Governor John Bel Edwards declares a State of Emergency due to the extreme heat. GOHSEP spokesman Mike Steele says the prolonged blazing temperatures are having multiple impacts on the state, and the declaration authorizes the use of resources to help response efforts.:
Cut 13 (09) “to take place”
Drought conditions are putting stress on water supplies and agriculture, and the state has already exceeded the average number of heat related emergency room visits. Forecasters say there are no signs of significant cooling anytime soon.

Then there’s the fires which have popped up throughout the state over the past week. In Sabine Parish, a massive wildfire broke out Monday which is now contained, but authorities say remains a serious situation. At least eight houses have been destroyed or heavily damaged and yesterday afternoon residents of the Plain View community were urged to evacuate. Law enforcement is still patrolling the area looking for any new fires or flare-ups.

Gas prices nationally are the highest they’ve been in about 10 months, at $3.85 for a gallon of regular, but have remained steady in Louisiana for a week or so. That’s according to AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman who says the price at the pump here is $3.43 on average…:
CUT 7 (11) “a barrel”
But the current statewide average is still 30 cents higher than the prior month.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s husband has passed away. The Mayor’s Office released a statement Monday announcing Jason Cantrell died but did not detail the circumstances.