Heat indexes over the next week will likely hit triple digits as the state descends into the hottest part of the year. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux, who passed away yesterday at age 57 following multiple surgeries in the wake of a heart attack on June 23^rd, will be laid to rest on Monday in a service scheduled at 2PM at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Visitation will take place Sunday from 3-9 PM at the Cajundome Convention Center, with an additional visitation taking place Monday at 10am. Robichaux will be buried in Crowley.

Qualifying for the race for Governor is a month away.  So far polls have been favorable toward the incumbent, Governor John Bel Edwards, with Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone trailing the other two candidates.  Political analyst Clancy DuBos says the Rispone has already put millions of his own money toward the race, and says it’s too soon to say if he should fold.
Cut 8 (12) “…really begun yet.”
DuBos says the attention of most voters has not even started to focus on the election.
An innovation in pet food will help dogs and cats lose weight without eating less.  The technology invented and patented by LSU Pennington Biomedical scientists speeds up the metabolism process of the animals.  One of the inventors, Dr. Frank Greenway says the when the body detects a lack of methionine, the body kicks into high gear.

Cut 14 (10) “…your metabolism.”

Slim Health pet food is not yet available commercially.

Heat indexes over the next week will likely hit triple digits as the state descends into the hottest part of the year. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

__________________________

Qualifying for the Governor’s race is a month away, but one political analyst says there may be last minute changes to the dynamics of the race in the near future.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

______________________________________________

Uber can now operate statewide, and the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the opportunities that will provide for Fort Polk…

Cut 3 (31) “.Matt Doyle”

_______________________________________

We are in another brutal run of summer heat with little rain in sight and heat indexes over 100 degrees baking the Bayou State for the next week.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says a high-pressure system in the Gulf has stabilized the atmosphere and pushing humid Gulf air onto land.

Cut 4 (09) “…Louisiana.”

You won’t even be graced by the occasional afternoon shower swinging by and pushing temperatures down for a few hours. Keim says expect the dry, but humid conditions to last into early next week.

Cut 5    (07) “out there” 

A lot of folks are taking an extended holiday at the moment and setting up for a weekend of boating or grilling. Keim says the heat index is approaching dangerous levels, so act accordingly.

Cut 6 (11) Protection”

Keim says it’s official, the state has hit the hottest period of the year.

____________________________________

Qualifying for the race for Governor is a month away.  It is a race many say, that despite have three names on the ballot, hasn’t really kicked off yet.  Could there be some surprises in the near future that impact the race?  Political analyst Clancy DuBos says it is very much possible.

Cut 7 (12) “…examples of this.”

So far polls have been favorable toward the incumbent, Governor John Bel Edwards, with Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone trailing the other two candidates.  DuBos says the Rispone has already put millions of his own money toward the race, and says it’s too soon to say if he should fold.

Cut 8 (12) “…really begun yet.”

DuBos says the attention of most voters has not even started to focus on the election.

Cut 9 (10) “…make their decision.”
___________________________

The new statewide regulation ridesharing law is set to be a boon for Fort Polk soldiers and others who are looking to get off the base and enjoy the amenities in Alexandria and other nearby cities.  Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce President Deborah Randolph says Alexandria International Airport is the only airport in the region, but up until this week rideshare companies couldn’t operate there.

Cut 10 (12) “…airport.”

Fort Polk/Leesville to Alexandria International is about a one hour drive.

Military life can mean a lot of moving around, so many servicepeople at Fort Polk are not familiar with the area and may not even have a car. Randolph says Uber can fix that problem.

Cut 11 (11) “…installation.”

Randolph says she hopes access to Uber will get more servicepeople and their families out and exploring the vibrant culture of central Louisiana.

Cut 12 (10) “…buisinesses.”

___________________

An innovation in pet food will help dogs and cats lose weight without eating less.  The technology invented and patented by LSU Pennington Biomedical scientists speeds up the metabolism process of the animals.  One of the inventors, Dr. Frank Greenway, says a restriction of an amino acid in food results in a pet burning more calories and reducing body fat.

Cut 13 (10) “…increase their health.”

It is estimated that over 50 million dogs and 56 million cats are overweight or have obesity in the United States.

Greenway says the when the body detects a lack of methionine, the body kicks into high gear.

Cut 14 (10) “…your metabolism.”

Greenway says in the future if the food becomes more palatable, this same technology could be used in food for humans.

