LSU’s annual public opinion research poll, the Louisiana Survey, finds a majority of Louisiana residents feel the state is moving in the wrong direction. Michael Henderson leads the annual survey. He says polling numbers show a majority of residents are not happy…:
Cut 4 (07) “the wrong direction”
Confidence in state government remains low. Less than 30 percent feel the Governor and lawmakers can solve problems.

The LSU baseball team has earned the No. 5 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. The four-team, double-elimination regional at Alex Box Stadium will begin Friday and LSU will play Tulane in the first game. Coach Jay Johnson says he’s proud of his squad even if the work isn’t done yet..:
Cut 14 (15) “since 2017”
Friday’s game begins at 2pm.

Brooke Thorington talks with the Louisiana Federation of Teachers president about pay raises for teachers in the final days of the legislative session…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

95 Louisiana churches have been approved to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church. The split is over same-sex marriages and ordaining LGBT clergy. With so many churches agreeing to leave, the Louisiana Conference of the UMC has lost more than one-third of its affiliated churches.

Lawmakers have yet to decide on the final figure for teacher pay raises. President of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers Larry Culver says it lawmakers are now indicating they will support a direct teacher increase of up to $2,000…:
Cut 10 (11) “finalized”
The 2023 Regular Legislative Session must adjourn by 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 8.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins Thursday and Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says it’s an ideal time to review your property insurance policy’s roof coverage. He says some policies depreciate a roof’s value if it’s over 10 years old…:
CUT 8 (11) “at 5 years”

An annual LSU survey of public opinion shows MOST Louisianans feel the government is moving the state in the wrong direction. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (33) “Kevin Gallagher”

According to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, the Baton Rouge and New Orleans metro areas will be under air quality advisories on Tuesday because of the possibility of ozone development. DEQ officials say the Air Quality Index for ozone will be at the orange level, which indicates unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups.

An annual survey conducted by LSU found most people in the state think Louisiana is moving in the wrong direction. Michael Henderson, who leads the survey every year, says they polled over 500 adults here and 61% indicated they are not happy with where Louisiana is headed…:
CUT 5 (08) “in state government”
The survey found residents were most concerned about crime and the state’s economy.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins Thursday and Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says now is the time to review your property insurance policy. He says not to wait until there’s a storm in the Gulf, but check with your agent now to learn about the coverage you have…:
Cut 9 (03) “coverage for”
He says it’s also a good idea to have your agent calculate what your out-of-pocket expenses would be should your home sustain storm damage.

The NCAA Baseball Tournament is set to get underway this weekend. Four Louisiana schools earned an opportunity to make a run to Omaha including preseason favorites LSU. Kace Kieschnick has more..:
Cut 3 (33) “Kace Kieschnick”

The missing boater in the West Feliciana vessel crash Sunday has been identified. WPSO identified her as 38-year-old as Rachel Hann of St. Francisville. They say they are now transitioning from a rescue operation to a recovery. The boat operator, identified as 37-year-old Anthony Bain, remains hospitalized.

An annual LSU survey of public opinion shows MOST Louisianans feel the government is moving the state in the wrong direction. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (33)  “…Kevin Gallagher.”

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Brooke Thorington talks with the president of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers about pay raises for educators in the final days of the legislative session.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The NCAA Baseball Tournament is set to get underway this weekend. Four Louisiana schools earned an opportunity to make a run to Omaha including preseason favorites LSU. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 3 (33)  “….Kace Kieschnick.”

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LSU’s annual public opinion research poll, the Louisiana Survey, finds a majority of Bayou State residents feel the state is moving in the wrong direction. Michael Henderson, with LSU’s Reilly Center for Media and Public Affairs, leads the annual survey. He says polling numbers show a majority of residents are not happy…:

Cut 4 (07)  “…the wrong direction.’”

The yearly Louisiana Survey polled over 500 adult Louisianans across the state. Each year, they ask if respondents feel the state is moving in a good direction. Henderson says 61 percent answered “No, it is not”…:

Cut 5 (08)   “…in state government.”

Confidence in state government remains low. Less than 30 percent feel the Governor and lawmakers can solve problems.

Last week, we told you that CRIME was Louisianans’ top concern in the survey, and many feel state and local governments are not properly addressing the issue. Henderson says those negative feelings also are not partisan in nature. Liberals are just as frustrated with state government as conservatives…:

Cut 6 (10)  “…for different reasons.”

Henderson says one can expect to hear the Louisiana Survey’s negative results being used in many a campaign speech, as the fall elections grow nearer.

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The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins Thursday and Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says it’s an ideal time to review your property insurance policy’s roof coverage. Donelon says the deductible for named storms or hurricane damage is typically five percent of the insured value of your home.

Cut 7 (13) “…replaced.”

He says to be aware of what your deductible will be and be prepared to address if you have storm damage.

The other issue Donelon says that’s becoming more common is the age of your roof and how coverage is determined. Some insurers say if the roof is 10 years or younger you may qualify for replacement cost coverage. But if your roof is older some policies depreciate the roof’s value.

