Hurricane Beryl has moved past Jamaica and has its eyes set on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Beryl is a Category Three storm, but weakening is expected today. Forecasters are calling for Beryl to enter the southern Gulf of Mexico on Saturday as a tropical storm and make a final landfall as a Category one hurricane early next week near the Texas-Mexico border.

Governor Jeff Landry has announced Jay Grymes as the first State Climatologist to serve under Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

It’s Fourth of July and that means a lot of people popping off their own fireworks tonight. President of the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association Tracey Normand says be sure you are not violating any local ordinances. Normand says drinking and driving is not a good idea; drinking and lighting an explosive is a worse idea.
Cut 6 (10) “…our digits.”

It’s a big tourism weekend for New Orleans as Essence Festival gets underway today. The annual musical festival started in 1995 in New Orleans to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Essence Magazine. New Orleans and Company spokesperson Kelly Schulz says now Essence Fest is celebrating 30 years. Schulz says the July-August issue of Essence Magazine is a love letter to New Orleans…
cut 14 (12) “…well beyond”
Usher and Janet Jackson will perform at Essence Festival this weekend.

It wouldn’t be Independence Day without fireworks and the President of the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association has a few safety tips if you decide to put on your own light show.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Governor Jeff Landry has announced Jay Grymes as the first State Climatologist to serve under GOHSEP. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries releases its 2024-25 hunting regulations pamphlet online at the LDWF website. The pamphlet contains hunting rules, regulations, and season dates. LDWF Administrator Tommy Tuma…

Cut 3 (11) “…to look at.” 

Tuma says the pamphlet also defines the gear hunters can use during the season and Wildlife Management Area (WMA) rules and regulations.

Cut 4 (09) “…private lands.”

Printed copies of the pamphlets will be available in August at LDWF offices and at vendors where hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

Cut 5 (09) “…Labor Day weekend.”

This season’s pamphlet also has the season schedule for the state’s ten deer hunting areas.

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Before you attempt to host your own fireworks show, President of the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association Tracey Normand says first be sure you aren’t violating any local ordinances. He says drinking and driving isn’t a good idea; drinking and something explosive is a worse idea.

Cut 6 (10) “…our digits.”

The Gonzales Fire Chief says to set off fireworks at least 200 feet away from structures, vehicles, and trash and never to allow children to light or handle fireworks. And make sure you have either a fire extinguisher or water nearby.

Cut 7 (11) “…the fire department.”

And after you’ve lit your last firecracker, Normand says it’s imperative to clean up afterward to avoid an encore light show

Cut 8 (11) “…their obstacle”

According to the Consumer Protection Agency on average 200 people will go to the emergency room for fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4^th holiday.

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Jay Grymes will be the first State Climatologist under GOHSEP. Governor Jeff Landry says though the position existed prior, it was always independent from state government, so implementing a state climatologist under GOHSEP was a priority for him since day one.

Cut 9 (11)  “…weather events.”

Grymes comes into the role with over 30 years of experience, including serving as state climatologist from 1991 to 2003. Grymes says he’s looking forward to being state climatologist again, this time in a partnership between GOHSEP and LSU, where he currently teaches.

Cut 10 (12) “…Louisiana.”

GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodeaux says his department welcomes Grymes’ help in determining what weather events are approaching and how to prepare for them, as well as having a single, official voice from the state government on climate and weather.

Cut 11 (1) “…what we’re facing.”

Grymes will continue teaching at LSU while serving as state climatologist.

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The 30^th Anniversary of the Essence Festival of Culture is underway in the Big Easy and Kelly Schulz with New Orleans & Company says the four-day event is a 4^th of July tradition. She says the economic impact for the city and state is as much as $316 million.

Cut 12 (12) “…to COVID.” 

The headliners this year are Usher and Janet Jackson. Schulz says the event also draws celebrities, influencers, and corporate leaders. She says it’s more than musical performances, it’s all about empowering future leaders.

Cut 13 (10)  “…the community.”

