Travel for the 4^th of July holiday could break previous records. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Governor vetoes a bill intended to phase out Louisiana’s corporate franchise tax; seen as detrimental to business. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Extra hours of play in scorching temperatures for kids can mean dehydration and health officials gives a word of caution… Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (32)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Travel for the 4^th of July Weekend is underway, and AAA estimates it will be among the busiest with close to 51 million Americans who will venture 50 miles or more away from home this Independence Day. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman…

Cut 4 (11)  “…the holiday.”

Redman says with gas prices almost $1.10 less than this time last year is one reason more people can travel for the holiday. But airline costs are almost 50 percent higher this year and Redman says it’s not deterring travelers whatsoever.

Cut 5 (12)   “…to travel.”

He says air travel is up both domestic and international.

Triple A estimates 43 million people will drive to their destination, more than 2 percent from last year and 4 percent higher than in 2019. Regionally Redman says about four to five million will be traveling by car.

Cut 6 (03)  “…who’s traveling.”

He says the earlier you leave on your journey the better. Among the best travel times, are before 10 am Friday and after 6 pm on Friday. Also before noon on Saturday is an ideal time to drive. Traffic should be minimal Sunday and Monday.

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Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a senate bill that sought to phase out Louisiana’s corporate franchise tax. The bill was sponsored by Franklin Republican Senator Bret Allain II (pronounced “L-N”). He says he’s disappointed because the state’s franchise tax system is cited as a big reason companies choose not to come to our state…:

Cut 7 (11) “…very disappointed.”

In his veto statement, the Governor says he’s concerned the effects of having two stacked tax phase-outs in play would have on state revenues and future budgets. Allain says his bill would have been beneficial to Louisiana’s business environment and the economy…:

Cut 8 (11) “…with that opinion.’”

Allain says his SB 1 would have meant real tax reform for Louisiana, and he regrets the Governor’s decision…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…disagree with it.”

Allain is term-limited, so he cannot bring the bill back next year. He says he hopes his successor in Senate District 21 will consider filing it in the next fiscal session in 2025.

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While summer typically means no school and more fun for kids, it also means they are at more risk of getting dehydrated. Health officials remind parents to keep kids hydrated. Dr. Kevin Stephens says parents must step in and pay attention to their kids.

Cut 10 (10) “…severe problems.”

Kids are at a higher risk for dehydration and heat illness compared to adults because children have a lower sweating capacity and produce more heat during physical activity. The amount a child should drink varies by age, gender, weather, and level of physical activity. Stephens suggests offering plenty of water and hydrating foods…

Cut 11 (13)  “…given water.”

Stephens urges parents to avoid long hours of play in extreme heat and to keep an eye out for symptoms.

Cut 12 (13)    “… soiling diapers.” 

Stephen says if you think your child may be suffering from heat illness, hydrate them and consult a physician.

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The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down college affirmative action programs will have little impact in Louisiana. That’s according to Higher Education Commissioner Dr. Kim Hunter Reed. She says the ruling was specific to the use of race as a factor in admissions.

Cut 13 (10) “…do now.”  

However, Hunter Reed says it is important to affirm and reaffirm the importance of diversity at higher learning institutions in Louisiana.

Cut 14 (11)  “…race and ethnicity.”

Hunter Reed says admissions will remain business as usual for public universities in Louisiana.

Cut 15 (10)  “…in our state.”

The cases heard before SCOTUS pertained to admissions at Harvard and the University of North Carolina.

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Cut 16 (19) “…can I say.”

Cut 17 (17) “…came here.”

Cut 18 (19) “…2023 (applause).” 

Cut 19 (22) “…bunt play” 

Cut 20 (20)  “…have fun”  

The US Supreme Court made a landmark ruling today, ending affirmative action for college admissions. University of Louisiana system president Dr. Jim Henderson says in Louisiana schools use objective admissions criteria based on high school GPA, core curriculum, and standardized test scores.

Cut 3 (11) “…the country.”

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter said the court has issued a disgraceful decision that will make it harder for minority students to have a chance at equal admission to our nation’s top schools.

The 29^th Annual Essence Festival kicks off today in Crescent City. New Orleans and Company Senior Vice President of Communications Kelly Schulz says it appears tht the festival will be crowded.

