A mass shooting erupted yesterday during a July 4^th block party in Shreveport; leaving 4 person’s dead and 7 injured. Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith is sad and angry…:

CUT 07  (11)        “…of gunfire.”

He asks that anyone with information please call Caddo Crimestoppers at (318) 673-7373.

State attorney General and candidate for governor Jeff Landry is spiking the ball, after a federal judge rules for the state in a suit over the White House allegedly colluding with social media giants to squelch free speech during the COVID pandemic and at other times. Louisiana joined Missouri is suing the Biden administration what they called a Censorship Enterprise, and Judge Terry Dougherty has ruled the allegations are true.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin calls for lawmakers to override the Governor’s veto of a bill intended to help purge inactive voters from statewide voter roles. Ardoin says HB 646, sponsored by Sulphur Republican Rep. Les Farnum, was a good piece of legislation that passed with wide support in both chambers…:

CUT 09  (08)        “…from signing it.”

The Governor’s veto statement says the bill is redundant, as there are already regular canvasses of the voter roles. Ardoin issued a written statement calling on lawmakers to reconvene and override the veto.

New Orleans Rep. Mandie Landry is one Democrat lawmaker who doesn’t think that will happen. She says a good number of the two-thirds majority vote needed to override are term-limited…:

CUT 04  08)          “…and do this.”

Landrie spoke on Jim Engster’s “Talk Louisiana” radio program.

The Centers for Disease Control have identified the first US-originated cases of malaria in over 20 years have been detected in Texas and Florida. Dr. Ben Springgate, with LSU Health in New Orleans, says if your travel plans include those places, there are meds to take before and after you go…but if you DO get infected…:

CUT 11  (08)        “…at the hospital.”

Malaria is contracted via mosquito bites.

A single vehicle crash on state Highway 22 in Livingston Parish Saturday took the life of a young Prairieville woman. State Police spokesman Trooper Chris Reed says 37-year-old Sarah Marshall went into the Amite River for yet unknown reasons. He says it’s a good idea to invest in equipment to help one escape a submerged car…:

CUT 04  (12)        “…situation.”

The cause of the crash is under investigation. Impairment has not been ruled out.

Good news if you’ve been wanting help giving up smoking. A new bill signed by Governor Edwards mandates your health insurance HAS to cover the cost of smoking cessation aid. Cancer Advocacy Group Executive Director Chad Landry believes the availability of treatment will help a large population of smokers in Louisiana…:

CUT 06(10)      “…there is.”

An estimated 24-percent of Louisianans still smoke tobacco. He hopes this new law will help lower that number.

Another new law signed by the Governor requires kids 16 and under have their parents’ permission in order to access social media accounts. According to the new law, a social media company should make “commercially reasonable efforts” to verify the age of Louisiana account holders and not allow minors to hold an account unless parental consent is given. The law also limits adults’ access to minors with whom they are not already connected on places like Facebook, Instagram and more.

A tragic weekend crash in Livingston Parish leaves a Prairieville woman dead, after her car submerged in the Amite River.   State Police Trooper Christian Reed says they got a call around 10:30 Saturday night…:

CUT 03(10)      “…Amite River.”

37-year-old Sarah Marshall was unable to get out of the vehicle and drowned. The crash remains under investigation.

Want to quit smoking? A new law taking effect in August will mean your health insurance must cover the cost of smoking cessation help. Here’s Bossier City Republican Rep. Ray Crews speaking for the bill…:

CUT 08(08)      “…a difference.”

The law mandates no deductibles, co-pays or co-insurance for smoking cessation aid.

The CDC has identified cases as the first US-originated cases of malaria in more than two decades. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Frequent visitors to Lafayette’s Zoosiana are mourning the passing of beloved white tiger, Jolie. The 19-year-old was suffering hip problems and chronic joint pain. She was gently euthanized over the weekend. White tigers rarely live to 19. Jolie was well-taken-care-of, and zoo officials say she will be missed.

Governor John Bel Edwards took his line-item veto pen to the state’s $47-billion budget; cutting the amount of state retirement debt being paid down and restoring cuts made to the Department of Health and early childhood education. Now, the question is, will lawmakers want to reconvene to override any of his vetoes? Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he doubts they will…:

CUT 08(08)      “…already look.”

He says a veto of anti-trans bills likely will trigger an override session.

Folks going boating this holiday weekend need to make sure a sober skipper is at the helm. State Wildlife & Fisheries Lt. Garrett Kimball says Operation Dry Water is underway, and they’ll be on the alert for impaired boaters…:

CUT 03(09)      “…and checks.”

