As you head out on the highway this holiday weekend, be aware extra officers will be patrolling the roads; seeking out impaired drivers. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesman Mark Lambert says if you’re planning on having some drinks, let someone else drive…:

CUT 04  (11)        “…good judgement.”

He says drunk driving a major travel threat for families. Last year six people were killed and over a hundred injured on Louisiana highways over July 4^th Weekend.

Former West Feliciana High standout, Louisiana Tech football star and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson died from using fentanyl and cocaine. That’s the result of a blood toxicology report. He was found unresponsive in a Baltimore home just over two weeks ago. Funeral services and visitation for Ferguson are Saturday in St. Francisville.

An Alexandria man faces murder charges for supplying a person with the fentanyl that cause their overdose death. Rapides Parish sheriff’s Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline says Sheriff Mark Wood is focused on catching the pushers responsible for overdoses, and they’ve made several so far…:

CUT 14  (09)        “…overdosed and died.”

Starting today, certain women’s products and diapers are state sales tax free; like essential groceries and prescription drugs. The bill establishing that in law was passed in 2021. New Orleans Democrat Representative Aimee Freeman says her “Pink Tax Exemption” affects all women, regardless of their politics…:

CUT 10  (07)        “…went forward.”

An Alexandria man is charged with murder for providing the fentanyl that led to an overdose death. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline says 28-year-old Brian Allen is charged with 2^nd-degree murder, plus criminal conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute dangerous drugs. He says their investigation turned up evidence linking Allen to that overdose…:

CUT 13  (11)        “…make an arrest.”

He says Rapides Sheriff Mark Wood is focused on catching the providers of the deadly drugs and putting them behind bars.

Good news! Starting today, diapers and feminine products are sales tax free. It’s the result of a bill passed in the 2021 legislature by New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman…:

CUT 09  (09)        “…without a tax.”

Diapers – for babies and  adults – are also now tax-exempt.

Deputies in St. Bernard Parish say the man wanted for abandoning a baby on a busy overpass Wednesday has turned himself in. Officers say 21-year-old John Perkins stole the car the infant was in, then dropped the child in the roadway and drove on.

It appears Zion Williamson will be nesting with the Pelicans for a few more years. David Grubb has the details…:

CUT 01(35)      “…David Grubb.”

Beginning today you’ll pay less for feminine products and diapers thanks to the pink tax exemption. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Cooking out for the 4th of July will cost 17-percent more than last year. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson….
cut 29 (09) “…on average”
But Davidson says the cost for strawberries, sliced cheese and potato chips is lower.

28-year-old Brian Allen of Alexandria is facing second-degree murder charges for allegedly providing fentanyl that led to an overdose death in Pineville. Rapides Paris Sheriff’s Office chief of staff Tommy Carnline says over the past several months, detectives have been investigating overdose related deaths
Cut 12 (08) “…made the connection”
Allen has also been charged with criminal conspiracy and possession and distribution of a C-D-S-two, which is fentanyl.

The Pelicans and star forward Zion Williamson have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension that will keep Williamson in New Orleans for the next six years. The deal could be worth up to $231 million. Fox Sports’ Rob Parker says it’s a no-brainer for both sides.
Cut 6 (11) ” …match made in heaven.”

Now that Governor Edwards is done signing and vetoing bills, will lawmakers seek to override any of his vetoes? Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Agents are participating in Operation Dry Water. LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says it’s their annual enforcement of state waterways looking for impaired operators…
Cut 10 (07) “…on the waterways.”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says extra officers will be on the highways this fourth of July weekend to detect and stop impaired drivers. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says if you plan on drinking to celebrate America’s birthday, let someone else drive…
cut 3 (04) “….to drive”
Lambert says 100 people were injured and six people were killed in alcohol-related crashes during last year’s Independence Day holiday.

The world of college athletics is changing again as U-S-C and U-C-L-A are heading from the Pac-12 to the Big 10 and will begin playing in the Big 10 in 2024. NYU Sports Law professor Dan Lust says the SEC’s move to poach Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12 last year certainly pushed the Big Ten to make a counter move….
cut 14 (12) “…keep pace”
Lust expects more dominoes to fall as other conferences scramble to remain viable against these two juggernauts.

Governor Edwards has vetoed over 20 bills from the regular legislative session. Now, the question is “will lawmakers convene a veto override session?” House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says members of the legislature will vote on if they’ll shave a veto session and while there are member who are not anxious for another special session…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…some of them are…”

Lawmakers must have ballots returned on the 11^th.

Cooking out for the 4^th of July will cost 17-percent more than last year. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says but on the bright side the cost of strawberries, sliced cheese and potato chips are down from last year, however…

Cut 5 (09) “…on average.”

