More than 50 million people are expected to travel over the long 4th of July Holiday weekend. AAA Spokesman Don Redman says most folks will be driving as gas prices are down $1.10 over last year. It costs almost 50% more to fly this year, but Redman says that’s not a factor..:
CUT 5 (12) “to travel”
He says the earlier you leave in the day, the better.

The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down college affirmative action programs will have little impact in Louisiana. That’s according to Higher Education Commissioner Dr. Kim Hunter Reed who says it’ll be business as usual here…:
CUT 15 (10) “in our state”
She says she knows of no public institution in Louisiana that uses race as a factor in admissions.

Extra hours of play in scorching temperatures for kids can mean dehydration. Teiko Foxx spoke with the Chief Medical Officer of UnitedHealthcare – Louisiana…:
Cut 3 (32) “I’m Teiko Foxx”

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 90s to near 100 degrees, with heat index values climbing to 110-115.

Traveling over the 4th of July weekend? So is everyone else. Brooke Thorington reports…:
CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

A motorcyclist from Texas was killed in a head on crash in Iberville Parish Thursday afternoon. State Police report 66-year-old Ronald Harter of Galveston made a right turn and crossed the center line, colliding head-on with an oncoming Land Rover. Harter died on the scene.

Governor John Bel Edwards used his veto pen on a senate approved measure to phase out Louisiana’s corporate franchise tax. The bill was sponsored by Franklin Republican Senator Bret Allain II (pronounced “L-N”) who says it would have been beneficial to Louisiana’s business environment:
Cut 8 (11) “with that opinion”
Allain is term-limited, so he cannot bring the bill back next year.

When it comes to the scorching hot temperatures, today will be a near repeat of Thursday with a heat index potentially reaching 115 degrees. With kids out enjoying their summer break, heath experts are reminding parents to make sure children are drinking plenty of water. Dr. Kevin Stephens is the Chief Medical Officer of UnitedHealthcare – Louisiana:
CUT 11 (13) “given water”
He says if you think your child may be suffering from heat illness, hydrate them and consult a physician.

With another Excessive Heat Warning in effect, health officials are reminding parents to keep kids enjoying the summer break properly hydrated. Dr. Kevin Stephens, Chief Medical Officer of UnitedHealthcare – Louisiana, says there are ways to tell if your child isn’t drinking enough water…:
CUT 10 (11) “severe problems”
He says children have higher water requirements than adults but they may not recognize the signs of thirst.

With the 4th of July falling on a Tuesday this year, that allows for a nice long weekend getaway — and plenty of people are taking advantage. For the period that begins today through Tuesday, more than 50 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more, according to AAA:
CUT 6 (03) “who’s traveling”
That’s AAA spokesman Don Redman.

The Governor vetoes a bill intended to phase out Louisiana’s corporate franchise tax; seen as detrimental to business. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (32) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

The National Champion LSU Tiger Baseball team delighted hundreds of fans behind the counter of the original Raising Cane’s near campus Thursday, serving patrons some of their favorite chicken fingers for lunch. Dylan Crews, Paul Skenes, Tommy White, Tre’ Morgan, Ty Floyd, and head coach Jay Johnson all took part.

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a senate bill that would have gradually eliminated Louisiana’s corporate franchise tax. The measure was sponsored by Franklin Republican Senator Bret Allain II (pronounced “L-N”) who isn’t happy about the veto saying the state’s franchise tax system is cited as a big reason companies choose not to do business here:
Cut 7 (11) “very disappointed”
The governor says the timing is bad for big tax cuts.

If you’re heading out of town for the long Fourth of July weekend, you won’t be the only one. AAA is out with its annual report and spokesman Don Redman says travel volume predictions are massive…:
CUT 4 (11) “the holiday”
AAA counts the holiday weekend as stretching from Friday to Tuesday, July 4th.

It might be the big headline you see today, but the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down college affirmative action programs will have little impact in Louisiana. That’s according to Higher Education Commissioner Dr. Kim Hunter Reed who says the ruling was specific to the use of race as a factor in admissions…:
Cut 13 (10) “do now”
The cases heard before SCOTUS pertained to admissions at Harvard and the University of North Carolina.

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 90s to near 100 degrees, with heat index values climbing to 110-115.

Travel for the 4^th of July holiday could break previous records. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Governor vetoes a bill intended to phase out Louisiana’s corporate franchise tax; seen as detrimental to business. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Extra hours of play in scorching temperatures for kids can mean dehydration and health officials gives a word of caution… Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (32)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Travel for the 4^th of July Weekend is underway, and AAA estimates it will be among the busiest with close to 51 million Americans who will venture 50 miles or more away from home this Independence Day. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman…

Cut 4 (11)  “…the holiday.”

