COVID hospitalizations in the state exceed 22-hundred today toppling yesterday’s all-time record. The Louisiana Department of Health reports more than 47-hundred new COVID-19 cases today and says the state positivity rate is the highest it’s been since April of 2020.

Vaccinated people were not excluded from the statewide mask mandate that goes into effect today. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

An early morning crash in St. Tammany Parish claims the lives of two young girls and leaves two others hospitalized. Saint Tammany Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Captain Lance Vitter says the one-vehicle accident on Guste Island Road west of Madisonville happened shortly after midnight and two young girls were pronounced dead on the scene.

Cut 9 (12) “…community”

Vitter says the vehicle struck several stationary objects and the cause remains under investigation.

Grambling State University utilizes federal pandemic recovery funds to pay off 1.5 million dollars in student account balances accrued from spring 2020 through the summer of 2021. Associate VP of Finance Sheliah Faucette says they want to attract students back to the famed Historically Black University.

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Ochsner Health is trying to help dispel vaccine misinformation for women of childbearing age. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Vaccinated people were not excluded from the statewide mask mandate that goes into effect today. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission is hosting job fairs in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Houma, Monroe, Lake Charles, Lafayette, Alexandria, and Shreveport today. Matt Doyle has more…

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Physicians at Ochsner Health are working to dispel common myths and misinformation about COVID vaccines, especially among women of childbearing age. Ochsner Baptist OBGYN Dr. Jane Martin, who was vaccinated for COVID during her own pregnancy says we have even more data now that the vaccines are safe.

Cut 4 (11) “…outcomes.”

Martin says vaccine hesitancy is understandable and especially last year when we didn’t have as much data as we do now. Martin says her personal decision to be vaccinated while pregnant was easy after seeing many pregnant women hospitalized with COVID and data confirming their increased risk.

Cut 5 (11) “…same age.”

Research previously indicated among non-COVID vaccines during pregnancy, that the mother will pass along protective antibodies through the placenta and breast milk to their child. Martin says now data shows it’s the same for COVID vaccinations.

Cut 6 (09) “…breast milk.”

With the Delta variant, Ochsner healthcare providers say they are now seeing an increase of younger unvaccinated patients along with pregnant patients who do not have a preexisting condition, being admitted to the hospital.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends COVID vaccinations for all eligible persons including those who are pregnant and lactating.

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The statewide mask mandate takes effect today and both the unvaccinated and vaccinated will have to return to masking up while indoors.

Vaccinated people might be surprised to hear they’re included but State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says there’s growing evidence that those who suffer breakthrough cases can spread COVID quite easily.

Cut 7 (08) “…days later.”

About 43 percent of the state has received at least one shot of a COVID vaccine.

Kanter says vaccines are still key because those who are vaccinated are about eight times less likely to be infected in the first place…

Cut 8 (10) “…with Delta.” 

Unvaccinated individuals account for 90 percent of all new COVID cases, 85 percent of all new COVID deaths, and 89 percent of COVID-related hospitalizations.

Louisiana is the first state to reinstitute a statewide mask mandate. Kanter says this is because we are in a particularly dire situation and every bit of mitigation helps.

Cut 9 (08) “…unvaccinated.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy says he along with other lawmakers in DC have been putting in extra long hours on the $1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act. Cassidy says it’s historical legislation that invests in our nation’s infrastructure.

Cut 10 (09) “…taxes.”

Cassidy says the Act includes $550-billion of new money on top of that which was already allocated. He says the bill is bipartisan, paid for, and doesn’t add to the debt or deficit.  Cassidy believes the infrastructure act will make numerous impacts on the state, like reduced commute times and safer roads and bridges.

Cut 11 (08) “…our state.”

Another benefit for Louisiana is funds dedicated to updating deteriorating water and sewer systems. Cassidy says the legislation will also help close the digital divide that was highlighted during the pandemic.

Cut 12 (08) “…for Louisiana.” 

Cassidy is confident the legislation will pass and, in the meantime, lawmakers are working on the amendment process of the legislation.

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission is holding in-person job fairs across the state today.