Has the Power 5 been shrunken to the Super 2? David Grubb has the story on the major shakeup in college sports…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m David Grubb” 

Essence Fest says their COVID vaccination policy remains in place. There’s been confusion and a tweet, sent in error, that said you can bring a negative COVID test in lieu of proof of vaccination. According to NOLA.com the proof of vaccination policy for attendance remains in place.

Ballots were sent out this week that ask state lawmakers if they want to cancel a veto session currently scheduled for June 16th. The governor vetoed over two dozen bills from the recent regular session. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says the deadline for returning ballots if they do not want a veto session is July 11th…
cut 9 (12) “….when they come in”

The world of college athletics is changing again as U-S-C and U-C-L-A are heading from the Pac-12 to the Big 10 and will begin playing in the Big 10 in 2024. NYU Sports Law professor Dan Lust says the SEC’s move to poach Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12 last year certainly pushed the Big Ten to make a counter move….
ut 14 (12) “…keep pace”
Lust expects more dominoes to fall as other conferences scramble to remain viable against these two juggernauts.

Cooking out for the 4th of July will cost more this year. Brooke Thorington has more on what you can expect to pay.
ct 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Agents are conducting Operation Dry Water this Fourth of July weekend. LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says they will arrest boat operators who are impaired…
cut 12 (10) “….already”

Now that Governor Edwards is done signing and/or vetoing bills, will lawmakers seek to override any of his vetoes? Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

It’s July 1^st and the Pink Tax exemption goes into effect today. The state tax on feminine products and diapers has been removed. The bill was sponsored by New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman and to mark the occasion she’s holding a donation drive of such product along with the Jr. League of New Orleans for entire month.

Cooking out for the 4^th of July will cost more this year. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says each year the American Farm Bureau Federation surveys grocery stores across the country for the average price of burgers, pork chops and all the fixings.

Cut 4 (09)  “…from last year.”

But in the southeast the average price of a cookout for ten is $64.31.

USC and UCLA, two of the most storied programs in the country, are preparing to leave the PAC-12 for the Big Ten as early as 2024. NYU Sports Law professor and co-host of the Conduct Detrimental podcast, Dan Lust says he expects even more changes with the emergence of NIL, that will be tested by players who see the money changing hands and ask for their fair share.

Cut 15 (09)  “…entitled to.”

Ballots went out this week to state lawmakers for them to vote on cancelling a veto session. The Conservative Caucus in the House is pushing for an override veto session after the governor vetoed bills to provide more school options for students and personal liberty legislation when it comes vaccination status. But House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says there are some lawmakers who are not interested in holding a veto session….
cut 8 (07) “…them are”
It would take a majority vote in either the House or Senate to cancel the veto session, which is scheduled for July 16th.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Agents are participating in Operation Dry Water. LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says it’s their annual enforcement of state waterways looking for impaired operators…
Cut 10 (07) “…on the waterways.”

Former Monroe Police officer Jared Desadier is expected to enter a guilty plea in a police brutality case today. That’s according to the attorneys for the victim, Timothy Williams, who says in April of 2020 he was kicked in the face and head after running from officers. Desadier was accused of malfeasance in office and second-degree battery.

Has the Power 5 been shrunken to the Super 2? David Grubb has the story on another major shakeup in college sports…
Cut 3 (35) “…I’m David Grubb”

Now that Governor Edwards is done signing and vetoing bills, will lawmakers seek to override any of his vetoes? Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The U-S Supreme Court has ruled that the Clean Air Act does not give the EPA broad authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. Environmental advocates say the decision is a blow in the fight against climate change, while the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association applauds the Supreme Court’s decision saying EPA’s regulations have cost Americans at the pump.

The cost of a fourth of July cookout is 17-percent higher compared to last year according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says supply chain issues, the war in Ukraine and gas prices have made farm supplies more expensive…
cut 6 (08) “…transported”
Survey results showed the retail price for two pounds of ground beef is up 36-percent from last year.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents will take part in Operation Dry Water this Fourth of July weekend. L-D-W-F spokesperson Adam Einck says agents will be out in force patrolling state waterways for impaired boat operators…
cut 11 (07) “….nation average”
Einck says a DWI on the water carries the same penalties and fines as on the road.

Governor Edwards vetoed 28 bills passed by state lawmakers in the recent regular legislative session. The question is “will lawmakers convene a veto override session?” House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says ballots to cancel the veto session went out this week…:
Cut 7 (10) “…that will take place.”
All it takes is a majority of lawmakers in either the House or Senate to cancel a veto session.

Another major shake up in college athletics is taking place as U-C-L-A and U-S-C are moving from the Pac-12 to the Big 10. NYU Sports Law professor Dan Lust says this probably spells the end of the so-called “Power 5.” and the Big 10 and the SEC could be the last two major conferences standing
Cut 13 (11) “…to my schools.”

Cooking out for the 4th of July will cost more this year. Brooke Thorington has more on what you can expect to pay.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”