Registration for “Shot at a Million,” Louisiana’s vaccine incentive lottery, begins at noon. Governor John Bel Edwards says to qualify you must have taken at least one COVID vaccine shot. You can register online at shot-at-a-million-dot-com or call…

Cut 4 (09) “…one one”

Drawings will begin July 14^th and be held every week through the grand prize drawing on August 4^th.

The 2021 KIDS COUNT report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation shows Louisiana’s rankings are towards the bottom. President and CEO Lisa Hamilton says they look at four areas, Economic Well-Being, Education, Health, and Family and Community. Hamilton says the 2019 data shows the state at 49^th poverty-wise.

Cut 3 (12) “…worse now.”

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor finds just over a million dollars in unemployment benefits were paid out to 374 dead individuals since March of 2020. Data Analytics Manager Chris Magee says the Louisiana Workforce Commission does have a process to weed out dead applicants and managed to catch roughly 8,000 with their current system…

Cut 6 (12) “..deceased.”

Researchers at LSU- Health New Orleans have created a compound that mimics a protective chemical in our brain and retina of the eye and discover it can also protect against COVID. Director of the Neuroscience Center Dr. Nicolas Bazan experimented with compound and its effect on the lung.

Cut 10 (12) “…they do.”

Starting at noon Louisianans who’ve received at least one COVID shot can register to win up to a million dollars through the state’s vaccine lottery program.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

State police are investigating the death of an 11-year old Morris Naron of Plain Dealing. Naron was a passenger on a utility terrain vehicle being driven by a 14-year old and not wearing a seatbelt when the accident occurred Sunday afternoon.  It happened on Grant Circle in Webster Parish. Troopers say it’s illegal to drive or operate off-road vehicles on public roadways in the state.

Real Reform Louisiana delivered tiki torches to the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry’s office in Baton Rouge because auto insurance rates have yet to decline as a result of the tort reform legislation last year. Real Reform Louisiana’s executive director Eric Holl says rates have actually gone up.

Cut 13 (10) “…car insurance.”

So why tiki torches? Holl says LABI President Stephen Waguespack told radio talk show host, that he would grab a tiki torch and go to the Capitol if rates did not go down.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says a study suggests about a quarter of all those who’ve had Post COVID Conditions have had to seek medical care to treat the condition. Kanter says there’s a broad list of symptoms that reportedly as many as 80 percent of those who were infected will experience even after testing negative.

Cut 8 (09) “…symptoms.”

Tropical Storm warnings are in effect for Morgan City east to the Okaloosa / Walton County line in Florida as the disturbance moving north northeast at 16 miles per hour makes its way towards southeast Louisiana. The system is on track to make landfall late Friday or early Saturday.

Jeff Palermo has more on what the area should expect from the soon-to-be named Tropical Storm Claudette.

Cut 1 (27) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Governor Edwards declared a state of emergency Thursday ahead of the first system to impact the state this hurricane season.

Six to eight inches of rain could fall to the east and south of New Orleans. St. Benard Parish Emergency Preparedness Director John Rahaim says they have been proactive ahead of the storm…

Cut 12 (12) “…amount of time.”

The center of the storm should be in Mississippi by tomorrow afternoon.

Governor Edwards signs legislation increasing the cost of recreational and commercial hunting and fishing fees starting next July. The proposal was opposed by commercial fishermen who say they’ve already taken a beating from the pandemic, but Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala says their fee increase will be phased in through 2024 and is not steep.

Cut 14 (09) “…dollar.” 

The fee increases are expected to generate about 17 million dollars a year in the next fiscal year.

Soon-to-be Tropical Storm Claudette is expected to make landfall near Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes during the overnight and cross over the New Orleans area tomorrow morning. National Weather Service meteorologist Ben Schott says areas east of I-55 could see over a half-foot of rain…

Cut 4 (10) “…parish there.”