LWC Secretary Ava Cates says over 300 employers will be offering over 10,000 jobs to those who visit the job fairs.

Cut 13 (10) “…lives.”

Job fairs will be held in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Houma, Monroe, Lake Charles, Lafayette, Alexandria, and Shreveport.

Cates says if you show up and find a great job that you’re not quite qualified for yet they will work with you to get you into a training program that will get you certified.

Cut 14 (11) “…that job.”

Cates says if you plan on attending bring your resume, ID, and any certifications or other professional credentials you possess.

Cut 15 (07)“…best face.”

Cates says there are also 50,000 jobs available on Louisianaworks.net.

The statewide indoor mask mandate goes into effect Wednesday a day after the state sets an all-time high for COVID-related hospitalizations. Governor Edwards was surrounded by healthcare officials during the announcement Monday that testified to COVID overcrowded facilities and children’s hospitals.

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The mandate is for those ages five and old despite vaccinated status.

Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says LEAP results will be released Wednesday and they indicate students in grades 3 through 8 who attended in person scored mastery or above on English Language Arts and Math, their scores were 15-percent higher than students who attended virtually.

Cut 5 (09) “…our state.”

Tangipahoa Parish ranks second in the nation for new coronavirus cases per capita when compared to other counties or parishes. President of the North Oaks Health System Michele Sutton is also concerned about work morale as a majority of the severe COVID illnesses and deaths could have been prevented with vaccinations…

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LSU Quarterback Myles Brennan has suffered an injury to his non-throwing arm and Coach Ed Orgeron says the injury will require surgery. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins has learned Brennan broke his humerus bone…

Cut 6 (08) “…for him.” 

Max Johnson is now set to be LSU’s starting Q-B.

Louisiana set an all-time-high today for COVID-related hospitalizations at 2,112. On Monday Governor John Bel Edwards signed an order re-implementing the statewide mask mandate effective Wednesday, but he does not expect the mandate will be achieved through state penalties on offenders…

Cut 10 (09) “…through this.”

According to 2021 LEAP assessments, Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says it’s very clear that in-person learning is far more beneficial than virtual learning and he supports measures that will keep students in the physical classroom while also mitigating against COVID.

Cut 4 (10) “…access learning.” 

Brumley says the 21-22 school year will be the third school year impacted by the pandemic.

Tangipahoa Parish ranks second in the nation for new coronavirus cases per capita when compared to other counties or parishes. That’s according to the New York Times tracker map. President of the North Oaks Health System Michele Sutton says their staff is also seeing deaths of young people as a result of COVID, including a 24-year-old unvaccinated person…

Cut 13 (10) “…has changed”

LSU QB Myles Brennan suffered an injury that requires surgery on his non-throwing arm. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins knows Brennan is disappointed but expects him to remain a big part of the team even if he’s not leading them on the field.

Cut 8 (11) “…out there.”

Max Johnson is now the assumed starting quarterback heading into the season.

The statewide indoor mask mandate goes into effect tomorrow as the state sets an all-time high for COVID-related hospitalizations. Governor Edwards was surrounded by healthcare officials during the announcement that testified to overcrowded facilities and children’s hospitals with COVID.

Cut  11 (10) “…they’re not.”  

The mandate is set to expire on September 1st.

The mask mandate includes ages five and up. Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says LEAP results will be released Wednesday and they indicate students in grades 3 through 8 who attended in person scored mastery or above on English Language Arts and Math, their scores were 15-percent higher than students who attended virtually.

Cut 5 (09) “…our state.”

Before the mandate school systems had the option to create their own mask policy.

Max Johnson enters preseason camp as the starting quarterback after Myles Brennan broke his non-throwing arm. Jeff Palermo has the story…

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The state’s COVID hospitalizations reached a record high of 2,112 and the Louisiana Department of Health says 89-percent of current hospitalizations are not vaccinated for COVID. The influx is also damaging hospitals’ ability to care for people with heart attacks, injuries from car accidents, and other health conditions. The statewide COVID positivity rate is also at 21.4-percent.

Far more children appear to be getting COVID than at any time before due to the Delta variant. Matt Doyle has the story.

