8:30 LRN Newscast July 19

New Orleans Police have charged a 35-year-old mother with second-degree murder for the fatal stabbing of her infant son. Cops found the woman with a blood-covered railroad spike. She’s been identified as Angelyc Seely and investigators believe she’s a homeless woman believed to be from Detroit. She also had self-inflicted wounds.

LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Clinical Medicine Dr. Catherine O’Neal gives a grim warning for unvaccinated individuals as the Delta variant rages…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The Louisiana Legislature is heading into its first-ever override veto session tomorrow as lawmakers will have the opportunity to override any of the 28 bills that Governor Edwards vetoed from the 2021 legislative session. When asked if he believes a veto session will inhibit him from enacting his policies going forward, Edwards says no.
cut 9 (12) “…that concern.”
Analysts say the biggest driver for the veto session is a bill that would prohibit transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. It will take a two-thirds vote in each chamber to override the governor’s veto.

The college football talking season begins as SEC Media Days get underway in Birmingham, Alabama. LSU Coach Ed Orgeron is one of three coaches who will speak today. 24-7 sports college football writer Brandon Marcello says the Tigers could contend for an SEC title this year after a 5-and-5 campaign in 2020
Cut 11 (08) “…last year”

7:30 LRN Newscast

State lawmakers will begin a historic veto session tomorrow. The legislature could override as many as 28 Republican-sponsored bills that Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed…
Cut 7 (06) “…what happens”
Two high-profile bills that the governor vetoed are a measure that would do away with the requirement for a permit to conceal carry a gun and legislation banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. Insiders say it was the veto of the latter that inspired a majority of lawmakers to return for an override session.

House Republican Caucus Chairman Blake Miguez says the first veto session since the new state constitution was adopted in 1974, demonstrates a proper balance of government powers.
Cut 8 (06) “…in Louisiana.”

Based on data provided by the Louisiana Health Department, 36-percent of Louisiana’s population is fully vaccinated against COVID, one of the lowest percentages in the country. One-point-six million Louisiana residents have completed the vaccine series. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says 21-hundred people who were vaccinated still got COVID-19 and 125 had to be hospitalized…
cut 6 (11) “….fully vaccinated”
Kanter says the median age of serious breakthrough cases is 72.

Today is the unofficial start of the college football season as SEC Media Days begins. LSU beat reporter for the USA Today Network, Glen Guilbeau says despite last year’s mediocre campaign and questions about Ed Orgeron’s job security, many media members expect LSU to have a good season…
Cut 13 (11) “…pretty high”
Coach Ed Orgeron is set to speak today at 1:40 in Birmingham, Alabama.

6:45 LRN Sportscast July 19

In a sign that the football season is right around the corner, SEC Media Days kicks off today in Birmingham, Alabama. LSU Coach Ed Orgeron will speak at 1:40 PM. The Fighting Tigers are coming off a 5-and-5 season and there are questions about Orgeron’s long-term job security, especially if LSU has another mediocre campaign. But LSU beat reporter for the USA Today Network, Glen Guilbeau, says there’s also an expectation among media members that the Bayou Bengals could have a really good season this year…
cut 13 (11) “…pretty high”
Florida and South Carolina will also take the stage at SEC Media Days today.

Collin Morikawa won the British Open yesterday. It’s the second major championship for the 24-year-old from California. He won the PGA Championship eleven months ago.

A couple of more players from Arizona are following new LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson to Baton Rouge. Third-year pitcher Bryce Collins says he’s transferring to LSU. He has not pitched since 2019. And Left-hander Riley Cooper has also made the decision to join the Tigers. He made 29 appearances last season and had 4.88 ERA for the Wildcats.

LSU sophomore outfielder Mitchell Sanford has entered the NCAA transfer portal. While LSU starting pitcher A-J Labas has signed with the Twins as an undrafted free agent.

Live Oak catcher Blaise Priester has committed to LSU. He hit .426 with 10 home runs and 44 RBI as a senior. He also threw out 55-percent of the base runners who tried to steal against him.