Congressman Steve Scalise met with LSU Coach Brian Kelly and other SEC officials to discuss potential legislation regarding collegiate Name-Image-Likeness deals. Kace Kieschnick has more…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Kieschnick”

After announcing weeks ago he would seek another term in office, Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator says he will instead retire at the end of this year, due to an ongoing health issue for which he’s being treated. Prator became sheriff in Caddo 23 years ago, and has been in law enforcement for 50 years.

Governor Edwards has restored $100-million that was cut from the state budget for the Department of Health, but will that prompt a veto override session?

CUT 01(31)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Deputies in DeRidder have egg on their face after mistakenly breaking down the door of the wrong house while serving a search warrant Wednesday. This happened at around 11 pm and left the door and doorjamb in splinters and glass shattered all over. Beauregard Parish Sheriff Mark Herford says they will make things right and fix all that damage.

Congressman Steve Scalise met with Brian Kelly, Nick Saban, and other SEC officials to discuss potential legislation surrounding college athlete NIL deals. Scalise says he’s been forming a growing coalition to set national NIL standards, and many members of congress agree this is uncharted territory. Scalise says schools understand the potential pitfalls as well…:

CUT 10(13)      “…national standard.”

The Independence Day holiday weekend means busy highways, and the state’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is underway. Greg Fischer, with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says expect to see a big police presence this weekend…:

CUT 12(11)      “…off the road.”

“Drive sober or Get Pulled Over” runs now through next Wednesday statewide. Similarly, Wildlife & Fisheries agents will be doing Operation Dry Water; seeking out impaired boaters.

Governor John Bel Edwards has taken his line-item veto to the state budget; cutting the amount of state retirement debt lawmakers sought to pay down by about $125-million. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he doubts lawmakers will want to convene a veto override session based solely on that…:

CUT 07  (12)        “…the governor’s veto.”

The Governor also restored $100-million cut from the Department of health and almost $8-million to early childhood education.

Longtime Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator has changed his mind, and will NOT seek another term as Caddo’s Top Cop, due to a heart condition for which he is being treated. Prator has been sheriff since July of 2000, and has been in law enforcement for 50 year. That leaves the Caddo sheriff’s race this fall wide open.

As you head out of the highway this holiday weekend, remember the holiday “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is underway, now through Wednesday night. State Highway safety Commission spokesman Greg Fischer says quite often, guys will try to be macho about having a few drinks then getting behind the wheel…:

Cut 15   (12)        “…old fashioned taxi.”

College Name-Image-Likeness deals. Congressman Steve Scalise says he’s met with top SEC coaches about drafting some federal regulation and standard for NIL deals for student athletes. Scalise says legislation is necessary to ensure their protection…:

CUT 09(15)      “…work on.”

Governor Edwards has restored $100 million that was cut from the state budget for the health department, but will it prompt a veto override session? Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Congressman Steve Scalise met with LSU Coach Brian Kelly and other SEC officials to discuss potential legislation regarding collegiate Name-Image-Likeness deals. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Kace Kieschnick.”  

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If you plan on hitting the water this 4th of July weekend, expect to see an increased presence from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. It’s called Operation Dry Water – a national effort to raise awareness about the dangers of boating under the influence. Boating Education Coordinator Lt. Garret Kimble says to expect heightened enforcement.

Cut 3 (09) “…and checks.”

Louisiana reported 29 boating fatalities in 2022, with alcohol playing a role in five fatalities or 17 percent. As of May this year, Louisiana has reported four fatalities.

Kimble says DWI on the water carries the same penalties as on the road and it will also impact your driving privileges on the road.

Cut 4 (12)  “…in jail.” 

Kimble encourages boaters to designate a sober pilot when on the water.

Cut 5 (10)  “…the influence. ”

Last year during Operation Dry Water Weekend, LDWF agents arrested 12 boaters for DWI on the water. Operation Dry Water will take place from July 1 to July 3.

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Governor Edwards has line-item vetoed the state budget and restored $100 million to the health department. The adjustment removed $125 million that conservatives earmarked to pay down retirement debt. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the legislature deserves all the criticism they are receiving over the budget.

Cut 6 (09)  “…themselves.” 

The governor also restored $7.5 million to early childhood education.

Pinsonat says so far there hasn’t been a response from House or Senate leadership if the budget-line time veto by the governor will prompt a veto-override session.

Cut 7 (12)  “…the governor’s veto.” 

The blind vote on the budget in the final minutes of the legislature, Pinsonat says was extremely irresponsible of lawmakers and he doubts the budget would be the tipping point for a veto-override session.

Cut 8 (08)  “…already look.” 

Pinsonat believes if anti-transgender legislation is vetoed, that conservative lawmakers would choose to return to the capitol to override the governor.

