Newly formed Tropical depression number nine has formed in the Caribbean and the National Hurricane Center’s first official forecast track has the storm developing into the Gulf of Mexico this weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the developing storm is expected to make landfall along the Louisiana coast Sunday night or early Monday morning…

Cut 8 (08) “…a week.” 

Keim says there’s the potential this could develop into a major storm.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says he will not enact a coronavirus emergency plan for the fall elections. Ardoin says that means no expanded absentee-by-mail voting or expanded early voting…

Cut 11 (07) “…work out.”

Ardoin says an emergency election plan is not needed since COVID vaccines are widely available.

There’s been an arrest in Mississippi of a murder suspect in connection with the death of an 8-year-old Houma girl. Houma police say 23-year-old Davanta Verrett was arrested early this morning in Gulfport and is awaiting extradition. Police say there was an ongoing dispute with the child’s mother and the child, Treyce Bryant was caught in the crossfire in March.

The Biden Administration announces it will comply with a federal court ruling requiring it to restart oil and gas lease sales. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The Biden Administration announces it will comply with a federal court ruling requiring it to restart oil and gas lease sales. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Matt Doyle reports the October 9^th statewide election will be back to pre-COVID business as usual according to Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m  Matt Doyle” 

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Fans will enter Tiger Stadium in a little over two weeks but with new COVID policies to make the experience as safe as possible. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The Department of the Interior is moving ahead with plans to hold an oil and gas lease sale for the Gulf of Mexico.

Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Mike Moncla celebrated the news. He says he doesn’t know why the Biden Administration changed course, but it might be due to prices at the pump.

Cut 4 (07) “…haunt them.”

The Administration’s decision comes after the Department of Justice announced it would comply with a federal courts’ order requiring the resumption of oil and gas lease sales.

After taking office earlier this year the Administration banned new oil and gas lease sales on federal lands and waters as part of its climate change policy.

The Biden Administration previously stated that reducing domestic oil and gas production was key to limiting global warming. Moncla says that just leads to more production in other countries…

Cut 5 (09) “…for oil.”

A recent IPCC report noted that if the world does not reach carbon neutrality by roughly 2050 that we will face irreversible and catastrophic levels of global warming.

Moncla says the lease sale ban reversal coupled with rising oil prices helps put the local industry back on track…

Cut 6 (11) “…well sites.”

The sale notice reportedly is likely to come sometime in September.

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There’s a tropical wave that has a strong likelihood of development along with the possibility of impacting Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says forecasters are expecting it will develop into a tropical storm or depression when it moves into the Gulf of Mexico over the next few days.

Cut 7 (11) “…five days.”

It was this time a year ago when Louisianans were awaiting the arrival of Hurricane Laura that made landfall in southwest Louisiana on August 27^th.  Keim says it’s time once again for those of us in the Pelican State to be on notice.

Cut 8 (08) “…a week.” 

Keim says while models have this system making landfall anywhere from the Florida panhandle to the Texas coastline early next week, Keim says those of us in the Bayou State should continue to check the forecast.

Cut 9 (04) “…the mix.”

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The voting experience will be back to normal when Louisianans head to the polls for the fall election on October 9^th.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the circumstances are completely different than they were last year and it’s time we get back to regular elections.

Cut 10 (05) “…both.” 

Ardoin says this will be the second election under “normal circumstances” the first was a special election for a State Senate seat back in July that was held in New Orleans.

Ardoin says this election will not feature the expanded early voting opportunities seen last year during the pandemic. Ardoin says that policy was costly and resulted in the loss of some elections commissioners.

Cut 11 (07) “…work out.”

The deadline to register to vote in this election is September 8^th. Early voting runs from September 25^th through October 2^nd every day except Sundays from 8:30 AM to 6 PM.

Whether or not the statewide mask mandate is still in effect Ardoin says you will not be required to mask to cast a ballot.

Cut 12 (08) “…the COVID.”  

Most voters will primarily be deciding on a slate of constitutional amendments related to tax reform. New Orleans residents will be deciding on parish-level elections.

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With the first home game at Tiger Stadium a little over two weeks away, LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward is urging fans to prep ahead so they aren’t caught off guard with the new policies requiring those 12 and up to be either vaccinated or show proof of a negative PCR test 72 hours prior kickoff.

Cut 13 (06) “…for gameday.”

Masks will be required for ages five to 11 to enter Tiger Stadium and masks are highly encouraged for children younger than five. Woodward says they are trying to make the game-day experience as safe and enjoyable as possible, and they will try to help expedite the entry process with prescreening.

Cut 14 (10) “…as possible.”

Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test only applies to entry of the stadium and not tailgating on campus, however, Woodward urges fans entering the stadium to practice social distancing around others who have not been vaccinated or tested so as to not expose others in the stadium.

Cut 15 (08)“…very careful.”

Woodward says he’s also received positive feedback from fans who have elderly parents or loved ones with preexisting conditions who are grateful for the new policies so they can feel safe about attending games.

The state reports 6,619 new COVID-19 cases today and 2,844 hospitalizations. Among those hospitalized 91-percent are unvaccinated. The state also added 110 more COVID fatalities today. Yesterday the state reported the highest-ever single-day number of fatalities with 139.

State health officials say 31-percent of newly reported COVID-19 cases in Louisiana were in children younger than 18. But only those 12 and older are eligible for the COVID vaccine and clinical trials in children are underway Physician in Chief at Children’s Hospital New Orleans Dr. Mark Kline believes the COVID vaccines can be as effective in children as adults…

Cut 8 (11) “…looking for”

Kline expects a EUA for children will be approved soon and shots will be in arms by end of the year for 5 to 11-year-olds.

President of the Louisiana Restaurant Association Stan Harris says the industry is still struggling and eateries in the state failed to receive their fair share of funding from the 28.6 billion of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Harris says in the Bayou State there are almost 3,000 restaurants, bars, craft brewers, and entertainment venues still in need.

Cut 4 (10) “…business alive” 

Louisiana SPCA animal shelters are nearly 100 percent past capacity and to make room by offering adoptions fees for 25 dollars through September 19^th. Spokesperson Alicia Vial says the economy and pet owners who are having to return to the office with less time to spend with a pet are some reasons for the influx of surrenders and there’s also another odd trend…

Cut 13 (12) “…started”

State health officials say 31-percent of newly reported COVID-19 cases in Louisiana were in children younger than 18. Anyone 12 and older is eligible for the Pfizer COVID vaccine. Physician in Chief at Children’s Hospital New Orleans Dr. Mark Kline says clinical trials for kids under 12 are underway.

Cut 6 (09) “…October.” 

Kline says that means the Pfizer vaccine could be available for 5- to 11-year-olds before the end of the year.

Louisiana SPCA animal shelters are nearly 100 percent past capacity and the organization is hoping to make room by offering adoptions for only 25 dollars through September 19^th. Spokesperson Alicia Vial says housing challenges and pandemic economic troubles are driving a big uptick in owner surrenders…

Cut 12 (06) “…pet” 

Caddo Parish Sheriffs made arrests yesterday in two separate incidents where students made school shooting threats. Sheriff’s spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says one of those arrested was 18-year-old Raybon Marter of who threatened a school shooting at Southwood High School on Snapchat.

Cut 9 (11) “…arrested.”

In an unrelated event, a 15-year-old was found with a loaded gun at Woodlawn Leadership Academy after an Instagram post tipped off authorities.

President of the Louisiana Restaurant Association Stan Harris says the industry is still struggling and eateries in the state failed to receive their fair share of funding from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

Cut 3 (11) “…get funded.” 

Harris says originally restaurants asked Congress for $120 billion but only received $28.6-billion.

The state reports 6,619 new COVID-19 cases today and 2,844 hospitalizations. Among those hospitalized 91-percent are unvaccinated. The state also added 110 more COVID fatalities today. Yesterday the state reported the highest-ever single-day number of fatalities with 139.

Caddo Parish Sheriffs made arrests yesterday in two separate incidents where students threatened school shootings on social media. Spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says one of those arrested was 18-year-old Raybon Marter who threatened to do a school shooting at Southwood High School on Snapchat and in an unrelated event, a 15-year-old posted a picture of himself putting a gun in his backpack then a photo of himself walking to the Woodlawn Leadership Academy campus.

Cut 10 (13) “…magazine”

The 15-year old was arrested for having a gun on campus and terrorizing.

40-percent of the state’s population is fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. That ranks 44th in the nation. LSU Infectious Disease Specialist Doctor Catherine O’Neal hopes full FDA approval for the Pfizer vaccine will generate more trust for those who are hesitant to get the shot…
cut 12 (07) “…works”

President of the Louisiana Restaurant Association Stan Harris says the industry is still struggling and eateries in the state failed to receive their fair share of funding from the 28.6 billion of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Harris says in the Bayou State there are almost 3,000 restaurants, bars, craft brewers, and entertainment venues still in need.

Cut 4 (10) “…business alive” 

Harris says 62-percent of applicants didn’t receive any funding.

One COVID vaccine shot or a negative COVID test 72 hours prior to entry will be needed in order to attend an LSU football game this season. Monroe Republican State Senator Stewart Cathey calls the protocol an overreach with no historical precedent…

Cut 14 (09) “…sporting event.”