Lafayette Christian defensive back Jordan Allen has committed to Penn State. 24-7 sports ranks Allen as the 34th best safety in the nation. L-C-A has two players committed to Power 5 schools, Lineman Fitzgerald West Junior has given a verbal pledge to LSU.

6:30 LRN Newscast July 19

Former Governor Edwin Edwards was laid to rest yesterday in Baton Rouge after a private funeral service at the Old State Capitol. The public and media were not allowed to attend. It was a week ago today that Edwards died from respiratory issues at the age of 93.

A historic veto override session begins tomorrow, and up to 28 pieces of legislation could be overridden. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana health department continues its push to get more individuals from 12-years-old and up vaccinated. L-D-H says COVID-19 vaccines are widely available at 14-hundred locations. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says nursing homes show the vaccines work against the virus. Kanter says 85-percent of nursing home residents across the state have initiated or completed the vaccine series
Cut 5 (11) “…outbreak.”

SEC Football Media Days begin today in Birmingham, Alabama, and LSU Coach Ed Orgeron is set to speak at 1:40 PM. Glen Guilbeau of the USA Today Network says this is a critical season for Coach O…
Cut 12 (11) “…hot seat”
CBS Sports has put Orgeron on a list of coaches who are on the hot seat.

LRN AM Newscall July 19

Louisiana said goodbye to a legendary figure as former four-term Governor Edwin Edwards was laid to rest in Baton Rouge yesterday. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________

The veto session begins on Tuesday, and up to 28 pieces of legislation could be overridden. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_________________________________________

LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Clinical Medicine Dr. Catherine O’Neal gives a grim warning for unvaccinated individuals as the Delta variant rages…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

_______________________________

Louisiana Republican U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says the state needs to get its vaccination rates up to fully beat the pandemic. He says vaccines are like seatbelts, you want to have them before the accident happens…

Cut 4 (11) “…younger person.”

State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says nursing homes show the vaccine greatly minimizes transmission, sickness, or COVID-related fatalities. He says 85-percent of nursing home residents across the state have initiated or completed the vaccine series

Cut 5  (11) “…outbreak.”

One-point-six million people have been completed the vaccine series in Louisiana. Kanter says 21-hundred people who were vaccinated still got COVID-19 and 125 had to be hospitalized

Cut 6 (11) “…fully vaccinated”

Kanter says the median age of serious breakthrough cases is 72.

_______________________________

State lawmakers will begin a historic veto session tomorrow. The legislature could override as many as 28 Republican-sponsored bills that Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed. Edwards stands by his vetoes, calling the bills unwise for the state…

Cut 7 (06) “…what happens” 

Two high-profile bills that the governor vetoed are concealed carry and legislation banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. Insiders say it was the veto of the latter that inspired a majority of lawmakers to return for an override session.

House Republican Caucus Chairman Blake Miguez says the first veto session since the new state constitution was adopted in 1974, demonstrates a proper balance of government powers.

Cut 8 (06) “…in Louisiana.”

When asked if he believes a veto session will inhibit him from enacting his policies going forward, Edwards says no.

Cut 9 (12) “…that concern.”

Miguez however believes the highly conservative legislature will be able to counter when Edwards pushes a liberal agenda.

Cut 10 (11) “…disagree with.”

To override an individual veto, it will take a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers. Miguez says this will require some Democratic and independent lawmakers to vote in favor of an override.

________________________

The college football talking season begins as SEC Media Days get underway today in Birmingham, Alabama. LSU Coach Ed Orgeron is one of three coaches who will speak today. 24-7 sports college football writer Brandon Marcello says the Tigers could contend for an SEC title this year after a 5-and-5 campaign in 2020

Cut 11 (08) “…last year”

Orgeron has hired new defensive, offensive, and passing game coordinators to address the on-field issues that impacted last year’s team. Glen Guilbeau of the USA Today Network says this is a critical season for Coach O…

Cut 12 (11) “…hot seat”

CBS Sports has put Orgeron on a list of coaches who are on the hot seat.