And in honor of the festival’s 30^th anniversary, Schulz says the July/August issue of Essence magazine is a love letter to New Orleans.

Cut 14 (12)  “…well beyond.”

She says Essence is devoting $45,000 to support local schools and organizations across New Orleans.  Vice President Kamala Harris is also attending the festival for a third year.

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Cut 15 (11)  “…adjustments.”

Cut 16 (14) “…I’m really honored.” 

Cut 17 (12) “…everyone involved.”

Cut 18 (11)  “…and as the host.”

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Cut 19 (19) “…adversity.” 

Cut 20 (22) “…overcome that.”

Governor Jeff Landry has announced the extension of Operation Lone Star and will deploy more Louisiana National Guard engineers to the southern border on July 15th. LANG spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Collins says this reflects the state’s commitment to collaborating with Texas in addressing border security issues and highlights the growing scope of the operation.

cut 5 (08) “…respond to that.”

Hurricane Beryl remains a Category 4 as it barrels towards Jamaica and Central America. Newly appointed state climatologist Jay Grymes says Beryl is expected to turn towards the Gulf early next week, but tells Louisianans not to worry.

cut 12 (11) “…(x2) Louisiana.”

Beryl is expected to hit the Texas-Mexico border as a tropical storm on Monday.

Angola has been ordered to improve conditions for inmates required to work on the farm line. Federal Judge Brian Jackson told the prison to quickly correct what he called quote “glaring deficiencies of their heat-related policies.” Promise of Justice Initiative Legal Director Colin Reingold…

cut 9 (10) “…the farm line.”

The State Department of Corrections says the work conducted on the farm line falls under constitutional and industrial standards, and they plan to appeal the ruling.

 
Fourth of July means BBQs and fireworks but it’s not always a great time for pets. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Communications Manager Ginger Gutner says if you know your pet will be anxious because of fireworks, contact your vet to discuss what you can do to help alleviate that…

cut 7 (09) “…muffled.”

LSU pitcher Thatcher Hurd has entered the transfer portal. Hunt Palmer with ESPN Baton Rouge explains it’s not a big loss for the Tigers as Hurd is expected to be a high draft pick later this month and sign with a Major League Baseball team…
cut 20 (10″ to the table”
MLB-dot-com ranks Hurd as the 114th best prospect.

LSU shortstop Ryan Kucherak has also entered the transfer portal. He was ranked as the second best high school shortstop in Arizona by Perfect Game, but barely saw the field last year.

There’s been a lot of talk about Texas A-and-M infielder Kaeden Kent transferring to LSU, but Kent announced today he’s returning to the Aggies.

Louisiana Tech announced today that associate head coach Mitch Gaspard is retiring after five years with the Bulldogs. Gaspard is also a former head coach at Alabama and Northwestern State.

Former LSU star Angel Reese is a WNBA All-Star. This news comes after he was just named the WNBA Rookie of the Money for June. Reese leads the league in rebounds and she also averages 13 points a game. Reese got emotional about the honor following the Chicago Sky’s 85-77 win over the Atlanta Dream last night…
cut 19 (12) “….believed”
Reese was fifth in the WNBA All-Star fan voting with 381,518 votes. Caitlin Clark was number one with 700,735 votes.

Recreational red snapper season will be weekends-only after a brief close in the season from July 7 to 12. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Director of Marine Fisheries Chris Schieble (shee-ble) there have been similar pauses in the past couple of years and he urges anglers to remember this is nothing new or drastic.
Cut 15 (11) “…adjustments.”
The season runs until Labor Day.

A federal judge has ordered Angola to quickly correct what they called “glaring deficiencies of their heat-related policies” for inmates who work on the Farm Line.  Brooke Thorington has more.

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

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and development announces that the first pours of concrete are complete, creating a seconion of the new travel lanes as part of the I-20 major rehabilitation project in Bossier City. This marks a milestone for the $120 million project. The entire project is anticipated to be complete in late 2025.

