The US Supreme Court made a landmark ruling today, ending affirmative action for college admissions. University of Louisiana system president Dr. Jim Henderson says in Louisiana schools use objective admissions criteria based on high school GPA, core curriculum, and standardized test scores.

Cut 3 (12) “…the country.”

The 29^th Annual Essence Festival of Culture, the nation’s largest music festival, kicks off today in New Orleans and runs through July 3rd. New Orleans and Company Senior V. P. of Communications Kelly Schulz says the festival has a huge impact on the Crescent City…

Cut 6 (11)  “…New Orleans.” 

We could see some record-high temperatures today. Health officials warn to stay out of the heat. Teiko Foxx has more….

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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.

Governor Edwards has vetoed legislation some call the “Stay Back” bill; aimed at heading off bad encounters between police and citizens..:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

Heat index values could reach 115 today or higher. Dr. Jim Aiken is with the LSU Health Science Center in New Orleans…:
Cut 4 (13) “to it”

Governor John Bel Edwards on his monthly call-in radio show discussed how he plans to restore last minute cuts made to the Department of Health. He also talked about the possibility of a veto override session…:
CUT 8 (11) “to that”
To date, the governor has not vetoed any legislation pertaining to the transgender population.

If you still haven’t submitted a survey on damage from the 2020-2021 hurricanes, Restore Louisiana is holding outreach events to help out before the August 1st deadline. Representatives are on-site in Kenner today at the Martin Luther King Center. Community Development Director Pat Forbes many homeowners have still have not finished the first step.
Cut 13 (12) “survey done”
Homeowners can complete the survey at restore.la.gov.

Governor John Bel Edwards said on his monthly radio show he intends to restore last-minute budget reductions made by the legislature…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning through 8pm tonight and from 10am-8pm Friday. Dr. Jim Aiken with the LSU Health Science Center in New Orleans says you’ve got to protect yourself…:
Cut 6 (08) “about this”

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a bill that would have given police officers the ability to command you to “stay back” while they do their job. Bill author and Pineville Republican Representative Mike Johnson says his bill was about heading off possible interference…:
Cut 10 (07) “feels threatened”
The governor said he objected to the bill for reasons including its potential chilling effect on exercising one’s First Amendments rights.

LSU fans packed the stands Wednesday evening in Alex Box Stadium to celebrate the 2023 national champion Tigers. Star pitcher Paul Skenes, who was at Air Force the last two seasons, said he made the decision to transfer LSU so he can improve as a pitcher and win a natty…:
Cut 17 (17) “came here”

Get ready for more record high temperatures today. Teiko Foxx reports..:
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Teiko Foxx”

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. Best to stay inside.

Governor John Bel Edwards is speaking out on some unpopular budget cuts approved by lawmakers in the final moments of the tumultuous legislative session, including the $100 million dollar reduction for the Department of Health….:
Cut 7 (13) “and compassion”
The comments were made on the governor’s monthly call-in radio show Wednesday.

If you still haven’t submitted a survey on damage from the 2020-2021 hurricanes, Restore Louisiana is holding outreach events to help out. The deadline is August 1st. Community Development Director Pat Forbes says the goal is to get homeowners financial assistance to help them recover from their losses…:
Cut 14 (07) “up yet”
Restore Louisiana will be on-site in Kenner today at the Martin Luther King Center.

It is going to be another stifling hot day, as forecasters say we’re looking at more record high temperatures. Dr. James Aiken with the Division of Disaster Medicine and EMS at LSU Health Science Center in New Orleans says limiting outdoor activity today is a must…:
CUT 5 (10) “plan ahead”
Heat index values could reach 115 or higher today.

The heat didn’t stop people from crowding the stands Wednesday evening at Alex Box Stadium for the celebration of the 2023 LSU national championship baseball team. Tiger star Dylan Crews thanked the fans..:
Cut 16 (19) “…can I say”

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a bill 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. Chris Kaiser with the ACLU of Louisiana says this was the right thing to do because the measure was “unconstitutionally vague” and an overreach…:
Cut 11 (09) “governor’s action today”
That bill author is Pineville Republican Representative Mike Johnson who says he plans to file it again next year when perhaps there will be a governor willing to sign it into law.

