LSU Board Chairman Robert Dampf says the school is legally prohibited from mandating students take the COVID vaccine. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The father of injured LSU quarterback Myles Brennan sheds light on his injury and his recovery. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Ochsner Health CEO Warner Thomas says according to a tracking system they use for non-hospitalized patients he doesn’t see COVID case numbers letting up anytime soon. The system allows them to stay in contact with COVID patients who are recovering at home to see if their symptoms worsen and need to be admitted.

Cut 3 (08) “…escalate.” 

In the last week, Ochsner says their COVID hospitalizations increased by 73-percent.

With the statewide mask mandate back in effect, when asked if hospitals are seeing a difference yet Thomas says it’s still too early to tell and in the past, their symptom tracking system has shown face mask usage curbs case numbers.

Cut 4 (11) “…that yet.” 

Director of Infection Control and Prevention at Ochsner Doctor Katherine Baumgarten says while research and previous use of face masking are proven methods to reduce infection rates, even with the mandate back in effect some are not getting the message of the dire situation with the fourth surge.

Cut 5 (12) “…happen now.”

On Thursday the Louisiana Department of Health reported the highest number of COVID hospitalizations to date of 2,350, eclipsing Wednesday and Tuesday’s all-time daily high totals.

__________________________

LSU will not enter the fall semester with a vaccine mandate for in-person attendance, much to the chagrin of the LSU Faculty Senate.

LSU Board Chairman Robert Dampf says a mandate is not legal under state laws that govern public universities. That’s primarily because COVID vaccines are still under emergency use authorization.

Cut 6 (11) “..mandate.”

Some faculty members argue that is not true, citing other universities in Louisiana that received Louisiana Department of Health approval for a mandate. Dampf says those private universities are not governed by the same Legislative statutes as LSU, a public college.

Dampf also argues that even once the vaccine is given full authorization allowing it to be mandated for students under law, there’s still a loophole.

Cut 7 (09) “…reasons” 

Dampf says if he had unilateral authority he would institute a campus vaccine mandate, but the best the school can legally do is require monthly COVID testing for unvaccinated students.

Cut 8 (07) “…vaccine”

Dampf made the comments on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster.

___________________________

LSU fans received unfortunate news on Monday as reports surfaced that Myles Brennan was having surgery on his left arm due to an injury that occurred off-campus.  There’s been a lot of speculation as to how it happened and Myles’ dad Owen Brennan says the injury is the result of a fishing accident.

Cut 9 (12) “…humerous bone”

Myles was squarely in the mix to compete for LSU’s starting quarterback job this season and while a timeline for his return is still unknown, Owen says the plan is to start rehab as soon as possible.

Cut 10 (10) “…two weeks.”

While  Myles and Max Johnson were locked in a tight battle to become the starter for the Tigers, Owen says Max’s dad Brad was one of the first calls he received about Myles.

Cut  11 (11) “…dad to dad.”  

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Moderna has joined Pfizer in pushing for the FDA and CDC to back giving fully vaccinated individuals a third booster shot, in an effort to fight the Delta variant.

Tulane School of Public Health Epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig says despite those requests there’s still just not enough evidence to back this request because the vaccines appear to be working as expected…

Cut 12 (11) “…hospital” 

Moderna’s President says they have data indicating people should take a half does shot six to eight months after completing their full vaccine series. The data suggested this third shot would further boost immune response and provide a counter to new coronavirus variants.

Hassig says because the vaccines have proven to be highly effective at significantly reducing the chance of a severe infection…

Cut 13 (11) “.vaccine”

The CDC has not yet recommended immune-compromised individuals receive a third shot.

Hassig says if you’re fully vaccinated, instead of worrying about boosters…

Cut 14 (08) “…mask”

The governor’s new indoor mask mandate means school children from five years and up will return to the classroom with face coverings. Brooke Thorington has more from the State Superintendent of Education.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Max Johnson enters preseason camp as the starting quarterback after Myles Brennan broke his non-throwing arm. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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The upcoming school year is days away and the Governor’s reinstated indoor mask mandate will require those ages five and up to wear face coverings. Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says prior to this new executive order, his department advised each school system to enact its own policy.

