Cooking out for the 4^th of July will cost more this year. Brooke Thorington has more on what you can expect to pay.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Now that Governor Edwards is done signing and/or vetoing bills, will lawmakers seek to override any of his vetoes? Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Has the Power 5 been shrunken to the Super 2? David Grubb has the story on the major shakeup in college sports…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m David Grubb” 

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Cooking out for the 4^th of July will cost more this year. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says each year the American Farm Bureau Federation surveys grocery stores across the country for the average price of burgers, pork chops and all the fixings.

Cut 4 (09)  “…from last year.”

But in the southeast the average price of a cookout for ten is $64.31.

Davidson says that breaks down to just under $7 per person but it’s still a sizeable increase from last year. On the bright side he says the cost of strawberries, sliced cheese and potato chips are down from last year, however…

Cut 5 (09) “…on average.”

He says the reasons for the increase in prices are supply chain issues, the war in Ukraine and gas prices.

Cut 6 (08)  “…transported.”

And while food prices are higher, Davidson says there’s a common misconception that farmers are making more. He says on average on eight cents from each dollar spent makes it back to your local farmer.

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Governor Edwards has vetoed over 20 bills passed by state lawmakers during the recent regular legislative session. Now, the question is “will lawmakers convene a veto override session?” House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says state law requires House & Senate members to vote NOT to have one, otherwise they are scheduled automatically. He says ballots for that vote went out this week…:

Cut 7 (10) “…that will take place.”

Schexnayder says some are ready to have one, after the Governor ended bills that would have sent state education dollars to private or homeschooled students who read below their grade level…barred discrimination based on one’s vaccination status…stiffened penalties for killers of cops or first responders and others. He also says there are member who are not anxious for another special session…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…some of them are…”

Lawmakers must return the ballots sent to them by the 11^th. Schexnayder says a simple majority of members voting NOT to convene will cancel the override session. He says the House & Senate are also aware of the money already spent this year on legislative actions…:

Cut 9 (12)  “…when they come in.”

Schexnayder says he would prefer to have the override session, but he’ll abide by the will of members. He says vetoed bills can be revisited next year.

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Operation Dry Water begins Friday and wraps up on Independence Day. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says it’s their annual enforcement of state waterways looking for impaired operators of vessels. He says while alcohol and open containers are allowed while on the water…

Cut 10 (10) “…on the waterways.”

Einck says what’s traditionally an enjoyable pastime for the 4^th can quickly turn tragic when an impaired operator is on the water.

Cut  11 (07)  “…nation average.” 

In addition to looking for impaired operators this weekend, Einck says agents are also encouraging boaters to have the correct number of life jackets and that they are Coast Guard approved. And if you are caught impaired and operating a boat it can be costly.

Cut 12 (10) “…already.” 

A first offense DWI carries a $300 to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.

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In a move that will reverberate throughout the world of college athletics USC and UCLA, two of the most storied programs in the country, are preparing to leave the PAC-12 for the Big Ten as early as 2024. NYU Sports Law professor and co-host of the Conduct Detrimental podcast, Dan Lust, says this probably spells the end of the so-called “Power 5.”

Cut 13 (11) “…to my schools.”

Lust says the SEC’s move to poach Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12 last year certainly pushed the Big Ten to make a counter of its own. Now it adds the nation’s second-largest television market to its roster just before it finalizes a new television deal with Fox and raises its level of competition within the league.

Cut 14 (12)  “…to keep pace.”

Lust says that he expects more dominoes to fall as other conferences scramble to remain viable against these two juggernauts. 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 the money changing hands and ask for their fair share.

Cut 15 (09)  “…entitled to.”

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The New Orleans Pelicans introduced rookies Dyson Daniels and EJ Liddell to the media on Thursday. With a roster loaded with players looking for minutes, head coach Willie Green says it’s a great problem to have.

Cut 16 (20)  “…just keep rolling.”