Cut 8 (11) “…at five years.”

Instead of waiting until there’s a storm in the Gulf, Donelon says to have a talk with your agent beforehand about what you are covered for…

Cut 9 (03)  “…coverage for.”

And have your agent calculate what your out-of-pocket expenses would be so you know before you are faced with damage.

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Lawmakers have yet to decide on the final figure for teacher pay raises. President of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers Larry Culver says it looks like legislators have settled on $2,000 for teachers and $1,000 for support staff pay increases.

Cut 10 (11) “…finalized.” 

Culver says the original request of $3,000 for teachers and $1,500 for support staff would be extremely welcome news.

While neighboring states have increased teacher pay, Culver says this is the time of year when educators look at other opportunities, so timing is everything to keep more qualified teachers from leaving the Bayou State.

Cut 11 (10)  “…to them.”

Most teachers were unable to attend legislative committee meetings and voice their concerns in person to lawmakers, Culver says approximately 38,000 letters were sent to legislators on their behalf and…

Cut 12 (07)    “…the summer.” 

According to the Southern Regional Education Board, in 2021 the regional average is $55,676 and the average in Louisiana is $52,472.

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The LSU baseball team was named the fifth overall national seed for the NCAA tournament and will host a regional this weekend. The Tigers spent most of the season as the top team in the country before a late-season fall, but they’ll still hope to make their way to Omaha for the first time since 2017. Junior first baseman Tre Morgan says he doesn’t want a repeat of last year’s regional loss…

Cut 13 (15) “…we won.”  

The Tigers lost in the Hattiesburg regional last year in Coach Jay Johnson’s first season. After an offseason with the number one transfer and recruiting classes, he and his team received great expectations. Johnson says he’s proud of his squad even if the work isn’t done yet…

Cut 14 (15)  “…since 2017.”

As the fifth overall seed, LSU will host a regional and is one of eight teams who have the chance to have the home field all the way to the College World Series. Fifth-year Tiger Gavin Dugas just missed LSU’s 2017 run and says he’s excited to experience postseason baseball in Baton Rouge…

Cut 15 (13)  “…this weekend.”

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UL-Lafayette didn’t win their conference championship, but they earned one of the final four at-large bids to play their way into the NCAA baseball postseason. With 4 wins in 5 days in the Sun-Belt Tournament, including two over tenth-seeded Coastal Carolina, the Cajuns fought their way through what coach Matt Deggs called an uphill battle the final 6 weeks of the season…

Cut  16 (14)  “..haven’t done.” 

The Cajuns will attend the Miami regional along with Texas and Main. Deggs went to a Miami regional as an assistant coach with Texas A&M in 2010. He says it’s a great atmosphere and he and his team are honored to make the trip to Coral Gables…

Cut 17 (13) “…of resilience.” 

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The Nicholls baseball team earned a spot in the postseason after winning the Southland Conference Championship Sunday. They’ll visit the Tuscaloosa regional hosted by 16th-seeded Alabama who is one of the hottest teams in baseball. They’ll join at-large bids Boston College who many believe deserved to host a regional and Troy who finished third in the Sun Belt regular season standings. Colonels coach Mike Silva says he’s excited for his team’s opportunity…

Cut 18 (08) “…really special”

The Colonels will play NCAA Tournament baseball for the first time since 1998. With 5 hours between Nicholls and host site Tuscaloosa, Silva says that this will be a weekend Colonels fans will not want to miss…

Cut 19 (12) “…baseball program.” 

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Cut 20 (07)  “…cameo”  

A boating accident in West Feliciana Parish on the Mississippi River Sunday night leaves one injured and another missing. The Sheriff’s office says the injured passenger was found downstream of the St. Francisville waterfront and airlifted to a trauma center. Louisiana Department and Wildlife Spokesperson Adam Einck says last year Louisiana reported 29 boating fatalities of which 22 were not wearing a life jacket.

Cut 7 (13) “…that difference”

So far in 2023, there have been four boating fatalities.

While the holiday is often celebrated with cookouts and fireworks, Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland reminds residents to take a moment during their gathering to say a prayer and remember the true meaning of the day.

Cut 5 (10)   “…ultimate sacrifice”

Plenty of people are firing up the grill and John Thompson, with the Louisiana Beef Industry Council says the U.S. beef cattle herd is the smallest it has been in decades, and that is driving market prices, however, you should be able to find quality cuts for your Memorial Day cookout …:

Cut 26 (03)  “…in the stores.”

The LSU baseball team was named the fifth overall national seed for the NCAA tournament and will host a regional this weekend. The Tigers spent most of the season as the top team in the country before a late-season fall, but they’ll still hope to make their way to Omaha for the first time since 2017. Junior first baseman Tre Morgan says he doesn’t want a repeat of last year’s regional loss…

Cut 13 (15) “…we won.”  

