Starting in August unemployed Louisianans will no longer get 300 dollar federally boosted unemployment payments. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

___________________________________

With 94% of COVID-19 cases and 97% of deaths coming from un-vaccinated patients in Louisiana, misinformation and a lack of education about the vaccines could jeopardize the progress made in stopping the spread. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Erik Piccoli” 

_________________________________________

The catalyst for the veto session was Senate Bill 156 that would ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.  The Senate had a two-thirds majority for an override, but the House fell short by two votes. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (42)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_______________________________

Unemployed Louisianans will no longer receive 300 dollar federally enhanced weekly unemployment payments after next week.

Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Cates says a Legislative agreement signed by the Governor will end the benefits about a month before they were set to expire.

Cut 4 (11) “…ARP benefits”

About 147,000 Louisianans were still receiving the federally boosted payments as of this week.

In exchange for the premature end of the federally boosted payments starting next year weekly state unemployment benefits will increase 28 dollars to a 275 dollar weekly maximum.

Cut 5 (07) “…amount up (x2).”

The agreement came after a major push from business groups who felt the benefits were making it harder for them to hire workers as the economy reopened. Opponents argue some industries hadn’t recovered enough to warrant ending the program early.

Since the CARES Act went into effect in March of 2020 LWC has distributed about nine billion dollars in state and federal benefits to 900,000 Louisianans.

Cut 6 (06) “…going.”

If you’re looking for a job visit LA-Works-Dot-Net or attend the statewide job fair set for August 4^th.

_____________________

With nearly 5,400 new coronavirus cases reported on Wednesday and hospitalizations at their highest level since February, health officials say the fourth wave of COVID-19 is costing the state months of progress. Director of Infection Control and Prevention at Ochsner Dr. Katherine Baumgarten says 94% of the cases and 97% of the deaths are from un-vaccinated patients.

Cut 7 (09) “…they’re our family members.” 

Almost 11,000 have died from COVID-related symptoms in Louisiana. The spread of misinformation online about the safety of vaccines has slowed down the rate at which they’re administered. Baumgarten says the best way to combat this phenomenon is by talking to those who are concerned individually and sharing data with them.

Cut 8 (12) “…why they’re hesitant.”

In light of the new Delta variant, both the vaccinated and especially the un-vaccinated are encouraged to wear a mask indoors since the vaccine isn’t 100% effective. During his monthly radio show “Ask the Governor” Governor Edwards highlighted the importance of vaccine availability across the state.

Cut 9 (11) “…agree to be vaccinated.”

_____________________________________

Political analyst Clancy DuBos says the Legislature’s failure to overturn any veto this week strengthens the hand of the Governor.

DuBos says calling the veto session was a gamble that didn’t pay off for Republican Legislative leadership who now know they can’t override the Democratic Governor’s vetoes…

Cut 10 (11) “…other things.” 

Redistricting is expected to take place sometime next year.

DuBos says this historic veto override session established an expectation that finding 26 votes in the Senate and 70 in the House will be very difficult for Republicans.

Cut 11 (10) “…veto sessions.”

DuBos says the power of House and Senate leadership has taken a hit and they’ll need to regroup before taking on the Governor again next year.

Cut 12 (10) “…community.” 

_____________________________________

The highly contested vetoed bill to ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s sport failed to garner enough votes in the House thus allowing the governor’s veto to stand. Governor John Bel Edwards says on the first hand the bill is unnecessary…

Cut 13 (13) “…from doing.”

Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says he is very disheartened legislators failed to override the veto. Seventy votes were needed, and veto opponents failed to reach a two-thirds majority by two votes. Some representatives even changed their vote from the regular session on Senate Bill 156.

Cut 14 (10) “…back home.”

Edwards says the bill is a solution looking for a problem because it’s not even an ongoing issue, but it could jeopardize the state’s tourism industry that’s been severely impacted by the pandemic.

Cut 15 (12)“…conventions.”