Redman says with gas prices almost $1.10 less than this time last year is one reason more people can travel for the holiday. But airline costs are almost 50 percent higher this year and Redman says it’s not deterring travelers whatsoever.

Cut 5 (12)   “…to travel.”

He says air travel is up both domestic and international.

Triple A estimates 43 million people will drive to their destination, more than 2 percent from last year and 4 percent higher than in 2019. Regionally Redman says about four to five million will be traveling by car.

Cut 6 (03)  “…who’s traveling.”

He says the earlier you leave on your journey the better. Among the best travel times, are before 10 am Friday and after 6 pm on Friday. Also before noon on Saturday is an ideal time to drive. Traffic should be minimal Sunday and Monday.

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Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a senate bill that sought to phase out Louisiana’s corporate franchise tax. The bill was sponsored by Franklin Republican Senator Bret Allain II (pronounced “L-N”). He says he’s disappointed because the state’s franchise tax system is cited as a big reason companies choose not to come to our state…:

Cut 7 (11) “…very disappointed.”

In his veto statement, the Governor says he’s concerned the effects of having two stacked tax phase-outs in play would have on state revenues and future budgets. Allain says his bill would have been beneficial to Louisiana’s business environment and the economy…:

Cut 8 (11) “…with that opinion.’”

Allain says his SB 1 would have meant real tax reform for Louisiana, and he regrets the Governor’s decision…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…disagree with it.”

Allain is term-limited, so he cannot bring the bill back next year. He says he hopes his successor in Senate District 21 will consider filing it in the next fiscal session in 2025.

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While summer typically means no school and more fun for kids, it also means they are at more risk of getting dehydrated. Health officials remind parents to keep kids hydrated. Dr. Kevin Stephens says parents must step in and pay attention to their kids.

Cut 10 (10) “…severe problems.”

Kids are at a higher risk for dehydration and heat illness compared to adults because children have a lower sweating capacity and produce more heat during physical activity. The amount a child should drink varies by age, gender, weather, and level of physical activity. Stephens suggests offering plenty of water and hydrating foods…

Cut 11 (13)  “…given water.”

Stephens urges parents to avoid long hours of play in extreme heat and to keep an eye out for symptoms.

Cut 12 (13)    “… soiling diapers.” 

Stephen says if you think your child may be suffering from heat illness, hydrate them and consult a physician.

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The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down college affirmative action programs will have little impact in Louisiana. That’s according to Higher Education Commissioner Dr. Kim Hunter Reed. She says the ruling was specific to the use of race as a factor in admissions.

Cut 13 (10) “…do now.”  

However, Hunter Reed says it is important to affirm and reaffirm the importance of diversity at higher learning institutions in Louisiana.

Cut 14 (11)  “…race and ethnicity.”

Hunter Reed says admissions will remain business as usual for public universities in Louisiana.

Cut 15 (10)  “…in our state.”

The cases heard before SCOTUS pertained to admissions at Harvard and the University of North Carolina.

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Cut 16 (19) “…can I say.”

Cut 17 (17) “…came here.”

Cut 18 (19) “…2023 (applause).” 

Cut 19 (22) “…bunt play” 

Cut 20 (20)  “…have fun”  

The US Supreme Court made a landmark ruling today, ending affirmative action for college admissions. University of Louisiana system president Dr. Jim Henderson says in Louisiana schools use objective admissions criteria based on high school GPA, core curriculum, and standardized test scores.

Cut 3 (11) “…the country.”

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter said the court has issued a disgraceful decision that will make it harder for minority students to have a chance at equal admission to our nation’s top schools.

The 29^th Annual Essence Festival kicks off today in Crescent City. New Orleans and Company Senior Vice President of Communications Kelly Schulz says it appears tht the festival will be crowded.

Cut 7 (10)  “…90 percent occupancy.” 

The festival ends on Monday, July 3^rd.

McNeese broke ground on a new press box for Cowboy Stadium today. The previous press box sustained significant damage from the 2020 hurricanes and a complete overhaul was required. Director of Facilities Kevin Martin says the new facility will have 25 suites and a 17-hundred-square-foot sky club. And it will also have an open patio area that can function as more than just a press box…

Cut 10 (07)  “…that building.”

It’s expected to be completed in time for the 2025 football season.