Dyson Daniels, a 6-foot-7 inch point guard, was the team’s top choice heading into the draft according to GM Trajan Langdon. Daniels says he can help the team in a number of ways, starting on the defensive end.

Cut 17 (20) “ …here right now.” 

The Pels were surprised that EJ Liddell was still available when they took him with the 41st pick. Liddell says his competitiveness is his greatest asset and New Orleans is the perfect fit.

Cut 18 (13) “ …do that here.” 

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If you’re still experiencing problems with recovery from Hurricane Ida, GOHSEP has launched a new program. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Mosquitoes are everywhere this summer, and according to the LDH, so is West Nile Virus. Who’s at risk and what can you do to protect yourself? David Grubb has the details…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”  

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GOHSEP launches a program to help Hurricane Ida survivors who have exhausted all their avenues in recovery but still need assistance. Spokesperson Mike Steele says the Disaster Case Management Program connects case managers to those who have unmet needs.

Cut 3 (11) “…still out there.”

The is website GetAGamePlan.org then forward slash Ida-D-C-M-P.  The Disaster Case Management Program is funded by FEMA. Steele says there’s a reason it wasn’t set up sooner as to give insurance companies time to answer claims.

Cut 4  (11) “…things out.”

Steele says the website also has a general questionnaire about one’s recovery status which helps the state and FEMA gauge recovery as we approach the year anniversary of Ida. Steele says for example someone’s home is now livable, but their appliances were destroyed.

Cut 5  (08) “…type program.”

Twenty-five parishes were declared federal disaster areas following Hurricane Ida.

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The Louisiana Department of Health has reported the state’s first positive case of West Nile Virus in a human this year. State epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says the risk for West Nile is higher than normal, with 175 mosquito pools indicating the presence of the virus, compared to 13 a year ago, so preventative measures are a must.

Cut 6 (09) ” …mosquito bites.” 

LDH advises doing what you can around your home to keep it mosquito-proof by eliminating standing water, keeping your gutters clean, changing the water in birdbaths regularly, and keeping your swimming pool properly cleaned. And when you are outside…

Cut 7 (11) “…even further.” 

Sokol says those who are over the age of 60 and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions carry the highest amount of risk for developing the more severe infection, West Nile Encephalitis, which can result in hospitalization and the potential for death or severe brain damage.

Cut 8 (12) “…increased risk”

For more information on West Nile and tips on how to protect yourself and your home, visit L-D-H-dot-L-A-dot-gov.

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Construction is underway on the second phase of elevating LA 1 in Lafourche Parish between the Leeville Bridge to Golden Meadow. Executive Director of the LA 1 coalition Henri Boulet says once the project is completed in 2027, vehicles who use this important corridor will travel 22-feet above sea level

Cut 9 (13) “…summer long.”

The price tag for the elevated stretch of highway is over 800-million dollars. Boulet says the project received a large amount of federal grant money as a result of 20 private industry partners providing over a million dollars in match money

Cut 10 (10) “…strong application” 

Boulet says there’s been a serious effort to elevate LA-1 for 25 years as storm surge from huricanes and tropical storms can sometimes close the highway for several days, costing the U-S millions of dollars in oil and gas production.

Cut 11 (08)  “..generations to come” 

The state department of transportation says over 13-hundred trucks and heavy vehicles travel the LA 1 southern corridor daily to support port activity and energy production, but it’s often closed for several days after tropical storms and hurricanes.

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Baton Rouge Police say a worker at a fast food restaurant was shot over an argument about a food order. Sergeant L’ Jean McKneely says the gunman was upset his order was given to another customer and confronted the worker in the parking lot

Cut 12 (09) “…the employee”  

McKneely says the shooting victim’s injuries are not life threatening and no arrests have been made.

Cut 13 (09) “…they are.”

McKneely says shooting occurred at Freddy’s Frozen Custard near I-12 off of Millerville Road…

Cut 14 (09)  “…minor injury”