We could see some record high temperatures today. Health officials warn to stay out of the heat. Teiko Foxx has more….
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”
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On his monthly radio show, Governor Edwards discussed how he intends to rectify last-minute state budget cuts and the possibility of a veto override session. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Governor Edwards has vetoed legislation some call the “Stay Back” bill; aimed at heading off bad encounters between police and citizens. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 3 (31) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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The oppressive heat just will not relent and forecasters say record highs could fall today. Co-Chair of the Division of Disaster Medicine and EMS at LSU Health Science Center in New Orleans Dr. Jim Aiken urges the public to practice heat safety.
Cut 4 (13) “…to it.”
We could see heat index values of 115 degrees or above over the next couple of days. Aiken says if you work outside, try to manage outdoor activity…
Cut 5 (10) “…plan ahead.”
Symptoms of heat-related illness include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst.
Aiken says the best plan is to stay hydrated and request breaks in the shaded areas as often as possible. He says high heat can lead to life-threatening illnesses that are avoidable…
Cut 6 (08) “…about this.”
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On his monthly radio call-in show “Ask the Governor” Governor John Bel Edwards discussed the state budget that passed in the final moments of the session earlier this month. The budget most notably, despite a surplus in funding, contained a $100 million cut to the Louisiana Department of Health.
Cut 7 (13) “…and compassion.”
To date, the governor has not vetoed any legislation pertaining to the transgender population. He says he has only a few days to decide if he will or not and he’s hopeful lawmakers will not return for a veto override session.
Cut 8 (11) “…to that.’”
Among the anti-transgender bills, is one to prohibit transgender procedures and or treatments of minors. Another prohibits classroom discussion of sexual identity and orientation and a third restricts the use of pronouns and the name a student can go by in the classroom. Edwards says the bills have nothing to do with improving the economy, education, or healthcare.
Cut 9 (12) “…and so forth.”
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Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a bill that would have given police officers the ability to command you to “stay back” while they do their job. In his veto statement, the Governor says House Bill 85 was unnecessary because state laws already punish those who interfere with an officer. Bill author and Pineville Republican Representative Mike Johnson says his bill was about heading off possible interference…:
Cut 10 (07) “…feels threatened.”
The governor’s other objection was the bill’s potential chilling effect on exercising one’s First Amendments rights. He worried about people being able to observe and record cops. Chris Kaiser is the policy director for the ACLU of Louisiana. He says the Governor’s veto was the right thing to do because the bill was “unconstitutionally vague” and an overreach…:
Cut 11 (09) “…governor’s action today.”
The bill drew bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, despite heavy opposition in committee rooms. Detractors said it threatens citizens’ First Amendment rights and prevents people from video-recording police. Rep. Johnson says the legislation did none of that…:
Cut 12 (11) “…a police officer.”
Johnson says he will file the bill again next year, when there may be a Governor willing to sign it into law.
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If you had damage from the 2020-2021 hurricanes and need assistance with submitting surveys, Restore Louisiana representatives will be on-site in Kenner today at the Martin Luther King Center before the August 1 deadline. Community Development Director Pat Forbes says homeowners statewide still have not completed the initial step.
Cut 13 (12) “…survey done.”
Restore LA provides grant funding to homeowners who suffered damage from hurricanes and flooding in 2020 and 2. The money can pay for repairs, reconstruction, and/or reimbursement for repairs already completed. Forbes says the goal is to get homeowners financial assistance to help them recover from their losses…
Cut 14 (07) “…up yet.”
Since launching in February 2022, more than 22 thousand homeowners have submitted the survey. Forbes says the program expanded its criteria for homeowners to qualify.
Cut 15 (12) “…fifty thousand.”
Homeowners can complete the survey at restore.la.gov or call 866-735-2001.
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On a hot, steamy night, thousands of LSU fans went to Alex Box Stadium last night to celebrate the 2023 national champion LSU baseball team. Several star players spoke to the big crowd. Dylan Crews thanked the fans…
Cut 16 (19) “…can I say.”
Paul Skenes put together one of the greatest seasons ever by a college baseball pitcher. Skenes was at Air Force the last two seasons and made the decision to transfer LSU so he can improve as a pitcher and win a natty…
Cut 17 (17) “…came here.”
Coach Jay Johnson says he didn’t spend much time working on his speech as he is already preparing for the 2024 season. But Johnson says he’ll never forget this group of players and the focus they played with in the NCAA Tournament….
Cut 18 (19) “…2023 (applause).”