Mills says transgender athletes pose a threat to women’s sports and he’s disappointed House members didn’t rise to the occasion and remedy the issue.

Cut 16 (11) “…their opinion.”

Lawmakers failed to override any of the governor’s 28 vetoes from the 2021 regular session.

_________________________________

Name, Image, and Likeness has been a focal point at SEC Media Days and reports say that Alabama quarterback Bryce Young is closing in on one million dollars worth of endorsements.  Alabama coach Nick Saban says he’s not sure how NIL will impact the locker room.

Cut 17 (18) …than others.” 

Covid vaccinations also dominated the headlines.  SEC commissioner Greg Sankey says that six out of the 14 teams have at least 80 percent of the team vaccinated.  Saban says there are two factors for players to consider before getting the shot.

Cut  18 (21)”…a team.”

Another big topic in college football is the proposed expansion of the college football playoff. C-F-P has talked about expanding to 12 teams. Mississippi State Coach Mike Leach would like to see more than that

Cut 19 (15) “…look forward to it.” 

The Louisiana House fails to override Governor Edwards’ veto of a bill to prohibit transgender individuals from competing in women’s sports. In order to execute the veto, the measure needed 70 votes and it got 68. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis voted no and says the legislation is in search of a problem that does not exist

Cut 12 (09) “…to college”

In his veto message, Governor Edwards called the bill discriminatory. But during debate on the House floor, Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel disagreed.

Cut 13 (11) “…what is true”

The historic veto session convened shortly after without overriding any of the governor’s28  vetoes.

The state health department reported just under 54-hundred new COVID cases today, the third-highest single-day total since the pandemic started. The number of COVID-19 hospital patients also continues to rise, 65 additional patients are listed as hospitalized from Tuesday and the total now stands 844, the highest it has been since mid-February. The state is now its fourth surge of COVID cases.

UL-Lafayette has launched their ‘Don’t Wait. Vaccinate!” incentive program in an effort to make a return to campus as safe as possible for students and staff.  Prizes for fully vaccinated students include iPhones, MacBook Airs, and free campus parking. Dean of Students Dr. Margarita Perez says they got some input from students on what prizes to offer.

Cut 10 (07) “…up with.”

The first drawing will be held on August 10^th and run through early October.

The Louisiana House has failed to override Governor Edwards’ veto of a bill to prohibit transgender individuals from competing in women’s sports. In order to execute the veto, the measure needed 70 votes and it got 68.  In his veto message, Governor Edwards called the bill discriminatory. But during debate on the House floor, Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel disagrees

Cut 13 (11) “…what is true”

Supporters of the transgender sports ban say this bill will help create a fair playing field. But New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says the bill would result in transgender boys on a girls’ team and lead to privacy-violating tests of girls…

Cut 14 (12) “…biological girl” 

A 17-year-old drown Tuesday after he was thrown from a horse in a retention pond. St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says Jacory Levier led the horse into the pond and the horse got spooked and Levier couldn’t swim. Guidroz says they received a call shortly before six last night about a possible drowning.

Cut 4 (05) “…the body”

The retention pond was near Beau Chene High School in the Grand Coteau area.

UL-Lafayette kicks off their “Don’t Wait. Vaccinate!” incentive program in an effort to make campus as safe as possible for students and staff. Dean of Students Dr. Margarita Perez says UL-Lafayette is one of eight schools in the state taking part in the White House and CDC’s COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge.

Cut  11 (10) “…challenge.” 

Some of the prizes include iPhones and free parking on campus.

The Louisiana House has failed to override Governor Edwards’ veto of a bill to prohibit transgender individuals from competing in women’s sports. In order to execute the veto, the measure needed 70 votes and it got 68. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis voted no and says the legislation is in search of a problem that does not exist

Cut 12 (09) “…to college”

It’s likely the first-ever override veto session will end without legislators overriding any of the governor’s recent vetoes.

