A state of emergency has been issued due to extreme heat. GOHSEP spokesman Mike Steele says unfortunately the heat has been responsible for some deaths and visits to emergency rooms for heat-related illnesses have already exceeded the yearly average…:
Cut 15 (10) “…as the heat.”

A Livingston Parish judge will hear the state’s first child custody battle between a divorced same-sex couple. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says a high court ruled that laws applying to heterosexual marriages must also apply to legal same-sex unions and Louisiana needs to comply with the High Court’s ruling…:
Cut 11 (12) “different-sex marriages”

While the national average for a gallon of regular gas is the highest it’s been in 10 months at $3.85, in Louisiana, prices have remained steady. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The state treasury department is partnering with LA Wallet to help reconnect Louisianans with their unclaimed property. As of Monday, the La Wallet app will feature an easy-to-use Unclaimed Property search, enabling users to effortlessly check for unclaimed assets in their name.

A state of emergency has been declared in Louisiana due to extreme heat. Drought conditions are putting stress on water supplies and agriculture, and the state has already exceeded the average number of heat related emergency room visits. GOHSEP spokesman Mike Steele:
Cut 14 (06) “these conditions”
The declaration authorizes the use of state resources to aid in emergency response efforts.

AAA reports the current statewide average for a gallon of gas is $3.43, which is up 30 cents over last month. Fuel Analyst Don Redman says that’s been steady here for about a week but keep in mind a big drop in the price could indicate the economy is in trouble:
CUT 9 (08) “economies”
He says we’re in a holding pattern for now but for how long is the question.

The Office of Public Health in Acadiana is holding a Back-to-School Hygiene Drive with the goal of reducing anxiety and improving self-esteem among middle schoolers. Teiko Foxx reports…:
CUT 1 (29) “I’m Teiko Foxx”

Police are still searching for an Iberia Parish man who went missing after attending a concert in downtown Baton Rouge. The family of 53-year-old Jeff “Jazzy” Leon is pleading for help after not hearing from him since Friday night. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and a red baseball cap and was driving a tan 2008 Ford Expedition with chrome rims. Anyone with information on Leon’s whereabouts is urged to contact authorities.

The governor has declared a state of emergency due to the extreme heat. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Two children died early Monday after the car they were riding in was rear-ended by a semi-truck then caught fire in Richland Parish. State Police say the car was slowing to turn left on Highway 42 in Rayville when the semi driven by 70-year-old James Barnes crashed into the back causing the vehicle to catch fire. A 9-year-old and 7-year-old were pronounced dead at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.

A Livingston Parish judge will soon be tasked with hearing the state’s first child custody battle between a divorced same-sex couple. A Denham Springs woman is suing for custody, despite the fact she’s not a biological parent of the child. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the Supreme Court has ruled that laws applying to heterosexual marriages must also apply to legal same-sex unions…:
Cut 10 (13) “…this has to happen.”
In many states, a biological mother’s ex-wife has the same custody rights as an ex-husband, but in Louisiana, they do not.

The Louisiana Department of Health is hosting its first back-to-school hygiene drive for students beginning today through September 15 in Acadiana. Regional Medical Director Dr. Tina Stefanski says the goal is to reduce anxiety and improve self-esteem…:
Cut 4 (11) “school year”
You can help with donations in Iberia and Vermillion Parishes between now and September 15th.

Governor John Bel Edwards declares a State of Emergency due to the extreme heat. GOHSEP spokesman Mike Steele says the prolonged blazing temperatures are having multiple impacts on the state, and the declaration authorizes the use of resources to help response efforts.:
Cut 13 (09) “to take place”
Drought conditions are putting stress on water supplies and agriculture, and the state has already exceeded the average number of heat related emergency room visits. Forecasters say there are no signs of significant cooling anytime soon.

Then there’s the fires which have popped up throughout the state over the past week. In Sabine Parish, a massive wildfire broke out Monday which is now contained, but authorities say remains a serious situation. At least eight houses have been destroyed or heavily damaged and yesterday afternoon residents of the Plain View community were urged to evacuate. Law enforcement is still patrolling the area looking for any new fires or flare-ups.

Gas prices nationally are the highest they’ve been in about 10 months, at $3.85 for a gallon of regular, but have remained steady in Louisiana for a week or so. That’s according to AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman who says the price at the pump here is $3.43 on average…:
CUT 7 (11) “a barrel”
But the current statewide average is still 30 cents higher than the prior month.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s husband has passed away. The Mayor’s Office released a statement Monday announcing Jason Cantrell died but did not detail the circumstances.

The state’s burn ban remains in effect due to the dry conditions and excessive heat. Brooke Thorington has more on the huge wildfire in Mount Hermon…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

Meanwhile, Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency due to the excessive heat. The move will free up more state resources that can be used to combat heat-related emergencies. Since early June, there have been 16 heat-related deaths statewide already. The YEARLY average is about 10.

St. Tammany Parish deputies are investigating a shooting in Mandeville that left a husband and wife dead. Investigators say a man was shot inside his home – allegedly by his wife – and went to a neighbor for help. He died at a local ER. Officers went to the home and found the wife dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. The incident remains under investigation.

The First Gentleman of the city of New Orleans has passed away. Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s office released a statement announcing the Mayor’s husband Jason Cantrell died, but did not detail the circumstances; asking instead for privacy for the mayor and her family. Mr. Cantrell spent many years as a prosecutor in Orleans Parish.

Pet shelters are under the gun; trying to provide for the surge pf dogs and cats left at their doorsteps. Louisiana Humane Society director Jeff Dorson says lawmakers were asked for $3-million of the $2-billion surplus to help shelters, but they said no…:

CUT 04(09)      “…animal shelters.”

