The Louisiana Department of Health reports 4,700 new cases of COVID today and hospitalizations increased by 135 to 1,524. The state’s positivity rate is 13.2 percent the highest since December of 2020. Ventilator usage also increased by 17 to 144.

Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise received his first vaccine shot last week, today he talks about his decision to get vaccinated. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

With staffing shortages and an increase in COVID patients, State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says a number of hospitals are delaying elective surgeries for patients in an effort to ease caseloads on healthcare staff.  Kanter says that can have serious repercussions.

Cut 5 (08) “…at all.”

Kanter says if you contract COVID right now there’s a greater than 85-percent chance it is the Delta variant.

Nicholls State University will receive nearly 500 thousand dollars in fines and penalties from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill to research and categorize the ecological attributes of coastal ridges. Nicholls Dean of Sciences and Technology Dr. John Doucet says ridges are an integral part of the Louisiana coastline…

Cut 12 (11) “…on those ridges” 

The state reports 4,700 new COVID cases today and hospitalizations are up 135 to 1,524. State officials say the majority of those in the hospital with COVID are unvaccinated. The positivity rate has reached 13.2-percent. The last time it was this high In Louisiana was December 2020.

As case numbers surge, so are hospitalizations, but when you compare the number of patients in Louisiana facilities to high numbers in the pandemic last year it doesn’t seem as dire. However, State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says hospitals are facing a severe nursing shortage now and facilities are treating other patients in addition to COVID patients.

Cut 4 (11) “…patients.” 

According to the Advocate newspaper, five members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation say they have been vaccinated for the coronavirus. House Minority Whip Steve Scalise received his first dose of a two-dose vaccine last week. Scalise says he waited to get the vaccine because he tested for the immunities of COVID

Cut 9 (09) “..get it”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will soon begin accepting applications for financial assistance for those who have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.  Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist Administrator Jason Froeba (Fro-bah) says anyone within the fishing industry that lost at least 35 percent of their revenue is eligible.

Cut 6 (12) “….fishing capacity.”

The application process runs from August 9th through the 29^th.

As daily COVID case numbers continue to be in the thousands health officials are urging unvaccinated individuals to roll up their sleeve to curb case numbers and hospitalizations in Louisiana. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says at this point in the pandemic people can’t say they don’t know someone who’s been affected by COVID.

Cut 3 (11) “…that bad.” 

And the C-D-C has reversed course and is now calling on vaccinated people to wear a face mask while indoors in areas of the United States where coronavirus cases are surging. In May, the CDC guidelines stated that vaccinated individuals didn’t need to wear face coverings. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig…

Cut 5 (11) “…did this.”
State Health Officials say over the past two weeks the number of vaccine shots administered has tripled. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says the side effects associated with the vaccine are like .01-percent, while the death rate from the coronavirus is far higher. He says even if you don’t die, there’s the problem of the long-haulers…

Cut 11 (12) “… the coronavirus.”
Superstar gymnast Simone Biles and her decision not to compete this week at the Olympic games so she can focus on her mental health has become a major story. Chair of Psychiatry at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Doctor Rahn Bailey says Biles’ candor about the reason for her exit is rare…

Cut 14 (09) “…or concern.”

The CDC revised face mask guidance Tuesday and now recommends indoor face coverings for all in areas with high community spread. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission has over six thousand nursing positions available on the help wanted portion of their website, the most job openings for a particular sector in Louisiana right now. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.” 

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When Simone Biles withdrew from Olympic competition this week for mental health reasons, she set a worldwide example for those suffering from psychiatric issues. Brooke Thorington has more

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

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The CDC has released new face mask guidelines Tuesday as the fourth surge of COVID cases rages across the country. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says the revised guidance that all individuals regardless of vaccine status should use face coverings indoors when there is high community spread is not surprising.

Cut 4 (10) “…as well.”

When the CDC previously said vaccinated individuals could not spread the virus earlier this year, Hassig says we weren’t overwhelmed with the highly transmissible Delta variant.  In May the CDC guidelines stated that vaccinated individuals didn’t need to wear face coverings. Hassig says the decision was premature.

Cut 5 (11) “…did this.”

The CDC now also recommends universal indoor masking for K-12 schools. Hassig says since only ages 12 and up can be vaccinated this leaves half of school-aged children vulnerable and children are contracting the Delta variant of COVID.

Cut 6 (08) “…as possible.”

Louisiana Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says individual school systems will determine their own face mask policy this fall.

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The governor’s office says the most job openings in Louisiana right now are for nurses with over 6,000 positions available on the Louisiana Workforce Commission’s website. Dean of LSU Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in New Orleans Steve Nelson says the need for nurses will only increase…

Cut 7 (10) “…accentuated that problem.”

The pandemic has highlighted the shortage of nurses since patients affected by the virus require intensive care both from nurses and respiratory therapists. Nelson says the health care professionals who have been in the trenches for over a year are feeling burned out.

