It’ll be a hot one today but clear skies for most of the state mean there’s likely to be tons of boaters out on the water celebrating American independence. Safety will be paramount today as seven boaters have died so far this year and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says 80 percent of all bodies pulled out of the water did not have a life jacket…

Cut 6 (11) “afloat”

Einck also warns boaters not to drink and steer, or you could net yourself a DUI.

Congress is pushing to raise the smoking age to 21 from 18, with a bipartisan vanguard of lawmakers leading the charge. Senator Bill Cassidy, a doctor, backs the age increase, and says its been interesting to see which leaders are onboard with the change, including the Senate Majority Leader…

Cut 3 (07) “…reasonable.”

The Louisiana Legislature rejected a state level effort to raise the smoking age to 21 in the last session.

A new national study indicates, just like second-hand smoke, society needs to address the second-hand effects of drinking.  Scott Embley with LSU Health New Orleans says when observing any community, about anywhere from 8-12% of the individuals are experiencing some sort of substance issue.

Cut 9 (09) “…than the individual.”

Survey data shows 21% of women and 23% of men, roughly 53 million adults, have experienced harm from someone else’s drinking in the past year. 

The Louisiana sports world continues to mourn the passing of UL Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux, who passed away yesterday at age 57 following multiple surgeries in the wake of a heart attack on June 23^rd. Former Ragin’ Cajuns and LSU Softball Coach Yvette Girouard says Cajuns Baseball without Coach Robe is unfathomable.

Cut 12 (13) “…make that move.”

The Louisiana sports world continues to mourn the passing of UL Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux, who passed away yesterday at age 57 following multiple surgeries in the wake of a heart attack on June 23^rd. Former Ragin’ Cajuns and LSU Softball Coach Yvette Girouard says Cajuns Baseball without Coach Robe is unfathomable.

Cut 12 (13) “…make that move.”

Robichaux won over 900 games in his 25 seasons at the helm of the program and was the winningest coach in the history of the Cajuns baseball, even taking the team to the College World Series in 2000. Girouard remembers the coach as a man of God.

Cut 13 (11) “…when Tony met him.”

LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri responded to the unfortunate passing of one of the state’s great baseball icons. He says “We are heartbroken by the news that Tony Robichaux has passed away. Tony was an outstanding coach, but he was an even greater molder of young men, and the positive impact he made upon his players I immeasurable. I will always cherish those matchups between the Cajuns and Tigers.”

Southeastern Louisiana University has a new mens basketball coach, and that’s David Kiefer, the 13^th coach to take the title in school history. Kiefer has held down the interim position since the program’s last head coach took the Southern Miss job, and previously worked as an assistant for the team over the last five years.

LSU Basketball coach Will Wade announces he’s bringing on Kevin Nickelberry as assistant head coach of the team. Nickleberry is known for taking his Howard team to the playoffs in 2019 for the first time in 26 years, and is celebrated for coaching teams where every player sported a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Among those mourning the passing of Ragin Cajuns Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux is former UL Lafayette and LSU softball coach Yvette Girouard. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

__________________________

Louisiana waterways will be packed today with people celebrating American independence. It’s good fun, but you still need to stay safe, and if you’re the captain, stay sober…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Don Molino” 

______________________________________________

Congress is pushing to raise the smoking age to 21 from 18, with a bipartisan vanguard of lawmakers leading the charge.

Senator Bill Cassidy, a doctor, backs the age increase, and says its been interesting to see which leaders are onboard with the change, including the Senate Majority Leader…

Cut 3 (07) “…reasonable.”

McConnell is being joined by Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, who was Hillary Clinton’s Vice President pick in 2016.

The tobacco age increase is part of a large healthcare bill that just cleared a US Senate committee 20-3, and the legislation is expected to see the floor within the next month. Cassidy says passing this law may keep young people from developing an addiction early in their adulthood.

Cut 4 (09) “…age.”

The CDC estimates that 22.8 percent of Louisiana adults are smokers, and studies have shown a significant majority of those adult smokers took up the habit before they turned 21. Cassidy says it won’t kill all underage smoking, and…

Cut 5    (09) “.smoking” 

The Louisiana Legislature rejected a state level effort to raise the smoking age to 21 in the last session.

____________________________

It’ll be a hot one today but clear skies for most of the state mean there’s likely to be tons of boaters out on the water celebrating American independence.

Safety will be paramount today as seven boaters have died so far this year and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says 80 percent of all bodies pulled out of the water did not have a life jacket…

Cut 6 (11) “afloat”

Boaters in southeast Louisiana, particularly around Lake Ponchartrain need to keep an eye out for large, floating colonies of greenish-blue toxic algae. Einck says it’s best to just steer clear if you see one…

Cut 7 (11) “…avoid.”

