leader and District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise calls on Republicans not to attack each other in the governor’s race. This comes after a group supporting Republican candidate Stephen Waguespack released an attack ad against the perceived front-runner, A.G. Jeff Landry. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat…:

CUT 03(08)      “…attacking Republicans.”

Scalise urges Waguespack to disavow the ad and asks the Pac to take it down.

Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams – a Democrat – says he’s considering getting into the governor’s race. Gambit political commentator and columnist Clancy Dubos says if he is serious, we should know well before qualifying in August if he’ll be a formidable candidate…:

CUT 06(07)      “…raising money.”

An article in the New Orleans Advocate says Williams is indeed mulling it over.

Announced candidate for Attorney General John Belton, the D.A. in Lincoln and Union parishes says he is suspending his campaign. Belton says he has an opportunity to be of service to the state that he wishes to explore. Belton does not say what that may be.

Longtime Caddo parish Sheriff Steve Prator says he will seek another term in office this fall. Prator has been the Shreveport-area parish’s top lawman since summer of 2000.