Today Governor John Bel Edwards will announce COVID-19 vaccine incentives to bolster the state’s vaccinated population.  Pressure to get more people vaccinated has increased as the percentage of COVID cases tied to a new Delta strand have tripled in Louisiana. Edwards says he’s spoken with the White House regarding the rate of growth.

Cut 11 (09)”…hospitalizations and deaths.”

And the governor has signed into law a measure that creates the framework for self-driving delivery robots to carry packages, food, etc. on the state’s streets. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says they are not self-driving cars per se but more comparable to drones.

Cut 7 (10) “…to food.”

The delivery devices are banned from use in and around airports.

The Biden Administration is interested in potentially having companies set up wind turbines in the shallow waters off the Gulf of Mexico coast. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (27)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

A bill to raise the age to purchase, cigarettes, vape, and or tobacco products to 21 is now officially a state law in Louisiana. Denham Springs Representative Buddy Mincey says he was encouraged to sponsor the bill after local school administrators told him about the alarming rate of vape use among teens. The law makes Louisiana in compliance with federal law.

A bill from the 2021 legislative session that’s been signed into law sets the framework for delivery devices to begin in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________

Governor Edwards will announce COVID-19 vaccine incentives today in an attempt to increase the state’s vaccinated population which currently sits at around one and a half million. Eric Picolli has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Eric Picolli.” 

____________________________

The Biden Administration is interested in potentially having companies set up wind turbines in the shallow waters off the Gulf of Mexico coast. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (27)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

____________________________________

If you’re planning on buying an electric vehicle in hopes of receiving a tax credit you better make that purchase in the next two weeks. Louisiana Clean Fuels Co-Coordinator Tyler Hermann says the legislature passed a bill that accelerates the sunset date of the up to $2,500 tax credit for the purchase of an alternative fuel vehicle.

Cut 4 (06) “…from now.”

The original date was January 1, 2022.

Hermann says it’s too early to tell if this will have an impact on a consumer’s choice to purchase an electric vehicle in the state, but he says it could have a large economic impact on fleets that use the vehicles because they operate on a specific procurement schedule.

Cut 5  (09) “..going to get.”

Hermann says if you are in the market and buying specifically to take advantage of the tax credit, be advised it is a nonrefundable income tax credit so you have to have  $2,500 of tax liability left over for the 2021 tax year.

Cut 6 (09) “…of it.”

___________________________

Governor Edwards has signed into law a measure that creates the framework for self-driving delivery robots to carry packages, food, etc. on the state’s streets. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says they aren’t self-driving cars per se but more comparable to drones.

Cut 7 (10) “…to food.”

Included in the framework of Senate Bill 147 are regulations that the devices must yield to pedestrians, cannot obstruct traffic or transport hazardous materials.

Ward says neighborhood stores could utilize a service company to deliver their goods to consumers in the area.

Cut 8 (11) “…the service.”

Ward says the innovation of the delivery devices is ideal for those who have limited transportation, like the elderly, and the robots could deliver their prescriptions.

The devices will be limited on the speed at which they can operate, and Ward says they also won’t be permitted for use around airports. Local municipalities will also be able to set regulations for the devices.

Cut 9 (09) “…to me.”

The delivery robots must also have lights on the front and rear of the device and also maintain at least $100,000 of insurance.

Several other states have passed similar laws.

__________________

Today Governor Edwards will announce COVID-19 vaccine incentives to bolster the state’s vaccinated population. Edwards teased the announcement during his monthly radio show Ask the Governor.

Cut 10 (08) “…to promote vaccinations.”

Pressure to get more people vaccinated has increased as the percentage of COVID cases tied to a new Delta strand have tripled in Louisiana. Edwards says he’s spoken with the White House regarding the rate of growth.

Cut 11 (09)”…hospitalizations and deaths.”

About a third of the state’s population has been fully vaccinated with 47% of those 18  and older getting their doses while almost 80% of those 65 and older having started the process. Edwards says while the state continues to make progress those who aren’t convinced should seek information regarding the vaccines.

Cut 12 (11) “…is your choice.”

__________________

The Biden Administration is asking energy companies if they’d be interested in setting up offshore wind turbines off the coast in the Gulf of Mexico.

LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director David Dismukes says it’s the beginning of a long road towards the ultimate development of renewable energy in the Gulf.

Cut 13 (11) “…wind.”

Dismukes notes northeastern states began the process to set up offshore wind turbines about 15 years ago and are just now starting to implement the program.