Cut 3 (09) “…community.” 

According to 2021 LEAP assessments Brumley says it’s very clear that in-person learning is far more beneficial than virtual learning and he supports measures that will keep students in the physical classroom while also mitigating against COVID.

Cut 4 (10) “…access learning.” 

LEAP results will be released Wednesday. Brumley says they indicate students in grades 3 through 8 who attended in person scored mastery or above on English Language Arts and Math, their scores were 15-percent higher than students who attended virtually.

Cut 5 (09) “…our state.”

In addition to the pandemic, Louisiana students have also been impacted by hurricanes, but Brumley feels with both local and state initiatives that resilient students and residents will help them move beyond the setbacks.

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LSU Quarterback Myles Brennan has suffered an injury to his non-throwing arm and Coach Ed Orgeron says the injury will require surgery. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins has learned Brennan broke his humerus bone…

Cut 6 (08) “…for him.” 

The Athletic’s Brody Miller reports Brennan suffered the injury while fishing. Max Johnson is now set to be LSU’s starting Q-B. Higgins says freshman Garrett Nussmeier is the only other healthy scholarship quarterback on the roster…

Cut 7 (10) “…Game 3” 

Brennan and Johnson were expected to have an intense competition for starting quarterback during preseason camp. This is Brennan’s fifth year at LSU, but there’s a lot of faith in Johnson, who won both his starts last season. Higgins knows Brennan is disappointed, but expect him to remain a big part of the team

Cut 8 (11) “…out there.”

___________________________

The statewide indoor mask mandate goes into effect tomorrow as the state sets an all-time high for COVID-related hospitalizations. Governor Edwards says just because the mandate doesn’t begin until tomorrow doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start masking up today.

Cut 9 (12) “…believe that”

Louisiana now has 2,112 COVID-related hospitalizations, the highest ever mark. Louisiana has the fastest per-capita growth in new COVID cases in the nation, reporting 47-hundred new cases today. 59 COVID-related deaths were also reported today, the highest number since mid-January.

Edwards says the enforcement provision of the mask mandate is the same that it was when the state last had the mandate in late April.

Cut 10 (09) “..through this.”

The mandate appears to be more of an effort to reaffirm the importance of masking than it is an effort to force people to wear a mask.

Cut  11 (10) “…they’re not.”  

The mandate is set to expire on September 1st.

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Tangipahoa Parish ranks second in the nation for new coronavirus cases per capita when compared to over counties or parishes. That’s according to the New York Times tracker map. President of the North Oaks Health System Michele Sutton says their I-C-U units and emergency rooms are packed with COVID patients, making it difficult to care for others who do not have COVID

Cut 12 (12) “…put em in” 

Sutton says their staff is also seeing deaths of young people as a result of COVID, including a 24-year-old unvaccinated person…

Cut 13 (10) “…has changed”

Sutton is also concerned about hospital workers’ morale as most of these severe COVID illnesses and deaths could have been prevented if the victims got vaccinated…

Cut 14 (10) “…need you”

As COVID cases continue to increase in the fourth surge, on a positive note Louisiana is reporting more individuals being vaccinated for COVID.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Practice begins next week for high school sports teams that compete in the fall and the LHSAA says there are no plans to delay the season because of the ongoing surge of new COVID cases. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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Ochsner Health Systems says they will require employees to be vaccinated for COVID once the vaccines receive full FDA approval. CEO Warner Thomas says since they made the announcement the vaccination rate among employees has increased and among their vaccine clinics for the public.

Cut 3 (10) “…sites.” 

Thomas says they are asking employees to give them their vaccination status for the next few weeks and soon you will be able to easily identify vaccinated and unvaccinated staff members. Thomas says vaccinated employees will have a new ID Badge.

Cut 4 (11) “…as needed.” 

As COVID hospitalizations continue to increase, Thomas says it’s very concerning because healthcare facilities across the country are experiencing a severe nursing shortage, which is another reason they are moving to mandatory vaccinations, so they can remain at work and keep patients safe.

Cut 5 (07) “…carefully.”

