We’re getting some respite from the extreme heat this week…:
Cut 4 (10) “couple of weeks”
That’s State Climatologist Barry Keim who says humidity will still be higher than normal though so some parts of the state will still see triple digit feels-like temperatures.

While the price of our 4th of July BBQ 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, rose about $2.00 to $66.43…:
Cut 9 (11) “the country”
But gas prices are much lower this 4th of July Holiday with the statewide average for a gallon of regular at $3.07, which is $1.28 lower than the same time last year.

LSU ace pitcher Paul Skenes set an SEC record 209 Strikeouts this season, and he’s giving back in a major way. Kace Kieschnick reports…:
CUT 2 (32) “I’m Kace Kieschnick”

As you party for the 4th of July today with fireworks and cookouts, state officials are reminding you to designate a driver. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled over campaign remains in place through tonight so police will be out in full force looking out for drunk drivers. Operation Dry Water is also still in effect where LDWF agents will be on waterways making sure boat operators aren’t drinking.

We’ve stopped seeing the excessive heat warnings in Louisiana, so we return to our normal hot summer. Brooke Thorington reports…:
CUT 1 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Saints Tight end Foster Moreau announced on Twitter yesterday that his cancer is in full remission. This comes a few months after he found out during a Saints physical that he had Hodgkin Lymphoma. The former Tiger officially signed with New Orleans in May, a reported three-year deal that will pay him 12-million dollars.

The 2023 National Champion LSU baseball team ace pitcher Paul Skenes will not only be remembered for the SEC record 209 strikeouts this season, but also how he used that to give back. The Air Force transfer pledged a donation to Folds of Honor for every strikeout, the non-profit that benefits military families…:
Cut 8 (14) “Folds of Honor”
Skenes raised over $50,000 for the charity.

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”
She says it’s never a good idea to deal with fireworks when you’ve been drinking.

Most of the state is finally seeing some relief from the scorching hot temperatures we’ve seen over the last week as excessive heat warnings are no more, 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 average price for your 4th of July cookout has increased from last year in The Bayou State. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says for a party of 10 in the southern region, we’re paying about $2 more to $66.43. He says things like burgers and fries, or potato salad, are contributing:
CUT 11 (07) “dairy products”
He says nationally the cost of a BBQ this year is down 3%.

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 of setting off fireworks vary by municipality to make sure it’s allowed in your area before planning your own show.

The accolades keep rolling in for members of the 2023 National Champion LSU Baseball team. Ace pitcher Paul Skenes has received many honors including first team All-American and D-1 Baseball’s National Player of the Year. The ace pitcher says all of this 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.

A new poll on the 2023 Governor’s race shows Democrat Shawn Wilson slightly ahead of Republican front-runner Jeff Landry, but also shows former LABI head Stephen Waguespack surging into 3rd place. The poll was conducted for Reboot La, a PAC supporting Waguespack. Political analyst Roy Fletcher says this poll is accurate…:
CUT 12 (07) “but that’s malarkey”
Fletcher places more faith in independent pollsters.

Taxes on e-cigarettes and vape products in Louisiana have tripled as of July 1. Secretary of Department of Revenue Kevin Richard says retailers must use electronic age verification platforms…:
Cut 4 (13) “of age”
The law also says beginning on October 1st, manufacturers will have to register their products with ATC.

The US Supreme Court ruling that President Biden overstepped his authority to forgive federally backed student loans is receiving criticism. This ruling comes on the heels of affirmative action being overturned for college admission which New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says is another example of politics in the nation’s highest court:
Cut 9 (07) “of policy”
Carter says the federal government regularly forgives the debt of businesses, industries, and even small countries and students deserve the same.

LSU Star Pitcher Paul Skenes has raised nearly $50,000 for Folds of Honor, a non-profit that provides educational scholarships to the family members of military and first responders who have fallen or been disabled. Skenes’ effort got a big boost when Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves kicked in $20,000.

