Over 500 people are hospitalized in Louisiana with COVID for the first time since March 10^th. LSU Health Shreveport Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. John Vanchiere this new surge is driven by the Delta variant, and while available vaccines do offer a lot of protection against the variant, they aren’t perfect…

Cut 10 (09) “…zero.”

1,500 new positive COVID tests were also reported today.

The State Fire Marshal is investigating a tragic fire that claimed the life of a child and left a woman badly burned in the Franklin community of Centerville. Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue describes what responders found when they arrived at the mobile home Tuesday night.

Cut 3 (11)  “…condition.”

49-year old Derwin Hamilton is charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.

National gun rights organizations are hoping a last-minute campaign will sway lawmakers to override the Governor’s veto of constitutional carry legislation. Some Louisiana Sheriffs and the Louisiana Chiefs of Police Association oppose the bill, but National Association for Gun Rights spokesperson Chris Stone says there’s a reason why.

Cut 8 (09) “…money”

Lawmakers have until midnight tonight to submit their ballots requesting the upcoming veto override session be canceled.

In northwest Louisiana, the Jimmie Davis Bridge along Highway 511 that crossed the Red River in Bossier and Caddo Parishes will be closed over the weekend for scheduled repairs. DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchannan says work will begin on Friday at 8 pm.

Cut 12 (12) “…approaches.”

They expect work will be completed by 6 am on Monday.

The NRA and National Association for Gun Rights are wading into the battle over Governor Edwards’ veto of constitutional carry legislation. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle” 

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COVID cases topped 1,500 today and now just over 500 people are hospitalized. Health officials say we’re in the midst of another surge. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington”.  

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The State Fire Marshal is investigating a tragic fire that claimed the life of a child and left a woman badly burned in the Franklin community of Centerville. Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue describes what responders found when they arrived at the mobile home Tuesday night.

Cut 3 (11)  “…condition.”

49-year old Derwin Hamilton has been booked into the St. Mary Parish Jail for second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.

Rodrigue says the female victim was able to tell responders that she and Hamilton were involved in an argument.

Cut 4 (05) “…on fire.” 

The child is reportedly the suspect’s great-nephew. Rodrigue says the incident has shaken the small community.

Cut 5  (10) “…condition.” 

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National gun rights organizations are hoping a last-minute campaign to sway lawmakers into heading back to Baton Rouge to override the Governor’s veto of constitutional carry legislation will pay off.

The NRA and National Association for Gun Rights have peppered the state with ads and mailers. NAGR spokesperson Chris Stone says if the veto stands Louisiana will be a regional outlier…

Cut 6 (07) “..this year”

Stone says currently there are 21 states that allow the concealed carry of a firearm without needing a permit.

Opponents of the bill are concerned that overturning that veto will lead to more shootings, but Stone says there’s no data from states with similar laws that back up that claim.

Cut 7 (09) “…crumble.”

Some Louisiana Sheriffs and the Louisiana Chiefs of Police Association oppose the bill, saying it will make life hard on law enforcement. Stone says that is not the case…

Cut 8 (09) “…money”

Lawmakers have until midnight tonight to submit their ballots requesting the upcoming veto override session be canceled.

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As COVID cases continue to surge across the state and nation, health officials say the highly transmissible Delta variant is a driving factor along with low vaccination rates. LSU Health Shreveport Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. John Vanchiere…

Cut 9 (12) “…variant.”

The state has gone from an average of a hundred cases a day to over 1,200 daily. Vanchiere says the vaccine is still your best protection against the virus, but even fully vaccinated, it is possible to catch the highly contagious Delta variant.

Cut 10 (09) “…zero.”

While many think the pandemic is coming to an end with eased health restrictions, Vanchiere says we are only at the halfway mark. He says we are beginning to see more cases among those 40 and under as opposed to previous surges among those 60 and older.

Vanchiere says vaccination hesitancy is a major factor for the increase in COVID cases and only one out of three are fully vaccinated.

Cut  11 (10) “…emerging.” 

Today the state reported 1,500 new cases along with 504 hospitalizations and 13 fatalities.

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In northwest Louisiana, the Jimmie Davis Bridge along Highway 511 that crossed the Red River in Bossier and Caddo Parishes will be closed over the weekend for scheduled repairs. DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchannan says work will begin on Friday at 8 pm.

