Tropical Storm Fred appears headed for the Florida Panhandle, but the Louisiana/Mississippi Line remains at the edges of the system’s cone of uncertainty. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Fred is likely to lose tropical storm status sometime today as it crosses the mountains in Hispaniola.

Cut 3 (08) “…again” 

A shooting Sunday in Winnsboro has a 13-year-old girl fighting for her life and her mother facing charges. Franklin Parish Sheriff Kevin Cobb says Lachandra Jones was arguing with her daughter when the gun went off.

Cut  11 (09) “…in it”  

The victim was airlifted to LSU Shreveport and is listed in critical condition.  Jones is charged with second-degree cruelty to a juvenile and illegal use of a weapon and is held on a $255-thousand bond.

LSU’s home opener is a month away and Director of Strategic Media for LSU Athletics Cody Worsham says despite the rise in Covid cases they are still a go for 100-percent capacity. Last season the football team was impacted by Covid-19 numerous times, but Worsham says the program has done a great job of getting players and coaches vaccinated.

Cut 8 (11) “…already”

Scammers are now using eviction scare tactics to steal from victims. President of the Better Business Bureau of South-Central Louisiana Carmen Million says she hears of scams daily that use a current situation, like the pandemic to prey on their next victim. Million says anyone is game and never assume you won’t be a victim.

Cut 14 (12) “…a scam.”

Coastal southeast Louisiana is on the edge of the cone of uncertainty for Tropical Storm Fred, as the official forecast track has the storm making landfall along the Florida panhandle. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle” 

The state reports another 54-hundred new COVID cases today along with 55 additional COVID-related deaths. COVID Hospitalizations are just below 29 hundred as the 4^th surge of the pandemic continues. Today it was announced that a seventh member of Governor Edwards staff tested positive for COVID, the staff member is reportedly working off-site and no other employees were exposed.

With the start of LSU’s 2021 football season less than a month away, the Tigers are preparing for a bounce-back season after a crazy 2020.  Director of Strategic Media for LSU Athletics Cody Worsham says despite the rise in Covid cases, the school is preparing for 100 percent capacity in Tiger Stadium.

Cut 6 (13) “…100 percent.”

The eviction moratorium might have been extended until October third, but scammers are reportedly still taking advantage of the situation to prey on victims. President of the Better Business Bureau of South-Central Louisiana Carmen Million says if someone contacts you asking for personal financial information, be leery.

Cut 12 (11) “…that point” 

You are encouraged to report such scams to the Better Business Bureau website.

The U-S Senate has approved a one-trillion dollar infrastructure bill and it heads to the House where Republicans are already raising objections. Erik Piccoli has more…

Cut 3 (30)  “…LRN” 

The Franklin Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a woman for the alleged shooting of her 13-year-old daughter. The FPSO says they received a report of a self-inflicted gunshot wound from the hospital of a juvenile, but an investigation revealed her mother Lachandra Jones was allegedly responsible.  Jones was arrested in Alexandra for second-degree cruelty to a juvenile and illegal use of weapons.

An International Panel on Climate Change report shows without achieving worldwide carbon neutrally by mid-century average temps in Louisiana’s region will rise six degrees or more. Tulane Chair of Earth and Environmental Sciences Cynthia Ebinger says the technology already exists to avoid the worst-case scenarios outlined, but governments need to do a better job of incentivizing its use.

Cut 6 (12) “…capture”

Despite federal unemployment enhancement benefits ending last month, nearly half of small businesses surveyed across the country say they are struggling to fill job openings. National Federation of Independent Business, State Director Dawn McVea says is a disruption in the supply chain making is also it difficult for businesses…

Cut 9 (09) “…harder.”

State health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says more mitigation rules may be needed if the state doesn’t slow down the spread of COVID-19. Another 139 COVID patients have been hospitalized since Monday raising the statewide total to 2,859. Kanter says if the fourth surge of cases doesn’t peak in the next week or two it will be catastrophic for hospitals

Cut 8 (07) “…corner yet”

As children begin to return to the classroom, State Police are reminding motorists to be mindful of school zones. LSP even released a video on social media about what you can and cannot do driving-wise in a school zone on social media. LSP spokesperson, Trooper Johnathan Odom…

Cut 9 (07) “…or biking”

Attorneys’ General offices in both Louisiana and Alabama are now offering a complaint form for people who feel they are being censored on social media. Louisiana AG Jeff Landry says Big Tech social media companies have created a virtual public square that should have 1^st Amendment protections.

Cut 3 (09) “…censorship” 

The U.S. Senate approved the 1.2 trillion-dollar infrastructure package today. Senator Bill Cassidy, who helped negotiate and craft the bipartisan bill says it’s a big win for the country and Bayou State.

Cut 12 (11) “…other things” 

Fellow Republican Senator John Kennedy voted against the legislation.