Now that the FDA has given full approval to the Pfizer COVID vaccine, as promised LSU President William Tate says students will be required to be vaccinated or they will undergo regular COVID testing. Tate says he hopes the vaccination requirement for students and Tiger fans will cause a shortage of vaccinations.

Cut 6 (12) “…and Baton Rouge.”

According to LDH, five to 17 are reporting the highest percentage of COVID positive cases in the state for the week of August 12^th to the 18^th. And Ochsner Health Hospital Quality Director Dr. Sandra Kemmerly says as of Tuesday they’ve had 35 patients for the month of August and while Ochsner does not have any children in the hospital on ventilators, they have in the past.

Cut 8 (08) “…ventilators.” 

40 percent of the state’s entire population is now fully vaccinated but for rural regions, that number is still hovering in the low 30s, with numbers in the mid-20s in small rural parishes. LSU Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Catherine O’Neal who grew up in a small town herself says it can take a long time for mainstream messages to reach smaller communities.

Cut 10 (11) “…working on.” 

Now that the FDA has given full approval to the Pfizer COVID vaccine LSU students will have to be vaccinated or tested for COVID. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The largest percentage of new COVID positive cases in the state are among five- to 17-year-olds, and hospitals are seeing a trend in pediatric patients. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Rural regions lag far behind suburban and urban areas in the overall vaccination rate. Matt Doyle spoke with LSU Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Catherine O’Neal about the disparity…

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Now that the FDA has given full approval to the Pfizer COVID vaccine, as promised LSU President William Tate says students will be required to be vaccinated or they will undergo regular COVID testing. Students have until September 10^th to submit proof of their first vaccination and October 15^th for their second vaccination. Tate believes in the vaccines.

Cut 4 (08) “…semester.”

Tate says if a student chooses not to be vaccinated for COVID they will have to undergo regular testing.

Cut 5 (06) “…protocol.”

On Tuesday it was announced that Tiger fans will have to show proof vaccination or a negative PCR COVID test 72 prior to kickoff to ender Tiger Stadium.  Tate says he hopes the vaccination requirement for students and fans will cause a run on vaccinations.

Cut 6 (12) “…and Baton Rouge.”

Students who are unvaccinated will be required to get tested periodically throughout the semester and those living on campus could be tested more frequently.

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According to the Louisiana Department of Health ages, five to 17 are reporting the highest percentage of COVID positive cases in the state for the week of August 12^th to the 18^tt with 22-percent. Ochsner Health Hospital Quality Director Dr. Sandra Kemmerly says they are also seeing more pediatric patients in their hospitals.

Cut 7 (09) “…the hospital.”

Kemmerly says as of Tuesday Ochsner does not have any children in the hospital on ventilators, but they have in the past.

Cut 8 (08) “…ventilators.” 

As school-age children return to the classroom, hospital administrators are worried that they could see even more pediatric patients. Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart urges parents of young children to get vaccinated in order to protect their children who cannot and…

Cut 9 (09) “…with COVID.”

The next largest age group behind those ages five to seventeen is eighteen- to 29-year-olds with 20-percent of the COVID-positive cases in Louisiana.

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40 percent of the state’s entire population is now fully vaccinated but for rural regions, that number is still hovering in the low 30s, with numbers in the mid-20s in small rural parishes.

LSU Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Catherine O’Neal grew up in rural Vidrine. She says it can take a long time for mainstream messages to penetrate these smaller communities.

Cut 10 (11) “…working on.” 

52 percent of Region 1, the New Orleans region, is fully vaccinated, followed by Region 2, the Baton Rouge region, at 43 percent. Nationwide 51 percent of the total population is fully vaccinated per the CDC.

O’Neal says that small town disconnect from the mainstream can be a beautiful life, but…

Cut 11 (08) “…hesitant.”

A report by the Advocate took a deep dive into vaccine hesitancy in Grant Parish, where the vaccination rate is only 25 percent.

O’Neal hopes the full FDA approval for the Pfizer vaccine will generate more trust in those who live in rural communities but are hesitant.

Cut 12 (07) “…works.”  

All numbers are cited from the Louisiana Department of Health COVID dashboard.

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Monroe Republican State Senator Stewart Cathey blasts LSU’s decision to require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter Tiger Stadium this fall.

Cathey says the policy is inconvenient for fans.

Cut 13 (08) “…stuff for the fans.”

State health leaders like LSU Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Catherine O’Neal celebrated the news saying it ensures a safe environment for fans and the policy means there is little chance of anyone catching COVID at the game.

Cathey also calls the policy an overreach with no historical precedent.

