If you plan on hitting the water this 4th of July weekend, expect to see an increased presence from the Wildlife & Fisheries agents. It’s called Operation Dry Water, and LDWF’s Lt. Garret Kimble says DWI on the water carries the same penalties as on the road and it will also impact your on-road driving privileges…:

CUT 04(12)      “…in jail.”

Speaking of DWI, the state Highways Safety Commission’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is doing much the same on Louisiana’s roadways. Greg Fischer, with the LHSC, says expect to see a big police presence this weekend…:

CUT 12  (11)        “…off the road.”

A DWI can cost over $10-thousand. He says it’s just not worth the risk to drive impaired.

DOTD workers in Baton Rouge reported to police they found a body yesterday afternoon alongside Interstate 110, while stopping to offer motorist assistance. The remains were not far from the Governor’s Mansion. It’s yet unclear how the person died or how long the remains had been there.

Congressman Steve Scalise met with LSU Coach Brian Kelly and other SEC officials to discuss potential legislation regarding collegiate Name-Image-Likeness deals. Kace Kieschnick has more…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Kieschnick.”

If you plan on hitting the water this 4th of July weekend, expect to see an increased presence from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. It’s called Operation Dry Water – a national effort to raise awareness about the dangers of boating under the influence. Boating Education Coordinator Lt. Garret Kimble says agents will be in force.

Cut 3 (09) “…and checks.”

Louisiana reported 29 boating fatalities in 2022, with alcohol playing a role in five fatalities or 17 percent. As of May this year, Louisiana has reported four fatalities.

Governor Edwards has line-item vetoed the state budget and restored $100 million to the health department. The adjustment removed $125 million that conservatives earmarked to pay down retirement debt. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the legislature deserves all the criticism they are receiving over the budget.

Cut 6 (09)  “…themselves.” 

The governor also restored $7.5 million to early childhood education.

Travel for the 4^th of July holiday could break previous records. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

An Excessive Heat Warning is once again posted for most of the state today, with no significant changes expected in our weather, according to forecasters. Afternoon highs will range from the upper 90s to near 100 degrees, with heat index values climbing to 110-115.

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a senate-approved measure to phase out Louisiana’s corporate franchise tax. Senator Bret Allain II -the bill’s author – says his bill would have meant real tax reform for Louisiana, and he regrets the Governor’s decision…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…disagree with it.”

Allain is term-limited, so he cannot bring the bill back next year but hopes his successor will consider filing it in the next fiscal session in 2025.

With more scorching hot temperatures over the weekend, Health officials remind parents to keep kids hydrated. Chief Medical Officer of UnitedHealthcare Dr. Kevin Stephens urges parents to avoid allowing kids to play long hours in extreme heat and to keep an eye out for symptoms.

Cut 12 (13)    “… soiling diapers.” 

Stephen says if you think your child may be suffering from heat illness, hydrate them and consult a physician.

The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down college affirmative action programs will have little impact in Louisiana. That’s according to Higher Education Commissioner Dr. Kim Hunter Reed. She says it is important to affirm and reaffirm the importance of diversity at higher learning institutions in Louisiana.

Cut 14 (11)  “…race and ethnicity.”

The cases heard before SCOTUS pertained to admissions at Harvard and the University of North Carolina.

If you plan on hitting the road for the 4^th of July Weekend, AAA estimates it will be one of the busiest traveling holidays with close to 51 million Americans who will venture 50 miles or more away from home this Independence Day. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman…

Cut 4 (11)  “…the holiday.”

Redman says with gas prices are almost $1.10 less than this time last year is one reason more people can travel for the holiday.

More than 50 million people are expected to travel over the long 4th of July Holiday weekend. AAA Spokesman Don Redman says most folks will be driving as gas prices are down $1.10 over last year. It costs almost 50% more to fly this year, but Redman says that’s not a factor..:
CUT 5 (12) “to travel”
He says the earlier you leave in the day, the better.

