A 39-year old single mom who works in disaster recovery is now dependent on healthcare workers as she fights to breathe with COVID at Baton Rouge General. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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A long-term study of the impacts of just one year of early childhood education shows getting four-year-olds in pre-K programs can have a huge impact on their academic success. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Lafayette Little is the latest team from Louisiana to make the Little League World Series. Matt Doyle has the story ahead of their first game Friday…

Cut 3 (28)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Instead of helping others with disaster aid from the 2016 floods, 39-year-old Jessica Cooper finds herself in an ICU bed at Baton Rouge General. Cooper, a single mom who’s originally from Lake Charles wasn’t already vaccinated because it would require her to be off medication for several weeks in order for the vaccine to be effective.

Cut 4 (12) “…attacks quick.”

Cooper says being away from her daughter, Justus, for almost two weeks now, is especially hard and she was even prepared to say goodbye when her condition was much worse. Cooper says she’s extremely concerned because, at age 11, Justus isn’t eligible to be vaccinated yet.  Because of that Cooper made the hard choice for virtual learning this year.

Cut 5 (14) “…breathe.”

As for her prognosis, Cooper isn’t sure when she’ll be discharged but says she’s been told she’ll need oxygen for some time. Cooper says she plans to get vaccinated once she’s off her medication and approved to do so, but in the meantime, she feels more drastic measures should be taken to stop the Delta variant and help keep others like herself out of the hospital.

Cut 6 (10) “…the vaccine.”

Cooper who also suffers from asthma, says her symptoms began on July 30^th. She tested positive on August 4^th and was admitted a few days later.

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A Council for a Better Louisiana study shows even just one year of early childhood education can substantially boost long-term academic success. CABL President Barry Irwin says they compared the effects of just one year of pre-K for four-year-olds compared to no pre-k and saw a startling difference.

Cut 7 (07) “….high school.”

The LA 4 Longitudinal High School Outcomes Study looked compared the results of 40,000 different students, some of whom were in the LA 4 Pre-K program.

Erwin says they tracked key metrics and found not only were there benefits early in a kid’s academic career, but those benefits also lasted through high school…

Cut 8 (12) “…kids.” 

Per the study, LA 4 participation increased on-time graduation by four percent, TOPS qualification rates by about ten percent, Algebra scores by 12 percent, Biology scores by nine percent, Geometry scores by eight percent, English 2 scores by eight percent, and lowered special education placement rates by 45 percent.

Erwin says that was only with one year of early childhood education…

Cut 9 (11) “…high school.”

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CLECO customers can expect to see higher than average power bills, and the utility provider says there are multiple reasons for the increase. CLECO President Shane Hilton says the company implemented a rate increase that went into effect July first.

Cut 10 (11) “…equation.” 

Hilton says another factor for a rate increase is the three hurricanes in 2020, forcing CLECO to spend $240-million to restore power, and like other utility providers in the state, they have no federal mechanism to recover those costs.

Cut 11 (08) “…our customers.”

Another reason for higher-than-average bills is the ice storms that impacted the state, which also saw a significant spike in fuel costs and high usage. Hilton says customers are seeing costs from the winter storms spread out over bills that eventually drop off in April 2022.

An increase in natural gas prices, which have almost doubled, and fuel costs to keep an older plant in Mansfield operational during the summer demand is also adding to the price increase for CLECO customers.

Hilton says if you need assistance there are several options to help you pay your bill. He encourages you to call CLECO or visit their website.

Cut 12 (11) “…the year.”  

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The Little League World Series kicks off today and this year Louisiana is represented by Lafayette Little League.

Lafayette Little’s head coach Steven Menard says they’re a resilient team that really came together after a tough game in the State Championship against South Lake Charles.

Cut 13 (08) “…for us.”

Lafayette’s first game will be Friday at 4 PM against South Dakota. 16 teams will be in this year’s tournament but unlike most year’s no international teams will be in attendance.

Menard says the core of this team has been together for years and they’ve grown accustomed to the bright lights and high-level competition.

Cut 14 (11) “…ESPN.”

Menard likes his team’s chances heading into the tournament and says if they can keep their composure, they can go the distance.

Cut 15 (10)“…coming back.”