The state saw another dramatic increase in COVID cases and hospitalizations today as the Delta variant continues to spread across the state. 5,400 new cases were reported today. It’s the third-highest single-day report of new cases and hospitalization numbers are at 844.

Six Louisianans have been arrested by the Attorney General’s Office for allegedly defrauding California out of a million dollars in unemployment benefits. Louisiana Bureau of Investigations Special Agent Ernest Green says the suspects, who live across Southeast Louisiana, were stealing money and wasting precious resources at a time when people needed them most.

Cut 7 (11) “…these”

Green says the alleged suspects were brazen enough to use their own names while putting in false applications in California.

UL-Lafayette has launched their ‘Don’t Wait. Vaccinate!” incentive program in an effort to make a return to campus as safe as possible for students and staff.  Prizes include iPhones, MacBook Airs, and free campus parking. Dean of Students Dr. Margarita Perez says they got some input from students on what prizes to offer.

Cut 10 (07) “…up with.”

The House will consider whether to overturn the governor’s veto of a bill that bans transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. 70 votes are needed to override the veto. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat the 68 Republicans will need two votes and only one of the three independent representatives will be at the capitol today, so they’ll need a Democrat to cross party lines.

Cut 15 (10)“…and helping Republicans.”

The House convenes at 1 pm.

A 17-year-old drown Tuesday after he was thrown from a horse in a retention pond. St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says Jacory Levier led the horse when into the pond.

Cut 3 (11) “…and drown.” 

The body was recovered hours later.

Six Louisianans have been arrested by the Attorney General’s Office for allegedly defrauding California out of a million dollars in unemployment benefits. Louisiana Bureau of Investigations Special Agent Ernest Green says the scheme was based around filing fraudulent online claims with the nation’s largest state during the early days of the pandemic.

Cut 6 (10) “…system”

The Louisiana Office of Tourism is seeking site nominations known for exceptional birding and outdoor recreation to be included for the redesigned Louisiana Birding Trails. Louisiana Byways Director Sharon Calcote says outdoor recreation, which includes birdwatching, accounts for nearly 7 million dollars of income for the state…

Cut 9 (10) “…pretty substantial part.” 

An effort to override Governor Edwards’ veto of legislation allowing concealed carry without a permit is defeated in the Senate after four lawmakers backed away from their regular session support. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (39) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

___________________________________

The Louisiana Office of Tourism is asking you for sites submissions known for their unique birding and outdoor recreation as a part of the redesigned Louisiana Birding Trails project. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Erik Piccoli” 

_________________________________________

Legislation to ban transgender athletes from female sports narrowly clears a hurdle in the Senate and now it moves to the House. But does it have the vote to overturn the Governor’s veto? Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_______________________________

The Senate kills an effort to override the Governor’s veto of legislation that would remove the need to get a permit to carry a concealed firearm for those 21 and older.

West Monroe Senator Jay Morris says his bill is a 2^nd Amendment issue and the state already allows people to carry guns without a permit.

Cut 4 (10) “…first.”

The final vote was 23-15, three votes shy of the two-thirds needed to override the veto. It cleared the Senate with 27 votes during the regular session but lost support in the nearly three months since that vote from one Democrat and three Republicans.

One of those lost votes came from Natchitoches Senator Louie Bernard. He says he changed his mind after some reflection away from Baton Rouge.

Cut 5 (13) “…in the session.”

Norco’s Gary Smith was the lone Democratic Senator to vote in favor during the regular session, but he says he changed his mind after thinking about his own experience as an avid gun collector.

Cut 6 (11) “…been invaluable.”

Smith also argued the Supreme Court has already ruled requiring concealed carry permits does not violate the 2^nd Amendment.

Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says he changed his mind after speaking with law enforcement leaders in his district. He says after that happened he got inundated with hateful messages…

Cut 7 (11) “…grandkids.” 

Baton Rouge Senator Franklin Foil also voted against overriding the veto after supporting the legislation during the regular session.