Cut 12 (12) “…approaches.”

They expect work will be completed by 6 am on Monday.

The two-lane Jimmie Davis Bridge was completed in 1968 and an average of 26,000 vehicles use the bridge daily.

As for an alternate route, Buchannan says two are available.

Cut 13 (09) “…Barksdale bridge”

Buchannan says they chose this weekend because there aren’t any large events scheduled in the area and they wanted to disrupt traffic as little as possible. Weather permitting, they will complete repairs by Monday.

Cut 14 (10) “…coming in” 

Buchannan says this is not replacing any upcoming rehabilitation projects on the bridge and this weekend’s closure is for planned repairs.

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As COVID cases continue to surge across the state and nation, health officials say the highly transmissible delta variant is a driving factor along with low vaccination rates. LSU Health Shreveport Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. John Vanchiere…

Cut 9 (12) “…variant.”

A tragic fire claimed the life of a child and left a woman badly burned in the Franklin community of Centerville Tuesday night. State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the female victim told responders that she and  49-year-old Derwin Hamilton were having an argument.

Cut 4 (05) “…on fire.” 

Hamilton has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.

A preliminary CDC report shows the US suffered a 29 percent increase in overdose deaths in 2020. In Louisiana, that number is even higher at an estimated 48 percent increase. LSU Health New Orleans Chief of Community Medicine Dr. Ben Springgate on one reason behind the tragic surge…

Cut 13 (11) “…pandemic.”

A predicted 1,900 Louisianans died of an overdose last year.

The Manning Passing Academy returns to the Nicholls State campus today after being canceled last year because of the pandemic.  The annual camp is put on by the Manning family and Nicholls State athletic director Jonathan Terrell says in addition to COVID protocols that’s not the only change you’ll notice on the Thibodeaux campus.

Cut 12 (11) “…ways”

The State Fire Marshal is investigating a tragic fire that claimed the life of a child and left a woman badly burned in the Franklin community of Centerville. Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue describes what responders found when they arrived at the mobile home Tuesday night.

Cut 3 (11)  “…condition.”

49-year-old Derwin Hamilton has been booked into the St. Mary Parish Jail for second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.

Parents see an extra deposit in their account today it is the first of a six-monthly child tax credit Partner with Metairie accounting firm Malcolm M. Dienes, Johnathan Stoltz says income limits changed for the child tax credit so be sure to check on the amount you receive.

Cut 7 (11) “…potentially.”

The federal government says drug overdose deaths in the United States hit an all-time high of 93-thousand last year and in Louisiana, there was a 48-percent increase in 2020. LSU Health New Orleans Chief of Community Medicine Doctor Ben Springgate…

cut 15 (11) “…dramatic rise”

A predicted 1,925 Louisianans died of an overdose in 2020.

The Manning Passing Academy returns to Nicholls State today after being canceled last year because of the pandemic.  The annual camp is put on by the Manning and Nicholls State athletic director Jonathan Terrell says hosting the passing academy on the Nicholls campus has a positive impact on the entire region.

Cut 11 (12) “…through us.”

Parents should begin seeing the first of six-monthly child tax credit payments today. Partner with Metairie accounting firm Malcolm M. Dienes, Johnathan Stoltz says if you typically owe taxes versus receiving a refund, you might want to visit the child tax credit portal at IRS.gov and opt-out of receiving payments.

Cut 8 (10) “…early 2022.”

Visitation services will be held this evening at the First Bossier Church in Bossier City for Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy William Earl Collins Jr. who was killed in the line of duty on July 9th while responding to a disturbance.  Doyline Police Chief Robert Hayden said this was the first time that he’s lost an officer and he’s both sad and angry…

Cut 5  (11) “…we’re devastated.”

A preliminary report from the CDC estimates Louisiana saw a 47 percent increase in overdose deaths in 2020.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

In an effort to recruit Jacob Hood to play 2022 offensive line at Auburn the university sent a social media post that included a photo of a Heisman Trophy. But instead of using a photo of one of the school’s three winners they used a photo of Joe Burrow’s Heisman Trophy. Yes, Auburn posted a photo of rival LSU’s star quarterback Burrow from the school’s national championship season in 2019.

