Governor John Bel Edwards discussed the state budget on his monthly call-in radio show. The budget contained a $100 million reduction to the Louisiana Department of Health. Among the anti-transgender bills, is one to prohibit transgender procedures and or treatments of minors. Edwards says the bills have nothing to do with improving the economy, education, or healthcare.

Cut 9 (12)  “…and so forth.”

If you had damage from the 2020-2021 hurricanes and need assistance with submitting surveys, Restore Louisiana representatives will be on-site in Kenner today at the Martin Luther King Center before the August 1 deadline. Community Development Director Pat Forbes says homeowners statewide still have not completed the initial step.

Cut 13 (12) “…survey done.”  

Homeowners can complete the survey at restore.la.gov or call 866-735-2001.

Governor Edwards has vetoed legislation some call the “Stay Back” bill; aimed at heading off bad encounters between police and citizens. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (31)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The June heat wave is reportedly blamed for at least 13 deaths in Texas and 2 in Caddo Parish. An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect today and tomorrow for nearly the entire state with high temperatures this afternoon slated to reach 100 degrees pushing heat index values to between 115-120.

Thousands of LSU fans packed the stands in Alex Box Stadium last night to celebrate the 2023 C-W-S national champion LSU men’s baseball team.  Several star players spoke to the big crowd. Dylan Crews thanked the fans…

Cut 16 (19) “…can I say.”

On his monthly radio call-in show “Ask the Governor” Governor John Bel Edwards discussed the state budget that passed in the final moments of the session earlier this month. The budget included a $100 million cut to the Louisiana Department of Health.

Cut 7 (13) “…and compassion.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed legislation that would have made it a crime to get within 25 feet of police officers on duty, saying there is already a state law that punishes those who interfere with cops. Detractors said it threatens citizens’ First Amendment rights and prevents people from video-recording police. Bill author and Pineville Republican Representative Mike Johnson says the legislation did none of that…:

Cut 12 (11)    “…a police officer.” 

Restore Louisiana representatives will be on-site in Kenner today at the Martin Luther King Center to help homeowners who had damage from the 2020-2021 hurricanes complete surveys before the August 1 deadline. Community Development Director Pat Forbes says the program expanded its criteria for homeowners to qualify.

Cut 15 (12)  “…fifty thousand.”

Homeowners can complete the survey at restore.la.gov or call 866-735-2001.

LSU baseball won its seventh College World Series Championship in program history and hundreds of fans were there to support their return home yesterday.  As the Tigers fought back through the C-W-S, there were many fan favorites….

Cut 14 (11)  “…got it big.”

There will be a big celebration tonight at Alex Box Stadium.

U.S. Commerce Department announces the state’s saltwater finfish, oyster, and shrimping industries will receive financial support due to revenue losses caused by the 2020 hurricanes. State Wildlife Fisheries Biologist Administrator Jason Froeba says despite waiting two years on federal financial assistance from a 2019 disaster, the determination is another step towards disaster funding.

Cut 11 (12)  “…be spent.”

Funding recovers losses from 2020 hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta.

Lumen Technologies in Monroe has donated its 800-thousand-square-foot commercial offices to the University of Louisiana – Monroe. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

19-year-old Tyrese Harris was sentenced to 45 years in prison for his involvement in multiple carjackings across New Orleans. Harris received 20 for a Costco carjacking that seriously injured a woman last year. While in court, Harris apologized to his mother and the victims involved.

The LSU Tigers are bringing home the 7^th C-W-S championship in the university’s history, after beating Florida 18-4 last night. Coach Jay Johnson wins a national championship in his second season as head coach. Johnson credits the players for doing the hard work….

Cut 15 (08)  “…this thing.”

Paul Skenes was named the Most Outstanding Player of the College World Series and center fielder Dylan Crews.

Former Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson receives endorsement from the Louisiana Democratic Party in the 2023 governor’s race. UL-Monroe political science professor Pearson Cross says the business of endorsements is an odd one.

Cut 5 (09)   “…Shawn Wilson.”

The Supreme Court says a lawsuit against Louisiana’s congressional district map should move forward which could result in a new map that would have a second majority-Black congressional district. Congressman Troy Carter says if the state has a 32-percent black population, then two of its six congressional districts should reflect majority black voter strength…:

Cut 8 (10) “…meets muster constitutionally.’”

We now wait on a federal appeals court decision on whether a  new map is needed.

Things will heat up today as the next king or queen will be crowned at the 16^th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off today. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says the winner will represent the state at a variety of events.

Cut 12 (13)    “…the world.” 

The event will be held in Lake Charles this year.

Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to veto bills this week. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says legal challenges could follow signing them into law…:

Cut 5 (13)   “…a busy week.”

One bill the Governor objects to bans transgender medical procedures for minors.

Baton Rouge Senator Bill Cassidy, Republican Congressman Clay Higgins, and lawmakers from New Jersey have filed a bill to lower flood insurance costs for homeowners and businesses. The Republican lawmaker says it also caps annual rate hikes

Cut 8 (10) “…tolerate.’”

The National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2023 would provide vouchers to low- and moderate-income homeowners and renters if their premiums become too expensive.

The governor has signed legislation to create a crime prevention district on LSU’s campus and surrounding neighborhoods. Bill author Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Freiberg says the area is not immediately a crime prevention district, voters must approve the measure first.

Cut 10 (07) “…their security.”

Board members will serve four-year terms and the board is also subject to open meeting laws.

The LSU Tigers are one game away from winning their seventh national championship in baseball. Yesterday was a day to forget as the Bayou Bengals suffered the largest lopsided loss in College World Series history, a 24-4 defeat to Florida. Centerfielder Dylan Crews says following the final out in Sunday’s loss, they moved on to today’s game…

Cut 14 (13)  “…game for tomorrow”

LSU will square off against Florida in the championship round of the College World Series. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

And to celebrate Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin has declared today as “LSU Baseball Day” to recognize the Tigers’ success in the C-W-S. The public is encouraged to wear purple and gold. The Tigers will play the University of Florida in the first game of the championship round today.

Governor John Bel Edwards signed a bill banning the use of the popular app TikTok on any state-owned devices and state-owned or leased WIFI networks. Bill’s sponsor, Marksville Representative Daryl Deshotel believes similar apps will continue to be a cyber security concern

Cut 5 (11)  “…a time.”

Are you ready for triple-digit heat next week?  State Climatologist Barry Keim says recent temperatures in the upper 90’s plus high humidity have made it feel like 100-degree temperatures. He says be prepared next week for extremely uncomfortable weather…:

Cut 12 (12) “…care of yourself 

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is offering more tips to help the public address the MOVEit breach that put their personal data at risk. GOHSEP director Casey Tingle encourages the public to visit next-steps-dot-la-dot-gov.

Cut  14 (12)  “…at this”

Tingle says they are recommending that Louisianans freeze and unfreeze their credit for free through Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

Louisiana has seen scorching hot temperatures this month and forecasters say prepare for even hotter weather next week. State Climatologist Barry Keim says heed the few days warning, and be ready for a few scorchers…:

Cut 11 (09)  “…five or six p.m.”

Governor John Bel Edwards signed a bill that prohibits the use of TikTok on government-issued devices and networks. Marksville Representative Daryl Deshotel the bill’s author says this policy has already been implemented by many agencies statewide.

Cut 4 (12)  “…into law.” 

The bill would also ban any other app or service developed by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance Ltd, or entities the company owns.

It wasn’t just Tiger fans who were elated when LSU won Thursday night against Wake Forest. Pat McEvoy manager of Rocco’s Pizza and home of the Jell-O shot challenge in Ohama says he along with his staff were thrilled. He says having LSU in the championship round translates into a larger amount of money being spent over the weekend.

Cut 8 (08)  “…is immense.” 

McEvoy says LSU fans definitely make their mark at the College World Series.

Governor John Bel Edwards signed into law legislation that bans the use of the popular video-sharing app TikTok on government-issued devices and networks. Bill’s sponsor, Marksville Representative Daryl Deshotel says it’s a security issue.

Cut 3 (13) “…of Americans.”

Over 30 states have banned the use of TikTok on government devices.

Today is “LSU Baseball Day.”  Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin made it official with a proclamation in honor of the Tigers baseball team making it to the championship round of the Men’s College World Series. After winning in extra innings last night, Ardoin says he wanted to formally honor the team.

Cut 6 (08)  “…World Series.” 

Ardoin is encouraging residents to dress in purple and gold to show their support on Saturday.

Louisiana has seen a week of record and near-record heat for the month of June and forecasters say prepare for some triple-digit heat next week. State Climatologist Barry Keim says for the weekend and through about Tuesday, we can expect more of what we’ve seen the past several days…:

Cut 10 (10)  “…to a hundred & ten.”

It was a week ago when the state alerted Louisiana residents with a driver’s license or state ID that their identity may have been comprised as a result of a cyber breach involving a third-party vendor that the state Office of Motor Vehicles uses. GOHSEP director Casey Tingle says they ask the public to remain vigilant…

Cut 13 (09) “…aware of this” 

Tingle says the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has a website, next-steps-dot-la-dot-gov help Louisianans better protect themselves against identity theft…