Cut 7 (10)  “…90 percent occupancy.” 

The festival ends on Monday, July 3^rd.

McNeese broke ground on a new press box for Cowboy Stadium today. The previous press box sustained significant damage from the 2020 hurricanes and a complete overhaul was required. Director of Facilities Kevin Martin says the new facility will have 25 suites and a 17-hundred-square-foot sky club. And it will also have an open patio area that can function as more than just a press box…

Cut 10 (07)  “…that building.”

It’s expected to be completed in time for the 2025 football season.

Members of the LSU baseball championship team served fans chicken finger meals at the flagship Raising Cane’s near the LSU campus during lunch today. Dylan Crews, Paul Skenes, Tommy White, Tre’ Morgan, Ty Floyd, and head coach Jay Johnson all took part. Cane’s owner Todd Graves was in Omaha for the College World Series this year and he made a large contribution to keep LSU in the lead for the Jell-o Shot Challenge.

How does the US Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action for college admissions impact Louisiana? Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The Essence Festival of Culture is underway in New Orleans beginning today through July 3 and tourism is expected to reach high numbers again this year. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”  

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The US Supreme Court made a landmark ruling today, ending affirmative action for college admissions. University of Louisiana system president Dr. Jim Henderson says in Louisiana schools use objective admissions criteria based on high school GPA, core curriculum, and standardized test scores.

Cut 3 (11) “…the country.”

The cases concerned admissions at Harvard and the University of North Carolina. The organization Students for Fair Admissions argued that Harvard’s race-conscious admissions policy violated the 1964 Civil Rights Act which bans discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. Henderson says the ruling impacts schools like Harvard and UNC because they are both highly selective institutions.

Henderson says the UL system has intentional interventions in place to ensure students succeed regardless of their background.

Cut 4 (10)  “…our communities.” 

And while several individuals and institutions have issued statements decrying the decision, Henderson says he understands those positions are more based on our political culture war.

Cut 5 (13)  “…effective way. ”

Nine states already ban affirmative action, Florida is the only state in the southeast that does.

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There’s a party going down in the Big Easy this weekend. The 29^th Annual Essence Festival of Culture, the nation’s largest music festival, kicks off today through July 3. New Orleans and Company Senior Vice President of Communications Kelly Schulz says the importance of this event is big… 

Cut 6 (12)  “…this weekend.” 

The festival expects tens of thousands of visitors for one of the largest celebrations of Black art and culture in the country. Hotel occupancy rates in 2022 were hovering at 93 percent in and near downtown, according to an informal survey by New Orleans & Co. Schultz says numbers are still holding strong.

Cut 7 (12)  “…last year.” 

Last year’s festival had a $327 million impact on the city’s economy. Schultz says local businesses are anticipating an increase in customers around the city. She says with big luminaries and celebrities in the city, attendance is expected to increase over the weekend.

Cut 8 (12)  “…to New Orleans.” 

Visit neworleans.com or download the Essence Festival app for a line-up of festivities.

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McNeese broke ground on a new press box for Cowboy Stadium today. Much of southwest Louisiana was devastated by Hurricanes Delta and Laura in 2020. The former press box like much of the Lake Charles area sustained significant damages and a complete overhaul was required. Now, three years later, Director of Facilities Kevin Martin says they’ve completed the long process to organize funding from 4 separate sources and get the project underway…

Cut 9 (14) “…like that.”

The updated box is set to be over 28,000 square feet and extends the goal line to the goal line. The state-of-the-art facility will boast 25 suites and a 17-hundred-square-foot sky club and an open patio area that Martin says will allow it to function as more than just a press box…

Cut 10 (07)  “…that building.”

For the Lake Charles area though, Martin says this project is about more than just a football stadium. Recovery from Hurricane Laura has taken longer than expected for many, including the university, but Martin says the new box will be a return of a local landmark and symbol of progress for many in the area…

Cut 11 (13)  “…in a whole.”

The box is expected to open for the 2025 season.

The US Supreme Court made a landmark ruling today, ending affirmative action for college admissions. University of Louisiana system president Dr. Jim Henderson says the UL system has intentional interventions in place to ensure students succeed regardless of their background.

