With summer in full swing, people are out and about and COVID cases are on the rise.  Fortunately, there is some good news. Two years since the start of the pandemic, about 95 percent of the state has either been vaccinated, had COVID, or both. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the concerns are still real, but the impact isn’t nearly as severe as in the past…

Cut 13 (07) “…getting very sick.”

The state’s new budget went into effect on July 1^st. There are concerns the state’s economy may decline because of high gas prices and inflation, but Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne is optimistic the economic forecast used to produce the budget will hold up….

Cut 11 (06)  “…budget cuts.”

And Joey Chesnut claims his 15^th victory in the annual July 4^th Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. The 37-year old gobbled down 63 hot doges and buns.

Louisiana U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says, regardless of one’s politics, Americans should pay attention to the congressional January 6^th hearings in D.C. Cassidy says it remains to be seen if former President Trump will be charged, but he feels it WAS “an attempt to harm the Constitution by interrupting the peaceful transfer of power”…:

Cut 6 (15)  “…agrees with me.”

If you’re planning on popping off some fireworks today, the State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds to do so safely. And always make sure you have water nearby incase things get out of control. When the show is over water them down because spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says they could…

Cut 5 (11) “…your home.”

Louisiana U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says, regardless of one’s politics, Americans should pay attention to the congressional January 6^th hearings in D.C. After a mob of Trump supporters entered and vandalized the nation’s Capitol… one person was shot by Capitol Police. Cassidy says he feels we can all learn a lot from what’s happening in the hearings…:

Cut 7 (07) “…concerning or not?”

A new fiscal year is underway in Louisiana which means the state’s new spending play went into effect on July 1st. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says as a result of surplus dollars the state made a historic investment in every level of education from higher education to pre-K…

Cut 9 (10)  “…early childhood education”

With summer in full swing, people are out and about and COVID cases are on the rise. According to the latest data from the Louisiana Department of Health, as of June 30, more than 3000 new cases of coronavirus infection have been reported. Dr. Joe Kanter says it’s a statewide trend…

Cut 12 (10) “…regions of the state.” 

The State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind you to practice fireworks safety this 4th. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says never set off fireworks if you are impaired and it’s best not to allow children to handle fireworks whatsoever.

Cut 4 (12)  “…come up with.”

And always make sure you have water nearby in case things get out of control and when the show is over make sure those fireworks are watered down and no longer smoldering.

Another COVID surge sweeps across the state…Here’s David Grubb with more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

LSU has narrowed down it’s searched to fill their Civil Rights Title IX post to three. They are Tanya Lowery who’s at the University of Texas Permian Basin, Todd Manuel of the Edison Electric Institute and Nicole Roberson from Texas A & M. The previous position was under the general counsel office at the university but has been moved to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX.

Louisiana U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says, regardless of one’s politics, Americans should pay attention to the congressional January 6^th hearings in D.C. Cassidy says it remains to be seen if former President Trump will face charges. In reference to the capitol rioters who called for Vice President Mike Pence to be hung…

Cut 8 (06)  “…hang Mike Pence.”

Cassidy voted in favor of Trump’s Impeachment much to the chagrin of Trump supporters in Louisiana.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind of you to practice fireworks safety this 4^th. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says it’s always best to attend a public display where professionals are handling them but if you choose to do your own make sure it’s legal to do so at your location and choose an appropriate one.

Cut 3 (08) “…be watching.” 

Rodrigue says never light fireworks impaired or allow children to handle them, even sparklers.

US Senator Bill Cassidy weighs in on the Congressional Hearings on the January 6^th insurrection at the Nation’s Capital. Kevin Gallagher has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

—

If you’re planning on popping off some fireworks today, the State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds to do so safely. And always make sure you have water nearby incase things get out of control. When the show is over water them down because spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says they could…

Cut 5 (11) “…your home.”

—

The state’s new budget went into effect on July 1^st. There are concerns the state’s economy may decline because of high gas prices and inflation, but Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne is optimistic the economic forecast used to produce the budget will hold up….

Cut 11 (06)  “…budget cuts.”

—

According to the latest data from the Louisiana Department of Health, as of June 30, more than 3000 new cases of coronavirus infection have been reported. Dr. Joe Kanter says COVID is with us for the long haul, so we’ve got to get used to it. What we can do is take advantage of the tools available and make good decisions in assessing our risk for infection and be prepared for seasonal surges.

Cut 14 (13) “…high-quality mask.”

Two years since the start of the pandemic, about 95 percent of the state has either been vaccinated, had COVID, or both.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind you to practice fireworks safety this 4th. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says never set off fireworks if you are impaired and it’s best not to allow children to handle fireworks whatsoever.

Cut 4 (12)  “…come up with.”

And always make sure you have water nearby in case things get out of control and when the show is over make sure those fireworks are watered down and no longer smoldering.

—

On January 6th, 2021, then-President Trump held a rally to protest the election results. A mob of supporters marched to the Capitol, entered, and vandalized the place, while trying to invade the House chamber. One person was shot by Capitol Police. Senator Bill Cassidy says he feels we can all learn a lot from what’s happening in the hearings…:

Cut 7 (07) “…concerning or not?”

—

A new fiscal year is underway in Louisiana which means the state’s new spending plan went into effect on July 1st. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says one of the most important earmarks was hundreds of millions of dollars dedicated to improving the state’s roads and bridges. He says motorists should see an improvement…

Cut 10 (10) “…infrastructure development.”

—

With summer in full swing, people are out and about and COVID cases are on the rise.  Fortunately, there is some good news. Two years since the start of the pandemic, about 95 percent of the state has either been vaccinated, had COVID, or both. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the concerns are still real, but the impact isn’t nearly as severe as in the past…

Cut 13 (07) “…getting very sick.”

