Soggy conditions are expected in Louisiana this week.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Executive Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, Lisa Freeman says cops are working overtime for the 4^th to make sure there is high visibility to remind people to make responsible decisions.

Cut 3 (05) “…get on the road.”

Big changes in the Big Easy as the Pelicans roster has been restructured during NBA free agency. Veteran point guard Rajon Rondo went to L-A, and All-Star Center Demarus Cousins is heading to Golden State. They’ve been replaced by Elfrid Payton and Julius Randle. Payton, a native of Gretna, starred for the Rajun Cajuns, and was the tenth pick in the 2014 draft. Pelicans beat writer Scott Kushner for the Advocate says Payton is a poor shooter for a point guard, but can handle the ball and play solid defense.

Cut 10 (12) “either”

Good news for folks grabbing steaks for the 4^th: the prices should be lower than last year for good quality beef. Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says If you’re looking for a leaner cut of meat, look to these.

Cut 14 (09)  “bit leaner.”

Demarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo have left the New Orleans Pelicans, but some young blood has been brought in to fill the All-Star sized holes left in the roster. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle” 

Drivers can expect to see more law enforcement presence with the holiday, as the state is looking to clear the roads of impaired drivers.  Executive Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, Lisa Freeman says cops are working overtime to make sure there is high visibility to remind people to make responsible decisions.

Cut 3 (05) “…get on the road.”

Soggy conditions are expected today and into tomorrow as a tropical wave moves across the southern half of Louisiana.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says the highest rainfall totals are expected along the coastline.

Cut 6 (07)  “…up in northern parishes.”

Good news for folks grabbing steaks for the 4^th: the prices should be lower than last year for good quality beef. Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says this is one of the biggest days of the year for grilling all things beef. Everybody knows about chuck for burgers and ribeyes for steak eaters, but for those looking to change things up, and get the most bang for their buck, Foster says grab a chuck.

Cut 13 (11) “single person” 

2:30 PM NEWSCAST

Drivers can expect to see more law enforcement presence with the holiday, as the state is looking to clear the roads of impaired drivers.  During the five year period from 2012 to 2016, Executive Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, Lisa Freeman, says over eighty percent of traffic fatalities over the holiday occurred in collisions involving impaired drivers, each year.

Cut 5  (10) “…have been drinking.”

Soggy conditions are expected today and into tomorrow as a tropical wave moves across the southern half of Louisiana.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says the rain is welcomed as much of the state is approaching drought conditions, and portions of the state are already there.  But this system can also produce flash flooding.

cut 8 (10) “…towards Lake Charles.”

Big changes in the Big Easy as the Pelicans roster has been restructured during NBA free agency. Veteran point guard Rajon Rondo went to L-A, and All-Star Center Demarus Cousins is heading to Golden State. They’ve been replaced by former Ragin Cajun point guard Elfrid Payton and six-foot-nine forward Julius Randle. Pelicans beat writer Scott Kushner for the Advocate says it’s definitely a mixed bag for Pels fans, but could really pay off.

cut 9 (11)  “proven guys”

Good news for folks grabbing steaks for the 4^th: the prices should be lower than last year for good quality beef. Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says this is one of the biggest days of the year for grilling all things beef. Despite what The Cooking Channel might tell you, Foster says don’t throw that steak in a pan or the oven.

Cut 12 (07)   “eating experience”

Soggy conditions are expected in Louisiana this week. Kevin Barnhart has more.
Voicer 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Law enforcement from around the country have been taking time out to participate in a lip-synching battle and many their vidoes have gone viral. But Acadia Parish Sheriff K-P Gibson released a statement today that said his deputies will not participate, as he says he would rather see them focus on criminal activity than a Face Book challenge.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has supplied State Police and local law enforcement with grant money so they can have extra patrols during this week and their primary goal will be searching for impaired drivers. Commission executive director Lisa Freeman says have a plan in place before you consume alcohol…
cut 4 (06) “…sober driver”
During the five year period from 2012 to 2016, Freeman says over eighty percent of traffic fatalities over the holiday occurred in collisions involving impaired drivers.

As long as the weather holds up, many will fire up the grill on Fourth of July. Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says for those looking for a lower fat, more consience cut of meat, there are options…
cut 14 (09) “…bit leaner”
Foster says those looking for medium steaks should make sure those cuts are 140 to 145 degrees in the center.

We are seeing strong storms in the Acadiana area this afternoon. Street flooding and power outages were reported in metro New Orleans this morning from a tropical wave that’s producing heavy rainfall in spots. State Climatologist Barry Keim says get ready for a wet week, particulary for south Louisiana…
cut 7 (12) “…Saturday”

Motorists might find roadways a bit congestion this afternoon as thousands head out of town for the Fourth of July holiday. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission executive director Lisa Freeman says they’ve supplied State Police and local enforcement with grant money so that extra patrols can be put into place to get impaired drivers off the roads…
cut 3 (05) “…get on the road”
Freeman says From 2012 through 2016, 37 people died on Louisiana roads during the July fourth holiday period.

Demarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo have left the New Orleans Pelicans, but some young blood has been brought in to fill the All-Star sized holes left in the roster. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Are you hitting the road for the Fourth of July holiday? You are not alone as a record-breaking 47-million Americans are expected to travel…
voicer 2 (28) “…I’m Connor Ferrill”

Soggy conditions are expected today and into tomorrow as a tropical wave moves across the southern half of Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the highest rainfall totals are expected along the coastline.
cut 6 (07) “…up in northern parishes”
Keim says rain chances will also be at least 50-percent this weekend.