Attorneys’ General offices in both Louisiana and Alabama are now offering a complaint form for people who feel they are being censored on social media. Louisiana AG Jeff Landry asks that you leave as detailed of a response as possible on the submission form, including pictures if available. Once enough data is compiled, he may initiate litigation, but…

Cut 5 (03) “…stop”

State health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says more mitigation rules may be needed if the state doesn’t slow down the spread of COVID-19. Last week Governor John Bel Edwards brought back an indoor face mask mandate but at this time there are no capacity restrictions on businesses like restaurants or bars. But Kanter says the daily number of new cases is shocking…

Cut 7 (09) “…time frame” 

State Police are reminding motorists to be alert in school zones as kids return to the classroom. According to state law, LSP spokesperson Johnathan Odom says you need to keep your hands off your phone and on the wheel when driving through a school zone.

Cut  11 (08) “…school zones”  

LSP is also encouraging motorist to allow for additional drive time as school go back in session.

The U.S. Senate approved the 1.2 trillion-dollar infrastructure package today. Senator Bill Cassidy says the legislation is called the Infrastructure Investments Jobs Act and in addition to jobs, it will assist Louisianans with better commutes, coastal restoration and help close the digital divide.

Cut 13 (12) “…nation.”

Senator John Kennedy voted against the legislation.

Attorney General Jeff Landry is partnering with Alabama’s AG to catalog alleged incidents of censorship by social media companies. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle” 

The state reports 93 COVID fatalities today and more than 6-thousand new cases 2,859 are in Louisiana hospitals with COVID an increase of 139 from Monday. 91-percent of those in the hospital are reportedly unvaccinated. The department of health also says 90-percent of cases from July 22 to July 28 were among those unvaccinated.

The U.S. Senate approved the 1.2 trillion-dollar infrastructure package today. Senator Bill Cassidy, who helped negotiate and craft the bipartisan bill says it’s a big win for the country and Bayou State.

Cut 12 (11) “…other things” 

Cassidy says the legislation is called the Infrastructure Investments Jobs Act and in addition to jobs, while the state’s senior senator touts the legislation, fellow republican John Kennedy opposed the legislation.

As children begin to return to the classroom, State Police are reminding motorists to be mindful of school zones. LSP spokesperson, Trooper Johnathan Odom says all traffic must stop no less than 30 feet from a school bus when its stop signals are in use.

Cut 10 (12) “…the bus.”

He also says to allow for extra drive time through school zones.

The state reports 93 COVID fatalities today and more than 6-thousand new cases 2,859 are in Louisiana hospitals with COVID an increase of 139 from Monday.

State health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says more mitigation rules may be needed if the state doesn’t slow down the spread of COVID-19. Kanter is worried about the growing number of COVID patients in the hospital statewide and how to care for them if the surge of patients doesn’t stop

Cut 6 (10) “…sustain that.”

Last week Governor John Bel Edwards brought back an indoor face mask mandate that’s in effect until at least September 1st. Kanter made the comments while giving a COVID-19 update to the Board of Regents

Attorneys’ General offices in both Louisiana and Alabama are now offering a complaint form for people who feel they are being censored on social media.

Louisiana AG Jeff Landry says Big Tech social media companies have created a virtual public square that should have 1^st Amendment protections.

Cut 3 (09) “…censorship” 

The form includes categories for de-platforming, suppression of posts, the altering or deleting of content, suspensions or banning of accounts.

As children begin to return to the classroom, State Police are reminding motorists to be mindful of school zones. LSP even released a video on social media about what you can and cannot do driving-wise in a school zone, spokesperson, Trooper Johnathan Odom…

Cut 9 (07) “…or biking”

LSP also encourages drivers to allow for extra drive time through school zones.

Attorney General Jeff Landry argues Governor Edwards does not have the authority to mandate masks in K-12 public schools this fall. Landry says this policy is solely the jurisdiction of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and local school boards. He says those organizations are made up of democratically elected officials…

Cut 7 (09) “..system.”

Edwards called Landry dead wrong and accused him of sowing confusion and undermining public confidence in this proven mitigation technique, he also says the Attorney General’s legal rationale is flawed and undermined by other situations where emergency declarations impacted school policy.

Cut 10 (10) “…(x2) coastal parishes.”

Forecasters are keeping an eye on the system in the Atlantic that’s expected to become Tropical Storm Fred later today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says if the disturbance isn’t broken up by a mountain range in Hispaniola and makes its way into the Gulf possibly Saturday it’s anybody’s guess as to Fred’s potential and path.

Cut 16 (11) “…closely.”

Physicians are starting to see a link between erectile dysfunction and COVID. LSU Health New Orleans Urologist Dr. Matthew Mutter says when a man is fighting COVID it causes a systemic inflammatory response throughout the body and could impact blood flow.  Utter also says ED can also be a result of a psychological issue and the ongoing pandemic has added many stressors in life.

Cut 13 (10) “…in men.”

The disturbance in the Gulf has yet to reach Tropical Storm status but is expected to later today and will go by the name of Fred. As the system makes its way through the Caribbean and potentially the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday, State Climatologist Barry Keim says the trek over the next few days will either strengthen or weaken the system

Cut 14 (08) “…on Thursday.”

