Rice yields this year could be negatively affected by the hot, dry summer. Brooke Thorington reports…:

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Governor has vetoed three bills seen by some as “anti-LGBT.” Will that trigger a veto override session or not? Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The waiting list for seniors and in-home services should start to dwindle due to legislation passed in the most recent session. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The hot and dry summer we’ve been experiencing is likely to limit the yields for some of the state’s key crops, like rice. Louisiana Rice Specialist Ronnie Levy (Lee-Vee) with the LSU Ag Center says if planted late in the season, anything flowering now could affect pollination:

Cut 4 (09)  “critical stages”

Levy says the full impact the heat has had on the rice crop won’t be known until harvest which hasn’t started yet. He says there are advantages to the hot, dry weather…:

Cut 5 (09)   “as well”

Levy says the bigger concern is the impact drought conditions have on other crops like soybeans, sugarcane and corn. But thankfully it’s not a statewide issue…:

Cut 6 (10)  “on those crops”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed anti-LGBTQ bills, triggering speculation as to whether state lawmakers will or will not seek to override his vetoes. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat thinks lawmakers will seek to come back to Baton Rouge to reverse the vetoes, and the pressure will be on the Governor to avert that…:

Cut 7 (05) “…two-thirds majority.”

Pinsonat says the bills vetoed were about limiting the use of “preferred pronouns”, banning discussion of sexual topics with students, and banning certain transgender medical procedures for minors. He calls them hot-button social issues for conservatives who want to be re-elected. He reminds us the bills passed with two-thirds majority votes in both chambers…:

Cut 8 (08) “…overriding a veto.’”

A veto override session is automatic unless enough House & Senate members vote – in writing – not to return to Baton Rouge. Pinsonat believes majorities of Republican lawmakers will choose to come back to the Capitol…:

Cut 9 (11)  “…not the Republicans.”

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The governor has signed legislation to create a trust fund for in-home services for seniors. When the state has a budget surplus, Louisiana AARP Advocacy Director Andrew Muhl says 12 percent will go towards the Community Options Waiver Trust Fund.

Cut 10 (11) “…nursing home care.”

Muhl says it’s a milestone for seniors and the funding is crucial as the population of older adults expands over the next ten years. He says it’s ideal for seniors who have difficulty with daily tasks that want to remain in their homes.

Cut 11 (07)  “…independent.”

There’s a great demand for the program, Muhl says as many as 8,000 older adults in Louisiana are waiting to receive such services with wait times as long as 10 years. He says the trust fund will help change that…

Cut 12 (08)    “…that list.” 

Muhl says whenever the Revenue Estimating Committee recognizes excess funds 12-percent will be placed in the trust fund.

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According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission pickleball injuries could cost Americans close to $400 million in medical costs this year. LSU Health New Orleans Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Christopher Marrero says pickleball resembles tennis, but players use paddles to hit a plastic ball and it doesn’t require as much running.

Cut 13 (11) “…overuse injuries, etc.”  

The study says the majority of pickleball injuries are sprains, strains, and fractures and the average age of the player is 60 or older.  Marrero says pickleball exploded during the pandemic and analysts say it will cause 67-thousand ER visits in the US this year alone.

Cut 14 (11)  “…playing pickleball”

So, before you try to take on the most popular growing sport in the country, Marrero says to always stretch your muscles beforehand and use common sense, don’t try to overplay when you’re starting out.

Cut 15 (07)  “…injuries.”

The Sports and Fitness Industry Association trade group says pickleball has grown from 3.5 million players in 2019 to 8.9 million in 2022.

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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”  

Caddo Parish Sheriff’s deputies are investigating an early morning stabbing of a 77-year-old Keithville woman and the suspect is her 25-year-old granddaughter.  Authorities say they were notified before 4 o’clock this morning that an elderly woman with multiple stab wounds walked into Ochsner LSU Health. The suspect was apprehended at a nearby truck stop in Keithville.

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

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Most of the state is finally seeing some relief from the scorching hot temperatures prompting an end to excessive heat warnings 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 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 for setting off fireworks vary by municipality so be sure it’s allowed in your area before planning your own show.

We’ve all been talking about just how hot it’s been the last two weeks and State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’re about to get some relief.

Cut 4 (10)  “…couple of weeks.”

He says the humidity will still be higher than normal though so in some parts of the state it will feel like triple-digit temperatures.

The accolades keep for the 2023 National Champion LSU Baseball team just keep coming. Pitcher Paul Skenes has received many honors including first-team All-American and D-1 Baseball’s National Player of the Year. He says it 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.

