The veto session is underway and the author of a vetoed bill that would phase out the corporate franchise tax decides not to seek an override vote. Franklin Senator Bret Allain says it’s the worst tax Louisiana has on its books, because it hinders economic development….
cut 8 (08) “…the veto”
Allain needed 26 votes in the 39-member Senate. We are still waiting for a override veto vote in the House on a bill that bans medical procedures on transgender minors.

New campaign finance reports shows Republican Jeff Landry has nine-million dollars available in his gubernatorial campaign, while the lone major Democrat in the race, Shawn Wilson has just 594-thousand dollars. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Wilson will have to pick up the pace…
cut 12 (04) “….statewide office”

From film study to Moneyball, sports analysis is always changing, and LSU Coach Brian Kelly says AI could be the next step in LSU’s recruiting process.
Cut 2 (33) “….I’m Kace Kieschnick”

Two people have been arrested in what authorities are calling the largest marijuana drug bust in Grant Parish history. 71-pounds of marijuana were seized with a street value of 586-thousand dollars. Sheriff Steve McCain says this is high-grade pot…
cut 4 (09) “…40-percernt”

New Campaign finance reports are out and Jeff Landry has seen a fundraising explosion over his opponents with nine point two million dollars on hand. Republicans John Schroder and Stephen Waguespack have about two million dollars in cash on hand and so does independent Hunter Lundy.  ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross calls that a respectable total…

Cut 11 (07)  “…mean more”

Landry pulled in 4.5 million dollars during the April 8th to July 7th fundraising period.

A heat advisory is in effect again today and we can expect near-record heat for the rest of the week. Heat indices will reach between 105 to 112-degrees. LRN meteorologist John Wetherbee says heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration are concerns for those who spend a lot of time outdoors…

Cut 13 (13) “…nine minutes.”

Wetherbee says if you plan to spend several hours outside, drink plenty of water.

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor releases a new report that finds staffing shortages present challenges for administering state parks. Director of State Parks Brandon Burris says despite the audit’s findings, visitation numbers are high.

Cut 8 (11) “…we are.’”

While the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in visitation, recent hurricanes have damaged or forced some parks to close.

LSU won an SEC West title in Coach Brian Kelly’s first season at the helm and the Tigers plan on building on that success this season. Jayden Daniels is back as the starting QB and Daniels believes they can have one of the top offenses in the country…

The override veto session to overturn vetoes handed down by Governor John Bel Edwards gets underway at noon in Baton Rouge. Marksville Republican Daryl Deshotel cut his family vacation in France short so he can override some vetoes…

Cut 6 (12)  “…for it.”                          

Are there 70 votes in the House and 26 votes in the Senate to override a governor’s veto? Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says  Edwards still wields a lot of power even though he is a lame-duck governor….

Cut 12 (12)    “…put together” 

A bill that would ban doctors from performing medical procedures to alter the sex of a child has been the driving force of the override veto session.

Grant Parish Deputies have seized over 71 pounds of marijuana worth over half a million dollars in the largest drug bust in parish history. Sheriff Steven McCain says the large quantity of pot had a street value of 586-thousand dollars…

Cut 3 (12) “….our community.” 

After a month-long investigation, 57-year-old David Hollis faces one count of possession with intent to distribute, four counts of illegal carrying of weapons, and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. Charles Dupry is charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

New campaign finance numbers show Republican Jeff Landry has a huge advantage in available dollars over his opponents. Landry reported raising 4.5 million dollars from April 8th to July 7th and has nine-point-two million dollars on hand. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says that’s a lot of cash

Cut 10 (08)  “… in the race”

Republicans John Schroder and Stephen Waguespack have about two million dollars in cash on hand and so does independent Hunter Lundy.

Louisiana lawmakers will come together for an override veto session at noon today. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Once again there was no big winner in Monday night’s Powerball drawing, so the jackpot now soars to an estimated $1 billion dollars. It’s the seventh-biggest Powerball jackpot in US lottery history and the third-largest Powerball.  The next drawing will be held Wednesday night.

Cleco offers an income-based energy efficiency program for residential customers interested in cutting their monthly energy use and saving money. Spokesperson Marianne Addy says customers can take advantage of a number of services and products at no out-of-pocket cost.

Cut 5 (12)   “…the program.”

Homeowners and renters who may not meet federal income guidelines are also encouraged to apply.

A state audit reveals a worker shortage has triggered challenges in administering state parks and OSP says $42 million is needed for improvements. Director of State Parks Brandon Burris says they are considering all options before a final decision is made on whether a fee hike is needed.

Cut 9 (12)  “…comes through.”

According to OSP, $42 million is needed for improvements to keep parks and historic sites operating at expected service levels.

Lawmakers will return to the Capitol today at noon for a veto override session. The hot button measure Governor John Bel Edwards rejected would ban certain medical procedures for transgender youths. 25 bills in total were vetoed including parts of three budget proposals. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says not to count Edwards out because he’s a lame duck governor because he still has control over spending:
CUT 12 (12) “put together”
It will take 70 votes in the 105-member House and 26 votes in the 39-member Senate to override a governor’s veto.

The entire state is under yet another heat advisory today. Forecasters say we could see record high temperatures hit this afternoon at near 100 degrees, with a heat index back at over 110 degrees. This is the forecast for the remainder of the week with better chances for rain coming in for the weekend.