Parents should begin seeing the first of six-monthly child tax credit payments in their accounts or mailboxes today. Partner with Metairie accounting firm Malcolm M. Dienes (Dee-nez) Johnathan Stoltz says you’ll receive your payment typically the same way you got your stimulus check last year.

Cut 9 (10) “…your account.”

A preliminary CDC report shows the nation suffered a 29 percent increase in overdose deaths last year and in Louisiana, it’s an estimated 48 percent increase. LSU Health New Orleans Chief of Community Medicine Dr. Ben Springgate says the state and nation have never before seen a year-to-year increase in overdose deaths this dramatic.

Cut 15 (11)“…dramatic rise.”

A road rage shooting incident in Slidell Wednesday night results in the suspect being taken into custody. Slidell Police say it began on Highway 11 near Brownswitch Road. The suspect then followed the victim into a neighborhood and began shooting at the victim’s car. No one was hurt and police later took the suspect into custody. The investigation is ongoing.

Visitation services for the Doyline Police Officer who was killed last Friday will be held this evening at the first Bossier Church. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

Funeral services for the Doyline Police Officer who was killed in the of duty will be held today evening at the first Bossier Church. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

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Parents should see the first of six-monthly advanced child tax credits in their account today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A preliminary report from the CDC estimates Louisiana saw a 47 percent increase in overdose deaths in 2020. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Visitation services will be held today from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the First Bossier Church in Bossier City for Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy William Earl Collins Jr. Doyline Police Cheif Robert Hayden said Collins was a family man and an overall good person…

Cut 4 (7) “…best job that he could.”

Collins was killed in the line of duty on July 9th while responding to a disturbance. Hayden said this was the first time that he had lost a member of his staff that the loss has left him sad and angry…

Cut 5  (11) “…we’re devastated.”

A 12-year-old in Florida with no connections to the community ran one mile in honor of Collins and posted the video to social media. Hayden said the video made a wonderful impact and said the young man will be an asset to the country…

Cut 6 (10) “…in his life.”

Following visitation, this evening law enforcement vehicles will travel from the church to Hill Crest Memorial Cemetary with their emergency lights on in honor of Deputy Collins.

The funeral will be held Friday at 11 am at First Bossier Church.

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Parents should begin seeing the first of six-monthly child tax credit payments in their accounts or mailboxes today. Partner with Metairie accounting firm Malcolm M. Dienes, Johnathan Stoltz says income limits changed for the child tax credit so be sure to check on the amount you receive.

Cut 7 (11) “…potentially.”

The new credit is $3,600 for children under six and $3,000 for ages 6 to 17.

The advance child tax credit payment is part of the American Rescue Act to help reduce child poverty by fifty percent.

Be aware that if you are used to receiving a large refund to go towards tuition, etc. your tax refund will be less because you are receiving those funds upfront. Stoltz says depending on your tax situation, for example, if you typically owe taxes versus receiving a refund, you might want to visit the child tax credit portal at IRS.gov and opt out of receiving payments.

Cut 8 (10) “…early 2022.”

Stoltz says you will receive your payment typically the same way you received your stimulus check last year.

Cut 9 (10) “…your account.”

If you share custody of your children, Stoltz says the payment will go to the parent who listed the child as a dependent last. In those situations, he says it’s probably best to have parents opt out of the payments and settle things up when taxes are due next April.

For more information visit IRS.gov Child Tax Credit.

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The Manning Passing Academy will return to the Nicholls State campus this summer after being canceled last year because of the pandemic.  The annual camp put on by the Manning family has several college quarterbacks helping out as counselors.  Nicholls State athletic director Jonathan Terrell says it’s exciting to have the camp back in action.

Cut 10 (13) “…university.”

Terrell says hosting the passing academy on the Nicholls campus has a positive impact on the entire Thibodaux community.

Cut 11 (12) “…through us.”

With Covid protocols in place, Terrell says that’s not the only change you’ll notice on campus.

Cut 12 (12) “…all good”

LSU quarterbacks Max Johnson and Myles Brennan will both be counselors.

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A preliminary CDC report shows the US suffered a 29 percent increase in overdose deaths in 2020.

In Louisiana, that number is even higher at an estimated 48 percent increase in overdose deaths. LSU Health New Orleans Chief of Community Medicine Dr. Ben Springgate on one reason behind the tragic surge…

Cut 13 (11) “…pandemic.”