The forecast track of the potential tropical storm has been shifting east since the first one was posted by the National Hurricane Center on Thursday afternoon.  Which has put Louisiana in better shape to handle this storm, but GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says residents still need to be prepared.

Cut 9 (11) “…the state”

With Tropical Storm warnings for southeast Louisiana St. Tammany Parish Director of Emergency Preparedness Clarence Powe says they’ve opened up sandbagging stations and have already closed a few bridges in anticipation of flooding. Powe encourages residents to make storm plans and check around their homes.

Cut  11 (09) “…do it early.” 

Governor Edwards takes issue with the label “decriminalization” as a way to describe legislation he signed that removes the possibility of jail time for possession of 4 grams or less of marijuana. Edwards says it’s not legalization and getting caught with a small amount of pot will still cause you a real headache.

Cut 7 (06) “…citation.”

Under the legislation, if caught with 14 grams or less of pot you can’t be sent to jail and only can be fined 100 dollars.

Soon-to-be Tropical Storm Claudette is expected to make landfall near Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes overnight and cross over the New Orleans area Saturday morning. National Weather Service meteorologist Ben Schott says basically everyone east of I-55 from the coast up to the Mississippi state line should be on alert.

Cut 5  (12) “…Sunday” 

To incentivize more people to get their COVID vaccine the state is launching a lottery program. And because individuals ages 12 and up can get vaccinated, for those under 18 there will be nine drawings for scholarships. Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says the money will be put in a START account.

Cut 11 (07)”…program.”

Each scholarship is valued at $100-thousand.

Governor Edwards takes issue with the label “decriminalization” as a way to describe legislation he signed that removes the possibility of jail time for possession 14 grams or less of marijuana. Under the legislation, you can’t be sent to jail and only can be given a 100 dollar fine. Edwards says don’t confuse that for full legalization.

Cut 6 (09) “…marijuana.”

State offices are closed this afternoon in honor of  Juneteenth. House Bill 554 by Baton Rouge Representative Larry Selders making Juneteenth a state holiday was signed into law on Thursday. President Biden also signed legislation making it a federal holiday. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says it’s a momentous occasion.

Cut 14 (09) “…very exciting.”

The latest update from the National Hurricane Center shows the disturbance in the Gulf is beginning to take an eastward track and now a tropical storm warning is in effect East of Morgan City to the Okaloosa/Walton County line in Florida. The system is moving north-northeast at 14 miles per hour and landfall is expected on the north central Gulf coast later tonight or early Saturday.  The majority of rain from the storm will be east of Interstate 55.

State offices will close early today in the first recognition of the new holiday of Juneteenth. It was during a George Floyd protest organized by high school students at the state capitol last summer, in which those students who asked for Juneteenth to become a state holiday. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says he’s proud their request was answered.

Cut 15 (06)“…in ten years.”

President Biden also signed legislation making it a federal holiday.

The state is launching a vaccine incentive lottery program with prizes totaling 2.4 million. Governor Edwards says a study of other state vaccine lottery programs showed it’s highly effective at getting people off the fence. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says it’s worth trying everything.

Cut 12 (07) “…everything.”

The state is still registering about five to ten COVID deaths a day despite the fact that our percent positivity and overall case numbers have been quite low for months.

Triple-A estimates more than three-quarters of Americans will travel this summer and the motor club is projecting a sharp increase in overnight road trips with hotel stays. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says to make sure you have maintenance done on your vehicle before you go, including a battery check…

cut 9 (06) “….your battery”

And due to high demand of travel he highly recommends reservations.

AAA says three-quarters of Americans are planning to travel this summer. Brooke Thorington talks to an expert about what you should do before you take off on your excursion.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Starting Monday Louisianans who’ve taken their COVID vaccine can register to win up to a million dollars through the state’s vaccine lottery incentive program. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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With state offices closed for a half-day today, it’s the first time the state officially marks Juneteenth as a state holiday. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The National Hurricane Center is predicting that a disturbance in the southern Gulf will grow into Tropical Storm Claudette and make landfall in Louisiana early Saturday morning.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says even if the system does develop into a tropical storm it’s not expected to be particularly powerful, but…

Cut 4 (08) “…coast.”

