We’re getting some respite from the extreme heat this week…:
Cut 4 (10) “couple of weeks”
That’s State Climatologist Barry Keim who says humidity will still be higher than normal though so some parts of the state will still see triple digit feels-like temperatures.

While the price of our 4th of July BBQ went down 3% over last year on average nationally, it went up in The Bayou State. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says the average price for a party of 10 in the southern region, which runs from Texas to South Carolina, rose about $2.00 to $66.43…:
Cut 9 (11) “the country”
But gas prices are much lower this 4th of July Holiday with the statewide average for a gallon of regular at $3.07, which is $1.28 lower than the same time last year.

LSU ace pitcher Paul Skenes set an SEC record 209 Strikeouts this season, and he’s giving back in a major way. Kace Kieschnick reports…:
CUT 2 (32) “I’m Kace Kieschnick”

As you party for the 4th of July today with fireworks and cookouts, state officials are reminding you to designate a driver. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled over campaign remains in place through tonight so police will be out in full force looking out for drunk drivers. Operation Dry Water is also still in effect where LDWF agents will be on waterways making sure boat operators aren’t drinking.

We’ve stopped seeing the excessive heat warnings in Louisiana, so we return to our normal hot summer. Brooke Thorington reports…:
CUT 1 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Saints Tight end Foster Moreau announced on Twitter yesterday that his cancer is in full remission. This comes a few months after he found out during a Saints physical that he had Hodgkin Lymphoma. The former Tiger officially signed with New Orleans in May, a reported three-year deal that will pay him 12-million dollars.

The 2023 National Champion LSU baseball team ace pitcher Paul Skenes will not only be remembered for the SEC record 209 strikeouts this season, but also how he used that to give back. The Air Force transfer pledged a donation to Folds of Honor for every strikeout, the non-profit that benefits military families…:
Cut 8 (14) “Folds of Honor”
Skenes raised over $50,000 for the charity.

If you’re going to put on your own fireworks show this 4th of July, the State Fire Marshal’s Office is out with its yearly safety reminders. Spokeswoman Ashley Rodrigue…:
Cut 13 (12) “fire easily”
She says it’s never a good idea to deal with fireworks when you’ve been drinking.

Most of the state is finally seeing some relief from the scorching hot temperatures we’ve seen over the last week as excessive heat warnings are no more, and we return to “normal” summer conditions…
CUT 3 (06) “few degrees”
That’s State Climatologist Barry Keim who says there is a chance for scattered thundershowers for the rest of the week which will also contribute to keeping temperatures in the low 90s.

The average price for your 4th of July cookout has increased from last year in The Bayou State. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says for a party of 10 in the southern region, we’re paying about $2 more to $66.43. He says things like burgers and fries, or potato salad, are contributing:
CUT 11 (07) “dairy products”
He says nationally the cost of a BBQ this year is down 3%.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging you to play it safe with your fireworks show this 4th of July. Spokeswoman Ashley Rodrigue says the safest bet is to let professionals handle it…:
CUT 12 (12) “our opinion”
Regulations of setting off fireworks vary by municipality to make sure it’s allowed in your area before planning your own show.

The accolades keep rolling in for members of the 2023 National Champion LSU Baseball team. Ace pitcher Paul Skenes has received many honors including first team All-American and D-1 Baseball’s National Player of the Year. The ace pitcher says all of this still hasn’t set in…:
CUT 6 (12) “good though
On Tuesday Dylan Crews was named one of three outfielders to receive this year’s Gold Glove Award.

We could get a slight reprieve from the heat advisories of late and return to what’s considered normal conditions for this time of year. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

LSU Pitcher Paul Skenes set an SEC record with 209 strikeouts this season but they won’t only be remembered in the record books. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

_______________________________________________

We’ve all been complaining about the heat advisories of late and State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ll begin to return to normal temperatures this week as the high-pressure dome that’s been over Texas and Louisiana starts to break down.

Cut 3 (06)  “….few degrees.”

And with the movement of the high-pressure dome, Keim says the atmosphere will become more unstable and we should see cloudy conditions.