This week more than 60 medical societies support the move for mandatory vaccinations among healthcare workers.

__________________________

A 20-year-old Bernice man lost his life last night as he was attempting to flee from law enforcement. State Police Master Trooper Michael Reichardt says Tyler Brazzel of Bernice was traveling at a high rate of speed on Forsythe Road in Lincoln Parish…

Cut 6 (07) “….and died”

Reichardt says Brazzel was not buckled up and pronounced dead at the scene…

Cut 7 (08)  “…enough.”

Reichardt says impairment is also suspected on the part of Brazzel…

Cut 8 (08) “…suspected yes.”

___________________________

High School football is just around the corner and fall practice will begin shortly.  The rise in Coronavirus cases has many across the state wondering if the start of the season will be delayed.  LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine does not expect a delay because we know more about the virus now.

Cut 9 (10) “..for that.”

Bonine also says he has confidence that coaches can keep the players safe because they had to work through the same thing last season.

Cut 10 (10) “…get done.”

Right now the LHSAA has not required vaccinations to be mandatory for student athletes and Bonine says that will be left up to the schools.

Cut  11 (11) “…participate”  

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State data shows that COVID cases in Louisiana nursing homes has nearly tripled and nursing homes are reporting their first deaths among residents since June 23rd. Andrew Muhl, director of advocacy for AARP Louisiana says it’s concerning because the vaccine rate among staff is less than 50-percent…

Cut 12 (12) “…delta variant.” 

Muhl says over 80-percent of nursing home residents are vaccinated, but if less than half of the staff is, the delta variant can still cause outbreaks…

Cut 13 (11) “…infectious virus.”

Muhl says if you have loved ones in a nursing home, ask these questions to management…

Cut 14 (07) “…screened.”

COVID hospitalizations increased by 135 today to more than 1,500 and vent usage increased by 17 to 135. Brooke Thorington has more from State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter on how hospitals are reacting.

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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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.”  

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As daily COVID case numbers continue to be in the thousands, health officials are urging unvaccinated individuals to roll up their sleeve to slow the spread of the delta variant. 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.” 

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, 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.” 

Kanter says healthcare facilities are also inundated with a large number of RSV cases.

Treatment options of those with the Delta variant are no different from treatment with the original strain but Kanter says the Delta variant is much more transmissible.

With staffing shortages and an increase in COVID patients, 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.

__________________________

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 Adminstrator Jason Froeba says anyone within the fishing industry that lost at least 35 percent of their revenue is eligible.

Cut 6 (08) “….fishing capacity.”

The total financial assistance is over 12 million dollars. Froeba says the money will be distributed equally among approved applicants.

Cut 7 (08)  “…number on it.”

This money is of course not enough to cover the losses of every fisherman in the state of Louisiana but Froeba says they’ll happily take what they can get.

Cut 8 (06) “…helpful.”

The application process runs from August ninth to the 29^th, applicants can apply online at www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/cares-act-assistance.

___________________________

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”

Louisiana has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the countries and three members of the states’ Congressional delegation have not said if they are vaccinated, Garret Graves, Mike Johnson, and Clay Higgins, who confirmed this week he’s battling COVID. Scalise says doesn’t think the vaccine should be mandatory, but he recommends it

Cut 10 (10) “..vaccinated”

The Delta variant has resulted in a huge increase in cases and COVID hospitalizations and health officials are also tracking the Lambda variant which originated in Peru. Scalise says President Biden’s open border policy is helping this latest strain make its way into the United States…

Cut  11 (09) “…instanity  

________________________________________________

Nicholls State University will receive nearly 500 thousand dollars in grant money that will go towards coastal research. Fines and penalties from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill are providing the funding for the grant dollars. Nicholls Dean of Sciences and Technology Dr. John Doucet says they will specifically look at how coastal ridges can help in the fight against land loss…

Cut 12 (11) “…on those ridges” 

Nicholls will also assist with the creation of ridges to protect back marshes by studying naturally occurring ones. Doucet says these artificial ridges will protect the back marsh and trap sediment…

Cut 13 (11) “…prevent their deterioration”

Nicholls’s proposal was one of eight projects selected from a pool of 20 submissions and is the first time the University researchers have received Restore Act money. Doucet says this is just one of many coastal restoration projects the university has undertaken…

Cut 14 (12) “…of these ideas”

The research will start this fall and continue through 2023.

