Former President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Sean Richardson spoke with a local expert on the disease.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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ULM has its new president. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Saints are not looking to bring in a veteran quarterback as the team begins organized team activities today. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. LSU Health Shreveport Professor of Urology Dr. Kevin Hebert says the cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9, has metastasized to his bones, indicating a high-risk, advanced stage.

Cut 4 (09) “…see and treat.”

The diagnosis followed increasing urinary symptoms and the discovery of a prostate nodule last week. While the cancer is hormone-sensitive, allowing for effective management, Hebert notes it is not curable once spread to the bones.

Cut 5 (11) “…is life significantly.”

The 82-year-old Biden is reviewing treatment options, which may include hormone therapy or radiation.  Hebert says its possible that Biden won’t die from prostate cancer despite it being a metastatic disease at this point.

Cut 6 (07) “…from prostrate cancer.”

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Nearly everyone in Louisiana agrees on the notion that income taxes and sales taxes in the state are too high. Dr. Michael Henderson, the survey director of LSU’s annual Louisiana Survey, says the percentage of residents who feel that way is going up.

Cut 7 (12) “…the sales tax.”

Dr. Henderson says what’s interesting in this finding is the fact that even though sales taxes ticked up at the outset of this year, state income taxes actually fell for all Louisianans, thanks to the tax reform package that the legislature passed in the special session last fall.

Cut 8 (09) “…much about it.”

But what about the essential services that those tax dollars fund? Dr. Henderson says there are certain things that people would be willing to pay higher taxes for.

Cut 9 (10)  “…teacher pay raises.”

More than one-thousand Louisiana residents were surveyed for this study.

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Four days after a mass jailbreak from Orleans Parish Jail, multiple escaped inmates remain at large, prompting a widespread manhunt involving the FBI, Louisiana State Police, and U.S. Marshals. The escape occurred early Friday when inmates exploited defective cell locks and a breached wall, exiting via a supply dock and scaling a perimeter wall. Orleans Parish DA Jason Williams condemned the jail’s conditions.

Cut 10 (12) “…on higher floors.”

Governor Jeff Landry criticized the DA’s office, questioning why additional charges have yet to be filed.  Williams says its simply because the sheriff’s office never submitted evidence.

Cut 11 (12) “…can’t go forward.”

Williams says taking politics out of the equation, there are multiple failures that need to be addresses from the lapse in monitoring during a lunch break to not alerting victims and witnesses of the escape. Williams says it’s a miracle no one’s hurt by these inmates.

Cut 12 (11) “…grace of God.”

The FBI is offering a reward of ten-thousand dollars per fugitive, with additional rewards from ATF and Crime Stoppers.

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ULM has its new president. The school has hired Dr. Carrie Castille as its 10th president in school history. Dr. Castille begins her new role on July 1st, taking over for interim president Dr. Nick Bruno, the retired president who’s serving in an interim role following the resignation of Ron Berry, who went back to teaching. Castille is excited for the opportunity.

Cut 13 (09)  “…for the university.”

Castille is an agriculture and natural resources consultant, most recently supporting the USDA during the presidential transition. She also has ten years experience in higher education, most recently as senior vice chancellor and senior vice president of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. Castille says one of the first things she will do once she takes over as university president is to go on a listening tour.

Cut 14 (12) “…those opportunities are.”

Castille says her number-one priority is the students.

Cut 15 (14) “…and it’s paramount.”

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The battle to be the Saints starting quarterback in 2025 begins today as the Black and Gold will be on the practice field for OTAs. New Orleans will try to win with a young quarterback as Jake Haener is the only Q-B on the roster that has been in the NFL for two years. First year Saints head coach Kellen Moore says he was in Dallas when Dak Prescott led the Cowboys to 13 wins and an NFC East title.

Cut 16 (16) “…ready to roll.”

Haener is entering his third season, Spencer Ratter his second and Tyler Shough and Hunter Dekkers are both rookies. Moore is eager to see these guys perform during OTAS, even if it’s just seven on seven practice sessions.

Cut 17 (09)  “…about.”

Since Shough was drafted by this coaching staff, he’s considered the front-runner to win the starting job. Rattler says he will not put too much pressure on himself to win the job and is looking forward to operating in Moore’s offense.

Cut 18 (12)  “…in it now.”

The Saints unsettled quarterback position is one of the reasons why New Orleans will not have any of its games during primetime. General Manager Mickey Loomis thought they would get at least one game in primetime, but he understands why all of their games will be on Sunday afternoon.

Cut 19 (12) “…those opportunities.”

This is the Louisiana Radio Network Legislative Report for Tuesday, May 20th. I’m Andrew Greenstein.

Whether you’re an elected official or a private citizen; a Republican or a Democrat; or an adult or a child – nearly everyone will tell you that taxes in Louisiana are too high. In fact, according to LSU’s annual Louisiana Survey, the percentage of residents who feel that way is going up.