The cone of uncertainty has landfall somewhere between Cameron Parish and Biloxi with the most likely area being south-central Louisiana.

Keim says conditions will likely start breaking down around Friday afternoon, so…

Cut 5  (11) “…possibility.”

Keim says Louisiana’s first named storm landfall of the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season is going to lead to a bumpy few days.

Cut 6 (09) “…storm.”

Claudette would be the third named storm of the season if it forms.

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If you’re planning a summer trip you might want to hurry up and finalize those plans. According to AAA more people are expected to take a vacation this summer compared to 2019. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says comparing rates for 2020 is pointless considering the pandemic and travelers are anxious to make an excursion.

Cut 7 (11) “…in cruises.”

AAA measures travel interest by the number of vacation map requests their TripTik receives, and requests grew by 10 times from 2019 to 2021. AAA says more than three-quarters of Americans say they are ready to take a trip.

Redman says the majority of summer travelers will remain stateside because of uncertain restrictions overseas, but excursions to Mexico and the Caribbean are also on the rise. Two other popular destinations are Hawaii and Alaska.

Cut 8 (08) “…exotic.”

Redman advises travelers to plan thoroughly and pack accordingly which includes face masks and sanitizer as some attractions might still require face coverings. Also, have your car battery checked before you take to the roads to avoid any delays.

Cut 9 (06) “…your battery.”

National Parks is another popular destination, which requires advance registration, so don’t expect to be admitted without a reservation. Redman says due to a shortage of rental cars consider taking your own vehicle or alternative transportation like tour buses.

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The state is launching a vaccine incentive lottery program that will give out 2.4 million dollars in total prizes to Louisianans who get their shot.

To qualify you have to get at least one COVID shot and register for the drawings. Governor Edwards says the first of five drawings will be held July 9^th with the grand prize drawing on August 4^th.

Cut 10 (12) “…a million dollars.”

You can register for the drawings starting Monday at noon online or by phone.

For those under 18, there will be nine 100,000 dollar scholarship drawings. Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says the money will be put in a START account.

Cut 11 (07)”…program.”

47 percent of Louisiana adults have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine while only 37 percent of the total population have received at least one dose.

Edwards says a study of other state vaccine lottery programs showed it’s highly effective at getting people off the fence. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says it’s worth trying everything.

Cut 12 (07) “…everything.”

The state is still registering about five to ten COVID deaths a day despite the fact that our percent positivity and overall case numbers have been quite low for months.

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State offices are closed for a half-day today in honor of Juneteenth becoming a legal holiday. Juneteenth celebrates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers marched into Galveston with news of the Emancipation Proclamation which declared slaves freed more than two years before. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says many do not know the history of the day.

Cut 13 (08) “…freed.”

House Bill 554 by Baton Rouge Representative Larry Selders making Juneteenth a state holiday was signed into law on Thursday. President Biden also signed legislation making it a federal holiday. James says it’s a momentous occasion.

Cut 14 (09) “…very exciting.”

During a George Floyd protest organized by high school students at the state capitol last summer, James says it was those students who asked for Juneteenth to become a state holiday.

Cut 15 (06)“…in ten years.”

Beginning in 2022 all state offices will be closed for the holiday.

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Conference commissioners are meeting in Chicago to discuss a proposed expansion of the college football playoff from four to 12 teams, possibly as early as 2023.  This has caused some to wonder whether this would negatively impact the importance of bowl games.  Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says while there are some concerns, he’s excited about what this could mean for college football.

Cut 16 (17) “…go forward.”

With the Sugar Bowl being one of the premier postseason destinations in college football, Hundley says this could actually benefit the bowl game.