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” 

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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.”  

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With the dramatic rise of COVID-19 patients in the hospital, several hospitals 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” 

Health care facilities also halted nonurgent and elective surgeries during the first couple surges of the coronavirus last year. Nelson says unfortunately the move is necessary, but it also creates problems for people with non-COVID health issues…

Cut 4 (14) “…whole system.” 

Louisiana has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country. The state is seeing a slight uptick in vaccinations, but Nelson says because two of the vaccines available require two doses, slowing this latest spike in cases will take some time…

Cut 5 (08) “…better.”

__________________________

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.”

17-year old Lajavion Nichols and 16-year old Javious Holden were pronounced dead on the scene and 18-year old Edward Kary was transported to a local hospital.

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.”

The crash remains under investigation and Reichardt says toxicology samples were taken. He also reminds motorists to always take time to put on their seatbelts before they get behind the wheel.

Cut 8 (07) “…going.”

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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”

Hunter says this grassroots effort called Help Southwest Louisiana is a way for the region to come together to communicate with Congress and the President about the dire need for disaster relief dollars

Cut 10 (12) “..going through”

Hunter says the total unmet housing need for the state exceeds 900-million dollars as a result of last year’s hurricanes. He says the President is aware of the situation in southwest Louisiana, but the Lake Charles mayor says it is time for action…

Cut  11 (12) “…this community  

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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”

Borghardt says the vaccine option might appear strange in a courtroom setting but the judge has the ultimate discretion.

Cut 13 (10) “..community service.”

While this is the first Judge, that Borghardt says he’s heard of offering the vaccine option, he doesn’t believe it will be the last in light of the now fourth surge of COVID, also known as the pandemic of the unvaccinated.

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

The Louisiana Department of Corrections is also offering state prison inmates a five-dollar canteen credit for vaccinations. Approximately 68-percent of inmates are currently vaccinated.

If you or someone you know needs help with opioid addiction in Louisiana, help is a text to three numbers way at 2-1-1. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

___________________________________

A report by the Cleveland Clinic shows an increase in eating disorders among young people. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

_________________________________________

A dramatic increase in COVID cases and hospitalizations results in the Governor issuing a statewide masking recommendation. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

_______________________________

The number of opioid overdose deaths has increased by 60-percent in the state and now Louisiana 2-1-1 is able to point you in the right direction to assist with opioid addiction. President and CEO of Louisiana Association of United Ways, Sarah Berthelot (Birth a lot) says they can direct you to local resources, like treatment centers…

Cut 4 (11) “…anytime.”

Berthelot says they worked in conjunction with the Louisiana Department of Health to develop Opioid Assistance with 211. She says LDH anticipates a forty-percent increase in opioid abuse in the next year.

Cut 5 (12) “…find help.”

In addition to 2-1-1’s 24/7 call center, Berthelot says you can also text the word OPIOID to 898-211. She says the texting option can also put you in contact with a live counselor.

Cut 6 (09) “…same time.”

Since the soft launch of the opioid crisis referral program this spring, Berthelot says they’ve assisted more than 60 individuals.

_____________________

Since the start of the pandemic, the Cleveland Clinic reports there’s been a rise in the number of young people with eating disorders. LSU Health Sciences Center Professor of Public Health Dr. Melinda Sothern says it’s an issue locally as well and pandemic isolation led many who previously had disorders to relapse

Cut 7 (10) “…seen again” 

The National Eating Disorders Association reported a more than 58 percent increase in hotline use since March of 2020.

Sothern says in particular there was a rise in reports of self-image among young girls due to more time alone and more time spent on social media…

Cut 8 (09) “…isolation.”

Sothern says there needs to be a change in the way society looks at relationships with food…

Cut 9 (12) “…foods.”

The Cleveland Clinic report showed a large number of their new admissions reported using food as a coping mechanism during the pandemic.

