Louisiana U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says, regardless of one’s politics, Americans should pay attention to the congressional January 6^th hearings in D.C. After a mob of Trump supporters entered and vandalized the nation’s Capitol… one person was shot by Capitol Police. Cassidy says he feels we can all learn a lot from what’s happening in the hearings…:

Cut 7 (07) “…concerning or not?”

A new fiscal year is underway in Louisiana which means the state’s new spending play went into effect on July 1st. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says as a result of surplus dollars the state made a historic investment in every level of education from higher education to pre-K…

Cut 9 (10)  “…early childhood education”

With summer in full swing, people are out and about and COVID cases are on the rise. According to the latest data from the Louisiana Department of Health, as of June 30, more than 3000 new cases of coronavirus infection have been reported. Dr. Joe Kanter says it’s a statewide trend…

Cut 12 (10) “…regions of the state.” 

The State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind you to practice fireworks safety this 4th. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says never set off fireworks if you are impaired and it’s best not to allow children to handle fireworks whatsoever.

Cut 4 (12)  “…come up with.”

And always make sure you have water nearby in case things get out of control and when the show is over make sure those fireworks are watered down and no longer smoldering.

Another COVID surge sweeps across the state…Here’s David Grubb with more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

LSU has narrowed down it’s searched to fill their Civil Rights Title IX post to three. They are Tanya Lowery who’s at the University of Texas Permian Basin, Todd Manuel of the Edison Electric Institute and Nicole Roberson from Texas A & M. The previous position was under the general counsel office at the university but has been moved to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX.

Louisiana U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says, regardless of one’s politics, Americans should pay attention to the congressional January 6^th hearings in D.C. Cassidy says it remains to be seen if former President Trump will face charges. In reference to the capitol rioters who called for Vice President Mike Pence to be hung…

Cut 8 (06)  “…hang Mike Pence.”

Cassidy voted in favor of Trump’s Impeachment much to the chagrin of Trump supporters in Louisiana.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind of you to practice fireworks safety this 4^th. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says it’s always best to attend a public display where professionals are handling them but if you choose to do your own make sure it’s legal to do so at your location and choose an appropriate one.

Cut 3 (08) “…be watching.” 

Rodrigue says never light fireworks impaired or allow children to handle them, even sparklers.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says extra officers will be on the highways this Fourth of July weekend to detect and stop impaired drivers. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says remember to not drink & drive, but also be aware that your meds could also impair your judgement…:

CUT 05(12)      “…not as good.”

Federal highway safety grant dollars will go to pay local and state LEO’s to patrol the roadways. Lambert says don’t let a DUI ruin your holiday.

An Alexandria man is charged with murder for providing the fentanyl that led to an overdose death. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline says 28-year-old Brian Allen is charged with 2^nd-degree murder, plus criminal conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute dangerous drugs. He says their investigation turned up evidence linking Allen to that overdose…:

CUT 13  (11)        “…make an arrest.”

As of July 1^st diapers and feminine products are state sales tax free. It’s the result of a bill passed by New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman…:

CUT 09  (09)        “…without a tax.”

Diapers – for babies and  adults – are also now state sales exempt.

The Pelicans and star forward Zion Williamson have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension that will keep Williamson in New Orleans for the next six years. The deal could be worth up to $231 million. Fox Sports’ Rob Parker says, for the Pels, he’s worth every penny…:

CUT 07(10)      “…gotta sign him.”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says extra officers will be on the highways this fourth of July weekend looking for impaired drivers. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says based on data from LSU 100 people were injured and six people were killed in alcohol-related crashes during last year’s Independence Day holiday. He says one of the biggest travel threats to families is an impaired driver

Cut 4  (11) “…judgement”

As of Friday feminine products and diapers are state sales tax free. The bill establishing that in law was passed in 2021. New Orleans Democrat Representative Aimee Freeman says her “Pink Tax Exemption” affects all women, regardless of their politics…:

CUT 10  (07)        “…went forward.”

Former, Louisiana Tech football star and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson died from using fentanyl and cocaine. That’s the result of a blood toxicology report. He was found unresponsive in a Baltimore home just over two weeks ago. Funeral services and visitation for Ferguson are being held today in St. Francisville.

It appears that Zion Williamson will be nesting with the Pelicans for a few more years. David Grubb has the details…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says extra officers will be on the highways this fourth of July weekend to detect and stop impaired drivers. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says if you plan on drinking to celebrate America’s birthday, let someone else drive

Cut 3 (04) “…to drive.”

Last year 100 people were injured and six people were killed in alcohol-related crashes during Independence Day.

28-year-old Brian Allen of Alexandria is facing second-degree murder charges for allegedly providing fentanyl that led to an overdose death in Pineville. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office chief of staff Tommy Carnline says over the past several months, detectives have been investigating overdose related deaths

Cut 12 (08) “…made the connection”  

Allen has also been charged with criminal conspiracy and possession and distribution of fentanyl.

As of yesterday you’ll no longer pay state sales tax on feminine products along with diapers. It’s called the “Pink Tax” exemption and it’s a result of New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman’s legislation from the 2021 legislative session. She says it’s a tax emption that will help women in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (09) “..without a tax.”

The “Pink Tax” exemption includes diapers for both children and adults.