While the price of our 4th of July cookout 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, is up about $2.00 to $66.43…:

Cut 9 (11)  “…the country.”
But fortunately, gas prices are much lower this Independence Day with the statewide average for a gallon of regular at $3.07, which is $1.28 lower than this time last year.

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”

Temperatures will return to normal for this time of year which is hot but not as hot as it has been. State Climatologist Barry Keim says humidity levels will continue to run higher than normal, so parts of the state will have heat indices between 100 – 110 in the afternoon.

Cut 5 (12)   “…oppressive out there.”

By the weekend temperatures will climb back to the upper 90s.

The College World Series Champion LSU Baseball team isn’t done winning, three players have been named first-time All-Americans. One of the three is Paul Skenes, and when he reflects on the season and their incredible CWS run, he says there’s no doubt who the best team in baseball is…

Cut 7 (14) “…dang cool.”

The average price for your 4^th of July cookout has increased from last year. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says the average price for a cookout for ten folks in the southern region is up about $2.00 to $66.43. He says the national average last year was the highest-ever average in the American Farm Bureau’s 10-year history of the survey.

Cut 10 (09) “…bit more.”

And it’s not the 4th of July without fireworks and the State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind you to never let kids handle explosives. Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says that goes for sparklers also.

Cut 14 (13)  “…can’t see.”

And always make sure your fireworks are watered down before you dispose of them.

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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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

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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.”

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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.

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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…

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.” 

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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.”  

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Cut 12 (11) “…off the road.” 

Cut 13 (11) “…impaired drivers.”

Cut  14 (00)  “….”

Cut 15 (12) “…old fashioned taxi”

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Cut  16 (08)  “…else does”

Beginning August 1, a new law signed by Governor John Bel Edwards will allow Louisiana residents with private insurance and Medicaid who want to quit smoking to enroll in a six-month smoking treatment program. Teiko Foxx has more…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Foxx.”

Avoyelles Parish deputies report they retrieved a body from the Red River near Marksville Saturday. They got a call about a possible drowning victim at around 2 pm and had located the remains by 5. As yet they have not released the age, gender or name of the victim.

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 around 10:30 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 05(05)      “…and death.
The crash remains under investigation.

The first cases of malaria in the U.S. have been detected in Florida and Texas; the first of domestic origination in a decade. Dr. Ben Springgate is with LSU Health in New Orleans. He says mosquito bites are the culprit…:

Cut 09  (12)      “…hospitalization.”

Take steps to avoid being bitten, because…who needs that? Right?

Caddo Parish Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a shooting that critically injured an 18-year-old south of Cross Lake Monday night. Authorities say he was shot during an argument between two groups at PBS Pinchback Park. The victim was taken to Ochsner LSU Health in Shreveport for treatment. Deputies say eyewitnesses told them that gunfire erupted shortly after a verbal altercation. The incident remains under investigation.

After her car was submerged in the Amite River Saturday night 37-year-old Sara Marshall of Prairieville died as a result. Trooper Christian Reed says despite being restrained; she was unable to exit the vehicle. He 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.” 

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Beginning August first health insurers in Louisiana are now 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.

The first US-based cases of malaria have been identified. 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 previous cases were from individuals who traveled outside the country and returned with the disease. But the most recent cases in Texas and Florida originated in the US.

Cut 10 (12)  “…the disease.”

The CDC deems the overall threat of malaria in the US to be “extremely low,

A poll conducted for Reboot Louisiana on the governor’s race shows Democrat Shawn Wilson slightly ahead of Republican front-runner Jeff Landry, and it also shows former LABI head Stephen Waguespack surging into 3^rd place. Political analyst Roy Fletcher feels it’s no coincidence Waguespack shows well in a poll done by his supporters…:

Cut 11 (05)  “…for a reason.”

Reboot LA’s poll shows Waguespack 14 percentage points in just three months, to take an unofficial 3^rd place.

After close to 50 years in law enforcement, Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator announces he will not seek re-election. Prator says a recent diagnosis of a treatable cardiac condition played a role in his decision:

Cut 13 (10) “…this decision.”  
Taxes on e-cigarettes and vape products in Louisiana tripled on July first. Department of Revenue Secretary Kevin Richard says retailers who purchase the products tax-free directly from authorized manufacturers are required to pay the state excise tax…

Cut 5 (15)   “…other offense.”

The first US-based cases of malaria have been identified in Florida and Texas. The CDC says it’s been two decades since cases originated in the US. Chief of Community and Population Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Benjamin Springgate says malaria is a parasite spread by mosquitos.

Cut 9 (12) “…hospitalization.”

The threat in the US remains extremely low.