Cut 15 (11) “…place to start”

Congress is pushing to raise the smoking age to 21 from 18, with a bipartisan vanguard of lawmakers leading the charge. The CDC estimates that 22.8 percent of Louisiana adults are smokers, and studies have shown a significant majority of those adult smokers took up the habit before they turned 21. Senator Bill Cassidy, a doctor, says it won’t kill all underage smoking, and…
Cut 5    (09) “.smoking” 
The Louisiana Legislature rejected a state level effort to raise the smoking age to 21 in the last session.
The Louisiana sports world continues to mourn the passing of UL Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux, who passed away yesterday at age 57 following multiple surgeries in the wake of a heart attack on June 23^rd. The Ragin’ Cajuns softball field is named in honor of Former Ragin’ Cajuns and LSU Softball Coach Yvette Girouard. She says Robichaux was one of the first to congratulate her on the accolade.
Cut 14 (09) “…Tony Robichaux field.”

Louisiana waterways will be packed today with people celebrating American independence, so stay safe…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Don Molino” 

A study indicates, just like second-hand smoke, society needs to address the second-hand effects of drinking, and survey data shows roughly 53 million adults have experienced harm from someone else’s drinking in the past year. Scott Embley with LSU Health New Orleans says they’re pushing to change.

Cut 11 (11) “…reach those resources.”

Congress is pushing to raise the smoking age to 21 from 18, with a bipartisan vanguard of lawmakers leading the charge. The tobacco age increase is part of a large healthcare bill is expected to see the floor within the next month. Senator Bill Cassidy says passing this law may keep young people away…
Cut 4 (09) “…age.”
The Louisiana legislature rejected a similar bill last session.
A new national study indicates, just like second-hand smoke, society needs to address the second-hand effects of drinking. Survey data shows 21% of women and 23% of men, roughly 53 million adults, have experienced harm from someone else’s drinking in the past year. Scott Embley with LSU Health New Orleans says booze can bring out the worst…

Cut 10 (12) “…make good decisions.”

The most common harm came in the form of threats or harassment.

It’ll be a hot one today but clear skies for most of the state mean there’s likely to be tons of boaters out on the water celebrating American independence. July 4^th and a cold beer are a great combination but if you’re piloting your watercraft, you’ll need to wait until to get home to indulge.and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says find yourself a designated captain…

Cut 8 (11) “…a car.”

The Louisiana sports world continues to mourn the passing of UL Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux, who passed away yesterday at age 57 following multiple surgeries in the wake of a heart attack on June 23^rd. Former Ragin’ Cajuns and LSU Softball Coach Yvette Girouard says Cajuns Baseball without Coach Robe is unfathomable.

Cut 12 (13) “…make that move.”

It’ll be a hot one today but clear skies for most of the state mean there’s likely to be tons of boaters out on the water celebrating American independence. Safety will be paramount today as seven boaters have died so far this year and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says 80 percent of all bodies pulled out of the water did not have a life jacket…

Cut 6 (11) “afloat”

Einck also warns boaters not to drink and steer, or you could net yourself a DUI.

Congress is pushing to raise the smoking age to 21 from 18, with a bipartisan vanguard of lawmakers leading the charge. Senator Bill Cassidy, a doctor, backs the age increase, and says its been interesting to see which leaders are onboard with the change, including the Senate Majority Leader…

Cut 3 (07) “…reasonable.”

The Louisiana sports world continues to mourn the passing of UL Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux, who passed away yesterday at age 57 following multiple surgeries in the wake of a heart attack on June 23^rd. Former Ragin’ Cajuns and LSU Softball Coach Yvette Girouard remembers the coach as a man of God.

Cut 13 (11) “…when Tony met him.”

A new national study indicates, just like second-hand smoke, society needs to address the second-hand effects of drinking.  Scott Embley with LSU Health New Orleans says when observing any community, about anywhere from 8-12% of the individuals are experiencing some sort of substance issue.

Cut 9 (09) “…than the individual.”

Survey data shows 21% of women and 23% of men, roughly 53 million adults, have experienced harm from someone else’s drinking in the past year.

Louisiana waterways will be packed today with people celebrating American independence, so stay safe…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Don Molino” 

A study indicates, just like second-hand smoke, society needs to address the second-hand effects of drinking, and survey data shows roughly 53 million adults have experienced harm from someone else’s drinking in the past year. Scott Embley with LSU Health New Orleans says they’re pushing to change.