Cut 7 (12) “…the sales tax.”

Survey Director Dr. Michael Henderson says what’s interesting in this finding is the fact that even though sales taxes ticked up at the outset of this year, state income taxes actually fell for all Louisianans, thanks to the tax reform package that the legislature passed in the special session last fall.

Cut 8 (09) “…much about it.”

But what about the essential services that those tax dollars fund? Dr. Henderson says there are certain things that people would be willing to pay higher taxes for.

Cut 9 (10)  “…teacher pay raises.”

The number-one issue that people in Louisiana are concerned about – the economy. More than one-thousand people were surveyed both over the phone and online.

Much of the chatter at the Capitol lately has been about the 10 inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail late last week. And the fingerpointing is underway. Governor Landry is slamming the criminal justice system in New Orleans for acting slowly on the inmates’ cases, and State Representative Aimee Adatto Freeman, a Democrat who represents New Orleans, is calling on Sheriff Susan Hutson to resign, saying she has failed in her most fundamental responsibility in keeping inmates in custody.

As of late this afternoon, seven of the ten inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail are still on the loose. Governor Landry has ordered an audit of the jail facility. During a press conference, he blamed prosecutors and judges for not moving fast enough in prosecuting the cases of accused violent criminals.

Cut 14 (15) “…dangerous criminals.”

The number of people who say Louisiana is heading in the right direction is on the rise – it’s now up to 50-percent. Dr. Michael Henderson, the survey director of LSU’s annual Louisiana Survey, says while that’s the break-even point, it’s a huge step up from not too long ago.

Cut 3 (10) “…a record high.” 

LSU President William Tate has announced that he is leaving his post to take an identical role at Rutgers University. Tate has been president of the LSU system and the head of the flagship Baton Rouge campus since July 1st, 2021. Piper Hutchinson with the Louisiana Illuminator says Tate’s relationship with state government took a turn for the worse with the change in gubernatorial administrations.

Cut 9 (16)  “…a specific way.”

Louisiana ranks 11th in the country for lightning deaths. That’s according to a new study from the CDC which looked at data from 2006 through 2021. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says males are four times more likely to be struck than females.

Cut 7 (12) “…than females are.”

LSU is looking for a new President as President Dr. William Tate has announced he is leaving for Rutgers University. Piper Hutchinson with the Louisiana Illuminator says there’ a rumored list of administrators people wanted out, and Tate’s name was allegedly on it. She says there may also be a troubling trend in play.

Cut 10 (11) “…in the SEC.”

During Tate’s four years, campuses in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport achieved a record-breaking 543-million dollars in combined research activity. One of Tate’s goals was to make LSU a top 50 research university.

Seven of the Orleans Parish jail escapees are still at large and four of them are accused of murder. The reward for information that leads to their arrest is now 20-thousand dollars per fugitive. Superintendent of State Police, Colonel Robert Hodges says anyone caught trying to help these escapees evade authorities will be arrested….

Cut 13 (09)  “…someone else helps them.”

Louisiana ranks 11th in the country for lightning deaths. That’s according to a new study from the CDC which looked at data from 2006 through 2021. During that time, Louisiana had 12 deaths. Florida had the most with 79. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim on why so many more lightning deaths in the Sunshine State…

Cut 6 (08) “…in the world.”

LSU’s annual Louisiana Survey shows the number of people who believe the state is heading in the right direction equals those who believe it’s heading in the wrong direction. Two years ago, it was about two-to-one who said the state was headed in the wrong direction. Survey Director Michael Henderson says the trend started reversing itself from rock-bottom during John Bel Edwards administration.

Cut 5 (09) “…he took office.”

More than one-thousand Louisiana residents were surveyed for this study.

Seven of the Orleans Parish jail escapees remain on the run. They busted out of the jail during the middle of the night early Friday morning. Superintendent of State Police, Colonel Robert Hodges, believes it’s only a matter of time before these fugitives are back in custody…

Cut 12 (11) “…public’s help.”

Louisiana ranks in the upper quarter in the U.S. in lightning deaths. A new study from the CDC says Louisiana is 11th in the country for lightning deaths with 12 deaths from 2006 to 2021. Florida is first with 79 in that time frame, followed by Texas with 36. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says those two states have a lot more golf courses than Louisiana.

Cut 8 (12) “…hard to believe.”

LSU’s president is stepping down at the end of next month. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

LSU won’t be the only school welcoming a new president. ULM has hired a new president – Carrie Castille. She’s an agriculture and natural resources consultant, most recently supporting the USDA during the presidential transition. Dr. Castille takes over the full-time role from Ron Berry, who stepped down in January to return to teaching.