A predicted 1,925 Louisianans died of an overdose in 2020.

Springgate says another reason for the significant jump in cases is that we’re seeing an increase in the availability of highly dangerous synthetic opiates.

Cut 14 (09) “…communities.”

The first two pre-pandemic months of 2020 began with year-to-year increases of 1,000 and 1,200 respectively suggesting the nation was on pace for a significant increase even without the pandemic. The summer of 2020 saw the largest increases in nationwide overdose deaths year over year with a 3,600 death increase in May, 2,400 death increases in June and July, and a 2,100 death increase in August. The year-to-year increases tapered off to about an average monthly increase of about 1,200 by October, November, and December.

Springgate says the state and nation have never before seen a year-to-year increase in overdose deaths this dramatic.

Cut 15 (11)“…dramatic rise.”

93,000 people died of an overdose in America in 2020.

While the State Health Department and CDC recommend unvaccinated students and teachers mask up while at school, Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says that decision will be left to the individual districts. Children 12 and older are eligible to receive a COVID vaccine but Brumley says students will not be required to take the shot before returning to school in the fall.

Cut 7 (06) “…family.”

Students will be required to wear masks on school buses per federal guidelines.

A recent surge in COVID cases has health officials on alert. Senator and Physician Bill Cassidy encourages more people to get vaccinated and says the CDC recommends students return to the classroom.

Cut 10 (07) “…infected.”

Cassidy says only students with compromising health conditions should seek alternative learning.

Tomorrow is the deadline for lawmakers to turn in ballots to cancel the upcoming veto override session. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says it appears likely that less than half of both the House and Senate will turn in ballots, meaning the override session will begin July 20^th.

Cut 3 (10)  “…legislators.”

The city of Ruston is offering $10,000 to LA Tech and Grambling University graduates if they choose to return to the community. Mayor Ronny Walker says immediate graduates are not excluded from the initiative…

Cut 14 (12) “…work remotely” 

Walker says so far, they’ve received 25 applications and they plan to award 25 graduates this year and 50 in 2022.

Tomorrow is the deadline day for lawmakers to submit ballots requesting the July 20^th veto override session be canceled. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Matt Doyle” 

Cara the Burmese python that gained national attention after her 72-hour escape from the Blue Zoo, located in the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, appears to be enjoying the spotlight. Cara is now back in a fortified enclosure to prevent future escapes.

Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says at this point the expectation is that the upcoming K-12 school year will look, in many ways, normal. While the State Health Department and CDC recommend unvaccinated students and teachers mask up while at school Brumley says that decision will ultimately be left to the individual districts.

Cut 6 (07) “…school year”

The city of Ruston is offering $10,000 to LA Tech and Grambling University graduates if they choose to return to the community. Mayor Ronny Walker says applicants must work from home to receive the $10K over a period of four years. Walker hopes the program and the city of Ruston, will attract both the young and old…

Cut 13 (11) “…within a city”

Walker says so far they’ve received 25 applications.

Tomorrow is the deadline for lawmakers to turn in ballots to cancel the upcoming veto override session. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says we’ve started to see some powerful out-of-state interest groups get involved in the lobbying process in favor of a session, particularly the NRA and the National Association for Gun Rights.

Cut 4 (10) “…circus” 

New COVID numbers doubled from Tuesday to 1,936 new cases today. Research indicates 70 to 80-percent of the population should be fully vaccinated But State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says Louisiana and other states are failing to hit the mark.

Cut 12 (12) “…vaccinated”

The state also reports 468 currently hospitalized with COVID

Students will be returning to the classroom in less than three weeks and there are growing concerns with the Delta variants and a surge in COVID Case numbers on the rise. Senator and Physician Bill Cassidy encourages more people to get vaccinated and has strong feels on students returning to the classroom.

Cut 9 end of story :05

Cassidy says the CDC recommends that students return to the classroom, and he says we should follow their guidelines.

Congressman Garret Graves was the last candidate to run against former Governor Edwin Edwards, beating Edwards in the 2014 race for the 6^th Congressional District seat.

The race came just a few years after Edwards got out of prison and Graves says Edwards’ legacy loomed large over the contest…

Cut 13 (11) “…to head.”

Edwards will lie in state Saturday at the state capitol.