Louisiana continues to languish near the bottom of the state rankings for vaccinations, with only 49.5 percent of adults having received at least one dose. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the good news is at least the most vulnerable, those over 65, have a vaccination rate around 80 percent, but every other age group is lacking…

Cut 6 (10) “…improve”

In Texas, 61 percent of all adults have received at least one dose.

Knowing there was a 12 foot python on the loose in the mall of Louisiana likely dissuaded a few shoppers from heading over to the Baton Rouge staple but Dr. Christopher Austin with LSU’s Museum of Natural Science says the beloved Cara really never posed much of a threat to humans…

Cut 3 (09)  “…eating mode”

The Scripps National Spelling Bee named a new champion last night, 14-year-old Zaila Avant-garde of Harvey, a west bank community in the greater New Orleans area, became the first Louisianan and African American to win the famed contest. Avant-garde says spelling is just a hobby, her real passion is basketball where she holds three Guinness World Records…

Cut 14 (09) “…six balls.” 

Pfizer is pushing the CDC and FDA to approve their recommendation that people get three shots instead of just two to ward off variants but the federal agencies aren’t backing that request yet. LSU Health Shreveport pediatric infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vanchiere says Pfizer’s stated goal of fighting off variants would be better accomplished by vaccinating the unvaccinated.

Cut 10 (09) “…coronavirus.”

Last night 14-year-old Zaila Avant-garde of Harvey became the first ever Louisianan and first ever African American to win the Scripps national Spelling Bee after correctly spelling Murraya, a genus of a citrus plant native to southeast Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands. Here’s how Zaila approached the spelling of the word

Cut 13 (10) “…that here.”

Zaila told ABC’s Good Morning America she studies 13-thousand words a day.

Legendary escape artist Cara the Burmese Python is back safe in her exhibit at the Blue Zoo in Baton Rouge after spending most of the week evading capture in the Mall of Louisiana. Dr. Christopher Austin with LSU’s Museum of Natural Science says it’s good she was found…

Cut 4 (11) “…survive”

Pfizer is lobbying for a vaccine booster shot but the CDC and FDA say not so fast. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo.  

State Police are investigating a non-fatal police shooting in Lafayette that landed a suspect in the hospital in stable condition. Officers reportedly were responding to a suicidal individual who approached officers in the parking lot of an apartment complex. At some point during the interaction an officer fired, hitting the person.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says it is too early to make any conclusive statements but early evidence suggests areas with higher vaccination rates in the state now have noticeably lower levels of community spread as we face what could be the start of a new surge propelled by the Delta variant…

Cut 8 (11) “…this week”

49.5 percent of Louisiana adults have received at least one COVID vaccine dose, second-worst in the nation ahead of only Mississippi.

A 14-year-old girl from Harvey won the Scripps National Spelling Bee last night becoming the first person from Louisiana to win the bee. Zaila Avant-garde is also the first African American winner of the 96-year-old tournament. She spelled Murraya correctly to win…

Cut 12 (10) “…applause fades”

Pfizer is calling for health officials to recommend a third booster shot be administered to vaccine recipients to counter the growing number of variant cases but as of now the CDC and FDA aren’t backing that call.  LSU Health Shreveport pediatric infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vanchiere says boosters are being considered but right now the priority is the unvaccinated.

Cut  11 (09) “…boosters.” 

Cara the Burmese Python’s great escape captivated the nation and veterinarians were happy to announce that after an examination it looked like the 12 foot reptile is going to be just fine. Dr. Christopher Austin with LSU’s Museum of Natural Science…

Cut 5  (12) “..infected” 

After being checked out by a team at the vet school, Cara was returned to her home at the Blue Zoo.

Only 49.5 percent of Louisianans 18 and older have received a vaccine dose, second-worst in the nation ahead of only Mississippi. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says among those most vulnerable, the 65 and older crowd, that number is 80 percent.

Cut 6 (10) “…improve”

Of those in Louisiana who have been vaccinated 27, or .002 percent, have died of a COVID from a breakthrough case.

Cara the escaped Burmese Python was given a clean bill of health from veterinarians after spending much of the week hiding in the Mall of Louisiana. That escape had a lot of people on edge but Dr. Christopher Austin with LSU’s Museum of Natural Science says the non-venomous reptile really didn’t pose much of a threat to Baton Rouge shoppers…

Cut 3 (09)  “…eating mode”

You have until midnight tonight to sign up for the first 100,000 dollar drawing in the state’s Shot at a Million vaccine incentive program. Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Health Kimberly Hood says the sooner you get vaccinated and register the better your chances because they’ll be announcing weekly winners for the next five Fridays.