The chance that lawmakers will return to Baton Rouge for a veto override session went up Friday as Governor John Bel Edwards nixed anti-LGBTQ legislation. The Governor promised he would veto any measures similar to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay Bill” that seeks to ban talk about gender and sexual identity in K-12 classrooms. The governor called such proposals an attack on some of the state’s most vulnerable children.

Under a new law that went into effect July 1st, the taxes on nicotine vape products and e-cigarettes nearly tripled. Teiko Foxx reports..:
CUT 1 (33) “I’m Teiko Foxx”

The US Supreme court is being criticized for it’s decision to strike down President Biden’s student loan cancellation plan. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says it sends the wrong message to students who’ve worked hard to get their college degrees…:
Cut 7 (07) “provide help”
The court’s decision means payments would start back up again in October.

Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator says he will instead retire at the end of this year and not seek re-election. He says he wanted to announce his decision because there are only six weeks left to qualify for the office…:
Cut 15 (10) “successful campaign”
He stressed he is not resigning. Prator became sheriff in Caddo 23 years ago, and has been in law enforcement for 50 years.

A new poll on the 2023 Governor’s race shows Democrat Shawn Wilson slightly ahead of Republican front-runner Jeff Landry, but also shows former LABI head Stephen Waguespack surging into 3rd place. The poll was conducted for Reboot La, a PAC supporting Waguespack for Governor. Political analyst Roy Fletcher says he’s recently seen two independent polls that contradict Reboot La’s findings:
Cut 10 (12) “into double digits”
The gubernatorial primary election is October 14th, and the general election is November 18th.

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”

State Police have identified the woman who was killed after her car crashed into the Amite River in Livingston Parish on Saturday night. They say for unknown reasons, 37-year-old Sara Marshall of Prairieville ran off the road and into the river. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Supreme Court’s ruling that President Biden overstepped his authority on student loan debt forgiveness receives criticism. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The US Supreme court is being criticized for striking down President Biden’s student loan cancellation plan. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says the decision will limit the ability for many to purchase a home, start a business and spend extra money in local economies…:
Cut 8 (09) “them relief”
Student loan payment requirements are to resume in the fall.

State taxes on nicotine vape products and e-cigarettes tripled July 1st as a bill signed into law by Governor John Bel Edwards went into effect. Additionally, in the coming months every vapor and nicotine manufacturer whose products are sold in Louisiana must register the merchandise with the ATC.
Cut 6 (10) “current laws”
That’s Kevin Richard, Secretary of the Department of Revenue.

A new poll in the Governor’s race shows GOP candidate Stephen Waguespack surging into 3rd place, but is it an accurate representation of voter preference? Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 3 (32) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

Governor John Bel Edwards on Friday vetoed three bills widely opposed by LGBTQ+ advocates — his final actions on measures stemming from the 2023 legislative session. The Republican-controlled legislature will now consider whether to reconvene in a session that could override the governor’s vetoes. A two-thirds vote in the House and Senate is required to override a veto which is exceedingly rare in Louisiana.

AAA says this 4th of July Holiday weekend will be one of the busiest on record in terms of people who’ve decided to go out of town, and state officials are urging you not to drive impaired. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign is underway and Greg Fischer, with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says July 4th is among the worst holidays for DWI mishaps…:
Cut 13 (11) “impaired drivers”
The campaign is in place through Wednesday.

A stretch of I-10 was closed off to westbound traffic in Ascension Parish Friday after a portion of the roadway buckled from excessive heat, according to highway officials. The pothole was reported around near the Sorrento exit and was patched up about one hour later as traffic backed up for miles. DOTD says there have been numerous instances of buckling across the state.

Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise met with Brian Kelly, Nick Saban, and other SEC officials to discuss potential legislation surrounding college athlete NIL deals. There are no regulations and protections in the current NIL space and Scalise wants to have something in place to keep college athletics on the up and up…:
Cut 11 (14) “in jeopardy”