Cut 8 (11) “…and have low moral.” 

Nearly 14-hundred patients in Louisiana are hospitalized with COVID. Nelson says the risks associated with being a healthcare worker have also played a role in the shortage.

Cut 9 (10) “…I pose to them.”

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During a conference call, Senator Bill Cassidy said how after a year of having COVID-19 vaccines the risk-benefit rations strongly favors the vaccine. When asked if the vaccine should be mandatory Cassidy said similar mandates for other vaccines already exist…

Cut 10 (10) “…commonly done.” 

The death rate from COVID is far higher than the side effects from the vaccine which can be managed. Cassidy said that even if one doesn’t die they could be one of the many “long haulers”…

Cut 11 (12) “… the coronavirus.”

Louisiana still leads the nation in COVID cases with more than 1300 hospitalizations. Cassiday says that speaking to a trusted physician is the best to learn about the benefits of the vaccine…

Cut 12 (11) “…need to be immunized.” 

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When U-S gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from Olympic competition this week it was regarded by many as extremely brave because she confessed it was mental health reasons for her exit. Chair of Psychiatry at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Dr. Rahn Bailey says it was extremely significant that such a high-profile athlete was honest about her condition.

Cut 13 (11) “…in American.”

Bailey says Olympic athletes are under immense pressure, especially because the pinnacle competition is only every four years. While many athletes withdraw from competition, Bailey says Biles’ candor about the reason for her exit is rare.

Cut 14 (09) “…or concern.”

Because mental illness is often stigmatized, Bailey says it often takes an athlete or celebrity to bring about awareness of the disease in order for others to seek assistance and acceptance of their illness.

Cut 15 (08)“…illness.”

If you feel you need mental counseling you can call 2-1-1 for assistance.

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Willie Green has officially been introduced as the head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans.  Green comes to the Big Easy from Phoenix where he was an assistant under former Hornets head coach Monty Williams.  Green actually played in New Orleans back in 2010 and he says it’s good to be back.

Cut 16 (18) “…here today.”

Green takes over a team with a lot of young talent, including forwards Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson.  Despite the talent, the Pels missed the playoffs last season but Green calls this team a sleeping giant.

Cut 17 (16) …team go.” 

Communication was often an issue for last year’s team which contributed to the struggles on the floor, especially on the defensive end.  Green stresses the importance of creating a personal relationship with his players.

Cut  18 (18)”… my approach.”

The fourth surge of COVID cases in Louisiana is showing no signs of letting up. The state health department reported nearly seven thousand new cases, 20 deaths and hospitalizations are closing in on 14-hundred statewide. Just shy of 6,800 new COVID cases were reported today, the second-highest single-day total since January sixth.

Some Louisiana hospitals are suspending nonemergency surgeries that require admission as a result of a sharp rise in COVID-19 patients. Jim Shannon has more

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jim Shannon” 

On the eleven-month anniversary of Hurricane Laura’s landfall, community leaders launched the Help Southwest Louisiana Now campaign. It’s an effort to convince the feds to provide the area with federal disaster relief funding. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter says this type of funding is usually awarded in a much shorter time period

Cut 9 (12) “..Super Storm Sandy”

Baton Rouge Judge Fred Crifasi (Sir-Fassey) on two occasions has offered an offender the option of getting a COVID-19 vaccine in lieu of completing their community service. Baton Rouge attorney Franz Borghardt can see other judges doing the same thing…

Cut 14 (07) “… proof of vaccination.” 

Borghardt says it’s perfectly legal and if the offender doesn’t want to be vaccinated they can complete their community service.

Louisiana has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country and with the recent surge in cases, the state is beginning to see a slight uptick in vaccinations, but Dean of the LSU Health Sciences School of Medicine in New Orleans, Dr. Steve Nelson says because two of the three vaccines available require two doses, slowing this latest spike in cases will take some time…

Cut 5 (08) “…better.”

East Baton Rouge Judge Fred Crisfasi (Sir-Fassey) is offering some offenders on probation the option to be vaccinated for COVID in lieu of completing community service. Baton Rouge Attorney Franz Borghardt says the vaccine option might appear strange in a courtroom setting but the judge has the ultimate discretion.

Cut 13 (10) “..community service.”

Community leaders in southwest Louisiana are intensifying their effort to secure federal disaster relief funding from the federal government. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

Ruston Mayor Ronnie Walker has been hospitalized for COVID-related pneumonia Walker tested positive for COVID last Monday, despite being vaccinated. Walker is currently recovering at Northern Louisiana Medical Center and is expected to be released Wednesday and finish his recovery at home. Currently, 1,390 are hospitalized with COVID in Louisiana.

The state reports more COVID cases among 18 to 29 years old in the last ten days than those 70 and older. Governor John Bel Edwards says the 6,800 new cases today is frightening and it’s the second single day highest case count since January 6th of this year.

