Veto override session ballots have been sent out to lawmakers and if a majority of lawmakers in both chambers elect not to return them an override session will begin July 20th. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the process for a veto session is in the constitution in that a session is automatically scheduled if even one veto is issued.
Cut 7 (12) “…session”

LSU Alexandria is launching a new aviation program where students can become commercial pilots without any military experience.  Associate Vice Chancellor and Provost of Academic Affairs Dr. Eamon Halpin says this program will lead to a bachelor’s degree as well as a number of flight certifications for students.

Cut 5  (07) “…certificate”

Lift-off is scheduled for Spring 2022.
Governor Edwards signs a bill by Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt that will begin moving the state to a paper-based election system. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

A boating accident claims the life of KeShaun Farmer, and Hayes M. Meek has been charged with boating while intoxicated in northwest Louisiana, both are 20 years old. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says Farner’s body was found in Lake Bistineau on Sunday following an overnight search. Meek, has been arrested for operating the boat while intoxicated.

Former four term Louisiana governor Edwin Edwards has placed himself in hospice care at age 93. Edwards downplayed the decision saying it’s a matter of good and convenient care. He also says he has been causing people a lot of trouble caring for his pneumonia and other respiratory issues. His wife Trina says his blood oxygen and pressure has been low in recent weeks and she is hoping he will rebound again.

Veto override session ballots have been sent out to lawmakers and if a majority of lawmakers in both chambers elect not to return them an override session will begin July 20th.
Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Those ballots are due July 15th and Pinsonat says it will be public record which lawmakers sent in ballots asking for the veto session to be canceled.
Cut 9 (05) “..law.”

Governor Edwards signs legislation that will begin the process of shifting Louisiana from an electronic voting system to a paper-based system.
Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says Under a paper system, voters will receive a paper ballot that they can look at to make sure their vote was tabulated correctly, and that can be later audited by hand should the need arise.
The state is currently in search of new voting machines, but Hewitt says this bill directs the Secretary of State to wait until we know exactly what we’re looking for to move ahead…
Cut 11 (11) “…want.”

Tom Galligan’s tenure as interim President of LSU has come to an end with the appointment of Bill Tate IV as the school’s new permanent President. Galligan had a rocky ride between COVID, the Summer of Black Lives Matter, and a Title IX scandal. Galligan says he was heartened by all the support he received after making some tough calls during that period.
Cut 15 (11)“…really supportive.”

Lawmakers have begun receiving ballots asking if they would like to cancel the automatically scheduled veto override session set to begin July 20th. Matt Doyle has the story…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Former four-term Louisiana governor Edwin Edwards has placed himself in hospice care at age 93. Edwards downplayed the decision saying it’s a matter of good and convenient care. He also says he has been causing people a lot of trouble caring for his pneumonia and other respiratory issues. His wife Trina says his blood oxygen and pressure has been low in recent weeks and she is hoping he will rebound again.

Tom Galligan’s tenure as interim President of LSU has come to an end with the appointment of Bill Tate IV as the school’s new permanent President. Galligan took over just before the pandemic got started and says navigating that difficult period was a serious challenge.
Cut 14 (11) “…each other.”

LSU Alexandria is launching a new aviation program where students can become commercial pilots without any military experience. Associate Vice Chancellor and Provost of Academic Affairs Dr. Eamon Halpin says this program will lead to a bachelor’s degree as well as a number of flight certifications for students.
Cut 5 (07) “…certificate”

Students will soon be able to earn a bachelor’s degree in aviation at LSU-Alexandria. Taylor Sharp has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Taylor Sharp”
Veto override session ballots have been sent out to lawmakers and if a majority of lawmakers in both chambers elect not to return them an override session will begin July 20th.
Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Some Republican lawmakers recommended those in favor of a veto override session shred their ballots so they are not mistakenly sent in.
Pinsonat says it appears highly likely that the outcry over the Governor’s controversial veto of legislation involving transgender athletes will result in most lawmakers not sending in a ballot.
Cut 8 (10) “…session”

Governor Edwards signs legislation that will begin the process of shifting Louisiana from an electronic voting system to a paper-based system.
Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says her bill will further strengthen the integrity of our elections.
Cut 10 (10) “…machines.”

Tom Galligan’s tenure as interim President of LSU has come to an end with the appointment of Bill Tate IV as the school’s new permanent President. Galligan had a rocky ride between COVID, the Summer of Black Lives Matter, and a Title IX scandal. Galligan says he’s ready for some time off…
Cut 13 (06) “…decompression.”