Guilbeau says despite last year’s mediocre campaign and questions about Orgeron’s job security, many media members expect LSU to have a good season…

Cut 13 (11) “…pretty high”

_____________________________________

Health officials say the latest surge in COVID cases has undone over four months of progress the state made in the fight against coronavirus. LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Clinical Medicine Dr. Catherine O’Neal says the Delta variant is a “different beast” than the coronavirus strain that plagued the nation a year ago…

Cut 14 (12) “…kids.”

She also warns pregnant women could be at higher risk of complications resulting from a Delta infection.

O’Neal says because the virus has mutated so extensively, anyone infected by last year’s version does not have immunity to the new Delta variant.

Cut 15 (09)“..killing us.”

The statewide average daily number of cases per 100-thousand residents has increased 177-percent over the past two weeks and hospitalizations have reached their highest levels since early March.

O’Neal says Delta is more dangerous to healthy younger adults because it features a mutation that allows it to hide in your body for longer before it is detected.

Cut 16 (12) “…alive” 

Despite this new threat from the Delta, variant Governor Edwards says he is not considering reinstating previous COVID restrictions, including the mask mandate. He says instead they are focusing on getting more Louisianans vaccinated. Currently only half of all adults in the state have received at least one shot.

___________________________

10:30 LRN Newscast July 17

Former Governor Edwin Edwards public viewing is underway as he lies in state in Memorial Hall of the State Capitol until seven o’clock tonight. Thousands of people are expected to walk by his casket and view the pictures that have been set up inside the Rotunda. Tomorrow there will be a private funeral for the man known as the Cajun Prince at the Old State Capitol at noon. Louisiana Public Broadcasting is streaming the services.

Louisiana lawmakers will hold a veto session for the first time since the current state Constitution was enacted in 1974. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says capitol observers have expected an override session ever since the governor vetoed a bill that would prohibit transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports…
Cut 6 (09) “..override”
It will begin Tuesday and cannot exceed five calendar days.

LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Clinical Medicine, Doctor Catherine O’Neal provided this warning to the millions of Louisiana residents who are not vaccinated against the coronavirus. O’ Neal says if you choose not to get the vaccine, you’re choosing death. She says anyone infected last year does not have immunity to the new Delta variant…
cut 15 (09) “…killing us”
The statewide average daily number of cases per 100-thousand residents has increased 177-percent over the past two weeks.

Governor John Bel Edwards announced the first batch of winners of the “Shot at a Million” lottery. 17-year old Skyla Degrasse of Hammond is the winner of the $100,000 scholarship. Edwards says Degrass plans to attend Southeastern University…
Cut 13 (11) “…for Sandra”
Degrasse says she plans to go to medical school, while the 100-thousand dollar cash winner is an 80-year-old man, who served on the New Orleans Police Department for 30 years.

9:30 LRN Newscast July 17

Former Governor Edwin Edwards lies in state for public viewing at the Louisiana Capitol today from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Edwards biographer Leo Honeycutt says the current governor and First Lady will be among the first group of people to pay their final respects…
Cut 3 (7) “…of Memorial Hall”
Edwards’s funeral is tomorrow at the Old State Capitol.

For the first time since the state constitution was adopted in 1974 lawmakers will hold a veto override session. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there are at least two bills lawmakers are targeting to override, the conceal carry legislation and an anti-transgender bill. Both passed in the regular session with enough votes to override a veto. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat…
Cut 8 (09) “…for this”
The session kicks off on Tuesday.

The governor’s office says the number of people hospitalized for COVID-related symptoms has doubled in the last two weeks. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s not considering implementing COVID restrictions to stop the surge, instead the state will focus on improving its abysmal 50 percent vaccination rate for adults…
Cut 14 (12) “…has been increasing”

In Louisiana, only 41-percent of nursing home staff are fully vaccinated compared to 79-percent of residents. And AARP State Director Denise Bottcher says thirty-five percent of nursing homes in Louisiana also report a staffing shortage, which she says can only be exacerbated if unvaccinated workers become ill.
Cut 10 (09) “…care for.”

