Mosquito season is upon us, so now is the time to take steps to protect yourself from West Nile Virus. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says when you go outside, apply EPA-approved mosquito repellent containing DEET, and take other steps as well.

Cut 6 (09) “…hours or so.”

Sokol says every year, people get infected with West Nile in every part of the state, so everyone is at risk for West Nile.

Mosquitos probably won’t be a problem so early, but it will be hot for today’s Super Regional as the high temperature in Baton Rouge is predicted to be 95-degrees. Shortstop Stevan Milam says they are prepared for the heat…

Cut 17 (13)  “…this weekend.”

First pitch is set for one this afternoon.
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Senator Bill Cassidy and other Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee met with President Trump this week to discuss the “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival is happening today in Ruston. Tori Davis with Experience Ruston says the free music and arts festival offers entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Cut 10 (11) “…until 10:30 p.m..”

A sweeping bill that mandates a series of nutritional reforms is awaiting Governor Landry’s signature. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

If you’re looking for something else to do over the weekend, how about some fishing?  Rene LeBreton with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says this is free fishing weekend.

Cut 10 (09) “…sport of fishing.”

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The Super Regional between LSU and West Virginia kicks off at Alex Box Stadium tomorrow.  Tiger Rag editor Glen Guilbeau expects Anthany Eyanson to start game one to be available to close out game three if necessary. As for the lineup, he believes Johnson will stick with the one that secured a Regional championship versus Little Rock.

Cut 15 (14) “…fifth or sixth.”

Whether you’re fishing or taking in some baseball, you may notice a haze in the sky this weekend… the result of dust particles from the Sahara Desert. Associate professor of coastal meteorology at LSU, Paul Miller, says it will affect air quality so if you’re at risk be aware.  Miller says the dust is brought across the Atlantic by hot, dry desert winds.

Cut 6 (10) “…cyclone development.”

Miller says weather systems off the coast of Florida should disperse the dust by Monday.

A massive nutrition reform bill is on Governor Landry’s desk.  The bill banse certain artificial colors and additives in meals served in schools, and requires food companies to put QR codes on packaging if their products contain certain artificial ingredients. And author of the bill Covington Republican PatrickMcMath says certain medical professionals will be required to take a one-hour course on nutrition and metabolic health every two years.

Cut 8 (16) “…they simply don’t.”

If the sky outside seems hazy and brown this weekend, you’re not imagining things.  It’ll be the result of dust particles from the Sahara Desert. Associate professor of coastal meteorology at LSU, Paul Miller, says it’ll be strange no doubt but some need to be careful because of the air quality.

Cut 5 (11) “…something like that.”

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The Super Regional between LSU and West Virginia kicks off at Alex Box Stadium tomorrow. The Mountaineers and Tigers have similar records at over 40 wins each.  Tigers aces Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson have been a devastating duo on the mound, but Tiger Rag editor Glen Guilbeau says if LSU can’t wrap up the series by Sunday, Monday’s game three could get interesting.

Cut 14 (17) “…off game.”

And hey, this weekend is Free fishing weekend in Louisiana.  Rene LeBreton with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says it’s a good way to introduce new people to the sport of fishing. And once they’re hooked, getting a license for the whole year is easy and inexpensive.

Cut 12 (09) “…top of that.”

And the fishing license is good for 365 days following the date of issuance.

The Super Regional between LSU and West Virginia kicks off at Alex Box Stadium tomorrow. The Mountaineers and Tigers have similar records at over 40 wins each. Tiger Rag editor Glen Guilbeau thinks LSU may have the upper hand, but that doesn’t mean this weekend’s series is a sure thing.

Cut 13 (15)  “…as well.”

First pitch tomorrow is set for 1 p.m.

If you’re looking for a change of pace this weekend, maybe try some fishing?  After all it’s free fishing weekend in Louisiana! Rene LeBreton with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on the success of the decades-old tradition.
Cut 11 (08) “…license after that.”

The fishing license is goof for 365 days.
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LSU Associate Professor of coastal meteorology Paul Miller says Louisiana can expect some African visitors this weekend. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Louisiana High School Coaches Association has named its first female Director.  Franklinton native and long-time coach Jessica Barber is an experienced assistant coach and says building relationships and having fun should always be at the center of athletics.

Cut 18 (12)  “…help with.”

A sweeping bill calling for a series of nutrition reforms is on the governor’s desk. Senate Bill 14, authored by Covington Republican Patrick McMath, unanimously passed both houses of legislature. Major components include banning certain artificial colors and additives in meals served in schools, and forcing food companies to put QR codes on packaging if their products contain certain artificial ingredients. McMath says they’re part of the nationwide Make America Healthy Again movement.

Cut 7 (11) “…change their ingredients.”

The Louisiana High School Coaches Association named Franklinton native Jessica Barber as its new director. Barber is the association’s first female director and brings nearly two decades of coaching experience to the job. She says when she got the job, she thought of the deserving women who impacted her as an athlete.

Cut 16 (12) “…high school athletics.”