Cut 4 (10)  “…couple of weeks.”

That being said, Keim says humidity levels will continue to run higher than normal, so parts of the state will still continue to have heat indices between 100 – 110 most afternoons so continue to practice heat safety.

Cut 5 (12)   “…oppressive out there.”

By the weekend temperatures will climb back in the upper 90s again.

________________________________________________

The College World Series Champion LSU Baseball team isn’t done winning, Paul Skenes Dylan Crews, and Tommy White were named first-team All-Americans and Skenes brought another individual award to Baton Rouge. Crews may have taken home the Golden Spikes but Skenes was named D1-Baseball’s national player of the year. He says the Tigers knew they could be this dominant this season but it still hasn’t set in…

Cut 6 (12)  “…good though.”

The Tigers had the number one transfer and recruiting classes ahead of the season and with a star-studded roster, were preseason favorites to win the championship. They held the number one spot for 12 weeks, something only five teams ever have done, before dropping as the Tigers went 7-7 over the last 3 weeks of the season, but after an incredible CWS run, Skenes says there’s no doubt who the best team in baseball is…

Cut 7 (14) “…dang cool.”

Skenes made headlines for setting an SEC record with 209 strikeouts this season, but each of those strikeouts was worth more than just an out. For each strikeout he threw this season, the pitcher pledged funds towards Folds of Honor, a non-profit that helps provide scholarships to family members of the military and first responders who have fallen or been disabled. Skenes says this was a great way to give back…

Cut 8 (14) “…Folds of Honor.’”

The Air Force transfer helped to raise over $50,000 for the organization

____________________________________________

The average price for your 4^th of July cookout has increased from last year. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says while nationally the average price for a party of 10 dropped three percent, the average price in the southern region, which runs from Texas to up to South Carolina, is up about $2.00 to $66.43.

Cut 9 (11)  “…the country.”

Last year Davidson says was the highest-ever market basket average in the American Farm Bureau’s 10-year history of the survey.

Cut 10 (09) “…bit more.”

Among the cookout items with sizable increases from last year, Davidson says is potato salad, up five percent, and hamburger buns up seventeen percent to $2.26 per package.

Cut 11 (07)  “…dairy products.”

_______________________________________________

It’s 4^th of July and people are crowding firework stands to celebrate America’s Independence with a bang. Authorities want to remind folks of some simple tips regarding fireworks safety. Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says let the professionals do it.

Cut 12 (12)    “…our opinion.” 

There were an estimated 10,200 fireworks-related, emergency department-treated injuries in the country last year according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Rodrigue says if you opt to do your own fireworks show make sure it’s legal and there’s no burn ban in effect. She encourages the public to make sure they’re in a safe area…

Cut 13 (12) “…fire easily.”  

Rodrigue suggests having a water source nearby in case anything goes wrong there is something that can put out any type of emergency or fire. Also, do not pop fireworks when impaired because it slows your reaction time. She reminds adults to never give kids sparklers.

Cut 14 (13)  “…can’t see.”

Rodrigue says glow sticks are a great alternative for kids. Different parishes and cities have different regulations, so check to be sure it’s legal to launch fireworks.

_______________________________________________

Cut 15 (10)  “…successful campaign.”

Cut 16 (10) “…successful campaign.”

Cut 17 (17) “…came here.”

Cut 18 (19) “…2023 (applause).” 

Cut 19 (22) “…bunt play” 

Cut 20 (20)  “…have fun”  

State Police are investigating a single-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a Prairieville woman after her car was submerged in the Amite River. Troop A spokesman Trooper Chris Reed says it happened Saturday night and they still do not know why 37-year-old Sarah Marshall drove off the roadway. Impairment has not been ruled out. Reed says please remain alert and unimpaired while driving.

Cut 5 (05)  “…and death. ” The crash remains under investigation.

The first cases of malaria in the country have been detected in Florida and Texas; the first of domestic origination in two decades. Dr. Ben Springgate with LSU Health in New Orleans says mosquito bites are the culprit…:

Cut 9 (11) “…hospitalization.”