—

And the Pelicans have announced that Zion Williamson has signed an extension worth $193 million that will keep his with the Pels for the next five seasons.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind you to practice fireworks safety this 4^th. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says it’s always best to attend a public display where professionals are handling them but if you choose to do your own fireworks display, step one…make sure it’s legal to do so at your location, and step two…make sure you choose the right one.

Cut 3 (08) “…be watching.” 

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, 11,000 injuries were caused by fireworks in 2021.

A new fiscal year is underway in Louisiana which means the state’s new spending play went into effect on July 1st. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says as a result of surplus dollars the state made a historic investment in every level of education from higher education to pre-K…

Cut 9 (10)  “…early childhood education”

—

Senator Bill Cassidy weighs in on Congressional hearings on the attempted insurrection at our nation’s capital on January 6, 2021. Kevin Gallagher has that…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

With summer in full swing, people are out and about and COVID cases are on the rise. According to the latest data from the Louisiana Department of Health, as of June 30, more than 3000 new cases of coronavirus infection have been reported. Dr. Joe Kanter says it’s a statewide trend…

Cut 12 (10) “…regions of the state.” 

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says extra officers will be on the highways this Fourth of July weekend to detect and stop impaired drivers. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says remember to not drink & drive, but also be aware that your meds could also impair your judgement…:

CUT 05(12)      “…not as good.”

Federal highway safety grant dollars will go to pay local and state LEO’s to patrol the roadways. Lambert says don’t let a DUI ruin your holiday.

An Alexandria man is charged with murder for providing the fentanyl that led to an overdose death. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline says 28-year-old Brian Allen is charged with 2^nd-degree murder, plus criminal conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute dangerous drugs. He says their investigation turned up evidence linking Allen to that overdose…:

CUT 13  (11)        “…make an arrest.”

As of July 1^st diapers and feminine products are state sales tax free. It’s the result of a bill passed by New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman…:

CUT 09  (09)        “…without a tax.”

Diapers – for babies and  adults – are also now state sales exempt.

The Pelicans and star forward Zion Williamson have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension that will keep Williamson in New Orleans for the next six years. The deal could be worth up to $231 million. Fox Sports’ Rob Parker says, for the Pels, he’s worth every penny…:

CUT 07(10)      “…gotta sign him.”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says extra officers will be on the highways this fourth of July weekend looking for impaired drivers. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says based on data from LSU 100 people were injured and six people were killed in alcohol-related crashes during last year’s Independence Day holiday. He says one of the biggest travel threats to families is an impaired driver

Cut 4  (11) “…judgement”

As of Friday feminine products and diapers are state sales tax free. The bill establishing that in law was passed in 2021. New Orleans Democrat Representative Aimee Freeman says her “Pink Tax Exemption” affects all women, regardless of their politics…:

CUT 10  (07)        “…went forward.”

Former, Louisiana Tech football star and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson died from using fentanyl and cocaine. That’s the result of a blood toxicology report. He was found unresponsive in a Baltimore home just over two weeks ago. Funeral services and visitation for Ferguson are being held today in St. Francisville.

It appears that Zion Williamson will be nesting with the Pelicans for a few more years. David Grubb has the details…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says extra officers will be on the highways this fourth of July weekend to detect and stop impaired drivers. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says if you plan on drinking to celebrate America’s birthday, let someone else drive

Cut 3 (04) “…to drive.”

Last year 100 people were injured and six people were killed in alcohol-related crashes during Independence Day.

28-year-old Brian Allen of Alexandria is facing second-degree murder charges for allegedly providing fentanyl that led to an overdose death in Pineville. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office chief of staff Tommy Carnline says over the past several months, detectives have been investigating overdose related deaths

Cut 12 (08) “…made the connection”  

Allen has also been charged with criminal conspiracy and possession and distribution of fentanyl.

As of yesterday you’ll no longer pay state sales tax on feminine products along with diapers. It’s called the “Pink Tax” exemption and it’s a result of New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman’s legislation from the 2021 legislative session. She says it’s a tax emption that will help women in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (09) “..without a tax.”

The “Pink Tax” exemption includes diapers for both children and adults.

The Pelicans and star forward Zion Williamson have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension that will keep Williamson in New Orleans for the next six years. The deal could be worth up to $231 million. Fox Sports’ Rob Parker says it was a no-brainer for both sides.

Cut 6 (11) ” …match made in heaven.” 

The Pelicans and star forward Zion Williamson have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension worth up to as much as $231 million. Zion has played in just 85 of a possible 226 games over his career so far. FOX Sports’ Rob Parker says that even with his injury history, the Pelicans’ potential reward is worth the risk.

Cut 7 (10) “…gotta sign him.”

–

The Pelicans haven’t made much noise at the start of free agency. Head Coach Willie Green’s team already has plenty of players who will be looking for minutes, a problem he says he’s glad to have.

Cut 16 (20) “…just keep rolling.”

–

Now that USC and UCLA have made the move to the Big Ten, NYU Sports Law professor Dan Lust says that he expects more dominoes to fall as other conferences scramble to remain viable against the surging juggernauts in the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference. One of the biggest could be on the national level as the notion of amateurism in collegiate athletics, which took a major hit from the emergence of NIL, will be tested by players who see billions of dollars changing hands and ask for their fair share.

Cut 15 (09) “…entitled to.”

In other conference realignment news, the Southland Conference officially welcomed Texas A-and-M-Commerce as the league’s ninth member, while the Sun Belt adds James Madison, Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss.

–

Former Louisiana Tech star and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson died last week from the combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine, based on the results of an autopsy on the body of the 26-year-old as reported by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore. Ferguson was found unresponsive in the late hours of June 21.