Cut 10 (06) “…as well.”

On August 13^th the grand prize winner of a million dollars and five scholarship winners will be announced.

The average cost of a gallon of regular in Louisiana has crept up to 2.80 a gallon as the entire country has felt the pinch from gas prices that have jumped roughly 40 percent since the year began. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says the national average is up over three dollars a gallon, a price we may be getting close to soon…

Cut 13 (08) “…$2.95 a gallon.”

Redman says California is seeing prices in the $4.30 a gallon range.

Lawmakers have until next Friday to decide whether they want to head back to Baton Rouge July 20^th to override any one of the Governor’s 28 vetoes.  La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says the veto of a bill to prohibit transgender females from participating in girls’ sports is fueling the desire to hold a veto session…

Cut 5  (09) “..two-thirds vote for” 

A more little-known veto that could also be overturned involved legislation that would have expanded state drug courts using funds obtained from opioid settlements. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says the veto of his bill came as a real surprise.

Cut 9 (08) “…seamlessly.”

In his veto statement, Governor Edwards raised concerns the bill was too vague in how the money could be spent.

A Haughton man has been arrested for second-degree murder after he called 911 and told the dispatcher he’d shot a woman. Lt Bill Davis with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office says the murder is unusual because the suspect, 25-year-old Brian Clark, notified them of the shooting and ultimately confessed after doing it.

Cut 14 (08) “…just tragic.” 

The AARP is calling on Louisiana’s Congressional Delegation to support the Credit for Caring Act, a caregivers tax credit that would help offset the costs associated with supporting a family member who is in need of assistance. AARP State Director Denise Botcher says  Congress recognizes that family caregivers are under a lot of pressure, especially after many lost support services during the pandemic.

Cut 8 (11) “…they need.”

The deadline to register for the first 100,000 dollar drawing in the shot at a million vaccine incentive campaign is Friday at midnight and as we get closer to that date scammers are increasingly trying to take advantage of it by reportedly calling residents pretending to be state workers collecting personal information to register them for the lotto. Carmen Million with the Better Business Bureau of South Central Louisiana says if you get called, report it…

Cut 14 (08) “…the area.” 

Starting in August penalties for trying to win notoriety by sharing violent criminal acts on social media are going up from 500 dollars and up to six months in jail to 2,000 dollars or up to up to eight months in jail. That’s due to a recently signed bill authored by Jennings Representative Troy Romero who says his legislation was inspired by a tragic situation in Lake Charles where a 13-year-old filmed an attack on a 15-year-old.

Cut 8 (12) “…video.”

There’s a new personalized approach to help you lose weight, it’s free and made possible by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The FBI has taken the unusual step of ordering a second review of the autopsy of Ronald Greene, a Black man who died after being severely beaten by state police in 2019. This is part of an ongoing civil rights investigation into the incident and Federal prosecutors say expect a case to be brought by the end of the summer.

Penalties for sharing violent criminal acts on social media are going up from 500 dollars and up to six months in jail to 2,000 dollars or up to up to eight months in jail. This new law will take effect in August after Governor Edwards signed legislation by Jennings Representative Troy Romero. Romero says he wants to dissuade people from sharing these disturbing videos…

Cut 7 (10) “…of that”

The bill cleared both chambers of the Legislature unanimously.

Be on the lookout for scammers who are posing as state officials trying to steal your information under the guise of collecting signups for the state’s vaccine lottery incentive program shot at a million. Carmen Million with the Better Business Bureau of South Central Louisiana…

Cut 12 (12) “…on that card.”

Louisiana will cease accepting enhanced federal unemployment benefits in just over three weeks. National Federation of Independent Businesses State Director Dawn McVae says as those benefits come to an end they seeing an uptick in the number of people applying for jobs, but says lower unemployment means jobs will start to get more competitive again…

Cut  11 (09) “….position.” 

For a listing of job openings, you can visit laworks.net

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is now offering a free online resource that is aimed at helping people drop the pounds. Research Scientist Dr. Casie Lindsly says if you go to PBRC.edu you can find a series of three to five minute courses covering weight loss basics on the underlying causes of obesity…

Cut 4 (11) “…treated.”

There’s a new personalized approach to help you lose weight, it’s free and made possible by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________________

Those who unlawfully post videos of violent criminal acts to win notoriety online will face increased penalties come August. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.  

______________________________________

There’s a new tool in the battle against weight loss and it’s a more user-friendly approach from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center.  Research Scientist Dr. Casie Lindsly says the free flashcard classes are available on their website to promote successful weight loss.

Cut 3 (12)  “…community.”