Fishing advisories have been posted for anglers in the Ponchartrain area related to toxic algae blooms.

July 4^th and a cold beer are a great combination but if you’re piloting your watercraft, you’ll need to wait until to get home to indulge. Einck says find yourself a designated captain…

Cut 8 (11) “…a car.”

Captains with blood alcohol contents of .08 percent or higher can be charged with Boating Under the Influence.

___________________________

A new national study indicates, just like second-hand smoke, society needs to address the second-hand effects of drinking.  Scott Embley with LSU Health New Orleans says when observing any community, about anywhere from 8-12% of the individuals are experiencing some sort of substance issue.

Cut 9 (09) “…than the individual.”

Survey data shows 21% of women and 23% of men, roughly 53 million adults, have experienced harm from someone else’s drinking in the past year.  Embley says it comes down to alcohol consumption leading to less than desirable behavior.

Cut 10 (12) “…make good decisions.”

The most common harm came in the form of threats or harassment.  Embley says there is several steps to be taken to limit the harm done to others by someone else’s drinking.

Cut 11 (11) “…reach those resources.”

_________________

The Louisiana sports world continues to mourn the passing of UL Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux, who passed away yesterday at age 57 following multiple surgeries in the wake of a heart attack on June 23^rd. Former Ragin’ Cajuns and LSU Softball Coach Yvette Girouard says Cajuns Baseball without Coach Robe is unfathomable.

Cut 12 (13) “…make that move.”

Robichaux won over 900 games in his 25 seasons at the helm of the program and was the winningest coach in the history of the Cajuns baseball, even taking the team to the College World Series in 2000. Girouard remembers the coach as a man of God.

Cut 13 (11) “…when Tony met him.”

The Ragin’ Cajuns softball field is named in honor of Girouard. She says upon hearing of the coach’s passing, she remembered Robichaux was one of the first to congratulate her on the accolade.

Cut 14 (09) “…Tony Robichaux field.”

The longtime head baseball coach at U-L Lafayette, Tony Robichaux, has passed away at the age of 57 after suffering from a heart attack. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri responded to the unfortunate passing of one of the state’s great baseball icons. He says “We are heartbroken by the news that Tony Robichaux has passed away. Tony was an outstanding coach, but he was an even greater molder of young men, and the positive impact he made upon his players I immeasurable. I will always cherish those matchups between the Cajuns and Tigers.”

After suffering catastrophic damage from an EF-3 tornado in April, Louisiana Tech has made the decision to demolish the baseball, softball, and soccer stadiums this summer.  Athletic Director Tommy McClelland says says they’re working on cutting a deal for fall baseball and softball practice at nearby high schools, including potentially altering class schedules to accommodate, but the games themselves could be played all over…

cut 17 (10) “Mississippi” 

Soccer reports to practice August 1^st, but McClelland says they’ve worked out a deal with a local rec complex to host most practices and games.

The Pelicans have signed longtime rotational piece, forward Darius Miller to a two year, 14 million dollar contract, the second year of which is a team option. Miller gives the team some depth at small forward behind newly acquired Brandon Ingram, and is a slightly above league average shooter from 3. Miller was drafted in the second round by the Pels in 2012, out of the same Kentucky class as Anthony Davis.

Iconic UL Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux has died after undergoing multiple surgeries following a heart attack. The voice of the Ragin Cajuns Jay Walker says their hearts are shattered, but their faith is not, which is what Coach Robe would want during this time of sorrow

Cut 12 (11)   “….his players”

Robichaux was 57. The Crowley native suffered a heart attack on June 23rd and had two surgeries.

Independence day kicks off tomorrow and pyromaniacs are crowding firework stands to celebrate America’s independence with a boom. When you walk into the stand, make sure you check for the Fire Marshal’s permit to know you’re getting a safe product, and State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says don’t buy off the back of some guy’s truck…

Cut 10 (07) “…manufactured”

Fireworks are prohibited anywhere in East Baton Rouge or Orleans Parish, and a number of other large cities in the state.

The Louisiana Department of Health reports the number of newly diagnosed HIV cases has dropped to the lowest in more than a decade. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (30) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

US 90 from I-10 in Lafayette to Louisiana Highway 308 in Raceland has been designated Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Highway. A dedication ceremony took place Tuesday night and the state’s only female governor was there

Cut 3 (11) “…going up”

Iconic UL Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux has died after undergoing multiple surgeries following a heart attack. Robichaux became the head coach in Lafayette in 1995. He won over 900 games at U-L. The voice of Ragin Cajuns Jay Walker says the program’s success led to the construction of one of the finest college baseball stadiums in the country…
Cut 13 (10) “…without Tony.”  (2x)
Robichaux was 57.