The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down college affirmative action programs will have little impact in Louisiana. That’s according to Higher Education Commissioner Dr. Kim Hunter Reed who says it’ll be business as usual here…:
CUT 15 (10) “in our state”
She says she knows of no public institution in Louisiana that uses race as a factor in admissions.

Extra hours of play in scorching temperatures for kids can mean dehydration. Teiko Foxx spoke with the Chief Medical Officer of UnitedHealthcare – Louisiana…:
Cut 3 (32) “I’m Teiko Foxx”

An Excessive Heat Warning is once again posted for most of the state today, with no significant changes expected in our weather, according to forecasters. Afternoon highs will range from the upper 90s to near 100 degrees, with heat index values climbing to 110-115.

Traveling over the 4th of July weekend? So is everyone else. Brooke Thorington reports…:
CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

A motorcyclist from Texas was killed in a head on crash in Iberville Parish Thursday afternoon. State Police report 66-year-old Ronald Harter of Galveston made a right turn and crossed the center line, colliding head-on with an oncoming Land Rover. Harter died on the scene.

Governor John Bel Edwards used his veto pen on a senate approved measure to phase out Louisiana’s corporate franchise tax. The bill was sponsored by Franklin Republican Senator Bret Allain II (pronounced “L-N”) who says it would have been beneficial to Louisiana’s business environment:
Cut 8 (11) “with that opinion”
Allain is term-limited, so he cannot bring the bill back next year.

When it comes to the scorching hot temperatures, today will be a near repeat of Thursday with a heat index potentially reaching 115 degrees. With kids out enjoying their summer break, heath experts are reminding parents to make sure children are drinking plenty of water. Dr. Kevin Stephens is the Chief Medical Officer of UnitedHealthcare – Louisiana:
CUT 11 (13) “given water”
He says if you think your child may be suffering from heat illness, hydrate them and consult a physician.

With another Excessive Heat Warning in effect, health officials are reminding parents to keep kids enjoying the summer break properly hydrated. Dr. Kevin Stephens, Chief Medical Officer of UnitedHealthcare – Louisiana, says there are ways to tell if your child isn’t drinking enough water…:
CUT 10 (11) “severe problems”
He says children have higher water requirements than adults but they may not recognize the signs of thirst.

With the 4th of July falling on a Tuesday this year, that allows for a nice long weekend getaway — and plenty of people are taking advantage. For the period that begins today through Tuesday, more than 50 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more, according to AAA:
CUT 6 (03) “who’s traveling”
That’s AAA spokesman Don Redman.

The Governor vetoes a bill intended to phase out Louisiana’s corporate franchise tax; seen as detrimental to business. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (32) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

The National Champion LSU Tiger Baseball team delighted hundreds of fans behind the counter of the original Raising Cane’s near campus Thursday, serving patrons some of their favorite chicken fingers for lunch. Dylan Crews, Paul Skenes, Tommy White, Tre’ Morgan, Ty Floyd, and head coach Jay Johnson all took part.

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a senate bill that would have gradually eliminated Louisiana’s corporate franchise tax. The measure was sponsored by Franklin Republican Senator Bret Allain II (pronounced “L-N”) who isn’t happy about the veto saying the state’s franchise tax system is cited as a big reason companies choose not to do business here:
Cut 7 (11) “very disappointed”
The governor says the timing is bad for big tax cuts.

If you’re heading out of town for the long Fourth of July weekend, you won’t be the only one. AAA is out with its annual report and spokesman Don Redman says travel volume predictions are massive…:
CUT 4 (11) “the holiday”
AAA counts the holiday weekend as stretching from Friday to Tuesday, July 4th.

It might be the big headline you see today, but the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down college affirmative action programs will have little impact in Louisiana. That’s according to Higher Education Commissioner Dr. Kim Hunter Reed who says the ruling was specific to the use of race as a factor in admissions…:
Cut 13 (10) “do now”
The cases heard before SCOTUS pertained to admissions at Harvard and the University of North Carolina.