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Beginning tomorrow an indoor statewide mask mandate will go into effect. Governor Edwards joined by health officials and business leaders made the announcement Monday. Due to rising case numbers and overcrowded hospitals, the indoor mandate was reinstated for ages five and up regardless of vaccination status. Edwards is the first Governor to reinstate a mask mandate.

The Louisiana Department of Revenue is about to turn over more than $10-million to Unclaimed Property. Department of Revenue Spokesperson Byron Henderson says it’s money that was issued by paper checks for tax refunds, from July of 2019 to June of 2020, that haven’t been cashed. HE says the department has sent out 13-thousand letters notifying individuals and businesses of the uncashed checks.

Cut 11 (09) “…the letter.”

As more and more are diagnosed with COVID due to the Delta variant after the initial infection, some see lasting effects from the virus. Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Julio Figueroa says even athletes in top form are finding it difficult to return to their previous breathing capacity before they were infected. He says COVID impacts individuals in different ways.

Cut 14 (09) “…of the virus.”

Several major business groups have released statements in support of the Governor’s reinstatement of the mask mandate fearing the economic fallout the would occur should the Delta surge get out of control. Matt Doyle has the story.

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Far more children appear to be getting COVID than at any time before due to the Delta variant. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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If you’ve been diagnosed with COVID and are in the process of recovering health officials say understand that the virus impacts people differently. Brooke Thorington has more.

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Influential business lobbies have come out in support of the Governor’s reinstatement of the mask mandate.

Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says the state’s mom and pop restaurants need you to mask up so they can stay open…

Cut 4 (08) “…venue.”

The LRA is joined by the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, The National Federation of Independent Business, and the Mid Continent Oil and Gas Association in asking members to comply with the mask mandate.

Harris says business groups are especially concerned about Louisiana’s rapidly shrinking hospital capacity amidst the Delta surge and the economic repercussions of letting this surge get out of control.

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Harris says the next time you visit a restaurant please be courteous to the staff about masking and other public health guidelines. He says these guidelines are in place to keep businesses open.

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The indoor mask mandate goes into effect Wednesday for everyone five and older.

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State health officials are warning that the Delta variant appears to impact children much more than the original strain of coronavirus.

Children’s Hospital Chief Academic Officer Dr. Mark Kline says a lot more kids are getting sick with COVID than at any time before.

Cut 7 (11) “…weeks.”

Governor Edwards says of the 11,000 cases reported since Friday over 2,000 of them we’re children.

Kline says in the last month they have had as many as 20 children admitted for COVID at any given time.

Cut 8 (13) “…seven.” 

Kline says there’s a myth that children are immune to COVID, or that only children with preexisting conditions were at risk of severe cases…

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The Louisiana Department of Revenue is about to turn over more than $10-million to Unclaimed Property. Department of Revenue Spokesperson Byron Henderson says it’s money that was issued by paper checks for tax refunds, from July of 2019 to June of 2020, that have gone uncashed.

Cut 10 (10) “…division.”

Henderson says the department has sent out 13-thousand letters notifying individuals and businesses of the uncashed checks.

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Henderson says if the voucher is returned before September 15^th, they will issue a replacement check.

If for some reason you don’t use the voucher process for a replacement check before the mid-September deadline Henderson says you’ll need then need to go through another process to receive the funds.

Cut 12 (04) “…unclaimed property.” 

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As more and more are diagnosed with COVID due to the Delta variant after the initial infection some are seeing lasting effects from the virus. Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Julio Figueroa if you are in the process of recovering from COVID he says to listen to your body and take it slow.

Cut 13 (10) “…of things.”

Figueroa says even athletes in top form are finding it difficult to return to their previous breathing capacity before they were infected. He says COVID impacts individuals in different ways.

Cut 14 (09) “…of the virus.”

As you recover Figueroa says pay attention to anything out of the ordinary and discuss it with your physician.

Cut 15 (05)“…sorts of things.”

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After reaching a one-year deal with the Saints, former Falcons running back Devonta Freeman had his first practice with the Black and Gold yesterday. The 29-year-old has rushed for over four thousand yards in his career and he has over two thousand receiving yards. Coach Sean Payton says Freeman gives them added depth and versatility at the running back position…

Cut 16 (12) “..about that.”