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LSU hosts West Virginia this weekend with a trip to the College World Series on the line. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

If the sky outside seems hazy and brown this weekend, don’t be surprised. It’s the result of dust particles from the Sahara Desert. Associate professor of coastal meteorology at LSU, Paul Miller, says dust plumes are a regular part of the Atlantic climate system.

Cut 4 (10) “…happening here.”

Miller says weather systems off the coast of Florida should disperse the dust by Monday.

The Louisiana House approves legislation that would result in a long prison sentence for anyone convicted of intentionally infecting another person with an incurable sexually transmitted disease. The bill passed the House on a 68-18 vote, but it got some pushback  from New Orleans Democrat Jason Hughes, who says sexually active adults will look at this new law and decide not to get tested so they’re protected from this kind of conviction.

Cut 14 (09) “…bad list.”

Monroe Democrat Pat Moore authored the bill and  says she has no sympathy for people who knowingly give a sexually transmitted infection to another person or a person who is sexually active and refuses to get tested.

Cut 15 (10) “…this disease.”

Moore’s bill still needs Senate approval, and the legislative session must end Thursday, June 12th.

With hurricane season now here, the state is ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

It’s been more than two and a half weeks since ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail; and two remain on the loose. Among them is 32-year-old Antoine Massey, who recently posted a video onto Instagram saying, among other things, that he’s innocent. State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert Hodges says the courtroom is where Massey should state his case.
Cut 8 (07) “…you’re an escape.”

Now that the calendar has flipped to June, hurricane season is has officially arrived. And the state is prepared for anything Mother Nature may have in store. Some are concerned that the recent cuts to the National Weather Service may hinder its ability to provide essential updated information when a severe storm approaches. But State climatologist Jay Grymes has Louisiana covered and says it’s going to be a very busy hurricane season here.

Cut 5 (10) “…a response activity.”

Ten days after over 100,000 people across parishes abruptly lost power, city and state leaders grilled Entergy and MISO leaders yesterday regarding what happened and why no one had been warned. MISO Representative Rick Kim said several events led to the decision including a tornado in West Louisiana that knocked out one high-capacity powerline, while another was down for planned testing, they they made the decision to shut off power to avoid a catastrophic, widespread outage.

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A lawsuit was filed against Pelicans star Zion Williamson last week accusing him of rape and sexual assault. Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson addressed the suit for the first time yesterday. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Cotton planting season is wrapping up, and the LSU AgCenter says this year’s crop could be the smallest one on record. LSU AgCenter Cotton and Corn Specialist Shelly Pate Kerns says farmers are not planting as much cotton because of low demand and low prices.

Cut 11 (09) “..other crops.”

The Louisiana House approves a bill that makes it a crime to knowingly give another person an incurable sexually transmitted infection. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

It’s June, which means it’s hurricane season. And this year some are worried that recent  cuts to the National Weather Service may be a problem.  But during a news conference at GOHSEP headquarters, Governor Landry pointed out Louisiana has Jay Grymes.

Cut 4 (11) “…us accurate information.”

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It’s now been more than two and a half weeks since ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail; and two remain on the loose. Among them is 32-year-old Antoine Massey, who recently posted an Instagram saying, among other things, that he’s innocent of the domestic abuse charges that landed him behind bars. State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert Hodges says those who helped Massey post the video will likely also be facing charges.

Cut 7 (07) “…online platform.”

Cotton planting season is wrapping up, and the LSU AgCenter says this year’s crop could be the smallest one on record. LSU AgCenter Cotton and Corn Specialist Shelly Pate Kerns says acreage is way down from last year.

Cut 10 (10) “…all-time low.”

Pate Kerns says farmers are not planting as much cotton because of low demand and low prices.

Hurricane season starts tomorrow and the National Weather Service and NOAA want you to know they’re prepared to keep you informed. Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm says personnel will be going to great lengths to get you life-saving information and they’re improving their process for predicting how storms intensify.

Cut 10 (13) “…and underwater gliders.”

After a five hour weather delay last night, LSU took care of Little Rock seven to nothing in game one of the Baton Rouge Regional. Anthony Eyanson got the start of the mound and pitched into the eighth inning, striking out seven hitters. Second baseman Daniel Dickinson led the offense with two home runs over the left field wall after recording outs in his first two plate appearances…

Cut 15 (14) “…swings on em.”

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The Insurance Council of Louisiana is speaking out with concerns over a bill signed into law by the governor. It gives the insurance commissioner the ability to reject rate increases regardless of market conditions. Executive Director Rodney Braxton says this law is reminiscent of when Louisiana had the now-abolished insurance rating commission, which injected politics into the process.

Cut 8 (10) “…on actuarial science.”

Black bears have been spotted roaming neighborhoods in Baton Rouge, and the Covington and Abita Springs areas of St. Tammany Parish. LDWF Large Carnivore Program Manager John Hanks says if you encounter a bear, don’t run, back away slowly.  And don’t yell at the bear, but be loud and calm.

Cut 5 (07) “…not something to eat.”