Starting Saturday, outdoor balloon releases for memorials and celebrations will be illegal in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo explains why.
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The next time you cast your ballot, your “I voted” sticker will have a new look. Andrew Greenstein reports.
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The Saints begin preseason practice in year two of the Kellen Moore era today. Kace Kieschnick has more.
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A new law taking effect Saturday will ban outdoor balloon releases in Louisiana for memorials and celebrations. Harahan Representative John Illg authored the measure and says balloons can create environmental problems when they are released.
Cut 4 (08) “…our waterways.”
Lawmakers approved the ban last year, but Governor Jeff Landry vetoed it. This year, the governor allowed the measure to become law without his signature. Illg says the ban has support from Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the agriculture industry.
Cut 5 (10) “…then possibly die.”
Illg says people have found alternatives to other traditions, like replacing rice at weddings with bird seed, and he believes families can find other ways to honor loved ones or celebrate special occasions.
Cut 6 (08) “…one of them.”
First-time violators could face a fine of up to 500 dollars or eight hours of community service. Repeat offenders could face fines up to 25-hundred dollars and lose their driver’s license. Illg says the goal is not to punish people, but to educate the public about the environmental impact of plastic balloons.
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Households that suffered financial losses from Tropical Storm Arthur can apply for Disaster SNAP benefits this week. Tim Jenkins, who oversees the SNAP program for the Louisiana Department of Health, says applicants must live in designated disaster areas of Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany or Terrebonne parishes, but not everyone in those parishes will qualify.
Cut 7 (09) “…census block ratio.”
Eligibility is based on ZIP code and whether a household was impacted by flooding in the designated disaster areas.
Applications will be accepted through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. by calling 888-524-3578. Jenkins says most applicants will find out during their interview if they qualify.
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Today, households with last names beginning with N through Z can apply. On Thursday and Friday, applications will be accepted from anyone in the eligible areas. Jenkins says D-SNAP is intended to help families recover from storm-related financial losses.
Cut 9 (12) “…participating in that.”
Current SNAP recipients are not eligible for D-SNAP and should not apply.
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A voting system will be undergoing testing for certification this morning in Baton Rouge. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says after five voting systems and one ballot marking device have been previously certified, a voting system manufactured by Smartmatic will now be tested.
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The testing will happen at the Louisiana State Archives from nine to noon – and Secretary Landry says the best part is, you’re invited.
Cut 11 (03) “…see the demonstration.”
Landry says the state is still on track to select a new voting system by the end of this year.
Cut 12 (12) “…it after this.”
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The next time you cast your ballot, your “I voted” sticker will look a little different. The crawfish named Mark de Ballot is being retired; in its place is a work of art created by New Orleans artist Terrence Osborne. The sticker pays tribute to the whole state, and the centerpiece is a trumpet. Osborne says his imagination took over from there.
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Osborne says it was important to incorporate various symbols of Louisiana.
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Osborne says he created his image in a way to symbolize the trumpet blaring the story of Louisiana through images.
Cut 15 (10) “…they represent sound.”
As for Mark de Ballot, there’s no truth to the rumor that he’s been boiled in Tony Chachere’s seasoning with potatoes and corn.
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The Saints hold their first practice of training camp today. It’s one of the most optimistic preseasons in recent years for a Saints team trying to end a five-year playoff drought. That is largely thanks to second-year quarterback Tyler Shough, who General Manager Mickey Loomis says confirmed he has the intangibles to be a successful quarterback this offseason.
Cut 16 (14) “…can take us.”
To help Shough make the next step in year two, the Saints signed running back Travis Etienne (AY-chan) and drafted first-round wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. Head coach Kellen Moore says maybe most important to Shough’s production will be All-Pro receiver Chris Olave.
Cut 17 (16) “…continuing to grow.”
Loomis says Olave and the team are in negotiations for a contract extension, and both sides would like the former first-rounder to stay in New Orleans.
New Orleans was able to bring back veteran stars Cameron Jordan and Alvin Kamara this offseason. Kamara took a pay cut to fill a new role alongside Etienne in the backfield, and Moore says last year’s stagnant run game can now be a strength of the team.
Cut 18 (16) “…group for us.”
Wide receiver Mason Tipton and defensive lineman Keeshawn Silver were placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list to start camp. Loomis said Olave and Tyson, as well as running back Kendre Miller, are all cleared and good to go.