Governor Edwards visited the U-L Lafayette campus today for an update on the state’s Shot for 100-dollar COVID-19 vaccine initiative on a day in which the health department reported a slight decline in hospitalizations. But the governor says the Acadiana region is seeing a high positivity rate and an increase in hospitalizations…

Cut 14 (08) “…Lafayette General.”

The first 75-thousand students who are vaccinated on a college campus receive a 100-dollar VISA card.

There’s some positive news from Ochsner Health, during their Wednesday conference call they indicated a small decline in COVID hospitalizations. CEO Warner Thomas says this week they have 1028 COVID patients across their hospital systems.

Cut 3 (12) “…in New Orleans.” 

Casinos will likely be able to start offering sports betting sometime in mid-September after an emergency ruling by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. A month ago, Ronnie Johns was named chairman and says the number one question he’s been asked is when legal sports betting is coming to Louisiana.

Cut 7 (06) “…it’s manner”  

The ruling takes effect Monday, but it will likely take a few weeks for applications to be vetted.

The State Bond Commission voted to pause funding on a 28-million-dollar line of credit for renovations to the Superdome due to the Saints’ vaccination policy. Fan can get a refund but if they cancel, they’ll lose their season ticket position. The vote was 10-2 in favor of pausing the funding. One of the two votes was Edwards’ Executive Counsel Matthew Block…

Cut  11 (09) “…at all.”  

The state reports 5,550 new COVID cases today and a slight decrease in those hospitalized with COVID-related issues, the count now stands at 3,013, down from nine from Wednesday. 91-percent of the current patients are unvaccinated.  The state also noted 58 more COVID fatalities.

Even with a slight decline in hospital patients, Ochsner Health CEO Warner Thomas says nonemergency surgeries are still having to be postponed but they aren’t all elective, they are procedures impacting those with cancer and heart disease and those needing organ transplants.

Cut 4 (09) “…our system” 

Thomas says they have had to redeploy approximately 800 staff throughout the system to handle the influx of COVID patients which is another reason for postponing surgeries.

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board approves emergency rules that would allow casinos to offer sports betting to their patrons starting on Monday. Chairman Ronnie Johns says the goal all along was to make sure legal sports wagering in Louisiana was up and running prior to the start of the football season…

Cut 6 (10) “…this quickly” 

The emergency rules approved by the board will give riverboat and land-based casinos and racetracks the ability to take sports bets starting on Monday.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is canceling National Hunting and Fishing Day events that were scheduled across the state for September 25^th. LDWF spokesperson Ed Pratt says the current COVID situation caused them to cancel the event, but he hopes that next year we will be in a much better situation.

Cut 9 (08) “…good time.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says there are now ten times as many people in the hospital with COVID today than there were to start July. The over 3,000 hospitalized is about the size of his hometown of Amite.

Cut 11 (07) “…for me.”

The just under 12,000 total statewide COVID deaths would be enough to all but wipe out cities like Mandeville, Crowley, Bogalusa, Minden, or Morgan City. The governor made the comments on his monthly call-in radio show.

President Biden says nursing homes could lose federal funding if they do not make it mandatory for staff to be vaccinated against COVID. Louisiana AARP director Denise Bottcher applauds the decision…

Cut 14 (11) “…lives.”

Healthcare experts say Ivermectin should not be used to treat COVID as it is wholly ineffective against the disease. LSU Health New Orleans Chief of Community Medicine Dr. Ben Springgate says don’t take it unless you got parasitic worms.

Cut 4 (09) “…humans.”

The use of Ivermectin for COVID has been propagated by social media.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has opted to cancel National Hunting and Fishing Day events scheduled for September 25^th. LDWF spokesperson Ed Pratt says it was a tough decision to make but one that was in the best interest of the public to do so.

Cut 8 (12) “…workers.” 

Prat says they are hopeful the event can take place in 2022.

Healthcare experts say the drug Ivermectin should not be used to treat COVID because it’s ineffective against the disease. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Governor Edwards says it’s frustrating to hear that some people aren’t taking the vaccine because it is still under emergency use authorization. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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The Biden Administration says they will pull federal funding among nursing homes that do not have staff fully vaccinated for COVID. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Healthcare experts say Ivermectin should not be used to treat COVID as it is wholly ineffective against the disease.

LSU Health New Orleans Chief of Community Medicine Dr. Ben Springgate says don’t take it unless you got parasitic worms.

Cut 4 (09) “…humans.”

