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.

A bill to allow non-felons, 21 and older, to carry a concealed firearm without a permit received the backing of Senate Judiciary B. Several groups oppose Oil City Republican Representative Danny McCormick’s bill on the grounds it could lead to more gun violence. Executive Director of Louisiana Progress Peter Robbins-Brown…

Cut 10 (13) “…everyday”

The bill has already been approved in the House and goes to Senate Finance due to the potential loss of revenue for State Police for issuing the permits.

Legislation to raise the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $10 in Louisiana was defeated on the Senate floor Tuesday. Bill sponsor New Orleans Senator Gary Carter says several families would have benefitted if it was raised. The bill failed on a 25-13 vote.

Legislation to incentivize gun owners with a $500 tax credit to buy safety devices for their firearms has bipartisan support. New Orleans Democrat Mandie Landry says in Virginia similar legislation even received support from the NRA.

Cut 8 (09)  “…gun safety.” 

A House-approved bill giving police the power to tell you to “stay back” while they’re engaged in their job passes out of a Senate Judiciary committee. Bill sponsor and Pineville Republican Rep. Mike Johnson tells members it’s about diffusing potentially volatile situations, and is not an overreach by government…:

Cut 10 (09) “…his right…for space.” 

Both bills await final passage on the Senate floor.

Louisiana residents are frustrated with property insurance cancelations, coverage refusals, and affordability. That’s the findings of LSU’s annual “Louisiana Survey” of public opinion. Poll leader Dr. Michael Henderson says the survey of 500 adults in the state showed that 17-percent said they’ve had their homeowner’s insurance canceled within the past year…:

Cut 12 (09) “…the last year.” 

Ten days left in the legislative session and a bill to increase the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 to ten-dollars an hour starting in January is still alive. The Senate Finance Committee did not vote on the bill, but instead made the procedural move of advancing the legislation to the Senate floor without a vote, which pleased New Orleans Senator Gary Carter…

Cut 4 (11)  “…(laughter).” 

A bill to allow non-felons, 18 and older, to carry a concealed firearm without a permit continues to make its way through the legislative process. The House-approved bill received the backing today of Senate Judiciary B on a four-to one-vote. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick believes the U-S Constitution allows gun owners to conceal carry without a permit…

Cut 9 (06)  “asking for” 

The bill has been sent to Senate Finance because State Police would lose money if permits are not required.

Legislation to incentivize gun owners with a $500 tax credit to buy safety devices for their firearms has bipartisan support. New Orleans Democrat Mandie Landry says in Virginia similar legislation even received support from the NRA.

Cut 8 (09)  “…gun safety.” 

If the bill passes in the Senate, it would head to the Governor’s desk.

Ten days left in the legislative session and a bill to increase the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 to ten-dollars an hour starting in January is still alive. New Orleans Senator Gary Carter told the Senate Finance Committee doing so will improve the livelihoods of thousands of Louisiana residents…

Cut 3 (13) “…government subsidies”

The committee did not vote on the bill, but instead made the procedural move of advancing the legislation to the Senate floor.

Legislation to incentivize gun owners with a $500 tax credit to buy safety devices for their firearms has bipartisan support as it makes its way through the legislature. New Orleans Democrat Mandie Landry has been a longtime proponent of gun safety and says her bill also can help address the rampant issue of guns being stolen in her district.

Cut 7 (05)  “…accidents.” 

Lawmakers have yet to decide on the final figure for teacher pay raises. President of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers Larry Carter says 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.

Postseason baseball returns to Alex Box Stadium this weekend as LSU will host the Baton Rouge Regional which will get underway on Friday afternoon with the Fighting Tigers hosting Tulane at 2 PM. Fifth-year Tiger Gavin Dugas is pumped up…
cut 15 (13) “…..this weekend”
The other two teams in the Baton Rouge Regional are Oregon State and Sam Houston State.

Legislation to incentivize gun owners with a $500 tax credit to buy safety devices for their firearms has bipartisan support as it makes it’s way through the legislature. New Orleans Democrat Mandie Landry says the devices can help prevent children from being killed in accidental shootings and guns from being stolen.

Cut 6 (07)  “…their cars” 

If it passed in the Senate it heads to the Governor’s desk.

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.

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.”

In Louisiana 95 Methodist churches plan to split from the global denomination, over theological differences. The church’s statement on human sexuality says that sex is only affirmed within monogamous, heterosexual marriages has caused a some churches to leave across the country.

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.

It appears that lawmakers will give teachers a $2,000 pay raise instead of the $3,000 that the governor originally asked for. President of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers Larry Carter the raises are crucial to keep teachers from leaving the state.

Cut 12 (07)    “…the summer.” 

The regular session ends next Thursday.

The LSU baseball team heads into the NCAA tournament as the fifth overall national seed 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 still hope to make it to Omaha. Junior first baseman Tre Morgan says he doesn’t want a repeat of last year’s regional loss…:

Cut 13 (15) “…we won.”  
Tulane, Oregon State and Sam Houston State will play in the regional also.

And the Nicholls baseball team earned a spot in the tournament 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. Colonels coach Mike Silva says he’s excited:

Cut 18 (08) “…really special”

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.”

_______________________________________________

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.”

_______________________________________________

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.

________________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________

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.”

____________________________________________

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.” 

_______________________________________________

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.” 

_____________________________________

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.