_____________________________________

The more contagious and virulent Delta coronavirus variant is tearing through Louisiana, resulting in Governor Edwards issuing a statewide mask advisory. Edwards says the statewide average of daily cases per 100,000 residents has increased 208 percent over the past 14 days…

Cut 10 (06) “…United States of America” 

Since last Monday the state has added 16,900 new positive cases of COVID, and that’s not including this weekend’s numbers that will release Monday at 12 PM. Delta is now believed to be responsible for 80 percent of new cases.

Edwards says since July 1^st there has been an increase of 749 new COVID-related hospitalizations, putting us over 1,000 total.

Cut 11 (08) “…240.”

Edwards says only about 40 percent of the state is fully vaccinated and that woefully low number is driving this preventable fourth wave…

Cut 12 (09) “..vaccinated.” 

_____________________________________

Texas and Oklahoma are expected to announce today they are leaving the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference, which would make the SEC a 16-member league. 24-7 sports college football writer Brandon Marcello says this might mean the end of the Big 12

Cut 13 (10) “..might do.”

Marcello doesn’t believe the SEC was looking to expand

Cut 14 (09) “…makes sense”

Marcello says money is driving a reason why we are seeing another conference realignment shake-up. He says the other factor is that major conferences are looking to create their own governing body and split away from the NCAA….

Cut 15 (14)“….differently”

The House failed to override vetoed legislation banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports on Wednesday. Brooke Thorington has more from an advocate for the transgender community.

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

____________________________________

 The Rolling Stones have been added to this year’s already stacked Jazz Fest lineup. Kevin Barnhart has more…

Cut 2 (28)…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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The veto session’s failure to override legislation to ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports is a victory for the transgender community. President of Louisiana Trans Advocates Dylan Waguespack says when the final vote failed to reach a two-thirds majority in the House he was both excited and relieved.

Cut 3 (08) “…needed.” 

In Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto statement, he said the bill unfairly targets children who are going through unique challenges and offers solutions to an issue that does not exist in Louisiana.

Waguespack says they expect bill author Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell to present the bill again in the next session.

Cut 4 (11) “…a while”

In the 2021 regular session, legislation to prevent trans youth from receiving gender confirmation counseling or medical treatment without parental approval was pulled by bill author Houma Senator Mike Fesi. Governor Edwards called the bill discriminatory.

Waguespack says the transgender sports bill, which is being pushed in other conservative states, however, this was one that came close to becoming law in Louisiana.

Cut 5 (08) “…so hard.”

The Senate vetoed the bill with a two-thirds majority vote, but the House missed a two-thirds majority by two votes.

___________________________

The Joint Budget Committee has approved a new naming rights deal for the Superdome. The iconic sports stadium is now the Caesars Superdome. Contract terms are not finalized, but Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt learns that all of the money generated from the new naming rights deal will go to the Saints

Cut 6 (11) “….correct.”

The Saints say all of the money from the naming rights deal will go towards renovations of the state-owned building.

During the meeting, lawmakers received a rendering of what signage will look like with Caesar’s name on the Dome. Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson is not a fan

Cut 7 (07) “…cartoony”

Caesars’ naming rights deal is for 20-years and worth an estimated 138-million dollars according to reports. Evans Holmes for ASM Global, which manages the Dome, says those dollars replace the need for a subsidy from the state….

Cut 8 (11) “…state subsidy.”

___________________________

The Rolling Stones will make a special visit to Jazz Fest on Wednesday, October 13^th.

Festival producer Quint Davis says this long-awaited trip to Jazz Fest is two years in the making after the rock and roll legends first had to cancel their planned appearance in 2019…

Cut 9 (13) “…pandemic.”

The October 13^th “Jazz Fest Wednesday” gig will be a full day of the festival so the other stages will be packed and food stalls will be open. It will take place in between Jazz Fest’s two weekends.

Davis says the Stones have been itching to play the iconic festival. Since the disastrous 1969 show in Altamont they really haven’t played many…

Cut 10 (10) “..stadium.”

Tickets go on sale next Friday.