Community leaders in southwest Louisiana are intensifying their effort to secure federal disaster relief funding from the federal government. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

Three teenagers were killed in a crash Monday afternoon in Lincoln Parish and a fourth teenager is fighting for his life. State Police spokesperson Trooper Michael Reichardt says speed was a factor in the crash and the teens were all well thought of in the community.

Cut 7 (12) “…that school.”

None of the teens were wearing seatbelts.

An East Baton Rouge judge is offering some offenders on probation the option to be vaccinated for COVID in lieu of completing community service. So far Judge Fred Crisfasi (Sir-Fassey) has allowed two people the option in exchange for completing their court-ordered service. Baton Rouge Attorney Franz Borghardt says the Judge is the one who orders community service, and the keyword is an option.

Cut 12 (11) “…a vaccination”

With the dramatic rise of COVID-19 patients in the hospital, several facilities are suspending non-essential surgeries again. The L-C-M-C hospital system in New Orleans and Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge have taken this action. Dean of the LSU Health Sciences School of Medicine in New Orleans, Dr. Steve Nelson, expects other hospitals to do the same…

Cut 3 (08) “..lot of care” 

Three teenagers were killed in a crash Monday afternoon in Lincoln Parish and a fourth teenager is fighting for his life. State Police spokesperson Trooper Michael Reichardt says a Kia Optima driven by 19-year old Lajermanique Nichols was traveling on Works Road south of Ruston and for unknown reasons left the road and struck a tree.

Cut 6 (12) “….right now.”

The crash remains under investigation.

Bienville Parish in northwest Louisiana will be the home to a new 240-million dollar sawmill. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the project will create 130 direct new jobs and nearly 400 indirect jobs

Cut 10 (11) “…of Louisiana.” 

Construction is underway on the West Shore Lake Pontchartrain Hurricane Protection Project which will provide 100-year hurricane and storm surge protection.  Congress authorized the project in 2016 and allocated the funds two years later. Governor Edwards says the 760-million dollar flood control project will span 18.5 miles…

Cut 14 (12) “…storm event.”

In 2012, Hurricane Isaac flooded seven thousand homes in the area.

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter and other community leaders will officially launch a unified effort today to advocate for appropriate federal disaster aid in the wake of Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Senator Bill Cassidy says the Louisiana delegation has met with the Biden administration and other members of Congress about community development block grant funding.

Cut 5 (09) “…the challenge.”

Construction is underway on the West Shore Lake Pontchartrain Hurricane Protection Project which will provide 100-year hurricane and storm surge protection to 60-thousand residents in St. Charles, St. James, and St. John the Baptist Parishes. Congressman Garret Graves led the effort in Congress to get the funding approved and says the River Parishes will finally get the flood protection they deserve…

Cut 15 (10)“…it’s useless.”

Bienville Parish in northwest Louisiana will be the home to a new 240-million dollar sawmill. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the state-of-the-art sawmill will require about one-point-three-million tons of wood annually to produce an estimated 320-million board feet of lumber…

Cut 11 (12) “…that timber.”

Longtime Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns has been appointed as Commissioner to the Gaming Control Board. Johns says he’s been interested in the post for more than a year.

Cut 7 (10) “…Lake Charles area.” 

The first task facing Johns is overseeing is sports betting go live, which he says should be available my mid fall or the end of the year.

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter and other community leaders will officially launch a unified effort today to advocate for appropriate federal disaster aid in the wake of Hurricanes Laura and Delta.
In addition to two hurricanes, southwest Louisiana has also been impacted by two other federal disasters, the February winter storms and the May 17th flooding this year.
Edwards says the state has demonstrated $3 billion of unmet needs and he’s spoken with state congressional members and others at the White House. Edwards says he’s very disappointed the area still does not have a disaster appropriation yet.
Cut 6 (08) “…the storm.”

Three children have died and a fourth is critically injured in a one-vehicle wreck just south of Grambling in North Louisiana, Lincoln parish authorities report. The accident happened around 2:45 Monday afternoon. None of the kids were wearing seat belts when the car crashed and ejected the victims from the vehicle. The injured child was flown to Shreveport, more information is expected later this morning.

Longtime Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns has been appointed as Commissioner to the Gaming Control Board. Johns says the commission has conducted itself with honor in the past and he plans to keep that tradition, but the position does have its challenges with gaming competition from neighboring states and the possible movement of a license from Bossier to St. Tammany Parish, which voters will decide in November.
Cut 9 (07) “…move the license.”

Bienville Parish in northwest Louisiana will be the home to a new 240-million dollar sawmill. It’s a joint venture between Hunt Forest Products located in Ruston and Canadian-based Tolko Industries. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says Hunt Forest Products and Tolko also developed a 115-million dollar lumber Mill in LaSalle Parish. He says that the three-year-old facility employs 120 workers…
Cut 12 (08) “…to work.”