_____________________________________

The Louisiana Office of Tourism is seeking site nominations known for exceptional birding and outdoor recreation to be included for the redesigned Louisiana Birding Trails. Louisiana Byways Director Sharon Calcote says the submissions will help breath new life into these habitats that were developed in the 2000s…

Cut 8 (12) “…around the state.”

Birdwatching has a major impact on the tourism industry with 45 million Americans partaking in the activity. Calcote says outdoor recreation, which includes birdwatching, accounts for nearly 7 million dollars of income for the state…

Cut 9 (10) “…pretty substantial part.” 

Submissions can include local parks, state parks, wildlife management areas, and even private sites as long as the property owner agrees birdwatchers can visit their area. Calcote says currently there are around 254 trails on the website but that number isn’t fixed…

Cut 10 (6) “…anything that’s nominated.” 

Nominations can be submitted at www.labirdingtrails.com by September 30th

_____________________________________

Following weeks of heavy rainfall certain locations across the state are close to reaching their average rainfall total before August. State Climatologist Barry Keim says are the current rate this could be a record-breaking year…

Cut 11 (10) “…months to go.”

The southern half of the state has been hit the hardest with cities like Baton Rouge and New Orleans seeing an increase of 19 inches and 24 inches respectively while in Shreveport the increase has only been by almost four inches. Keim says that prior to march the rainfall level was below normal but the excessive number of fronts has changed everything…

Cut 12 (09) “…excessively wet pattern.” 

The severe drought occurring in the western part of the United States is related to the downpour in Louisiana. Keim says all the rain-producing weather systems are bypassing the west due to a large ridge but the pattern will do some shifting in the next few days…

Cut 13 (08) “…dry out a little bit.”

_____________________________________

It’s the House’s turn today to consider whether to overturn the governor’s veto of a bill that bans transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. 70 votes are needed in the lower chamber in order to override the veto. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says if lawmakers vote upon party lines, the 68 Republicans will need two votes and there are two independent representatives are attending the session.

Cut 14 (08) “…the governor.”

Pinsonat says if Republicans need a Democrat to vote in order for this highly charged piece of legislation to be overturned.

Cut 15 (10)“…and helping Republicans.”

Governor Edwards vetoed 28 pieces of legislation from the 2021 legislative session, but the anti-transgender legislation is likely the only one that may be overridden…

Cut 16 (11) “…mattered.”

Pinsonat says if the transgender veto is overridden, it won’t make Edwards a complete lame duck for the remainder of his term but it could make it more difficult for him.

_________________________________

LSU all-American cornerback Derek Stingley enters the season as the one of top players in all of college football. He’ll wear the coveted number seven jersey this season, which usually goes to the team’s best playmaker. Stingley says he’s excited to wear the number.

Cut 17 (12) …leave a mark.” 

After winning a national title in 2019 LSU is coming off a disappointing 5-5 season in 2020.  Stingley says he’s ready for a bounce-back season.

Cut  18 (13)”…this year.”

Senior offensive tackle Austin Deculus has been at LSU for quite some time and is adjusting to new O-line coach Brad Davis after playing under James Cregg for the past few seasons. Deculus thinks coach Davis is a great fit in Baton Rouge

Cut 19 (15) “…great fit for us.” 

The veto override of legislation banning transgender athletes from playing female sports clears the first hurdle, passing the Senate with one vote to spare. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson says 400 major businesses put out a statement calling bills like this discriminatory…

Cut 16 (12) “…law.” 

The NCAA has indicated that passage of this bill may endanger New Orleans’ hosting rights for the 2022 Final Four.

