Governor John Bel Edwards on Friday vetoed three bills widely opposed by LGBTQ+ advocates — his final actions on measures stemming from the 2023 legislative session. The Republican-controlled legislature will now consider whether to reconvene in a session that could override the governor’s vetoes. A two-thirds vote in the House and Senate is required to override a veto which is exceedingly rare in Louisiana.

AAA says this 4th of July Holiday weekend will be one of the busiest on record in terms of people who’ve decided to go out of town, and state officials are urging you not to drive impaired. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign is underway and Greg Fischer, with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says July 4th is among the worst holidays for DWI mishaps…:
Cut 13 (11) “impaired drivers”
The campaign is in place through Wednesday.

A stretch of I-10 was closed off to westbound traffic in Ascension Parish Friday after a portion of the roadway buckled from excessive heat, according to highway officials. The pothole was reported around near the Sorrento exit and was patched up about one hour later as traffic backed up for miles. DOTD says there have been numerous instances of buckling across the state.

Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise met with Brian Kelly, Nick Saban, and other SEC officials to discuss potential legislation surrounding college athlete NIL deals. There are no regulations and protections in the current NIL space and Scalise wants to have something in place to keep college athletics on the up and up…:
Cut 11 (14) “in jeopardy”

The chance that lawmakers will return to Baton Rouge for a veto override session went up Friday as Governor John Bel Edwards nixed anti-LGBTQ legislation. The Governor promised he would veto any measures similar to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay Bill” that seeks to ban talk about gender and sexual identity in K-12 classrooms. The governor called such proposals an attack on some of the state’s most vulnerable children.

On a hot 4th of July weekend like this one where Excessive Heat Warnings remain in place, going out on the water is a great way to keep cool – but state officials urge you to have a sober boat operator. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has put Operation Dry Water in place this weekend where boating Education Coordinator Lt. Garret Kimble says to expect heightened enforcement…:
Cut 3 (05) “and checks”
A Drive Sober or Get Pulled over campaign is also in place for the Holiday weekend.

After close to 50 years in law enforcement, Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator announces he will not seek re-election. Prator says he wanted to make public his decision as there are only six weeks left to qualify for the office…:
Cut 15 (10) “successful campaign”
But he says he’s not resigning and that he will continue to serve as sheriff for the next 12 months.

Cops in East Baton Rouge Parish are looking for a driver who ran over a Central Police Officer’s leg during an incident Friday evening. They say when the officer learned there were narcotics in the vehicle the driver sped off causing the officer to be dragged before his leg was run over. The officer is expected to be okay, and now authorities are searching for the person involved.

Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed anti-LGBTQ legislation Friday, including the state’s version of what critics call the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. GOP lawmakers have said if this happened as the governor promised, they would call for the legislature to return to Baton Rouge for a veto override session.

Most of the state is under yet another excessive heat warning today where the heat index could reach between 110-115 degrees. On Friday it got so hot in Ascension Parish that a section of I-10 buckled causing a brief shutdown near the Sorrento exit.

The 4th of July Holiday weekend is one of the deadliest on the roadways so expect to see lots of cops on the road as a Drive Sober or Get Pulled over campaign is underway.
Cut 12 (11) “off the road”
That’s Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.

Congressman Steve Scalise met with LSU Coach Brian Kelly and other SEC officials to discuss potential legislation regarding collegiate Name-Image-Likeness deals. Kace Kieschnick has more…:
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Kace Kieschnick”

LSU is set to hire Nate Yeskie from Texas A&M as its next pitching coach according to head coach Jay Johnson. Johnson confirmed a report that his former assistant coach would be reuniting with him in Baton Rouge. LSU is in need of a new pitching coach since former coach Wes Johnson was announced as the next head coach of the Georgia Bulldog program.

Governor Edwards has restored $100 million that was cut from the state budget for the health department, but will it prompt a veto override session? Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

An Excessive Heat Warning is once again posted for most of the state today, with no significant changes expected in our weather, according to forecasters. Afternoon highs will range from the upper 90’s to around 102.

Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise met with Brian Kelly, Nick Saban, and other SEC officials to discuss potential legislation surrounding college athlete NIL deals. The NCAA made it legal for athletes to profit off their name image and likeness in July of 2021 in a  controversial decision among college sports fans, and many athletes have been able to benefit from the new rules. Scalise shared his hope to protect both students and the future of college athletics…

Cut 11 (14)  “…in jeopardy.”