The recently fired gunman who killed two former co-workers at a Harvey shipyard Monday before being shot to death by deputies has been identified by the Jefferson Parish Coroner as 31-year-old Willis Thomas Jr. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says after the murders deputies tracked Thomas down at an apartment complex…:
CUT 13 (10) “pronounced dead”
Officials believe Thomas targeted the two victims.

Eligible low-income Cleco customers who want to save money on power bills could receive assistance through the utility’s energy efficiency program. Spokeswoman Marianne Addy encourages all of their customers to apply because everyone is at least eligible for home weatherization:
Cut 6 (06) “benefit you”
Apply at Cleco.com.

The veto override session begins a noon today in Baton Rouge, where lawmakers will look at the bills Governor John Bel Edwards rejected. One of the measures driving the session would ban doctors from performing medical procedures to alter the sex of a child. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says a vote to overturn that veto could happen today…:
Cut 11 (12) “be done”
The session must end Saturday.

Candidates running for statewide office this fall had to submit updated campaign finance reports to the state Ethics Board on Monday. In the Governor’s race, Republican Jeff Landry reported $9.1 million dollars in cash on hand. State Treasurer John Schroeder reported $2.2 million in ready funds, with attorney Hunter Lundy showing $2.1 million. And Stephen Waguespack reports 1.9 million.

The Legislative Auditor releases a report showing labor shortages and higher pay demands are causing staffing issues for state parks. Teiko Foxx has more…:
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels is one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy, but at SEC Media Days Monday the senior said he’s more focused on winning games…:
Cut 17 (14) “…with it”

State lawmakers convene an override veto session at noon today. Jeff Palermo has a preview..
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

At SEC Media Days Monday, LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels said he believes The tigers can have one of the top offenses in the country:
Cut 15 (15) “make plays”

The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office has released the identity of the man who allegedly killed two former co-workers at a Harvey shipyard Monday before being shot to death in a gunfight with deputies. They say the gunman is 31 year old Willis Thomas Jr of Harvey. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says Thomas was fired last week…:
CUT 14 (14) “answer”
The situation remains under investigation.

If you meet certain income requirements, Cleco residential customers may be eligible for energy-efficient products and services at no out-of-pocket costs. Spokesperson Marianne Addy says weatherizing homes can save customers energy and money…:
Cut 4 (12) “energy usage”
Visit Cleco.com to apply.

State lawmakers return to the capitol today for a veto override session. Governor John Bel Edwards rejected 25 bills and parts of three budget measures previously approved by lawmakers. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says legislators are more likely to get the two-thirds majority they need if they focus on just a few of the vetoes…:
Cut 10 (09) “passing nothing”
The session can’t last more than five days.

State Parks have been faced with challenges due to low staffing levels according to a new report from the Legislative Auditor. State Park Director Brandon Burris says recruiting new employees has been hard.:
Cut 7 (12) “us yeah”
But he says visitation numbers are high.

Attorney General Jeff Landry is lapping the field when it comes to campaign dollars in the race for governor. Jeff Palermo has the story:
Cut 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”
And Stephen Waguespack reports $1.4 million dollars raised, with 1.9 million cash on hand.

Dow Chemical has issued a statement in response to the explosion at its facility in Plaquemine Friday, but limited details have been released on what caused the blast and fire. The statement said the site remains operational and air monitoring data is being gathered, though the numbers indicated it was safe to lift the shelter in place 6 hours after the explosion. Dow said assessment of the impacted area continues.

It’s campaign finance reporting day as declared candidates for governor had to submit to the state ethics board how much they’ve raised and what they’ve spent. Jeff Landry is expected to report nine million dollars in cash on hand. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says if you do not have at least a million dollars on hand by now, you’re probably toast….
cut 10 (13) “….competitive candidates”

LSU is expected to compete for another SEC West title this season as Jayden Daniels returns for his second season as the starting Q-B. Coach Brian Kelly on what he hopes to see from his signal caller in 2023…
cut 14 (11 ) “….tight window throws”
That’s Kelly speaking at SEC Media Days.

The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate announced its official launch today. Kace Kieschnick has more…
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

One of the stars of the reality TV show “Cajun Pawn Stars” has passed away. Jimmie DeRamus died in Houston at the age of 71. He was the owner of Silver Dollar Pawn and Jewelry in Alexandria and was known as “Big Daddy” on the show which aired for over a year on the History Channel.

Candidates running for statewide office this fall must submit updated campaign finance reports to the state Ethics Board today. Republican Jeff Landry is expected to report nine million dollars cash on hand. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says that’s a huge number for his opponents to keep up with…
Cut 9 (08) “…for competitiveness.”
There are seven major candidates running for governor and qualifying is set for August 8th through the tenth.

SEC Football Media Days is underway and LSU’s Brian Kelly was the first coach to speak to hundreds of reporters in Nashville. Kelly says there’s still more work to be done in the area of recruiting before they have the same level of talent as two-time national champion Georgia…
cut 13 (09) “…playing field”

The Advocate newspaper started is latest endeavor today. A digital publication that will cover issues impacting the Shreveport-Bossier City area. Publisher Judi Terzotis says they’ve hired seven reporters and plan to hire three more…
cut 4 (12) “….community foundation”

And it’s Rural Road Safety Awareness Week. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Greg Fischer says the latest data finds 62 percent of all fatal crashes are on rural highways. He says everyone has a role to play in keeping the highways safe…
cut 8 (11) “….cars and trucks”
Fischer says speeding is a major contributor in fatal car crashes on Louisiana roadways.