Governor Edwards says our current escalation in COVID cases began almost exactly two weeks after Memorial Day and he wants residents to avoid a repeat for the 4^th of July. Edwards advises against going to fireworks displays this year. He says if you attend one of the few public displays still happening do some from your car, but better yet…

Cut 11 (07) “virtually.”

New data from a study of residents in Jefferson and Orleans Parish indicates that asymptomatic carriers of COVID are more infectious than previously thought.

And if you can’t help yourself and need some pyrotechnics to celebrate the night the State Fire Marshal encourages you to practice fireworks safety.  Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says Once you are finished with your celebration be sure to wet down fireworks and deposit them away from the home.

Cut 8 (10) “…as well.”

If you’re setting up a new pool in your backyard Chief of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Programming Michele Hlavsa (Waav saa) has some good news for you, there’s no data available so far that says the virus spreads in the water.

Cut 3 (12)  “…properly maintained.”  

A Monroe man dies after what is believed to be a fireworks-related incident. Police say witnesses told them on July 2nd Damorrious Hollins was holding a mortar round that accidentally was set off while pointing at his leg. The explosion did significant damage to his left hip area, which resulted in Hollins’ death later that day. 

Louisiana records over 1,700 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, putting our average new case count since June 22^nd at clearly over 1,000. Hospitalizations have also risen to their highest levels since May 23^rd. 

Governor Edwards asks the public to avoid any crowds today for the 4^th of July, and do not participate in large gatherings.

Cut 10 (08) “…the same”

This request comes as the state has seen the virus bounce back with a vengeance in the last two weeks and fears are growing that another surge could hit two weeks from now if people don’t socially distance for the 4^th.

If you’re staying home to light fireworks, and fireworks are actually legal in your area, the State Fire Marshal’s office has a few tips for you. SFM Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says be sure to wet down fireworks after use and if you do place them in a garbage can put that receptacle away from your home.

Cut 8 (10) “…as well.”

Backyard pools are growing in popularity as public pools get shut down. If you’re a new pool owner Chief of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Programming Michele Hlavsa (Waav saa) says Always keep an eye on children at the pool. Hlavsa says drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths in children ages one to four and never swim when you are sick.

Cut 5 (13)  “…have diarrhea”

The Pelicans are getting ready to restart the season in the Orlando Bubble later this month and rookie forward Zion Williamson says he’s ready to get back on the court…

Cut 14 (11) “…from certain situations.”

Williamson was recently named one of three cover athletes for NBA 2k21 after just 19 games played last season. The late Kobe Bryant and Portland Trailblazers guard Damian Lillard were also selected as cover athletes this year. 

Louisiana records over 1,700 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, putting our average new case count since June 22^nd at clearly over 1,000. Hospitalizations have also risen to their highest levels since May 23^rd. With numbers ballooning statewide Governor Edwards warns about the potential for more case growth if we treat the 4^th of July as laxly as we did Memorial Day, which he believes was the genesis for our current growth in cases…

Cut 9 (09) “…Memorial Day”

As more people are staying home due to COVID-19 backyards with pools are extremely attractive this summer. Chief of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Programming Michele Hlavsa says the good news about pools is that chlorine kills coronavirus, but the bad news is that germs that can be spread in the water if the chlorine is not properly maintained.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…killing power.”

A Monroe man dies after what is believed to be a fireworks-related incident. Police say witnesses told them on July 2nd Damorrious Hollins was holding a mortar round that accidentally was set off while pointing at his leg. The explosion did significant damage to his left hip area, which resulted in Hollins’ death later that day. 

There are expected to be a lot more personal firework displays this year due to the cancellation of many public displays. Brooke Thorington has some safety tips from the State Fire Marshal’s office.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

It’s the Fourth of July and Governor Edwards is begging you not to repeat the mistakes of Memorial Day and further worsen our COVID case growth….

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

If you do stay in and host a pool party, the Chief of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Programming Michele Hlavsa has some good news: there’s no data available so far that says the virus spreads in the water.

Cut 3 (12)  “…properly maintained.”  

