Abortions are now illegal in Louisiana as a result of the U-S Supreme Court’s historic decision that overturned the Roe versus Wade ruling made nearly 50 years ago that guaranteed a women’s right to terminate their pregnancies. USA Today Network reporter Greg Hilburn says Louisiana just passed a new trigger law that now takes effect. It has no exceptions for rape of incest, but does except certain medical circumstances. Hilburn says doctors, or those who assist in an abortion, face up to 10 years in prison and if it’s a late term abortion the sentence could be as much as 15 years…:

CUT 05(07)      “…last week.”

The state Department of Health reports 2400 new cases of COVID-19 statewide; among them Governor John Bel Edwards, who’s office announced he had the virus this afternoon. The governor gets regular routing COVID tests. We’re told he’s showing no symptoms right now and he is fully up-to-date on COVID shots & boosters.

With the reversal of Roe vs. Wade, and Louisiana’s new abortion ban taking effect, it seems like a good time to remind everyone about the Louisiana’s Safe Haven law, under which persons not prepared to have or care for a newborn can simply hand the child over at most any hospital or fire station. As long as the child is left in the hands of an employee and the child shows no signs it has been abused, the person surrendering custody can walk away without legal repercussions. For details on Safe Havens, visit “dcfs.louisiana.gov.”

Louisiana is in an early summer heat wave of record proportions. Weather stations across the state report record-setting and record-breaking high temperatures. State Climatologist Barry Keim says scorching weather is here for the next few days, but worry not; it won’t go one forever…:

CUT 15(13)      “…we see every summer.”

The state Department of Health reports 2400 new cases of COVID-19 statewide; among them Governor John Bel Edwards, whose office announced he had the virus this afternoon. The governor gets regular routing COVID tests. We’re told he’s showing no symptoms right now and he is fully up-to-date on COVID shots & boosters.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe vs Wade brings strong emotions from both side of the issue. Brooke Thorington reports…:

CUT 01  (35)        “…Brooke Thorington.”

LSU President William Tate is touting a 27-million dollar donation from Shell USA, the largest gift from a for-profit partner in the university’s history. Tate says the funds will establish the LSU Institute for Energy Innovation. Tate says Shell is the founding partner of the LSU Institute for Energy Innovation and that its commitment extends beyond the scientific mission of the institute and into the growth of Louisiana’s workforce as well…:

Cut 11  (12)      “…energy industry.”

Oh boy, is it hot!! Record highs are being recorded all over Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says hot, moist air from the Gulf is clashing with hot, dry air over land; bringing clear skies and unrelenting heat…:

CUT 14(09)      “…cool things down.”

He says somewhat cooler temperatures are coming next week.

With the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of the 1973 Row vs Wade decision this morning, abortions are- for the most part -now illegal in Louisiana. USA Today Network reporter Greg Hilburn says Governor Edwards just signed a new trigger bill into law this week…:

CUT 03  (07)        “…rape or incest.”

That new trigger law does have exceptions for medical complications however.

Louisiana is in an early summer heat wave of record proportions. Weather stations across the state report record-setting and record-breaking high temperatures. State Climatologist Barry Keim says scorching weather is here for the next few days, at least…:

CUT 13  (10)        “…100 or 110.”

Keim says warm, wet air from the Gulf is colliding with hot, dry air over land; creating this rainless heat. He says it may be well into next week before the state sees any significant rain.

Deputies in East Baton Rouge Parish say a naked woman crashed her car through the wall of a local donut shop, then tried to run from cops and attacked paramedics. It happened at around 2 a.m. She finally gave up and is having her health – physical AND mental – evaluated.

LSU women’s basketball has received a verbal commitment from the top player in the nation. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(35)      “…David Grubb.”

The state’s three abortion clinics are closed this afternoon after the U-S Supreme Court released a ruling that overturns Roe Versus Wade, which makes abortions illegal in Louisiana. Greg Hilburn, who covers the State Capitol for the USA Today Network says the only real exception is to save the life of the pregnant woman
Cut 4 (06) “…like that.”