Cut 14 (09) “…sporting event.”

Cathey says the policy is premature and he believes by kickoff against McNeese on September 11^th that the COVID situation in Louisiana will be much better.

Cut 15 (08)“…are now.”

COVID-related hospitalizations are down a bit from last week but saw a slight jump Tuesday after five straight days of declines. The 2,856 people statewide in the hospital with COVID is about 800 people higher than at any point during the previous three waves.

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One team, one heartbeat has been the mantra LSU Coach Ed Orgeron uses to describe the football program since he took over as interim head coach in 2016. But the Tigers lacked that togetherness last season when they went five and five. Senior offensive tackle Austin Deculus says it’s a different feeling this season

cut  16 (26) “…talking about.”

Senior offensive guard Ed Ingram says they are more focused this season and there’s better leadership…

Cut 17 (16) “… says stuff.”  

Proof of at least one COVID vaccine is needed to enter Tiger Stadium this season or a negative COVID test 72 hours prior to kick-off. The vaccine policy could hurt attendance, but Ingram says that is something they can not control

Cut 18 (14)”…UCLA right now.”

LSU will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter Tiger Stadium for football games this season.  LSU Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Catherine O’Neal says this added layer of protection means those who are fully vaccinated can feel pretty safe going to the game.

Cut 3 (11) “…environment.” 

O’Neal says those who are elderly or immunocompromised should not go to the game even if vaccinated. She says crowds won’t be safe for those individuals until more people are vaccinated.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain implores Louisianans not to take Ivermectin for COVID. Strain says for some Ivermectin can even be fatal. That’s because some people genetically don’t have the right protein to stop Ivermectin from crossing the blood-brain barrier.

Cut 14 (09) “..antidote”

Jameis Winston made a strong case that he should be the starting quarterback for the Saints in last night’s preseason win over Jacksonville. Winston threw for 123 yards and two touchdowns and just one incompletion on ten attempts. Coach Sean Payton is not providing a timeline on when he’ll announce a starter…

Cut 6 (10) “…next week” 

Five puppies are now safe and sound after spending days at the bottom of a 65-foot dry well in Washington Parish. Director of the Humane Society of Louisiana Jeff Dorson says in his 33 years in the field, he’s never seen such an operation. Overall Dorson says the puppies are in great shape considering and crews kept them fed and watered throughout the three-day rescue.

Cut 10 (11) “…no idea”

LSU will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter Tiger Stadium for the home opener against McNeese on September 11^th. LSU Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Catherine O’Neal says if you’re not vaccinated you can go get one today and have some additional protection entering the stadium. For those who choose not to get vaccinated but are otherwise healthy…

Cut 4 (07) “…zero” 

Unvaccinated individuals must produce a negative PCR test result that was taken within 72 hours of the game.

The state reports the highest-ever single-day fatality count for COVID 19-today with a 139.

The previous high was 129 on April 14, 2020. The state also reports 3,814 new COVID-19 cases and 2,856 hospitalizations. 91 percent of hospitalized patients are unvaccinated.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain implores Louisianans not to take Ivermectin for COVID. Strain says there was some evidence at one point that the anti-parasitic might be effective against COVID, but those studies were retracted by reputable medical journals due to irregularities…

Cut 12 (10) “…audit” 

Strain says for some the medication can be fatal.

It took rescue crews three days to save five puppies from the bottom of a 65-foot dry well in Washington Parish.  Director of the Humane Society of Louisiana Jeff Dorson says in his 33 years working with animals he’s never seen anything like it.

Cut  11 (09) “…extraordinary.”  

Dorson says the puppies were transported to Mandeville Animal Hospital where they remarkably are only being treated for parasites and minor skin issues.

The state reports 139 COVID-19 fatalities today which is the most announced in a single day since the beginning of the pandemic. The previous high was 129 on April 14, 2020. The state reports 3,814 new COVID-19 cases and 2,856 hospitalizations.

You’ll need proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to get into Tiger Stadium for the September 11^th home opener. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

Five puppies are now safe and sound after spending days at the bottom of a 65-foot dry well in Washington Parish. Director of the Humane Society of Louisiana Jeff Dorson says in his 33 years in the field, he’s never seen such an operation. Overall Dorson says the puppies are in great shape considering and crews kept them fed and watered throughout the three-day rescue.

Cut 10 (11) “…no idea”

He says the five pit-bull mix puppies along with their mother will be up for adoption once they’ve been released from Mandeville Animal Hospital.

Jameis Winston made a strong case that he should be the starting quarterback for the Saints in last night’s preseason win over Jacksonville. It was the first game he started since 2019 when he was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Cut 7 (06) “…fun stuff”