LSU baseball has officially landed All-American freshman transfer Jacob Berry from Arizona after the former Wildcats third baseman announced that he will be following coach Jay Johnson to LSU.  Berry hit .352 with a team-high 17 home runs and 70 RBI’s for the Wildcats last season.  He started 62 games for Arizona and hit 19 doubles, five triples, and totaled 87 hits.

The LSU football team has landed a commitment from the number two kicker in America for the class of 2022 as Nathan Dibert recently announced his pledge to the tigers.  Dibert performed well at the Kohl’s kicking camp as the left-footer connected on 24-25 fields goals with some in the 50-yard range.  With Dibert now on board that gives the Tigers 12 verbal commitments for the 2022 class.

LSU track star and Olympic sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson has received a lot of support from many athletes following her disqualification in the 100 meter at the Olympic games due to her positive marijuana test.

According to ESPN’s Mike Triplett, the New Orleans Saints are among a handful of teams interested in veteran free agent cornerback Richard Sherman ahead of the 2021 training camp.  New Orleans now has nearly 10 million in salary cap after extending Ryan Ramczyk. Sherman is a five-time pro bowler and has previously stated he wants to play for a contender.

Also, the Netflix film “Home Team” centering around Sean Payton’s 2012 suspension due to the bounty gate scandal has officially wrapped up filming in New Orleans.  Kevin James is playing the Saints’ head man and rounding out the cast will be Taylor Lautner, Rob Schneider, and others.

While former New Orleans stars Chris Paul and Jrue Holiday will battle it out for an NBA championship there is another matchup to watch for Pelicans fans.  Willie Green and Charles Lee, assistants for the Sun and Bucks are believed to be the leading candidates to fill the Pels’ head coaching vacancy.

LSU Alexandria is launching a new aviation program where students can become commercial pilots without any military experience. Associate Vice Chancellor and Provost of Academic Affairs Dr. Eamon Halpin says this program was started due to the high demand for commercial pilots.
Cut 4 (08) “…university”
Veto override session ballots have been sent out to lawmakers and if a majority of lawmakers in both chambers elect not to return them an override session will begin July 20th.
Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the process for a veto session is in the constitution in that a session is automatically scheduled if even one veto is issued.
Cut 7 (12) “…session”
Governor Edwards signs a bill by Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt that will begin moving the state to a paper-based election system. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Students will soon be able to earn a bachelor’s degree in aviation at LSU-Alexandria.  Taylor Sharp has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Taylor Sharp”

___________________________________

 Lawmakers have begun receiving ballots asking if they would like to cancel the automatically scheduled veto override session set to begin July 20th. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

_________________________________________

Governor Edwards signs a bill by Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt that will begin moving the state to a paper-based election system. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________

LSU Alexandria is launching a new aviation program where students can become commercial pilots without any military experience.  Associate Vice Chancellor and Provost of Academic Affairs Dr. Eamon Halpin says this program was started due to the high demand for commercial pilots.

Cut 4 (08) “…university”

Halpin says this program will lead to a bachelor’s degree as well as a number of flight certifications for students.

Cut 5  (07) “…certificate”

In terms of who can enroll in the courses, Halpin says any student at the University can enroll regardless of age.

Cut 6 (07) “…requirements.”

The planned take-off for the program is Spring 2022.

_______________________________

Veto override session ballots have been sent out to lawmakers and if a majority of lawmakers in both chambers elect not to return them an override session will begin July 20^th.

Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the process for a veto session is in the constitution in that a session is automatically scheduled if even one veto is issued.

Cut 7 (12) “…session”

Some Republican lawmakers recommended those in favor of a veto override session shred their ballots so they are not mistakenly sent in.

Pinsonat says it appears highly likely that the outcry over the Governor’s controversial veto of legislation involving transgender athletes will result in most lawmakers not sending in a ballot.

Cut 8 (10) “…session”

Those ballots are due July 15^th and Pinsonat says it will be public record which lawmakers sent in ballots asking for the veto session to be canceled.

Cut 9 (05) “..law.”

Should the session be held lawmakers would have four days to address the 28 different vetoes issued by Governor Edwards this year.

________________________

Governor Edwards signs legislation that will begin the process of shifting Louisiana from an electronic voting system to a paper-based system.

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says her bill will further strengthen the integrity of our elections.

Cut 10 (10) “…machines.”

Under a paper system, voters will receive a paper ballot that they can look at to make sure their vote was tabulated correctly, and that can be later audited by hand should the need arise.

The state is currently in search of new voting machines but Hewitt says this bill directs the Secretary of State to wait until we know exactly what we’re looking for to move ahead…

Cut 11 (11) “…want.”

This commission will first meet on September 1^st and generate a report before the start of 2022. Hewitt says it is unknown right now if the paper system will be available for the 2022 federal elections.