Davis says adding the Stones to this year’s already stacked lineup just elevates the festival to a whole other level nationally and internationally.

Cut  11 (09) “… little bit.” 

The Rolling Stones join Stevie Nicks, Foo Fighters, Dead and Company, Jimmy Buffet, Lizzo, and Demi Lovato at the top of the festival lineup.

________________________________________________

Governor Edwards was open about the full-court press his administration put on to preserve his veto of the transgender athlete ban bill.

Some Republicans and conservative activists have complained that Governor Edwards pressured lawmakers into voting against overriding his veto. Edwards says of course he did…

Cut 12 (10) “..politics”

Edwards says he used every tool in his belt because the transgender ban was discriminatory and bad for business in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (09) “…promises”

Edwards indicated Republican complaints about his lobbying efforts are hypocritical.

Cut 14 (10) “…today” 

UL-Lafayette kicks off an incentive program to encourage students to return to campus fully vaccinated this fall. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

____________________________________

The state health department reports over five thousand new COVID-19 cases today, the third-highest daily count since the pandemic started. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

______________________________________

A 17-year-old drown Tuesday after he was thrown from a horse in a retention pond. St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says Jacory Levier (Leave-ee-a) was on the horse when he led the horse into the pond.

Cut 3 (11) “…and drown.” 

Guidroz says they received a call shortly before six last night about a possible drowning at the retention pond near Beau Chene High School in the Grand Coteau area.

Cut 4 (05) “…the body”

According to investigators, Levier was there with a friend but he was the only one riding a horse. Guidroz says Levier was well thought of in the community and it is heartbreaking for the family.

Cut 5 (12) “…to recover”

___________________________

Six Louisianans have been arrested by the Attorney General’s Office for allegedly defrauding California out of a million dollars in unemployment benefits.

Louisiana Bureau of Investigations Special Agent Ernest Green says the scheme was based around filing fraudulent online claims with the nation’s largest state during the early days of the pandemic.

Cut 6 (10) “…system”

Green says the six suspects, who live across Southeast Louisiana, were stealing money and wasting precious resources at a time when people needed them most.

Cut 7 (11) “…these”

Green alleges the suspects were brazen enough to use their own names while putting in false applications in California. But why the Golden State?

Cut 8 (05) “…mark”

___________________________

UL-Lafayette has launched their ‘Don’t Wait. Vaccinate!” incentive program in an effort to make a return to campus as safe as possible for students and staff. Dean of Students Dr. Margarita Perez says they will hold a drawing and give away 10 prizes to fully vaccinated students.

Cut 9 (09) “…vaccinated.”

Prizes include iPhones, MacBook Airs, and free campus parking. Perez says they have put a lot of thought into the campaign and wanted to offer incentives that appealed to students.

Cut 10 (07) “…up with.”

Perez says UL-Lafayette is one of eight schools in the state taking part in the White House and CDC’s COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge to educate staff and students about COVID, vaccines, and offer access to vaccinations.

Cut  11 (10) “…challenge.” 

The first drawing will be on August 10th and continue through early October.

________________________________________________

The Louisiana House has failed to override Governor Edwards’ veto of a bill to prohibit transgender individuals from competing in women’s sports. In order to execute the veto, the measure needed 70 votes and it got 68. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis voted no and says the legislation is in search of a problem that does not exist

Cut 12 (09) “…to college”

It’s likely the first-ever override veto session will end without legislators overriding any of the governor’s recent vetoes.

In his veto message, Governor Edwards called the bill discriminatory. But during debate on the House floor, Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel disagrees

Cut 13 (11) “…what is true”

Supporters of the transgender sports ban say this bill will help create a fair playing field for biological girls. But Duplessis says the bill would result in transgender boys on a girls team and leading to privacy-violating tests of girls…

Cut 14 (12) “…biological girl” 

Schlegel responds to claims the legislation is in search of a problem that doesn’t exist…

Cut 15 (10) “…growing problem” 

Parts of Mandeville woke up to ten inches of rain this morning, flooding homes and shutting down streets in parts of St. Tammany Parish’s second-biggest city. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle” 

____________________________________

 The Senate votes to override Governor Edwards’ veto of legislation that would ban transgender athletes from playing on girls’ and women’s K-12 and higher education sports teams. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Matt Doyle”.  