A tentative deal has been reached between House Republicans and the White House to raise the federal debt ceiling and avoid a government default. At the center of the negotiations was Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Graves has qualities that make his presence welcome at the negotiating table…and he obviously has the trust of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy…:

CUT 10(12)      “…are very high.”

Hogan expects we’ll ALL be seeing more of Graves on the national political stage.

It’s Memorial Day, a day to pay respects to those who’ve died while serving in the US military.  Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland says they will be holding ceremonies at the state’s five veterans’ cemeteries

Cut 3 (09)  “….be honored.”

LSU is the number five seed headed into the NCAA baseball tournament and Alex Box Stadium will host a regional with Tulane and the Tigers Friday. Sam Houston State and Oregon State will also play in the regional in Baton Rouge.  And that not’s all the Ragin Cajuns are headed to the Coral Gables Regional. And Nicholls State is headed to the regional in Tuscaloosa.

Chances are your Memorial Day plans include a boat ride, and the Department of Wildlife & Fisheries urges you to remain safe and responsible, LDWF’s Adam Einck says to always have life jackets available for every passenger in the boat…and be prepared for waterways to be crowded…:

CUT 06  (12)        “…waterways.”

Stay sober if you’re piloting. DWI laws for drivers also apply to boaters. And take extra precautions when the sun goes down with the crowded waterways also.

One thing became apparent during the recent federal debt ceiling debate between Congress and the White House: Louisiana District 6 Congressman Garret Graves has emerged as a top negotiator in those budget talks. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says he is somewhat surprised to see Graves in the middle of such critical negotiations, given his congressional background…:

CUT 09(08)      “…financial committee.”

A tentative deal to avoid federal government default was reached over the weekend.

It’s Memorial Day, a national holiday to pay respects to those who’ve died while serving in the US military.  Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland reminds residents to take a moment during their gathering to say a prayer and remember the true meaning of the day.

Cut 5 (10)   “…ultimate sacrifice”

Memorial Day weekend kicks off boating season with more people taking to the waterways with school out for the summer. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Spokesperson Adam Einck reminds you to take proper precautions with more people on the water and that alcohol use is one of the leading causes of boating crashes…

Cut 8 (13) “…penalties.”

And especially at night take extra precautions.

And exciting news for baseball fans in Louisiana, the LSU Tigers have earned the number five overall seed in the NCAA tournament and will host Tulane Friday in the regional. Sam Houston State and Oregon State will also play in the regional in Baton Rouge.  And The Ragin Cajuns are headed to the Coral Gables Regional. And Nicholls State is headed to the regional in Tuscaloosa.

As expected LSU baseball has been awarded one of the 16 regional sites in the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers are also expected to be a top eight national seed, which means they would be in position to host a super regional.

Who will be in LSU’s regional will be answered today. Two other other Louisiana teams have received automatic berths. Despite only winning 19 games this season, Tulane has received an automatic bid after winning the American Athletic Conference Baseball Tournament by beating top seeded East Carolina eight to six yesterday. The victory gave the program its ninth conference tournament win.

Nicholls won its first Southland Baseball Tournament title since 1998 when they defeated U-N-O six to three on Saturday in Lake Charles.

The Ragin Cajuns made it to the Sun Belt Tournament Title game, but lost to Southern Miss six to two. UL Lafayette is 40-22 and they’ll find out today if they’ve done enough to get an at-large bid.
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LSU baseball fans were disappointed to see the Tigers get eliminated in the SEC Tournament on Friday. But Coach Jay Johnson said after the game, they now have a chance to catch their second wind…
cut 22 (22) “…here”
LSU will play Friday against a team to be announced in the opening round of the Baton Rouge Regional.

Delgado avoided elimination in the National Junior College World Series in Colorado with an eleven to five win over Andrew College in Georgia. The win marks the progam’s first World Series victory since 2016. Delgado is now 46-12 on the season and they will play again Monday afternoon.

A great many of you will be going out onto the water this Memorial Day holiday. State Wildlife & Fisheries agents are urging you play it safe; with enough life jackets for everyone aboard. Everyone. LDWF’s Adam Einck reminds us 29 people died in 2022 on waterways; 22 of them because they had no personal floatation device…:

CUT 07  (13)        “…that difference.”

Four have died on the water so far this year.

And Memorial Day means firing up the grill for a family cookout. John Thompson, with the Louisiana Beef Industry Council, says – yes – beef prices are up considerably and that’ll sting a bit. He says market conditions make the price hikes unavoidable…:

CUT 13  (07)        “…for our calves.”

He says it’s in good supply, so go get some and enjoy.

As Congress and the White House reach a tentative deal on raising the debt ceiling and avoiding default, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves emerges as instrumental in forging that deal between House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and President Biden. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Graves is a Republican that Democrats can relate to…:

CUT 11(12)          “…party have said.”

Hogan feels we’ll be seeing more of Graves on the national political stage in the future.

Memorial Day is the day to remember those who died in service to our country. Veteran Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland shares his own experience in war…:

CUT 04  (08)        “…in my arms.”

Strickland served in Vietnam. Five Louisiana VA cemeteries have events planned today.