Dismukes says you likely could generate some electricity using Gulf turbines but there’s a number of questions that must be answered from hurricane resiliency to…

Cut 14 (07) “…hours.”

Dismukes says after finding a buyer and offering that company at least a 20-year contract you would then have to build transmission lines from the Gulf and then integrate them into the power grid.

Cut 15 (09)“…challenge.”

___________________________________________

Pelicans Executive Vice President David Griffin says the mutual decision to part ways with head coach Stan Van Gundy after only one season was due to philosophical differences in how to move forward with the young team.

Griffin was effusive in his praise of Van Gundy in a press conference after the news broke.

Cut 16 (19) “…coach.”

The Pelicans ended Van Gundy’s only season 31-41 good for only 11^th in the Western Conference, one spot shy of making the playoff play-in tournament.

Griffin made some puzzling comments during the press conference…

Cut 17 (17) …development.” 

Griffin also addressed rumors that current assistant coach and Naismith Hall of Famer Teresa Weatherspoon is a favorite for the job. He says that rumor was likely the result of Weatherspoon being named summer league head coach…

Cut  18 (22)”…itself.”

Pels assistant Fred Vinson and Buck’s assistant Charles Lee are also reportedly in the running for the job.

On his monthly radio call-in show, Ask the Governor, Governor John Edwards said he’ll unveil new vaccine incentives Thursday. Edwards will make the announcement during his 2:30 press conference. Currently vaccinated individuals in Louisiana can receive free admission to state parks until July 31^st.

Stan Van Gundy is out as head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans after only one season. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

There’s a high chance a disturbance in the Bay of Campeche will develop into a tropical depression before landing somewhere between Texas and Alabama this weekend. With this in mind Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is advising residents to get flood insurance, saying only 25-percent of the property owners in Louisiana have it…

Cut 5  (12) “….by far” 

The Biden administration’s suspension of new oil and gas leases on federal land and water was blocked by a federal judge in Louisiana. U-S District Judge Terry Doughty’s ruling Tuesday in Lafayette is from a lawsuit filed by state Attorney General Jeff Landry. Landry says it was a great ruling for the people of Louisiana.

Cut 13 (08) “…great victory.”

A spokesperson for the Interior Department said they are reviewing the judge’s opinion and will comply with the decision.

Forecasters say there’s a high chance a disturbance over the Bay of Campeche will develop into at least a tropical depression. Marti Calhoun with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says the system will begin to move north tomorrow and bring several inches of rain to south Louisiana starting on Friday.

Cut 3 (06) “…will fall.”

The Biden administration’s suspension of new oil and gas leases on federal land and water was blocked by a federal judge in Louisiana Tuesday. President Biden issued the moratorium in an effort to reduce carbon emissions in the U-S. State Attorney General Jeff Landry says Biden subscribes to the Green New Deal.

Cut 15 (12) “…American economy.” 

New Orleans Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy has “mutually agreed to part ways” with the team after only one season at the helm. Locked on Pelicans host Jake Madison says this next hire will be absolutely crucial considering star forward Zion Williamson will soon be extension eligible and he’s now had three different coaches in his first three years…

Cut 9 (11) “…correct.”

The CDC says there’s been a spike in RSV cases across the south. RSV is a common cold virus that can develop into pneumonia and be fatal. LDH Regional Medical Director for the capital region and pediatrician Dr. Dawn Marcelle says it usually affects infants and toddlers under two years of age.

Cut 10 (10) “…infection.”

Forecasters expect a tropical depression will form in the Gulf of Mexico tomorrow or early Friday. Jeff Palermo has more on the impacts for Louisiana…

Cut 1 (28) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

As clean up efforts continue in East Baton Rouge Parish from flooding last month, officials say they’ve collected enough debris to bury the field at Tiger Stadium under a pile of more than 10 feet deep.  DRC Emergency Services says they’ve collected 22-thousand cubic yards of debris so far.

The Biden administration’s suspension of new oil and gas leases on federal land and water was blocked by a federal judge in Louisiana. U-S District Judge Terry Doughty’s ruling Tuesday in Lafayette is from a lawsuit filed by state Attorney General Jeff Landry. Landry says it was a great ruling for the people of Louisiana.

Cut 13 (08) “…great victory.”

A spokesperson for the Interior Department said they are reviewing the judge’s opinion and will comply with the decision.