A paramedic who was injured in the fatal ambulance crash in Point Coupee Parish Tuesday continues to fight for his life. The driver of the ambulance who was killed in the crash was reportedly pregnant at the time. The patient being transported also died. The accident remains under investigation.

A three-vehicle accident involving an ambulance Tuesday in Pointe Coupee Parish claims two lives. Trooper Christian Reed says the driver of the ambulance, 28-year-old Kymber Nezat of Baton Rouge, and 82-year-old Albert Bordelon of Avoyelles Parish who was being transported by the ambulance died at the scene. Reed says routine toxicology samples were collected.

Cut 7 (09)  “…analysis.” 

Nearly three years after the catastrophic hurricanes of 2020, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says he’s frustrated the U.S. Department of Commerce has finally said there will be financial aid for Louisiana’s seafood industries to recoup revenue losses of over $155-million. Graves says these types of losses could threaten peoples’ livelihoods…:

Cut 10 (10)  “…is destroyed.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a House bill that would have given police the power to command you to “stay back” while they do their job. The bill drew bipartisan support in both House and Senate, but Mr. Edwards says it’s unnecessary because there are already laws about interfering with an officer. Bill author Representative Mike Johnson of Pineville says he will file the bill again next year.

There’s a new king of Louisiana Seafood. Chef Owen Hohl of Hot Tails -with two locations in New Roads and Prairieville- beat out eleven chefs to win the 16^th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off. Hohl’s will represent the state in August at the 19^th Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans. He will also serve as a Louisiana Seafood Ambassador. Hohl is excited to showcase the Gulf’s seafood through his amazing dishes to the world…:

Cut 5 (11)  “…cooking” ”

A three-vehicle crash involving an ambulance Tuesday in Pointe Coupee Parish kills two and severely injures a third. State Police Trooper Chris Reed says the driver of the ambulance, 28-year-old Kymber Nezat of Baton Rouge, and 82-year-old Albert Bordelon of Avoyelles Parish – who was being transported by the ambulance – died at the scene…:

CUT 06(11)      “…head-on.”

Reed says a second passenger in the ambulance was transported to a local hospital with severe injuries. LSP is investigating.

Nearly three years after the catastrophic hurricanes of 2020, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says he’s frustrated the U.S. Department of Commerce has finally said there will be financial aid for Louisiana’s seafood industries to recoup revenue losses, but it shouldn’t take so long…:

CUT 09(09)      “…operating under.”

Estimated loses to the industry in 2020? Over $155-million.

A new poll shows Stephen Waguespack making up ground in the governor’s race. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Palermo.”

At Alex Box Stadium tonight, the LSU National Champs in baseball will be honored. The Tigers fought back through the College World Series to bring home their 7^th championship. This is Tiger head coach Jay Johnson’s 2^nd season with the team. Kim Mulkey won a “natty” in her 2^nd. Could football coach Brian Kelly be next, in his 2^nd season at LSU?

A three-vehicle accident involving an ambulance kills two and injures three in Pointe Coupee Parish Tuesday…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

State Police are investigating a pedestrian hit and killed by traffic while walking alongside a roadway near the town of Pollock in Grant Parish. Troopers say 38-year-old Angela White was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver stopped and called authorities. The crash is under investigation.

Congressman Garret Graves is frustrated that the federal Department of Commerce has only now just approved federal aid for the seafood industry for impacts from the 2020 hurricane season; three years later. Graves says financial assistance needs to make it to these businesses FAST…:

CUT 11(11)      “…as possible.”

Estimated seafood industry losses from Laura, Delta and Zeta in 22 coastal parishes total over $155-million.

Speaking of seafood, Hail to the new Seafood King of Louisiana, Chef Owen Hohl, of Hot Tails in Prairieville and New Roads. He won the 16^th annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-off in Lake Charles Tuesday. Chef says he was ready for the intense competition…:

CUT 03(07)      “…felt comfortable.”

He’ll represent Louisiana in the national event coming up in August.