The flashcard courses mark a first for Pennington Biomedical in their longstanding mission to find causes and treat chronic diseases. Lindsly says the courses cover underlying causes of obesity.

Cut 4 (11) “…treated.”

Lindsly says the average person can complete a course in three to five minutes. She says the courses are not only informative but entertaining as well.

Cut 5  (09) “…library.” 

Visit PBRC.edu for more information.

___________________________

Starting August 1^st the penalty for unlawfully posting videos of violent crimes to social media is going up from 500 dollars to 2,000 dollars.

Jennings Representative Troy Romero says his bill goes after those who seek to win notoriety or publicity by posting videos of people being hurt or killed during criminal acts.

Cut 6 (09) “..necessary.”

Romero says this law applies to people who were not active participants of the crime being filmed but were just bystanders.

Romero says we’re starting to see more and more of these kinds of violent videos online, and the more people see them the more others will think it is ok to share some of their own.

Cut 7 (10) “…of that”

Romero says this bill was inspired by a tragic situation in Lake Charles where a 13-year-old filmed an attack on a 15-year-old.

Cut 8 (12) “…video.”

The bill cleared both chambers of the Legislature unanimously.

_____________________________

In just over three weeks, enhanced unemployment benefits will end in Louisiana. National Federation of Independent Businesses State Director Dawn McVae says they are starting to see an increase in job searches in what they anticipate will be a return to the workforce for many.

Cut 9 (09) “…to apply.”

According to the most recent survey among NFIB members, McVae says 34-percent say they have already increased wages in order to attract more employees.

Cut 10 (09) “…compensation.”

With the enhanced benefits coming to an end and drastically changing the amount of income recipients will receive, McVae says the sooner one searches for a job the better.

Cut  11 (09) “….position.” 

For a listing of job openings, you can visit laworks.net

_________________________________________________

Midnight Friday is the deadline to register for the first drawing in the state’s vaccine incentive lottery “Shot at a Million,” but there’s a new scam going on where you receive a random call under the guise, they will help you register. Carmen Million with the Better Business Bureau of South Central Louisiana says it’s a common ploy using a new campaign.

Cut 12 (12) “…on that card.”

Million says there have been several reports of the scam using a local phone number that has nothing to do with the lottery.

Cut 13 (11) “…lottery.”

If you’ve received a call from such a scam, Million says to visit their website so they can keep track and help warn others.

Cut 14 (08) “…the area.” 

To register for the actual lottery you can visit ShotAtAMillion.com

___________________________

Cut 15 (08) “…progress” 

__________________________________

Cut 16 (09) “…soil saturation.” 

In just over three weeks, enhanced unemployment benefits will end in Louisiana. National Federation of Independent Businesses State Director Dawn McVae says they are starting to see an increase in job searches in what they anticipate will be a return to the workforce for many.

Cut 9 (09) “…to apply.”

But other reports note the country is seeing a significant increase in the number of retirements as the economy rebounds, clouding the outlook for businesses hoping to return to full staff.

There’s a new tool in the battle against weight loss and it’s a more user-friendly approach from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center.  Research Scientist Dr. Casie Lindsly says the free flashcard classes are available on their website to promote successful weight loss.

Cut 3 (12)  “…community.”

Visit PBRC.edu for more information.

CLECO will begin working with local Councils on Aging to give away free LED lightbulbs and offer weatherization audits to seniors. CLECO Communications Strategist Fran Phoenix says many of their elderly customers are on a fixed income and saving some money on their bill would mean a lot to them.

Cut 7 (10) “…higher”

The bulbs will be distributed at Councils on Aging sites to elderly customers from July 12^th through August 6^th.

New LSU head baseball coach Jay Johnson has made his first addition to his coaching staff. The Tigers are expected to hire Arizona State’s Jason Kelly as the next pitching coach according to D1 Baseball’s Kendall Rogers. Kelly, spent the last three seasons with the Sun Devils as their pitching coach and recruiting coordinator. He was also named the Assistant of the Year by D1 Baseball in 2018 when he was with the Washington Huskies.

The FBI has ordered another look into the autopsy of Ronald Greene, a Black man who died in 2019 after being severely beaten by State Troopers following a car chase that ended in Union Parish. This comes a day after Legislative Black Caucus members spoke at the Capitol about the need for a deep investigation into State Police that would root out systemic racism. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says there are rules and regulations in place that are preventing this kind of comprehensive survey from taking place at a state level…

Cut 6 (10) “…do it.”

The search continues for a runaway snake inside of the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge. It’s been over 36 hours since Cara the Python went missing from her cage and after an exhaustive late night search last night she’s still on the lam.

There’s a new personalized approach to help you lose weight, it’s free and made possible by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”