Seven of the Orleans Parish jail escapees remain on the run. Four of them are accused of murder. Governor Jeff Landry has ordered an audit of the Orleans Parish facility blaming the New Orleans prosecutors and judges for not moving fast enough in prosecuting the cases of those accused violent criminals

Cut 14 (15) “…dangerous criminals.”

LSU President William Tate is heading to the Garden State. Announcing his departure from LSU on June 30th to become the new president at Rutgers University. That leaves LSU scrambling to find a new president. Piper Hutchinson with the Louisiana Illuminator says there could be a few names to potentially be included on the shortlist.

Cut 11 (11) “…the job again.”

During Tate’s four years at LSU, campuses in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport achieved a record-breaking 543-million dollars in combined research activity, part of his goal to make LSU a top 50 research university.

More people are saying that Louisiana is headed in the right direction, with that number pulling even with that of the people who say the state is heading in the wrong direction. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana ranks 11th in the country for lightning deaths. That’s according to a new study from the CDC which looked at data from 2006 through 2021. Louisiana had 12 deaths. Florida had the most with 79. Texas came in at number two with 36 deaths. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says Florida and Texas have a lot more golf courses than Louisiana, which is one reason why they have a lot more lightning fatalities…

Cut 8 (12) “…hard to believe.”

LSU President William Tate is stepping down at the end of next month. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The number of people who say Louisiana is heading in the right direction is on the rise. LSU’s annual Louisiana Survey has found that the percentage of those who say the state is headed in the right direction but Survey Director Michael Henderson says while the number of people who believe the state is going in the right direction is up, that doesn’t mean they’re the majority.

Cut 4 (10) “…the wrong direction.”

More than one-thousand Louisiana residents were surveyed for this study and Henderson says a big driver of that is people’s views on the economy

The reward for information that leads to the arrest of the inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center has increased to 20-thousand dollars per fugitive. Seven of the prisoners that escaped during wee hours of Friday morning are still at large. Superintendent of State Police, Colonel Robert Hodges says anyone caught trying to help these escapees evade authorities will be arrested themselves….

Cut 13 (09)  “…someone else helps them.”

Four of the inmates that are on the run are accused of murder.

The Centers for Disease Control study shows Louisiana ranks 11th in the country for lightning deaths. Data highlights that 18% of fatalities are work-related, with farmers and ranchers most at risk.  LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says males are four times more likely to be struck than females, and the average age is 37.

Cut 7 (12) “…than females are.”

LSU President William Tate is leaving his post to become the new president at Rutgers University. Tate has been president of the LSU system and the head of the flagship Baton Rouge campus since 2021. Piper Hutchinson with the Louisiana Illuminator says Tate had a strained relationship with state government.

Cut 9 (16)  “…a specific way.”

LSU credits Tate for growing the state’s enrollment and increasing research dollars.

Seven of the Orleans Parish jail escapees remain on the run. They busted out of the jail during the middle of the night early Friday morning. Superintendent of State Police, Colonel Robert Hodges, believes it’s only a matter of time before these fugitives are back in custody…

Cut 12 (11) “…public’s help.”

The reward for information that leads to the arrest of the inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center has increased to 20-thousand dollar per fugitive.

It’s National Safe Boating Week as Louisiana’s boating season ramps up ahead of the Memorial Day weekend. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Addis native John Foster lost out to Mississippi’s Jamal Roberts, who won American Idol last night. Foster said on Instagram that it was  blessing to share the Idol stage with so many incredible performers and he’s looking forward to making music for his fans.

LSU baseball remains ranked number one heading into SEC Tournament week.

LSU President William Tate has found a new job and will leave as the president of the LSU system and chancellor of the Baton Rouge campus on June 30^th. Tate has been named the new president at Rutgers University. Tate has been at LSU since 2021. During his four years as president, LSU enrollment has grown and its research work has increased.

The number of people who say Louisiana is heading in the right direction is on the rise. That’s one of the findings in LSU’s annual Louisiana Survey. It shows that the percentage of those who say the state is headed in the right direction and that of those who say the state is headed in the wrong direction is now split 50-50. Two years ago, it was about two-to-one in favor of those who said the state is headed in the wrong direction. Survey Director Michael Henderson says that’s when the U-turn started.

Cut 3 (10) “…a record high.”

Louisiana ranks 11th in the country for lightning deaths. That’s according to a new study from CDC which looked at data from 2006 through 2021. During that time, Louisiana had 12 deaths. Florida had the most with 79. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim on why so many more lightning deaths in the Sunshine State…

Cut 6 (08) “…in the world.”

Lightning struck twice for the Teurlings Catholic High School Baseball as they won their second consecutive state championship on Saturday and tenth overall in school history. Rebels head coach Brooks Badeaux says it was not easy to defend their Division Two select title…

Cut 17 (17) “…a credit to these guys”

Sam Houston, North DeSoto, Catholic High of New Iberia and Sterlington also won high school baseball titles on Saturday.