The CDC says there’s been a spike in RSV cases across the south. LDH Regional Medical Director for the Capitol region and pediatrician Dr. Dawn Marcelle says the virus, which usually effect children ages two and under, can be deadly especially in those with underlying health conditions. She says there are also preemptive measures for infants who are suspectable.

Cut  11 (06) “…prevent it” 

As a storm system looms in the Gulf, Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is advising residents to get flood insurance for an anticipated active hurricane season. He says if you don’t have flood insurance you may get some federal assistance to help recover your losses, but homeowners covered by flood insurance end up getting much more…

Cut 6 (09) “..90,000 dollars”

The CDC says there’s been a spike in RSV cases across the south. Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus is a common cold virus that can develop into pneumonia and be fatal. LDH Regional Medical Director for the Capitol region and pediatrician Dr. Dawn Marcelle says it usually affects infants and toddlers under two years of age.

Cut 10 (10) “…infection.”

Stan Van Gundy is out as head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans after only one season. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

A federal judge halts President Biden’s moratorium on new oil and gas lease sales on federal lands and waters. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

State Police are investigating a bomb threat in Avoyelles Parish. Last Tuesday 911 received a call from a person stating they were going to set off a bomb at the Avoyelles Parish Courthouse in Marksville. No explosive devices were found, and they’ve identified and arrested the caller 44-year old Michael Scott Dixon of Plaucheville.  Dixon was booked one count of terrorizing and one count of communicating a planned arson.

Forecasters say there’s a high chance a disturbance over the Bay of Campeche will develop into at least a tropical depression. Marti Calhoun with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says the broad low-pressure area will likely develop into a tropical depression late tomorrow or early Friday.  She says once that occurs, they can provide a better forecast on rainfall potential…

Cut 4 (10) “…from there”

Senator Bill Cassidy touts a new 1.2 trillion dollar bipartisan agreement on infrastructure and the proposal includes plans to reduce carbon emissions by building infrastructure that claims to capture carbon from manufacturing facilities Progressive Democrats are blasting the offer saying it falls woefully short of the President’s campaign commitments, but Cassidy says they should reconsider.

Cut 12 (09) “…for all.”

A bill to remove the statute of limitations for child sex abuse victims to seek civil damages becomes law in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

_______________________________

A federal judge halts President Biden’s moratorium on new oil and gas lease sales on federal lands and waters. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________

A bipartisan team of 10 US senators unveiled a 1.2 trillion dollar compromise infrastructure proposal that they believe can win 60 votes in the Senate. Matt Doyle spoke with one of the members, Bill Cassidy…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

____________________________________

A bill to remove the deadline for child sex abuse victims to pursue civil damages against their abuser is signed into law by Governor Edwards. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes’ bill goes into effect August first. Hughes says he’s received emotional feedback from abuse survivors thanking him for the bill.

Cut 4 (08) “…to us.”

The previous law allowed child sex abuse victims until their 28^th birthday to file suit but research shows the average age for victims to come forward is age 52. Hughes says  House Bill 492 also has a caveat for victims who have aged out giving them a window of three years to seek damages.

Cut 5  (08) “..their age.”

Hughes says he didn’t realize the impact his legislation would have until he began to hear from survivors of child sex abuse. He says passage of the bill was truly a bipartisan effort and the law puts the abuser on notice.

Cut 6 (11) “…our children (x2).”

The law applies to a wide range of child sex abuse victims but the bill received key support from a coalition of those abused by Catholic priests and deacons.

___________________________

A US District Court Judge has approved Attorney General Jeff Landry’s request to halt President Biden’s moratorium on new oil and gas lease sales on federal lands and waters.

Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Mike Moncla calls the decision a big win for United States workers, but particularly for Louisiana workers that are dependant on the Gulf.

Cut 7 (06) “…for us.”

Landry released a statement saying “we appreciate that federal courts have recognized President Biden is completely outside his authority in his attempt to shut down oil and gas leases on federal lands.”

Legal analyst Tim Meche says the order does not question the President’s authority to issue moratoriums, it just dings this moratorium for not being specific enough.

Cut 8 (09) “…new one.”

Meche says this back and forth involving new orders and preliminary injunctions could go on for quite some time until the issue is resolved by the Legislative Branch.

Moncla says while it is possible Biden just issues a new order, he hopes this decision will force the President to rethink his oil and gas policy.

Cut 9 (09) “…on that.”

The decision was made by Judge Terry Doughty of the US District Court Western District of Louisiana Lake Charles division.