Hurricane Beryl remains a Category 4 and is expected to hit the Texas-Mexico border as a tropical storm on Monday, far southwest of Louisiana. With such an active hurricane season ahead of us, state climatologist Jay Grymes says it’s better to start preparing for a storm that does hit us instead of worrying about one that won’t.

Cut  14 (12) “…named storm.” 

Governor Jeff Landry announces the extension of Operation Lone Star which will involve the deployment of Louisiana National Guard engineers on July 15^th to the southern border. LANG spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Collins says they will support Texas with border security.

Cut 3 (09) “…on the border.”

Angola has been ordered to improve conditions for inmates who are required to work on the farm line. Promise of Justice Initiative Legal Director Colin Reingold says the state has been given a seven-day deadline to submit proposed remedies due to the inhumane conditions

Cut 10 (12) “…extremely dangerous.”

Reingold says as many as 50 inmates work on the farm line at one time and the farm line is separate from other agriculture work programs at the penitentiary.

Hurricane Beryl remains a Category 4 as it barrels towards Jamaica and Central America. Newly appointed state climatologist Jay Grymes says Beryl is expected to turn towards the Gulf early next week, but tells Louisianans not to worry.

cut  13 (12) “…season.” 

Governor Jeff Landry announces the extension of Operation Lone Star which will involve the deployment of Louisiana National Guard engineers on July 15^th to the southern border. LANG spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Collins says this move reflects the state’s commitment to collaborating with Texas in addressing border security issues and highlights the growing scope of Operation Lone Star.

Cut 5 (08)  “…respond to that.”

Fourth of July means BBQs and fireworks but it’s not always a great time for pets. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Communication Manager Ginger Gutner says it’s a good idea for pet owners to plan ahead and…

Cut 8 (08)  “…they recommend.”

A federal judge is giving Angola seven days to adjust their policies so prisoners on the Farm Line can receive shade, rest, sunscreen and water when working in hot conditions. The ruling comes after eight incarcerated men requested a preliminary injunction and a temporary restraining order to stop the farm line when the heat index reaches or exceeds 88 degrees. Promise of Justice Imitative Legal Director Colin Reingold says a trial date is scheduled for late September.
Cut 11 (06) ” …to end.”
The Department of Corrections argued the working conditions for the prisoners on the farm met industry standards.

The eye of Hurricane Beryl is approaching Jamaica. Louisiana’s new state climatologist Jay Grymes says the major hurricane will get into the southern of Gulf of Mexico this weekend, but Louisiana residents do not have to worry…
cut 12 (11) “…for Louisiana”
A final landfall for Beryl is expected near the Texas-Mexico border.
Governor Jeff Landry announces an extension to Operation Lone Star which means engineers from the Louisiana National Guard will deploy to the Texas-Mexico border on July 15th.
Cut 1 (30) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

Starting tomorrow a permit or training will no longer be required to conceal carry a gun for non-felon adults. New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez says State Police will continue to provide handgun training…
cut 27 (09) “…firearm

Louisiana Middle District Court has ordered Angola to quickly correct what they called “glaring deficiencies of their heat-related policies.” Brooke Thorington has more.

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

A Louisiana State trooper sustained a spinal fracture Tuesday while attempting to arrest a suspect on Bourbon Street of 40-year-old Damon Dawson.

Dawson was booked early Wednesday into the Orleans Justice Center jail The trooper was taken to University Medical Center for treatment of his spinal injury and a serious laceration to his scalp.

Governor Jeff Landry announces the extension of Operation Lone Star which will involve the deployment of Louisiana National Guard engineers on July 15^th to the southern border. LANG spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Collins says the engineers will assist in constructing barriers, roads, and other critical infrastructure to enhance border security.

Cut 4 (08) “…able to do.”

Guardsmen will be deployed to the border till mid-November.

With the Fourth of July coming up everyone is getting ready for BBQ and fireworks but its not always great for some of our pets. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Communication Manager Ginger Gutner has some advice for what you can do for your pets.

Cut 6 (09) “…good idea.”

Gutner says if you know your pet will be anxious because of fireworks contact your vet and discuss what you can do to help alleviate your pets anxiety.