Usually, the State Fire Marshal encourages families to enjoy public fireworks displays versus creating their own, but most are canceled due to COVID-19. SFM Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says fireworks are not legal in all jurisdictions and can be extremely dangerous if not done correctly and should only be handled by adults.

Cut 6 (12) “…reach of children”

2K Sports has unveiled Pelicans forward Zion Williamson as the cover athlete for NBA 2K21 for Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X.  Zion lands the cover after only 19 games in the league, but he’ll be getting more playtime when the NBA starts back later this month in Orlando.  Zion says he’s been training every day during the pandemic, but very privately.

Cut 12 (12) “…my stepfather.”

The late Kobe Bryant and Portland Trailblazers guard Damian Lillard were also selected as cover athletes this year. 

The state reports over 1,700 new cases of COVID-19 today, out of just under 17,000 tests.  That translates to 10.3% of those tested were positive, just above dividing line for containment as defined by the World Health Organization.  43% of the cases are 18 to 29-year-olds.  23 new fatalities are being reported.

Many people are planning to shoot off their own fireworks with many public displays canceled this year. Brooke Thorington has some safety tips from the State Fire Marshal’s office.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

2K Sports unveils Pelicans forward Zion Williamson as the cover athlete for NBA 2K21 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.  Zion lands the cover after only 19 games in the league, but he’ll be getting more playtime when the NBA starts back later this month in Orlando.  Zion says he feels fortunate to be able to not see his rookie season come to an abrupt end due to COVID-19 and feels confident in the NBA’s handling of the bubble situation.

Cut 14 (11) “…from certain situations.”

But that’s not all, Zion is now also featured in a newly released public service announcement with Governor John Bel Edwards stressing the importance of wearing masks. Here’s a preview…
Cut 27

Governor Edwards says our current escalation in COVID cases began almost exactly two weeks after Memorial Day and he wants residents to avoid a repeat for the 4^th of July. Edwards advises against fireworks displays this year. He says if you attend one of the few public displays still happening do some from your car, but better yet…

Cut 11 (07) “virtually.”

Usually, the State Fire Marshal encourages families to enjoy public fireworks displays versus creating their own, but most are canceled due to COVID-19. SFM Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says fireworks are not legal in all jurisdictions and can be extremely dangerous if not done correctly and should only be handled by adults.

Cut 6 (12) “…reach of children”

Rodrigue says you should also only light fireworks on cement and away from structures.

2K Sports has unveiled Pelicans forward Zion Williamson as the cover athlete for NBA 2K21 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.  Zion lands the cover after only 19 games in the league, but he’ll be getting more playtime when the NBA starts back later this month in Orlando.  Zion says he loves the fans in New Orleans and admits playing without them in a closed-off environment will be a different experience.

Cut 13 (09) “…we’ll be fine.” 

The late Kobe Bryant and Portland Trailblazers guard Damian Lillard were also selected as cover athletes this year.

As more people are staying home due to COVID-19 backyards with pools are extremely attractive this summer. Always keep an eye on children at the pool. Chief of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Programming Michele Hlavsa (Waav saa) says drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths in children ages one to four and never swim when you are sick.

Cut 5 (13)  “…have diarrhea”

The state reports over 1,700 new cases of COVID-19 today, out of just under 17,000 tests.  That translates to 10.3% of those tested were positive.  The World Health Organization set 10% positive testing results as the dividing line for containment.  43% of the cases are 18 to 29-year-olds.

For the 4^th of July Governor Edwards is begging residents not to do a repeat of Memorial Day and further spike our growing number of COVID cases.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

2K Sports has unveiled Pelicans forward Zion Williamson as the cover athlete for NBA 2K21 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.  Zion lands the cover after only 19 games in the league, but he’ll be getting more playtime when the NBA starts back later this month in Orlando.  Zion says he’s been training every day during the pandemic, but very privately.

Cut 12 (12) “…my stepfather.”

The late Kobe Bryant and Portland Trailblazers guard Damian Lillard were also selected as cover athletes this year.