Cut 11 (11) “…reach those resources.”

Congress is pushing to raise the smoking age to 21 from 18, with a bipartisan vanguard of lawmakers leading the charge. The CDC estimates that 22.8 percent of Louisiana adults are smokers, and studies have shown a significant majority of those adult smokers took up the habit before they turned 21. Senator Bill Cassidy, a doctor, says it won’t kill all underage smoking, and…

Cut 5    (09) “.smoking” 

The Louisiana Legislature rejected a state level effort to raise the smoking age to 21 in the last session.

The Louisiana sports world continues to mourn the passing of UL Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux, who passed away yesterday at age 57 following multiple surgeries in the wake of a heart attack on June 23^rd. The Ragin’ Cajuns softball field is named in honor of Former Ragin’ Cajuns and LSU Softball Coach Yvette Girouard. She says Robichaux was one of the first to congratulate her on the accolade.

Cut 14 (09) “…Tony Robichaux field.”

Congress is pushing to raise the smoking age to 21 from 18, with a bipartisan vanguard of lawmakers leading the charge. The tobacco age increase is part of a large healthcare bill is expected to see the floor within the next month. Senator Bill Cassidy says passing this law may keep young people away…

Cut 4 (09) “…age.”

The Louisiana legislature rejected a similar bill last session. 

A new national study indicates, just like second-hand smoke, society needs to address the second-hand effects of drinking. Survey data shows 21% of women and 23% of men, roughly 53 million adults, have experienced harm from someone else’s drinking in the past year. Scott Embley with LSU Health New Orleans says booze can bring out the worst…

Cut 10 (12) “…make good decisions.”

The most common harm came in the form of threats or harassment.

Among those mourning the passing of Ragin Cajuns Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux is former UL Lafayette and LSU softball coach Yvette Girouard. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Boaters in southeast Louisiana, particularly around Lake Ponchartrain today need to keep an eye out for large, floating colonies of greenish-blue toxic algae. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says says it’s best to just steer clear if you see one…

Cut 7 (11) “…avoid.”

It’ll be a hot one today but clear skies for most of the state mean there’s likely to be tons of boaters out on the water celebrating American independence. Safety will be paramount today as seven boaters have died so far this year and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says 80 percent of all bodies pulled out of the water did not have a life jacket…

Cut 6 (11) “afloat”

Einck also warns boaters not to drink and steer, or you could net yourself a DUI.

Congress is pushing to raise the smoking age to 21 from 18, with a bipartisan vanguard of lawmakers leading the charge. Senator Bill Cassidy, a doctor, backs the age increase, and says its been interesting to see which leaders are onboard with the change, including the Senate Majority Leader…

Cut 3 (07) “…reasonable.”

The Louisiana Legislature rejected a state level effort to raise the smoking age to 21 in the last session.

A new national study indicates, just like second-hand smoke, society needs to address the second-hand effects of drinking.  Scott Embley with LSU Health New Orleans says when observing any community, about anywhere from 8-12% of the individuals are experiencing some sort of substance issue.

Cut 9 (09) “…than the individual.”

Survey data shows 21% of women and 23% of men, roughly 53 million adults, have experienced harm from someone else’s drinking in the past year. 

The Louisiana sports world continues to mourn the passing of UL Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux, who passed away yesterday at age 57 following multiple surgeries in the wake of a heart attack on June 23^rd. Former Ragin’ Cajuns and LSU Softball Coach Yvette Girouard says Cajuns Baseball without Coach Robe is unfathomable.

Cut 12 (13) “…make that move.”

The Louisiana sports world continues to mourn the passing of UL Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux, who passed away yesterday at age 57 following multiple surgeries in the wake of a heart attack on June 23^rd. Former Ragin’ Cajuns and LSU Softball Coach Yvette Girouard says Cajuns Baseball without Coach Robe is unfathomable.

Cut 12 (13) “…make that move.”

Robichaux won over 900 games in his 25 seasons at the helm of the program and was the winningest coach in the history of the Cajuns baseball, even taking the team to the College World Series in 2000. Girouard remembers the coach as a man of God.

Cut 13 (11) “…when Tony met him.”

LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri responded to the unfortunate passing of one of the state’s great baseball icons. He says “We are heartbroken by the news that Tony Robichaux has passed away. Tony was an outstanding coach, but he was an even greater molder of young men, and the positive impact he made upon his players I immeasurable. I will always cherish those matchups between the Cajuns and Tigers.”