Cut 4 (10)  “…our communities.” 

Nine states already ban affirmative action, Florida is the only state in the southeast that does.

The 29^th Annual Essence Festival of Culture, the nation’s largest music festival, kicks off today in Crescent City. New Orleans and Company Senior Vice President of Communications Kelly Schulz says hotel occupancy rates last year hovered at 93 percent and an informal survey says numbers are still holding strong.

Cut 7 (12)  “…last year.” 

The festival ends on Monday, July 3^rd.

The man who crashed his SUV through the front of the Hammond Target three years ago is sentenced to 25 years. 44-year-old Walter Allbritton the III of Ponchatoula pled no contest to several charges including terrorizing aggravated criminal damage to property. Allbritton also broadcasted the incident on Facebook Live.

McNeese broke ground on a new press box for Cowboy Stadium today. Much of southwest Louisiana was devastated by Hurricanes Delta and Laura in 2020 and the former press box was damaged significantly. Three years later, Director of Facilities Kevin Martin says they’ve completed the long process to organize funding from 4 separate sources and get the project underway…

Cut 9 (14) “…like that.”

The US Supreme Court made a landmark ruling today, ending affirmative action for college admissions. University of Louisiana system president Dr. Jim Henderson says in Louisiana schools use objective admissions criteria based on high school GPA, core curriculum, and standardized test scores.

Cut 3 (12) “…the country.”

The 29^th Annual Essence Festival of Culture, the nation’s largest music festival, kicks off today in New Orleans and runs through July 3rd. New Orleans and Company Senior V. P. of Communications Kelly Schulz says the festival has a huge impact on the Crescent City…

Cut 6 (11)  “…New Orleans.” 

We could see some record-high temperatures today. Health officials warn to stay out of the heat. Teiko Foxx has more….

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

A three-vehicle accident involving an ambulance Tuesday in Pointe Coupee Parish claims two lives. Trooper Christian Reed says the driver of the ambulance, 28-year-old Kymber Nezat of Baton Rouge, and 82-year-old Albert Bordelon of Avoyelles Parish who was being transported by the ambulance died at the scene. Reed says routine toxicology samples were collected.

Cut 7 (09)  “…analysis.” 

Nearly three years after the catastrophic hurricanes of 2020, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says he’s frustrated the U.S. Department of Commerce has finally said there will be financial aid for Louisiana’s seafood industries to recoup revenue losses of over $155-million. Graves says these types of losses could threaten peoples’ livelihoods…:

Cut 10 (10)  “…is destroyed.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a House bill that would have given police the power to command you to “stay back” while they do their job. The bill drew bipartisan support in both House and Senate, but Mr. Edwards says it’s unnecessary because there are already laws about interfering with an officer. Bill author Representative Mike Johnson of Pineville says he will file the bill again next year.

There’s a new king of Louisiana Seafood. Chef Owen Hohl of Hot Tails -with two locations in New Roads and Prairieville- beat out eleven chefs to win the 16^th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off. Hohl’s will represent the state in August at the 19^th Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans. He will also serve as a Louisiana Seafood Ambassador. Hohl is excited to showcase the Gulf’s seafood through his amazing dishes to the world…:

Cut 5 (11)  “…cooking” ”

Nearly three years after the catastrophic 2020 hurricanes Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says he’s frustrated the U.S. Department of Commerce is just now offering financial aid for the state’s seafood industries. He says it shouldn’t take this long.

Cut 9 (09) “…more relevant.”

Financial loss from the 2020 hurricanes in 22 coastal parishes totaled over $155 million.

A three-vehicle accident involving an ambulance Tuesday in Pointe Coupee Parish claims two lives. Trooper Christian Reed says the driver of the ambulance, 28-year-old Kymber Nezat of Baton Rouge, and 82-year-old Albert Bordelon of Avoyelles Parish who was being transported by the ambulance died at the scene. Reed says routine toxicology samples were collected.

Cut 7 (09)  “…analysis.” 

Chef Owen Hohl of Hot Tails has been named the new king of Louisiana seafood. He beat out eleven chefs to win the 16^th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off. Before the competition, the Honduran native said a combination of spicy cultures would give him a flavorful edge over the competition.

Cut 4 (12)  “…slight advantage.” 