As more people are staying home due to COVID-19 backyards with pools are extremely attractive this summer. Chief of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Programming Michele Hlavsa (Waav saa) says there’s no data available so far that says the virus spreads in the water.

Cut 3 (12)  “…properly maintained.”  

The state’s case count is rapidly growing and Governor Edwards says we cannot afford to have a holiday weekend like we did during Memorial Day. Edwards calls on residents to stay home for the holiday, and if you must go out to avoid walking into any crowds.

Cut 10 (08) “…the same”

New data from a study of residents in Jefferson and Orleans Parish indicates the virus is more deadly than previously thought, and that asymptomatic carrier of COVID are more infectious than previously thought.

If you do buy some fireworks for home use Fire Marshal’s spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue asks you to spray down and deposit any spent fireworks away from your home.

Cut 8 (10) “…as well.”

Zion’s legendary 19 game tear to start his career wins him the honor of gracing the front of the next-gen console edition of 2k21. But the sensation will get a chance to continue his rookie legacy in Orlando July 30^th with a restart of the season against the Jazz. Zion says he feels fortunate to be able to not see his rookie season come to an abrupt end due to COVID-19 and feels confident in the NBA’s handling of the situation.

Cut 14 (11) “…from certain situations.”

Home pool installation is getting popular as folks seek to socially distance and avoid community pools. Chief of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Programming Michele Hlavsa (Waav saa) says the good news about a home pool is that chlorine kills coronavirus, so it can’t spread through water, but there are germs that can be spread in the water if the chlorine is not properly maintained.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…killing power.”

Governor Edwards requests everyone stay away from crowds, socially distance, and wear masks for July 4^th if they’re going out of the house. Edwards says Memorial Day helped spur the present-day spike.

Cut 9 (09) “…Memorial Day”

Many people are planning to shoot off their own fireworks with many public displays canceled this year. Brooke Thorington has some safety tips from the State Fire Marshal’s office.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Pels rookie sensation Zion Williamson says the NBA “bubble” experience in Orlando when teams take the court later this month to restart the regular season is almost unimaginable. Zion says he loves the fans in New Orleans and admits playing without them in a closed-off environment will be a different experience.

Cut 13 (09) “…we’ll be fine.” 

As more people are staying home due to COVID-19 backyards with pools are extremely attractive this summer, and that’s leading to a large number of first time pool owners. Chief of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Programming Michele Hlavsa (Waav saa) says Always keep an eye on children at the pool. She adds drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths in children ages one to four and never swim when you are sick.

Cut 5 (13)  “…have diarrhea”

Zion may only have 19 pro games to his name but his short tenure was impressive enough to win him the front cover of one of this year’s editions of NBA 2k21, the long-running basketball video game. The late Kobe Bryant and Portland Trailblazers guard Damian Lillard were also selected as cover athletes this year.  Zion will grace the next-gen consoles’ covers.

The Phenom says it’s a dream come true, but he’s not letting it distract him from their July 30^th restart of the season against the Jazz. It’s going to be a new experience for the players but Zion is just glad he can get back out on the court…

Cut 14 (06) “…from certain situations.”

Zion says he loves the fans in New Orleans and admits playing without them in a closed-off environment will be a different experience.

Cut 13 (09) “…we’ll be fine.” 

ESPN reports the NFL will play “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”, a song considered the Black national anthem, directly before the national anthem when the regular season kicks off in week one in all stadiums. The NFL says they will also be highlighting the issue of police brutality in a number of other ways throughout the season.

FedEx has sent an official request to the Washington Redskins to change their name. FedEx owns the naming rights to Washington’s stadium, and as issues of racial justice become more prevalent the team’s name, which some consider racist, is once again receiving calls to be changed. Pepsi and Nike also are joining the calls after the three companies received a letter by dozens of investment firms and shareholders calling for divestment from the controversial team. Owner Daniel Snyder has long resisted the name change effort.

Newly minted Pats QB Cam Newton is happy in his new New England digs. The QB says his incentive-laden contract is a sign of respect, and not about the money.