Springgate says taking Ivermectin can give people a false sense that they are treating their COVID when they aren’t, and it can come with some nasty side effects.

Cut 5 (10) “…death.”

The treatment gained some popularity in recent weeks due to social media misinformation. Springgate says don’t believe everything you see online…

Cut 6 (10) “…see that.”

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COVID has caused yet another event to be canceled in the Sportsman Paradise.  The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is canceling National Hunting and Fishing Day events that were scheduled across the state for September 25^th. LDWF spokesperson Ed Pratt says it was a tough decision to make.

Cut 7 (08) “….we’re in.”

NHFD is an annual event that takes place across the country on the fourth Saturday in September. Pratt says LWDF’s decision to not participate this year was to protect the health of participants and staff.

Cut 8 (12) “…workers.” 

Pratt says it’s an event that LDWF looks forward to each year they will especially miss the opportunity to watch families and young people learning about hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities.  Pratt hopes that next year we will be in a much better situation and able to hold the event.

Cut 9 (08) “…good time.”

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Governor Edwards says there are now ten times as many people in the hospital with COVID than there were at the start of July.

Edwards says those who are waiting for full authorization from the FDA to take a vaccine are making a serious mistake. If you get hospitalized with COVID you’ll be treated by therapeutics under emergency use authorization…

Cut 10 (10) “…go there.” 

Full authorization for Pfizer is expected early next month.

Edwards says there are now ten times as many people in the hospital with COVID today than there were to start July. The over 3,000 hospitalized is about the size of his hometown of Amite.

Cut 11 (07) “…for me.”

The just under 12,000 total statewide COVID deaths would be enough to all but wipe out cities like Mandeville, Crowley, Bogalusa, Minden, or Morgan City.

LSU is set to host McNeese at Tiger Stadium in less than a month. Despite this surge in cases, Edwards is confident that if people mask up when moving in and out of the facility it should be safe.

Cut 12 (10) “…be done.”  

Saints fans will have to show proof of vaccine or negative COVID test to gain entry to the Superdome for the preseason opener against Jacksonville Monday.

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The Biden Administration says they will pull federal funding from nursing homes that don’t have fully immunized staff. AARP State Executive Director Denise Bottcher applauds the president’s decision in an effort to protect residents and other staff members from COVID exposures from unvaccinated employees.

Cut 13 (10) “…nursing home”

Bottcher says the decision to withdraw Medicare and Medicaid funding from nursing homes that do not have fully vaccinated staff is direly needed as infection rates among employees are rising and will eventually affect residents.

Cut 14 (11) “…lives.”

According to AARP’s most recent dashboard since July 28^th the state has recorded 30 more deaths from COVID among nursing home residents. From June 2^nd to July 21^st only three COVID deaths were reported in nursing homes.

Staff vaccination rates in Louisiana have increased but only by one percent to 49-percent. Bottcher said the nursing home staff vaccination rate in Louisiana mirrors the state vaccination towards the bottom compared to other states.

Cut 15 (09)“…be in.”

The Louisiana Nursing Home Association released a statement saying that once CMS releases the guidance, facilities will comply, as doing so is required to continue caring for residents who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid. Our focus remains on protecting Louisiana’s most vulnerable during this pandemic.

BESE voted to adjourn today’s meeting where members were expected to vote on allowing school districts to set their own masking policy. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (38) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.” 

The state reported 3,022 COVID-19 hospitalizations today, in which 91-percent are unvaccinated and 66-hundred new COVID cases were also reported

39-percent of the state’s population is now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. That’s up from 33-percent a month ago. On his monthly Ask the Governor’s show, Governor Edwards says the state is making progress in getting more people vaccinated…

Cut 14 (11) “..go.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is trying to correct misinformation that went out on social media with their logo, claiming you have to show proof of vaccination to obtain a hunting license. LDWF Spokesperson Ed Pratt says there are lots of emotions around mask and vaccine mandates at this time and having the agency placed in the midst of the ongoing debate is not fair.

Cut 10 (12) “…in the state.”

During his monthly call-in radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards defended his public health order that requires masks in schools. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

At a BESE meeting this morning board members were going to vote on giving individual school systems the right to decide on masks this morning but

Had to adjourn the meeting due to frequent interruptions from audience members…

Cut 8 (08) “…*shushing*”

Senator John Kennedy slams the Biden Administration’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. President Biden defended the decision, saying while the collapse of the government was faster than anticipated it was clear the people weren’t willing to fight to defend that government. Kennedy says the withdrawal empowers global jihadists…

Cut 3 (09) “…all saw.” 

