The state’s burn ban remains in effect due to the dry conditions and excessive heat. Brooke Thorington has more on the huge wildfire in Mount Hermon…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

Meanwhile, Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency due to the excessive heat. The move will free up more state resources that can be used to combat heat-related emergencies. Since early June, there have been 16 heat-related deaths statewide already. The YEARLY average is about 10.

St. Tammany Parish deputies are investigating a shooting in Mandeville that left a husband and wife dead. Investigators say a man was shot inside his home – allegedly by his wife – and went to a neighbor for help. He died at a local ER. Officers went to the home and found the wife dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. The incident remains under investigation.

The First Gentleman of the city of New Orleans has passed away. Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s office released a statement announcing the Mayor’s husband Jason Cantrell died, but did not detail the circumstances; asking instead for privacy for the mayor and her family. Mr. Cantrell spent many years as a prosecutor in Orleans Parish.

Pet shelters are under the gun; trying to provide for the surge pf dogs and cats left at their doorsteps. Louisiana Humane Society director Jeff Dorson says lawmakers were asked for $3-million of the $2-billion surplus to help shelters, but they said no…:

CUT 04(09)      “…animal shelters.”