8:30 LRN newscast July 17

Thousands are expected to walk through the rotunda of the State Capitol today to pay their final respects to former four-term Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards. The public viewing of his casket is from 10 AM to 7 PM. Edwards was well-liked by many, but controversy always seemed to follow him. His biographer, Leo Honeycutt, hopes Louisianians remember all the good he did…
cut 5 (11) “…the state”
Edwards’ funeral is tomorrow at the Old State Capitol.

AARP’s latest dashboard shows less than 6-percent of Louisiana nursing homes have 75 percent of their staff vaccinated. AARP State Director Denise Bottcher says if you have a family member residing at an assisted living facility, you should remain vigilant as the Delta variant becomes more prevalent.
cut 11 (11) “…nursing homes.”

Lawmakers will return to the Capitol Tuesday for a historic veto override session. Matt Doyle has the story…
Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”

There are a couple of lawmakers who will not be at the veto override session because of health issues. Bogalusa Representative Malinda White says she needs to meet with an oncologist on Monday. Senator Ronnie Johns just had full knee replacement surgery. The Lake Charles Republican’s absence could be critical since 26 votes are needed to override a veto in the Senate and there are 27 Republicans in the Senate.

7:30 LRN Sportscast July 17

The NFL has announced Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata will be suspended without pay for the first six games of the upcoming season. That’s the result of testing positive for a banned substance. In a post on Instagram, Onyemata says he’s never knowingly took anything that could cause a positive test and he’s still trying to figure out what supplement he took that led to it. He will be eligible to return for the Saints’ Week 8 game on October 31st. Onyemata had 6.5 sacks last season.

Former Saints wide receiver Ted Ginn Junior has retired after a 14-year career in the NFL. The former Ohio State standout played for the Black and gold for three seasons, 2017 to 2019. He caught 100 passes for 14-hundred yards and eight touchdowns during that time.

Tonight is Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The series is tied at two games apiece between the Suns and Bucks. Game 5 is in Phoenix at 8 PM.

There’s a lot of LSU baseball news to get to today. A couple of more players from Arizona are following new LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson to Baton Rouge. Third-year pitcher Bryce Collins says he’s transferring to LSU. He has not pitched since 2019. And Left-hander Riley Cooper has also made the decision to join the Tigers. He made 29 appearances last season and had 4.88 ERA.

LSU sophomore outfielder Mitchell Sanford has entered the NCAA transfer portal. While LSU starting pitcher A-J Labas has signed with the Twins as an undrafted free agent.

This week, Johnson completed his staff with the hiring of Marc Wanaka, who has been with Johnson for the last eight years at Nevada and Arizona. Johnson says Wanaka will be his volunteer hitting coach…
cut 17 (12) “…of time”

5:30 LRN Newscast July 16

Governor John Bel Edwards says half of all Louisiana adults have received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, which is good, but not good enough.

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Erik Piccoli”.  

The Governor also announced with first weekly winners of the Shot At A Million vaccine lottery on Friday. 82-year-old Clement Dasalla of New Orleans won the cash prize and 17-year old Skyla Degrasse of Hammond won the scholarship. Winners of the weekly drawings will be announced on Fridays and the grand prize winners on August 13th.

In Louisiana, only 41-percent of nursing home staff are fully vaccinated compared to 79-percent of residents. And AARP State Director Denise Botcher says thirty-five percent of nursing homes in Louisiana also report a staffing shortage, which she says can only be exacerbated if unvaccinated workers become ill.

Cut 10 (09) “…care for.”

Recently departed Governor Edwin Edwards will lie in state at the Capitol Saturday before having a private funeral service Sunday. Edwards’ biographer Leo Honeycutt says he hopes Louisianans will use this time to reflect on everything Edwards accomplished…

Cut 5 (11) “…for the state”

Sunday’s funeral will be live-streamed on Louisiana Public Broadcasting.