Tomorrow is July 4th and pyromaniacs are crowding firework stands to celebrate America’s independence with a boom.  Every year folks get busted for shooting fireworks in jurisdictions where it’s outlawed, so how can you be sure it’s legal in your area? State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says you can call your city and parish authorities, but there’s an easier way…

Cut 9 (06) “…and use.”

US 90 from I-10 in Lafayette to Louisiana Highway 308 in Raceland has been designated Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Highway. Blanco served as governor from 2004 to 2008. She did not seek a second term because of mounting criticism for her administration’s handling of the recovery from two devastating hurricanes. But Blanco says, in the end, Louisiana became a better state

Cut 5 (12) “…thrive in.”

New HIV cases in the state drop to their lowest numbers in over a decade according to the Louisiana Health Department, with a 12% decline in newly diagnosed cases over the past three years.  Assistant Secretary of Public Health  Dr. Alex Billioux says it is possible the H-I-V cases have dropped to the lowest rate since the 80’s.
Cut 6 (12) “…in the state.”
In 2018, 989 cases were diagnosed.

The longtime head baseball coach at U-L Lafayette, Tony Robichaux, has passed away at the age of 57 after suffering from a heart attack. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Baton Rouge stalwart Bogie’s bar, a popular spot for LSU students just south of the campus, has served with an eviction notice and will close on Saturday. The owner of the property refused to comment on the matter, but the eviction notice says the lease for the property was terminated due to failure to pay rent. The proprietor of Bogie’s says he hopes to eventually reopen the establishment at the same location.

US 90 from I-10 in Lafayette to Louisiana Highway 308 in Raceland has been designated Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Highway. It’s another honor for Blanco who is battling cancer in Lafayette. This October she will also be inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame. The state’s 54th governor appreciates the love she’s receiving in her final days…

Cut 4 (10) “…go”

Blanco served as governor from 2004 to 2008.

New HIV cases in the state drop to their lowest numbers in over a decade according to the Louisiana Health Department, Assistant Secretary of Public Health Dr. Alex Billioux says there are still hurdles to clear in dropping the number of new cases even further as many people still do not want to be tested.

Cut 8 (06) “…concerns about HIV.”

There’s been a 12 percent decline in cases in the last three years.

Iconic UL Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux has died after undergoing multiple surgeries following a heart attack. The voice of Ragin Cajuns Jay Walker says their hearts are shattered, but their faith is not, which is what Coach Robe would want during this time of sorrow

Cut 12 (11)   “….his players”

Robichaux passed away at 57. The Crowley native suffered a heart attack on June 23rd and underwent two surgeries.

US 90 from I-10 in Lafayette to Louisiana Highway 308 in Raceland has been designated Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Highway. A dedication ceremony took place last night and the state’s only female governor was there…
cut 3 (11) “…going up

Blanco, who is currently battling cancer, served as governor from 2004 to 2008.

Tomorrow is July 4th and pyromaniacs are crowding firework stands to celebrate America’s independence with a boom.  Once you’re ready to start firing off the pyrotechnics, State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says make sure you have two things close by…

Cut 11 (07) “…out.”

New HIV cases in the state drop to their lowest numbers in over a decade according to the Louisiana Health Department, with a 12% decline in newly diagnosed cases over the past three years.  Assistant Secretary of Public Health Dr. Alex Billioux says several factors contribute toward the decrease in the spread of the disease, including expanding testing and moving faster to get those infected on the medications they need soon.

Cut 7 (07) “…in uninsured populations.”

In 2018, 989 cases were diagnosed.

A record 48.9 million Americans are expected to make a trip for the 4th of July, a 4.1 percent increase over last year. AAA Analyst Don Redman says locally in the Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas region, 4.7 million people will travel…

Cut 4 (06) “…airplane.”

The average price for a gallon of regular in Louisiana sits at $2.35.

Independence day kicks off tomorrow and pyromaniacs are crowding firework stands to celebrate America’s independence with a boom. When you walk into the stand, make sure you check for the Fire Marshal’s permit to know you’re getting safe product, and State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says don’t buy off the back of some guy’s truck…

Cut 10 (07) “…manufactured”

Browning adds firework stands are only permitted in jurisdictions that allow the use of fireworks.

HIV cases in the state drop to the lowest numbers in more than a decade according to the Louisiana Department of Health, with a 12% decline in newly diagnosed cases over the past three years. Assistant secretary of the Office of Public Health Dr. Alex Billioux says it is quite possible that the cases have dropped to the lowest rate since the 80’s.

Cut 6 (12) “…in the state.”

Billioux says the reduced stigma of HIV, which has encouraged more people to get tested and treated, along with significant advances in HIV medication are largely responsible for the decreased number of infections.