The Biden Administration says the moratorium on new lease sales is part of the effort to reduce the country’s carbon production in an effort to limit the effects of climate change.

__________________

Senator Bill Cassidy touts a new 1.2 trillion dollar bipartisan agreement on infrastructure that he says will address the state’s need for new roads and bridges as well as coastal resiliency.

Cassidy says the funding for new roads and bridges in this bill could, over time, address a number of the state’s longstanding priorities for mega projects.

Cut 10 (09) “…Louisiana.”

Cassidy was part of the five Republican and five Democrat group that crafted the counter to President Biden’s over two trillion-dollar proposal.

The proposal includes plans to reduce carbon emissions by building infrastructure that claims to capture carbon from manufacturing facilities. Cassidy says will create new opportunities for blue-collar workers.

Cut 11 (09) “…the ground.”

The plan would spend 1.2 trillion over eight years with 974 billion of it in the first five years and about half of the funds being repurposed COVID relief money. The proposal also suggests raising the federal gas tax to pay, at least in part, for the rest of the package.

Progressive Democrats are blasting the offer saying it falls woefully short of the President’s campaign trail commitments to fighting climate change, but Cassidy says they should reconsider.

Cut 12 (09) “…for all.”

Progressives instead are pushing for Democrats to pass a more substantial infrastructure package that includes more climate-related spending through a budget process that would only require 50 votes.

__________________

The LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital is once again providing total hip replacement at their small animal surgery center. LSU Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Charles Walls says hip arthritis and dysplasia and are among the most common ailments for dogs in the fifty-to-hundred-pound weight range.

Cut 13 (11) “…not enough.”

German Shepherds are not the only breed prone to the ailment but dogs that are also the same size are just as susceptible.

Walls says owners often miss the signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia and arthritis in young dogs, but when you compare their lack of activity to other dogs that are that same age it becomes more obvious.

Cut 14 (10) “…narrow-based.”

Walls says the cost of the surgery can range anywhere from five thousand up to $65,000 and complete recovery averages six months. He says the procedure can greatly improve the quality of life for man’s best friend.

Cut 15 (05)“…success rate.”

Forecasters say there is a high chance a disturbance in the southern Gulf of Mexico will develop into at least a tropical storm over the next five days. The National Hurricane Center says they will have a better idea once the system actually develops. National Weather Service meteorologist Ben Schott says even if doesn’t get to tropical storm strength, it could be a big rainmaker…

Cut 4 (12) “…heavy heavy rain”

If named, it will be called Claudette.

Governor John Bel Edwards signs legislation decriminalizing possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana. Policy Director for Louisiana Progress Peter Robins-Brown says decriminalization is a widely popular policy that creates more trust between law enforcement and their local community.

Cut 12 (08) “…law”

The family of former LSU President Troy Middleton is suing LSU demanding the school return a collection of the General’s World War Two memorabilia. Middleton family attorney Jill Craft says the family has tried to retrieve the collection but keeps getting the runaround. The suit also seeks damages for “extreme humiliation and embarrassment.” Craft says the school refuses to turn over the collection.

Cut  11 (12) “…payback” 

There are reports LSU and Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco are discussing the possibility of the former Tiger catcher and pitching coach becoming the next head coach of the LSU baseball program.  LSU beat reporter for the USA Today Network Glen Guilbeau says right now Bianco is the school’s top candidate.

Cut 6 (09) “…more talks”

Forecasters say Louisiana residents should brace for the potential of heavy rainfall later this week as a result of a tropical system. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a two-year-old boy who was left in a hot car Monday. Public Information Officer Katherina Breaux says deputies received a call and found the young boy who was left inside an unattended vehicle for an extended period of time Monday afternoon. This is the fourth hot car death in the U-S this year.

Governor John Bel Edwards signs legislation decriminalizing possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana. Policy Director for Louisiana Progress Peter Robins-Brown says he thinks this bill is another step towards full legalization of marijuana.

Cut 14 (12) “..point” 

Under the new law possession under 14 grams cannot lead to jail time and comes with a maximum fine of 100 dollars.

There are reports LSU and Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco are discussing the possibility of the former Tiger becoming the next head coach of the LSU baseball program.  LSU beat reporter for the USA Today Network Glen Guilbeau says Bianco has always been well-liked by those who have played with Skip Bertman…

Cut 7 (07) “…got there”

Bianco has been the head coach at Ole Miss since 2000