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.

Another Democrat may be running for Governor. Brooke Thorington reports it’s Orleans Parish Da Jason Williams…:

CUT 01  (33)        “…Thorington.”

KALB in Alexandria reports a Pineville/Tioga daycare is under investigation for alleged cruelty to juveniles. The Rapides Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants at Totally Kids Childcare and an arrest warrant. That person’s identity is yet unknown. More on this as it develops.

More than two years after the death of Marie Bourque, 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 DA Stephen Dwight says the public defender argued Hatch has schizophrenia and did not know right from wrong…:

CUT 10(13)      “…horrible crime.”

Hatch’s sentencing has been set for July 21.

The 2023 Louisiana Survey, an annual poll produced by LSU, shows support growing for legal abortions. Director of the Louisiana Survey Dr. Mike Henderson says they polled about 500 Louisiana residents about the hot button topic, about 60 days ago…:

Cut 12  (13)      “…52-percent.”

He says the survey results echo national polling on the subject.

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.