Southeastern Louisiana University has a new mens basketball coach, and that’s David Kiefer, the 13^th coach to take the title in school history. Kiefer has held down the interim position since the program’s last head coach took the Southern Miss job, and previously worked as an assistant for the team over the last five years.

LSU Basketball coach Will Wade announces he’s bringing on Kevin Nickelberry as assistant head coach of the team. Nickleberry is known for taking his Howard team to the playoffs in 2019 for the first time in 26 years, and is celebrated for coaching teams where every player sported a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Among those mourning the passing of Ragin Cajuns Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux is former UL Lafayette and LSU softball coach Yvette Girouard. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

__________________________

Louisiana waterways will be packed today with people celebrating American independence. It’s good fun, but you still need to stay safe, and if you’re the captain, stay sober…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Don Molino” 

______________________________________________

Congress is pushing to raise the smoking age to 21 from 18, with a bipartisan vanguard of lawmakers leading the charge.

Senator Bill Cassidy, a doctor, backs the age increase, and says its been interesting to see which leaders are onboard with the change, including the Senate Majority Leader…

Cut 3 (07) “…reasonable.”

McConnell is being joined by Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, who was Hillary Clinton’s Vice President pick in 2016.

The tobacco age increase is part of a large healthcare bill that just cleared a US Senate committee 20-3, and the legislation is expected to see the floor within the next month. Cassidy says passing this law may keep young people from developing an addiction early in their adulthood.

Cut 4 (09) “…age.”

The CDC estimates that 22.8 percent of Louisiana adults are smokers, and studies have shown a significant majority of those adult smokers took up the habit before they turned 21. Cassidy says it won’t kill all underage smoking, and…

Cut 5    (09) “.smoking” 

The Louisiana Legislature rejected a state level effort to raise the smoking age to 21 in the last session.

____________________________

It’ll be a hot one today but clear skies for most of the state mean there’s likely to be tons of boaters out on the water celebrating American independence.

Safety will be paramount today as seven boaters have died so far this year and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says 80 percent of all bodies pulled out of the water did not have a life jacket…

Cut 6 (11) “afloat”

Boaters in southeast Louisiana, particularly around Lake Ponchartrain need to keep an eye out for large, floating colonies of greenish-blue toxic algae. Einck says it’s best to just steer clear if you see one…

Cut 7 (11) “…avoid.”

Fishing advisories have been posted for anglers in the Ponchartrain area related to toxic algae blooms.

July 4^th and a cold beer are a great combination but if you’re piloting your watercraft, you’ll need to wait until to get home to indulge. Einck says find yourself a designated captain…

Cut 8 (11) “…a car.”

Captains with blood alcohol contents of .08 percent or higher can be charged with Boating Under the Influence.

___________________________

A new national study indicates, just like second-hand smoke, society needs to address the second-hand effects of drinking.  Scott Embley with LSU Health New Orleans says when observing any community, about anywhere from 8-12% of the individuals are experiencing some sort of substance issue.

Cut 9 (09) “…than the individual.”

Survey data shows 21% of women and 23% of men, roughly 53 million adults, have experienced harm from someone else’s drinking in the past year.  Embley says it comes down to alcohol consumption leading to less than desirable behavior.

Cut 10 (12) “…make good decisions.”

The most common harm came in the form of threats or harassment.  Embley says there is several steps to be taken to limit the harm done to others by someone else’s drinking.

Cut 11 (11) “…reach those resources.”

_________________

The Louisiana sports world continues to mourn the passing of UL Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux, who passed away yesterday at age 57 following multiple surgeries in the wake of a heart attack on June 23^rd. Former Ragin’ Cajuns and LSU Softball Coach Yvette Girouard says Cajuns Baseball without Coach Robe is unfathomable.

Cut 12 (13) “…make that move.”

Robichaux won over 900 games in his 25 seasons at the helm of the program and was the winningest coach in the history of the Cajuns baseball, even taking the team to the College World Series in 2000. Girouard remembers the coach as a man of God.

Cut 13 (11) “…when Tony met him.”

The Ragin’ Cajuns softball field is named in honor of Girouard. She says upon hearing of the coach’s passing, she remembered Robichaux was one of the first to congratulate her on the accolade.

Cut 14 (09) “…Tony Robichaux field.”