The Independence Day holiday weekend means busy highways, and the state’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is underway. Greg Fischer, with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says July the 4^th is among the worst holidays for DWI mishaps…:

Cut 13 (11) “…impaired drivers.”

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” runs now through Wednesday night, July 5th.

Governor John Bel Edwards took his line-item veto pen to the state’s $47-billion budget; cutting the amount of state retirement debt being paid down and restoring cuts made to the Department of Health and early childhood education. Now, the question is, will lawmakers want to reconvene to override any of his vetoes? Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he doubts they will…:

CUT 08(08)      “…already look.”

He says a veto of anti-trans bills likely will trigger an override session.

Folks going boating this holiday weekend need to make sure a sober skipper is at the helm. State Wildlife & Fisheries Lt. Garrett Kimball says Operation Dry Water is underway, and they’ll be on the alert for impaired boaters…:

CUT 03(09)      “…and checks.”

Congressman Steve Scalise met with LSU Coach Brian Kelly and other SEC officials to discuss potential legislation regarding collegiate Name-Image-Likeness deals. Kace Kieschnick has more…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Kieschnick”

After announcing weeks ago he would seek another term in office, Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator says he will instead retire at the end of this year, due to an ongoing health issue for which he’s being treated. Prator became sheriff in Caddo 23 years ago, and has been in law enforcement for 50 years.

Governor Edwards has restored $100-million that was cut from the state budget for the Department of Health, but will that prompt a veto override session?

CUT 01(31)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Deputies in DeRidder have egg on their face after mistakenly breaking down the door of the wrong house while serving a search warrant Wednesday. This happened at around 11 pm and left the door and doorjamb in splinters and glass shattered all over. Beauregard Parish Sheriff Mark Herford says they will make things right and fix all that damage.

Congressman Steve Scalise met with Brian Kelly, Nick Saban, and other SEC officials to discuss potential legislation surrounding college athlete NIL deals. Scalise says he’s been forming a growing coalition to set national NIL standards, and many members of congress agree this is uncharted territory. Scalise says schools understand the potential pitfalls as well…:

CUT 10(13)      “…national standard.”

The Independence Day holiday weekend means busy highways, and the state’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is underway. Greg Fischer, with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says expect to see a big police presence this weekend…:

CUT 12(11)      “…off the road.”

“Drive sober or Get Pulled Over” runs now through next Wednesday statewide. Similarly, Wildlife & Fisheries agents will be doing Operation Dry Water; seeking out impaired boaters.

Governor John Bel Edwards has taken his line-item veto to the state budget; cutting the amount of state retirement debt lawmakers sought to pay down by about $125-million. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he doubts lawmakers will want to convene a veto override session based solely on that…:

CUT 07  (12)        “…the governor’s veto.”

The Governor also restored $100-million cut from the Department of health and almost $8-million to early childhood education.

Longtime Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator has changed his mind, and will NOT seek another term as Caddo’s Top Cop, due to a heart condition for which he is being treated. Prator has been sheriff since July of 2000, and has been in law enforcement for 50 year. That leaves the Caddo sheriff’s race this fall wide open.

As you head out of the highway this holiday weekend, remember the holiday “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is underway, now through Wednesday night. State Highway safety Commission spokesman Greg Fischer says quite often, guys will try to be macho about having a few drinks then getting behind the wheel…:

Cut 15   (12)        “…old fashioned taxi.”

College Name-Image-Likeness deals. Congressman Steve Scalise says he’s met with top SEC coaches about drafting some federal regulation and standard for NIL deals for student athletes. Scalise says legislation is necessary to ensure their protection…:

CUT 09(15)      “…work on.”

Governor Edwards has restored $100 million that was cut from the state budget for the health department, but will it prompt a veto override session? Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

Congressman Steve Scalise met with LSU Coach Brian Kelly and other SEC officials to discuss potential legislation regarding collegiate Name-Image-Likeness deals. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Kace Kieschnick.”  

______________________________________

If you plan on hitting the water this 4th of July weekend, expect to see an increased presence from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. It’s called Operation Dry Water – a national effort to raise awareness about the dangers of boating under the influence. Boating Education Coordinator Lt. Garret Kimble says to expect heightened enforcement.