Members of the LSU baseball championship team served fans chicken finger meals at the flagship Raising Cane’s near the LSU campus during lunch today. Dylan Crews, Paul Skenes, Tommy White, Tre’ Morgan, Ty Floyd, and head coach Jay Johnson all took part. Cane’s owner Todd Graves was in Omaha for the College World Series this year and he made a large contribution to keep LSU in the lead for the Jell-o Shot Challenge.

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.

The US Supreme Court made a landmark ruling today, ending Affirmative Action for college admissions. University of Louisiana system president Dr. Jim Henderson says, in Louisiana, schools use objective admissions criteria based on high school GPA, core curriculum, and standardized test scores. Several have issued statements decrying the High court’s ruling, but Henderson says he understands those positions are more based on our political culture war…:

CUT 05(13)      “…effective way.”

Florida was the only state in the southeast still allowing A.A. use in college admissions.

The well-known Landry’s Feed Store in Rayne took heavy damage from an early morning fire. Traffic was shut down on U.S. Highway 90, while firefighters fought the blaze. The cause has yet to be determined, but we’re told damage was extensive. Landry just observed 70 years in business last month.

Members of the LSU baseball championship team served fans chicken finger meals at a Raising Cane’s near the LSU campus during the lunch hour today. Dylan Crews, Paul Skenes, Tommy White, Tre’ Morgan, Ty Floyd, and head coach Jay Johnson all took part. The Tigers just took the national college baseball championship for the 7^th time.

The Essence Festival is underway in New Orleans; beginning today and running through Monday… and tourism is expected to reach high numbers again this year. Teiko Foxx has more…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Foxx.”

How does the US Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action for college admissions impact Louisiana? Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The Essence Festival of Culture is underway in New Orleans beginning today through July 3 and tourism is expected to reach high numbers again this year. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”  

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The US Supreme Court made a landmark ruling today, ending affirmative action for college admissions. University of Louisiana system president Dr. Jim Henderson says in Louisiana schools use objective admissions criteria based on high school GPA, core curriculum, and standardized test scores.

Cut 3 (11) “…the country.”

The cases concerned admissions at Harvard and the University of North Carolina. The organization Students for Fair Admissions argued that Harvard’s race-conscious admissions policy violated the 1964 Civil Rights Act which bans discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. Henderson says the ruling impacts schools like Harvard and UNC because they are both highly selective institutions.

Henderson says the UL system has intentional interventions in place to ensure students succeed regardless of their background.

Cut 4 (10)  “…our communities.” 

And while several individuals and institutions have issued statements decrying the decision, Henderson says he understands those positions are more based on our political culture war.

Cut 5 (13)  “…effective way. ”

Nine states already ban affirmative action, Florida is the only state in the southeast that does.

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There’s a party going down in the Big Easy this weekend. The 29^th Annual Essence Festival of Culture, the nation’s largest music festival, kicks off today through July 3. New Orleans and Company Senior Vice President of Communications Kelly Schulz says the importance of this event is big… 

Cut 6 (12)  “…this weekend.” 

The festival expects tens of thousands of visitors for one of the largest celebrations of Black art and culture in the country. Hotel occupancy rates in 2022 were hovering at 93 percent in and near downtown, according to an informal survey by New Orleans & Co. Schultz says numbers are still holding strong.

Cut 7 (12)  “…last year.” 

Last year’s festival had a $327 million impact on the city’s economy. Schultz says local businesses are anticipating an increase in customers around the city. She says with big luminaries and celebrities in the city, attendance is expected to increase over the weekend.

Cut 8 (12)  “…to New Orleans.” 

Visit neworleans.com or download the Essence Festival app for a line-up of festivities.

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McNeese broke ground on a new press box for Cowboy Stadium today. Much of southwest Louisiana was devastated by Hurricanes Delta and Laura in 2020. The former press box like much of the Lake Charles area sustained significant damages and a complete overhaul was required. Now, three years later, Director of Facilities Kevin Martin says they’ve completed the long process to organize funding from 4 separate sources and get the project underway…

Cut 9 (14) “…like that.”

The updated box is set to be over 28,000 square feet and extends the goal line to the goal line. The state-of-the-art facility will boast 25 suites and a 17-hundred-square-foot sky club and an open patio area that Martin says will allow it to function as more than just a press box…

Cut 10 (07)  “…that building.”

For the Lake Charles area though, Martin says this project is about more than just a football stadium. Recovery from Hurricane Laura has taken longer than expected for many, including the university, but Martin says the new box will be a return of a local landmark and symbol of progress for many in the area…

Cut 11 (13)  “…in a whole.”

The box is expected to open for the 2025 season.