The Pelicans and star forward Zion Williamson have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension that will keep Williamson in New Orleans for the next six years. The deal could be worth up to $231 million. Fox Sports’ Rob Parker says it was a no-brainer for both sides.

Cut 6 (11) ” …match made in heaven.” 

Governor Edwards has vetoed over 20 bills from the regular legislative session. Now, the question is “will lawmakers convene a veto override session?” House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says members of the legislature will vote on if they’ll shave a veto session and while there are member who are not anxious for another special session…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…some of them are…”

Lawmakers must have ballots returned on the 11^th.

Cooking out for the 4^th of July will cost 17-percent more than last year. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says but on the bright side the cost of strawberries, sliced cheese and potato chips are down from last year, however…

Cut 5 (09) “…on average.”

Has the Power 5 been shrunken to the Super 2? David Grubb has the story on the major shakeup in college sports…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m David Grubb” 

Essence Fest says their COVID vaccination policy remains in place. There’s been confusion and a tweet, sent in error, that said you can bring a negative COVID test in lieu of proof of vaccination. According to NOLA.com the proof of vaccination policy for attendance remains in place.

Now that Governor Edwards is done signing and/or vetoing bills, will lawmakers seek to override any of his vetoes? Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

It’s July 1^st and the Pink Tax exemption goes into effect today. The state tax on feminine products and diapers has been removed. The bill was sponsored by New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman and to mark the occasion she’s holding a donation drive of such product along with the Jr. League of New Orleans for entire month.

Cooking out for the 4^th of July will cost more this year. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says each year the American Farm Bureau Federation surveys grocery stores across the country for the average price of burgers, pork chops and all the fixings.

Cut 4 (09)  “…from last year.”

But in the southeast the average price of a cookout for ten is $64.31.

USC and UCLA, two of the most storied programs in the country, are preparing to leave the PAC-12 for the Big Ten as early as 2024. NYU Sports Law professor and co-host of the Conduct Detrimental podcast, Dan Lust says he expects even more changes with the emergence of NIL, that will be tested by players who see the money changing hands and ask for their fair share.

Cut 15 (09)  “…entitled to.”

GOHSEP launches a program to help Hurricane Ida survivors who have exhausted all their avenues in recovery but still need assistance. Spokesperson Mike Steele says the program is for example for someone that’s home is livable, but they’re appliances were destroyed.

Cut 5  (08) “…type program.”

Visit GetAGamePlan.org forward slash Ida-D-C-M-P

Baton Rouge Police say a worker at a fast-food restaurant was shot over an argument about a food order. Sergeant L’ Jean McKneely says the gunman was upset his order was given to another customer and confronted the worker in the parking lot and shot him. He says the victim will recover, but no arrest has yet been made…:

CUT 13(09)      “…they are.”

Department of Health has reported the state’s first positive case of West Nile Virus. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says those who are over the age of 60 and those with pre-existing medical conditions carry the highest of risk for developing a more severe infection which can result in hospitalization and the potential for death or severe brain damage.

Cut 8 (12) “…increased risk”

Work has begun on elevating LA 1 in Lafourche Parish from the Leeville Bridge to Golden Meadow. The price tag for this elevated stretch of highway is over 800-million dollars. Executive Director of the LA 1 Coalition Henri Boulet says the project received a large amount of federal grant money as a result of 20 private industry partners providing over a million dollars in match money

Cut 10 (10) “…strong application” 

GOHSEP launches a program to help Hurricane Ida survivors who have exhausted all their avenues in recovery but still need assistance. The is website GetAGamePlan.org then forward slash Ida-D-C-M-P.   That stands for Disaster Case Manage Spokesperson Mike Steele says there’s a reason it wasn’t set up sooner as to give insurance companies time to answer claims.

Cut 4  (11) “…things out.”

Construction is underway on the second phase of elevating LA 1 in Lafourche Parish. Executive Director of the project Henri Boulet says storm surge from hurricanes and tropical storms can sometimes close the highway for several days, costing the U-S millions of dollars in oil and gas production.

Cut 11 (08)  “..generations to come” 

Despite increased costs for…well, everything, Independence Day holiday travel is predicted to be HUGE. More from Kevin Gallagher.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

It will like take months before the Supreme Court makes a final determination on the legality of Louisiana’s Congressional map.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m David Grubb”

Attorney General Jeff Landry sent a letter to the Louisiana State Medical Society warning doctors’ abortion is a crime and it has been since last Friday when the U-S Supreme Court ruled that states have the authority to outlaw abortions. Landry says a judge’s order blocking the state from enforcing an abortion ban has limited reach.

Despite high gasoline costs and increased prices for food and lodging, over 47 million Americans are expected to travel this Independence Day weekend. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says that estimate reflects the second-busiest July 4^th weekend since the year 2000. He says a great many will be on the highways…:

Cut 7 (11) “…travel industry.”

After a two-year hiatus, Essence Fest returns to New Orleans at full strength this holiday weekend. Now in its 27^th year, Essence Fest is the nation’s largest music festival, regularly drawing more than half a million visitors to the city. Councilman Oliver Thomas says there’s no way to overstate its importance for the city and state.

Cut 4 (12)  “…tourism industry.”