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Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise met with Brian Kelly, Nick Saban, and other SEC officials to discuss potential legislation surrounding college athlete NIL deals. The NCAA made it legal for athletes to profit off their name image and likeness in July of 2021 in a  controversial decision among college sports fans, and while many athletes have been able to benefit from the new rules. Scalise says legislation is necessary to ensure their protection…

Cut 9 (15) “…work on.”

In addition to the lack of regulations and protections in the current NIL landscape, the House Majority Leader pointed out differing rules on a state-by-state basis. As each state looks to handle the future of college athletics in its own way, athletes are left to navigate the inconsistencies while some schools gain competitive advantages. Scalise says schools recognize this issue…

Cut 10 (13)  “…national standard.”

Scalise says he’s been forming a growing coalition to fight this issue and that many members of congress agree this is uncharted territory that must be addressed. Scalise shared his hope to protect both students and the future of college athletics…

Cut 11 (14)  “…in jeopardy.”

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The Independence Day holiday weekend means busy highways, and the state’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is underway. Greg Fischer, with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says expect to see a big police presence this weekend…:

Cut 12 (11) “…off the road.” 

Each year, at peak holiday travel time, federal highway safety dollars flow to states (Louisiana included) to fund added police manpower; detecting impaired drivers and coping with crashes. Fischer says July 4^th is among the worst holidays for DWI mishaps…:

Cut 13 (11) “…impaired drivers.”

TECHNICAL ERROR WITH CUT 14. Move to CUT 15 PLEASE

Cut  14 (00)  “….”

Fischer says sobriety checkpoints could be in place across the state. He says carries a fine of $1000 and up to six months behind bars. He advises guys to not be macho, if they’ve been drinking this weekend…:

Cut 15 (12) “…old fashioned taxi”

He says the same applies to women as well. “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” runs now through Wednesday night, July 5th.

Governor Edwards has restored $100-million that was cut from the state budget for the health department, but will it prompt a veto override session? Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Thorington.”

An Excessive Heat Warning is once again posted for most of the state today, with no significant changes expected in our weather, according to forecasters. Afternoon highs will range from the upper 90’s to around 102.

If you’re hitting the water this weekend, make sure the person piloting the boat remains sober. LDWF is conducting Operation Dry Water for the holiday weekend. Lt. Garett Kimball suggests designating a sober skipper…:

CUT 05(10)      “…the influence.”

Remember all the DWI laws for driving apply to operating a boat too.

Lawmen will be on the roads in force – looking for drunk drivers – during the “drive sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesman Greg Fischer says July 4^th is among the worst holidays for DWI mishaps…:

CUT 13(11)      “…impaired drivers.”

A DWI can get you fines up to $1000 and up to 6 months in jail.

If you plan on hitting the water this 4th of July weekend, expect to see an increased presence from the Wildlife & Fisheries agents. It’s called Operation Dry Water, and LDWF’s Lt. Garret Kimble says DWI on the water carries the same penalties as on the road and it will also impact your on-road driving privileges…:

CUT 04(12)      “…in jail.”

Speaking of DWI, the state Highways Safety Commission’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is doing much the same on Louisiana’s roadways. Greg Fischer, with the LHSC, says expect to see a big police presence this weekend…:

CUT 12  (11)        “…off the road.”

A DWI can cost over $10-thousand. He says it’s just not worth the risk to drive impaired.

DOTD workers in Baton Rouge reported to police they found a body yesterday afternoon alongside Interstate 110, while stopping to offer motorist assistance. The remains were not far from the Governor’s Mansion. It’s yet unclear how the person died or how long the remains had been there.

Congressman Steve Scalise met with LSU Coach Brian Kelly and other SEC officials to discuss potential legislation regarding collegiate Name-Image-Likeness deals. Kace Kieschnick has more…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Kieschnick.”

With Independence Day weekend cranking up, the city of New Orleans is ready for a huge influx of visitors for the 29^th annual Essence Festival. It starts today and runs through Monday evening, with dozens of the top names in music and show biz. New Orleans & Co’s Kelly Schulz says it’s a super big event for the Crescent City…:

CUT 06(12)      “…this weekend.”

Last year’s Essence Fest had a $327-million impact on the area’s economy.

Were LSU fans booing Governor John Bel Edwards and Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome at last night’s Tigers celebration? Video from the big event shows little applause for either leader as they were introduced, and crowd sounds that sounded fairly negative. Neither Broome nor the Governor seemed bothered by it.

How does the US Supreme Court’s decision to end Affirmative Action for college admissions impact Louisiana? Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(29)      “…Thorington.”

The man who crashed his SUV through the front of the Hammond Target three years ago is sentenced to 25 years. 44-year-old Walter Allbritton III of Ponchatoula pled no contest to several charges including terrorizing aggravated criminal damage to property. Allbritton also broadcast the incident on Facebook Live.