The Edwards administration says the budget compromise reached in the last special session has resulted in an upgrade in Louisiana’s credit rating. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says Moody’s Investors Service has raised the state’s credit outlook from negative to stable…
cut 11 (08) “…good news”
State Treasurer John Schroder says now that the fiscal cliff was solved on the revenue side, it’s time to work on the spending side of the problem.

The long range hurricane forecast experts at Colorado State are predicting a below average 2018 hurricane season now. Doctor Phil Klotzbach says they project just 10 named storms, four hurricanes and one major hurricane, but he says we shouldn’t let our guard down…
cut 15 (09) “…for you”
The original prediction for the 2018 season was 14 named storms and we’ve already had one, Alberto, popped up in the Gulf in May.

The Wall Street rating firm, Moody’s Investors Service, has upgraded the state’s financial outlook from negative to stable. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne credits the legislature’s decision to set a 4.45 percent sales tax rate until 2025, which gives the state long-term financial stability…
cut 12 (08) “…kind of action”
Colorado State forecasters are downgrading their expectations for this year’s hurricane season, predicting a below average season for tropical activity. C-S-U Research Scientist Doctor Phillip Klotzbach says they now anticipate 10 more named storms, four hurricanes, and one major hurricane before November 30th. He says conditions have changed over the last month.
Cut 13 (09) “atmosphere”
AAA is estimating a record-breaking 47-million Americans will travel 50 miles or more starting today for this Fourth of July holiday. The auto club also predicts a record three-point-eight million will travel by air. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says Europe is a popular destination as well as theme parks and cruises…
cut 9 (05) “…Alaskan cruise”

While celebrating the holiday this week, it’s important to remember a few tips to reduce the risk of injuries from fireworks. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 1 (31) I’m Kevin Barnhart.“

Independence Day means pyro for many celebrating the holiday.  Although fireworks are dangerous, it’s important that you do take into consideration several factors to reduce the risk of negative outcomes if you choose to fire up the festivities. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says you should start by making sure your fireworks are legal in your area.

Cut 4  (05) “…allowed and not prohibited”

AAA estimates this Fourth of July holiday will see a record-breaking 47 million Americans travel 50 miles or more. The statewide average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.57, which is the highest in four years for Independence Day. But AAA Spokesperson Don Redman says travelers are paying less for airfare, which has resulted in a record-breaking three-point-eight million people traveling by air…

Cut 8 (07)  “to the mix”

Moody’s investor Service has raised Louisiana’s credit outlook from negative to stable, in a sign that Wall Street may be gaining more confidence in the Bayou State economy. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says this was one of the many reason the Edwards administration pushed for a stable final budget deal.

Cut 10 (09)   “that passed.”

Colorado State forecasters are downgrading their expectations for this year’s hurricane season, now saying we’re looking at a below average season for tropical activity. Colorado State University Research Scientist Phillip Klotzbach warns that just because fewer named storms are predicted, doesn’t mean that one mega storm won’t cruise in and cause havoc.

Cut 14 (11) “hurricane audrey”

The original prediction was fourteen named storms.

Good news for the Gulf South, experts have lowered this year’s hurricane season projections. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

It was a messy commute for motorists in metro New Orleans as a result of heavy rain that flooded streets and knocked out power in uptown New Orleans. Rain is likely to fall across the state today as a tropical wave moves east to west. The good news, high temperatures only in the 80s.

The Edwards administration says the budget compromise reached in the last special session has resulted in an upgrade in Louisiana’s credit rating. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says Moody’s Investors Service has raised the state’s credit outlook from negative to stable…
cut 11 (08) “…good news”
State Treasurer John Schroder says now that the fiscal cliff was solved on the revenue side, it’s time to work on the spending side of the problem.

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says if you plan lighting fireworks over the next two nights to purchase fireworks from retail stands that have been inspected and permitted by his office. And Browning says when celebrating, be prepared to extinguish embers that may still be burning after the fireworks have been ignited….
cut 6 (06) “…start a fire”
And Browning says after displays, never pick up fireworks that may be left over.

The Wall Street rating firm, Moody’s Investors Service, has revised the state’s financial outlook from negative to stable. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the legislature approving a 4.45 percent sales tax rate until 2025 provided the state with long-term financial stability…
cut 12 (08) “…kind of action”
Dardenne says Moody’s improved credit outlook is validation of the governor’s financial policy.

The long range hurricane forecast experts at Colorado State are predicting a below average 2018 hurricane season now. Doctor Phil Klotzbach says they project just 10 named storms, four hurricanes and one major hurricane, but he says we shouldn’t let our guard down…
cut 15 (09) “…for you”
Heavy rain is moving through metro New Orleans this morning.

Are you hitting the road today for the Fourth of July holiday? You are not the only one as a record-breaking 47-million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more…
voicer 2 (28) “…I’m Connor Ferrill”

A reported 13 teenagers have now escaped this year from the Swanson Center for Youth in Monroe. The latest escape attempt occurred around midnight on Monday as three teens got out. One of the them was captured in Monroe, the other two stole a state pickup truck and were caught in LaSalle Parish on Monday morning. One prison guard was injured, but was released from the hospital.