LSU received their AP ranking today and came in ranked as the 5^th best team in the country according to voters. LSU football had a media availability today and safety Greg Brooks Jr. was one of the players that took questions. Brooks Jr. has been dealing with a battle of vertigo and says that he should be fine.

Cut 26 (13) “…help the team.”

Brooks Jr does say that the secondary is getting better every day, but sometimes has to remind the group to not get complacent.

Cut 27 (14) “…every play.”

No. 5 LSU plays No. 8 Florida State on Sunday, Sept. 3 in Orlando. For more information on LSU football, go to TigerRag.com and check out the Tiger Rag Audibles Podcast.

The Saints beat the Chiefs yesterday 26-24 after jumping out to an early 17-0 lead on their first three possessions. The second touchdown the Saints scored was from rookie wide receiver A.T. Perry’s 29 yard reception from quarterback Jameis Winston. Perry ended the day with 6 catches for 70 yards and a touchdown, and coach Dennis Allen was impressed by the rookie’s first NFL game.

Cut 17 (12) “…scored their first.”

One of the biggest position battles for the team is the current competition between the second cornerback spot. Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor are both competing for the spot, but Taylor gave up a big reception from the Chiefs in the first half. Allen says that Taylor playing slot versus press corner is a big difference.

Cut 19 (13) “…in the slot.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state emergency due to the extreme heat and dangerous drought conditions that have triggered a statewide open burn ban. State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says you must never even leave a barbecue unattended, and keep water or a hose handy when cooking out. Better yet, a fire extinguisher…:

CUT 11(10)      “…of property.”

Just since August 1^st, firefighters have battled over 160 wildfires that have destroyed over 1800 acres of land.

An arson investigation in St. Martin Parish leads to the arrest of an Arnaudville man on rape and human trafficking charges. 68-year-old Nathaniel Carry was suspected of deliberately setting a mobile home on fire in February. Investigators at his home for an interview found a 30-year-old woman, who says she was held there against her will and sexually assaulted for over a week. Carry was charged with human trafficking, aggravated rape, kidnapping, assault and possession of Schedule II drugs. The arson investigation is ongoing.

There’s been a big uptick recently in animals left at shelters across the state. Many feel inflation and the high cost of food and veterinary care is behind it. Jeff Dorson with the Louisiana Humane Society says nearly half the state’s parishes lack facilities to provide for all the homeless dogs and cats…:

CUT 03(11)      “…the background.”

He says they asked lawmakers for $3-million of the $2-billion surplus to help, but they refused.

KPLC TV meteorologist Ben Terry passed away Sunday, after an almost three-year battle with colon cancer. Ben shared his cancer journey with Lake Charles viewers, and Channel 7 colleague Wade Hampton says that helped others facing the disease…:

CUT 07(10)      “…their doctors.”

Ben Terry…gone at just 40 years of age.

The state’s burn ban remains in effect due to the dry conditions and excessive heat. Brooke Thorington has more on the massive wildfire in Mount Hermon…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

Police in Shreveport are investigating a double homicide Saturday night at a local vape store. Two men, both 19, were found dead at the shop; one inside, one out. Police ask anyone with knowledge of what happened to call SPD or Caddo Crimestoppers; 318-673-7373.

KPLC Meteorologist Ben Terry passed away Sunday after his almost three-year battle with colon cancer. The Lake Charles weatherman guided southwest Louisiana through Hurricane Laura and lost his home in the devastation.  Fellow Channel 7 meteorologist Wade Hampton says, months after Laura, Ben received his cancer diagnosis…:

CUT 06(10)      “…loved for it.”

Ben Terry was just 40.

The Tigers have achieved their best AP preseason ranking in seven years; making the top five heading into the 2023 season. Georgia will start the season at No. 1 as they seek a third straight national championship. Michigan is at #2, Ohio State 3, Alabama at 4 and the Tigers at #5.

Drought and heat will continue to grip Louisiana for the rest of this week. Look for highs each day at around 100, with only the slimmest chances of any cooling rain.

Despite a statewide burn ban being in effect, firefighters have had to battle over 150 wildfires across the state in the past 14 days. Fires that have burned over 1800 acres of land. State Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says an Independence man has been arrested for a wildfire in Mt. Herman, who now is charged with violating a state burn ban, criminal negligence and more…:

CUT 10  (12)         “…that match.”

He says never leave your grill unattended and do NOT engage in any open trash or brush burning until further notice.

The First Gentleman of the city of New Orleans has passed away. Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s office released a statement announcing the Mayor’s husband Jason Cantrell died, but did not detail the circumstances; asking instead for privacy for the mayor and her family. Mr. Cantrell spent many years as a prosecutor in Orleans Parish.

An Ascension Parish government employee has been terminated and arrested after allegedly…peeing in the town of Donaldsonville’s water supply back in March. 57-year-old Michael Mastin was reportedly caught in the act on camera. Ascension Parish officials say the water was thoroughly tested to assure its safety. He’s been charged with Contaminating Water Supplies.

Louisiana is projected to have a $143.3 million surplus in the 2024-25 fiscal year, then shortfalls of more than $400 million the next two, based on a fiscal snapshot presented to the Legislature’s Joint Budget Committee on Friday.

Inflation is causing a logjam of unwanted dogs and cats at animal shelters across the state. Louisiana Human Society director Jeff Dorson says lawmakers could have helped with some of the recent surplus funds, but didn’t. Dorson says the responsibility for these animals shouldn’t rest solely on taxpayers…:

CUT 05  (11)         “…do better.”