Dry and No Sign of Relief

For the last two days, my stories have centered around the dry weather. Yesterday I got a chance to interview a farmer struggling with one of the driest summer months in a long time. Then today, I spoke with the fire marshal about a ban on burning for residents in Louisiana. It was a strange feeling, looking at two stories focused around weather that isn't happening. Most of my weather stories come from flooding, tornadoes or even hurricanes. It's strange to know that something as seemingly innocuous as a lack of major storm or rainfall can quickly turn into something that can affect a lot of different people in a lot of different and sometimes very difficult ways. I guess all we can do is complete our own private little rain dance for hope for a little precipitation.

Heating things up...

It's hardly news when the weather is hot in Louisiana in the summertime. But this week, the temperatures have been exceptionally high and that means it goes on our newscast. Today my story centered around weather so hot, that highways in our state are actually buckling. Reporting on hot weather has its advantages --- when it comes to getting people to talk, it's a much easier sell than taxes, politics or religion. After all, we've all be taught that talking politics or religion can be rude and you're definitely running the risk that many people won't agree with you. But when we're dealing with the weather, everyone is a bit of an expert and everyone has their own descriptions of just how hot it is outside. The downside though, it's already hot enough wearing a suit and makeup --- add to that the constant talking about just how stifling it is, and it's a recipe for feeling just a little too warm.

DWI on the Water

Today I was back on boat safety patrol, focusing on a DWI bill that has just been signed into law. In talking with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, I was amazed at just how many roadway laws don't quite translate into the water. For example, prior to this bill, if someone crashed their boat and killed someone, there was no requirement that the driver of the boat be drug or alcohol tested. But when it comes to the road, the driver is required to be tested. Another bill that's headed through the legislature would make sure that if you lose your license for driving drunk on the road or the water, you won't be able to take the wheel of a boat. They seem like simple little loopholes, but the hope is that by closing them, it presents an overall picture that Louisiana won't tolerate drinking and driving on the water. After covering the fatal boating accident recently and seeing the pain in the eyes of the victim's family and friends, it's a message that I believe couldn't come soon enough.

Tailgating Time

Today was one of the better Fridays I've had in a long time. My story focused on the tailgating happening tonight before the Tiger baseball game. It's been a long time since I've gotten to do a tailgating story --- fall and football season seems so far away. So while the weather was beautiful, I got to take in the sights and sounds of the most avid fans. My favorite part about these stories is the people you meet. Each one has their own little story and I like to tell as many of those stories as possible --- whether it's the friends who grew up tailgating, the grill masters prepping for a game, or one guy known as "the bead man." It's a great way to showcase the unique and wonderful culture that is Louisiana and to take my first steps into the upcoming weekend.

Construction upside

Today my story centered around the construction business and the way Baton Rouge seems to avoiding the slow trend. As a reporter, I always enjoy covering construction stories. They're very visual with plenty of action happening, so the video always looks pretty great. Today was no exception. Plus, as someone who recently bought a new house, it's fun to get the behind the scenes look at how the buildings are constructed from the ground up. I've covered a number of stories on the economy and Baton Rouge and I'm usually pleasantly surprised at how our area has been insulated from some of the woes facing the rest of the country. But that doesn't mean there haven't been some reality checks and tough job losses for people in the region. It all just makes me very thankful day to day that I'm lucky enough not only to have a job, but to have one that I love.

Alligator Bayou Woes Continue

Today I made my second visit out to the tourist spot, Alligator Bayou. The change in scenery was tough to see --- nearly heartbreaking. What used to be a booming ecosystem and business, full of wildlife, is now dried up and closed to tourists. There's no lake anywhere in sight. And for the owner, Frank Bonifay, the pain about losing his business is palpable. You can hear it in his voice and see it in his eyes. I'm not an ecologist or drainage expert, so I don't really know what solution would be. I just wish there was a way to make everyone happy and protect areas from flooding without taking away a business that a man has put all his time, energy, and money into for the last 15 years.

Life Vest Lessons

Life jackets have come a long way since I've been a kid. I remember when I was out on a boat, they were always the bulky, annoying part of the trip. But after taking a look today many of the vests are much less cumbersome, more lightweight. Today, my story centered around whether or not folks should be forced to wear the jackets on the water. I've covered several drownings in recent days, so I can certainly see their importance. Even more hard hitting --- the comments from many of the LA Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents. They say, between 2005 and 2008 not a single drowning victim in a fatal accident covered by their office had been wearing a life vest. Stark statistics that may have me reaching for life vest next time I climb on board a boat. I am a strong swimmer, but as one boater told me, those swimming skills don't really matter all that much if an accident knocks you unconscious.