Cut 17 (16) …really matters.” 

Hundley also says hosting a big-time playoff game every year could increase fan interest and competitiveness of the Sugar Bowl.

Cut  18 (14)”..started.”

A tropical storm warning is in effect for coastal Louisiana all the way to the Alabama-Florida line. The disturbance in the Gulf is expected to bring several inches of rainfall and is on track to reach the north-central Gulf Coast by late Friday early Saturday.  National Weather Service forecaster Meghan Williams…

Cut 4 (10) “…later”

A threat for tornados should begin Friday afternoon across coastal Louisiana.

Governor Edwards announces 136-million dollars in federal hazard mitigation money will go to parishes impacted by hurricanes Laura and Delta. But the funds require a 25-percent match from local governments. Edwards hopes Congress will pass a hurricane disaster recovery bill to provide the 25-percent match…

Cut 13 (07) “…that now”

Governor Edwards agrees to withdraw the state from federally enhanced unemployment benefits by July 31st. National Federation of Independent Business State Director Dawn McVae says this will help stabilize the state unemployment trust fund that went bankrupt as a result of COVID.

Cut 10 (10) “…long-term”

The federal program is set to expire September 6^th. Louisiana will also increase weekly unemployment benefits by $28 in 2022.

The legislature is backing a study to find out what happens to oyster shells once you shuck ’em and chuck ‘em. Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Policy director Emily Vuxton says the shells can be used to help rebuild reefs to harvest oysters in the future…

Cut 8 (12) “…the coast.” 

She fears most restaurants don’t participate in recycling programs of the shells.

Governor Edwards announces a million-dollar jackpot incentive to be vaccinated for COVID. Residents who’ve been vaccinated for the virus by the end of July will be eligible for the lottery and other giveaways. To enter for a chance to win you must register online or over the phone and registration opens June 21^st.

The business community is celebrating Governor Edwards’ decision to stop accepting federally boosted unemployment payments early. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for southeast Louisiana as six to ten inches of rain could fall between tomorrow afternoon and Sunday morning.  N-W-S forecaster Meghan Williams says the New Orleans area is expected to see the highest rainfall totals as a result of a potential tropical storm…

Cut 3 (09) “…through Sunday.”

If you’re a connoisseur of oysters, have you wondered what happens to the shells after you finished your plate? Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Policy director Emily Vuxton says they want to find out what happens to the valuable natural resource once it leaves the waters of the Bayou State and the legislature has approved such a study.

Cut 6 (07) “…farmers.”

Vuxton says oyster shells are also ideal to build reefs to provide storm protection.

The National Weather Service predicts a half-foot of rain could fall in the New Orleans area as a result of a disturbance that could turn into Tropical Storm Claudette. Projected rainfall totals are lower for Lake Charles and Lafayette, two to three inches. N-W-S forecaster Meghan Williams says heavy rains should begin to affect portions of Louisiana on Friday…

Cut 4 (10) “…later”

Governor Edwards agrees to withdraw the state from federally enhanced unemployment benefits the by July 31st. National Federation of Independent Business State Director Dawn McVae says this will help stabilize the state unemployment trust fund that went bankrupt as a result of COVID.

Cut 10 (10) “…long-term”

Governor Edwards announces 136-million dollars in federal hazard mitigation money will go to parishes impacted by hurricanes Laura and Delta. But the funds require a 25-percent match from local governments. Edwards hopes Congress will pass a hurricane disaster recovery bill to provide the 25-percent match…

Cut 13 (07) “…that now”

The legislature is backing a study to find out what happens to oyster shells once you shuck em and chuck ‘em. Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Policy director Emily Vuxton says they can be used to help rebuild reefs to harvest oysters in the future…

Cut 8 (12) “…the coast.” 

She fears most restaurants don’t participate in recycling programs of the shells and hopes the study will highlight that they are a valuable natural resource.