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is alerting residents of a fake social media post with their logo claiming you won’t be able to obtain a hunting license if you can’t show proof of vaccination. LDWF Spokesperson Ed Pratt says it’s not true and the misinformation that’s being spread is most unfortunate.

Cut 9 (09) “…like this.”

Pratt says your vaccination status has no bearing on your ability to obtain a hunting license.

BESE voted to adjourn today’s meeting where members were expected to vote on allowing school districts to set their own masking policy. Matt Doyle has more on the continuous occasion…

Cut 1 (38) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.” 

The state reported 3,022 COVID hospitalizations today, in which 91-percent are unvaccinated and 66-hundred new COVID cases.

Senator John Kennedy slams the Biden Administration’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal.

President Biden defended the decision, saying while the collapse of the government was faster than anticipated it was clear the people weren’t willing to fight to defend that government. Kennedy says Biden’s hasty withdrawal was an attempt for Biden to win some political points…

Cut 4 (10) “…way” 

Biden disagrees, saying in his experience there is no good time to withdraw but that there was clearly no longer a national security interest in staying in the country.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is trying to correct misinformation that went out on social media with their logo, claiming you have to show proof of vaccination to obtain a hunting license. LDWF Spokesperson Ed Pratt says there are lots of emotions around mask and vaccine mandates at this time and having the agency placed in the midst of the ongoing debate is not fair.

Cut 10 (12) “…in the state.”

Pratt says your vaccination status has no bearing on your ability to purchase or renew your hunting license.

Anti-mask protestors shut down this morning’s BESE meeting where members were expected to vote on whether or not to allow individual school boards to accept or reject the Governor’s mask mandate. The meeting began in chaos and after it became clear many attendees refused to put on a mask BESE member Holly Boffy moved to adjourn…

Cut 6 (15) “…*incoherent screaming*”

The vote was 8-2

The state reports 6,600 new COVID-19 cases today and 3,022 hospitalizations a new daily high, 91-percent of which are not vaccinated. 87 additional fatalities were also reported today.  Health Regions 4 and 5 also report that 99 percent of their ICU beds are filled.

Senator John Kennedy slams the Biden Administration’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal.

President Biden defended the decision, saying while the collapse of the government was faster than anticipated it was clear the people weren’t willing to fight to defend that government. Kennedy says the withdrawal empowers global jihadists…

Cut 3 (09) “…all saw.” 

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is alerting residents of a fake social media post with their logo claiming you won’t be able to obtain a hunting license if you can’t show proof of vaccination. LDWF Spokesperson Ed Pratt says it’s not true and the misinformation that’s being spread is most unfortunate.

Cut 9 (09) “…like this.”

Pratt says your vaccination status has no bearing whatsoever on your ability to purchase or renew your hunting license.

The BESE meeting this morning has gone into executive session and they are expected to consider whether or not to accept the Governor’s statewide mask mandate for K-12 schools today. Alexandria Representative Lance Harriss says there are three branches of the Government, and the Governor doesn’t have unilateral authority to make this call for K-12 schools.

Cut 14 (09) “…they go.”

Governor John Bel Edwards however says the school mask mandate is not just about protecting kids…

Cut 16 (10) “…capacity.”

63 House Republicans penned a letter to BESE asking them to reject the Governor’s mandate and allow school boards to make the decision locally.

A professional watch group by the name of Creep Catchers helped put an Acadia Parish man behind bars after he solicited what he thought was a thirteen-year-old girl for sex. Oak Grove Police Chief Lewis Russell says they’ve arrested 36-year old James Regan who’s being held without bond and facing numerous charges.

Cut 7 (11) “….photographs.”

Regan drove approximately 230 miles to meet what he believed was a 13-year old girl.

President Biden stands behind his decision to withdraw from Afghanistan, saying despite the heartbreak of watching the Taliban take control it was time to put the forever war to rest. The President argued that Americans shouldn’t fight and die in a war that Afghan forces are not willing to fight themselves.” Congressman Mike Johnson says retreating sends the wrong message.

Cut 5 (06) “…way.”