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

The Senate is voting at this hour on the 1.2 trillion-dollar bipartisan infrastructure package that Senator Bill Cassidy helped craft. Cassidy says the plan is a big win for Louisiana…

Cut 4 (12) “…highways.”

However, Senator John Kennedy opposes the bill and disputes the six-billion-dollar figure, arguing instead it is closer to 1.2 billion dollars.

Attorney General Jeff Landry and Governor Edwards spar over the Governor’s authority to implement mask mandates in K-12 schools. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

The state continues to break records for the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. That number is up 2,720 and the state health department says 91-percent of the COVID patients are not vaccinated. 38-percent of the state’s population is vaccinated. Numbers are updated daily at noon.

Senator Bill Cassidy is optimistic the Senate will approve a 1.2 trillion dollar bipartisan infrastructure package he helped craft. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

___________________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry and Governor Edwards spar over the Governor’s authority to implement mask mandates in K-12 schools. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

_________________________________________

Physicians are starting to see what they believe might be a link between COVID causing ED in men. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_______________________________

Senator Bill Cassidy expects the Senate will vote today on a 1.2 trillion dollar bipartisan infrastructure package that he helped craft.

Cassidy says the plan is a big win for Louisiana…

Cut 4 (12) “…highways.”

Cassidy’s colleague Senator John Kennedy opposes the bill and disputes the six billion dollar figure, arguing instead it is closer to 1.2 billion dollars.

Cassidy says the plan includes 55 billion for broadband expansion, 25 billion for airport improvement projects, 45 billion dollars in environmental resiliency, and 65 billion dollars in grid hardening.

Cut 5 (11) “…money”

The bill authorizes but does not provide funding for an I-14 east-west interstate running through central Louisiana.

Kennedy called the bill an unfunded “inflation bomb”, but Cassidy says the projected 250 billion dollars in deficits it would result in will be offset by long-term economic growth.

Cut 6 (11) “…taxes.”

_____________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry argues Governor Edwards does not have the authority to mandate masks in K-12 public schools this fall.

Landry says this policy is solely the jurisdiction of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and local school boards. He says those organizations are made up of democratically elected officials…

Cut 7 (09) “..system.”

Landry says Louisiana’s constitutional structure prohibits Governor Edwards from issuing this mandate in schools. He says the Governor is also making masking in schools a divisive issue.

Cut 8 (09) “…too.” 

Edwards called Landry dead wrong and accused him of sowing confusion and undermining public confidence in this proven mitigation technique.

Cut 9 (07) “…emergencies.”

Edwards says the Attorney General’s legal rationale is flawed and undermined by other situations where emergency declarations impacted school policy.

Cut 10 (10) “…(x2) coastal parishes.”

____________________________________

In addition to the loss of smell and reduced breathing capacity, another side effect of COVID for some is erectile dysfunction. LSU Health New Orleans Urologist Dr. Matthew Mutter says when a man is fighting COVID it causes a systemic inflammatory response throughout the body.

Cut 11 (10) “…the penis.”

While it’s too early to tell if ED is a permanent or temporary side effect of the COVID, Mutter says men with preexisting conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and pulmonary issues are already vulnerable to ED.

Cut 12 (08) “…function.” 

In addition to lack of blood flow, Mutter says the causes of ED are multifactorial. ED can also be a result of a psychological issue and the ongoing pandemic has added many stressors in life for all of us.

Cut 13 (10) “…in men.”

Mutter says if you are suffering from ED, despite if you’ve had COVID or not, always seek professional help. Mutter says they are seeing more cases of ED among young men which can be an early indicator of heart disease.

_____________________________________

Forecasters are keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Fred* (cyclone six) as he makes his way through the Caribbean and potentially the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Fred will ingest some dry air from the west thus keeping it a tropical storm for a bit, but in the meantime, we’ll have to watch its trek…

Cut 14 (08) “…on Thursday.”

Keim says as Fred makes its way across Hispaniola its journey near the mountain range could determine its future development.

Cut 15 (12)“…development.”

Once Fred makes its way across Hispaniola and into the Gulf possibly on Saturday Keim says it’s anybody’s guess as to Fred’s potential and path.

Cut 16 (11) “…closely.”

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LSU’s defense was historically bad last year as the Tigers allowed 492 yards a game, the fourth-worst in F-B-S football and 35 points a game, which was the second-worst in major college football. During the offseason, LSU hired defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, linebackers coach Blake Baker, and defensive line coach Andre Carter. Senior linebacker Jared Small says the new coaches have connected well with the players

Cut 17 (21) “…throughout the building”  (2x)

LSU Senior linebacker Damone Clark says the new coaches have the ability to boost your confidence…

Cut 18 (17)”…different.”

On offense, LSU has several freshmen wide receivers looking for playing time right away. Chris Hilton Junior, Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas, and Deion Smith. Sophomore Kayshon Boutte is impressed with this freshmen class of wideouts…

Cut 19 (18)  “…do it all”  (2x)

Boutte also has a message for fans as new COVID cases and hospitalizations are on the rise and the Tigers home opener is about a month away…

Cut 20 (06)  “….for everybody”