Cut 3 (09) “…and checks.”

Louisiana reported 29 boating fatalities in 2022, with alcohol playing a role in five fatalities or 17 percent. As of May this year, Louisiana has reported four fatalities.

Kimble says DWI on the water carries the same penalties as on the road and it will also impact your driving privileges on the road.

Cut 4 (12)  “…in jail.” 

Kimble encourages boaters to designate a sober pilot when on the water.

Cut 5 (10)  “…the influence. ”

Last year during Operation Dry Water Weekend, LDWF agents arrested 12 boaters for DWI on the water. Operation Dry Water will take place from July 1 to July 3.

__________________________________________________

Governor Edwards has line-item vetoed the state budget and restored $100 million to the health department. The adjustment removed $125 million that conservatives earmarked to pay down retirement debt. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the legislature deserves all the criticism they are receiving over the budget.

Cut 6 (09)  “…themselves.” 

The governor also restored $7.5 million to early childhood education.

Pinsonat says so far there hasn’t been a response from House or Senate leadership if the budget-line time veto by the governor will prompt a veto-override session.

Cut 7 (12)  “…the governor’s veto.” 

The blind vote on the budget in the final minutes of the legislature, Pinsonat says was extremely irresponsible of lawmakers and he doubts the budget would be the tipping point for a veto-override session.

Cut 8 (08)  “…already look.” 

Pinsonat believes if anti-transgender legislation is vetoed, that conservative lawmakers would choose to return to the capitol to override the governor.

_______________________________________________

Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise met with Brian Kelly, Nick Saban, and other SEC officials to discuss potential legislation surrounding college athlete NIL deals. The NCAA made it legal for athletes to profit off their name image and likeness in July of 2021 in a  controversial decision among college sports fans, and while many athletes have been able to benefit from the new rules. Scalise says legislation is necessary to ensure their protection…

Cut 9 (15) “…work on.”

In addition to the lack of regulations and protections in the current NIL landscape, the House Majority Leader pointed out differing rules on a state-by-state basis. As each state looks to handle the future of college athletics in its own way, athletes are left to navigate the inconsistencies while some schools gain competitive advantages. Scalise says schools recognize this issue…

Cut 10 (13)  “…national standard.”

Scalise says he’s been forming a growing coalition to fight this issue and that many members of congress agree this is uncharted territory that must be addressed. Scalise shared his hope to protect both students and the future of college athletics…

Cut 11 (14)  “…in jeopardy.”

_______________________________________________

The Independence Day holiday weekend means busy highways, and the state’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is underway. Greg Fischer, with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says expect to see a big police presence this weekend…:

Cut 12 (11) “…off the road.” 

Each year, at peak holiday travel time, federal highway safety dollars flow to states (Louisiana included) to fund added police manpower; detecting impaired drivers and coping with crashes. Fischer says July 4^th is among the worst holidays for DWI mishaps…:

Cut 13 (11) “…impaired drivers.”

TECHNICAL ERROR WITH CUT 14. Move to CUT 15 PLEASE

Cut  14 (00)  “….”

Fischer says sobriety checkpoints could be in place across the state. He says carries a fine of $1000 and up to six months behind bars. He advises guys to not be macho, if they’ve been drinking this weekend…:

Cut 15 (12) “…old fashioned taxi”

He says the same applies to women as well. “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” runs now through Wednesday night, July 5th.

Governor Edwards has restored $100-million that was cut from the state budget for the health department, but will it prompt a veto override session? Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Thorington.”

An Excessive Heat Warning is once again posted for most of the state today, with no significant changes expected in our weather, according to forecasters. Afternoon highs will range from the upper 90’s to around 102.

If you’re hitting the water this weekend, make sure the person piloting the boat remains sober. LDWF is conducting Operation Dry Water for the holiday weekend. Lt. Garett Kimball suggests designating a sober skipper…:

CUT 05(10)      “…the influence.”

Remember all the DWI laws for driving apply to operating a boat too.

Lawmen will be on the roads in force – looking for drunk drivers – during the “drive sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesman Greg Fischer says July 4^th is among the worst holidays for DWI mishaps…:

CUT 13(11)      “…impaired drivers.”

A DWI can get you fines up to $1000 and up to 6 months in jail.