Symptoms can develop ten days to four weeks after an individual is infected. In the more severe cases, individuals can have neurological damage.

Beginning August First health insurers in Louisiana will be required to offer six months of smoking cessation to help them kick the habit. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel

Cut 7 (07)  “…people’s health.” 

Insured individuals will not have to pay co-pays or any out-of-pocket expenses due to the new law going into effect. Louisiana has the 11th highest percentage among U.S. states of adults who smoke, according to the American Lung Association.

If you plan to spend the holiday on the water, you’ll be pleased to know that five lakes in the state made Bassmaster Magazine’s Best Bass Lakes in America. In the overall list Toledo Bend ranked sixth. And for the Central United States best lakes list, Caney, Bussey Brake, Caddo Lake and Lake Bistineau made the top 25. They don’t call us the Sportsman’s Paradise for nothing…

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.

Beginning August 1, a new law allows Louisiana residents with private insurance or Medicaid who want to quit smoking to enroll in a six-month smoking treatment program. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

______________________________________

State Police are investigating a single-vehicle crash that claimed the life of 37-year-old Sara Marshall of Prairieville after her car was submerged in the Amite River. Trooper Christian Reed says they were contacted around ten-thirty Saturday night about the incident in Livingston Parish.

Cut 3 (10) “…Amite River.”

Despite being fully restrained, Marshall was not able to exit the vehicle. Reed says it’s vital that all occupants be properly restrained so you are less likely to have a head injury that will keep you from being unable to respond when your vehicle goes underwater.

Cut 4 (12)  “…emergency situation.” 

Reed wants to remind motorists, especially during the 4^th of July holiday, to never drive impaired and to remain vigilant when driving on the roads and waterways.

Cut 5 (05)  “…and death. ”

The cause of the crash remains under investigation and toxicology samples were collected.

__________________________________________________

People in Louisiana who want to stop smoking will be able to take advantage of a six-month smoking cessation treatment provided by health insurers beginning August 1 -  under a new law signed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Cancer Advocacy Group Executive Director Chad Landry believes the availability of treatment will help a large population of smokers in Louisiana

Cut 6 (10)  “…there is.” 

The mandate applies to both private health insurance and Medicaid. Benefits include nicotine replacement products, such as nicotine patches, gum, lozenges and nasal spray, and prescription medication. Individual and group counseling are also covered. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel says the state brings in millions in tax revenue but there’s limited spending on combating tobacco use.  

Cut 7 (07)  “…people’s health.” 

Under the new law, the insured will not be subject to deductibles, co-insurance, co-payments, or any other out-of-pocket payments. All the insured person needs is a recommendation from their doctor. Bossier City Republican Representative Raymond Crews…

Cut 8 (08)  “…a difference.” 

Louisiana has the 11th highest percentage among U.S. states of adults who smoke, according to the American Lung Association.

_______________________________________________

The first US-based cases of malaria have been identified in Florida and Texas. According to the CDC, they are the first to originate in the country in the last two decades. Chief of Community and Population Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Benjamin Springgate says malaria is a parasite that’s spread by mosquitos.

Cut 9 (11) “…hospitalization.”

Symptoms can develop ten days to four weeks after an individual is infected. In the more severe cases, individuals can have neurological damage.

Previous cases in the US were from individuals who traveled outside the country and returned with the disease. Springgate says however the cases in Texas and Florida originated in the states.

Cut 10 (12)  “…the disease.”

Springgate says because of the outbreak local officials in Texas and Florida will increase mosquito control. If you have upcoming travel to known infected areas outside of the US, he says there are preventative medications you can take before, after, and during your trip. But if you are infected….

Cut 11 (08)  “…at a hospital.”

The CDC deems the overall threat of malaria in the US to be “extremely low,” these cases are a reminder to be vigilant in mosquito-prone areas.

_______________________________________________

Cut 12 (11) “…off the road.” 

Cut 13 (11) “…impaired drivers.”

Cut  14 (00)  “….”

Cut 15 (12) “…old fashioned taxi”

______________________________________________

Cut  16 (08)  “…else does”