An Excessive Heat Warning is once again posted for most of the state today, with no significant changes expected in our weather, according to forecasters. Afternoon highs will range from the upper 90s to near 100 degrees, with heat index values climbing to 110-115.

Travel for the 4^th of July holiday could break previous records. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

The Governor vetoes a bill intended to phase out Louisiana’s corporate franchise tax; seen as detrimental to business. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

_______________________________________________

Extra hours of play in scorching temperatures for kids can mean dehydration and health officials gives a word of caution… Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (32)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

Travel for the 4^th of July Weekend is underway, and AAA estimates it will be among the busiest with close to 51 million Americans who will venture 50 miles or more away from home this Independence Day. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman…

Cut 4 (11)  “…the holiday.”

Redman says with gas prices almost $1.10 less than this time last year is one reason more people can travel for the holiday. But airline costs are almost 50 percent higher this year and Redman says it’s not deterring travelers whatsoever.

Cut 5 (12)   “…to travel.”

He says air travel is up both domestic and international.

Triple A estimates 43 million people will drive to their destination, more than 2 percent from last year and 4 percent higher than in 2019. Regionally Redman says about four to five million will be traveling by car.

Cut 6 (03)  “…who’s traveling.”

He says the earlier you leave on your journey the better. Among the best travel times, are before 10 am Friday and after 6 pm on Friday. Also before noon on Saturday is an ideal time to drive. Traffic should be minimal Sunday and Monday.

________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a senate bill that sought to phase out Louisiana’s corporate franchise tax. The bill was sponsored by Franklin Republican Senator Bret Allain II (pronounced “L-N”). He says he’s disappointed because the state’s franchise tax system is cited as a big reason companies choose not to come to our state…:

Cut 7 (11) “…very disappointed.”

In his veto statement, the Governor says he’s concerned the effects of having two stacked tax phase-outs in play would have on state revenues and future budgets. Allain says his bill would have been beneficial to Louisiana’s business environment and the economy…:

Cut 8 (11) “…with that opinion.’”

Allain says his SB 1 would have meant real tax reform for Louisiana, and he regrets the Governor’s decision…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…disagree with it.”

Allain is term-limited, so he cannot bring the bill back next year. He says he hopes his successor in Senate District 21 will consider filing it in the next fiscal session in 2025.

____________________________________________

While summer typically means no school and more fun for kids, it also means they are at more risk of getting dehydrated. Health officials remind parents to keep kids hydrated. Dr. Kevin Stephens says parents must step in and pay attention to their kids.

Cut 10 (10) “…severe problems.”

Kids are at a higher risk for dehydration and heat illness compared to adults because children have a lower sweating capacity and produce more heat during physical activity. The amount a child should drink varies by age, gender, weather, and level of physical activity. Stephens suggests offering plenty of water and hydrating foods…

Cut 11 (13)  “…given water.”

Stephens urges parents to avoid long hours of play in extreme heat and to keep an eye out for symptoms.

Cut 12 (13)    “… soiling diapers.” 

Stephen says if you think your child may be suffering from heat illness, hydrate them and consult a physician.

_______________________________________________

The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down college affirmative action programs will have little impact in Louisiana. That’s according to Higher Education Commissioner Dr. Kim Hunter Reed. She says the ruling was specific to the use of race as a factor in admissions.

Cut 13 (10) “…do now.”  

However, Hunter Reed says it is important to affirm and reaffirm the importance of diversity at higher learning institutions in Louisiana.

Cut 14 (11)  “…race and ethnicity.”

Hunter Reed says admissions will remain business as usual for public universities in Louisiana.

Cut 15 (10)  “…in our state.”

The cases heard before SCOTUS pertained to admissions at Harvard and the University of North Carolina.

_______________________________________________

Cut 16 (19) “…can I say.”

Cut 17 (17) “…came here.”

Cut 18 (19) “…2023 (applause).” 

Cut 19 (22) “…bunt play” 

Cut 20 (20)  “…have fun”