______________________________________

Rain overnight and into the morning caused flooding in several cities in the St. Tammany Parish this morning in the Mandeville region. Slidell National Weather Service Meteorologist Chris Bannan says the area already had a moisture-rich environment in place and that combined with a land breeze…

Cut 3 (12) “…10 inches.” 

Bannan says the afternoon heat should help the area dry up somewhat, but more showers are in the immediate forecast. He says areas that flooded this morning should take precautions and surrounding areas as well.

Cut 4 (11) “…too fast”

Bannan says the area will experience widespread showers today, Wednesday, and possibly into Thursday.

St. Tammany Parish Public Information Director Michael Vinsanau says most of the worst flooding occurred in Mandeville south of I-12 along US 190…

Cut 5 (11) “…area”

Vinsanau says at this point they do not have concerns about the rivers and waters north of Mandeville swelling after this deluge as they have in previous heavy rain events.

Vinsanau asks residents to stay off the local flooded roads not only for their own safety but out of courtesy to their neighbors.

Cut 6 (09) “…prevent”

Sandbags are available at the St. Tammany Parish Government complex on Coop Drive in Mandeville.

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SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey says they will not reschedule football games this season if a team is hit with a COVID outbreak. Sankey says if a team does not have enough players to play as a result of COVID, they may have to forfeit that game

Cut 7 (09) “…comes up”

Sankey says last season’s schedule had open weeks so that games can be rescheduled, he says they will not do that again this season. So his message to football programs is this

Cut 8 (05) “…throughout the year”

Sankey says six of the league’s 14 football programs have a vaccination above 80-percent among its players. The Advocate reports more than 90-percent of the LSU football team is vaccinated, one of the highest rates in the SEC. Sankey says the league or schools can not force players to get vaccinated, but they can educate…

Cut 9 (09) “…from our perspective.”

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As cases numbers grow and Louisiana remains one of the least vaccinated states, Senator and physician Bill Cassidy encourages those who are unvaccinated to speak with their personal physician about the vaccine and ignore the politics.

Cut 10 (11) “…their physician.”

Cassidy was asked about his feelings on mask mandates for school systems amidst the growing number of COVID cases among young people. Cassidy says if the CDC recommends face masks for school-age children he would support it.

Cut  11 (11) “…disease control.” 

Last week LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Clinical Medicine, Doctor Catherine O’Neal issued a dire warning that if you choose not to get vaccinated you are choosing death. Cassidy says the message delivered by his former student was accurate.

Cut 12 (10) “…vaccine.”

The state reported more than 15-hundred new COVID cases today and 20 fatalities. Hospitalizations increase also and currently 779 are in hospitals across the state with COVID.

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The veto override of legislation banning transgender athletes from playing on girls’ and women’s K-12 and higher ed sports teams clears the first hurdle, passing the Senate with one vote to spare.

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell asked lawmakers to support this bill the way they did in the regular session…

Cut 13 (10) “…protection”

The final tally was 26 in favor 12 against and one absent, that being Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns who was on injured reserve. The bill heads to the House, but it can’t be taken up for at least a day unless three-quarters of House members vote to accept it from the Senate early.

Mizell says this is a widely popular bill and lawmakers shouldn’t vote on it based on financial or political incentives but based on their conscience and constituents.

Cut 14 (10) “…these” 

The vote was strictly party line with all Democrats voting against.

Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau opposed the bill, saying strict Louisiana High School Athletic Association policy already makes it very difficult for trans athletes to play on girls’ teams.

Cut 15 (08) “…progress” 

Luneau says LHSAA policy requires that transgender athletes receive a hardship waiver to play on teams different from the gender on their birth certificate. After receiving a waiver the athlete’s eligibility does not begin until two years after they have had their reassignment surgery and hormonal therapy.

New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson says 400 major businesses put out a statement calling bills like this discriminatory…

Cut 16 (12) “…law.” 