Freeman played in five games for the Giants last season, but before that he spent six years in Atlanta. The former Florida State standout has always been impressed with how Coach Sean Payton uses his running backs…

Cut 17 (14) …smart football.” 

While both Payton and Freeman are expressing admiration for each other, back in 2017, Payton made a choking gesture toward Freeman during a game in 2017. But Freeman says they put the incident behind each other the next day…

Cut  18 (19)”…was cool.”

Governor Edwards reinstates the statewide indoor mask mandate effective Wednesday for everyone five and older. Edwards says there is a dangerous amount of COVID spreading through the state right now and the vast majority of it is the more deadly and infectious Delta variant.

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Edwards was surrounded and supported by health officials and business organizations across the state.

The state reported more than 11,000 new COVID cases today and just under two thousand hospitalizations.  27 new fatalities were also reported. Edwards says while the mandate goes in effect Wednesday, he urged Louisianans not to wait.  Previous mask mandates were for individuals 8 and up it’s now been lowered to age five and up.

A man killed his grandmother and attempted to kill his mother in East Baton Rouge Parish Sunday morning then went on a shooting spree trying to steal a getaway car. Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says the suspect is 28-year-old Aaron Morgan stole a second car after initially fleeing in his grandmother’s car. Police spotted the stolen vehicle on Siegen Lane.  Then a pursuit on foot ensued.

Cut 5 (09) “…hospital.”

Democratic State House chairs Chad Brown and Vincent Pierre were removed from their posts, seemingly as retaliation by the Republican Speaker for votes in the recent veto override session. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says this move was blowback for the two Democrats’ votes against legislation banning transgender athletes from girls’ sports.

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Two other Democrats were also removed from key committee assignments.

Governor Edwards reinstates the statewide indoor mask mandate effective Wednesday for everyone five and older. Edwards says our case growth is now, by far, the fastest in the nation and we’re on track to blow past our highest ever number of COVID patients in the hospital. He says 4^th surge is the worst one yet…

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A man killed his grandmother and attempted to kill his mother in East Baton Rouge Parish Sunday morning then went on a shooting spree trying to steal a getaway car. Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says the suspect is 28-year-old Aaron Morgan.

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The fatality was identified as 78-year-old Dianne Gafford.

A tragic boating incident over the weekend claims three lives in Sabine Parish.  Lt Dean Aucoin, Director of Boating Education for LDWF says they were notified Saturday morning that three men went out boating on Toledo Bend Friday evening and never returned.

Cut 9 (12) “…on the water”

Democratic State House chairs Chad Brown and Vincent Pierre were removed from their posts, seemingly as retaliation by the Republican Speaker for votes in the recent veto override session. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says the most interesting question now is whether Speaker Clay Schexnayder will replace the two Democrats with conservative Republicans.

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The state reported 11,109 new COVID cases today and 1,984 new hospitalizations. On Friday Governor Edwards says he was highly considering a return to a statewide mask mandate, and he’s scheduled to hold a 2:30 press conference to address the subject as case numbers and the delta variant continue to impact the state. 27 new fatalities were also reported today.

Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder removes two Democrats from their chairmanships, seemingly as retaliation for their votes in the recent veto override session. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

Three lives were claimed over the weekend in Sabine Parish. Lt Dean Aucoin, Director of Boating Education for LDWF says they were notified Saturday morning that three men went out boating on Toledo Bend Friday evening and never returned. Aucoin says it’s not uncommon for boaters to go out at that hour.

Cut 10 (09) “…at night.”

The bodies of Paul Murphy Jr and Joseph Sam Jr both of Opelousas, James Young of Lafayette were recovered over the weekend.

A man killed his grandmother and attempted to kill his mother in East Baton Rouge Parish Sunday morning then went on a shooting spree trying to steal a getaway car. Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says the suspect is 28-year-old Aaron Morgan stole a second car after initially fleeing in his grandmother car. Police spotted the stolen vehicle on Siegen Lane.  Then a pursuit on foot ensued.

Cut 5 (09) “…hospital.”