But Houma Senator “Big Mike” Fesi, speaking in support of the bill, says money shouldn’t factor into this decision…

Cut 17, 11 seconds, morals

The bill heads to the House

A number of St. Tammany Parish residents awoke to flash floods this morning.  Parish Officials say while the drainage systems were working as designed, events like today show a need for a comprehensive approach towards addressing drainage. St. Tammany Parish Public Information Director Michael Vinsanau says the worst flooding occurred in Mandeville south of I-12 along US 190…

Cut 5 (11) “…area”

Additional rain is expected in the coming days.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey says they will not reschedule football games this season if a team has a COVID outbreak. The Advocate reports more than 90-percent of the LSU football team is vaccinated, one of the highest rates in the SEC. Sankey says the league or schools cannot force players to get vaccinated, but they can educate…

Cut 9 (09) “…from our perspective.”

The Senate votes to override Governor Edwards’ veto of legislation that would ban transgender athletes from playing on female sports teams. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 2 (32)…I’m Matt Doyle”.

The Senate failed however to garner enough votes to override the conceal carry veto. The law would have allowed Louisiana residents 21 and older without a felony, to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. The final vote in the Senate was 23-15 but it was not enough to override the veto.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey says they will not reschedule football games this season if a team is hit with a COVID outbreak. Sankey says last season’s schedule had open weeks so that games can be rescheduled, but that won’t be the case this season. This was his message to SEC athletes.
Cut 8 (05) “…throughout the year”

Sankey says if a team does not have enough players to play as a result of COVID, they may have to forfeit that game.

As cases numbers grow and Louisiana remains one of the least vaccinated states, Senator and physician Bill Cassidy was asked about his feelings on mask mandates for school systems this fall. Cassidy says if the CDC recommends face masks for school-age children he would support it.
Cut 11 (11) “…disease control.”

Cassidy also encouraged nonvaccinated individuals to talk to their physician about the vaccine and ignore the politics.

Cut 24 :05

The historic veto-override session is underway. Lawmakers have convened, and some in an effort to make vetoed bills into law, despite Governor John Bel Edwards’ opposition. A total 28 bills were rejected by the governor. One of the most publicized bills is legislation banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. That bill has just passed in the Senate with a two-thirds majority and now heads to the house.

As cases numbers grow and Louisiana remains one of the least vaccinated states, Senator and physician Bill Cassidy encourages those who are unvaccinated to speak with their personal physician about the vaccine and ignore the politics.

Cut 10 (11) “…their physician.”

The state reported more than 15-hundred new COVID cases today and 20 fatalities. Hospitalizations increase also and currently 779 are in hospitals across the state with COVID.

Rain overnight and into the morning caused flooding in several cities in St. Tammany Parish this morning near the Mandeville region. Slidell National Weather Service Meteorologist Chris Bannan the afternoon heat should help the area dry up somewhat, but more showers are in the immediate forecast, and areas that flooded this morning should take precautions and the surrounding area also.

Cut 4 (11) “…too fast”

St. Tammany Parish Public Information Director Michael Vinsanau says most of the worst flooding occurred in Mandeville south of I-12 along US 190…

Cut 5 (11) “…area”

Vinsanau asks residents to stay off the local flooded roads not only for their own safety but out of courtesy to their neighbors.

It appears likely there will be a vote today to overturn Governor Edwards’ veto of legislation barring transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports teams. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

Early morning storms in southeast Louisiana dumped up to 11 inches of rain flooding roads, homes, and stranding drivers. Flooding was reported in Mandeville, Covington, and Madisonville. A flash flood warning is in effect for the area until 12:30.

All eyes are on the state capitol as Louisiana lawmakers convene for the first veto session since the state’s new constitution was adopted in 1974. Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says he has no doubts the bill to protect women’s sports from transgender athletes will be overridden in the House.

Cut 7 (05) “…act bill.” 

The transgender legislation is one of 28 that Governor Edwards vetoed. The other high-profile bill that legislators are expected to address is constitutional carry.

Lawmakers will create precedent today when the historic veto-override session kicks off at noon. LaPolitcs.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says to override a veto first a motion will be made to present a bill. That motion can pass on a simple majority. Then a motion will be made for final passage, that motion needs two-thirds support.

Cut 5 (09) “…final vote.”

A vetoed bill must pass in both chambers.