The NCAA has indicated that passage of this bill may endanger New Orleans’ hosting the 2022 Final Four.

But Houma Senator “Big Mike” Fesi, speaking in support of the bill, says money shouldn’t factor into this decision…

Cut 17, 11 seconds, morals

Louisiana said goodbye to a legendary figure as former four-term Governor Edwin Edwards was laid to rest in Baton Rouge yesterday. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The veto session begins on Tuesday, and up to 28 pieces of legislation could be overridden. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Clinical Medicine Dr. Catherine O’Neal gives a grim warning for unvaccinated individuals as the Delta variant rages…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Louisiana Republican U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says the state needs to get its vaccination rates up to fully beat the pandemic. He says vaccines are like seatbelts, you want to have them before the accident happens…

Cut 4 (11) “…younger person.”

State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says nursing homes show the vaccine greatly minimizes transmission, sickness, or COVID-related fatalities. He says 85-percent of nursing home residents across the state have initiated or completed the vaccine series

Cut 5  (11) “…outbreak.”

One-point-six million people have been completed the vaccine series in Louisiana. Kanter says 21-hundred people who were vaccinated still got COVID-19 and 125 had to be hospitalized

Cut 6 (11) “…fully vaccinated”

Kanter says the median age of serious breakthrough cases is 72.

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State lawmakers will begin a historic veto session tomorrow. The legislature could override as many as 28 Republican-sponsored bills that Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed. Edwards stands by his vetoes, calling the bills unwise for the state…

Cut 7 (06) “…what happens” 

Two high-profile bills that the governor vetoed are concealed carry and legislation banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. Insiders say it was the veto of the latter that inspired a majority of lawmakers to return for an override session.

House Republican Caucus Chairman Blake Miguez says the first veto session since the new state constitution was adopted in 1974, demonstrates a proper balance of government powers.

Cut 8 (06) “…in Louisiana.”

When asked if he believes a veto session will inhibit him from enacting his policies going forward, Edwards says no.

Cut 9 (12) “…that concern.”

Miguez however believes the highly conservative legislature will be able to counter when Edwards pushes a liberal agenda.

Cut 10 (11) “…disagree with.”

To override an individual veto, it will take a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers. Miguez says this will require some Democratic and independent lawmakers to vote in favor of an override.

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The college football talking season begins as SEC Media Days get underway today in Birmingham, Alabama. LSU Coach Ed Orgeron is one of three coaches who will speak today. 24-7 sports college football writer Brandon Marcello says the Tigers could contend for an SEC title this year after a 5-and-5 campaign in 2020

Cut 11 (08) “…last year”

Orgeron has hired new defensive, offensive, and passing game coordinators to address the on-field issues that impacted last year’s team. Glen Guilbeau of the USA Today Network says this is a critical season for Coach O…

Cut 12 (11) “…hot seat”

CBS Sports has put Orgeron on a list of coaches who are on the hot seat.

Guilbeau says despite last year’s mediocre campaign and questions about Orgeron’s job security, many media members expect LSU to have a good season…

Cut 13 (11) “…pretty high”

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Health officials say the latest surge in COVID cases has undone over four months of progress the state made in the fight against coronavirus. LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Clinical Medicine Dr. Catherine O’Neal says the Delta variant is a “different beast” than the coronavirus strain that plagued the nation a year ago…

Cut 14 (12) “…kids.”

She also warns pregnant women could be at higher risk of complications resulting from a Delta infection.

O’Neal says because the virus has mutated so extensively, anyone infected by last year’s version does not have immunity to the new Delta variant.

Cut 15 (09)“..killing us.”

The statewide average daily number of cases per 100-thousand residents has increased 177-percent over the past two weeks and hospitalizations have reached their highest levels since early March.

O’Neal says Delta is more dangerous to healthy younger adults because it features a mutation that allows it to hide in your body for longer before it is detected.

Cut 16 (12) “…alive” 

Despite this new threat from the Delta, variant Governor Edwards says he is not considering reinstating previous COVID restrictions, including the mask mandate. He says instead they are focusing on getting more Louisianans vaccinated. Currently only half of all adults in the state have received at least one shot.

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