The U-S Senate approved its first gun reform bill in decades last night and it has bipartisan support. Senator Bill Cassidy helped craft the legislation. He says it could have prevented the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas because the bill allows expansive background checks for individuals under the age of 21 trying to purchase a gun…
cut 30 (12) “….are sealed”
Louisiana’s junior U-S Senator John Kennedy voted against the bill.

Governor John Bel Edwards signs into law a bill that requires carbon monoxide detectors in all one or two-family homes sold or leased after January 1st. It also requires any home with a generator installed to have a detector as well. Metairie Representative Stephanie Hilferty says she wrote the law after a carbon monoxide detector saved the lives of her family during Hurricane Ida.
Cut 13 (10) “…would have happened.”
Hilferty worked with the State Fire Marshal’s office to help craft the bill.

LSU President William Tate is touting a $27-million dollar donation from Shell USA, the largest gift from a for-profit partner in the university’s history. Tate says the funds will establish the LSU Institute for Energy Innovation, dedicated to advancing reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible energy.
Cut 10 (12) ” …and solutions.”

The constitutional right to have an abortion in the United States was reversed by the Supreme Court of the United States this morning. The decision was expected after a brief overturning Roe v Wade was leaked last month. President of the Louisiana Family Forum, Gene Mills says Louisianan’s trigger laws essentially closes the state’s three abortion clinics.
Cut 6 (12) “…post Roe Louisiana.”
New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman say the ruling is a major setback for women’s rights and will have devastating consequences.
Cut 7 (12) “…our country.”
A statement from the Louisiana Coalition for Reproductive Freedom says they are ready to keep up the fight for abortion access and do whatever it takes to get people the care they need.

To address the ongoing teacher shortage lawmakers passed a few bills, including a pay raise but a good government group says more can still be done. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Wallethub ranks Louisiana fourth in the county for best states to do a summer road trip. Wallethub analyst Jill Gonzales says based on the metrics they looked at, Louisiana has some of the best driving laws in the country…
cut 12 (10) “…a state”

The Supreme Court has overturned Roe V Wade, the official announcement was made this morning after a brief was leaked on the abortion ruling in May. The high court voted to overturn the nearly 50 years of a constitutional right to an abortion. Trigger laws in Louisiana that will go into effect will ultimately close the three remaining abortion clinics in the state.

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy is one of 15 Republican Senators to vote for a gun control bill last night that passed the U-S Senate on a 65-33 vote. Kevin Gallagher spoke with Senator Cassidy prior to the vote….

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The legislature passed some laws to help address the ongoing teacher shortage. But President of the Council for a Better Louisiana, Barry Erwin, says one issue facing the teaching profession is the growing political mindset to vilify educators and accusations of indoctrinating children.

Cut 9 (12)  “…teaching as a profession.”

The legislature passed a $15-hundred pay raise for teachers this year.

According to WalletHub Louisiana is ranked fourth in the nation as the best state for a summer road trip. WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says the ranking looked at the most fun, scenic, and wallet-friendly road trip destinations, and when it comes to cost the Bayou State ranked second in the nation on road trips.

Cut  11 (12)  “…right now.” 

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy was one of 15 Republican lawmakers to vote for a new gun control bill last night that received approval in the Senate. Cassidy says the measure includes more stringent background checks for gun buyers, and will also take steps to make schools safer…:

Cut 4 (09)  “…access to mental health.”

Louisiana Lawmakers passed several bills to help address the ongoing teacher shortage in the regular session this year. Barry Erwin President of the Council for a Better Louisiana says he’s hopeful a college scholarship program will foster more students to enter the profession.

Cut 7 (07) “…some of the bills.”

And the legislature changed measures to allow retired teachers to return to the classroom and they are still able to collect retirement.

