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.

U-S Majority Leader and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise is calling on Republicans not to attack each other in the governor’s race. Scalise issued a statement after a group supporting Republican candidate Stephen Waguespack released an attack ad against the perceived front-runner in the race Jeff Landry. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat…

Cut 3 (08) “…attacking Republicans”

And there’s a chance another candidate might jump in the race. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams says he’s considering running for governor. Gambit Political Commentator and columnist Clancy Dubos says if he is serious, we should know well before qualifying in August.

Cut 6 (07)  “…raising money.” 

So far Shawn Wilson is the only declared Democrat in the race.

Black adults face a 59 % greater risk of premature death than white people, and a new study by Tulane University points to social determinants as the reasons why.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Today marks the first day of the 2023 hurricane season and Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson Mike Steele says now is the time to prepare your emergency plan even if you don’t have to use it.

Cut 7 (10) “…happen again.”

A recent Tulane University study explains why black adults in the U.S. have a 59% higher risk of premature death than white adults can be linked to disparities in eight areas of life.  Assistant Professor of Epidemiology Dr. Josh Bundy says it will take policy, research, and a multidisciplinary approach to tackle these issues.

Cut 12 (13)    “…social determinants.” 

Socioeconomic factors account for 50% of the Black-White difference in mortality. However, the other 50% difference was explained by marital status, food security, job quality, and insurance status.

Plaquemines Democrat Rep. Chad Brown says the state’s efforts to preserve alligators have worked too well, and his House Resolution would ask Wildlife and Fisheries to seek ways to limit alligators’ intrusion into human-populated areas. In the House Natural Resources Committee, Brown says gators are becoming much more of a threat…:

Cut 14 (06)  “…too many alligators.”

Brown’s HCR 132 would – as a safety measure – request LDWF, and the Alligator Council, to consider a longer alligator harvest season, with slightly increased limits for hunters…:

Wedding Bells will ring today for Trina Edwards and John Alario. Brooke Thorington has more from former Governor Edwin Edwards’ widow.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams is considering joining the crowded race for state governor because of numerous attacks by Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial frontrunner Jeff Landry against him and ‘his city’ that he called ‘racist’. Williams would become the second Democrat running against former Secretary of Transportation Shawn Wilson. Governor Edwards said Williams would change the dynamics for the Democrats and hopes Williams will stay out of the race. Williams has not decided if he will run but he has until August 10 the end of the qualifying period.

The widow of former Governor Edwin Edwards, Trina Edwards will tie the knot with former Senate President and Speaker of the House John Alario in New Orleans today. The couple will get married in a private ceremony at the State Supreme Court Building and host a luncheon afterward. The couple will have a blended family and Edwards said Alario’s children have been extremely kind to her.

Cut 5 (07)   “…with them.”

79-year-old Alario popped the question on Edwards’ 44^th birthday.

Hurricane season begins today and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) urges residents to get their hurricane game plan in place. Since Hurricane Ida, FEMA continues to house more than 3,800 families in mobile homes, travel trailers, and other ready-to-occupy housing. Spokesperson Mike Steele says it is important for those residents to stay updated on the weather at all times.

Cut 9 (13)  “…be opened.”

Residents can visit getagameplan.org to prepare.

House Natural Resources Committee advances a resolution asking for more to be done to control the state’s burgeoning alligator population. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (34)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

State Fire Marshal deputies have concluded a duplex fire that claimed the life of a disabled Monroe woman last Friday began in the bed where the victim was confined during recovery from surgery. While the exact cause remains undetermined, deputies are unable to rule out the possibility that the victim could have been smoking while doing oxygen therapy.

A south Louisiana lawmaker says the alligator population is booming and is asking L-D-W-F to look at what can be done to limit alligator and human interactions
cut 15 (11) “…more and more”
That’s Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown talking about his resolution that will be voted on by the Louisiana House.

Trina Edwards, the widow of former four-term governor Edwin Edwards, will tie the knot today with former longtime state lawmaker John Alario at a ceremony in New Orleans. During a recent appearance on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster, Edwards said before the Cajun Prince passed away, they talked about her getting married again
Cut 6 (08) “…any money.”
John Alario is 79 and Trina Edwards is 44-years-old. Trina has said she has a type.

Today marks the official start of the 2023 hurricane season. Mike Steele with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says spend time this week making sure you are ready for the next storm…
Cut 8 (09) “…basic things.”
2022 was a very quiet season for Louisiana and after two straight hyper active seasons.

A study out of Tulane finds eight factors that put Black adults at a greater risk of early death. Black adults in the U-S have a 59-percent higher risk for premature death than White adults and lead author of the Tulane study Josh Bundy says socioeconomic factors play a major role in the Black-White difference…
cut 11 (09) “…health framework”
Bundy says other factors include martial status, food security, job quality and insurance status.

A Tulane University study finds disparities in eight areas of life, critical to health and well-being, that help explain why Black adults in the U.S. have a 59% higher risk of early death than White adults.
cut 10 (13) “…social determinants”
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology Dr. Josh Bundy says when all unfavorable social determinants for Black adults were accounted for the mortality disparity was reduced to zero.

Plaquemine Rep. Chad Brown says the state’s efforts to preserve alligators have worked too well, and his House Resolution asks Wildlife & Fisheries to look into expanding the hunting limit. Brown says the state has almost three times the number of gators as Florida…:
Cut 13 (09) “…being torn up.”
Brown’s resolution requests that LDWF consider a longer alligator harvest season, with slightly increased limits for hunters.

Wedding Bells will ring today for Trina Edwards and John Alario. Brooke Thorington has more from former Governor Edwin Edwards’ widow.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

It is the first day of the hurricane season and forecasters are predicting a near normal season. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a named storm in June is not out of the question, but…
cut 29 (10) “…hyper focused”