He’ll represent the state in August at the Great American Seafood Cookoff in New Orleans.

At Alex Box Stadium tonight, the LSU National Champs in baseball will be honored. The Tigers fought back through the College World Series to bring home their 7^th championship and many fans said it wasn’t hard to tell what set this group apart…

Cut 15 (07)  “…this thing.”

Tonight’s even starts at 7:30.

A three-vehicle accident involving an ambulance Tuesday in Pointe Coupee Parish claims two lives and severely injures a third. Trooper Christian Reed says the driver of the ambulance, 28-year-old Kymber Nezat of Baton Rouge, and 82-year-old Albert Bordelon of Avoyelles Parish who was being transported by the ambulance died at the scene.

Cut 6 (11)  “…head on.” 

A third passenger in the ambulance is in severe condition.

There’s a new king of Louisiana Seafood. Chef Owen Hohl of Hot Tails -with two locations in New Roads and Prairieville- beat out eleven chefs to win the 16^th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off. Hohl says the competition was intense, but he was prepared.

Cut 3 (07) “…felt comfortable”

In August he’ll represent the state in the 19^th Annual Great American Seafood Cook-off in New Orleans.

The U.S. Commerce Department announces the state’s saltwater finfish, oyster, and shrimping industries will receive financial aid due to revenue losses caused by the 2020 hurricanes. State Wildlife Fisheries Biologist Jason Froeba says this is good news for the seafood industry.

Cut 10 (09) “…the way.”
How much will be allocated will be determined by NOAA.

LSU baseball won its seventh College World Series Championship in program history and hundreds of fans were there to support their return home yesterday.  As the Tigers fought back through the C-W-S, there were many fan favorites….

Cut 14 (11)  “…got it big.”

There will be a big celebration tonight at Alex Box Stadium.

A carjacking in Slidell Sunday ended with an arrest in Alabama. Slidell Police spokesman Daniel Seuzeneau says Sunday afternoon, 37-year-old Tyron Pryor of Kingsville, Texas barged into the Outback Steakhouse, grabbed a kitchen knife, and threaten employees and customers. He then carjacked a vehicle and fled. Then a few hours later Pryor encounters an Alabama state Trooper working an accident…:

Cut 13 (14) “…in Alabama.” 

He’ll eventually be extradited back to Slidell.

Bravo to LSU fans who helped push the College World Series Jell-O shot competition over the top; meaning about $60-thousand for the LSU food pantry. Spokesperson Allison Paz is grateful to Rocco’s Pizza in Omaha…:

Cut 11 (09)  “…that donation.”

With a $1.36 billion investment by the federal government, more Louisianans will receive high-speed internet…:

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx”  

In Monroe, an off-duty state police sergeant was arrested Monday evening after allegedly hitting a parked car while driving under the influence and leaving the scene. 49-year-old Shelton Crooks has been with the agency since 1999 and has been placed on administrative leave with state police.

A bizarre carjacking in Slidell Sunday ended with an arrest in Alabama. Slidell Police spokesperson Daniel Seuzeneau says shortly before 1 PM 37-year-old Tyron Pryor of Kingsville, Texas barged into the Outback Steakhouse, grabbed a kitchen knife, and threaten employees and customers.

Cut 12 (11) “…then took off.” 

He says Pryor then rammed the car he stole into a state trooper’s vehicle trapping the officer inside. Pryor was eventually arrested after a short chase following the crash.

The LSU Tigers are national champions of college baseball for the first time since 2009. Coach Jay Johnson says he’s grateful LSU’s administration believed in him and the team.

Cut 5 (11)  “…they gave me the chance”

Louisiana has been awarded 1.36 billion dollars for the expansion of affordable, reliable high-speed internet service. Connect LA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar says the goal is to supply every home and business with internet by 2029.

Cut 8 (13)  “…reliable internet.” 

Tiger fans in Omaha won their first Jell-o Shot Challenge and approximately 60-thousand dollars will be donated to LSU’s food pantry. LSU Campus Life spokesperson Alison Paz says they learned about the challenge just before the first shot congealed and never imagined a donation of this size.

Cut 10 (06)  “…turn out.”

Paz says food insecurity on college campuses can be as high as 30-percent.