Thanks to Metairie Representative Stephanie Hilferty, carbon monoxide detectors are required in all one or two-family homes sold or leased now. She worked with former State Fire Marshal, and current director of the National Association of State Fire Marshals, Butch Browning in crafting the legislation and both say it’s an evolutionary step for the state in making homes safer.

Cut 14 (09)  “…of the code.”

After Ida four people died from carbon monoxide poisoning and 150 were taken to the ER.

According to WalletHub Louisiana is ranked fourth in the nation as the best state for a summer road trip. WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says the ranking looked at the most fun, scenic, and wallet-friendly road trip destinations. And the Bayou State ranked first when it comes to driving laws…

Cut 12 (10) “…a state.” 

After years of failure, The U-S Senate has approved a significant gun safety bill. 15 Republicans, including Louisiana’s Bill Cassidy, joined 50 Democrats to vote for the legislation that includes more stringent background checks for gun buyers under 21 years old, provides billions of dollars to improve mental health services and hardens schools. Cassidy says if you support the 2nd Amendment, you should support the bill…
cut 6 (09) “….they are wrong”
Louisiana’s junior US Senator John Kennedy voted against the legislation.

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed into a law legislation requiring working carbon monoxide detectors for one and two family homes that are sold or leased after January 1st. Whole house generators will also need a dectector and the bill’s author Stephanie Hiliferty says every household should get one…
cut 15 (08) “….can save lives”

To address the ongoing teacher shortage lawmakers passed a few bills, including a pay raise but a good government group says more can still be done. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Shell is donating 27-million dollars to LSU to establish the Institute for Energy Innovation, which will advance reliable, affordable, environmentally responsible energy. The gift is the university’s largest ever from a for-profit corporate partner and the largest philanthropic investment in energy-related initiatives.

The U-S Senate approved its first gun reform bill in decades last night and it has bipartisan support as 15 Republicans joined 50 Democrats in the Senate to send the legislation to the House. Senator Bill Cassidy helped craft the legislation. He says it could have prevented the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, because the bill allows for a background check to include a person’s record of juvenile offenses…
cut 5 (12) “….are sealed”
Louisiana’s junior U-S Senator John Kennedy voted against the bill.

Education officials have raised concerns about a teacher shortage in Louisiana. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says more programs are needed to attract high school students to enter the field…
cut 8 (10) “….in high school”

Carbon monoxide poisoning is an unseen danger, particularly during hurricane season. A new law seeks to lessen the risk for families….
Cut 3 (37) “…I’m David Grubb.”

A Baton Rouge abortion clinic says it’s no longer taking appointments as they wait to see if the Supreme Court will overturn Roe v Wade, which would make abortions illegal in Louisiana. An abortion clinic in Shreveport has a waitlist of 400 people. A ruling from the nation’s highest court could come down today.

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy is one of 15 Republican Senators to vote for a gun control bill last night that passed the U-S Senate on a 65-33 vote. Kevin Gallagher spoke with Senator Cassidy….
cut 1 (29) “….Kevin Gallagher”

Louisiana’s junior U-S Senator John Kennedy voted against the bill. Kennedy has not released an official statement on why he voted no, but previously said that we do not need more gun control in America, we need more idiot control.

Governor John Bel Edwards signs into law a bill that requires carbon monoxide detectors in all one or two-family homes sold or leased after January 1st. It also requires any home with a generator installed to have a detector as well. Metairie Representative Stephanie Hilferty says she wrote the law after a carbon monoxide detector saved the lives of her family during Hurricane Ida.
Cut 13 (10) “…would have happened.”
Hilferty worked with the State Fire Marshal’s office to help craft the bill.

According to WalletHub Louisiana is ranked fourth in the nation as the best state for a summer road trip. WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says the ranking looked at the most fun, scenic, and wallet-friendly road trip destinations.
Cut 10 (12) “…roundtrip destination.”
The statewide average gasoline price is $4.47 a gallon, seven cents cheaper than a week ago.