Hewitt says states all around the country that don’t already have a paper trail for their elections are quickly moving in that direction away from strictly electronic records…

Cut 12 (09) “…results.” 

__________________________________

Tom Galligan’s tenure as interim President of LSU has come to an end with the appointment of Bill Tate IV as the school’s new permanent President. Galligan had a rocky ride between COVID, the Summer of Black Lives Matter, and a Title IX scandal. Galligan says he’s ready for some time off…

Cut 13 (06) “…decompression.”

Galligan took over just before the pandemic got started and says navigating that difficult period was a serious challenge.

Cut 14 (11) “…each other.”

Galligan replaced F. King Alexander who left LSU to take on the same position at Oregon State.

LSU ultimately decided to shut down the campus and shift to virtual learning during the pandemic. Galligan says he was heartened by all the support he received after making some tough calls during that period.

Cut 15 (11)“…really supportive.”

________________________

Lawmakers appear likely to enter a historic, first-of-its-kind veto override session later this month. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says 28 bills were vetoed by the Governor this year but it’s the rejection of legislation banning transgender women from womens’ sports that played the biggest role in dragging lawmakers back to Baton Rouge…

Cut 7 (07) “…day one.”

The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act by Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell received over two-thirds support in both chambers of the Legislature, which if it holds would override a veto.

The World Health Organization recommends vaccinated people return to masking as the Delta variant spreads. State Health Office Dr. Joe Kanter says the CDC hasn’t backed that call in the US because our vaccination rate is so high…

Cut 11 (08) “…vaccinations now.”

State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says a bipartisan infrastructure agreement touted by a group of Senators including Bill Cassidy would be the key to addressing the state’s billions of dollars of backlogged infrastructure needs. Wilson says this infrastructure package is a generational piece of legislation and the greatest investment since the New Deal.

Cut 4 (05) “…invovled”

The Senate and House appear set for a showdown over dueling infrastructure proposals as Friday the House passed a 715 billion dollar infrastructure proposal that includes more climate-related spending than the bipartisan agreement made in the Senate.

It’s been more than 10 months since Hurricane Laura ravaged southwest Louisiana and looks like finally, the feds are sending some real assistance to the region.  Governor Edwards says the state has demonstrated $3-billion in unmet needs from Laura, Delta, and Zeta and was able to get an agreement with HUD on that number…

Cut 12 (05) “…to begin with.” 

The Legislature appears set to head into a July 20^th veto session with widespread agreement that a simple majority of both the House and Senate will not return letters that would cancel the pre-scheduled session, as they have in the past. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says once lawmakers return to Baton Rouge they will only have a few days to override any vetoes and that’s not much time given the wide range of bills that were nixed…

Cut 6 (09) “…guns.”

Both of those bills received veto-proof support during the regular session.

Congressional lawmakers appear to be teetering on abandoning a half-trillion dollar bipartisan infrastructure agreement. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says given what the bill would do locally he hopes they can ultimately get this legislation to the President…

Cut 5  (04) “…talk”

There are growing concerns among health experts that the delta variant of COVID could bring a return of the mask mandate. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Hammond Police are seeking a suspect in an early morning fatal shooting at a Waffle House on the 4^th of July. The incident claimed the life of 30-year-old Robbert Armstrong of Ponchatoula, who was pronounced dead on the scene when officers arrived around 4 AM in the morning. Anyone with information about his shooting is encouraged to contact Hammond Police.

Lawmakers will have a lot of vetoes to sort through in the likely upcoming veto override session later this month, but one bill is set to take center stage…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

An Environment America Research Policy Center report names 21 popular beaches of concern in Louisiana as hot spots for fecal bacteria and resulting infections. 12 of those beaches were found in Cameron Parish, one in St. Mary Parish, six in Jefferson parish in the Grand Isle area, and one at Fountainebleau State Park in St. Tammany Parish. 

The World Health Organization is advising even those who are fully vaccinated to wear face masks as the delta variant of COVID continues to spread at a rapid rate. State Health Office Dr. Joe Kanter says so far, the CDC has not put out such a recommendation.

Cut 9 (12) “…delta variant.”

The delta variant is a mutation of the coronavirus that spreads more quickly because it is better at latching onto cells in our bodies.

State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says a roughly half-trillion-dollar bipartisan agreement in the US Senate could alleviate many of the state’s long-suffering infrastructure concerns. Wilson says Louisiana currently has a D minus grade for infrastructure from the American Society of Civil Engineers. This bill looks tailor-made to address those concerns locally.

Cut 3 (09)  “….bridges”